Sheila Craig, Preston Historical Society, presented a proposal for the possible acquisition and transport of the Spring Grove rail depot to the former Preston Dairy & Farm site during the city council’s April 5 meeting. Jon DeVries added extensively to the discussion, strongly encouraging the council to agree to the use of the Dairy & Farm site. She said it is a twin … [Read more...]
Commonweal Theatre company opens 33rd season with delectable comedy
LANESBORO, MN — The Commonweal Theatre in historic Lanesboro, Minn., is pleased to announce the reopening of the theatre for live performances following a season of virtual only productions in 2020 due to pandemic restrictions. Producing Artistic Director Hal Cropp remains at the helm of the organization having successfully led the company amidst the cancellation of live … [Read more...]
Lanesboro Arts presents stained glass and oil paintings in “Divided Light” exhibition
Lanesboro Arts presents “Divided Light,” an exhibition showcasing oil paintings and stained glass paintings by St. Paul artist Adam Reef. The exhibit title references Reef’s two bodies of work — oil painting and stained glass painting — and how each relate and differ in their use of light. Through stained glass especially, viewers experience a different piece of art depending … [Read more...]
SEMAC announces April 1 grant application deadline
The Southeastern Minnesota Arts Council announces a call for arts programming proposals by nonprofit organizations. All proposed projects must begin no earlier than June 1, 2021, and be completed within 12 months, culminating with a capstone event that is accessible and open to the public. Online applications will be available throughout March with an April 1, 2021, submission … [Read more...]
The Field Guide Podcast
By Nathan Drewitz University of Minnesota Extension Introducing “The Field Guide Podcast,” a series of conversations with local producers and industry professionals covering the issues currently facing local farmers in Minnesota. Hosts Michael Cruse and Nathan Drewitz, local UMN Extension Educators, goal is to create an audio field guide similar to those you would … [Read more...]
Hidden Jewel in Peterson
Peterson, Minnesota, a small city of 188 residents, is home to a treasure of a museum with much to offer. The Peterson Station Museum is bursting at the seams with artifacts — so much so that the Friends of Peterson are currently raising funds to add on yet another building to the current museum. A plethora of artifacts greet the museum visitors as they enter the museum. … [Read more...]
Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation offers free paint for community projects in partnership with local hardware stores
OWATONNA, MN, FEBRUARY 16, 2021 – Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation (SMIF), in partnership with regional hardware stores, will be accepting applications for free paint and coating products for community mural, community welcome sign or historic structure projects through its Paint the Town Grant program. This grant opportunity is available to communities with a … [Read more...]
The future of the Pope and Young Club/Glen St. Charles Museum
The word on the street is the Pope and Young Club in Chatfield is closing and moving out of Chatfield. “Some parts of the rumor are true,” explains Jason Rounsaville, executive director of the Pope and Young Club for the past three years. Rounsaville confirmed that the Pope and Young Club 20,000-square-foot building is up for sale. He confirmed that the organization’s … [Read more...]
Historic memories of Fillmore County In loving memory of Dianne Ruud… her final chapter
By Jenn Strack It has taken me a considerable amount of time, to really think about the message that I came here to write today, knowing that I am attempting to fill very large shoes. So, please forgive me if I don’t quite measure up to the weekly column you have all looked forward to reading week after week. One of my mom’s greatest accomplishments in life was to be the … [Read more...]
Virtual Reality (VR) programming taking root in Minnesota’s Bluff Country
Preston resident Vaughan Schmidt put Fillmore County on the worldwide map with his Virtual Reality (VR) work. Schmidt served as the lead programmer/consultant on the “live interactive virtual reality (VR) theater performance” of Finding Pandora X. “With the passing of ages, the Gods of Mount Olympus have faded away until only two remain: Zeus and Hera. Now they are in … [Read more...]