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...]
The Mighty Mississippi River – Gateway to Freedom
By Laura Deering and Brenda Morrison My hands trembled as I read a personally hand-typed document from decades ago. It read, “They hid them in caves.” Recently this document was discovered while researching the connection of the underground railroad and the effect the Mississippi River had on the movement of slaves seeking freedom, while investigating the river town of … [Read more...]
Historic memories of Fillmore County – To the Public
This little poem was printed on a circular, which was used as an advertisement for “Howard Gray and Other Poems.” It sets forth admirably the tender feeling of a young artist, Aaron L. Sleyster, for his first production. … [Read more...]
Historic memories of Fillmore County: “The Photo Artist”
This delightful poem was authored by our good friend Aaron L. Sleyster, and he prefaced it with the following introduction: “Written after a day’s work with bad customers. The strain of trying to please, produced the severe attack of blues so strongly set forth in thistle lines...” … [Read more...]
Historic memories of Fillmore County A winter landscape
When this beautiful picture was taken 128 years ago, in 1893... It was just a mere six years before the letters from Dr. William J. Mayo and Aaron H. H. Dayton, from my last column were sent! Great poetry was being written and spectacular photographs were also being created by our good friend Aaron L. Sleyster and all the while the Brothers Mayo were getting the groundwork in … [Read more...]