It’s time to “toot the horn” for the Chatfield Brass Band & Lending Library! On April 11, it was inducted into the Minnesota Music Hall of Fame. The Brass Band joins an elite group of 223 previous inductees which includes Bob Dylan, Judy Garland, Bobby Vee, Mollie Busta-Lange and the Minnesota Orchestra as well as many others. The induction took place at Turner Hall in … [Read more...]
Lanesboro Art Students – Movement at VAC
April 10 brought an enthusiastic Lanesboro art team to Madison, Wis. to compete at the state of Wisconsin VAC (Visual Arts Classic). The theme for the event was movement – both actual and symbolic. In order to compete, the team first needed to score a team first place at regionals. Art teacher Stena Lieb learned four years ago that as a registered member of the National Art … [Read more...]
1986 Mustang GT 5.0, The Perfect Christmas Gift
When Jasmine Schuler was trying to think of a Christmas gift last year for her hard-to-buy-for fiancé Danny Marks, she straight out asked him. The only thing he mentioned was that he wanted his dad’s old 1986 Mustang GT so he could drive it himself some day. Danny’s dad, Matt Helgeson, had been known around Rushford for his red Mustang. At first Jasmine thought that would … [Read more...]
Bluff Country Singers Spring Concert – End of an Era for the Grandalls
The Bluff Country Singers’ Spring Concert on April 26, 2026, directed by Elliott Grandall, will feature a variety of songs, instrumental accompanists, and the vibrant voices of many Fillmore County residents. This non-auditioned community choir which has been rehearsing together twice a month since January has a bittersweet tone with the realization that it will be the last … [Read more...]
PACF Annual Dinner Draws a Record Crowd
The number of people in attendance at the 2026 Preston Area Community Foundation (PACF) 19th Annual Dinner and Auction on April 6 was quite impressive. With the event being held at the Branding Iron Restaurant in Preston, Minn., those in attendance filled the entire dining room with the additional bar area full of a large variety of silent auction items. Organizers of the … [Read more...]
Economic Development Authorities: Rich, Rural Community Assets
Economic Development Authorities (EDAs) play a critical role in supporting rural communities by providing financial tools and guidance. In Fillmore and Houston Counties, two key EDA programs, Revolving Loan Funds (RLFs) and grants, serve as essential resources for both new and existing businesses, non-profit organizations, and government entities. A community’s approach to … [Read more...]
Jeff’s Three Person Pool Tournament
On the sunny morning of Saturday, March 21, vehicles started lining the streets of Fountain and Preston. Cues in hand, pool players showed up for a chance to win what has become known as Jeff’s Three Person Pool Tournament. With a total of 27 three person teams, nearly 90 participants, organizer Jeff Knies knew it was going to be a long day of billiards. For each three … [Read more...]
Chicāhuac, Mexican Women’s Stories of Strength and Sacrifice
The Chicāhuac Exhibition, currently on display at the Driftless Fiber Arts Collective in Lanesboro, highlights the strength and sacrifices of six incredible women from Mexico: Oligaria, Doña Conchita, Fatima, Concepciona, Veronica and Doña Teresa. The word chicāhuac means strong, robust and powerful in Nahuatl, an indigenous language of Mexico and the first language of many of … [Read more...]
Amish Sexual Abuse Survivor Shares Story in PBS Documentary
Lizzie Hershberger, who grew up in the Amish community in southeast Minnesota, has spoken publicly about the sexual abuse she endured as a young teenager. Her story was first told in a book “Behind Blue Curtains,” which she authored, and is now the focus of a PBS Independent Lens documentary, “Keep Quiet and Forgive.” Her story will move you, and she hopes that it will … [Read more...]
Memories of Wes Stevens
In early February, Jeff Zondlo reached out to the Peterson American Legion Post 526 via Facebook Messenger, searching for any remaining family members of Wes Stevens. Jeff and Wes had been close buddies, serving in Vietnam; Jeff had identified Wes when he was killed in action; he wanted to reconnect with Wes’ family now and share memories of Wes. The president/secretary of … [Read more...]