By Sara West Nutrition Management Specialist Nutrient management is important to both crop performance and farm profitability because it ensures crops receive the right nutrients in the right amounts, at the right time, and in the right place. This directly influences yields, input costs, and long-term farm success. Importance to the Crop Improves growth and … [Read more...]
Building Better Habitat: Supporting Monarch Butterflies and Pollinators in Southeastern Minnesota
By Erin Boettcher Farm Biologist Habitat quality plays a critical role in the health of wildlife populations, and southeastern Minnesota is no exception. Pollinators such as butterflies, bees, and other insects rely on a steady supply of food and shelter throughout the growing season. Among these pollinators, the monarch butterfly has become a well-known indicator of … [Read more...]
Three Little Birds Travel Agency Takes Flight
Nikki Olson of rural Bratsberg just launched her new business, Three Little Birds Travel Agency, on November 14, 2025. The name, Three Little Birds Travel Agency, came from her three children. Nikki felt that the fact that birds fly and travel tied in well with her company. She also enjoyed the song “Three Little Birds” by Bob Marley, feeling the song’s lines “don’t worry about … [Read more...]
Head to Caledonia for a Taste of Italy
The long-awaited opening of Caledonia’s newest eating establishment and grocery store came to fruition late last summer. Frank and Julia’s, an Italian grocer and deli, opened on July 26, 2025, and was well worth the wait. The owners, Tracey Knutson and Bryan Spier, purchased the former Albert’s grocery store on 138 S. Kingston St. in downtown Caledonia in 2021. The building … [Read more...]
Lanesboro Market is a Dream Come True
After more than two years without a grocery store the dream of having a market back in Lanesboro has come true for area residents. The manager of Lanesboro Market, Cynthia Ruen, was asked to run the market before anything else went forward. Owners of the building, Susan Schultze and Todd Readinger, as well as Lanesboro residents Phil and Heidi Dybing were happy with … [Read more...]
It’s a Win for Spring Grove
Red’s IGA in Spring Grove is well-known for its high-quality meats, exceptional customer service, competitive prices, and the distinctive red hair of the previous owner Pat Longmire, an attribute that inspired the store’s name. Wynn Nies and his wife Justine Nies purchased Red’s IGA from Pat and Debbie Longmire in January 2025. The Longmires owned and operated Red’s since … [Read more...]
Bear’s Smoke Shop Finds Its Place on Main Street in LeRoy
If you walk into a smoke shop expecting a wall of cigarettes and chewing tobacco, Bear’s Smoke Shop on LeRoy’s Main Street may surprise you. This is not a grab-a-pack-and-go kind of place. Instead, the family-owned business is built around where smoking culture has moved, focusing on vapes, hemp-derived THC products, edibles, glass, and accessories, with an emphasis on quality, … [Read more...]
Houston Legion Serving the Community Since 1920
The American Legion Post 423 was organized in 1920, almost 106 years ago. Since that time the Legion has given so much to the community of Houston. In 1987 legal gambling began at the Legion; originally physical pull tabs were sold. In recent years, the addition of e-tabs greatly increased the gambling income at the Legion. Proceeds from the gambling that are shared with … [Read more...]
Wykoff Commons Finds New Life in Former School Building
For decades, the large brick building on the edge of Wykoff served as the town’s school. Today, it operates as Wykoff Commons, a community-focused facility offering fitness, recreation, and event space while preserving one of the city’s most recognizable structures. The oldest portion of the building dates back to 1939, with additions completed in 1959, 1970, 1975 and 1986. … [Read more...]
Lucky in Love The VanMinsel Wedding
Jon (Lucky) and Mary Jo VanMinsel got married July 26, 2025, one of the hottest days of the whole year, but they still declared the day perfect! This was the second wedding for both Lucky and Mary Jo; they wanted a venue where they could relax and enjoy the day. When they checked out Bluff Country Retreat in rural Whalan, they knew they had found it, a beautiful setting for … [Read more...]