Bust out of your gate and make tracks to The Dog Paddle in Fountain, Minn., for a unique experience with your furry friends! Kim Radke, owner of The Dog Paddle, has created a space where a person can chill, and so can their pet. Whether you would like to enjoy a cool drink with friends and their dogs, or grab a bite to eat, The Dog Paddle has something for you. The idea … [Read more...]
Erin’s Adventure on the Avenue: Making a Dream Come True
At just six years old, a bright-eyed little girl named Erin stepped into the enchanting world of Dacia’s on Main in Harmony, Minn., for a haircut. The moment she crossed the threshold, she was captivated by the vibrant colors and the inviting atmosphere that surrounded her. For as long as she could remember, Erin had dreamed of styling hair, and Dacia’s became a source of … [Read more...]
Chelsey and Jacob Hoscheit’s Perfect Day
Chelsey (Dehning) Hoscheit described her July 27, 2024, wedding to Jacob Hoscheit as the perfect wedding, uniquely tailored to them. Reflecting on the big day, she emphasized the importance of capturing every moment on video – from the ceremony to the speeches, to the dance and the reception – because the day flies by so quickly. Payton B. Videography documented the … [Read more...]
The Love Story of Mary Helen and Arlo Schmitt
Two young adults – Mary Helen from Clermont, Iowa, and Arlo from Cresco, Iowa, – found themselves at the popular Matter’s Ballroom, a favorite gathering spot in Decorah, Iowa, for young adults. Thanks to a mutual friend, their paths crossed that evening, sparking a love story that would last a lifetime. Mary Helen Matt, who was living in Clermont with her parents and running … [Read more...]
From the Stone Arch Bridge to Serenity Hills: A Journey of Love and Hometown Pride
By Zech Sindt When Preston native Morgan Malley married Quinn Frisell on June 8, 2024, it wasn’t just a beautiful wedding; it was a celebration of their love story and a testament to the small-town community that shaped Morgan’s upbringing. Surrounded by family, friends, and the charm of local businesses, the couple created a day to remember – one rooted in love, … [Read more...]
How to Allocate Funds When Planning a Wedding
Whether it’s a lavish, black-tie affair or a laid back gathering in the backyard, a couple’s wedding day is a momentous, and often costly, occasion. According to the online wedding planning resource Zola, the average cost of a wedding in 2023 was $33,000. That’s a significant sum for couples to spend, and it’s understandable if couples aren’t sure how to allocate funds for … [Read more...]
Stormwater Runoff
By Jean Meiners Technician, Root River SWCD Stormwater has an enormous impact on water quality, whether it’s runoff from farm fields or from urban hardscapes. Rain and snow melt can carry many types of pollutants into storm drains and surface waters. The MPCA regulates stormwater from municipalities, construction sites, and businesses that store material outside, to limit … [Read more...]
Supervisors and Staff
Conservation Through the Years: Three Generations of Innovation
By Jacob Gustin, NRCS Minnesota Public Affairs Specialist In Houston County, Minn., Connor McCormick continues a tradition of agricultural innovation started by his grandfather. Working with the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), McCormick utilizes financial and technical assistance from the Environmental Quality Incentives Program to experiment … [Read more...]
Houston County Farm Bill Biologist: Zachary Glaunert
Growing up in the La Crosse area, Zack developed a love for the outdoors. All outdoor activities, ranging from kayaking to hunting to helping on a farm of a family friend. This love drove him in the pursuit of a degree in ecology from Winona State University. After school Zack moved northwest of the Twin Cities where he spent five years working in the ecological restoration … [Read more...]









