Black-and-white historical group photograph of young men in suits seated and standing around a table, suggesting a school or literary group. Overlaid text reads “Poet Richard Eberhart Remembered,” with a subtitle noting his legacy as an Austin, Minnesota native and U.S. Poet Laureate, alongside the Root River Current logo.
From Austin to the national stage: John Torgrimson explores the nearly forgotten story and literary legacy of U.S. Poet Laureate Richard Eberhart, whose roots at the Burr Oaks estate helped shape his remarkable career.
rootrivercurrent.org/richard-eberhart-burr-oaks-austin-minnesota-poet-laureate/
12.12.2025 12:08 — 👍 0 🔁 0 💬 0 📌 0
A full audience sits inside a theater watching a holiday performance. Onstage, a pianist and singer perform beside a decorated Christmas tree with lights, while several musicians with guitars sit nearby. Warm red and green stage lighting creates a festive atmosphere.
Looking for a December outing? Our Local Events Calendar has holiday singalongs, the “Driftless” art exhibition, John B. Nicol’s photo reception, theatre, indoor climbing, and more. Something for everyone: rootrivercurrent.org/calendar
📸 by Lanesboro Arts
11.12.2025 12:06 — 👍 0 🔁 0 💬 0 📌 0
A group of people sit in a meeting room listening to a speaker holding a microphone at a Press Forward Minnesota event. The speaker sits on a stage in front of a large blue backdrop with the Press Forward Minnesota logo. Text below the image reads, “Donations power citizen journalism,” alongside the Root River Current logo.
News isn’t just about headlines. Root River Current shares the stories that shape SE Minnesota — Hokah Hardware, Wiebke Fur & Trading Co., Carlin Sugar Shack, and more. Support independent journalism and make your tax-deductible donation today at rootrivercurrent.org/donate.
10.12.2025 12:44 — 👍 0 🔁 0 💬 0 📌 0
Take a look back at our stories covering the region's land and water. From citizen projects to farmer-led action to students' hands-on learning, our contributors have definitely gotten their feet wet!
Find the stories at the "Land & Water" tab on our website: rootrivercurrent.org/category/lan...
09.12.2025 00:32 — 👍 0 🔁 0 💬 0 📌 0
Local stories are a public good. They ground us in the past as we take aim on the future. Over the past year, we have explored area history from Woolly Mammoths to Indigenous peoples' chert quarry from ski jumping to the Underground Railroad.
With your help, we can continue this work. Donate today!
07.12.2025 20:32 — 👍 0 🔁 0 💬 0 📌 0
John Weiss shares a reflective essay exploring our deep connection to water in all its beauty, its warnings and the vital role it plays in our landscape and lives.
Read more here: rootrivercurrent.org/essay-reflec...
05.12.2025 20:32 — 👍 0 🔁 0 💬 0 📌 0
THANK YOU to all GivingTuesday contributors! Your generosity powers our storytelling for another year. Your gift supports reporting that genuinely connects neighbors and brings us together to address our community's needs.
You can still donate here: rootrivercurrent.org/donate/
03.12.2025 20:28 — 👍 0 🔁 0 💬 0 📌 0
Help us uncover the untold histories of folks of the Driftless. From newly discovered Indigenous gathering places to a hidden Underground Railroad house to the stalwart women of early days, our contributors know the stories that have yet to be told.
Donate here: rootrivercurrent.org/donate/
03.12.2025 01:00 — 👍 0 🔁 0 💬 0 📌 0
What hidden gems are just around the bend? Our contributors share their favorite places that you'll definitely want to add to your travel list.
But we can only keep telling these stories through donations.
Please consider giving today on #givingtuesday
Donate here: rootrivercurrent.org/donate/
02.12.2025 23:09 — 👍 0 🔁 0 💬 0 📌 0
What will you discover today? From unique community events to original authors and artists, Root River Current tells the story of the Driftless.
On this Giving Tuesday, we appreciate your support: rootrivercurrent.org/donate/
#GivingTuesday #SupportLocalJournalism #OriginalStories
02.12.2025 18:03 — 👍 0 🔁 0 💬 0 📌 0
You'll only find stories like this here! Community-focused, unique, and worth sharing, Root River Current brings the story to life. But only with your help!
Please consider us during your year-end giving, learn more here: rootrivercurrent.org/donate/
#GivingTuesday #SupportLocalJournalism
02.12.2025 15:46 — 👍 0 🔁 0 💬 0 📌 0
Root River Current exists because local stories matter — our people, our places, our everyday resilience. If our reporting has informed you, comforted you, or connected you this year, please make a gift this GivingTuesday.
❤️ Donate: rootrivercurrent.org/donate
02.12.2025 13:14 — 👍 0 🔁 0 💬 0 📌 0
It’s ✨Almost✨Giving Tuesday!
Your tax-deductible donation helps us tell the story. From local history to original poetry to in-depth, community reporting, your support keeps Root River Current thriving.
🧡 Help us keep this community-powered magazine growing:
rootrivercurrent.org/donate/
01.12.2025 16:18 — 👍 0 🔁 0 💬 0 📌 0
John Torgrimson shares what he and his wife, Pat, learned after a visit to Sweden, one of the world's happiest countries.
Read more here: rootrivercurrent.org/essay-happie...
29.11.2025 15:46 — 👍 0 🔁 0 💬 0 📌 0
Greg Schieber shares the joy of stacking up firewood and looking ahead to cozy winter days by the fire.
Read more here: rootrivercurrent.org/essay-firewo...
27.11.2025 20:32 — 👍 0 🔁 0 💬 0 📌 0
We value your encouragement to cover topics that matter. These are stories you won’t find from a national newsroom.
Like sidewalks, parks or schools, we are a public good and with your support, benefit everyone.
Donate here: rootrivercurrent.org/donate/
26.11.2025 15:56 — 👍 0 🔁 0 💬 0 📌 0
Kristin Burdey shares her story of reviving a beloved community holiday dinner and how the effort is bringing healing to two families who've recently closed their restaurant businesses in Rushford and Peterson.
Read more here: rootrivercurrent.org/rushford-com...
#Thanksgiving2025 #CommunityDinners
24.11.2025 21:12 — 👍 0 🔁 0 💬 0 📌 0
A warming climate presents growing challenges for outdoor activities, including trail users. The Mississippi River Basin Ag & Water Desk has this overview heading into another year of winter recreation.
Read more here: rootrivercurrent.org/from-ski-tra...
22.11.2025 15:46 — 👍 0 🔁 0 💬 0 📌 0
“Deer Friends” by photographer, Craig Johnson, captures how area wildlife blend blending into their natural surroundings as winter – and hunting season – approaches.
See more original photography here: rootrivercurrent.org/autumn-color...
21.11.2025 20:32 — 👍 0 🔁 0 💬 0 📌 0
When you support Root River Current, you help build stronger communities through stories written by those who know and love our community.
DONATE HERE: rootrivercurrent.org/donate/
19.11.2025 20:26 — 👍 0 🔁 0 💬 0 📌 0
Under overcast autumn skies, the subdued shades of the fall harvest are set against surrounding blufflands during cornstalk baling on this Houston County acreage near the Root River. Photo by John Gaddo.
See more original photography here: rootrivercurrent.org/autumn-color...
#originalphotography
18.11.2025 23:23 — 👍 0 🔁 0 💬 0 📌 0
Craig Johnson captures just one of the many colorful trails that draw hikers to our region’s forestlands.
See more original photography here: rootrivercurrent.org/autumn-color...
18.11.2025 00:32 — 👍 0 🔁 0 💬 0 📌 0
Learn about the rich history of our area asLaney Smith uncovers the story of Chatfield’s Judson W. Bishop -- Civil War leader, engineer, newspaperman and visionary who helped shape the future of Fillmore County, Minn.
Read more here: rootrivercurrent.org/civil-war-he...
16.11.2025 20:32 — 👍 0 🔁 0 💬 0 📌 0
Celebrating Regional Arts & Artists – Again! - Root River Current
Check out Root River Current's 2025 review of Regional Arts & Artists included in this year's reporting on arts and culture in Southeast Minnesota.
Join us this evening for a free celebration of regional arts and artists.
TODAY, November 15 from 4 pm to 6 pm at Sylvan Brewing in Lanesboro.
Hope to see you there!
More details here:
15.11.2025 14:46 — 👍 0 🔁 0 💬 0 📌 0
🥳🎉🎊🎈You're Invited: Arts & Artists Celebration on November 15 at Sylvan Brewing in Lanesboro from 4 pm to 6 pm. This has been an incredible year for Root River Current’s arts coverage. Join us as we celebrate the people who make it all happen!
Learn more here: rootrivercurrent.org/celebrating-...
14.11.2025 01:01 — 👍 0 🔁 0 💬 0 📌 0
Now in its 27th year, the Houston Arts Resource Council remains the heart of Houston, Minnesota's creative community. Rose Korabek reports on their support of local artists by sponsoring the Parade of Owls, Meadowfest and the Houston Arts Festival.
Read more: rootrivercurrent.org/houston-arts...
12.11.2025 00:01 — 👍 0 🔁 0 💬 0 📌 0
We're celebrating another year of Regional Art stories! Join us for our free reception on November 15, 2025, from 4 pm to 6 pm at Sylvan Brewing. We'll have snacks, artists and contributors on hand. RSVPs are appreciated.
More info here: rootrivercurrent.org/celebrating-...
11.11.2025 00:01 — 👍 2 🔁 0 💬 0 📌 0
Steve Harris profiles the unique skill set or Lanesboro artist John B. Nicol who blends theater, photography and history in his unique roles rural Minnesota.
Read more here: rootrivercurrent.org/john-nicol-a...
09.11.2025 20:32 — 👍 0 🔁 0 💬 0 📌 0
Our Regional Arts Reception is coming up soon:
November 15, 2025, from 4 pm to 6 pm at Sylvan Brewing in Lanesboro.
Join us for this free event with local artists, publishers and board members and a few surprise visits from our regular contributors.
More info here: www.facebook.com/share/17fYWv...
08.11.2025 20:32 — 👍 0 🔁 0 💬 0 📌 0
