Root River Current

06/19/2026

Mississippi River towns respond to annual mayfly hatches that create hazardous driving conditions on bridges and river roads. Read more at the link in the comments 👇

06/17/2026

“This endeavor is for those who believe creativity is the thread that connects us.” A welcoming creative space is growing in downtown Lanesboro. The Driftless Fiber Arts Collective is bringing together artists, writers, crafters, gamers and neighbors for classes, exhibits and community connection through creativity. Read how this local nonprofit is weaving together art and community in the Driftless Region. Link in the comments 👇

06/15/2026

🦌 “Did you know Root River Current is a nonprofit organization that relies on reader support to keep local stories coming?”

🦌 “I do now.”

🦌 “But donations often slow down during the summer. People are busy. There are vacations to take, gardens to tend, and apparently a lot of grass to eat.”

🦌 “Oh deer. What happens when donations drop?”

🦌 “Local stories still need to be reported. Public meetings still happen. Neighbors still have stories worth telling.”

🦌 “So what can people do?”

🦌 “They can click the link in the comments and make a gift today. Better yet, they can become sustaining monthly donors. Then their support keeps local reporting going all year long, without having to remember when to send the next gift.”

🦌 “That sounds pretty doe-able.”

Summer schedules may get busy, but local news does not take a vacation.

Your gift helps pay for the next interview, public meeting, community profile, and story your neighbors are counting on.

Become a sustaining monthly donor today, or make a one-time summer gift at the link in the comments.

📷 Original photo by Julie Fryer

06/13/2026

Seasoned traveler and Root River Current co-publisher recounts a fresh new travel experience when his return flight from Quebec City turned chaotic after delays, lost luggage and a possible hijacking attempt. Read the full story at the link in the comments ⬇️

06/11/2026

Residents and visitors in Lanesboro are reacting to a $400,000 Root River restoration project that includes tree removal, improved fish habitat, floodplain restoration and expanded river access. Read more at the link in the comments ⬇️

06/08/2026

A chance meeting in a Lanesboro cemetery reconnects two Santa Clara High School alumni from California. Steve Harris shares a remarkable story of coincidence, memory and human connection.

Read more at the link in the comments ⬇️

06/05/2026

From pole vault and long jump to baseball, softball and flag football, this photo essay by Craig Johnson captures the energy, dedication and excitement of high school spring sports across Southeast Minnesota.
Read more at the link in the comments ⬇️

06/03/2026

Taniya Bethke of Chatfield is helping reshape the future of hunting, shooting sports and wildlife conservation through mentorship, education and innovative outreach nationwide.

Read more here: www.rootrivercurrent.org/building-the-future-of-hunting-shooting-sports-and-conservation

06/01/2026

We're thrilled to announce that we were once again chosen as a SEMAC grant recipient! We're looking forward to more storytelling through our "Arts & Artists III: Know Your Neighbors" initiative.

Recipients were selected through a competitive process reviewed by SEMAC's Art Advisory Panel.

05/30/2026

Discover how the Chatfield Public Library serves as a community hub with State Park passes, STEAM kits, yard games, seed sharing, children’s learning tools and free public programs for all ages. Read the story at the link in the comments 👇