Introducing you to local stories
Country Acres encompasses rural living in the central and southeast Minnesota areas. We find stories that peak a variety of interests and piece them together with the heart and soul of each subject in mind
Welcome to Country Acres
Where farm meets family, meets country living
Thank you for visiting the official site of Country Acres. Our pages can be found in printed copies dispersed to readers in the countryside of Central and Southeast Minnesota. We are also happy to be able to offer our unique content to you online for access whenever and wherever.
Read these stories in
our latest issues!
Family, farming, football
Yohnkes raise cattle, athletes
CARLOS — Sibling relationships are unique in each family; the Yohnke brothers live, work and play together, literally. From being teammates to roommates to coworkers, they are never far from one another.
Chuck and Sandy Yohnke raised their four sons, Grant, Travis, and twins Preston and Spencer, on a farm near Carlos. The boys have spent their entire lives doing farm work, playing games and competing with one another. From playing baseball in their grandma’s yard to swimming in the river, they have never sat still.
Today, Travis and Preston both attend the University of Sioux Falls and play football. Grant and Spencer both work for Thoennes Masonry and work on the family farm.
CARLOS — Sibling relationships are unique in each family; the Yohnke brothers live, work and play together, literally. From being teammates to roommates to coworkers, they are never far from one another.
Chuck and Sandy Yohnke raised their four sons, Grant, Travis, and twins Preston and Spencer, on a farm near Carlos. The boys have spent their entire lives doing farm work, playing games and competing with one another. From playing baseball in their grandma’s yard to swimming in the river, they have never sat still.
Today, Travis and Preston both attend the University of Sioux Falls and play football. Grant and Spencer both work for Thoennes Masonry and work on the family farm.
Family firefighting force
Merchlewitz father-daughter team serve on emergency services
RIDGEWAY — For Rodney and Laceylyn Merchlewitz, fighting fires is a family affair. The father-daughter team have been part of multiple area fire departments for a combined over 40 years. Their involvement runs back into both of their childhoods.
“What has kept me going is the community,” Rodney said. “People tell you, ‘Thank you guys so very much for coming.’ It’s great to be there for the people.”
Rodney was raised on a farm near Homer. In his mid-teens, he worked for a local hog farmer, Kevin Spalding, who was on the Ridgeway, Pickwick and Winona fire departments. When he was called out for a fire, Rodney would often end up going with him.
RIDGEWAY — For Rodney and Laceylyn Merchlewitz, fighting fires is a family affair. The father-daughter team have been part of multiple area fire departments for a combined over 40 years. Their involvement runs back into both of their childhoods.
“What has kept me going is the community,” Rodney said. “People tell you, ‘Thank you guys so very much for coming.’ It’s great to be there for the people.”
Rodney was raised on a farm near Homer. In his mid-teens, he worked for a local hog farmer, Kevin Spalding, who was on the Ridgeway, Pickwick and Winona fire departments. When he was called out for a fire, Rodney would often end up going with him.
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Sit, Relax and Read
Country Acres - North
We cover 10 counties in central Minnesota and showcase agriculture, life and hobbies that take place in the countryside. We dive into history, heart felt experiences, moments of laughter and chances at learning. Open up the pages and discover what unique adventures have been happening near you.
Country Acres - South
We cover seven counties in southeast Minnesota and like Country Acres – North, we showcase agriculture, life and hobbies that take place in the countryside. We have seen first-hand the breathtaking views and stories that Minnesota has to offer and can’t wait to share them with you. Open up the pages and discover what unique adventures have been happening near you.
Recipe Book
Recipes from you, for you. Our recipe book, or country cooking, are a collection of recipes from our wonderful readers spanning from many counties.
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