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!
Jamming with garlic
Spranger’s garden leads to delicious food
ELBOW LAKE — It is no surprise to be able to find fresh produce and freshly made jelly and jam at Andria and Jacob Spranger’s farm, ANJ Meadows.
“We grow just about everything,” Andria said. “On average, I will spend 5-6 hours in the garden per day. Then, in my spare time, I make my jellies and jams and crochet.”
The garden is close to 5,000 square feet, with a little over 2,300 feet of it covered by a polytunnel.
“One nice thing about the polytunnel is it protects (the plants) from some wind and rain,” Jacob said. “The unfortunate side of it, though, is that we have to water it daily. We try to plant water-loving plants outside to work with nature.”
ELBOW LAKE — It is no surprise to be able to find fresh produce and freshly made jelly and jam at Andria and Jacob Spranger’s farm, ANJ Meadows.
“We grow just about everything,” Andria said. “On average, I will spend 5-6 hours in the garden per day. Then, in my spare time, I make my jellies and jams and crochet.”
The garden is close to 5,000 square feet, with a little over 2,300 feet of it covered by a polytunnel.
“One nice thing about the polytunnel is it protects (the plants) from some wind and rain,” Jacob said. “The unfortunate side of it, though, is that we have to water it daily. We try to plant water-loving plants outside to work with nature.”
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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