RUSHFORD VIL LAGE — Turning 21 is a once-in-a-lifetime experience usually celebrated with friends, family and a first legal drink. Jonathan Pettit, though, spent his birthday at the Da Nang …

ST. PAUL — To help identify and track chronic wasting disease cases in deer across the state, the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources now requires hunters to submit test samples during …

WINONA — When the opportunity arose for Graham Kaczmarek and Brook Merkwan to open their own brewery, the couple jumped at it. After years of working at other breweries and being in the craft beer …

OWATONNA — By the side of Austin Road in Owatonna, flags fly over statues and stone, and a myriad of etched names ensure the memories of America’s military members remain a part of the …

KENYON — For Max Mattson, time spent in the fields, the barn or his office at Ag Partners is time well-spent. Mattson is a multi-generation farmer. His family celebrated being honored as a …

BYRON — Picking pumpkins, making straw men and hanging up seasonal decorations have always been Gwenda Tiegen’s favorite parts of fall. Now, she is sharing that passion with visitors who return …

FOUNTAIN — During the third weekend of September, many southern and southeastern counties got hit with heavy rain and flash flooding, with some areas receiving around 6-9 inches of rain. For farmer …

ADAMS — Matt, Pat and Pete Thome work together as brothers at the helm of Thome Family Farms, a family-owned hog operation that stretches across rural Mower County and neighboring Iowa and …

RED WING — Ten years ago, Kirk Stensrud and his wife, Wendy, were restless. The couple — whose children had moved out and left them empty nesters — lived and worked in the Twin Cities. Yet, …

RUSHFORD — Paul Bartsh has led a life revolving around agriculture. Working with cattle is what he knows best thanks to the environment he was raised in. To this day, Bartsh remains an advocate for …

DEXTER — Rooted in faith, grown by hand and shared with community — this is how Christian and Abby Padilla sum up the homestead they have worked hard to create. Four years ago, the couple decided …

As some of you may not know, I also do sales for our publications in addition to reporting. When I’m out on my sales route, I often hear individuals say, “People don’t read newspapers …