Two members of Countryside Public Health were recently recognized with top honors from the Minnesota Society for Public Health Education (MN SOPHE) for their outstanding contributions to health education and data-driven public health work.
Lakeview School will honor area Veterans during the annual Veterans Day program on Tuesday, November 11th beginning at 9:30 a.m. in the High School gymnasium. The program includes musical performances by Lakeview band and choir students, as well as an address by Army Operations Specialist and Veterans Services Officer for Lac qui Parle County Josh Beninga. The public is invited to attend.
October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month—a time to honor survivors, remember the lives lost, and stand together to break the cycle of abuse. Domestic violence is not an isolated issue; it touches individuals, families, and entire communities. This month calls us to act with urgency: to raise awareness, believe survivors, and work toward a future where safety and healing are possible for all.
The 2025 Madison Bly Fest will take place in Madison, MN on October 17-18 to celebrate the life and legacy of influential poet Robert Bly (1926-2021). Bly was born and raised in rural Lac qui Parle County. He returned to the Madison area as a young man to write many of his most influential books, including The Light Around the Body, winner of the 1968 National Book Award for Poetry.
Just outside of Montevideo, Sam’s Pumpkin Patch is open for business for the fifth year. What began as an idea Sam Ripley had in high school has grown into a destination known throughout the region for family friendly fall themed activities.
On Saturday evening, Rochester area musician Ted Eckhardt performed a free, live music show at Bluenose Gopher Public House under the stage name Peacock Coyote. The performance is made possible due to donations to the Bluenose Presents Fund that pays for local musicians to perform at the venue with no cover charge. Bluenose Gopher Public House is hosting the annual GopherFest fundraiser with the newly formed non-profit organization Gneiss Collective this Saturday, October 18th, to raise money for the Bluenose Presents fund. The event includes live performances by Flute Loops, Nautical Moth, and Mike Gill, as well as a karaoke hour, silent auction and more. The event will be held from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. and is free to attend.
Last week, demolition began on the Granite Falls Cenex station. A new, travel plaza style building will be constructed, and is expected to open in 2026. Montevideo-Granite Falls Cenex stated, “We are thrilled to bring you a modernized facility that will cater to your needs in the near future and beyond.” The Granite Falls Cenex is part of the cooperative with Montevideo’s Cenex station and has been a locally owned co-op for over 90 years.
Each October, Minnesota’s children get a school break during the Minnesota Educator Academy. The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources encourages families to spend time outdoors during the MEA break, which is Oct. 16-17 this year.
Friday night, community members gathered to celebrate the Meander Art Crawl Opening Night in downtown Granite Falls with a progressive culinary and creative tour. The evening included young artists and musicians performances, while guests enjoyed a four course meal in three different locations. The evening was inspired by the new mural on the side of the K.K. Berge building by artists Nicole and Nick Fischer that reads “Dear Future Us...” Performances included the YME Pep Band, YME’s drama department performing songs from their upcoming musical Matilda, and Evie Benson and Hunter Peterson.