Conger
Conger, MN · Local Life
The Kenyon Leader
Growth, change and local pride defined Kenyon-Wanamingo in 2025
From new businesses, to KW school district changes, 2025 proved to be an eventful year for the Kenyon-Wanamingo-area community. The Kenyon Leader subscribers also found interest in articles about new restaurants, community happenings, K-W student achievements and weather impacts, making those topics the most read this year. Restaurants One of the top stories this year announced the opening of Fresh Bites , a joint venture between restaurateur Angie Anderson and Barney Nesseth, which opened in the former Subway suite in downtown Kenyon. The restaurant served subs, protein bowls and salads. After the closure of Kenyon’s Subway in 2024, Nesseth purchased the building and wanted to keep a quick eats option available for the Kenyon. He also saw the benefit of adding another locally owned business downtown. The business was purchased in October by Melissa Bolton and renamed Lunch Ladies after her previous profession at Wanamingo Elementary School. The offering are similar to Fresh Bites with subs and salad, but also having specials reminiscent of school lunch, like bagels, pizza, Bosco Sticks and hot dogs. Over in Wanamingo, another business change by Barney Nesseth was the reopening of JB’s Tavern on the downtown strip. Nesseth had sold the contract of deed
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Excellent Educator: Mr. Wightkin
If middle school was a song, band class with Mr. Wightkin would be the chorus. After 9 years in the Austin school district, there aren’t many musicians left that Ethan Wightkin, the band teacher at Ellis Middle School, hasn’t crossed paths with yet.
mnprairieroots.com
A winter walk along the Straight River inspires
WITH WINTER OFFICIALLY LAUNCHED, it’s easy enough to stay home, settle in, curl up with a good book and avoid the ice, cold and snow that define Minnesota weather in January. When winter burrows in, I’m more inclined to hibernate. But I push myself to get out. It’s good for my physical, mental and emotional health.
winonajournal.com
Quarter-mile scrolled mural at Winona museum
A visceral feel for mid-1800s whaling. The painting is a water-based binder on cotton muslin. On loan from the New Bedfor Whaling Juseum in Massachusetts. Glimpsing exotic sites like the Azores 150 years ago. WINONA, Minn. — The longest painting in the United States, 1,275 feet in length, is being...
dundasmn.com
Homegrown Art: The Local Artist Collection of RCHS Reception
Join RCHS and the Paradise on Friday January 9th, from 5pm to 7pm, for a fun opening reception for Homegrown Art: The Local Artist Collection of RCHS and other galleries at the Paradise!. Explore local art and artists from the collection of the Rice County Historical Society at the Paradise...
winonaradio.com
Ice fishing event Saturday aims to introduce kids to the sport
(KWNO)-The annual Kid’s Ice Fishing event is Saturday, January 10 from 10am to 12pm at McNally Boat Landing on Prairie Island Drive in Winona. Children will be paired with an experienced angler who will give them a hands-on ice fishing lesson. Bait, tackle and fishing rods will be available, but participants are encouraged to bring their own supplies if possible. Children should also dress appropriately for the weather. Hot chocolate, cookies and hot dogs will be provided in a heated tent. RSVPs are requested but not required; a registration station will be set up at the boat landing. The McNally Boat Landing is between Prairie Island Campground and the Minnesota City Boat Club.
q-mediagroup.com
Annual Grumpy Old Men Festival
Planning for the 33rd Annual Grumpy Old Men Festival next month in Wabasha continues. The dates are Friday, February 27 and Saturday, February 28th of 2026. On Saturday, February 28th from 8 am- 4 pm, it’s the 2026 Grumpy Old Men Ice Fishing Tournament at Parkside Marina, 3rd Street West presented by Minnesota Ag Group.
tgandh.com
Be ready to laugh during ‘An Evening With Jeff Foxworthy’ at The Island
Welch, Minn. (January 5, 2026) — Maybe you’re not a redneck and maybe you’re not smarter than a fifth grader, but you’re guaranteed some laughs during “An Evening With Jeff Foxworthy” in Treasure Island Resort & Casino’s Island Event Center on Saturday, March 14, 2026.
winonapost.com
Paulson Big Band unveils ‘Music of Monet’ Jan. 24
Composer, saxophonist, and big band leader Dr. John Paulson brings his 18-piece John Paulson Big Band to Central Lutheran Church, 259 West Wabasha Street, in Winona on January 24 at 7 p.m. to premiere his newest composition, “The Music of Monet.” Jazz vocalist Janette Hanson will be featured as well as selections from the big band’s growing catalog of original compositions. On January 23, Central will host an informal “Meet the Composer” at 4:30 p.m. in Grace Hall. Both events are free, and all are welcome. Donations to support the group will be gratefully accepted at the concert. The performance will be livestreamed on Central Lutheran’s Facebook page.
winonapost.com
Lone Rock Bride concert in Wabasha Jan. 24
Wabasha’s WideSpot Performing Arts Center has the mission of presenting and supporting up-and-coming artists. On January 24, WideSpot is excited to introduce Minneapolis’ Lone Rock Bride. Lone Rock Bride, led by singer-songwriter Emma Fisher, is fresh off the release of their debut album, “Rosette.” Taking inspiration from country...
winonapost.com
Bon Appétit film and food event Jan. 31
The Winona Arts Center, 228 East Fifth Street, is excited to host its annual Bon Appetit event on Saturday, January 31, from 6-9 p.m., featuring the film, “Big Night.”. Enjoy Italian appetizers, desserts, wine, nonalcoholic beverages, tea, and coffee, beginning at 6 p.m. Film starts at 7 p.m. Tickets are $25 in advance ($28.52 on Eventbrite) or $25 at the door. Tickets are available at Music Mart and on Eventbrite until January 31 at 4 p.m. Tickets are limited to 50, so get your ticket early. Join in for a fun evening of food, film, wine, and warm conversations. “Big Night” is a film set in the 1950s and is a lovingly crafted film about two Italian immigrant brothers and their restaurant in New Jersey. “It is a tribute to food, to all things American, to immigrants trying to make it, and to the love between brothers.” The film was directed by Stanley Tucci and Campbell Scott, was released in 1996 in English, and has a run time of 100 minutes.
riverartsalliance.org
Seven Sundays at Winona Arts Center
The Winona Arts Center is excited to debut our new series, Seven Sundays: WAC Art & Music Series 2026 on January 11 from 1:00-4:00. This is the final date of the Foundations exhibit which features 10 emerging artists and will feature a musical performance by guitarist Brian Ebbinger. Seven Sundays is an arts and music series during 2026 where a musical performance will be paired with each newly hung visual art exhibit. All seven events are free. This series is made possible by the voters of Minnesota through a grant from the SEMAC thanks to a legislative appropriation from the arts and cultural heritage fund.
kymnradio.net
ArtZany! Radio for the Imagination! Northfield Musicians Perform the Music of Bruce Springsteen to support NFAB, 1-9-26
Today in the ArtZany Radio studio Paula Granquist welcomes musician Ray Coudret, Kristen Twitchell from the Northfield Fine Arts Boosters, and performers Quinn Flannery and Emmett Norrie to preview the fundraiser Northfield Musicians Perform the Music of Bruce Springsteen. Northfield Musicians Perform the Music of Bruce Springsteen. Saturday, January 10,...
winonapost.com
Outdoor collaborative hosts snowshoeing in the backwaters Jan. 10
Winona Outdoor Collaborative welcomes you to the new year with a breathtaking snowshoe hike through the picturesque backwaters of the Mississippi River on Saturday, January 10. The group will embark at 10 a.m. on a two- to three-mile trek deep into the stunning backwaters. Whether you’re a seasoned or novice snowshoer, this hike suits all abilities and ages. Bring your friends, family, and curiosity for a memorable winter expedition!
winonapost.com
Learning Club programs for January
Kara Eggers will show a documentary to the Winona Learning Club about the history of the Frozen River Film Festival since it began in January 2006. This presentation will at 10 a.m. on Monday, January 12, in the Wanek Room of the Winona County History Center. Kara, director of FRFF, will also speak about its coming season from February 1-6 at different locations in Winona, including The ARC (former Masonic Temple). As always, the public is welcome to attend.