Community Builders

Nancy Sojka loves to go fast. Those who’ve seen her zip by on Decorah’s Trout Run Trail in her red, white, and blue bicycling jersey…

Jane Peck’s love of long ago is making a difference – today – in Lanesboro, Minnesota. “When I was a little girl my grandfather –…

“The magic of community engaged art is the community engagement,” says Sarah Johnson, owner and operator of The Joy Labs in Winona, Minnesota. “It is…

The Hotel Fortney, built in 1899, is one of the longest-standing buildings in downtown Viroqua, Wisconsin. It’s a striking city landmark, with its three-story Queen…

One of the easiest ways to travel to a new place this summer is by cracking a new – or new-to-you – book. Little Free…

Decorah native Stephanie Fromm talks fast and works faster. On meeting her, you might think the Winneshiek County Tourism and Economic Development Director has been…

Maryann Baldwin loves to plant the seeds of ideas. Whether she’s mentoring local entrepreneurs, supporting city agencies like the Lansing Parks and Recreation department, volunteering…

Brooke Pfeffer wouldn’t describe herself as a “community builder.” But community has a way of happening all around her (even some fun four-footed kind). That…

Generally, when people speak fondly of a community, it’s because it’s a place where they feel a sense of belonging. “To me, a community is…

Farming in the Midwest is a deep-rooted tradition. Grounded in a history of agriculture, cultivating the foods that end up on our tables has long…

It’s 1964, and Pete Espinosa is five. He’s riding in the car, a little boy accompanying his mom and older brother Paul on the 80-mile…

BY ARYN HENNING NICHOLS Originally published in the Fall 2019 Inspire(d) Much of Luke Zahm’s mission in life has been about creating identity. Whether it’s…