An artists’ reception was held on Thursday, July 7th for artists Ellis Burnhart and Malena Handeen at Java River where their work is currently on display. Perched in three tiny dioramas along the wall in Java River hang artist Ellis Burnhart’s needle felting sculptures. One of the dioramas features an albino deer with red eyes that are a touch menacing. All along the opposite wall in Java River hang a collection of artist Malena Handeen’s paintings of cats and frogs. Towards the end of the artists’ reception Burnhart and Handeen talked a bit about their work and answered questions from people. The exhibit will be on display through the end of July. Photos by Cynthia Christians

The Montevideo Fiesta Days Car, Truck and Motorcycle Show was held on Sunday, June 19th on Main Street Montevideo. The annual event featured a free hog roast and ice cream.

Brady Wrede made a stop at Talking Waters Brewing Co in Montevideo on his current Wander North Summer Tour last Saturday. Wrede, who got his start in music playing at a small church in Dell Rapids, South Dakota at 14 years old, says he never really imagined that music would be his career.

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the U.S. Geological Survey, in partnership with the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources and natural resources agencies in four other states, have released a report on the ecological status of the Upper Mississippi River.