About Us
North Central Minnesota's Premier Lifestyle Magazine

Beth Hautala
Editor-in-Chief
Beth Hautala serves as Editor-in-Chief of Lake Country Journal, stepping into the role in 2026 after years of contributing to the magazine as a writer. She brings more than two decades of experience in communications, editorial leadership, and community-centered work, with a focus on narrative-driven storytelling that reflects the people and places of this region.
In addition to her work with LCJ, Beth is a freelance writer and narrative consultant, working with businesses and organizations across Minnesota to shape meaningful, human-centered communications. She also facilitates writing and storytelling workshops for people of all ages and works closely with students of the craft, encouraging skill and voice.
Beth is a published author of three works of fiction and writes poetry under the pseudonym Alice James Luther. Her work, both on and off the page, is guided by a deep belief in attention, connection, and the stories that bring people together.
She lives in the Lakes Area with her children and remains continually inspired by the water, woods, and communities that shape life here.
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Betsy Alle
Assistant Editor
Betsy has been the assistant editor of Lake Country Journal since 2022 and is honored to help bring to life the stories that celebrate the history, culture, people, and places that make Lake Country so beautifully rich.
Outside of LCJ, Betsy is also a freelance writer with over a decade of experience in copywriting for Fortune 500 companies and emerging brands.
Some of her favorite things are good questions, gardening, the word alacrity (despite being a time optimist), books arranged by color, and her local Buy Nothing group. She and her husband have three kids and two cats who occasionally accidentally edit her emails.


Lake Country Journal magazine
shares the stories of the people, places, communities, and events from the heart of Minnesota.
Since 1997, we’ve represented the lifestyle and lore of all things Up North. From the headwaters of the Mississippi to the central lakes region and beyond. Lake Country Journal’s mission is to explore and celebrate the close-knit communities in North Central Minnesota.
With each issue, our readers discover and enjoy the best of Lake Country’s people, places, businesses, and recreation.

Six Issues Published Annually.
The Lake Country Journal is packed with entertaining and informative stories about current events, people, businesses, and the communities that are the fabric of Lake Country.
Readers savor every issue! Filled with award-winning photos and profiles that touch on all aspects of Lake Country—its active lifestyle, local artisans, area traditions, and other hidden gems are enjoyed throughout every season.
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The editorial calendar varies from issue to issue. Depending on the season, we include stories such as:
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Home Features
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Business and Personal Profiles
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Outdoor Activities and Adventures
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Dining
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Nature
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Events
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Local Artist and Authors
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Featured Lakes
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From the Kitchen
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History
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Education
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Lake Life
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Essays
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Health
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Community
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Gardening
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Travel
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and more!

