
Two-year-old Bailee Stackhouse bravely fights cancer
It’s every parent’s worst nightmare. “She’s our everything,” Brandon Stackhouse said about his two-year-old daughter Bailee. “To be told she has cancer, it’s been devastating. I wouldn’t wish this on anybody.” Brandon and his wife Sara live in Spring Valley with Bailee. In January, they received a phone call from their daycare provider telling them that she had noticed blood in Bailee’s urine. They took her to the doctor that day and were told that […]

State Veterans Home in Fillmore County no longer just a dream
The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs released the State Home Construction Grants for 2021. Governor Tim Walz announced on March 30 that the three proposed new State Veteran Homes will each receive federal funding this year. The veterans home in Preston will be the only skilled nursing home for veterans in southeast Minnesota. Walz said, “We are pleased to be able to expand our State veterans homes into three new communities to serve our elderly […]

New owner, same great service at Matt’s Body Shop
“Business ownership was kind of always in the back of my mind as something I wanted to do,” Greg Melartin said. Melartin recently purchased Matt’s Body Shop and Tire Service in Spring Valley and fulfilled his dream of owning his own business. It started back in the fall of 2020 when Melartin stopped into the body shop for some business and noticed a “For Sale” sign. He didn’t have an interest in purchasing it, but […]

Mabel-Canton back to “full-time” learning model
The Mabel-Canton School Board met in regular session on March 16, with all members present. Social distancing and masks were in use. Superintendent Gary Kuphal summarized the school’s current learning model. “Well, we’re back to what I call full-time,” said Kuphal, “We know we get to have an early out on Fridays. We started it last week… I’m glad we’re back.” Senior class member and student representative Colton Heintz-Kuderer agreed, saying, “It’s nice to be […]

Houston teen part of inaugural class of female Eagle Scouts
Hailey Alfson of Houston not only hopes to be an inspiration for other young girls, but has committed to being a mentor to help them achieve their goals. As one of America’s first female Eagle Scouts, Alfson sees the importance of being a leader and paying it forward. At 17, she is a junior at Houston High School, where she is involved in basketball and soccer. While in the past she has run track, this […]

#SoltauStrong; local teen taking on cancer
“Shock” and “devastation” are the words that Kindra Soltau uses to describe the feeling she got after her 17-year-old son Wesley’s recent diagnosis with Hodgkin’s lymphoma, a cancer that attacks the lymphatic system. LeRoy-Ostrander High School junior Wesley Soltau’s cancer journey started back in December of 2020 when his girlfriend Ashley noticed a lump on his neck. “She looked at his neck and noticed that it looked funny,” said Kindra, “and it went from there, […]
COVID-19 News in Fillmore County
News

Schaeffer Academy eighth grader is the Southeast Minnesota Spelling Bee Champion

Minnesota’s unemployment rate dips to 4.3% in February Minnesota continues 2021 job gains

Minnesota gas price update

Rushford Village receives bridge report; preps for road tour

Lanesboro Council addresses pothole issue

Fillmore County Jail needs information on YouTube video

Fountain gets updates; hears citizen concerns

Fountain farmer wins top placement in national corn yield contest

Approximately $100 million available for wildlife habitat grants in Minnesota Council seeks funding requests for wide variety of programs that restore, protect and enhance Minnesota habitat

New farm safety video available from UMN Extension, American Family Insurance
Cub Scout Pack 53 food shelf donation drive a success

Ostrander water tower colors discussed
By Rich Wicks

Preston Historical Society proposal to restore the depot

MNVA Germany trip okayed
Sports

Spring Grove handles Houston in baseball opener, 13-2

Leahy voted Lion MVP; Spring Grove girls honor four

Massive Half Sends Hurricanes to Defeat in State Quarters

Young baseball Lions step into varsity spotlight, open at Houston

Peterson voted Spring Grove volleyball top honor

Grinde repeats MVP; Spring Grove gridders honor five teammates
Columnists

Hobby: Shawn Hoff stays busy with guitar hobby

Working Mom

Peering at the Past String phones possible before electric telephone service

The grass is always greener in the Easter basket

Hobby: A lifelong love of woodworking helps Andy Walsh relax

A Little of This A Little Of That

Peering at the Past McPhail founded two county seats, fought two wars, dueled on foot
