A few weeks ago, a Rochester Post-Bulletin reporter contacted me regarding my thoughts on a report presented by the Minnesota Center for Rural Policy & Develop-ment (MCRPD) in April 2023. I told the reporter I was glad he contacted me, because I had actually sent an email to Julie Tesch, president & CEO of the MCRPD. I shared my email to Julie with the P-B reporter, … [Read more...]
Mabel Firefighter Runs for Maddi
Since Madeline Kingsbury’s body was discovered several miles north of Mabel, Minn., Rick Aske has done his part to show support for the Kingsbury family during a very difficult time. Every week, Aske mows and trims the lawn of the memorial site dedicated to Maddi. And, he recently coordinated a fundraiser in tandem with the annual Run from the Sun event held in Mabel, … [Read more...]
Journal Earns 8 More Awards at ACP Conference
In April 2023, the Association of Community Publishers held their annual conference in Charlotte, North Carolina. During the annual conference, ACP coordinated the annual “Best of the Best” contest for the publishing industry. There were more than 1,200 contest entries in over 100 categories. The Fillmore County Journal team earned a total of eight awards in the following … [Read more...]
One Moment, Please… You Can Call Me AI
The newspaper business has been a part of my life for nearly 40 years, dating back to my early days as a Post-Bulletin route carrier. As many in our industry would say, “I have ink in my blood.” It’s truly a privilege to do what I do; to work with the people I work with. We have an amazing team that continuously strives to improve both our content and our presentation of … [Read more...]
Culture & Community This Ex-Amish Life: Eddie Swartzentruber
I had the opportunity to sit down with Eddie Swartzentruber and his wife Karwyn for about three hours at Estelle’s Eatery & Bar in Harmony, Minn., to discuss his life’s story. For those of you who don’t know, Eddie has become a mega ex-Amish superstar, interviewed by major TV networks and media nationwide. He’s become a social media sensation. He told me he was offered a … [Read more...]
One Moment, Please… The failing leadership of USPS
By Jason Sethre Publisher Fillmore County Journal jason@fillmorecountyjournal.com First, I want to say that my beef with the USPS has nothing to do with anyone at a local level. Our local USPS postmasters, clerks and route drivers are absolutely wonderful to work with. They are dedicated, and they truly care about providing the best possible service. My issues are with … [Read more...]
Fravel’s attorney seeks police body camera footage
In the Adam Fravel case, an omnibus hearing originally scheduled for July 20, 2023, in the Winona County District Court, was postponed to September 22. Fravel has been charged with two counts of second-degree murder for allegedly killing Madeline Kingsbury, his former partner and the mother of their two children. Kingsbury went missing on March 31, 2023, and her remains were … [Read more...]
Father’s Day Cruise for a Cause raises $13,250
The weekend of Father’s Day was quite amazing for many reasons. The Caledonia Founder’s Day Randy Klinski Memorial Car Show drew a large crowd on Saturday, June 17. It was a hot, sunny day, which has become the norm lately. There were food vendors, bean bag tournaments, arts and crafts, boutique clothing and accessories for sale. It was a busy place with more than 80 vehicles … [Read more...]
One Moment, Please… Madeline brought domestic violence to the forefront
By Jason Sethre Publisher Fillmore County Journal jason@fillmorecountyjournal.com Madeline Kingsbury could have been anyone’s daughter, sister, mother, friend or co-worker. Her life ended in tragedy, with her body found in rural Fillmore County, Minn., on June 7, 2023. While it wasn’t the outcome anyone wanted to believe was possible, it provided closure for the … [Read more...]
One Moment, Please… Now that you’ve graduated
With our daughter graduating from high school this year, we’ve attended quite a few ceremonies and open houses. It’s been truly wonderful seeing these kids grow up together, from pre-school on up to commencement. I’ve heard it so many times from those older and wiser than me, “They grow up so fast.” It’s true. And, it’s full of mixed emotions. As parents, we have so … [Read more...]
Timeline for Adam Fravel’s crimes against Madeline Kingsbury
On June 7, 2023, 29-year-old Adam Taylor Fravel of Mabel, Minn., was taken into custody for the alleged murder of Madeline Kingsbury, 26, of Winona, Minn. The Winona County District Court made court documents publicly available on June 9, 2023, revealing a Statement of Probable Cause to support charges against Adam Fravel for two counts of Murder in the Second Degree. Both … [Read more...]
Fundraising events for Father’s Day weekend
This upcoming Father’s Day weekend is going to be extra special. Dads like cars, and dads like helping people. This Father’s Day weekend will bring it all together. Caledonia Founder’s Day is scheduled for June 15 through June 18 in Caledonia, Minn. On Saturday, June 17, the Randy Klinski Memorial Car Show will take place from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. This 10th annual event, … [Read more...]
Fravel arrested and charged with murder
On Wednesday, June 7, 2023, there was a new development in the case of Madeline (Maddi) Kingsbury’s disappearance. Adam Taylor Fravel, age 29, was booked in the Winona County Jail at 7:12 p.m. on June 7, 2023, charged with Murder - 2nd Degree - With Intent - Not Premeditated. During a press conference at 1 p.m. on Thursday, June 8, 2023, Winona Police Chief Tom Williams … [Read more...]
Fravel seeks custody of children, Maddi Kingsbury still missing
Madeline Kingsbury, 26, disappeared on the morning of Friday, March 31, 2023. She didn’t show up for work, and she didn’t pick up her children at daycare at the end of the day. She just vanished. While Maddi lived in Winona County, law enforcement has been seeking answers relating to her disappearance in Fillmore and Houston Counties. In April, for several weeks in a … [Read more...]
One Moment, Please… We are fortunate in so many ways
By Jason Sethre Publisher Fillmore County Journal jason@fillmorecountyjournal.com This is the seventh consecutive year in which the Fillmore County Journal has recognized a Teacher of the Year from our coverage area, and I am so grateful to everyone involved in this recognition. When we initiated this idea, we wanted to show our appreciation for teachers during Teacher … [Read more...]
