Alta Bates, age 97 of Rochester, Minn., and formerly of Harmony, Minn., died on Monday, January 26, 2026, at her home in Rochester, Minn. Alta Mae Walker was born on November 13, 1928, in Appleton City, Mo., to Clarence and Elsie Walker. She graduated from high school in Lincoln, Mo., in 1948, then moved to Kansas City, Mo., where she attended secretarial school. She also … [Read more...]
In Loving Memory of Lynn Dean Tienter
Lynn Dean Tienter passed away on January 22, 2026, at Spring Valley Living in Spring Valley, Minn. Lynn was born on November 12, 1952 to Vernon and Leila (Bremseth) Tienter. He grew up on his family’s farm in Southeast Minnesota and graduated from Preston High School. In 1979 he married Roxie Wendt, and together they raised three children. The couple divorced in 2023. Lynn … [Read more...]
Sally (Vercella) Hemenway
Sally (Vercella) Hemenway, a dedicated educator and lifelong adventurer, passed away peacefully January 12, 2026, leaving behind a legacy of kindness, learning, and love. Born in 1938 in Luverne, Minn., to Alvin Olson and Thilda Knudtson, Sally’s journey began in the heart of the Midwest. After graduating from Luverne High School, she followed her passion for education to … [Read more...]
Mary Sikkink
Mary Sikkink passed, when she was good and ready, on the Palliative Care Unit at Mayo Clinic Methodist Campus, on January 24, 2026, after suffering a severe stroke on Friday, January 16. Mary Ann Hovey was born on August 21, 1944, the third of four Hovey kids, to Virgil and Roelvine (Terbeest) Hovey. She attended country school at Bristol Grove from kindergarten to eighth … [Read more...]
Donna Eleene Erdman
Donna Eleene Erdman, 98, of Wykoff, Minnesota, passed away on Thursday, January 22, 2026, at Spring Valley Living in Spring Valley, Minn. Donna Eleene Erdman was born February 9, 1927, the daughter of Chester and Sadie (Officer) Brye on a farm in Vernon County, Wis. She attended Springville Pioneer Country School, Viroqua High School and graduated from San Diego High School … [Read more...]
Arden L. McCallson
Arden L. McCallson, 80, of Hokah, Minn., passed away unexpectedly on Wednesday, January 21, 2026. A celebration of life will be held at a later date with details to be announced when available. More information and online condolences can be found at www.schumacher-kish.com. … [Read more...]
Clifford Dale “Dale” Rustad
September 2, 1940 – January 22, 2026 Clifford Dale “Dale” Rustad, born September 2, 1940, in Rushford, Minn., passed away peacefully at The Waters on Mayowood in Rochester, Minn., surrounded by family. Dale was born to Clifford and Dora Rustad and grew up on a farm in rural Rushford, Minn., where he attended, was baptized and confirmed at Highland Prairie Lutheran Church. … [Read more...]
Don’t Tread On Me, MAGA
By Ben Bisbach Mabel, MN I still believe that immigration is a good thing. I still believe we need real immigration reform that modernizes border security and strengthens enforcement against those who are actually dangerous, while offering a pathway to citizenship for the millions and millions who have been here for years or decades. People who have married, had kids, … [Read more...]
Police Report Error
In the January 5, 2026, issue of the Fillmore County Journal, there was error in the police report referencing Robert Ian Lieb with charges that were associated with Markus Mulvihill. Lieb was originally cited for no proof of insurance, which was later dismissed. We apologize to Robert Ian Lieb for this error. We make every effort to provide the most accurate information in … [Read more...]
Fatal House Fire in Hokah
On January 21, 2026, at approximately 4:30 a.m., Houston County Emergency Dispatch received a call of a house fire at 90 S. 3rd Street, Hokah, Minn. When deputies arrived, the residence was totally engulfed. They located an adult female outside the residence with extreme burns throughout her body and other injuries. She was transported to Emplify Health emergency room. La … [Read more...]