Homeowners often ask whether they should purchase or rent water treatment equipment. The answer depends on budget, maintenance preferences, and long-term goals. When you purchase equipment, you own it outright but are responsible for maintenance, repairs, and eventual replacement. Rental programs, on the other hand, typically include service, maintenance, and system repairs … [Read more...]
Does your business need help with a website?
Today, your website is often the first impression customers have of your business. If your site is outdated, difficult to use on mobile devices, or hard to update, it could be costing you customers. The Fillmore County Journal launched SMG Web Design in 2009, currently serving more than 150 clients in the Midwest. We are locally owned and work with businesses throughout the … [Read more...]
Richard L. Reinhart
Richard L. Reinhart, age 74, of Brownsville, Minnesota, died on June 28, 2026. To honor Richard’s wishes, there will be no services. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to Gundersen Medical Foundation, Medical Research Fund for cancer research. McCormick Funeral Home, Caledonia, is assisting the family. … [Read more...]
Charles “Chuck” Casterton
Charles “Chuck” Casterton, age 69, of Decorah, Iowa, passed away peacefully on Saturday, June 20, 2026, at his home in Decorah. A private family ceremony and burial will be held. All are welcome to a Celebration of Life to honor Chuck at the Winneshiek County Fairgrounds Community Building on Monday, June 29, 2026, from 4-7 p.m. Charles Bernard Casterton was born on … [Read more...]
Fillmore and Houston County Police Reports
Caledonia Police Department Tiffany Breann Amaro, 29, Caledonia, MN; 4/6/2026, Driving After Suspension, Fine $200, Total Fees $275. Dean Martin Hoven, 63, Decorah, IA; 4/21/2026, Operate Motor Vehicle With Expired Registration, Fine $30, Total Fees $105. Aristides Gonzalez Monzon, 44, Caledonia, MN; 5/14/2026, Driving Without a Valid License for Vehicle Class or Type, Fine … [Read more...]
Better Angels
By Pastor Jeff Jacobs Unity Lutheran Parish - St. Paul, Saetersdal and St. Matthew’s, Granger I was 16 when our nation celebrated its Bicentennial, and now at 66 another milestone comes, this Semiquincentennial, 250th anniversary of these United States. A lot has happened in 50 years: home computers, cell phones, internet and AI…the Columbine school tragedy and subsequent … [Read more...]
SMIF Awards 75 Organizations with Grants
OWATONNA, Minn., May 12, 2026 - Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation (SMIF) recently awarded 26,797 children’s books to 75 organizations through its Early Literacy Grant Program, impacting 31,543 children in its 20-county region. This grant supports early literacy efforts that enhance school readiness for children birth to age eight by providing children with books. The … [Read more...]
Let Freedom Ring
– By Gloria Webinger
Let Freedom Ring By Gloria Webinger Caledonia, MN I think of I hear FREEDOM when I hear the word, America. I’m 98 years old and what I’ve seen in my lifetime is unbelievable. I worked for a TV company, “BMC.” I saw history being made when we went from black and white TV to color TV. I’m very proud of my employment with them so that means a lot to me. I lived in St Paul. … [Read more...]
Karen Louise Long
Karen Louise Long, 84, of Spring Valley, Minnesota, passed away on Wednesday, June 24, 2026, at Spring Valley Living. Karen was born on October 4, 1941, to Wayne and Charlotte (Beecher) Stephens in Forest City, Iowa. She attended and graduated from Chatfield High School. She worked at the Chatfield Bakery for many years before she became a para for the Kingsland school … [Read more...]
Verdonne “Donnie” Erickson
Verdonne “Donnie” Erickson, 92, lifelong Mabel resident, died Sunday, June 21, 2026 at Valley View Healthcare and Rehab in Houston, Minnesota. Donnie was born December 16, 1933, in Spring Grove to Leo and Luella (Karlsbroten) Erickson. He attended country schools and later lived with Luther and Norma Onsgard. He served in the United States Army for a short time before … [Read more...]