Fillmore County Board of Commissioners met in a special session at the Courthouse in the City of Preston. Present: All members, Administrator/Clerk, other staff, citizens, and the press. Board approved: Agenda & Consent Agenda (3/27/26) Commissioner Warrants: Marco, Inc $ 295,136.54 Marco, Inc $ 6,482.08 Workforce Development Inc $ … [Read more...]
Michael Steven Ptacek
Michael Steven Ptacek, 69, of Longville, Minn., (formerly of Grand Meadow, Minn.), passed away peacefully on April 7, 2026, after a long battle with cancer. He spent his last days surrounded by family and loved ones. He was born on July 22, 1956, in Preston, Minn., to Mildred (McConnell) and Joseph Ptacek of Spring Valley, Minn. Mike attended Spring Valley High School and … [Read more...]
Nancy (Jensen) Arnold
Nancy (Jensen) Arnold, born July 28, 1952, in Ames, Iowa, passed away unexpectedly on April 6, 2026. While her passing was sudden, she is deeply loved and will be carried in her families’ hearts always. On April 24, 1970, Nancy married Rick Arnold of Chatfield, Minn. Together they shared almost 56 years together raising their family and building a life centered on … [Read more...]
Louise Joanna (Elton) Sikkink
Louise Joanna (Elton) Sikkink, of Harmony, Minn., passed away April 6, 2026, at WinnMed Hospital in Decorah, Iowa surrounded by her family. Louise was born June 2, 1935, to Marvin and Tressie (Alfson) Elton. She attended school in Hutton and graduated from Harmony High School in 1953. She began her career as the secretary to the superintendent at Harmony High School. During … [Read more...]
Donald Welander
Donald Welander, age 83, of Wykoff, Minn., died on Friday, March 27, 2026, at Cottagewood Senior Communities, in Rochester, Minn. Visitation will be held from 1-3 p.m. on Saturday, April 25, 2026, at the Hindt Funeral Home in Spring Valley, Minn. Burial will be at Fort Snelling National Cemetery at a later date. Online condolences may be left at … [Read more...]
Wayne “Big Wayne” Boehmke
Wayne “Big Wayne” Boehmke passed away peacefully, surrounded by his family, on April 1, 2026, at Gundersen Lutheran Hospital. Wayne was born on December 25, 1958, to Eldon “Pete” Boehmke and Judith Boehmke (Olson) in Winona, Minn. He was united in marriage to Wanda Ruedy on June 7, 1980. Wayne was a lifelong farmer and an avid animal lover, a passion he passed on to all of … [Read more...]
Caledonia Area Community Education Early Learning Programs
Caledonia Area Community Education believes in nurturing the potential of every child through play, creativity, and care. Our mission is to provide a safe, supportive, and engaging environment for children to grow, learn, and develop essential life skills, while giving parents peace of mind knowing their children are in good hands. Hand in Hand Preschool Program: … [Read more...]
Building Bright Futures at Fillmore Central
Each year, communities across the country celebrate the Week of the Young Child, an opportunity to recognize the importance of early learning and the educators, families, and programs that support our youngest learners. The early years of a child’s life are filled with curiosity, discovery, and incredible growth. At Fillmore Central, our early childhood educators are honored … [Read more...]
Eagle Bluff Nature Preschool
Eagle Bluff Nature Preschool gets the whole family outside! As a part of our preschool, families are invited to participate in outdoor, nature based activities year round. In the fall, we start the year with a family campfire to celebrate Fire Safety Month! This event helps to build our school community and gives children and families a hands on experience with the visit of … [Read more...]
Where Learning Meets Adventure: Semcac Head Start Partners with Eagle Bluff to Inspire Young Children
Every morning at Eagle Bluff Environmental Learning Center in Lanesboro, children in the Semcac Head Start partnership classroom step into a learning experience like no other. As sunlight filters through the trees and leaves crunch beneath small boots, preschoolers ages three to five begin their day connected to the natural world around them. This partnership blends Semcac Head … [Read more...]