Loren Alfred Barnes, 85, of Chatfield, Minn., passed away peacefully on January 1, 2024, at the Chosen Valley Care Center in Chatfield. Loren was born August 3, 1938, in Spring Valley, to Donald and Doris (King) Barnes. He graduated from Chatfield High School in 1956. On September 9, 1967, he married Ella May Parsons in Winslow, Ariz. Loren lived on the family farm in … [Read more...]
Valerie Dawn (Paulson) Wagner
Valerie Dawn (Paulson) Wagner, 85, of Spring Grove, Minn., passed away unexpectedly into the eternal care of our Lord on December 22, 2023, at Gundersen Lutheran Hospital, La Crosse, Wis. Valerie was born on February 24, 1938, in Rushford, Minn., to Edwin and Cora Paulson. She was baptized and confirmed in Rushford. She graduated from Rushford High School in 1957. She … [Read more...]
Leona M. Wangen
Leona M. Wangen, 97, of Mabel, formerly of Canton, Minn., died Tuesday, December 26, 2023, at Green Lea Senior Living in Mabel. Leona was born July 7, 1926, in Amherst Township of Fillmore County, Minn., to Clint and Mabel (Hummal) Vickerman. On August 3, 1951, she married Palmer Wangen at the Highland Prairie Lutheran Church. They farmed in the Canton and Harmony areas … [Read more...]
David G. Wagner
David G. Wagner, loving husband, father and grandfather, passed away peacefully on Christmas morning, surrounded by his family. Dave was a graduate of Wykoff High School, class of 1958; St. John’s University in 1962, and served in the U.S. Navy. He enjoyed a successful career as a salesman and business owner. He is survived by Kate, his loving wife of 58 years; sons … [Read more...]
Fatal Crash in Sumner Township
According to Fillmore County Sheriff John DeGeorge, on December 21, 2023, at approximately 9:29 p.m., a 911 caller reported a single vehicle crash on Fillmore County Road 4 near the intersection of Fillmore County Road 38 in Sumner Township. Fillmore County deputies responded to the scene and found the driver and sole occupant, 27-year-old Jessica Nicole Aspenwall of Wykoff, … [Read more...]
How to Prevent Sunscald on Trees This Winter
By Morgan Pickett University of Minnesota Extension As we head into the winter months, and before we snuggle in for the winter. Let’s take one last look at our young trees and wrap them up, too. Sunscald, also known as sunburn or frost canker, is a condition that primarily affects the bark of trees, especially young or thin-barked trees, often seen particularly in … [Read more...]
Open Before, During and After Christmas
By Rev. Deanna Woodward Maple Leaf Parish - United Methodist Churches of Cherry Grove, Fountain, Preston and Spring Valley Unless you’re postponing your celebration until after December 25, by the time this is printed, most readers will have already opened the presents under the Christmas tree, and possibly have taken down the tree itself. The idea of presents has been a … [Read more...]
Journal Writing Project A Home Divided
By Siri Corson The car seemed to shake as my friends enthusiastically screamed the bridge of the song “Cruel Summer.” My teeth were clenched under my smile as I wondered how many more “Swiftie” songs I would be subjected to on the 45-minute car ride to Decorah. At some point we turned the music down to discuss topics we held dear to our hearts like guns, political candidates, … [Read more...]
Fillmore and Houston County Land Rent Survey Results
By Katie Drewitz University of Minnesota Extension Thank you to everyone who participated in this year’s land rent survey. Survey results indicate relatively flat rates in Fillmore County. Houston County saw a small increase in rates from the 2022-2023 survey. Historic rates and land rent resources are available at both the Fillmore and Houston County Extension … [Read more...]
Fillmore and Houston County Police Reports
Caledonia Police Department Taylor Skye Augedahl, 28, Caledonia, Minn.; 3/11/2023, Miscellaneous Nuisances, Fine $75, Total Fees $150. Emily Lynn Babcock, 26, Houston, Minn.; 2/23/2023, Miscellaneous Nuisances, Fine $75, Total Fees $150. 2/23/2023, Miscellaneous Nuisances, Fine $75, Total Fees $150. Jack William Brewer, 24, Caledonia, Minn.; 3/12/2023, Miscellaneous … [Read more...]