Dear Friends, This letter means that I, Robbie Julson, have left this earth, taken life’s checkered flag – and gone to meet my maker. I was born in Albert Lea (the old hospital – not the new one) to Bob and Maxine Gregerson. I grew up in the midst of a riot of siblings, aunts, uncles, and cousins. I knew I was loved. I am the oldest of seven, which honed my “leadership” … [Read more...]
Rose Ann Laumb
Rose Ann Laumb, 77, of Rushford, Minn., died on Saturday, July 22, 2023, at Gundersen Health System in La Crosse, Wis., with her children at her side. Rose Ann Randall was born on September 14, 1945, in Money Creek Township of Houston County, Minn., to Allen and Rose Mary (O’Donnell) Randall. Rose Ann was raised on Vinegar Hill, east of Rushford, where she attended country … [Read more...]
Government This Week
Monday, August 14 • Whalan City Council, City Hall, 5 p.m. • Caledonia City Council, City Hall, 6 p.m. • Grand Meadow City Council, Community Center, 6 p.m. • Houston City Council, City Hall, 6 p.m. • Spring Valley City Council, City Hall, 6 p.m. • Rushford City Council, City Hall, 6:30 p.m. • Chatfield City Council, City Hall, 7 p.m. • Wykoff City Council, City Hall, 7 … [Read more...]
Fillmore County Flashback Forging Ahead: 165 Years of Preston’s Ironworking Heritage
By Joanne Hall Member of the Preston Historical Society In 1853 John Vail from Pennsylvania was the first man to locate a claim in what became the village of Preston. That same year William Douglass started the first blacksmith shop in Preston. In July of 1855, a blacksmith shop was operated by Charles Rappe, who bought out the forge and business of William Douglas. … [Read more...]
College News
Honors List Spring 2023 • Alexandria Technical & Community College: Tanner Kasel, LeRoy • Bemidji State University: Jennifer Knutson, Spring Valley • College of St. Scholastica: Brittainy Johnson, Lanesboro; Aubrey Norby, Mabel • Hamline University: Elizabeth Liew, Harmony • Iowa State University: Abby Ashbacher, Caledonia; Brynn Howerton, Lanesboro; Carson Ruen, … [Read more...]
Chatfield Alum Frye Finishes Fourth in 100-mile Race
By Patrick Mader A native of Chatfield in the Bluff Country of southeastern Minnesota, Adam Frye was introduced to running as a youth of five or six years of age when he ran a mile race at Plainview Corn on the Cob Days with his father Chris, a former high school runner who later co-founded and coached a running club. Adam later joined the running club and joined the … [Read more...]
McHugh and Morken Play in Volleyball All-Star Game
In conjunction with a coach’s clinic each summer, the Minnesota Volleyball Coaches Association held its annual All-Star game on July 25 featuring the girls that were named All-State the previous school year. In past years, only graduating seniors were allowed to play in the game. This year, however, underclassmen that made All-State were included. There were two teams of … [Read more...]
Houston School Referendum Results
The results of the Houston School referendum are as follows. The vote was 113 in favor with 886 opposed on the first question for $18.2 million; since the first question failed, the second question for an additional $12.1 million was not considered. … [Read more...]
Budget Increase on the Horizon for Ostrander?
The council’s first item of discussion for the August 8 Ostrander, Minn., city council meeting was Trinity Lutheran Church and the intention of its leadership to acquire a strip of paved city land immediately adjacent to the church property’s western edge. The strip, which runs north-south, is currently designated a platted roadway, and is paved continuously with Minnesota … [Read more...]
Fillmore and Houston County Police Reports
Caledonia Police Department Kevin David Frank, 43, Caledonia, Minn.; 5/26/2023, Seat Belt Required - Driver and Passenger Must Use, Fine $25, Total Fees $100. Nicolas Gerardson, 30, Waterloo, Iowa; 4/7/2023, Speeding (60/45), Fine $60, Fine $135. Brandon James Jones, 37, Caledonia, Minn.; 1/20/2023, Parking During Snow Removal, Fine $20, Total Fees $32. Jacqueline … [Read more...]