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...]
Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation Awards $99,865 in Economic Development Grants
OWATONNA, MN, December 29, 2025 – Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation (SMIF) recently approved six grants totaling $99,865 to support economic development initiatives in SMIF’s 20-county region. The Economic Development Grant program supports initiatives which enable communities to create more prosperous local economies by growing economic development and … [Read more...]
MnDOT Installs Motorist Warning Signals For Amish Buggies on Hwy 44 in Fillmore County
CANTON, MN – The Minnesota Department of Transportation has installed new flashing driver alert signs to help increase motorist awareness that an Amish buggy is on the road on a stretch of Highway 44 between Mabel and Canton in Fillmore County where the shoulder narrows with guard rail. The system is expected to improve safety for the slow-moving buggies in an area of … [Read more...]