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...]
God’s Good Gifts
By Pastor Mark Woodward Maple Leaf Parish of the UMC Cherry Grove, Fountain, Preston, and Spring Valley: Faith Churches (and Lenora) It was a glorious autumn morning. It was early in the day. I was greeted by a beautiful surprise. As I drove down my driveway, I was greeted by a doe deer who stood next to the road. I turned off the engine and let my pickup coast … [Read more...]
Thyme & Again – Embracing Winter Blues
By Angela Denstad Time and again, when winter fully settles into these post-holiday doldrums, people are restless. Or they want nothing but rest. They’re either bored, or they’re overwhelmed. They’re trying to make a fresh start, but resolution meets resistance; artificial society yammers at breakneck speed while the entire natural world insists on a time of … [Read more...]
College News
Graduates List Summer 2025 Northeast Iowa Community College: Camryn Cox, Mabel, AA, Radiologic Technology University of North Dakota: Nathaniel Dietz, BS Aeronautics, Commercial Aviation, 2nd major - Unmanned Aircraft Systems Operations, Magna Cum Laude, Scholar in the Honors Program Western Technical College: Jared Kotek, Jr., Caledonia; Payton Konz, Caledonia; … [Read more...]
SEMAC Announces Recent Grant Awards
On January 13, 2026, the Southeastern Minnesota Arts Council (SEMAC) Board of Directors awarded four Artists & Culture Bearers in the Schools grants, and five General Operating Support grants for a total of $40,950 in funding to organizations throughout southeastern Minnesota. Grants were awarded to the following organizations, listed by county: Fillmore County … [Read more...]
Fillmore and Houston County Police Reports
Fillmore County Sheriff’s Office Meghan Mary Black, 42, Palmetto, Fla.; 12/7/2025, Speeding - Exceed Limit of 55 mph Where Appropriate (65/55), Fine $40, Total Fees $120. David Wayne Hagen, 65, Cresco, Iowa; 1/6/2026, Speeding - Exceed Limit of 55 mph Where Appropriate (65/55), Fine $40, Total Fees $120. Henry H. Hershberger, 20, Lanesboro, Minn.; 4/20/2026, Disorderly … [Read more...]
Abbreviated Board Meeting Minutes December 15, 2025
The Board of Education of Independent School District No. 299, Caledonia, Minnesota, met in a regular school board meeting in the elementary building room #162. The meeting was called to order by School Board Chair Mike Peterson at 5:35 p.m. The Pledge of Allegiance was said. The school board members present were Derek Adamson leaving at 6:40 p.m., Julie Augedahl leaving at … [Read more...]
NOTICE
Cellco Partnership and its controlled affiliates doing business as Verizon Wireless (Verizon Wireless) proposes to collocate wireless communications antennas at a top height of 181.2 feet on a 185.5-foot self-support telecommunication tower at the approx. vicinity of 313 W Stevens Ave., Rushford, Fillmore County, MN 55971. Lat: 43-48-39.43, Long: -91-45-37.41. Public comments … [Read more...]