Rocklyn “Rocky” Brand, 67, of Rushford, Minn., passed away on Tuesday, December 2, 2025, at his home. Rocky was born in Rushford, Minn., on January 21, 1958, to Vernon and Marilyn (Johnson) Brand. After graduating from Rushford High School, Rocky met and fell madly in love with Holly Sue Heiden. The two married in 1979, and from this union four sons were born. Rocky had a … [Read more...]
Katherine Ann (O’Donnell) Zacher
Katherine Ann Zacher, 74, of Rushford, Minn., passed away at her home November 30, 2025, surrounded by family following a courageous 20-month battle with pancreatic cancer. Kathy was born in Rushford on November 29, 1951, the first child of Harold (Bud) and Dorothy (Kryzer) O’Donnell. She graduated from Rushford High School and attended Winona State. She was a dedicated … [Read more...]
Lawrence “Larry” Arthur Becker
Lawrence “Larry” Arthur Becker, 74, of Brownsville, Minn., passed away peacefully on December 2, 2025, surrounded by his loved ones. Born on August 3, 1951, in St. Paul, Minn., to Harold and Rita (Reedy) Becker, Larry grew up with a strong sense of family and community. He graduated from Rosemount High School and went on to build a remarkable life filled with love, laughter, … [Read more...]
The Smell of Christmas is in the Air
The smell of fresh pine trees, burning wood, steaming hot chocolate, and freshly baked cookies fills the air at the Guberud Hill Tree Farm from Thanksgiving weekend through Christmas or until the last tree is sold. Starting the day after Thanksgiving and continuing every Saturday and Sunday until Christmas, the public is invited to stop by and select the perfect Christmas … [Read more...]
Pastor Devotions – The Light Shines in the Darkness
By Pastor Mark Woodward Maple Leaf Parish of the UMC Cherry Grove, Fountain, Preston, and Spring Valley: Faith Churches (and Lenora) In recent days winter has really come on with deep snow, arctic winds and subzero temperatures. I think we have all been kind of spoiled over the last few winters, with little snow and balmy weather, but this winter could be different. … [Read more...]
Journal Writing Project Recently Discovered Sea Creatures
By Brenna Krips The ocean is far more than a vast body of water; it is the lifeblood of our planet and a critical force in sustaining life. We have only explored 5% of our oceans and we keep discovering more and more of our ocean. I will be going over some recently discovered sea creatures found in recent years. West Australian Lanternshark The West Australian lantern … [Read more...]
Birth Announcement
Anson Forest and Orlin Winter Leathers Waldo and Elsa Leathers are excited to welcome their new baby brothers, Anson Forest and Orlin Winter, born on November 11, 2025. Parents are Bradley and Alison Leathers of Preston, Minn. Grandparents are Andrew and Gail Bunge of Preston, Minn., and Raymond Leathers (late Jennifer Leathers) of Nashville, Tenn. Proud great-grandma … [Read more...]
Fillmore and Houston County Police Reports
Caledonia Police Department Taia Sabrina Garcia, 34, Spring Grove, Minn., 8/21/2025, Driving After Suspension, Fine $200, Total Fees $275. Tia Louise Martin, 38, Caledonia, Minn., 9/28/2025, Disorderly Conduct - Brawling or Fighting, Fine $50, Total Fees $200. Local Confinement - 10 days (stay eight days for six months). Credit for time served: two days. Unsupervised … [Read more...]
Fillmore County Board Meeting Summary of Minutes, 11.25.2025
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 (11/28/25) Commissioner Warrants: MN Counties Intergovernmental Trust-MCIT $ 2,359.00 La Fleur Law Office, PLLC $ … [Read more...]
REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL(RFP) Houston County, Minnesota
Houston County is seeking proposals from qualified firms or individuals to provide contracted services related to external relations, economic and community development, regional partnerships, public engagement, and support to the County Coordinator. The selected respondent will commit to providing an average of 32 hours per week to carry out the services outlined in the … [Read more...]