“A young man never feels so much at a loss what to do, as when he takes his girl to a picnic, a big ant crawls down her back and begins to bite her just above the belt, and she begins to scream for help.” This quip was published in the Caledonia Journal in September 1879. Percival “Perk” Steffen, who owned that newspaper for 36 years (1922 to 1958), at some point, decided to … [Read more...]
Fillmore County Fair Open Class Results
Arts & Crafts Grand Champion Jim Henley, Harmony, Adult Oil Painting; Reserve Champion Eunie Biel, Harmony, Adult Watercolor; Honorable Mention: Josie Schmidt, Chatfield, Mixed Media, Adelyn Nelson, Fountain, Pressed Flower; Brynn Fussy, Spring Valley, Pencil Drawing, and Wood Carving; Cora Mathison, Preston, Beadwork; Karen Vinson, Chatfield, Oil Painting/Florals; Jan … [Read more...]
Minimum-wage Rate Adjusted For Inflation as of January 1, 2026
Minnesota’s minimum-wage rate will be adjusted for inflation on January 1, 2026, to $11.41 an hour for all employers in the state. The 90-day training wage for workers under age 20 will increase to $9.31. These rates reflect a 2.5% increase. The cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul have minimum-wage ordinances that require higher minimum-wage rates for work performed in … [Read more...]
College News
Graduates List Fall 2024/Spring 2025 Western Technical College: Ashley Schulz, Caledonia, Medical Administrative Professional; Braedon Solie, Caledonia, Welding & Fabrication; Drew Hauser, Caledonia, Automotive Technician; Isaac Housker, Caledonia, Accounting; Jeremy Stehr, Caledonia, Accounting; Jonah Dvorak, Caledonia, Diesel & Heavy Equipment Technician; … [Read more...]
Fillmore and Houston County Police Reports
Caledonia Police Department Andrew John Schwanbeck, 45, La Crescent, Minn., 6/19/2025, Driving After Revocation, Fine $200, Total Fees $275. 6/19/2025, Driver Must Carry Proof of Insurance When Operating Vehicle, Fine $200. Fillmore County Sheriff’s Office Jermey John C. Calvert-Robinson, 35, Preston, Minn., 6/3/2025, Driving After Revocation, Fine $200, Total Fees … [Read more...]
Karen Sue Grover
Karen Sue Grover, age 64, of Winona, Minn., died peacefully in her home Wednesday, August 20, 2025, surrounded by her beloved dogs Dexter and Bella, cats Lucy and Ricki, and daughter Cami, after a long and courageous battle with cancer. Daughter of Gerald “Jerry” and Diane (nee Anderson) Grover, Karen was born June 23, 1961, in Winona, Minn. After growing up in Rushford, … [Read more...]
Margaret Ann Perkins
Nov. 25, 1937 - Aug. 24, 2025 Margaret Ann Perkins, long-time Chatfield resident, died peacefully at the Chosen Valley Care Center on Sunday, August 24, 2025. Margaret was born in Red Wing, Minn., on November 25, 1937, to Carl and Ruth Oberg. She was raised on her parents’ farm near Vasa, where she acquired her skills of confidence and incredible drive. She attended a one … [Read more...]
Wayne Ralph Purtzer
Feb. 25, 1937 – Aug. 19, 2025 Wayne Ralph Purtzer, 88, of Houston, Minn., died Tuesday, August 19, 2025, at Claddagh Senior Living, in Caledonia, Minn. A gathering of celebration will be held at 1 p.m. on Saturday, September 13, 2025, at Hoff Funeral Home in Houston, Minn., with military honors and visitation to follow until 4 p.m. Arrangements by Hoff Funeral Home of Houston. … [Read more...]
Marilyn Joyce Liebold
A memorial service for Marilyn Liebold will be held 1 p.m. Friday, September 12, 2025, at the Hindt Funeral Home in Spring Valley, Minn. Burial will take place following the service at the Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery. Marilyn Joyce Liebold, age 89, of Spring Valley, Minn., passed away peacefully at home on August 23, 2025. She was born on January 3, 1936, in Austin, … [Read more...]
Reggie R. Benson
A celebration of life for Reggie R. Benson will be held from 2-6 p.m., on Sunday, September 7, 2025, at the Old 7th Event Center in Racine, Minn. Reggie Benson, age 82, of Grand Meadow, Minn., died Saturday, August 23, 2025, at Mayo Clinic Hospital – St Marys Campus in Rochester, Minn. He was born August 22, 1943, in Belmond, Iowa, to Dale F. and Hazel (Arends) Benson. … [Read more...]