James Greer Sikkink
James Greer Sikkink, age 58, of Harmony, formerly of Austin, Minn., passed away at the Harmony Care Center on November 21, 2018, following complications of surgery. James “Jim” was born to Roger and Marjorie (Greer) Sikkink on March 13, 1960, in Harmony, Minn. Jim attended special education classes in Lanesboro, Minn. He then moved to Austin, Minn., and lived in various REM … [Read more...]
Myrtle Horihan
Myrtle Horihan, age 93, passed into the arms of her Savior on Thursday, November 22, 2018, due to congestive heart failure. Her beloved children and grandchildren held her hands and surrounded her with hymns and carols during her last hours. Myrtle was born to Oscar and Alice Jameson in Spring Grove, Minn., on June 18, 1925. She grew up in the Yucatan area, attended … [Read more...]
Gerald O. Hellickson
Gerald O. Hellickson, age 90, of Preston, Minn., passed away peacefully at the Harmony Care Center in Harmony, Minn., on Friday, November 23, 2018. Funeral services for Gerald Hellickson were held at 11:30 a.m. on Monday, November 26, 2018, at Christ Lutheran Church in Preston, with Pastor Dan Bredberg officiating. Visitation was from 10-11:30 a.m. on Monday morning at the … [Read more...]
News media
A well informed electorate is critical to the functioning of democracy. Democracy can’t function without debate. The news media is the primary tool for informing and prompting debate. Those things elected officials want to hide, are precisely the things we need to be informed of. The news media is an essential part of democracy and not the enemy of the people. Elected … [Read more...]
Government this week
Monday, November 26 • Preston City Council, Council Chambers, 6 p.m. • Spring Valley City Council, City Hall, 6 p.m. • City of Rushford City Council, City Hall, 6:30 p.m. •Chatfield City Council, City Hall, 7 p.m. Tuesday, November 27 • Fillmore County Commissioners, Courthouse, 9 a.m. • Fillmore Central School Board, High School Media Center, 6:30 p.m. Monday, December … [Read more...]
MPCA to hold meeting on additional test results for proposed swine facility in Fillmore County
The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency will hold a public informational meeting Tuesday, December 4 on additional investigations for the proposed Catalpa Ag swine facility in Fillmore County. The meeting will start at 6:30 p.m. at the Mabel Community Center, 201 Main St. South. The agency will present the findings followed by time for questions. The MPCA will accept comments on … [Read more...]
Tests show Catalpa hog barns could cause “catastrophic sinkhole collapse”… To the Editor,
Neighbors in the Newburg area and beyond have been clear for months: we want the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency to follow the law and order an Environmental Impact Statement for Catalpa Ag, the gigantic 5,000 sow hog operation proposed in Newburg that would put our drinking water, property values, and health at risk. On December 4 at 6:30 p.m. at the Mabel Community Center, … [Read more...]
Restoration of World War I Memorial Entrance
The World War I Memorial Entrance to the Fillmore County Fair Grounds in Preston is in great need of repair and restoration to properly honor World War I Veterans in Fillmore County. For many years it was the stately entrance on the west side of the Fairgrounds complete with a turn-style entryway. The only early picture of the building shows cement blocks forming two small … [Read more...]
Journal Writing Project The logic of success
By Maddie Smith A businessman who is in his mid-30s and alone is retiring and living in his mansion. An ex-con who has been released from prison has organized a homeless shelter for dozens of people. A comedian who struggles to display an honest smile brings waves of endless laughter to a local club every Friday night. A farmer who struggles to keep his head above water … [Read more...]








