More than 60% of the Fillmore Central School District voters from Fountain, Harmony and Preston approved a proposed new referendum for general education revenue by $876 per pupil, subject to an annual increase at the rate of inflation. The referendum will be first levied in 2025 for taxes payable in 2026 and applicable for 10 years unless otherwise revoked or reduced as … [Read more...]
Real Bites: Burgers, Fish Frys and Community
Over the years, Rack’s Bar & Grill in Spring Valley, Minn., has become more than an award-winning restaurant. It’s become a place where the community gathers before and after the big game. It’s become a place where people celebrate birthdays, anniversaries, and delicious food. It’s a place where tourists see a parking lot full of vehicles, and they say, “This place must … [Read more...]
More Than a Sign for Preston
Residents of Preston and tourists alike have taken notice of a huge welcome sign in a prime location facing the southbound traffic descending on Highway 52 where the speed limit drops to 40 mph. This “WELCOME TO PRESTON” sign is pretty hard to miss. Located at the city’s tennis courts (probably should be called pickleball courts based on usage), the big blue mesh sign … [Read more...]
USPS Mail Truck Fire
At approximately 2:25 a.m. on Wednesday, September 3, 2025, the Oronoco Fire Department was dispatched to a fire call along Highway 52. A United States Postal Service semi-trailer was engulfed in flames. The driver detached the semi from the trailer. Reports indicate the fire ignited around the rear brakes of the trailer. The Minnesota State Patrol shut down traffic on … [Read more...]
FCJ Earns General Excellence Award
At the annual Association of Community Publishers conference, held in Mobile, Ala., the Fillmore County Journal was recognized with nine awards. Best Self Promotion (Other Media) - First Place Best Front Page-Cover (Special Section) - First Place Best Self Promotion (Community Service) - Second Place Best Self Promotion (Awards) - Third Place Best Educational … [Read more...]
Alleged Drunk Driver Totals Classic Car and More
Over the past two weeks, anyone passing through Preston on Highway 52 has probably seen a black tarp covering a vehicle on the lot of Preston Service Plus. Passersby probably also noticed signs had been struck along with damage to the north side of the long-time body shop. The Statement of Probable Cause - Verbatim “On or about August 8, 2025, at approximately 1:25 AM, … [Read more...]
Future of Fillmore County Journal
While there have been many local family-owned newspapers that have either been sold to a corporation or simply closed, the Fillmore County Journal has been fortunate to remain healthy and sustainable. But, this is only possible because we have an amazing team working at the newspaper and a tremendously supportive community. We have readers who help guide the ship for what … [Read more...]
Expansion and New Ventures Based on Talent
After Amanda and I purchased the Fillmore County Journal in 2009, I started to recognize underserved opportunities in the market. Based on the talent we’ve attracted, I have always considered our company to be media, marketing and technology focused. SMG Web Design Many businesses were seeking web design services outside of the area, so we launched SMG Web Design in … [Read more...]
One Employee Spanning 35 Years
The history of the Fillmore County Journal would not be complete without mentioning the impact of one key employee that worked for all three newspaper owners. Sherry Hines, who resides in Harmony, Minn., started working for the Journal in 1986, just one year after its inception. She worked in advertising sales for the Fillmore County Journal and Visit Bluff Country Magazine … [Read more...]
Making the News for Over 40 Years
Extra! Extra! Read all about it! This is a special edition of the Fillmore County Journal as we celebrate the 40th anniversary of publishing this community newspaper. What makes this so special is that we have an opportunity to celebrate something that rarely happens with community newspapers – especially these days. While corporations have gobbled up community … [Read more...]