In 2014, R-P School District voters approved the construction of a new school, which opened for the school year in 2017 at a cost of $33.5 million. Their previous school facility was considered to be one of the oldest in the State of Minnesota. On Tuesday, February 10, 2026, residents of the Rushford-Peterson School District took to the polls to cast their vote on a $24 … [Read more...]
Big Cuts at the Sawmill
In January 2025, the Fillmore County Journal published a story in the annual Progress Edition titled “Root River Hardwoods’ 46-year Journey,” celebrating the growth of the company from humble beginnings. Right after the story appeared in the newspaper, it was announced that Root River Hardwoods, with locations in Preston, Minn., and Albert Lea, Minn., was sold to a company … [Read more...]
2025 Business Person of the Year – Mike Steien Receives Award of Excellence From Journal Readers
As a newspaper, we have an opportunity to bring people together for a common good. To inspire and foster positive news presented by our readers that lifts people up in the communities we serve. Starting in 2020, the staff at the Fillmore County Journal coordinated the first-ever recognition for the Business Person of the Year. The newspaper publishes a form to fill out … [Read more...]
Liz Collin Keynote Speaker at GOP Event in Mabel
Roughly 300 people filled the Mabel Community Center on the evening of January 13 for an event organized by the Fillmore and Houston County GOP groups, coming from communities in Fillmore and Houston Counties along with Decorah, Rochester, Winona and communities in the Twin Cities area. After attendees participated in the Pledge of Allegiance and prayed during an invocation, … [Read more...]
DFL-Led Protesters Voice Their Concerns in Chatfield
On a typical blustery Minnesota winter January day with windchill bringing the temperature down to the normal zero degrees for this time of the year, a group of nearly 25 protestors gathered at the only stoplight in Fillmore County, Minn. Chatfield, Minn., known as the gateway to Bluff Country, presents a golden opportunity for protestors to take a stance from the park every … [Read more...]
Fillmore Central Passes Referendum, Rushford Council Changes
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...]