Since the coronavirus started to really impact our lives, it’s been amazing how people have shown their support for one another — and particularly local businesses. When I first heard that Governor Walz was issuing an executive order to shut down bars, restaurants, hair salons, and fitness centers on March 17, 2020, I was wondering how this would impact our small town … [Read more...]
Joke of the Week
We keep hearing that our readers want to read something on the lighter side; something that makes them smile. With that said, we are launching a new weekly feature that we hope our readers will embrace with their own contributions. Feel free to send us your jokes at news@fillmorecountyjournal.com. Please keep in mind that we want for these jokes to be tasteful and … [Read more...]
Knutsons turn ordinance issue into personal attack
Here’s a story about how social media posts can become a record of malice. On June 27, 2020, Canton resident Jamie Knutson made his intentions known with a post on his personal Facebook page. “Does anyone have ANY paint they would like to get rid of? Prefer bright colors any amount would be appreciated thanks,” the first post by Jamie Knutson. Later that day, “I’m putting … [Read more...]
Joke of the Week
We keep hearing that our readers want to read something on the lighter side; something that makes them smile. With that said, we are launching a new weekly feature that we hope our readers will embrace with their own contributions. Feel free to send us your jokes at news@fillmorecountyjournal.com. Please keep in mind that we want for these jokes to be tasteful and … [Read more...]
One Moment, Please… Wedding anniversary season
‘Tis the season for weddings, which means many couples are celebrating anniversaries this time of year. This year, my wife and I will be celebrating 20 years of marriage on July 8. That may seem like a long time, but we are just getting started by some measurable comparisons. A friend and neighbor, Eric Hammell, was recently passing by our house in Fountain. He slowed … [Read more...]
Chatfield coach wrestles with school board
At 6 p.m. on Tuesday, June 23, 2020, the Chatfield School Board conducted a special meeting to address concerns presented by Chatfield’s head wrestling coach Travis Bartels. On June 3, 2020, the school board voted to pull Bartels’ coaching contract, concluding his 19 years with the Chatfield wrestling program. Bartels, along with his supporters, wanted answers. With … [Read more...]
One Moment, Please… The things people say to each other on social media
While I believe there are some positive initiatives that have been launched from platforms like Facebook, YouTube, Twitter, and the like, we cannot deny the negatives. A young man around 26 years old recently got into an argument with someone on Twitter. The person on the other end responded by tracking this young man down and shooting him in front of his family. The story … [Read more...]
Cattlemen’s Club serving up steak in Lanesboro
On Monday, June 29, 2020, the Fillmore County Cattlemen’s Club will be hosting their 39th annual steak fry from 4:30-7:30 p.m. at Sylvan Park in Lanesboro, Minn. In the event there is inclement weather, the event will be hosted in Lanesboro Community Center. They will be offering options of drive-thru, carry-out, and seating available in the park. This year, they will be … [Read more...]
Drive-thru Dairy Night on the Farm “udderly” amazing
While the coronavirus has caused the cancellation or postponement of many events, the Fillmore County American Dairy Association found a creative way to mo-o-o-o-o-ve forward with their annual Dairy Night on the Farm. On Saturday, June 20, from 4-7 p.m., an estimated 750 dairy enthusiasts drove to the Mulhern Dairy farm on the outskirts of Fountain, Minn. The Mulherns have … [Read more...]
Will area swimming pools open for the summer?
With the temperatures already hovering above 90 degrees, a dip in a swimming pool would be refreshing. The rural communities in Fillmore and Houston Counties are fortunate to have city-run swimming pools in communities like Chatfield, Preston, Rushford, Spring Grove, and Spring Valley. But, due to concerns relating to the COVID-19 pandemic and social distancing, as of the … [Read more...]
One Moment, Please… So many talented people
In this week’s issue of the Fillmore County Journal, our readers will notice a full page recognizing every member of our recently expanded team. And, as you scan that page, you’ll probably recognize a few familiar faces -- all local people serving local people. That’s right, our team (and company Christmas party) just got a little bigger. We gained all of this talent when … [Read more...]
Some Memorial Day ceremonies commenced
Memorial Day, the day on which those who died in active military service are remembered, was not forgotten. Out of 22 veterans organizations in Fillmore, Houston and Mower Counties, including American Legions, VFWs, and the Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery in Preston, the majority of organizations canceled their programs amid concerns relating to the coronavirus and social … [Read more...]
One Moment, Please… For the Class of 2020, this is just the beginning
Helen Keller has been quoted as saying, “The highest result of education is tolerance.” It’s been said that this statement relates to how all learning should result in personal change. In a special section in today’s newspaper, we are recognizing 355 graduates from the Class of 2020, representing 10 school districts: Chatfield High School, Fillmore Central High School, Grand … [Read more...]
One Moment, Please… Reopening the economy
I never thought in my lifetime that I’d see... A day when we couldn’t go to church. A day when our children couldn’t attend school, but would have to continue their education from our home. A day when all school activities would be cancelled. A day when graduating high school seniors couldn’t have a traditional graduation ceremony. A day when cities would take down … [Read more...]
One Moment, Please… Small town survival
Our small towns have been hit hard with the coronavirus. Not the virus itself. Our COVID-19 numbers have been low for quite some time. As of press time, there have been 13 cases identified in Fillmore County and two cases reported in Houston County. With an average of 25 people per square mile in Fillmore County and an average of 33 people per square mile in Houston … [Read more...]