After a number of rescheduled sentence hearings, Mindy Jo Jones had her day in court on Friday, March 29, 2024. And, so did her victim, Marsha Angell, of New Hampton, Iowa. Starting in 2020, and the months that would follow, Angell was swindled out of $32,417.67 by Jones in a scheme involving multiple dishonored checks. At the time, Jones had opened a retail location named … [Read more...]
Winona Judge Issues Restrictive Order on Public Access to Audio and Video Statements
Adam Fravel, 30, who is facing two counts of 1st Degree Murder and two counts of 2nd Degree Murder in the death of Madeline Kingsbury, appeared in court on Tuesday, March 19, 2024, for the first of three pre-trial omnibus hearings. Kingsbury was reported missing on Friday, March 31, 2023, with her body discovered on June 7, 2023, hidden in a culvert along Highway 43 in eastern … [Read more...]
Journal Wins 17 Awards at MNA Convention
At the 157th annual convention held in Brooklyn Center, Minn., in early February, the Journal staff raked in 17 awards in the categories of news reporting, advertising excellence, and online presence. Judges evaluated each newspaper compared to others of the same size circulation in the State of Minnesota, awarding first, second and third place winners in each … [Read more...]
Caucus Night for DFL and GOP
On the eve of Tuesday, February 27, 2024, politically interested individuals gathered at caucus precincts throughout the State of Minnesota. In total, caucuses were held in 4,002 precincts across the state. This grassroots process presents an opportunity for residents to share their thoughts with hopes of influencing which candidates and issues gain support for their … [Read more...]
Mindy Jones Jailed Prior to Sentencing
Mindy Jo Jones was scheduled to appear in Fillmore County District Court for sentencing on Monday, February 12, but was unable to appear due to a medical emergency. Due to Jones’ unavailability on Monday, February 12, a continuance of the sentencing hearing was scheduled for February 16. Found Guilty Fillmore County Judge Jeremy L. Clinefelter found Mindy Jo Jones guilty … [Read more...]
Amish Buggy Accident – Hit and Run
According to the Fillmore County Sheriff’s Office, on Friday, February 16, 2024, at approximately 10:05 p.m., the department received 911 calls indicating there was a crash in the 29000 block of County Road 1 in rural Spring Valley, Minn. The news release stated, “Initial reports indicated that a vehicle had struck and Amish buggy with several occupants. Deputies responded to … [Read more...]
Twin Sisters Charged in Fatal Amish Buggy Accident
Samantha Jo Petersen, 35, is facing 21 criminal charges relating to a fatal accident on the morning of September 25, 2023, that claimed the lives of two Amish children. Her twin sister, Sarah Beth Petersen, is facing 16 criminal charges relating to the same fatal accident. Back on September 25, 2023, a horse drawn Amish buggy carting four children on County Road 1 in the … [Read more...]
One Moment, Please… All this Flag Business
By Jason SethrePublisher Fillmore County Journal jason@fillmorecountyjournal.com There’s been a lot of chatter about the new Minnesota state flag and seal to become official on May 12, 2024. I’ve been watching, reading, and listening to all sides on the matter. I haven’t thought much about the Minnesota state flag since we had to study state history in grade … [Read more...]
2023 Business Person of the Year: Suzanne Gardner 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 and … [Read more...]
Jones Faces Sentencing on February 12
Fillmore County Judge Jeremy L. Clinefelter found Mindy Jo Jones guilty of eight out of 14 counts. Jones was found guilty on the charges of two counts of Theft by Swindle, two counts of Theft by Check, three counts of Theft Take/Use/Transfer Movable Property-No Consent, and one count of Issuance Dishonored Check-Offense. While Mindy Jones owned and operated a retail store … [Read more...]
One Moment, Please… One Person Can Change the World
Because I said I would. There’s something special about those words. It’s about making promises and keeping them. This was the foundation for a presentation given by world renowned speaker and social movement leader Alex Sheen. This past week, I had the opportunity to attend an event held at the Chatfield Center for the Arts in Chatfield, Minn., and I’m glad I made the … [Read more...]
Alex Sheen: because I said I would.
There will be an inspirational speaker taking the stage in Fillmore County in the very near future. On Wednesday, December 6, 2023, internationally-respected thought leader Alex Sheen will share his story and how he encourages people to fulfill their life ambitions. How to make and keep promises to yourself and others. After his father lost his battle with cancer, Sheen … [Read more...]
How They Voted on Election Day
In some precincts, voter participation was low. But, depending on the decisions on the ballot, some precincts saw a flood of voters at the polls. Here’s how the numbers stacked up. City of Rushford Election For the City of Rushford, incumbent Terri Benson ran unopposed, earning 96.43% of the votes. There were a total of 84 votes cast for this election. Leigh Volkman … [Read more...]
One Moment, Please… Our Readers Make It Happen Again
You’ll probably notice a very nice cookbook titled Tasty Temptations in this week’s issue of the Fillmore County Journal. This is our 14th annual cookbook appearing in the newspaper, blessed with recipes shared by your family and friends from the region. On Saturday, October 12, 2023, we coordinated our annual cooking contest at Rushford Foods. Historically, the cooking … [Read more...]
Culture and Community: The Irreplaceable Volunteer
I sat down with Sheila Craig at her kitchen table in rural Preston, Minn. Her husband Norm sat in another room, while I conducted the interview. Norm and Sheila, who have been married since 1969, raised two sons, Andy, 45, and Lee, 41. Norm, who is from Everly, Iowa, met Sheila at Iowa State University. Here’s what I learned... Hailing from Decorah, Iowa, Sheila … [Read more...]