By Jason Sethre Publisher Fillmore County Journal jason@fillmorecountyjournal.com It seems like the month of November moves along pretty fast. Thanksgiving Day arrives and before we know it we are gearing up for Christmas. This is a special time of year. Small Business Saturday This week’s newspaper includes a section promoting our local small businesses … [Read more...]
One Moment, Please… Ads You Can Trust
By Jason Sethre Publisher Fillmore County Journal jason@fillmorecountyjournal.com This past week, I heard the news that Mark Zuckerberg dropped from the third richest person in the world to sixth, watching his net worth decline by $29.2 billion. As his company Meta (Facebook) pivots resources to artificial intelligence, investors were left unsettled as the stock … [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...]
One Moment, Please… Kids Are Missing Out
By Jason Sethre Publisher Fillmore County Journal jason@fillmorecountyjournal.com Since 1940, the Newspaper Association Managers (NAM) has promoted National Newspaper Week, which is on the calendar for October 5 to October 11 this year. While this editorial could focus on fostering an appreciation for local journalism or the importance of a free press in a … [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...]
One Moment, Please… USPS (lack of) Communication and Transparency
By Jason Sethre Publisher Fillmore County Journal jason@fillmorecountyjournal.com One of the stories in this week’s newspaper relates to a USPS semi-trailer that burst into flames along Highway 52 north of Rochester. The Oronoco Fire Department responded and extinguished the fire within a short window of time, so traffic could resume on Highway 52. At the time … [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...]