I’m proud to share that our team at the Fillmore County Journal won three awards at the 151st annual Minnesota Newspaper Association Convention held at The DoubleTree by Hilton in Bloominton, Minn., on Thursday, January 25, and Friday, January 26. Historically, our newspaper staff has never found enough time to submit entries for the MNA Better Newspaper Contest, but this … [Read more...]
Will Kaase run for Sheriff again?
Following Captain John DeGeorge’s announcement that he would seek the seat of Fillmore County Sheriff in the November 2018 election, the Fillmore County Journal reached out to current Sheriff Tom Kaase. Sheriff Kaase was asked if he will be seeking re-election. In an e-mail, Kaase replied “Good morning, Jason! Yes, I will be running!” No further details have been provided … [Read more...]
The two M’s: Marriage and Money
This is purely an opinion piece as it relates to couples embarking upon the unity of marriage. I recall while working at the Post-Bulletin in Rochester, I went to lunch with a co-worker. Let’s just say his name was Jerry, because his name was Jerry Boland. I had recently asked my girlfriend to marry me in September of 1999. Jerry asked me a question I hadn’t been asked … [Read more...]
One Moment, Please… Was it an eagle or a hawk?
On the first day of 2018, at approximately 9 a.m., I traveled from our home in Fountain to the Fillmore County Journal office in Preston. It was a frigid morning with the combination of wind chill and temperature dipping down around negative 35 degrees Fahrenheit. Just after passing over Watson Creek, on the right (west) side of Highway 52, I saw a large dead bird resting on … [Read more...]
One Moment, Please… Teamwork and sportsmanship
What are we teaching our kids? I recently attended both seventh and eighth grade girls basketball games in a school district in a land not-so-far away. At this event, I witnessed something quite disappointing. Much to my dismay, the referees didn’t appear to care about the safety of the players. They rarely called fouls, charging, traveling, or double-dribble. As I said … [Read more...]
A cold fire in the valley
It was a cold, long night in the Village of Fillmore, on the outskirts of Wykoff. Down in the valley, ash and snow fell in tandem as firefighters battled a house fire at Virginia Winslow’s property while enduring subzero temperatures. The Fillmore County Sheriff’s Office dispatch center received a 911 call at 2:35 p.m. on Wednesday, December 6, 2017, from the resident at … [Read more...]
One Moment, Please… Who is responsible for making our downtown communities thrive?
That has become the age old question. As a board member of the Preston Area Chamber of Commerce, I recently had someone ask me what the Chamber was doing about stimulating the downtown business community. Before I tell you how I responded, I’ll give you a little background. Over the past 40 years, many downtown communities have lost something they will never regain. … [Read more...]
Gophers will be floating in a new pool
In the November 7, 2017 ,election, the City of Chatfield answered the following question: Shall the City of Chatfield, Minnesota, be authorized to issue its general obligation bonds in an amount not to exceed $4,402,000 to finance the acquisition and betterment of a new swimming pool? Out of 433 voters, 237 voted yes while 196 said nay. The referendum passed with nearly 55% … [Read more...]
Fillmore County Turkey Day Run registration deadline is November 10
On Thursday, November 23, 2017, the Fillmore County Turkey Day Run will celebrate nine years of gobblin’ on the gravy train. The 10.3-mile event takes runners, bikers, walkers, and dog-walkers along the scenic stretch of the Root River State Bike Trail from the starting point of Riverside on the Root in Lanesboro, Minn., all the way to Trailhead Inn & Suites in Preston, … [Read more...]
One Moment, Please… Recognizing the importance of volunteerism
On Wednesday, September 6, I had the opportunity to be a part of something pretty special. Tonya Keim was going to be recognized as the KTTC AmaZing Woman, and I was asked to come and say a few words about Tonya’s contributions to our community and how she has impacted the lives of others. The KTTC TV crew was slated to arrive at Harmony Kids Learning Center, where Tonya … [Read more...]