The newspaper business has been a part of my life for nearly 40 years, dating back to my early days as a Post-Bulletin route carrier. As many in our industry would say, “I have ink in my blood.” It’s truly a privilege to do what I do; to work with the people I work with. We have an amazing team that continuously strives to improve both our content and our presentation of … [Read more...]
Culture & Community This Ex-Amish Life: Eddie Swartzentruber
I had the opportunity to sit down with Eddie Swartzentruber and his wife Karwyn for about three hours at Estelle’s Eatery & Bar in Harmony, Minn., to discuss his life’s story. For those of you who don’t know, Eddie has become a mega ex-Amish superstar, interviewed by major TV networks and media nationwide. He’s become a social media sensation. He told me he was offered a … [Read more...]
One Moment, Please… The failing leadership of USPS
By Jason Sethre Publisher Fillmore County Journal jason@fillmorecountyjournal.com First, I want to say that my beef with the USPS has nothing to do with anyone at a local level. Our local USPS postmasters, clerks and route drivers are absolutely wonderful to work with. They are dedicated, and they truly care about providing the best possible service. My issues are with … [Read more...]
Fravel’s attorney seeks police body camera footage
In the Adam Fravel case, an omnibus hearing originally scheduled for July 20, 2023, in the Winona County District Court, was postponed to September 22. Fravel has been charged with two counts of second-degree murder for allegedly killing Madeline Kingsbury, his former partner and the mother of their two children. Kingsbury went missing on March 31, 2023, and her remains were … [Read more...]
Father’s Day Cruise for a Cause raises $13,250
The weekend of Father’s Day was quite amazing for many reasons. The Caledonia Founder’s Day Randy Klinski Memorial Car Show drew a large crowd on Saturday, June 17. It was a hot, sunny day, which has become the norm lately. There were food vendors, bean bag tournaments, arts and crafts, boutique clothing and accessories for sale. It was a busy place with more than 80 vehicles … [Read more...]
One Moment, Please… Madeline brought domestic violence to the forefront
By Jason Sethre Publisher Fillmore County Journal jason@fillmorecountyjournal.com Madeline Kingsbury could have been anyone’s daughter, sister, mother, friend or co-worker. Her life ended in tragedy, with her body found in rural Fillmore County, Minn., on June 7, 2023. While it wasn’t the outcome anyone wanted to believe was possible, it provided closure for the … [Read more...]
One Moment, Please… Now that you’ve graduated
With our daughter graduating from high school this year, we’ve attended quite a few ceremonies and open houses. It’s been truly wonderful seeing these kids grow up together, from pre-school on up to commencement. I’ve heard it so many times from those older and wiser than me, “They grow up so fast.” It’s true. And, it’s full of mixed emotions. As parents, we have so … [Read more...]
Timeline for Adam Fravel’s crimes against Madeline Kingsbury
On June 7, 2023, 29-year-old Adam Taylor Fravel of Mabel, Minn., was taken into custody for the alleged murder of Madeline Kingsbury, 26, of Winona, Minn. The Winona County District Court made court documents publicly available on June 9, 2023, revealing a Statement of Probable Cause to support charges against Adam Fravel for two counts of Murder in the Second Degree. Both … [Read more...]
Fundraising events for Father’s Day weekend
This upcoming Father’s Day weekend is going to be extra special. Dads like cars, and dads like helping people. This Father’s Day weekend will bring it all together. Caledonia Founder’s Day is scheduled for June 15 through June 18 in Caledonia, Minn. On Saturday, June 17, the Randy Klinski Memorial Car Show will take place from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. This 10th annual event, … [Read more...]
Fravel arrested and charged with murder
On Wednesday, June 7, 2023, there was a new development in the case of Madeline (Maddi) Kingsbury’s disappearance. Adam Taylor Fravel, age 29, was booked in the Winona County Jail at 7:12 p.m. on June 7, 2023, charged with Murder - 2nd Degree - With Intent - Not Premeditated. During a press conference at 1 p.m. on Thursday, June 8, 2023, Winona Police Chief Tom Williams … [Read more...]
Fravel seeks custody of children, Maddi Kingsbury still missing
Madeline Kingsbury, 26, disappeared on the morning of Friday, March 31, 2023. She didn’t show up for work, and she didn’t pick up her children at daycare at the end of the day. She just vanished. While Maddi lived in Winona County, law enforcement has been seeking answers relating to her disappearance in Fillmore and Houston Counties. In April, for several weeks in a … [Read more...]
One Moment, Please… We are fortunate in so many ways
By Jason Sethre Publisher Fillmore County Journal jason@fillmorecountyjournal.com This is the seventh consecutive year in which the Fillmore County Journal has recognized a Teacher of the Year from our coverage area, and I am so grateful to everyone involved in this recognition. When we initiated this idea, we wanted to show our appreciation for teachers during Teacher … [Read more...]
New request to property owners in Madeline Kingsbury case
Madeline Kingsbury, age 26 and residing in Winona with her two young children, has not been seen since the morning of Friday, March 31, 2023. After nearly one month since her disappearance, with thousands of concerned citizens searching properties in Fillmore and Houston Counties, the search continues. The Winona Police Department issued the following statement on April 26, … [Read more...]
Father’s Day Cruise for a Cause
This upcoming Father’s Day is going to be extra special. Dads like cars, and dads like helping people. So, why not have an event that gets fathers out on the roadways of scenic bluff country, and raise some money for an important cause along the way? On Sunday, June 18, 2023, Visit Bluff Country Magazine will be hosting the first-ever “Father’s Day Cruise for a Cause.” … [Read more...]
Missing: Madeline Kingsbury
Winona Police Chief Tom Williams held a press conference at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, April 5, 2023, relating to the disappearance of Madeline (Maddi) Kingsbury. Maddi, 26, a mother of two young children, has been missing since the early morning of March 31, 2023. The father of her children went with her to drop their children off at daycare shortly after 8 a.m. According to a … [Read more...]