Last year’s Volunteer of the Year was Spring Grove Fire Chief Trent Turner. This year, we have another firefighter worthy of this community award. Paul Corcoran. When it comes to emergency response, Paul is the one you want on the scene. He’s a seasoned veteran, serving in both realms of fire department and ambulance service. Paul joined the Rushford Fire … [Read more...]
His Part in Harmony’s History
“Ralph Beastrom, age 81, passed away peacefully at Methodist Hospital in Rochester on Thursday, March 7, 2024, after a difficult battle with cancer.” His obituary shared his life’s story, but sitting down with his wife Carol added to Ralph’s legacy. We usually only share a story about the Volunteer of the Year; not the runner-up. But Ralph’s impact on the community and the … [Read more...]
Famed Viking RB Spoke at PACF Dinner
On the evening of Monday, March 25, 2024, the Branding Iron hosted a large crowd for the 17th annual Preston Area Community Foundation dinner and auction. Board member Alison Leathers welcomed the crowd, with Pastor Kris Kincaid giving the invocation. Leathers presented the “year in review” with Sheila Craig sharing information on behalf of the Preston Historical … [Read more...]
Jones Sentenced to 27 Months
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...]