The primary election, held on Tuesday, August 13, 2024, presented another opportunity for voters to make decisions about who they want to represent them during the next election cycle. Here’s how the numbers stacked up. Congressional District 1 Incumbent Brad Finstad reeled in 30,058 votes, locking in 90.90% of the Republican votes necessary to retain his spot on the … [Read more...]
One Moment, Please… Leading Up to Election Day
By Jason Sethre, Publisher Fillmore County Journal jason@fillmorecountyjournal.com As we march towards Election Day, I want to make sure our readers are aware that, from July 1 to November 5, we will not publish Letters to the Editor or Guest Commentaries that are for or against any candidates running for office. We’ve always had this policy in place leading up to … [Read more...]
One Moment, Please… It’s More Than Sports
By Jason Sethre Publisher Fillmore County Journal jason@fillmorecountyjournal.com I’ve been in the newspaper business for well over 30 years, and our own Paul Trende is one of the most dedicated sports directors I’ve ever worked with. About a year ago, at a monthly staff meeting, Paul asked if it would be OK if he added photos to our social media from high school sporting … [Read more...]
Candlelight Vigil for Madeline Kingsbury on June 1, Her Birthday
On Saturday, June 1, 2024, starting at 7:30 p.m., there will be a candlelight vigil held in honor of Madeline Kingsbury at Levee Park in Winona, Minn. This event, which will be held on what would have been Maddi’s birthday, has been titled, “Shine Bright for Maddi and Break The Silence on Domestic Violence.” Women’s Shelter, HOPE Coalition, Winona Advocacy Center, and Bluff … [Read more...]
Father’s Day Cruise For a Cause in Honor of Madeline Kingsbury All Funds Raised Will Go Into a Fund For Her Two Children
The 2024 Father’s Day Cruise for a Cause will be in honor of Madeline Kingsbury, with all money raised going into a fund for the health, welfare, and education for her two children, Elliana and Noah. In 2023, a group including Kevin Jacobsen of Caledonia, Gina Jaquith of Chatfield, Eric Hammell of Fountain, along with myself, initiated the first-ever Father’s Day Cruise for … [Read more...]
One Moment, Please… Teacher Appreciation Week
By Jason Sethre Publisher Fillmore County Journal jason@fillmorecountyjournal.com In this week’s Fillmore County Journal, you’ll notice the annual Teacher Appreciation Week section, highlighting all of the great teachers in our coverage area. Every year since 2017, our newspaper has coordinated this section to recognize our area teachers for their important role … [Read more...]
2024 Volunteer of the Year
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...]
One Moment, Please… Is It Live or Is It Memorex?
By Jason Sethre Publisher Fillmore County Journal jason@fillmorecountyjournal.com I recall seeing those commercials when I was a kid. They started running in 1971, so that shows my age. For the “Zoomers” out there, this was back when we used audiocassette tapes to record and listen to music. It was the more compact successor of eight-track tapes. The brand … [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...]