Mike Zimmer touched generations of people, leaving countless memories that reached far beyond Fillmore County. Born January 29, 1960, to Edward Zimmer and Rita Heusinkveld, He graduated from Spring Valley High School in 1980. Mike married his sweetheart, Debbie Marr, and together they raised Logan, Morgan and Regan, centering their life on family, service and their … [Read more...]
Nathaniel Drees’ Prayer Service – Matthew 18:20
Hundreds gathered at Saint Ignatius Catholic Church, August 18, 2026, to give and receive support after the tragic death of Nathaniel Drees, son of Joe and Santi Drees of Spring Valley. In his 17 years, Nathaniel touched countless lives through church, school, work, sports, and music. The candlelight service filled the church, grounds and parking area. Father Gregory Parrott … [Read more...]
History Written in Stone Preserved by Gary and Deb Anderson
When history is written in stone, preserving it takes a great deal of planning, an eye for detail, and hard physical labor. Gary and Deb (Olsen) Anderson of rural Chatfield indeed have a desire to maintain the history of a Fillmore County stone barn. This couple not only has studied the historic account of Thomas Ferguson, who along with his wife Jane and seven children … [Read more...]
Bluebirds – The Perfect Neighbors
“I read once that if bluebirds were your neighbors, they would have the neatest houses, their children would be the best behaved, and they would have the sweetest voices in the church choir,” shared Mary C. Bailey, county coordinator for Olmsted and Fillmore Counties with the Bluebird Program of Minnesota. “That said,” she added, “There is nothing negative about this species, … [Read more...]
Bluff Country Singers Spring Concert – End of an Era for the Grandalls
The Bluff Country Singers’ Spring Concert on April 26, 2026, directed by Elliott Grandall, will feature a variety of songs, instrumental accompanists, and the vibrant voices of many Fillmore County residents. This non-auditioned community choir which has been rehearsing together twice a month since January has a bittersweet tone with the realization that it will be the last … [Read more...]
Launching Seed Library in Spring Valley
The seed of gardening joy was planted in Fillmore County Master Gardener, Magali Disdier by her grandparents who were farmers. “One of my grandfather’s hobbies was to graft all his fruit trees in his orchard,” commented Magali. This love of flourishing flora, as well as the desire to encourage others to explore the concept of gardening, inspired Magali to start a local seed … [Read more...]
Veterans Experience A Welcome Home
When the North Star and Freedom Honor Flight delegations returned from their one day trips to Washington, D.C., crowds of people lined the airports of Rochester and La Crosse to welcome them back home. “That’s not the way it was when we returned from Vietnam,” remarked Mike Lane of Chatfield, “it took 50 years before I heard ‘Welcome Home’ after my time serving in Vietnam.” … [Read more...]
Golden Twin Toy Drive
Twin sisters Rachel and Faith Knopps of Spring Valley project a generosity inspiring others. By gathering, then delivering toys, they have created a nonprofit dedicated to bringing joy into the lives of children who are hospitalized. Growing up in southwestern Minnesota with a brother who frequently was a patient at Gillette Children’s Hospital in Saint Paul has influenced … [Read more...]
Peonies Flourish for Melissa McGowan
Breathtakingly beautiful flowers have been appreciated for over 28 years at the Rochester Farmers Market because of the diligent work of peony agriculturist Melissa (King) McGowan of rural Spring Valley, Minn. Melissa’s passion for these massive and fragrant blossoms goes beyond her personal joy of being surrounded by their beauty. Excitement is evident each spring as people … [Read more...]
Historic Forestville Ending Interpretive Tours
An irony existed when the banks of the Root River could not contain recent rainfall amounts temporarily closing Historic Forestville just days before the Minnesota Historic Society announced that on September 1, 2025, this site dedicated to preserving rural history in Minnesota would be closing. Will this closure be similar to a time over a hundred years ago when Thomas … [Read more...]