To the Editor, A 55-megawatt data center in Harmony would represent an enormous new electrical load. By rough annual consumption, it would use about 54 times as much electricity as Harmony’s municipal system and roughly twice the electricity currently used across all of Fillmore County according to available data. That scale deserves careful scrutiny before any commitments … [Read more...]
Pailey Gordon
Writer/Reporter
pailey@fillmorecountyjournal.com
Jesus’ Parables: Storytelling, Improvisation, and Meaningmaking
By Rev. Anders Nelson Mabel-Henrytown Tri-Point Parish - Mabel First Lutheran Church, Scheie Lutheran Church and Henrytown Lutheran Church There’s something really beautiful and interesting in the way Jesus teaches his disciples and, through the beauty of the Living Word, us by means of creative storytelling and meaningmaking. Throughout these summer months, my parish has … [Read more...]
Correction
In the August 17, 2026, issue of the Fillmore County Journal, there was an error in the article titled, “Primary Sets the Table for November.” For the Spring Valley City Council, Luan Ruesink, Brent Kohn, and Greg Melartin were referenced to be included on the upcoming election ballot on November 3. Brent Eisenman will also be on the ballot for the November election. Voters … [Read more...]
O’Donnell/Randall century farm: A century-long legacy on Vinegar Hill
The O’Donnell/Randall Farm, located at 21711 Randall Drive, Houston, Minn., is a multi-generational family farm that has remained in continuous family ownership for more than 100 years. The Century Farm program, co-sponsored by the Minnesota State Fair and the Minnesota Farm Bureau, recognizes farms that have remained in the same family for at least a century. The … [Read more...]
Fillmore and Houston County Police Reports
Fillmore County Sheriff’s Office Katherine Brandes Beihl, 49, Iowa City, IA; 7/1/2026, Speeding (70/60), Fine $40, Total Fees $120. Scarlet Rose Colsch, 18, Canton, MN; 7/24/2026, Duty to Drive With Due Care - Speed Greater Than Reasonable, Fine $40, Total Fees $120. Hunter Allan Fabian, 25, Spring Valley, MN; 6/16/2026, Engage in Cellular Phone or Video Call (While … [Read more...]
Fillmore County District Court
On July 27, Joseph Wayne Hinck, 45 of Elma, Iowa, appeared before District Court Judge Jeremy Clinefelter. Hinck is charged with three felonies; Second Degree Burglary - Building - Possess Tool, Third Degree Burglary - Enters Without Consent with Intent to Steal/Commit Felony or Gross Misdemeanor, and Possession of Burglary or Theft Tools. The Second-Degree Burglary charge … [Read more...]
Pastor Devotions – The Gift of Gathering
Christ Lutheran Church, Preston “Where two or three are gathered in my name, I am there among them.” (Matthew 18:20) Recently I went to the library to check out a book. I found it easily enough, but along the way I noticed the displays: staff picks, new books, summer reads. Before I left, I had chosen a second book and enjoyed a conversation with the librarian. It was a … [Read more...]
Ask a Trooper
Question: I have a question on stop signs procedures. Can you go over this? I think it would be good for everyone to be aware as I think some people forget or get confused. Thank you for all you do. Answer: Yes, I can. That is a great topic and something that can and should be covered. Stop Signs •Come to a complete stop at stop signs. •If there is a marked stop line, stop … [Read more...]
Fillmore County Flashback – The Viking Battalion World War II
By Cheryl Boyum Eaton Peterson Museum Board Member On October 5, 2025, Olaf Minge and Kyle Ward came to Peterson, Minnesota, to talk about the Viking Battalion. They had previously visited the Peterson Station Museum, where volunteer Gail Boyum pointed out the World War II uniform of Earl Highum who had served in this battalion - noted by the Viking ship patch on his uniform … [Read more...]
Sheriff Swedberg Completes 5th Session of the National Sheriffs’ Institute Communicating for Impact Course
Sheriff Brian Swedberg of the Houston Sheriff’s Office completed participation in the 5th session of the National Sheriffs’ Institute (NSI) Leadership Development course held in Quantico, Virginia, June 15-18, 2026. This no-cost program is provided by the National Institute of Corrections (NIC), U.S. Department of Justice, in collaboration with the Major County Sheriffs of … [Read more...]