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...]
Pailey Gordon
Writer/Reporter
pailey@fillmorecountyjournal.com
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...]
Growing a Better Garden, One Season at a Time
Summer has always been my favorite season. I love the feeling of warm sunshine, fresh air, and endless days spent outside. Whether I’m playing fetch with our dog, hammocking on the deck, or working away in my garden, there’s just something magical about this time of year. The garden is, without a doubt, my happy place. Each year my husband and I try to make our garden a bit … [Read more...]
Just Having Fun!!! Laughter, Giggles, And Orange Hair!!!
By Pastor Mark Woodward Maple Leaf Parish of the UMC Cherry Grove, Fountain, Preston, and Spring Valley: Faith Churches (and Lenora) Just having fun! Here’s a picture of two of my granddaughters having fun with grandpa! How do you like my new hairstyle? We were having a happy and fun time together during the week of the Fillmore County Fair. There was a lot of … [Read more...]
Fillmore and Houston County Police Reports
Caledonia Police Department Ashley Rae Beck, 44, Cresco, IA; 7/13/2026, Failure to Stop for Traffic Control Signal, Fine $50, Total Fees $125. Trenton Paul Kleven, 30, Caledonia, MN; 6/28/2026, Speeding (40/30), Fine $40, Total Fees $115. Christopher Dewayne Mitchell Sr., 37, La Crosse, WI; 5/10/2026, Driving Without a Valid License for Vehicle Class or Type, Fine $100, … [Read more...]