Josh Krage and Dennis Overland are independent insurance agents. Krage’s office is in Lanesboro, while Overland is based in Rushford. One might think they’d be fierce competitors, but they actually help each other out, and nowadays, both Krage and Overland serve on the state board of Professional Insurance Agents (PIA), which promotes independent insurance agents, and … [Read more...]
Rich Wicks
Reporter
rich@fillmorecountyjournal.com
What's an Iowegian doing writing for the Journal? That's a mystery. All
we really know is that Rich lives in Cresco (Iowa), and when he's not
working, he can often be spotted chasing his wife and kids around the
neighborhood, hollering, "Uff da, slow down!"
Kingsland discusses trips abroad
All Kingsland School Board members (Board chair Jackie Horsman, Maranda Emig, Natasha Howard, Tiffany Mundfrom, Leah Stier, Kyle Rader and Superintendent James Hecimovich) were present at the board’s monthly “work session” meeting on November 4. Principal Scott Klavetter also attended. Spanish teacher Morgan Jacobson addressed the board regarding preliminary plans for an … [Read more...]
FC grads make a career in Armed Forces
Two Fillmore-Central High School graduates have taken different paths in the military, but both are now stationed in Miami, Florida. Becky (Polzin) Wyness serves in the Coast Guard, while David Fink serves in the Army. They recently agreed to share their stories with the Journal. Becky Wyness explained that, “I grew up in Preston, but we moved around a lot. I lived in … [Read more...]
League of Minnesota Cities meeting hosted in Spring Valley
On October 30, Spring Valley hosted a Greater Minnesota Regional meeting of the League of Minnesota Cities (LMC). The event was co-sponsored by the Southeast Minnesota League of Municipalities. Running from 2-8pm at the Spring Valley Community Center, the event offered informational sessions throughout the afternoon and evening, targeting topics of interest to city officials … [Read more...]
Spring Valley Council discusses sewer issues
Sewer repairs and issues were addressed during the regular meeting of the Spring Valley City Council on October 28, with all members present (Mayor Tony Archer, Luan Ruesink, Chris Danielson, John Dols, Mike Hadland and City Administrator Deb Zimmer). Immediately prior to the meeting, a public hearing was held regarding a residential property in violation of City Code 90.55 … [Read more...]
Serio Farms hydroponics is really growing
Autumn is the season of abundance, with fresh local produce available in backyards and farmers markets. But before we know it, winter arrives, and most of our “fresh” produce actually spends many days being shipped thousands of miles to our area. Wouldn’t it be wonderful if we could get fresh, local produce all year long? Thanks to Andrew Serio, owner of Serio Farms, that … [Read more...]
Kingsland shares info for upcoming vote
On October 21, the Kingsland School Board held an informational meeting at 6 p.m. in the Kingsland Café, on the topic of the upcoming levy referendum, which will be on the November 5 ballot. Superintendent James Hecimovich opened the meeting, and stated that although the attendance was small, the board feels it’s important to offer such meetings, so that any interested … [Read more...]
Like true love, a Packard lasts forever
Imagine your wedding day. Now imagine that after the ceremony, a friend takes you and your spouse for a ride around town in a classic car. Now imagine that 60 years later, the same friend takes you both on a ride again, in the same car. It seems like something that could only happen in a Hollywood film studio, but it recently happened in Chatfield. Florence and Sharon … [Read more...]
Mustangs make memories for Danielson family
Ryan Danielson grew up in a car-loving family. His father, Ron Danielson, owned a body shop for many years, and also ran a car dealership, so motor oil is in his blood, so to speak. Ryan explained that in 2015, he gave up drinking, adding, “I am a recovering alcoholic, and this (2007 Shelby GT 500 Mustang) was my one-year sobriety gift to myself.” Ryan said that for a … [Read more...]
Mabel-Canton to recognize North Winn connection
The Mabel-Canton School Board met in regular session on October 15. All members were present (Mark Wiedemann, Jason Marquardt, Traci Livingood, Chris Miller, Principal Michelle Weidemann, high school Secretary Lynette Donald, Business Manager Aimee Lake, Superintendent Gary Kuphal, Diane Wilder, Board chair Cristal Adkins and Chris Loppnow). The board heard an appeal from … [Read more...]
Spring Valley sets hearing on junk violation
Immediately prior to Spring Valley’s city council meeting on October 14, a public hearing was held regarding a proposal for the city to vacate a portion of Griswold Street. The portion is described as “that part of Griswold Street which runs east of the intersection of Griswold Street and Highway 16.” No citizens commented during the public hearing, so it was then closed. … [Read more...]
There’s no stopping Pam Kunert
Although Pam Kunert says she is “of retirement age,” she has no plans to stop working anytime soon. For the past 10 years, she has worked at Traditions of Preston, an assisted living facility with a capacity of 26 residents. Regarding her time at Traditions, Pam explains, “I was the nurse here for eight years, and then I became the housing director and the nurse for two … [Read more...]
Michelle Quanrud finds her niche in web design
Like most people, Michelle Quanrud’s career path has not been a straight line. She’s worked in a variety of jobs, but since 2010, she’s worked for SMG Web Design and she recently took time to explain her job and what’s kept her at it for nine years. “Jason (Sethre) who owns the Fillmore County Journal also started SMG Web Design 10 years ago, and originally I came on just … [Read more...]
Pork is a Bergey family tradition
Brandon, Brock, and Brady Bergey have a fun hobby that allows them to combine family time, attending local celebrations, and savoring some awfully good food along the way. The three brothers operate as a team known as Bergey Boys Blazing BBQ, and they recently sat down to talk about their hobby. Having grown up on the family farm near Canton, Brady stated, “Our parents … [Read more...]
Kingsland addresses paraprofessional shortage
All Kingsland School Board members (Board chair Jackie Horsman, Maranda Emig, Natasha Howard, Tiffany Mundfrom, Leah Stier, Kyle Rader and Superintendent James Hecimovich) were present at the board’s monthly “work session” meeting on October 7. Principal Scott Klavetter was also on hand, and spoke to the board about an ongoing shortage of paraprofessional staff. Klavetter … [Read more...]