4-H Club Legend BHSS - Black Hammer Swift Scooters; BW - Brownsville Wildcats; CR - Caledonia Rockets; HNH - Hearts and Hooves; HC - Hokah Chiefs; HCSS - Houston County Sharpshooters; IND - Independent; LCTL - La Crescent Tiger Lilies; LCAB - La Crescent Apple Blossoms; LL - Lazy Lopers; MBRS - Mayville Blue Ribbon Strivers; MCL - Money Creek Livewires; NN - Newhouse … [Read more...]
Won’t You Take Me To Tiny Town
I recently had the pleasure of spending some time with the Huntingtons, and talking about a little town with a big draw that rests upon a hilltop on the backside of their farm. When Bob and Carol Huntington purchased their 168 acre farm back in December 1979, they probably didn’t envision how this property would some day become the center of attention for their … [Read more...]
Miranda Schroeder Competes for Princess Kay of the Milky Way
Nineteen-year-old Miranda Schroeder, of Caledonia, Minn., represented Houston County in the 71st Princess Kay of the Milky Way competition at the 2024 Minnesota State Fair. Left, Schroeder is posing alongside her butter sculpture. Her mom and dad, Daniel and Sheila Schroeder are also shown along with Miranda inside the cooler. Miranda is a student at Minnesota State College … [Read more...]
Trouble Shooter, the End of an Era
In 1984, four high school boys got together and formed the band Trouble Shooter in Rushford. Rod and Bruce Darr, Dennis Overland and Dan Erickson began practicing in Jardiene and Irene Overland’s garage in South Rushford and decided they sounded pretty good together. Soon they went on to play at Rushford Days and took their first paying job at the VFW. From June 1984 to the … [Read more...]
Fillmore County Fair Open Class Results
Arts & Crafts Grand Champion Patty LeMay, Lanesboro; Reserve Champion Thomas Hogue, Preston Baking Grand Champion Susan Nash. Wykoff; Reserve Champion Ruth Eickhoff, Wykoff; Adult Champion Ann Sparks, Preston; Youth Grand Champion Blair Faulhaber, Lanesboro; Youth Reserve Champion Audra Otto, Harmony Canning Grand Champion Jen Dornink, Preston; Reserve … [Read more...]
Fillmore County Fair Non-livestock Results
4-H Club Legend AHF - Arendahl Hi-Flyers, BC - Bloomfied Cloverleaves, CC - Carimona Cruisers, CW - Challenging Workers, HHH - Harmony Helping Hands, I - Independent, LL - Lanesboro Livewires, MBB - Mabel Busy Bees, NGG - Norway Go-Getters, Racine RR - Racine Rural Rookies, Root RR - Root River Rabbits Bicycle Champion Jimmy Mettler, CW Child & Family … [Read more...]
Spring Grove Unites To Tackle Daycare Challenge With Optimism and Teamwork
Following the sudden closure of Spring Grove’s Little Gnome Daycare and Preschool, on the morning of August 10, social media was quickly abuzz with the news. The center shut its doors without any prior notice. Owner Quentin Thorson shared the following statement with the Fillmore County Journal, “Thank you for reaching out and drawing attention to the financial challenges of … [Read more...]
Pedaling Through Bluff Country
Discover 100 miles of all-weather bike trails weaving through scenic Bluff Country. Whether you’re a first-time rider or a seasoned trail enthusiast, the experience promises excitement and novelty with every journey. Riders of any age or proficiency level are ensured an unforgettable adventure along the scenic bike trails of Bluff Country, beckoning them to return for more. … [Read more...]
Tessmers Named Houston County Farm Family of the Year
The David and Sara Tessmer family of Caledonia has been named Houston County’s “2024 Farm Family of the Year” by the University of Minnesota. The Tessmer farm was founded in the 1870s and is a fifth-generation farm. David and Sara are taking over the family farm from David’s father, Eugene. The Tessmers have a corn, soybean and hay cash crop operation, do custom harvesting, … [Read more...]
Eager To Challenge Yourself And Test Your Skills?
If you’re eager to test your skills, head to Spring Valley, Minn, from August 13-18, for Ag Days. This annual celebration holds the record for offering the most contests, competitions and tournaments, with the largest variety for all ages and interests. There are 26 different contests waiting for participants to sign up for. President Stacey Rath invites Fillmore County … [Read more...]
Pull on Your Boots; Head Over to Western Days
There are new events scheduled this year for youth at Chatfield’s 57th Annual Western Days celebration, August 8-11. The fun starts off on Wednesday with a horseshoe medallion hunt. The first clue will be posted on the festival’s Facebook page at 11 a.m. Head over to the city pool to cool off during the open swim session from 1-5 p.m. and 7-9 p.m. on Wednesday and again … [Read more...]
Rob and Bettie Bunke Celebrate 75th Anniversary
“As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.” Joshua 24:15 was the Bunkes’ wedding verse when they got married 75 years ago. They have lived by that verse all these years. Rob declared, “I tell the Lord everyday how thankful I am for Bettie!” Rob and Bettie first met when Rob, a farm boy from Hart, came to town for a basketball game. Bettie, a town girl who lived in … [Read more...]
The Music Runs Deep
For Arland Folstad of Spring Grove, music has always been a cherished hobby, though his primary career was farming. Music runs deep in the Folstad family. Ninety-two-year-old Folstad, of Norwegian descent, was born to Martin and Olga (Klegseth) Folstad. Among his siblings were Elmer, recognized for playing the piano with the Cutters; Beatrice, Melvin, … [Read more...]
Everyone Loves a Celebration!
Join the town of Lanesboro, Minn., in celebrating the 40th Annual Buffalo Bill Days, August 2, 3 and 4. Buffalo Bill Days has something for everyone to enjoy! Everyone loves a parade! This year’s Grand Marshals are Jerod Wagner and Jim Iverson. The two men have collectively served their community as volunteer firefighters for 70 years. Everyone loves a family movie under … [Read more...]
Passport Not Needed
A passport is not needed to experience the heritage and culture of the Scandinavian countries of Norway, Sweden, Finland, Denmark and Iceland during the 57th Annual Nordic Fest celebration in Decorah, Iowa, July 25-7. This year’s Nordic Fest theme is Uff Da! Uff Da is a familiar Norwegian phrase heard throughout Bluff County and is said after hearing bad news. “Nordic … [Read more...]