FULDA, MN, February 25, 2026 – First National Bank (FNB) is proud to announce that it has entered into definitive agreements to acquire First State Bank of Fountain and Root River State Bank of Chatfield. The acquisition is subject to customary regulatory approvals [and is expected to close at the end of the second quarter of 2026]. With deep roots in agricultural and … [Read more...]
Chosen Valley Care Center Celebrates 50 Years of Care
Chosen Valley Care Center in Chatfield, Minn., is celebrating a milestone this year. Fifty years of providing professional and loving care, but also so much more. It is hard to put into words just how much the care center has meant to countless area residents and families over the years. Chosen Valley Care Center (CVCC) opened its doors in 1976. But it almost didn’t … [Read more...]
Big Cuts at the Sawmill
In January 2025, the Fillmore County Journal published a story in the annual Progress Edition titled “Root River Hardwoods’ 46-year Journey,” celebrating the growth of the company from humble beginnings. Right after the story appeared in the newspaper, it was announced that Root River Hardwoods, with locations in Preston, Minn., and Albert Lea, Minn., was sold to a company … [Read more...]
Three Little Birds Travel Agency Takes Flight
Nikki Olson of rural Bratsberg just launched her new business, Three Little Birds Travel Agency, on November 14, 2025. The name, Three Little Birds Travel Agency, came from her three children. Nikki felt that the fact that birds fly and travel tied in well with her company. She also enjoyed the song “Three Little Birds” by Bob Marley, feeling the song’s lines “don’t worry about … [Read more...]
Head to Caledonia for a Taste of Italy
The long-awaited opening of Caledonia’s newest eating establishment and grocery store came to fruition late last summer. Frank and Julia’s, an Italian grocer and deli, opened on July 26, 2025, and was well worth the wait. The owners, Tracey Knutson and Bryan Spier, purchased the former Albert’s grocery store on 138 S. Kingston St. in downtown Caledonia in 2021. The building … [Read more...]
Lanesboro Market is a Dream Come True
After more than two years without a grocery store the dream of having a market back in Lanesboro has come true for area residents. The manager of Lanesboro Market, Cynthia Ruen, was asked to run the market before anything else went forward. Owners of the building, Susan Schultze and Todd Readinger, as well as Lanesboro residents Phil and Heidi Dybing were happy with … [Read more...]
It’s a Win for Spring Grove
Red’s IGA in Spring Grove is well-known for its high-quality meats, exceptional customer service, competitive prices, and the distinctive red hair of the previous owner Pat Longmire, an attribute that inspired the store’s name. Wynn Nies and his wife Justine Nies purchased Red’s IGA from Pat and Debbie Longmire in January 2025. The Longmires owned and operated Red’s since … [Read more...]
Bear’s Smoke Shop Finds Its Place on Main Street in LeRoy
If you walk into a smoke shop expecting a wall of cigarettes and chewing tobacco, Bear’s Smoke Shop on LeRoy’s Main Street may surprise you. This is not a grab-a-pack-and-go kind of place. Instead, the family-owned business is built around where smoking culture has moved, focusing on vapes, hemp-derived THC products, edibles, glass, and accessories, with an emphasis on quality, … [Read more...]
Houston Legion Serving the Community Since 1920
The American Legion Post 423 was organized in 1920, almost 106 years ago. Since that time the Legion has given so much to the community of Houston. In 1987 legal gambling began at the Legion; originally physical pull tabs were sold. In recent years, the addition of e-tabs greatly increased the gambling income at the Legion. Proceeds from the gambling that are shared with … [Read more...]
Wykoff Commons Finds New Life in Former School Building
For decades, the large brick building on the edge of Wykoff served as the town’s school. Today, it operates as Wykoff Commons, a community-focused facility offering fitness, recreation, and event space while preserving one of the city’s most recognizable structures. The oldest portion of the building dates back to 1939, with additions completed in 1959, 1970, 1975 and 1986. … [Read more...]