When Jeremy DeFlorian and his wife Rita moved from Galesville, Wis., to the southeast Minnesota area due to his job with Mad City Windows and Bath, Jeremy knew he wanted to open a business here. Back in Galesville, Jeremy had owned a small boutique called Serenity River Creations & Boutique with his sister Tammi DeFlorian and a friend. Rita and Jeremy began looking for a … [Read more...]
Beaver Bottoms Saloon Under New Ownership
Although there is a new owner of Beaver Bottoms Saloon in Fountain, Minn., she is a very familiar face to those who frequent the business. Kylie Ramsey, daughter of former proprietor Jody Wiza, officially took ownership of the bar and restaurant on February 1, 2026, although she has grown up working in the business. Jody opened Beaver Bottoms Saloon in 2018 as a … [Read more...]
PACF Annual Dinner Draws a Record Crowd
The number of people in attendance at the 2026 Preston Area Community Foundation (PACF) 19th Annual Dinner and Auction on April 6 was quite impressive. With the event being held at the Branding Iron Restaurant in Preston, Minn., those in attendance filled the entire dining room with the additional bar area full of a large variety of silent auction items. Organizers of the … [Read more...]
Flex Craft Celebrates 20 Years of Innovation
Flex Craft is celebrating its 20th anniversary this year. The manufacturing company has been in business since 2006, starting in Wabasha, Minn., before relocating to Houston, Minn., in 2008. The company was started by the husband-and-wife team of Doug and Terri Sparks, originally from Beloit, Wis. Flex Craft began in humble surroundings, operating out of a high school … [Read more...]
First National Bank to Acquire First State Bank of Fountain and Root River State Bank
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...]