On August 1, 2016, Jana Elton’s (Masters) business doubled in size as she purchased Town & Country Abstracting in Preston, Minn., and combined it with the business she already owned to create Fillmore-Houston County Abstract and Title LLC. Elton grew up in Canton, Minn., and graduated from Mabel-Canton school and worked in Fillmore County for many years, so she is not only … [Read more...]
SMIF’s local community foundations raise $48,000 on Give to the Max Day
Owatonna, MN, November 18, 2016 - Now in its eighth year, Minnesota’s Give to the Max day had a record setting year, bringing in $20.1 million in donations. Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation (SMIF) and its affiliate funds raised $48,000, with some matching dollars still to be totaled. SMIF oversees 26 community foundations in its 20 county region. Once again, the … [Read more...]
Family-owned bank celebrates 160 years in business
“All we have to sell is service.” Charles Johnson Sr. made that statement the motto of the Root River State Bank in Chatfield and today, his son, Charles Johnson Jr. carries on his father’s legacy. It’s been 160 years since the Root River State Bank in Chatfield, Minn., opened its doors. In that time, it’s been owned by three different families, first by J.C. Easton who … [Read more...]
Mabel Lumber fills the need for local building supplies
By Julie Little Orel Tollefson has had the notion of opening a lumber store ever since Hagen Lumber in Mabel closed 15 years ago. He knew that with his busy construction business (Tollefson Construction) he would always have at least one steady customer. But he wanted a partner. His sons had helped him, learning the building trade with hands-on experience throughout their … [Read more...]
Sheriff Tom Kaase completes 111th session of National Sheriffs’ Institute
AURORA, CO - Sheriff Tom Kaase of the Fillmore County Sheriff s Office completed participation in the 111th session of the National Sheriffs’ Institute (NSI) held in Aurora, Colo., September 19-23, 2016. The NSI is the only national executive development program designed for sheriffs. This no-cost program is co-sponsored by the National Institute of Corrections (NIC) and the … [Read more...]
2017 community banker elected to the ICBA Federal Delegate Board
Local leader helps deliver community banking voice to nation’s capital WASHINGTON D.C. — The Independent Community Bankers of America® (ICBA) announced that local community banker Dan Christianson, CEO of the $120 million F & M Community Bank based in Preston, Minn., was elected to the ICBA Federal Delegate Board. ICBA is the nation’s voice for community banks. “I am … [Read more...]
AcenTek donates to Veteran’s Memorial Park, Rushford
RUSHFORD - On Thursday, September 29 the AcenTek Foundation presented Veteran’s Memorial Park in Rushford with a $2,500 donation to be used for concrete expenses. The AcenTek Foundation is proud to support this important community project. The concept and design of Veteran’s Memorial park was inspired by Maynard LaFleur, who felt strongly that the Rushford area needed an … [Read more...]
Farmers Co-op Elevator in Houston earns impressive HACCP certification
In recent years, sweeping food safety reform has led to monumental changes in the food system, including how livestock feeds are manufactured. In 2011, the Food Safety Modernization Act (FMSA) was put into law. This mandated science-based preventative controls across the food supply chain for all food and feed facilities by the Food and Drug Administration. The biggest reform … [Read more...]
The flavor of Italy comes to Rushford Peterson Valley
The charm and warmth of Italian essence resonates with us through its mouthwatering cuisine. Brimming with taste, color, life, and freshness, it’s a favorite among Americans. Finding authentic, Italian cuisine can be a challenge, with limited access in greater Minnesota regions like Fillmore County. This month, that changes as Rushford welcomes a new restaurant, Il … [Read more...]
Linda Horihan Agency now Horihan Insurance
Linda Horihan Agency is pleased to announce that they are in the process of updating their name to Horihan Insurance. The change includes a new blue and orange logo to represent the agency’s four locations in Rushford, Rochester, Winona, and Lewiston. The Winona branch office has also recently moved from sharing space with Lyle’s Flooring America in Minnesota City to its own … [Read more...]





