“It’s never you. Until it is you,” whispered Andrew Serio of Preston, encapsulating the shocking reality that many of us often overlook. On the crisp morning of February 25, 2025, just as the sun began to cast its golden light over the landscape, Andrew’s phone rang, breaking the peaceful silence of his routine. It was a call no husband ever pictures receiving, the kind that … [Read more...]
Abrahamson Retires as Holt Township Treasurer after 60 years
There are certain people in life that you can always count on to step up and stand out. Philip Abrahamson is one of those people for many reasons. In this specific instance, we are talking about Abrahamson’s 60 years of service to Holt Township as the treasurer of the township board. The Holt Township Board consists of Loren Berge - chairman, Don Ruen - supervisor, Karroll … [Read more...]
Total Car Care Leveling Up With the Launch of Total Powersports!
In the 1990s, something began to capture the public’s attention: electric bicycles, or e-bikes. These were not just any bicycles; they were battery-operated. E-bikes first gained popularity in Europe and Asia, and by 1998, they started appearing in U.S. cities like San Francisco, New York, and Portland. They have since spread to many other areas. With the stunning trails in … [Read more...]
Minnesota Driftless Hiking Trail Stepping Forward
At the February 25 commission meeting, Minnesota Driftless Hiking Trail executive director, Alexa Shapiro, updated the Houston County Board of Commissioners on the progress of the 100-mile hiking trail scheduled to be built through Fillmore and Houston Counties. Chairman Eric Johnson called the regularly scheduled meeting of the board to order at 9 a.m., followed by the … [Read more...]
Lanesboro Memorial Ice Fishing Tournament Warms the Heart
In the cold of winter, a large crowd could be found on the ice at the bass pond in Lanesboro for an event that makes even the coldest of days bearable. No matter the temperature and no matter the weather, they have been there with ice fishing poles in hand. What began as The SnotRocket Ice Fishing Tournament has evolved in several ways over the years. It has come to mean … [Read more...]
Emma Illg and Malia Tessum Travel to India
Two Fillmore County women got to experience the business world in India first hand last month. Emma Illg of Harmony and Malia Michelfelder Tessum of Lanesboro were chosen to be part of a group of six students from the College of Saint Benedict and St. John’s University’s global business program to study abroad in India. Professor Kingshuk Mukherjee had presented the study … [Read more...]
Ostrander Council Greenlights Lawn Mower Purchase, Reinstates Utility Late Fees, and Prepares for Uff Da Day
The Ostrander City Council held its regular meeting on February 4 at 6:30 p.m., with all members present. Mayor Stephanie Start presided over the meeting, joined by council members Dan Hellerud, DJ Start, Jimmie Dean and Lyn Massey-Mills. City Clerk Wendy Brincks was also in attendance. One of the first matters on the agenda was an equipment upgrade for the city’s maintenance … [Read more...]
Houston County Public Health and Community Services Building to Undergo Renovation
At the February 4 Houston County Commission meeting, the bid for the Public Health and Community Services interior improvement project was accepted. The scope of the project includes remodeling the front office area of the building. “It’s going to make space better for all services that we operate,” said Public Health Supervisor Jordan Knoke. “We’re also increasing security … [Read more...]
Red Kettles: A Beacon of Hope for Those in Need
In the year 1891, in the bustling city of San Francisco, a compassionate man named Captain Joseph McFee recognized a heartbreaking reality; countless individuals and families struggling in poverty were unable to afford a warm Christmas meal. Driven by a deep sense of empathy, he initiated a remarkable effort to provide not only holiday meals but also Christmas trees for those … [Read more...]
2024 Business Persons of the Year Ninnemans Receive Award of Excellence From Journal Readers
As a newspaper, we have an opportunity to bring people together for a common good. To inspire and foster positive news presented by our readers that lifts people up in the communities we serve. Starting in 2020, the staff at the Fillmore County Journal coordinated the first-ever recognition for the Business Person of the Year. The newspaper publishes a form to fill out … [Read more...]
Eitzen Kicks Off 2025
Eitzen City Clerk Steve Schuldt administered the Oath of Office to Mayor Jeff Adamson, and councilmembers Mitch Luttchens and Mitch Lange at the first Eitzen City Council meeting of 2025, held on January 14. The meeting was called to order at 6 p.m. The council unanimously approved the minutes from the December 10, 2024, city council meeting as presented. The financial … [Read more...]
Walsh/Gatzke Family Wraps Up Christmas Dinner Tradition
It all started with Ellen Scheevel, Jo Fitzgerald, and Lois Barlow. The three friends talked about the idea of hosting a community Christmas dinner for a few years before deciding to go for it in 1998. That first year, they held it in the basement of St. Columban’s Catholic Church in Preston with an attendance of between 30 and 40 people. Over the next few years, the numbers … [Read more...]
Local Food Shelves Busy During Holiday Season
It’s the biggest time of year for many charities and other helping organizations as the holiday spirit encourages giving and an outward focus. That holds true for the Semcac food shelves in Preston, Caledonia and Rushford, as well as for other area food shelves. The holiday season is the biggest time of year for donations. Local businesses, churches, and even schools across … [Read more...]
A Lifeline for Seniors in Fillmore and Houston Counties
Rolling Hills Transit (RHT), a program of the non-profit organization Semcac, is an important public bus service supporting the independence and well-being of seniors in Fillmore and Houston counties and the surrounding counties of Dodge, Olmsted and Winona counties. By providing reliable and consistent transportation, RHT helps older adults remain connected to their … [Read more...]
Judge Upholds Key Charges, Allows Evidence in Samantha Petersen Fatal Crash Case
By Zech Sindt The district court in Preston has issued a ruling in a tragic case that has gripped the community, partially granting the defense’s motions while paving the way for a settlement conference and possible trial. The case involves Samantha Jo Petersen, who faces 21 charges stemming from a September 2023 crash that killed two children and injured two others when her … [Read more...]