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Houston Ambulance Recognized

June 16, 2025 by Wanda Hanson Leave a Comment

Mayor Scott Wallace presents the Certificate of Congressional Recognition to Ambulance Director Christine Cox. Photo by Wanda Hanson

At the June 9 Houston City Council meeting, Mayor Scott Wallace presented Ambulance Director Christine Cox with a Certificate of Congressional Recognition for Houston Ambulance’s 60 years of service to the community. The certificate had been delivered by a representative from U.S. Congressman Brad Finstad’s office. A flag that had been flown over the U.S. Capitol accompanied … [Read more...]

New Location, Same Passion: MDGA Spring Show Shines in Southern Minnesota

June 9, 2025 by Charlene Corson Selbee Leave a Comment

One of the many classes judged at this year’s MDGA spring show included a mother and her two young goats. Photo by Charlene Corson Selbee

The Minnesota Dairy Goat Association (MDGA) Spring Show was held in late May at the fairgrounds in Preston - marking the first time the event has taken place this far south in the state. Several MDGA board members expressed excitement about the new location and shared their hope that the show will return to Preston next year. An exhibitor even remarked that the building is the … [Read more...]

Fillmore Central Resumes Activity Fees

June 2, 2025 by Hannah Wingert Leave a Comment

Fillmore Central School Board, around the table clockwise: Carrie Mathison, Shelly Topness (partially hidden), Brian Michel, Sue Sikkink, Heath Olstad, Craig Britton. Photo by Hannah Wingert

Superintendent Heath Olstad reviewed the recent elementary field trips with the school board at their regular May 27 meeting. “The variety of experiences the kids get to have is awesome,” he said. The spring concerts at both the elementary and high school have been completed. Thanks were extended to elementary music teacher Matthew Patterson for his years of service and … [Read more...]

“I Was Almost Scammed Out of $10,000”: Fillmore County Sees Surge in Fraud Targeting Seniors

June 2, 2025 by Zech Sindt Leave a Comment

A visual reminder that outlines key warning signs of fraud, including secrecy, fear-based manipulation, unrealistic promises, aggressive demands, and requests for gift cards or cryptocurrency – tactics commonly used to deceive victims. AI generated image

Jerome Grehl thought he was on Wells Fargo’s website when he tried to make a small online purchase for one of his grandchildren. What happened next nearly cost him $10,000. “I noticed there was an extra $10,000 in my account,” Grehl said. “It wasn’t mine. I figured it was a mistake, and there was a number on the site, so I called.” The man who answered had an accent Grehl … [Read more...]

Chatfield Builds New Press Box

May 26, 2025 by Mary Allen Leave a Comment

Seen in the new press box are Randy Paulson, announcer and Jeff Debuhr, head track coach explaining the duties of timing to Sarah Thieke. Photo by Mary Allen

Chatfield School District used their new press box for the first time this year at a track meet on April 24, 2025.  The new building has storage area in the bottom level and two more levels that will be used by CCTV, Chatfield coaches, timers, announcers and visiting team personnel. Each of these levels has three separate rooms. During the track meet, this reporter asked … [Read more...]

Spring Grove May Premiere on TV Series “My Town”

May 26, 2025 by Kaitlin Longhauser Leave a Comment

Fillmore County Journal- Spring Grove

Spring Grove City Council members met Tuesday, May 20 at 168 West Main Street in room #100. Mayor Bryan Wilhelmson called the meeting to order at 6 p.m. then led with the Pledge of Allegiance. All council members were present in addition to City Clerk/Administrator Jana Elton. The council unanimously approved both the Agenda and Consent Agenda. No participants spoke … [Read more...]

Wykoff Council Appoints New Member, Addresses Infrastructure

May 19, 2025 by Zech Sindt Leave a Comment

Missy Musel, right, reads the oath of office after being appointed to the Wykoff City Council during the May 12 meeting. City Administrator Becky Schmidt, left, officiated the swearing-in. Photo by Zech Sindt

The Wykoff City Council met for its regular monthly meeting on Monday, May 12 at 7 p.m. Mayor Ryan Breckenridge presided, with City Administrator Becky Schmidt, Administrative Assistant Luann Hare, and council members Barbara Fate and Jane Baker present. Council member Jeffrey Hare was absent due to vacation. The first order of business was filling the vacant council seat … [Read more...]

Level 3 Grievance Presented to Houston School Board

May 12, 2025 by Wanda Hanson Leave a Comment

Kiel Koehler, Teachers’ Union president, presented a level 3 grievance to the school board. Photo by Wanda Hanson

Kiel Koehler, a teacher for 28 years at Houston, teachers’ union president and rights advocate appeared before the Houston School Board on May 1 to present a level 3 grievance. Koehler stated that the grievance was brought about when the district started a new ALP (Alternative Learning Program). The teaching positions were correctly posted, but staff already contracted with the … [Read more...]

Veterans, Community Gather for Tradition and Tribute at 18th Annual Military Ball

May 5, 2025 by Charlene Corson Selbee Leave a Comment

The Color Guard prepares for their ceremonial entrance. Photos by Charlene Corson Selbee

  Veterans representing all branches of the military from Southeast Minnesota gathered at the 18th Annual Military Ball on Saturday evening, April 26, at the Fest Building in Spring Grove. The event, steep in history and tradition, welcomed approximately 120 attendees, including veterans, their spouses, and members of the public.  Col. Fuller’s speech focused on … [Read more...]

Whalan Council Learns About the Minnesota Driftless Hiking Trail

April 21, 2025 by Barb Jeffers Leave a Comment

Alex Shapiro, with the Minnesota Driftless Hiking Trail, attended the Whalan City Council meeting on April 14, 2025, to provide information about the proposed trail. Photo by Barb Jeffers

The Whalan City Council was educated on the Minnesota Driftless Hiking Trail that is being planned and how Whalan could be included in the trail. Present at the regularly scheduled council meeting on April 14, 2025, were Mayor Hallum, along with councilmembers Owen Lewis, Thore E. Johnson, Sheila Higbe and Kim Berekvam. City Clerk/Treasurer Teresa Grossell was also … [Read more...]

Show and Shine Coming to Preston

April 14, 2025 by Wanda Hanson Leave a Comment

A customized 1941 Ford belonging to Todd Moran comes complete with a matching guitar. Photo submitted

Get ready to enjoy Show and Shine at Preston Trout Days Car Show on Saturday, May 17! Trout Days festivities have featured a car show for 35 years according to the current show organizers, Justin Jones and Craig Bond. Originally, the show was an actual judged car show when it first began; now it is a Show and Shine. How is a Show and Shine different from a judged show? There … [Read more...]

Houston County’s ALICE Model Saves Lives

April 14, 2025 by Charlene Corson Selbee 1 Comment

ALICE trainers Sergeant Zach Swedberg, left, and Investigator Chris Frick. Photo by Charlene Corson Selbee

On Thursday, April 3, Houston County Investigator Chris Frick and Sergeant Zach Swedberg led two active shooter training seminars. Approximately 50 Houston County employees attended the informative sessions. The Houston County Sheriff’s office uses the ALICE model – an acronym for Alert, Lockdown, Inform, Counter, and Evacuate - for training purposes. The ALICE model, one of … [Read more...]

From the Sidelines to Center Court: Gavin Hubka’s Return After Open-Heart Surgery

April 7, 2025 by Zech Sindt 1 Comment

Gavin Hubka spins a basketball in his front yard beneath the hoop where he spent countless hours practicing. The Kingsland senior is known for his work ethic, leadership, and unwavering commitment to his team – even while battling Marfan syndrome. Photo submitted

Gavin Hubka was in the middle of a typical Minnesota summer when everything started to change. His family had been spending a lot of time outdoors – camping, hiking, just enjoying the season. That’s when his mom Sally noticed something strange about Gavin’s chest. It stuck out in a way that didn’t seem normal. They might not have caught it otherwise, but out in the open air … [Read more...]

Chatfield to Update Comprehensive Plan

March 31, 2025 by Karen Reisner Leave a Comment

Mayor John McBroom presents a certificate of commendation from the MPCA to WWTF operators Steve Schlichter, left, and Mitch Irish. Photo submitted

At the March 24 meeting of the city council, a proposal submitted by Widseth was approved to update the city’s comprehensive plan. Approval of the Widseth proposal was recommended by the Planning & Zoning Commission. Logan Tjossem, project manager/planner at Widseth, explained in a letter that the revision of the comprehensive plan will be a benefit to residents, … [Read more...]

Life Can Change in an Instant, Reminding Us to Cherish Each Moment

March 24, 2025 by Sara York 1 Comment

Jenny and Andrew Serio of Serio Farms, Preston. Photo submitted

“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...]

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Fillmore County Journal - Your number one source for news and community information in Fillmore County Minnesota
Fillmore County Journal - Your number one source for news and community information in Fillmore County Minnesota

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