Many service organizations and clubs have been struggling – does this hold true for our local VFWs and American Legions? Are the organizations still viable? I spoke with members from four of the local VFWs and American Legions to see how things are going from them. Canton American Legion The Canton American Legion’s membership has not lost any members recently and has … [Read more...]
Twin Sisters Charged in Fatal Amish Buggy Accident
Samantha Jo Petersen, 35, is facing 21 criminal charges relating to a fatal accident on the morning of September 25, 2023, that claimed the lives of two Amish children. Her twin sister, Sarah Beth Petersen, is facing 16 criminal charges relating to the same fatal accident. Back on September 25, 2023, a horse drawn Amish buggy carting four children on County Road 1 in the … [Read more...]
City of Rushford Village Awarded Safe Routes to School Grant
Rebecca Charles of CEDA (Community and Economic Development Associates) appeared before the City of Rushford Village Council Meeting on February 6 to present her monthly report and the news that she had just been informed that CRV had been selected for funding through the Minnesota Department of Transportation recent Safe Routes to School solicitation. Charles shared that the … [Read more...]
Nationwide Trends Observed at Local Libraries
Libraries are dying. Nobody reads print books anymore. Maybe you’ve heard those sentiments in the last few years and wondered if they’re true. Recent trends have actually shown the opposite. Not only are libraries growing and expanding in their collections and patrons, some people are ditching eBooks for print books they can hold in their hands. The most surprising part is … [Read more...]
2023 Business Person of the Year: Suzanne Gardner Receives 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 and … [Read more...]
The Story of Callie’s Corner
On October 14, 2023, a precious baby girl was eager to enter this world. Callie Rae Tweten was in a rush to celebrate her big brother Tade’s birthday on October 15, with her mom and dad, Tyler and Nicole (Baumler) Tweten. Nicole was eager to share Callie’s birth story as it was a memorable adventure, explaining that before her due date, Callie started coming fast. The young … [Read more...]
Bluff Brothers Brewing: From Homebrew Hobbyists to Spring Valley’s Newest Taproom
Creating “approachable” craft beers, catering to the preferences of small-town Minnesota. That is the business philosophy Mitchell and Marcus Plaehn have set for themselves at their new venture, Bluff Brothers Brewing, Spring Valley’s newest taproom. “Our goal is to make good craft beer that caters to small-town customers,” Marcus explains. “A lot of people come in and ask, … [Read more...]
Chatfield Freemasons Donate Fire Suppression Devices
The Fillmore County Sheriff’s Office recently received a donation of three life-saving fire suppression devices from the Chatfield Masonic Lodge and the Freemasons. “It can make a dramatic difference in a house fire,” stated Scott Oesterlin, member of the Chatfield Masonic Lodge (Meridian Lodge No. 25), who spearheaded the project. Oesterlin presented the devices to … [Read more...]
First Veteran Moves into Preston Veterans Home
Long-time Preston resident Walter Hanson was the first resident to move into the Preston Veterans Home, on his 91st birthday, January 3, 2024. The newly opened Minnesota Veterans Home in Preston admitted its first residents on January 3 – four veterans who served in eras from Korea to Vietnam. The Preston Veterans Home is the first of three new veterans homes scheduled to … [Read more...]
Houston County Employees Recognized for Service
Twelve Houston County employees were recognized for their years of service to the county at the county’s December 26 commission meeting. Thirty-five-year awards to David J. Bauer and Mary A. Zaffke; 30-year award to Julie A. Renk; 25-year award to Holly S. Felten; 20-year awards to Christopher C. Tuveson and Julie K. Von Arx-Abnet; 15-year awards to Anthony T. Dockter, William … [Read more...]