By Zech Sindt An omnibus hearing was held on September 30 in Samantha Jo Petersen’s case. The hearing centered around search warrants, and a recording of a conversation between Samantha and her identical twin sister, Sarah Petersen. Samantha is facing 21 felony charges related to a crash a little over a year ago, on September 25, 2023. Two children were killed, and two … [Read more...]
Young Harmony Couple Fights ALS with Hope
When Beth Syverson first noticed some weakness in her leg and ankle in the summer of 2023, she assumed it would improve on its own. “I thought maybe I pulled something,” she explained. But then it started getting worse so she decided a trip to the doctor was in order. She left the clinic that day with a referral to neurology. In January 2024, Beth had an electromyography, or … [Read more...]
Fillmore County Jail Project Well Underway
County commissioners toured the new addition to the jail facility during their September 24 meeting. The construction process of the new addition is ongoing. It is estimated that inmates will be moved into and housed in the new facility as early as February 2025. The podular jail design will give clear, straight site lines for observation of inmates in their cells. Once … [Read more...]
Spring Grove Challenges Eitzen to Defend Their Title in Chair Volleyball
During the 2024 Syttende Mai celebration in Spring Grove, a new event took center stage; a chair volleyball tournament. Spring Grove fielded two teams with Donna Myhre organizing another, and Eitzen sending a team of their own. In the end, the Eitzen team claimed the championship title. Now, Spring Grove is gearing up to host another tournament this fall, challenging Eitzen … [Read more...]
Zach Linnell Turns Dream into Reality as Owner of Proksch Transit
In 2013 when Zach Linnell was trucking for Proksch Transit, owning the company was just a pipe dream for him. He enjoyed trucking and mentioned to owner Bob Proksch over the years that he’d be interested in it eventually, but never dreamt it would become a reality. In February 2022 after Zach had been with the company for almost nine years, Bob shared with Zach that he had … [Read more...]
Donald Trump Holds Town Hall Meeting in La Crosse, Wis.
Former president, Donald J. Trump visited La Crosse, Wis., to hold a town hall meeting at the La Crosse Center on Thursday, August 29. Former U.S. Representative Tulsi Gabbard moderated the event. The La Crosse Center reached maximum capacity for the event with a long line of people still waiting outside the entrance. Brian Ostby of Fountain got the opportunity to witness … [Read more...]
A Week of Pink Dolphins, Local Delights, and Unexpected Encounters
Linda Tripp King from Mabel, Minn., spent an exhilarating week-long adventure on the Amazon River and is excited to share her experience with Fillmore County Journal readers. It was her first visit to Brazil, and her journey was filled with surprises and memorable moments. Joining King for the interview were her first cousin Rhan Flatin and his wife Selma, who both played … [Read more...]
Trouble Shooter, the End of an Era
In 1984, four high school boys got together and formed the band Trouble Shooter in Rushford. Rod and Bruce Darr, Dennis Overland and Dan Erickson began practicing in Jardiene and Irene Overland’s garage in South Rushford and decided they sounded pretty good together. Soon they went on to play at Rushford Days and took their first paying job at the VFW. From June 1984 to the … [Read more...]
Caledonia’s Industrial Park Struck by Second Major Fire in Less Than A Year
Caledonia’s industrial park suffers another loss following a recent fire that destroyed a building at Joe Rud Trucking, located at 523 Enterprise Street, Friday night August 16, around 8 p.m. Less than a year ago a fire completely destroyed a production building at Miken Sports. Caledonia City Administrator Jake Dickson expressed his dismay, stating, “It is very difficult to … [Read more...]
Colleen Foehrenbacher Earns National Nature Center Award
ANCA (Association of Nature Center Administrators) has chosen Colleen Foehrenbacher, executive director of Eagle Bluff Learning Center, for their Outstanding New Leader Award. This national award is given to a person holding the highest role at their association for less than five years. Colleen has worked at Eagle Bluff for 14 years; she took on the position of executive … [Read more...]
Spring Grove Unites To Tackle Daycare Challenge With Optimism and Teamwork
Following the sudden closure of Spring Grove’s Little Gnome Daycare and Preschool, on the morning of August 10, social media was quickly abuzz with the news. The center shut its doors without any prior notice. Owner Quentin Thorson shared the following statement with the Fillmore County Journal, “Thank you for reaching out and drawing attention to the financial challenges of … [Read more...]
Houston Honors Lifesaving Ambulance Crew
At their regular August 5 meeting, the Houston City Council got to see four of the Houston Ambulance crew members receive awards for their lifesaving measures this year. Several important visitors attended the presentation of the awards including the person whose life was saved, Ellert Mindrum. Ambulance Director Chris Cox presented the awards to Marty Momsen, Chris Tuveson, … [Read more...]
Glenn Dale Magnifies Wood’s Beauty with Intarsia
Upon entering the Dale home in rural Preston, an overwhelming experience of stepping into an art gallery where creative people lived and worked and played together is realized. An array of quilted marvels grace each room. Wood carvings and intarsia creations are artistically displayed throughout the home. Focusing on the craft of Intarsia woodworking, which “uses varied … [Read more...]
11 Teens, Ages 14 and 15, Receive Farm Safety Training
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics states, “Farming is also one of the few industries in which family members, including children, are also at risk for fatal and nonfatal injuries. Data from the bureau emphasizes that “The agriculture industry is consistently at the highest risk for occupational injuries and fatalities, with 453 fatalities in 2021, or an equivalent of 19.5 … [Read more...]
The Music Runs Deep
For Arland Folstad of Spring Grove, music has always been a cherished hobby, though his primary career was farming. Music runs deep in the Folstad family. Ninety-two-year-old Folstad, of Norwegian descent, was born to Martin and Olga (Klegseth) Folstad. Among his siblings were Elmer, recognized for playing the piano with the Cutters; Beatrice, Melvin, … [Read more...]