The Bluff Country Singers’ Spring Concert on April 26, 2026, directed by Elliott Grandall, will feature a variety of songs, instrumental accompanists, and the vibrant voices of many Fillmore County residents. This non-auditioned community choir which has been rehearsing together twice a month since January has a bittersweet tone with the realization that it will be the last … [Read more...]
PACF Annual Dinner Draws a Record Crowd
The number of people in attendance at the 2026 Preston Area Community Foundation (PACF) 19th Annual Dinner and Auction on April 6 was quite impressive. With the event being held at the Branding Iron Restaurant in Preston, Minn., those in attendance filled the entire dining room with the additional bar area full of a large variety of silent auction items. Organizers of the … [Read more...]
Economic Development Authorities: Rich, Rural Community Assets
Economic Development Authorities (EDAs) play a critical role in supporting rural communities by providing financial tools and guidance. In Fillmore and Houston Counties, two key EDA programs, Revolving Loan Funds (RLFs) and grants, serve as essential resources for both new and existing businesses, non-profit organizations, and government entities. A community’s approach to … [Read more...]
Jeff’s Three Person Pool Tournament
On the sunny morning of Saturday, March 21, vehicles started lining the streets of Fountain and Preston. Cues in hand, pool players showed up for a chance to win what has become known as Jeff’s Three Person Pool Tournament. With a total of 27 three person teams, nearly 90 participants, organizer Jeff Knies knew it was going to be a long day of billiards. For each three … [Read more...]
Chicāhuac, Mexican Women’s Stories of Strength and Sacrifice
The Chicāhuac Exhibition, currently on display at the Driftless Fiber Arts Collective in Lanesboro, highlights the strength and sacrifices of six incredible women from Mexico: Oligaria, Doña Conchita, Fatima, Concepciona, Veronica and Doña Teresa. The word chicāhuac means strong, robust and powerful in Nahuatl, an indigenous language of Mexico and the first language of many of … [Read more...]
Amish Sexual Abuse Survivor Shares Story in PBS Documentary
Lizzie Hershberger, who grew up in the Amish community in southeast Minnesota, has spoken publicly about the sexual abuse she endured as a young teenager. Her story was first told in a book “Behind Blue Curtains,” which she authored, and is now the focus of a PBS Independent Lens documentary, “Keep Quiet and Forgive.” Her story will move you, and she hopes that it will … [Read more...]
Memories of Wes Stevens
In early February, Jeff Zondlo reached out to the Peterson American Legion Post 526 via Facebook Messenger, searching for any remaining family members of Wes Stevens. Jeff and Wes had been close buddies, serving in Vietnam; Jeff had identified Wes when he was killed in action; he wanted to reconnect with Wes’ family now and share memories of Wes. The president/secretary of … [Read more...]
What Does it Take to Run a Track Meet?
While many high school sports fans are focused on tournament play for the winter MSHSL sports season (Minnesota State High School League), spring sports season preparation is full-steam ahead at schools that run track meets. In Fillmore and Houston Counties, that includes Caledonia, Chatfield, GMLOKS (Grand Meadow/LeRoy-Ostrander/Kingsland/Southland) and R-P/H … [Read more...]
The Competitive World of RC Racing in Chatfield
Chris Musty, who grew up in Chatfield, Minn., has enjoyed racing since about 1992. He says it was short-lived, but he worked with different teams back in the day. His racing days took him to St. Charles and Kasson. The last time he pit crewed for a team was two years ago. Today, at age 53, Musty still enjoys racing, but on a whole different level. Over the past five … [Read more...]
Spring Grove School Board Recognized at February Meeting
The Spring Grove School Board members were honored at the February 17 board meeting. February is Minnesota School Board Recognition Month. Board members recognized include Ashley Olson, Rhan Flatin, Myriah Klug, Kelly Rohland, Lisa Myhre, and Chairman Stephanie Jaster. Superintendent Gina Morken offered her appreciation to the board, saying, “Thank you to all of you for … [Read more...]