Fillmore County Journal

"Where Fillmore County News Comes First"

Mission 66 brings joy to Houston

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“How sweet it is!” stated Bruce Vonderohe, borrowing a line from Jackie Gleason, as the Mission 66 Playground in Houston, Minn., was about to open to the public at a special ceremony in Central Park on July 21.   This magnificent playground became a reality due to the hard work and perseverance of many people that got behind the project spearheaded by the Houston High School … [Read more...]

Preston becomes a Purple Heart City

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Members of the Lloyd-Swenson Chapter 7110 of the Minnesota Military Order of the Purple Hearts and many local veterans were in attendance during the city council’s July 15 meeting. The council adopted a resolution proclaiming Preston a Purple Heart City. Duane Hodge, a Vietnam veteran, is the commander of the Lloyd-Swenson Chapter 7110. Harry Kerr, the chapter’s adjutant, … [Read more...]

Semcac’s Grout glad to be back home

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There’s an old saying that, “You end up where you’re supposed to be,” and Doug Grout agrees with that sentiment.  As the new Executive Director at Semcac, at the Rushford administrative location, Doug only started at the beginning of July.  But he already seems to be settling in well. Another reason Doug is happy to be here, he said, is, “Semcac is very near and dear to a … [Read more...]

Harmony Sings (and quite well!)

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As a part of Harmony’s weeklong 4th of July celebration, the third annual Harmony Sings event was held on Sunday, June 30 at the Old Legion Hall in Harmony, with approximately 70 people on hand.  The event is organized by the Harmony Chamber of Commerce, and is affiliated with a statewide competition known as Minnesota Sings.  One of those on hand was Chuck Spavin, representing … [Read more...]

Come toast Harmony Spirits’ Grand Opening and Classic Car Show July 4

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Perhaps you have been one of the many to press your nose against the big glass windows at Harmony Spirits, gazing at the elephant-size still inside, admiring its mirrored copper gleam.  And maybe that gaze got you wondering, impatiently, when this new micro-distiller would officially open its doors. Well, wait and wonder no more! Harmony Spirits is ready. Though Jim Simpson, … [Read more...]

Chatfield pool opening celebrated

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The new Chatfield swimming pool opened on June 7. On an unusually cool June 13 evening, Mayor Russ Smith stood before the new pool for a special dedication to celebrate the culmination of months and months of planning. He credited the Pool Committee (Julie Henry, Alesha Worden, Kari Fredricks, Greg LaPlante, Ed Harris, Kari Njos, Shari Harmann, Michelle Thompson, and Melissa … [Read more...]

ALS Golf Tournament one of longest running ALS events in Minnesota

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When Lindsay Eide married her husband Chad, she knew she was marrying into a family that loved to golf.  Since she also enjoyed golfing, it  was a perfect fit. In 2010, Eide had an idea to turn the Eide family’s passion for golfing into a fundraiser for Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis or ALS.  Also known as Lou Gehrig’s Disease, ALS is a progressive neurodegenerative … [Read more...]

Chuck Ehler looks forward to retirement, but will miss kids

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By Leah Himlie In the past few years it seems like many teachers in the Rushford-Peterson school district have retired, and now it is time for Superintendent Charles (Chuck) Ehler to retire as well. He has been at R-P for 12 years and has made a great impact on the school and community. Though his career will end in Rushford, it began in Mabel, Minn., when he graduated from … [Read more...]