You may not know it, but Northwest Aluminum in Preston has changed in several ways. First of all, it’s not Northwest Aluminum anymore. “We changed the name about 10 years ago,” owner Jeff Knies recalled. After people kept asking what aluminum had to do with appliances, which are a big part of the business, he realized that the name was outdated and needed to be changed. … [Read more...]
Preston welcomes new tourism director
Gabby Kinneberg has lived in Preston her whole life, so when the position of Chamber of Commerce and Tourism Director became available, it was kind of a no-brainer. “I already know Preston, so there was no learning curve,” she noted. Kinneberg grew up at Chic’s Pizza in Preston. Her parents owned the restaurant for almost 20 years, and she spent many hours of her childhood … [Read more...]
Bathke involved in another escape
Just before 11 a.m. on Friday, May 26, 2017, a van full of nine inmates from the Minnesota Correctional Facility in St. Cloud was hijacked by the inmates in the Lino Lakes area — just 66 miles from St. Cloud. The inmates were being escorted to other facilities such as the prison at Lino Lakes. All escapees were apprehended in various communities throughout the Twin Cities … [Read more...]
Veterans home committee members visit Chippewa Falls Veterans Home
Committees have been meeting now for months in Preston and Spring Valley, gathering information and planning for the possibility of building a veterans home in their Fillmore County community. Ron Scheevel and Don Gildner serve as co-chairs on the Preston committee. There is a competition between the two communities, each hoping to have the home built in their community. … [Read more...]
Veteran designs quilt to honor fellow Vietnam veterans
Duane “Skeet” Hodge from Stewartville attends a reunion every year for the Charlie Company 1st Battalion 7th US Cavalry Regiment to reconnect with the men he fought alongside in the Vietnam War and each year, the reunion is held in a different location. The May 5, 2017, one took place in Sarasota, Fla. Hodge likes to present a gift to the reunion host each time he goes, but … [Read more...]
Karst Brewing gears up to serve the perfect pint
Craft breweries have exploded all over the region as connoisseurs try their hand at creating their ideal tastes while riding the rejuvenated local foods movement. According to data, craft breweries in Minnesota have increased from 19 in 2010 to over 100 in 2017. In Rochester, a city known for its foodie culture, Kinney Creek, LTS, Grand Rounds, and Forager have all put their … [Read more...]
Harmony Online Auctions brings auction experience to your computer
Whether you are an auction buff who attends dozens of in-person auctions each year or simply someone who likes to hunt for a great deal, you’re likely to enjoy the experience of bidding for goods online at Harmony Online Auctions. Harmony Online Auctions was launched by Arlis Wangen and his daughter, Kayla Eiken this past February. To date, their company has completed three … [Read more...]
Tesmer Farm Safety Day Camp sets record
The Tesmer Farm Safety Day Camp set a record for most attendees with nearly 600 students. The annual May event held at Mabel’s Steam Engine Park brings fourth graders from Fillmore and Houston County schools to learn about basic safety. “This year was the biggest ever,” said Michael Cruse, local extension educator. “And the great thing is, it’s almost completely supported by … [Read more...]
1976 Champion Harmony basketball team reunites
On Saturday, May 7, members of the 1976 District Champion Boys Basketball Team from Harmony gathered with their coaches, cheerleaders and fans at Estelle’s Eatery & Bar in Harmony. This was the 40 +1 anniversary of their winning season. They had big plans to be in the July 4th parade last year on the 40th anniversary, even having commemorative shirts printed with their … [Read more...]
Fillmore County Teacher of the Year announced
“Inspired people inspire people,” stated Jason Sethre, Publisher of the Fillmore County Journal, before he announced Rushford-Peterson School’s Mary Hoiland as Fillmore County Teacher of the Year for 2017. “Mrs. Hoiland has served our district faithfully for 42 years,” stated Superintendent Chuck Ehler, and he is very appreciative of her and her talents. In this inaugural … [Read more...]