In the year 1891, in the bustling city of San Francisco, a compassionate man named Captain Joseph McFee recognized a heartbreaking reality; countless individuals and families struggling in poverty were unable to afford a warm Christmas meal. Driven by a deep sense of empathy, he initiated a remarkable effort to provide not only holiday meals but also Christmas trees for those … [Read more...]
2024 Business Persons of the Year Ninnemans Receive 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 … [Read more...]
Eitzen Kicks Off 2025
Eitzen City Clerk Steve Schuldt administered the Oath of Office to Mayor Jeff Adamson, and councilmembers Mitch Luttchens and Mitch Lange at the first Eitzen City Council meeting of 2025, held on January 14. The meeting was called to order at 6 p.m. The council unanimously approved the minutes from the December 10, 2024, city council meeting as presented. The financial … [Read more...]
Walsh/Gatzke Family Wraps Up Christmas Dinner Tradition
It all started with Ellen Scheevel, Jo Fitzgerald, and Lois Barlow. The three friends talked about the idea of hosting a community Christmas dinner for a few years before deciding to go for it in 1998. That first year, they held it in the basement of St. Columban’s Catholic Church in Preston with an attendance of between 30 and 40 people. Over the next few years, the numbers … [Read more...]
Local Food Shelves Busy During Holiday Season
It’s the biggest time of year for many charities and other helping organizations as the holiday spirit encourages giving and an outward focus. That holds true for the Semcac food shelves in Preston, Caledonia and Rushford, as well as for other area food shelves. The holiday season is the biggest time of year for donations. Local businesses, churches, and even schools across … [Read more...]
A Lifeline for Seniors in Fillmore and Houston Counties
Rolling Hills Transit (RHT), a program of the non-profit organization Semcac, is an important public bus service supporting the independence and well-being of seniors in Fillmore and Houston counties and the surrounding counties of Dodge, Olmsted and Winona counties. By providing reliable and consistent transportation, RHT helps older adults remain connected to their … [Read more...]
Justice for Madeline: Fravel Gets Life, Family Launches Foundation to Fight Domestic Violence
By Zech Sindt Adam Taylor Fravel, 30, the man who brutally took the life of Madeline Kingsbury, was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole in a Winona County courtroom on December 17. Judge Nancy Buytendorp handed down the sentence, a small sense of solace for the community, and a small justice for Kingsbury’s family. The courtroom was not just about … [Read more...]
Duane Bakke Honored for 26 Years of Service with Distinguished AMC Award
By Zech Sindt Fillmore County Commissioner Duane Bakke was awarded the prestigious Distinguished Service Award on December 10, 2024, during the annual conference of the Association of Minnesota Counties (AMC). This honor, presented to only four individuals this year, recognizes Bakke’s extraordinary contributions to public service during his 26 years as a county commissioner, … [Read more...]
Mayor Schroeder’s Last Council Meeting, Final Levy Approved
On December 9, 2024, Mayor DeWayne (Tank) Schroeder presided over his last city council meeting after serving as Mayor of Caledonia for 12 years. The council held its annual Truth in Taxation public hearing, during which Mann shared the final 2025 budget with the council. She reviewed the department budgets, capital equipment and improvements spreadsheet, and special revenue … [Read more...]
Holiday Magic, Legion Lights in Lanesboro
An excited crowd gathered at Sylvan Park in Lanesboro, Minn., the evening of November 27, to experience the inaugural lighting of Legion Lights. A group of hardworking residents came together to make it happen with support from many area residents and businesses. There was also plenty of Christmas spirit during Experience the Magic of Lanesboro which took place November 30. The … [Read more...]