As many people look at their calendars and start planning ahead for this year’s vacation spots for their families and horses some may overlook a wonderful location right here in Fillmore County. In fact, they may be the busiest trails in the United States for several reasons. Forestville/Mystery Cave State Park, which is nestled between Spring Valley, Minn., and Preston, … [Read more...]
Advanced Body Chiropractic expands to Chatfield
When Dr. Stephanie Lillis D.C. was 19, she was in a serious car accident that changed her life. The accident left her severely injured and in chronic pain. When nothing her doctors tried worked to relieve her pain, they suggested surgery as a treatment. Thankfully, she decided to try out a chiropractor before the surgery and was amazed. “He took away the pain and gave me back … [Read more...]
JEM Theatre under new ownership
The show must go on - and it will at the JEM Theatre in Harmony, Minn., although with new faces selling tickets and popping popcorn. After 14 years of owning and running the JEM, Michelle Haugerud has sold the iconic theatre to Dana and Amber Coaty. Amber grew up in Rochester, Minn., while Dana is originally from Superior, Wis. The Coatys moved to the area 11 years ago … [Read more...]
Run Right Power Equipment keeps small engines running in Harmony
By Tim Little If the general manager at the newly opened Run Right Power Equipment small engine sales and repair store in Harmony looks familiar, you may recall him from his previous place of employment across the street and up the block at Kingsley Mercantile. Roger Holdeman, who managed the small engine repair shop at Kingsley for six years, has branched off from Kingsley … [Read more...]
American Family Insurance Agent Kiel Anderson passes the torch
“It’s going to be a learning curve,” Kiel Anderson said about his retirement. After 27 years, Anderson is retiring from his job as insurance agent for American Family Insurance and passing on the torch to Spring Grove native Jeff Ellingson. Anderson’s wife, Kristi recently retired from her job at Foremost Farms as well. “She’s liking it (retirement), so I’m sure I will too,” … [Read more...]
Henrytown congregation comes back home
It was a joyous day on Sunday, January 29, 2017 as the new Henrytown Lutheran Church and it’s congregation opened the doors to welcome all of God’s children inside to see and appreciate their new house of worship. After the loss of Henrytown Lutheran Church to a fire on April 16, 2015 the congregation drew strength from God and each other to begin looking forward without … [Read more...]
Wetterlings speak at MNA Conference
On Thursday, January 26, 2017, Fillmore County Journal Assistant Editor attended the Minnesota Newspaper Association Conference in Bloomington, Minn. While at the conference, Ellen Whalen listened to presentations from Pulitzer Prize winners from the newspaper industry, along with a presentation relating to editorial content management and audience engagement. On Friday, … [Read more...]
New name and location for Shear Class in Chatfield
It was two months of hard work, but it was worth it. Vanessa Bren, owner of Meraki Salon and Spa in Chatfield, formerly known as Shear Class, recently changed both the location and name of her salon. Bren and her husband Dustin, both Chatfield natives, have two children, four-year-old Alaina and two-year-old Beckett, and are expecting another daughter on March 1. The family … [Read more...]
Fillmore County Sheriff’s Department upgrades technology
“Having the benefit of advancement of technology is good for our staff and for our community,” Sheriff Tom Kaase said about the new laptops or “mobiles” in the squad cars. In the fall of 2016, laptops were installed in each of the 19 squad cars across Fillmore County. The laptops are manufactured by Panasonic and are specifically made for law enforcement with programs that … [Read more...]
Craig Mensink receives Minnesota Pork Distinguished Service Award
It’s safe to say that Preston native Craig Mensink knows his stuff. Mensink has been in the pork industry for two decades now and was recently presented with the 2017 Minnesota Pork Distinguished Service Award. “It has been a true privilege to help Minnesota pig farmers have a voice,” Mensink said. Mensink first began working with the pork industry in the mid-nineties … [Read more...]










