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...]
Police Report Error
In the January 5, 2026, issue of the Fillmore County Journal, there was error in the police report referencing Robert Ian Lieb with charges that were associated with Markus Mulvihill. Lieb was originally cited for no proof of insurance, which was later dismissed. We apologize to Robert Ian Lieb for this error. We make every effort to provide the most accurate information in … [Read more...]
Fatal House Fire in Hokah
On January 21, 2026, at approximately 4:30 a.m., Houston County Emergency Dispatch received a call of a house fire at 90 S. 3rd Street, Hokah, Minn. When deputies arrived, the residence was totally engulfed. They located an adult female outside the residence with extreme burns throughout her body and other injuries. She was transported to Emplify Health emergency room. La … [Read more...]
Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation Awards $99,865 in Economic Development Grants
OWATONNA, MN, December 29, 2025 – Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation (SMIF) recently approved six grants totaling $99,865 to support economic development initiatives in SMIF’s 20-county region. The Economic Development Grant program supports initiatives which enable communities to create more prosperous local economies by growing economic development and … [Read more...]
MnDOT Installs Motorist Warning Signals For Amish Buggies on Hwy 44 in Fillmore County
CANTON, MN – The Minnesota Department of Transportation has installed new flashing driver alert signs to help increase motorist awareness that an Amish buggy is on the road on a stretch of Highway 44 between Mabel and Canton in Fillmore County where the shoulder narrows with guard rail. The system is expected to improve safety for the slow-moving buggies in an area of … [Read more...]
College News
Graduates List Summer 2025 Northeast Iowa Community College: Camryn Cox, Mabel, AA, Radiologic Technology University of North Dakota: Nathaniel Dietz, BS Aeronautics, Commercial Aviation, 2nd major - Unmanned Aircraft Systems Operations, Magna Cum Laude, Scholar in the Honors Program Western Technical College: Jared Kotek, Jr., Caledonia; Payton Konz, Caledonia; … [Read more...]
Caledonia Public Schools Has Available School Board Position
Caledonia Area Public School’s board members met Tuesday, January 20 at Caledonia Elementary School in room #162. Board member Mike Peterson called the meeting to order at 4 p.m., led with the Pledge of Allegiance, then conducted Roll Call. Board members present included Peterson, Julie Augedahl, Chad Harms, Leigh King and Melissa Marschall. Derek Adamson was absent. District … [Read more...]
Mabel-Canton Sets Course for 2026 at Annual Organizational Meeting
The 2026 organizational and regular school board meeting was held on January 20 in Mrs. Peter’s Science Room number 50. The meeting opened at 6 p.m. with the Pledge of Allegiance, followed by the approval of the revised agenda and the minutes from the December 16 board meeting. Board members present included Jason Marquardt, Dustin Tollefsrud, Traci Livingood, Diane Wilder, … [Read more...]
Houston County Holds Public Hearings
The Houston County Board of Commissioners was called to order on Tuesday morning, January 20, for a regular meeting marked by two public hearings and several important decisions affecting county operations and residents. The first hearing at 9:05 a.m. was to gather input from the public regarding making the positions of auditor/treasurer and recorder appointed instead of … [Read more...]
Village Starts New Year
The January 21 meeting of the Rushford Village council began with the approval of annual designations, committees, and contracts. Councilor Mike Ebner was chosen once again as Acting Mayor, in the event of the mayor’s absence. Acting Clerk is treasurer Judy Graham and Acting Treasurer will be Mary Miner. 2026 Committee appointments include Councilors Bob Hart and Rick Ruberg … [Read more...]