At the February 2 meeting of the city council, the assessment of the 70-year-old swimming pool was reviewed. City Administrator Ryan Throckmorton reported first on the good news regarding the pool. At this point the intent is for the pool to be open in the 2026 season, but not the baby pool. Burbach Aquatics has provided a final report which includes a structural … [Read more...]
Fillmore County Approves CUP for Telecommunications Tower
Land Use Director Blake Lea reviewed the Planning Commission’s recommendation to approve a conditional use permit for a 250-foot telecommunications tower in Newburg Township at the county board’s February 3 meeting. The self supporting tower is to be built in Section 22 on property owned by Paul, Sandra, and Todd Eiken. The request for the CUP was submitted by Cloud 1 … [Read more...]
Hard Hat High School Possibilities
At their January 22 meeting, the Houston School Board listened to a presentation by St. Charles Superintendent Rob Routh, Houston Superintendent Mary Morem and Houston’s Director of Educational Success and Innovation Michael Mangan as they explained the concept of creating a partnership high school along I90 near St. Charles. This collaborative career and technical education … [Read more...]
Chatfield Community Development
Community Development Director Alison Bentley gave her report at the January 26 meeting of the city council. Councilor Mike Urban was absent. Bentley recognized Michael Tuohy for his 22 years of service on the EDA board. She also thanked Jeremy Aug for the years he served on Planning and Zoning. Peddle Tea & Coffee opened in September. The fourth edition of Hilltop … [Read more...]
Rushford Reviews Security Proposals
The council welcomed a proposal request from Rushford Police Chief Adam Eide at their January 26 meeting. Every three years, the department undergoes an audit of its internet security system by the BCA. Specific rules are in place for the Criminal Justice Information System, which Eide called “a direct line to the Federal Bureau of Investigation.” The first quote from the … [Read more...]
Caledonia Finalizes Doering Estate Purchase, Accepts Fire Department Donations
The Caledonia City Council met in regular session on January 26. Mayor Jeremy Leis called the meeting to order at 6 p.m. in the City Hall Council Chambers, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance. Council members present were Bob Klug, Amanda Ninneman, David Fitzpatrick, John Rauk, and Mayor Leis. Councilor Rauk moved to approve the minutes from the January 12 meeting. … [Read more...]
Local Legislators Hear Fillmore County Legislative Priorities
Representative Greg Davids and Senator Jeremy Miller listened to concerns of the county administrator and department heads at the January 27 board meeting. County Administrator Bobbie Hillery detailed the county’s 2026 priorities. These four areas were emphasized as they are super important to Fillmore County. Human Services Director Wanda Berg said the state’s human … [Read more...]
2025 Business Person of the Year – Mike Steien Receives 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...]
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...]