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...]
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...]