In the far southeast corner of Minnesota, there are two events that are sure to please everyone, Trout Days in Preston and SEMBA (Southeast Minnesota Bluegrass Association) Bluegrass Festival in Houston. Both events take place May 15 through May 17. At Trout Days, the first thing to know is that attendees will not go hungry. There is so much to select from that there is a … [Read more...]
Preston Transfers Duties of LBAE to Fillmore County
A public hearing was held at the May 4 meeting of the Preston City Council to consider transferring the city’s duties and powers of the Local Board of Appeal and Equalization to the county. Mayor Kurt Reicks noted that the city rarely has changed anything for citizens that have come with an appeal at the LBAE meeting. For example, at the LBAE meeting held this year on April 20 … [Read more...]
Beware: Counterfeit Car Seats on the Rise
Counterfeit car seats can seriously injure – or even kill – our most vulnerable children. The problem is growing, and WinnMed in Decorah, Fillmore County Public Health, and Houston County Public Health are actively working to raise awareness and reduce the risk. All three organizations have Certified Child Passenger Safety Technicians (CPSTs) who have completed a three- … [Read more...]
Online Safety Program in Fillmore County
At the April 28 meeting of the county board, Assistant Fillmore County Attorney Marla Stanton and Captain Dan Dornink reported on a social media safety program which they continue to present at local schools. Stanton explained the first of these programs began in 2017. The content has changed over the years. Nine years ago, it was “scared straight” and now students are … [Read more...]
Your Money is Hard at Work in Houston County
The phrase “Your money is hard at work” may be overused, but during the April 28 Houston County Commission meeting, it became immediately clear that taxpayers in Houston County can rest assured that their money is well spent. With only one new business item listed on the agenda, there was time for two presentations. The first was a University of Minnesota (UMN) Extension … [Read more...]
Caledonia Council Gets First-Quarter Financial Update
Finance Officer Stephanie Mann presented the city’s first-quarter financials for review at the April 27 Caledonia City Council meeting. She announced that she and City Clerk/Administrator Jake Dickson will be meeting with the auditors during the first week of May, possible Thursday, May 7. She expects that the audit report will be presented to the council at the second … [Read more...]
Shady Oak Redevelopment Proposal
Several citizens attended the April 27 meeting of the Chatfield City Council due to a proposal for Shady Oak redevelopment. The proposal is to subdivide a portion of Shady Oak Park (near Hawley Street) into two buildable lots. The Planning & Zoning Commission had recommended approval, after a public hearing at its April 6 meeting. The proposal is to provide for two … [Read more...]
Lanesboro Shares Ownership of DuraPatcher with Chatfield and Stewartville
At the April 27 Lanesboro City Council meeting (which had been moved from May 4), the consent agenda was approved and included accounts payable, seven temporary on-sale liquor licenses on various dates for Lanesboro Arts, the acceptance of grants from the Lanesboro Area Community Foundation, and Resolution 2026-33 regarding the counting of write-in votes in compliance with … [Read more...]
Fillmore Central Prepared for Next Tornado Drill
At the April 28 Fillmore Central School Board meeting, Superintendent Heath Olstad gave the elementary and high school reports. On April 16, the district conducted its annual tornado drill. The next day, actual tornado warnings gave the opportunity to practice in real life. Both buildings had to delay dismissal as students and staff sheltered in place. Olstad gave kudos to the … [Read more...]
Fillmore County Narcotics Operation
On Wednesday, April 22, 2026, the Fillmore County Sheriff’s Office and Mower County Sheriff’s Office conducted a joint operation, executing a search warrant at the residence of Jason Eli Moore at 418 Line St. N., Wykoff, Minn. During the search, investigators seized approximately 376 grams of methamphetamine with an estimated street value of $10,000, along with shotgun … [Read more...]