4-H Club Legend BHSS - Black Hammer Swift Scooters; BW - Brownsville Wildcats; CR - Caledonia Rockets; HNH - Hearts and Hooves; HC - Hokah Chiefs; HCSS - Houston County Sharpshooters; IND - Independent; LCTL - La Crescent Tiger Lilies; LCAB - La Crescent Apple Blossoms; LL - Lazy Lopers; MBRS - Mayville Blue Ribbon Strivers; MCL - Money Creek Livewires; NN - Newhouse … [Read more...]
Work Continues on Houston County’s 2026 Budget
Work on the Houston County 2026 budget continued during the September 16 commission meeting. Information Systems Director Andy Milde and Sheriff Brian Swedberg met with the commissioners to present their proposed budgets. Milde emphasized the importance of data security, noting that government organizations are frequent targets for cyber threats. Meanwhile, a key issue for … [Read more...]
The First Renovation Designs Unveiled at M-C Board Meeting
The Mabel-Canton School Board met on Tuesday, September 16, and were treated to several architectural drawings for the first time. These included the renderings for a new school entrance, CTE (Career and Technical Education) area, and locker rooms. Superintendent Gary Kuphal said that he and Michelle Weidemann meet every other week with ISG and Kraus-Anderson. Chair … [Read more...]
Preston Adopts 2026 Preliminary Levy
At the September 11 meeting of the city council, a resolution was adopted setting the 2026 preliminary levy at $1,345,263. This represents a 5.53% increase, or an increase of $70,474. The Truth-in-Taxation public hearing is scheduled for December 1, 2025. The final levy will be adopted in December, which could be decreased but not increased. Mayor Kurt Reicks noted the … [Read more...]
Body Found on Upper Iowa River
On September 12, 2025, the Winneshiek County Sheriff’s Office responded to the Upper Iowa River near Bluffton around 10 a.m. for a report of a body that was found in the river. The body was recovered and identified. Out of respect for the family, no additional details are being released at this time while they work through this difficult situation. There is no suspicion of foul … [Read more...]
Mayo Clinic Health System to Close Caledonia Clinic; City Officials Express Concern
City Clerk/Administrator Jake Dickson announced at the September 8 Caledonia City Council meeting that he received word earlier in the day that Mayo Clinic Health System will be closing its Caledonia clinic on December 10. Dickson commented that he wasn’t given a specific reason but was told the closure is mostly due to staffing issues. “It surely will not be good for us. A … [Read more...]
Houston Sets Goals for Superintendent
At their regular board meeting on September 4, the Houston School Board settled on four smart goals for Superintendent Mary Morem. After tabling the item at a previous meeting, the board ultimately decided on the following goals: To establish a Community Service and Industry Exploration Program that provides 100% of 9-12 grade students at least one volunteer or industry … [Read more...]
USPS Mail Truck Fire
At approximately 2:25 a.m. on Wednesday, September 3, 2025, the Oronoco Fire Department was dispatched to a fire call along Highway 52. A United States Postal Service semi-trailer was engulfed in flames. The driver detached the semi from the trailer. Reports indicate the fire ignited around the rear brakes of the trailer. The Minnesota State Patrol shut down traffic on … [Read more...]
FCJ Earns General Excellence Award
At the annual Association of Community Publishers conference, held in Mobile, Ala., the Fillmore County Journal was recognized with nine awards. Best Self Promotion (Other Media) - First Place Best Front Page-Cover (Special Section) - First Place Best Self Promotion (Community Service) - Second Place Best Self Promotion (Awards) - Third Place Best Educational … [Read more...]
Chatfield Considers Sidewalk Requirements
At the Chatfield City Council’s September 8 meeting the updating of the city’s sidewalk ordinance and the requirement for sidewalks in the Hilltop III and IV Development Agreement led to a contentious discussion. In July 2024, the Hilltop III and IV developer formally requested an amendment to the existing agreements to remove the standard sidewalk requirement, to install … [Read more...]