Fillmore County Journal

"Where Fillmore County News Comes First"

Finding fine times during bad times

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We are experiencing high call volume. That’s what the telephonic voice said. I was wearing a weather-beaten rain poncho as I punched the speaker button on my phone. I needed the poncho because I was eating a juicy, South Carolina peach that made my taste buds dance the South Carolina Shag. The voice said, “We are experiencing high call volume. All our customer service … [Read more...]

Red Cross: Emergency need for donors

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MANKATO, MN, July 27, 2021 — The American Red Cross has an emergency need for lifesaving blood amid the ongoing severe blood shortage. Blood donations continue to be critical to meet hospital demand and the public is urged to make an appointment to give now.  The Red Cross has been distributing about 12% more blood products to hospitals across the U.S. compared to this time … [Read more...]

USDA offers disaster assistance to Minnesota farmers and livestock producers impacted by drought

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ST. PAUL, MN, July 26, 2021 – Minnesota agricultural operations have been significantly impacted by the ongoing, severe drought. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has technical and financial assistance available to help farmers and livestock producers recover. As agricultural producers move into recovery mode and assess damages, they should contact their local USDA … [Read more...]

Fillmore County holds first public hearing for appointed recorder

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County Recorder David Kiehne was first to comment during the public hearing at the board’s July 27 meeting. Kiehne submitted a letter to the board on July 6 informing them of his intent to retire on December 31, 2022, the end of his current elected term. Legislation signed into law in 2019 allows the appointment of a county recorder with the retirement notification provided … [Read more...]

Fillmore County proposed Zoning Ordinance language changes

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At the July 22 Planning Commission meeting, three proposed language changes to the Zoning Ordinance were proposed by Zoning Administrator Cristal Adkins. The first was a more detailed definition of a campground. The proposed language states: “Any area, whether privately owned, used on a daily, nightly, or longer basis for the accommodations of two or more tents or … [Read more...]

Chatfield fills open council seat

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David Frank was appointed to fill the vacant Chatfield City Council seat at the council’s July 26 meeting. Mayor Russ Smith noted that only one application had been submitted to the fill the remainder of John McBroom’s term, who announced his resignation on June 28. Frank will also fill most of McBroom’s committee commitments (Park & Recreation, Public Services, and … [Read more...]

Peering at the Past First immigrant farms were near water and woods

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Norwegian emigration, part 8 The Norwegians who first pioneered southeastern Minnesota preferred farm sites near rivers and creeks rather than prairie acreage. When they arrived on wagons, the prairies were easier to cross than more direct routes through marshland and dense undergrowth along the Root River. But for farmsteads, they first sought flowing water and woods, the … [Read more...]

Rushford puts in final offer on former Farmers Win Coop site

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After months of closed session meetings, offers, and counteroffers, the City of Rushford has made its final offer on a key piece of property in the heart of downtown. The site is owned by Farmers Win Coop. It had housed the former Farmers Coop Elevator. Farmers Win took control of the site in 2019 after a March 2018 merger with Farmers Elevator. The decision to stop … [Read more...]

Long-time business manager at Fillmore Central retires

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At the July 27 Fillmore Central School Board meeting, the board accepted the resignation of business manager, Kathy Whalen, with thanks extended for her 30 years of service. “It’s been a rewarding career,” Whalen said. “It’s hard to say goodbye.” Special Education director Micki Breitsprecher thanked the board for renewing her contract for another two years. The Special … [Read more...]