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
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...]
Houston County full-time essential workers to receive $50 thank you
Houston County Commissioners approved thanking full-time County essential workers with a $50 payment in place of a County Staff Appreciation Day picnic. The estimated $8,000 for 160 employees will come from last year’s CARES fund. Commissioners felt, “It would be easier than preparing a meal, and the $50 payment will benefit everyone as not everyone can attend the … [Read more...]
One Moment, Please… Fighting to keep jobs in America
Publisher Fillmore County Journal jason@fillmorecountyjournal.com The battle to keep jobs in America has been ongoing for decades. This past week, we learned that Caledonia is contending with the loss of more than 80 jobs as a result of Rawlings Sporting Goods closing the local Miken Sports facility, a manufacturer of Major League Baseball helmets and bats for … [Read more...]
Miller and Davids encourage Rawlings to reconsider closing Miken Sports plant
Winona/Preston –Senator Jeremy Miller (R-Winona) and Representative Greg Davids (R-Preston) today issued the following statement regarding the decision by Rawlings Sporting Goods and its owners, including Major League Baseball and a private equity group, to close its Miken Sports plant in Caledonia and move manufacturing operations overseas. “It has been brought to our … [Read more...]
Why voters vote as they do
Maybe it’s just a professional preoccupation, but I’ve always been intrigued by why voters cast their ballots as they do. I’ve never made a formal study of it, but have talked with plenty of them over the years, and one thing sticks with me from those conversations: There’s no one thing. People find a myriad of interesting — and sometimes idiosyncratic —r easons for voting this … [Read more...]
Caledonia finances in good shape
At their regular meeting July 27, 2021, the Caledonia City council heard from Finance Officer Stephanie Mann that the city was doing “well for midway of the year.” She commented that “nothing jumps out,” several times as she presented the second quarter report. With the first half of property taxes and the first half of LGA totaling $528,000 coming in, the monthly balances … [Read more...]
WWI plaque dedication held at Fillmore County Fairgrounds
“Let us forever remember those who sacrificed for our freedom and honor them always.” That was the premise behind a Plaque Dedication Ceremony held at the memorial entrance of the Fillmore County Fairgrounds on Tuesday, July 20, 2021. In 2019, a program was held at the main gate at the Fillmore County fairgrounds, commemorating 100 years since WWI soldiers were welcomed … [Read more...]
Preston Veterans Home groundbreaking scheduled for Monday, August 9
The groundbreaking event for the new Minnesota Veterans Home in Preston will be held on Monday, August 9. This is a change from the Thursday, August 19 date announced at the meeting last week when MDVA officials visited with Preston stakeholders to provide an update on the new veterans home. More details on the groundbreaking event will be shared soon. We look forward to … [Read more...]
Arlin Falck Foundation accepting grant applications
Notice is hereby given that the Arlin Falck Foundation will accept applications for grants for community development, community promotions, community education and similar matters. The grants shall be for the benefit of persons residing in Fillmore County and Houston County, Minn. and Allamakee County and Winneshiek County, Iowa Entities that have a 501 (c) 3 designation by … [Read more...]