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
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
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...]