On February 12, 2026, Shawn Gene Johnson, 32 of Harmony, appeared before District Court Judge Jeremy Clinefelter. Johnson is charged with Violate No Contact Order - Within Ten Years of the First of Two or More Convictions. It is a felony with a maximum criminal penalty of five years in prison and/or a $10,000 fine. On or about February 6, a Preston Police officer was … [Read more...]
Kalla Lily Floral Blooms in Spring Valley
Flowers have long been the symbol for the coming of spring. They can spark an array of emotions and be used for many different occasions. Local floral shops are a great place to celebrate the joy of flowers year-round. Now a few months in business, Kalla Lily Floral in Spring Valley, Minn., offers beautiful floral arrangements and gifts. At the age of 14, Kara Brenner, … [Read more...]
Harmony Chamber Searches for New Director
At the March 10 Harmony City Council meeting, the consent agenda was approved and included the minutes of the February 10 council meeting as well as the February 4 and February 18 planning session minutes, and the amended minutes for the January 13 meeting. It also included the claims and February checks, investment report, cash balances, the year-to-date budget, a facilitation … [Read more...]
Rushford Approves HazMat Survey
At the March 9 meeting, the Rushford Council zipped through the agenda, which included upcoming asbestos testing, the attempted sale of the former ambulance rig, and a permit for The Mill on Rush Creek (the former Hoiland Mill). Added to the agenda was approval of a lease agreement for the historic depot building. First up, the council unanimously approved a proposal for the … [Read more...]
Mabel Council Continues Conversation on Local Cannabis Ordinance
The conversation regarding a cannabis ordinance in Mabel, rather than following Fillmore County’s ordinance, was once again a topic of discussion at the March 11 Mabel City Council meeting. The city received a letter from Steve Wijatyk from Palm Springs, Calif who is in support the city adopting a “clear and thoughtful cannabis ordinance.” He noted in his letter that his … [Read more...]
Wiegrefe Senior Housing Transferred to City of Eitzen
On March 10 during the regular city council meeting, the Eitzen City Council signed the paperwork transferring the Wiegrefe Senior Housing facility including the building and all assets from the Willard and Alpha Wiegrefe Foundation to the city. The council also approved a new board to oversee the property. Board members include Jeff Adamson, Ethan Lapham, and Mitch … [Read more...]
Caledonia Police Responded to 2,011 Calls in 2025
Caledonia Police Chief Kurt Zehnder shared an in-depth picture of his department’s activities in 2025 during the March 9 regular meeting of the Caledonia City Council. The Caledonia Police Department has five full-time officers with a combined total of just over 100 years in law enforcement. In 2025, the department responded to 2,011 total calls for service, down from … [Read more...]
Fr. Gawarecki Sews His Own Vestments
Father Nicholas Gawarecki, pastor of the local Holy Family Catholic Parishes, has many hobbies including cooking, woodworking, playing Ultimate Frisbee, working out at the gym, playing piano, singing and sewing. Fr. Nicholas has applied his sewing skills to sew somewhat unique items – his own vestments. As a child, Fr. Nicholas learned to sew from his mother. She had cut … [Read more...]
Age Friendly Fillmore County Shared with Chatfield Council
At the March 9 meeting of the Chatfield City Council. Cathy French provided an informational update on Age Friendly Fillmore County. Age Friendly is a nationwide program involving age friendly communities and their volunteers. French has lived in Chatfield for 47 years; her husband has been a resident of Chatfield his whole life. Nearly 21% of the population is 65 or … [Read more...]
Semester Tests and Virtual Meetings Discussed at Lanesboro
Much of the Lanesboro School Board meeting on March 11 was spent discussing two items – semester tests linked to attendance and virtual options for school board meetings. The first discussion came after Superintendent Matt Schultz updated the board on the policy committee meeting held the week before. Schultz informed the board that the committee had spent an hour and a half … [Read more...]