As the new school year approaches, the Mabel-Canton School Board met August 19 to take key steps in preparing for the 2025-26 school year. Chair Chris Miller called the meeting to order at 6 p.m., followed by the Pledge of Allegiance. Other board members present included Jason Marquardt, Dustin Tollefsrud, Traci Livingood, Mark Weidemann, Diane Wilder and Amber … [Read more...]
Kingsland School Board Gathers for Project Update
As the school year draws near, the Kingsland School Board gathered for their August 18 meeting to hear updates on Mother Nature’s affect on the district’s construction projects. “We are working on the location of the solar panels, yet again. Essentially what happened was the engineers came out and took a look at the original site plan and said they thought some of the … [Read more...]
Harmony Man Pleads Guilty in Fatal Drunk Driving Crash
Brian Wayne Nelson, 51, of Harmony, has pleaded guilty to criminal vehicular homicide in connection with a crash that left one man dead in rural Fillmore County last summer. The plea was entered in Fillmore County District Court on Monday, August 18, before Judge Jeremy Clinefelter. The charges stem from an incident that occurred shortly after midnight on August 4, 2024. … [Read more...]
Nathan Gossman Faces Extradition After High-Speed Chase, Stolen Truck Recovery
A Canton man with a lengthy criminal history was arrested in Rochester after leading law enforcement on a pursuit in Wisconsin and later being tied to the theft of a municipal vehicle. Authorities identified the suspect as 40-year-old Nathan Randal Gossman. He was taken into custody on August 18 and is being held in the Olmsted County Adult Detention Center. Olmsted County … [Read more...]
Caledonia Kicks Off the 2025-2026 School Year
Caledonia Area Public School board members met Monday, August 18 at Caledonia Elementary School in room #162. Board member Mike Peterson called the meeting to order at 5:30 p.m. and led with the Pledge of Allegiance. All board members, principals John Wahlstrom and Nathan Boler, Superintendent Craig Ihrke, and Community Education Director Gretchen Juan were present. No … [Read more...]
Celebrating 10 Years of Bringing Joy to the Community Through Preston Floral and Gifts
For over 40 years, Preston Floral and Gift has been a staple for those looking to celebrate or remember loved ones, find just the right gift or for those in search of a sweet treat. Ten years ago, Preston native Ashley LaFleur bought the shop in hopes of continuing her family’s legacy. “My grandma (Rita Simonson) owned the shop for 30-plus years. I helped her on the … [Read more...]
Future of Fillmore County Journal
While there have been many local family-owned newspapers that have either been sold to a corporation or simply closed, the Fillmore County Journal has been fortunate to remain healthy and sustainable. But, this is only possible because we have an amazing team working at the newspaper and a tremendously supportive community. We have readers who help guide the ship for what … [Read more...]
Expansion and New Ventures Based on Talent
After Amanda and I purchased the Fillmore County Journal in 2009, I started to recognize underserved opportunities in the market. Based on the talent we’ve attracted, I have always considered our company to be media, marketing and technology focused. SMG Web Design Many businesses were seeking web design services outside of the area, so we launched SMG Web Design in … [Read more...]
One Employee Spanning 35 Years
The history of the Fillmore County Journal would not be complete without mentioning the impact of one key employee that worked for all three newspaper owners. Sherry Hines, who resides in Harmony, Minn., started working for the Journal in 1986, just one year after its inception. She worked in advertising sales for the Fillmore County Journal and Visit Bluff Country Magazine … [Read more...]
Meet the Staff of the Fillmore County Journal
Drivers Greg Hoff When did you start working for the Fillmore County Journal?. Five years ago What do you feel about our role in the community? A good resource for news and other information. What do you enjoy about the work you do? It’s good for me meeting people, and I like it! What do you appreciate about living in this area? It’s perfect. … [Read more...]