Sheriff John DeGeorge, Emergency Management director Don Kullot, and Public Safety Answering Point (PSAP) manager Jon Whitney addressed the county board at their February 27 meeting. They requested approval to purchase the Vesta Next Generation 911 phone system to make the county Next Generation 911 compliant. The one-time cost for system setup in the amount of $40,283.61 … [Read more...]
Fillmore Central Kids Celebrate “I Love to Read Month”
At the February 27 Fillmore Central school board meeting, Superintendent Heath Olstad reported that I Love to Read Month is wrapping up. The students experienced fun events and programs, dress up days and more to celebrate over the month of February. Thanks were extended to the Preston Fire Department for their donation that will allow each student to receive a free book at the … [Read more...]
Caledonia Council Meeting Short on Attendance
In an unusual turn of events, neither Caledonia Mayor DeWayne (Tank) Schroeder nor former Mayor Robert (Bob) Burns could recall a time when the Caledonia City Council lacked a quorum for a council meeting. However, on Monday evening, February 26, 2024, it happened. With only the mayor and Councilmember David Fitzpatrick present, the council found itself without the required … [Read more...]
Chatfield Approves Updates for Wastewater Treatment Facility
At the February 26 meeting of the Chatfield city council, Steve Schlichter, WWTF superintendent, explained the current UV disinfection system is 18 years old and parts are no longer available and/or difficult to find. Councilor Mike Urban was absent. Schlichter recommended the lower of two quotes submitted by Great Northern Environmental in the amount of $145,000 for … [Read more...]
Journal Wins 17 Awards at MNA Convention
At the 157th annual convention held in Brooklyn Center, Minn., in early February, the Journal staff raked in 17 awards in the categories of news reporting, advertising excellence, and online presence. Judges evaluated each newspaper compared to others of the same size circulation in the State of Minnesota, awarding first, second and third place winners in each … [Read more...]
Rushford Village Maintenance Work Continues
At the February 20 meeting, the Rushford Village Council learned from Public Works Supervisor that upgrades for the maintenance shed are nearing completion. The budget for 2024 includes $20,000 for it and projected work includes blown-in insulation, steel and equipment rental for the insulation. Estimates included for insulation and accessories were $8,532, while steel walls … [Read more...]
Preston Approves CUP for Vacation Rental
The Preston City Council, at their February 20 meeting, continued the discussion that began during the Planning Commission meeting, regarding a conditional use permit (CUP) application submitted by Pauline Orban to use her single-family home for boarding and lodging. The Planning Commission held a public hearing prior to the council meeting and recommended approval of the … [Read more...]
Mabel-Canton’s Kuphal Not Giving Up
At the February 20 Mabel-Canton School Board meeting, Superintendent Gary Kuphal updated the board on the latest interactions with Decorah School District. Decorah declined to meet with the Mabel-Canton full board as Kuphal had requested in a recent letter sent to all Decorah board members. “They have resisted any effort so far,” Kuphal explained. Kuphal stated that … [Read more...]
Amish Buggy Accident – Hit and Run
According to the Fillmore County Sheriff’s Office, on Friday, February 16, 2024, at approximately 10:05 p.m., the department received 911 calls indicating there was a crash in the 29000 block of County Road 1 in rural Spring Valley, Minn. The news release stated, “Initial reports indicated that a vehicle had struck and Amish buggy with several occupants. Deputies responded to … [Read more...]
Caledonia Public Schools Prepare for Spring
Caledonia Area Public School board members met Tuesday, February 20 at Caledonia Elementary School in room #162. Board member Mike Peterson called the meeting to order at 6 p.m., led with the Pledge of Allegiance, and conducted roll call. Board members present included Derek Adamson, Tim Gunn, Melissa Marschall, Daniel Small and Spencer Yohe. Board member Leigh King was absent. … [Read more...]
Spring Grove School Board Members Thanked for Their Leadership
At the February 20 Spring Grove School Board meeting, the school board members were recognized for their commitment to the school district. Superintendent Rachel Udstuen said, “I would like to publicly recognize our school board members for the hard work they do to ensure our children receive a first-rate education.” February has been designated as … [Read more...]
Correction
In the February 19, 2024, issue of the Fillmore County Journal, in the front page article “Spring Valley Looks Toward Future of WWTP,” it was noted that the Spring Valley library would be open on Saturdays. In actuality, the library is currently only open the first Saturday of each month. We apolgize for the error. … [Read more...]
Chatfield Hears Annual Reviews for WWTF and Ambulance
Steve Schlichter, wastewater treatment facility superintendent, and Rocky Burnett, ambulance director, each took a look back at 2023 during the city council’s February 12 meeting. Schlichter gave detailed data on the operation of the facility. Minnesota Pollution Control Agency requirements have been met demonstrating that the facility has been operating very well. In 2023 … [Read more...]
Mikayla Rehm Receives Distinguished Stars & Stripes Award
Mikayla Margaret Rehm, age 18, of Wykoff, Minn., has earned the highest recognition the American Heritage Girls offers to members, the Stars & Stripes Award. In addition to living out the AHG Creed and Oath, award recipients have completed a number of requirements to achieve this honor, including: Earning a total of 16 Merit Badges; Having held a leadership position in … [Read more...]
Arson Trial for Mindy Jones Delayed a Second Time; Review Hearing Scheduled for April 1 Before New Trial Date Will Be Set Reprinted with permission from The Standard, Waukon, Iowa
The arson trial for Mindy Jo Jones stemming from a February 13, 2022, fire that destroyed her Tin, Rust and Harmony business located at 9 Allamakee Street in Waukon has been rescheduled for a second time since her arrest in the case in March of last year. At a pre-trial conference held Monday, February 5 in Allamakee County District Court in Waukon, First Judicial District … [Read more...]