Fillmore County Journal

"Where Fillmore County News Comes First"

R-P distance learning getting high marks

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The Monday, April 20 Rushford-Peterson School Board, like most board meetings now, was held virtually via Zoom. All board directors were in attendance, as well as Superintendent Jon Thompson and Administrative Assistant Laura Hahn. The meeting kicked off with a brief discussion regarding procedures for the new online format. It was noted that all meetings will be recorded and … [Read more...]

Spring Grove EDA Fixup Fund to extend application deadline

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SPRING GROVE, MN – The Spring Grove Economic Development Authority recently announced the approval of $10,000 for the 2020 Fix Up Fund.  Due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the financial implications that it has had on our small businesses, the EDA has decided to remove any deadline for applying for the 2020 program. Applications will be assessed on a rolling basis until November … [Read more...]

First COVID-19 death reported in Fillmore County

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On April 23, 2020, the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) confirmed Fillmore County’s first COVID-19 related death.  It is connected to a congregative living facility outside of Fillmore County.  Information on congregative care facility exposure by county can be found on MDH Situational Update page.  More information about coronavirus is available website at … [Read more...]

Kappers’ Big Red Barn expands home milk deliveries

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The Kappers family has always churned out creative ideas for their dairy. “Bob always had a plan. He’s an outside of the box thinker,” said Jeanette Kappers proudly in a 2017 Journal feature. Nestled into the community of Chatfield, the micro-dairy operates with the complete on-site production, processing, and packaging of their milk, as well as value-added products. In … [Read more...]

Sheltered in violence

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Throughout the United States, police departments are responding to a surge in domestic violence calls at the same time a shelter-in-place order keeps many people in close quarters. According to www.thehill.com, “Police departments in Boston, Chicago, Dallas, Los Angeles and Seattle have said publicly they are seeing increases in domestic violence allegations.  Chicago reported … [Read more...]

Spring Valley pool and summer rec on hold

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The Spring Valley City Council met in regular session on April 13.  Due to social distancing guidelines, the meeting was held at the community center, with all attendees seated with at least six feet of space.  Members present included Mayor Tony Archer, Luan Ruesink, Chris Danielson, John Dols, and City Administrator Deb Zimmer.  Also in attendance was Park & Rec Director … [Read more...]

Non-profits facing lean times during stay-at-home

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Fillmore County is home to a number of non-profit organizations which, like everyone else, are feeling the impact of the economic downturn caused by the coronavirus mitigation practices currently in place.  The Journal reached out to several of these organizations recently to get a glimpse into how they are “weathering the storm.” When asked about the immediate impact on his … [Read more...]

Supporting our local churches

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The Fillmore County Journal has always been a supporter of local churches in our coverage area. Readers will notice a church directory published in the newspaper each week.  This is free for the churches in our circulation area, and this is only possible with the support of sponsors.  Thanks to all of these sponsors! Church supporters may contact our newspaper staff at … [Read more...]

County takes measures to ease COVID-19 impact

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At the April 14 meeting of the Fillmore County Board via Webex, commissioners took steps to lesson the impact on their constituents. County Auditor/Treasurer Heidi Jones noted the Association of Minnesota Counties (AMC) has provided some guidance on possibly giving some property owners, who are struggling due to closures, some relief. She said she has received a handful of … [Read more...]