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...]
Mabel City Council Approves New Electric Rates Following Public Hearing
The Mabel City Council held a public hearing on Wednesday, August 13, at 6 p.m., prior to the regularly scheduled city council meeting. The purpose of the public hearing was to receive comments from Mabel residents and business owners regarding the proposed electric rate increases. There were no comments regarding he rate increases during the public hearing. City Clerk Karen … [Read more...]
Projects Progressing in Spring Valley
On Monday, August 11, Drew Weber, of Bolton and Menk, gave the the Spring Valley City Council an update on several ongoing projects. According to Weber, the plans for the Waste Water Treatment Plant (WWTP) have been certified and waiting on the funding process to see where Spring Valley will fall within the funding list. This is expected to come out sometime in September or … [Read more...]
Whalan Area Looks Forward to Upcoming Events
Social events were highlighted at the the city of Whalan’s August 11 council meeting. With the music in the Bluffs concert series winding down, the city is looking ahead to the October Fall Finale event. Present at the meeting were Mayor David Hallum along with council members Owen Lewis, Thore E. Johnson, Sheila Higbe and Kim Berekvam. City Clerk/Treasurer Teresa Grossell was … [Read more...]
Ostrander City Council Focuses on Hazardous Property, Budget Approval
The Ostrander City Council held its regular monthly meeting on Tuesday, August 12 at 6:30 p.m. Mayor Stephanie Start called the meeting to order with all council members present, including DJ Start, Dan Hellerud, Jimmie Dean and Lyn Massey-Mills. City Clerk Wendy Brincks was also in attendance. The first and most time-consuming item on the agenda was the condition of the … [Read more...]
Celebrate the Life and Times of Nobel Peace Prize Winner Dr. Norman Borlaug
Looking for an event to attend from August 22-24? Cross the Iowa-Minnesota state line and head to Cresco, Iowa, to step back in time at the annual Norman Borlaug Harvest Fest. Enjoy a tour of Dr. Borlaug’s boyhood farm south of Cresco and learn about his mission to feed the world. He is recognized for feeding a billion people. According to the non-profit organization IFDC, … [Read more...]
2026 Budgeting Dominates Fillmore County Board Meeting
At the August 12 meeting of the county board, several more departments reviewed their proposed 2026 budgets. Jessica Erickson reviewed public health, WIC, and nursing service budgets. Most increases will be due to salary or insurance increases. Jason Marquardt reviewed the veterans budget. County Administrator Bobbie Hillery noted for budgeting purposes a 15% insurance … [Read more...]