The body of a missing La Crosse woman was located in the Mississippi River near Brownsville, Minn., on the morning of July 23, 2025. According to Houston County Sheriff Brian Swedberg, a fisherman spotted the body at approximately 10:28 a.m. and notified authorities. Houston County deputies responded to confirm the finding, but the recovery itself was handled by La Crosse … [Read more...]
Step Back in Time with the Toot & Whistle Boys at the Hesper-Mabel Steam Engine Days
Visitors flock from all over to Mabel, Minn., to take part in the annual Hesper-Mabel Steam Engine Days festivities. You won’t want to miss the oldest steam engine show in Minnesota, held September 4-7, with its origins in nearby Hesper, Iowa. The members of the Toot & Whistle Club Inc. – locally known as the Toot & Whistle Boys- invite everyone to step back in time … [Read more...]
Estelle’s Eatery & Bar – 10 Years of Unique Food in Harmony
Estelles’ Eatery & Bar is a chef-owned, chef-driven restaurant with unique food and homemade sauces. This concept is behind everything they do; it helps them adapt and give people a better experience, according to Matt Brown. “Food – it doesn’t matter who you are, what your religion is or who you voted for in the last election – you have to eat food; it puts everyone on … [Read more...]
Brownsville Gets New City Maps
Brownsville City Council members met Wednesday, August 6 at Brownsville Community Center. Mayor Jean Meyer called the meeting to order at 7 p.m. then City Clerk Steve Schuldt conducted role call. Council members present included Meyer, Pam Walhovd, Bill Fitzpatrick, and David Prestby. Councilor Barb Hurley was absent. City employees present were City Clerk Schuldt, Treasurer … [Read more...]
Lanesboro City Council Meetings Will Be Available Online
After extensive discussion at their August 4 meeting, the Lanesboro City Council decided to post recordings of their monthly council meetings online. According to Mayor Alicia Pearson, the League of Minnesota Citites recommended the posting of public meetings in a recent issue of its magazine, Minnesota Cities. Joe Cullen expressed his concern that posting all city meetings … [Read more...]
Celebrate Farming, Fun, and Community at Ag Days
Event organizer Stacey Rath invites Fillmore County Journal readers to join the Spring Valley community for Ag Days, happening August 11-17, as they celebrate Southeast Minnesota’s rich agricultural roots. “Ag Days is one of those celebrations that so many look forward to every year,” said Rath. “It’s a time when our community comes together for one sole purpose: to enjoy … [Read more...]
Firearms for Deer Hunting Discussion Begins in Fillmore County
At the August 5 meeting of the county board, three residents addressed the board over a bill enacted by the Minnesota legislature. The bill allows the use of rifles for deer hunting; the new law goes into effect in 2026. It also gives a county board the authority to limit firearms for deer hunting by adopting an ordinance. Notice of a public hearing is required before an … [Read more...]
Preston Creation of Comprehensive Plan on Schedule
At the August 4 meeting of the city council, City Administrator Ryan Throckmorton gave an update on the planners conducting the community group plan which is still on track. Mayor Kurt Reicks was absent. Due to weather, the recent Rhythm on the River event was held indoors and was well attended. Online surveys ended on August 4; there were a good number of participants … [Read more...]
Village Looks to Comp Plan Focus
At the August 5 meeting, the Rushford Village Council welcomed new Community Economic Development Associates’ (CEDA) consultant Jayme Longmire and CEDA Community and Business Development Specialist for Fillmore County Allison Whalen. The two presented details on a number of initiatives for the area that may pertain to the village, specifically now that the updated Comprehensive … [Read more...]
Houston County Commissioners Declare a State of Emergency
A severe thunderstorm and high winds on July 29 led the Houston County Board of Commissioners to unanimously declare a state of emergency during its regularly scheduled meeting on August 5. This marks the second time this summer that the board had declared a state of emergency. Vice-chairman Bob Schuldt called the hour-long meeting to order at 9 a.m. with the Pledge of … [Read more...]