The Fillmore County Journal (Publisher Jason Sethre, Assistant Editor Ellen Whalen, and this reporter) toured the jail in part on April 3, which was interrupted by an emergency (car chase), and later on April 16. Sheriff John DeGeorge led us through the office portion of the old building and through the new jail which will eventually house the county’s inmates. Jail … [Read more...]
Fillmore County Fund Balances Approved
At the April 22 meeting of the county board County Administrator Bobbie Hillery reviewed the various fund balances for fiscal year 2024. Committed Funds include funds that were set aside for building maintenance, law enforcement remodel, grant projects, new county projects, interoperable communications, highway equipment, and solid waste building remodel/replacement. These … [Read more...]
Section Realignment Affects Area Teams
The Minnesota State High School League has issued its new section alignment for the 2025-2026 season, based off new enrollments for the involved schools. There are quite a few changes. Rushford-Peterson and Lewiston-Altura are two schools seeing nearly across the board realignments. For football, Section 1A undergoes an overhaul. Lewiston-Altura moves in from 1AA. Southland … [Read more...]
Preston Replaces Squad Vehicle
At the April 21 meeting of the city council, Police Chief Blaise Sass presented a quote for a 2025 Chevrolet 1500 PPV on state bid from North Country GM. The new squad will replace a 2018 Dodge Ram. The replacement of the squad had been scheduled for 2024. The planned purchase for the squad with equipment and graphics will cost a total of $67,216.93 ($50,931.60 for the … [Read more...]
Caledonia Public Schools Help the Environment
Caledonia Area Public School board members met Monday, April 21 at Caledonia Elementary School in room #162. Board member Mike Peterson called the meeting to order at 5:30 p.m. then led with the Pledge of Allegiance. All board members, Superintendent Ihrke, Middle/High School Principal Nathan Boler, Elementary Principal John Wahlstrom, and Community Education Director Gretchen … [Read more...]
Houston County Board Postpones Decision on MCIT Snowplow Settlement
At its April 22 meeting, the Houston County Board of Commissioners deferred action on a $215,171 settlement offer from the Minnesota Counties Intergovernmental Trust (MCIT) related to a county owned snowplow that was totaled this past winter. The board is also considering the purchase of a 2026 tandem axle truck and plow box as a replacement but opted to wait for additional … [Read more...]
Fillmore Central Holds High School Job Fair
At the April 22 Fillmore Central School Board meeting, Superintendent Heath Olstad reported that 28 businesses were represented at the recent job fair at the high school. He thanked everyone who was involved in the fair, noting that it was a successful event. There are quite a few concerts coming up at the elementary and high school in May. The dates for those are available on … [Read more...]
MnDOT US 52 Presentation at Chatfield
Paul Zager, MnDOT project manager, presented current plans for the 2027 US 52 project (Chatfield through Fountain) at the Chatfield City Council’s April 14 meeting. Last year open houses were held in Chatfield and Fountain to get input from the public. Zager said MnDOT will be back again next year with more detailed plans. The first year of the project will involve bridge … [Read more...]
Houston Owl Sculpture Set for Repairs
At the regular Houston City Council meeting April 14, the council learned that the owl sculpture currently on display in the city park in Houston, Minn., is in need of repair. The chainsaw sculpture was originally completed on a tree stump in the park. Time has been the enemy of the sculpture; the bottom of the sculpture has been compromised by weather and aging. Karla … [Read more...]
SEMAC Announces Recent Individual Artist Grant Awards
This activity is made possible by the voters of Minnesota through grants from the Minnesota State Arts Board thanks to a legislative appropriation from the arts and cultural heritage fund. On March 11, 2025, the SEMAC Board of Directors awarded $127,335 in arts programming grants to individual artists throughout Southeastern Minnesota. This includes one Opportunity Grant, 19 … [Read more...]