Fillmore County Journal

"Where Fillmore County News Comes First"

Ostrander child abuse update

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On January 23, 2017, Ryan Robert Rechtzigel, 37, and Angela Lynn Stewart, 32, both of Ostrander, appeared in Fillmore County Court.  Each faced eight felony charges relating to a well-publicized November 17, 2016 incident notably involving methamphetamine possession around a child and multiple child abuses.  Each pleaded guilty to Third Degree Assault, Past Pattern of Child … [Read more...]

Journal Creative Director recognized as E & P Top 25 Under 35

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Every year, the nation’s leading newspaper industry magazine Editor & Publisher recognizes the “Top 25 Under 35.” For 2017, out of all of the nominees from daily and weekly newspapers throughout the United States, Fillmore County Journal Creative Director Jana Boyum made the list, and deservedly so.  Jana is one of only 25 individuals under the age of 35 recognized by … [Read more...]

Plans move forward for new Fillmore Central garage

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Fillmore Central Public School Superintendent Richard Keith and Craig Britton attended the April 11 Harmony City Council meeting to discuss the school’s plans for a new garage to store the football equipment and park some of the district’s vehicles.  The project has been in the works for several months now as details were hammered out between the school district and the City of … [Read more...]

Spring Valley Board of Review meets

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The Spring Valley City Council met for the annual Board of Review at 5:30 p.m. on April 10.  Members in attendance included Mayor Struzyk, Jesse Betts, Mike Hadland, City Clerk Deb Zimmer, and County Assessor Brian Hoff.  Hoff shared “ground rules” and duties of the Board.  His list included the statement that “Appeals must be based on facts.  The property owner must present … [Read more...]

Good Earth Village open house to be held April 30

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Come to Good Earth Village for an open house on Sunday, April 30, from 2-5 p.m. The local camp and retreat center invites all ages to explore the 500 acres, participate in camp activities, and meet some of the very talented and well-trained staff that will be working at camp for the summer. “We cannot wait to introduce you to our incredible faith-based summer programs” says … [Read more...]

Wykoff zoning amendment tabled

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The Wykoff City Council met on April 10 in regular session, with all members in attendance: Mary Tjepkes, Rocky Vreeman, Mayor Al Williams, Clerk Becky Schmidt, Mary Sackett, and Brody Mensink. Daren Sikkink, representing WHKS, addressed the council regarding the sanitary sewer project on South Main Street.  He explained that the sewer main there is substandard because it’s … [Read more...]

Chatfield 2016 audit presented

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Jason Boynton, Smith Schafer and Associates, delivered an unmodified, clean opinion during his review of the  city’s 2016 audit at the council’s April 10 meeting. Chatfield’s tax capacity of $1,619,199 is an increase from 2015 to 2016. The general tax levy makes up 20% of total government revenue. Tax Increment Financing in 2016 was $88,564. Local Government Aid provides 10% … [Read more...]

Henrytown Lutheran Church seeks confirmation class pictures

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When Henrytown Lutheran Church of rural Canton went up in flames on April 16, 2015, so too did the church’s collection of confirmation photos. In the two years since the fire, several volunteer hours have gone into searching for original prints to replicate those that were lost. Many photographs have been located and copied for display in the new church fellowship hall. … [Read more...]

Mabel addresses solar energy ordinance

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By Annie Lewis Mabel residents have always been required to license their dogs, but  after a recent incident, it will now be enforced more rigorously. At  the April 12 Mabel City Council meeting, Mayor James Westby said that  a child had been bitten by a dog that was not licensed and had no  record of vaccinations. As a result, the city will be stepping up efforts to ensure … [Read more...]