At the August 5 meeting, the bulk of the information heard by the Fountain Council related to work done or suggested by Public Works and contracted Water/Wastewater consultant Rick Whitney. Maintenance worker Jordan Amunrud suggested the city look at having the city’s sewer lines inspected via scope and jetted for preventative maintenance purposes. “I’d like to try and get … [Read more...]
Review Given by Fillmore County Attorney Office Interns
Two summer interns reviewed their experiences and insights while serving with the Fillmore County Attorney’s Office at the county board’s August 4 meeting. Commissioner Larry Hindt was absent. Commissioner Mitch Lentz participated via Zoom. Coy Pederson, a first-year law student, and Aalyiah Root, an undergraduate student, participated in the 2026 summer internship program. … [Read more...]
Lobbying on Capitol Hill as a First-Time Voter
By Casey Herek Want to know the best way to prepare yourself to vote for the first time? Being active and involved with your representatives before they reach out to you for support. I joined Citizens’ Climate Lobby (CCL) in May of this year as a member of the Southern Minnesota chapter. The term ‘lobbyist’ tends to leave a bad taste in the mouth, but the CCL is more about … [Read more...]
Harmony Considers Data Center Ordinance
In a joint planning session on August 5 the Harmony City Council, the Harmony EDA and the Harmony Planning and Zoning came together to review a draft data center ordinance for the city. Mayor Steve Donney opened the meeting and explained that there would be no public comment; the public was encouraged to submit written comments following the meeting. City Attorney Greg … [Read more...]
Bike Trail Invasive Species
By Gary Wilson Houston, MN An article in the July 27 edition of the Fillmore County Journal described efforts to build a bike trail from Preston to Forestville State Park. As a long time user of the Houston extension to the Root River State Trail, I support efforts to create new trails. As a landowner adjacent to the RRST, I offer the following suggestions to landowners … [Read more...]
Ask a Trooper
Question: I’m seeing more and more vehicles in Minnesota with dark tinted windows. I thought there was a law prohibiting dark tinted windows on both the driver and passenger windows but back windows can be dark. Unless the laws changed and I didn’t know. Thank you Answer: In Minnesota, you can have your windows tinted to a light transmittance of 50%, but not less. Light … [Read more...]
Fillmore and Houston County Police Reports
Caledonia Police Department Ashley Rae Beck, 44, Cresco, IA; 7/13/2026, Failure to Stop for Traffic Control Signal, Fine $50, Total Fees $125. Trenton Paul Kleven, 30, Caledonia, MN; 6/28/2026, Speeding (40/30), Fine $40, Total Fees $115. Christopher Dewayne Mitchell Sr., 37, La Crosse, WI; 5/10/2026, Driving Without a Valid License for Vehicle Class or Type, Fine $100, … [Read more...]
Round ‘Em Up and Head ‘Em Out to Western Days in Chatfield, Minnesota
Round up your friends, family, kids and neighbors, and head to Chatfield for four days of “Old West” family fun at the 59th Annual Chatfield Western Days, August 6-9. Dress in your finest red, white and blue western wear as the community also celebrates the 250th Anniversary of the United States. The Star-Spangled Fireworks Finale, honoring area veterans, will light up the … [Read more...]
College News
Graduates List Spring 2026 • Cedarville University: Daniel Dahl, Spring Valley, Master of Medical Science-Physician Assistant Studies • Hawkeye Community College: Molly Lee, Mabel, AAS Dental Hygiene • Iowa State University: Carson Ruen, Lanesboro, BS Agricultural Business, Magna Cum Laude; Aaron Prinsen, Rushford, BS Civil Engineering, Cum Laude • Minnesota State … [Read more...]
Local Girls Play in 12U Little League World Series
A local girls 12-and-under softball team based out of St. Charles recently made history, traveling to Whitetown, Indiana, to play in the Little League World Series Regional Tournament. This opportunity started with area coaches wanting to expand opportunities for their players to compete on the national stage. Since Little League International is the largest governing body of … [Read more...]