A Fillmore County resident from Lanesboro is sharing his experience after losing thousands of dollars in a sophisticated phone scam that impersonated a family member and exploited fear, urgency, and trust. The man, who is nearing 90 years old and asked not to be identified, said the scam began with a phone call that sounded exactly like his granddaughter. “She said, … [Read more...]
Lanesboro Semester Tests – Pro and Con
The semester test policy was a focus at the regular Lanesboro School Board February 11 as three speakers at the public input period spoke about them and the board had set aside time to discuss the policy. Stena Lieb, an art teacher at Lanesboro and a parent of several students spoke first. Lieb declared, “I dislike the semester tests – as a matter of fact, I abhor them!” … [Read more...]
Houston’s Momsen Uses Sabbatical Wisely
Teacher Marty Momsen visited the February 5 Houston School Board meeting to share how he used his sabbatical last year. After teaching for 25 years, Momsen became a student again at age 50 to take the journey to become EMT certified and able to teach an EMT class. Momsen has been an EMT for four years and works at Winona Ambulance as well. His first hour EMT class at Houston … [Read more...]
Working Hard for Caledonia
Mayor Jeremy Leis praised City Clerk/Administrator Jake Dickson and Public Works & Zoning Director Casey Klug for their leadership and negotiation skills at the February 9 city council meeting. Mayor Leis called the meeting to order at 6 p.m. followed by the Pledge of Allegiance. Council members in attendance included Amanda Ninneman, John Rauk, David Fitpatrick, and Mayor … [Read more...]
Big Cuts at the Sawmill
In January 2025, the Fillmore County Journal published a story in the annual Progress Edition titled “Root River Hardwoods’ 46-year Journey,” celebrating the growth of the company from humble beginnings. Right after the story appeared in the newspaper, it was announced that Root River Hardwoods, with locations in Preston, Minn., and Albert Lea, Minn., was sold to a company … [Read more...]
Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation Offers Free Paint For Community Projects
OWATONNA, MN, February 3, 2026 - Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation (SMIF) is currently accepting applications for free paint and coating products for community mural, community welcome sign, historic structure or public art projects or to refresh public spaces in preparation for significant community milestone celebrations through its Paint the Town Grant program. This … [Read more...]
Houston County Commissioners Hear from the Public Regarding Commercial Solar Fields
At the February 3 commission meeting, the seats at the Houston County Courthouse were filled with Houston County residents anxiously waiting to share their opinions on building commercial solar fields in Houston County. The meeting was called to order at 9 a.m., followed by the Pledge of Allegiance. Commissioners in attendance included Cindy Wright, Eric Johnson, Kurt … [Read more...]
Caucuses Begin 2026 Election Process
Fillmore County Republican Precinct Caucuses were held Tuesday evening, February 3 in Chatfield, Harmony, Lanesboro, Mabel, Preston, Rushford and Spring Valley, Minn. DFL Caucus locations took place in Preston, Rushford Village and Spring Valley. At one town’s events, voters were gathered at Kingsland School in Spring Valley as Democrats and Republicans held separate … [Read more...]
Immediate Needs for Fountain Plant and Well House
At the February 4 meeting, the Fountain council received an update from contracted water treatment plant consultant Rick Whitney. Whitney and City Public Works Director John Hanson are methodically going through the plant to make sure it’s fully functional, maintained, and that it continues compliance. In January, there were additional items discovered needing immediate … [Read more...]
Lanesboro Moves Forward with Root River Restoration Project
At the February 2 Lanesboro City Council meeting, resident John Levell commented about the Root River Restoration Project. He classified it as a modification project and said that he believes portions of the project will be detrimental to native species. He was against removing dead trees as they have an ecological purpose for woodpeckers, owl, squirrels, and more and said that … [Read more...]