You are welcome to meander through the gardens of some of western Fillmore County’s most talented “green thumbs” from 9-4:30 on Saturday, June 16. Shelly Skindelien is the Master Gardener coordinating this year’s tour, the first for Fillmore County, and hers is one of ten gardens to view. “Every one of these gardeners is an artist,” Skindelien says with admiration, “On the … [Read more...]
Formed in the Driftless: Flowstone Fishing catches momentum
While underway for more than a year, Flowstone Fishing in Chatfield officially opened its online business this past April. Named for the area’s flowing, cool waters, which create subterranean mineral sheets, or flowstones, owner Bret Klaehn is hoping to combine his enthusiasm for fishing with a niche for quality, handmade lures and personalized, local service. “I have been … [Read more...]
Retire your worn-out U.S. flags
In conjunction with Flag Day, Lanesboro’s American Legion Post #40 will conduct its annual flag retirement ceremony on Tuesday, June 12 at 6:15 p.m. This will take place at the local baseball field, located on the left of Highway 8 just before its intersection with Parkway Avenue in downtown Lanesboro. Proper retirement of the U.S. flag includes protocol which provides … [Read more...]
Sudden changes – evergreens and winter burn
As spring leaves bring a brilliant green to Southeastern Minnesota, many readers are noticing evergreen trees and bushes are suddenly turning brown, appearing to be dying. Jim Edgar of Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Forestry is getting calls from area residents about their concerns seeking advice about the best care for these evergreens. Reports of the … [Read more...]
Recycling 101 Four tips for Household Hazard Waste drop-off
By Drew Hatzenbihler Solid Waste Administrator It’s that time of year again; the snow is melting, the sun is shining (for the most part), and the days are getting longer. That’s right! It’s time for Household Hazardous Waste Day in Fillmore County! This year’s collection event is Tuesday, May 1 from 12-5 p.m. With that day quickly approaching, I thought it would be timely to … [Read more...]
Spring Home & Garden Section
Due to a neverending relentless winter, our staff at the Fillmore County Journal decided to hold off on publishing the Spring Home & Garden Section until April 30, 2018. We didn’t feel like it was spring yet, so we wanted to wait until the forecast looked promising. If this snow didn’t quit, we thought we might have to call it the “Summer Home & Garden Section.” Or, … [Read more...]
Animals removed from property in cruelty investigation
The Animal Humane Society (AHS) recently received multiple complaints regarding the care and welfare of numerous animals located on a rural property in Fillmore County. The complaints alleged that animals were injured, physically abused, and subject to a deplorable sanitary environment. Humane Agent Scott Hill investigated the complaints by visiting the property and making … [Read more...]
Fillmore County solid waste administrator settling into his new job
“I wanted something more than a straight desk job,” Solid Waste Administrator Drew Hatzenbihler said. “I wanted to be active outside too.” He found what he was looking for in his position of Solid Waste Administrator at the Fillmore County Resource Recovery Center. Hatzenbihler began his new job at the center in the summer of 2017. At that time, the position was merged with … [Read more...]
Get wild at Maple Springs
Things are a little bit wild at Maple Springs Campground, and that’s just fine with new owner Andy Goemaat. But as he explains, there’s a big difference between wildlife and wild life. Andy stated, “I had been looking for a while to buy a campground, and everything kind of fell through until I ran across this one. I wanted one that was kind of quieter and family-oriented, … [Read more...]
Snowy owl irruption blankets the area
By Karla Bloem Executive Director of the International Owl Center Five snowy owls in Brice Prairie. Two in Winona. Another in Rochester. Another by Trempealeau. And probably many more I don’t know about. It’s safe to say that the big wave of snowy owls moving south this winter has blanketed our area. Why does this happen? People used to think it was due to a shortage of … [Read more...]
Grabau’s trains will move you
You can’t call Boyd Grabau just another model train hobbyist. That would be like calling Paul Bunyan just another lumberjack. What Boyd has done with his hobby is far beyond what most train lovers would ever imagine. In his own words, “Like I tell everybody, it’s not a hobby, it’s an obsession!” For the past 30 years, Boyd, a lifelong resident of Spring Valley, has been … [Read more...]
PACC dedicates Christmas tree to Amos Anderson
Over two dozen relatives of Amos Anderson gathered in front of the Preston City Hall in Preston, Minn., on Sunday, December 10, 2017, as the Preston Area Chamber of Commerce dedicated this year’s Chamber Christmas Tree in memory of Anderson. Many others, including Preston residents and friends of Anderson, came to view the unveiling of the Christmas tree and to share memories … [Read more...]
A cold fire in the valley
It was a cold, long night in the Village of Fillmore, on the outskirts of Wykoff. Down in the valley, ash and snow fell in tandem as firefighters battled a house fire at Virginia Winslow’s property while enduring subzero temperatures. The Fillmore County Sheriff’s Office dispatch center received a 911 call at 2:35 p.m. on Wednesday, December 6, 2017, from the resident at … [Read more...]
22nd Annual Christmas Wonderland Parade of Lights is December 9
RUSHFORD, MN – Merchants Bank in Rushford is proud to present the 22nd Annual Christmas Wonderland Parade of Lights at 7 p.m. on December 9. Merchants Bank is inviting individuals and businesses to be in the parade. If interested, all you need to do is to call (507) 864-7744. It’s a great night for family fun for area residents. It begins with the Parade of Lights, and is … [Read more...]
Fillmore County enters second year with CWD management
Deer Management Area 603, formerly identified as Permit Area 348 in Fillmore County, is entering the second year of management for Chronic Wasting Disease and there doesn’t seem to be a clear indication of how it’s progressing. November 2016, the first positive infection in a wild deer was discovered near Preston. It led to an intensive DNR management plan and reclassification … [Read more...]