Meet the Staff of the Fillmore County Journal

Drivers

Greg Hoff

1. When did you start working for the Fillmore County Journal?.

Five years ago

2. What do you feel about our role in the community?

A good resource for news and other information.

3. What do you enjoy about the work you do?

It’s good for me meeting people, and I like it!

4. What do you appreciate about living in this area?

It’s perfect. I can visit other places, but home is great.

Todd Leiding

1. When did you start working for the Fillmore County Journal?.

Summer of 2023

2. What do you feel about our role in the community?

Being a good source of information for all county events and activities.

3. What do you enjoy about the work you do?

I enjoy dropping off papers at businesses and having people waiting for me as they want a copy hot off the press.

4. What do you appreciate about living in this area?

The beauty of the different regions throughout the county that we get to enjoy on a daily basis.

Photographers

Dawn Hauge

1. When did you start working for the Fillmore County Journal?.

I started with FCJ when Jason took over the Tri County Record, I had previously worked for that paper. Sorry, I’m not sure what year that was.

2. What do you enjoy about the work you do?

I really enjoy capturing memories for people in pictures.

3. What’s the mmost memorable photo you’ve taken for the Journal?

It’s a picture showing great sportsmanship – it was a playoff game in Rochester. Rushford-Peterson was playing Hayfield. Andrew Hoiness from R-P extends a hand to help a Hayfield player up.

4. What do you appreciate about living in this area?

The natural beauty of this corner of the state.

Emma Geiwitz

1. When did you start working for the Fillmore County Journal?

I started in January 2022.

2. What do you enjoy about the work you do?

I love being involved and connecting more with my hometown.

3. What’s the most memorable photo you’ve taken for the Journal?

The most memorable photos for me are the sports photos that show the players’ emotions in the moment.

4. What do you appreciate about living in this area?

My favorite things about SE Minnesota are the views and the amazing people.

Heather Kleiboer

1. When did you start working for the Fillmore County Journal?.

I think I have been a part of FCJ for over 10 years, but I am not exactly sure of the start date! I have been shooting events for the paper covering the Mabel-Canton School, and the Mabel and Canton EMS/Fire for many years.

2. What do you enjoy about the work you do?

A few photos come to mind that would place high on my favorites list, from graduation photos and athletic game day shots, homecoming week and prom pictures, but I have truly enjoyed featuring the Mabel-Canton Kids in the Journal – those are always the pages I head to first. I love to see who made it in the print! I would say that some of my favorite printed photos would have also occurred during Steam Engine Days – those are always fun photos to share.

3. What do you appreciate about living in this area?

I love living in this area, and sharing the beauty of not only the land we live on, but the community we share. I can always find beauty in this corner of SE Minnesota and NE Iowa to photograph and enjoy.

Kristi Ruen

1. When did you start working for the Fillmore County Journal?

I started taking photos when the Fillmore County Journal purchased the Republican/Leader. I had been taking sports and miscellaneous school photos so I continued for the Journal.

2. What do you enjoy about the work you do?

Recording fun and important moments for people to enjoy through the photos.  It’s a fun hobby.

3. What’s the most memorable photo you’ve taken for the Journal?

I don’t have a most memorable, but I enjoy school events, especially homecoming week with all the joy and pride for the hometown. State track meets are also fun, and challenging, to photograph!

4. What do you appreciate about living in this area?

The combination of agriculture, arts and tourism, along with the people, makes this beautiful area of the state a wonderful place to live.

Leif Erickson

1. When did you start working for the Fillmore County Journal?

I have been taking photos for the Fillmore County Journal for over six years.

2. What do you enjoy about the work you do?

I enjoy seeing the unique expressions I am able to capture when taking action photos.  The raw emotions of the athletes and fans.

3. What’s the most memorable photo you’ve taken for the Journal?

I think the photo that tells the best story is the 2022 Chatfield Girls Softball Championship Game when they won. The photo is just after the winning pitch with the Chatfield fans and players jumping up and down.  On the other side it showed the batter that struck out walking away from the plate with their fans sitting, showing no emotion.

4. What do you appreciate about living in this area?

The abundance of wildlife and natural beauty.

Production

Ellen Whalen

1. When did you start working for the Fillmore County Journal?

I began working at the Fillmore County Journal in September 2014.

2. What has been your favorite section you’ve worked on?

My favorites are the agriculture-related sections, where we get to learn more about the hardworking farm families and the work they do, plus the businesses that help keep the farms running smoothly.

3. What do you enjoy about the work you do?

There are so many things I really enjoy about my work. I have the best boss and coworkers and appreciate our dedicated reporters who step up to cover the many articles we publish. It’s fulfilling to see each week’s newspaper come together from the initial planning all the way through to the final steps of sending it to print. I enjoy the opportunities to learn more about the people of the two counties we cover.

4. What do you appreciate about living in this area?

Living in the area all my life, I have gotten to know so many people that live here. It’s great to have so many connections and know that we are really “Minnesota nice” people who look out for and help each other. I like that I can shop for almost anything I need right in our small towns. Also, the peacefulness and ever-changing beauty of southeast Minnesota is something we can appreciate each season – those visiting here often remark about how beautiful it is.

Jeff Kale

1. When did you start working for the Fillmore County Journal?.

”A long time ago in a galaxy far, far away …” ??? Some time before COVID and the world went mad. Fall of 2020 I think. I’m assuming you are referring to this dimension and not Earth 2 where I am in fact Batman.

2. What has been your favorite section you’ve worked on?

The last one because that mean I’m one day closer to death. Some of the Car Care sections have been a lot of fun. We usually have some great photos to work with and it is fun to learn about what people in the area have restored or kept in original condition. I really enjoy working on the cookbook and some of the special things we have going on throughout the year as well. I also enjoy the weekly paper. It is fun working out how to make everything work together and make it work in the most cost efficient way. 

3. What do you enjoy about the work you do?

Five o’clock and Fridays mostly. I am able to use a lifetime of acquired skills to put together something so many people find of value. We often get feedback about what people enjoy from the paper or that they have noticed the effort that we put into everything. I try to take a minute and realize that this may be the only ad a business/organization/church will run this year and they have put their trust in me to communicate their message in the most noticeable and clear manner.

4. What do you appreciate about living in this area?

Can’t wait to retire … Arizona here I come. I have not lived here my whole life. I am a relatively recent transplant from the flatlands. The scenery is definitely a bonus. You can drive a short distance and see everything from bluffs to river valleys, woodland to rolling farmland. Plus, the people have been very welcoming. I have some of my best friends in this area and I am glad my wife and I made the move.

The comments in the above statements do not represent the Fillmore County Journal or the Sethre Media Group and its subsidiaries.

Kim Wubbels

1. When did you start working for the Fillmore County Journal?.

I started working at the Journal in October 2021. I was looking for a part-time job in retirement that was flexible and allowed me to do the retirement “things,” yet gave me sense of being a part of the community.  The Journal and Jason are the perfect fit.

2. What do you feel about your role in the community?

I help out with accounts receivable and the billing cycle. I proud of my “part” in the Fillmore County Journal, The Journal is a relaxed and inclusive work environment. These are newspaper folks with quick wit and a real dedication to the mission of local community news for free!  I mean how good can it get? Everyone is supportive of the mission and truly a “team.” From the office staff, sales staff, contract reporters, and delivery drivers; all dedicated each and every week to get the Journal to print and delivered to each household so each of us can enjoy our copy!  I know we all have our favorite bits! I’m tickled to call myself a Journal employee! Thank you, Jason!

3. What do you enjoy about the work you do?

The Journal covers the happenings in all the communities in our distribution area.  The Journal knits individual communities together and keeps us informed of activities and news in our respective community and surrounding communities.  I’m always looking for new things to do and businesses to explore, both new and undiscovered.

4. What do you appreciate about living in this area?

I am a transplant from the Des Moines, Iowa, area.  I was used to flat views!  The karst topography and coulees are stunning, with the Mississippi and all of the communities to explore along it within easy day trips.  Frequently I hear about something new to explore in the area by reading the Journal. Nature feeds my soul and the area fills my cup.

Thank you all for the opportunity to be a small part of the Fillmore County Journal!

Kris Fultz

1. When did you start working for the Fillmore County Journal?.

I’ve worked at the Journal for little over a year and a half.

2. What do you feel about your role in the community?

I feel it’s so important to be a helper. In my community I try to be mindful that everyone has struggles and sometimes it’s the simplest things that can make all the difference. A warm smile, a safe place to vent, a calm presence or some silly shared laughter. It’s all the good stuff. Helping others. 

3. What do you enjoy about the work you do?

I am so enjoying working for a newspaper again! I did years ago and it was hands-down my favorite job. I consider myself lucky to have found my way back. When I moved to the area over three years ago I was thrilled to find there was a vibrant small town newspaper. And now I work there! I like the way things happen in a newspaper office. There’s a kind of buzz there that’s hard to describe and not found anywhere else. When a team clicks it’s a beautiful thing, and it clicks in a big way at the Journal. There’s lots of good people who not only help our customers, advertisers and each other, but also help the communities we serve to stay current and connected and vital. That’s no small thing. And they  make it seem so effortless. But don’t be fooled. This team works hard with precision, attention to detail and competence to bring the stories and news together each week.

4. What do you appreciate about living in this area?

Being considered a bit of a newbie, I’m still exploring all there is to appreciate in this area. I had a list of things I’d hoped for when looking for a place to land and this Driftless bluff country hits so many of them. I like to explore the small towns, so many cute shops and so much good food. I’m pleased to find so many options for arts and theatre and music. The opportunities for biking, hiking, paddling, fishing and winter fun are amazing. Being so close to the “big towns” for things is appealing. But I’m going to be honest, one of my favorite things to do is just get lost down some gravel backroad while listening to my favorite music and watching the clouds go by. It just doesn’t get much better than that.

Olivia Sethre

1. When did you start working for the Fillmore County Journal?.

I’ve been helping out at the Fillmore County Journal for most of my life. I remember when Landon and I were younger, we’d walk around Preston, delivering or picking things up for the FCJ. I started actually working a couple days a week when I turned 14, as I worked a second job at the time. When I turned 19, I decided to fully transition to working at the FCJ full time when I wasn’t in school at Minnesota State University – Moorhead. I have spent the past couple summers working full time as a designer!

2. What has been your favorite section you’ve worked on?

This isn’t quite a section, but I loved working on the Maple Leaf Services story. I had a lot of artistic freedom with the designs and color schemes, and their logo has earthy colors – which are my favorite to work with!

3. What do you enjoy about the work you do?

I enjoy talking to customers and working on larger ads that allow for more graphics and details. My favorite ads to put together are the school news pages, as they have lots of space for fun designs. I also enjoy reading the sports section while we put it together each week, because I like to know how the teams I used to be on are doing.

4. What do you appreciate about living in this area?

I appreciate the nature and beautiful environment. I’ll admit, I took it for granted, growing up here and seeing the beautiful bluffs, bald eagles, and having access to numerous hiking trails. After going to school in a flatter part of the state, I now appreciate this area much more. I also love the small town community. Everyone says hi to you and everyone is willing to lend a hand if someone needs help. You don’t see that as much in more populated areas.

Pailey Gordon

1. When did you start working for the Fillmore County Journal?.

I started working at the Fillmore County Journal in January 2024 as a designer. I previously worked for the Journal back in 2018 as a student writer, intern, photographer and reporter.

2. What has been your favorite section you’ve worked on?

My favorite section I have done for the paper would probably be our 2024 Tasty Temptations Cookbook! It was fun creating an elegant, yet exciting cover!

3. What do you enjoy about the work you do?

I value the ability to be creative, but also be doing something meaningful for the community. This job is the perfect blend of both!

4. What do you appreciate about living in this area?

I used to live in Rochester prior to moving back to the area and never realized how much I missed the quiet and calmness! I also love being able to look up at night and be able to see the Milky Way!

Reporters

Barb Jeffers

1. When did you start working for the Fillmore County Journal?.

I began working for the Fillmore County Journal in 2012.  I started by writing the Fountain City Council articles, then moved on to other types of articles and photographing events, eventually becoming (I believe) the first photojournalist for the Fillmore County Journal.

2. What’s your most memorable story you’ve shared with readers, and why?

It’s too difficult to pick just one but telling the inspirational stories of local people are the most meaningful to me.

3. How is writing for the Journal meaningful for you?

It means a lot to me that the Fillmore County Journal puts local news first. I feel it is important to keep this connection between everyone who lives in our area.

4. What do you appreciate about living in this area?

It is easier to say the one thing I do not appreciate about living in this area, which is winter, but the beauty and the weather the rest of the year makes up for those cold winter days.

Charlene Corson Selbee

1. When did you start working for the Fillmore County Journal?.

The first article – “Spring Grove School Board Inspires Students and Meets Challenges with Confidence” – I wrote for the FCJ was published on April 27, 2020.

2. What’s your most memorable story you’ve shared with readers, and why? 

The most memorable stories I’ve written are those where individuals have trusted me to share their deeply personal experiences. These included powerful accounts of breast cancer journeys, childhood cancer diagnoses, end-of-life reflections, and community fundraisers held in the wake of heart-breaking events. These stories stay with me because of the courage and resilience they reveal. (“A Day Filled with Surprises for Fillmore County Resident, Shirley Jertson,” “Two Sisters on Life’s Journey Together,” “Darian’s Legacy,” “Team Grady’s Gladiators,” “The Dancing Scarlet,” “Trisha’s Story,” “Callie’s Story,” “A Journey of Strength and Hope Through Breast Cancer and Pregnancy,” and “You Too Can Help)

3. How is writing for the Journal meaningful for you? 

Writing for the Journal gives me the opportunity to help preserve local stories for future residents of Fillmore and Houston counties, inform and educate the community, and support rural economic development through tourism.

4. What do you appreciate about living in this area?

I am drawn to the natural beauty and strong sense of community both which make the Driftless region come alive.

Hannah Wingert

1. When did you start working for the Fillmore County Journal?.

2013

2. What’s your most memorable story you’ve shared with readers, and why?

The first one that comes to my mind is the story I wrote on Beth Syverson and her fight against ALS. I thought I would leave the interview feeling sad, but the faith that Beth and her husband Jordan had despite the terminal diagnosis was so powerful that, while I grieved for the losses that they had already endured and were going to endure, it was impossible not to be affected by the joy and peace they had in Christ. I actually left the interview feeling encouraged.

3. How is writing for the Journal meaningful for you?

It has been my dream since I was young to write for a newspaper. I even “published” my own monthly newsletter for friends and family starting when I was 10. I have absolutely loved writing for the Journal for the last 12 years and enjoy meeting so many people and sharing their stories.

4. What do you appreciate about living in this area?

The sense of community and the way people come together when there’s a crisis. Also, southeastern Minnesota is a very beautiful area, and I feel very blessed to live here.

Janette Dragvold

1. When did you start working for the Fillmore County Journal?.

2003-2006, then 2020-present

2. What’s your most memorable story you’ve shared with readers, and why?

The history story I did on the Fillmore county poor farm in 2003.  It is very memorable for me because I had a personal connection to the story, it was very fun to research and find information and I was very overwhelmed by the number of people that let us know how much they loved the story.

3. How is writing for the Journal meaningful for you?

Writing for the Journal is meaningful for me because I love being able to tell other people’s stories and I have had the opportunity to meet the most fun, interesting and inspiring people while doing so.

4. What do you appreciate about living in this area?

I appreciate the beauty of this area the most. I have lived here my whole life and have had the opportunity to travel quite a bit. I love seeing other places but I’m always happy to come home to the driftless.

Karen Reisner

1. When did you start working for the Fillmore County Journal?

For more than 20 years I’ve had the privilege to report on a wide variety of stories. With my passion for horses, I especially enjoyed covering endurance rider Barry Saylor over a decade ago. In another article I admired the work at Truhaven Ranch which took in surviving malnourished, abused equines to prepare them for caring owners.

2. What’s your most memorable story you’ve shared with readers, and why?

Reporting on community advancements has given me the opportunity to witness some community members’ aspirations progress into a reality, often over several years. These projects, some still in progress, include the State Veterans Cemetery and Veterans Home, Chatfield Center for the Arts, Chatfield swimming pool, the renovation and updating of the county jail, and the Preston Historic Campus and Riverfront Project. Small town involvement drives progress.

3. How is writing for the Journal meaningful for you?

As a reporter, I have also witnessed and reported on highly controversial ambitions (tire burning plant and a trail extension to Forestville State Park) which failed due to resistance from a number of community members.

4. What do you appreciate about living in this area?

As an outdoor enthusiast, I enjoy living in the country, especially with the topography of the area. I love riding through the hills, fields and streams that provide so much beauty to the area.

Kirsten Zoellner

1. When did you start working for the Fillmore County Journal?

July 2009

2. What’s your most memorable story you’ve shared with readers, and why?

I’ve thoroughly enjoyed the articles that combined my love of writing and agriculture. Our county has astounding farm families of all kinds. Shining a spotlight on their stories, especially giving those with no agriculture experience a glimpse of their hard work, determined spirit, and love of the land, will always be the best writing assignment.

3. How is writing for the Journal meaningful for you?

The articles highlight more than one story or town, tying us together as a community, and bring out our histories, hopes, and perspectives.

4. What do you appreciate about living in this area?

Aside from the natural draw of the landscape, I love the appreciation for a slower pace and tight-knit communities where we can still let kids ride their bikes until dark, see everyone from church at the grocery store on Sundays, and wave at each other when passing on the road, regardless if you know the other person’s name or not.

Lee Epps

1. When did you start working for the Fillmore County Journal?.

The Journal inherited me when purchasing the newspapers published by Phillips Publishing in 2020. 

2. What’s your most memorable story you’ve shared with readers, and why?

Most memorable story is a tough one, may be the column on President Grant, considering my ancestors’ two previous connections with him – amazingly, on both sides of my family.

3. How is writing for the Journal meaningful for you?

Having no descendants my own, writing for the Journal is meaningful, knowing that many of my articles – especially the sports – will be clipped, saved and scrapbooked for readers yet unborn.

4. What do you appreciate about living in this area?

Having been raised in big cities on flat land with bayous running through concrete channels and ugly rivers, living among the bluffs, woods and scenic waterways of Bluff Country provides unceasing wonder and appreciation!

Mary Allen

1. When did you start working for the Fillmore County Journal?.

I started working for the Journal in September 2017.

2. What’s your most memorable story you’ve shared with readers, and why?

My most memorable story was interviewing Brett Corson, the Fillmore County attorney. He was a former student of mine when I taught elementary school in the Preston-Fountain school district.

3. How is writing for the Journal meaningful for you?

Having been an educator, I enjoy covering the Chatfield School Board meetings. It keeps me up to date on current practices in education and allows me to witness what is going on in the district. I think it is important for people to know what is happening in their school district.

4. What do you appreciate abut living in this area?

I am a northern Minnesota transplant but I have fully embraced the rural life here in Bluff Country. The people come together to help whenever they are needed.  They care about each other.

Mary Whalen

1. When did you start working for the Fillmore County Journal?.

August 2016

2. What’s your most memorable story you’ve shared with readers, and why?

It is difficult to select a most memorable story since each article has its own unique appeal as written words are combined with photographic images introducing our readers to local happenings and the people behind them. Each story is memorable to me!

3. How is writing for the Journal meaningful for you?

Writing about the people, places and things around me brings me such joy.  It is a pleasant surprise to see an article I have written displayed by those the Journal features and I am grateful to Jason and Amanda Sethre for their dedication in providing a newspaper for our readers.

4. What do you appreciate about living in this area?

I appreciate the remarkable life rural and small town folks experience, like hearing birds greeting daybreak and church bells beckoning us to pause and pray, smelling the aroma of freshly cut hay and baked items just out of the oven, observing the flora, fauna and changing seasons, but mostly encountering people at various stages of life richly embracing the routines of their day.

Paul Trende

1. When did you start working for the Fillmore County Journal?.

December 2010.

2. What do you feel about our/your role in the community?

I like being a part of helping people … kids, families, coaches, schools, etc.  Hopefully, it helps to publicize kids, teams and schools to make sports more important to them, so they invest more in them (work harder, etc). To give people in the community who enjoy high school sports a way to read up on it.

3. What do you enjoy about the work you do?

See question two.  Covering sports period … going to games (easy answer there) and then trying to entertainingly encapsulate them.

4. What do you appreciate about living in this area?

The scenery. Number one, it is a beautiful area. Number two, the ruralness. Short of their being less options to eat, it is nice being secluded from the big city. That I can run … anywhere after 10 p.m. literally down the middle of the road (because people are rarely out that late)!  Number three, being a part of small-town culture with other small-town people. As it pertains to sports, the way communities rally around their teams.

Paula Barness

1. When did you start working for the Fillmore County Journal?.

I started writing for the Journal in February 2023 after taking a four-year hiatus from work to be a stay-at-home mom for our two boys.

2. What’s your most memorable story you’ve shared with readers, and why?

My favorite story I’ve written for the Journal was my story on John and Jacque Ryan’s 51st anniversary after Jacque’s health scare. I first met Jacque went she worked in my son’s preschool class. As many are, I was immediately drawn into her sweet personality. She and John have such a lovely story and have created an amazing family. The love they all share for each other was refreshing amid an increasingly negative world.

3. How is writing for the Journal meaningful for you?

I enjoy being able to bring people information so even if residents cannot attend meetings they can still be knowledgeable about their own community. It is also an honor to be able to highlight the amazing people, projects and accomplishments in our communities.

4. What do you appreciate about living in this area?

I grew up an hour south of Harmony, but my family spent a lot of time coming up and enjoying the trail system throughout the summer months. Even then I thought this would be a beautiful place to live, so it was a bit of a full circle moment moving here. I love the natural beauty of the area and the sense of unity and pride in community that I have found to be unique to small town America.

Wanda Hanson

1. When did you start working for the Fillmore County Journal?.

I began writing for the Journal in June 2002 and wrote until August 2007. After a break from August 2007 until June 2020, I resumed writing for the Journal and continue to do so.

2. What’s your most memorable story you’ve shared with readers, and why?

The most memorable story I have shared with the readers was the interview with Bertram Boyum when he was 104 years old. Boyum, a former auctioneer, had a fantastic memory and shared many stories from his long life. It was liking talking to a living history book!

3. How is writing for the Journal meaningful for you?

Writing for the Journal never fails to allow me to learn something new no matter the assignment. Through writing for the Journal, I stay connected with the local communities and meet many people I would have never known otherwise.

4. What do you appreciate about living in this area?

Living in this gorgeous area, I appreciate everything the Driftless area has to offer — the landscape, recreational offerings and the friendly people!

Zech Sindt

1. When did you start working for the Fillmore County Journal?.

I started working for the Fillmore County Journal last year

2. What’s your most memorable story you’ve shared with readers, and why?

The most memorable story I’ve shared was about Mindy Jones, a southeast Minnesota woman whose years-long pattern of fraud, exploitation, and arson shocked the community. She set a fire not to cover her tracks, but to profit from an insurance payout, just one chapter in a long history of calculated deceit. What made it even more unforgettable was that someone else has actually served prison time for crimes that suspicions and history suggest she may have been the true culprit behind. It was a stark reminder of how deep manipulation can run, and how devastating its ripple effects can be in our community.

3. How is writing for the Journal meaningful for you?

Writing for the Fillmore County Journal is meaningful to me because it keeps our community informed while also satisfying my own curiosity. I especially enjoy working in the public safety section and covering crime stories, not because of the wrongdoing itself but because these cases are often complex, layered, and deeply human. Digging into court records, interviewing sources, and piecing together timelines not only brings clarity and accountability for our readers, it also feeds my drive to uncover the full story and understand what really happened.

4. What do you appreciate about living in this area?

I appreciate living in this area because it has been the backdrop for some of the most significant transitions in my life. This is where I experienced the pain of losing one of my closest family members during COVID, and it is where I fought the long and exhausting battle with the federal government to finally bring my wife here. When she arrived two years ago, the people in this community welcomed her with kindness and support, which gave us the foundation to start building our life together. This area has also given me the opportunity to finally pursue writing, something I went to college for but never had the chance to do professionally until now. And after 27 years in construction, it has allowed me to start over completely by creating Bluffland Leather Co., turning my craft into a growing business I’m proud of. This place is more than just where I live – it’s where my life has been, and is currently being rebuilt piece by piece, surrounded by people, culture and landscapes that make me feel truly at home.

Sales

Landon Sethre

1. When did you start working for the Fillmore County Journal?.

I’ve been working at the Fillmore County Journal since around seven years old.

2. What do you feel about our role in the community?

As I’ve grown up working at the Fillmore County Journal, I have continuously been surprised. There have been many worries about newspapers diminishing overtime due to advancement in technology, but I’ve seen quite the opposite. I, myself, have been worried about upcoming generations not reading print, but growing up in high school, on a weekly basis, I’ve had classmates ask questions about “Athlete of the Week” or something relevant to them that’s published in the Fillmore County Journal. The truth is, in a small, supportive community, such as ours, the newspaper is what ties communities closer. I’ve been blessed to be in a position where I have been able to see our community grow as a whole and I am happy that we can continue after 40 years to serve our beautiful community in Bluff Country.

3. What do you enjoy about the work you do?

Much like what I said earlier, I enjoy connecting myself with the community. Going out and speaking with community members has given me hope for our future. I’ve seen so many caring and hardworking people over the years, and I’ve seen the community come together to help others. 

4. What do you appreciate about living in this area?

Not only do we live in beautiful Bluff Country, but we’re also surrounded with thousands of acres of farm land. Farmers are the cornerstone of America, and to be in the middle of such an important piece of the economy and survival of America is already a blessing. And then to be surrounded with bluffs, the Root River, and miles upon miles of bike trails makes me never want to leave.

Sara Mensink

1. When did you start working for the Fillmore County Journal?.

October 2019

2. What do you feel about our role in the community?

I feel that we play a vital role in keeping the community informed, whether it be on school boarding meetings, upcoming events, area sports coverage, etc. … I feel lucky to be a part of something that engages the community on such a local level..

3. What do you enjoy about the work you do?

All of the connections I get to make with local business owners. 

4. What do you appreciate about living in this area?

How friendly everyone is and the natural beauty of our area.

Tessia Wangsness

1. When did you start working for the Fillmore County Journal?

February 2021

2. What do you feel about our role in the community?

Readers enjoy the local coverage of their communities. Covering local school boards, city councils, county meetings and of course their school sports teams helps keep everyone abreast of the latest happenings. We’re a source they’ve come to trust and value.

3. What do you enjoy about the work you do?

I like getting to go out and about and talk with various business owners within my coverage area. I’ve enjoyed getting to know people and would call many friends. I love taking my family to their establishments – maybe out to dinner or shopping or use their services. I’ve come to know and trust many of the advertising businesses I work with and go to them, or recommend my family members to them, when a need their particular business can help with. It feels good to know that I’m going to be taken care of because they in turn know me. I always find it fun too when I get to see their kids or grandkids in action on the field or court and catch up with the people outside of “business.”

4. What do you appreciate about living in this area?

Everything! The landscape – from the scenic bluffs to the rolling farmland to the quaint towns. I appreciate that people greet me whether I’m a friend or stranger. I am grateful to get to raise my children in a small, rural community where they learn the value of working for a dollar and the comfort of knowing I’m not the only one looking out for them.

Web Design

Michelle Quanrud

1. When did you start working for the Fillmore County Journal?.

May 2010

2. What has been your favorite section you’ve worked on?

In a time when local news is not always covered and produced by local people, I am proud that the Fillmore County Journal has a team that lives and works in the community we cover.  I also love that SMG Web Design works closely with our local businesses and they can rely on someone local for their website needs.

3. What do you enjoy about the work you do?

I enjoy the relationships I make with the SMG Web Design clients, learning about their business, creating a website to help reach their goals, and being here for them as their business grows and changes.

4. What do you appreciate about living in this area?

Having grown up in a big city, I love the area we live in.  It is a beautiful area with so much to experience.  Each community is unique, and I also enjoy visiting and shopping at our local small businesses.