In 1986, Larry Kappers sold his construction business and almost immediately started a welding business. Forty years later, Kappers Fabricating, Incorporated, also known as KFI Products is still going strong. Larry passed away in December 2025, but his sons Jeff and Dan Kappers are now the owners of Kappers Fabricating. In 1986, when Larry first opened the business, he did mostly walk-in welding projects, but that grew as he started taking on manufacturing jobs for businesses such as Featherlite Trailers, Terex Cranes, Oshkosh Trucks, McNeilus, Mayo Clinic, and more. Jeff and Dan, who have worked with their dad since he began the business in 1986, have seen all the changes over the years. … Read Story
Featured

Chimney Rock Forestry, 20 Years in Business
Johnny Micheel started his forestry business 20 years ago, but he really got his start in forestry long before that. Johnny’s father was a soil conservationist; when Johnny was young, his dad purchased a woodland. Since Johnny could walk, he’s been in the woods, nature’s classroom. Both Johnny and his brother Bob decided to go into related conservation fields — Johnny into forestry and Bob into water and soil. Bob is now the Director of Land Conservation in Monroe County, Wisconsin. Johnny started Chimney Rock Forestry in 2006. The company provides goat grazing, prescribed fires, logging, timber management, tree planting and installation and renovation of forest trails. He works on … Read Story

Harmony Data Center Ordinance Recommended by P & Z
The Harmony Planning and Zoning Commission met October 28 to hold a public hearing for the city’s proposed data hearing ordinance. Approximately 20 residents addressed the commission on the subject. Chair Jesse Grabau outlined the evening’s procedure: each speaker was allowed three minutes, the audience was not to address the speaker and all were expected to be respectful. Planning & Zoning would then discuss and make its recommendation. Robbie Brokken shared her concern about the noise issue. Playing a recording of a data center generator’s noise, she stated that she didn’t want to hear that noise all the time. Erik Olson later asked for more information on the recording; Brokken … Read Story
News

Rushford Supports New Business Opportunity

Spring Grove Welcomes New Teachers with a Passion for Learning

Fillmore Central Approves Purchase Agreement with City of Preston

Fillmore County Requests State Disaster Assistance

Houston County Board Approves Watershed District Reappointments, New Staff Hire

One Moment, Please… I’m Looking Forward to November 4
By Jason Sethre

Chatfield Wastewater Treatment Facility Plan

Caledonia City Council Approves 12-Month Data Center Moratorium

Measles cases in Minnesota hit highest total in 36 years
Chatfield Education Foundation’s 4th Annual Live and Silent Auction Set for November 21


America: Our Old Oak Tree
– By Audra Otto
American Spirit
– By Anne Doering
American Spirit
– By Karl Gorczynski
Beneke Immigrants from Germany
– By Arlene Gade
United States of America – 250 Years Young
– By Jeffrey Ellingson
America the Beautiful Shines On
– By Rose Korabek
USA! USA!
– By Carolyn Goree
Let Freedom Ring
– By Gloria Webinger
Fillmore County Journal
136 St. Anthony Street
Preston, MN 55965
Office Phone: 507-765-2151
Monday-Thursday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Fridays 8 a.m. to Noon
103 S. Kingston Street
Caledonia, MN 55921
Office Phone: 507-725-4444
Monday-Thursday 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Fridays – Closed






















