Fillmore County Journal

"Where Fillmore County News Comes First"

Robert G. “Bob” Coons

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Robert G. “Bob” Coons, was born October 17, 1944, at St. Luke’s Hospital in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, to D. Austin and Mary (Munier) Coons.  He passed into eternal life August 30, 2020, at Gunderson Lutheran Medical Center in La Crosse, Wis., after a prolonged struggle with Lewy body dementia.  He was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend. Bob attended … [Read more...]

City of Canton continues utility rate increase discussion

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The regular August 12, 2020, Canton City Council meeting required dealing with several unfinished business items, including utility service rate increases. Multiple options were presented by Mayor Johnson for potential water rate increases and the resulting effect on city reserve funds.   Current sewer and garbage rates are meeting budget needs, although Richard’s … [Read more...]

Canton City Council adopts resolution condemning hate speech

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In a show of support for the Canton City Clerk, Brock Bergey, Mayor Donivee Johnson introduced a resolution in response to the recent acts of Jamie Knutson, who publicly directed hate speech towards the clerk.  Knutson posted his comments with photos of a building on his property painted in a variety of colors with graffiti directed towards Bergey on his Facebook page. … [Read more...]

Juanita Marie Clifton

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Juanita Marie Clifton, 101, of Preston, formerly of Canton, Minn., died Saturday, July 4, 2020, at Traditions of Preston. Juanita was born February 1, 1919, in Canton, to Leland and Leona (Kimball) Knox.  She graduated from the Canton High School in 1936.  On July 21, 1938, she married Frank Vondersitt in Canton.  Juanita and Frank lived in Postville, Iowa, later moving to … [Read more...]

Knutsons turn ordinance issue into personal attack

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Here’s a story about how social media posts can become a record of malice. On June 27, 2020, Canton resident Jamie Knutson made his intentions known with a post on his personal Facebook page. “Does anyone have ANY paint they would like to get rid of?  Prefer bright colors any amount would be appreciated thanks,” the first post by Jamie Knutson.  Later that day, “I’m putting … [Read more...]

Merle Gustav Kiehne

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Merle Gustav Kiehne passed away Sunday, June 28, 2020, at Seasons Hospice House in Rochester, Minn., at the age of 85, two days shy of his 86th birthday. Merle was born June 30, 1934, near Canton, to Gustav and Lucille (Turner) Kiehne.  He was the eldest child and has two sisters, Marlys Livingood and Marcia Ramlo.   In 1952 he graduated from Canton High School, where he … [Read more...]

Henry “Hank” Selden

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Henry “Hank” Selden, 86, of Harmony, formerly of Canton, Minn., died Wednesday, June 24, 2020, at Gundersen Medical Center in La Crosse, Wis. Hank was born June 22, 1934, in Canton to John and Ruth (Helgeson) Selden.  In 1952 he graduated from the Canton High School. For a short time, he worked in tuckpointing and had lived in Duluth before returning to Canton where he … [Read more...]

Canton City Council continues discussion of utility rates and legal issues

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The regular June meeting was held in the Town Hall once again to allow for social distancing requirements.  Mayor Johnson called the meeting to order at 7 p.m. with all members present. Previous meeting minutes and consent agenda items were approved as presented. Mayor Johnson clarified that Abby’s Concessions donation for utilizing city electrical is donated to the fire … [Read more...]

City of Canton alters COVID-19 response

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Canton City Council members met on May 13 at the town hall to comply with social distancing requirements. Coincidentally, Governor Walz announced that Minnesota’s Stay-at- home directive would be allowed to expire on May 18.  Council updates to COVID-19 policy included opening of the city office on May 18 and the resumption of the normal utility disconnection policy.  … [Read more...]