Fillmore County Journal

History

This newspaper was started in 1985 by Richard and Esther Kelly, husband and wife, along with business partner Larry Salge.  Shortly after the launch of the newspaper, Larry Salge left the partnership.  The Kellys continued with publishing the weekly newspaper until they sold it John and Patricia Torgrimson in 1997.  From that point forward, the Torgrimsons owned and operated the newspaper until they sold the publication to Jason and Amanda Sethre in 2009.

The Fillmore County Journal has continued to expand news coverage and circulation to serve the needs of readers and advertisers in the region.

On Friday, March 27, 2020, Bluff Country Newspaper Group owner David Phillips closed all six of his newspapers, which included The Chatfield News, Fillmore County News Leader, Rushford Tri-County Record, Spring Grove Herald, Spring Valley Tribune, and Bluff Country Reader.  The closure of these six newspapers had been planned for many months, with David Phillips selling his assets to the Fillmore County Journal as he prepared for retirement.   On April 1, 2020, the Fillmore County Journal absorbed the news and advertising content of all six newspapers of the Bluff Country Newspaper Group.

The Fillmore County Journal has become a continuation of the historic newspapers Bluff Country Reader, The Chatfield News, Fillmore County News Leader, Rushford Tri-County Record, Spring Grove Herald and Spring Valley Tribune.

In September 2021, the Fillmore County Journal expanded further into Houston County, opening an office in downtown Caledonia, Minn. — the county seat of Houston County.  With a commitment to covering city council, school board, and county government meetings, the newspaper has been named the official legal newspaper for the majority of townships, cities, school districts and Houston County government.

While owning and operating the Fillmore County Journal, the Sethres have rebranded a Guide to Historic Bluff Country to be recognized as Visit Bluff Country Magazine — originally established in 1985.  This premiere tourism magazine has evolved into the most widely distributed visitors guide of its kind.  With more than 50,000 copies in circulation to over 1,000 locations in 35 counties in Illinois, Iowa, Minnesota, and Wisconsin, Visit Bluff Country Magazine is the most sought-after tourism publication serving the four state area.  In 2022, as the Mississippi River Valley Partners made plans to dissolve and discontinue their Lake Pepin Magazine, they collaborated with Visit Bluff Country Magazine to create a presence in the publication to better promote tourism for the Lake Pepin region.  The magazine is also available online at www.visitbluffcountry.com.

Another venture launched by the Sethres started in October 2009 and has grown year after year to serve local and national businesses seeking an online presence.  This company is named SMG Web design, and more information can be found at www.smgwebdesign.com.

In addition to the newspaper, a high quality glossy printing company was developed to better serve clients seeking specialty print services.  This print operation named Perfect Glossy has become a household name, also found at www.perfectglossy.com.

Starting in November 2014, the staff at the Fillmore County Journal began the journey of publishing a book that would become a legacy project for the newspaper.  This beautiful hardcover perfect-bound book became known as Boots & Badges: Honoring Fillmore County Veterans.  In February 2016, this book was presented to the public at the Preston Servicemen’s Club with the support of the Fillmore County Veterans Affairs Office, Preston VFW, Preston American Legion, and F & M Community Bank.  There are more than 3,400 Fillmore County (Minn.) veterans represented in Boots & Badges: Honoring Fillmore County Veterans from generations spanning eras from the War of 1812 to the second Iraq War.  More information can be found at www.fillmorecountyveterans.com.

The Fillmore County Journal is a part of Sethre Media Group, Inc., a company focused on media, marketing, and technology.  More information can be found at www.sethremediagroup.com.