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“Where Fillmore County News Comes First” Weekly Edition
Fillmore Central’s Elks Free Throw contest winners Page 14
“Help Our Neighbors” helps senior citizens page
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Monday, December 31, 2012
Be safe, not sorry, this New Year’s Eve page
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Volume 28 Issue 15
The Working Mom: Finding Time page
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‘Twas four nights before Christmas... page
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Canton l Chatfield l Fountain l Harmony l Lanesboro l Mabel l Ostrander l Peterson l Preston l Rushford l Rushford Village l Spring Valley l Whalan l Wykoff
Fountain woman celebrates 95th birthday By Barb Jeffers bjeffers@fillmorecountyjournal.com
Alvira Klockeman of Fountain, Minn. celebrated her 95th birthday earlier this month surrounded by family and close friends. Alvira was born on December 6, 1917, to parents Edward and Barbara Klug in Caledonia, Minn., as one of thirteen children born to the Klugs. Being the seventh child of thirteen, Alvira states that she “was supposed to be the seventh son but she fooled them.” Alvira was raised with seven brothers and five sisters making for quite a large family. After marrying Forrest Klockeman in Caledonia in 1945, the couple moved to Wykoff, Minn. After living in Wykoff Alivira Klockeman celebrated with family at the Branding Iron a few years, the Klockemans in Preston. made their home in Fountain, Photo by Barb Jeffers Minn. in 1950. Alvira and For-
Top stories of 2012 By Jade Sexton jsexton@fillmorecountyjournal.com
As 2012 draws to a close, it is normal to look back on the year and all that has happened. The Fillmore County Journal has covered hundred of stories; from government happenings to new businesses, to interesting people, as well as happy stories, controversies, and shocking events. Frac mining The topic that was most talked about, written about, and argued about was the frac mining debate. Letters to the editor came in throughout the year, and it was discussed at city
council and county board meetings. Emotions ran high as protestors held up signs at meeting locations showing their disapproval or concern, trying to get local government to impose restrictions and do more studies. Citizens wondered how frac mining would affect their town. Would it have a negative impact on tourism? Would the heavy truck traffic ruin the streets? And what about the environmental impact? Many people felt there should be more studies done before allowing the mines, and that there should be limits and regulations. Many others felt the mining would
be perfectly safe, and good for the local economy, as it would create jobs. There was also hope that having mines locally would reduce dependence on foreign oil. The most recent event was in St. Charles, where 906 residents signed a petition to keep a frac mine out of the edge of their town. Rushford-Peterson Referendum Rushford-Peterson Schools held a special election on December 19 asking taxpayers to approve a referendum for up See STORIES Page 11
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rest raised six children, four boys and two girls of their own, but Alvira tended to be a “second mom” to many, always giving her time and attention to children in Fountain. Forrest Klockeman passed away in 1994. Alvira has always kept busy being involved in many organizations over the years including being a cub scout leader, among others. When the church in Fountain closed, Alvira Klockeman was awarded the Medal of Honor from the Bishop for her 50 years of service to the church. Alvira is still an active member in the Legion Auxiliary, card club, and senior citizen study club. Alvira also has a talent for crocheting beautiful doilies and other items. Reading is another favorite pastime for Alvira. When asked about her childhood, Alvira said, “In this day
and age things are so much easier than they used to be.” She explained that her Mother used to collect rain water and heat it on the stove to put in the washing machine to wash clothes. Alvira stated that back then, “Wash day was on Monday and it took all day.” After trying to get her secrets of longevity, Alvira said “cleanliving” and staying busy have helped her reach the age of 95. As for her plans for the future Alvira said, “I live from day to day and hope I’m around the next day,” which are words of wisdom for all of us. Mrs. Klockeman said, “I don’t feel like I’m that old,” which is probably what keeps her so busy. Comment on this article at www.fillmorecountyjournal.com
See KLOCKEMAN Page 6
Preston man charged with shooting By Jade Sexton jsexton@fillmorecountyjournal.com
Friday December 21, 2012, Roger James Bergmann, 39 of Preston, shot a woman at her home in Preston and fled the police. During the pursuit, there were 40 minutes when the police didn’t know where he was, but he was later apprehended in Winona County after a 30-minute standoff. While the police were pursuing Bergmann, Fillmore Central Schools were put on
lockdown as a precaution. The students were released after receiving an all clear from the Sheriff’s Department. The 49-year-old woman was shot in the neck. She was taken to St. Marys Hospital in Rochester and treated for her injuries. After the shooting, Bergmann allegedly called a friend and told him what happened. There was another man at the home, Eric Newman, who witnessed the shooting. He told police Bergmann held a gun to See SHOOTING Page 5
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