A dispute that began inside a small local ATV club and lingered for years has come to an end after working its way through the court system and ultimately being decided by a jury. At the center of the case was the Bluff Country ATV Club and a question that proved far more complicated than it first appeared: who was actually in charge. The conflict traced back to an April 21, … [Read more...]
Decorah Woman Charged in Case Involving Oxycodone-Laced Meal and Alleged Miscarriage Attempt
A home-cooked meal delivered December 28, 2025, is now at the center of a criminal case in Winneshiek County, where authorities allege it was used in an attempt to cause a miscarriage. Amber Dena Snow of Decorah faces multiple charges after investigators say a pan of lasagna was laced with a controlled substance and delivered to another family. The case began in January … [Read more...]
Chatfield Man Charged with Felony Animal Cruelty After Shooting Neighbor’s Dogs
A Chatfield man is facing two felony animal cruelty charges and two gross misdemeanor property damage charges after allegedly shooting and killing two neighbor dogs, according to a criminal complaint filed in Olmsted County District Court. Craig Allen Reichel, 67, has been charged with two felony counts of mistreatment of animals resulting in death and two gross misdemeanor … [Read more...]
Wykoff Council Reviews Wastewater Projects, Approves New Parking Restrictions
Wastewater operations, storm warning sirens, park improvements, and new parking restrictions were among the topics discussed as the Wykoff City Council met on March 9. Mayor Ryan Breckenridge chaired the meeting with council members Jeffrey Hare, Barbara Fate, Jane Baker and Missy Musel present. City Administrator Becky Schmidt also attended. During the visitors portion of … [Read more...]
Ostrander Council Reviews Water System Change, Demolition Plans
The Ostrander City Council met March 3 with Mayor DJ Start presiding. Council members Jimmie Dean, Lyn Massey-Mills, Dan Hellerud and Brodi Nesler were present, along with City Clerk Wendy Brincks. After approving the consent agenda, the council moved on to department reports and updates from staff. Brincks reported that the city has now wrapped up its work with … [Read more...]
Audit, Infrastructure and Public Safety Issues Lead Wykoff Council Agenda
Financial oversight, public works infrastructure, emergency services funding, and several community facility improvements dominated discussion at the February 9 Wykoff City Council meeting. Mayor Ryan Breckenridge presided over the meeting, joined by council members Jeff Hare, Barb Fate, Jane Baker, and Missy Musel. City Administrator Becky Schmidt was also present. The … [Read more...]
Fillmore County Man Loses Thousands in Sophisticated “Grandparent Scam”
A Fillmore County resident from Lanesboro is sharing his experience after losing thousands of dollars in a sophisticated phone scam that impersonated a family member and exploited fear, urgency, and trust. The man, who is nearing 90 years old and asked not to be identified, said the scam began with a phone call that sounded exactly like his granddaughter. “She said, … [Read more...]
Caucuses Begin 2026 Election Process
Fillmore County Republican Precinct Caucuses were held Tuesday evening, February 3 in Chatfield, Harmony, Lanesboro, Mabel, Preston, Rushford and Spring Valley, Minn. DFL Caucus locations took place in Preston, Rushford Village and Spring Valley. At one town’s events, voters were gathered at Kingsland School in Spring Valley as Democrats and Republicans held separate … [Read more...]
Bear’s Smoke Shop Finds Its Place on Main Street in LeRoy
If you walk into a smoke shop expecting a wall of cigarettes and chewing tobacco, Bear’s Smoke Shop on LeRoy’s Main Street may surprise you. This is not a grab-a-pack-and-go kind of place. Instead, the family-owned business is built around where smoking culture has moved, focusing on vapes, hemp-derived THC products, edibles, glass, and accessories, with an emphasis on quality, … [Read more...]
Wykoff Commons Finds New Life in Former School Building
For decades, the large brick building on the edge of Wykoff served as the town’s school. Today, it operates as Wykoff Commons, a community-focused facility offering fitness, recreation, and event space while preserving one of the city’s most recognizable structures. The oldest portion of the building dates back to 1939, with additions completed in 1959, 1970, 1975 and 1986. … [Read more...]