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...]
Wykoff Council Tackles Infrastructure, Emergency Services and City Operations
Infrastructure planning, emergency services funding, personnel policy changes and community improvement ideas filled the agenda at the January 12, 2026, Wykoff City Council meeting. Mayor Ryan Breckenridge presided over the meeting, joined by council members Jeff Hare, Barb Fate, Jane Baker and Missy Musel; along with City Administrator Becky Schmidt. During review of the … [Read more...]
Wykoff Council Reviews Funding Needs, Pension Increase and State Leave Mandate
Funding decisions, first responder coverage and a new statewide paid leave program shaped the December 8 meeting of the Wykoff City Council. Mayor Ryan Breckenridge was absent because of a family emergency, so Councilmember Jeff Hare presided as mayor pro tem. Councilors Barb Fate, Jane Baker and Missy Musel attended, along with City Administrator Becky Schmidt. After briefly … [Read more...]
Ostrander Names New Mayor, Keeps Levy Flat for 2026
The Ostrander City Council met on December 2 with Acting Mayor Dan Hellerud presiding. Council members DJ Start, Jimmie Dean, and Lyn Massey-Mills were present, along with City Clerk Wendy Brincks. After a quick pass through the consent agenda, the council turned to the biggest decision of the night: filling the vacant mayor’s seat. Under state statute, the vacancy required … [Read more...]
Wykoff Weighs Funding Risks as Council Turns Down Library Grant and Moves Forward With Solar Plan
Funding risks, infrastructure planning, and winter preparations took center stage as the Wykoff City Council met at 7 p.m. on November 10. 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 public comment period, a city resident spoke at … [Read more...]