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...]
Ostrander Mayor Resigns; Council Prepares for Winter and Utility Needs
The Ostrander City Council held its regular monthly meeting on Tuesday, November 4, at 6:30 p.m. Mayor Stephanie Start called the meeting to order. All members were present, including DJ Start, Dan Hellerud, Jimmie Dean and Lyn Massey-Mills. City Clerk Wendy Brincks was also in attendance. The council opened the evening by hearing from Peter Thayer, representing Ostrander … [Read more...]
Harmony Man Gets Probation for Fatal Drunk Driving Crash
Judge Jeremy Clinefelter sentenced Brian Wayne Nelson, 50, of Harmony, Minn., to 10 years of probation for a fatal drunk driving crash that happened east of Granger, Minn., in August 2024. Nelson was found guilty of one count of criminal vehicular homicide for driving with a blood alcohol level over .08. The court dismissed six other charges as part of the plea … [Read more...]
Judge Sentences Samantha Petersen to Four Years in Fatal Crash
Judge Jeremy Clinefelter sentenced Samantha Jo Petersen, 37, to four years in prison for criminal vehicular homicide and 23 months for criminal vehicular operation causing great bodily harm. He issued the sentence on October 16 after nearly two years of hearings that followed a September 2023 crash that killed two Amish children and injured two others in Fillmore County. The … [Read more...]
Ostrander City Council Schedules Review, 421 Minnesota Street Offer Accepted
The Ostrander City Council held its regular monthly meeting on Tuesday, October 7, at 6:30 p.m. Mayor Stephanie Start called the meeting to order. All members were present, including DJ Start, Dan Hellerud, Jimmie Dean and Lyn Massey-Mills. City Clerk Wendy Brincks was in attendance. The meeting lasted seven minutes, a record for the year. Council business moved quickly … [Read more...]