Questions surrounding Wykoff’s potentially dangerous dog ordinance, a dog designation appeal, a fire hall heating project and several policy matters drew a large crowd to the June 8 Wykoff City Council meeting. Mayor Ryan Breckenridge chaired the meeting with council members Jeffrey Hare, Jane Baker and Missy Musel present. Councilmember Barbara Fate was absent. City … [Read more...]
Ostrander Moves Forward With Street Preservation, Park Repairs
The Ostrander City Council met June 2 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 and Fire Chief Jason Rice. During department reports, Brincks shared concerns raised by the Fillmore County Sheriff’s Office regarding traffic control near the city park. According to … [Read more...]
Local Communities Invest Hundreds of Thousands in Graduating Seniors
Every spring across southeast Minnesota, graduating seniors receive scholarship awards funded by local memorials, churches, businesses, civic groups, and community organizations. The Fillmore County Journal contacted school districts throughout the region requesting information about scholarship totals, major awards, and long-running local scholarship programs. Caledonia Area … [Read more...]
Wykoff Council Discusses Possible New Fire Station, Utility Projects
Wykoff’s wastewater system, a possible new fire station, downtown improvements, and questions over city procedures were among the topics discussed during the May 11 Wykoff City Council meeting. 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. The … [Read more...]
Spring Valley Woman Killed After Being Struck by Multiple Vehicles on Highway 63
A 67-year-old Spring Valley woman was killed Tuesday morning after being struck by multiple vehicles while crossing Highway 63 in Spring Valley. According to the Minnesota State Patrol, the fatal crash occurred at approximately 5:29 a.m. Tuesday, May 12, 2026, at the intersection of Highway 63 and West Tracy Road in Fillmore County. The State Patrol reported that pedestrian … [Read more...]
Ostrander Council Approves Wastewater Generator Purchase, Reviews Storm Damage and Cleanup Efforts
The Ostrander City Council met May 5 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. Much of the meeting focused on infrastructure projects, including inspections at the city’s water facilities and the approval of a generator purchase for the wastewater treatment … [Read more...]
Rushford Man Charged After Alleged Kidnapping, High-Speed Incident
A Rushford man is facing multiple felony charges after allegedly forcing a woman into his vehicle, threatening her with a firearm, and driving at high speeds across multiple counties before she jumped from the moving truck to escape. Phillip Allen Heyer, 39, is charged in Fillmore County District Court with two counts of kidnapping, second-degree assault with a dangerous … [Read more...]
Minnesota Supreme Court Upholds Fravel Conviction, Life Sentence in Kingsbury Murder
The Minnesota Supreme Court has affirmed the conviction of Adam Taylor Fravel, ruling that the only reasonable conclusion supported by the evidence is that he planned and intentionally killed Madeline Kingsbury. In a decision filed April 29, 2026, the court rejected all arguments raised in Fravel’s appeal and upheld his sentence of life in prison without the possibility of … [Read more...]
Spring Valley Man Charged With Felony Voting Violation
A Spring Valley man is facing felony charges after authorities say he voted in the 2024 general election despite not being eligible. He told investigators and the Fillmore County Journal the situation stemmed from a mistake. Mukeshkumar Somabhai Chaudhari, 39, has been charged in Fillmore County District Court with one count of perjury in writing under oath and one count of … [Read more...]
Ostrander Council Approves Stop Signs, Sets Cleanup Date
The Ostrander City Council met April 7 with Mayor DJ Start presiding. Council members Jimmie Dean, Lyn Massey-Mills and Dan Hellerud were present, along with City Clerk Wendy Brincks. Council member Brodi Nesler was absent. The council approved the consent agenda without discussion. During department reports, City Maintenance employee Jeremy Runkle provided an update on … [Read more...]