A 67-year-old Spring Grove man is facing eight criminal charges in Iowa, including four felonies, after police say he spent several days messaging and sending sexually explicit images to someone he believed was a 14-year-old boy. Timothy Joseph Blanski was arrested July 14 in Newton, Iowa, following an online predator investigation by the Newton Police Department. Court … [Read more...]
Gateway Cafe Rises From the Ashes, Rebuilt by a Community Determined To Bring It Home
If you drive down Gold Street in Wykoff most mornings, you’ll find a familiar sight that was sorely missed for more than a year. The coffee is pouring, the air is thick with the scent of breakfast, and the Gateway Cafe has reclaimed its rightful place as the heartbeat of the community. Following the official reopening on May 1, co-owners Jennie Moreland, Leroy Ellis, and Mary … [Read more...]
Wykoff Approves Dangerous Dog Fee, Addresses Neglected Properties And Park Safety
Potentially dangerous dog licensing fees, neglected properties, playground safety and several community projects were among the topics discussed during the July 13 Wykoff City Council meeting. Mayor Ryan Breckenridge presided over the meeting with council members Jeffrey Hare, Jane Baker, Barbara Fate and Missy Musel present. City Administrator Becky Schmidt also attended. … [Read more...]
Ostrander Renews Insurance, Reviews Street Projects and Election Timeline
The Ostrander City Council met July 7 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, Maintenance Supervisor Jeremy Runkle, Fire Chief Jason Rice, and insurance representative Ann Keim. The council approved the city’s annual insurance renewal after hearing a review … [Read more...]
Dog Ordinance, Fire Hall Heating System Lead Wykoff Council Agenda
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...]