The Ostrander City Council met for its regular monthly meeting on Tuesday, May 6 at 6:30 p.m. Mayor Stephanie Start called the meeting to order with all council members present, including DJ Start, Dan Hellerud, Jimmie Dean, and Lyn Massey-Mills. City Clerk Wendy Brincks was also in attendance. During the public comment portion of the meeting, a resident asked the council to … [Read more...]
Wykoff Council Accepts Resignation, Addresses Utility Project, and Approves Improvements
The Wykoff City Council held its regular monthly meeting on April 14 at 7 p.m., with all council members and city officials present. Mayor Ryan Breckenridge presided over the meeting, joined by City Administrator Becky Schmidt, Administrative Assistant Luann Hare, and council members Barbara Fate, Jeffrey Hare and Jane Baker. In the first order of business, the council was … [Read more...]
Investigation Finds Misconduct at Harmony Place
A case of abuse involving a staff member and a vulnerable resident at Harmony Place Assisted Living has been substantiated by the Minnesota Department of Health. The findings follow an investigation into a months-long sexual relationship that occurred while the resident was receiving services at the facility. According to a report released January 30, 2025, by the Office of … [Read more...]
From the Sidelines to Center Court: Gavin Hubka’s Return After Open-Heart Surgery
Gavin Hubka was in the middle of a typical Minnesota summer when everything started to change. His family had been spending a lot of time outdoors – camping, hiking, just enjoying the season. That’s when his mom Sally noticed something strange about Gavin’s chest. It stuck out in a way that didn’t seem normal. They might not have caught it otherwise, but out in the open air … [Read more...]
Sarah Beth Petersen Sentenced for Role in Fatal Buggy Crash Cover-Up
Sarah Beth Petersen sat quietly at the defense table in Fillmore County District Court on Monday afternoon, March 31, 2025, dressed in a black suit and surrounded by a small group of supporters, including her twin sister, Samantha Petersen – the woman now charged with the deaths of two Amish children. Judge Jeremy Clinefelter sentenced Petersen to 90 days in the Fillmore … [Read more...]
Ostrander City Council Backs Fiber Internet Expansion, Updates City Policies
The Ostrander City Council gathered for its regular monthly meeting on Monday, April 1, at 6:30 p.m. Mayor Stephanie Start called the meeting to order with all council members present, including DJ Start, Dan Hellerud, Jimmie Dean and Lyn Massey-Mills. City Clerk Wendy Brincks was also in attendance. A major topic of the evening centered around improving internet access … [Read more...]
Ostrander Council Reviews Audit, Approves Drag Race Return, and Considers Chicken Ordinance
By Zech Sindt The Ostrander City Council convened for its regular meeting on March 4 at 6:30 p.m., with all council members present except for Dan Hellerud. Mayor Stephanie Start presided over the session, joined by Council Members DJ Start, Jimmie Dean, and Lyn Massey-Mills. City Clerk Wendy Brincks was also in attendance. The meeting opened with the presentation of the … [Read more...]
Ostrander Council Greenlights Lawn Mower Purchase, Reinstates Utility Late Fees, and Prepares for Uff Da Day
The Ostrander City Council held its regular meeting on February 4 at 6:30 p.m., with all members present. Mayor Stephanie Start presided over the meeting, joined by council members Dan Hellerud, DJ Start, Jimmie Dean and Lyn Massey-Mills. City Clerk Wendy Brincks was also in attendance. One of the first matters on the agenda was an equipment upgrade for the city’s maintenance … [Read more...]
A New Chapter Begins: Ostrander City Council Convenes for 2025
By Zech Sindt The City of Ostrander rang in the new year with a productive city council meeting on January 7 at 6:30 p.m. All members were present, including the newly elected mayor, Stephanie Start, Council members Dan Hellerud, DJ Start, Lyn Massey-Mills, newly-elected Jimmie Dean, and City Clerk Wendy Brincks. With a full agenda, the council tackled a variety of … [Read more...]
Judge Upholds Key Charges, Allows Evidence in Samantha Petersen Fatal Crash Case
By Zech Sindt The district court in Preston has issued a ruling in a tragic case that has gripped the community, partially granting the defense’s motions while paving the way for a settlement conference and possible trial. The case involves Samantha Jo Petersen, who faces 21 charges stemming from a September 2023 crash that killed two children and injured two others when her … [Read more...]