By Zech Sindt Adam Taylor Fravel, 30, the man who brutally took the life of Madeline Kingsbury, was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole in a Winona County courtroom on December 17. Judge Nancy Buytendorp handed down the sentence, a small sense of solace for the community, and a small justice for Kingsbury’s family. The courtroom was not just about … [Read more...]
Duane Bakke Honored for 26 Years of Service with Distinguished AMC Award
By Zech Sindt Fillmore County Commissioner Duane Bakke was awarded the prestigious Distinguished Service Award on December 10, 2024, during the annual conference of the Association of Minnesota Counties (AMC). This honor, presented to only four individuals this year, recognizes Bakke’s extraordinary contributions to public service during his 26 years as a county commissioner, … [Read more...]
Mayor Schroeder’s Last Council Meeting, Final Levy Approved
On December 9, 2024, Mayor DeWayne (Tank) Schroeder presided over his last city council meeting after serving as Mayor of Caledonia for 12 years. The council held its annual Truth in Taxation public hearing, during which Mann shared the final 2025 budget with the council. She reviewed the department budgets, capital equipment and improvements spreadsheet, and special revenue … [Read more...]
Holiday Magic, Legion Lights in Lanesboro
An excited crowd gathered at Sylvan Park in Lanesboro, Minn., the evening of November 27, to experience the inaugural lighting of Legion Lights. A group of hardworking residents came together to make it happen with support from many area residents and businesses. There was also plenty of Christmas spirit during Experience the Magic of Lanesboro which took place November 30. The … [Read more...]
Getting a Jump on College with PSEO
As students enter their final years of high school, they make plans for the future. For those wishing to attend college, they may be looking at an average cost of between $50,000 and $150,000 to complete a four-year program. But, what if they can cut that cost in half? More and more students are taking advantage of the opportunity to earn college credits with the Post … [Read more...]
Keep the Wheels Turning for Meals on Wheels
Volunteers are essential to Meals on Wheels – without them, those wheels would screech to a halt and many deserving senior citizens would be left without a nutritious meal option and might not be able to stay in their own homes as long. According to Carolyn Freese, lead program coordinator of senior nutrition at Semcac, people aren’t volunteering like they used to. Meals on … [Read more...]
Mindy Jones: A Life Ablaze with Lies and Arson
By Zech Sindt On November 19, 2024, Mindy Jo Jones was found guilty of first-degree arson and animal abuse in the Allamakee County courtroom. This verdict completes another chapter in a long and troubling saga that has spanned over two decades, leaving a trail of victims and destruction in its wake. Jones has used the names Mindy Bear, Mindy Jacobsen, and Mindy Riley in … [Read more...]
Justice for Madeline Kingsbury: Fravel Convicted on All Counts of Murder
By Zech Sindt On November 7, 2024, a jury in Mankato, Minn., found Adam Fravel, 30, guilty on four counts of murder. This marked the culmination of a long and arduous journey for justice in the case of Madeline Kingsbury, a 26-year-old mother whose life was tragically cut short on March 31, 2023, when she vanished from her Winona, Minn., home. Fravel is scheduled to be … [Read more...]
Skifton to Continue as Houston Fire Chief
At their November 12 meeting, the Houston City Council decided to retain Steve Skifton for two more years as fire chief. Skifton had previously notified the council he wished to retire. The position was posted, and one person applied. At the interview, the applicant honestly shared that he had only applied to provide an option, but this had not been part of his plan for himself … [Read more...]
Brownsville City Council Holds Public Hearing
Brownsville, Minn., Mayor Jean Meyer opened the public hearing at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, November 6 prior to the regular meeting of the city council. The purpose of the public hearing was to hear comments from the public regarding subdividing parcel R20.0112.000 into two separate nonconforming lots. Meyer emphasized that the resolution was passed at the October council … [Read more...]