Question: Like most people I travel everyday for work and I know that construction season is upon us. Can you write about getting people to understand the zipper merge? I still see a lot of people that can’t seem to figure this out. Answer: The zipper merge is a driving strategy that requires drivers to change their mindset about merging. Traditionally, drivers have been … [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...]
Brownsville Gets Ready For the Summer
Brownsville City Council members met Wednesday, May 6 at the town’s community center. Mayor Jean Meyer called the meeting to order at 7:01 p.m. She led with the Pledge of Allegiance. City Clerk Steve Schuldt conducted role call. Council members present included Meyer, David Prestby, Bill Fitzpatrick, Pam Walhovd, and Barb Hurley. City employees present included Schuldt, City … [Read more...]
Something for Everyone in Fillmore and Houston Counties
In the far southeast corner of Minnesota, there are two events that are sure to please everyone, Trout Days in Preston and SEMBA (Southeast Minnesota Bluegrass Association) Bluegrass Festival in Houston. Both events take place May 15 through May 17. At Trout Days, the first thing to know is that attendees will not go hungry. There is so much to select from that there is a … [Read more...]
Preston Transfers Duties of LBAE to Fillmore County
A public hearing was held at the May 4 meeting of the Preston City Council to consider transferring the city’s duties and powers of the Local Board of Appeal and Equalization to the county. Mayor Kurt Reicks noted that the city rarely has changed anything for citizens that have come with an appeal at the LBAE meeting. For example, at the LBAE meeting held this year on April 20 … [Read more...]
Beware: Counterfeit Car Seats on the Rise
Counterfeit car seats can seriously injure – or even kill – our most vulnerable children. The problem is growing, and WinnMed in Decorah, Fillmore County Public Health, and Houston County Public Health are actively working to raise awareness and reduce the risk. All three organizations have Certified Child Passenger Safety Technicians (CPSTs) who have completed a three- … [Read more...]
Online Safety Program in Fillmore County
At the April 28 meeting of the county board, Assistant Fillmore County Attorney Marla Stanton and Captain Dan Dornink reported on a social media safety program which they continue to present at local schools. Stanton explained the first of these programs began in 2017. The content has changed over the years. Nine years ago, it was “scared straight” and now students are … [Read more...]
Your Money is Hard at Work in Houston County
The phrase “Your money is hard at work” may be overused, but during the April 28 Houston County Commission meeting, it became immediately clear that taxpayers in Houston County can rest assured that their money is well spent. With only one new business item listed on the agenda, there was time for two presentations. The first was a University of Minnesota (UMN) Extension … [Read more...]
Caledonia Council Gets First-Quarter Financial Update
Finance Officer Stephanie Mann presented the city’s first-quarter financials for review at the April 27 Caledonia City Council meeting. She announced that she and City Clerk/Administrator Jake Dickson will be meeting with the auditors during the first week of May, possible Thursday, May 7. She expects that the audit report will be presented to the council at the second … [Read more...]