At their August 18 regular board meeting, the Rushford-Peterson School Board approved an addendum to the already submitted review and comment document that moves the date of a possible referendum vote from November 4 to February 10, 2026. Also changed was the cost of the project to $24,015,000 due to inflation and price increases. This addendum became necessary when the … [Read more...]
Alleged Drunk Driver Totals Classic Car and More
Over the past two weeks, anyone passing through Preston on Highway 52 has probably seen a black tarp covering a vehicle on the lot of Preston Service Plus. Passersby probably also noticed signs had been struck along with damage to the north side of the long-time body shop. The Statement of Probable Cause - Verbatim “On or about August 8, 2025, at approximately 1:25 AM, … [Read more...]
Houston County Approves Settlement with Sheriff Swedberg, Sets 2025 Pay
At its August 19 meeting, the Houston County Board of Commissioners approved a settlement agreement with Sheriff Brian Swedberg and set his 2025 salary at $141,473, retroactive to January 1, 2025. The meeting was called to order at 9 a.m. by Chairman Eric Johnson and opened with the Pledge of Allegiance. Board members present were Cindy Wright, Eric Johnson, Kurt Zehnder and … [Read more...]
Village Update on Storm Damage
At the August 19 meeting, the Rushford Village Council received an update regarding Fillmore County storm damage. City Clerk Mary Miner provided an update on the cost of tree cleanup following the derecho that hit the area on July 28. Councilor Mike Ebner noted there is a hope for some mitigation funding available for cleanup. “These trees … we get wind, rain, and all this … [Read more...]
Mabel-Canton Prepares for 2025-26 School Year
As the new school year approaches, the Mabel-Canton School Board met August 19 to take key steps in preparing for the 2025-26 school year. Chair Chris Miller called the meeting to order at 6 p.m., followed by the Pledge of Allegiance. Other board members present included Jason Marquardt, Dustin Tollefsrud, Traci Livingood, Mark Weidemann, Diane Wilder and Amber … [Read more...]
Kingsland School Board Gathers for Project Update
As the school year draws near, the Kingsland School Board gathered for their August 18 meeting to hear updates on Mother Nature’s affect on the district’s construction projects. “We are working on the location of the solar panels, yet again. Essentially what happened was the engineers came out and took a look at the original site plan and said they thought some of the … [Read more...]
Harmony Man Pleads Guilty in Fatal Drunk Driving Crash
Brian Wayne Nelson, 51, of Harmony, has pleaded guilty to criminal vehicular homicide in connection with a crash that left one man dead in rural Fillmore County last summer. The plea was entered in Fillmore County District Court on Monday, August 18, before Judge Jeremy Clinefelter. The charges stem from an incident that occurred shortly after midnight on August 4, 2024. … [Read more...]
Nathan Gossman Faces Extradition After High-Speed Chase, Stolen Truck Recovery
A Canton man with a lengthy criminal history was arrested in Rochester after leading law enforcement on a pursuit in Wisconsin and later being tied to the theft of a municipal vehicle. Authorities identified the suspect as 40-year-old Nathan Randal Gossman. He was taken into custody on August 18 and is being held in the Olmsted County Adult Detention Center. Olmsted County … [Read more...]
Caledonia Kicks Off the 2025-2026 School Year
Caledonia Area Public School board members met Monday, August 18 at Caledonia Elementary School in room #162. Board member Mike Peterson called the meeting to order at 5:30 p.m. and led with the Pledge of Allegiance. All board members, principals John Wahlstrom and Nathan Boler, Superintendent Craig Ihrke, and Community Education Director Gretchen Juan were present. No … [Read more...]
Celebrating 10 Years of Bringing Joy to the Community Through Preston Floral and Gifts
For over 40 years, Preston Floral and Gift has been a staple for those looking to celebrate or remember loved ones, find just the right gift or for those in search of a sweet treat. Ten years ago, Preston native Ashley LaFleur bought the shop in hopes of continuing her family’s legacy. “My grandma (Rita Simonson) owned the shop for 30-plus years. I helped her on the … [Read more...]