The Houston County Board of Commissioners wrapped up the year with a full agenda for their final meeting on December 31. Chairman Eric Johnson called the meeting to order at 9 a.m. and led both the board and the standing-room-only audience in the Pledge of Allegiance. Commissioners present included Dewey Severson, Chairman Eric Johnson, Robert (Bob) Burns, Bob Schuldt and … [Read more...]
SEMAC Announces January Grant Opportunity For Individual Artists
The Southeastern Minnesota Arts Council (SEMAC) will open applications for Individual Artist Grants on December 28, 2024, with submissions due by January 28, 2025. In a significant change to the application process, SEMAC has eliminated the Letter of Intent requirement based on feedback from its recent Needs Assessment Survey. These competitive grants support artists in … [Read more...]
Early Release Denied for Amish Bishop Convicted of Sex Abuse
By Zech Sindt On September 30, 2024, Fillmore County Community Corrections (FCCC) attempted to prematurely release Chriss Stutzman, an Amish bishop formerly convicted of sexually abusing a 14-year-old girl, from probation. In 2019, the victim, now an adult, bravely came forward to report the abuse she suffered at the hands of Stutzman in 1989. She provided a harrowing … [Read more...]
Probation, Jail Time for Woman Who Injured Amish Family in Crash
By Zech Sindt On December 30, 2024, Brittany Nicole Edgar, a 33-year-old woman from Kasson who pleaded guilty to fleeing the scene of an accident, was sentenced. The Fillmore County judge imposed a 13-month prison sentence, but it was stayed for three years, meaning Edgar will avoid serving most of her time behind bars if she adheres to the terms of her probation. On … [Read more...]
Grant Available to Aid in Weather Resilience
Recognizing the risks posed by extreme weather, the Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) is offering a grant opportunity to help eligible producers make their operations more resilient to drought, flooding, and severe weather events like storms, tornadoes, and straight-line winds. The Preparing for Extreme Weather Grant, also referred to as the Prepare Grant, offers … [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...]
Kingsland to Hold Special Election for Proposed Referendum
Kingsland business manager Julie Schreiber kicked off the Kingsland School Board December 16 meeting with their annual Truth and Taxation presentation. “Our funding will trail inflation by about $1,364 per pupil in 2025,” Schreiber said. “It (funding) has been increasing but it has not been keeping up with inflation. In 2026 there is going to be an automatic inflationary … [Read more...]
Justice for Madeline: Fravel Gets Life, Family Launches Foundation to Fight Domestic Violence
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...]
Caledonia School Board Bids Farewell To Board Member Daniel Small
Caledonia Area Public School board members met Monday, December 16 at Caledonia Elementary School in room #162. Board member Mike Peterson called the meeting to order at 6 p.m., led with the Pledge of Allegiance, then conducted roll call. Board members present included Derek Adamson, Tim Gunn, Leigh King, Melissa Marschall, Daniel Small, Spencer Yohe and Peterson himself. … [Read more...]
Houston County Commissioners Recognize Employees, Approve Levy
At the December 17 Houston County Commission meeting, 13 county employees were recognized and thanked for their dedication and service to Houston County: Melissa Jordan, 10 years; Jordan Goeden, 10 years; A.J. Bird, 10 years; Jennifer Daley-Oakes, 10 years; Lori Feldmeier, 20 years; Jon Kulas, 20 years: Mark Olson, 25 years; Tammy Mauss, 35 years; Liza Jandt, 35 years; Tom … [Read more...]