Posted: 6/21/05
Mall has another break-in
The Caledonia Mall (the former elementary school) was burglarized on Sunday, June 10.
The person or persons broke a west side window and entered the Shapes portion of the building, then entered the mall area and went into different stores, taking money from registers as well as other items.
The mall experienced a break-in on February 22 through an east window that was left open. Dustin James Saukko, 20, of Caledonia pled guilty to that burglary and theft and to another that occurred at Caledonia Auto Center. He will be sentenced on June 27 at 2 p.m. in Third District Court in Caledonia. A male juvenile was also charged in those burglaries. He pled guilty and will be sentenced on July 25 in juvenile court. His name cannot be released because he is under the age of 16.
Also on June 10, Ellingson Motors reported that 1999 Chevy Blazer had a window busted out. The person apparently tried unsuccessfully to remove speakers that were bolted in, said Caledonia Police Chief Randy Shefelbine. He believes it is related to the mall break-in.
ìWeíre following up on some tips,î Shefelbine said on June 16. ìWeíre getting some leads.î
Little Miami Restaurant in Freeburg reported an attempted break-in on June 15.
Mike Gerardy, city maintenance worker, also reported on June 13 that vandals had dumped garbage cans into the city swimming pool sometime over the previous weekend.
False kidnapping case
Joe Cody, 54, La Crosse, Wisconsin, was charged on May 19 in connection with a case in which a woman reported her own alleged kidnapping.
Cody is charged with possession of marijuana, obstructing the legal process, and disorderly conduct. He will appear in court on June 28 for arraignment. Authorities believe that Cody was aware of what was going on and did not try to stop it or clarify with police what was happening, according to chief deputy Ken Frank.
Jessica Lee Spencer, 23, La Crosse, pled not guilty to falsely reporting a crime and disorderly conduct, both misdemeanors, in the case. She has requested a court trial, which has been set for July 20 at 4 p.m.
According to the complaint, Spencer reported her own kidnapping on May 12, which led authorities on an early morning search for her in the Hokah area. She made the calls from a rural Caledonia home where she was staying.
Minor injuries in accident
A Dresbach, Wisconsin, woman suffered minor injuries in a one-car accident on Highway 26 north of Reno on June 19.
Kyle Thomas Snyder was driving north in a minivan just before 4 p.m. when he drifted onto the gravel shoulder and hit a tree. The accident occurred south of the scenic overlook near mile marker 10.
His mother, Jodi, was taken to Gundersen Lutheran Medical Center with minor injuries.
The Brownsville Fire Department and First Responders did traffic control and gave medical assistance.
Caledonia Argus
314 West Lincoln St.
P.O. Box 227
Caledonia, MN 55921-0227
507/724-3475
E-Mail: editor.argus@ecm-inc.com