News Staff ALBERT LEA, Minn. – The Freeborn County Sheriff’s Office say a fresh bloom of potentially dangerous blue-green algae has formed around some Fountain Lake shoreline. Blue-green algae can be toxic to both humans and animals and officials say during warmer weather the algae flourishes. -0-
A a forensic investigation of bones that were discovered in the Cedar River in Austin last Wednesday has been completed. Austin Police confirmed that two bones found under the South Main Bridge June 23rd were retrieved from the river, and they were determined not to be human. -0-
A judge has denied a request from the owner of The Interchange Wine & Coffee Bistro to remove a judge from her criminal cases. Lisa Hanson faces nine misdemeanors, after she reopened her business in December in violation of state executive orders banning in-person dining to slow the spread of COVID-19. A jury trial is … Read more
Austin Police are warning residents not to leave valuables assessible after a pair of motorcycles were reported stolen from a residence on East Oakland Avenue. The victim told police that when he returned home Tuesday the dirt bikes were gone. Police are continuing to investigate. -0-
FOREST CITY, Iowa – A northwest Iowa woman caught with drugs in Winnebago County will escape jail time in a plea agreement with prosecutors. Amanda Jo Anderson was sentenced this week to three to five years probation. The 38 year old must also follow all recommended substance abuse and mental health treatment. -0-
A man driving a vehicle reported stolen out of Charles City has been arrested in Clear Lake. Authorities say 34-year-old Mitchell Stevens of Northwood was taken into custody Thursday night after officers found him in possession of a 2006 Chrysler 3000 that wasn’t his. Stevens is facing a felony theft charge for the stolen vehicle … Read more
A Winnebago County man pleaded guilty to assault charges in connection to a February incident. Harlie Lawson was granted a deferred judgment and placed on probation for 1 year to the Department of Correctional Services, following an investigation by the Winnebago County Sheriff’s Office. -0-
Authorities are investigating the cause of a semi trailer fire at the main Hormel plant in Austin Monday afternoon. The Austin Police and Fire Departments responded to the plant and fire crews were able to extinguish the flames. There were no injuries reported. -0-
MASON CITY, Iowa – A former school bus driver has accepted a plea deal for driving drunk. Rebecca Anne Spencer, 44 of Forest City, pleaded guilty to one count of OWI-2nd offense and one count of child endangerment. Spencer was pulled over for speeding while driving a Forest City Community School District van on March … Read more
(ABC 6 News)- The week long trial of an Albert Lea man ended with his conviction on sextortion and child pornography charges. Travis Kyle Mayer, 32, is accused of downloading child pornography from a Russian-based website and sexually exploiting a 15 year old girl. He faces up to life in prison. A sentencing date has … Read more