FOREST CITY, Iowa – NIACC and four North Iowa school districts are preparing students for real world work experience. The John V. Hanson Career Center, which officially opened to students this week, has what’s called the ‘Fab Lab’, a high-tech classroom space designed to establish a local and regional workforce pipeline. Three other school districts, … Read more
AUSTIN, Minn. – A Mower County man was sentenced to 7 years in prison Wednesday on drug trafficking charges. David Maphanh, 38 of Austin, was charged with first-degree sale of drugs after he sold methamphetamine to an informant on three occasions between January and February of 2020. Court documents state the sales involved a total … Read more
ALBERT LEA, Minn. – An Albert Lea woman accused of running a ‘meth mail’ operation has accepted a plea deal in the 2020 case. Marivel Ramos, 46, is facing multiple charges for her role in a conspiracy where she sent packages full of cash to California and received packages full of meth, according to court … Read more
A north Iowa casino is one of four gambling facilities in the state that will pay a fine for allowing underage gamblers on the gaming floor. The Diamond Jo Worth Casino in Northwood has agreed to pay a $20,000 penalty for a minor who entered the gambling floor unchallenged. -0-
A Freeborn County man is recovering from a gunshot wound after accidentally shooting himself. According to a Sheriff’s Office report the man was target shooting Friday night on 755th Ave. in Glenville and when he went to holster the gun it discharged sending a bullet into his leg. -0-
No one was injured in a fire at a home southwest of Austin over the weekend. According to an Austin Police report, crews quickly put out an oven fire at a home in the 1400 block of Fourth Ave. SW early Sunday morning. Four people at the house said they were watching a movie when … Read more
Freeborn County’s sheriff and attorney want to see more money in their paychecks. Both lobbied for increases to their salaries Tuesday during an annual presentation in front of the Board of Commissioners. The commissioners will vote to set the salaries at the Nov. 30 meeting and may have further discussion on the matter at a … Read more
Northbridge Mall in Albert Lea is getting a makeover. The new owner is positioning the mall for growth in the coming months, including two national brand retailers they’re currently in negotians with, as well as the addition of MercyOne Albert Lea Family Medicine & Specialty Care and other new providers recently committing to the mall. … Read more
WASECA — The man recently sentenced for burning down a Janesville statue is now accused of a string of burglaries in rural Waseca County. Luke Duane Olson, 35, of Janesville, was charged Monday in Waseca County District Court in connection with five burglaries. -0-
A new COVID-19 rapid testing site will open in Albert Lea this week, one of seven new sites in Minnesota. Governor Tim Walz announced the launch of the new rapid sites last week, including locations in Crookston, Hutchinson, and Stillwater. He also shared plans to open additional rapid testing sites in Albert Lea. Walz has … Read more