Forest City Acuatic Center dealing with some structrual issues

The Forest City Acuatic Center is dealing with some structrual issues. The Forest City Council recently [April 19] discussed concerns with all nine 39-inch steel light poles at the Forest City Aquatic Center after one of the poles collapsed. The aquatic center was closed last season due to leaks and stress cracks on a number … Read more

Owatonna man facing multiple felony assault charges

An Owatonna man is facing multiple felony charges after he allegedly grabbed someone by the throat and left visible marks, according to court documents. Andrew James Bogenschutz, 39, was formally charged on Wednesday in Steele County Court with three felony domestic assault charges, one by strangulation. He was also charged that day with failing to … Read more

Albert Lea may soon be joining the electric scooters craze

Albert Lea may soon be joining other cities in Minnesota that have become part of the electric scooters craze. The Twin Cities and Rochester have electric scooters, and Albert Lea could be getting electric scooters through Bird by next week. Officials said the new electric scooters will help attract young professionals to their downtown area. … Read more

2020 drug trafficking case wrapped up with the sentencing of a Winnebago County man

FOREST CITY, Iowa – A 2020 drug trafficking case wrapped up with the sentencing of a Winnebago County man. A judge ordered, Jamaar Crayton, 33 of Forest City to five years of supervised probation. Law enforcement says five packages of hallucenogenic mushrooms and several pounds of marijuana were found in Crayton’s vehicle during a traffic … Read more

Austin man charged in death of mother and daughter

AUSTIN, Minn. – A man accused of killing his two-year-old daughter in Mower County is pleading guilty to fatally shooting the child’s mother in Wisconsin. Dariaz Lewis Higgins, 37, is charged with first-degree intentional homicide and attempted first-degree intentional homicide in the death of Sierra Robinson, 24, in March 2019. -0-

Benefit for wounded Waseca officer to kick off Waseca County Fair

A community-wide benefit for Waseca police officer Arik Matson will help kick off the Waseca County Fair. When gates open on May 22, orgnaziers say there will be plenty of fund raising activities to benefit the Matson family. Matson nearly lost his life when he was shot in the line of duty last year. -0-

Local pools gearing up for summer fun in 2021

After COVID cancelled plans last year, some local pools are gearing up for summer fun in 2021. Austin, Rochester, and Albert Lea all hope to open their pools by June. COVID-19 guidelines could change by opening day and all the pools have different plans for how to welcome back pool patrons. -0-

Dmestic dispute ends with Waseca man in handcuffs

A domestic dispute ended with a Waseca man in handcuffs. David Alberto Garcia, 22, allegedly punched his pregnant girlfriend repeatedly after she apparently threw a pizza slice in his face while he was napping, because she found out he was cheating on her. The 22 year old is in custody at the Waseca County Jail. … Read more

Mower County property owners can apply for well grants

Mower County property owners have more opportunities this year to qualify for financial help with sealing unused wells under a continuing effort to protect groundwater drinking supplies. Mower Soil & Water Conservation District (SWCD) and Austin Utilities have nearly $50,000 available for cost-share assistance for sealing unused or abandoned wells. All property owners in Mower … Read more