Austin couple arrested for drug possession during 2020 probation check sentenced

AUSTIN, Minn. – An Austin couple arrested and charged with drug possession during a probation check last year have been sentenced. Police found a total of 28 grams of meth, and over $4,500 in cash during the home visit in September 2020. Jose David Talamantes, 31, pleaded guilty to fifth-degree drug possession. He’s been sentenced … Read more

Albert Lea man sentenced Thursday in drive-by shooting case

An Albert Lea man was sentenced to three years in prison Thursday for his role in a drive-by shooting last May on Gene Avenue. Omar Rodriguez, 27, in December pleaded guilty to second-degree assault tied to the May 9 incident. He also pleaded guilty to a count of second-degree assault with a dangerous weapon in … Read more

Freeborn County is going green

ABC 6 News) – Freeborn County is going green. Two clean energy companies have come together to create the Hayward Solar Project. The solar plant is expected to generate enough energy to power about 28,000 homes each year. It’s an estimated $128 million investment in the community. Construction is expected to start late next year, … Read more

Coronavirus found on Austin Public Schools busses

AUSTIN, Minn. – A “significant level” of coronavirus found on busses is pushing Austin Public Schools back to distance learning. A post on the school district’s Facebook page says all in-person learning will be suspended from Thursday through March 19, with in-person and hybrid learning resuming on March 22. -0-

Salary win for Freeborn County Sheriff Kurt Freitag

(ABC 6 News) – The Minnesota Supreme Court has ruled in favor of Freeborn County Sheriff Kurt Freitag in a an ongoing salary dispute, according to court documents filed Wednesday. In 2018, Sheriff Freitag argued he was being underpaid for the work he was doing and his salary was less than sheriffs in neighboring counties … Read more

You could save big bucks in health insurance costs under the Democratic coronavirus relief legislation

You could save big bucks in health insurance costs under the Democratic coronavirus relief legislation on track to pass Congress. Several million people stand to save hundreds of dollars, including the more than 11 million people already enrolled in “Obamacare” as well as those who are now shopping for HealthCare.gov coverage. Biden has opened up … Read more

Minnesota moves to expand COVID19 vaccinations

MINNEAPOLIS – Gov. Tim Walz announced Tuesday that Minnesota is expanding eligibility for the coronavirus vaccine after reaching its goal of inoculating at least 70% of people 65 and older. The state will now move to the next two phases to allow about 1.8 million individuals to get their shots beginning Wednesday, including people with … Read more

Albert Lea Public Library welcomes back patrons

The Albert Lea Public Library and other offices at City Hall are targeted to reopen for patrons starting March 30 for two days a week. The city manager announced Monday that the library will have express borrowing on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, and the building on those days will also be open for people who wish … Read more