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BREAKING NEWS: Two-car crash injures five, three critically

Publisher — Tue, 22 Sep 2026 23:24:10 +0000

BREAKING NEWS: Two-car crash injures five, three critically Publisher Wed, 09/23/2026 - 01:24

Kay Fate, Staff Writer

Five people, including two children, were seriously injured in a T-bone crash Tuesday morning in Dodge County.

According to the Minnesota State Patrol, a Jeep driven by Marissa Lynn Dugan, 39, of Owatonna, was traveling east on Dodge County Road 34 when it was struck on the passenger side by a pickup driven by Steven Leslie Delzer, 76, of Dodge Center.

Delzer was northbound on U.S. Highway 56; the vehicles collided in the intersection.

Also in Dugan’s vehicle were Levi Jae Kubista, 29; Louis James Niedzielski, 11; and Leo Kennedy Niedzielski, 7, all of Owatonna.

All five victims were taken by ambulances to Mayo Clinic Hospital-Saint Marys Campus in Rochester.

Dugan and both children sustained what the State Patrol report described as life-threatening injuries; Kubista and Delzer had non-life threatening injuries.

Everyone involved had their seat belt fastened, the report says.

Personnel from the Dodge County Sheriff’s Office, West Concord Police Department, West Concord Ambulance, Dodge Center Ambulance, Hayfield Ambulance and Mayo Clinic Ambulance Service also responded to the crash, which was reported at 7:56 a.m.

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Report: Former gambling manager stole from Legion Post

Publisher — Thu, 17 Sep 2026 00:08:05 +0000

Report: Former gambling manager stole from Legion Post Publisher Thu, 09/17/2026 - 02:08

Kay Fate, Staff Writer

The former gambling manager at American Legion Post 77 in Owatonna has been charged with felony theft after authorities say he stole more than $80,000 from the organization.

Dakkota Cruz Moreno, 31, who provided a Minneapolis address, is scheduled to make his first appearance Dec. 7 in Steele County District Court.

The investigation began in May, when Owatonna police were contacted about a potential theft from the Legion’s charitable gambling account; it was also reported to the Minnesota Gambling Board.

According to the criminal complaint, Moreno was hired as the gambling manager in 2021; he and the organization parted ways in July 2025, presumably because Moreno had another job that was taking more of his time.

He helped the new gambling manager in the transition of roles; unbeknownst to Legion leadership, Moreno was reportedly still filling out all the paperwork and submitted documents to the Gambling Control Board.

During his time with the organization, the gambling account required four authorized signers, including Moreno. The alleged fraudulent charges came from the debit card attached to the account.

The alleged theft wasn’t discovered for nearly a year – when the new gambling manager noted “numerous personal transfers from the account” and multiple Amazon charges, including one from Tire Rack for about $3,300 in April 2026.

It stood out, the manager said, because Moreno had visited the Post in Owatonna a couple of weeks earlier and “showed him brand new rims and tires on his personal truck.”

Investigators from the Gambling Control Board and the Minnesota Alcohol and Gambling Enforcement Division became involved, and were provided with the organization’s laptop, with consent for a forensic examination of it.

Court documents say Moreno had used the Post’s banking account information and its debit card for his personal PayPal account in January 2026, and purchases began the day he added the debit card.

On May 18, 2026, Moreno’s access to the funds in the banking account and debit card were cut off, following the discovery.

That day, he called the affiliated bank to see why the card wasn’t working; he left a message, but the bank didn’t return his call. The next day, Moreno added his own card to the PayPal account.

The special agent reportedly found nearly $26,000 in unlawful transactions with PayPal from January to May, with purchases of those tires and rims; personal payments; tactical clothing and a lower parts kit for an AR-15.

Investigators also discovered Moreno had added the organization’s bank account to his personal Venmo account, the document continued; that accounted for nearly $7,500.

A warrant for Moreno’s personal credit union account indicated multiple transfers from the Post’s bank account to the personal account.

The complaint says Moreno sent himself $27,000 via transfers from May 2025 through March 2026, not including paychecks.

Another warrant allegedly showed Moreno made payments on his American Express card from the organization’s bank account, as well as 26 transactions on Amazon.

When the special agent spoke to Moreno in August, he first said he believed his “debit card got hacked or something,” and should have brought it up to the Post, but didn’t because he “was already on thin ice with them for having submitted payments to the Department of Revenue late.”

The agent asked Moreno directly if he had made personal purchases on the organization’s debit card, to which he allegedly replied, “If I did, I would’ve paid back the account right away.”

The investigator then brought up the details uncovered by the search warrants on the various accounts; Moreno repeatedly said he meant to pay back the organization “once I have the funds,” the complaint says.

“I do believe that there were a few that were potentially hacked,” Moreno allegedly said, “but the majority of those were just me being dumb and irresponsible and I do mean to reimburse the organization.”

Court documents say Moreno didn’t realize the amount was “that high,” that he believed it was about half that.

Based on the investigation, authorities claim Moreno made $82,252.51 worth of unlawful expenditures from about Feb. 1, 2025 to May 18, 2026.

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BREAKING NEWS: Owatonna recommends new site for police station

Publisher — Fri, 11 Sep 2026 15:18:00 +0000

BREAKING NEWS: Owatonna recommends new site for police station Publisher Fri, 09/11/2026 - 17:18

After months of intense pressure from the community, the City of Owatonna appears to be backing down on the site it had selected for the city’s new police station.

On Friday, the city announced it will recommend an alternative location to the City Council next Tuesday. The new proposed site is the vacant lot on North Street next to Cash Wise, formerly the Cemstone property.

Ever since the city announced plans to build the station on the West Hills campus earlier this year, residents in the community have revolted citing historical concerns with the property.

The city said West Hills was originally identified as the best available site for a new police station due to being City-owned, centrally located, and having enough space for a modern facility.

The new recommended site rose to the top of staff's recommendation because it is also City-owned, keeps the project centralized, minimizes potential additional costs, makes productive use of a site that had been difficult to develop, and gives police the space they need to serve the community for decades to come.

"As circumstances changed, new opportunities emerged, and staff heard from residents, it was important for us to continue evaluating all viable options," said City Administrator Jenna Tuma. "This recommendation reflects a balanced assessment of multiple factors to determine what will best serve the community moving forward while minimizing the impact on taxpayers."

Staff will present the recommendation, along with other alternatives examined in recent months, at Tuesday's study session, beginning at 6 p.m. The City Council is expected to consider the recommendation at its regular meeting at 7 p.m.

The proposed new fire station remains planned for the site of the current Law Enforcement Center.

On Nov. 3, Owatonna residents will vote on whether to authorize up to $65 million in bonds for new police and fire facilities.

The cost of the project is still a sticking point with residents as many have expressed concern that the project is too expensive.

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Hanson crowned Princess Kay of the Milky Way

Publisher — Thu, 27 Aug 2026 02:18:11 +0000

Hanson crowned Princess Kay of the Milky Way Publisher Thu, 08/27/2026 - 04:18

Jena Hanson of Owatonna has been crowned the 73rd Princess Kay of the Milky Way at the Minnesota State Fair tonight.

She was one of 10 finalists.

We will have more on this breaking story tomorrow.

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Steele County Sheriff’s Office Investigating Death at Four Seasons

Publisher — Wed, 19 Aug 2026 18:07:11 +0000

Steele County Sheriff’s Office Investigating Death at Four Seasons Publisher Wed, 08/19/2026 - 20:07

Steele County, Minnesota — August 19, 2026 — The Steele County Sheriff’s Office is investigating an incident at the Four Seasons in which a deceased individual was located near a vendor booth.

Deputies responded to the location and are working to determine the circumstances surrounding the death. The Steele County Coroner’s Office is assisting with the investigation.

The identity of the deceased is not being released at this time pending notification of next of kin.

Additional information will be released when it becomes available and when investigators determine that its release will not interfere with the ongoing investigation.

The Steele County Sheriff’s Office asks that anyone with information regarding the incident contact the Sheriff’s Office.

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Sorensen named next OPD chief

Publisher — Fri, 14 Aug 2026 20:02:08 +0000

Sorensen named next OPD chief Publisher Fri, 08/14/2026 - 22:02

The City of Owatonna has announced that Capt. Josh Sorensen has been selected to serve as its next chief of police. 

Sorensen, who has been with the Owatonna Police Department since 2004, will begin serving in this role effective Sept. 19, following the retirement of Chief Jeff Mundale.

“Josh was the top candidate who stood out because of his professionalism, his expertise and his leadership,” said Owatonna City Administrator Jenna Tuma. “Josh is committed to Owatonna and his passion shows. We are excited to have him be our next chief of police.”

The City of Owatonna conducted a comprehensive, multi-step process to identify its next chief of police. The selection process included an internal and external search, and two rounds of interviews with panel members consisting of representatives of the Owatonna City Council, city leadership, community leaders and representatives from a neighboring law enforcement department.

Sorensen has previously served the OPD as a sergeant, mobile field force coordinator, detective, school liaison officer, firearms instructor, field training officer, defensive tactics instructor and coordinator and patrol officer. He received his Bachelor of Science in Law Enforcement from Minnesota State University-Mankato.

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BREAKING NEWS: Area bus companies sold to Canadian firm

Publisher — Thu, 06 Aug 2026 13:49:53 +0000

BREAKING NEWS: Area bus companies sold to Canadian firm Publisher Thu, 08/06/2026 - 15:49

The area’s top school bus provider has been sold to a company from Canada pending federal approval.

Switzer-CARTY Transportation Services Inc. (“Switzer-CARTY”), a premier provider of home-to-school student transportation and charter services in Canada, announced Wednesday that it has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Agnes Corporation, which owns Owatonna Bus, Medford Bus and Blooming Prairie Bus as well as many other locations.

The proposed transaction represents Switzer-CARTY’s first cross-border expansion into the United States market, marking a key milestone in the company’s ongoing geographic diversification strategy. The transaction remains subject to customary regulatory approvals, and the status of the proposed acquisition remains pending before the U.S. Surface Transportation Board (STB) and has yet to be finalized.

Founded in 1968 by William Regan, Agnes Corporation is a respected, family-controlled student transportation operator headquartered in Owatonna. Across its 58-year history, the company has established a prominent operational footprint across eight locations in southern Minnesota and one location in northern Iowa. The company manages a fleet of approximately 350 vehicles, including school buses, shuttle buses, and motorcoaches, serving nine school district contract regions.

Regan was involved with the bus operation up until 2024 when he died at 91. His daughter, Katy Kreutter, has been operating the company for many years.

“Agnes Corporation shares our foundational commitment to safety, operational excellence, and a deep respect for drivers, staff, and school district partners,” said Dan Maradin, CEO of Switzer-CARTY Transportation. “Bringing our two organizations together allows us to combine decades of deep industry experience while maintaining the high standards and strong community trust that both companies have built.”

Upon regulatory approval, the transaction will establish a strong operational foundation for Switzer-CARTY in the United States, opening doors for further expansion into adjacent markets. Switzer-CARTY was founded in 2011.

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YET ANOTHER RECORD BUSTER

Publisher — Wed, 29 Jul 2026 13:18:17 +0000

YET ANOTHER RECORD BUSTER

Federated Challenge hauls in nearly $5.5M

Publisher Wed, 07/29/2026 - 15:18

Rick Bussler, Publisher

Jessica Lower, far right, reveals the exciting news of a record busting Federated Challenge Sunday night at the St. Paul RiverCentre. The annual fundraiser benefiting Big Brothers Big Sisters raised $5,488,000, more than $500,000 over the previous year. Sharing in the excitement are representatives of BBBS: Patrick Sukhum, Jackie Scholl, Michelle Redman and Bryan Klopack. Staff photo by Rick Bussler

“This is life-changing friendships investing in youth across America.”
-Roger Bailey, Federated Challenge MC

It proved to be yet another record-breaking night for the Federated Challenge as the annual fundraiser shattered its previous record by more than a half million dollars.

The Challenge, which has become a signature event hosted by Owatonna’s Federated Insurance for the past 22 years, hauled in $5,488,000 Sunday night at St. Paul RiverCentre. All the funds benefit youth mentoring through Big Brothers Big Sisters, not only in Minnesota but nationally.

Challenge co-chairs Nicholas Lower and his wife Jessica hosted the black-tie gala for a record 800 guests. In addition, the gala featured a record 131 corporate sponsors with 31 new sponsors for this year alone. This year’s theme was “Building Big Futures.” The Federated Challenge is the largest private charity event in Minnesota.

“This is an evening that we will remember forever,” said Nicholas Lower, who also serves as chairman, president and CEO of Federated. Added Jessica, “Your generation will create opportunities for kids you will never meet.”

With this year’s record, the Challenge has now raised $67 million for BBBS since 2005. Roger Bailey of Federated, who served as the event’s MC, stressed that 100% of the funds raised goes directly to BBBS.

“It’s all about building bigger futures,” said Bailey. “This is life-changing friendships investing in youth across America.”

Nicholas Lower told the audience, “Every young person deserves to know their future matters. We will make a difference. BBBS has a blueprint for success. Your support will build success for youth.”

Pro football hall of famer Cris Carter, formerly of the Minnesota Vikings, was the keynote speaker. He shared details about a troubled past as a young football player. He proudly professed that he has experienced 35 years of sobriety with “not one drink.”

Carter’s sobriety led him to be adopted as a big brother through the BBBS program. Choking back tears, he said, “The men in my life meant everything.” He credited the late Minnesota businessman Wheelock Whitney Jr. with developing him into the person he is today.

“They need someone to believe in them,” Carter said of young people. “Let’s not change the world. Let’s change the world those young people live in.”

Benike Construction was recognized as the Challenge honoree. Benike, which is a fourth-generation commercial construction and renovation company based in Rochester, has been involved with the Challenge for its entire existence. “Excitement is building big futures,” said Mike Benike in accepting the honor.

This year’s featured big/little couple was Cindy Emanuelson of Owatonna, along with her little Savannah, who is now an adult. “I’m proud to be Savannah’s big sister,” said Emanuelson, who recently retired after 37 years at Federated.

Emanuelson said she was an empty nester who had extra time on her hands. “Savannah has positively impacted me to fill the void and be around young people,” she said, adding she ended up with a relationship that will likely last a lifetime.

“We are better together,” she says. “Our paths would not have crossed without this program.”

Savannah shared how she no longer had a father in her life once her parents divorced. Emanuelson stepped into that role and did many activities with Savannah. “Every moment has been meaningful,” Savannah said. She noted Emanuelson has been in her life almost longer than her father had been up until the divorce.

“She consistently believes in me,” Savannah said. “I always had someone in my corner. The difference you have made in my life is immeasurable. They change lives that are impossible to measure.”

This was the second year that Nicholas and Jessica Lower have co-hosted the Challenge. In what has become Lower’s true fashion, he offered gratitude to those supporting the Challenge.

“When you invest in young people, we build something far better than this evening,” he said. “We will build big futures.”

The two-day event continued Monday at Hazeltine National Golf Club in Chaska with a golf event.

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BREAKING NEWS: Owatonna Shooting

Publisher — Thu, 02 Jul 2026 13:20:33 +0000

BREAKING NEWS: Owatonna Shooting Publisher Thu, 07/02/2026 - 15:20

Kay Fate, Staff Writer

An Owatonna man was taken into custody early Thursday morning after authorities say he fired a gun toward police officers, then later shot himself.

According to the Owatonna Police Department, dispatchers received a call about 8:20 p.m. regarding the 36-year-old; he was reported to be in crisis and had left in his vehicle.

About an hour later, officers spotted the vehicle on West Bridge Street; when they performed a traffic stop on South Oak Avenue and Southview Street, they saw cuts on the driver’s arm.

The man became uncooperative during the stop, the OPD statement says, then reached for a gun and began shooting at the officers before fleeing in his vehicle. He stopped about two blocks away in the 200 block of West McKinley Street, between Oak and Linn avenues.

Law enforcement shut down the area and issued a shelter in place order about 10:15 p.m. Residents in all of Steele and Rice counties received the alert.

The man shot himself about two hours later, the police statement says. He was taken into custody without further incident and transported for medical care.

No officers were injured in the incident; there is no mention if officers returned fire when the man shot at them, though video from the incident shared online clearly indicates two different weapons were fired.

The scene remains under investigation, and some roads may remain closed.

Officers from Steele and Rice county sheriff’s offices and the Minnesota State Patrol assisted, along with SWAT teams from the South Central Drug Investigation Unit and Rice County.

Authorities will release more information as it becomes available.

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BP and Hayfield create football co-op for fall 2026

Publisher — Wed, 01 Jul 2026 01:11:56 +0000

BP and Hayfield create football co-op for fall 2026 Publisher Wed, 07/01/2026 - 03:11

Johnnie Phillips, Sports Editor

Blooming Prairie’s Lukas Loverink dives for the pylon to score a touchdown against Fillmore Central in a game during the 2024 season. Blooming Prairie will co-op with Hayfield this coming fall to freate the Blooming Prairie-Hayfield football team for a minimum of two seasons. Staff photo by Johnnie Phillips

Blooming Prairie and Hayfield High Schools will put their football rivalry to the side in 2026 and instead join forces as the Blooming Prairie-Hayfield co-op football team this coming fall after news of the union was made public today.

Hayfield Schools Superintendent Gregg Slaathaug made the information public with a post to Facebook around 3 p.m.

“I wanted to share an important update regarding our football program for the upcoming school year. After many thoughtful discussions, Hayfield and Blooming Prairie have agreed to enter into a cooperative agreement for football for students in grades 7-12,” said Slaathaug in his post to the Hayfield Community Schools Facebook page.

The two teams join forces after program participation numbers have fluctuated in the past few seasons for both teams.

“The number one reason for this cooperative agreement is student safety. As participation numbers continue to fluctuate, it is our responsibility to provide a safe environment where students can compete, develop, and enjoy the game of football. Just as important, we want every student-athlete to have the opportunity to be part of a positive, competitive, and rewarding experience,” said Slaathaug.

Both teams have a storied history of going toe-to-toe on the gridiron, but Slaathaug doesn’t see the change interfering with either town’s football identity.

“I know this is a significant change, and I also know how much pride both communities have in their football traditions. Please know that this decision was not made quickly or lightly. Throughout this process, one priority remained above everything else-our students,” he said.

More information is still to come about the co-op’s next steps.

“Many details are still being finalized, and additional information will be shared with families as those decisions are made. At this time, we can share that the cooperative agreement will include grades 7-12. Practices and games will be hosted in both communities, uniforms will be shared, and each school will continue to celebrate its own homecoming and traditions. Our team will compete as the Blooming Prairie Hayfield Football Team,” he said.

According to him, the co-op will last “for a minimum of two years.”

The Times will continue to update its reporting as new information is made available.

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