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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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Council puts public safety facilities on the ballot

Publisher — Wed, 17 Jun 2026 03:52:19 +0000

Council puts public safety facilities on the ballot Publisher Wed, 06/17/2026 - 05:52

Kay Fate, Staff Writer

Dozens of residents filled the Owatonna City Council Chambers for Tuesday night’s meeting, when councilors unanimously approved calling a special election relating to the issuance of bonds for the construction of two new public safety facilities in town. Staff photo by Kay Fate

With little fanfare, the issue that has dominated Owatonna City Council meetings – and conversations around town – has been settled … for now.

Councilors voted unanimously Tuesday night to authorize a vote on the issuance of bonds to finance the construction of two new public safety facilities.

The question of spending up to $65 million to build a new police station and new fire hall will be on the ballot in a special election, held in conjunction with the Nov. 3 general election.

Residents have been showing up at city council meetings for months to weigh in on the proposed project; the vast majority are against the current plan.

While no one disputes that the firefighters and police officers need better facilities, it’s the location of the police station, specifically, that drew the most opposition.

The plan is to build the new police station on the West Hills Campus, a city-owned 40-acre parcel of land that was once home to the State Public School for Dependent and Neglected Children. About 11,000 children lived there from 1886 through 1946, when it closed.

The entire campus is on the National Register of Historic Places.

The two-pronged project calls for the Owatonna Police Department to move into a temporary facility on Bridge Street, tear down the existing police station and construct the new fire hall on that site.

Meanwhile, the new facility at West Hills would be built while the police occupy the Bridge Street building.

Multiple residents who have frequently voiced their objection to the project as presented used their time during the public comment portion of the meeting to thank the council for putting the measure to a vote.

A complete story about the meeting will appear in the June 24 edition of the Steele County Times.

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BREAKING NEWS: Man killed in UTV crash

Publisher — Thu, 11 Jun 2026 21:02:43 +0000

BREAKING NEWS: Man killed in UTV crash Publisher Thu, 06/11/2026 - 23:02

An Owatonna man has died in an UTV crash in Merton Township.

The Steele County Sheriff’s Office identified the victim as James Duane Hansen, 63, of Owatonna.

The incident happened when Hansen was operating a Polaris Ranger UTV around 5:15 p.m. on June 1 at 2759 44th Ave., according to the Sheriff’s Office. Reports indicate Hansen was found pinned under the driver’s side of the UTV by a neighbor who was just returning home from work. Deputies provided life saving measures until they declared him deceased.

The Sheriff’s Office report indicates a culvert was likely responsible for making the UTV overturn.

Owatonna Fire and Mayo Ambulance assisted at the crash scene. Mayo Air Ambulance had been dispatched but canceled once it was determined Hansen was deceased.

Hansen is survived by his wife Stacy.

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BREAKING NEWS: Owatonna police chief to retire

Publisher — Fri, 05 Jun 2026 18:16:24 +0000

BREAKING NEWS: Owatonna police chief to retire Publisher Fri, 06/05/2026 - 20:16

Owatonna’s police chief has announced he will retire on Sept. 18.

With his retirement, Chief Jeff Mundale will conclude a career of more than 30 years in law enforcement service to Owatonna. He became chief in 2022 after the retirement of Keith Hiller, who had been in the chief’s role for 12 years.

Mundale’s retirement comes at a critical time for the city as it tries to build a new police station. He is the second top chief to leave the city this year. In February, Fire Chief Ed Hoffman left Owatonna for “personal reasons.”

The police chief joined the Owatonna Police Department in 1995 as a patrol officer and steadily advanced through the organization, including five years on the regional SWAT team and 10 years in the training unit. He served as patrol sergeant, administrative sergeant, patrol captain and ultimately chief starting in 2022. Throughout his career, he has been recognized for his commitment to public safety, professional excellence, community engagement and is the recipient of many service awards and commendations.

"Chief Mundale's impact on the City of Owatonna extends far beyond his years of service," said City Administrator Jenna Tuma. "His leadership, integrity and dedication to our community have strengthened both the Police Department and our organization. We are grateful for his service, friendship and the high standard he has set for future leaders."

Under Chief Mundale's leadership, the department built on a strong foundation of community partnerships while maintaining a focus on public safety and professional standards.

The city plans to recognize Chief Mundale's career and contributions at a retirement reception later this year. Details regarding the event will be announced in the coming weeks.

The city will also begin a comprehensive recruitment process immediately to identify Owatonna’s next chief. City leaders are committed to conducting a thorough search to attract highly qualified candidates who will continue the department's tradition of service and leadership while helping guide the organization into the future.

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Rural internet provider closes without notice

Publisher — Wed, 03 Jun 2026 13:03:59 +0000

Rural internet provider closes without notice Publisher Wed, 06/03/2026 - 15:03

Kay Fate, Staff Writer

An area internet provider has abruptly closed, leaving customers without service and with no way to contact anyone – and now says he has filed for bankruptcy protection.

Questions about the status of Radio Link Internet, based in Ellendale, began late Monday morning; by 3 p.m., customers had turned to social media to seek out others affected.

By then, the phone numbers for both customer service and tech support had been disconnected; people in the area drove to owner Dan Petsinger’s home, which also housed the office. There, the business signs were down and orange construction cones blocked the driveway.

Two men were in an outbuilding, removing Radio Link Internet logos from vehicles.

Petsinger wrote in an email statement to the Times on Wednesday morning that “due to a recent downturn in support for local communications providers, coupled with a shifting community response regarding RLI’s presence in the area, the decision was made to dissolve the business.”

About 4 p.m. Monday, customers said they received word from the business via email, but with no mention of the bankruptcy:

“We are writing to inform you that Radio Link Internet has permanently closed all business operations, and all internet services have been shut down.

“Please be advised that this shutdown includes all of our communication channels. Our website, customer phone lines and company email addresses are no longer active or monitored …”

That prompted customers to question how they would receive refunds; prepayment for the internet service was made yearly. Some said they had just paid Radio Link for the upcoming year as recently as March or April, leaving them asking for a refund for the 10 months prepaid – with no expected service.

Filing for bankruptcy protection allows “breathing room” for a person or business to reorganize their finances – and stop creditor collection efforts – while remaining operational.

Since Petsinger has admitted his business has closed, it’s unclear how he plans to reorganize his finances. The “protection” also allows filers to keep assets.

Though the business was rarely named, it was at the heart of several lawsuits filed by – and against – Petsinger. Included as defendants are the city of Ellendale; members of the Ellendale City Council and several officials in Steele County.

In addition to losing the lawsuits and subsequent appeals, Petsinger was ordered to pay legal fees for many of the defendants.

He owed more than $32,000 to Ellendale and nearly $29,000 to cover the county’s attorney fees.

Petsinger has long sought to use the water towers in rural towns on which to place his internet service equipment; New Richland is the most recent city to order Petsinger to remove the equipment from its water tower.

In May of last year, he said he had “over 700 households and/or businesses that count on the service for broadband communication.”

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BREAKING NEWS: Owatonna church hit with major embezzlement

Publisher — Sat, 16 May 2026 15:07:06 +0000

BREAKING NEWS: Owatonna church hit with major embezzlement

Ellendale woman charged with the theft of $350K from Associated Church

Publisher Sat, 05/16/2026 - 17:07

Kay Fate, Staff Writer

An Ellendale woman accused of embezzling more than $350,000 from an Owatonna church has told authorities there was an issue with the bookkeeping software – but has been unable to provide documents to prove it.

Vanessa Ann Stoltz, 40, was charged by summons last week in Steele County District Court with one count each of theft by swindle and theft-no consent, both felonies.

She is expected to make her first appearance July 20.

Stoltz was hired to serve as the financial coordinator for Associated Church, working part-time and earning about $20 an hour; she was in charge of payroll, which involved access to the church’s QuickBooks account.

Church officials told detectives that when the board periodically asked Stoltz about their financial picture, she would “only provide small bits of information and not a complete summary,” promising – but failing – to get them the data they requested.

In late summer of 2025, the IRS informed church leaders they had not paid payroll taxes; when they questioned Stoltz, “they did not receive a clear answer” about the issue.

The last contact the church had with Stoltz was in November; it remained “locked” out of QuickBooks, so sought help from a local accounting firm – which was able to access the church’s account.

According to the criminal complaint, the bookkeeping records showed Stoltz had grossed nearly $450,000 in 2024 and 2025 – $350,000 more than her expected salary for that time. Church leaders contacted law enforcement.

In December, a detective spoke with Stoltz, who confirmed she was the financial manager for the church, working part-time.

She told the detective she was aware of a problem with QuickBooks, claiming something happened when the church moved from “desktop to online,” and that she brought the issue to the attention of church leaders.

The church had provided her with a laptop computer so she could work from home.

Stoltz denied receiving any extra/over payments, the document says, and told the detective she was “broke.”

The complaint further outlines that the accounting firm found that Stoltz was the only employee to be overpaid; the funds were direct-deposited into a local bank, aligning with the payroll schedule on QuickBooks.

The funds were spent down each month on items such as Amazon payments, credit cards, clothing and food delivery services, liposuction and body-contouring treatments and more.

A search warrant of Stoltz’s bank account did not reveal any type of reimbursement to the church, the report says.

During the course of the investigation, it was discovered that four checks were written to Stoltz and signed by a church leader; the leader told law enforcement none of the signatures were hers.

The checks – totaling nearly $7,000 – were allegedly deposited into Stoltz’s bank account.

When the detective spoke to Stoltz again in February, she again confirmed her wage, hours and responsibilities, including processing payroll for the church over the past two years.

According to court documents, Stoltz again mentioned the issues with QuickBooks, saying it “could show she was being paid essentially double,” but there would also be a refund noted.

She reportedly said the excess payments were never deposited into her bank accounts, and agreed to provide investigators with copies of her bank statements to prove it.

Stoltz made arrangements to send the statements to the detective; as of Feb. 10, he had not received correspondence of any kind from her.

Associated is a community of faith of the Presbyterian Church and the United Church of Christ located on Owatonna’s south end.

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State’s letter questions council’s denial of EAW

Publisher — Fri, 24 Apr 2026 23:52:25 +0000

State’s letter questions council’s denial of EAW Publisher Sat, 04/25/2026 - 01:52

Kay Fate, Staff Writer

A letter to Owatonna’s city administrator indicates the city council’s decision to deny a request for an Environmental Assessment Worksheet was made with incomplete – and possibly misleading – information.

The State Historic Preservation Office sent the correspondence to Jenna Tuma last week. Also on the letter is Chris Ziemer, identified as a business development executive for ICS – the construction manager for the proposed public safety facilities in Owatonna.

According to SHPO, the project – which would see a new fire hall and a new police station built – “meets the criteria that require consultation with our office.”

The new facilities, which have an estimated price tag of more than $61 million, have been a lightning rod for community activism in the past six months – four years after discussions began, and nearly two years after planning began in earnest.

In addition to the cost, residents oppose the location of the new police station: On the West Hills Campus, which is a National Register of Historic Places designated district, and is owned by the city.

The grounds are the site of the former Minnesota State Public School for Dependent and Neglected Children. From 1886 to 1945, more than 10,000 children were sent to the facility that was once the third-largest institution of its kind in the nation.

It now houses a State School museum; its cemetery; the Owatonna Arts Center; Little Theatre of Owatonna, City Hall and more.

Owatonna residents filed a petition request for an EAW – which was denied at the Owatonna City Council meeting on March 17, via a resolution.

One line in the resolution, however, is problematic: WHEREAS, additionally, City staff and consultants have consulted with the State Historic Preservation Office and the State Archeologist about the Project;

“This statement does not accurately reflect the status of consultation,” the letter from SHPO says.

In fact, it says, the organization “only received a formal request for consultation for the police facility construction on March 17,” which provided very little time for anything to be done by the council meeting that night, much less a full consultation.

Additionally, the attachments for the request by the city were not received until March 19 – two days after the meeting.

Finally, a request for the fire station consultation was not included – nor had SHPO received it as of April 10.

The State Archeologist had not received a request on either facility, again, as of April 10.

The five-page letter goes on to say that “the placement of the new police facility is likely to adversely affect characteristics of the State Public School that qualify it for listing in the National Register, in ways that diminish its integrity.”

While much of the debate has centered around the new police station, the 1906 fire hall is also drawing attention from SHPO.

“Construction of the new fire station potentially will result in change of use, vacancy, loss of original materials and neglect of the Owatonna City and Firemen’s Hall.”

It, too, is listed in the National Register, as well as contributing building within the National Register-listed Commercial Historic District in Owatonna.

A call seeking comment from Tuma was not returned Friday.

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