School works to quell tensions OWATONNA — Things were calmer at Owatonna High School Thursday as administrators and faculty worked to pull students together after a series of fights that may have had racial overtones broke out in the school this week. Melissa Kaelin - 101 opinions posted

Riverland diversifies enrollment OWATONNA — Diversity is growing on area college campuses, as Riverland Community College is reporting an uptick in underrepresented students. Melissa Kaelin - 1 opinion posted

Exchange Club brings back prayer breakfast OWATONNA — At the Mayor’s Prayer Breakfast, Mayor Tom Kuntz asked those in attendance to pray for the town which has been torn by racial strife in recent days. Clare Kennedy

Medford student takes Academic All State honors MEDFORD — What senior Brad Keller took home from the football sports banquet on Tuesday night was no small feat. Melissa Kaelin - 1 opinion posted

Medford man arrested at border, allegedly with guns LAREDO, TEXAS — A Medford man was allegedly found trying to cross the Mexican border with an arsenal of weapons. Wendy Reuer - 2 opinions posted

Band plans to feature military families in video OWATONNA — Ben Allard has gotten around since he enlisted in the U.S. Army in 2008 — to Georgia, Missouri, Wisconsin and Afghanistan, where he is currently stationed. Clare Kennedy

Staff recognized for service to school district OWATONNA — The Owatonna school district had a chance to celebrate some of its most memorable talent on Wednesday, as teachers and business professionals were recognized for 25 and 30 years of service at a banquet of the Owatonna Education Association. Melissa Kaelin

Tensions mount at OHS OWATONNA — They’re frustrated, they’re concerned, and, frankly, they’re scared. Jeffrey Jackson - 164 opinions posted

City cuts list price for old hospital building OWATONNA — The city council agreed to dramatically reduce the list price for the old  Owatonna Hospital building — from $2 million to $750,000. Clare Kennedy - 4 opinions posted

Smokeout offers smokers a day to quit OWATONNA — Public health officials are asking smokers to put out their butts today, as part of the Great American Smokeout. Melissa Kaelin - 4 opinions posted

Medford board discusses updates to school MEDFORD — The Medford school board discussed several items in potential updates to Medford Public School during its regular meeting Monday night. Melissa Kaelin - 1 opinion posted

Accident closes Highway 30 ELLENDALE — Highway 30 was closed Wednesday following an accident involving a semi-truck and tractor. Wendy Reuer

Tour bus crashes near Austin, killling 2 AUSTIN  (AP) — A tour bus returning from an Iowa casino ran off a southern Minnesota interstate and rolled over in a ditch Wednesday, killing two people and injuring 21, authorities said. 1 opinion posted

Cemetery gets room to grow OWATONNA — On Tuesday night the city council approved a new subdivision. Clare Kennedy - 1 opinion posted

Contract talks stalled OWATONNA — Representatives from the Owatonna school district and the Owatonna Education Association failed to reach agreement on a teacher’s contract in face-to-face negotiations Tuesday night. Melissa Kaelin - 16 opinions posted

Pool Together: Majority of pledges on schedule OWATONNA — In the best-case scenario, River Springs Water Park will have a $64,000 reserve to pay off the deficit acquired in its inaugural year. If worst comes to worst, the $3.7 million swimming complex will have about $43,000. Clare Kennedy - 9 opinions posted

County looks at health care options for jail OWATONNA — A program that might save the county more than $100,000 in health care costs at the jail, also may be used to help fund more mental health services for inmates — an effort that supporters say will reduce  recidivism and abuse of the system by inmates. Wendy Reuer

Breakfast proceeds fund party for military families OWATONNA — An Owatonna girl has turned a 4-H project into paying it forward to members of the military and their families. Wendy Reuer - 2 opinions posted

Owatonna man makes appearance on assault charges OWATONNA — An Owatonna man made his way to court for the first time Monday after allegedly hitting and holding a knife to a woman’s throat in August 2008. Wendy Reuer - 8 opinions posted

Father and son team up to paint the town OWATONNA — When any one walking on the Buxton Trail on the south end of Forest Hills Cemetery notices the elaborate artwork, they may be surprised to know all of the five scenes were sketched by two men with an interest in graffiti and a load of spray paint. Wendy Reuer - 11 opinions posted

Couple honored for help with the mentally ill OWATONNA — When Shirley and Patrick McCarthy first got into the mental health field, the two elementary teachers often had seen evidence of mental illness in the classroom but information about such matters was scarce. The topic was shrouded in secrecy and silence.  Clare Kennedy

After 100 years, Violet still blossoms OWATONNA — Vegetables and fruit every day along with old-fashioned hard work is what Violet Wobschall attributes to her longevity. And she has lived a long life. Today, Wobschall will turn 100 years old. Wendy Reuer

Police monitor high school after bomb threat OWATONNA — Law enforcement will be taking additional measures to monitor Owatonna High School today after a bomb threat was scratched on the side of a bathroom stall on Wednesday. Melissa Kaelin - 74 opinions posted

Toys for Tots gears up for busy year OWATONNA — With Black Friday just 10 days away, one Steele County organization is getting its shop on. The annual Toys for Tots drive is already underway, but with donation boxes placed at 78 sites in and around Steele County, there is still much more work to do. Melissa Kaelin - 2 opinions posted

Concrete company plans Medford plant MEDFORD — Wells Concrete is setting up an outpost in the outskirts of Medford. The company is based out of Wells, a small town a short drive from the Iowa line. President and CEO John Rivisto said the company decided to expand into Steele County at their customers’ request. At present, Wells Concrete has a well-established presence around Blue Earth and Mankato, but lacks a facility along the Interstate 35 corridor. Clare Kennedy - 1 opinion posted

Child advocate urges parents to get beyond ‘Stranger Danger’ OWATONNA — Carol Watson has a message to Steele County parents: It’s time to update the stranger danger talk. Clare Kennedy

Parry declares candidacy for 26A seat WASECA —  Former Waseca councilman Mike Parry sent off paperwork to the Secretary of State Monday to officially declare his candidacy for the House of Representatives District 26A race in November 2010. Shortly after, he sent an e-mail to local media outlets announcing his candidacy. James Anderson - 2 opinions posted

One man’s Pilgrimage OWATONNA — In just a few short days, Shah Ashraf and his wife, Reema Khurran, will be in sun-parched Saudi Arabia, retracing the steps of the Prophet Mohammed. Clare Kennedy - 62 opinions posted

Teachers’ union analyzes board proposal OWATONNA — With the next meeting for contract negotiations days away for teachers in the Owatonna school district, staff on both sides of the negotiations are pouring over proposals. Melissa Kaelin - 20 opinions posted

District aims to offer new way of learning OWATONNA — Members of the Owatonna business community, parents, and Owatonna School District officials converged Saturday at the district office to discuss options for a program which will offer a new way for high school students to learn. Wendy Reuer - 15 opinions posted

Federated Challenge gives $400K to Big Brothers Big Sisters OWATONNA — Representatives from Federated Insurance recently presented a check for $400,000 to the Owatonna-base Southern Minnesota chapter of Big Brothers Big Sisters. Staff reports

Scouting for Food drive benefits Food Shelf OWATONNA — Boy Scouts were up and out the doors early Saturday morning as the annual Scouting For Food drive kicked off at 9 a.m. Wendy Reuer

Rules of the road OWATONNA — Owatonna’s winter parking ordinance will take effect Sunday morning. Wendy Reuer - 18 opinions posted

Another round of layoffs hits Owatonna employers OWATONNA — After a lull in cutbacks, Owatonna’s manufacturing sector has gone through another round of layoffs, with both Viracon and Wenger announcing cuts in staffing. Clare Kennedy - 20 opinions posted

Census: Snowbirds slip through cracks OWATONNA — When snow starts to fly, many Steele County residents also fly the coop and take off to wait out the cold Minnesota winters somewhere warmer. However, it’s those residents that Census 2010 counters don’t want to miscount. Wendy Reuer

Cut cable causes electrical problems OWATONNA — Retailers and residents around the Wal-Mart plaza were struggling to make do without phone and computer service after a cut cable caused electrical problems in the area. Clare Kennedy - 5 opinions posted

Nonprofit offers support for Alzheimer’s caregivers OWATONNA — Owatonna residents who know what it is like to have a loved one with Alzheimer’s Disease will soon have another place to turn. Melissa Kaelin

Sunrise, sunset OWATONNA — The Recovery School of Southern Minnesota board is working to ensure another season. Melissa Kaelin

Day: I am not retiring OWATONNA — Rumors to the contrary, Dick Day is not retiring. Jeffrey Jackson - 14 opinions posted

Rayven still has time to meet obligations OWATONNA — The city is still waiting on Rayven. Clare Kennedy - 1 opinion posted

OHS stages musical inspired by King of Rock & Roll OWATONNA — Get off the couch and put on your blue suede shoes, because Elvis has entered the building. Or at least, his music has. Melissa Kaelin - 2 opinions posted

ProToReAm Initiative turns focus to H1N1 influenza OWATONNA — An initiative that got its start in 2007 has seen a small response thus far. Melissa Kaelin - 1 opinion posted

Owatonna Arts Center getting ‘Hot and Bothered’ OWATONNA — Next week residents will have a chance to rock out with Hot n’ Bothered in “Owatonna’s living room” — the performance hall at the Owatonna Arts Center. Clare Kennedy

Saluting veterans OWATONNA — The song of an unseen bugler echoed through downtown Owatonna Wednesday, as did the sound of the rifles of U.S. veterans — gunshots ringing out in  tribute to the heroes of American freedom. Wendy Reuer

Non-profit raises funds with Fab Four cover album OWATONNA — In a time of widespread budget cuts, a local non-profit hopes to use the Fab Four’s musical legacy to save music and art programs in Minnesota’s public schools. Clare Kennedy - 2 opinions posted

Historical society steps back in time OWATONNA — As the tunes of Glenn Miller, the Andrew Sisters, Benny Goodman and Gene Krupa shuffled through the Eagles Club Tuesday night, members of the Steele County Historical Society honored some of their contributors. Wendy Reuer

Owatonna sixth-graders commemorate Veterans Day OWATONNA — Sixth-graders across Owatonna gathered at Willow Creek Intermediate School on Wednesday morning in order to commemorate Veterans Day with their teachers and peers. Melissa Kaelin

Blood drive sparks friendly rivalry OWATONNA — The first day of the Red Cross’ semiannual blood drive sparked a little friendly competition between long-time donors. Clare Kennedy

Students stage ‘White Christmas’ BLOOMING PRAIRIE — Blooming Prairie High School was alive with music during the afternoon on Wednesday, as high school students performed the fall musical for elementary students and other guests. Melissa Kaelin

OAC hosts annual Pastimes art sale OWATONNA — An annual arts sale featuring local artists will open on Thursday at the Owatonna Arts Center. Melissa Kaelin