Person of Hope: Char Olds will lead Daffodil Days OWATONNA — Char and Jack Olds have been through a lot in their 51-year marriage — together they raised three kids and buried their parents. They’ve always made it through, but the last 15 years have been especially hard: In that space of time, Char has struggled with four separate bouts of cancer. CLARE KENNEDY - 1 opinion posted

Heard trial goes to the jury OWATONNA — The case of whether or not Ronald Heard sold the drugs that killed Brandon Karsten in July 2008 is now in hands of the jury, although grounds for a second mistrial almost stopped the case from proceeding again on Monday. WENDY REUER - 2 opinions posted

Snow blankets Steele County OWATONNA — The most famous furry, four-legged meteorologist was right. Less than a week after Punxsutawney Phil predicted six more weeks of winter, Minnesota got walloped with another major winter storm that is predicted to drop about 10 inches of snow on the region. Owatonna was no exception. CLARE KENNEDY - 1 opinion posted

Stagecoach Trail Project seeks public input through open houses OWATONNA — As the Minnesota Legislature begins to discuss bonding projects, local trail associations are hoping the future Stagecoach Trail will not be forgotten. WENDY REUER - 2 opinions posted

Locals make most wanted list OWATONNA — Authorities in Dodge County are hoping leads will soon bring them to one of the men on their “Most Wanted” list and allow them to give some closure to the victims of Dale Batt. WENDY REUER - 1 opinion posted

MnDOT urges drivers not to travel The Minnesota Department of Transportation and the State Patrol advise no travel in south central Minnesota Monday evening until conditions improve sometime Tuesday. The area includes Steele County. 7 opinions posted

Forget to plan a game day party? No problem OWATONNA — It’s game day. Melissa Kaelin - 3 opinions posted

Medford council votes to hike water, sewer rates MEDFORD — In a complete turnabout from 2009, the Medford City Council has voted to increase flat fees on water and sewer service in town. Clare Kennedy - 9 opinions posted

Scouts prepare for centennial celebration OWATONNA — When local boys come together in the VFW community hall in Owatonna today, they will be following in a tradition that is 100 years old. Melissa Kaelin

Candles light Rice Lake trails OWATONNA — Candles lit the entrance to Rice Lake State Park on Saturday night, as skiers and snowshoers came out in crowds to take in the night air. Melissa Kaelin - 2 opinions posted

Hostage ordeal stays with Owatonna couple 12 years later OWATONNA —  When Gordon and Betty Hofius learned Monday that the man who had escaped custody, broke into their Owatonna home and held them hostage for 15 hours had died, their only consolation was to know the life-long criminal would never hurt anyone else again. Wendy Reuer - 6 opinions posted

To fill pool fund, Medford goes back to the well MEDFORD — Medford will be levying taxes to  pay for the municipal swimming pool, instead of levying tax money for the Economic Development Authority. Clare Kennedy - 16 opinions posted

Teacher finds use for cell phones in classroom OWATONNA — Cell phone use has basically been banned during school hours  — until now. Briana Gehring - 23 opinions posted

OHS seniors nominated for Triple ‘A’ Awards OWATONNA — A couple of well-rounded seniors at Owatonna High School will be honored for their achievement as they have been selected to receive the Triple “A” Award. Melissa Kaelin - 2 opinions posted

Testimony concludes at Heard murder trial OWATONNA — Testimony concluded Friday afternoon in the Ronald Heard murder trial. Wendy Reuer

Parry: Day 1 ST. PAUL — It is the first day of session and Republican Sen. Mike Parry’s footsteps are still echoing down the halls of the Capitol building, but he is already thinking of limiting his potential political career in St. Paul. Clare Kennedy - 8 opinions posted

Prosecution wraps up at Heard murder trial OWATONNA — After days of testimony by witnesses and experts, the prosecution Thursday rested its case against Ronald Heard, who has been charged with third degree murder in the death of Brandon Karsten. Wendy Reuer

Owatonna woman arrested after fatal accident BURNETT COUNTY, Wis. — An Owatonna woman was arrested after a fatal snowmobile accident in Wisconsin Thursday. Wendy Reuer

Medical Reserve Corps volunteers stand ready OWATONNA — When the first doses of H1N1 were made available at public clinics last year, there was one organization that made the clinics possible. Melissa Kaelin

Mankato photographer’s work featured at OAC OWATONNA — Bayard Black was not drawn to photography right away. Melissa Kaelin - 1 opinion posted