News

Pride’s planning keeps event calm

Publisher — Wed, 15 Jul 2026 16:02:19 +0000

Pride’s planning keeps event calm Publisher Wed, 07/15/2026 - 18:02

Kay Fate, Staff Writer

They may not have realized it, but the organizers of Owatonna’s Pride in the Park took a page right out of an 1833 novel.

“Prepare for the worst, but hope for the best,” wrote Benjamin Disraeli, who would later become British Prime Minister.

That’s just what Rainbowatonna and the Owatonna Police Department did over the past year, hoping to prevent a repeat of the ugliness that marked last year’s Pride event.

They created a plan that limited amplification, designated a “free speech zone” and secured a permit that allowed the organizers to ask people to leave if they’re deemed disruptive.

There was improved security, including OPD officers.

The additional measures were put into place after increasing hostility and confrontations since the city’s first Pride event in 2021.

Last year, protesters used bullhorns and speakers to disrupt the LGBTQ+ celebration of Pride Month. They stood in front of the stage during speeches and performances, reportedly yelling slurs and confronting attendees – including children. Some held large posters of the aftermath of abortion procedures.

The preparations were enough to keep Saturday’s event peaceful. The protesters were there, but without amplification, they drew less attention – prompting them to walk around the perimeter sidewalk to share their message.

They were mostly ignored.

Finding allies …

Amid vendors selling jewelry, clothing, baked goods, crafts and more, there were plenty of resources available at Pride.

Representatives from the Owatonna Human Rights Commission, Alliance for Greater Equity, Children’s Home Society, Spero, Mayo Clinic, Olmsted Medical Center and several churches were at the event.

So was Melissa Miller, who was part of a large contingent from Austin.

“In 2020, my child came out as non-binary, and I basically had to educate myself and then try to be as supportive as possible,” she said.

She attended her first Pride festival in West Virginia, where the family lived at the time, “and I saw a lady wearing a ‘Free Mom hugs’ shirt. I thought it was cute, and a friend of mine told me it was a whole organization – so I joined,” Miller said.

She and her family moved to Minnesota in 2022, but this was the first year she represented the group at a booth.

“Before, I just kind of went to Pride with my shirt on and gave hugs,” Miller said, but perhaps surprisingly, there weren’t many takers.

That’s good news, she said, because it could indicate parents are becoming more supportive.

“And not everyone’s big on hugs, which is fine,” Miller said. “We can do fist bumps or high fives, whatever you’re comfortable with; we’re just there showing our support. They’re not alone – there’s people that care about them and support them, you know?”

… everywhere

Mikah Meyer is a filmmaker, speaker and outdoors expert. He’s traveled from New York to New Zealand and Iran to Japan – and now, Owatonna.

He sat alone at a booth near the fountain in Central Park, surrounded by tiny rainbow-colored trees in the form of magnets, keychains, stickers, lapel pins and more.

It’s part of his Outside Safe Space program, which provides allies a way to make the outdoor more accessible for LGBTQ+ people.

“We used to be sold in 60 National Park Service site gift shops until Donald Trump banned us, because he said we were promoting gender ideology,” Meyer said.

“So that’s one of the reasons I’m here. I said, ‘well, if your goal is to make me get despondent and quit, then I’m going to go to every damn Pride festival I can,’” he explained. “There’s going to be way more people wearing these pins.”

He splits his time between Minneapolis and Los Angeles, and has visited all 491 national parks in one continuous trip.

LGBTQ+ people are regularly assessing if spaces are welcoming – safe to hold hands with their significant other, for example.

Meyer created the symbol to be worn on outside gear to communicate someone is an ally, “especially in outdoor, rural and active places that have traditionally been less-welcoming than urban bubbles,” he said.

Organizers expected hundreds of people to attend; a final estimate was not available when this issue of the Steele County Times went to press.

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REFIND WORKS

Publisher — Wed, 15 Jul 2026 15:58:42 +0000

REFIND WORKS

Artist creates metal sculptures from junk steel

Publisher Wed, 07/15/2026 - 17:58

Rick Bussler, Publisher

Brian Quail displays a deer and eagle on his farm outside of Owatonna. The founder of Refind Works is a sculptor specializing in reclaimed metal sculptures. Staff photo by Rick Bussler

With piles of discarded industrial and agricultural steel sitting around, it may have the resemblance of a junk collector. But for Brian Quail it is better than junk as he turns one man’s trash into another man’s treasure.

Quail’s trash pile consists of parts from the body panel of a 1930’s Chevrolet, farm scrap, digger shovels, fence posts, old wrenches and other misc. parts and pieces. He reassembles the trash into sculpture art.

“I have friends who are scrappers, and they save me pieces,” he said, noting he loves to use old farm equipment, most of which is given to him, though he purchases some of it. “I’m picky about what I look for. It has to have character.”

For Quail, it’s a celebration of craftsmanship, resilience and the beauty found in transformation.

Quail primarily focuses on wildlife with some of his more popular pieces being white tail deer, birds of prey, fish and eagles. One of his sculptures featured an exhaust pipe which led to the formation of an elephant.

“One piece is usually what inspires the rest,” he said.

He has crafted a guardian angel, which has been his largest sculpture to date at 10 by 12 feet. Quail used sidewall sheets from grain bins for the angel.

After working in metal fabrication and grain bin construction for many years, Quail became a full-time sculptor three years ago. “It just clicked. I started putting pieces together and it looked like something,” he said.

His first piece was a whitetail deer, which was accepted as part of the Minnesota State Fair’s art show. Among the parts featured on the deer are plow blades, lawn mower blade, old rake, horseshoe, tin snips, fence post, rotary rake, handles from machinery and shovels. “I try to do it all symmetrical, so it matches,” he said.

He has his eye on sculpting a big mosquito with an 8-foot body later this summer.

“I like to focus on bigger sculptures that last forever,” Quail said.

The self-taught sculptor describes himself as “always being kind of artsy.” He remembers being inspired by outdoor life magazines from his father where he would take them and draw art.

“Art has always been a constant in my life,” said Quail, who grew up in South Dakota and moved to Minnesota about 20 years ago. “As a kid, I filled sketchbooks with wildlife from the magazines. Today, I’m still drawn to the beauty hidden in everyday objects: the textures, the colors, the layers—the things that most people overlook.”

Quail said his work brings those overlooked elements to life. Every sculpture begins with forgotten metal: discarded gears, pipes, chains and industrial scraps. Many of the scrap items are 80 to 90 years old, and Quail leaves them in their natural condition. “I like it when they rust,” he added.

“I collect these worn, abandoned pieces and transform them into expressive works of art,” Quail said. “In my hands, scrap metal is reborn—rebuilt into something meaningful, powerful and unexpected.”

On his farm located west of Owatonna, Quail utilizes a small shop to reborn the scrap metal, most of which is done by hand. He uses basic hand tools, grinders and a welder to achieve his metal sculptures. He often works for 14 hours or more per day with one piece taking up to six full days.

“No two pieces are alike,” he said. “I use different parts and pieces on each one. Each sculpture carries the marks of its former life and the intention of its transformation. It’s a lot of work. It’s not as easy as it looks.”

Quail said he has developed a customer base of higher end professionals, including doctors, bankers and investors. He has found many of his clients have a connection to the farm and come from rural backgrounds, though they may not currently live in the country. They often make purchases as outdoor art for summer cabins or other venues.

Most of the sculptures range from $2,500 to $14,000. He also makes some smaller pieces for indoors. “It’s a niche market,” he said, adding he does commission work for clients who want something specific. “There are a lot of people out there that buy art and appreciate it.”

He has a large inventory of sculptures for sale on his website at www.refindworks.com.

His most unique piece has been a Native American sculpture featuring old license plates from the 1920s and 30s.

Quail thrives on “taking old parts and turning them into something else that people can recognize.” For Quail, sculpture art is relaxing. He is thrilled to have made the leap from “construction guy” to sculptor. “I never thought I would be a sculptor,” he said.

Quail’s work is currently on display at the Waseca Art Center through July 24. One of the pieces featured in the exhibition is a cat’s claw from pry bar.

“Each piece I do is getting better and better,” Quail said. “It a tough crowd and tough market. You have to find that one person.”

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Enterprise Minnesota CEO visits Metal Services in BP

Publisher — Wed, 15 Jul 2026 15:57:11 +0000

Enterprise Minnesota CEO visits Metal Services in BP Publisher Wed, 07/15/2026 - 17:57

Karen M. Jorgensen, Staff Writer

A group from Enterprise Minnesota visits Metal Services of Blooming Prairie Monday afternoon. Attending were left to right, Kurt Bear, Enterprise Minnesota; State Rep. Patricia Mueller, District 23; Kurt Schrom, CEO of Metal Services; Mark O’Leary, President and CEO of Enterprise Minnesota and Abbey Hellickson, Enterprise Minnesota. Staff photo by Karen M. Jorgensen

Mark O’Leary, president and CEO of Enterprise Minnesota, made a stop in Blooming Prairie Monday to learn about Metal Services of Blooming Prairie.

O’Leary, along with several Enterprise Minnesota staff members and Rep. Patricia Mueller, District 23B, were given a short tour of the facility by Metal Services CEO Kurt Schrom.

Metal Services is a metal fabricator specializing in custom fabrication, welding, and CNC machining for industries in a variety of industries including agriculture, manufacturing and industrial operations. They have services from design to production including laser/plasma cutting, pipe/tube bending and robotic welding.

Enterprise Minnesota is a non-profit business consulting organization helping small and medium-sized manufacturers in Minnesota grow profitably by improving operations, strategy and workforce. It is the state’s official Manufacturing Extension Partnership Center and helps businesses with continuous improvement, strategic growth planning, business management systems and talent and leadership development, said Robert Lodge, director of marketing, who also attended the tour.

Schrom is the vice chair of the Enterprise Minnesota Board of Directors.

O’Leary, who has been head of Enterprise Minnesota for four months, is visiting manufacturing sites throughout the state.

Schrom said that Metal Services began in 1984 as a farm equipment repair business. When the farm crisis hit, he said, the company reached out to other industries and has grown into one of the region’s most trusted metal fabricators, now employing 43 people.

Schrom said the company does not manufacture any products of their own but do manufacture the products that other companies need to make their products. He said they serve customers throughout the Midwest and have even done work for a company in Texas.

Working with Enterprise Minnesota, he said, Metal Services has developed a process that highlights people, quality, velocity and cost, Schrom said, that enables them to deliver on-time and with high-precision.

One of the areas Schrom showed the visitors was the robotic welding arm with a nine-foot radius, he said. A robotic welding arm, he said, does not reduce the need for human welders. The arm can do the basic welding, he said, and speed up the process to give the certified human welders more time to do the custom work. Another innovation that Metal Services is starting, Schrom said, is providing “kits” to their customers to make assembly easier. Instead of sending a pallet of each part, he said, they will consolidate components into pre-assembled kits, thereby simplifying operations and boosting efficiency.

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Public gets first look at expanded WWTF

Publisher — Wed, 15 Jul 2026 15:54:52 +0000

Public gets first look at expanded WWTF Publisher Wed, 07/15/2026 - 17:54

Kay Fate, Staff Writer

Jennifer Svennes, vice-president of Nero Engineering, explained the process of the aeration basins at the Owatonna wastewater treatment facility. Svennes has been part of the project since its planning stages. Staff photo by Kay Fate

“This isn’t the sexy stuff, but when you think of the critical things – this is one of the critical things.”

Owatonna Mayor Matt Jessop was right on both fronts as he stood with other local and state representatives at the ribbon-cutting ceremony Saturday for the city’s newly expanded wastewater treatment facility.

Nearly a decade in the works, the project morphed significantly over the years, to eventually become a regional facility by treating Medford’s municipal wastewater, as well.

Not only did the partnership bring additional funding, it addressed Medford's urgent need for a viable wastewater alternative following the 2021 discovery of severe structural neglect at its own facility.

The advantages reach further: The regionalization model guarantees that all processed water returned to local river networks – including the Straight, Cannon and Mississippi rivers – adheres to strict environmental safety thresholds.

All good things, Jessop agreed, “but if not for Jasinski, this thing is not happening.”

That’s Sen. John Jasinski, R-Faribault, who pitched the project to the bonding committee at the Minnesota Legislature for two years before it passed.

The senator thanked another mayor – former Owatonna Mayor Tom Kuntz, who Jasinski said was “very supportive,” especially after a smaller, failed bonding bill that Jasinski declined to vote for.

“The year (the funding) went through, the House passed a smaller bill, and I didn’t vote for that second bill – so we had (Rep. John) Petersburg voting for one and me not voting for one,” he said.

“I said trust me, we’re going to get more,” Jasinski said of his advice to Kuntz.

In May of 2023, Owatonna learned it received $22 million for the project; another $4.5 million was approved for Medford to modify its wastewater collection system so it could connect to Owatonna’s plant.

“The bonding chair and all the bonding committee members saw the importance of regionalization, and seeing you can save money by consolidating – not only just for the plants themselves, but in the future, for wastewater treatment operators, for upgrades, for all those things that will come,” Jasinski said.

“They know if (projects) are regionalized, they’re going to save money in the future.”

The $81 million price tag included three new buildings, which were featured on Saturday’s tour of the facility, including a membrane bioreactor building, a fine screen building and the solids thickening building.

The work rehabbed the primary clarifiers, aeration basins and site piping, and made upgrades to other processes.

The project has nearly doubled the former capacity – from 5 million gallons per day to more than 9 million gallons a day – and is predicted to serve the city’s expected growth over the next 25 years.

In addition to the $26.5 million in state funding, the city paid $3 million for the planning process out of pocket; it had also set aside $10 million in reserve funds to be used for the project. An additional $8 million came in the form of grant funding.

Medford’s remaining share was $6.5 million.

The remainder is covered by local utility rates; Owatonna had prepared for the plant’s expansion by implementing incremental 10-year sewer rate increases.

A groundbreaking was held in July 2022.

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‘Born again’ pastor focuses on diversity

Publisher — Wed, 15 Jul 2026 15:41:30 +0000

‘Born again’ pastor focuses on diversity

Owatonna Christian to celebrate new location

Publisher Wed, 07/15/2026 - 17:41

Rick Bussler, Publisher

Pastor Marc Jefferson has been leading Owatonna Christian Church for the past year and a half. The church is planning a celebration open house Sunday at its new sanctuary on the Pillsbury Campus. Staff photo by Rick Bussler

For the past year and a half Marc Jefferson has been building a new congregation that nearly fell apart prior to his arrival. And now it’s time to celebrate the rebirth at a new location.

On Sunday, Owatonna Christian Church will have a celebration open house at its new church. A picnic will take place after the 9 a.m. service.

In recent months, the church has been converting the former library on the Pillsbury campus at 330 Academy St., into a sanctuary along with a new stage for worship. Other parts of the building have been renovated into apartments and recovery rooms.

When Jefferson came to be pastor in Owatonna, the church formerly known as Destiny, had been struggling and dropped in membership to about 20. Today the church has grown to about 100 members in what he describes as a multi-ethnic congregation of various backgrounds.

“It’s a new church,” Jefferson said. “It’s a different church with different leadership than Destiny.”

Jefferson, who is African American, has been focused on using his background to create a church where the people may not look like each other.

“We want to reach diversity in one of the most segregated times of the country,” said Jefferson. “Come as you are, regardless of who you are, we have a place for you. I believe in diversity. Everyone is welcomed—yellow, black, white, Caucasian or Asian.”

Jefferson has been involved in church plants around the country throughout his 30 years of ministry. Prior to Owatonna, he had been in large urban areas like Atlanta, Denver, Minneapolis and the East Coast. He has mentored at least 30 people as worship leaders and pastors across the country.

He said he never lived or worked before in such a rural area like Steele County.

“We fell in love with the people. We love the people. They are great people,” Jeffersons said. “They have a heart for God and for people.”

Jefferson offers a “colorful past” to the congregants. Prior to turning 30, he had a rough background with gangs. “I was involved in music around the county and with that comes sex, drugs and rock-and-roll,” he said, noting he was never involved in street gangs like the Crips.

While Jefferson said he has never been locked up, he admits to using marijuana and cocaine while traveling on the road and having disposable cash. “You thought you had everything and were free, but you were in extreme bondage,” he said about his former life.

Jefferson said he was “born again” at the age of 30 when he came to the Lord to rid himself of his unsavory lifestyle. Until that time, he had not gone to church except for maybe a couple holidays every year. He recalled having a prayer based on Romans 10:9 at a friend’s wedding that ended up transforming his life.

“I saw things different after I had that prayer,” Jefferson said. “It was like the scales had been removed from my eyes,” he added.

He quickly emersed himself in the Bible and attended Bible college. “All I did 24/7 was study the word of God,” said Jefferson. “I started with a children’s Bible with all the pictures and then went to a regular Bible.”

In his preaching, Jefferson tries to base everything on the word of God. He credits God’s word for changing the hearts and minds of his current church members.

Naomi Jirele and her husband, Robert, serve as lay pastors for the congregation. They appreciate what Jefferson has done at Owatonna Christian. “He is real, and he says it like it is,” said Naomi. “He has strong leadership and has a gift of faith to share with everyone.”

Robert said Jefferson has the ability to help people find the Lord. The Jireles also like how Jefferson is willing to share the leadership role with others in the church. “He’s not threatened by other leaders,” Robert said.

As for Jefferson’s background, the Jireles find that it makes him for relatable and creditable. “He may have done some terrible things in his past, but his humility shows along with his serving heart,” Naomi said, adding the church needed strong leadership that he provides.

Jefferson said he offers Owatonna Christian a “more mature pastor” to help the church strategize its vision. “I want them to see the vision of God. The last thing Jesus said is to make disciples of all nations and reach people that may not look like you,” he said.

He is also impressed with what the members bring to the church. “Their love for God and for their community. It amazes me how people love their community as much as they do. I’ve never seen anything like it,” he added.

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Democracy Brigade members at the Medford I-35 overpass

Publisher — Wed, 08 Jul 2026 17:40:24 +0000

Democracy Brigade members at the Medford I-35 overpass Publisher Wed, 07/08/2026 - 19:40

Karen M. Jorgensen, Staff Writer

Ron and Beth Gilthvedt and Laurie and DeWayne Jensen were at the I35 roundabout in Medford Sunday to get ready for their Democracy Brigade’s third protest at the location. Staff photo by Karen M. Jorgensen

A half dozen members of the Steele County Democracy Brigade were on the bridge overpass of I-35 at Medford Sunday afternoon with their signs and banners proclaiming No War and No Kings. A similar group was at the I-35 bridge overpass in Owatonna during the same 5 to 6 p.m. time frame.

Both groups were organized by the Steele County Indivisible group.

Sunday was the third time that group members have been on the Medford overpass this spring and summer, said Beth Gilthvedt, who organized both groups.

She said they expected the numbers of people attending the event might be a bit smaller because of the holiday weekend, but she was still pleased with the number of cars southbound on I-35 who honked their horns in support of the group’s action.

Members felt it was a good weekend to do their patriotic duty and express their disapproval of the actions of the U.S. government.

Both events on Sunday were part of the local Indivisible organization.

The group regularly holds events at Central Park in Owatonna as well as on Bridge Street in Owatonna.

For all events, organizers say, a core principle is a commitment to nonviolent action. They expect all participants to seek to de-escalate any potential confrontation with those who disagree with their values.

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Faith, fellowship and flowers

Publisher — Wed, 08 Jul 2026 17:37:42 +0000

Faith, fellowship and flowers

Harvey hosts garden party every summer

Publisher Wed, 07/08/2026 - 19:37

Kay Fate, Staff Writer

Carol Harvey stands among some of her many varieties of flowers – most of which she starts from seeds and arranges in pots herself. Her yard is the setting for the annual United Women in Faith garden party. Staff photo by Kay fate

There’s no turning back now for Carol Harvey – not that she intends to.

For the last three years, she has hosted a garden party, and what a garden – and party – it is.

It actually started about 15 years ago, when she approached her backyard neighbor.

“When we first moved in here,” said Harvey, “the back (property line) was all bushes, and one Mother’s Day, I got the idea to pull up all the bushes.”

They actually belonged to that neighbor, though, so Harvey asked, and received, permission to remove them.

The first year, “we just planted a few hostas, and then I decided I wanted a little memorial garden for my dad,” who had died a few years earlier, she said.

“I had a little area that was just the memorial, and then that wasn’t enough,” she said, so she planted more flowers and hostas “down a ways,” along the former fence line.

“Then that wasn’t enough,” Harvey continued, and the floral footprint continued, too.

It now encompasses the entire property line in the backyard, a small area off the back deck, and both sides of their driveway and garage. A large chunk of the front yard features a colorful display of lilies and other flowers.

It was a natural fit for the Owatonna Arts Center’s annual Secret Garden Tour, which featured Harvey’s yard in 2024.

That was also the first year she hosted the June garden party, something she intends to continue as long as she can.

“This is all Carol’s baby,” said Jean Krause, a longtime member of Owatonna United Methodist Church.

“She makes the lunch, and her husband and her grandkids all help… it’s just lovely,” said Dorothy Peterson, another member of Owatonna United Methodist Church.

It’s a way to share both her faith and her flowers, Harvey said.

Krause, Peterson and Pat Rethmeier have been members of the same women’s circle at OUMC for more than 50 years. There have long been summer gatherings for the women of the church; sometimes featuring a speaker, other times lunch at the church or a restaurant.

“Just so all the women could come and gather,” Krause said, “and now Carol does this. It’s her mission.”

For years, it was billed as a United Methodist Women event; the group has been renamed United Women in Faith, to include others.

“They’re still our sisters, so we don’t want them to feel left out,” said Connie Scott, a former Owatonna resident and church member.

She now lives in Mankato, where she is a conference officer and became a deaconess with the United Women in Faith last month, consecrated by a bishop.

“I like to speak about (UWF), because it’s important to me,” said Scott, who drove over from Mankato for last week’s party.

Harvey plans for 50 guests – and has hit that number every year. She makes a Facebook post, inviting her sister-in-law, her niece, neighbors and other friends, and also invites women from Red Oak Grove Lutheran Church, between Blooming Prairie and Austin. Harvey attended there as a child with her parents.

There is a prayer to start the event, “then it’s supposed to be strictly a social event,” Krause said.

The women sat at tables in the garage and under canopies in the driveway, away from the steaming midday sun.

Harvey served chicken salad on croissants, fresh fruit and a pasta salad, along with iced tea, followed by a fresh raspberry dessert.

She’s neither a trained chef nor a trained gardener, she said, dismissing the idea. Instead, she spends about an hour every night, “watering and dead-heading and stuff like that.”

Harvey saves all of her dahlia plants every fall, “all the tubers, the geranium roots. I dig them out of the dirt, and take just the root and a little bit of the stem,” she said.

Six boxes full of dahlia and geranium roots spend the winter in her basement.

“I start them in the house in March,” she said, then brings them outside when spring arrives for good.

Harvey adds something every year, she laughed, “because it’s never enough.”

She buys very few, however, and is quickly able to identify her vast variety of blooming plants.

“They’re an off-breed of a petunia,” she said to a woman asking about a basket of vibrant pink and orange blooms.

Being in and among her flowers, she said, “is my happy place.”

But only outdoors: “If you wanted me to have something in the house, it would be dead in a day,” Harvey said. “I don’t have a single plant in the house. I can’t do it. I’ll kill them.”

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Man charged in shooting, standoff

Publisher — Wed, 08 Jul 2026 17:35:13 +0000

Man charged in shooting, standoff Publisher Wed, 07/08/2026 - 19:35

Kay Fate, Staff Writer

The man who authorities say fired a gun toward police officers during a traffic stop, then held them at bay for hours before shooting himself, has been charged with multiple felonies.

Trevor Michael Lutz, 36, was charged Monday with two counts of first-degree murder (though the language of the complaint specifies the act and the sentence would be for an attempt of that crime); as well as one count of first-degree assault, two counts of second-degree assault and one count of fleeing a peace officer in a motor vehicle.

Lutz shot himself in the abdomen during the standoff, the criminal complaint says; he remains hospitalized with non-life-threatening injuries.

His first court date has not been set.

The case began about 8:20 p.m. July 1 with a request for a welfare check on Lutz, who was reported to be engaging in self-harm by cutting his arms.

About an hour later, officers learned Lutz had made threats of suicide; they soon spotted his 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.

Two officers participated in the initial stop and identified the driver as Lutz. He rolled down the front windows of his vehicle to speak with both officers, but refused to be checked out by ambulance personnel or go to the hospital.

Lutz became uncooperative, the complaint says, as officers tried to de-escalate the situation and reason with him. According to the court documents, Lutz refused to get out of his vehicle, and said he just wanted to see his children.

A third officer placed stop sticks under the vehicle’s tires.

Lutz “abruptly rolled up the windows and reached for the center console,” the charging document continues; the officer on the driver’s side tried to keep the window down as a fourth officer deployed pepper balls into the vehicle.

Body-worn camera footage allegedly shows Lutz opening the console before the officers move away.

Moments later, Lutz fired multiple rounds toward the officers with a handgun, according to the criminal complaint; BWC and squad cameras show the muzzle flash – and the gun is pointed in the direction of officers, it says.

The officer from the driver’s side of Lutz’s vehicle had released the window “seconds” before the shots were fired; he had retreated diagonally toward the middle of the street. All four of the officers involved were about a car length away from Lutz when he shot at them, the report says.

Lutz then fled the scene, and was pursued by a fifth officer in a squad with lights and sirens activated.

Lutz stopped about two blocks away in the 200 block of West McKinley Street, between Oak and Linn avenues.

According to the complaint, Lutz got out of his vehicle, pointed his gun directly at the officer in the squad and fired one round. The officer crouched behind the engine block and put the squad in reverse.

Law enforcement shut down the area and issued a shelter in place order about 10:15 p.m.

When tactical teams and rescue vehicles responded to the area, Lutz returned to his vehicle and refused to communicate with law enforcement and crisis negotiators, allegedly continuing to threaten them – and himself – with his weapon.

Lutz exchanged phone calls with several people, telling them he believed he was going to die.

At one point, he got out of the vehicle and pointed his gun at a drone that was attempting contact, the report says.

Lutz shot himself in the abdomen about 12:20 a.m. July 2, the police statement says. He was taken into custody without further incident, transported for medical care and is expected to recover.

A search of Lutz and his vehicle reportedly turned up two handgun magazines, a 9mm Sig Sauer P320 handgun and spent bullet casings.

He is described in the complaint as making “multiple incriminating statements,” including telling a detective “I should have aimed higher,” that a female officer on the scene “pissed him off,” and said he was ready to be dead, “whether it was self-inflicted or officer-induced.”

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

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East Side claims county violates Open Meeting Law

Publisher — Wed, 08 Jul 2026 17:23:48 +0000

East Side claims county violates Open Meeting Law Publisher Wed, 07/08/2026 - 19:23

Kay Fate, Staff Writer

The Steele County Board of Commissioners held a special meeting June 29 with three things on the agenda: A tour of the county annex, a facilities plan discussion about the annex, and 2027 Capital Improvement planning.

The meeting was posted on the county’s agenda portal on its official website and was also discussed at the June 23 regular board meeting.

A reporter from the Steele County Times was at the meeting after seeing it on the agenda portal.

Similar to an incident at the city a couple of weeks ago, county officials reportedly did not send written notice to those subscribed to Steele County’s notification system – a specific process that is required by state statute.

It was also not published in the county’s official newspaper, another option.

That stood out to Melissa Zimmerman, a community watchdog with a vested interest in the work of the county board.

She is a member of the East Side Corridor group, which is pushing back against a proposed north-south road on Owatonna’s east side.

In its effort to stop – or at least move – the project, the ESC group has had several issues with the county’s actions.

In November, the Minnesota Court of Administrative Hearings agreed with the residents’ claim that Steele County officials – including the county attorney and the county administrator – violated the Minnesota Government Data Practices Act.

The court also issued a civil penalty of $300 and ordered the county to reimburse $950 of the complainant’s $1,000 filing fee. The county was also ordered to reimburse the CAH for its costs in conducting the matter, up to $1,000.

The group, let by Matthew Sennott and Zimmerman, filed a complaint in May 2025, outlining issues with transparency and accountability concerning public documents about the proposed project.

Zimmerman said she sees the lack of transparency continuing, and sent an email to county leaders about the June 29 meeting.

She asked several questions on behalf of the ESC, including how the county officially notified residents of the special meeting – and if/when that process has changed.

The email also asked if the meeting was recorded, and asked for a copy of any recording.

County Attorney Robert Jarrett responded to the email, which Zimmerman shared with the Steele County Times.

He suggested she had “mixed up” the process of receiving news releases from the engineering team with the process of receiving county board notices, and included a link to the “Agendas and Minutes” tab on the Steele County website.

He wrote that the MGDPA “does not require the County to answer questions,” and that the “volume of your requests … prevents the county from doing so going forward.”

Zimmerman said she was surprised by that response, and said as much in her response to Jarrett.

“As you are aware, the Office of Administrative Hearings previously concluded in our matter involving Steele County that, under the circumstances presented, relying solely on the assertion that the MGDPA does not require answers to questions was not an appropriate response,” she wrote. “Nevertheless, the County has again relied on that same rationale rather than addressing the factual and procedural issues identified above or identifying responsive public data, if any.”

Jarrett said the June 29 meeting was “noticed on the county’s website on June 24 at 7:47 a.m.,” and that per a county resolution passed in January, “the county website is designated the official publication of proceedings.”

But according to state law: “As an alternative to mailing or otherwise noticing the special meeting, the public body may publish the notice once, at least three days before the meeting, in the official newspaper of the public body.”

It does not say the “official website” of the public body.

The county board may not pass a resolution that directly conflicts with state law. Violating those processes constitutes a violation of Minnesota’s open meeting law.

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New Pathways refrigerated truck helps rescue food

Publisher — Wed, 08 Jul 2026 17:19:34 +0000

New Pathways refrigerated truck helps rescue food

Harvey and Sharon West Trust makes significant donation

Publisher Wed, 07/08/2026 - 19:19

Rick Bussler, Publisher

Community Pathways director Dom Korbel shows off the new $200,000 refrigerated truck that was given to the organization by the Harvey and Sharon West Trust. Staff photo by Rick Bussler

“They believe in the work we are doing to make this kind of commitment.”
-Dom Korbel, Community Pathways Director

Within days of taking possession of a new refrigerated truck, Community Pathways of Steele County rescued thousands of pounds of food to pipe into the local food bank.

On May 11, a new Isuzu truck equipped with a Thermo King refrigeration system rolled into the parking lot of Community Pathways in Owatonna. Just two days later, the truck became a storage space for 7,000 pounds of frozen meat valued at $25,000.

“In the past, we would have only been able to take 2,000 pounds,” said Dom Korbel, executive director of Community Pathways. “We fired up the truck, and we saved $25,000 of meat in the third day we had the truck.”

One week later around Memorial Day, Community Pathways was able to accept 10 pallets of deli items that had been rejected by Walmart because of spacing issues. The items included salsas, salads and other deli foods.

“We put two pallets inside (our building) and held eight pallets outside in the truck,” Korbel explained. “Because of this truck, we rescued 15,000 pounds of food that we couldn’t have taken in the past. The driver told us we were his last hope of saving the food.”

For Community Pathways, the irony in all of this is that the impact saving truck didn’t cost them a cent. It was a gift valued at $200,000 from the Harvey and Sharon West Trust. It ranks as one of the largest single donations ever made to the food shelf, Korbel said.

About a year ago, Community Pathways began discussing the need for a refrigerated truck. However, not surprisingly, the budget didn’t allow for it. In early March, Betsy Lindgren, one of five trustees of the West family trust, called Korbel stating they wanted to do something special for the food shelf. “She said to give them an idea and think big,” he said.

Korbel didn’t have to think long on thinking big. He tossed out the idea of the refrigerated truck, and the trustees quickly approved it.

“We wanted this truck to expand our capacity to take large donations that require refrigeration,” Korbel said, noting they just don’t have enough space for perishable food inside the building. “This adds eight pallets of capacity at about 15,000 to 20,000 pounds for storage. In the past, we would have only been able to take 20% of that.”

The 22-foot truck is equipped with a lift gate of 2,500-pound capacity, according to Korbel. It also has various safety features, including LED lighting. He said they intentionally kept the truck small enough so that a CDL license would not be required to operate it.

“This gives us something we never thought would have been possible three years ago,” Korbel said.

The Wests

Sharon worked as the human resources manager for Truth Hardware for many years and retired in 2000. She began working for the Owatonna Chamber of Commerce and Tourism in 2002, taking a year off between 2007 and 2008 to care for Harvey, and officially retired in 2012. She continued to serve as a Chamber ambassador and as a volunteer until her passing.

During her life, Sharon was a dedicated volunteer at the Steele County Historical Society and a trustee of the Owatonna Foundation. Some of the organizations she volunteered with included United Way of Steele County, the Airport Commission, the Hospice House, Nortonna Lodge and the Dam Preservation Corporation.

She was the first female chair for the Owatonna Chamber and the first female Rotary president in Owatonna. West was recognized with the Woman of the Year award and later the Pioneer Woman Award from the Owatonna Business and Professional Women’s organization.

Among many accomplishments Harvey competed in sports car racing throughout the U.S. for 30 years, winning several regional championships. He qualified for what’s considered the Olympics of amateur sports car racing 17 times. He also served on many community organizations before he died in 2008.

The truck prominently features Community Pathways’ logo and Harvey and Sharon’s racing logo on the side and a special tribute to the Wests with their photo is displayed on the back door.

“It’s a subtle, but prominent way to recognize them,” Korbel said. However, he added, because of how humble Sharon was, he is confident she wouldn’t approve of the recognition.

The Wests did not have children.

The Owatonna Foundation recognized the philanthropic commitment of Harvey and Sharon, both financially and in spirit, with the 2022 Spirit of the Community Award, noting they had “unwavering enthusiasm and passion for making a difference” in Owatonna.

For Korbel, the truck donation comes full circle. “Sharon hired me at Truth Hardware,” he said. “It has come full circle that her estate has done this. It's a game changing thing for us.”

He called the Wests “long-time supporters of the organization.”

“It’s slick,” Korbel says. “We have a brand-new truck because people believe in us as we are able to demonstrate the good work we are doing.”

He said the West donation as well as other community donations are nothing short of being remarkable. “The generosity of Owatonna and Steele County is unbelievable. The community believes in us, and they trust us,” Korbel said, adding that Community Pathways has “worked hard to show how good of an investment we are.”

Previously, the late Marty Fetters donated $500,000 for the capital fund campaign for the new building. Korbel said the West donation is the “largest donation outside of the capital campaign.”

Korbel said, “We hope this inspires others with making big gifts.”

In May, the West trust donated $25,000 to the Steele County Sheriff’s Office for its new drone program. The trustees are also planning to make other significant donations this year in an effort to complete a five-year buy down of the trust.

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