JUST THE FACTS

May 9, 2025 Volume 16 Issue 19

POLICE OFFICER OF THE YEAR BANQUET IS NEXT WEEK

Stop down at the Police Department and get your tickets by Monday afternoon to recognize Detective John Van Alstine as the 2024 Police Officer of the Year, put on by the Moonlighter's Exhange Club of Owatonna. The event is being held on May 15th at the V.F.W. with social hour at 5:30, meal at 6 and the program at 6:30. Tickets are $25.

THIS WEEK'S IN CUSTODY ARRESTS

We have had quite the busy week handling several complex cases. The following are just some of the work officers and detectives handled.

Bruce Rutherford was formally charged with 3rd degree DWI and careless driving stemming from an accident investigation on May 3rd, 2025.
Jacob Banks was formally charged with 2nd degree assault (dangerous weapon), domestic assault, 5th degree assault, and order for protection violation stemming from a May 4th incident.
Tyson Plocher was formally charged with 3rd degree DWI, DWI refusal, and domestic assault stemming from a May 3rd incident.
Jaden Brandner was formally charged with reckless discharge of a firearm within a municipality, dangerous weapon- possess suppressor unlawfully, and possess a firearm with no serial number stemming from a May 4th incident.
Brian Mitchell was formally charged with 2nd degree assault and domestic assault stemming from a May 6th incident.
Amanda Moen was formally charged with violation of domestic abuse no contact order stemming from a May 6th incident.

CALLING ALL THIRD GRADERS

It’s time for Steele County Safety Camp!

Registration is open for this year’s Steele County Safety Camp June 12 and 13. This event is designed for kids who are in third grade during the current school year. Along with fun and games, participants will learn how to stay safe when fishing, boating, canoeing, camping, hiking, biking and using firearms as well as some basic instructions on first aid and electrical, fire and outdoor equipment safety and much, much more. The camp is held at the Lake Kohlmier boat landing and Steele County Fairgrounds.

Safety Camp is hosted by the Owatonna Police Department, Owatonna Fire Department, Blooming Prairie Police Department, Federated Insurance, Life Fitness, Minnesota State Patrol, Owatonna Public Utilities, and Steele County Sheriff’s Office. Safety Camp is made possible thanks to support from Owatonna’s generous business community! Visit www.steelecountysafetycamp.com for more information and to register.