A Minnesota State Fire Marshall’s inspector visited the co-called "Mission" house in Lansing Township and found "significant violations" Monday.

Tuesday, November 16, 1999

A Minnesota State Fire Marshall’s inspector visited the co-called "Mission" house in Lansing Township and found "significant violations" Monday.

The former motel has been converted into a dormitory-style multiple-family dwelling for Hispanics recruited to come to Austin by a worker recruiter called Metro Temp Employment Agency, Inc. of Des Moines, Iowa.

In recent weeks, it has been the target of discussions between city of Austin officials and staff as well as Mower County officials and staff.

Because the facility is located in Lansing Township outside the city of Austin, it is within the county’s jurisdiction.

No other details were available at press-time today about Monday’s investigation by the Minnesota State Fire Marshall’s investigator.

Stigney charged for arsons

Cory Lee Stigney, 18 of Austin, has been charged with four counts of arson.

According to a law enforcement report, Stigney was arrested Monday in connection with four alleged arson fires in southwest Austin.

The fires involved igniting trash cans standing next to garages. In one of the incidents, a car inside a garage was destroyed.

Dog found dead

The Mower County Sheriff’s Department is investigating a report of a dog found dead in a trap in Dexter Township.

Kari Haarstad of 27017 670th St. reported her dog missing since Nov. 8,

On November 12, an unidentified Mower County resident informed Haarstad a dog had been found dead in a trap in Dexter Township.

A sheriff’s deputy questioned the owner of the property, Leon Holst, who said he had given permission to an unidentified man to trap on his land.