Josh Wiedemann, 10 of Austin, was slightly injured when the bicycle he was riding struck a car in an intersection Monday.

Tuesday, August 22, 2000

Josh Wiedemann, 10 of Austin, was slightly injured when the bicycle he was riding struck a car in an intersection Monday.

According to an Austin Police Department report, Wiedemann’s bicycle collided with a car driven by Tammy Ingersoll, 31 of Blooming Prairie.

The mishap occurred at 3:45 p.m. Monday at the intersection of Fourth Street and Oakland Avenue East.

Minimal damage was reported to the vehicles, but a Gold Cross Ambulance Service crew took Wiedemann to Austin Medical Center – Mayo Health System hospital emergency room for observation.

Hoium: Too many animals

Glen Jacobsen, 605 19th St. SW, was issued a citation for violating the city of Austin’s ordinance for having too many exotic animals on his property.

According to an Austin Police Department report, Craig Hoium, Austin city zoning administrator, wrote a letter to Jacobsen July 19, reminding him of the city’s ordinance and the need to comply with it.

Jacobsen allegedly failed to abide by Hoium’s reminder and added, rather than removed, animals.

On Monday, the city’s animal control officer issued the written citation.

According to Austin Police Chief Paul M. Philipp, over a year ago, the Austin City Council amended the city ordinance to allow more than three animals (other than cats and dogs) if the animals are confined or caged in the owner’s dwelling on the property.

The ordinance distinguishes between domestic and non-domestic, venomous and non-poisonous and constructing and non-constructing reptiles, which must be kept in a cage or aquarium.

Neighbors of Jacobsen have complained to the Austin Police Department about both the number and kind of animals, all reptiles, kept in the backyard of the residence, where the owner has constructed ponds and allowed the grass to grow long to provide proper habitat for the animals. Jacobsen also breeds turtles in his backyard and is well-known herpetologist.

Jacobsen was unavailable for comment today, because of a prior commitment at the Mower County Board of Commissioners’ meeting.

Jacobsen is the chief deputy prosecutor for Mower County and legal counsel to the county board.

He also served on a study group that examined the city’s animal ordinance.