The Austin Police Officers Association (APOA) donated $1,000 to the Riverland Community College Law Enforcement Program on Tuesday afternoon at the Mower County Law Enforcement Center.

“For about 20 years we did scholarships to law enforcement students at Riverland,” said Austin Police Lt. John Mueller. “Over the years, we got into a position where we decided to help all of the students, rather than just one or two. By giving money to the program, they can buy equipment and things that will help all of the students throughout their school year.”

Since 2000, the APOA has given out more than $26,000 in scholarships to law enforcement students attending Riverland Community College. It has also contributed $2,000 to the law enforcement program.

The APOA receives its funds from its members as well as from the annual country music show held each year in Knowlton Auditorium at Austin High School. This year’s performance will feature Nashville country music artist Mo Pitney on Oct. 20.

For more information about the APOA or the country music show, call 507-437-9418.