Second sentenced in April farm thefts

The second of two Glenville men who helped steal and pawn farm machinery from rural Austin was sentenced Friday in Mower County Court

Todd Duane Oakland, 47, was sentenced to five years’ supervised probation and 40 hours’ community service for felony theft. His accomplice, Titus John Weedman, 31, was previously convicted of felony theft and sentenced to five years’ supervised probation and 100 hours of community service. In all, they must pay $9,300 restitution.

According to the court complaint, residents northwest of Austin on 20th Avenue saw a truck driving by their home several times between March 29 and April 3 with heavy equipment, such as a manure spreader and other farm machinery totaling more than $1,500.

A homeowner followed the truck and gave sheriff’s deputies directions; however, the truck escaped at high speed.

A trail camera posted after the first theft caught the truck entering and leaving the abandoned property several days later with more machinery. Freeborn County deputies identified the truck as Weedman’s. Authorities later found the items at Wild Horse Trading Inc. in Kensett, Iowa, where the business owner said Weedman and Oakland often do business.

Business

Fast forward to the future: With expansion, Sacred Heart Care Center commits to its future

Local Government

Verdick hired as Mower County’s next County Administrator

Mower County

County honors long time employee retiring from Veterans Services

Mower County

Westbound Interstate 90 traffic impacts begin May 19 for road resurfacing between Austin and Dexter

Mower County

Mower County Historical Society releases Lunchbox History Series for 2025

Business

CRC welcomes Susanne Ruple as new regional business manager

Mower County

In Your Community: Pitching in to clean ditches

Mower County

In Your Community: Cedars to host third annual car show

Mower County

In Your Community: Rally to be held Saturday to voice support for VA

Education

Education Briefs

News

‘I love it’: How a ‘Log-Off Lunch’ helps high schoolers break away from phones

News

A U-turn on EVs? Minnesota lawmakers could be headed that direction in session finale

Education

APS considers possible referendum for November

Mower County

Public invited May 22 to learn about Hwy 218 resurfacing project north of Austin

Mower County

Mower County Seniors to celebrate 50 years of community and connection

LeRoy

LeRoy receives SMIF grant for mural in Pocket Park

Mower County

UPDATE: Overnight I-90 detours planned May 19-23 during bridge beam placement, Fourth Street to close for utility work

News

Plenty of work ahead as legislative session winds down — or spills into overtime

News

AHS Selected for Major Weight Room Renovation by the Thielen Foundation

Mower County

Serving Community: Recovery group pitches in to help those in Austin through community service

Mower County

Nine Minnesota students to compete at 100th Scripps National Spelling Bee

Crime, Courts & Emergencies

Convictions: April 28-May 5

Mower County

Cell death and disease study by Institute scientists Sheds light on targeted protein to fight breast cancer

Mower County

Grilling competition coming in June, 1 more team being sought