Driver convicted for DWI, fleeing in vehicle

A rural Austin man who fled police while drunk was sentenced to supervised probation Friday in Mower County Court.

Tony Michael Bell, 26, was convicted of fleeing a peace officer, a felony, and gross misdemeanor DWI. He was sentenced to three year’s supervised probation, fined $500 and must submit to electronic alcohol monitoring.

Another charge for DWI, along with charges for speeding and possession of drug paraphernalia, may be dismissed.

An Austin police officer arrested Bell after a high-speed chase around 1 a.m. Friday, July 6, 2012. The officer followed Bell north of Austin on County Road 25 after he clocked Bell’s truck going 77 mph in a 40 mph zone. When the officer turned his lights on, Bell sped up to 92 mph and eventually turned his lights off, as well. The officer saw Bell turn down a gravel drive and park behind a shed, where the officer followed and arrested him. After Bell stopped, he didn’t resist arrest. Bell’s breath test showed a .16 blood-alcohol content; and according to the court complaint, Bell has previously been convicted of fourth- and third-degree DWI.

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