Charity Help During the Economy Crunch
05/06/2008
ROCHESTER, MN -- Analysts say our economy is hurting. And as prices rise for many necessities like food and gas, some people are trying to find other ways to cut back spending. KTTC met one woman who's trying to help people in need make ends meet.

The dollar is falling, gas prices are rising, and so are food prices. While some still hesitate to call it a recession, many are feeling the pinch at home.

And as Spring rolls in, many might not get to enjoy their seasonal shopping for lighter clothing. But there's at least one woman in Rochester who is doing her best to keep the traditional shopping alive despite current economy.

"If I was a mom today, I couldn't go to the store and pay $35 a shirt," said Lower House Owner Margie Scruggs. "I would have to search for something close to this."

Margie collects clothing for people of all ages and even maternity wear. Then she doesn't sell them, she gives them away for free to those who need them the most.

"People have told me over the years, even before the economy got bad that they don't know what they'd do without coming to the lower room," she said.

Hilda Flores is a regular customer at The Lower Room, and she says the donations help her two year-old and the one that's on her way.

"Margie gives us clothes for one whole season. So then I wouldn't come until the next season to come and get more clothes."

Margie says the Lower Room was an idea from God, to serve those that need help. And she went with it full force and hasn't looked back for 17 years.

"I love doing it," Margie says.

Margie says those who would like to come to the Lower Room should call to set up a time to come, then she can help one on one.

You can find the Lower House at 1245 Marion Road Southeast. And the number to call is 507-282-9025

Foster Arend Decision Made
05/06/2008
ROCHESTER, MN -- It's an issue that has been on the minds of city officials and concerned citizens. What to do about Rochester's Foster Arend Lake after several drownings at the popular swimming hole.

After much discussion, the beach will remain open for swimming.

At a meeting Tuesday night, officials have decided to hire a private security company to patrol the beach during it's new hours of operation ten in the morning until eight at night.

The officials are also asking the city council eliminate alcohol use in the area.

New security will be able to police the beach and park areas, but also outside of the beach area.

Rochester's Oldest Park Gets a Clean-Up
05/05/2008
ROCHESTER, MN -- It's Rochester's oldest park, and on Monday, got its yearly clean-up.

The "Friends of Central Park" completed their annual spring clean up this afternoon.

More than 20 senior citizens from Charter House spent the afternoon raking and picking up cigarette butts, trash, and branches.

This is their 5th year taking care of the park.

Other Area News

Waseca Couple Claim Powerball Prize
05/06/2008
ROSEVILLE, Minn. (AP) -- A Waseca man had tears in his eyes as he and his wife claimed their Powerball prize of $180.1 million.

Paul and Sue Rosenau say they are still in disbelief. The 54-year-olds claimed the prize on Tuesday and decided to take a lump sum of $88 million, which results in about $59.6 million after taxes.

They don't know what they'll do with the money yet, but Paul Rosenau says he doesn't want their lives to change much. He plans to keep his job as a heavy equipment operator.

The couple says the win came on the fifth anniversary of the death of their granddaughter, who had a genetic disease. So, they say, some of the money might go toward efforts to fight that disorder.

Rosenau says he bought his winning ticket while purchasing gas and groceries at Hy-Vee in Faribault.

It's the 20th Powerball jackpot won in Minnesota since the game began in 1992.

Time For Some Fishin'!
05/06/2008
WASECA, MN -- Grab the bait, the rods and reels because it's almost time to hit the water for the Minnesota fishing opener.

Roger Parks plans to be one of the nearly 1.4 million anglers out on Minnesota lakes this Saturday. Parks says he's been fishing since he was a little boy and waits for this weekend every year.

He says, "It gets tough, got to wait it out but it's worth it. This year's been a little longer but we're here now."

And Parks isn't alone. In the Land of Ten Thousand Lakes Minnesotans long for this time of year and now the wait is almost over, but with gas prices up Parks thinks less people will be hitting the lakes this weekend and thinks the high prices may determine how many times his family heads out and just how far they'll travel.

Roger Parks says, "When the economy gets tough you got to take what you can and do what you can. I guess you just have to make the best of the situation."

But for Parks fishing has become a way of life, a time to relax and forget about our worries, even the ones at the pump.

In addition to higher gas prices, anglers will likely see higher bait prices as well due to higher shipping prices.

Former Mason City Teacher Sentenced in Drug Case
05/05/2008
CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa (AP) -- A former Mason City teacher has been sentenced to five years in prison in a federal drug case.

Mark Donisi, of Platteville, Wis., was accused of growing marijuana at his home in rural Rockwell. A federal jury convicted him on four drugs counts last fall. He was sentenced last Friday in U.S. District Court in Sioux City.

Prosecutors say Donisi and others grew pot at Donisi's home and in surrounding fields from 2004 to 2006. Authorities say a search of his home turned up 141 marijuana plants, four firearms, marijuana, marijuana seeds and a detailed planting log.

The jury, in convicting Donisi, found the operation generated almost $2 million in drug proceeds.

Hundreds Gather to Mourn Marble Rock Fire Victims
05/04/2008
MARBLE ROCK, Iowa (AP) -- About 500 people gathered in a rural north-central Iowa city over the weekend to mourn the death of three children killed in a house fire.

Saturday's funeral in Marble Rock came eight days after a blaze that killed 6-year-old Abigail Jo Sutter, 3-year-old Jacob Robert Legg and 20-month-old Jesselyn Marie Legg.

Authorities believe the fire was caused by faulty wiring behind a wall in the home.

Abigail was remembered as a Daisy Scout who loved to play the game Hungry Hungry Hippos and owned 50 pairs of shoes. Jacob was remembered for his big, toothy smile and love of dinosaurs, and the youngest child, Jesselyn, loved playing with dolls and pretending to talk on the phone.