🌱 Fatal Crash North Of Rochester + Waste Collection In Mason City

Morning, everybody! I'm here with your fresh copy of the Rochester-Mason City Patch newsletter. Keep reading to find out everything you need to know about what's happening locally, including updates on these three stories.

But first, your local weather:

• Monday: A thick cloud cover. High: 43 Low: 23.
• Tuesday: Some sunshine. High: 40 Low: 22.

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Here are the top stories in Rochester-Mason City today:

1. A crash occurred Friday morning just north of Rochester, killing one man. Authorities are still investigating the cause of a collision where a semi-truck crashed into a pickup truck traveling westbound on County Road 21, killing the pickup truck driver. Another vehicle was hit by debris from the accident, but no one was harmed. (CBS News)
2. A Rochester man, Elliott Wilkens, charged with six counts of first-degree drug possession and sales, failed to appear in court, resulting in an arrest warrant being issued. Wilkens had a conditional bail set at $250,000 after search warrants executed on his home and vehicle, resulted in the discovery of large quantities of cocaine, fentanyl, methamphetamine, and marijuana. He also faces two lesser felony drug charges in connection with the case. (KROC)
3. On Monday, Apr. 3, Mason City will begin yard waste collection for residents. This year there will be several different methods for leaves, grass clippings, and tree branches. Regardless of the method, all garbage and waste should be set for pick-up prior to 7 a.m. For more information, contact the sanitation division. (KTTC)

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Today and tomorrow in Rochester-Mason City:

Monday, March 27

• Pictures With The Easter Bunny - Apache Mall (All Day)
• Annual Meeting - North Iowa Area Community College (10:00 AM)
• Meal with A-Peel - Stewartville United Methodist Church (4:30 PM)

Tuesday, March 28

• Easter For Kids - Monkey Junction (11:00 AM)
• Volunteer Meet And Greet - The Music Man Square (11:00 AM)
• TechTalk March - Mason City Brewing (5:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• Starting today, N. Massachusetts and N. Connecticut Avenues will be closed from 4th Street NE to Elm Drive for approximately one week. Please use an alternate route while a main water valve is being replaced. You can contact the O&M Utility Division with any questions. (Mason City Police Department via Facebook)
• The deadline is coming soon to apply for the Thursday Downtown food, beverage, and vendor market. Apply online by Mar. 31, and you can learn more in the handbooks. (Downtown Rochester, Minnesota via Facebook)
• Rochester city council meetings will be taking place on Apr. 3, and Apr. 17 at 7 p.m. Visit the website for the meeting agendas, how to view the meetings, and how to submit public opinions. (City of Rochester, MN Government via Facebook)

That's it for today! I'll see you soon.

— Nicole Fallon-Peek

About me: Nicole Fallon-Peek is a journalist and copywriter with a degree in Media, Culture and Communication from New York University. She has served as a freelance reporter, managing editor, copy editor, and editorial director for a variety of B2B news outlets. She currently co-owns and operates content creation agency Lightning Media Partners.