🌱 Prisoner Found Dead During Routine Check + Tangerine Closing

Good morning Rochester-Mason City! I'm Nicole Fallon-Peek and I'll be your news source for all the events, news, and general happenings in your town. Here is everything you need to know today in five minutes or less.

But first, your local weather:

• Wednesday: Breezy; a bit of p.m. snow. High: 40 Low: 28.
• Thursday: Colder with 1-3" of snow. High: 33 Low: 27.

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

1. The Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension is currently taking over an investigation involving a prisoner found dead during a routine check around 4:30 p.m. on Sunday at the Olmsted County Adult Detention Center. Upon finding prisoner Melvin Tyrone Bush unresponsive, the detention deputy called for help and immediately put forth efforts to save the individual's life; Bush was then transported to St. Mary's Hospital. The autopsy will be performed by the Southern Minnesota Regional Medical Examiner's Office to determine the cause of death. (KIMT 3)
2. After bringing color to downtown Rochester for more than 20 years, Tangerine at Wildflowers is set to close at the end of May. due to financial difficulties caused by COVID-19 and rising rent. According to store owner Joan Blakley-McCoy, financial difficulties caused by COVID-19 and rising rent contributed to the decision. “It’s going to be hard saying goodbye to all the customers. We have great customers,” Blakley-McCoy said. (Post Bulletin)
3. For all animal lovers in Rochester, there is an animal sanctuary about an hour southeast of the city for all to visit. In Castle Rock, MN, there is a paradise of saved farm animals living out the days of their lives in peace and happiness. Little Acorn Sanctuary has a wide range of animals that have been saved and are living their best life. Visitors can see these animals, learn about their past lives, and even get a tour. (106.9 KROC)

Today and tomorrow in Rochester-Mason City:

Wednesday, March 8

• International Women's Day - 125 Live (9:00 AM)
• Kinney Creek Brewery Pub Quiz - Kinney Creek Brewery (1:00 PM)
• Pottery Play Day - 125 Live (5:30 PM)

Thursday, March 9

• Hospitality 1st Roundtable - Rochester Chamber of Commerce (9:30 AM)

From my notebook:

• In honor of Women's History Month, the City of Rochester Police Department shared a hidden gem from around 1970 of a few women serving as crossing guards. Now in 2023, around 25 percent of the police department employees are females, currently working in a variety of positions. (City of Rochester, MN Police Department via Facebook)
• Olmsted County Sheriff's Department shared an important Monday message: “Until people can read minds, use your turn signals.” A moment of consideration can prevent several accidents on the road. (Olmsted County Sheriff's Department via Facebook)
• The amount of people experiencing mental health emergencies is rising over the years — a trend reflected by the increase in crisis calls received by the Rochester Police Department. Police officers, Olmsted County Sheriff's Office deputies, and Detention deputies are now attending training to better be equipped to manage these situations and protect the community. (City of Rochester, MN Police Department via Facebook)

Now you're in the loop and ready to head out the door on this Wednesday! See you all soon for another update.

— 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.