Melissa Hall

I am native to Southern Minnesota, graduated from Albert Lea Senior High. After a brief stint living in Central Iowa, I made my way back to MN, and I don't plan on leaving any time soon. I have 2 children, my oldest graduated from Owatonna High School, and the youngest is in the Middle School here. I am a coach with Special Olympics and a member of the management team, a cause near and dear to my heart. I love reading, John Grisham anyone? Also, I enjoy medical dramas on TV, and I love watching the Law & Order Franchise shows....dun dun. If I'm not out and about somewhere, I love hosting get-togethers for my family and friends.

Owatonnans Went ‘Cruising Main’ Friday Night

According to my social media feed last night, before the Stay at Home Executive Order from Gov. Walz was set to go into effect, people were cruising main. And, were they ever!

Two Cases of Coronavirus Confirmed in Steele County

In a news release from the Steele County Public Health Office, there have been two confirmed cases of COVID-19, the coronavirus in Steele County.

Minnesota Public Defender Wants Jail Inmates Released Due to COVID-19

The State of Minnesota's Public Defender's Office has been pushing for the release of jail inmates throughout the State, in order to protect them from the spread of the COVID-19 virus.

Alleged Police Impersonator Reported on I-35 Outside Ellendale

Over the weekend there were two different incidents in which there was a report of an alleged police impersonator outside of Ellendale.

Owatonna Grad Hiking the Appalachian Trail and Raising Money

A lot of high school graduates look at college as the next natural step as they are moving on with their adult lives. This was not true for Karson Madole. He is hiking the Appalachian Trail and raising money for The Marketplace for the next 6 months.

Scammers Are Circulating False Coronavirus Reports in SE Minnesota

The scammers are already at it, claiming that the coronavirus is in Minnesota. This virus has not been reported in Minnesota at this time.

Update on Dollar General In Owatonna – Yes It Is Open

The Dollar General store is open now to the public. The Grand Opening is scheduled for this Saturday, February 29th, starting at 8 am.

2020 “Peace Officer of the Year” Named by Steele County Exchange Club

On Friday, February 21, the Exchange Club of Steele County recognized their 2020 "Peace Officer of the Year" during their regular meeting that morning.

Albert Lea Responds to Story About Being in Top 10 Worst Places to Live in Minnesota

While the original story paints Albert Lea in a less than flattering light, they are aware that they have some things to work on, Mr. Gabrielatos is taking these numbers seriously, and is willing to put in the work to make Albert Lea better every year.

KFC Is Releasing a Donut and Chicken Sandwich Nationwide

I'm not quite sure how to take this. I mean, I like donuts, I like chicken, but, the two together??