🌱 Theft Leads To Chase In Mason City + Warrant Issued For Therapist

Hi, Rochester - Mason City! Like many of you, the Patch staff will be taking some time off for the Fourth of July. I’ll be back in your inbox after the holiday, but until then, here’s what’s happening in town today.

But first, your local weather:

• Monday: Humid with sunshine. High: 92 Low: 69.
• Tuesday: A heavy t-storm in the p.m.. High: 88 Low: 65.

From our sponsor:

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

1. A 27-year-old theft suspect is still at large after leading an Iowa deputy on a high-speed chase. The Mason City Police Department was investigating a theft that happened at Mills Fleet Farm, after running from employees. The suspect, Alec Harpestad, and his vehicle were found near Grouse Avenue and B20 by a deputy. When he attempted to make a stop, the car led the deputy on a chase that reached speeds up to 120 mph. There is a warrant out for Harpstad's arrest, and police are asking anyone with information to call. (KTTC)
2. An arrest warrant has been issued for a Rochester therapist accused of sexually assaulting a patient over the duration of several months. When police contacted the victim, they initially denied it, but later sent an email to the department detailing the sexual relationship taking place which included sexually explicit photos and messages. The victim says that they grew attached to their therapist because they felt she was the only person who cared about them and listened to them. Mandy Erin Hyland, 42, has now been issued an arrest warrant for felony third-degree criminal sexual conduct. Hyland has not been taken into custody as of the time of publication. (KROC News)
3. The Rochester fire department encourages the community to use caution when enjoying fireworks this Independence Day Holiday. The department wants the public to only use Minnesota-approved fireworks such as fountains, sparklers, and poppers. The department also urges people lighting fireworks to light them in an open area, and to extinguish the fireworks after they finish burning. (Rochester, MN Fire Dept. via Facebook)

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Today and tomorrow in and around Rochester-Mason City:

Monday, July 3

• Fresh Air Fitness Yoga At Central Park, Rochester (5:15 PM)

Tuesday, July 4

• The Village Famers' Market At The History Center Of Olmsted County, Rochester (4:00 PM)

Wednesday, July 5

• Berne Wood-Fired Pizza Summer Concert Series At 21959 Co. Road 24, West Concord (5:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• The city of Rochester has released a parking map for the 4th of July festival and fireworks. The main thing to note is that there will be no parking in the soldier summit pool parking lot and a small section of roadway will also be closed as shown on the map on the city's post. (City of Rochester, MN Government via Facebook)
• Mason City Police Department wants the community to have a fun Independence Day but asks that people be safe and not drive drunk. Have a plan to get home safely so that you, your family, and everyone else can be safe on the roads. Happy Independence Day! (Mason City Police Department via Facebook)

Now you're in the loop and ready to head out the door on this Monday. 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.