🌱 Wykoff Mania Happening Next Week + Increase In Pets At Shelters

Morning, everybody! I'm back in your inbox this morning with the most important things happening locally.

But first, your local weather:

• Monday: A severe p.m. t-storm; breezy. High: 88 Low: 56.
• Tuesday: Partly sunny and cooler. High: 75 Low: 59.

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

1. This coming Saturday nearby in Wykoff, AWF wrestling is making its way to Minnesota for Wykoff Mania. Professional wrestlers will be gathering at the Wykoff Commons Event Center for an all-ages-welcome family event; all proceeds will go to support the Wykoff Commons nonprofit, the Wykoff Fire Department, and the Chatfield wrestling team. Tickets for the event will be $10 and for children nine and under free; doors open at 6:00 p.m., and the action starts at 7:00 p.m. (Rochester Post Bulletin)
2. Alex Gustafson of Rochester, 32, has been sentenced to prison after being convicted of two felony DWI charges. The first case stemmed from December 2021 when he was pulled over for a traffic stop and had a blood alcohol concentration of 0.13; he entered a plea deal and was awaiting sentencing when he was involved with another incident. On Jun. 21, police responded to a disturbance at a home in Rochester, where Gustafson reportedly had a gun, but said he was "on his way to prison and [didn't] care." After being released from the altercation, Gustafson went to his vehicle and tucked in his waistband what appeared to be a gun; after being detained, the weapon was noted to be a realistic-looking BB gun. During this incident, another breathalyzer test discovered he was again over the limit. (KROC-AM)
3. It has been noticed in Mason City and the rest of North Iowa that the number of stray pets in animal shelters increases after the Fourth of July. During summer months with warm weather, pets are given more freedom and spend more time outside, increasing the risk of pets running away — add in being frightened by loud fireworks, and it is no wonder many pets end up running away from home. If you have lost your pet, it is recommended to check your local animal shelter first,a nd bring documentation to show your proof of ownership. (KIMT 3)

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Today and tomorrow in Rochester-Mason City:

Monday, July 10

• Yoga With Adoptable PCHS Puppies At Paws And Claws Humane Society (5:00 PM)
• Bismarck Larks At Rochester Honkers At Mayo Field (6:35 PM)

Tuesday, July 11

• Summer On The Farm: Day Camp for Kids At History Center Of Olmsted County (8:30 AM)
• Off The Cliff: Rochester At Rochester International Event Center (11:30 AM)
• Joel Ward At The Redwood Room (6:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• If you are in the neighborhood this week, you can stop by Jefferson Elementary School for Safe City Nights and partake in some free food and activities. The event will be running from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. (City of Rochester, MN Government via Facebook)
• The Rochester Police Department reminds the community that Night to Unite is quickly approaching. Neighborhoods have been encouraged to organize and register here by Jul. 27 for the event to run on Tuesday, August 1. (City of Rochester, MN Police Department via Facebook)

Now you're in the loop and ready to head out the door on this Monday. I'll be in your inbox soon with your next 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.