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More Dogs Found Dead in Freeborn County

(ABC 6 NEWS) -- On Wednesday, ABC 6 brought you about a horrible story of animal cruelty in Freeborn County, where a dog was left to die in its cage southeast of Glenville.
And now another case in the same area has left investigators with even more questions.
    
For the second time in a week, police found pets intentionally left for dead, this time by the roadside just west of Glenville.

Police say three brown, roughly 15-pound dogs were found in garbage bags in a ditch on 150th Street just off Interstate 35.

Judging by their appearance, police say the dogs had been there for some time.

Gail Harty first saw the bags outside her home during a walk, but thought someone had merely thrown away some garbage.

Her son-in-law investigated the bags after he noticed an odor, then called police.

Harty said she simply couldn't believe someone would do something like this.

Scattered Storms Today, Severe Weather Possible Sunday

Scattered showers and thunderstorms will continue on and off throughout Freeborn County today. It looks like the activity will wind down though later this afternoon.

The slow-moving storm system responsible for today's storms is one that will stay with us well into next week, continuing the rain chances.  We will get a brief break from the rain though tonight into Saturday.

On and off showers and storms are expected Sunday and Monday.  We are tracking the potential for severe weather across Freeborn County during this time frame as well, especially on Sunday afternoon/evening. Large hail, damaging winds, and isolated tornadoes could be possible! We'll continue to monitor the scenario.

Sunny & 80s Today, Stormy Friday

A sunny Thursday with a high right around 80 today in Albert Lea, with the rain holding off until well after sunset. This will be just the beginning of a very active weather pattern, as another slow-moving storm system impacts the Upper Midwest through the weekend, even into next Tuesday!

Showers and thunderstorms emerge late Thursday and continue into Friday.  It's enough to keep the temps cooler, in the middle 70s around the Albert Lea area on Friday.

The weekend will be on and off rain, with temperatures warming back up into the 80s both days. The setup looks favorable for some strong to severe storms to develop.  Too early for the details though, but as always we will be tracking it, so stay tuned!

Grisly Discovery In Ditch Near Glenville

(ABC 6 NEWS) -- It's a case of unspeakable cruelty.  Now people want to know "who" and "why".

It was Mother’s Day Sunday morning, about three miles southeast of Glenville. And Tracy Schroer made a grisly discovery.

“I saw the crate in the ditch. I assumed it was just garbage," Schroer said.

But something made her take a closer look.

"And discovered there was a dead pit bull. It appeared he tried to chew his way out of the crate,” Schroer explained.

It was a box barely big enough to hold the dog.

“It had a couple of dishes in it and an old sheet. It was apparently the crate he lived in until he died. I'm guessing he was here for three or four days, but that's based on the fact that I haven't been down this road for about four or five days,"Schroer said.

Actors Wanted: Happy Days Auditions

Actors Wanted: Happy Days Auditions

Albert Lea Community Theatre (ACT) announces auditions will be held May 22 and 23 from 7−10 p.m., for the summer musical Happy Days at the Marion Ross Performing Arts Center, 147 N. Broadway in Albert Lea. 

Ten performances of this new musical based on the popular television series starring Albert Lea native Marion Ross are scheduled for July 10−20. Ross will also return to her hometown as an honored guest during the production.

There are 17 roles to cast in the show, including 14 energetic teenagers who enjoy singing and dancing. Popular characters in the musical include “The Fonz,” Mr. and Mrs. Cunningham, Richie Cunningham, Ralph Malph, Potsie, Chachi, Joanie and many others. James Dean and Elvis Presley also make cameo appearances.

Fire at Hormel Processing Building

(ABC 6 NEWS) A small fire broke out at a Hormel processing plant this afternoon.

Approximately 20 Hormel employees were inside the plant when they saw smoke.

All employees immediately evacuated. Austin police and fire departments and Gold Cross ambulance responded to the scene.

One employee was taken to Austin Medical Center after complaining of shortness of breath.

The fire is believed to have started in the walls of the plant. Electricians and firefighters are working together to determine the exact cause.

90s & 100s Gone, 70s Return Today

Tuesday's record high of 102° in Albert Lea was only for a day.  A cold front came through the area Tuesday evening, which will allow our temperatures to drop back to around 77 for Albert Lea today, with 70s & low 80s for the rest of the week. Skies should remain mostly sunny today, however an isolated shower/t-storm could be possible.

We're rain free through Thursday before a slow moving storm system brings rain back to the area as early as Thursday night.  Off and on showers and t-storms are possible through Tuesday.  At times, over the weekend mainly, we'll be tracking the potential for big boomers. Stay tuned!