Cussing cockatoo violates noise law

WARWICK, R.I. (AP) — A Rhode Island woman has been accused by her neighbors of violating an animal-noise ordinance by training her cockatoo to cuss.

The Providence Journal reports that Lynne Taylor is accused in Warwick municipal court of training the bird, Willy, to say expletives.

The bird allegedly aimed the invectives at the neighbors, who happen to be Taylor’s ex-husband and his girlfriend.

A municipal judge on Thursday denied Taylor’s request to dismiss the case.

The neighbors, Kathleen Melker and Craig Fontaine, say they have been subjected to repeated curses from the bird, at one point for 15 minutes at a time.

The animal noise ordinance imposes a small fine on any pet owner whose animal creates habitual noise.

A judge has issued restraining orders telling both women to have no contact.

SportsPlus

Mower County

DNR investigating recent waterfowl deaths across southern Minnesota

Mower County

A new reason to run: After diagnosis, Austin grad is looking to raise funds to fight MS

Mower County

SWCD board chair to serve as VP for state group

Mower County

Minnesota DNR: Enjoy the ice over the holidays, but check it often

Education

Education Briefs

Crime, Courts & Emergencies

Convictions: Dec. 9-16

Crime, Courts & Emergencies

G. Meadow man sentenced for drug charges, challenges pre-investigation in 2nd case

Mower County

Eastbound I-90 lane, ramps reopen in Austin as Cedar River bridge completed

News

A Place for Romantics: New downtown bookstore for romance is a dream for its owner

Agriculture

Voigts honored for conservation farming practices

Business

Austin realtor honored with Realtor Emeritus Award

Agriculture

Grant available to aid in weather resilience

Mower County

In Your Community: Asian Student Union donate 30 blankets to Mayo Clinic

Mower County

In Your Community: Austin Youth Hockey Peewee B shops for family

Brownsdale

In Your Community: Brownsdale Study Club

Mower County

In Your Community: Duplicate Bridge

Mower County

In Your Community: Mower County Senior Center

News

Minnesota House tie in peril after judge rules DFL lawmaker can’t be sworn in

News

Unwelcome holiday guests: RSV, flu and COVID-19 on the rise

News

Minnesota deputies saw 250 animals suffering at purported rescue. Weeks later, only 70 were left

News

Federal Reserve cuts its key rate by a quarter-point but envisions fewer reductions next year

Education

Riverland Community College celebrates remarkable enrollment growth

Mower County

Photos: Singing the song of the season

Mower County

Driver in crash that injured Wyatt Hamlin arrested in Tennessee