No rate changes for 1 year as Waste Management takes over Best Disposal

Waste Management has taken over garbage collection for Best Disposal’s 1,200 residential and 35 commercial customers in Austin.

Waste Management, which finalized the deal to buy Best Disposal from Don and Dori Hagen on Aug. 1, will keep the same rates for all customers for at least one year, according to Waste Management representative Julie Ketchum. While the routes will remain the same for now, according to Ketchum, Waste Management will eventually blend its new customers’ routes into its existing routes in Rochester and Clarks Grove. Waste Management will let customers know of any changes, Ketchum added. Ketchum said they will lay off Best Disposal employees.

According to Ketchum, the Hagens approached Waste Management wanting to sell their business because Don Hagen is working for UPS.

Waste Management has corporate headquarters in Houston, Texas, and services nearly 20 million customers in 48 states, Washington D.C., and Puerto Rico, according to its website. The garbage collection company reported $13.37 billion in total revenue in 2011 and a net income of $961 million.

The Hagens did not return calls for comment. Best Disposal’s number is 507-433-9489.

SportsPlus

Mower County

Fire Marshall investigating Christmas night fire near Sargeant

News

Survey on isolation: Nearly half of Minnesotans report feeling left out at times

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