Records, Feb. 5

WILLMAR -- An 18-year-old man was arrested for domestic assault, disorderly conduct and underage consumption around 3:15 a.m. Wednesday along the 1200 block of 24th Street Northwest.

Kandiyohi County

- Diane Fortney, 50, of Spicer, pleaded guilty Monday to a felony charge of wrongfully obtaining assistance - theft.

As part of a plea agreement, two other charges against her will be dismissed and she was allowed to enter an Alford plea, under which she doesn't admit guilt, but concedes that there is likely enough evidence for a jury to convict her. She will be sentenced March 9.

Also included in the agreement is that the same three charges against her husband, Gary Michael Fortney, 52, will be dismissed.

According to the complaint, the couple had applied for and received public assistance from Kandiyohi County in the form of medical assistance since 2005. As recipients, they were obligated to inform Family Services about their employment and income, and any changes to either, within 10 days. Gary's income and employment were reported, but no report was made for Diane. However, for a period from January to December 2006, she was allegedly employed by four different school districts -- Willmar, Monticello, New London-Spicer and Renville County West -- but only the last employment at RCW was reported. The failure to report resulted in overpayments of medical assistance for $3,342.69.