WINONA, Minn. – A woman told police that a neighbor ripped out a new lilac bush by the roots from her yard — and she had video to prove it. Police reviewed the video and tried without success to contact the neighbor. They then mailed a citation to Sheila Marie Johnson, 51, for malicious damage to property. This was in the 400 block of Mankato Avenue. There had been bad blood. The lilac was valued at $25. It was left, its roots exposed, next where it had been ripped up. Whether it’s likely to survive was uncertain, as well as whether it blossoms next spring and whether the neighbor will enjoy the view and the sweet scent.
