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Power 96 News Brief 6-5
06/05/2023
An Albert Lea Fire fighter was treated for minor injuries after responding to a fire early Monday. Albert Lea Fire rescue and police arrived at a large fire at 1316 S. Broadway Ave where a garage was engulfed in fire which was heading towards the home. After entering the home it was determined that the residents were not home and the owner of the home was out of town. Fire crews extinguished the fires. Total damages to the home are in the range of about ten thousand dollars. The cause of the fire is currently being investigated.
An Albert Lea man has been arrested in connection to a shooting in Austin. Police arrested Denroy Jeffers after responding to a call in the 1100 block of Fourth Ave. Northwest Austin on Saturday morning. Upon arrival to the scene police found a man with a gunshot wound who was taken to the Mayo Clinic in Austin and his condition is currently unknown. Austin Police believe this to be an isolated incident and don't believe there to be any threat to the public. The case is still under investigation.
Owatonna Police have arrested a man they believe is responsible for the murder of Sabrina Schnoor who was found dead from a single gunshot last Tuesday under an I-35 bridge overpass. Jason Horner, who is reportedly Schnoor's ex boyfriend, was arrested after a search warrant at 300 15th Ave. in Waseca. The arrest occurred at around 4a.m. Sunday morning. Horner faces charges of second-degree murder, and possession of a firearm by an ineligible person.
Rochester police arrested three men on charges of armed robbery. Munasar Mohamed, Mohamed Mohamed, and Keith Mendoza were arrested after robbing and assaulting a man near spring lake early Saturday morning. The three men demanded the victim give them his wallet and after he said no they began to assault him and choke him before running off with his wallet. Police located the three men and arrested them. According to police the victim knew one of the men. All three men are being held at the Olmsted County Detention center.
Power 96 News Brief 6-2
06/02/2023
Owatonna Police are investigating a body that way found as a murder. The investigation comes after a body was found beside an overpass bridge near I-35 on Tuesday evening. Police say the woman who has been identified as Sabrina Lee Schnoor died of a single gunshot wound. Police believe it was a targeted attack. The investigation is still ongoing and no arrests have been made.
A Rochester man has been sentenced after he was found guilty of murder by an Olmsted County Jury in February. Lionell Bailey as convicted on several charges including murder, drive-by shooting, assault with a dangerous weapon, and possession of a firearm by an ineligible person. The charges come after Bailey fired shots at a man near a gas station in the area of 7th street and North Broadway. Nobody was injured by the gunfire. Bailey will serve 15 years in prison.
A Glenville man is facing drug related charges after he sold acid to an undercover informant. Tristan Colby Mehus was charged in April with the count but appeared on the charge for another hearing on Thursday. Mehus first sold acid to the informant on Aug. 18, 2021, Mehus wanted to sell two sheets of acid for $1,200 and the second occurred on Sept. 28, 2021 in his home. Mehus is scheduled for a pre-trial hearing Sept. 15 and a jury trial Oct. 2.
The man who assaulted Minnesota Congressional representative Angie Craig pleaded guilty in court Thursday. Kendrick Hamlin pleaded guilty to charges of assaulting a member of Congress and assaulting law enforcement officers. The charges come after Hamlin entered Craig"s apartment to use the restroom. After Craig said he couldn't he punched her in the face and put his hands around her neck. Craig escaped by throwing coffee in Hamlin"s face.
Power 96 News Brief 6-1
06/01/2023
Owatonna Police are investigating a death that occurred Tuesday night. Police were called to the 600 block of Florence Ave. on Tuesday where a body was found near some railroad tracks behind the Steele County Administrative building. Police searched the scene for several hours and are still investigating what happened. Authorities have identified the victim but have not released the name as they notify the family and await the results of an autopsy.
An Austin man who has been charged with three counts of nonconsensual dissemination of private sexual images is scheduled to stand trial. According to police Jacob Louis Cano faces the charges after a woman contacted Austin police she learned private photos she"d sent Cano were on Reddit in May 2022. Reddit provided Austin police with the IP address associated with the account, and it was registered to Cano. Cano is scheduled to stand trial in mid September Sept. 11
Four people have been hospitalized after an accident that occurred on I-90 Wednesday. According to The Minnesota State Patrol the accident happened at the intersection of Highway 169 and I-90 at around 5:45 on Wednesday night. Those involved in the accident Sharol Vincent from Albert Lea, Makayla Hernandez, of Blue Earth, Heather Hernandez of Winnebago, and Jaryd Johnson of Blue Earth all suffered injuries that are deemed to be non-life-threatening.
An Austin Public schools official has been fired after an investigation into a complaint made against him. John Alberts had been serving as the executive director of organizational development and administrative services. The district did not specify why Johnson was let go but an email sent out by the school chair said ““The school board has a zero-tolerance policy against sexual harassment” in the same email it states that the district is working with a consultant who has expertise in preventing workplace harassment.”
Power 96 News Brief 5-31
05/31/2023
An Albert Lea man and two others are in the hospital as a result of a collision that occurred on I-35. Wayne Arthur Clark and Neftali Alvarado Serra collided around 1:20 pm Tuesday afternoon near mile marker 53 in Rice County as two vehicles were going Southbound. Clark, Serra, and a passenger in Serra"s vehicle, Teresa Marie Alvarado, suffered injuries deemed to be non-life threatening. Clark was taken to an Owatonna hospital for treatment.
The Minnesota State Fire Marshal is investigating an explosion that occurred in Olmsted County on Tuesday. According to the Olmsted County Sheriff's office the explosion occurred in the 14000 block of County Rd. 142 SE. in Dover Township. The explosion reportedly happened at around 8 a.m. on Tuesday. The fire stopped after the initial explosion. After an initial investigation it was determined that the Water Heater had exploded. The cause of the Explosion is under investigation.
A Stewartville man lost close to $20,000 after he was scammed while buying fake Jewelry. According to police the man was approached by a man in a black SUV about purchasing jewelry which included gold rings and a gold necklace. The man then cashed a check for twenty thousand dollars which he then used to buy the jewelry. The man then took the Jewelry to a pawn shop and found out it was fake. Rochester police are warning people to walk away if they are approached about buying jewelry.
The Minnesota Department of Public Safety and Bureau of Criminal Apprehension is investigating an incident in Mankato after two vehicles collided. The Mankato Police department received a call about a man driving erratically in west Mankato. Police stopped pursuit for a brief time and then started again after receiving another call of erratic driving. The driver crashed his car during the chase and suffered minor injuries. Police at the scene found a woman with life threatening stab wounds and are investigating the situation.
Power 96 News Brief 5-30
05/30/2023
A Rochester man has turned himself in for stabbing another man last week. Police responded to a call and arrived to find a man bleeding from his torso. Larness Williams allegedly stabbed another man in the torso in a Rochester Mobile Home park and then fled the scene on foot before police arrived. Larness is facing charges of second-degree assault and domestic assault, called from a Kwik Trip in Eyota to turn himself in.
Minnesota Governor Tim Walz is set to sign the bill into law that will legalize recreational Marijuana use into law. The bill will take effect on August 1st and the bill will allow Minnesotans who are 21 and older to have a specified amount of marijuana in their possession. The legislation will also expunge past misdemeanor marijuana-related convictions for Minnesotans. Lawmakers agreed on a 10% tax for marijuana products.
A Rochester man who violated a Domestic Abuse No Contact Order and had other charges against him was arrested after he fled police over the weekend. Frankie Hanson was arrested after he tried to run from police after they noticed him at a storage facility. Hanson ran from police and then jumped into a river trying to escape. Hanson was eventually captured by police and taken into custody. Hanson faces charges of obstruction of justice, fleeing on foot and threats of violence.
Olmsted County police are investigating a death that occurred in Pine Island over the weekend. The Olmsted County sheriff's department found the body of Jacob Blyer in front of his property at 9200 block of County Rd. 5 NW. There was a fire in a portion of the house and the man had extensive burn wounds. Responders tried to resuscitate but attempts were unsuccessful. Police consider the death to be suspicious.
Power 96 News Brief 5-26
05/26/2023
Rochester police arrested a Pine Island teacher on the suspicion that she sexually assaulted a 14 year old student from the Pine Island Independent School District. According to Authorities Police arrested Lindsey Schneeberger who is a gym teacher at Pine Island ISD on charges that she sexually assaulted a student in her home in Rochester . She is currently awaiting arraignment at the Olmsted County Adult Detention Center.
An Austin man who is currently serving a decade in jail for committing three armed robberies pleaded guilty to robbing two gas stations as well. Adrick Mims pleaded guilty to robbing a Casey"s Gas Station located at 7th Street NW and the Shell gas station on 37th Street NW in the summer of 2022. Both sentences will be served as part of Mims Mower County sentence of 122 months, meaning the charges will not result in additional jail time.
An Albert Lea man has been convicted of sexually assaulting a woman in 2022. Adam Haeska was charged with two counts of first-degree criminal sexual conduct, two counts of domestic assault, and fifth-degree drug possession after an investigation stemming from a claim made by a woman that he assaulted her. Haeska pleaded not guilty to the charges and was found guilty by a jury Thursday of both criminal sexual conduct and both domestic assault charges.His sentencing is scheduled for August 7.
Rochester Police are investigating a stabbing at Parkside Mobile Home Park Friday morning. Officers responded to a call and found a man with a stab wound outside of a mobile home. According to responders the man was in and out of consciousness and believe the wounds came from the man being in a fight, but they don't believe he sustained any life threatening injuries. Police have not made any arrest in the case.
Power 96 News Brief 5-25
05/25/2023
An Albert Lea man who was facing charges or stabbing three people in May or 2022 was found to be incompetent to stand trial. CK Kyle Kasio was charged with two counts of first-degree and three counts of second-degree assault when he stabbed two men in an apartment complex in the 200 block of E. Main Street. A third man was found stabbed in the 100 block of William Street West. All three victims knew Kasio. Kasio was also charged with two counts of second-degree assault while at the Freeborn County Adult Detention Center. After an evaluation, Kasio has been ruled incompetent to stand trail in each case.
A Rochester man who was facing charges of child neglect now faces a charge of second-degree Manslaughter-culpable negligence creating unreasonable risk Darius Pitchford was charged with the manslaughter charge after he took his son to the hospital and then left against Doctors advice. Pitchford's son was found dead the next morning. The manslaughter charge was added to the case file on May 19. Pitchford appeared in Olmsted County Court yesterday.
A Rochester man who was accused of assaulting a former girlfriend and a one-year-old child has been convicted. Jermaine La Johnson went to the home of an ex-girlfriend in August of 2022 and assaulted her Johnson was also charged with striking a one-year-old child lying next to the ex-girlfriend. The jury found Johnson guilty of two counts of first-degree burglary, theft, and two counts of domestic assault. The jury found Johnson not guilty to third-degree assault and interference with an emergency call. Johnson is being held in the Olmsted County Adult Detention Center without bail.
Minnesota Governor Tim Walz will sign a medical leave bill into law today in the state Capitol. The bill gives Minnesota workers up to 12 weeks of paid time off for a serious medical condition or pregnancy, or to care for a family member. Individuals can claim a maximum of 20 weeks of paid leave in a single year. The bill passed in both the DFL controlled state house 68-62 and state senate 34-32 along party lines.
Power 96 News Brief 5-24
05/24/2023
The City of Albert Lea City Council has announced that this coming Friday May 26th will be National Poppy day as a way to honor those who have served our country this memorial day. Poppies are often worn and seen as a tribute to service members. The tradition of using poppies as a symbol of tribute for service men and women stems from the end of World War one when the American Legion adopted the poppy as a symbol of freedom.
Minnesota Governor Tim Walz has officially signed a new state budget into law today. Earlier this morning in the Capitol Walz signed off on the new 72 Billion dollar budget. The budget will cover a wide-range of issues ranging from public safety funding to rebate checks that are expected to be sent out this fall. The bill also creates a payroll tax that will be paid by every employee and employer, for paid family and medical leave.
A Stewartville woman was injured Wednesday morning when she lost control of her motorcycle. The incident occurred on Highway 52 in southwest Rochester on Wednesday morning at around 9:30 when the motorcycle laid down while heading southbound. Rhonda Lawstuen was transported to Saint Marys Hospital with non-life threatening injuries, The extent of her injuries are unknown. The crash report said Lawstuen was not wearing a helmet.
The Minnesota State Legislature has wrapped up its current session and has and the DFL controlled trifecta has passed all of its intended laws. The laws include legalizing recreational marijuana use for those over the age of 21 in the state of Minnesota. As well as making the state a safe zone by protecting the rights for people to have and perform abortions in the state as well as the ability to have gender affirming health care.
Power 96 News Brief 5-23
05/23/2023
An Austin man appeared in a Mower County Court on eight charges of criminal sexual conduct. Kevin Alexander Morgan-Price is accused of sexually assaulting a 15 year old girl on Pine-Island in 2021. The victim claims she was drugged and woke up to Morgan-Price sexually assaulting her. Morgan-Price faces several charges ranging from first to fourth degree sexual assault. Morgan-Price"s pretrial is scheduled for June 22, with a jury trial scheduled for July 10.
A Rochester man who was accused of stabbing another man was sentenced in court on Monday after a guilty plea. Mazem Caden Gisi pleaded guilty to one count of second-degree assault from an incident in May 2022 when he stabbed another man in a South West Rochester apartment complex. Gisi will serve 15 months in prison at the MN Correctional Facility in St. Cloud, with credit for four days previously served at the Olmsted County Adult Detention Center.
The Albert Lea City Council on Monday voted to support a proposal for 60 new low- to moderate-income apartments on a portion of the Blazing Star Landing. Officials say the city will hold the property as the application process plays out for the housing credits. A purchase agreement will be signed at a later date. Officials say that have one more proposal for the land and that proposal will be presented in Mid June at a meeting of the City Council
Minnesota State Legislatures passed a nursing bill Monday. The bill formerly known as the Keeping Nurses at the Bedside Act. The bill had to be changed due to a major component being removed after the Mayo Clinic threatened to pull projects from the state. The new bill will still include student loan forgiveness for hospital nurses, new reporting requirements on workplace violence, and funding for a study through the Department of Health to analyze why nurses are leaving the bedside. The bill will now head to Gov Walz to sign.
Power 96 New Brief 5-22
05/22/2023
A Rochester man after he lost control of his motorcycle early Sunday afternoon. According to the Minnesota State Patrol Darrell Phillips lost control of his motorcycle and ended up in a Fillmore County ditch. The crash occurred before 1:00 p.m. when Phillips was traveling westbound on Highway 30 and lost control and went into a ditch near milepost 262 in Rushford. Phillips was taken to Saint Mary's Hospital with non-life threatening injuries. The MSP said he was wearing a helmet.
The Minnesota State Senate has officially passed a bill that would legalize Marijuana for anyone over the age of 21 in the state of Minnesota. The bill passed in the Senate by a vote of 34-32 and the bill has already passed through the state house of representatives. The bill now goes to the desk of Minnesota Governor Tim Walz who has repeatedly said several times that he will sign the legislation into law once it is received.
A Rochester man was killed after he was hit by a train on Saturday. Police say the incident took place at around 1 p.m. on Saturday when a man wandered onto train tracks located at 1st Ave NW and Civic Center Dr. The conductor of the train repeatedly blew his horn and the railroad crossing arms were down to stop traffic. Police are not sure what caused the man to walk onto the tracks but they do not believe that the incident was a criminal act.
The Minnesota House of representatives voted 69-63 along party lines Saturday night to pass a $3 billion tax plan that includes rebates, credits for families, property tax relief and new tax increases for those who profit from some investment earnings and for some corporations. The State Senate is now expected to follow with a vote to approve the plan and send the bill to Gov. Tim Walz who will sign the tax plan into law.
Power 96 News Brief 5-19
05/19/2023
Albert Lea area schools have announced that they will be operating a summer food services program at four locations in Albert Lea. The locations are Halverson Elementary School, Lakeview Elementary School, Albert Lea High School and the Brookside Education Center. The program will run from June 5th to June 30th. Breakfast will be served starting at 8:15 until 8:45 and lunch will be served starting at 10:45 until 12:30. The program is free to all children ages 18 and younger.
In the state capitol a committee has recommended that the Mayo clinic be exempt from requirements from legislation known as the Keeping Nurses at the Bedside" Act which would establish staffing requirements for hospitals across the state of Minnesota. The Mayo Clinic had previously threatened to pull several large projects from the state of Minnesota if they were made to follow the staffing rules included in the legislation. The legislation is still in committee and will need to be voted on before being signed into law.
Rochester Police are looking for a suspect who tried to rob a Chipotle in Rochester early Friday morning. According to police the incident occurred when an employee was taking out the trash when a man approached her and pulled a gun before demanding she let him into the restaurant. The man then made the employee give him all the money in the register before the suspect fled the scene on foot. No arrests in the case have been made.
The Minnesota House of Representatives passed a new version of a bill that would legalize the use of Marijuana in Minnesota for anybody over the age of 21. The bill will let residents of Minnesota over the age of 21 possess a certain amount of marijuana in various forms as well as a limited number of plants if they wish to grow it. The bill also expunges the criminal record of those who have been convicted of low-level cannabis-related crimes. If the bill passes the State Senate Governor Walz has indicated he will sign the legislation into law.
Power 96 News Brief 5-18
05/18/2023
The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency has issued an air quality alert for much of Minnesota. A band of very heavy ground-level smoke from wildfires in northern Alberta and Saskatchewan is currently moving along a cold front in northwestern Minnesota. The smoke will continue to move south and east and eventually impact the entire state of Minnesota. The smoke should clear rapidly overnight into Friday morning. The Warning is in effect until Friday morning at 6a.m.
The Minnesota House of Representatives voted to approve a leave program that would allow for up to 20 weeks off per year. The leave will be capped at 12 weeks for one qualifying event and eight weeks for a separate event. The leave can be taken intermittently, which would allow for regular days away for long-term treatments. The State Senate is expected to vote as soon as Thursday. If the law passes it will head to the desk of Governor Tim Walz.
Committee members in the state capitol have reached a deal on a tax bill which will include rebate checks. According to the legislation, there would be one-time payments of $260 dollars for single tax filers, $520 for married couples and an extra $260 per child, with a maximum of $1,300 allowed. Those who qualify must make an annual income of $75,000 or less, or married couples who make less than $150,000 per year. The law still must pass through the State House and Senate before it is signed into law by Governor Tim Walz.
The Minnesota Senate Wednesday approved a pair of proposals aiming to ensure equal rights based on a person"s gender. On a 42-25 vote, the chamber approved a resolution urging Congress to take the appropriate steps to adopt the Equal Rights Amendment at the federal level. And on a vote of 43-23, the chamber approved a bill that would submit to Minnesota voters a constitutional amendment in 2024 guaranteeing equality.
Power 96 News Brief 4-18
04/18/2023
The Freeborn County Board of Commissioners will meet Tuesday. The board will hear from several departments including the Auditor-treasurer during which time the board will consider several resolutions to approve a license for the sale of alcoholic beverages at various freeborn county recreation areas and golf courses. The areas would include Wine at the Freeborn Lake Golf Course in Carlston which would be able to serve beer and wine, Harmony Park and Hickory Hills Campground in Nunda Township would be able to serve beer.
Rochester Police have located the body of a missing Rochester man who has been missing since December. Thomas McElroy was last seen a few days after Christmas after leaving St Marys Hospital and had not been seen or heard from since that day near 11th Avenue Southwest. According to police McElroy was not dressed for the weather at the time he went missing. McElroy"s body was found in a garage and the cause of death is still being determined by investigators.
The Minnesota State Senate has passed a public safety bill designed to reduce sentences for some inmates. The bill would reduce the sentences for inmates up to fifty percent depending on how much time they spend in restoration programs. Everyone is eligible for the program under the bill with the exception of those serving a life sentence. The supporters of the bill say it will stop released prisoners from reoffending.
The Glenville-Emmons school district will vote on a new bond which will set aside money that will be used to build a new school to teach students Kindergarten through 12th grade. If the referendum is approved planning and engineering will occur through 2024, with construction scheduled to happen in 2025 and 2026, with the goal of opening the building in September 2026. The building is estimated to cost $32 million to $37 million, and the building bonds will not exceed $37.4 million. The vote on the referendum will take place in August.
Power 96 News Brief 4-18
04/18/2023
The Freeborn County Board of Commissioners will meet Tuesday. The board will hear from several departments including the Auditor-treasurer during which time the board will consider several resolutions to approve a license for the sale of alcoholic beverages at various freeborn county recreation areas and golf courses. The areas would include Wine at the Freeborn Lake Golf Course in Carlston which would be able to serve beer and wine, Harmony Park and Hickory Hills Campground in Nunda Township would be able to serve beer.
Rochester Police have located the body of a missing Rochester man who has been missing since December. Thomas McElroy was last seen a few days after Christmas after leaving St Marys Hospital and had not been seen or heard from since that day near 11th Avenue Southwest. According to police McElroy was not dressed for the weather at the time he went missing. McElroy"s body was found in a garage and the cause of death is still being determined by investigators.
The Minnesota State Senate has passed a public safety bill designed to reduce sentences for some inmates. The bill would reduce the sentences for inmates up to fifty percent depending on how much time they spend in restoration programs. Everyone is eligible for the program under the bill with the exception of those serving a life sentence. The supporters of the bill say it will stop released prisoners from reoffending.
The Glenville-Emmons school district will vote on a new bond which will set aside money that will be used to build a new school to teach students Kindergarten through 12th grade. If the referendum is approved planning and engineering will occur through 2024, with construction scheduled to happen in 2025 and 2026, with the goal of opening the building in September 2026. The building is estimated to cost $32 million to $37 million, and the building bonds will not exceed $37.4 million. The vote on the referendum will take place in August.
Power 96 News Brief 4-18
04/18/2023
The Freeborn County Board of Commissioners will meet Tuesday. The board will hear from several departments including the Auditor-treasurer during which time the board will consider several resolutions to approve a license for the sale of alcoholic beverages at various freeborn county recreation areas and golf courses. The areas would include Wine at the Freeborn Lake Golf Course in Carlston which would be able to serve beer and wine, Harmony Park and Hickory Hills Campground in Nunda Township would be able to serve beer.
Rochester Police have located the body of a missing Rochester man who has been missing since December. Thomas McElroy was last seen a few days after Christmas after leaving St Marys Hospital and had not been seen or heard from since that day near 11th Avenue Southwest. According to police McElroy was not dressed for the weather at the time he went missing. McElroy"s body was found in a garage and the cause of death is still being determined by investigators.
The Minnesota State Senate has passed a public safety bill designed to reduce sentences for some inmates. The bill would reduce the sentences for inmates up to fifty percent depending on how much time they spend in restoration programs. Everyone is eligible for the program under the bill with the exception of those serving a life sentence. The supporters of the bill say it will stop released prisoners from reoffending.
The Glenville-Emmons school district will vote on a new bond which will set aside money that will be used to build a new school to teach students Kindergarten through 12th grade. If the referendum is approved planning and engineering will occur through 2024, with construction scheduled to happen in 2025 and 2026, with the goal of opening the building in September 2026. The building is estimated to cost $32 million to $37 million, and the building bonds will not exceed $37.4 million. The vote on the referendum will take place in August.
Power 96 News Brief 4-17
04/17/2023
An Albert Lea man will now face jail time after pleading guilty to one count of second-degree assault with a dangerous weapon stemming from an incident when he shot a man last may. Javen Juan Moreno reportedly shot a man during an argument when he was in an argument with his girlfriend and the stranger became involved, which resulted in Moreno shooting him the leg. The sentencing for Moreno is scheduled to take place in late June.
The Minnesota Senate advanced a public safety package late Friday after a marathon debate that showed the partisan divide over justice reforms. The legislation funds the state court system, corrections system, Dept. of Public Safety, POST Board, BCA, prosecutors, public defenders, Dept. of Human Rights and a wide array of grant programs designed to make communities safer. Community-based violence reduction programs, crime prevention and local youth intervention programs all stand to benefit from the bill.
An Austin man was sentenced after pleading guilty to multiple counts of possessing child pornography Monday. Vincent Vaughn Askelson was arrested in October of 2022 and charged with possession of and sharing of child porn. Askelson entered a petition where he pleaded guilty to two counts of possession and the petition lists a three year prison sentence. Sentencing for Askelson is scheduled to take place later this year in Mid August in a Mower County Court.
Three men were arrested by the Rochester Police Department after they reportedly assaulted a man Friday night. The assault took place in the 1400 block of 4th Ave. SE at around 4:45 after the three men attacked a man and broke into his home and pointed a gun at him. Police investigated and located the weapon. One of the three men was arrested on several charges relating to gun possession, and misconduct as well as drug possession. The other two men were arrested and charged with disorderly conduct, 2nd degree riot and 5th degree assault.
Power 96 News Brief 4-17
04/17/2023
An Albert Lea man will now face jail time after pleading guilty to one count of second-degree assault with a dangerous weapon stemming from an incident when he shot a man last may. Javen Juan Moreno reportedly shot a man during an argument when he was in an argument with his girlfriend and the stranger became involved, which resulted in Moreno shooting him the leg. The sentencing for Moreno is scheduled to take place in late June.
The Minnesota Senate advanced a public safety package late Friday after a marathon debate that showed the partisan divide over justice reforms. The legislation funds the state court system, corrections system, Dept. of Public Safety, POST Board, BCA, prosecutors, public defenders, Dept. of Human Rights and a wide array of grant programs designed to make communities safer. Community-based violence reduction programs, crime prevention and local youth intervention programs all stand to benefit from the bill.
An Austin man was sentenced after pleading guilty to multiple counts of possessing child pornography Monday. Vincent Vaughn Askelson was arrested in October of 2022 and charged with possession of and sharing of child porn. Askelson entered a petition where he pleaded guilty to two counts of possession and the petition lists a three year prison sentence. Sentencing for Askelson is scheduled to take place later this year in Mid August in a Mower County Court.
Three men were arrested by the Rochester Police Department after they reportedly assaulted a man Friday night. The assault took place in the 1400 block of 4th Ave. SE at around 4:45 after the three men attacked a man and broke into his home and pointed a gun at him. Police investigated and located the weapon. One of the three men was arrested on several charges relating to gun possession, and misconduct as well as drug possession. The other two men were arrested and charged with disorderly conduct, 2nd degree riot and 5th degree assault.
Power 96 News Brief 4-17
04/17/2023
An Albert Lea man will now face jail time after pleading guilty to one count of second-degree assault with a dangerous weapon stemming from an incident when he shot a man last may. Javen Juan Moreno reportedly shot a man during an argument when he was in an argument with his girlfriend and the stranger became involved, which resulted in Moreno shooting him the leg. The sentencing for Moreno is scheduled to take place in late June.
The Minnesota Senate advanced a public safety package late Friday after a marathon debate that showed the partisan divide over justice reforms. The legislation funds the state court system, corrections system, Dept. of Public Safety, POST Board, BCA, prosecutors, public defenders, Dept. of Human Rights and a wide array of grant programs designed to make communities safer. Community-based violence reduction programs, crime prevention and local youth intervention programs all stand to benefit from the bill.
An Austin man was sentenced after pleading guilty to multiple counts of possessing child pornography Monday. Vincent Vaughn Askelson was arrested in October of 2022 and charged with possession of and sharing of child porn. Askelson entered a petition where he pleaded guilty to two counts of possession and the petition lists a three year prison sentence. Sentencing for Askelson is scheduled to take place later this year in Mid August in a Mower County Court.
Three men were arrested by the Rochester Police Department after they reportedly assaulted a man Friday night. The assault took place in the 1400 block of 4th Ave. SE at around 4:45 after the three men attacked a man and broke into his home and pointed a gun at him. Police investigated and located the weapon. One of the three men was arrested on several charges relating to gun possession, and misconduct as well as drug possession. The other two men were arrested and charged with disorderly conduct, 2nd degree riot and 5th degree assault.
Power 96 News Brief 4-14
04/14/2023
The City of Albert Lea will resume working on the new water tower being built in the city. The new tower will be located at the corner of Fountain Street and Newton Avenue. During the construction the public can expect Newton Avenue to be closed off for portions of the construction, but the city hopes to keep it open during the project they believe will be finished by mid July. The tower is being built to meet federal requirements to maintain at least one day of water supply, which is 3.5 million gallons per day in Albert Lea, in case of disasters of other issues that disrupt the city's water service.
A Chicago woman, who has spent years as a fugitive, pleaded guilty to committing bank fraud in 2017 in Rochester. Debra K. Fennell was arrested in 2017 after stealing and using multiple bank cards to steal more that $22,000. Fennell did not show up to her court date in 2017 and was on the run before being arrested in January. Fennell pleaded guilty to three counts of theft by swindle and will severe close to two years in prison and must pay about $15,000 in fines and restitution.
The Freeborn County board of commissioners will meet this coming Tuesday. Among the items on the agenda are reports from various departments such as the auditor-treasurer and the board will hear and consider a resolution to allow for the sale of beer and other alcoholic beverages at the Freeborn Laker Golf Course in the Carlston township as well as in Geneva and the Hickory Hills campground in Nunda township.
The Minnesota House of Representatives advanced a bill that would streamline voter registration and require groups active in state campaigns to disclose more information. The vote was along party lines, The bill would create an automatic voter registration system, let 16 and 17 year olds preregister to vote, set penalties for harassing or intimidating voters and prevent corporations with leadership outside the United States from contributing to political campaigns in Minnesota.
Power 96 News Brief 4-13
04/13/2023
The Albert Lea City Council approved a resolution to enter into an agreement with the construction company Larson Contracting Central LLC. The company will help build an all inclusive playground in Albert Lea. The cost for the playground will be covered by the city donating $300,000, as well as a group that has been fundraising for the playground which has raised about $750,000. The total cost of the playground is an estimated $1.25 million and will include activities not only for physically disables children but also those with autism and other sensory disorders. The playground will be built at Edgewater Park across from the Edgewater Bay Pavilion.
Freeborn County is once again under a burn ban until tonight at 8p.m. The ban is the result of a Red Flag Warning issued by the National Weather Service. The ban comes after unseasonably warm weather has arrived in the area. The ban means no fires are allowed unless they are recreational fires which are contained in a fire ring and measure no bigger than three feet by three feet. All fires must also be at least 25 feet away from any flammable material.
A Rochester man appeared in Olmsted County Court Wednesday on one charge of felon third-degree criminal sexual conduct from November 2021 through October 2-22. David Christopher Meilander of the Care Company in Rochester, allegedly took advantage of a woman in his care and made her perform sexual acts. During the police investigation authorities were told that the victim had visited Meilander's home, a fact that was later confirmed by a neighbor. Meilander later admitted to accusations and his next court appearance is scheduled to take place later this month.
The Minnesota Department of Transportation announced more than 200 construction projects that will help maintain Minnesota's roads, bridges, and transportation infrastructure; improve safety and mobility and support jobs will be worked across the state in 2023. The projects include 171 road and bridge projects. There are also 62 additional projects planned that will improve airports, water ports, railroad crossings, and transit infrastructure.
Power 96 News Brief 4-13
04/13/2023
The Albert Lea City Council approved a resolution to enter into an agreement with the construction company Larson Contracting Central LLC. The company will help build an all inclusive playground in Albert Lea. The cost for the playground will be covered by the city donating $300,000, as well as a group that has been fundraising for the playground which has raised about $750,000. The total cost of the playground is an estimated $1.25 million and will include activities not only for physically disables children but also those with autism and other sensory disorders. The playground will be built at Edgewater Park across from the Edgewater Bay Pavilion.
Freeborn County is once again under a burn ban until tonight at 8p.m. The ban is the result of a Red Flag Warning issued by the National Weather Service. The ban comes after unseasonably warm weather has arrived in the area. The ban means no fires are allowed unless they are recreational fires which are contained in a fire ring and measure no bigger than three feet by three feet. All fires must also be at least 25 feet away from any flammable material.
A Rochester man appeared in Olmsted County Court Wednesday on one charge of felon third-degree criminal sexual conduct from November 2021 through October 2-22. David Christopher Meilander of the Care Company in Rochester, allegedly took advantage of a woman in his care and made her perform sexual acts. During the police investigation authorities were told that the victim had visited Meilander's home, a fact that was later confirmed by a neighbor. Meilander later admitted to accusations and his next court appearance is scheduled to take place later this month.
The Minnesota Department of Transportation announced more than 200 construction projects that will help maintain Minnesota's roads, bridges, and transportation infrastructure; improve safety and mobility and support jobs will be worked across the state in 2023. The projects include 171 road and bridge projects. There are also 62 additional projects planned that will improve airports, water ports, railroad crossings, and transit infrastructure.
Power 96 News Brief 4-12
04/12/2023
Freeborn County, in addition to several other counties in Southeastern Minnesota and parts of Iowa are under a burn ban until 8p.m. tonight. The ban is a result of a Red Flag Warning issued by the National Weather Service. The ban comes after unseasonably warm temperatures have arrived in the area and the ban means no fires are allowed unless they are a recreational fire measuring three feet by three feet in size, are contained inside a fire ring, and are at least 25 feet away from flammable material.
As Minnesota Lawmakers are moving towards the legalization of Marijuana in the state of Minnesota, a coalition of hemp farmers arrived in the State"s capital to voice concerns over new regulations and taxes on hemp products that would be included in the bill. The farmers believe hemp should not be included in the bill. The farmers say taxing the products at the same rate as marijuana is unfair, and that the new regulations are complex and overly burdensome. Currently, there are no special tax on hemp products beyond a sales tax or state licensing structure.
A Rochester man pleaded guilty to charges of threats of violence with a replica firearm and 4th-degree driving while intoxicated. George McIntosh was arrested in January after approaching first responder vehicles with what they thought was a gun. Police also searched McIntosh"s car and found four grams of methamphetamine and other airsoft weapons in the car. McIntosh is scheduled to make a court appearance in early June.
U.S. Representative Angie Craig of Minnesota"s second district joined more than 100 House Democrats on an amicus brief aimed at protecting access to medication abortion following a Texas federal judge"s decision to suspend the U.S. Food and Drug Administration"s approval of mifepristone. Craig said during a speech that she is deeply concerned about the future of the country if attacks on abortion rights continue and she will do everything in her power to protect the fundamental rights of Minnesota women.
Power 96 News Brief 4-11
04/11/2023
The City of Albert Lea will celebrate its fourteenth year as a certified blue zone community, the first Blue Zone's community in the United States. Cathy Malakowsky, community engagement and enrichment director for Albert Lea and Blue Zones project lead, invites the public to attend an event to learn more about Blue Zones. Activities including learning about the history and current efforts of the Blue Zones project. The event will take place Thursday April 13th from noon to 1 p.m. at City Hall, located 221 E. Clark St.
A Rocheseter woman will spend the next five years on probation after a 2022 burglary resulted in the death of an animal. Angela Fawn Spears pleaded guilty to charges of property damage, drug possession, and possession of burglary tools after she broke into an apartment in July of 2022. Spears was originally sentenced to a year and a half in the MN Correctional Facility in Shakopee, but her sentenced was changed to five years of probation. Spears must also serve 50 hours of community service and pay court fines and fees totaling close to $600.
The Albert Lea City Council met last night and approved the reading of three changes to city ordinances. The first ordinance involves the mobile distribution of food and the selling of non food goods on city property. The second ordinance change is about who is able to give massages professionally in the city of Albert Lea and the requirements those individuals must meet. The last change is adding rules to who can serve as a taxi driver in the city.
Rochester Public schools returned to class Tuesday. Students were given the day off Monday as a result of a cyber event that caused the district"s wifi to be shut down. The move came after suspicious activity was noticed on the network last Thursday while students were on spring break. Teachers will fall back to traditional teaching methods on Tuesday, which includes the use of pencil to paper activities and overhead projectors. The district has told teachers to prepare that the outage could last a week or longer.
Power 96 News Brief 4-10
04/10/2023
A Glenville man will spend the next nine years behind bars after being sentenced in a Freeborn County District Court Monday. Charles Carl Yode was sentenced after he pleaded guilty in January to one count of second-degree criminal sexual conduct-significant relationship involving a person under 16. The incidents took place over a three year span. Yode had six other charges dropped as a result of the plea deal. After the nine year in prison Yode will serve ten years of conditional release one he is released from prison. Yode must also pay close to $3400 in restitution and fine totaling $130.
Rochester Public Schools added an extra day to their spring break after reported cyber attacks knocked the district offline unable to access the internet. Supt. Kent Pekel says "unusual activity was detected on the district's technology network" Thursday so the district decided to shut down its network and internet. All extra curricular activities and sports are still scheduled to take place Monday. Classes are scheduled to resume Tuesday with or without access to the internet.
Rochester Police responded to a call about two possible drug overdoses over the weekend. The two men, both in their twenties, were found unconscious by a friend in the 700 block of Woodhaven Ct. NE. Friday night. Both men were still alive and taken to St. Mary's Hospital after being found by police. The condition of the two men is currently unknown. The drug that caused the overdoses is yet to be identified.
U.S. Rep Angie Craig (MN-2) introduced legislation that would ban members of Congress from becoming registered lobbyists after leaving office. The Closing the Congressional Revolving Door Act, would also ensure that former Members do not retain access to the traditional benefits and services available to current Members,such as access to the Members Dining Room or House Floor Privileges.
Power 96 News Brief 4-7
04/07/2023
The City of Albert Lea has announced the Albert Lea Redevelopment Challenge where they hope they can attract a new business or restaurant to a historic building at 132 S. Broadway Ave. The building has existed since 1880. The city not only wants to sell the building but attract new investments to keep revitalizing its historic downtown, the largest of its kind in Minnesota. The winning proposal will receive a grant of $50,000 from the city and a matching $50,000 grant from the Albert Lea Economic Development Agency.
The Albert Lea City Council will meet Monday and consider several ordinance changes to comply with state laws and/or strengthen consumer protection. Changes would include clarifying requirements for mobile food services and other venders who would like to sell non-food items on city property during events. Other ordinance changes include making sure anyone who does massage therapy in the city is licensed by an accredited institution and has liability insurance, as well as allowing the city council to deny a taxi license if a vehicle inspection or driver investigation reveals concerns for public or passenger safety.
A Rochester teen was sentenced to time in prison after he attacked another person with a machete. Jacob George Bale was charged with multiple counts of assault after attacking another person over jewelry in October of 2022 and another case involving a missing girl. Bale was charged with six felonies and three misdemeanors between the two cases and pleaded guilty in January to two counts of second-degree assault with a dangerous weapon. Bale will serve two years and three months in prison, and five years of supervised probation.
Congresswoman Rashida Tlaib, Congresswoman Ilhan Omar and Congressman Jesús García, reintroduced the End Child Poverty Act, which would replace the Child Tax Credit and the child provisions in the Earned Income Tax Credit with a Universal Child Benefit that would provide a payment of $393 per child per month to families. The program would be universal and include no income phase-ins or phase-outs. Children will be automatically enrolled at birth, and every family would receive a monthly payment for every child they are currently caring for up until the age of 18.