Local News

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    Power 96 News Brief 3-28

    03/28/2024

    The City of Albert Lea has changed the location of its Easter egg hunt scheduled for Saturday. The event will now take place at Albert Lea City Arena and is still scheduled from 9 to 11 am. The event will be split into age groups for those ages 11 and younger. The hunt for children ages four and younger will take place from 9-9:30, ages five to seven will be from 9:40 to 10:10 and ages 8-11 will be from 10:20 to 10:50. Attendees are asked to bring baskets or bags and arrive no more than 15 minutes before their time.   

    The Albert Lea Police Department and Freeborn County Sheriff"s Office say they will join the effort being coordinated by the Minnesota Department of Public Safety Office of Traffic Safety. State data says distracted driving in Minnesota has been to blame for 730 serious injuries and 148 deaths since 2019. Almost 30,000 crashes were distracted driving-related from 2019-2023, contributing to one in 11 crashes in the state.

    The Mower County Board of Commissioners passed a resolution requiring a county township to continue maintaining roads that have been at the heart of a back and forth between residents and the township. The development itself is located just east of Austin, branching off of 570th Avenue with 228th and 227th connecting up with 574th Avenue. There are 13 homes along 227th, but none along 228th with only one home off of 572nd Avenue

    A Mower County driver is now in the hospital after a collision in Goodhue County Thursday morning. Barbara Ann Medina-Tiller Adams was driving east on County Road 9 while Mark Thomas McNamara was heading north on Highway 56. According to the State Patrol they crashed in the intersection just after 7:30 Thursday. Both drivers and a passenger in Medina-Tiller"s vehicle, suffered what are described as life-threatening injuries and were taken to area hospitals.

    Power 96 News Brief 3-27

    03/27/2024

    An Albert Lea man already facing charges for murder is once again facing charges this time for criminal sexual conduct. Austin Navarro, who is facing charges related to the death of a two year old last July, was charged once again with one count of fifth-degree criminal sexual conduct-nonconsensual sexual contact after approaching another male inmate and grabbing him below the waist and making several comments. He will appear in court July 23, and is scheduled to appear on the murder charges April 30.

    A Rochester man will now stand trial after pleading not guilty to charges related to child pornography. Ryan Thomas faces three counts of possession of pornographic work involving a minor under 14. Rochester police received multiple tips in July 2021 and February 2022 about possible child sex abuse videos being uploaded to a social media app. Police were able to trace the videos back to Thomas. Police searched his home and found more than 40 images and videos. The trial is set for early October.

    Making threats and leading police on a chase has resulted in felony charges against a Rochester man. Abdulahi Abukar faces several charges including first-degree burglary and robbery, second-degree assault, fleeing a peace officer in a motor vehicle and DWI after police were called to the 900 block of 4th Street SE at around 1:25p.m. Tuesday after Abukar had forced his way into a residence and yelling threats before he left. Police went to a place in the 400 block of 10th Avenue SW and arrested him.

    A Rochester man faces charges after being caught with a gun at around 2:00 Wednesday morning. Police responded to Kathy"s Pub after bar staff spotted a man with a gun in his waistband and followed the suspect Costin Tita before losing him during a chase where he allegedly dropped a BB gun. Police searched the area of the 700 block of 9th street SE before finding Tita hiding in a garage and eventually convinced him to exit the garage. The Rochester police chief is referring charges that include fleeing a peace officer, 2nd-degree DWI–refuses to test, and 2nd-degree burglary.   

    Power 96 News Brief 3-26

    03/26/2024

    During their meeting Monday the Albert Lea City Council approved the purchase of three properties located at 821 Jefferson Ave., 917 S. Broadway Ave. and 122 S. Ermina Ave. The City says that they will repair the Jefferson address and the other two are likely to be demolished. The City also voted 4-2 to move forward with the preparation of plans for the city"s downtown alley reconstruction project this summer. The $275,000 project includes alleys between Elizabeth and Newton avenues, and from Clark to College street.

    Albert Lea Recreation will be hosting an Easter Egg Hunt at Central Park, on Saturday from 9 to 11 a.m. for those ages 11 and under. The hunt will be divided into age groups. Ages 4 and younger will be from 9 - 9:30. Ages 5-7 will be at 9:40 -10:10 a.m. Ages 8-11 will be 10:20 - 10:50 a.m. Please bring baskets or bags for collecting eggs, and arrive no more than 15 minutes before your child"s age slot to avoid overcrowding. Eggs will be filled with sweet treats and prizes, including passes to the Albert Lea Aquatic Center. The Easter Bunny will make a special appearance as well.

    Glenville-Emmons Schools are on spring break earlier than anticipated. The district decided to close schools this week due to leaks caused by the winter weather this past weekend. The weather caused several leaks in the roof of the high school and with more weather expected this week they made the decision to start spring break early. Students are currently scheduled to return to the class room on April 2nd.

    A Rochester man will now spend time behind bars after pleading guilty to drug related crimes. Jerry Montanez-Figueroa, pleaded guilty to third degree drug possession after he was pulled over as a passenger in a car in 2020. Police searched the car and found 58.10 grams of methamphetamine, 43.01 grams of marijuana, two stolen license plates, a digital scale with white residue on it, two .40 caliber bullets, and four shotgun shells. The driver of the car has a warrant out for his arrest. Montanez-Figueroa will spend close to six years in prison.   

    Power 96 News Brief 3-25

    03/25/2024

    The Albert Lea City Council will continue a public hearing on repaving several downtown alleys. The $275,000 project includes alleys between Elizabeth and Newton avenues, and from Clark to College street.Also Monday, the council will vote on purchasing three properties with unpaid taxes for $1 each: 821 Jefferson Ave., 917 S. Broadway Ave. and 122 Ermina Ave. S. The city would like to purchase the properties to remedy their blighted conditions.

    A Rochester man was revived after a drug overdose early Monday. According to The Rochester Police Department an individual found a man unconscious under a bridge on 4th Street at around 3:15 am. Monday morning. Officers were called to the scene and gave the man two doses of Narcan. Police say the man, who is believed to be homeless, regained consciousness and was taken to St. Mary's Hospital to be checked out.

    The Albert Lea wastewater treatment plant was recognized for its "outstanding" operations by the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency To receive this recognition, facilities must demonstrate consistent compliance with monitoring, operations, and maintenance requirements; submit accurate, on-time reports to the MPCA; and employ staff certified by the MPCA in wastewater operations. The wastewater treatment staff cleans up an average of 4 million gallons of wastewater a day before discharging it to the Shell Rock River.

    Two people are in the hospital after a crash in North Iowa. The Cerro Gordo County Sheriff's Office says Frederick Giles was driving south on Thrush Avenue around 8:30 am when he lost control in snow and ice near 290th Street and his vehicle rolled over, landed on its wheels and went into a ditch.The Sheriff's Office says Frederick Giles and a passenger, Ruby Giles, complained of minor pain and were taken to MercyOne North Iowa Medical Center to be examined.

    Power 96 News Brief 3-22

    03/22/2024

    The Freeborn County Historical Museum, Library and Village has announced today that the nonprofit received a three-month $10,000 challenge grant from anonymous donors. The grant will match dollar-for-dollar all donations from supporter"s March 1 through May 30. Donations can be made online, by calling the museum with your credit card, on Venmo, by USPS, or by stopping in the museum Wednesday and Friday, 10:00 am to 4:00 pm or Thursday, 10:00 am to 8:00 pm.

    Winter road conditions have resulted in three children being injured after a vehicle rolled over on I-35 Friday morning. The crash occurred near milepost two at around midnight when a southbound vehicle collided with the median cable barrier and rolled into the left lane of northbound 35. The children ages 12, six, and less than a year old were taken to the Mayo Clinic Health System in Albert Lea where their injuries have been deemed to be non life-threatening. The driver and the passenger were not injured.

    A crash in Freeborn County has resulted in a potentially fatal crash involving a North Iowa man. The crash occurred on I-90 near mile marker 154 in Manchester at around 8:10 Thursday night. The driver of a pick up truck collided with a Semite truck. The driver of the Semi truck Melisa Keiser was taken to the Mayo Clinic Health System Albert Lea for treatment of injuries deemed to be non life threatening. The condition and identity of the pick up truck driver is not currently known. Police say road conditions were snowy at the time of the crash.

    A Rochester man appeared in court on Thursday on charges related to child pornography. Graeme Campbell faces three counts of possession of child pornography–minor under 14 after a Rochester police detective received a Twitter data tip allegedly pointing to Campbell. A search of multiple cell phones resulted in police finding over 150 pieces of child pornography involving children. Campbell told police he had received the material from facebook and other sites. Campbell will next be in court in late April.    

    Power 96 News Brief 3-21

    03/21/2024

    A Garage in Rochester has been destroyed after catching fire on Wednesday night. Fire Crews were called to 208 9 ½ Street SE at around midnight. They arrived to find a single-stall detached garage being consumed by flames. Efforts to extinguish the fire began immediately. No one was injured as a result of the fire, but the garage and its contents are considered a total loss. The cause of the fire has not been determined.

    US Senators Tina Smith and Amy Klobuchar are working on several Southern Minnesota projects through a recent government funding bill. This includes improvements in Rochester and Albert Lea. These projects are from the Congressional Designated funding. In Rochester $1.2 million is going towards a roundabout on 4th street and road bridges over highway 14. In Albert Lea $1 million will go towards improvements to a wastewater treatment facility to replace septic tanks deemed as a great public health risk to the community.

    Winter weather is on the way and Freeborn County and some surrounding counties are under alert. The warning will go into effect for Rice, Goodhue, Steele and Freeborn Counties starting at Thursday night at 10pm and will be in effect until 10 am Friday morning. Snow totals are estimated to be anywhere from two to four inches. Mower County is also under alert as well and is expected to see anywhere from two to four inches of snow.

    The Minnesota Fire Marshall is investigating a fire that damaged a Motel in Mower County. The Austin Fire Department was dispatched to a call for smoke in a room at the Sterling Motel at around 2:40 p.m. Wednesday. Firefighters arrived and smoke was seen coming from a room. The fire was extinguished and the room was ventilated along with adjacent rooms that were smoke filled. The Austin Fire Chief says he believes that smoking caused the fire. Estimated total damages from the fire are $28,000. $20,000 to the structure and $8,000 to the contents.

    Power 96 News Brief 3-20

    03/20/2024

    Rochester fire crews responded to an apartment fire early Wednesday morning. The Rochester Fire Department responded to what it is calling a major fire at the Meadow Park Apartments. The fire took place on the third floor of the building, and the Rochester Fire Department says they"ve extinguished the flames. The RFD also says that, as of now, there are no significant injuries, but did say that a number of occupants will be displaced as a result of the blaze.

    The Austin City Council on Monday, moved out of the work session a plan to pay for a 10-unit T-hangar at the Austin Municipal Airport that would make use of entitlement funding alongside other avenues of funding. The city is currently receiving bids on the hangar and the City Engineer said he would be bringing those bids to council in April. The project itself is estimated to cost just over $2.4 million dollars, with funding for the project breaking down to 5% local, 5% state and 90% federal. The largest chunk would come through funding from federal sources at around $2.2 million.

    A collision in Mower County resulted in a woman being sent to the hospital. The collision occurred just after 10:30 on Tuesday morning when a 2017 Chevy Silverado driven by Lawrence Roger Conrad was eastbound and a 2021 Dodge Durango driven by Tammy Maxine Hovey, 36 was heading north when they crashed at the intersection of Highway 63 and Main Street East in Racine. Hovey sustained injuries deemed to be non life threatening. Conrad was not injured.

    SEIU Healthcare Minnesota & Iowa members who work at Mayo Hospital - Rochester Methodist Campus has ratified their wage opener bargaining agreement, with ballots counted Tuesday evening showing 95% of those voting cast ballots in support of the deal.The agreement immediately goes into effect, retroactive to February 1. The agreement comes after an informational picket where hundreds of workers and community supporters spoke out in support of a wage increase for workers.

               

    Power 96 News Brief 3-19

    03/19/2024

    The Albert Lea Police Department reports that the local crime rate continues to decline with a decrease of 2 percent from 2022 to 2023, The overall rate decreased despite the reports of more serious crimes increasing by 11 percent. More serious crimes include larceny-theft, burglary, motor vehicle theft and aggravated assault. That increase was offset by an 8 percent decrease in less serious types of crime such as vandalism, simple assaults, driving under the influence and fraud. Larceny-theft was the most reported crime with 289 actual offenses in 2023, followed by vandalism with 146 actual offenses.

    An Austin man will now be sentenced after child sex crimes. James Ray Watkins was charged in September 2023 with second-degree criminal sexual conduct and distributing material related to sexual conduct to a child. Watkins initially pleaded not guilty and his trial was set to begin Monday, but he decided to plead guilty to one count of second-degree criminal sexual conduct. Watkins is now scheduled to be sentenced on June 6 in Mower County District Court.

    A crash in Rochester Monday night has resulted in one person being sent to the hospital. The crash occurred around 10:15 pm at the intersection of 12th Street SE and Marion Road SE. Officers say a westbound Mitsubishi Galant turned left to go south on Marion Road and crashed with an eastbound Ford Taurus. The Galant had a driver and two passengers. One of the passengers suffered life threatening injuries. The incident is still under investigation.

    A Rochester teen has been sentenced after pleading guilty to charges for his role in gun fire near a bowling alley. Lebron Giwa pleaded guilty to second-degree assault with a dangerous weapon. Giwa and another teen were both arrested for gunfire in the 2800 block of Northern Valley Drive near Bowlocity. Police say six people had been shot earlier that day. Police found bullet holes and shell casings at the scene. Giwa has been ordered to spend five years on supervised probation and perform 100 hours of community work service. He must also serve prison time.

               

    Power 96 News Brief 3-18

    03/18/2024

    The Albert Lea School Board will meet Monday night. The board will hear from several members of the board including the Superintendent, teachers, and members of the student board. The board will also approve appointments to various positions in the school district, as well as requests for leaves of absence and resignations from members of the school system. The system will also set the requirements for students to graduate.

    Smuggling drugs into the state will send two men to a decade in prison. Savontray Orlando Dwayne Collins and his cousin Cortez Ananias Williams have now both been sentenced to prison for possession of fentanyl and cocaine with intent to distribute. The sentence comes after the two men were caught smuggling drugs from California multiple times each trip would result in the duo bringing anywhere from 50 to 100,000 fentanyl pills into the state. Both men pleaded guilty to one count of possession with intent to distribute fentanyl and cocaine.

    A Rochester man was arrested over the weekend after he assaulted a man at a bar. Xavier Abreu-Vasquez has been booked into the Olmsted County Adult Detention Center for third-degree assault after police were called to Los Jarritos Café on 17th Avenue NW around 1:00 Sunday morning. Investigators say a man was punched in the face, fell to the ground where the assault continued. The man was taken to St Marys with severe injuries that were deemed to be non life threatening. The investigation in the case is ongoing.

    The Southern Minnesota Regional Medical Examiner"s Office has now identified a body that was found on Friday. The woman was identified as Alice Dobmeier from Rochester. The Rochester Police department says the medical exam determined that there was no sign of trauma to the body. Rochester police investigated and say there is also no sign of foul play being responsible for Dobmeier"s death. Dobmeier was last seen on March 3rd leaving her home and reported missing on March 6th.   

               

    Power 96 News Brief 3-15

    03/15/2024

    Minnesota Governor Tim Walz officially signed into law a bill clarifying use-of-force standards for school resource officers, a bipartisan fix to a law change last year that prompted many police departments to pull their officers from school districts. The new bipartisan approved bill carves out school resource officers from those recent regulations on holds and restraints of students. SROs still have to follow other laws governing police conduct, including a ban on chokeholds except in narrow circumstances. School staff are still subject to the rules outlined last year.

    A Semi Truck caught fire in Rochester Thursday night. The truck caught fire near 16 Street Southwest in Rochester. The front end of the vehicle appeared to be engulfed in flames when responders arrived at the scene. The cargo hold of the truck was vacated. Rochester Police at the scene confirmed there were no injuries from the fire and the truck sustained damage. The Rochester Fire Department is investigating the cause of the fire.

    The City of Austin will host an informational meeting for I-90 bridge and interchange projects in Austin.The meeting will take place at the Austin Public Library, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. on March 27.The meeting will be drop-in style, with no formal presentation. The public is invited to ask questions, sign up to receive updates and leave at their convenience.The meeting will discuss projects scheduled to take place from 2024 to 2026. The project aims to connect population centers within the Austin area, with construction planned to begin in April 2024.

    A Minneapolis man has been found guilty of two charges filed in connection to the fentanyl overdose of his 7-year-old son. On Thursday Nelson Randolph III was found guilty of second-degree murder and second-degree manslaughter.Randolph was charged with one count of second-degree murder and one charge of second-degree manslaughter on June 9, A criminal complaint states Randolph"s son and daughter were dropped off at his home on Aug. 16, 2022. The following morning, police and medics were called to his home after his son was found unresponsive. The boy was pronounced dead at the scene.

               

    Power 96 News Brief 3-14

    03/14/2024

    Freeborn County is adding more housing for senior citizens. St. John's Lutheran Community is set to open board and lodging rooms for fixed-income seniors at its Luther Place campus as part of the new St. John's Guest House. The housing will be added from converting twelve unused rooms These rooms will be reserved for people ages 62 and older with financial and health needs. The 12 rooms are expected to be ready by April 1st. The group house is working with the county to find residents who would be a good fit for the housing.

    The Social Media Company Meta will be building a new data center in Minnesota. The $800 million, 715,000-square-foot data center will be built in Rosemount, supporting approximately 100 operational jobs and at least 1,000 skilled trade jobs at peak construction. The state says the project will contribute millions in tax revenue through local property taxes, fees, and other indirect revenue streams. The Center will be supported by 100% renewable energy, and Meta will work with partners to add new renewable energy resources to the grid.

    A Burnsville woman now faces criminal charges for providing guns to the man who gunned down three first responders last month in Burnsville. Ashley Anne Dyrdahl has been federally indicted on five charges of straw purchasing, five counts of making false statements during a gun purchase and one count of conspiracy. Dyrdahl is turning herself in and is scheduled to have a first court appearance that afternoon.

    Rochester Fire Crews responded to a vehicle fire Wednesday afternoon. The fire occurred at 37th Street in Rochester. Rochester Fire crews arrived to find fire coming from the engine compartment of the vehicle. They were able to put the fire out. A spokesperson for the Rochester Fire Department said one person was evaluated by Mayo Clinic Ambulance for injuries from the fire, but the individual was not taken to the hospital for injuries from the fire.

               

    Power 96 News Brief 3-13

    03/13/2024

    An Albert Lea man will now spend time behind bars after being found guilty on several counts related to the shooting of a murder in 2022. Ben Vidal Moreno,will be sentenced on May 30 for second-degree murder, attempted second-degree murder, and two counts of illegal possession of a firearm. Prosecutors said Moreno shot and killed Juan Vasquez Jr. in August 2022 in the 7500 block of 160th Street in Albert Lea when Moreno fired a shotgun at an SUV with Vasquez and another man inside. Vasquez had a handgun in his pocket but did not pull it out before Moreno shot him in the chest and killed him.

    A Rochester woman was arrested after she entered St. Mary's emergency department with a knife to her own throat. Siara Pries allegedly threatened to harm herself and others, which caused the hospital to go into lockdown. Police say Pries was subdued and arrested. Pries faces felony charges of assault against the hospital security guards who tried to disarm her. Police say the incident happened around 8:30 pm Tuesday night.

    A Rochester man has pleaded guilty to charges related to child pornography. Patrick John Gora has pleaded guilty to possession of pornographic work of someone under 13. The Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension received two tips in April 2021 of child sexual abuse materials being uploaded to a social networking platform with an IP address and phone number connected to the images were traced back to Gora. Gora admitted having a cell phone hidden in his basement and two images of child pornography were found. Gora has been sentenced to five years of supervised probation and 100 hours of community work service.

    A bill to put School Resource Officers back in schools is one small step away from Governor Tim Walz"s desk after a conference committee issued its report on Tuesday. The bill will now return to the Senate and House Floors for a final vote.The conference committee was tasked with deciding between the House and Senate versions of the bill. While the Senate voted on the House Bill"s language, they also introduced an amendment that would have allowed School Resource Officers to use force “to prevent theft, damage, or destruction of property.” Governor Walz has indicated he intends to sign the bill when it reaches his desk.          

    Power 96 News Brief 3-12

    03/12/2024

    During their meeting Monday the Albert Lea City Council approved new amended ordinances. One ordinance clarifies where an RV can be parked on a property stating an RV is permitted outside within the front yard setback on a hard-surfaced driveway or a hard-surfaced pad adjacent to the driveway as long as space is not available in the side yard behind the required front yard or there is not reasonable access to either the side or rear yard, inside parking is not possible and the recreational vehicle is parked perpendicular to the front roadway and is parked at least 15 feet from the back of the curb. One of the ordinances dealing with warehouse and storage personalized storage or mini warehousing design standards it also clarifies the type of warehouse allowed and the standards that would apply. It also clarifies things like building materials and screening requirements. Another states fences cannot be more than 6 feet tall in any side yard or rear yard and can be 4 feet in the front yard if over 90 percent is see-through such as welded wire or chain-link.

    A Rochester woman has been sentenced to time behind bars after trying to run over a man in February 2023. Jolene Schultz pleaded guilty to one count of 2nd-degree assault with a dangerous weapon in exchange for the dismissal of a charge of 2nd-degree assault-substantial bodily harm and two charges of domestic assault. The victim told police he tried to jump out of the way of the car, but was struck by her car. He said the car ran over the lower half of his body, and broke his ankle. Schultz will spend 18 months behind bars.

    The Minnesota Senate voted to pass HF3489, a bill to clarify the role of school resource officers in schools, on a vote of 57-9 Monday afternoon. The bill was seen as a fix to an unclear piece of legislation from the 2023 legislative session. The language in the 2023 law led several departments to pull school resource officers from school districts across the state. The bill will now head to a committee after amendments were added by the state senate.         

    Power 96 News Brief 3-11

    03/11/2024

    The Albert Lea Hockey association has made a generous donation to help with renovations to Albert Lea City Arena. The Association has announced it will donate $250,000 to help expand the lobby at City Arena. The city is proposing to expand the lobby by 1,000 square feet due to crowding and security concerns. Added features will include a ticket booth, family restroom and walk-up service window for the Rec Department.The lobby is part of a larger proposal to maintain and enhance the City Arena, Marion Ross Theater and Aquatic Center, along with restrooms near the Splash Pad downtown.

    The Albert Lea City Council will meet Monday and they have several items on the agenda. The council will hold a public hearing on replacing the pavement of several downtown alleys. The $275,000 project includes alleys between Elizabeth and Newton avenues, and from Clark to College street.As part of the Greenwood Drive project, the council will consider designating the east side as no parking in order to qualify for state funding. The road must be narrower to meet state requirements and to allow a sidewalk on the west side. The meeting will start at 7:00

    The Albert Lea School District now has a new principle. It was announced Friday Kristi Kenis was offered and accepted the position as Sibley Elementary School principal. Kenis has served as interim principal at the school since October when former Principal Nicky Severtson transitioned to assistant principal at Albert Lea High School. Kenis has more than 24 years of experience as a teacher and administrator, starting as a special education teacher at Sibley at the beginning of her career.

    A Rochester man will now spend time behind bars after he was stopped by police. The incident occurred at around 9:15 Saturday when Joseph Rabe was driving 106 mph in a 55 mph zone near 7100 block of College View Rd. E. Police tried to pull him over but Rabe didn't stop. Police later found Rabe"s vehicle crashed at a round about and he ran from the scene. Rabe was first taken to Mayo Clinic Hospital, Saint Marys Campus before being booked into the Olmsted County Adult Detention Center.He"s being held on suspicion of DWI, speeding, and fleeing in a motor vehicle.     

    Power 96 News Brief 3-8

    03/08/2024

    The City of Albert Lea will receive $1 million from the state of Minnesota that will be used for the WasteWater Treatment plant. The funding will go toward updating the infrastructure at the wastewater treatment plant to support local food producers while maintaining the city"s high standards for environmental protection. Senators Klobuchar and Smith requested the funding along with U.S. Representative Brad Finstad. The bill now goes to the Senate for final passage.

    A Freeborn County Judge has denied the motion for dismissal from the lawyer of Ben Moreno, the man who is facing murder charges. Moreno faces five counts, including two counts of second-degree murder in the death of Juan Vasquez Jr., one count of attempted second-degree murder of Marco Posada, who was with Vasquez that day, and two counts of ineligible possession of a firearm. Judge Christy Hormann says she did not think evidence presented rose to the level of something to declare a mistrial.

    An Olmsted County crash has sent a Wisconsin teenager to the hospital. The crash occurred at around 8:15 Thursday night when he collided with the concrete barrier on White Bridge Road NW and rolled over. According to a witness the teenager took the exit ramp from Highway 52 and was heading toward the right-turn lane, then crossed to go left over the bridge at the last moment and crashed. Alcohol was not a factor and he was transported by mayo one helicopter.

    Kasson-Mantorville High School students received an email Friday morning saying it is ok to return to school Friday after an alleged threat was made against the school on Thursday. The principal of the school was made aware of a statement about a potential threat at around 8:30 Thursday night.The letter continues on to say that the student who had allegedly made the comments has been kept home, and that students are safe to return to school on Friday.No information has been released about the contents of the concerning statements.   

    Power 96 News Brief 3-7

    03/07/2024

    A Rochester man faces several charges after he reportedly assaulted another man. Charles Tewes is accused of repeatedly attempting to use a power drill to seal another man"s door with screws. Once the resident confronted Tewes tried to stab the man in the neck and chest with the drill, Tewes now faces multiple charges of 1st-degree burglary assault person on property; 1st-degree burglary–occupied dwelling; and 5th-degree assault-fear of bodily harm or death. Tewes" next court appearance is scheduled for March 19.

    A Stewratville woman has pleaded guilty to an amended charge of second-degree manslaughter after authorities arrested her in connection to a fatal overdose that occurred in October 2023. Shannon Brown pleaded guilty to the charges after police received a call of a deceased person found in a home and An autopsy was performed by the Southeast Regional Medical Examiner"s Office. The cause of death report indicated the cause of Janvrin"s death was the toxic effects of fentanyl and methamphetamine. Brown will be sentenced in late may.

    Minnesota's new Office of Cannabis Management is backing a bill that would make tweaks to the sweeping law legalizing marijuana last year, which include authorizing a select number of temporary business licenses to ensure market launch early next year. The Legislation does not specify when the application process would begin and when the licenses would become available, but interim cannabis chief Charlene Briner last month during an informational webinar said the goal is by this summer. The proposal would also eliminate three of the medical cannabis-specific licenses available under current law.

    Traffic came to a stand still during a crash near Rochester Thursday morning. Responders were called to a crash that occurred at the exit ramp to Highway 52 North and Civic Center Drive in Rochester, just before 10:00 a.m. Thursday morning. Emergency personnel were attending to the minivan that had sustained damage to both the front and front passenger side. No information is available yet on the conditions of those involved in the crash.   

    Power 96 News Brief 3-6

    03/06/2024

    Albert Lea Fire Rescue responded to a fire Tuesday. The fire was located at 1331 Louis street at around 6:15 and a neighbor made the call about the home catching fire. Crews arrived to find a garage engulfed in flames which were quickly extinguished. The cause of the fire is currently not known. Damage occurred to the garage, primary residence, and to both neighbors" homes and garages. Damages are estimated at $50,000. There were no injuries reported.

    Residents of an Albert Lea apartment complex are growing frustrated due to the elevator in the building repeatedly breaking down. Many residents say management has sent someone to repair the elevator several times since Feb. 26, but residents also say those repairs aren"t cutting it and the real problem is being kicked down the road. Since repairs were made last week, a noise has been heard throughout the building, only making tenants' concerns worse. Management of the building says the elevator is safe.

    During a meeting Tuesday the Freeborn County Board of Commissioners approved entering into an agreement with consultant HDR Inc. for work to develop the first phase of the paved multi-use trail on the former Union Pacific Railroad line. The Albert Lea City Council at its last meeting approved a 50/50 cost share with the county for the consultant up to $150,000 for each entity. HDR"s proposal in late December gave an estimated fee of about $265,000, and the board on Tuesday approved a not-to-exceed fee of $300,000.

    A Rochester Therapist will now spend time behind bars after pleading guilty sexually abusing a client. Mandy Erin Hyland was arrested in July 2023, after a former patient told police that she had begun a sexual relationship with him while treating him then refused to let him cut off contact. Hyland was ordered to report to the MN Correctional Facility in Shakopee March 5, with credit for 28 days served in the Olmsted County ADC.She was also sentenced to 10 years" probation after release, and ordered to register as a predatory offender. She will spend 4 years behind bars.

    Power 96 News Brief 3-5

    03/05/2024

    The Albert Lea Police department is asking residents to be careful about a scam call. Police were made aware of the scam after a resident reported a call claiming to be from a government agency and that their credit card was being used and the way to solve it was to withdraw $30,000 out of their bank account and put it in 'crypto'. Police say this is a common fraud scheme called spoofing and legitimate government agencies will never call you to collect money.

    An Austin man facing multiple charges appeared in Mower County Court Monday. Michael Pittman faces multiple charges related to an incident that dates back to November of last year and that includes felony fleeing a peace officer in a motor vehicle and felony fifth degree drug possession. Police say Pittman led them on a chase where speeds reached 90 miles an hour. Police searched Pittmans car and found several bags of pills. Pittman also ran when police used a warrant. He will appear in court in mid march.

    Rochester Mayo High School raised money for a women's shelter in the city. The event was part of an annual effort, now in its tenth year, where students get involved with the Give One For All campaign. The money will go to the Women"s Shelter and Support Center. This year's total broke the previous raising record after raising more than $28,000 this year.The women"s shelter says the money will be used to enhance programs, advocacy and legal support for those at the shelter.

    A Rochester man faces jail time after Police searched a home for narcotics. Darnell Jones was arrested after law enforcement searched a residence in the 600 block of Germain St. SE, Rochester. Police found what they believe are 400 fentanyl pills. long with drug paraphernalia and a handgun stolen from Albert Lea.Jones faces recommended charges of 1st-degree controlled substance possession and sale, as well as felon in possession of a firearm.

    Power 96 News Brief 3-4

    03/04/2024

    An Albert Lea man will now stand trial for his role in a garage fire. Kolten Lee Wright entered a guilty plea to aiding and abetting first-degree arson. Police say Wright along with a juvenile used lighter set fire to a garage in the 800 block of Garfield Avenue this past October. Hailey Merrill has already pleaded guilty to aiding and abetting second-degree arson for acting as a lookout. Kaden Ashenfelter has pleaded not guilty to aiding and abetting first-degree arson and will stand trial later this month. Wright will stand trial in May

    The Albert Lea School Board is scheduled to meet this week. On the agenda for the board is a discussion on a resolution that will state that the City of Albert Lea has support from the Albert Lea school board in favor of the referendum that will allow for funds to be used to help with various recreational and athletic facilities around the city including City Arena, the aquatic center, and the Marion Ross Performing Arts Center. The vote on the referendum is scheduled for next month.

    The City of Albert Lea invites the community to learn more about the upcoming rec facilities referendum at an open house this Thursday, March 7, at the City Arena from 5 – 7 p.m. The open will include a free public skate, presentations and arena tours. Albert Lea voters will decide in a referendum on April 9 whether to authorize the city borrowing nearly 10 million for the betterment of the City Arena, Aquatic Center, and Marion Ross Performing Arts Center, along with building public restrooms near the Splash Pad downtown.

    The Freeborn County Board of Commissioners will meet this week. On the agenda for the board is hearing from multiple departments in Freeborn County including the department of environmental services, the department of the highway, and the county administrator and the county commissioner. The board will also discuss and consider a resolution which will approve consulting services for a paved multi use trail in cooperation with the City of Albert Lea

    Power 96 News Brief 3-1

    03/01/2024

    The third and final person involved in a brawl that resulted in a man having his skull fractured has been sentenced. The brawl occurred in February in a parking lot located on North Broadway ave. Spencer Adam Edwards pleaded guilty in September to one count of second-degree riot, a gross misdemeanor. Edwards has spent 222 days in jail since his arrest and he will not spend more prison time. The two others involved in the crime were sentenced to probation and served jail time.

    The Freeborn County Board of Commissioners will meet this coming Tuesday. During the meeting the board will hear from multiple Freeborn County departments including the department of environmental services and the highway. The board will also hear from the County Administrator. The board will consider a resolution approving consulting services for a paved multi-use trail in cooperation with the city of Albert Lea.

    An Austin man will now spend time behind bars after breaking into a home in 2020. Jordan Travis pleaded guilty to first-degree burglary and fourth-degree assault. Four other criminal charges were dismissed as part of a plea deal. Travis was charged after reportedly entering an elderly woman"s apartment in the Twin Towers on 1st Avenue SE in Austin on August 4, 2020. Travis reportedly threw furniture, knocked down a picture in her bedroom, and slammed into the walls before grabbing her by the throat. Travis will spend seven years in prison, with credit for 461 days already served.

    A Mower County man was injured after a collision in Southern Minnesota. Corey Lee Stewart was driving a Peterbilt semi west on Highway 60 and Iryna Kozachuck was trying to drive a Freightliner semi across Highway 60 at mile marker 73 when the two vehicles collided at around 8:30 Thursday night. Stewart suffered injuries that have been deemed to be non life threatening and was taken to St. James Hospital for treatment. Kozachuk avoided injury in the accident.

    Power 96 News Brief 2-28

    02/28/2024

    A crash in Mower County has sent multiple people to the hospital. The crash occurred at around 2:00 on Wednesday morning when a 2020 Chevrolet Express 3500 was driving east on Interstate 90, lost control on ice near mile marker 198, and rolled. Aaron Gomez, 45, Floribarto Lopez, 35, and Jose Manuel Lopez, 32, all suffered non-life threatening injuries and were taken to St. Mary's Hospital in Rochester for treatment. The driver Esteban Gonzalez Gomez was not hurt.

    A Rochester man will now face drug charges after police searched his home Monday. The Olmsted County Sheriff"s Office and SE MN Violent Crime Enforcement Team served a knock-and-announce warrant for Dennis Siggers in the 3900 block of 18th Avenue NW at about 5 p.m. Feb. 26. deputies found a brick of presumptive cocaine and referred charges of 1st-degree drug possession and drug sales. Sigger has not been arraigned on charges yet.

    A public memorial service is being held Wednesday for the two police officers Paul Elmstrand and Matthew Ruge, as well as the paramedic and firefighter Adam Finseth who were shot and killed during a domestic call that the trio responded to earlier this month. The service is being held at Grace Church in Eden Prairie Minnesota and it will feature speakers and scripture readings for each of the three men who lost their lives.

    An Iowa man will take a plea deal in a drug case. Andrew Cade Greeley of Riceville pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute marijuana and enticing a minor. Greeley provided marijuana to an underage victim in April 2023 and tried to entice his victim into a sexual situation. Investigators say the victim was able to stop the physical contact. Greeley now scheduled to be sentenced on April 23.

    Power 96 News Brief 2-27

    02/27/2024

    An Albert Lea man is being recognized for his heroics after saving the life of another. Danny Martinez was presented a Lifesaving Award Monday in front of the Albert Lea City Council for saving the life of Robert Scrabeck who fell to the ground and then turned blue, and Martinez immediately began applying chest compressions. Albert Lea Police Department Sgt. Steve Charboneau who presented the medal said “this award is a testament to the individuals we have in our community and the care that they have for each other”

    A Mower County man will now be sentenced after posting personal images online. Jacob Cano pleaded guilty to two counts of nonconsensual dissemination of private sexual images. Cano posted sexual images sent to him from an ex-girlfriend to a Reddit account after the two of them ended the relationship using the victims name and posted a quote saying “if you follow me I"ll make it worth it.” Cano will be sentenced in late April.

    Rochester police are investigating an attempted break into an home Monday. Police say damage was done to a front door of a home located in the 200 block of 10 ½ street southeast Rochester and it occurred at sometime between 7:45 and 5:45 Monday. The resident of the home was at the scene and said it was like someone was trying to break into the home. Investigators say it doesn't seem like anyone successfully entered the home and nothing has been reported as missing or stolen.

    A Stewartville man will now spend time behind bars after pleading guilty to multiple charges. James Kenyon was arrested by the Olmsted County Sheriff"s Office three times in three months and he pleaded guilty to motor vehicle theft and two counts of felon in possession of a firearm in December of 2023. Keyon was sentenced to a total of 60 months at the MN Correctional Facility in Stillwater and he will receive credit for 84 days spent in the Olmsted county adult detention center.

    Power 96 News Brief 2-26

    02/26/2024

    The Albert Lea City Council will meet Monday. The City will hold public hearings on several street projects, and then vote on whether to proceed, including decisions that impact parking on Marshall Street and a sidewalk on Seventh Street. Other street projects on the agenda include the Fairlane Terrace area, Greenwood Drive and Winter Avenue. The council will also consider changes to several ordinances, including an overhaul of sign regulations. The proposed sign ordinance is simpler yet more comprehensive.

    The Albert Lea City Council will meet Monday during the meeting The council will consider partnering with Freeborn County to hire an engineering firm to do the construction design, environmental review and grant-writing for a new paved trail along the former UP rail line. The contract would cost up to $300,000, with the city and county each paying up to $150,000. This trail would run from Front Street to Hartland eventually, but the first phase would focus on Front Street to Shoff Park, across Highway 13 and to I-90 and perhaps to Manchester.

    A Rochester man will stand trial for two murders after pleading not guilty to charges from both cases. Idris Haji-Mohamed pleaded not guilty to a charge of second degree murder. Police believe Mohomed shot and killed Jeremy Ellis during a drug deal this past December after Ellis was found in a running car in Hennepin County. Haji-Mohamed is scheduled to stand trial in April. He will also stand trial for the murder of a man in 2021 and pleaded not guilty to charges in that case as well with no trial date set.

    The City of Rochester will hold a public vigil for the firefighter who lost his life in Burnsville Minnesota during a domestic incident. The vigil will be for Adam Finseth, a Rochester Native and John Marshall graduate. The Rochester Fire Department says the vigil will include a tribute from the Rochester Fire Department Honor Guard, military honors, a bell ceremony, and speakers to include local officials, firefighters, and friends of the Finseth family.It will start at 6:30 pm Tuesday at the church at 4240 18th Avenue NW

    Power 96 News Brief 2-16

    02/16/2024

    An Albert Lea man faces drug charges after he received a pound of cocaine in the mail. Juan Manuel Mendez had the cocaine delivered to his address by an undercover informant. The agent obtained a search warrant for the house and assisted in removing three of four smaller packages containing cocaine within the larger cardboard package. The Freeborn County District Court Judge set unconditional bail at $150,000 and conditional bail at $25,000. Mendez is next slated to appear in court Feb. 29.

    Selling drugs in Mower County will send a Rochester man to prison. Tremond Dwayne Brooks pleaded guilty to one count of second-degree drug sales after selling fentanyl on two occasions in October 2022 to a confidential informant. The first sale involved 9.2 grams of the drug and the second involved 11.9 grams. He was then pulled over for a traffic violation and police found a handgun he was ineligible to possess. Brooks has been sentenced to serve five years of supervised probation and fined $200

    The Freeborn County Board of Commissioners will meet Tuesday. On the agenda for the board will be hearing from many departments in Freeborn County. One of the resolutions that will be discussed during the board meeting will be a resolution to accept a grant of $7500 from the USPCA k-9 that will be used for the K-9 unit. The board will also consider a resolution to approve a 2024 Tobacco license for specified applicants.

    A shooting in Mankato Thursday has led to Police executing a search warrant. The area targeted by the warrant is the area of North 5th Street and Plum Street after a shooting. Police received a call of a shooting on Walnut street at around 5:00 Thursday. When police arrived at the scene they found one man who had been shot. The victim was taken to a local hospital, and police say they will release additional information on his condition in another update. Police do not believe the shooting to be a random incident.

    Power 96 News Update 2-15

    02/15/2024

    A Shakopee man was injured on I-35 early Thursday morning. Abdi Mohamed Dagane was injured at just after 2 am when his 2019 Freightliner Cascade was eastbound on Interstate 90 near milepost 145 in Alden when he lost control and the vehicle rolled onto its side. Roads were wet at the time of the crash, and Dagane was wearing his seat belt. Alcohol was not a factor in the accident. Dagane was taken to the Albert Lea Mayo Clinic with injuries deemed to be non-life threatening.

    Icy road conditions led to a multi-vehicle crash in Mankato Thursday morning. The crash occurred at just after 7:20 when a bus carrying seven students collided with two other vehicles at the intersection of Timm Rd and Lookout Dr. the intersection was completely blocked, with all the vehicles having sustained considerable damage. One of the drivers was transported to Mayo Clinic Health System with minor injuries. The other drivers were not injured. a nine-year-old boy sustained a minor injury.

    A Rochester man now faces charges after a drug raid on Tuesday. Tyler Johnson faces charges of first-degree drug sales, first-degree drug possession, and possession of a firearm by a felon after The Olmsted County Sheriff"s Office and the Southeast MN Violent Crimes Enforcement Team executed a search warrant in the 400 block of 9th Street NW in Rochester. The search resulted in 50 grams of cocaine, 44 grams of mushrooms, prescription medications, drug paraphernalia, a shotgun, and several rounds of ammunition.

    Two Rochester men will now spend time behind bars after being convicted on charges of attempted sexual assault. Dejuan Mark-Anthony Gray, and Timothy Nugene Bremer, were arrested in July 2022 and charged with attempted first-degree criminal sexual conduct and second-degree criminal sexual conduct after trying to have a sexual encounter with a juvenile in January of 2021 and the victim was able to leave the scene. Bremer"s sentencing is set for March 11. Gray is scheduled to be sentenced on April 24.

     

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