Local News

Power 96 News for Monday December 9th, 2024.

12/09/2024

An Olmsted County man was shot to death over the weekend in the Twin Cities.

The Hennepin County Medical Examiner"s Office says Ramone Rashawn Blue, 23 of Stewartville, was shot multiple times on Saturday in the 8000 block of Brooklyn Boulevard. Blue was taken to the emergency room at North Memorial Health Hospital, where he was pronounced dead. The Medical Examiner"s Office has ruled the death a homicide. The Brooklyn Park Police Department is investigating. WCCO-TV reports a second victim with gunshot wounds was found with Blue. That person was also taken to the hospital for treatment and their name has not been released.

A pair of iconic ruby slippers that were worn by Judy Garland in “The Wizard of Oz” and stolen from a museum nearly two decades ago sold for a winning bid of $28 million at auction Saturday. Heritage Auctions had estimated that they would fetch $3 million or more, but the fast-paced bidding far outpaced that amount within seconds and tripled it within minutes. A few bidders making offers by phone volleyed back and forth for 15 minutes as the price climbed to the final, eye-popping sum. Including the Dallas-based auction house"s fee, the unknown buyer will ultimately pay $32.5 million.

Some Mower County residents have recently received a letter from the State of Minnesota about sealing a well on their property. The Mower Soil & Water Conservation District in Austin says it has heard from several property owners who were notified by the Minnesota Department of Health or MDH about a well on their property. State officials are working through a backlog of well-disclosure certificates submitted at some point to MDH when the property was purchased. This MDH letter states that, if the well in question is not being used, the property owner has 90 days to get the well properly sealed, have the well put back into use or obtain a well maintenance permit. “No matter if you have received a letter from the state, everyone should plan to seal a well that they no longer use, especially when cost-share funding remains available,” said Tim Ruzek, MSWCD"s water plan and outreach coordinator. “These funds are not guaranteed every year, so we encourage these property owners to work on getting it sealed soon.”

MSWCD says an unused well can act like a drain that allows surface water runoff, contaminated water or improperly disposed waste a direct path into drinking water sources. When this happens, everyone"s drinking water quality can be threatened and it also poses a safety hazard for children and animals. Cost-share assistance for sealing wells is available for all Mower County property owners thanks to state and federal funding designated by Mower SWCD for that practice. Minnesota law requires the seller of property to provide information to the buyer and the state about the location and status of all wells on the property. Those interested in applying for cost-share for their well sealing should contact Ruzek to learn about the process and apply.

On Saturday December 7th, the Mower County Sheriff's Office, Austin Fire Department and other community groups got together to collect toys for Toys For Tots through a drive through drop off event.   During the event, people were driving up to drop off toys in the Pizza Ranch parking lot while music played. Santa Claus and even the Grinch were there to let people know where to go.

Power 96 News for Friday December 6th, 2024.

12/06/2024

Southern Minnesota Area Rural Transit (SMART) will start off the New Year by providing free medical transportation services to seniors aged 55 and older who need to travel to the Albert Lea or Austin campuses of the Mayo Clinic Health System.

SMART says this new service aims to ease the transportation burden for seniors seeking medical care, ensuring they can attend appointments, receive treatments, and access other essential healthcare services without the worry of transportation costs.

The Free Medical Ride Program will include Route Buses, Demand Services and Shuttle Services between Albert Lea and Austin. The new program is in thanks to a grant from the Naeve health Care Foundation and will start January 5th.

Deputies arrested Victoria Kathryn Ryg, 25, for second-degree driving while intoxicated, no insurance, driving after revocation and speed after a traffic stop at 7:22 p.m. Thursday near the intersection of U.S. Highway 69 and West Main Street.

An Albert Lea man was charged in Freeborn County District Court on Thursday with striking another man with his car during an altercation on Louis Street Wednesday night. Lancelot James Marcks, 20, faces one count of second-degree assault with a dangerous weapon. Court documents state officers were dispatched on a report of disorderly conduct Wednesday night to 1321 Louis St. When officers arrived, the victim stated he had driven to Marcks" home with his girlfriend, who is the mother of Marcks" child, to talk about threats Marcks had reportedly made about taking the child from the mother"s custody. He said Marcks accelerated the car he was driving and struck him, causing him to hit the hood and windshield of the car before he passed over the car and landed in the street. Marcks then reportedly grabbed a rock and threw it at him. One witness told police they had seen Marcks turn his car around and accelerate toward the victim before hitting him with the car. The individual also confirmed that Marcks had thrown an object at the victim. One witness stated when the victim attempted to take a picture of Marcks" license plate, Marcks reportedly accelerated the car and then struck him. An officer who inspected Marcks" car found marks consistent with drag marks or handprints on the hood, as well as other marks on the windshield and a spider web crack in the top center of the windshield. Marcks initially denied any physical interaction but later stated he had thrown a punch. He was not injured. The other man had an abrasion to his hand and a cut inside his lip. District Court Judge Ross Leuning in court on Thursday set Marcks" unconditional bail at $50,000 with conditional bail at $1,000. Conditions included no use or possession of firearms or dangerous weapons, no threatening or assaultive behavior and no contact with the victim. He is next slated to appear in court Dec. 19.

The Albert Lea Public Library invites the public to Bring Your Own Lunch and Learn on Thursday, Dec. 12, with the program, “Best Books of the Year,” featuring the 2024 favorite reads of the Albert Lea Public Library staff.

A panel of staff members will share their favorite books published in the last year and why they enjoyed them. Attendees are sure to leave with a growing reading list for the new year.

The program will be held from noon - 1 p.m. Thursday in the Council Chambers on the top floor of City Hall, 221 E. Clark St. There is no registration or fee required.

Power 96 News for Thursday December 5th, 2024.

12/05/2024

The Riverland Community College Multicultural Club came back after a several year long hiatus to host Holidays Around the World, on Wednesday, Dec. 4. The group says with several winter holidays coming up across different cultures around the world, it was the perfect time to reform the club and make their campus debut. The group's president, Katherine Eliason, a second year liberal arts student, says the event has helped kick start the group's 2024-2025 event season and she's hopeful they'll only be able to grow with future events throughout the academic year. "We're open to anyone and everyone and I think this club really lets people explore their interests," Eliason said. The event was staffed by the club's 7 members and Erika Duley, the school advisor for the group. Holidays Around the World featured half a dozen tables with informational readings on holidays like Hanukkah, Chinese New Year, Kwanza, Christmas and Diwali. The club says students who want to join the club can drop by any of its on campus meeting from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. every Wednesday.

The State of Minnesota has levied a civil penalty of $33,850 on Freeborn County Cooperative Oil Company for failing to install and upgrade equipment compatible with the fuels it was storing at seven of its convenience stores in Freeborn and Mower counties. The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) says inspections in April confirmed the company failed to install the ethanol-compatible equipment at all seven facilities. In addition to paying the civil penalty, MPCA says Freeborn County Cooperative Oil Co. completed a series of corrective actions to bring all seven facilities into compliance with tank requirements.

Albert Lea and Freeborn County encourage a greener Christmas this year.

The City of Albert Lea and Freeborn County encourage residents to embrace a more sustainable holiday season by reducing waste, reusing items and recycling holiday materials. The average Minnesotan throws away an extra 1.5 pounds of waste per day during the holidays.

“The holidays are a time for celebration and giving, but they also generate a lot of waste,” said Mark Goskeson, solid waste manager for Freeborn County. “By reusing and recycling holiday materials, we can help sustain our resources for future generations.” Several ideas to help reduce waste can be found on the Albert Lea City"s facebook site.

They also want to remind you of the City Transfer Station"s winter hours at 2506 West Richway Drive. Tuesdays 11 a.m. - 3 p.m. Friday: 11 a.m. - 3 p.m. and Saturday: 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Sundays they will be Closed. For more information about the Transfer Station, call 507-377-4325 or visit the city of Albert Lea website.

A strong cold front brought intense wind, snow showers, and colder air to the region on Wednesday. Winds gusted over 50 mph at times across Minnesota and Iowa. Rochester seen wind gusts as high as 58 miles per hour, while Austin seen as high as 51 mph and Albert Lea at 47 mph.

Power 96 News for Wednesday December 4th, 2024.

12/04/2024

The Freeborn County Board of Commissioners on Tuesday approved increases in salaries for the county"s attorney and sheriff for 2025 after considering their accomplishments, qualifications and responsibilities. Sheriff Ryan Shea"s salary will increase from $137,000 to $145,000. Attorney David Walker"s salary will increase from $138,000 to $148,000. The two elected positions are not included in separate cost of living adjustments made for other county employees, and state statute requires their salaries be approved annually by the board. Walker and Shea presented their requests for the upcoming year at a workshop last month. Fifth District Commissioner Nicole Eckstrom motioned for the increase to $148,000 for Walker, saying she made the motion after reviewing Walker"s information provided to the commissioners regarding his qualifications, responsibilities and duties. She said she has appreciated how Walker has always been responsive to help answer legal questions that have helped the commissioners make better policy. The motion passed 3-1, with 2nd District Commissioner Dawn Kaasa voting no, and 4th District Commissioner Chris Shoff absent. Walker had asked for $150,000. Kaasa initially motioned to set Shea"s salary at $148,000, as had been recommended by the sheriff, but the motion died for lack of a second. Eckstrom then motioned to set Shea"s salary at $145,000, to which Commissioner John Forman seconded. Eckstrom said her motion was also made after reviewing the information Shea provided regarding his duties and responsibilities. She referenced what she described as great things he has done in the position, including seeing more deputies out on the roads. Kaasa said she thought Shea has done a wonderful job of building morale and noted that the Sheriff"s Office is close to being fully staffed. She also referenced an increase in per diem with the Immigration and Customs Enforcement contract that was negotiated. Shea said when he took over in the position, the department was six short on patrol with an additional two retirements. The department is now restructured, and the six deputies designated for transport are now designated with patrol, increasing from 12 on patrol to 18 on patrol. They are currently one deputy short.

Police received a report of a male who came to a house and started smashing things before trying to enter a house at 10:53 p.m. Tuesday at 171 N. Powers Ave. in Alden.

The Historic Paramount Theatre is preparing for a new $4.3 million renovation and expansion project to make it more accessible for performers and audience members.

The Austin Area Arts Paramount Renovation and Expansion Committee held a press conference on Tuesday, Dec. 3, to go over a breakdown of the proposed improvements and the costs associated with them. According to Kelsey Ritchie, operations director for Austin Area Arts, the project would be the first major renovation to the theatre since the 1990's. The committee says the project would feature a number of accessibility improvements, such as regrading portions of the theatre floor to create 7 ADA compliant wheelchair spaces, installing 500 new seats with wider bases and retractable arms and installing 4 main floor bathrooms to make the theatre more accessible to patrons who couldn't use its basement restroom. The committee says that a $3,670,155 grant from the Hormel Foundation has covered 85 percent of its anticipated costs, which leaves only $647,674 left to cover for the new construction. Randy Kramer, co-chair of the committee says Austin Area Arts is looking for community donations to cover the remaining costs. Thomas Robbins, executive director for Austin Area Arts, says thanks to the funding the group was able to secure from the Hormel Foundation, the project will hopefully be done in 8 months.

After bringing hope to Vikings fans on Sunday, one Minnesota player is bringing hope to cancer patients here in Rochester. Minnesota Vikings running back Aaron Jones says, “I"m excited to be here, to be helping along with the process and seeing this, it"s eye opening for me and I know what a new bed can do.” A partnership between the American Cancer Society, Sleep Number, and the Minnesota Vikings brought more than 60 new Sleep Number beds for cancer patients staying at the Hope Lodge in Rochester. Rochester Hope Lodge provides a home away from home for adults undergoing cancer treatments far away from where they live.

Power 96 News for Tuesday December 3rd, 2024.

12/03/2024

The search for a missing man was expected to resume Tuesday morning in Goodhue County. The Cannon Falls Police Department says it was alerted around 8:11 pm Monday about a missing person in the 300 block of Larkspur Lane. Officers say a 60-year-old man took his dog for a walk in the woods and did not return. Police say they found footprints in the snow leading into the woods and called for help in finding the man due to the darkness and falling temperatures. The Cannon Falls Fire Department, Cannon Falls Ambulance, Goodhue County and Dakota County sheriff"s offices, Minnesota State Patrol, Randolph and Miesville Fire Departments, and the Dakota County Special Operations Team arrived to assist. Cannon Falls police say their search on the ground and with a Minnesota State Patrol helicopter followed the trail of the man through the snow as it moved through the woods and along the river. However, the man was not found and the search was suspended at 2:20 am. Law enforcement says the search would resume at 9 am Tuesday with additional resources. The Cannon Falls Police Department says it is asking people to not attempt to conduct a search on their own, as that will only hinder the official search efforts.

The Albert Lea school board voted 7-0 Monday on a 2.44% decrease in its levy that will be collected in 2025. Paul Durbahn, executive director of finance, operations and safety for Albert Lea Area Schools, said the difference in the levy equates to about $245,000. The levy was set at about $9.79 million, down from $10.04 million collected this year. Funds will be used in the 2025-26 school year.

One teenager has now been sentenced for killing another. Emmanuel Lavelle Isaac, 18 of Mankato, pleaded guilty to second-degree murder for the February 15 death of Marcus Romaine Cargill Jr., 19. Court documents state Cargill was shot to death in front of Isaac"s home. Investigators say there had been a “beef” between Isaac and Cargill and things culminated in Cargill driving to Isaac"s home while Isaac was sitting in a vehicle parked in the driveway. Prosecutors say as the vehicle Isaac was in pulled out of the driveway, Isaac pointed a gun out of the passenger side window and fired multiple shots at Cargill. Court documents state Cargill suffered several gunshot wounds to his body and was transported to the hospital, where he later died. Investigators say Isaac admitted to the shooting, with Isaac saying he was scared and wanted to get Cargill away from his house. Isaac was sentenced Monday to up to 23 years and six months in state prison, with credit for 291 days already served.

Police received a report at 5:58 p.m. Saturday of items being taken down from the temporary memorial for Ayden Brackey at a light pole at the intersection of Bridge Avenue and Marshall Street. According to Facebook this morning, most of the items have been returned to the family.

Power 96 News for December 2nd, 2024.

12/02/2024

The Freeborn County Fair has announced their Grandstand entertainment line up for 2025. Kicking off Tuesday with country singer Craig Morgan, Wednesday will feature the country group Confederate Railroad, and Thursday christian country new comer Anne Wilson. Friday brings the very popular Hairball, and Saturday finishes the music with the group Parmalee. The 2025 Freeborn County Fair will run July 29th through August 3rd.

MercyOne North Iowa Hospice will host its lighting ceremony to honor those living at the Tree of Life Program Thursday. According to the medical center, lights on the Tree of Life honor family members and friends, and serves as a symbol of the love and memories shared. Contributions to the Tree of Life will help extend hospice care to others so they can live the last months of their lives with dignity, often in the comfort of their own homes.

The lighting takes place from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at MercyOne North Iowa Medical Center on Thursday. The event is free to the public.

A crash Monday morning on Interstate 35 injured a Steele County man.

The Minnesota State Patrol says it happened around 7:40 am just south of the interchange with NW 26th Street. Michael Terrance Landrum, 74 of Owatonna, was heading south in a 2012 Kia Optima when the car went out of control and wound up in the ditch.

The State Patrol says Landrum suffered non-life threatening injuries and was taken to Owatonna Hospital for treatment. The crash report says road conditions were snowy and icy when the accident happened.

The Owatonna Fire Department and Mayo Clinic Ambulance Service assisted at the scene.

A single-vehicle crash in Dodge County has sent the driver to the hospital.

It happened just before 9 am Monday on Highway 14. The Minnesota State Patrol says a 2004 Chevrolet Silverado driven by Omar Jacob Feyen, 77 of Dodge Center, was westbound when it went out of control near the intersection with Dodge County Road 9. State troopers say the pickup truck went off the road and landed in the south ditch.

Feyen suffered what are described as non-life threatening injuries and was transported to St. Marys Hospital in Rochester.

The State Patrol says road conditions were snow and ice covered at the time of the crash.

The Dodge County Sheriff"s Office, Dodge Center Ambulance, and Kasson police and fire departments assisted with this accident.

Power 96 News for Friday November 29th, 2024.

11/29/2024

Police say they"re looking for someone who crashed an apparently stolen car into a home and a parked vehicle.

The Austin Police Department says a 2014 silver Hyundai Sonata was on 9th Avenue SW around 2:30 am Wednesday when it went off the road and struck a residence and a parked vehicle. Police say the Sonata was left at the scene but the driver and anyone else in the car left and has not been located or identified. Investigators say a set of wooden steps and a downspout at the home were damaged.

Austin police say they then got a report at 4 am Wednesday from someone claiming their 2014 silver Hyundai Sonata had been stolen overnight. Officers say there are no suspects and they are still waiting on the person to provide documentation showing ownership of the car involved in the crash on 9th Ave SW.

Minnesota Governor Tim Walz has ordered all United States and Minnesota flags to be flown at half-staff at all state buildings in the State of Minnesota starting immediately, in honor and remembrance of Red Lake Nation Tribal Officer Jesse Branch. Officer Branch was killed in a traffic collision on Wednesday while on duty in Red Lake Nation.

“Officer Jesse Branch committed his life to public service. He was known for his love and dedication to Red Lake Nation, where he selflessly served his community,” said Governor Walz. “With deep gratitude, Minnesota recognizes Officer Branch. His family, friends, and community are in our prayers.”

Individuals, businesses, and other organizations are also encouraged to join in lowering their flags.

A trial has been scheduled for a man police say was found with illegal pills and an altered firearm.

Yusuf Abdiqadir Ali, 24 of Rochester, is now scheduled to stand trial beginning August 25, 2025, for first-degree drug sales, first-degree drug possession, possession of a firearm with an altered serial number, and possession of a firearm as a drug user. Ali was arrested on March 27 after a search of his home in the 2300 block of7th Avenue NE. The Rochester Police Department says its search uncovered hundreds of M30 pills and a Hi-Point 9mm pistol with the serial number removed. Officers say the illegal items were found in a safe in a downstairs bedroom closet.

Fire crews were at the scene of a house fire on 6th St. NW between 1st and 2nd Ave. NW in Austin.

By 10 p.m., the fire was put out and all crews had left the scene.

The Austin Fire Department was not available for comment Thursday night and local law enforcement could not provide any details about the incident.

Power 96 News for Wednesday November 27th, 2024.

11/27/2024

State Representative Peggy Bennett (R-Albert Lea) has been named the Republican Chairwoman of the Minnesota House Education Policy Committee.

“As a former elementary school teacher of 33 years, I am excited and honored with this appointment,” says Bennett. “I will look forward to working with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to create common sense education policies that will help our students succeed and provide support for our teachers. In addition to prioritizing fair and flexible funding and local control to empower our schools, my highest priority will be to focus on core academic achievement. Every student deserves a chance to succeed in our society and in order to do that we must focus on core skills like reading, writing, math, and science.”

Bennett has been a member or the lead Republican on House education committees since first being elected in 2015.

Bennett represents District 23A, which includes all or portions of Freeborn, Faribault, Waseca and Steele counties.

Police received a report of a hit-and-run crash at 8:22 a.m. Tuesday on the 700 block of Garfield Avenue. The damage reportedly occurred between 10 p.m. the night prior and 6 a.m. Tuesday.

The Albert Lea City Council on Monday voted unanimously to approve sending in a letter of support for passenger rail options throughout southern Minnesota. Albert Lea is part of a group of several communities in the southern part of the state requesting a renewed effort for passenger rail, which could eventually connect to a system that goes from Minneapolis to Dallas. The state is in the middle of updating its state rail plan for 2025. The letter states the city supports prioritizing passenger rail between the Twin Cities and Albert Lea and the Twin Cities and Mankato as phase one projects in the state plan. It also requests the same phase one designation for the existing Canadian Pacific Railroad/former DM&E rail line that connects Mankato and Albert Lea and could expand to additional cities, including Waseca, Rochester and Winona.

We're yet to see the first dump of major snow in Minnesota, but even light flurries have been enough to cause problems on the roads as winter gets underway. A clipper system is arriving in the state from the west on Wednesday, and is set to produce some flurries in west-central, southern and northern Minnesota. The projected accumulation is not likely to be much – less than an inch in much of the state, with some areas on the Canadian border potentially seeing 3-4 inches – but weather officials are nonetheless warning that there could be challenges for drivers on what is the busiest travel day of the year.

Power 96 News for Tuesday November 26th, 2024.

11/26/2024

News 1-3

Mayo Clinic Hospice will honor those who died with the Hospice Set Memories Aglow cascade of light starting in December, The lights will glow at the campuses in Red Wing, Rochester, Albert Lea and Austin. The trees, located in front of each facility, will be illuminated from Monday, December 2, 2024 through January 6, 2025. “Although the holidays can be a painful time after a loved one dies, they can also be a time to cherish fond memories and traditions,” ReNae Meaney, R.N., Hospice Nurse Supervisor said. Meany also stated, " We encourage everyone to drive by anytime and view the lights as a tribute to those they love and miss this holiday season. This can help those grieving start a new tradition."

After an attempt failed to set a cap on tobacco stores at two in the city, the Albert Lea City Council voted 4-2 Monday to approve setting the maximum at four, up two from the current number in operation. The vote was part of a larger discussion about limits on the number of adult-themed businesses in the community, including off-sale liquor, sexually-oriented businesses, tobacco stores, and consumption and display permits. With the vote, eight off-sale liquor stores could be allowed in the city, along with one sexually-oriented business, four tobacco stores and two consumption and display permits.

A new study is underway on key transportation challenges facing southeastern Minnesota. A new “digital engagement website and survey” has been launched by SE MN Together, a regional collaborative network of organizations and individuals developing and pursuing strategies to address workforce shortages. They survey is looking at issues that impact workforce mobility, access to services and post-secondary education, and overall quality of life across the 11-county region of southeast Minnesota. SE Minnesota says the online survey is a one-stop resource for community members to stay informed and actively participate in the study by:

·Learn about the study and transportation research currently underway

·Share direct feedback and transportation challenges with the planning team

·Access detailed project updates and reports

· Stay informed about upcoming public meetings and events

Throughout the study, regional leaders and community members will collaborate to identify barriers, gaps, and potential efficiencies in transit, mobility, and ride-sharing services. SE MN Together says the input gathered from the community will directly shape solutions that prioritize local transportation needs. The new engagement website and survey can be found at www.SeMnTransportation.com. Responses will be accepted through December 6.

A north Iowa restaurant is bringing the giving spirit into this holiday season!

Through December 15th, Burger King located at 828 A 471 St in Northwood will host its Second Annual 'Adopt a Nursing Home' event. It involves a Christmas tree and the Lake Mills Care Center. About 12 of the 55 tags on the tree have already been filled, according to the store. The gifts the center's residents request the most are listed on those tags– including t-shirts, socks, activity books, and portable mirrors. The event will run through December 15. Tags can be picked up and gifts should be returned wrapped at the restaurant by that date. Gifts will be delivered by the business on December 16. On Tuesday, December 17, a Christmas party will be held at the nursing home and gifts will be passed out by Santa Claus.

Power 96 News for Monday November 25th, 2024.

11/25/2024

A former Freeborn County man was sentenced to a combined 33 years in prison on Friday tied to sexual abuse of two boys dating back to 2011 in Freeborn County. A jury in July found David Bernard Suess Sr., 47, guilty of all six counts of criminal sexual conduct against him tied to the abuse, which reportedly took place between 2011 and 2015. District Court Judge Christy Hormann said there was no amount of time in prison that could undo what took place and told Suess that his actions have had a lasting impact, not only on the two boys, who are now adults, but also on their mother and others.

Assistant Freeborn County Attorney Abigail Ehret said what the two victims had to endure was unimaginable and included not only sexual abuse but physical abuse and mental and emotional manipulation. The abuse occurred after the victims" mother left for work. A third victim also testified at trial, and Suess had a prior criminal sexual conduct allegation involving a fourth victim, as well as convictions for malicious punishment of a child, domestic assault and assault, among others, she said.

Hormann said in the pre-sentence investigation and psychosexual evaluation Suess seemed to downplay his involvement and did not understand the gravity of his past. She said in looking at these charges as well as his prior criminal history it seemed Suess had a disregard for people and their safety and privacy. She described his actions against the two boys as “unimaginable” and “unacceptable.” Suess will serve two-thirds of the sentence in prison and the remainder of the time on supervised release. He will also be on a lifetime conditional release. Suess will receive credit for 600 days already served in jail.

A child has died from injuries suffered in a two-vehicle collision in Olmsted County.

The crash happened around 6 pm Wednesday on Highway 14 near mile marker 217. Colleen Jennifer Ronningen, 43 of Rochester, was driving a 2017 GMC Yukon west and Kevin Douangmychit, 36 of Rochester, was driving a 2011 Nissan Murano west when they collided. The crash left Douangmychit with life threatening injuries and the Minnesota State Patrol now says an eight-year-old girl riding in Ronningen"s vehicle has died from her injuries. Ronningen and a 12-year-old girl in her vehicle suffered what are described as non-life threatening injuries. The Olmsted County Sheriff"s Office, Rochester Fire Department, and Mayo Ambulance assisted with this crash.

The Albert Lea City Council will meet Monday evening. Among the topics to discuss are capping the number of adult focused businesses, selling a house at 821 Jefferson Avenue for rehab and then converting it to apartments for rent, and a height variance for the new Green Acres Milling building. The work session starts at 5:30, followed by the regular 7pm meeting. Both are open to the public and held in the council chambers on the top floor of the Albert Lea City Hall.

A plea deal for probation ends a drug case that started with the discovery of four kinds of illegal narcotics. Emmanuel Wal, 30 of Albert Lea, was arrested on October 21, 2021, after a traffic stop in Freeborn County. Law enforcement said 2.3 pounds of marijuana, 28 Oxycodone pills, 44 MDMA pills, 13 grams of Psilocybin mushrooms, and $14,521.90 in cash was found in Wal"s vehicle. Wal eventually pleaded guilty to just a fifth-degree drug possession charge. He"s now been sentenced to two years of supervised probation and a $300 fine.

Power 96 News for Friday November 22nd, 2024.

11/22/2024

The Hormel Foundation approved $26 million in funds for 2025 for non-profits and other organizations trying to support the Austin community on Wednesday, Nov. 20.

Around 15 organizations were included in this year's disbursement including the United Way of Mower County, the Salvation Army and Riverland Community College.

Jeffery Ettinger, chair of The Hormel Foundation says the significant annual investment in the community is only possible thanks to the continued work and profits of Hormel Foods.

"All of us on the board feel very fortunate that we can provide this kind of support to the local community," Ettinger said.

In addition to the approved grants, Ettinger says there were also some out of budget requests that were approved for next year.

Some of those requests include continuing to fund existing projects like Austin Assurance Scholarship, which waive tuition for Austin Public Schools and Pacelli Catholic Schools students seeking a two year degree at Riverland Community College.

The foundation has also approved $3.67 million to fund a new expansion for the Historic Paramount Theatre.

According to the Austin Area Commission for the Arts, more information about the expansion will be released on December 3.

The Albert Lea City Council is slated to vote Monday on whether to place a cap on the number of various adult-themed businesses in the community. Discussion about the businesses came as the council in recent months has talked about the zoning and number of cannabis businesses it would allow with the legalization of marijuana by the state. The council in June approved a moratorium on the creation of new tobacco, off-sale liquor, sexually-oriented business and cannabis licenses for up to six months as it studied how to regulate the businesses equitably. All of the businesses work with people ages 21 and over.

A high-risk predatory offender living in rural Alden pleaded guilty in Freeborn County District Court on Thursday to a predatory offender registration violation for having a phone number that he did not disclose on his registration.

Jason Michael Sokolofsky, 41, faced three counts tied to registration violations and one count of fifth-degree controlled substance possession stemming from contact authorities made with him in March 2022. Sokolofsky, who is classified as a Level 3 offender, is court-ordered to register with the Minnesota Predatory Offender Registration at the Bureau of Criminal Apprehension through March 4, 2035. Registration includes reporting addresses of primary and secondary residences; any property owned, leased or rented in the state; employment addresses; the year, make, model, license plate and color of vehicles owned or regularly driven; as well as all telephone numbers including work, school, home and cellular telephone service.

According to the Minnesota Department of Corrections, Sokolofsky, 41, engaged in sexual contact with a known female teenager when he was 25, taking advantage of the victim"s vulnerable state to gain compliance. Court documents state Freeborn County Sheriff"s Office deputies made contact with Sokolofsky in March 2022, and he told them his current phone number, which was different than any of the other phone numbers listed on his registration. He also provided a vehicle registration not on the registration. A few days later, a detective interviewed Sokolofsky and he reportedly admitted to having two additional new phone numbers and acknowledged there had been three numbers not reported. Two other phone numbers were registered.

He said his wife had reportedly had the vehicle for about a year, and he acknowledged he had access to it. When he was arrested, authorities found a silver tube that contained methamphetamine. Sokolofsky was previously convicted of predatory offender failure to register in 2017.

The charge he pleaded guilty to on Thursday carries with it a two-year mandatory minimum prison sentence.

Power 96 News for Thursday November 21st, 2024.

11/21/2024

St. John"s Lutheran Community says a $600,000 grant will help them improve the lives of older adults in rural Minnesota. The money from the LeadingAge Minnesota Foundation will enable the development of a “Connected Communities” project that aims to bridge gaps in healthcare, reduce social isolation, and streamline communication across rural care services. “This grant gives Freeborn County"s seniors, and those who support area seniors, the opportunity to align to best serve this dynamic demographic in the way they choose through innovation, engagement, and collaboration,” says Shanna Eckberg, CEO/Administrator at St. John"s Lutheran Community. “We"re excited to collaborate with Senior Resources of Freeborn County, Southeastern Minnesota Area Rural Transit (SMART), Freeborn County Chamber of Commerce, Zemplee Inc., Southeastern Minnesota Area Agency on Aging (SEMAAA), Freeborn County Public Health, Albert Lea Housing & Redevelopment Authority (HRA), local senior advocates, and Mayo Clinic Health System in Albert Lea and Austin.” St. John"s Lutheran Community says it will develop a network of resources that are committed and equipped to help seniors stay independent in their homes and access the necessary services as they age utilizing a “Senior Living Without Walls” concept. “LeadingAge Minnesota Foundation is committed to honoring and supporting older adults, especially in rural communities where resources can be scarce,” says Kari Thurlow, President and CEO of LeadingAge Minnesota. “This Thanksgiving, we"re particularly grateful for St. John"s leadership in collaborating with their community to create meaningful, systemic improvements for older adults, their families, and the community as a whole.”

High school band director Christoph Dundas has been named the 2025 Austin Teacher of the Year. Dundas, who has worked at Austin High School for nine years, is now in the running to be Minnesota Teacher of the Year. Nominees for the state award must go through a portfolio process and be selected to move forward.

Over the more than 20-year life of the program, the Austin school district has had two nominees make it to the semifinalist stage and one make it to the final ten.

The owner of a former Albert Lea construction company pleaded guilty in Freeborn County District Court on Monday to theft of money that had been paid to him for real estate improvements. Douglas Lyle Lembke, 70, initially faced three counts of theft of payment for real estate improvement but pleaded guilty to one count as part of a plea agreement. Court documents state police began investigating Lembke in May 2023 after receiving a report of a couple who had signed a contract for a new deck with Lembke Construction and had paid their bill to the company totaling almost $70,000, but were later served with a lien by Arrow Building for the materials that were used in the project. Lembke had reportedly taken in the total payment for the project but had not paid Arrow Building for the supplies that were used. Upon investigation, police learned there were two other people who had a similar problem with the company. The detective found during the investigation that employees of Lembke Construction would receive checks for work done on projects and then would turn them into the office. Lembke was in charge of paying the bills. An employee told police that Lembke came in one Friday and told the employees that they wouldn"t have jobs the following Monday and that Lembke failed to pay their wages toward the end of the business. There were no books or paperwork left because Lembke had reportedly cleared out everything when he left. He now lives in Katy, Texas, where he reportedly has a construction business with the same name. In the plea agreement, Lembke agreed to pay restitution for the three victims in the case, totaling over $28,000. The agreement called for no executed jail time, and states if the restitution is paid by his sentencing on Jan. 30, he could avoid a conviction and the charge would be dismissed when terms of the stay are met. If the restitution is not paid in full by sentencing, both the defense and prosecution agree the court shall order a stay of imposition.

The Minnesota State Patrol reports that a boy under a year old was killed in a single-vehicle crash on I-35 in Owatonna. The driver was 25-year-old Dominic Hostellar. He and a 4-year-old girl were taken to MCHS Owatonna with non-life-threatening injuries.

The crash happened around 7:30 a.m. According to the report, Hostellar was driving northbound on I-35 at Steele County Road 9 in a 1999 Ford Ranger when the truck lost control, left the road, and rolled into the right ditch.

The truck"s airbag was not deployed. I-35 had snow and ice on it at the time of the crash, MSP noted. MSP, the Steele County Sheriff"s Office, Owatonna Police Department, Mayo Clinic Ambulance Service and Owatonna Fire Department all responded to this crash.

Power 96 News for Wednesday November 20th, 2024.

11/20/2024

The City of Adams is attempting to raise between $150,000 to $200,000 to fund a new veterans memorial on its main street. According to Lynn Sathre, commander of American Legion Post 146, Adams and its surrounding communities are some of the only communities he knows in Mower County to not have a veterans memorial. Sathre and his fellow legion member Dave Fasbender are part of a six person committee in charge of planning the new monument. The two say once funds are available, the city would hope to be able to build the memorial within one to two years. The finished design would include space for 288 placards for veterans from Adams, Rose Creek, Dexter, Johnsburg, Taopi and Elton. Fasbender says the city is currently working out a system for remote donations, but in the meantime those wishing to donate to the project should contact the United Farmers State Bank of Adams. For more updates on the project, Fasbender says veterans can check out the Freedom Veterans Memorial Facebook page.

A man has been sentenced for a chain-reaction collision that injured three people, one seriously. Dylan Roy Yocum, 25 of Houston, had been charged with three counts of criminal vehicular operation for the crash on March 20, 2023, but those charges were later reduced and he was convicted only of driving after revocation. Yocum has now been sentenced to one year of unsupervised probation and 60 days of community work service.

The Albert Lea man who was found dead in rural Wells earlier this month had been reported missing at the time he was found, according to the Faribault County Sheriff"s Office. The Sheriff"s Office announced Tuesday it is continuing to investigate the homicide of Miguel Angel Chavez Lopez, 54, with the help of the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension, the Albert Lea Police Department and the South Central Violent Crimes Task Force. Authorities stated Sheriff"s Office deputies responded to a report of human remains Nov. 1 at a rural property in Walnut Township in the 14000 section of 540th Avenue. Upon arriving at the scene, investigators determined the death to be the result of a homicide. More details have not been released. Authorities have confirmed there is no ongoing threat to public safety. The case remains under investigation, and anyone with information is encouraged to contact Faribault County Investigator Chris Albers at 507-526-5148, extension 2133.

Despite some disagreement from one commissioner, the Freeborn County Board of Commissioners on Tuesday gave the go-ahead to move ahead with the interim administrator selected last month after working through his contract. The board voted 3-2 Oct. 15 to appoint Darrell Pettis, a former county administrator and engineer with experience in LeSueur and Watonwan counties. In the weeks since, the county and Pettis have been negotiating terms of his contract. Regarding the search for a permanent administrator, the county received 12 applicants, and one withdrew from consideration. The personnel committee scored 11, and there are five that will be brought in for interviews. The dates of the interviews have not yet been set.

Power 96 News for Tuesday November 19th, 2024.

11/19/2024

A plea deal has been reached with a Mower County man charged with 20 counts of possession of child pornography.

Eric Robert Smith, 60 of Austin, was arrested on December 8, 2023, for violating the terms of his supervised release for a sexual assault conviction. The Austin Police Department says Smith was required to register as a predatory offender.

Court documents state a cell phone in Smith"s possession when he was arrested held 19 files containing child sexual abuse material, including five files identified by the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children as depicting known child victims.

Smith has now agreed to plead guilty to one count of possession of pornographic work by a registered predatory offender. His sentencing is scheduled for January 2, 2025.

The Albert Lea school board voted 4-2 Monday to approve the calendars for the 2025-26 and 2026-27 school years, both with pre-Labor Day starts. The calendars each include 171 student contact days, up from 169 this year, along with 11 district staff days, two professional development days and two days for parent-teacher conferences. Board members Angie Hoffman and Dave Klatt voted against the calendars, and board member Davy Villarreal was absent.

Hoffman asked if a comprehensive survey had been done of parents about the issue and also asked how a parent could join the calendar committee, while Klatt stressed the need for more student contact days.

A winter killing is sending a North Iowa man to prison for decades.

Frederick Joseph Olson, 52 of Mason City, pleaded guilty to second-degree murder for the death of Leroy White, 63 of Mason City. Police discovered White"s body after being called to do a welfare check at 1916 South Grover Avenue. Olson had been charged with first-degree murder for killing White on December 17, 2023.

Olson has now been sentenced to up to 50 years in prison and must serve at least 35 years behind bars before being eligible for parole. Olson must also pay $150,000 to White"s estate and $4,471.58 to the crime victims assistance program. Prosecutors say Olson had a long criminal history in Cerro Gordo County, dating back to 1996, and it included a charge of attempted murder in 2013. That charge was dismissed as part of a plea deal in another criminal case.

On Tuesday, November 19, 2024, Governor Tim Walz will join Xcel Energy leadership and community members in Sherburne County to mark the completion of the first phase of the largest solar project in the Upper Midwest and celebrate Minnesota"s progress in transitioning to clean energy.

Once fully complete in 2026, the 710-megawatt project will generate enough low-cost, carbon-free electricity to power 150,000 homes. The project moves the state closer to meeting its goal of transitioning to 100 percent clean energy by 2040.

Power 96 News for Monday November 18th, 2024.

11/18/2024

An hours-long hostage situation has ended with one man in custody and police finding a body Sunday night.

Red Wing Police responded to a call about a suicidal man with a gun at a home near West and Putnam Avenues just before 6 p.m., according to the department. After several hours of negotiations, the man surrendered peacefully and police discovered the body inside the home, police said in a release Sunday night.

The name of the man arrested has not been officially released.

The incident remains under investigation, but police say there is no longer a threat to the general public.

The Goodhue County Jail lists a Darryl Dion Nixon as having been arrested by the Red Wing Police Department early Monday for second-degree murder.

Hormel Foods gave out 3,500 turkeys today to the austin community.

Hundreds of people were lined up at the Mower County Fairgrounds where the giveaway was taking place.

Starting at 9 a.m. the Hometown Turkey Takeover began with the help of several hundred volunteers.

Those helpers ranged from high schoolers to older adults all passing out turkeys to those in need.

In addition to the 3500 birds passed out, Hormel Foods donated 1500 turkeys to local food shelves.

A Mankato man who pleaded guilty to engaging in sexual conversations with someone he thought was a child online during an undercover sting operation in 2023 was sentenced Friday to five years of probation and a stayed prison sentence in the case. Roger Myron Yarger, 58, received credit for 302 days already spent in the Freeborn County jail. He was sentenced to 15 months in prison, stayed for five years, meaning he will not have to serve the prison time unless he violates his probation.

As part of his sentence, Yarger is also required to attend a sex offender program, not use or possess any pornographic or sexually explicit material and not enter places where any sexual materials are available, including strip clubs or adult bookstores.

He can have no contact with vulnerable adults and have no contact with anyone under 18, unless approved in writing by his agent or therapist. He also must disclose all electronic devices to his agent, which will be subject to monitoring software, and not access or use the Internet without approval, among several other conditions. He also faces charges of child pornography in Blue Earth County.

Construction crews have completed demolition work on the Fourth Street NW bridge over Interstate 90 in Austin, reopening the highway Sunday afternoon.

However, exit- and on-ramps at Fourth Street NW are still closed and detoured, says the Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT).

Power 96 News for Friday November 15th 2024.

11/15/2024

A woman arrested with four different types of illegal drugs is going to prison.

Patricia Jane Boonreuang, 29 of Austin, has been sentenced to three years and three months behind bars, with credit for 259 days already served.

Boonreuang pleaded guilty to third-degree drug possession. She was arrested on February 29 in Mower County. The Austin Police Department says Boonreuang was found carrying a backpack that contained 123 M30 fentanyl pills, 10.1 grams of methamphetamine, 2.6 grams of cocaine, 18 Xanax bars, and 16.5 grams of marijuana.

Charges of first-degree drug possession and two counts of fifth-degree drug possession were dismissed as part of a plea deal. Court documents show Boonreuang has previous convictions in Mower County for second-degree drug sales and fifth-degree drug possession.

The group FindJodi, Inc. says it has confirmed with the Winsted Police Department that no human remains were found during an October search for former KIMT morning news anchor Jodi Huisentruit.

Huisentruit was first reported missing in June 1995 when Mason City police say she was abducted on her way to work at the KIMT studio in Mason City.

Investigators say farm animal remains were found during the search of a rural area northwest of the Twin Cities near a construction site for a new apartment building.

The demolition of the 4th Street Northwest bridge over Interstate 90 in Austin is scheduled to begin Friday.

The Minnesota Department of Transportation says the closure of I-90 for the demolition will require detours that will last through Monday morning. Initially, westbound ramps at Fourth Street Northwest and the bridge crossing will close during the daytime hours on Friday while crews remove traffic signals and then reopen ramps about 7 pm Friday for the bridge demolition.

MnDOT says the detours during demolition Eastbound I-90 traffic will exit at Oakland Avenue/ Highway 105 (Exit 175) on the west side of Austin. Traffic will take Oakland Avenue/Highway 105 east into Austin, continue on Highway 105 south to Mower County Road 28 east to Highway 218 north and return to I-90 on the east side of Austin.

Westbound I-90 traffic will go up and down the off- and on-ramps (Exit 178A) on the north side of the Fourth Street interchange.

Traffic will resume on I-90 once demolition is completed and cleaned up by Monday. Bridge construction is expected to start in winter 2024 and Westbound I-90 ramps at Fourth Street Northwest will then close and remain closed until the Fourth Street bridge construction is completed in fall 2025.

MnDOT says the detour for westbound traffic is the 14th Street Northwest/Highway 218 north exit (Exit 177). Eastbound I-90 ramps are closed but will open later in December once the eastbound I-90 Cedar River bridge reopens.

Police received a report at 11:15 a.m. Thursday of a house that was broken into overnight at 1013 St. Peter Ave. Also an apartment was reported burglarized at 9:06 p.m. Thursday at 919 W. Main St. The incident reportedly occurred sometime between 10 a.m. and 2:50 p.m. Multiple items were taken.

Power 96 News for Thursday November 14th 2024.

11/14/2024

The Albert Lea man who drove the get-away vehicle for a group of others who lit a garage on fire on Garfield Avenue in October 2023 was sentenced Wednesday to 90 days in jail, a stayed prison term, supervised probation and community service. Kaden James Ashenfelter, 23, pleaded guilty in September to a charge of second-degree arson as part of a plea agreement. He initially was charged with aid and abet first-degree arson in the case. According to online court records, Ashenfelter"s jail sentence will be served as work release, and he must complete 200 hours of community service, 50 of which must be with the Albert Lea Fire Department. His probation will be in place for five years, and if he violates that probation, he could have to serve 18 months in prison.

An apartment fire Tuesday left residents homeless for the night. The Mason City Fire Department (MCFD) says it was called to the 2700 block of 4th Street SE for an apartment fire around 1:56 pm. Firefighters say they arrived to find flames in one unit and quickly extinguished them. The tenant reported the fire after returning home from some errands. MCFD says no one was injured in this incident and the fire did not extend into adjacent apartments. Power to the building was shut off for the night, leaving residents with nowhere to stay. The Salvation Army and family members stepped in to provide shelter. Firefighters remained at the scene until 4:11 pm. The cause of the fire remains under investigation. The Mason City Police Department, Cerro Gordo Emergency Management, and Alliant Energy assisted at the scene.

Hormel Foods has partnered with the Hometown Security Project to hand out 5,000 Jennie-O turkeys to the community. On Saturday November 16th, the corporation plans on handing out 3,500 birds to the community with an additional 1,500 birds going to food shelves and pantries in Mower County. The event is for anyone in the community in need of a turkey to complete their Thanksgiving meal. According to Hometown Food Security Project, around 7% of Mower County residents are experiencing food insecurity. Hometown Food Security Project co-lead Gema Alvarado said, "with households receiving this jennie-o turkey, we can provide a token of appreciation for all the work that they do in our community, we understand that the holidays can be a time of stress for many households and so we're just doing our due-diligence in making sure that they feel supported during this season" Those picking up turkeys can do so at the Mower County Fairgrounds at 9 a.m. on November 16th. If you are picking up a turkey for your family, you can also pick up a bird for your neighbor or for someone who can't go to the event. Birds will be passed out until there are none left.

The Albert Lea Utilities Department is taking part in a federal and state effort to reduce lead in drinking water by replacing remaining water lines made of lead or galvanized material. Service lines are underground pipes that connect homes and businesses with water mains. Galvanized material is a metal coated with zinc to prevent rusting and corrosion. Galvanized material may absorb lead. Lead service lines are a concern because exposure to this metal may cause serious health effects. The city of Albert Lea is not aware of any health effects related to its drinking water. The city must test its drinking water for contaminants on a regular basis and its water meets all standards — including for lead — set by the Minnesota Department of Health. The city takes additional steps to prevent the release of lead into its drinking water.

Power 96 News for Wednesday November 13th, 2024

11/13/2024

Freeborn County Attorney David Walker and Sheriff Ryan Shea on Tuesday presented recommendations for their salaries for 2025 to the county board, citing their work over the last year and salary comparisons in comparable counties, among other factors. Walker, who is in his 32nd year working for the Freeborn County Attorney"s Office, presented salaries of similar officials in 18 comparable counties and found the average salaries to be $149,925. He presently makes a salary of $138,000, and he recommended an increase to $150,000. He also referenced the recent increases for public defender salaries, with assistant public defenders earning about $158,500 and chief public defenders earning between $194,000 and about $222,000. Some of the work he oversaw during the last year included jury trials for crimes of murder, criminal sexual conduct, strangulation, burglary and criminal damage to property. He noted coordination with the Minnesota Attorney General"s Office for the two murder cases, the guilty verdict against defendant Ben Moreno and the recent guilty plea from defendant Austin Navarro. He referenced multiple cases in the appellate courts, with multiple cases winning, as well as work on the county"s new cannabis ordinance and work regarding the county administration selection and litigation. Other areas included property tax appeals, data requests and providing legal advice in extraordinary measures.

Shea recommended a salary of $148,000, up from $137,000 for 2024. He shared comparisons with 11 benchmark counties, which showed an average of $147,266, which was up almost 6% from the average in 2023. Out of those counties, looking at the four counties with populations closest to Freeborn County, the average salary was $151,903.

In information he provided the commissioners recapping some of the highlights of the year, he talked about continuing public outreach through things like Coffee with the Sheriff, visits with other community groups and other programs. He has also instituted a monthly training day to foster relationships within the Sheriff"s Office and help refine basic skills of deputies. While this brought out deficiencies, they have developed strategies to correct those deficiencies, he said. He has come in and worked night shifts, riding along with some of the night crew in an effort to improve morale and job satisfaction, and he once a month attends a church service in the jail with the other inmates in an effort to show them that even though they are being held in the jail, staff do not see themselves as belonging to a higher status than them. In February, he said he moved the Freeborn County main radio channel to an encrypted channel to comply with FBI standards. While there was some anxiety from the public, he said it was the right and legal thing to do, and other counties are following suit. He has lobbied at the state Capitol and worked with legislators on impending legislation. In June, the county saw excessive flooding and the Sheriff"s Office worked to get individual and public infrastructure assistance. The jail received an “excellent” rating from its first ICE inspection and a high rating from a second surprise inspection. He and the jail administrator have also been working for a higher Immigration and Customs Enforcement per diem rate for detainees. The commissioners will vote on salaries for the county attorney and sheriff in December.

The Albert Lea City Council on Monday approved a development agreement and subsidy for an oat mill processing company that plans to build in southern Albert Lea. Iowa-based Green Acres Milling will build a 135,000-square-foot development off of 14th Street across from the new Vortex Cold Storage plant in the Jobs Industrial Park. Once operational, it is expected to process 2 million bushels of oats per year or 8 metric tons per hour, according to City Planner Megan Boeck. City Manager Ian Rigg said the company is expected to create 12 jobs in two years with an average yearly wage of $100,000 including benefits. Oats will come from farmers in Minnesota and Iowa and neighboring states.

A Hancock County killing will keep a man behind bars for several decades.

Roger Laverne Crews Jr., 57 of Lake Mills, was sentenced Tuesday to up to 50 years in prison. A jury found Crews guilty of second-degree murder for the death of his estranged wife, Karen Crews.

Prosecutors say Roger and Karen Crews were separated and living apart when her body was found the morning of October 28, 2023, at 633 Way Avenue in Woden. Roger Crews was arrested in Freeborn County, Minnesota, after the body of Karen Crews was discovered. Law enforcement says Roger Crews confessed to attacking his wife on October 27, 2023.

In addition to the prison sentence, Roger Crews must pay $150,000 in damages to the estate of Karen Crews.

Power 96 News for Tuesday November 12th, 2024.

11/12/2024

A trial is set for a woman accused of defrauding Olmsted County out of over $15,000.

Diona Marie Hargrett, 36 of Rochester, is scheduled to stand trial beginning March 10, 2025, on one count of theft of services. The Olmsted County Sheriff"s Office says Hargrett continued to charge Olmsted County Child and Family Services for care of a foster child after that child turned 18 and moved out of Hargrett"s home. Court documents state Hargrett charged the county for seven months of care that was not provided, totaling $15,131.68. If convicted, Hargrett could be sentenced to up to 10 years in prison and fined $20,000.

The city of Albert Lea reports these project updates through last week. On Greenwood Drive, all work is now complete except for minor cleanup and corrective items. For Marshall Street, The contractor installed the first of two layers of asphalt this week on Marshall Street between Bridge Avenue and Ramsey Street. Work expected for next week includes installing all the manhole covers, grading work in the boulevard areas, and minor cleanup. And finally for Seventh Street and Winter Avenue, The contractor plans to install the sod on both streets next week. This will conclude work for this fall except for minor corrective items.

A two-vehicle collision Monday in Olmsted County sent both drivers to the hospital.

It happened just after 6 pm at the intersection of Highway 14 and Center Avenue in Eyota. The Minnesota State Patrol says Charlene Margurit Kronebusch, 75 of Utica, was driving a 2015 Volkswagen Jetter west and Susan Mary Schwantz, 64 of Lewiston, was eastbound in a 2013 Chevrolet Cruz. The crash set off the airbags in both vehicles.

The State Patrol says both Kronebusch and Schwantz suffered non-life threatening injuries and were taken to St. Marys Hospital for treatment.

The Olmsted County Sheriff's Office, Eyota Fire Department, and Mayo Ambulance assisted with this accident.

Residents gathered outside the Freeborn County courthouse Monday morning for a Veterans Day ceremony. Afterward, veterans were invited to the Albert Lea American Legion Post 56 for a short ceremony there and lunch. Many other veterans organizations also held celebrations for local veterans as well.

Power 96 News for Monday November 11th, 2024

11/11/2024

Minnesota"s sole women-only American Legion post is hoping to get the word out about their post, which meets in Austin. The charter for SPAM Post 570 was signed in December of 1946 and was started by former Hormel Foods leader Jay C. Hormel after World War II because of the female veterans coming back to the community. Mary Fargen of Austin, who has been a part of the post for about 30 years, said Hormel was patriotic. SPAM Post 570 has seen members ranging from Hormel Girls to the first all-women American Legion Drum and Bugle Corps to compete in the August 1947 National American Legion Convention in New York City. The post was active in patriotic events and philanthropic ventures. She said when she joined 30 years ago, there was a large group of women who were a part. As the older members died, the group diminished to the point that at one time she was the only member. It was reactivated in 2007, and today there are 12 members, including three from Albert Lea. Nowadays, the members are involved in efforts that help veterans as well as other community efforts, including the River Rats and VFW car shows, among other activities. Anyone interested in attending the post can contact her at 507-438-4132. The post meets on the first Monday of each month at 5:30 p.m. at 809 12th St. SW in Austin.

The 14th Annual Olmsted County DAV Deer Hunt at Chester Woods Park is happening this week.

This collaborative initiative, spearheaded by the MN Chapter 28 Disabled American Veterans (DAV), Olmsted County Veterans" Service Office, Olmsted County Parks, and the Olmsted County Public Works, has garnered support from over 60 individuals, organizations, and businesses. Eligibility requires hunters to have a service-connected disability and/or a purple heart. All hunters also have the opportunity to take venison home if they so desire. The event is an all-inclusive experience, providing disabled Veterans the chance to partake in the time-honored tradition of deer hunting in Minnesota. From a hearty breakfast of biscuits and gravy to well-defined hunting stands, guided assistance, handicap "tracked" wheelchairs, and everything a hunter might need, the event is a comprehensive endeavor. Running from around 5:00 AM to approximately 7:00 PM, Thursday to Sunday, regardless of the weather, the headquarters are situated at the Chester Woods Park Office area. Visitors are encouraged to stop by, grab a cup of coffee, a bite to eat, and engage with the participating veterans, volunteers, and staff.

A Missouri man arrested in Freeborn County with over 300 grams of cocaine is pleading not guilty.

A trial is now set to begin on March 31, 2025, for Kevin Eugene Jordan, 37 of Kansas City, MO. He is charged with first-degree possession of cocaine, receiving stolen property, and fleeing a peace officer in a motor vehicle.

The Freeborn County Sheriff"s Office says it was notified around 2:25 am on September 8 of a reportedly stolen vehicle driving with its lights off on southbound Interstate 35. A deputy says he located the suspect vehicle, pulled in behind it, and turned on his emergency lights. The Sheriff"s Office says the suspect vehicle continued to drive without its lights on, switching from lane to lane, and going speeds ranging from 70 to 120 miles per hour.

Law enforcement deployed stop sticks, which the vehicle drove over near the junction of Interstate 35 and Interstate 90. The suspect vehicle continued down the road until a deputy was able to force it into the west ditch.

Investigators say the driver of the vehicle was Jordan and a search of the vehicle found 348 grams of cocaine.

An accused drug dealer has taken a plea deal in Mower County.

Armando Gonzalez, 60, was charged with first-degree sale of drugs for an incident on February 7. The Austin Police Department says Gonzalez met with a confidential informant on that day in the 800 block of 9th Avenue SW and sold the informant 27.67 grams of methamphetamine.

Police say the informant had originally set up the deal to buy meth from someone else but that person didn"t show up and Gonzalez did the deal instead.

Gonzalez has pleaded guilty to third-degree sale of drugs. That crime is punishable in Minnesota by up to 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. A sentencing hearing has been scheduled for January 2, 2025.

Power 96 News for Friday November 8th, 2024.

11/08/2024

Tom Robbins has been hired to be the new Executive Director of Austin Area Arts.

The Dubuque native was most recently the Executive Director of The Legacy Theater in Carthage, Illinois, and previously served as the Executive Director of the Heritage Center at the University of Dubuque and the Schauer Arts and Activities Center in Hartford, Wisconsin. Austin Area Arts says Robbins has 30+ years of experience in arts management in the Midwest, holds a Master of Arts in Business Administration from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, and has been active throughout his career as a community leader and arts advocate. Austin Area Arts is the non-profit group that owns and operates the Historic Paramount Theatre, operates the Austin ArtWorks Center, and hosts the annual Austin ArtWorks Festival. Robbins is expected to start work later in November.

Adam Fravel was found guilty of two counts of 1st-degree murder and two counts of 2nd-degree murder Nov. 7.

A Mankato jury reached the verdict after two days and ten hours of deliberations.

Winona mother Madeline Kingsbury disappeared in March of 2023 after dropping her kids off with Fravel at daycare.

Kingsbury"s remains were eventually discovered in June of that year, in a culvert in rural Fillmore County. The property is a few miles north of Fravel"s parents" home in Mabel.

Fravel faces life in prison for the 1st-degree murder convictions.

The prosecution had to prove that Fravel had planned the murder in order to secure a 1st-degree murder–premeditation conviction, and prove that Fravel had abused Kingsbury in order to secure 1st-degree murder–past pattern of domestic abuse conviction.

His sentencing is scheduled for 1:45 p.m. Dec. 17.

A crash overnight in Freeborn County injured a woman.

The Minnesota State Patrol says Olivia Elizabeth Olson, 37 of New Richland, was driving a 2019 Jeep Grand Cherokee south on Highway 13 when she went off the road near the intersection with 240th Street and crashed. This accident happened around 11:52 pm Thursday and the State Patrol says alcohol was involved. Olson suffered what are described as non-life threatening injuries and was taken to Mayo Clinic Health System – Albert Lea for treatment. Mayo Ambulance assisted with this crash.

An Owatonna man is in custody after genetic genealogy linked him to a 1974 murder of a Minneapolis woman who was found in Dunn County.

Jon Miller, 84, was arrested on Thursday for the murder of Mary Schlais, who was found dead in Spring Brook Township on Feb. 16, 1974.

At that time, an investigation revealed that Schlais was hitchhiking from Minneapolis to Chicago for an art show.

Dunn County Sheriff"s Office law enforcement says they received numerous tips and leads during the decades since Schlais" body was discovered. As DNA technology advanced, officials retested evidence found at the scene multiple times.

In collaboration with the Ramapo College in Mahwah, New Jersey, genetic genealogy testing revealed a suspect, which led to Miller"s arrest on Thursday.

Power 96 News for Thursday November 7th, 2024.

11/07/2024

The Faribault County Sheriff"s Office on Wednesday released the name of the individual who was found dead Friday night in rural Wells. The body of Miguel Angel Chavez-Lopez, 54, of Albert Lea, was found at a rural property located in Walnut Lake Township on the 14000 section of 540th Avenue. The death has been deemed a homicide. Deputies received a 911 call at 11:46 p.m. Friday of a body that was found on the property. More details have not been released. The incident remains under investigation by the Faribault County Sheriff"s Office with assistance from the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension . Any tips should be directed to Investigator Christopher Albers at 507-526-5148.

A vehicle was reported stolen at 6:45 a.m. Wednesday at 602 Columbus Ave. The car was believed to have been stolen between 11:15 p.m. Tuesday and 6:30 a.m. Wednesday.

About 88.49% of registered voters participated in the general election this year in Freeborn County, down slightly from the voter turnouts for presidential elections in recent years. According to unofficial results from the Freeborn County Auditor-Treasurer"s Office, 16,795 ballots were cast out of 18,979 registered voters. The highest turnout in Freeborn County in recent years came in the 2012 presidential election with 93.71% voter turnout. After that was 2020, when there was a 90.69% turnout, followed by 2016, when there was a 90.37% turnout. According to the Minnesota Secretary of State"s Office, early estimates indicated a 76% turnout statewide for the 2024 election, which is higher than the 2016 turnout of 74.72% but fell short of the record-making turnout of 79.96% in 2020.

The position of mayor was up for grabs in Austin and after a close race on Election Day, the community has re-elected Mayor Steve King.

At the end of Election Day, King had 51.07% of the public's vote while his opponent Bradley Johnson ended the day with 48.46% of votes.

Power 96 News for Wednesday November 6th, 2024

11/06/2024

Incumbent Freeborn County 1st District Commissioner Brad Edwin defeated challenger Julie Ackland in what was a rematch of the same race from two years ago. Edwin received 1,813 votes, or 63.13%, while Ackland received 1,055 votes, or 36.73%. There were four write-in votes, which equated to 0.14%. In 2022, Edwin received 1,452 votes, or 60.1%, and Ackland received 952 votes, or 39.4%, and there were 12 write-ins. Fifth District Commissioner Nicole Eckstrom was re-elected to a second term with no opponents, receiving 2,880 votes. There were 22 write-ins. Newcomer Lukas Severson will become the 3rd District commissioner after receiving 1,959 votes. There were 23 write-ins. He will replace current 3rd District Commissioner John Forman, who is not seeking re-election.

Results for the Albert Lea School Board election sees new comer Mary Jo Dorman joining incumbents Angie Hoffman and Neal Skaar on the board. Dorman ended with 6,982 votes, Hoffman with 6,417, and Skaar with 5,968. Kasey Wolters finished in 4th with 5,054 in her bid for the board, with only the top 3 winning seats.

The Freeborn County Historical Society, Library and Village is hoping a new name is a better reflection of their true nature. The Board of Directors has voted unanimously to rename the society the History Center of Freeborn County. The newly named History Center issued a statement on the change:

“You may be asking why? Several points factored into this decision. “We are more than a museum, library, and village. We are a gathering place for the community. Currently the Civil War Roundtable, Sons of Norway, Kiwanis Golden K, Albert Lea Police Department Coffee with a Cop, and the Freeborn County Genealogical Society meet on a regular basis at the museum. We hope to see more community minded groups meet here. “Quite often we hear comments on being a Freeborn County government program. While we receive some funding from the county, about 10% of our budget, we are primarily a self-funded nonprofit who relies on memberships, donations, and grants to complete our mission each year. We felt that focusing on the History Center we may be able to relay this message more effectively. “Let's be honest, Freeborn County Historical Museum, Library and Village is a mouthful.”

The History Center of Freeborn County says it remains a privately funded non-profit educational and cultural institution established in 1948, committed to building the future by preserving the past.

A Mower County man has been arrested for child sex crimes in Freeborn County. The Albert Lea Police Department says Gerardo Noe Guerrero, 31 of Austin, is facing charges of solicitation of a minor and communication of sexually explicit material to children. Guerrero was arrested Tuesday as part of an ongoing investigation.

Anyone with relevant information regarding this case to come forward and contact Albert Lea police by calling the crime tip hotline at 507-377-5261.

The Albert Lea Police Department says it is committed to the safety and protection of the community, particularly its youngest members, and takes incidents of this nature very seriously.

Power 96 News for Tuesday November 5th, 2024

11/05/2024

The Freeborn County Board of Commissioners on Monday reviewed a proposed employment agreement for an interim county administrator, including pay, benefits and other expectations in a special workshop. The board at a previous meeting voted to move forward with Darrell Pettis as interim administrator. Pettis is a former county administrator and engineer with experience in LeSueur and Watonwan counties. He will fill the opening left by former Freeborn County Administrator Ryan Rasmusson, who resigned to pursue another opportunity, as the county searches for a permanent administrator. According to the potential agreement, Pettis will work as an employee of the county, rather than a contractor, and would make $130 per hour for 20 to 24 hours per week on Tuesday through Thursday of each week. Though he would not be at work the other days, he would be expected to be available via phone, email and text message. The agreement also calls for $1,250 each month for a vehicle allowance for things such as mileage reimbursement and automobile costs. The commissioners said Pettis will be coming from about 70 miles away. Regarding paid time off and holiday pay, the commissioners said Pettis would be treated the same as other part-time employees. The commissioners discussed when to approve the final version of the agreement and noted they would also need to send the agreement to Pettis to see if he would agree to it as well. Commissioner Chris Shoff recommended approving it at the meeting the following day, pending the approval of the county attorney. Fifth District Commissioner Nicole Eckstrom said she would prefer to see it before she voted on it and recommended a special meeting on the day of their next workshop in a week, which would give time for the revisions. The board ultimately decided it would review the agreement with the updates at its workshop next week and then vote at its board meeting the week after. This will also allow time for Pettis and the counties attorneys to look at it as well. The search for the permanent administrator ends on Nov. 8, and information about the candidates will be available to review at the Nov. 12 workshop.

A homicide investigation is underway after the discovery of a body Friday in Faribault County. Deputies were called to an address in rural Wells at around 11:46 pm on November 1. Deputies say they located the body and their initial investigation concluded the victim had been killed. The name of the victim has not been released. The Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension has been called in to assist with this case.

A rural Wells woman died Saturday afternoon after a house fire in Dunbar Township in Faribault County. According to a press release, the Faribault County Sheriff"s Office deputies responded to the fire, at 3:54 p.m. Saturday, at 23456 600th Ave. Eighty-eight-year-old Shirley Lemons was still believed to be inside of the residence and was located and initially treated by Wells Fire and Ambulance. She later died at the scene. The cause of the fire has not yet been released. Assisting at the scene were Wells Ambulance, Mayo 3 Air Care, Wells Fire Department, Freeborn Fire Department, Minnesota Lake Fire Department and Minnesota Department of Natural Resources.

Albert Lea Police say its most recent wave of tobacco and alcohol compliance checks found just five violations out of 46 establishments. Under the supervision of officers, decoys under the age of 21 tried to buy tobacco and alcohol products at nearly four dozen stores on November 1. The Albert Lea Police Department says only employees at The 112 on Broadway, Cento Wood-Fire Pizzeria + Café, Eastside Liquor, Elbow Room and the Loyal Order of Moose conducted illegal sales. A 1997 Minnesota state law requires law enforcement to conduct tobacco compliance checks at least once per year. Retail clerks who sell tobacco to minors receive a summons to court for the first violation, which carries a maximum penalty of not more than 90 days in jail and a fine of not more than $1,000. A second violation by the same clerk within a 5-year period is a gross misdemeanor violation. Businesses that fail tobacco compliance checks can receive administrative penalties of up to $250 and a 7-day suspension of their tobacco licenses. The Albert Lea Police Department says employees and owners of establishments with alcohol licenses are encouraged to attend the “Underage Access to Alcohol Server” training developed by the Minnesota Department of Public Safety"s Office of Traffic Safety and Alcohol and Gambling Enforcement Division.

Power 96 News for Monday November 4th, 2024

11/04/2024

New details have been shared by FindJodi, Inc.- regarding the search of former KIMT News 3 anchor Jodi Huisentruit, who disappeared in 1995.

According to FindJodi, Investigators from Mason City recently searched an area in Winsted, Minnesota, following a tip related to the case . Winsted is a rural area northwest of the Twin Cities. Investigators with the Mason City Police Department looked into a site near new apartment construction two weeks ago.

Mason City Police Chief Jeff Brinkley confirmed the purpose of the search in a brief statement to FindJodi:

“MCPD recently worked with Minnesota law enforcement officials to follow up on a lead in Winsted. MCPD continues to receive, evaluate, and follow up on information it receives related to Jodi Huisentruit"s disappearance on a regular basis. Information gleaned from this effort will be used in the ongoing investigation. At this time, there is no additional information for public release. We do want to encourage anyone with information about Jodi"s disappearance to contact the MCPD or the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation.”

It will be 30 years in June since Jodi was abducted getting into her car in her apartment parking lot. She was on her way to anchor the morning news at KIMT-TV.

A Minnesota man caught with illegal drugs in Franklin County has been sentenced.

Virgil Lee Gibson, 48 of Oakdale, MN, was pulled over on Interstate 35 just before 1 am on February 6. Law enforcement says Gibson was in possession of 20.2 grams of methamphetamine, 58.8 grams of marijuana, and $3,378 in cash.

According to court documents, Gibson told law enforcement he had gone to Texas to attend a funeral and had bought marijuana and meth while in Texas.

Gibson pleaded guilty to possession with intent to deliver meth. He"s been sentenced to five years of probation and must pay a $1,000 fine.

A Mason City woman is going to federal prison for being a drug user with guns.

Brittany Graham, 37, pleaded guilty in U.S. District Court to being a prohibited person in possession of firearms. Federal investigators say Graham possessed four handguns in August 2022 while she was illegally using marijuana. The U.S. Attorney"s Office for the Northern District of Iowa says the evidence at sentencing showed that Graham had possessed seven handguns since 2018. Law enforcement says other prohibited persons later possessed some of these guns, including a .357 magnum revolver that was seized from a felon in Chicago less than seven months after Graham purchased it. Graham has been sentenced to three years and one month in federal prison, followed by two years of supervised release.

This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Mason City Police Department, the Cerro Gordo County Sheriff"s Office, and the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation.

A teenager facing serious felony charges over a break-in is pleading not guilty.

Isaac Anthony Ambriz, 18 of Austin, is now scheduled to stand trial starting June 30, 2025, for first-degree burglary, second-degree burglary, obstructing the legal process, and fourth-degree damage to property.

Ambriz was arrested after Rochester police responded to a reported burglary at an apartment building in the 100 block of 8th Street NE. Investigators say Ambriz entered the building just before midnight on October 13 and broke down the door to an elderly woman"s apartment. The victim says Ambriz just stood in the doorway and stared at her.

Officers say they eventually located Ambriz sitting on the stairs to the front main entrance of the apartment building. According to court documents, Ambriz resisted arrest, said “No, you will have to shoot me!” and threw punches at police officers before he was finally subdued.

Police say Ambriz showed signs of being under the influence of drugs or alcohol and uttered irrational statements.