Local News

Power 96 News for Friday December 12th, 2025.

12/12/2025

In late November of this year, Freeborn County Emergency Management was informed of a potential security breach affecting the county's emergency notification system, CodeRED. The CodeRED platform is generally used for mass notification emergency alerts and maintains basic subscriber information. According to the Sheriff's Office, OnSolve CodeRED could not confirm if any data had been accessed. Now they have provided the following information that their forensic investigators have found:

? An organized cybercriminal group has claimed responsibility for this incident, which affected the CodeRED platform, its customers and users. Law Enforcement is actively investigating the matter.

? Investigators believe that data is associated with the OnSolve CodeRED platform may have been removed from the system.

? To prevent further risk, the OnSolve CodeRED platform has been decommissioned and will not be restored.

Based on the information currently available, it appears the impacted data may include certain contact information provided to CodeRED by users, such as:

? Name

? Address

? Phone number

? Email address

? Passwords for CodeRED profiles

CodeRED users are encouraged to update passwords for other accounts if you have used a same or similar password on those accounts.

The Freeborn County Sheriff"s Office and Freeborn County Emergency Management are actively pursuing alternative mass emergency notification systems.

The Albert Lea School Board will meet Monday evening. Those who wish to attend this regular meeting can attend at the Brookside Education Center.

SMART Transit in Austin has announced service changes across its area footprint for 2026 on Thursday. In Austin, SMART"s Red Route will return to its original route now that construction has ended and the detour removed.

There are also minor changes to both of its Red And Purple route stops as well as additional Demand Response Service until 7 p.m., which was formerly 6 p.m.

Albert Lea Service Changes

• Minor changes to route stops

• Shuttle service will be added between Albert Lea and Waseca to assist with medical services; this will be open to the public to travel between cities.

More information can be found at https://smartbusmn.org as well as SMART"s Facebook Page.

The City of Clear Lake is honoring Mayor Nelson Crabb on Friday as he wraps up two decades of leadership and public service. A community open house will be held from 3 to 5 p.m. in the Clear Lake City Hall Council Chambers, where residents are invited to stop by, share stories, and thank Mayor Crabb for his lasting impact on the community. City leaders say the event is a chance to recognize Crabb"s dedication and the many ways he has helped shape Clear Lake over the past 20 years. Community members are encouraged to bring well-wishes and memorable stories as they celebrate his long-standing commitment to the city.

Power 96 News for Thursday December 11th, 2025.

12/11/2025

The Albert Lea Convention and Visitors Bureau has announced adjustments to the annual Holiday Bazaar scheduled from 4 to 7 p.m. Thursday in downtown Albert Lea. Due to forecasted weather conditions, two major attractions - live reindeer and photos with Santa-will be relocated indoors to the Skyline Plaza from 4 to 6 p.m. to ensure a safer and more comfortable experience for families.

“We just want the magical wait to be more bearable for all the littles excited to see the live reindeer - and Santa,” event planners shared in a press release. The CVB emphasized the goal is to maintain the spirit and excitement of the event while keeping visitors safe. All other planned activities - including horse-drawn trolley rides, the Holiday Market, kids" market, hot chocolate stand, the Santa Cruise and tree lighting, will continue as scheduled throughout downtown. Guests are encouraged to dress warmly and to attend only if road and weather conditions allow for safe travel. The Albert Lea CVB extends appreciation to community partners and participating businesses for their flexibility and support in adapting to the changing forecast. For continued updates and event details, follow the organization on Facebook. The CVB looks forward to welcoming everyone for a festive evening and thanks the community for its understanding as adjustments are made to keep the Holiday Bazaar both magical and safe.

The Minnesota Public Facility Authority (MPFA) announced $91.7 million in loans and grants for wastewater and drinking water infrastructure projects across 26 cities. This funding will facilitate the replacement of nearly 1,000 lead service lines in 15 cities. Since 1987, the MPFA has provided almost $7.4 billion for infrastructure programs statewide. The City of Albert Lea will receive nearly 2 million dollars to replace approximately 150 lead lines with copper lines.

The City of Albert Lea and Freeborn County ask that you Reduce, reuse, rejoice: and go green for the holidays. Freeborn County recycled more than 14,000 tons of material last year, an increase over the previous year. The City of Albert Lea and Freeborn County encourage residents to keep up the good work and recycle even more, especially during the holidays, when the average Minnesotan throws away 25% more stuff. Freeborn County generated 24,000 tons of trash last year. By recycling and reusing more, residents can reduce the need for more landfill space and preserve land for farming, development and natural areas. "The holidays bring joy, but they also bring a lot of packaging, old electronics, and other items that can quickly fill our trash bins," said Mark Goskeson, solid waste manager for Freeborn County. "By thinking ahead, we can all make small changes that have a big impact on reducing our environmental footprint in Albert Lea and Freeborn County."

A home in rural Lansing was deemed a complete loss after a fire early Wednesday morning. According to Austin Fire Chief Jim McCoy, the Austin Fire Department was dispatched to the 27000 block of 540th Avenue in Lansing at around 7:10 a.m. Wednesday morning. When firefighters and deputies from the Mower County Sheriff"s Office arrived the house was fully involved in fire. The house was deemed a total loss and a dog was lost in the blaze. McCoy said Hansen Hauling used an excavator to tear the house down to make sure all hidden pockets of fire were extinguished. Mayo Clinic Ambulance assisted on the scene, though there were no injuries or fatalities. No cause has been given for the cause of the blaze, which is currently being investigated by the State Fire Marshal's Office. It was estimated the fire resulted in a $75,000 loss to the structure.

Power 96 News for Wednesday December 10th, 2025.

12/10/2025

Two people were taken to the hospital Tuesday morning after a pickup went off the road on Interstate 35 and rolled in Bancroft Township. Jesus Gonzalez Garcis, 33, and Ibeth Acebedo, 30, both of Albert Lea, were taken to Mayo Clinic Health System in Albert Lea for non life-threatening injuries, according to the Minnesota State Patrol. The crash report listed Garcis as the driver of the 2003 Ford F250 in the crash and Acebedo as the passenger. The truck was reportedly traveling north on Interstate 35 near milepost 15 at 5:30 a.m. when the crash occurred. The report stated roads were snowy and icy at the time of the crash. Alcohol was not a factor. Both occupants were wearing their seat belts. The Albert Lea Fire Department, Clarks Grove Fire Department, Freeborn County Sheriff"s Office and Mayo Ambulance assisted at the scene.

Iowa Senator Chuck Grassley introduced a first of its kind legislation on Tuesday. The bill seeks to criminalize intentional efforts to convince minors to attempt suicide or physically harm others. Violators could receive up to life in prison. Sen. Grassley said the bill will specifically target entities like “764”, an extremist online network that coerces minors. “Today"s online offender is more violent, more cruel, and more shocking than offenders just 20 years ago. Offenders will manipulate, pressure, harass, and seek to control vulnerable children through extortion, blackmail, and shame,” said Sen. Grassley. The bill has a bipartisan push with Democratic Senator Dick Durbin from Illinois co-sponsoring the bill.

A cybertip on child pornography has led to a guilty plea in Olmsted County District Court. Emanuel Ernesto Zavala, 34 of Rochester, was charged in October 2024 with disseminating child porn, possessing child porn, engaging in electronic communication related to sexual conduct with a child, and bestiality. The Rochester Police Department says it got a cybertip in September 2024 about suspected child sexual abuse material (CSAM) being uploaded to social media between April 2024 and June 2024. Officers say they traced the uploads to Zavala and a search of his home found 61 CSAM images/videos. Zavala"s sentencing is set for March 2, 2026.

Residents of Kiester are bracing for the loss of their local grocery store at the end of the month. The Board of Directors of the community-owned Kiester Market announced Monday that the store will close Dec. 31. "It is with heavy hearts that we announce the closing of our Kiester Market," the Board shared on Facebook. "Thank you to everyone for your patronage over the years." According to the board, 20% discounts will be offered this week and further discounts will be offered over the remaining weeks.

Power 96 News for Tuesday December 9th, 2025.

12/09/2025

The National Weather Service has issued a winter storm watch from Tuesday evening through Wednesday morning for the Albert Lea area as a strong clipper system is forecast to bring heavy winds and a little snow. Though snow totals for Albert Lea are forecast at only about 1 inch, winds could gust as high as 50 mph, leading to blizzard conditions. The strongest winds are likely across western and southern Minnesota. The Weather Service states the most likely place for heaviest snow is along and north of Interstate 94, where a narrow band of 4 to 7 inches of snow is possible. Along and south of I-94, a wintry mix is possible at times, which will lower snowfall amounts. The winter storm watch is in effect for Blue Earth, Faribault, Freeborn and Waseca counties in the area. A winter weather advisory has been issued for Steele and Mower counties.

The Weather Service advises motorists that roads, and especially bridges and overpasses, will likely become slick and hazardous. Visibilities will also likely drop due to falling and blowing snow, with whiteout conditions.

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources says anglers should wait for ice to get to 4 inches or thicker before getting out on the water this winter. Annette Schlag, a conservation officer, says for snow mobiles, ice enthusiasts should wait until its around 5 to 7 inches. For larger vehicles she says drivers should consult the DNR's chart on what level of thickness is appropriate. Schlag says its also important to pay attention to the conditions around the ice as well, if it looks clear, its probably safe but if it has a honeycomb appearance it is probably weaker than it looks. If lake ice is covered in snow she says it also may be insulated from the cold and not as solid as it could be. She also stated that "Ice is never 100 percent safe and even though we've had a number of cold days in a row here, there is snow on the ground, it looks like the middle of winter, its still early in the season."

A St. Ansgar man is pleading not guilty to vehicular homicide charges in the death of a Mitchell County teen. Blair Lee Hansen, 21, is now scheduled to stand trial starting January 20, 2026, for homicide by vehicle-operating under the influence and homicide by vehicle-reckless driving. Court documents state that Hansen was driving on 410th Street in Worth County on March 1 when he lost control around 3 am about 456 feet east of Killdeer Avenue. Investigators say Hansen was going more than 25 miles per hour over the speed limit when he veered off the road, went into the ditch, and crashed into a power pole. Law enforcement says Hansen was injured in the crash but his passenger, Ayden Steele, 16 of St. Ansgar, was killed. According to court documents, the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation lab in Ankeny did a “retrograde extrapolation” on blood taken from Hansen after the crash which indicated his blood alcohol content was over the legal limit when the crash occurred.

A Cerro Gordo County man has been arrested for sexually abusing a child. Brandon Wade Dodd, 35 of Mason City, is charged with second-degree sex abuse. Investigators say Dodd sexually abused a victim under the age of 13 in Rockwell between the end of November 2019 and the beginning of January 2020. A criminal complaint against Dodd was filed on December 4. He was picked up on an outstanding warrant on Tuesday. Dodd is being held in the Cerro Gordo County Jail on $25,000 cash only bond.

Power 96 News for Monday December 8th, 2025.

12/08/2025

On Wednesday, November 26, a dead body was found inside a shed at the North Iowa Event Center. According to the Mason City Police Department, the body was found at 4:37 p.m. by an employee from the North Iowa Fairgrounds. The body was identified as 64-year-old Vaugh Jerome Fearing, and MCPD said he had previously been told he was not allowed to camp/stay on the property. Fearing"s bicycle was found near the shed and inside was a sleeping bag, a hypodermic syringe, and a beer can near his body. MCPD said no foul play is suspected. The state"s medical examiner will conduct an autopsy to determine the cause and manner of Fearing"s death. MCPD said they had encountered Fearing at various locations recently as homeless. He had been offered homelessness assistance options in the area multiple times prior to the incident.

Parties impacted by the possible dissolution of Twin Lakes met for a conference Friday afternoon to schedule a date for the main hearing on the issue ahead of a special election to decide the matter. The hearing will be at 1 p.m. Jan. 7, and any of the parties that wish to submit evidence ahead of the hearing must do so by 4:30 p.m. Dec. 31. The hearing will be able to be accessed by the public in-person at the Twin Lakes City Hall or online through a Microsoft Teams link.

The Albert Lea City Council will consider lowering its property tax levy for 2026 by nearly $200,000 at its meeting on Monday. This change would adjust the levy from the originally proposed $9.5 million in September to $9.3 million, reducing the increase from 8 percent to 5.9 percent. The impact on homeowners' city property taxes will depend on property valuations set by Freeborn County. If a property's valuation remains unchanged, taxes may decrease due to increased development and property values in the city. However, if valuations rise, city taxes will also increase. Residents with questions about valuations can contact the Freeborn County Assessor"s Office at 507-377-5176. Additionally, the council will adopt a fee schedule for 2026, which includes a 6 percent increase in water and sewer fees to fund the wastewater treatment plant and other projects. This will raise the average utility bill by $5 per month. The council plans to vote on the final levy and fees following a truth in taxation hearing on Monday at 7 p.m. in the council chambers at City Hall. The Albert Lea Economic Development Agency (ALEDA) is also requesting a zoning change to expand the Jobs Industrial Park, as they seek to rezone 12 acres from residential to industrial at 11th Street and Viking Avenue. The Planning Commission has recommended approval following a public hearing.

A not guilty plea is entered in a Winnebago County child pornography case. Devlin Lucas Nielsen, 31 of Lake Mills, is set to stand trial starting February 11, 2026, on three counts of possession of a depiction of a minor in a sex act-1st offense. Law enforcement says Nielsen"s home was searched on June 11 and three images involving females approximately 12 years old or younger involved in sexual acts were found on Nielsen"s phone.

Power 96 News for Friday December 5th, 2025.

12/05/2025

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has opened a new 1-mile extension of the Blazing Star State Trail, enhancing local outdoor activities. This expansion increases the trail's total length to 8.1 miles, connecting the eastern edge of Myre-Big Island State Park to the city of Hayward. The new trail segment is 10 feet wide and paved, accommodating activities such as walking, running, biking, and rollerblading. It offers access to scenic spots for picnicking, bird watching, fishing, and paddleboarding within the state park. Parking and access points are available at several locations, including Frank Hall Park and East Front Street in Albert Lea, the state park visitor center, and the city trailhead in Hayward on West Street. Funding for this project was sourced from federal transportation grants, state bonds, and the Parks and Trails Legacy Fund. Further improvements are planned, with rehabilitation work on the eastern half of the state park segment set to begin in fall 2026.

The 22nd Annual Volunteer Recognition Award Banquet took place at the MacNider Art Museum Salsbury Room on Thursday. This year's theme was "Shining Stars," celebrating around 65 volunteers for their contributions to various community projects. Holly Ames and Charlie West received the prestigious Shining Star award for their dedicated service at Cannonball Park and the Cemetery, respectively. The Shining Star Team award went to the group known as the Shining Stars, formerly the Shady Ladies, for their work at the Central Park Flower Garden. Kaitlyn Thangaraj, a new volunteer in Mason City, earned the Rookie of the Year Award for her efforts at the 457 Cannonball. Nathan Bond received the GEM (Going the Extra Mile) award for his long-term commitment to the Recreation Department. Mayor Bill Schickel expressed gratitude to the volunteers, saying their commitment and dedication to the community are invaluable. City Council members, along with Recreation and Elmwood-St. Joseph Cemetery Department Staff, participated in presenting the awards.

Residents in attendance at Freeborn County"s truth-in-taxation meeting Thursday night spoke out about concerns over proposed increased taxes for 2026 combined with the increased valuations of their properties. The audience, in front of the Freeborn County Board of Commissioners, was mostly full with about 50 people in attendance, as well as some county staff. Board Chairman Brad Edwin said the board started working on the 2026 budget in April and in September set the preliminary levy increase at 15%. After that, the board can approve a lower levy, but it cannot raise it higher. He said the board had worked to reduce that number and had reduced the increase to 9.5%. That will be formally voted on Dec. 16. County Finance Manager Pat Paquin cited increases in personnel costs and significant increases in health insurance for next year after the end of a three-year contract with Blue Cross and Blue Shield. Edwin also cited increases in the costs of goods to maintain roads, including gravel and bituminous, as well as increases in payroll. After one resident questioned what Freeborn County provides, Third District Commissioner Lukas Severson, read off many of the services the county provides, including public safety, human services, roads and bridges, the auditor-treasurer, probation and pre-trial services, public health and others. He pointed out that many of the services are mandated by the state and that fulfilling these mandates requires staff. Though many expressed concerns about their property valuations, Freeborn County Assessor Rich Heffner, said the time to appeal a property valuation for the year has passed and at this time no changes could be made. The county is required to classify and value property as of Jan. 2 each year for taxes payable the following year, meaning that 2026 assessments were set Jan. 2, 2025. For those assessments, the county used a sales study from Oct. 1, 2023, through Sept. 30, 2024, he said, noting that current market prices would be used to set the 2027 values. The county is required to follow the median ratio for overall estimated market values that fall between 90% and 105% of actual sales in the county and noted that the Minnesota Department of Revenue can adjust numbers if the county is not in that range. Overall countywide, there was a 6.31% increase in values — though some properties saw less and some saw more.

Power 96 News for Thursday December 4th, 2025.

12/04/2025

Stroll, Shop & Vote for Your Favorite Pots on Broadway. Downtown Albert Lea has been transformed into a festive winter wonderland, and now it"s your turn to help crown the winners of the 2025 “Pots on Broadway” contest. Local businesses and organizations have decorated holiday pots throughout the downtown district, showcasing creativity, community pride, and the spirit of the season.How to Participate & Vote: Take a stroll downtown and admire the decorated pots. Shop local while you"re out and support the partners who help make our community shine. Cast your vote for your favorite pot before December 12. To vote, you can go in person to the CVB office at 132 North Broadway, or you can find the link on our Power 96 facebook page. The winners will be announced on December 15th.

Winnebago Industries, Inc. has been recognized by Newsweek as one of America"s Most Responsible Companies for the fourth consecutive year. Newsweek says the selection was based on key performance indicators from corporate social responsibility and sustainability reports, along with a survey of U.S. residents. Winnebago says it focuses on four areas: people, community, planet, and governance, with initiatives like reducing greenhouse gas emissions and supporting local communities.

A man who pleaded guilty to stealing thousands of dollars in concrete construction tools has been sentenced. Derek Anthony Demory, 35 of Mason City, has been ordered to spend five years on supervised probation, participate in the Drug Court Program, and complete all recommended substance abuse and mental health treatment. Investigators say Demory stole over $10,000 worth of tools from an enclosed cargo trailer at the intersection of North Shore Drive and Sunset View Drive in Clear Lake on July 26. Court documents state the tools, along with five grams of methamphetamine, were found in Demory"s home. He was initially charged with first-degree theft and possession with intent to deliver meth. Demory eventually pleaded guilty to second-degree theft and possession of meth-3rd offense.

Freeborn Mower Electric Cooperative, MiEnergy Cooperative, and People"s Energy Cooperative have announced a peak energy alert starting Thursday at 7:00 a.m. The alert is due to the anticipated extremely cold weather, which is expected to increase the demand on the regional grid. Members participating in the Dual Fuel Energy Management Program will experience changes from 7:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. To help conserve electricity during this peak period, members are advised to set heating systems to at least 68 degrees, close window coverings, delay running dishwashers or laundry, use microwaves instead of ovens, avoid using televisions or gaming systems, and postpone electric vehicle charging. People's Energy Cooperative says these efforts, though small, are crucial in reducing the strain on the electric grid. The cooperatives, part of the Dairyland Power Cooperative, have been serving Southeastern Minnesota and North Iowa for over 85 years, providing reliable power to their communities.

Power 96 News for Wednesday December 3rd, 2025.

12/03/2025

Albert Lea Fire Rescue quickly extinguished a fire early Wednesday morning at a garage located in the 2000 block of Paradise Road West. Firefighters responded at 3:18 a.m. and discovered a burning pile of material inside a 3-stall attached garage. The fire did not spread to the building, and crews managed to put it out swiftly, resulting in minimal damage to the garage. The estimated loss of contents is around $2,000. The cause of the fire is still being investigated. Fortunately, no injuries were reported. The Albert Lea Police Department and Mayo Clinic Ambulance Service assisted at the scene.

Thursday morning could be one for the record books, thanks to a strong Canadian high pressure system surging southward over Southern Minnesota and North Iowa. Clear skies will be present Wednesday night as winds relax from a breezy Wednesday, and that sets up weather conditions that will be prime for maximum radiational cooling, which is a process where heat from the surface escapes to space. This will allow temperatures to plummet to the -10s regionwide. A light northwestern breeze around sunrise Thursday will help wind chills plummet to the -10s to -20s regionwide. This will be the coldest air of the season so far and it will be dangerous. Make sure your family and friends are ready for this cold Thursday morning, and allow your vehicles to warm up a bit before heading out on your morning commute, and don"t forget to layer up.

Mower County residents who use private wells for drinking water are encouraged to get free testing through the state, especially with arsenic and manganese being detected locally at the highest rate among eight southeast Minnesota counties. To date, Mower County has recorded the most samples detecting the presence of arsenic and manganese under the Tap-In initiative that also includes Dodge, Fillmore, Goodhue, Houston, Olmsted, Rice, Wabasha and Winona counties. Manganese and arsenic occur naturally in rocks and soil across Minnesota, and too much of either can be harmful to health. Those applying for a Tap-In water-testing kit must use a private well for drinking water in one of those counties. When approved, a test kit is sent to their home to ship back at no cost for a free analysis of their drinking water for arsenic, manganese, nitrate, coliform bacteria and lead. Those in Mower County interested in Tap-In can contact Mower SWCD"s water plan and outreach coordinator Tim Ruzek via email at tim@mowerdistrict.org or by phone at 507-460-4577.

Freeborn County Public Health today announces its commercial partnership with CredibleMind, an intuitive platform offering localized, wellnessoriented digital content that enables employees, insurers, healthcare providers, and community organizations to support consumer-centric engagement and provide personalized mental health resources. The partnership will make CredibleMind an accessible digital resource to Freeborn County Public Health Departments" more than 30,000 community members. The CredibleMind digital platform will officially launch on December 4, 2025, with a community event at the Albert Lea Fire Station Conference Room, 417 S. Newton Ave., Albert Lea, MN 56007, from 2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. All community members are invited to attend. Those who register and complete an assessment by January 4, 2026, will be entered into a drawing for a $100 gift card.

Power 96 News for Tuesday December 2nd, 2025.

12/02/2025

A North Iowa woman is pleading not guilty to multiple drug offenses. Diane Marie Lease, 67 of Clear Lake, is now scheduled to stand trial beginning January 27, 2026, for intent to deliver methamphetamine, failure to use a drug tax stamp, and possession of a controlled substance-3rd offense. Law enforcement says Lease was driving in Clear Lake when she was pulled over for speeding on 27th Avenue South a little after 1 am on November 12. Investigators say a police K9 indicated the presence of drugs in Lease"s vehicle and a search found 38 grams of methamphetamine, 13 grams of marijuana, a glass pipe containing white powdery residue, a portable scale, and 15 plastic baggies. Lease remains in the Cerro Gordo County Jail on $25,000 cash only bond.

The Albert Lea school board voted 5-1 Monday to approve a 6.78% increase in the total district levy to be paid in 2026. School officials say the increase is directly tied to the state funding formula, increased property values and a shift in the state portion of that formula. Board member Angie Hoffman was the sole vote against the increase in the local levy, while board member Davy Villarreal was absent.

A southern Minnesota man charged with 18 felony sex crimes is taking a plea deal. Michael Allen Swanson, 55 of North Mankato, was charged in July 2024 with 16 counts of first-degree criminal sexual conduct, one count of second-degree criminal sexual conduct, and one count of third-degree criminal sexual conduct. Court documents state that between June 2017 and August 2021, Swanson repeatedly had sex with a minor while Swanson lived in Faribault County. Swanson has now entered an Alford plea to one count of second-degree criminal sexual conduct and one count of third-degree criminal sexual conduct. A sentencing hearing is set for March 9, 2026. An Alford plea means that Swanson is not admitting guilt but concedes he could be convicted at trial and agrees to accept sentencing.

A man has died after a structure fire in Fairmont. According to the Fairmont Police Department, police, Fairmont Fire Department, and Mayo Clinic Ambulance were called to the fire in 300 block of South Park Street at 4:42 p.m. on Monday. 911 calls indicated the residence was occupied at the time of the fire, and officers saw flames engulfing the basement level of the residence. The officers attempted to extinguish the flames until the fire department arrived on scene, and two residents were transported to Mayo Clinic Health System Fairmont Campus for smoke inhalation and burns. A 43-year-old man was pronounced dead, and a 41-year-old man was treated and released. The identities of both men have not been released. FPD said the cause of death will be determined by the Ramsey County Medical Examiner"s Office at a later date.

In addition, four Fairmont Police officers were treated for smoke inhalation. The cause of the fire remains under investigation, and residents are urged to avoid the area to allow first responders to work on the active scene.

Power 96 News for Monday December 1st, 2025.

12/01/2025

Local area residents are digging out after Mother Nature dumped more than a half a foot of snow on the area over the weekend. The National Weather Service states Albert Lea and Clarks Grove received 7 inches of snow, while Ellendale received 8.4 inches. Higher amounts were reported in Forest City in Iowa with 10 inches and Blue Earth with 12. Small chances of snow will continue throughout the week. There will be a chance of snow Tuesday night and Wednesday morning. Temperatures will be chilly throughout the week with highs in the upper teens and 20s the first half of the week, with a low 15 below zero forecasted for overnight Wednesday.

The Freeborn County Fair announced their concert line up for the 2026 Freeborn County Fair from August 6th through the 9th. This years entertainment includes Dillon Carmichael, Lorrie Morgan, Cain, Jefferson Starship, and Josh Turner. Premium tickets for each show are now on sale at the fair office or online.

Mason City police say a man was taken into custody early Saturday morning after a slow-speed pursuit in snowy conditions on the city"s northeast side.   Lt. Michael Lillquist with the Mason City Police Department said officers were called at about 5:20 a.m. for a report of a possible domestic disturbance at a home in Mason City. A man left the residence in a vehicle before officers arrived. Officers tried to stop the vehicle, but the driver did not pull over. Lillquist said officers pursued the vehicle for about 15 blocks at roughly the posted speed limit because roads were slick and there were at least four inches of snow on the ground. The pursuit ended near 1st St. NE and Georgia Ave., about a block south of Good Shepherd. Lillquist said the driver refused to get out of the vehicle, and the Iowa State Patrol was called in to assist. A state patrol negotiator was able to talk the man out of the truck, and he was then taken into custody. Lillquist said the initial call was reported as a possible domestic situation, but investigators later determined the people involved were not in a domestic relationship. He said the case is being treated as an assault investigation, and there are no charges at this time related to the reported assault.

The Lake Mills Area Historical Society will be hosting its annual Tour of Homes from 4 to 6:30 p.m. Dec. 14. Tickets are $20 and are available at any of the homes on the tour.

Power 96 News for Friday November 28th, 2025.

11/28/2025

A group of Twin Lakes residents has petitioned the Office of Administrative Hearings to call a special election to dissolve the city of Twin Lakes. The petition, which had the signatures of 34 voters, was turned in earlier this month. State statute requires at least one-third of voters at the last city election on the petition to bring the issue to question. The petition states there were reportedly 65 voters in the last city election. “The dissolution is requested because the majority of the voters feel that there is no longer a need for the city to exist because we feel that the city would be better off administered by the township or county,” the filing with the petition stated. The dissolution would include 353 acres within the boundaries of the city. The city abuts Nunda Township in Freeborn County or is surrounded by it. Court documents sent to the petitioners, the Nunda Town Board, the Twin Lakes city clerk and the Freeborn County auditor-treasurer state the court must now hold a hearing by Jan. 16 about the special election. Following the hearing, a special election will take place to allow for a vote of whether the city should be dissolved, and if voters vote in favor of the dissolution, the city will cease to exist six months later.

The Albert Lea School Board will be having their December meeting on Monday evening at 6pm. Their study session will start immediately following the Truth -n- Taxation Hearing.

Darius Stackhouse, 33 of Mason City, has now received a 25-year federal prison sentence following a March jury conviction for conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine, distribution of methamphetamine, and possessing a firearm during drug trafficking.

Evidence presented at the trial revealed that Stackhouse was involved in a drug distribution conspiracy in Mason City from June 2021 to March 2023. He distributed over 40 pounds of methamphetamine, including three pounds to law enforcement sources. During several search warrants, authorities say they found more than $30,000 in cash, additional methamphetamine, other controlled substances, and a firearm at his residence. United States District Court Judge Leonard T. Strand sentenced Stackhouse to 300 months in prison. Following his sentence, he will undergo a five-year supervised release. Stackhouse remains in the United States Marshal"s custody, awaiting transport to a federal prison. The Cerro Gordo County Sheriff"s Department and the Iowa Division of Narcotics Enforcement investigated the case, which Assistant United States Attorney Ron Timmons prosecuted.

Southern Minnesota is expected to receive upwards of 10 inches of snow in the upcoming weekend snowstorm, according to the National Weather Service. A long-duration snowstorm is expected to move into the area Friday and continue through Sunday morning with the heaviest snow expected along Interstate 90 in southern Minnesota. The weather agency has issued a winter storm warning from 6 p.m. Friday through midnight Saturday. Roads, and especially bridges and overpasses, will likely become slick and. Hazardous, and travel could be very difficult. The Weather Service advices people to delay all travel if possible. If travel is necessary, they should drive with extreme caution and be prepared for sudden changes in visibility. Motorists should leave plenty of room between them and the motorist ahead of them and allow extra time to reach their destination. Avoid sudden braking or acceleration, and be especially cautious on hills or when making turns. Motorists are advised to keep an extra flashlight, food and water in their vehicle in case of an emergency. Call 511 or visit 511mn.org for road conditions.

Power 96 News for Tuesday November 25th, 2025.

11/25/2025

Small business owners in Albert Lea are voicing concerns over proposed increases to liquor license fees. James Hagen, co-owner of Bleachers Sports Bar and Grill, highlighted the challenges facing businesses due to rising operating costs. The Albert Lea City Council is considering raising on-sale liquor licenses from $2,000 to $2,800, a fee that hasn't been increased in 21 years. Off-sale licenses, last increased seven years ago, would rise from $450 to the state maximum of $560. Hagen expressed that these hikes would add another burden to businesses already struggling with high costs. He mentioned the possibility of cutting staff, reducing services, or even closing if the fees go through. City staff stated that the fee increases are necessary to cover the costs of administration, public safety, and compliance checks. The Albert Lea Police Department estimates that a compliance operation for all 46 license holders costs about $1,200 in staffing. City Manager Ian Rigg explained that the on-sale license fees, adjusted for inflation, should be equivalent to $3,400, so the proposed $2,800 is still less than fees in other cities. Rigg said, "As we start to evaluate what services we provide and we start to look at the cost, that was one that quite frankly has been lacking in what it actually costs us to operate and deal with these businesses." The city council will decide on the fee increases when adopting the 2026 fee schedule at the Dec. 8 meeting. Rigg suggested that if any adjustments are made, the council would likely lower the fee rather than raise it further. If the city considers incremental increases, a new public hearing may be required each time.

Albert Lea city staff on Monday presented a proposed 6.25% increase in the total levy for 2026 during the council work session, which is down from the 8% preliminary levy increase approved in September. Albert Lea Finance Director Kristi Brutlag gave an updated financial picture ahead of the council"s decision on the final budget and levy at its Dec. 8 meeting. Brutlag said there was a decrease in personnel expenses from the preliminary budget, including an unexpected $105,000 reduction from what was previously estimated in the city"s workers compensation premium. Most of the increase in the 2026 budget comes from personnel services, including increases in wages - this is the final year for the implementation of the city"s compensation classification study - as well as increases for health insurance and new costs the city will have to pay through the new Minnesota Paid Leave program. There is also one new patrol office in the budget.

A Worth County woman has been sentenced for cheating insurance companies. Marquise Kendra Jewell Lewis-Swinney, 31 of Northwood, was charged with five counts of insurance fraud-presenting false information. She pleaded guilty to one count and the others were dismissed. Court documents state Lewis-Swinney had an auto accident where she was driving behind a truck hauling a trailer full of rocks and some of the rocks fell from the trailer, damaged her vehicle, and injured the occupants of the vehicle. She filed a legitimate insurance claim on July 1, 2024, and received $7,104.24 for property damage and bodily injury. Investigators say she then allegedly tried to pretend the exact same accident happened five more times, filing fraudulent insurance claims with various insurance companies. She has now been sentenced to two years of supervised probation and must successfully complete all recommended mental health treatment. She received a deferred judgment, meaning this conviction will be removed from her record when she completes her sentence.

Power 96 News for Monday November 24th, 2025.

11/24/2025

The Albert Lea City Council will hold a public hearing on proposed increases in fees for both off-sale and on-sale liquor licenses. The city has not increased the off-sale fee for 7 years and the on-sale fee for 21 years. For off-sale licenses, the city charges $450 annually. State law caps the fee at $560. The proposed increase is $110 more per year for the state maximum. For on-sale licenses, the city charges $2,000 annually. There is no cap under state law. The proposed increase is $800 more a year to $2,800. The increased fee would be less than fees charged by other cities, which range from $3,000 to $9,000 a year. The city is proposing the increases to help cover the higher costs of administration, compliance monitoring, enforcement and public safety efforts. Albert Lea is among the few municipalities that offer a no-cost Alcohol Server Awareness Training for liquor license holders. Since its adoption by the city council in 2004, the program has provided several benefits to license-holders, including a $100-reduction on their city off-sale license and discounts on liquor liability insurance. State law requires at least one compliance check a year of liquor and tobacco license-holders to make sure they are following laws that prohibit sales to anyone younger than 21 years of age. The Albert Lea Police Department estimates each compliance check operation, which includes all 46 businesses with liquor and tobacco licenses, costs about $1,200 in staffing. The council will decide on the fee increases when adopting its 2026 fee schedule at the Dec. 8 council meeting.

The Hormel Foundation board of directors has approved distributions of $ 34 million for nonprofit agencies in the Austin/Mower community for 2026. The Hormel Foundation"s grants advance the missions of nonprofit organizations in Austin and Mower County. The Hormel Foundation continues to support the Austin Assurance Scholarship which the Foundation started in 2019.In addition, the Foundation has launched a new digital equity initiative.

David Ramirez of Owatonna is facing charges for a crash that led to the death of a 71-year-old woman earlier this month. The crash happened on November 4th. According to a complaint, Ramirez"s truck struck an SUV driven by Christine Possin near the town of Hope, Minnesota. She died at the scene. Deputies reported an odor of alcohol on the 26-year-old Owatonna man. Ramirez"s blood was tested by the Bureau of Criminal Apprehension, showing an alcohol concentration of .20 BAC. He faces charges of criminal vehicular homicide and DWI. His first court appearance is at 11 a.m. on Monday, November 24th in Steele County District Court.

Two kids were sent to the hospital on Sunday after two vehicles collided in Clear Lake, according to Cerro Gordo County Sheriff"s Office. Deputies responded to the crash at 310th Street and Eagle Avenue at around 4:29 p.m. on November 23rd. The Sheriff"s Office says a Chevy driven by Dayona Johnson of Mason City rear-ended a Jeep that was stopped at the stop sign. Both drivers did not seek medical attention for minor injuries, but a passenger from each vehicle was taken to MercyOne With minor injuries. Those passengers are both minors. The accident is still under investigation.

Power 96 News for Friday November 21st, 2025.

11/21/2025

The Freeborn County Attorney"s Office has filed a motion to amend charges against an Albert Lea man accused of sexual abuse of three children from June 2018 to June 2020 at different residences in Albert Lea. Dylan Michael Espinosa, 29, was previously charged with four counts of first-degree criminal sexual conduct involving penetration or contact with a person under 13 and two counts of second-degree criminal sexual conduct involving a victim under 13. In court Thursday, Assistant Freeborn County Attorney Abigail Ehret motioned to add three new charges - one for each alleged victim - that alleges multiple acts to each child. Espinosa was living at the houses where the children lived either part-time or more regularly during the time in question. The abuse occurred when no other adults were present. Ehret said one of the children was reportedly abused once or twice per week over a period of time. The criminal complaint alleges inappropriate touching and sexual contact by Espinosa to the children both with and without clothing. The children ranged in age from 4 to 5 at the time of the abuse. Ehret spoke of the seriousness of the charges and said six of the nine counts the County Attorney"s Office had proposed against Espinosa are considered Level A offenses, the highest level of offenses, and would require a presumptive 144 months in prison if found guilty. The others are considered Level B offenses and would also result in presumptive prison time. She said if Espinosa was convicted on all charges, he would face between 360 months and over 600 months in prison.

The City of Austin held a ribbon cutting for the bridge on Fourth Street Northwest in collaboration with the Minnesota Department of Transportation and Austin Area Chamber of Commerce, on Thursday. The event was meant to celebrate the bridge's planned reopening on Friday, which will allow traffic from Interstate-90 easier access to many local businesses. Austin Mayor Steve King says the city hopes that by getting the bridge open in time for the holiday shopping season can help make up for that drop in business.

Police investigators were in Winsted, Minnesota, on Thursday following up on a tip about the disappearance of Jodi Huisentruit.

The organization Find Jodi, Inc. says that follows an initial search in October 2024 that followed up on old lead and discovered no signs of human remains. Acting Mason City Police Chief Mike McKelvey issued the following statement to Find Jodi, Inc.:

"Mason City Police and Minnesota authorities went to a location in Minnesota where a house had recently been torn down. Law enforcement used a specially- trained dog to examine the area reference a possible lead regarding Jodi"s case. In the areas where the dog showed interest, machinery was used to dig and excavate the site to look for evidence related to our case. Nothing at all was found. This tip did not pan out, but we felt it was important to examine the site since the house was recently removed. Again, nothing was found."

After about eight weeks of rehearsal in its second season, Lake Song Chorus is preparing for a concert Nov. 30 at Skyline Plaza to share with the public. The choir, designed for people living with dementia, their care partners and community volunteers, is directed by Diane Heaney, retired Albert Lea High School choir director, and accompanied by Bob Tewes. The concert will begin at 1 p.m. Heaney said they will have 150 folding chairs available. If people are worried about having a seat, they should bring a portable chair with them. There is no charge to get in, but donations are accepted.

Power 96 News for Thursday November 20th, 2025.

11/20/2025

Bell-ringing for the Albert Lea Salvation Army will kick off Saturday as another kettle season begins for the organization. Salvation Army Capt. Marie Lewis said small kettles are already out on counters at various businesses, and the sign that allows people to donate with a simple tap of their credit card has already been placed at Walmart. This year the Salvation Army seeks to raise $175,000 in its overall Christmas goal, with about $80,000 of that coming from kettles, which is $5,000 more than the goal from last year, she said. Lewis said a match is in place for kettle donations throughout the season. So far 200 bell-ringing hours have been claimed by volunteers, and 600 hours remain. New this year locally, the Salvation Army has hired two paid bell-ringers and is still looking for one more. Currently, the job offers 25 hours a week, but it could go up to as many as 35 if needed. If people are interested in the position, they should stop by the Corps location at 302 Court St. If people want to sign up to ring bells as a volunteer, they should sign up at registertoring.com. People can enter the “56007” zip code, and the site will take them to the local hours that are available. Bell-ringing will take place from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays and from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays.

The Mason City City Council has approved a plan to bring a movie theater back to downtown Mason City. The plan would reopen the theater with one screen seating 123 people, with the possibility of expanding to a second screen. The space for the other three screens would be reserved for storage or other possible future uses, like lanes for a bowling alley. The new theater would present second-run films and be available for rental for special events. It would be governed by a five-person board and become the home of the Iowa Independent Film Festival, which is now in its 18th year. Construction on the new theater is expected to start in March 2006 with and opening to the public in May 2026.

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources is waiving vehicle fees to all 73 state parks and recreation areas on Nov. 28. The DNR offers four “Free Park Days” each year to encourage Minnesotans to explore a new park or visit an old favorite, and reap the benefits of spending time outdoors. Visitors are encouraged to plan ahead for their visit, check visitor alerts and find directions on state park and recreation area web pages and follow any safety signs posted at the site. Check the weather forecast before leaving home and dress appropriately for the conditions. Visit the information signs near the park entrance for suggestions on what to see and do. Visitors should consider wearing blaze orange or pink. While there are no special park hunts taking place on Free Park Day, hunting may be occurring on land adjacent to state parks and recreation areas. For more information, visit the free park day webpage at mndnr.gov/freeparkdays.

A pedestrian was taken to the hospital after being hit by a bus Wednesday afternoon. The Iowa State Patrol says it happened in the 200 block of N Washington Avenue in Mason City at around 2:30 pm. The crash report says a 2017 transit bus was facing west at the intersection of 3rd Street NW and North Washington Avenue. The State Patrol says Francis James Hanig, 68 of Rockwell, was walking in the crosswalk on the south side of the intersection. The State Patrol says the bus turned to head south and struck Hanig, who was transported by ambulance to MercyOne North Iowa Medical Center for treatment of his injuries. The Mason City Police Department and Mason City Ambulance assisted with this accident, which remains under investigation.

Power 96 News for Wednesday November 19th, 2025.

11/19/2025

The Mason City Council has officially named the new “River City Riverwalk and Bill Schickel Plaza” at their meeting Tuesday night. Mayor Bill Schickel expressed his gratitude, saying, "I am deeply honored - and honestly, a little overwhelmed - by this recognition." The plaza is located south of Southbridge Mall, near the under-construction Hyatt Hotel. The area features a playground, walking trails, and public art, including the notable Harmony in Light. The City Council also decided to transfer the riverwalk and plaza's long-term stewardship to the Mason City Park Board.

Students for the past few weeks have been hard at work getting ready to perform in front of an audience of about 500 people during the Albert Lea High School"s annual Tigers Roar Talent Show. The show will be at 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday in the high school auditorium and feature 16 musical performances with an intermission. Tickets for Tigers Roar are $5 and available in advance on the ALHS activities website and at the door. All tickets are general admission with no assigned seating. The high school jazz band will perform a pre-show with Christmas music about 20 minutes prior to the start of the talent show.

The Shell Rock River Watershed District Board of Managers last week voted to go out for bids for the final phase of dredging on Fountain Lake. The vote includes the dredging of the east basin of Fountain Lake"s main bay and also calls for an option to include work in Bancroft Bay, though the outcome of that portion of the project hinges on an appeal with the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources regarding the permit for dredging. Administrator Andy Henschel said the watershed board voted to structure the bid this way to give the district time to continue negotiating with the DNR on the dredge scope for Bancroft Bay as the appeals process moves forward, while still allowing critical work in East Main Bay to proceed. Henschel said putting the project out for bid allows the district to get the project on contractors" calendars and solicit better pricing for a spring 2026 start date. Active dredging in Fountain Lake began in 2018 with the project funded through the local option sales tax and state bonding dollars. Earlier phases of the Fountain Lake restoration project have focused on Edgewater Bay, West Bay and East Main Bay. Using a combination of $7.5 million in state bonding and $ 9.5 million in Albert Lea"s local option sales tax, the district has already removed more than 1.2 million cubic yards of sediment, deepening the lake and reducing the internal phosphorus that fuels harmful algae blooms, he said.

Local fans received disappointing news as hometown favorite Cori Kennedy was eliminated from NBC's "The Voice" during the knockout round on Monday night. Kennedy, a West Concord native and Kasson-Mantorville graduate, expressed gratitude to her supporters. "The experience has been incredible and I felt supported every step of the way," Kennedy said. She described the love from fans as "overwhelming." She mentioned she would share more about her journey once she had time to reflect. Kennedy also encouraged viewers to congratulate her knockout partner, Aaron Nichols, on his performance.

Power 96 News for Tuesday November 18th, 2025.

11/18/2025

South Monroe Avenue in Mason City will be closed between the two 15th Street Southwest intersections starting Wednesday for about three days. The closure allows Union Pacific Railroad to replace the rail crossing and a city contractor to mill and resurface the adjacent pavement. For questions, contact the Mason City Engineering Department at (641) 421-3605.

The city of Wells will host its annual Wells Does It Bright event from 4 to 7 p.m. Friday in downtown Wells. There will be live reindeer, Santa and Mrs. Claus, a bonfire, craft vendors, facepainting, horse drawn wagon rides, a movie, kids crafts at the library, bounce houses at Living Wells Church and more.

Sexually assaulting a teen is sending an Olmsted County man to prison. Levi Michael Vivier, 44 of Rochester, was sentenced Monday to up to seven years and six months behind bars, with credit for 402 days already served. Vivier will spend 10 years on conditional release after getting out of prison. The Olmsted County Sheriff"s Offkce says Vivier repeatedly raped a female victim under the age of 16 in February 2024. Court documents state Vivier showed the victim that he had a gun in his possession and threated to kill her and dump her body on a Native American reservation if she ever told someone about the sexual assault. As part of a deal with prosecutors, Vivier pleaded guilty to second- degree criminal sexual conduct and three counts of first-degree criminal sexual conduct and a charge of first-degree tampering with a witness were dropped.

There will be a turkey bingo benefiting the Geneva Volunteer Fire Department at 6:30 p.m. Saturday at the Geneva Community Center. Cost to play will be 40 games at $20 per card. There will be two door prizes and a pie auction. Pop, coffee, water and popcorn will also be available. The winner of the night will get a turkey. Proceeds from the event will go toward purchasing a new fire truck.

Power 96 News for Monday November 17th, 2025.

11/17/2025

Hormel Foods helped kick off the holiday season in Austin by handing out thousands of free turkey breasts to Mower County families this past Saturday. Nearly 200 volunteers loaded turkeys directly into people"s cars as they wrapped around the streets of the Mower County fairgrounds, helping ensure every household has the chance to celebrate Thanksgiving with a full meal, something that isn"t always guaranteed for some families. According to the 2023 Mower County community needs assessment, the county"s most recent food insecurity rate is 8.4%. The Hometown Turkey Takeover, now in its second year, aims to lower that number by giving 7,000 turkeys directly to families and donating another 3,000 to local organizations focused on reducing hunger.

A wintry mix of rain, snow and sleet is expected to develop late Monday night and end late Tuesday morning, leading to a potentially slippery commute. According to the National Weather Service, a narrow swath of heavier snow is expected from Interstate 90 up to the southern Twin Cities metro with slushy accumulations of 1 to 3 inches likely by Tuesday morning. The weather agency states the Albert Lea area mostly north of Interstate 90 has a 30 to 70% chance of receiving up to 3 inches of slushy snow, while the area mostly south of Interstate 90 has a less than 30% chance. The higher likelihood will occur from Steele County north to the southern Twin Cities.

Age-Friendly Freeborn County has teamed up with the Center for Interactive Learning and Collaboration (CILC) to invite the public to embark on a live, virtual journey to Sarasota, Florida, to explore the brand-new Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium - opened to the public just over a month ago. This special event offers an up-close look at the state-of-the-art exhibits, incredible marine life and the world-class research that powers one of Florida"s most respected marine science institutions. The live program will take place at 9 a.m. Thursday, bringing participants into the new facility alongside a Mote specialist who will guide viewers through immersive environments and highlight the innovative work taking place inside the building. Participants may join in two ways: in person with Age-Friendly Freeborn County, which will host a community viewing at the Albert Lea Fire Station in Freeborn County, or virtually, by registering through this event link. This event is free with registration and welcomes adults, lifelong learners, families, schools and anyone curious about marine science and ocean conservation. Following the virtual tour, CILC will share brief information about how community groups can arrange additional live virtual experiences throughout the year.

A north Iowa based non-profit has earned the 2025 Farm Credit MarketMaker Innovation Award, marking the first time an Iowa project has brought home the top national honor. Healthy Harvest of North Iowa won for its project, “Click to Connect: Linking Recipes and Farms via MarketMaker,” an innovative tool that transforms everyday recipe browsing into direct support for local farms. The non-profit says by integrating MarketMaker, a national directory of farm and food businesses, into its 330+ seasonal recipe collection, users can click any local ingredient and instantly find nearby producers offering that product.   HHNI"s recipe platform saw more than 24,000 visits in the past year, with growing interest in Iowa-grown ingredients. Each recipe serves as a real-time bridge connecting home cooks with the local farms producing the foods they love.

Power 96 News for Friday November 14th, 2025.

11/14/2025

A report of a subject with a gun was the reason behind a lockdown of Riverland Community College in Austin on Thursday afternoon.

According to a release from the Austin Police Department, officers responded to Riverland based on a report of a subject with a firearm at around 3:46 p.m. The witness was a student who reported seeing the subject near the student housing area, which prompted a search by responding officers and triggered the campus lock down. “Officers were able to view on-site video surveillance footage,” said Lt. Dustin Wollenburg. “The footage did show a subject near the student housing area with what appeared to be a black-colored rifle.” The subject was eventually located and police were able to confirm that the firearm involved was a toy splat gun, which was then related to RCC staff, who ended the school lockdown. This is the second lockdown of the campus in under two months as police responded in September to a phone call from a subject, who threatened to do harm at the campus. Austin Police Chief David McKichan said at the time that the caller had made another call at around the same time to another party that raised a concern about the caller"s health and wellbeing. That lockdown lasted for just under 40 minutes.

People came out in droves Thursday morning to be a part of the grand opening of the new Aldi store in Albert Lea. The line to enter the building spanned the entire length of the parking lot before turning west down to Blake Avenue. The grocer promoted a free shopping bag for customers and a goodie bag for the first 100 customers through the door. The parking lot was full of cars by 7:30 a.m., an hour before doors were slated to open, and some people were even reported to be in line as early as 4 a.m. Aldi representatives gave city leaders a tour of the building before doors opened to customers, and there was also a ribbon cutting. The new Albert Lea store is one of 800 new stores slated to be built in the next four years. It offers 12,000 square feet of sales floor space and has the most efficient building design the company has ever built, including things such as insulated metal panels, CO2 filtration systems and other sustainable elements.

The Albert Lea community is weighing in on plans for a new park on Adams Avenue, with preferences leaning towards a mixed-use area or a full trailhead. The City of Albert Lea is applying for a federal grant to clean up the contaminated industrial site at 620 Adams Avenue, which it acquired after Merrick"s of Minnesota went bankrupt in 2018. The city presented three options for the site, all including parking for the nearby Songbird Trail, which is being developed on a former rail corridor. The options are a mini park, a mixed-use area, or a full trailhead with amenities. Surveys sent to 160 property owners showed a preference for either the mixed-use area or the full trailhead. One property owner expressed strong support for the trailhead, stating, “This project is exactly what this neighborhood needs.” Meanwhile, the Freeborn County Trail Association suggested a mixed-use area, citing an existing trailhead at Frank Hall Park nearby. The Chamber of Commerce and the Convention and Visitors Bureau say they support the cleanup and development of park space in any form. The Parks and Recreation Board will review the options, and the city council will make the final decision after the grant status is confirmed in 2026.

The Albert Lea Art Center on Wednesday will begin its annual Festival of Trees, an event in which the Art Center will be full of decorated trees from different community members to celebrate the holiday season. Festival of Trees will run through Dec. 27 with trees available to view during the Albert Lea Art Center"s regular business hours: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesday through Friday and 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday. In addition to the trees, there will also be a large picture frame set up for people to take photos.

Power 96 News for Thursday November 13th, 2025.

11/13/2025

Kelley Creek Foods has announced the acquisition of the Vogt"s distribution building at 2309 Myers Road in Albert Lea.

Effective Nov. 1, Kelley Creek Foods assumed full cold-storage operations at this strategic regional hub, ensuring uninterrupted service for area businesses. “Albert Lea is an important location for the customers we serve,” said Tania Allen, vice president of Kelley Creek Foods. “By keeping the existing team in place and adding support from our specialists, we"re making sure the transition is smooth and that our customers experience uninterrupted, dependable service.” The operations transition took place Oct. 31 with no interruptions in service. Current personnel will remain in place, with enhanced support from Kelley Creek Foods" network.

Governor Kim Reynolds has directed that all flags in Iowa remain at half-staff from sunrise to sunset on Thursday to honor former Iowa Senator and Iowa Board of Regents member Larry McKibben. A native of Marshalltown, McKibben served in the Iowa Senate from 1997 to 2010 and on the Iowa Board of Regents from 2013 until 2019. He passed away on Sunday due to Alzheimer"s Disease. Flags are already at half-staff across the state in tribute to former Vice President Dick Cheney, who died on November 3. They will remain so until his interment on November 20. Iowans, including individuals, businesses, and schools, are encouraged to participate in this tribute by keeping flags at half-staff as a mark of respect.

The City of Twin Lakes has issued a boil water advisory to residents due to water possibly being contaminated. The advisory comes after the city says it lost water pressure on Tuesday, November 11 because of a hydrant flushing. As a result, contamination may have entered the drinking water distribution system, and there is an increased chance of drinking water containing bacteria that could make people sick. Residents should bring all water to a full, rolling boil, let it boil for one minute or longer, and let it cool before using. The boiled water should be used for drinking, making ice, brushing teeth, and food preparation. The boil water advisory is in place until further notice, according to the advisory. The city said it is working with the State Department of Health to test the water on Wednesday, and results take 24 hours to be finalized.

An overnight traffic stop results in multiple drug charges against a North Iowa woman. Diane Marie Lease, 67 of Mason City, was driving along 27th Avenue South in Clear Lake when she was stopped for a speed limit violation a little after 1 am Wednesday. A police K9 was deployed and indicated the presence of narcotics in Lease"s vehicle. Investigators say a search of the vehicle found 38 grams of apparent methamphetamine, 13 grams of apparent marijuana, a glass pipe containing white powdery residue, a portable scale, and 15 plastic baggies. Lease is charged with a controlled substance violence, failure to use a drug tax stamp, and possession of marijuana-1st offense. She was booked into the Cerro Gordo County Jail on $25,000 cash only bond.

Power 96 News for Wednesday November 12th, 2025.

11/12/2025

Albert Lea Fire Rescue stated it responded to 1525 Elm St. at 6:31 p.m. Tuesday evening for the report of a garage on fire. Fire crews responded and found a two-stall detached garage fully involved in fire. The fire was beginning to impinge on the home, and everyone was evacuated. Fire crews were able to gain control of the fire and extinguish it quickly. The garage and contents were heavily damaged. The home"s siding nearest to the garage melted off, but no other damage was found to the home. Fire crews remained on scene for about an hour extinguishing hot spots and investigating the cause of the fire. The fire department stated the cause of the fire was due to overloaded electrical appliances. No injuries were reported, and damage to the property and contents is around $80,000.

The Freedom Veterans Memorial in Adams, was officially revealed on Veterans Day. It is a project that has been years in the making with members of the community pitching in to help. The new memorial is right off Main Street across the street from city hall. The memorial honors all veterans from all over the area who have both served and passed. It features a walkway, benches, and several different plaques of veterans.

A man charged with over a dozen child porn felonies is pleading not guilty. Jason Dean Vandeweerd, 40 of Austin, is now scheduled to stand trial for one count of use of minors in a sexual performance and 13 counts of possession of pornographic work involving a minor under 14. Vandeweerd was arrested after the Austin Police Department got a tip from the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Investigation that Vandeweerd had uploaded multiple files of suspected child sexual abuse material (CSAM). That tip led to a search of Vandeweerd"s home and the seizure of multiple electronic devices. Court documents state those devices were found to contain thousands of images and videos of CSAM. Vandeweerd"s trial is set to begin on January 26, 2026, in Mower County District Court.

A MercyOne helicopter struck a bird while flying over Worth County Tuesday evening and was forced to make an emergency landing, a hospital spokesman said. The incident led to a shattered windscreen. The hospital system stated the crew quickly made a successful emergency landing, and the pilot and crew were unharmed. No patient was on board at the time of the incident.

Power 96 News for Tuesday November 11th, 2025.

11/11/2025

A fire broke out at the Ramada Inn on Monday, prompting a response from Albert Lea Fire Rescue. Firefighters arrived at 2301 East Main Street around 11:30 a.m. to find smoke and flames emanating from the first floor of the hotel's east wing. Although hotel staff and guests attempted to extinguish the fire with extinguishers, they were unsuccessful. Fire crews say they successfully put out the blaze and confirmed that everyone had evacuated the building. The Minnesota State Fire Marshal"s Office determined that an overheated wall heating unit fan motor caused the fire. The heater, turned on three days earlier due to cooler weather, ignited and spread flames within the room. Fortunately, no injuries were reported. The fire resulted in approximately $75,000 in smoke damage to the first floor, which was not in use by guests at the time. The Albert Lea Police Department and Mayo Clinic Ambulance Service assisted at the scene.

Nation of Patriots announced this weekend that Albert Lea has been selected to host the 2026 Patriot Tour. With this role, both the launch and welcome home at the end of the 50-state tour will take place in the city. During the Patriot Tour, the American flag is transported, typically on the back of a motorcycle, through all of the states, spanning 15,000 miles over 115 days. The Glenville Legion Riders Post 264 and the Glenville American Legion submitted the winning proposal, which includes ceremonies at Bergdale Harley-Davidson at the kickoff in May and the conclusion in September, as well as a welcome party at the Glenville Legion for all of the people who come for the start of the tour in May.

A Mower County man has been sentenced for a road rage incident where he allegedly pointed a gun at someone. Donavon Christ Hegna, 28 of Austin, was charged with second-degree assault with a dangerous weapon, terroristic threats, three counts of illegal transport of a firearm, and reckless driving. He eventually pleaded guilty to the terroristic threats count and all other charges were dropped. A man from Arizona told Austin police officers on March 21 that he was waiting for a school bus to turn when the driver behind him, Hegna, started honking and flipping him off, telling him to go. The man said Hegna continued to follow him after the bus turned. The Arizona man said Hegna eventually pulled up alongside and pointed a long gun of some sort at the Arizona man. Hegna initially denied the allegations and claimed the Arizona man had been “hanging out the window hooting and hollering” at him. Austin police said a search of Hegna"s vehicle found a shotgun, a rifle, two BB guns, and a box of .22 caliber bullets. Hegna has now been sentenced to five years of supervised probation and must either pay a $100 fine or do five hours of community work service. Hegna received a stay of adjudication, meaning this conviction will be removed from his record if Hegna completes his sentence.

Motorists on Interstate 90 in Austin will be detoured for 24 hours beginning Nov. 14, while construction crews prepare the work zone for traffic to change near the Fourth Street Northwest bridge, according to the Minnesota Department of Transportation. I-90 will close in both directions from 8 p.m., Friday, Nov. 14 to 8 p.m., Saturday, Nov. 15, so construction crews can place the concrete barriers in the eastbound lanes where both directions of traffic will continue to drive this winter between Fourth Street Northwest and Sixth Street Northeast near the Cedar River. The change will reduce the length of the work zone for travelers.

Power 96 News for Friday November 7th, 2025.

11/07/2025

The Steele County Sheriff"s Office has released the name of the woman killed and the man critically injured Tuesday night in a head-on crash near Hope. According to the law enforcement agency, Christine Ilene Possin, 71, of the New Richland area, died at the scene, while David Ramirez, 26, of the Owatonna area, received critical injuries and was taken to St. Marys Hospital in Rochester. The Sheriff"s Office stated the crash occurred at about 9:40 p.m. Tuesday at the intersection of 37th Avenue and 93rd Street Southwest near Hope. Possin was driving a 2025 Kia Sportage, and Ramirez was driving a 2016 Chevy Silverado. Which direction the vehicles were traveling and what might have caused the crash have not been released. The case remains under investigation by the Steele County Sheriff"s Office with assistance from the Minnesota State Patrol.

Art Walk Albert Lea has completed its latest project, adding vibrant artwork to four utility boxes throughout the city. The new installations, a collaboration with local artists and organizations, underscore Albert Lea's strong sense of community pride. Two of the designs were developed with the Albert Lea Senior Center and Stars for Kids Mentoring, creating intergenerational art that enlivens the downtown area. The utility boxes can be found near St. Theodore"s Church, the Albert Lea Public Library, the downtown Water Tower, and Central Park on Water Street/Marion Ross Street. The project, supported by the Albert Lea Convention & Visitors Bureau, Freeborn Mower Electric Cooperative, Southern Minnesota Branding, and Sparkling Image, highlights the city's commitment to public art. Since its inception, Art Walk Albert Lea has grown to include murals, sculptures, and seasonal art pieces. The initiative encourages local artists to submit new designs to continue spreading art across the community.

The Albert Lea Police Department recently recognized 44 local retailers for passing state-required compliance checks on alcohol and tobacco sales. Officers checked 47 licensed establishments in the city to ensure they were not selling alcohol and tobacco products to anyone under 21. Lt. Jeff Strom expressed appreciation for the retailers' efforts. "We appreciate the commitment of our local retailers to keeping alcohol and tobacco out of the hands of youth," he said. "Their cooperation plays a vital role in protecting the health and safety of our community." Three businesses did not pass the compliance check: Kwik Trip 804 on West Front Street, Thirsty Fox on South Broadway Avenue, and The Elbow Room on East Eighth Street. Individuals who sell alcohol or tobacco to those under 21 may face criminal charges, and retailers risk losing their licenses if violations continue. The ALPD provides annual training to help retailers comply with these laws. The next Responsible Beverage Server Training is scheduled for November 17, 2025, at 7 p.m. It is free for local license holders, and reservations can be made by contacting Strom at 507-377-5254.

At the Minnesota Community Education Association Fall Conference last week, it was announced that Kim Ehrich Blankenship of Albert Lea Area Schools Community Education Department, created the winning design for the National Community Education day which will be held on November 13th.   Minnesota Community Education Association said that, "The new logo will be used to promote National Community Education Day, an initiative led by the MCEA to celebrate the impact of Community Education programs across Minnesota and nationwide. Community Education plays a vital role in strengthening communities by fostering lifelong learning, empowering individuals of all ages, and creating spaces where people can connect, grow and lead together."

Power 96 News for Thursday November 6th, 2025.

11/06/2025

A New Richland area woman has died after a head-on crash Tuesday night in Steele County near Hope. The Steele County Sheriff"s Office, Minnesota State Patrol, Mayo Ambulance, Mayo Air Care and the Ellendale Fire Department were dispatched to the crash at 9:40 p.m. at the intersection of 37th Avenue Southwest and 93rd Street Southwest. One of the drivers, an adult woman from the New Richland area, was pronounced dead at the scene, and the driver of the second vehicle, a man from the Owatonna area, sustained critical injuries and was airlifted to St. Marys Hospital in Rochester.

The names of the individuals have not yet been released. The case remains under investigation by the Steele County Sheriff"s Office with the assistance of the Minnesota State Patrol.

Voters in the Lake Mills school district on Tuesday overwhelmingly approved the renewal of the district"s physical plant and equipment levy. According to unofficial results, 81.59% of voters throughout the district voted in favor of the renewal, while 18.41% voted against.

In Winnebago County, specifically, 381 people, or 83.74%, voted yes, while 74 people, or 16.26%, voted no. In Worth County, 71 people, or 71.72%, voted yes, while 28 people, or 28.28%, voted no. The renewed levy will not increase property tax rates or create a new tax. The levy will remain in place through 2039 at the existing rate of $1.34 per $1,000 of taxable property value. In fiscal year 2025, Lake Mills" voted PPEL generated about $510,000 in revenue.

This holiday season, the Albert Lea Convention & Visitors Bureau and the Historic Downtown invite the community to take part in a heartfelt new project: “Loving Lights.” Community members are encouraged to stop by the CVB office at 132 N Broadway between November 1 and December 22 to create a paper heart ornament & write a holiday wish, favorite memory of a loved one, or personal message. Each ornament will be displayed as part of the CVB"s festive downtown window scene, spreading warmth and connection throughout the winter season. A $5 (or more!) donation per ornament supports the continuation of 2026 community events, helping to keep Albert Lea"s celebrations and traditions thriving for years to come. “This project is a simple but meaningful way to share hope, remembrance, and joy during the holidays,” said Reily Osness, Front Desk Receptionist. “We"re excited to see the window fill with messages from our community-it"s a visual reminder of how connected we all are.” Stop in, share your wish, and be part of Albert Lea"s holiday spirit this season.

Hormel Foods announced a voluntary early retirement program for part of its non-plant workforce, a move expected to reduce about 250 corporate and sales positions. The company is also closing many open roles and reducing certain office-based positions. The restructuring will incur charges between $20-$25 million, primarily related to pension benefits and severance payments, expected in late 2025 and early 2026.

Power 96 News for Wednesday November 5th, 2025.

11/05/2025

A vehicle and a school bus collided on Highway 109 west of Easton Tuesday afternoon, injuring both drivers. Donald Lee Madden, 65, of Amboy, who was the driver of the 2016 Transit School Bus, was taken to Mayo Clinic Health System in Mankato, and Marylou Sophia Alger, 72, of Minnesota Lake, who was the driver of a 2017 Chevy Equinox, was taken to United Hospital District in Blue Earth. Both had non life-threatening injuries. The Minnesota State Patrol stated the school bus was southbound on 480th Avenue and the Equinox was eastbound on Highway 109 when they collided at 4:17 p.m. Madden"s two passengers, an 8-year-old girl and a 12-year-old boy, were not injured. Alger"s passenger, a 3-year-old girl, was also not injured. Alcohol was not a factor, and the road was dry at the time of the crash. The Faribault County Sheriff"s Office, Wells Police Department, Easton Fire Department and Winnebago and Wells ambulances assisted at the scene.

Voters in 2 local school districts voted no to their referendums. In the Austin Public School district, the no votes were 2,278 against question 1 and 1,551 yes votes, while question 2 on the ballot failed 2,317 votes to 1,492. In the Owatonna School District, the referendum failed to pass with almost 5,000 votes for no, compared to 3,048 for yes.

A high-speed chase through Mason City Tuesday night ended with the arrest of Clay Douglas Kalvig, 37. The Cerro Gordo County Sheriff's Office says Kalvig fled a traffic stop, drove through several streets at high speeds, and damaged police vehicles and a construction zone. Law enforcement from Mason City Police and Iowa State Patrol joined the pursuit. Kalvig was apprehended near 5th Street SE and South Vermont Avenue. His vehicle was significantly damaged, and investigators say they found marijuana and drug paraphernalia inside. Kalvig faces several charges, including eluding law enforcement, a Class C Felony, and possession with intent to deliver marijuana. He has two prior eluding convictions in Cerro Gordo County. Kalvig was booked into the county jail on $10,000 bond.

A sentence has been handed down to a man accused of making a bomb threat against MercyOne North Iowa Medical Center. Zachary James Kantaris, 33 of Mason City, pleaded guilty to threatening to place an incendiary or explosive device. Police say Kantaris called 911 on August 27, stating he had a bomb in his bag and was going to blow up MercyOne. Investigators say Kantaris identified himself on the call. Kantaris has now been ordered to spend up to five years in prison. Due to a conflict of interest in the Cerro Gordo County Attorney"s Office, Kantaris is being prosecuted by the Hancock County Attorney"s Office.