Local News

Power 96 News for Friday April 25th, 2025.

04/25/2025

A North Iowa man is now facing a federal trial for drug and gun crimes. Brent Terry Weisbrod, 44 of Mason City, had been facing trial in Cerro Gordo County District Court for conspiracy to deliver meth, possession of a firearm by a felon, and failure to use a drug tax stamp. Law enforcement says a search of Weisbrod"s home on December 27, 2024, found nearly a quarter-pound of methamphetamine and a loaded 9 mm handgun. Those state charges were dismissed after Weisbrod was federally indicted for conspiracy to distribute a controlled substance, distribution of a controlled substance, possession with intent to distribute and aiding and abetting the possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance, possession of a firearm during a drug trafficking crime, and possession of firearms by a prohibited person. Federal prosecutors say Weisbrod was a dealer of methamphetamine between November 2024 and December 2024 and possessed two firearms after multiple previous felony convictions. Weisbrod has pleaded not guilty to all charges. A trial is set to begin on June 23.

The city of Albert Lea this week issued a building permit for a new Aldi grocery store to be built near the intersection of Blake Avenue and East Main Street. The new 20,275-square-foot store is expected to be valued at $2.5 million, according to the permit. It is being built on three acres of land at 1406 Blake Ave. also known as the Dress Addition. Dalo Construction Inc. of Tipp City, Ohio, was listed as the applicant on the permit. The Albert Lea City Council in March approved subdividing the parcel to make way for the development. The construction comes as Aldi in February on its website announced plans to open more than 225 new stores in 2025 as part of the next phase of its five-year national growth strategy, including an expansion of its established footprint in the Northeast and Midwest regions. The discount supermarket chain, one of America"s fastest-growing retailers, is known for its simplicity, efficiency and low prices. The city and Albert Lea Economic Development Agency have been working to bring in another grocery store to the area since the closure of Marketplace Foods in 2020.

Police say an ongoing feud led to a man being shot Thursday night. The Mason City Police Department says calls came in around 9:12 pm about possible gunfire at East Park. Officers arrived at the scene to find an adult male had been shot. He was taken to MercyOne North Iowa Medical Center by Mason City Fire Department paramedics. No details on the victim"s condition have been released. Investigators say the suspected shooter left the scene along with other witnesses and involved parties. Police say they found one firearm. The Mason City Police Department says not all involved parties are cooperating with investigators but they have determined the shooting involved people who know each other and this incident is part of an ongoing feud. Anyone with information about the shooting is asked to call the Mason City Police Department at 641-421-3636. The Cerro Gordo County Sheriff"s Office is assisting with the investigation.

Green Acres Milling plans to start building its oat-processing facility on 14th Street in Albert Lea on Monday, April 28, weather permitting. This activity may impact traffic on 14th Street in the Jobs Industrial Park on the city"s south side. During the project"s first phase, Jensen Excavating will move soil from a site on the north side of 14th Street to the south side. This activity will require installing a protective surface, called a “blister,” over 14th Street to prevent heavy equipment from damaging the pavement. The City of Albert Lea urges motorists to slow down, look out for construction workers and follow traffic controls. This first phase should be complete by May 16. Green Acres Milling of Latimer, Iowa, is building a 135,000-square-foot facility to process 2 million bushels of oats per year. The development is expected to create 12 jobs and play a central role in bringing a small grains market back to the Minnesota region.

Power 96 News for Thursday April 24th, 2025.

04/24/2025

An Austin man faces 3rd-degree murder and 2nd-degree manslaughter charges in connection with a woman"s overdose death. Jacob Allen Brandt is held at the Mower County Jail on $100,000 bail with conditions, or $200,000 bail without conditions. According to court documents, Austin police responded to the 1300 block of 9th Avenue NW for an overdose death on Oct. 25, 2024. Police located drug paraphernalia, and a toxicology screen later determined that the woman had died from a mixture of fentanyl and other medications. According to court documents, Brandt called the woman"s phone on Oct. 25, while it was with the police investigators. Police later found conversations with Brandt on the woman"s phone dating back to June 2024, some of which involved plans to get drugs. Police noted that on Oct. 24, the woman had paid Brandt $30 on Cash App, and there had been multiple short calls between them shortly before the woman left her home that afternoon, according to court documents. According to court documents, Brandt also told police he"d called the woman later on Oct. 24 because he realized the fentanyl was “pretty strong” and wanted to tell her to be careful. Brandt is scheduled to appear in court again May 1.

The C-SPAN network, Spectrum and state and local representatives honored three Albert Lea High School students Wednesday for winning third place in C-SPAN"s annual video documentary competition, StudentCam.   The students, Bryant Johnston, Sam Stay and Benjamin Schulz, and their teacher, Jim Haney, also received cash prizes at the ceremony.   Johnston, Stay and Schulz"s documentary, titled “Energy in America,” is their response to the prompt C-SPAN issued for the competition: “Your Message to the President.” The award was from over 1,700 entries from students representing 42 different states, according to a C-SPAN press release.

The North Star Honor Flights held it"s inaugural journey to Washington DC on Wednesday. The passengers were veterans from across 11 counties in southeast Minnesota and north Iowa. According to JoAnne Fuller, the treasurer of the non-profit, the first wave of passengers got to tour Arlington Cemetery, visit the war memorials of fallen comrades and see the sites with the help of medical volunteers and wheel chair aides. She says after that success, the non-profit hopes to make the trip twice every year with 50 to 100 passengers each time. Veterans in Blue Earth, Dodge, Faribault, Fillmore, Freeborn, Mower, Olmsted, Steele and Waseca, Cerro Gordo, Howard, Mitchell, Winnebago, and Worth county are all eligible to apply as long as they served between the start of World War Two and the end of the Vietnam War. North Star says it has already begun fundraising for its next honor flight which will be held in early fall. The exact date will be determined based on veteran availability, but interested veterans can apply now on their website.

A North Iowa man once accused of attempted murder has now pleaded guilty to a lesser crime. Jose Alberto Carrera Patino, 31 of Forest City, is now set to be sentenced for intimidation with a dangerous weapon for an incident on February 10, 2024. The Forest City Police Department says Carrera Patino was accused of shooting at another man three times in the 100 block of North 4th Street. The victim says Carrera Patino shot at him after an argument and the two had been in a year-long feud over a mutual girlfriend. Investigators say they found three bullet holes in a brick wall at an apartment complex in the area of the shooting. A sentencing hearing in this case has been set for June 6 in Winnebago County District Court.

Power 96 News for Wednesday April 23rd, 2025.

04/23/2025

An update to its catalog and online system will lead to the closure of the Albert Lea Public Library on April 29 and 30.

Library officials say Albert Lea library is part of a regional system called SELCO (Southeastern Libraries Cooperating), which has been using the current software for patron management services since the early 2000s. They say this software is critical to library operations, from ordering items for the collection, communicating with patrons, and reporting on usage of library services but is outdated and no longer meets the needs of the region. SELCO says the upgrade will mean the online catalog interface will change to a new, modern catalog with enhanced searching capabilities, providing increased access to collections. The new catalog will have the same functions as the current one, including requesting items from SELCO libraries and viewing library account information.

The Albert Lea Public Library says some services will be unavailable while they prepare for the upgrade. From April 27, after 5 pm, to May 1, the library will not:

-Issue new cards.

-Accept new hold requests for items.

-Make changes to patron accounts, including renewing items and updating card expiration dates.

-Check in items. Patrons should return checked-out items after May 1.

Three finalists have been named in the search for a new City Administrator for Clear Lake.

A public meet-and-greet event with the three finalists will take place from 5 to 6:15 pm on May 2 in the Clear Lake City Council Chambers. Official interviews with the three finalists are scheduled for May 3.

A drunken crash in Rochester is sending a Minneapolis man to prison. Anthony Ricardo Thomas Jr., 32, was arrested on July 14, 2024, and charged with criminal vehicular operation – bodily harm, felony DWI, and fleeing in a motor vehicle. The Olmsted County Sheriff"s Office says it got a report of a speeding vehicle on Civic Center Drive NW in Rochester at around 2:13 am. A deputy located the vehicle but it sped away, reaching speeds the deputy estimated at 130 miles per hour. The vehicle was later found crashed in the West Circle Drive NW area near the off-ramp from Highway 14. Deputies say the vehicle was significantly damaged and its airbags had been activated. Court documents state a passenger in the vehicle was seriously injured and the driver, Thomas, would not obey commands to surrender. The Sheriff"s Office says additional officers were needed to take Thomas into custody. Thomas pleaded guilty to felony DWI and has now been sentenced to five years in prison, with credit for 157 days already served. Court records show Thomas has two previous felony convictions in Hennepin County, one for DWI and one for violating a no contact order.

On Monday night, Austin police were called to a strange scene near the Mower County Fairgrounds. Just before 8 p.m., calls came in reporting an escaped donkey that was wandering through the city. The donkey headed towards the Sterling Shopping Area before heading towards I-90 at the West Oakland Bridge. Officers were able to direct the escapee off I-90, and with the help of a citizen, the donkey was tackled and detained. At this time, police cannot confirm how the donkey was able to escape, but they were able to take the runaway back home without incident. No arrests were made.

Power 96 News for Tuesday April 22nd, 2025.

04/22/2025

A driver was accelerating and on her phone when she fatally struck a motorcyclist at an Anoka County intersection, according to a criminal complaint. Jessica Marie Pietrzak, 31, of St. Francis was charged in district court last week with criminal vehicular homicide in connection with the crash on Oct. 5 in Oak Grove that killed Kelly Matthew Linder, 49, of Albert Lea. Pietrzak was charged by summons and is due in court on May 30.

The North Iowa and Forest City school districts are going to be sharing a superintendent.

Both school boards approved the move Monday night. Forest City Superintendent Darwin Lehmann will assume the role of superintendent for both districts, splitting his time 60-40 between them, effective July 1. Joe Erickson, who has been superintendent of North Iowa since 2018, announced his resignation in March and will fulfill his role through June 30.

Selling meth in Freeborn County is sending a man to prison. Shawn Casey Tope, 45 of Albert Lea, was arrested for a drug deal that took place on June 4, 2024. The South Central Drug Investigation Unit says Tope sold 31.6 grams of meth to a confidential informant. Court documents state the meth sale happened in the 200 block of Giles Place in Albert Lea. Tope was charged with first-degree sale of methamphetamine. He pleaded guilty to the lesser crime of second-degree sale of meth. Tope has now been sentenced to six years and three months in prison, with credit for 99 days already served.

A teenager accused of sex abuse and threatening people with a gun has entered different pleas. Trenton James Wise, 18 of Mason City, was charged with second-degree sexual abuse and three counts of first-degree harassment. Wise allegedly committed a sex act with a child 13 or younger in 2024 and showed off a handgun to threaten three people at the Greater Youth for Christ center in Mason City on March 27. Wise has now pleaded guilty to one count of first-degree harassment. The other two counts have been dismissed. Wise has been sentenced to 14 days in jail, two years of supervised probation, and must complete all recommended mental health treatment. Wise has pleaded not guilty to the sex abuse charge. His trial for that is set to begin on June 3.

Power 96 News for Monday April 21st, 2025.

04/21/2025

A search is underway for a stabbing suspect in southern Minnesota. Mankato police officers were called to Eastport Drive around 12:24 pm Sunday. Officers say they found a victim suffering from a stab wound to the neck. The victim was taken to Mayo Clinic Health System for treatment. Mankato police say they have identified Lul Gatbel Lul, 23 of Lake Crystal, as a suspect in this assault. Lul is described as a black male, around six feet tall, weighing 150 pounds. And last seen wearing blue jeans and a white t-shirt. Investigators say Lul was seen leaving the area of the stabbing in a 2015 Chrysler 200 with Minnesota license plate RPP 965. Anyone with information on Lul"s whereabouts is asked to call 911 or 507-387-8725.

Pope Francis passed away early Monday morning at the age of 88.

Two women from North Iowa were hurt in a one-vehicle crash Saturday morning in south-central Minnesota. The State Patrol says Kathy Ann Bailey, 72 of Northwood, IA, was driving a 2016 Dodge Grand Caravan west on Highway 14 in Brown County. The crash report says Bailey drove off the road near the intersection with County Road 11 outside Essig and went into the ditch. The accident happened just after 10 am. The Minnesota State Patrol says Bailey and a passenger, Esther J. Bontuager, 64 of Northwood, IA, suffered non-life threatening injuries and were taken to the Sleepy Eye Emergency Room. A second passenger, Joni Bontuager, 63 of Northwood, IA, was not injured. The crash report says none of the occupants of the Grand Caravan were wearing seat belts. The Brown County Sheriff"s Office and the Sleepy Eye Police Department assisted at the scene.

The Mason City Fire Department is investigating a house explosion that occurred on Friday night. MCFD says it isn"t able to release any other details until the investigation is complete, but expects to send out a press release with more information soon.

Power 96 News for Friday April 18th, 2025.

04/18/2025

A fugitive was arrested after an hour-long standoff Thursday morning.

The Waseca Police Department says Luis Ricardo Barajas, 37, was wanted by the Minnesota Department of Corrections for cutting off his monitoring bracelet and avoiding capture. Waseca police officers were joined by the Waseca County Sheriff"s Office, The Blue Earth County Sheriff"s Office K9 handlers, the South Central Drug Investigations Unit Swat Team, and the MN Department of Corrections Fugitive Apprehension Unit in trying to arrest Barajas in the 200 block of 10th Avenue SE at around 9 am Thursday.

With rain in the forecast, the Albert Lea Recreation Department is moving its Easter egg hunt on Saturday, April 19, to avoid muddy conditions. The egg hunt will now be held at Jim Gustafson Field, 1011 Hammer Road, which has artificial turf. Parking will be available in the large lot north of the stadium and participants should enter through the main gate.

The hunt will be divided by age groups: 9 a.m. for ages 4 and younger; 9:40 a.m. for ages 5-7; and 10:20 a.m. for ages 8 -11.

There is no fee or registration required.

U.S. Sen. Amy Klobuchar on Thursday visited Albert Lea and attended a meeting about the benefits of sustainable crop farming at Events at the Broadway. This was part of Klobuchar"s 19 county rural economy tour in which she met with farmers, veterans, small business owners and other Minnesotans to directly hear about challenges such as health care access, household costs and the impact of proposed tariffs on the rural economy, according to a news release on Klobuchar"s website. The meeting was led by founders and co-owners of Green Acres Milling, Landon and Anne Plagge. Green Acres Milling is an Iowa-based oat processing company, which in November 2024 was approved by the Albert Lea City Council to build a new oat processing facility off of 14th Street in the Jobs Industrial Park. Other community members, including Albert Lea Mayor Rich Murray, were present at Thursday"s meeting.

A $1,000 reward is now being offered for information leading to identification, arrest, and subsequent conviction of those who vandalized Fountain Lake Park.

The Albert Lea Police Department (ALPD) says the money comes from an anonymous donor. About $30,000 in damage was done to Fountain Lake Park in early April. Information on the vandalism can be submitted to the Albert Lea Police Department at 507-377-5200 or through an anonymous tip line at 507-377-5161.

Power 96 News for Thursday April 17th, 2025.

04/17/2025

The former Union Pacific Railroad line being turned into a shared user trail between Albert Lea and Hartland will now be known as the Songbird Trail. The Freeborn County Board of Commissioners on Tuesday approved a resolution establishing the name for the trail after soliciting ideas from the Albert Lea Parks and Recreation Advisory Board and the Freeborn County Trail Association, said Commissioner Nicole Eckstrom Tuesday afternoon. Eckstrom said they tried to avoid naming the trail after a person and looked for a wholesome name that applied to the area. They reviewed names of other trails in the state to make sure they weren"t duplicating any others and wanted something that wasn"t too specific but yet had ties to nature. The name was established as the county and the city of Albert Lea are applying for grants for the project.

A Rochester public school teacher is running for the DFL nomination to challenge incumbent Republican Congressman Brad Finstad. Jake Johnson says he is launching a “grassroots campaign to hear from and earn the support of people across the first district who have been ignored by politicians in Washington.” After growing up in Stewartville, Johnsons says the attended the University of Wisconsin, La Crosse, interviewed for just one job when he graduated. That job was as a math teacher with Rochester Public Schools, where Johnson has worked for 19 years.

Authorities say a woman missing in the Twin Cities was last known to be in Rochester, and that she is trying to get to Iowa. The Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension says Jean Baynham, 65 was last seen around January 15 waiting at a bus stop in Brooklyn Park near Zane Ave North & Oak Grove Pkwy. "Jean has mental health issues that could affect her decision-making abilities," the BCA said. "There are no indications that Jean has any of her prescribed medications with her. Her family is concerned for her safety and well-being since she has not had contact with them for an extended period of time." She is described as 5'7", 114 lbs., with gray hair and blue eyes. Anyone with information on her whereabouts is asked to call the Brooklyn Park Police Department at 763-493-8222.

Fundraisers for the renovation and expansion of the Historic Paramount Theatre say they"ve reached a major milestone. The “It"s Showtime!” capital campaign is now close to collecting two-thirds of the $1.21 million goal with about 4 months left till the theatre's projected soft opening during Austin ArtWorks Festival weekend, August 23 and 24. Supporters say that is in addition to $3.67 million committed to the project by the Hormel Foundation last November.

Power 96 News for Wednesday April 16th, 2025.

04/16/2025

First District Congressman Brad Finstad on Tuesday met with Albert Lea city leaders, including Mayor Rich Murray, to discuss the city"s wastewater treatment plant funding as well as the general outlook for the city. Finstad on April 8 announced that Albert Lea would be awarded $1 million for wastewater treatment facility improvements as part of more than $1.4 billion appropriated for congressionally directed water infrastructure projects for fiscal year 2024, according to a press release. “In Congress, my top priority is advocating for the needs of our southern Minnesota communities,” Finstad said in the press release. “This major investment will contribute to improving Albert Lea"s aging wastewater treatment plant, directly impacting the day-to-day lives of its residents and benefiting them for years to come. I was proud to work with Mayor Rich Murray and numerous city officials to support this grant application and secure this win for the Albert Lea community.” Murray described aging infrastructure as one of three major issues facing the city at this time. The other two, he said, are housing and child care. He added the city of Albert Lea is seeking $40 million from the state to make further progress on the project.

The Freeborn County Board of Commissioners on Tuesday accepted the resignation of Interim County Assessor Candice Lahann, about a month after the board brought her back for the role. In the interim role, Lahann has worked mainly in the evenings and on weekends but was still expected to supervise and monitor what is going on with the office. Before that, the county had been working with a county assessor in Houston County for interim services. The county has been without a permanent assessor since Oct. 16 after Lahann initially resigned after eight months in the position for a new opportunity in Olmsted County. State law requires counties to fill the position within 90 days, but the county thus far has been unable to find a qualified replacement. County Administrator Melanie Aeschliman said the county has already had a 90-day extension from the state to fill the position and has been approved for another 60-day extension. The county is in its second round with DDA Human Resources Inc. to help recruit for the job. Aeschliman said the county is dedicated to filling the position. Lahann"s resignation is effective May 6.

The Freeborn County Board of Commissioners on Tuesday voted 3-1 on a resolution that opposes the proposed battery energy storage project near Glenville as proposed after hearing several comments both in favor and against. Commissioners Dawn Kaasa, Lukas Severson and Brad Edwin voted to oppose the project, while Commissioner Chris Shoff abstained from voting. Fifth District Commissioner Nicole Eckstrom was absent from the meeting. Shoff said he did not recall the board making a blanket statement previously about a project reviewed by the Public Utilities Commission and said in the past he thought commissioners could voice their opinions individually if they chose. Shoff said while he would have been in favor of drafting something that said the board was concerned about factors such as the proximity of the project near the Shell Rock River and Glenville-Emmons School, he was against jumping forward and flat-out saying the board was opposed to the project as a whole. The action comes as discussion about the proposed project, called the Midwater Energy Storage Project, has been heated in the community. As the state reviews the project, many Glenville residents have questioned the safety of the project for wildlife and for residents, particularly with the location, and what would happen in the event of a fire with the system. The 150-megawatt battery energy storage system proposed by Florida-based Spearmint Energy would be off of U.S. Highway 65 south of Glenville on land adjacent to the ITC Midwest substation.

With ongoing dryness and breezy winds expected over the next several days, many southeast Minnesota counties have decided to hoist Burn Bans until conditions improve. At one point Tuesday afternoon, four fire departments were paged out for two different fires in Mantorville and West Concord in Dodge County.

These Burn Bans include all permitted burns. Recreational fires are still allowed, but it is requested that safety is exercised. If you live within city limits of any town and/or city within the banned counties, follow their recreational fire rules. Some much needed moisture is on the way through Easter Sunday with potentially over one inch of rain expected for some.

Power 96 News for Tuesday April 15th, 2025.

04/15/2025

The Albert Lea City Council voted unanimously Monday to move forward with the preparation of plans for a remodel of City Hall that officials say would improve security and efficiency of the building. The total estimated cost for the project is $1.5 million and would include the interior of portions of the lower and upper floors. Areas where the Albert Lea Public Library is housed would not be included. Also included in that cost are some general exterior maintenance on the building as well as exterior lighting. Building Official Wayne Sorensen said the city had a committee that included city staff members and three councilors, who looked at the needs of the building with Oleson & Hobbie Architects. In addition to the library, the building houses the city administration, attorney and finance departments on the upper level and engineering and inspection departments on the first level.

Lieutenant Darin Palmer of the Albert Lea Police Department was awarded at the Minnesota SOTA (Special Operations Training Association) conference in St. Cloud on Monday. Palmer was honored with the meritorious service award. The award recognizes someone who has given exceptional service in the performance of their duties. It is awarded for either sustained, long-term noteworthy achievement or for a single significant event.

An Austin woman has pleaded guilty to cheating the federal government out of hundreds of thousands of dollars in Social Security payments. Mavious Redmond, 54, entered a guilty plea in U.S. District Court in Minneapolis to theft of government funds. The U.S. Attorney"s Office for the State of Minnesota says Redmond devised and carried out a 25-year scheme to collect her deceased mother"s retirement benefits. Redmond"s mother died in January 1999 and federal prosecutors say Redmond impersonated her deceased mother on multiple occasions to keep her fraud scheme going. Law enforcement says between January 1999 and June 2024, Redmond collected more than $360,000 in Social Security payments intended for her mother. No sentencing date for Redmond has been set.

A woman has been sentenced for cheating Olmsted County out of thousands of dollars in foster care payments. Diona Marie Hargrett, 36 of Rochester, pleaded guilty to one felony count of theft of services. That charge was filed against Hargrett in December 2023. Investigators say Hargrett was caring for a foster child but when that child turned 18 and moved out of Hargrett"s home, Hargrett kept billing Olmsted County Child and Family Services. Hargrett has been ordered to spend three years on unsupervised probation and pay $15,131.68 in restitution to Olmsted County. Hargrett received a stay of adjudication, which means this conviction will be removed from her record if she fulfils all the terms of her sentence.

Power 96 News for Monday April 14th, 2025.

04/14/2025

At its meeting Monday, the Albert Lea City Council will consider ordering plans for remodeling City Hall to enhance security and make office space more efficient. A joint committee of city staff and councilors have studied the security and space issues at City Hall and recommended many changes, including adding a key card system for door locks. Moving service windows so staff can observe activity in the lobbies. Making emergency exit routes more expedient for staff and visitors. Moving some staff from cramped spaces into areas that are now vacant or not often used. And adding a public meeting room, employee breakroom and employee-only restroom. The preliminary estimate for the remodeling $1.5 million, depending on how competitive bids would be and whether done in phases. To refine the estimate, the city needs more detailed plans from an architect. Ordering the plans would be the first step of many in the proposed project. If proceeding with plans, the council would later decide whether to seek bids and then whether to accept the low bid. The remodeling proposal does not include any space changes to the Albert Lea Public Library. Public access to the library would remain the same. City Hall was built in 1967 and the last major renovation was for the library in 2007. The April 14 work session starts at 5:30 p.m. and the regular meeting at 7 p.m. Both are open to the public and held in the council chambers on the top floor of City Hall.

Power was out for over 1,000 customers in southwestern Albert Lea late Saturday night and early Sunday morning after a man reportedly crashed into a power pole at 11:58 p.m. Saturday at the intersection of South Broadway and West Ninth Street. Police stated Steven Eugene Essay was arrested for third-degree driving while intoxicated.

The Albert Lea Police Department is requesting the public"s assistance in identifying witnesses and/or suspects involved in significant vandalism at Fountain Lake Park, 100 Fountain St. At approximately 7 a.m. April 3, officers responded to a report of damage at Fountain Lake Park at the intersection of Broadway Avenue and Lakeview Boulevard. Upon investigation, officers discovered extensive damage to park lighting and landscaping. The estimated damage exceeds $30,000. Investigators believe the vandalism occurred within the previous two to three days, given the favorable weather conditions. “This level of destruction is deeply concerning, and we are committed to holding those responsible accountable,” said ALPD Lt. Darin Palmer. “Fountain Lake Park is a valued community space, and this senseless act of vandalism impacts everyone who enjoys it.” The ALPD has documented the damage with photographs, and the Albert Lea Parks and Recreation department has started repairs. The ALPD is conducting extra patrols in the park to deter further incidents. The police urge anyone who may have witnessed suspicious activity in Fountain Lake Park between April 1 through 3 or who has any information related to this incident, to contact police immediately.

Governor Tim Walz will join Mayo Clinic leadership Monday to discuss the progress being made on the medical center's $5 billion expansion in downtown Rochester. Governor Walz is scheduled to be speaking alongside Dr. Craig Daniels and Mayo Clinic Facilities Department Chair Doug Holton. A press event is set for Monday in Rochester at 12:30 pm.

Power 96 News for Friday April 11th, 2025.

04/11/2025

One person was treated for smoke inhalation Thursday morning after a reported house fire at 712 Valley Ave. According to a news release, Albert Lea Fire Rescue received a report of the fire at 9:56 a.m. after the resident came home, noticed smoke showing from the structure and called 911. Fire crews arrived on the scene and found smoke coming from the house on the second floor. The resident had heavy contents and electrical cords throughout the sleeping area where the fire originated, but the cause is undetermined after investigation. Fire crews worked on the scene for about an hour, checking for fire extension. The resident was treated by Mayo Ambulance for smoke inhalation and released at the scene. Albert Lea Fire Rescue would like to remind residents to maintain egress in sleeping areas and only use extension cords for temporary use. The Albert Lea Police Department also assisted Fire Rescue on the scene.

For the last 25 years, Patty Greibrok of rural Glenville has impacted hundreds, if not thousands, of Albert Lea"s children in the quest to grow a love of reading. Greibrok, the Albert Lea Public Library children"s librarian, is slated to retire at the end of May with an open house slated for 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Thursday in the library, when Greibrok can meet with families and others who want to wish her well in retirement. Greibrok said in her retirement, she hopes to spend more time visiting grandchildren in Ohio and California and working on some projects at her home. Library employee Trisha Whelan is slated to become the next children"s librarian.

River shorelines, city parks, downtown streets and more public spaces in Austin will get cleaned up this month by dozens of volunteers. For the third-straight year, Austin Cares: Community Cleanup will remove hundreds of pounds of litter and debris from most areas enjoyed by the public. This is a project led by United Way of Mower County, Cedar River Watershed District and Austin Parks & Recreation Department that drew more than 100 volunteers a year ago. This cleanup is set for 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. on Saturday, April 26, starting at the Veterans Pavilion at Community Bandshell Park, 104 Ninth Place S.W. Volunteers can start checking in at 8:30 a.m. at the pavilion, where they can enjoy free coffee and doughnuts before heading out at any time. “This truly is a feel-good event for all volunteers because they"re working together and seeing the results of their efforts to beautify the community,” said Karem Salas Ramirez, community impact coordinator for United Way of Mower County.

Garbage bags will be provided along with a limited number of litter grabbers that help reach litter in difficult spots, such as in the water or in a tree branch.

“With Austin"s major flooding last June, there"s still debris around from that, including on branches, that makes our annual cleanup efforts even more needed,” said Tim Ruzek, Cedar River Watershed District"s outreach coordinator.

Those interested in helping are encouraged to sign up online at uwmower.org/volunteer but walkups are welcomed the morning of the cleanup. For more information, contact the United Way at 507-437-2313.

Cleanup sponsors include Nord/Haus Real Estate Group, Runnings, Casey"s General Store and Caribou Coffee that have donated litter grabbers, trash bags, doughnuts and coffee for the volunteers.

Until construction is complete at the City Arena, 701 Lake Chapeau Drive, the Albert Lea Recreation Office is moving to the City Garage. The office will be closed Monday, April 14, while staff relocate. After that, residents can register for programs, rent a pavilion, pick up keys for pavilion rentals, or take care of other recreation business at the City Garage, 414 Commercial St. Please use the main entrance on Madison Avenue.

While at the garage, the Recreation Office will be open 7:30 a.m. – 4 p.m. unless making arrangements with recreation staff.

The phone number will remain the same: 507-377-4370. Residents can also register for programs and rent pavilions online. Registration for summer programs is scheduled to open May 5. Look for details in the Summer Fun Guide being mailed to all households in Freeborn County later this month.

Power 96 News for Thursday April 10th, 2025.

04/10/2025

A Freeborn County man is going to prison for pistol whipping someone. Donald Maurice McCormick, 29 of Albert Lea, was charged with second-degree assault and two counts of threats of violence after an incident on August 31, 2023. The Albert Lea Police Department says McCormick drove up to a home on Jefferson Avenue, got out, hit one man in the head with a pistol, and pointed the gun at two witnesses. Officers who responded to the scene say the victim was knocked unconscious and was disoriented and bleeding from the left side of his face when police got to the scene. McCormick pleaded guilty to second-degree assault and has now been sentenced to four years and six months in prison, with credit for 146 days already served.

Riverland Community College unveiled its new EDF Technical Training Center on Wednesday. Riverland says the training center reflects a significant collaboration between itself, EDF Renewables, and the State of Minnesota to support the growing renewable energy sector. The partnership includes a transfer of a section of Riverland"s Albert Lea campus to serve as a state-of-the-art technical training facility for wind energy and renewable energy technicians.

The History Center of Freeborn County announced today that the nonprofit received a $4,000 challenge grant from donors. The grant will match dollar-for-dollar all donations from supporter"s April 16 through May 30.

“Our first priority is the Winjum Home porch, as we are eager to get the home in the village catalogued and new interpretation installed.” said Executive Director Stephanie Kibler. “Whether it"s installing a remarkable exhibit, helping children experience history through tours and hands-on activities, or offering lectures and programming year round,” said Kibler, “everything that FCHM does is made possible by our loyal supporters. Their generosity of support in time and treasure makes it possible for us to continue to build the future by preserving the past. We are extremely grateful for our donors to invest in our organization in a way that encourages others to offer their support.”

Donations can be made online at lovehistory.org, by calling the history center at 507/373-8003 with your credit card, on Venmo @FCHM1031, by USPS, or by stopping in the history center Wednesday and Friday, 10:00 am to 4:00 pm or Thursday, 10:00 am to 8:00 pm.

Authorities in northwestern Minnesota are asking the public to keep an eye out for a 16-year-old boy who has been reported missing. Chase Allen Ronning was last seen leaving his home in Bagley on Monday, April 7. His last known was location was in Moorhead later that day. Ronning is approximately 6-feet tall and 150 pounds. "Chase may be attempting to travel to the Donna, Texas, area," the Minnesota BCA says. "Anyone with information on Chase Ronning's whereabouts is asked to dial 911."

Power 96 News for Wednesday April 9th, 2025.

04/09/2025

A sentence is handed down for a hit-and-run collision that injured three people in Olmsted County. Austin Joshua Mortenson, 31 of Austin, was charged with receiving stolen property, criminal vehicular operation-leaving the scene of a collision, failing to stop for a collision, failure to notify owner of damaged property, and careless driving. The Rochester Police Department says Mortenson was driving a stolen truck at a high rate of speed on November 4, 2023, when he smashed into another vehicle around 1 am at the intersection of Fox Valley Drive SW and Salem Road. Court documents state three people in the other vehicle received medical attention at the scene from paramedics. The truck was later found crashed into the brick wall of a building on Greenview Drive SW. Witnesses said Mortenson got out of the truck and ran away. Investigators say the owner of the truck told them it had been loaned to a friend but was later stolen. Mortenson had taken a plea deal and entered a guilty plea to one count of criminal vehicular operation-leaving the scene of an accident. He"s been given two years of supervised probation, fined $3,000, and must pay a total of $17,673.14 in restitution.

Albert Lea High School students on Friday will open the year"s spring play, “The Princess and the Pea,” a take on the classic fairy tale in which a girl must prove she is a true princess to the kingdom"s king and queen to win the hand of the prince.   The play is directed by Mary Schoppers, a Spanish teacher at the high school. Schoppers has been involved in many plays, mainly doing choreography, since 2017. She most recently directed the school"s fall musical, “Mean Girls.” Unlike “Mean Girls,” Schoppers said, this play is made specifically for children. In addition to having content suited for children, the play also has a smaller run time of around one hour.

A man charged with 10 child porn felonies has pleaded guilty to three of them. Roger Myron Yarger, 59 of Mankato, is scheduled to be sentenced on May 12 in Blue Earth County District Court. He was charged with 10 counts of possession of child porn on an electronic device and has now pleaded guilty to three of those counts. Officers from the Freeborn County Sheriff"s Office, Blue Earth County Sheriff"s Office, and the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension searched Yarger"s home on January 18, 2024. Four cell phones were found in the home. Court documents state an examination of the cell phones found multiple images of child pornography.

This week, the Iowa Senate approved House File 924 (HF924), a bill that lowers the minimum age for obtaining a carry permit from 21 to 18. It now awaits the Governor's desk for approval. Currently, Iowa law allows individuals 21 and older to carry concealed firearms without a permit, and allows 18-year-olds to legally purchase and possess long guns (rifles, shotguns). An 18-year-old can also purchase rifle and shotgun ammunition but cannot purchase handgun ammunition from licensed dealers. 18-year-olds currently can also carry long guns openly or concealed. If signed by Governor Reynolds, this bill would allow Iowans 18 years and older to apply for a permit to carry a handgun. However, they would not be able to obtain a permit to acquire handguns, nor could a nonprofessional permit to carry weapons be held by a person who is not 21 be valid for the transfer of a handgun from a federal licensed firearms dealer.

Power 96 News for Tuesday April 8th, 2025.

04/08/2025

The Albert Lea school board on Monday approved a three-year contract with the district"s next superintendent, including an annual starting salary of $185,000 for the first year and slight increases in salary the following two years.   Ashley Mattson, executive director of Human Resources with the district, said Steven Heil is expected to receive almost $187,000 in the 2026-27 school year and about $190,600 in the 2027-28 school year. He is slated to begin with the district July 1.   The board voted unanimously March 31 to offer Heil the position after a search conducted by the Minnesota School Boards Association. Heil is currently the superintendent of St. James Public Schools.   In addition to his annual salary, the contract states the district will compensate Heil a relocation allowance of $15,000 for purchasing a home within the geographic boundaries of the district, which will be given out over the three years. To be eligible, he has to purchase a home within the district by Dec. 31 and live there full time. Board Chairman Dave Klatt said this allowance is in place to encourage Heil to be in the district for the full three years. Under the contract, the stipend will be paid as follows: $2,500 for the 2025-26 school year, $2,500 for the 2026-27 school year and $10,000 for the 2027-28 year. Mattson said Heil will also receive 25 vacation days annually with the opportunity to roll those over to the following contract year and use them the first six months of that year. He will be entitled to 12 paid holidays, 20 sick days at the start of the contract with 12 additional days upon each subsequent year.   In addition, he will receive a life insurance plan for $500,000 and a $100 a month stipend for technology tools. He will also be eligible to participate in a tax-sheltered annuity plan with the district matching up to $6,500 per year in contributions. Klatt said Heil surprised him and staff and came in-person for the contract negotiations on Tuesday, the day after the superintendent interviews. He also hopes to be in the district other times before he begins in July and will work with interim Superintendent David Krenz on the transition. Klatt noted that Heil"s total compensation package will be less than the prior superintendent.

Police are investigating a man who apparently fell to his death at Shady Oaks Apartments. The Albert Lea Police Department says the deceased individual has been identified as Todd Earl Goskeson, 54 of Albert Lea. Police say based on the initial investigation, there is no indication of foul play and the circumstances surrounding Goskeson"s death are consistent with apparent suicide. This remains an active investigation and no further details will be released at this time out of respect for the family.

Albert Lea Community Theatre announces auditions will be held on Saturday, April 12, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., and Sunday, April 13, from 6 to 9 p.m, for Roald Dahl's "Matilda – The Musical" at the Marion Ross Performing Arts Center, 147 N. Broadway in Albert Lea. Those auditioning should be prepared to sing and read from the script. On Saturday, auditions for children will be held from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m., and for adults from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. On Sunday, auditions for children will be from 6-7 p.m., and for adults from 7-9 p.m. 'Matilda – The Musical' centers on a little girl with astonishing wit, intelligence and psycho-kinetic powers. She's unloved by her cruel parents but impresses her schoolteacher, Miss Honey. During her first term at school, the two forge a bond as Miss Honey begins to recognize and appreciate Matilda's extraordinary personality. Matilda's school life isn't completely smooth sailing, however – the school's mean headmistress, Miss Trunchbull, hates children and enjoys punishing those who don't abide by her rules. But Matilda has courage and cleverness in equal amounts and could be the school pupils saving grace. Directed by Gordy Handland, performances will be June 19th through the 22nd and the 25th through the 28th. Rehearsals will be scheduled on weeknights starting in April, with some weekend involvement closer to the performance dates. For more information, visit the ACT website at ACTonBroadway.com.

The Rice County Sheriff"s Office is asking for the public"s help in finding 23-year-old Acelind Evanstad who was last seen on March 30th. Evanstad was last seen at her residence in Webster, Minnesota. She is 5"5? and weighs 110 pounds with brown eyes and reddish brown hair. Anyone with information about Evanstad"s whereabouts should contact the Rice County Sheriff"s Office at 507-334-4391.

Power 96 News for Monday April 7th, 2025.

04/07/2025

Albert Lea police are investigating after a man was found deceased at the base of Shady Oaks Apartments after apparently falling from an upper-story window. At approximately 6:16 a.m. today, officers responded to a report of an individual found at the base of the building, at 800 S. Fourth Ave. Upon arrival, officers found a 54-year-old man who appeared to have fallen from an upper-story window. Emergency medical personnel responded to the scene, but the individual was pronounced deceased. Albert Lea Fire Rescue and Mayo Ambulance assisted at the scene. At this time, no signs of foul play are suspected, and there is no ongoing threat to public safety. However, the incident remains an active investigation as officers work to determine the cause and circumstances surrounding the fall. The identity of the victim is being withheld pending notification of next of kin. The police department asks that anyone who may have witnessed the incident or has relevant information to contact the Police Department at 507-377-5200.

Albert Lea Police arrested Austin Lee Jackson, 30, for fourth-degree assault, attempting to disarm a police officer and obstruction with force at 10:36 p.m. Sunday at 404 Fountain St. Freeborn County Deputies received a report at 7:48 p.m. Sunday of five vehicle tires, one bicycle tire and other vehicle parts that were illegally dumped on the side of the road on 785th Avenue about 100 yards from Freeborn County Road 46.

Developers can now submit bids on 21 city-owned lots for future housing projects.

The Albert Lea City council voted to sell the lots, which are mostly in the south and west parts of the city, in hopes of dealing with a housing shortage. As incentives for developers, Albert Lea is offering a $5,000 rebate toward additional costs for meeting design standards and a $5,000 rebate toward water and sewer connections. The city says it is looking for developers who will develop affordable units that are not exact replicas of each other and that fit into the existing neighborhoods and return the properties to the tax rolls. A minimum purchase price has not been set for each lot, and instead prices will be based on the quality of the proposals and the improvements they would bring to the neighborhoods. Proposals are due to the City Manager"s Office by April 21. City officials say three recent studies documented the need for rental housing in Albert Lea, with major employers indicating that job openings could be filled immediately if housing were available.

High school senior Callie Hillman has won first place in the 2025 Minnesota State Junior Duck Stamp Contest with her piece "Morning on the Lakeside". Austin Public Schools say Hillman also won 2025 Minnesota Best of Show for her work, which will now go on to represent Minnesota at the National Jr. Duck Stamp Contest in Falls Church, Virginia, on April 22.

Power 96 News for Friday April 4th, 2025.

04/04/2025

The Albert Lea Public Library invites the public to Bring Your Own Lunch and Learn on Thursday, April 10, with the program, “Women of the Albert Lea Police Department” presented by Sgt. Jason Taylor. Learn more about the history and impact of the women who have served in the Albert Lea Police Department (ALPD). Taylor is an avid researcher of local history, spending his free time digging into the ALPD and its past. Attendees are sure to come away with new information and a new appreciation for the work of these public servants. The program will be held from noon - 1 p.m. April 10 in the Council Chambers on the top floor of City Hall, 221 E. Clark St. There is no registration or fee required.

Motorists traveling east on I90 could experience delays as lane closures on Interstate 90 south of Rochester are scheduled to start Friday, weather permitting.

The lane closures are in preparation for the demolition of the eastbound bridge over Highway 52, which is set to take place from April 8 to April 12.

The Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) says I-90 traffic will be moved to single lanes in each direction in the westbound lanes to allow for the demolition of the eastbound I-90 bridge. This will also close the I-90 eastbound off-ramp at Hwy 52.

A Missouri man caught with hundreds of grams of cocaine in Freeborn County is going to prison. Kevin Eugene Jordan, 38 of Kansas City, MO, was sentenced Friday to up to six years and six months behind bars, with credit for 208 days already served. Jordan must also pay $8,555.54 in restitution. Jordan pleaded guilty to second-degree possession of cocaine for an incident on September 8, 2024. The Freeborn County Sheriff"s Office says Jordan was located driving a suspected stolen vehicle with its lights off on southbound Interstate 35 around 2:25 am. Jordan refused to pull over for a deputy and, instead, Jordan switched from lane to lane and accelerated to speeds up to 120 miles per hour, while still driving with his lights off. Law enforcement deployed stop sticks and Jordan drove over them near the junction of Interstate 35 and Interstate 90. The Sheriff"s Office says Jordan continued driving until a deputy was able to force Jordan"s vehicle into the west ditch. Court documents state a search of the vehicle found 348 grams of cocaine. Jordan was originally charged with first-degree cocaine possession, receiving stolen property, and fleeing a peace officer in a motor vehicle, but took a plea deal for a lesser offense.

Freeborn County Environmental Services says residents and businesses threw away almost 24,000 tons of trash in 2024. Recycling in Freeborn County increased slightly to 14,219, 25 tons of old electronics were kept out of landfills, and Freeborn County properly handled 19 tons of household hazardous waste.

The City of Albert Lea and Freeborn County are encouraging residents to reduce waste, recycle more, and reuse items.

Power 96 News for Thursday April 3rd 2025.

04/03/2025

Both Tiger Baseball and Softball have been rescheduled due to the weatehr.

After an 0-4 start, the Minnesota Twins have clawed their way back into a five-way tie for first place in the American League Central Division. Minnesota dumped the White Sox 6-1 following a lengthy rain delay Thursday, and the win gets them to 2-4 on the season and tied with the equally struggling Cleveland Guardians, Kansas City Royals, Detroit Tigers and White Sox. Thursday's win was highlighted by Byron Buxton's first inning solo homer and diving catch, and then Hunter Bader's third homer of the season: a three-run shot in the fourth inning. An RBI double from Buxton in the fifth put the Twins up 5-0. He would then score the sixth run for the Twins later in the inning on a double off the bat of Ty France. Minnesota also got a gem from starting pitcher Pablo Lopez. The veteran right-hander tossed seven innings and allowed just one run on four hits. He struck out five and walked one. Another good sign: Carlos Correa doubled and singled for his first hits of the season. He was 0-for-12 entering the game. The Twins are back in action Thursday afternoon with their home opener against the Houston Astros.

The Minnesota Wild never possessed the puck in overtime and it took the Rangers only 24 seconds to score the game-winning goal Tuesday night at Madison Square Garden in New York. The Wild ended uo losing 5 to 4. The winning goal came after Artemi Paranin sped up the right wall, around the net and found Minnesota native K'Andre Miller, who slid a pass through traffic to Vincent Trocheck for an easy goal. Despite the loss, Minnesota earned an important point in the Western Conference wild-card race. The Wild now have 89 points with six games to play and they're tied with the St. Louis Blues — winners of 10 straight games — for the two wild-card spots. Both clubs are attempting to hold off the Calgary Flames, who are seven points back and have played two fewer games than Minnesota and St. Louis. Goals on the ice at MSG Tuesday night were scored by Gustav Nyquist, Brock Faber, Marcus Johansson and Marco Rossi. The Wild will hang out in New York for two more days and play the Islanders on Friday night.

Albert Lea Area Learning Center math teacher Andrew Gustafson was named the District 241 Teacher of the Year on Wednesday in a reception in the Albert Lea High School Commons. Gustafson, who has also taught at Albert Lea High School and Southwest Middle School, said he didn"t expect to win the award because he knows so many amazing teachers in the district who have made connections with students and who have helped him grow as a teacher. Gustafson has worked for the district for 15 years and is an eight-time Teacher of the Year nominee.

A man wanted on an arrest warrant in Iowa is in custody in Minnesota following a pursuit with multiple law enforcement agencies Wednesday. The Allamakee County Sheriff's Office says around 10:15 a.m. they were informed deputies with the Houston County Sheriff's Office in Minnesota were trying to stop Tyler Pierce, 39, as he drove towards the Iowa-Minnesota border. Pierce was driving along State Highway 76 N after hitting a Houston County Sheriff's vehicle. Deputies chased Pierce into Allamakee County in Iowa. He then traveled into Winneshiek County, IA before entering back into Minnesota.

An apartment complex partially collapsed on South State St. in Waseca on Wednesday. No one was hurt, but several tenants are now without a place to call home. People were taken to the Waseca Public Safety Building while the city"s emergency management team worked with the American Red Cross to find housing for the tenants. The collapse caused major disruptions to the city and even closed down a portion of highway 13 for a few hours. After it was deemed safe to enter the building, fire fighters let people grab their pets and anything they would need for the next few days as they were transported to temporary housing. First responders could not confirm what caused the building to partially collapse but Celina Campagna, one of the building"s tenants said she documented cracks on the backside of the building since September 2024. As that uncertainty hangs over former tenants, Waseca public safety director Kris Markeson said he doesn"t know when people would be able to return to their apartment.   As the day went on, fire fighters let people into the building to grab pets and other living essentials before heading to temporary housing locations. The building is now boarded up so no one can enter and risk injury.

Motorists in southeast Minnesota should be alert and move over on the highways for Minnesota Department of Transportation bridge inspectors as they begin the season to evaluate approximately 1,110 bridges. MnDOT bridge inspectors will evaluate approximately 450 structures for MnDOT and 560 bridges for cities and counties during this season. The inspections are routine to ensure safety and monitor the effects of traffic, weather and other elements on the structure. The first inspections began in Olmsted County on April 1.

Power 96 News for Tuesday April 2nd 2025

04/02/2025

A man accused of being a long-time drug dealer in Hancock County is pleading not guilty. Trevor Ryan Myers, 26 of Clear Lake, is now scheduled to stand trial starting April 30 for conspiracy to deliver methamphetamine. Law enforcement says four separate people accused Myers of selling meth. One witness claimed Myers began dealing drugs in 2019. Investigators say they discovered evidence of Myers possessing and distributing meth for cash.

The Blue Earth County Sheriff's office says a man was killed Monday afternoon after he was run over by his tractor. The incident happened in a rural area northeast of Mankato. Deputies say 82-year-old Gerald Fredricks may have accidentally started the tractor while it was in gear while standing near a rear tire. The tractor came to a stop when it ran into a UTV parked in front of it. First responders attempted life-saving efforts at the scene, but were unsuccessful. Personnel from the Le Sueur County Sheriff's Office, Kasota Fire Department, Mayo Clinic Ambulance Service assisted.

Albert Lea Fire Rescue responded to 809 Clark St. W. Wednesday, April 2, at 7 a.m. for a reported house fire. Employees of Jim and Dude"s noticed smoke coming from the building and called 911. Fire crews arrived on scene and found smoke coming from the house on all three levels. One person was in the house at the time of the fire and that person was exiting upon Fire Rescue"s arrival. The person had started a camp-style fire in a tote on the main level to stay warm. The fire burned through the tote and floor, then dropped into the basement where it started other materials in the area on fire. The fire extended into an outside wall and worked its way up to the second floor and attic space. Fire crews worked on the scene for about two hours checking for fire extension. There were no injuries. Albert Lea Fire Rescue would like to remind residents that starting a wood or other type fire in a house can be deadly. Not only can people lose control like in this situation, but the fire produces dangerous gases. The Albert Lea Police Department and Mayo Clinic Ambulance Service assisted Fire Rescue on the scene.

One woman was arrested after reported gunfire in Rochester. Police were called to the 700 block of 7th Avenue SE around 9:40 pm Tuesday. A woman reported another woman shooting at her following a verbal argument. The suspect was identified as Mercedes Meyers, 28 of Rochester. Officers say they located Meyers at a home in the 1700 block of 50th Street NW and took her into custody. The Rochester Police Department says no one was injured in this incident and Meyers is facing felony assault charges.

Power 96 News for Tuesday April 1st, 2025.

04/01/2025

The Albert Lea School Board has voted to hire Dr. Steven Heil as the district"s next superintendent. Dr. Heil is presently superintendent of St. James Public Schools. The vote during a special meeting on Monday to offer the position to Dr. Heil was unanimous. “We believe Dr. Heil has demonstrated leadership skills and will bring new and creative ideas to Albert Lea Area Schools. We are excited for this new chapter for our students and community,” says Dave Klatt, School Board Chair. “In addition, there are two types of great superintendents - ones that work great with people and superintendents who are great with school finances. I believe Dr. Heil offers Albert Lea Area Schools the best of both these qualities.” Negotiations with Dr. Heil will be conducted and the School Board says it hopes to have his hiring finalized by the April 7 board meeting. Dr. Heil is tentatively scheduled to take over as Albert Lea school superintendent on July 1.

A new books-by-mail service is being started by the Albert Lea Public Library.

The service will be available to Albert Lea and Freeborn County residents and will “bring the library to those unable to visit in person due to illness, disability or transportation challenges.”

To find out more about the program or to sign up, visit the library website.

Police cited one juvenile for disorderly conduct after receiving more than one report of a student at Southwest Middle School who reportedly had a gun. A message from Principal Tyler Johnson sent out Friday morning stated a parent had called police stating that their child had heard from another student about another student possibly having a gun in their backpack. “School administration and the school resource officer immediately brought the alleged student to the office and investigated the situation,” Johnson said. No gun was found, and the student stated they had “joked” about having a gun in their backpack to the student. “School safety is our top priority, and we take all allegations seriously,” Johnson said. “The student was given consequences.” He thanked those who called in to the school.

Sarah Petersen was sentenced Monday for her role in a tragic Amish buggy crash that killed two children. While Petersen wasn"t the one driving the car that hit the buggy, she played a key role in covering up who was behind the wheel. Petersen, 38, was sentenced to 90 days in jail, 120 days on house arrest, and 4.5 years of probation. She"ll also have to pay a $1,500 fine, which she can work off through community service. Petersen won"t have to start her jail time immediately but must report to authorities by April 25 to begin her sentence. The crash, which happened in 2023, took the lives of 7-year-old Wilma Miller and 11-year-old Irma Miller. While Petersen didn"t cause the crash, she lied about who was driving, taking responsibility for the accident to protect her sister, Samantha Petersen, who was behind the wheel. Samantha is set to stand trial in July for her role in the crash.

Power 96 News for Monday March 31st, 2025.

03/31/2025

March 27 will be recorded as the date the ice completely melted on Fountain Lake in 2025, according to Mark Malepsy, annual watcher of the lake. Malepsy, of Bill & Mark"s Barbershop, said the last of the ice melted on Dane Bay. The ice had melted throughout the rest of the lake at least two weeks prior. Malepsy said the ice-out date is earlier than the average ice-out since records were kept. The record for earliest ice-out was March 3 in 2024, and the latest was April 27, which happened in both 1951 and 2018. The ice has never lasted into May. The recording of ice-out dates for Fountain Lake is the third oldest in the state, according to the State Climatology Office at the University of Minnesota. The longest-known recording of ice-out dates started in 1867 for Lake Osakis near Alexandria, but hasn"t been consistent. The recording of ice-out dates for Lake Minnetonka started in 1870 and has been consistent since 1887.

The Albert Lea School Board will meet this evening at 5pm. The special meeting will be to finalize the search for a new school superintendent.

What started as a report of a masked man walking around at night with an AK-47 has ended with a sentence of probation. Jakob Jordan Barrows, 21 of Rochester, pleaded guilty to one count of dangerous weapons – use or brandish a replica firearm or BB gun while knowingly on school property. A second dangerous weapons charge was dismissed as part of a plea deal. Rochester police say Barrows was arrested around 11:30 pm on June 30, 2024. Someone approached an officer and said they saw a masked man carrying an AK-47. Law enforcement says Barrows was then found walking toward Tom Kadlec Kia while wearing a vest with magazine pouches and carrying an airsoft rifle. Investigators say they found a plastic target bag in a nearby school parking lot that had been used for target practice. Barrows has been sentenced to two years of supervised probation and fined $700.

The 2025 Albert Lea Area Schools Teacher of the Year will be announced Wednesday during a reception in the Albert Lea High School Commons. The reception will begin at 3:45 p.m. This years finalists include Wendy Bidne of the Area Learning Center,

Andrew Gustafson of the Area Learning Center, Katie Nielsen of Albert Lea High School, Sammy Schell of Lakeview Elementary School, Robin Viktora of Southwest Middle School, and Anna Wescott of Halverson Elementary School. Seventy-six nominations were received this year by the Teacher of the Year Committee.

Power 96 News for Friday March 28th, 2025.

03/28/2025

Burglary and assault mean almost a year in jail for a Freeborn County man. Camren Michael Cunningham, 20 of Twin Lakes, pleaded guilty to first-degree burglary and second-degree assault with a dangerous weapon. Cunningham was first arrested for an incident on November 13, 2023. Albert Lea police officers say Cunningham got into a dispute with an 18-year-old and chased him inside the 18-year-old"s home. The victim says Cunningham grabbed and tore the victim"s t-shirt. Cunningham was arrested again in April 2024. Investigators say Cunningham was with a large group of people at a bonfire in Albert Lea when he got into another dispute. Police say Cunningham slammed one woman to the ground and pointed a gun at a different female. Cunningham was sentenced Thursday to 340 days in jail, followed by five years of supervised probation, and must pay $1,000 in fines.

A woman has been sentenced for setting fire to a church. Sesen Tesfay, 24 of Rochester, was charged with first-degree arson, second-degree burglary, first-degree damage to property, and misdemeanor theft. The Rochester Police Department says Tesfay broke into Peace United Church of Christ on April 18, 2022, started a fire, and stole two computer monitors and two totes. Investigators say DNA evidence at the scene and Tesfay's mobile phone being active at the church when the fire first started indicated she was responsible. The fire caused about $4 million in damage. Tesfay was arrested in January 2024. She eventually pleaded guilty to first-degree arson. Tesfay has been sentenced to 180 days in the Olmsted County Jail, 200 hours of community work service, five years of supervised probation, and must pay $2,500 in restitution.

The City of Albert Lea has identified 171 properties with known lead water lines that need replacing. Lead service lines are a concern because exposure to this metal may cause serious health effects. The city has awarded contracts to 2 plumbing services with the lowest bids – Platinum Plumbing of Albert Lea and BCM Construction of Faribault – to replace the lines at no charge. If contacted by either firm, please respond promptly to arrange replacement. Both are licensed by the State of Minnesota and have provided bonds to ensure compliance with the contract for replacement. The Utilities Department will monitor work outside homes while city inspectors will check connections inside homes. As funded by the Minnesota Department of Health, there is no charge to property owners when using Platinum Plumbing or BCM Construction. For more information: Call the Utilities Department or visit the city website.

About 150 students on Wednesday gathered at Crossroads Church for the first National Honor Society and Student Council Leadership Day. Students from multiple area high schools attended small group sessions on leadership topics, played icebreaker games and listened to keynote speaker Preston Smith. Carissa Blizzard, NHS adviser at Albert Lea High School this year, organized the event. “We have all come together to just teach and empower the next generation of leaders from our schools,” she said. Blizzard added she hopes Leadership Day becomes an annual event with the goal to eventually make it a big southern Minnesota gathering.

Power 96 News for Thursday March 27th, 2025.

03/27/2025

The Albert Lea school board on Wednesday unanimously selected two candidates to move forward for second-round interviews in the search for the district"s next superintendent. The two selected are Mandy Fletcher, superintendent of Blue Earth Area School District and Dr. Steven Heil, superintendent of St. James Public Schools. Board Chairman Dave Klatt described Fletcher and Heil as “two really great candidates,” and said he looked forward to bringing additional questions to the two applicants on Monday. Three candidates interviewed in front of the board for the position. Dr. Michael Neubeck, superintendent of Byron Public Schools, also interviewed but was not selected to advance to the next stage. After the interviews were completed, Klatt presented the board with three options for moving forward: first, call all three semifinalists back for a second interview; second, call two back for second-round interviews; or third, if the board already felt strongly about one candidate, to move forward with offering a contract to that individual. He said a drawback to the last option would be the community wouldn"t be as involved as various stakeholders are slated to provide feedback after the finalist interviews. The board briefly discussed that Heil is interviewing at the Kasson-Mantorville school district on Monday earlier in the day. He is also a semifinalist with Byron Public Schools, where interviews are taking place this week. Board member Gary Schindler, in motioning to bring back Fletcher and Heil for second interviews, said when he looked at the data from where the board thought the candidates met and exceeded expectations, there was essentially a tie between the two candidates. Interviews with the two finalists will begin at 5 p.m. Monday. All interviews will be held in Room 109 at Brookside Education Center and are open to the public.

The Iowa Department of Transportation (DOT) says northbound Interstate 35 was blocked near Clear Lake. The DOT says a crash had blocked traffic between Exit 193 (4th Avenue South) and U.S. 18. A detour was in place Thursday morning.

The city of Austin asked community members to attend a Community Playground Design Meeting at the Jay C. Hormel Nature Center on Wednesday, March 26. The purpose was to update facilities at Todd Park and Decker Park to make them more accessibility to children with different needs across the community. New features like wheelchair ramps and transfer points to allow children with mobility needs would be added on top of new equipment for slides and monkey bars. But before the city locks in final options for these playgrounds, Jason Sehon, director of Parks, Recreation and Forestry says the Parks Board wants to hear from families in the community about what they'd prefer. Ahead of the meeting the city had drafted up around 14 designs between both locations from 12 different design firms. Each design would make sure to maintain iconic park locations like the Todd Park Robot Slide, which has been a community staple for generations. Sehon says for Todd Park, the city and the Hormel Foundation are willing to fund up to $170,000 in new equipment and at Decker Park, up to $65,00. With the large amount of funding they have to do the job, he's hopeful his department can pick and choose from different design plans to come up with a final draft the whole community can enjoy. Once a final draft is approved by the park board, Sehon says his department hopes to see the new playgrounds open for business in the summer of 2025.

A Rochester man has been convicted of a federal gun crime. Acting U.S. Attorney Lisa Kirkpatrick says a federal jury has found Divaunte Kartrell Young, 24, guilty of illegally possessing a firearm as a felon. Young has multiple prior felony convictions for domestic assault, aggravated robbery, burglary, and fourth degree assault, making it illegal under federal law for him to possess firearms or ammunition at any time. Young was found guilty after a three-day trial. This case is the result of an investigation conducted by the Rochester Police Department, the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.

Power 96 News for Wednesday March 26th, 2025.

03/26/2025

One of the four remaining semifinalists slated to be interviewed Wednesday for Albert Lea superintendent has withdrawn her application with the district. Albert Lea district staff confirmed Tuesday Beth Giese, superintendent of Kenyon-Wanamingo Public Schools, is no longer wishing to interview for the Albert Lea position. Interviews are slated to begin at 9 a.m. Wednesday in Room 109 at Brookside Education Center. Interviews are open to the public. The remaining applicants are Dr. Steven Heil, superintendent of St. James Public Schools, Mandy Fletcher, superintendent of the Blue Earth Area School District, and Dr. Michael Neubeck, superintendent of Byron Public Schools.

A North Iowa woman was hurt when her SUV collided Tuesday morning with a semi in Freeborn County. The Minnesota State Patrol says the crash happened around 11:12 am on U.S. Highway 65. The crash report says a 2013 Ford Escape driven by Cassandra Lynn Davis, 37 of Northwood, Iowa, and a 2016 Freightliner tractor truck driven by Loren Michael Lair, 64 of Hayward, were both northbound when they collided near the intersection with Main Street in Glenville. The State Patrol says Davis was not wearing a seat belt and suffered non-life threatening injuries. Davis was taken to Mayo Clinic Health System Albert Lea for treatment. Lair was not harmed. The Freeborn County Sheriff"s Office, Glenville Fire Department, and Mayo Ambulance assisted at the scene.

Around 50 students will perform at this year"s Tigers Roar show at Albert Lea High School. Auditions were held the week before spring break, and now that spring break has ended, full rehearsals have begun with students now able to practice with full lighting and sound. “It"s essentially a talent show,” said Erik Zinter, the high school"s vocal music teacher. “We have 15 different acts — instrumental, vocal, there"s show choir performing — so it"s just an opportunity for our students here at Albert Lea High School to showcase their talent.” Tigers Roar, Zinter said, is a fun opportunity for students to show off their different interests and personalities in a way they may not be able to do typically in choir or band. “It"s oftentimes something that they find themselves,” Zinter said. “It"s seeing kids in their own sort of personal space. They sing what they like or they play what they like. And you see a different personality of the student.” Zinter said there are a few students who will be participating for the first time at this year"s Tigers Roar. The show will be held twice, once on Friday and once on Saturday. Both performances will be at 7 p.m. at the high school auditorium. Tickets for Tigers Roar are $5 for everyone and available at the door the night of the performance.

Hitting a deer Monday night sent one person to the hospital. The Cerro Gordo County Sheriff"s Office says Lacey Lyn Kinneman, 39 of Riceville, was driving west on County Road B20 and struck a deer just before 9 pm. Deputies say the collision caused extensive damage to the vehicle and Kinneman was taken to MercyOne North Iowa Medical Center for treatment of what are described as non-life threatening injuries. The Iowa State Patrol assisted with this accident.

Power 96 News for Tuesday March 25th, 2025.

03/25/2025

The Albert Lea City Council on Monday voted to abate the former Broadway Theater building on South Broadway after years of deterioration.   The action declares the building, at 338 S. Broadway, as hazardous and allows the city to move forward with getting bids for demolition. The city had worked with the property owners for about four years on other options for the building, and the property was placarded in December 2023.   Building official Wayne Sorensen presented the council with concerns about the exterior of the building during the meeting, noting that the building is leaning and that there is a rod that goes throughout the entire building that appears to be holding up a wall, among several other concerns. He estimated repairs would cost upwards of $700,000 just for exterior repairs needed to make the building stable. This does not include costs for the interior.   “Every day it stands there, it makes me uncomfortable,” Sorensen said.   The former Broadway Theater, built in 1902, spans almost 9,000 square feet at the corner of Broadway Avenue and College Street. The councilors ultimately voted 6-0 to abate the property. Councilor Rachel Christensen was absent.   The council also voted to move forward with the abatement of three residential structures at 809 W. Clark St., 915 Autumn St. and 819 Garfield Ave. The cost for the removal of the homes will come from the city"s blight fund.

Police received a report at 9:30 a.m. Monday of 1,000 pounds of scrap stainless steel that was reportedly stolen over the weekend at 517 Adams Ave.

The Minnesota Department of Transportation is warning people to watch out for scam texts telling recipients that they have outstanding E-ZPass fines. The agency reports people nationwide are getting the scam. Texts tell recipients they have an invoice, bill or violation with Minnesota E-ZPass or another E-ZPass office. The messages often look urgent and say failure to pay will lead to a bigger fine. The transportation department says Minnesota E-ZPass will never email or text users to ask for payment or personal information. If you"re not sure if a message or piece of mail is real, the transportation department says you should call and confirm before clicking a link or paying anything. For anyone who may have already clicked a link or given information to a scam text, the transportation department advises checking security on personal information and financial accounts. Individuals who do detect fraud are advised to contact the FBI"s Internet Crime Complaint Center or the Federal Trade Commission.

The Cerro Gordo County Sheriff's Office is sharing new details on the search for a missing girl. Breannah Lee St. Germain, 17 was last seen on Thursday, March 20 in Rockwell. St. Germain, described as 5'9" and weighing 140 pounds, has black hair and blue eyes. She was reportedly in an unstable state of mind when she ran away. Loved ones say she may be in Charles City. Breannah has multiple piercings and tattoos. The Cerro Gordo County Sheriff's Office said it is believed that Breannah left home intentionally and not under "suspicious circumstances." She may be a passenger in a black 1997 Ford Aspire 2-door with Iowa license plates, the sheriff's office said. If you have any information on her whereabouts, contact the Cerro Gordo County Sheriff's Office at 641-421-3000.

Power 96 News for Monday March 24th, 2025.

03/24/2025

Two men from Iowa were injured Saturday night after a pickup went off the road and rolled on Minnesota Highway 109 in Faribault County. Tyler Anthony Campbell, 19, and Austin James Richardson, 20, both of Clear Lake, were taken to Mayo Clinic Health System in Albert Lea for injuries deemed not life-threatening, according to the Minnesota State Patrol. The report stated Campbell was driving the 2002 Ford F150 eastbound on Highway 109 when the vehicle left the roadway, went into the ditch and rolled at 8:30 p.m. at milepost 27 in Clark Township. The road was wet at the time of the crash. Both men were wearing their seat belts and alcohol was not a factor. Wells police, fire and medical crews assisted, along with the Freeborn County Sheriff"s Office.

The city of Albert Lea is proposing to remove four hazardous structures to protect public safety, including the downtown building that once housed the Broadway Theater. The other three structures are houses in residential areas. All four properties are vacant and owned by private parties. The Albert Lea City Council will hold public hearings at its Monday meeting on ordering the removal of the commercial building at 338 S. Broadway Ave. and houses at 809 W. Clark St., 915 Autumn Ave. and 819 Garfield Ave. The downtown building would cost $727,000 to stabilize the exterior while the residential properties all have failing roofs and foundations. The city"s goal for all four properties is redevelopment. After holding a public hearing on each property, the council will vote whether to order removal of the structures. The order for removal is the first of many steps toward demolishing the buildings, and comes after giving property owners ample time and opportunity to make repairs themselves, according to a city news release.

After 28 years of dedicated service to Albert Lea, Public Safety Director J.D. Carlson has announced his intention to retire, effective June 27, 2025. He started as a patrol officer in 1997 and moved up to lieutenant and deputy director before taking the director position in 2018. “The City of Albert Lea has been in good hands under the excellent leadership provided by our Public Safety Director J.D. Carlson,” said Mayor Rich Murray. “We wish him well in retirement and thank him for his many years of outstanding service to our community.” With Carlson retiring, the City of Albert Lea is proposing to restructure its police and fire departments. Instead of a public safety director overseeing both departments with a deputy police chief and deputy fire chief, the city will eliminate the public safety director position and appoint a police chief and fire chief who will report directly to the city manager. The city is proposing this change because both the Albert Lea Police Department (ALPD) and Albert Lea Fire Rescue (ALFR) have deputy chiefs with the required knowledge, experience and expertise to lead their respective departments. The Albert Lea City Council will vote tonight on changing its ordinance that establishes city departments. All ordinance changes require two votes, the first to introduce the change and the second to adopt it. That means the public may provide input on the change over the next 4 weeks.

A North Iowa family says their loved one, 17-year-old Breannah Lee St.Germain is missing. St.Germain was last seen on Thursday, March 20, in Rockwell. St.Germain, described as 5'9" and weighing 140 pounds, has black hair and blue eyes. She was reportedly in an unstable state of mind when she ran away. Loved ones say she may be in Charles City. Breannah has distinctive markings, including multiple piercings and tattoos. If you have any information on her whereabouts contact local authorities with details on her location or appearance. According to the Iowa Missing Person Information Clearinghouse, St. Germain was reported missing to the Cerro Gordo County Sheriff's Office.