Local News

Power 96 News for September 6th 2024

09/06/2024

The Austin city council has locked in a tentative 13 percent property tax increase to help fund a $ 9 million tax levy it has for its proposed 2025 budget.

Mayor Steve King says the tax increase would go towards retaining city employees with rising inflation and investing in new positions to help manage the growing community.

Mayor King says the community has cut as much as it can without impacting city services and first responders, but this is as lean is it can go while still investing in future growth.

The new budget would add a new Human Resources employee for the city to help with internal and external communication and a new staff member to help the city with housing enforcement to put less pressure on homeowners to report and enforce regulations.

The city expects the tax increase to cost an average household priced around $160,000 about $80 a year.

The city council will have until Sept. 30 to finalize the increase amount.

A ribbon cutting has been planned to celebrate the Mason City Clinic"s specialty medical services in Albert Lea. The September 11th ribbon cutting will be held at noon in the Albert Lea Healthcare Coalition campus in the Northbridge Mall. The clinic provides Albert Lea area residents with high quality urology, podiatry, ear, nose, and throat or ENT services, and psychiatry services.

A final guilty plea is entered in a arson case from a garage fire in Albert Lea.

Kaden James Ashenfelter, 23 of Albert Lea, has pleaded guilty to second-degree arson. Police say he was part of a group that set fire to a garage in the 800 block of Garfield Avenue on October 6, 2023. Ashenfelter is now set for sentencing on November 13.

Investigators say Kolten Lee Wright of Albert Lea and a juvenile used lighter fluid to set fire to the garage while Hailey Marie Merrill of Albert Lea served as a lookout while the fire was being started. Ashenfelter was accused of driving the other three from the scene.

Wright previously pleaded guilty to aiding and abetting first-degree arson and was sentenced to four years in prison, with credit for 211 days already served.

Merrill pleaded guilty to aiding and abetting second-degree arson. She was sentenced to 56 days in jail, five years of supervised probation, and 200 hours of community work service.

Clark Street along Central Park in Albert Lea, from St. Mary to West Avenue, will be closed starting Monday, Sept. 9, for a roofing project at First Lutheran Church. Motorists and pedestrians will need to detour around this section of Clark Street until the project is done, expected in mid-October.

The existing roof is made of natural stone slate shingles that are heavy. The contractor will use a crane to remove an estimated 165 tons of materials. The street will be closed for the safety of pedestrians, motorists and workers.

For questions on the Clark Street closure, please call the City Engineering Department at 507-377-4325.

Power 96 News for September 5th 2024

09/05/2024

A Mower County man was sentenced to 5 years in prison for his connection to a robbery in January of this year.

Shawn Michael Miller, 36 of Austin was sentenced up to 5 years behind bars, with credit for 226 days already served. Miller was charged with first degree aggravated robbery, first degree burglary, second degree assault with a dangerous weapon, and a person ineligible to possess a firearm on January 19th. Albert Lea Police say Miller entered a home on St. John Avenue and confronted a person inside the home who had recently won money gambling. Investigators say Miller demanded the money, and fired a shot from a 9mm handgun, then grabbed some cash from a bowl, and left. Miller was later arrested after a traffic stop by the Minnesota State patrol on January 22nd. Miller plead guilty to one count of person ineligible to possess a firearm, and the other charges were dropped.

Motorists traveling southbound on Margaretha Avenue in Albert Lea will encounter a detour north of Broadway Avenue beginning Sept. 5 when crews start making sidewalk improvements, according to the Minnesota Department of Transportation.

Margaretha Avenue southbound will be closed north of Broadway Avenue to vehicles and bicyclists during construction. Work is expected to be completed by the end of September. During the closure, people should go north on Margaretha Avenue, west on E. 8th Street and south on Broadway Avenue to rejoin Margaretha Avenue south of Broadway Avenue.

The work will bring sidewalk and other walking areas up to current Americans with Disabilities Act standards at Margaretha Avenue and Broadway Avenue.

This work is part of the project that is replacing the signal and making ADA improvements at Highway 65 (South Broadway Avenue) and Front Street in Albert Lea. That construction started Aug. 5 and is expected to be completed by end of September.

To learn more about the project, visit the MN DOT website, where you can also sign up to receive email and text message updates.

Autumn in the Village is schedule for Saturday, September 21, 2024, 11:00am to 3:00 pm.

This free family friendly event celebrates historic demonstrations, live music, games, hands-on activities and more. The Fair Weather Pickers will entertain us with music and stories. The Minnesota Breeders Association will be offering wagon rides and demonstrations. The Minnesota Trappers Association will be on hand with furs and other items. You can also enjoy a little BBQ pulled pork, cole slaw, fresh baked crisps with ice cream which will be available for purchase. Join us and take a journey back in time!

The Village is home to ten buildings dating from the 1850s to the early 1900s and three storefronts and Red Shed that will take you back to a time when eight grades were educated in one room, the general store covered needs not found in the vegetable garden, and one horsepower was a luxury. In addition to the historic buildings, the Village features a large collection of antique farming equipment.

You can find us online, or on Facebook and Instagram.

The Albert Lea Healthcare Coalition will host their “Building for the Future Gala” Sept. 14 at the John and Susan Morrison Medical Plaza, on the south area of the Northbridge Mall. The event will feature live music, dancing, food from various restaurants in the area, drinks, a cash bar, a live and silent auction and more. Tickets are available at Leutholds, Cento, Between Friends, the Homestead Boutique, and from coalition members Jean Eaton and Mark Habben.

Power 96 Newsbrief 09-04-24

09/04/2024

On Tuesday the Freeborn County Board of Commissioners voted to move forward with a letter to the leadership of the Mayo Clinic Health System. The letter contains more than 20 questions, including future plans to the current Albert Lea campus and concerns of transportation to and from the Austin Campus. The Board of Commissioners also serves as the Community Health Board.

The Iowa State Patrol says it has not identified the woman killed in a one-vehicle crash overnight on the Avenue of the Saints.

The State Patrol says a 2022 Kia Telluride was heading east on U.S. Highway 18 in Cerro Gordo County when it went off the road shortly after 12:30 am Wednesday near mile marker 195. The Telluride went into the median, hit a bridge pillar, and then caught fire.

First responders found one person deceased inside the vehicle. She is being identified only as “Jane Doe.”

The Cerro Gordo County Sheriff"s Office, Floyd County Sheriff"s Office, Worth County Sheriff"s Office, and Nora Springs Ambulance assisted with this accident.

An Austin man has been sentenced in a jewelry store burglary in June. Eddie Alejo 23 of Austin, was charged in June in connection to a burglary at Tiendo Guerrero on June 20th. The Austin Police say Alejo stole $60,000 worth of Jewelry and later sold some of it. Blood evidence at the scene connected Alejo to the crime. Alejo plead guilty to third degree burglary and was sentenced to four years probation and 40 hours of community service.

And Saturday kicks off the Founders Day celebration in Northwood. Activities include breakfast by the Lions Club, a car show, and activities for children and families

Power 96 News for September 3rd 2024

09/03/2024

The Iowa State patrol has identified 11 year old Mae Helgeson of Lake Mills, as the person involved in a UTV accident in Winnebago County over the weekend. Authorities say Helgeson was driving a 2018 Polaris Ranger near a private pond around 5:30 pm Saturday night, when the drivers side tires went onto the bank of the pond, causing the Ranger to Roll onto its side and pin Helgeson underneath it. First responders performed life saving measures at the scene and Helgeson was flown to the Mayo Clinic by MercyOne AirMed. The Winnebago County Sheriff"s Office, Lake Mills Police and Fire, Forest City Ambulance, Iowa DNR, and Dick"s Towing assisted with the accident.

And work has been completed to repair a sewer force main that led to the closure of South Shore Drive (CR 19) near St. Nicholas Park on the south side of Albert Lea. South Shore Drive is now open to normal traffic. Please use caution as you drive this segment as final clean up work in the right or way and at the park will continue through this week as well as removal of all detour signage.

A Kiester Woman is facing multiple charges tied to the death of a Wells man in a September 2022 crash in Faribault County. Adrienne Bryan, 47 was traveling northbound in a 2016 Dodge Journey, when she crashed with a 2022 John Deer tractor driven by Michael Phillip Wegner. Wagner did die at the scene of the crash, while Bryan was airlifted to Rochester for Treatment. Bryan did admit to being impaired during the accident.

And Hormel Foods will be honoring the city of Austin with a free music concert on September 12th. The Grammy nominated Plain White T"s will headline the free concert that will be held in front of the Spam Museum. Other acts to include Los Rebeldes and Martin Zeller and the Hardways.

Power 96 News for 08-30

08/30/2024

An Austin man was injured in a crash on Thursday in Nicollet County. The Minnesota State Patrol says Cham Abella Nyigow, 41 lost control of his 2006 Ford Taurus near the intersection of Highways 14 and 169, and went into a ditch. Nyigow suffered non life threatening injuries and was taken to Mayo Clinic Health System in Mankato for treatment. The state patrol says Nyigow was not wearing his seatbelt, and alcohol was involved in the accident. The North Mankato Police department and Mayo Ambulance assisted with the accident.

A former downtown staple will be returning after a stint in the Northbridge Mall. The Leutholds clothing store which started in 1917, will be moving next door to Jakes Pizza on Clark Street. They expect to be open by November 1st.

Lawyers met and discussed a series of motions Wednesday as they prepare for the Jury Trial of Richard John Polley, 35 of Albert Lea who was a former Albert Lea High School counselor. Polley was charged with one count of criminal sexual conduct, with a former student in 2022. on Wednesday Polley"s lawyer argued to include a series of questions in the jury questionnaire about media exposure, and argued for a motion to require the state not to refer to the complaining party as a “victim”, but call them a complainant or complaining party. Freeborn County District Court Judge Christy Hormann approved a sequestration order for the witnesses, including jury selection, and said once the witnesses have testified and been excused from their subpoena, they can be in the court room. The case is expected to run into the beginning of next week.

Power 96 News for 08-30-24

08/30/2024

An Austin man was injured in a crash on Thursday in Nicollet County. The Minnesota State Patrol says Cham Abella Nyigow, 41 lost control of his 2006 Ford Taurus near the intersection of Highways 14 and 169, and went into a ditch. Nyigow suffered non life threatening injuries and was taken to Mayo Clinic Health System in Mankato for treatment. The state patrol says Nyigow was not wearing his seatbelt, and alcohol was involved in the accident. The North Mankato Police department and Mayo Ambulance assisted with the accident.

A former downtown staple will be returning after a stint in the Northbridge Mall. The Leutholds clothing store which started in 1917, will be moving next door to Jakes Pizza on Clark Street. They expect to be open by November 1st.

Lawyers met and discussed a series of motions Wednesday as they prepare for the Jury Trial of Richard John Polley, 35 of Albert Lea who was a former Albert Lea High School counselor. Polley was charged with one count of criminal sexual conduct, with a former student in 2022. on Wednesday Polley"s lawyer argued to include a series of questions in the jury questionnaire about media exposure, and argued for a motion to require the state not to refer to the complaining party as a “victim”, but call them a complainant or complaining party. Freeborn County District Court Judge Christy Hormann approved a sequestration order for the witnesses, including jury selection, and said once the witnesses have testified and been excused from their subpoena, they can be in the court room. The case is expected to run into the beginning of next week.

Power 96 News Brief 08-28-24

08/28/2024

The names of those involved in a fatal collision @ the intersection of Highway 13 and West Main Street on Monday have been released. Minnesota state Patrol says a 1997 Peterbilt semi driven by 21 year old Gabriel Troy Schumacher of Lamberton crashed with a 2016 Honda Pilot driven by Roger Allen Jensen, 84 of Albert Lea. Jensen was killed in the collission, while his passenger Marva Ann Marie Gullord, 81 of Albert Lea, was flown to St. Mary"s Hospital in Rochester with Life Threatening injuries. Schumacher was not injured in the collission.

The Minnesota Department of Transportation said they are waiting for the full crash report before making any changes to the intersection. Over the last 5 years, there have been over 17 accidents at the intersection.   If recommendations are made, MNDOT would work with the city, county, and community to see what those changes would look like.

Newsbreif 08-20-24

08/20/2024

The Albert Lea School Board met Monday night and among the items approved was an increase to Superintendent Ron Wagner"s salary. In a 4 to 2 decision, the board agreed to raise Wagner"s salary for the 2024 – 2025 contract year.

And Albert Lea Public Schools are holding open houses for students and parents ahead of the start of the school year on Wednesday, Aug. 21.

On Monday Aug. 19 the school is holding open houses at Halverson, Hawthorne, Lakeview, and Sibley Elementary Schools, Southwest Middle School, and the Early Learning program at Brookside Education Center from 11 a.m. - 7 p.m.

On Tuesday Aug. 20 it will also be holding an open house at the Area Learning Center from 10 a.m.- 6 p.m.

Albert Lea News Brief

08/14/2024

For Power 96 News, I"m Dave Nelson

Tuesday was the primary election nationwide, and unofficial results show only 12 percent of Freeborn County registered voters went to the polls. In the republican primary Joe Fraser was the winner in freeborn county with 397 votes, while on the DFL side Amy Klobuchar received 936 votes to win her primary. On the state level Fraser did lose out to NBA player Royce White. For the US House of representatives Republican Brad Finstad won with 1212 votes, and unopposed Rachel Bohman on the DFL side received 877 votes.

And in Austin, voters narrowed the mayoral and city council down to two candidates in their primaries, as Mayor Steve King will face off against Bradley Johnson in November for mayor of Austin.

Dave Nelson – Power 96 News

Albert Lea woman injured in Mason City

08/14/2024

News 1-3

For Power 96 News, I"m Dave Nelson

An Albert Lea woman was taken to a Mason City hospital following any early morning crash.

According to the Cerro Gordo County Sheriff"s Office, 20-yar-old Jaci Godinez of Albert Lea was heading north on US Highway 65, when her SUV left the road and ended up in the east ditch. The crash happened at 3:35 a.m. at the intersection of US Highway 65 and 300th Steet on Cerro Gordo County.

Mason City Fire Medics transported her to the hospital.

Godinez suffered minor injuries and the crash remains under investigation,

And with the expected thunderstorms to hit Albert Lea Wednesday, the CVB has made the difficult decision to cancel the August Wind Down Wednesday. However the main headliner Eclipse can still be seen at the 112 on Broadway, from 6 to 8.

Dave Nelson – Power 96 News

Power 96 News Brief 7-2

07/02/2024

An Albert Lea man has been sentenced after threatening people with a knife. Damian Javier Velazquez pleaded guilty in April to two counts of second-degree assault with a knife, causing fear of bodily harm and a drug related charge from another case. officers were called to an Albert Lea residence Jan. 26 after receiving a report that the ex-boyfriend of a woman had broken into a residence and was threatening people with a knife. Police tried to arrest Velazquez at another residence before he fled and was eventually caught.

A hearing related to DFL Sen. Nicole Mitchell"s felony burglary case has been pushed back to July 9; she seeks to have the charges dismissed. A court hearing that had been set for Monday in Becker County District Court was postponed. Filings Friday from Mitchell"s defense attorneys seek a ruling that ‘probable cause is absent because Nicole did not intend to commit, nor did she commit, a crime. Next week"s hearing will focus on Mitchell"s newly filed motion for dismissal and her pursuit of additional evidence

The City of Albert Lea saw record rainfall in the month of June and set a new high for rainfall over the last twenty years. The City saw just short of a foot of rain totaling 11.99 inches of rain last month. The next highest month in the last 20 years was in 2007, when August saw 10.89 inches of rain, and in 2016, when 10.31 inches of rain fell in September. The average precipitation during the month of June during the same span is 5.47 inches.

Governor Tim Walz today celebrated $24 million in funding for job training and economic development programs. The funding, which takes effect today, will support entrepreneurs and start-up businesses with operating needs, fund training programs, and support community events that provide an economic boost, including the Special Olympics, Taste of Minnesota, and other festivals.

During their meeting today the Freeborn County Board of Commissioners will hear from departments around Freeborn County including the Sheriff"s Office County Administrator. The Board will also hear and vote on resolutions that include the sale of surplus county property as well as resignations from county members and a resolution to fill the positions that will be vacated by the resignations.

The Olmsted County Sheriff's Office has revealed the identity of a man who died during a fatal crash on Sunday. A group of motorcyclists say a rider with them sped off north, disappeared from sight, and could not be found. Deputies were able to find a motorcycle and Cullen Rownd in a tree line off the roadway. He was taken to St. Marys Hospital by Mayo Clinic Ambulance Service, where he was pronounced dead.

A Rochester man who was set to be sentenced for gun related charges failed to appear in court. Jesus Adolfo Rodriguez Jr. failed to appear for his sentencing Tuesday after he pleaded guilty to a charge of felon in possession of a firearm after he threatened a man with a gun. According to Rodriguez Jr."s plea agreement, he faces a recommended sentence of 60 months, or 5 years in prison, but can argue for a lighter sentence.

Power 96 News Brief 7-1

07/01/2024

The Albert Lea Convention and Visitors Bureau and Albert Lea-Freeborn County Chamber of Commerce have organized events to celebrate the fourth of July. The July Jamboree events will get underway Wednesday July third and run through Sunday July 7th. Events will include Parades, car shows, food vendors and food trucks, craft events, and of course the firework show at Albert Lea and Fountain Lake. A full schedule of events can be found on the City of Albert Lea facebook page.

A Rochester man is now in custody after being arrested for gun related charges. Jakob Barrows, 20, was taken into custody after an officer was told by a passerby that they spotted someone near Tom Kadlec Kia wearing a mask and carrying an “AK47. Barrows told officers that he lived nearby and wanted to “practice his tactical moves” and shoot his new airsoft rifle.Barrows is currently facing several charges including carrying a BB gun in public, having and using a replica firearm on school property and disorderly conduct.

The Freeborn County Board of Commissioners will meet this coming Tuesday. During the meeting the Board will hear from departments around the county including the Sheriff"s Office, Human Services, and the County Administrator. The Board will also hear and vote on resolutions including a sale of surplus county property as well as resignations from county members and a resolution to fill the positions that will be vacated by the resignations.

Minnesota Governor Tim Walz has announced that Freeborn County is one of twenty-two counties in the state of Minnesota approved for a federal disaster declaration by FEMA. The declaration will provide resources to reimburse communities for debris removal, emergency protective measures, and repair and replacement of damaged infrastructure.

Power 96 News Brief 6-28

06/28/2024

An Austin man has been sentenced after a plea deal for drug and assault charges. Lazarick Dante Williams had been charged with second-degree sale of drugs, second-degree assault with a dangerous weapon, and misdemeanor domestic assault after he sold 14 grams of meth to an undercover informant and attacked the mother of his child. Williams has now been sentenced to five years of supervised probation and must pay $5,986.32 in court costs.

The Freeborn County Board of Commissioners will meet this coming Tuesday. During the meeting the Board will hear from departments around the county including the Sheriff"s Office, Human Services, and the County Administrator. The Board will also hear and vote on resolutions including a sale of surplus county property as well as resignations from county members and a resolution to fill the positions that will be vacated by the resignations.

Rochester Police are investigating after a mother and son were found dead in an apartment with gunshot wounds. Officers responded to 124 Sandbar Court NE as part of a welfare check and found the bodies. Police reportedly found a handgun by the son"s body. No other individuals are being sought in this case. According to police the bodies had been there for quite some time and the initial cause of death is thought to be a murder suicide.   

The Albert Lea Public Library will host a virtual presentation with explorers Dave and Amy Freeman on Thursday, July 11, at noon at City Hall, 221 E. Clark St. In September 2015, the Freemans embarked on a yearlong adventure in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness along the Canadian border in northern Minnesota. During their 366 days in the Wilderness, they traveled more than 2,000 miles by canoe and dog team, visiting more than 500 lakes and streams. Join the event to learn why they embarked on this adventure.

Power 96 News Brief 6-27

06/27/2024

An Austin man will spend time behind bars after threatening family members with a knife. Moses Idris faces six charges including two counts of felony second degree assault with a dangerous weapon, two felony counts of threats of violence and two gross misdemeanor counts of domestic assault. Idris says he did not intend to harm his family members but instead picked up the knife to scare those involved. He will next be in court on July 8th.

U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar and Tina Smith (both D-MN) joined their colleagues…to introduce the Pell Grant Preservation and Expansion Act of 2024, legislation that would nearly double the Pell Grant maximum award. During the 1975-76 school year, the Pell Grant was enough to cover three-fourths of the average cost of attendance at a four-year public college. Today, a Pell Grant covers less than 30% of tuition, fees, and living expenses.”

The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) today announced a $500,000 investment to help eight communities in Greater Minnesota better understand how to prepare their infrastructure for extreme weather caused by climate change. The grants, which range from $27,000 to $156,000, will support cities" plans to improve and upgrade stormwater and drainage systems and prevent flooding. … This round of funding is specifically dedicated to supporting climate change planning in Minnesota communities with less than 10,000 residents.”

The Mall of America is strengthening security with new facial recognition technology which was added into their security system on Wednesday. The technology will upload photos of the persons of interest into the facial recognition system, which looks for matches based on the mall"s database. If there is a match, the software system will alert security, who performs traditional facial recognition to see if the person is a match. The mall said the facial recognition will only be used for the purpose of detecting persons of interest.

A Rochester man has been arrested and faces child solicitation charges. Adam Blackwell is accused of planning to meet an individual he thought was a minor for sex at Silver Lake Park after allegedly exchanging messages with an investigator posing as a female child. Rochester police are recommending federal charges of soliciting a child through electronic communication, and electronic communication involving sexual conduct with a child.

An Iowa woman is now facing charges after police pulled her over and found a dead body in her car. Margot Lewis faces two second degree murder charges in the death of Liara Tsai. Police identified Tsai after responding to a crash in Eyota. An autopsy performed on Tsai later found multiple sharp force injuries to her neck and hands. Lewis is being held on a $1 million bond in Olmsted County but a warrant has been filed to transfer her to Hennepin County.

Riverland Community College has announced a new hire. Kenneth Reid has been named Vice President of Strategic Enrollment and Equity at Riverland Community College. The school says Reid is committed to eliminating barriers within and increasing access to higher education for students, enhancing student support services, developing diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging efforts, advocating against social injustice, and creating an inclusive, welcoming campus community so all students can succeed. Reid will start on July 1st.

Power 96 News Brief 6-27

06/27/2024

An Austin man will spend time behind bars after threatening family members with a knife. Moses Idris faces six charges including two counts of felony second degree assault with a dangerous weapon, two felony counts of threats of violence and two gross misdemeanor counts of domestic assault. Idris says he did not intend to harm his family members but instead picked up the knife to scare those involved. He will next be in court on July 8th.

U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar and Tina Smith (both D-MN) joined their colleagues…to introduce the Pell Grant Preservation and Expansion Act of 2024, legislation that would nearly double the Pell Grant maximum award. During the 1975-76 school year, the Pell Grant was enough to cover three-fourths of the average cost of attendance at a four-year public college. Today, a Pell Grant covers less than 30% of tuition, fees, and living expenses.”

The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) today announced a $500,000 investment to help eight communities in Greater Minnesota better understand how to prepare their infrastructure for extreme weather caused by climate change. The grants, which range from $27,000 to $156,000, will support cities" plans to improve and upgrade stormwater and drainage systems and prevent flooding. … This round of funding is specifically dedicated to supporting climate change planning in Minnesota communities with less than 10,000 residents.”

The Mall of America is strengthening security with new facial recognition technology which was added into their security system on Wednesday. The technology will upload photos of the persons of interest into the facial recognition system, which looks for matches based on the mall"s database. If there is a match, the software system will alert security, who performs traditional facial recognition to see if the person is a match. The mall said the facial recognition will only be used for the purpose of detecting persons of interest.

A Rochester man has been arrested and faces child solicitation charges. Adam Blackwell is accused of planning to meet an individual he thought was a minor for sex at Silver Lake Park after allegedly exchanging messages with an investigator posing as a female child. Rochester police are recommending federal charges of soliciting a child through electronic communication, and electronic communication involving sexual conduct with a child.

An Iowa woman is now facing charges after police pulled her over and found a dead body in her car. Margot Lewis faces two second degree murder charges in the death of Liara Tsai. Police identified Tsai after responding to a crash in Eyota. An autopsy performed on Tsai later found multiple sharp force injuries to her neck and hands. Lewis is being held on a $1 million bond in Olmsted County but a warrant has been filed to transfer her to Hennepin County.

Riverland Community College has announced a new hire. Kenneth Reid has been named Vice President of Strategic Enrollment and Equity at Riverland Community College. The school says Reid is committed to eliminating barriers within and increasing access to higher education for students, enhancing student support services, developing diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging efforts, advocating against social injustice, and creating an inclusive, welcoming campus community so all students can succeed. Reid will start on July 1st.

Power 96 News Brief 6-26

06/26/2024

The City of Albert Lea and Freeborn County have declared a state of emergency for the area. The declaration comes as the state of Minnesota continues to deal with damages from heavy rainfall. The declaration is the 1st step to qualify for federal funding toward repairs and recovery. Damage to infrastructure across the county has already exceeded $1 million. Water levels in lakes are starting to drop. Some areas are still closed.

Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flanagan will travel to South Central Minnesota to highlight local and state resources for those impacted by flooding. Severe flooding continues to have significant impacts across the state, with Southern Minnesota suffering significant damage. The Minnesota National Guard is assisting with emergency flood operations and additional state funding and resources are available as communities begin to recover.

The Albert Lea Convention and Visitors Bureau and Albert Lea-Freeborn County Chamber of Commerce have organized events to celebrate the fourth of july. The July Jamboree events will get underway Wednesday July third and run through Sunday July 7th. Events will include Parades, car shows, food vendors and food trucks, craft events, and of course the firework show at Albert Lea and Fountain Lake. A full schedule of events can be found on the City of Albert Lea facebook page.

Governor Tim Walz has announced a significant step in the state"s effort to bring price transparency to the prescription drug market. The Minnesota Department of Health published the inaugural list of 364 drugs from 76 manufacturers that will now be subject to reporting from drug manufacturers, pharmacy benefit managers, wholesalers, and pharmacies. Information collected will shed light on how prices grow as they move through the supply chain and inform actions policymakers can take to make prescription drugs more affordable.

A Rochester man who is facing charges after allegedly causing a woman to overdose has pleaded not guilty. Timothy Daniel Loftus faces charges of third-degree murder and interference with a dead body after he allegedly supplied heroin to Tia Arleth whose body was discovered in June of 2022, under a tarp in Haverhill Township. Police say drugs supplied by Loftus were the cause of the overdose. No trial date has been set.

The State of MInnesota continues to feel the effects of heavy rainfall. At least one home has been destroyed as it fell into a river near the Rapidan Dam in Blue Earth. Currently, there is little to no flow through the dam"s gates, as the majority of the flow is going around the west side of the dam. Although the water flow has slowed slightly, it still flows at a rate that inhibits emergency mitigation strategies.Given the recent erosion, the focus has shifted from the dam to the bridge. Officials are continuing to work with downstream communities as the situation develops. Their main concern is the safety of the community.

The pretrial for Adam Fravel has officially been scheduled but the trial has not been placed at a venue. Fravel, accused of the 1st-degree murder of Winona mother Madeline Kingsbury, is scheduled to appear for pre-trial hearings Sept. 3 and 4. The Judge in the case ruled that Fravel would be tried outside of Winona, citing heavy coverage of the case that may have predisposed the community to decide early whether or not Fravel was guilty of the murder.

Power 96 New Brief 6-25

06/25/2024

The Albert Lea City Council met Monday night decided how it will split up the 4 acre corner lot at the Blazing Star Landing. Part of the land will be sold to Kwik Trip for a cost of $750,000, which the city will use to build a new convenience store in the area. The City also plans to sell another part of the land to build low-income family housing. The city will now be responsible for cleaning up the land and installing infrastructure such as roads.

The Austin School System met last night and approved the budget for the school year. The Budget was set at just over 17 million dollars for the 2024-2025 school year. Superintendent Dr. Joey Page, they “look at our state funding that we"re allotted, we look at our enrollment; it plays a big factor in how we project what our budget will be for the coming school year. Ultimately, the budget was unanimously approved by the school board.

The Albert Lea City Council will have an empty seat after Albert Lea 4th Ward Councilor Sherri Rasmussen on Monday announced she will resign from her council seat as she prepares to move out of state. Rasmussen, who is from Albert Lea, was part of the Redevelopment Authority Board, the Albert Lea Senior Center board, the Board of Zoning Appeals. She also was on an advisory board for SMART Transit, among other responsibilities.

Governor Tim Walz and United States Senator Amy Klobuchar will take an aerial tour of Southern Minnesota to survey damage following storms and heavy rainfall across the region. Governor Walz will return to St. Paul to provide an update on conditions.Several counties have declared local emergencies and activated emergency operations plans. Governor Walz declared a peacetime emergency and authorized the Minnesota National Guard to provide assistance with flood operations.

Power 96 News Brief 5-28

05/28/2024

At its meeting Tuesday, the Albert Lea City Council will vote on a few items which include waiving disposal fees for private property owners taking ash wood to the Transfer Station. Due to the emerald ash borer, property owners will need to treat or take down 12,000 ash trees in the next few years. The City council will also vote on solar energy projects at city facilities including the City Arena and Wastewater Treatment Plant.

Multiple Freeborn County Residents were taken to a Rochester Hospital after two motorcycles collided with a deer on I-90 in Mower County. Jacob Johnson and Alexis Gullickson collided with the deer near milepost 192. Anthony Woodraska was eastbound on I-90 at the same time and also hit the deer. Woodraska and his passenger, Maria Alvarado, received non life-threatening injuries but were not taken to the hospital. None of the occupants on either motorcycle were wearing a helmet, and alcohol was not a factor.

An Austin man will spend time in prison for drug related crimes. Patrick Dion was charged with several crimes including first-degree aggravated controlled substance crime and first-degree drug possession after his home was searched on January 18 by the Mower County Sheriff"s Office and the Southeast MN Violent Crimes Enforcement Team who say they found 1,159.2 grams of meth and items associated with the drug"s use and sale in Dion"s home. Dion has pleaded guilty to first-degree drug possession and been sentenced to eight years and four months in prison.

Minnesota Governor Tim Walz will hold a press event today where he will ceremoniously sign new bills into law. One of the bills is related to ridesharing in the state of Minnesota. The bill sets minimum pay for drivers statewide at $1.28 per mile and 31 cents per minute before tips when transporting a passenger. Drivers must earn at least $5 per trip and are entitled to 80% of any cancellation fee if they have already left to pick up a rider.

A Stewartville woman has been charged with several crimes after she was involved in a crash. Kelly Mehrkens is facing charges of fifth-degree controlled substance possession and third-degree alcohol test .08 or over after a crash at around 1:30 last friday. 911 operators received a call from a woman believed to be Mehrkens stating she had been in a rollover crash and woke up in a cornfield. Deputies located Mehrkens and claimed she was under the influence of alcohol and over the legal limit to drive. Police also reportedly found about 9 grams of amphetamine, a Schedule II controlled substance.

Years of child abuse has sent an Austin man to jail. Peter Mee, has been convicted of five counts of criminal sexual conduct. Mee was arrested in August 2021 after he was accused of sexually abusing a child under the age of 13. Investigators in the case say the abuse started many several years ago in July 2017 and it reportedly continued up until Mee"s arrest. A sentencing hearing is now scheduled for July 25.

A Rochester man has been arrested after allegedly threatening a man with a hatchet. Police responded to a call from a transitional home at around 12:30 Tuesday morning. Damien Newman was learning the rules of the home when he pulled out a hatchet and threatened the other man. Officers were able to locate Newman walking near Broadway Ave. N. and 7th St. SW with the weapon in his pocket. Newman was arrested and now faces charges for assault and threats of violence.   

Power 96 News Brief 5-24

05/24/2024

Motorists on Interstate 90 will travel in single lanes between Alden and Albert Lea and will encounter on-ramp detours from Highway 13 and Highway 109 beginning May 28 as road resurfacing begins, according to the Minnesota Department of Transportation.Beginning Tuesday, May 28, I-90 westbound and eastbound traffic will travel in single lanes adjacent to each other in the eastbound I-90 lanes during the resurfacing work.I-90 westbound on-ramps from Highway 13 and Highway 109 will be closed and detoured beginning May 28 through the completion of the project in November.

An Owatonna man accused of running over a woman and her child appeared in court Thursday. Scott Pfieifer was formally charged with several charges including one count of felony criminal vehicular operation–substantial bodily harm. Owatonna police used camera footage and saw Pfeifer run a red light, stop at a gas station, and purchase a “Deluxe” car wash at 9:10 p.m. May 21, according to court documents.

Senator Tina Smith and House Minority Whip Katherine Clark reintroduced legislation to improve support for youth in schools. The bill, called the Trauma-Informed Schools Act, would support training for teachers and staff in the development of positive school culture and help schools support young people struggling with adversity. The bill was first introduced in 2022 as a result of the U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy"s advisory highlighting the urgent need to address the nation"s youth mental health crisis.”

Police believe a "male suspect" intentionally started a fire at The Home Depot and then left. The Rochester Fire Department says it was called to the store for a report of cardboard on fire inside the building by the lumber door.RFD arrived on scene to find smoke in the back of the building and active fire in the racks. Crews were able to quickly knock down the fire. At that time, everyone was reported to be out of the building.

Seven were injured when two SUVs crashed into each other on Thursday at around 5 p.m. in Mankato. Raimi Rae Waters was heading eastbound when she crashed head-on into Eugene James Slaba.The accident occurred on Highway 14 near milepost 129 in the eastbound lanes of traffic. Waters suffered non-life-threatening injuries. Slaba was treated at Mayo Clinic Health System in Mankato for his non-life-threatening injuries, along with a 7- and 13-year-old boy in his vehicle. Slaba"s passenger was not treated at a hospital for her non-life-threatening injuries, and neither were the 1- and 5-year-old boys in his vehicle. Alcohol was not a factor in the crash, the state patrol said.

A Rochester man has been arrested for allegedly slashing another man"s face.The Rochester Police Department says officers were called to some apartments in the 2100 block of Highway 14 East around 11 pm Thursday.Investigators say they found a 61-year-old man with several cuts to his face. The man reportedly told police he got into a fight with an acquaintance, Stewart Kruger, 43 of Rochester. Kruger allegedly pulled out a pocket knife and attacked the other man.

RPD says Kruger is facing assault charges.

Minnesota has joined a growing list of states that plan to count prisoners at their home addresses instead of at the prisons they"re located when drawing new political districts. Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz signed legislation that says last known addresses will be used for counting inmates, not the federal or state correctional facilities where they are housed. Eighteen states already have made similar changes to how prisoners are counted during the once-a-decade census.

Power 96 News Brief 5-23

05/23/2024

An Albert Lea man has been sentenced after pleading guilty to child porn charges. Gavin Wayne Thompson, 23, pleaded guilty to four counts of possessing pornographic work involving a minor under 14 in exchange for having the remaining 11 counts against him dismissed. A Freeborn County Sheriff"s Office detective obtained phone records for the IP address and phone number and identified the user of the phone reportedly used in the crime. Authorities searched Thompson"s home. Thompson reportedly admitted to knowing he was purchasing pornography, and specifically child pornography. Police recovered 561 videos of male and female child pornography. Victims reportedly ranged from less than 1 to 10.

Albert Lea city staff presented zoning proposals Wednesday evening for cannabis businesses in the future, along with other adult-focused businesses, including tobacco, off-sale liquor and sexually-oriented businesses.Under the proposal, cannabis, off-sale liquor, tobacco and sexually-oriented businesses would be generally prohibited in residential areas, the historic downtown, in the area around the downtown and in areas along the interstate.

The Minnesota Legislature in the final minutes of the 2024 session passed a more than 1,400-page tax bill that Democrats used to push through their to-do list but the bill itself has very few tax provisions. The biggest change will make last year"s child tax credit more user-friendly. The bill, which Gov. Tim Walz is expected to sign, allows families to receive the child tax credit in installments throughout the year, rather than in one lump sum.

Widespread cannabis dispensaries are one step closer to reality in the state of Minnesota after the Minnesota Legislature approved a bill speeding up the process for licensing. Before the bill passed in the final weekend of the session, a bipartisan House-Senate panel settled on a licensing pre approval process for entrepreneurs to apply without having a retail or business space.

a ban on book bans. Among other policies, the bill states that districts must adopt a cell phone policy to ‘minimize the impact of cell phones on student behavior, mental health, and academic attainment. Lawmakers also want to address growing absentee and truancy concerns through a pilot program at a dozen school districts

WWE on Wednesday announced the first-ever two-night SummerSlam will be held at U.S. Bank Stadium on Aug. 1 and 2 in 2026 seven years after WWE"s last premium live event in the city. It"ll also be WWE"s first stadium event in the city. Event organizers say SummerSlam will be accompanied by several fan and community events. It"s the latest major event for the stadium, which has already hosted a Super Bowl, the NCAA Men"s Final Four, Summer X Games and several major concerts on top of serving as the home of the Minnesota Vikings.

A Rochester man was arrested after a child told law enforcement he molested her in 2015, when she was four or five years old. Chamros Ouch was scheduled to appear May 16 on a count of 2nd-degree criminal sexual conduct with a child under 13, as well as a count of 2nd-degree criminal sexual conduct with a child under 16–multiple acts. When Ouch failed to appear in Olmsted County Court, a warrant was issued for his arrest. He was taken into custody several days later. Ouch was released on $0 bail with conditions, or $10,000 bail without conditions May 22.His next court appearance is scheduled for June 4.

Power 96 News Brief 5-22

05/22/2024

The City of Albert Lea is proposing a zoning law that would limit the locations for new cannabis, off-sale liquor, tobacco and sexually-oriented businesses.The community is invited to learn more and provide input about the proposal at an open house Wednesday, May 22, from 4:30 - 6:30 p.m. at City Hall, 221 E. Clark St. City representatives will be available to answer questions and take input, with a presentation at 5:15 p.m.

The Rochester man who was arrested for allegedly starting a fire near an apartment complex has been released. Matthew Hofbauer was arrested after a witness said she saw a man run from the scene where two cars were on fire and then run into woods. There was significant damage to the two cars that were set on fire, and slight damage to one other.The apartment building suffered melted siding with no other obvious exterior damage. Hofbauer is being released without charges pending further investigation.

U.S. Senators Tina Smith , Marco Rubio and Rick Scott introduced the Social Engagement and Network Initiatives for Older Relief (SENIOR) Act to combat loneliness among American seniors. In 2023, one in three adults aged 50-80 reported feeling isolated from others, including nearly 40 percent reporting they only have contact with people outside their home once per week. Social isolation and loneliness increase seniors' risk for dementia by some 50 percent — and heart disease and stroke by about 30 percent. Loneliness is also associated with higher rates of depression, anxiety and suicide.

Owatonna police are asking the public for information they have about a crash at Oak Avenue and Rose Street Tuesday night. According to police, a dark-colored truck or SUV struck an adult woman carrying a 2-year-old in the roadway around 9:07 p.m., then fled the scene.The child was airlifted to Rochester with unknown injuries, and the woman was also injured.Owatonna police ask anyone who was in the area of the Gateway Apartments and the Blast around 9 p.m. or who has other information about the hit-and-run, contact Detective Derrik Quinlan.

Storms in Freeborn County resulted in damages and power outages in several locations. In Albert Lea most of the damage occurred along Bridge Avenue in the area of Richway Drive and Eastgate Road. Outages were being reported in Geneva and Hollandale as well. Freeborn-Mower Electric Cooperative says that it responded to outages in Albert Lea, Hollandale, Lyle and Rose Creek. As of 7:30 p.m., almost 2,200 consumers were still without power in Albert Lea. At around 6 a.m. Wednesday, only about 25 consumers remained without power in the service area.

Governor Tim Walz has proclaimed today “Wolves Back Day” in the State of Minnesota to celebrate the Minnesota Timberwolves NBA playoff run. “Sports have the power to bring people together, and Minnesota fans are excited to cheer on our beloved Timberwolves.”Governor Walz and Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flanagan encourage Minnesotans to join in cheering on the Timberwolves tonight at 7:30 p.m. when the Timberwolves take on the Dallas Mavericks.

Minnesota Governor Tim Walz has signed new bills into law. One bill is Chapter 116, House File 3911: The Environment and Natural Resources supplemental Budget Bill. This bill establishes coordinated permitting work across agencies, provides resources for regulatory work in environmental justice areas, funding for pollinator habitats, and funding for other environment and natural resources programs.

Power 96 News Brief 5-21

05/22/2024

The Freeborn County Board of Commissioners will meet Today. On the Agenda will be a vote on several resolutions including a resolution approving the sale of land to the city of Alden. The second resolution which will be brought up by the County Administrator is for the approval to provide statewide affordable housing aid towards the Albert Lea Family Housing Project. The Board will also hear from the County Finance Manager, environmental services, and human services.

An Austin man who is facing charges from a fatal hit and run in 2022 is once again changing his plea. Darin Douglas Finley agreed to a plea deal in Mower County District Court Monday for pleading guilty felony criminal vehicular homicide. According to court documents, as part of pleading guilty, the state agreed to recommend a dispositional departure, meaning the court could order something other than what is called for by guidelines. There would also be probation and a jail cap of 180 days with credit for time served. A fine could also be levied in the case. Sentencing is scheduled for September.

A judge heard arguments Monday on a lawsuit pushing for the release of body camera footage from Sen. Nicole Mitchell's arrest in northern Minnesota. The lawsuit asks the City of Detroit Lakes and the Detroit Lakes Police Department to release the body and dash camera footage from the arrest of Sen. Mitchell after she allegedly broke into her stepmother's home. They argued that there is significant public interest in the case because of Sen. Mitchell's political status as a state senator. the city isn't opposed to the release of the footage, but is worried about the release of the footage setting a precedent.

A Mower County man facing charges of hiding cameras in his bathroom to film people,child pornography–minor under 14, and gun crimes has pleaded guilty. Nicholas Adam Sneed faced 12 child porn charges, three charges of interfering with privacy–hiding a surreptitious device, and various drug and firearm charges in 2022 and 2023. Sneed pleaded guilty to two gross misdemeanor charges of interfering with privacy and felony 5th-degree drug possession, two gross misdemeanor charges of user of a controlled substance–possess firearm. His sentencing is scheduled for Aug. 15.

Tim Walz signed a bill that will eliminate junk fees by requiring companies to disclose mandatory fees in product advertising. Chapter 111, House File 3438 bans the practice of hidden and deceptive fees which cost the average Minnesota family more than $3,000 per year. The bill requires that the full price of a product, including all mandatory fees, must be disclosed at the beginning of the transaction and in any advertising. It also prevents charges that don"t align with any additional product or service.

A Rochester man is facing charges after reportedly robbing a smoke shop. Dylan Bathke is facing charges of robbery, threats of violence, and fleeing on foot after robbing a business located at 440 Crossroads Drive SW around 9:45 a.m. Staff allegedly told police a man left with stolen merchandise, and told them he would “stick them” if they kept trying to stop him.The staff believed the man had a knife, and let him leave on a bicycle, police claim.Police allegedly located the man a few blocks away, and arrested him after a foot chase.

Albert Lea and Freeborn County residents who are interested in running for state and public office will have their chance starting Today. In Albert Lea, three of the seven Albert Lea City Council seats will be up for election, including Wards 1, 3 and 5. In Freeborn County, there are three seats open for the Freeborn County Board of Commissioners. To be eligible to vote in Minnesota, Have not filed for another office at the upcoming primary or general election, Be 21 years of age or older upon assuming office Have maintained residence in their ward for at least 30 days before the general election.

A Rochester man has been arrested on charges stemming from a fire outside the Andover Park Apartments.Matthew Hofbauer was arrested by officers from the Rochester Police Department and is facing arson charges. Officers responded to the apartments on this past Sunday May 19 around 6:20 p.m., where two vehicles were on fire.Witnesses allegedly told officers that they saw Hofbauer start the fire and ran into some nearby woods.

Power 96 News Brief 5-20

05/20/2024

The Albert Lea Police Department was dispatched to a crash near the intersection of Bridge Avenue and Weston Street at around 1:15 Sunday after a motorcycle driver was lying in the street injured. Christopher Seul was injured after he was hit when an oncoming car failed to stop. Seul had the right of way and crashed into the side of the van. The driver was then taken to Mayo Clinic Health System-Albert Lea via ambulance. Seul was not wearing a helmet and was airlifted to Mayo Clinic after sustaining serious injuries.

After deliberation the Minnesota State house has passed its version of an equal rights amendment. The Minnesota Equal Rights Amendment would guarantee every Minnesotan the same rights under the law, and codify protections against discrimination by the state based on race, color, national origin, ancestry, disability, or sex including pregnancy, pregnancy outcomes, gender identity, gender expression, and sexual orientation. The vote was 68-62. The amendment will now head to the state senate for a vote. If passed the bill would be put on the ballot in 2026.

The Albert Lea School Board will meet Monday night. The Board will consider movement requests by members of the district. The board will also request the disposal of several pieces of old school supplies including desks as well as outdated pieces of the equipment for the curriculum. The board will also hear from the Superintendent, School Board Member, Student Board Member, and Teachers. The board will also discuss financial matters.     

Minnesota residents who are interested in running for state and public office will have their chance starting Tuesday. In Albert Lea, three of the seven Albert Lea City Council seats will be up for election, including Wards 1, 3 and 5. In Freeborn County, there are three seats open for the Freeborn County Board of Commissioners. To be eligible to vote in Minnesota, Have not filed for another office at the upcoming primary or general election, Be 21 years of age or older upon assuming office Have maintained residence in their ward for at least 30 days before the general election.

The Freeborn County Board of Commissioners will meet Tuesday. On the Agenda will be a vote on several resolutions including a resolution approving the sale of land to the city of Alden. The second resolution which will be brought up by the County Administrator is for the approval to provide statewide affordable housing aid towards the Albert Lea Family Housing Project. The Board will also hear from the County Finance Manager, environmental services, and human services.

The City of Albert Lea is proposing a zoning law that would limit the locations for new cannabis, off-sale liquor, tobacco and sexually-oriented businesses. The community is invited to learn more and provide input about the proposal at an open house Wednesday, May 22, from 4:30 – 6:30 p.m. at City Hall, 221 E. Clark St. City representatives will be available to answer questions and take input, with a presentation at 5:15 p.m.

The trail date is scheduled for a Rochester man who has pleaded not guilty to charges he stole a chemical compound worth thousands of dollars. The man is facing felony charges after being caught on video camera stealing the compound values at $9200. Ng reportedly poured the compound into a mason jar, putting the jar in a bag, putting the bag in his pocket, and walking out of the room. He also stole a laptop valued at more that $600.

A man is behind bars in Rochester after attempting to flee a traffic stop overnight Saturday .According to Rochester Police Department, it happened around 12:19 a.m .RPD says the suspect, Anthony Alexander, was caught speeding and fled when officers attempted to pull him over.Alexander crashed into a building, then continued to flee officers on foot.He was then arrested, and now faces charges of felony fleeing in a motor vehicle, misdemeanor fleeing on foot and fourth degree DWI.

Power 96 News Brief 5-17

05/17/2024

Alliant Energy has announced plans to add additional wind turbines in Freeborn County with what it is calling the Bent Tree North Wind Farm. The farm will include less than 40 turbines in Bath, Freeborn and Hartland townships, with buffer areas in Waseca and Steele counties. The project will add 150 megawatts of power, enough to power 60,000 homes annually. Energy generated by the farm would feed directly into the electric transmission grid and from there would go to where there is demand.

An award ceremony over 70 years in the making will happen today at Gustavus Adolphus College. St. Peter resident and Korean War veteran Earl Meyer will finally receive the Purple Heart Award, which honors service members wounded or killed in combat. Meyer still carries shrapnel in his leg from when he was wounded in combat in June 1951. After the war, Meyer"s family applied for him to receive a Purple Heart medal, but received no response.After a campaign that included Meyer"s children, a dedicated attorney and Senator Amy Klobuchar, the U.S. Army notified the 96-year-old vet he would finally receive the award.

The Freeborn County Board of Commissioners will meet Tuesday. On the Agenda will be a vote on several resolutions including a resolution approving the sale of land to the city of Alden. The second resolution which will be brought up by the County Administrator is for the approval to provide statewide affordable housing aid towards the Albert Lea Family Housing Project. The Board will also hear from the County Finance Manager, environmental services, and human services.     

The City of Albert Lea is proposing a zoning law that would limit the locations for new cannabis, off-sale liquor, tobacco and sexually-oriented businesses.The community is invited to learn more and provide input about the proposal at an open house Wednesday, May 22, from 4:30 - 6:30 p.m. at City Hall, 221 E. Clark St. City representatives will be available to answer questions and take input, with a presentation at 5:15 p.m.

Two motorcyclists were injured Thursday afternoon after they collided on U.S. Highway 65 in Freeborn County. Leo Joseph Schweiss, and Ryan John Tillemans were taken to Mayo Clinic Health System in Albert Lea for injuries deemed not life-threatening, according to the Minnesota State Patrol. The crash report stated Schweiss and Tillemans, were both northbound on Highway 65 in Shell Rock Township when the motorcycles collided at 2:26 p.m.and alcohol was not a factor in the crash.

Minnesota Governor Tim Walz signed several bills into law earlier this week. One of the bills is Chapter 105, House File 4109. This bill clarifies protections within the Minnesota Human Rights Act.This includes ensuring people with episodic disabilities are covered by disability protections under the Human Rights Act and extending protections from credit discrimination to include familial status. This bill also clarifies exemptions for religious organizations.

The annual Community Campaign of the United Way of Mower County raised $1,209,912 million for local non-profit groups. That"s a 3 percent increase from the 2022-23 Community Campaign but they failed to reach their 2023-24 goal of $1,275,000. UWMC says thanks to the contributions of over 2,500 individuals, businesses, and foundations, it has been able to invest in 24 organizations coordinating 38 programs that advance the education, health, financial stability, and basic needs of our neighbors.

Power 96 News Brief 5-16

05/16/2024

The amended complaint filed earlier this month against the Albert Lea man accused of murdering a 2-year-old boy and injuring a 3-month old baby last July details injuries to the baby, including both new and healing rib fractures, along with several marks and bruises. The baby was in the vehicle that Austin Michael Navarro was driving after he reportedly fled the scene once authorities were called to Trailside Apartments July 6 after the mother of the children returned home from work and her 2-year-old child was not responding. Navarro, who had reportedly been in a relationship with the woman for about a year and is the father of the baby, regularly stayed at the home to watch the children while their mother was at work.

Austin Police are investigating a break in after a store was ransacked Wednesday. Police were called to Anderson Memorials at around 9:00 when an employee made an emergency call to police after computers, cash, even a bike were swiped from the business sometime before Wednesday morning. The owners of the business, who dont expect business to slow down, say no personal information was stolen during the burglary and that they will now install security cameras around the perimeter building.     

The City of Austin is getting a $250,000 state grant to expand child care options in the community.The funding is part of a $6.2 million round of Child Care Economic Development grants from the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development which is the largest ever for this program. The $250,000 grant will be going to the Austin Community Charitable Fund. The DEED will issue a second grant worth around $6.2 million later this year.

The Albert Lea City Council has approved authorizing the city manager to work with the Albert Lea Youth Football, Grizzlies Football Club and youth rugby program for improvements at the practice field at Frank Hall Park. The club would like to make some improvements to the field and put two 40-foot-tall storage containers at the site for equipment, noting currently the rugby and Grizzlies program have to transport equipment back and forth. They also would like to eventually add a press box and make it more of a venue.

Minnesota lawmakers on Wednesday backed an education policy bill that prohibits book bans, requires schools to implement cell phone policies and adjusts requirements on literacy instruction. After close to an hour of debate, the bill passed the Minnesota House 68-59, largely along party lines, following earlier approval by the Senate. It heads next to Gov. Tim Walz"s desk for signing into law. The bill tweaks measures introduced at the Legislature year and institutes new requirements for schools.    

Two Austin men have been officially indicted for their role in the death of a Mower County man. The indictments were unsealed Wednesday in Mower County District Court and charged Jenup Stephen Chop and Cham Obang Oman in the June 9, 2023 shooting death of Gumdel Nygare Gilo. Chop faces charges of first and second degree murder, two counts of attempted murder and the use of a dangerous weapon in a drive-by shooting.Oman is charged with five counts of aiding and abetting including aiding and abetting first and second degree murder and two counts of aiding and abetting attempted murder and the use of a dangerous weapon. Both are slated for a July 8-19 jury trial.

the School Board after a presentation about the results of a survey, which asked local voters for their opinion about the potential levy. The School Board is expected to vote on May 21 about whether to move forward with the superintendent"s recommendation.