Local News

Power 96 News for Monday May 18th, 2026.

05/18/2026

An Albert Lea home was damaged by fire Sunday morning, according to a press release from Albert Lea Fire Rescue. The release stated firefighters responded at 12:52 a.m. Sunday to 1700 Eberhart St. for the report of the fire. Upon arrival, firefighters found a small fire in the kitchen on top of the stove and nearby cupboards. The residents were all out of the home. Fire crews quickly extinguished the fire and kept the damage to the immediate area. The damage was all to contents and is estimated at $6,000. Albert Lea Fire Rescue investigated the fire and determined the cause to be accidental. Mayo Clinic Ambulance Service and Albert Lea Police Department assisted at the scene. Albert Lea Fire Rescue reminds residents to keep stove areas clear of items and to aim for at least a two-foot buffer.

The Albert Lea School Board will meet Monday evening at the Brookside Educational Center Board Room.

The Minnesota Court of Appeals says the City of Albert Lea was wrong to deny a cannabis license to Jacob Schlichter. The City of Albert Lea argued the denial fell under its "inherent police power to regulate businesses posing public safety risks" and compared it to the city's authority to make decisions on issuing liquor licenses. The Court of Appeals rejected that argument, however, pointing out that Minnesota law grants communities broad powers to regulate liquor licenses but the same does not extend to cannabis licenses. As part of his lawsuit, Schlichter asked the Court of Appeals to issue him a cannabis license to operate in Albert Lea. The Court declined to do so and stated it had no opinion on whether Schlichter would be entitled to a cannabis license under Albert Lea's current ordinance, which was changed after Schlichter's initial denial.

A man is suspected of driving under the influence after his car went into the ditch and rolled over, just before 10:30 p.m. on Saturday. According to the Minnesota State Patrol, the crash occurred while a car was traveling north on Interstate 35 in Steele County. The driver, who was identified as 36-year-old Joshua Lee from Owatonna, was not wearing a seatbelt at the time. Lee was taken to the Owatonna Hospital with non-life-threatening injuries Along with the Minnesota State Patrol, the ambulance service, and fire department from Ellendale also responded to the scene, as well as the Steele County Sheriff"s Office.

Power 96 News for Friday May 15th, 2026.

05/15/2026

Albert Lea residents can begin filing for five of seven City Council seats starting May 19. The open positions include mayor and the Ward 2, 4 and 6 council seats, currently held by Rich Murray, Larry Baker, Reid Olson and Brian Andersen. All four seats carry four-year terms. Voters will also elect someone to represent Ward 3 for the remaining two years of a four-year term. Jason Howland resigned from that seat, and Ted Herman now holds the position by mayoral appointment through the end of 2026. Mayoral candidates can live anywhere in Albert Lea since the position represents the entire community. Council candidates must live within their ward boundaries for at least 30 days before the general election.Minnesota law requires candidates to be eligible to vote in the state, be at least 21 years old when taking office and not file for another office in the same election cycle. A ward map is available on the city's website. To file, candidates need to complete an affidavit of candidacy and pay a $25 fee at the City Clerk's office on the top floor of City Hall at 221 E. Clark Street. The Secretary of State's Office is encouraging candidates to type their affidavits to prevent misspellings on ballots. Residents can use a free public computer at the Albert Lea Public Library to complete filing documents. Printing costs 25 cents per page in color, and the library only accepts cash. Filing closes at 5 p.m. on June 2. The primary election is Aug. 11, and the general election is Nov. 3.

Two vehicles collided at the intersection of Broadway and Main Street Friday morning near the tent for the Buckets on Broadway fundraiser. No one was injured.

A group of students at Southwest Middle School on Thursday buried a time capsule in the courtyard of the school that was filled with items representing life in 2026 that they hope will be unearthed in 50 years. The time capsule, which was made up of three pieces of PVC pipe about 2 feet long decorated in patriotic colors, was filled with everything from books and pens, to fliers, the daily bell schedule, a map of the school, a calculator, mechanical pencils, a homework pass and the gym teacher"s whistle, among others. It also included items representing society in 2026, including a phone charger and computer mouse, an American flag, 50 pennies made in 2025 (the last year pennies were made), a copy of the U.S. Constitution, a copy of the Albert Lea Tribune newspaper and a $5 gift certificate to Jake"s Pizza. They also included a video made by some of the students that interviewed teachers and students. A student put glue on each end of PVC pipe before placing caps on them to seal them. The capsule is a few feet away from the flag pole and was marked with a rock.

Freeborn County Sheriff"s Office deputies arrested Keith Douglas Haskell, 63, of Mankato for violation of a harassment restraining order after receiving a report at 1:12 p.m. Wednesday of an alleged violation. Haskell, the city clerk-treasurer of Twin Lakes, appeared in Freeborn County District Court on Thursday on a misdemeanor charge of violating a harassment restraining order. District Court Judge Christy Hormann released him on his own recognizance after Haskell agreed to remain law-abiding, not contact the alleged victims in the case, make all future court appearances and others conditions. He applied for and was granted a public defender. Haskell is next slated to appear in court on the charge June 10.

Power 96 News for Thursday May 14th, 2026.

05/14/2026

An Albert Lea man was charged last Friday in Freeborn County District Court with possession of child sexual abuse material after an investigation involving a cybertip made to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. Court documents allege Jeremiah Jo Weitzel, 46, uploaded two files involving girls ranging in age from an infant to 10 years old being sexually assaulted by adult men. The files were reportedly uploaded to a Google Photos account in January and February, and Google made the tip to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. A Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension agent was made aware of the tip in mid-April. The second file was a video that was 8 1/2 minutes that depicted hundreds of different child sexual abuse material video clips, court documents stated. Authorities traced the count to Weitzel after a subpoena was sent to Google. Google had disabled the account after it flagged the video that was uploaded in February. Weitzel has prior convictions for possessing a pornographic work in 2013 and two predatory offender registration violations, one in 2024 and the other in 2025. In court Friday, District Court Judge Christy Hormann set bail at $100,000 with conditions and $200,000 without conditions. Conditions included no contact with people under 18, no social media or internet, no possession of dangerous weapons or firearms and n alcohol or substance abuse use or possession, among others. He is next slated to appear in court on the charges on May 20.

The third annual Mental Health Awareness 5K Glow Run will be Friday at Hammer Athletic Complex. People are encouraged to wear their brightest glow gear. Proceeds will help support mental health needs for Albert Lea Area Schools students. Cost to participate is $15 for students and $25 for adults.

The Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) has announced the recipients of the County Agricultural Inspector Grant for fiscal year 2026. All 47 counties that applied for grant money qualified and will be awarded $10,300 each. The money will be used by county agricultural inspectors to carry out duties under the Minnesota Noxious Weed Law. The inspectors perform vital tasks that protect the environment from noxious weeds, according to a press release. The funds will be used for local noxious weed detection, management and enforcement efforts. These grants were made possible with a $500,000 appropriation made by the Minnesota Legislature. Included in the counties receiving funding this year are Mower, Steele and Waseca counties.

The 2026 Patriot Tour kicks off Friday night at the Glenville American Legion. Events start at 5 and include live bands and food. The official launch will be Saturday morning at Bergdale Harley Davidson with a ceremony at 10am.

Power 96 News for Wednesday May 13th, 2026.

05/13/2026

Police say the body of a missing teen has been found. Christian Gary, 16 of Rochester, left his home in the 2000 block of 5 Avenue SW at around 7 pm on May 10. The Rochester Police Department (RPD) says Gary left for a ride on the e-bike and did not return. RPD says Gary's body was located near Bamber Valley Road SW and Salem Road SW on Tuesday evening. Police say they are working with the Southern Minnesota Regional Medical Examiner to confirm a cause of death. RPD says there is no known threat to the public and it extends "heartfelt sympathies to the family and all those affected by this loss."

The Albert Lea Farmers Market will kick off its new season Wednesday in the North Broadway parking lot with several new vendors slated to begin selling goods. The market will be open Wednesdays from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. and on Saturdays from 9 a.m. to noon. The Albert Lea Farmers Market has been a local tradition for over 45 years, selling fresh fruits and vegetables, canned goods, baked goods and craft items.

A St. Ansgar man facing two counts of homicide by vehicle from fatal crash that occurred in Worth County back in March 2025 has filed to change his plea, according to court documents.Blair Lee Hansen, 21, was charged with one count of Homicide by Vehicle - OWI and one count of Homicide by Vehicle - Reckless Driving for the crash that killed a 16-year-old boy, Ayden Steele. Hansen was also severely injured in the crash, and investigators found beer cans throughout the vehicle. At this time, court documents do not make it clear what the plea is being changed to.

The Southbridge Theater is reopening after renovations with a celebration on May 16. A ribbon cutting ceremony will take place at 11:30 a.m., followed by special showings of the 1985 classic "Footloose" at noon, 3 p.m., 6 p.m. and 9 p.m. The theater is located in the Southbridge Mall in downtown Mason City. The reopening pays tribute to the theater's history, as "Footloose" was one of the first films shown when the theater originally opened as Cinema V on May 23, 1985. Concessions will be available, and movie tickets may be purchased at the door on the day of the event. Tickets are free in advance with registration or $5 at the door.

Power 96 News for Tuesday May 12th, 2026.

05/12/2026

The Albert Lea City Council on Monday opted to consider seeking more data and feedback regarding proposed changes in its animal ordinance over the next two weeks before making any decisions on updates to the law. City leaders say changes in the ordinance aim to first and foremost promote responsible pet ownership and strengthen the city"s regulations for addressing nuisance and safety concerns among dogs and cats in the city. While the council expressed they agreed with promoting responsible pet ownership and giving law enforcement better tools to apply the ordinance, not all of the councilors agreed on whether there should be changes to the number of dogs and cats allowed per household as proposed. Currently, the city"s ordinance allows for a single family residence to have two dogs and two cats, in addition to litters of puppies or kittens for up to 90 days. Before the next meeting, city staff will gather data on the citations under the current ordinance.

A Mason City man accused of stealing an electrical transformer in Floyd County is pleading not guilty. Ted William Cordle, 47, is now set to stand trial starting July 7 for first-degree theft and third-degree burglary. Law enforcement says Cordle entered a secure storage site owned by the City of Rockford in the 100 block of 3rd Avenue SE sometimes between January 1 and January 3. Court documents state Cordle stole a transformer worth more than $10,000.

The kickoff for the nationwide 2026 Patriot Tour will take place in Glenville and Albert Lea this weekend, with a send-off party Friday evening followed by the official launch on Saturday. The events are organized by the Glenville Legion Riders Chapter 264, whose bid was selected to host the nationally recognized event. The Patriot Tour is a unique cross-country mission in which a single American flag is carried by motorcycle riders through all 50 states over more than 100 days. The Nation of Patriots website states the goal of the Patriot Tour is to unite Americans beneath the colors of the nation"s flag and to support the men and women who stand up to defend it. The organization is 100% volunteer-run, and 100% of funds raised go directly to assisting veterans and their families facing financial hardship. This will be the 17th year for the event. Events kick off at Glenville American Legion Post 264 at 5 p.m. Friday with live music and food trucks. There will be a large tent outdoors, so the event will take place rain or shine.

Rochester police are asking for help finding a 16-year-old boy who hasn't been seen since Sunday evening. Christian Gary left his home on the 2000 block of Fifth Avenue Southwest around 7 p.m. May 10 to go for a ride on his yellow e-bike and didn't come back, according to the Rochester Police Department. He was last seen wearing a grey and black letterman jacket with grey sweatpants. Gary is 5 feet 10 inches tall, weighs about 130 pounds and has a slight mustache. Anyone with information about Gary's whereabouts is asked to contact the Rochester Police Department at (507) 328-6800 or call 911.

Power 96 News for Monday May 11th, 2026.

05/11/2026

The Albert Lea City Council will meet Monday May 11th, at 7 p.m. to consider removing limits on the number of dogs and cats residents can own. The proposed changes would shift the focus to quality of care and preventing nuisance conditions. Right now, there is a current limit of two dogs and two cats per household. The proposed changes would allow residents to have more pets as long as they do not create noise, odor or safety issues. It would also strengthen enforcement powers, clarify rules for kennels and dangerous dogs, and prohibit feeding feral cats outside of approved programs. The city council will vote on introducing the ordinance changes Monday. The final adoption is scheduled for the May 26 meeting.

The Austin City Council and the Parks, Recreation & Forestry Board have announced the upcoming grand opening of a new all-inclusive playground at Todd Park. Community members are invited to attend and celebrate the event at 5:30 p.m. on Thursday, May 14 at 5:30 p.m. at Todd Park South near the robot slide.

Power 96 News for Friday May 8th, 2026.

05/08/2026

Firefighters put out a kitchen fire at a home on West 22nd Avenue North on May 6. The Clear Lake Fire Department (CLFD) got the call around 7:30 p.m. about a fire in the 800 block of W. 22nd Ave. N. The homeowner reported the fire. When crews arrived, they say they saw smoke coming from the ranch-style home. Firefighters went inside and found heavy smoke throughout the house. CLFD says firefighters found the fire in the kitchen and quickly put it out. Crews then cleared the smoke from the home and checked to make sure the fire hadn't spread to other areas. The cause of the fire is still under investigation. Authorities said they don't believe it's suspicious. The Ventura Fire Department helped with two engines and six firefighters. The Clear Lake Police Department and the Cerro Gordo County Sheriff's Office also responded to the scene. No one was hurt in the fire. Damage to the home is estimated at around $150,000.

The Albert Lea Exchange Club honored Albert Lea School Resource Officer David Huse as its Law Enforcement Officer of the Year in a ceremony Monday at the Albert Lea fire station. His photo will be displayed on the electronic sign on north Bridge Avenue for the month of May for Law Enforcement Appreciation Month.

A Freeborn County man is pleading guilty to illegal drug and gun possession. Gilson Patrick Pina, 26 of Albert Lea, was picked up on October 19, 2023, on an active warrant. An Albert Lea police officer says he noticed Pina's vehicle parked at the Quality Inn and knew there was an active warrant for his arrest. Court documents state Gilson initially identified himself by another name and said he had a twin brother. Law enforcement says a search of Pina and the vehicle found a loaded handgun, 199 pills that tested positive for fentanyl, and $2,700 in cash. Pina was charged with illegal possession of a firearm, due to a previous felony conviction, and first-degree drug possession. He has now pleaded guilty to both crimes. A sentencing hearing is now set for July 17.

The History Center of Freeborn County is looking for volunteers to lead student tours this May. The History Center says it"s looking for volunteers who enjoy meeting children, sharing stories, and creating engaging experiences. Volunteers will bring history to life for school groups visiting the History Center. No experience is necessary, and training will be provided to all volunteers. For more information go to love history.org / volunteer

Power 96 News for Thursday May 7th, 2026.

05/07/2026

A 30-year-old man who reportedly stabbed multiple people in two separate incidents in Albert Lea in 2022 was found still incompetent to stand trial after a recent psychological evaluation. Freeborn County District Court Judge Christy Hormann said Wednesday that CK Kyle Kasio will undergo another review in November. He remains at the state hospital in St. Peter, where his progress is being monitored. Kasio was civilly committed indeterminately as mentally ill and dangerous in July 2023 after being found to be incompetent to stand trial on charges against him a few months prior. Prior to his civil commitment, Kasio had been in the Freeborn County jail since May 2022 after he allegedly stabbed three men as they were sleeping at an apartment complex at 221 E. Main St. in Albert Lea. In a second incident in December 2022, Kasio reportedly stabbed one inmate and then attempted to stab another while in the jail. The charges from both incidents remain suspended from prosecution at this time.

A fire broke out at the Austin Transfer Station Tuesday evening and lithium-ion batteries are suspected to be the cause. A passerby called 911 around 6:45 p.m. after seeing smoke coming from a trailer at the facility. An officer got to the scene and confirmed heavy smoke was coming from the scene. The Austin Fire Department, City of Austin, Thompson Sanitation and Mayo Clinic Ambulance responded. Crews worked for more than two hours to put out the fire, dumping everything back out of the trailer to extinguish the flames. Thompson Sanitation said it has experienced three fires caused by improper battery disposal. The company reminded residents that lithium-ion batteries can combust at any time and require significant resources to extinguish. Residents with lithium-ion batteries to dispose of can take them to Thompson Sanitation in Owatonna, Freeborn County Environmental Services or Mower County Recycling. Fees may apply for these services.

A Mason City man was sentenced to more than 18 years in federal prison for his role in a methamphetamine distribution conspiracy. Justin Zobel, 37, received the sentence Tuesday after pleading guilty in December to conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine. U.S. District Court Judge Leonard T. Strand handed down the 225-month prison term. Evidence showed Zobel was involved in an ongoing methamphetamine distribution conspiracy based in Mason City from February 2023 through February 2024. Law enforcement documented him actively engaged in drug trafficking, including selling methamphetamine to a confidential informant. Zobel started distributing methamphetamine immediately after being released from custody for a prior conviction. Investigators say Zobel has a lengthy criminal history. His prior convictions include numerous thefts, burglaries, eluding, domestic abuse assault, assault and controlled substance offenses. After his prison term, Zobel must serve five years of supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system. The Cerro Gordo County Sheriff's Department and the Iowa Division of Narcotics Enforcement investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Ron Timmons prosecuted it.

A Winnebago County man has pleaded guilty to a child sex crime. Devlin Lucas Nielsen, 31 of Lake Mills, is now scheduled to be sentenced on June 26 for one count of sexual exploitation of a minor. Nielsen took a plea deal after being charged with third counts of possession of a depiction of a minor in a sex act. Court documents state three images involving females approximately 12 years old or younger involved in sexual acts were found on Nielsen"s phone after his home was searched on June 11, 2025.

Power 96 News for Wednesday May 6th, 2026.

05/06/2026

The Freeborn County Board of Commissioners voted 3-1 Tuesday to approve a phased retirement and separation agreement with the county"s finance manager as the county transitions that position to one that will be a combined deputy county administrator and chief financial officer. County Administrator Melanie Aeschliman said the county"s labor attorney worked with Finance Manager Pat Paquin and herself, as well as the personnel committee, about the agreement. She said the agreement allows Paquin to remain with the county and reduce capacity while the county establishes a new deputy administrator position. The person in the new role would learn the county"s budgeting process from Paquin and gradually take on additional responsibilities and assist the county administrator in daily work. The board also approved filling the newly formed deputy county administrator/CFO position.

After nearly 40 years of service, the fishing pier at East Side Lake in Austin is getting replaced by the state. Crews with the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources and the city's parks department took down the wooden pier Monday. The original pier was first put in place in 1987. DNR officials said they hope to install the new pier by Wednesday if wind conditions cooperate. The new T-shaped, floating dock will go in the water next week if weather doesn't allow for installation this week.

The Austin Fire Department is now in search of a new fire chief. Austin City Administrator Craig Clark confirms to KIMT News 3 Chief Jim McCoy has now accepted a new position with the Otsego Fire Department. McCoy has served the Austin Fire Department as chief since 2013. "I am thankful for Jim McCoy's service with the City of Austin. He has managed with a high level of professionalism and commitment to the fire service both locally and statewide. I wish him well in Otsego," Clark said in an emailed statement. According to Clark, the department hopes to have the new chief start by August 3. In the meantime, Troy Tigner is serving as interim Fire Chief.

The Albert Lea High School Band Department will present its final concert of the year on May 11. The performance will be at 7 p.m. in the high school auditorium and will feature the Tiger Band, Symphonic Band and Concert Band. There is no fee for admission, but donations are encouraged to offset expenses of the event. At the concert, various awards will be presented, including the John Phillip Sousa Award for band and the Louis Armstrong Award for jazz. Graduating seniors will also be recognized.

Power 96 News for Tuesday May 5th, 2026.

05/05/2026

The public is invited to attend a public meeting on May 18 to learn more about the Interstate 90 bridge replacement project work, traffic impacts and construction schedule, according to the Minnesota Department of Transportation. The meeting will be 4 to 6 p.m. on Monday, May 18 at the Hayward Community Center and Fire Hall (201 Main Street, Hayward). There will be no formal presentation. People are invited to stop by at their convenience. Project staff will be available to answer questions and provide the latest updates on the project. MnDOT will replace the eastbound I-90 bridge over Freeborn County Road 46 in summer 2028. Construction will include bridge replacement, shoulder widening and improvements to the eastbound exit ramp. The project will improve safety and traffic flow. For more information, or to sign up for email updates, visit the project webpage at mndot.gov. Materials from the public meeting will be posted to the project webpage.

A Cerro Gordo County man has been sentenced for child sex abuse. Darwin Lopez Palma, 41 of Mason City, was accused of committing sex acts on two children in Mason City between April 2024 and April 2025. He entered an Alford plea to one count of lascivious acts with a child. Lopez Palma has now been ordered to spend up to 10 years in state prison and sign up with the Iowa Sex Offender Registry. An Alford plea means Lopez Palma is not admitting guilt but concedes he could be convicted at trial and will accept sentencing.

During Monday night"s City Council meeting, the first award recipients were recognized coming out of a new program that seeks to recognize Austin Police Department officers for going above and beyond their normal duties. In this first round awards, four officers were honored including officers Mark Tamke, Ryan Hansen, Joshua Bradley and Ted Sherwood.

The 33rd annual USPS Stamp Out Hunger food drive on Saturday, May 9. Both Albert Lea and Austin mail carriers will be accepting non perrishable food items for local food banks. They ask that you but the items in plastic bags near your mail pick up areas.

Power 96 News for Monday May 4th, 2026.

05/04/2026

Two people were injured early Saturday morning when their vehicle collided with a deer on Interstate 35 south of Albert Lea. Allen Wayne Vonhagen, 61, and Lynn Kay Vonhagen, 62, both of Albert Lea, were taken by Mayo Ambulance to Mayo Clinic Hospital, according to the Minnesota State Patrol. Both injuries were deemed not life-threatening. The crash report states Allen Vonhagen was driving the 2014 Chevrolet Malibu north on I-35 near mile marker 7 at about 1:34 a.m. Saturday when the vehicle struck a deer. Alcohol was not suspected, and both occupants were wearing their seatbelts, according to the report. The Freeborn County Sheriff"s Office, Albert Lea Fire Rescue and Mayo Ambulance assisted at the scene.

A Fairmont woman was hurt in a two-car crash on Interstate 90 in Freeborn County. The crash happened around 9:20 p.m. Sunday on westbound I-90 at 890th Avenue. A 2010 Chrysler 300 and a 2018 Ford Escape collided while both were traveling west on the interstate.

The Minnesota State Patrol says Christina Lynn McDonald, 46 of Fairmont, was driving the Chrysler 300. She suffered non-life threatening injuries and was taken to Albert Lea Hospital. McDonald was wearing a seat belt and airbags deployed in her car. Gavin Lee Taylor, 22, of Bothell, Washington was driving the Ford Escape. He was not hurt and was not taken to a hospital. Taylor was wearing a seat belt and airbags did not deploy in his car. Two passengers in the Ford Escape were also not hurt. Keegan Michael Milsten, 25, of Renton, Washington and Devin Lee Tillotson, 27, of St. Helens, Oregon were both wearing seat belts and were not taken to a hospital. Mayo Ambulance, Hayward Fire and Freeborn County Sheriff's Office helped at the scene.

Nearly 300 law enforcement agencies across Minnesota will ramp up speed enforcement from May 1 through Sept. 2 to combat a persistent threat on state roads. The extra patrols come as speeding continues to be one of the top contributors to fatal crashes year after year. The enforcement push targets the period from Memorial Day through Labor Day, known as the "100 deadliest days" because of heavy travel and high crash counts. Last year, 151 people died on Minnesota roads during that stretch, including 44 in speed-related crashes. Officers will focus on four behaviors that contribute most to fatal crashes: speeding, seat belt use, impaired driving and distracted driving. A ticket for going 10 mph over the limit typically costs more than $110 with court fees, and fines double for those going 20 mph over. Drivers caught going 100 mph or more can lose their license for six months.

The Albert Lea Convention & Visitors Bureau is bringing back Chalk the Lake Walk from May 4 through May 10. The week-long event encourages people of all ages to get outside and brighten the community with colorful chalk art. Participants can decorate sidewalks along the Fountain Lake path and throughout downtown Albert Lea with positive messages, playful designs and artistic expression. The event is designed to be accessible for individuals, families and groups. Whether someone creates a simple drawing or a detailed masterpiece, everyone is welcome to take part. Community members can share their creations on social media using #ChalkTheLakeWalkAL to showcase the creativity happening across Albert Lea. The event coincides with Screen-Free Week, offering an opportunity to unplug, spend time outdoors and connect with the community. Chalk the Lake Walk is free and open to everyone. The Albert Lea Convention & Visitors Bureau encourages the public to grab some chalk and help turn Albert Lea into a colorful celebration of creativity and community spirit.

power 96 News for Monday May 1st, 2026.

05/01/2026

The dissolution of the city of Twin Lakes will go to a vote Nov. 3rd according to ruling from a court. The push to dissolve Twin Lakes comes after a series of contentious city council meetings, with some residents saying they"ve lost faith in the council and the mayor. If Twin Lakes residents vote for the dissolution, the area would be governed instead by nearby Nunda Township.

The Owatonna Police Department is investigating a false threat that was made involving the Owatonna Middle School. According to OPD, a social media post was made claiming a “maniac” with a gun and a badge was at the school, but the information was not true. OPD said they are in communication with the Owatonna School District and OPD School Resource Officer regarding this post, and there is no threat to students or staff. OPD also said they were aware of another similar complaint made in the community, and they are investigating.

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources says it"s expecting to launch a new electronic licensing system to purchase hunting and fishing licenses in the early summer. The system won"t be online for the fishing opener Saturday, May 9 to avoid being overloaded during the busiest time of the year. But when the system does launch in its first phase this summer, it will be accessible to hunters, anglers and other outdoor enthusiasts. Minnesotans will be able to go online, use a new mobile app or visit a license agent in person to purchase fishing and hunting licenses.

The Albert Lea School Board will meet on Monday evening at 5pm at the Brookside Education Center. It will be a study session.

Power 96 News for Thursday April 30th, 2026.

04/30/2026

A bridge painting project will begin May 4 near Albert Lea. A Minnesota Department of Transportation contractor will start painting the Interstate 90 bridge at Petran, east of Albert Lea. There will be a lane closure on Freeborn County Road 46 under I-90 during the work. Painting is expected to be completed at the end of May. The I-35 northbound and southbound bridges in Albert Lea over the railroad and bike path are scheduled to be painted in June and July. The bike path will be closed during work. Drivers should be prepared to encounter traffic changes when approaching work zones, including lane closures, lane shifts, uneven road surfaces, slow-moving heavy equipment and slow or stopped traffic. The fine for speeding in a work zone is $300. Drivers should avoid using cell phones and mobile devices, adjusting the radio or eating while in work zones. Real-time information about traffic and road conditions is available at 511mn.org or through the free 511mn smartphone app at Google Play or the App Store.

Minnesota Governor Tim Walz has signed a bill into law that changes the way voters select Rochester Public School Board members. This session, Senator Liz Boldon presented a bill to the Senate Elections Committee that would get rid of a 1974 law requiring Rochester Public School District candidates to run for specific board positions not tied to geography. The change now moves the district to a standard at-large system used by nearly all other school districts in Minnesota.

Southland Robotics is celebrating a season of outstanding achievement, as its middle and high school teams advanced from state champions to global competitors at the VEX Robotics World Championship. At the Minnesota State VEX Robotics Competition, Team 7225G, known as the Gearbots, earned a Triple Crown with multiple top honors, including the Middle School Minnesota Skills Champion title, the prestigious Excellence Award-the highest judged honor-and the Middle School State Tournament Championship. Team 7225F, Red 40, matched that success at the high school level, earning the High School Minnesota Skills Champion title, the Excellence Award, and the High School State Tournament Finalist Place. These accomplishments secured both teams' invitations to compete at the world championship event held in St. Louis, Missouri, April 21-27. Competing among 860 teams from around the globe, Red 40 placed an impressive 27th out of 85 teams in their division. The Gearbots also delivered a strong performance, finishing 10th in qualification rounds and entering bracket play as the 8th seed in their division. They advanced all the way to the quarterfinals and were additionally recognized with the Amaze Award, a judged honor celebrating consistent, high-quality robotics performance. Coach Paula Mortenson praised the teams" dedication and growth throughout the season. Looking ahead, she emphasized the ongoing opportunities vex robotics provides to students in an extremely small school district: “Each year brings a new game and new challenges, giving students the chance to grow and excel in STEM fields. We will continue to fundraise, innovate, and inspire-working to bring Adams, Minnesota back to the world stage to compete with top teams from across the globe.”

The Austin High School National Honor Society will be hosting a Teacher Supply Drive this Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on the west side of Wescott Athletic Complex. NHS members are asking for people to drop off items like pencils, highlighters, pens, notebook, folders, Kleenex and bandaids. People will also have the opportunity to donate money if supplies are not available.

Power 96 News for Wednesday April 29th, 2026.

04/29/2026

The city of Albert Lea is looking into lifting the numerical limits on dogs and cats for households in the city with a focus instead shifting to responsible ownership, treatment and living conditions as the priority. During the council work session on Monday, City Clerk Daphney Maras presented the possible changes to the council. The amended ordinance has not been voted on yet. Maras said the city is looking to amend the ordinance to have clearer definitions and make sure it aligns with state and federal standards. The proposed amendment would modernize the city"s approach to center around responsible pet ownership, while also keeping in mind factors such as public safety and community expectations. She said several sections of the city"s ordinance were outdated and not aligned with current best practices. Most notable, the amended ordinance would remove the fixed limit on the number of dogs and cats allowed, allowing flexibility for responsible owners. This would also give the city the authority to intervene when conditions create nuisances or health risks. The current ordinance allows for a single family residence to have up to two dogs and two cats, in addition to litters of puppies or kittens for up to 90 days. The amended ordinance also clarifies what a service animal is and what feral or stray cats are and adds a section for feral cats, addressing community concerns about overpopulation. She said the goal of the ordinance is to reduce uncontrolled feeding that contributes to overpopulation and encourages humane, coordinated population management. The amended ordinance will be brought back to the council for additional discussion and additional option at a later meeting.

A Fairmont man is charged with second-degree murder after prosecutors say he broke into his ex-girlfriend's home and fatally shot her boyfriend. Joseph Bulfer, 44, faces charges of second-degree murder, attempted murder, assault and burglary. Court documents say he broke into Rosalyn Rode's home around 1:30 Sunday afternoon and shot her boyfriend, Joshua Downey, multiple times. The complaint says Bulfer also hit Rode "numerous times" with the butt of the gun and his open hand. She suffered three to four broken ribs and other serious injuries. Bulfer's bail is set at $5 million. His next court date is scheduled for May 7.

Minnesota officials highlighted a new law aimed at making school bus stops safer for students on Tuesday. The state now requires drivers to stop at least 20 feet away from a school bus when its red lights are flashing regardless of if the stop arm is extended. Lawmakers say the change closes a loophole that once let drivers try to beat the stop arm, putting kids at risk. Drive like your own kids are on the bus, and when the red lights come on, stop every time. At the end of the day, this isn"t about just a law change, it"s about making sure students get on and off the bus safely and get home to their families,” said Lt. Brian Reu of the Minnesota State Patrol. The new law is already in effect, and drivers who ignore it face a $500 fine. Officials say more than 2000 citations were issued in 2025.

Autumn Umbarger, a high school teacher at Central Springs High School in Manly, IA, is competing in the national “America"s Favorite Teacher” contest. As of Tuesday morning, Umbarger is in sixth place of the quarter finals of the contest. If Umbarger is crowned America's Favorite Teacher, she will win $25,000, a trip to Hawaii, an appearance in Reader's Digest, and a school assembly with Bill Nye The Science Guy.

Power 96 News for Tuesday April 28th, 2026.

04/28/2026

The Albert Lea City Council on Monday approved a $4 million contract for one of the city"s major street projects slated for this summer. The $4.041 million bid came from ICON LLC. of Dodge Center and includes the complete reconstruction of portions of Valley Avenue, Johnson Street and Marshall Street. In addition to the removal and replacement of 2,300 feet of pavement, the project calls for new curb and gutter, sidewalk, sanitary sewer, storm sewer and water main. City Manager Ian Rigg said the city will use some federally awarded funds that are distributed through the Statewide Transportation Improvement Program. In addition to these funds, the project will be paid for with sewer and water funds and special assessments.

In other action, the council authorized the sale of two pool tables from the Senior Center, as the new location will only have room for four of its tables instead of six. Approved the final reading of an ordinance amendment that prohibits vehicle repair, assembly or dismantling of a car on public streets or public property except for fueling, adding oil or emergency repairs needed to move a disabled vehicle. Approved the second reading of an ordinance that establishes requirements for preventing cross-connections and back flow within the city"s potable water system, so it aligns with the Safe Drinking Water Act and Minnesota Department of Health standards. And, accepted a $5,000 donation from the Schmidtke Family Foundation toward the Senior Center project.

A homeless man was charged in Freeborn County District Court on Monday with indecent exposure in the presence of a minor on Friday afternoon in Albert Lea. Police arrested Gary Kostohryz after receiving a report of a male who had exposed himself to children in a yard on the 300 block of Court Street. The court complaint stated two children were reportedly walking to their residence and observed a male on Triangle Drive near Wedgemore Road who was reportedly mumbling and walking east toward their direction. He eventually started to cut through the yard between two houses. When the male reached a soccer ball in the yard, he reportedly turned to face the children, dropped his pants and exposed himself to them. Kosohryz was arrested and transported to the Freeborn County jail. He reportedly denied exposing himself to police. Freeborn County Attorney David Walker said Kostohryz on April 16 was found incompetent on a separate case, involving misdemeanor fifth-degree assault, and that case was dismissed. In court Monday, District Court Judge Christy Horman ordered an evaluation for a possible civil commitment, and the case is set for a review hearing on May 18. The County Attorney"s Office has filed a notice of intent to prosecute should Kostohryz regain competency.

To help young bicyclists learn how to ride safely, Albert Lea Recreation has teamed up with Blue Zones and the Freeborn County Trail Association to offer a free bike rodeo on Thursday, May 7. The event will take place from 4 - 6 p.m. at the Edgewater Bay Pavilion, across from the Inclusive Playground, at Edgewater Park. This event is designed for children ages 5-12 and will include bike checks for brakes, seat height and tire pressure, free helmets for those who need them, safety instructions, fun challenge course with starts, stops and maneuvering, and drawing for door prizes, including two bicycles donated by the Loyal Order of Moose 1703 of Albert Lea.

Power 96 News for Monday April 27th, 2026.

04/27/2026

Albert Lea Fire Rescue (ALFR) responded to 522 College St. West on April 26 at 7:54 p.m. for the report of a house fire. Upon arrival, firefighters found fire in a bathroom on the second floor. Firefighters advanced hose lines and extinguished the fire. All residents of the home were able to escape unharmed. The losses of structure and contents are estimated to be about $20,000. The Minnesota Fire Marshal's Office was contacted and coordinated with the department investigator. The cause of the fire was a vent fan in the ceiling overheating and igniting the plastic cover. Mayo Clinic Ambulance Service assisted at the scene. ALFR reminds residents that ventilation fans are to be used for only short time frames. Less than 20 minutes is best. Prolonged use may cause overheating and potential fire.

A car was heading north on Interstate 35 when it crashed into another vehicle near mile marker 2 on Friday evening, according to the Minnesota State Patrol. One man was taken to Mayo Clinic in Albert Lea with non-life-threatening injuries, while another woman, driving the vehicle that was hit, was left uninjured.

Albert Lea Fire Rescue (ALFR) responded to 730 Alcove St., on April 25, at 7:16 p.m. for the report of a house fire. Upon arrival, firefighters found fire showing on two sides of the house. Firefighters advanced hose lines and extinguished the fire. The residents were located at a neighbor"s and had no injuries. The residents had heard smoke alarms sounding in the home, went to check a rear bedroom and found fire. They quickly exited the structure with their pets and called 911. The home and contents are a total loss. The Minnesota Fire Marshal's Office was contacted and coordinated with the department investigator. The cause remains under investigation. The Albert Lea Police Department, Mayo Clinic Ambulance Service and Salvation Army also assisted at the scene. ALFR reminds residents to check their smoke alarms and practice their home escape plan.

The Albert Lea City Council will vote Monday on accepting a $4.04 million bid to reconstruct parts of Valley Avenue, Johnson Street and Marshall Street. The project includes complete reconstruction of portions of the three streets. Workers will replace pavement, curb, gutter and sidewalk along with sanitary sewer, storm sewer and drinking water pipes. The council will have a work session at 5:30, followed by the regular meeting at 7.

Power 96 News for Friday April 24th, 2026.

04/24/2026

Community members are invited to help clean up Austin during a volunteer event Saturday April 25th in celebration of Earth Day. United Way of Mower County is leading the Austin Cares: Community Clean Up event in partnership with the Cedar River Watershed District and the City of Austin. The organizations are bringing residents together to pick up litter and debris across the city. Volunteers of all ages are encouraged to participate. Participants will be assigned to various locations throughout the city, working together to make parks, neighborhoods and public areas cleaner and more welcoming for everyone. The event offers a chance for volunteers to connect, give back and be part of a shared effort that benefits the entire community. Supplies will be provided, though volunteers are encouraged to dress appropriately for outdoor work. The cleanup starts at 8:30 a.m. April 25. Community members interested in participating can register online.

A jury has found a man guilty of sexually assaulting two women. Adam Alrashid Hussein, 27 of Rochester, was convicted Thursday of four counts of criminal sexual conduct. Law enforcement said Hussein had unwanted sexual contact with a woman in the early morning hours of September 3, 2023. The contact allegedly included groping one of her breasts and biting her neck. Investigators said Hussein also raped a woman in the early morning hours of April 28, 2024. Court documents state both sexual assaults happened after the victims met Hussein in a Rochester bar. A sentencing hearing is now scheduled for June 29 in Olmsted County District Court.

At its meeting Monday, the Albert Lea City Council will vote on accepting the low bid of $4.04 million for reconstructing parts of Valley Avenue, Johnson Street and Marshall Street this year. The city received five bids, with the low bid from ICON LLC of Dodge Center, Minn. Bids ranged from $4.04 million to $5.13 million. The project calls for the complete reconstruction of portions of Valley Avenue, Johnson Street and Marshall Street, including replacement of the pavement, curb, gutter and sidewalk along with sanitary sewer, storm sewer and drinking water pipes. The city will finance the project with $2 million in state funding plus additional state aid, federal funds, property assessments, sewer funds, water funds and bonding.

The City of Albert Lea will hold its annual spring cleanup on Saturday, April 25, from 9 a.m. to noon. Residents with proof of city residency may dispose of items for free or reduced fees at the Transfer Station, 2506 W. Richway Drive. Also Saturday, local law enforcement agencies will hold an event to take unwanted medications for proper disposal, from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m., in the Walmart parking lot, 1550 Blake Ave. This event is free and open to the public. In addition, the Albert Lea Convention and Visitors Bureau will hold a cleanup of local lakes Saturday. Volunteers should report to Frank Hall Park, 505 Frank Ave., starting at 8 a.m. for free gloves and garbage bags. Partners include the Shell Rock River Watershed District, Lakes Foundation of Albert Lea and Albert Lea Anglers. Participants may hunt for three medallions that commemorate Albert Lea Blue Zones. They may turn in the medallions - with garbage collected - for prizes.

Power 96 News for Thursday April 23rd, 2026.

04/23/2026

The Freeborn County Board of Commissioners voted unanimously Tuesday to deny a preliminary plat and rezoning petition for a company looking to build a cannabis cultivation operation south of Albert Lea city limits near where U.S. Highway 65 and Interstate 35 meet. The request was tied to 17.4 acres of property owned by Trigreen Bazaar LLC of Carson City, Nevada, and involved subdividing it into four lots. Under the proposal, the first and fourth lots would remain agricultural, the second lot would be changed to a B-2 Highway Business District and the third would be rezoned to an I-1, or Light Industrial District. With the proposal denied, the property will remain agricultural within the U-2 Commercial Expansion District.

Nearly a year after a string of violent attacks, a Mason City man is going to prison. BJ Sahle, 29, was arrested for second-degree robbery, attempt to disarm a peace officer of a dangerous weapon, assault on persons in certain occupations, and interference with official acts causing bodily injury. Court documents state that on May 7, 2025, Sahle punched someone in the face in Central Park at around 4:30 pm, then punched a second person on 1st Street SW just before 11 pm. Police say Sahle tried to take his victim"s dog and did steal the victim"s flashlight, hitting the victim in the face hard enough to cause injury. In addition, Sahle allegedly fought with several officers and attempted to steal an officer"s gun. Sahle eventually pleaded guilty to first-degree theft and attempt to disarm a peace officer of a dangerous weapon. He has now been sentenced to up to 10 years behind bars.

The Iowa Department of Health and Human Services has released the causes of death for three people who were found dead in a Mason City home in February. According to the Iowa HHS, 73-year-old Larry Gene Walker, the owner of the home, died by acute mixed drug intoxication of fentanyl and methamphetamine.

Meanwhile, 39-year-old Shey Willam Pals died by toxic effects of fentanyl, methamphetamine, and ethanol, and 33-year-old Morgan Lee Tarr died by toxic effects of fentanyl and methamphetamine. All three deaths were listed as accidental.

The Austin Fire Department is releasing new details about a fire at a landfill north of Austin. AFD says crews were dispatched for a trash fire at the Lansing Landfill at around 6:26 p.m. on Tuesday, April 21st. The Brownsdale Fire Department was called for mutual aid, and crews were able to put out the fire and clear the scene by 8 p.m. No injuries or structure damage was reported. The Mower County Sheriff"s Office and Mayo Clinic Ambulance also assisted at the scene.

Power 96 News for Wednesday April 22nd, 2026.

04/22/2026

Drivers crossing Interstate 90 in Austin at Highway 218 north will shift to single-lane traffic in each direction on the southbound bridge starting Wednesday afternoon. The Minnesota Department of Transportation said traffic congestion around the bridge may happen during peak travel times because of the lane reduction. The work prepares for the demolition of the northbound bridge, which will run from 7 p.m. Friday to 6 a.m. Monday. The Highway 218 north bridge is near Riverland Community College. The southbound bridge will be closed during demolition. After demolition, traffic will move across the bridge in single lanes in each direction on the southbound bridge until late June. At that point, crews will demolish the second bridge and begin construction on the city of Austin sanitary sewer crossing between I-90 and 18th Avenue and construction of roundabouts on the north and south sides of the I-90/218 north interchange. The westbound Exit 178A off-ramp and the 6th Street Northeast on-ramp will reopen later this spring once crews complete the westbound I-90 Cedar River bridge work.

Spring load restrictions ended on Freeborn County highways on Monday. Restrictions are still active until the load posting signs are removed from the highway. All traffic must obey the posting signs for allowable axle weights until they are removed. Highway maps showing the load postings are available on the Freeborn County website under the Public Works Department.

A Mitchell County man is now facing federal child pornography charges. Damon Wesley Powers, 44 of Osage, was accused in Mitchell County of 15 counts of possessing or purchasing depictions of minors in a sex act. Law enforcement said they searched Powers' home in June 2025 and found images and videos of child pornography stored on Powers' electronic devices. Those state charges were later dropped to allow for the federal prosecution of Powers. A federal indictment has been filed accusing Powers of receipt and possession of child pornography between November 2024 and June 2025. A trial is scheduled to start on June 15.

As unseasonably warm and moist air surges northward into Thursday due to south winds gusting up to 40 MPH at times, our next round of potential severe weather will arise. A passing cold front from an Intermountain West low pressure system could spark some strong to severe thunderstorms toward the evening and overnight hours. The Storm Prediction Center has outlined a higher possibility of severe weather for those along/west of the I-35 corridor. A lower possibility of severe weather exists east of I-35. Damaging winds of 60 MPH and quarter size hail are the main concerns. A brief, spin-up tornado cannot be ruled out. Trends will be tracked closely with this potential threat. Much cooler air filters in behind the passing boundary. Highs are slated to hold around 60° through the weekend.

Power 96 News for Tuesday April 21st, 2026.

04/21/2026

The Albert Lea school board voted unanimously Monday to move forward with a proposal that would close one elementary school building and transition seventh graders to the high school building in light of declining enrollment and rising costs in the district. The changes would not go into effect until the 2027-28 school year and come after a review by a community task force of how the district"s facilities and operational costs align with current and future educational needs. Which elementary school will close has not yet been determined. The model would have grades K-4 at three elementary school buildings, with fifth and sixth grades at the Southwest Middle School building and the remaining grades at the high school building. The plan calls for treating the seventh and eighth graders as one school and the ninth through 12th graders as a separate school, though they will be within the same building. To achieve this, they will have separate schedules to avoid interaction with the different age groups, as well as separate principals and leadership, lunches and electives. They also would utilize different parts of the building for core classes. The proposal was the task force"s preferred option, as well as the preferred option from administration, Albert Lea Bus Co. and special education leaders.

The Blue Earth County Sheriff's Office has canceled the alert for Avey Skillings, as she has been located safe. The Sheriff's Office thanks everyone who assisted in locating her and for sharing the information.

Four and ahalf years after his arrest in southeast Minnesota, a Missouri man is pleading guilty. Devon Henry Smith, 49 of Kansas City, MO, was charged in October 2021 with theft, fleeing a peace officer in a motor vehicle, and switching plates. The Albert Lea Police Department says Smith stole $4,000 from the register at the Walgreen's in Albert Lea and then drove away in a black vehicle. Police immediately located the vehicle and a chase ensued until a police squad car blocked the suspect vehicle on Front Street. The driver, Smith, was then arrested. Walgreen's employees told police that Smith entered the store with a Walgreens' lanyard and asked for $1,490 to be placed on a rechargeable gift card. An employee says they noticed the photo on the lanyard did not match Smith and halted the transaction. Court documents say Smith then grabbed the gift cards and fled. Smith has now pleaded guilty to one count of theft. His sentencing is set for May 20.

Firefighters put out a garage fire on West 22nd Avenue North in Clear Lake on Monday. The Clear Lake Fire Department got the call around 11:09 a.m. and found the detached garage fully engulfed in flames in the 600 block of West 22nd Avenue North. A nearby building was at risk of catching fire because of how close it was to the garage. Crews worked quickly to stop the fire from spreading and saved the second building from burning. That building did get some heat damage to its siding and roof. The fire department sent two engines and a medic unit to the scene. Ventura Fire Department helped out with a pumper and tanker. Clear Lake Police and the Cerro Gordo County Sheriff's Department also responded. Firefighters got the fire under control and cleared the scene around 12:25 p.m. The garage, which measured 20 feet by 20 feet, suffered about $25,000 in damage. Investigators determined the fire started accidentally from outdoor burning nearby when an ember landed on the garage. No one was hurt.

Power 96 News for Monday April 20th, 2026.

04/20/2026

A new medical clinic is opening in Albert Lea. Althing Clinic will hold a grand opening celebration May 1 from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. at 2440 Bridge Ave. The clinic says it offers same-day appointments, urgent care services, employer health and DOT services. Clinic supporters say the facility is designed without traditional waiting rooms and focuses on personalized care. The grand opening will include a ribbon cutting ceremony, facility tours and a presentation about the clinic's approach to rural healthcare. Attendees can also meet staff members and register for services on-site. The clinic says it aims to provide accessible medical resources to the community.

A man who moved to Iowa from Minnesota and failed to register as a sex offender has been sentenced to more than two years in federal prison. Blake William Johnson, 31 of Austin, MN, received the prison term after pleading guilty on December 29, 2025, to failure to register as a sex offender. Johnson is sentenced to 30 months in prison. Johnson must serve a 10-year term of supervised release after his prison term.

The Mason City Police Department says a teenage girl who went missing over two weeks ago has been found safe. According to MCPD, 16-year-old Hudsen Marie Johnson was found safe in Minnesota on Friday, April 17th. She originally went missing on April 1st. Police say that arrangements are being made to transport her back to Iowa.

Sign-ups are open to volunteer at the 2026 Special Olympics USA Games in Minnesota. Organizers are still looking for more than 10,000 volunteers to help support athletes from across the country. Anyone 15 years or older with a mind for “positivity, compassion, and collaboration” can sign up to volunteer. There are also sign-up opportunities for groups and corporate teams. The 2026 Special Olympics USA Games are run from June 20-26.   If you would like to sign up to volinteer, you can go to 2026specialolympicsusagames.org.

Power 96 News for Friday April 17th, 2026.

04/17/2026

An Albert Lea man was arrested Wednesday evening in connection to an incident last month in Minneapolis where a gun was reportedly negligently discharged. Albert Lea police stated Tristan James Hernandez, 29, was taken into custody at 6:14 p.m. Wednesday after a traffic stop on West Main Street near Skyline Plaza. According to court documents, Albert Lea police were working with Minneapolis police to serve a search warrant on Hernandez and on his residence, at 1426 Wedgewood Road. Local officers were told Hernandez was not eligible to possess a firearm and had reportedly negligently discharged a gun in Minneapolis. Just prior to the service of the warrant, police were notified that Hernandez was leaving the home. Local police had spent most of the day monitoring his residence, and because a gun was involved, the South Central Drug Investigative Unit SWAT team was also involved to serve the warrant. After local police pulled him over, he was taken into custody and reportedly told a Minneapolis officer that there was a black shoulder bag in the main bedroom with his firearm inside. A gun was recovered from a bag where Hernandez had described. Police stated a second vehicle that left Hernandez"s house was also stopped as a precaution on U.S. Highway 69 shortly after Hernandez"s traffic stop, but no arrest was made from that stop. Hernandez was charged in Freeborn County District Thursday with one count of possessing ammunition or a firearm after the conviction of a crime of violence. He had prior convictions for felony possession of firearm, felony domestic assault by strangulation, felony escape from custody and felony second-degree assault.

The History Center of Freeborn County has rescheduled its village spring clean-up due to the weather forecast to May 2 from 9 a.m. to noon. The history center invites community members to take part, still meeting in the History Center Lobby, located at 1031 Bridge Ave. in Albert Lea. Volunteers of all ages are encouraged to join in helping refresh and prepare the village grounds for the spring and summer seasons. This is a great opportunity to give back, connect with others, and help keep the community looking its best. Participants are asked to bring their own rakes, shovels and brooms to assist with clean-up efforts.

An Albert Lea woman was charged in Freeborn County District Court on Thursday for reportedly “skip scanning” over $1,400 in merchandise during more than a dozen visits to Walmart over a three-month period. Turena Elizabeth Schultz, 24, faces one count of felony theft in the case. Court documents state Albert Lea police officers were dispatched to Walmart in Albert Lea on Jan. 23, at which time they were informed that a person in the asset protection office had stolen over $500 in merchandise. She reportedly used a technique called “skip scanning,” in which she purchased some items but did not scan all of them and then left the store without paying. A Walmart asset protection officer told officers that an investigation was ongoing at Walmart and they suspected the individual of thefts twice per week starting in October. The court complaint lists thefts from 15 dates from Oct. 24, 2025, through Jan. 23. It alleges Schultz skipped paying for anywhere from one to 29 items during each visit. The total for all the thefts was $1,404. In court Thursday, Freeborn County District Court Judge Ross Leaning set unconditional bail at $10,000 or allowed Schultz to reappear on her own recognizance if she agreed to follow a series of conditions, including remaining law abiding and making all future court appearances.

The Mason City Police Department is asking for the public"s help in finding a missing teenager. According to MCPD, Hudsen Marie Johnson was placed at the Mason City youth shelter on April 1 and was reported missing from the facility at 3:41 p.m. that same day. MCPD said Johnson is not from the Mason City area, but she may have contacts there. Johnson was last seen wearing a black hoodie, ripped, lighter colored or faded blue jeans, and white Nike tennis shoes. She is described as 5"8?, 150 pounds, with blue eyes and hair dyed black with a purple hue. MCPD said they have received several reports that she has been in other cities in Iowa or Minnesota. She has been using a fake name of “Yuri” and claims to be from Korea, but MCPD says she is not from Korea. Anyone with information on Johnson"s location is asked to contact local law enforcement or submit a tip through the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children tipline on their website.

Power 96 News for Thursday April 16th, 2026.

04/16/2026

The Minnesota State Patrol is investigating a fatal crash on Interstate 35 that occurred at 7:55 p.m. on Wednesday night. The crash happened in Somerset Township at Milepost 37. The Minnesota State Patrol said a 40-year-old woman from Owatonna driving a 2007 Chevrolet Impala and a 33-year-old man from Ellendale driving a 2014 Ram 1500 pickup were both traveling north when they collided. The names of both drivers are unknown. It is not clear which driver died in the accident. Steele County Sheriff's Office and Owatonna Fire Department responded to the scene. We expect to learn more from State Patrol around noon today.

The History Center of Freeborn County has launched a spring fundraising campaign where an anonymous donor will match donations up to $5,000. The six-week campaign started Wednesday and runs through June 30. Every dollar donated will be matched dollar-for-dollar to support educational programming, exhibits and ongoing projects at the History Center in Albert Lea. "Support from our community makes it possible to continue offering meaningful programs and experiences that connect people to our shared history," organizers said. Donations of all sizes will be doubled during the campaign. People can donate in person or by mail at the History Center at 1031 Bridge Avenue, open hours Wednesday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., or online at www.lovehistory.org.

Freeborn County officials, in cooperation with the Freeborn County Agricultural Society, have announced a proactive tree management project at the Freeborn County Fairgrounds to address the impacts of the Emerald Ash Borer (EAB). Work is scheduled to begin this Saturday, April 18. Following a recent comprehensive inspection, it was determined that 40 of the 41 ash trees on the fairgrounds have reached a level of infestation that requires removal. EAB-infested trees become exceptionally brittle as they deteriorate.   This causes them to drop branches and are prone to blowing over in storms. Removing the trees will improve the safety of the grounds, prevent further spread of the insects, and allow replanting of new trees to replace the lost ones. The project will be completed in phases, with the initial stage led by a dedicated group of volunteers organized by the Freeborn County Agricultural Society. The County and the Ag Society aim to complete all removals within the next year through a combined effort of volunteer and County forces. Officials will begin planning for replacement of the trees with hopes of a Fall planting throughout the fairgrounds.

As Minnesota's Severe Weather Awareness Week pushes forward in the midst of an active severe weather week, a statewide tornado drill will take place at 1:45 PM and 6:45 PM Thursday, April 16th. Outdoor warning sirens will sound, depending on the jurisdiction. No hard-copy "test" Tornado Watch or Warning will be sent by the National Weather Service, meaning there will be no Wireless Emergency Alerts or push notifications on your phone. The tornado drill will be broadcast over NOAA Weather Radio, so this is a great time to make sure your radio is operating as severe weather season approaches.

Power 96 News for Wednesday April 15th, 2026.

04/15/2026

Minnesota recently passed a new school bus safety law targeting drivers who try to pass buses before the stop arm fully extends. The law closes what officials called a loophole after a rise in near-miss incidents statewide. It requires drivers to stop at least 20 feet from a bus the moment its red lights start flashing, even if the stop arm hasn't extended yet. Previously, many drivers waited until the stop arm was fully out before stopping. Penalties remain strict under the new law. Failing to stop is a misdemeanor with a minimum fine of $500. Officials said the change aims to create a safer environment for children boarding and exiting buses.

The Minnesota Department of Transportation is reminding motorists of weekend bridge demolition that will be the start of this year"s work on the Interstate 90 bridges. MnDOT crews will close the bridge at 218 South (21st Street NE) at noon on Friday with work beginning at 7 p.m. and requiring the closure of I-90. Demolition will carry on through to 6 a.m. on Monday and will be followed the next weekend with demolition of the bridge on Highway 218 north April 24-27.

Austin Utilities has earned a national safety award for its workplace practices in 2025. The American Public Power Association recognized the utility with its Safety Award of Excellence, awarding Austin Utilities a diamond designation in the category for utilities with 15,000 to 29,999 worker-hours of annual worker exposure. The award recognizes utilities with the most incident-free records and strong safety programs. More than 240 utilities entered the annual competition. The association ranked entrants based on work-related reportable injuries or illnesses and total worker-hours during 2025, following standards set by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration. The American Public Power Association has conducted the Safety Awards annually for more than 68 years. The association represents not-for-profit, community-owned utilities that power 2,000 towns and cities nationwide.

The Iowa man and woman accused of lacing a lasagna dish with drugs and trying to serve it to a pregnant woman have pleaded not guilty. Matthew Uthoff, 35, and Amber Snow, 36, face charges for allegedly trying to cause a woman to miscarry by adding oxycodone to the pan of lasagna. Both Uthoff and Snow are being held at the Winneshiek County Jail.

Power 96 News for Tuesday April 14th, 2026.

04/14/2026

A Carson City, Nevada, business is looking to build a cannabis cultivation operation south of Albert Lea city limits. A request from Trigreen Bazaar LLC came in front of the Freeborn County Planning Commission last week and the month prior to request approval of a preliminary plat and rezoning petition for 17.4 acres of land in Albert Lea Township off of 19th Street. County Planning and Zoning Administrator Trevor Bordelon said the property is currently zoned agricultural and within the U-2 Commercial Expansion District; however, under the request, the property would be subdivided into four lots. Rezoning would allow the cannabis operations to be in line with the county"s current cannabis regulations in its ordinance that was adopted in 2025. Trigreen Bazaar initially applied in February, and a decision about the project has to be made by June 11, including a 60-day extension already granted. On April 6, the commissioners voted unanimously to recommend denial of the project. Bordelon said there was not enough information about the proposed uses for the property because there had also been other talk about growing vegetables and other uses for the retail store, whether it be for cannabis retail or for something like a restaurant. There were also questions regarding infrastructure to the site. Planning Commission members John Forman and Nicole Eckstrom made the motion to recommend denial of the plat and zoning change, and the roll call was unanimous. The preliminary plat and zoning are slated to be discussed in front of the Freeborn County Board of Commissioners at a workshop before the project comes to the board for a vote in late April. There was also discussion about the company approaching the city of Albert Lea and requesting annexation being that the city line is so close.

A homeless man has been jailed for allegedly breaking into a Mason City home. William Thomas Hester, 42, has been been charged with first-degree burglary and third-degree theft. Law enforcement says Hester went to a home in the 600 block of 4th Street SW on Saturday morning, kicked opened the front door, and punched someone inside three times in the head. Investigators say Hester also stole a backpack out of a car later that same day. Hester is being held in the Cerro Gordo County Jail on $27,000 bond.

The Albert Lea City Council voted unanimously Monday to approve going out for designs for a new Senior Center in a portion of the Jim & Dude"s building on South Broadway. The Senior Center board and city staff have been studying locations for the Senior Center in light of the upcoming expiration of the city"s current lease at Skyline Plaza at the end of the year. Almost all of the $14,000 design cost will be covered with a $1,000 in-kind donation for the electrical portion and $10,000 in donations.

In a move to reduce the impact of a potentially steep loss in revenue next school year, the Austin Public Schools Board on Monday night, with two members not present, voted to approve budget reductions across the district for the 2027 fiscal year. The plan calls for a total reduction of $4.185 million in cuts across enrollment related areas as well as compensatory fund areas, however, even with the cuts the total still falls short of the project loss of $4.5 million by an estimated $64,776. The district is preparing for a decrease of 127 students next school year resulting in a loss of $1.75 million in revenue.