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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.

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

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.

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.

Power 96 News Update 5-15

05/15/2024

Replacement of a bridge on Freeborn County Road 60 is scheduled to begin today. The bridge and a portion of the road roughly 3.3 miles west of Emmons will be closed until the project is completed. The Freeborn County Highway Department says that should be at the end of July.ICON Constructors will be replacing a Timber Slab Span Bridge with a Prestressed Concrete Beam Bridge.All drivers are asked to follow detour signage on County State Aid Highways 4, 11, and 2.

Minnesota Governor Tim Walz will visit a child care center in the west metro to announce the recipients of $6 million in new grants to expand child care across the state of Minnesota. The funding comes from the Department of Employment and Economic Development and is expected to create over 2,200 child care slots. The event will take place today at 1:30 with many members of the Department of Employment and Economic Development expected to be in attendance.

Albert Lea Fire Rescue is putting together a program to reduce repeat 9-1-1 calls by providing long term solutions to frequent problems. To achieve that goal the department says after EMS responds to a call for help, the program would put the caller in touch with service providers to address the root of the problem if it's a recurring issue. According to Jeffery Laskowske, deputy fire chief, the department would be facilitating this process by making the initial connection between patients and services. Since the project is still in its early stages, the department says it is still open to community feedback on how it can develop it before its anticipated launch in the fall of 2024 or at the start of 2025 at the latest.

In honor of Peace Officers Memorial Day, flags across Minnesota will be at half-staff Wednesday.Governor Tim Walz has ordered all United States and Minnesota flags to be flown at half-staff at all state buildings in the State of Minnesota, from sunrise until sunset on Wednesday, May 15, 2024 in honor of peace officers who have been killed or injured in the line of duty. Governor Walz has proclaimed May 15, 2024 as Peace Officers Memorial Day and May 12-18 as Police Week in the State of Minnesota.

A Rochester business is facing structural damage after a vehicle crash Tuesday afternoon.According to the Rochester Police Department, around 1:50 p.m. officers were dispatched to 300 Elton Hills Drive where a vehicle struck a strip mall. The driver, a 79-year-old male, stated he was traveling north on West River Road NW towards Elton Hills Drive NW when he believes he lost consciousness. RPD said the driver did not appear to be injured and no one in the building was hurt. MCAS transported the driver for evaluation.

The Hormel Institute is hoping to secure $20 million in this year"s Minn. state bonding bill.The money would go toward constructing a new bio-imaging wing at the Institute, providing researchers with a bird"s eye view of the human body. the Joint Capital Investment Committee discussed how much should be put into the bonding bill. However, the two parties have yet to determine what will be included in the final resolution. Olmsted County has also requested $3.5 million for food and waste separation.The cities of Blooming Prairie and Albert Lea also have requests for water infrastructure projects.

Mapleton police are investigating the stabbing of two teenagers. Officers responded to the 300 block of 5th Ave SE on Monday at around 7 p.m. for a juvenile male who had been stabbed and was bleeding. Police identified the victim as a 13-year-old boy and the suspect as a 16-year-old boy. Police say the victim and suspect were acquaintances and the suspect was inside the victim"s home.The victim was transported to a hospital with non-life threatening injuries. The suspect was taken into custody and was treated for minor injuries and transferred to a juvenile detention facility, where he"ll be held on first and second-degree assault charges. The incident remains under investigation.

Power 96 News Brief 5-14

05/14/2024

The Minnesota Department of Education announced Albert Lea teacher Mark Nechanicky was named as a finalist for the Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching. Nechanicky teaches fourth grade at Lakeview Elementary School. The award is the nation"s highest honor for U.S. K-12 science, technology, engineering, mathematics and/or computer science teachers. The award is administered by the National Science Foundation on behalf of the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy.

A Rochester man has pleaded not guilty after a road rage incident that resulted in one person"s death. Isaac Gutierrez, has pleaded not guilty to second-degree murder and second-degree assault with a dangerous weapon. Gutierrez and another man were arrested in February for allegedly shooting and killing Osbel Ornelas, in a dispute over a parking space near the Chick-Fil-A on Broadway Avenue South. The other man Jose Ojeda has not yet entered a plea to charges of second-degree assault with a dangerous weapon, terroristic threats, and two counts of aiding an offender. His next court hearing is set for Thursday.

Sen. Nicole Mitchell speaks from the Senate floor for the first time since her arrest. She formally requested to be excused from a vote on a GOP motion that she be held in contempt of the Senate for voting on last week"s motion to remove her. Today"s contempt motion failed on a 33 to 33 party line vote. Mitchel asked to be excused from last week"s vote as well, but Republicans pointed out she hadn"t formally requested that from the floor.

The Mason City Fire Department was called to 123 Winnebago Way Fire crews say they arrived to find smoke coming from the house and the resident outside.Firefighters were able to contain the flames to the home"s basement, with smoke and heat damage throughout the house. Crews remained at the scene until around 2:42 am Monday.No injuries are reported with this incident and investigators say the cause of the fire was electrical and an accident. The Mason City Police Department and Alliant Energy assisted at the scene.

To ensure an equitable approach to regulating off-sale alcohol, cannabis, tobacco and sexually-oriented businesses, the Albert Lea City Council decided at its Monday meeting to put a pause on applications for new, expanding or relocating these types of businesses. The moratorium will be 6 months or less. The moratorium is in response to Minnesota legalizing recreational use of marijuana in 2023 and allowing new types of cannabis businesses to open in 2025 or earlier. The council has many concerns including where and how minors would be exposed to products they are prohibited from buying.

Governor Tim Walz today announced over $100 million in state grants will be awarded to organizations serving Minnesotans facing homelessness. The money is supporting a number of services including street outreach, shelter, and harm reduction for drug users.The Minnesota Department of Human Services awarded four sets of grants to support Minnesotans experiencing homelessness late last year, after a streamlined application process. Governor Walz and the Minnesota Legislature approved the funding during the 2023 session.Funds went to 135 organizations in the Twin Cities metropolitan area and Greater Minnesota, reaching people experiencing homelessness in all 87 counties.

Power 96 News Brief 5-13

05/13/2024

At its meeting Monday, the Albert Lea City Council will vote on borrowing $5.1 million for building a new grit removal building at the wasterwater treatment plant. The project is part of the $80 million upgrade planned for the facility to replace aging infrastructure and meet stricter state limits on phosphorus pollution. The plant, which is more than 40 years old, treats an average of four million gallons of wastewater a day before discharging it to the Shell Rock River.

A Rochester man has lost his life after he was hit by a train over the weekend. The incident occurred when police were called to the area of Civic Center Drive and 1st Street Avenue NW around 10:45 Saturday night after the victim got too close to a passing boxcar. He later died at St Mary's Hospital. The RPD says while officers were at the scene of the train accident, a vehicle drove through the blocked off area and backed into the side of an apartment building in the 400 block of 1st avenue NW. Polie saw no one was hurt and the driver was arrested for suspected DWI.

Monday, the council will vote on introducing several changes to zoning laws, as recommended by the Planning Commission. The changes would correct or clarify existing language, including:Allowing a maximum of three cargo containers as permanent storage in industrial zones. The containers are currently allowed for 30 days within a calendar year. Clarifying that billboards and poster board signs are no longer allowed in certain business districts per the city"s recent overhaul of its sign ordinance. Allowing tiny homes in certain development areas. Regulating solar energy systems.

Mower County Healthcare workers are inviting the public to the Mower County Health Local Advisory Council"s Mental Health Awareness Walk on Saturday, May 18. The walk, which will start at 10 a.m. � rain or shine, will begin at Austin Manor, located at 510 23rd Avenue NW, and go to The Bridge, located in downtown Austin at 108 East Oakland Avenue. The group wants people to know that the walk is open to anybody who is either coping with mental illness, has family with mental illness or knows somebody else with mental illness.

A man in Marion Township is behind bars after allegedly driving while impaired and crashing multiple times.According to the Olmsted County Sheriff"s Office (OCSO), deputies were dispatched to a report of an accident with injuries in the 5400 block of Highway 52 SE in the Township of Marion on Saturday.James Benson, a 33-year-old man from Rochester, reportedly fell asleep while driving and crashed into a tree, a deck attached to a house, and a parked truck before the car came to a rest.Benson was suspected to be impaired and was arrested for 4th Degree DWI. According to OCSO, no one was injured during the incident.

The Freeborn County Board of Commissioners will meet Tuesday on the agenda for the board is a discussion on the budget, the sale of a tax forfeited property in downtown and County administrator Administrator Ryan Rasmusson will speak and provide an update on Broadband, discuss the Use of Affordable Housing Aid towards potential housing project in Albert LeaDiscuss County Board rules and procedures.

Two vehicles collided early Monday in Dodge County.The Minnesota State Patrol says it happened around 5:33 am at the intersection of Highway 14 and 270th Avenue. A 2015 Chevrolet Suburban driven by Kayla Lynn Rahlf, 34 of Kasson, was heading east and a 2011 Toyota Tundra driven by Robert Leroy Watson, 64 of Byron, was northbound when they crashed.The State Patrol says both Rahlf and Watson suffered non-life threatening injuries. They were taken to St. Marys Hospital in Rochester for treatment.Airbags were deployed in both vehicles.

Power 96 Sports Update 5-13

05/13/2024

Albert Lea Tiger sports The Tiger softball team went 1-3 in the Jackson County Tournament. In the first game, the Tigers lost to Jackson county centennial 7-6. In the Second game Albert lea beat Worthington 5-4, and the Third game Albert lea lost to New York Mills 3-6. Today, girls golf is in Winona to face multiple schools. Tiger baseball this afternoon at 3:30 as the Tigers are in Austin to take on the Packers. The Softball team also in Austin getting underway at 3:30. Boys Track and field also in Austin for a matchup starting at 4:30.

In other area action, Glenville Emmons/ Alden Conger softball had a tough time with Mabel Canton in double header action. GE-AC dropped game 1, 6-3 before finding themselves dismantled in a 4 inning game 2, 18-3.

The Denver Nuggets were far from done after dropping the first two games of the Western Conference semifinals at home in humbling fashion.Nikola Jokic scored 16 of his 35 points in the fourth quarter, and Aaron Gordon had 27 points on 11-for-12 shooting to propel the Nuggets to a series-tying 115-107 victory over the Timberwolves on Sunday night in Game 4. Anthony Edwards scored 44 points in another spectacular performance for Minnesota that set the franchise postseason record, shooting 16 for 25. But despite a 42-31 rebounding edge, the Wolves were beaten at their own game for the second straight time at home. The series goes back to Denver for Game 5 on Tuesday night.

Carlos Santana hit a three-run home run, Bailey Ober matched his career high by striking out 10 over 6 1/3 shutout innings and the Minnesota Twins won for the 17th time in 20 games by beating the Toronto Blue Jays 5-1 on Sunday.The Twins have won six consecutive series for the first time since September 2010.Santana homered for the third straight game north of the U.S. border, extending Minnesota"s streak of games in Toronto with at least one home run to 20. The Twins homered in 21 straight games at Kansas City between July 30, 1998, and Aug. 25, 2001.Max Kepler added a two-run double for the Twins, extending his career-best hitting streak to 14 games. After an off day today, RHP Chris Paddack will start Tuesday when the Twins return home for a three-game series against the Yankees. LHP Carlos Rodón will go for New York.

Power 96 News Brief 5-10

05/10/2024

An Albert Lea man will spend time in prison after entering a guilty plea. Kolten Wright pleaded guilty to aiding and abetting first-degree arson. Wright and a juvenile set fire to a garage in the 800 block of Garfield Avenue in Albert Lea on October 6, 2023. Investigators say Hailey Marie Merrill served as a lookout while the fire was being set and Kaden James Ashenfelterdrove the other three from the scene after the fire was started. Wright has been sentenced to four years in prison. Merrill pleaded guilty to aiding and abetting second-degree arson for acting as a lookout. Ashenfelter has pleaded not guilty to aiding and abetting first-degree arson. His trial is set to start on August 19.

The Austin Salvation Army is hosting their 31st Annual Stamp Out Hunger food drive on Saturday. Letter Carrier Food Drive Coordinator Bob Rosel says they received 20,000 pounds of food last year and expect the same this year. Rosel says the two most vulnerable groups to food insecurity are children and adults, which makes the food drive crucial.To ensure the food gets donated on time it's important to make sure residents leave the food by the mailbox by 9AM on Saturday. If they forget, letter carriers will pick it up on the Monday after.

The Freeborn County Board of Commissioners will meet this coming Tuesday on the agenda for the board is a discussion on the budget, the sale of a tax forfeited property in downtown and County administrator Administrator Ryan Rasmusson will speak and provide an update on Broadband, discuss the Use of Affordable Housing Aid towards potential housing project in Albert LeaDiscuss County Board rules and procedures.

A Lyle teenager faces 15 charges in Mower County after multiple cyber tips allegedly implicated him in a child pornography investigation. William John Ecklund, has been registered as a predatory offender since 2019, according to court documents, when he was convicted of sexual conduct with a child under age 13.Ecklund faces three charges of disseminating child pornography-registered predatory offender, minor under 14 and 11 charges of possessing a pornographic-registered predatory offender, minor under 14. Ecklund also faces one charge of felon in possession of a firearm.Ecklund is scheduled to appear in Mower County Court again May 20.

The City of Albert Lea urges residents to have their ash trees assessed for emerald ash borer damage after the Minnesota Department of Agriculture confirmed this destructive insect in many areas of the community this spring. The City has prepared for two years for infestation, implementing a plan to treat ash trees on city property and replace those in poor condition with a diversity of species. City staff will present a plan at Monday"s city council meeting to dispose of wood from ash trees taken down by property owners. The Albert Lea City Council recently accepted the lowest bid from Maier Tree and Lawn of Rochester for treating ash trees on city property.

State officials have identified the woman who died after being shot earlier this week by police. St. Paul officers were called to a home on the 1100 block of Rose Avenue East around 7:15 p.m. Monday for a suicide in progress. the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension said Friday that the woman"s mother yelled for them to come inside, and the officers went to a back room. That"s where they saw a woman, identified Friday as Pepsi Lee Heinl, sitting on the floor, and asked her if she needed help. Heinl then reportedly reached under a blanket and pulled out a handgun before standing up and pointing it at police,The BCA says it is still reviewing body camera video that captured the shooting and will give information to the Ramsey County Attorney"s Office

Mankato Police were involved in a car chase Thursday. A driver refused to stop for a North Mankato police officer on Thursday around 8 a.m.An officer first attempted to stop the driver"s vehicle near the intersection of Carlson Dr. and Lookout Dr. for a traffic violation. Ellen Therese Koenigs of Mankato refused to stop. Officers continued to follow Koenigs with lights and sirens as she traveled southbound on Lookout Dr. and eventually onto several roads in the Commerce Dr. area. Koenigs, who was traveling at speeds of 15-25 mph, refused to stop. Koenigs has since been taken into custody and transported to the Nicollet County Jail where she is awaiting charges

Power 96 News Brief 5-9

05/09/2024

A Crash on I-35 has sent a Kansas man to the hospital. Robert Hesser was taken by ambulance to Mayo Clinic Health System in Albert Lea for injuries deemed not life-threatening after his pickup left the roadway and rolled in the median on Interstate 35 near Clarks Grove. The crash occurred at around 7:00 Wednesday morning. The roads were dry at the time of the crash, and alcohol was not a factor. Hesser was wearing his seat belt.

A Stewartville man will now be sentenced after pleading guilty to assault charges. Andrew Joseph Fogan, was arrested in September 2023, at a traffic stop in the 6500 block of Highway 52. Fogan and the female driver were acting suspicious and deputies determined Fogan had committed a domestic assault in the vehicle. Officers say Fogan resisted arrest, punched a deputy in the face, and had to be tazed to be subdued. The deputy who was punched suffered a cut lip and swollen face.Fogan was charged with felony domestic assault and fourth-degree assault on a peace officer. He pleaded guilty to the domestic assault.

A Rochester man is facing charges after allegedly running away from a traffic stop. Deputies tried to pull over Corwinn Thurman for suspicion of impaired driving near College View Drive SE and Highway 14 SE just before midnight Thursday. Deputies say Thurman refused to pull over. After driving a while Thurman stopped driving and tried to run away. Deputies eventually caught Thurman.The Sheriff"s Office says Thurman refused to cooperate with deputies or submit to any testing. He was arrested for first-degree DWI, fleeing a peace officer, and other offenses.

The Freeborn County Highway Department and ICON Constructors will begin work on the replacement of a bridge located on County Road 60 3.3 miles west of Emmons. The bridge and roadway will be closed beginning May 15, 2024 and will remain closed until project completion. The tentative construction schedule shows project completion at the end of July.All road users are asked to follow detour signage on County State Aid Highways 4, 11, and 2. If residents have any questions about the project, the project schedule, or the detour route, they can contact the Highway Department at 507-377-5188.

The State Fire Marshall is in Austin Thursday to help investigate a fire. The Austin Fire Department was dispatched to the call at 104 Third Avenue SE at around 4:10 a.m. When firefighters arrived fire and smoke were visible coming from the southeast corner of the structure. McCoy said the duplex was uninhabited and that there was no power or gas service to the home. There is no estimate as to damages.

Governor Tim Walz today signed four bills into law. Chapter 89, House File 3071 requires that Minnesota Driver and Vehicle Services simplify the language of the driver"s knowledge examination. Chapter 97, House File 4661 makes technical and policy changes to improve the worker"s compensation process for businesses and injured workers. Chapter 99, House File 4310 ratifies compensation plans for several state positions. Chapter 100, House File 3454 is the veterans and military affairs policy omnibus bill

The Waseca Police Department responded to a wellness check and found the body of a deceased man. The body was found after Waseca Police Department were dispatched to a welfare check call in the 900 Block of 3rd St. S.W.After failed attempts to locate or contact the resident, officers entered the home where a 64-year-old male was found dead in the house.The Waseca Police Department requested scene processing assistance from the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension.The deceased male was transported to the Ramsey County Medical Examiner"s Office for autopsy.

Power 96 News Brief 5-8

05/08/2024

A fire in Albert Lea left a home damaged. Crews responded to a home on the 1200 block of Southview Lane around 9:30 a.m. for smoke coming out of a bedroom window. Firefighters say there was also smoke coming from the back of the home as well.Officials with ALFR say there was a person inside the house at the time of the fire but was able to get out safely before firefighters arrived. That individual was seen and treated by Mayo Clinic Ambulance Service. The cause of the fire is believed to be from a battery malfunction while an electric skateboard was charging. Damages are estimated to be around $5,000

SEIU Healthcare MN & IA announced plans to deliver a petition to Mayo leadership, calling for Mayo to meet core demands of workers. The bargaining session was for over 1,600 workers at St. Mary"s Hospital. While some progress has already been made, there are bigger issues that have yet to be dealt with. These issues are wages that respect frontline workers who kept hospitals running during the pandemic, increased training for new hires, floating holidays for workers of diverse backgrounds, and more.The petition itself has around 500 signatures.

Rochester Police have filed for a new search warrant for the Rochester Doctor accused of killing his wife. The warrant was filed Tuesday in Olmsted County District Court, asking for information about Bowman"s Bumble account and any status changes or communication related to that account between July 2023 and October 2023. Several women told law enforcement they had communicated with Bowman via Bumble just weeks after his wife"s death, that Bowman lied about how and when his wife died, and that Bowman was identifying himself as a widower to prospective dates before his wife actually died.Bowman is charged with first-degree murder.Betty Bowman died in August 2023. Bowman has not entered a plea.

A Rochester Public Schools Bus was involved in a two-vehicle crash at around 7:30 Wednesday. According to the Rochester Police Department, the crash occurred at the intersection of Third Avenue Southeast and 12 Street Southeast. Preliminary police reports indicate the pickup truck rear-ended the school bus.Rochester Public Schools have confirmed there were no children injured in the crash. The driver of the truck was also uninjured.

Minnesota state Senator Nicole Mitchell refused to answer questions during an ethics hearing on her arrest on burglary charges last month, invoking her 5th Amendment rights. The ethics hearing on Tuesday weighed action against Mitchell (DFL-Woodbury). Sen. Mitchell is accused of breaking into her stepmother's home. At Tuesday's hearing, Republicans argued lawmakers know enough about the alleged crimes, including Mitchell's own admissions, to act now. Democrats moved to delay action until at least after Senator Mitchell's next hearing in June.

A Mankato woman accused of being behind the wheel when she hit and killed a man during a road race was in court Tuesday to enter a guilty plea.Kaylee Richmond, pled guilty to criminal vehicular homicide. Richmond was driving east on Madison Avenue on August 14, 2023, when her vehicle struck Jeffery Ward at the intersection with Hope Street in Mankato. Richmond confessed she was racing another vehicle when the fatal collision happened. She now faces close to 5 years in prison. Sentencing has been set for August 2nd.

The Austin City Council recently unanimously approved a low bid for the removal and replacement of fuel dispensers at the Austin Municipal Airport. The bid, put in by Minnesota Petroleum Service, comes out to just over $742,380. Two 10,000-gallon tanks will be replaced and placed above ground allowing for easier access and gaging of fuel levels. Construction is expected to begin in June and last through to October.

Power 96 News Brief 5-7

05/07/2024

The Albert Lea School Board met Monday to discuss many topics including budget reductions for next school year. Albert Lea"s superintendent on Monday identified plans for more than $1.2 million in budget reductions and efficiencies for the 2024-25 school year. Superintendent Ron Wagner said as the recommendations were made, administration focused on students first, followed by staff and then the community.

A crash in Freeborn County resulted in two people from Kansas with injuries.The accident occurred at around 2:20 on Monday when John Albert Hopper was driving north on Interstate 35 when he went off the road near mile marker 4 and rolled his vehicle. Hopper suffered what are described as non-life threatening injuries. His passenger, Jesma Hopper,suffered injuries described as life-threatening. Both were taken to Mayo Clinic Health System in Albert Lea for treatment.

A Rochester woman who led police on a chase has now been arrested. Alysa Mohs had a warrant out for her arrest after failing to report to jail. Police saw Mohs driving and went to pull her over which resulted in her fleeing the scene reaching speeds of over 100 MPH. Police later found Mohs and her car in a ditch and was arrested after refusing to exit the vehicle. She faces DWI charges as well as fleeing police in a motor vehicle and obstructing the legal process. She will be in court next week.

A Mankato home was significantly damaged by fire over the weekend. The Mankato Fire Department responded to a call just after 1 PM Sunday to a residence at 120 Wickfield Drive. Crews found the garage and the front of the house fully engulfed. The fire on the exterior was quickly knocked down, allowing firefighters to enter the house to extinguish the fire from the inside. No one was home at the time of the fire but firefighters found and rescued several cats. The animals were taken to a vet for evaluation.Authorities estimate damages at $450,000 and the cause of the fire is under investigation.

A Mason City Man will spend time behind bars after pleading guilty to federal gun and drug charges. Tirrell Hopkins has been convicted of one count of possession of a firearm by a prohibited person and one count of possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance.�

Hopkins has admitted that in November 2023 he knowingly possessed a pistol while being a convicted felon and a drug user and confessed that at the same time he was in possession of methamphetamine, and intended to distribute some or all of the methamphetamine to another person. Hopkins faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years" in jail, a possible maximum sentence of life imprisonment, a $2,000,000 fine, and 6 years of supervised release.

The Minnesota Senate"s Subcommittee on Ethical Conduct will hear ethics complaints against DFL Sen. Nicole Mitchell and GOP Sen. Glenn Gruenhagen. Mitchell has been charged with felony burglary and her complaint accuses her of violating ethical guidelines, publishing false information and bringing dishonor to the Senate. Gruenhagen"s complaint accuses him of violating Senate ethical guidelines by distributing graphic images of children"s genitals.

Rochester Police are searching for a suspect involved in a gas station robbery. A 73-year-old man working at a Holiday gas station located at 400 4th St SE reported that he was assaulted and robbed by an unknown suspect around 4 a.m. The incident occurred when the suspect was mad after the employee asked him to leave after being in the restroom for a long period of time and then was punched by the suspect. The man sprayed the suspect with pepper spray or chemical aerosol, then the suspect grabbed some packs of cigarettes before running out of the store, according to police.

Power 96 News Brief 5-6

05/06/2024

A rollover in Freeborn County injured three people.The crash took place a little before 5:30 pm on northbound Interstate 35. Marialena Christine Nugent, was driving an SUV when she lost control near mile marker 19 and rolled.Nugent and two passengers, Nicole Cox, and Brianna Curry suffered what are described as non-life threatening injuries. All three were taken to Mayo Clinic Health System in Albert Lea for treatment.

A Mower County man will spend the next 30 years in prison after he was found guilty of second-degree murder, manslaughter, violent felon in possession of a firearm, and felony domestic assault. Law enforcement says MeDarian McGruder shot and killed Tyesha Tahne Gills Investigators say two women were "having a good time" and playing around with a Taser. A witness said McGruder was in the living room when he said, "Stop playing with me before I shoot you." A witness says she thought McGruder was joking, but then heard the Taser activate followed by a gun being fired. Gills died from a single gunshot wound to the upper chest. Austin police say she was found wounded in the 100 block of 10th Street NW and later died at Mayo Clinic Health System in Austin.

Getting caught with a gun is sending a Freeborn County man to prison.Oziel Valdez, has been sentenced to up to five years behind bars, He pleaded guilty to ineligible possession of a firearm in exchange for charges of first-degree drug possession and second-degree drug possession being dismissed.Law enforcement says it pulled Valdez over on May 6, 2023, for driving with an expired registration in Albert Lea. Investigators say a search of Valdez" vehicle found about 36 grams of methamphetamine, a firearm, and a box of ammunition.    

Police say they are trying to identify and find a second suspect in a shooting incident over the weekend.Officers were sent to the 6500 block of Lodge View Court NW at around 4:40 pm Saturday. Investigators say bullets hit a residence in the area but no one was wounded.The Rochester Police Department says a 17-year-old male was arrested shortly after the gunfire. Officers say they are now looking for someone who had been communicating with the 17-year-old before the shooting.

A Rochester man has been sentenced for his role in a brawl with police officers. Jahmaul Earthman pleaded guilty to fourth-degree assault of a peace officer. Other charges have been dropped. Earthman was sentenced to two years of supervised probation. The incident occurred when Rochester police were sent to Edgewood Apartments for a fight. Officers say they arrived to witness a fight between a male and female and were blocked from entering. A female police officer was punched and suffered a bloody nose and bruising to her face, a second officer was head-butted, and a third officer received a cut on the hand. Earthman has pleaded not guilty in another case and his trial is scheduled to start on September 3.

An ATV crash sent an Olmsted County man to the hospital.The Sheriff"s Office says deputies were called to the area of Minnesota Highway 30 in Rock Dell Township just before 11:30 pm Deputies say a 20-year-old man from Stewartville had been driving his motorized dirt bike on gravel when a dog ran in front of him, causing the man to swerve and lose control.Law enforcement says the rider suffered multiple facial injuries, including a broken jaw and a concussion. He was taken to the hospital for treatment.

The Olmsted County Sheriff"s Office says the rider was not wearing a helmet.

A Rochester man has been arrested after being caught with over one hundred pounds of Marijuana. Police arrested Gilo Gilo during a traffic stop on Interstate 90 near Stewartville. Law enforcement had a warrant to search the vehicle and a suspect. deputies found about 148 pounds of flower marijuana, more than 760 grams of cannabis concentrate, over 16 grams of cannabis edibles, and several thousand dollars in cash. Those discoveries led to a search of Gilo"s home in the 200 block of 15th Avenue SW. Investigators say additional cannabis concentrate, cash, and a loaded handgun were found there. Gilo faces possession charges.

Power 96 News Brief 5-3

05/03/2024

The City of Albert Lea will be holding a celebration of Cinco De mayo on Friday. The event will take place at the North Broadway parking lot, adjacent to the Marion Ross Performing Arts Center. The event is expected to offer food, activities and music. Various types of food will be available. From 4-6pm there will be stands set up for crafts by local artisans. Live music will also be performed from 5pm to 8pm on Friday night.

The Minnesota House voted Thursday to approve a bill on a 68-64 vote that would set new restrictions on firearms and the way they"re stored�the proposal would require gun owners to lock, unload or store a firearm when it"s not in their possession after an hours-long debate. Improperly storing a firearm would carry a petty misdemeanor charge with stiffer penalties if the gun is left in an area where a child is present or where someone not allowed to have one can access it.

During their meeting Thursday Minnesota Lawmakers passed a proposal that would boost the penalty for buying firearms for people who can't legally have them. Those who buy firearms for ineligible people would face a felony charge, up from the current misdemeanor charge and face a maximum of two years in prison, under the bill. That measure passed 71-59 with three Republicans joining all but one Democrat in voting in favor.

U.S. Senator Tina Smith (D-MN) announced grants for 70 farms and small businesses across rural and Greater Minnesota to install clean energy technology on their farms. This round of funding for Minnesota totals nearly $8 million. The funding is specifically set aside for agricultural producers and rural small businesses to install renewable energy systems or to make energy efficiency improvements. Agriculture currently accounts for roughly one-quarter of Minnesota"s greenhouse gas emissions

The Mayo Clinic Hospital in Albert Lea as well as five other locations in Minnesota and Wisconsin have earned A ratings from The Leapfrog Group, an independent national nonprofit organization that provides safety ratings. The ratings are intended to help patients choose their preferred health care destinations. The score is based on 15 measures of publicly available hospital safety data and 12 self-reported survey answers, which are combined to produce a single safety score. A panel of patient safety experts developed the measures for the score.

Mankato Police are asking for help in identifying a suspect in vandalizing a car wash at a Kwik Trip.Police say Kwik Trip staff at 921 Coneflower Lane discovered their car wash was malfunctioning. When they reviewed surveillance footage, they saw a male enter the car wash on foot at 2:30 AM on April 27. Police say the video shows him tampering with electrical boxes and ripping out wires before leaving in a white vehicle.According to police, damages are estimated to be at least $5,000.Authorities are asking for assistance in identifying the suspect. Anyone with information is asked to contact Mankato Public Safety

An Austin man charged with murder in 2021 will learn his sentence today as a judge in Mower County will be sharing his sentence in court. In February Me"Darian McGruder, 29, was convicted of two counts of second-degree murder with and without intent, second-degree manslaughter and felony domestic assault.Nearly three years ago, Tyesha Gills was shot and killed by McGruder after the two were playing with a stun gun. He waived his right of a jury trial in favor of a bench trial where a judge would hear the case and make the final decision.   

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