Email us your news tip or pictures at: news@kqprfm.com
Power 96 News Brief 9-22
09/22/2023
Four people are in the hospital after a crash in Mower County. The accident occurred at around 4:20 on Thursday afternoon when two cars driven by Yesler Ariel Garcia Amador, and Eric Heusinkveld crashed near the intersection with 270th Street. Both drivers and two passengers in Amador"s vehicle, Johan Eusebia Angulo Mairena and Areysi Antonio Jarquin Castro , all suffered non-life threatening injuries and were taken to St. Marys Hospital in Rochester for treatment. A third passenger in Amador"s vehicle, Raymon Castillo, was not hurt.
An Austin man will stand trial after pleading not guilty to several murder related charges. Jenup Stepen Chop pleaded not guilty to charges that include second-degree murder, two counts of attempted second-degree murder, and drive-by shooting toward a person.the charges come after a incident in June in the 700 block of 4th Street NW when two others in the car with Chop shot at another car which resulted in the death of a man and two others injured. The other two men dont have trial dates yet.
An Austin man and toddler escaped a house fire in Austin Thursday. The man and a toddler climbed through an upstairs window and were able to escape the blaze, which was called in around 10:50 a.m., to safety just before crews arrived. When crews arrived the home was surrounded by flames which resulted in calling in additional help. The cause of the fire was determined to be a stove burner being turned on accidentally which ignited a pizza box. The man and toddler did not sustain injury and the third occupant of the home was not home at the time of the fire.
A Rochester man pleaded not guilty to charges related to child pornograpy. Patrick John Gora is charged with disseminating pornographic work of a minor under 13 and possession of pornographic work of a minor under 13. The charges come after the Minnesota BCA received two tips about the material being uploaded to social media. After an investigation BCA used a search warrant at Gora"s home on February 24, 2022. Gora admitted having a cell phone hidden in his basement and two images of child pornography were found on that phone. Gora will stand trial in March of next year.
Power 96 News Brief 9-21
09/21/2023
An Albert Lea man was charged in Freeborn County District Court for selling methamphetamine to a confidential informant on two occasions in July. Matthew John Peterson was charged with one count of first-degree meth sales from those alleged incidents, as well as one count of ineligible possession of a firearm from a search warrant conducted at his home. Peterson has a previous felony conviction and is prohibited from possessing firearms.District Court Judge Ross Leuning ordered conditional bail be set at $100,000 and unconditional bail at $200,000. Peterson is next slated to appear in court Sept. 25
A Blue Earth man was rescued after he crashed his pickup truck into fountain lake on Wednesday morning. Police recieved a call at around 9:50 Wednesday morning about a crash on Harriet Lane. When officers arrived they saw a pick up truck belonging to Dwight Weise in the lake. Weise reportedly hit a retaining wall and went into the lake. Weise was rescued from the car by two people who were on the lake in their boat. The cause of the crash is not currently known. Weise was not hurt in the crash.
An Austin man appeared in Mower County Court on charges of second degree assault with a weapon and misdemeanor domestic assault. Lazarick Williams pleaded not guilty to the charges stemming from an incident when williams sold more that 14 grams of meth to an informant in march of 2022 and a year later Williams was arrested for assaulting the mother of his child when he choked her during a conversation about their child. Williams stand trial in late November.
A Stewartville man has been arrested after allegedly punching a police officer in the face during a traffic stop. Andrew Fogan was pulled over in the area of 6500 Hwy 52 north at a traffic stop. Police noticed Fogan and a woman in the car were acting suspicious and the woman told police learned of a domestic incident in the car which gave police probable cause to arrest Fogan where he then punched a cop in the face and was tazed. Fogan was arrested for domestic assault on the female driver and for 4th-degree assault – demonstrable bodily harm which is a felony. He was transported to the Olmsted County Adult Detention Center.
Power 96 News Brief 9-20
09/20/2023
An Albert Lea man, Semaj Maurice Dow Jr. was arrested by Albert Lea Police on several charges Tuesday evening. The charges include fleeing from police in a motor vehicle, fourth-degree assault and obstructing with force after a reported vehicle pursuit. The incident occurred at around 5:30 p.m. Tuesday evening near the intersection of South.East. Broadway and Margaretha Avenue.
Owatonna police and the regional swat team were called to a home in Owatonna. The event came after receiving a call about an apartment unit in the 100 block of 22 St Northwest Wednesday morning. Police blocked the area off as a precaution and Two hours after the initial report a suspect in the case was taken into custody after receiving a firearms complaint. Officers remain at the scene conducting an investigation.
Absentee voting will begin on Friday for votes in Alden Conger. Voters will have the chance to make their voices heard about an operating levy referendum. If approved, the levy would provide an additional $557,000 annually and would be used to provide funding for student programming, maintain small class sizes and sustain a technology initiative, set up long-term financial stability, retain and attract quality staff and help the district keep pace with changing educational needs. A similar levy failed to pass last year by a narrow margin.
A Stewartville man faces new criminal sexual conduct charges in Mower County Court after assaulting a 15 year old girl at a party. Trenton Charles Erickson failed to show up in court Monday and a warrant has been issued for his arrest. Erickson allegedly kept giving the victim alcohol after she kept rejecting him and allegedly pinned her down and assaulted her. Erickson admitted he attempted to have sex with the 15-year-old behind a shed on the property, but claimed they stopped before penetration actually occurred.
Power 96 News Brief 9-19
09/19/2023
Due to extreme drought conditions, the City of Albert Lea is urging residents to reduce outdoor water use in order to sustain underground drinking water supplies. Residents are asked to do a few things to help the effort such as Let lawns go dormant or greatly reduce watering them. Postpone washing vehicles and power-washing buildings until further notice. Continue to water trees, flowers and vegetable gardens.If residents need to water outdoor vegetation, do so only at night or early in the morning to slow down evaporation.
The City of Albert Lea is looking to save the VFW building on Clark Street. The city is looking for a contractor to help fix the building which includes fixing the roof as well as stabilize the building. The City Council voted to stabilize the building during a meeting on August 28th after reports of bricks falling from the wall into the alley and city inspectors finding the roof is failing. The city expects to pick a winning bid in October and they hope the roof can be fixed before winter.
A new store will open in Albert Lea on Friday. Ibin which will be located on 1311 W. Front St in Albert Lea will sell various overstock items from several large retailers such as Walmart and Amazon at reduced rates. The stores will be open Wednesday through Sunday and prices for the items will start at $12 Wednesday and items left at the end of the week will be $3. The store will be closed on Monday and Tuesdays so the staff can unload items and restock inventory.
Two people are in the hospital after a crash near Owatonna Tuesday morning. The crash occurred at around 5:30 a.m. when a Chevy Impala was traveling southbound on 44th Ave. while a semi was traveling eastbound on Highway 14 when they collided in the intersection. The Chevy driver Kirk Ruzek of Owatonna, and the driver of the semi, Michael Vogel, were both wearing seatbelts and taken to Owatonna Hospital with non-life threatening injuries.
Power 96 News Brief 9-18
09/18/2023
As part of a long-term plan to improve Albert Lea"s stormwater system, the City of Albert Lea will conduct smoke testing of part of the sanitary sewer system which identifies areas where stormwater enters the sanitary sewer system. When high volumes of precipitation enter the sewer system, the system can be overwhelmed, leading to sewage backups into basements or untreated discharges to the environment. Identifying the illicit connections allows the city to plan repairs to improve the system. City staff will notify residents in person or by leaving a door hanger at their homes before the testing. The area will generally be north of Front Street, between First Avenue and Washington Avenue, and south of Fountain Street, with a portion of Park Avenue, Vine Avenue and Abbott Street included.
Albert Lea Fire Rescue and Albert Lea Police Department responded to the report of a garage fire at around 1 a.m. Saturday at 319 Court St. Crews arrived on scene and found heavy smoke coming from a single-stall unattached garage in the alley. The fire was quickly extinguished by fire crews. No other buildings or structures were involved, and damages are estimated at around $10,000. The cause of the fire is under investigation. No injuries were reported.
One person is in the hospital after an RV rolled over on I-35 near Owatonna. The crash happened just before 6:15 p.m Sunday night when the driver Ireen Sommer was driving north on I-35 in a 2017 Mercedes hauling a camper trailer when she lost control and rolled into the median ditch north of highway 14. Sommer sustained non-life threatening injuries during the crash. Sommer was taken to Owatonna Hospital.
A Rochester man is now behind bars after a Friday stabbing in Rochester.Abdulkadir Ali is being held for second-degree assault with a dangerous weapon after stabbing a woman who was out for a walk Friday in the area of 8 ½ Street and 15th Avenue SE. when she was stabbed multiple times. She was taken to the hospital with non life-threatening injuries. Ali reportedly told police he suffers from schizophrenia and had been planning to stab or run over someone for several months.According to Rochester police, Ali decided on Friday to grab a knife from the kitchen, saw the woman, and stabbed her because Ali thought she looked weak.
Power 96 News Brief 9-15
09/15/2023
In Albert Lea Construction updates: This week, the contractor finished installing the gravel base on Fifth Street. Crews finished placing the water main on Frank Hall Drive and will continue to work on replacing the services to the houses next week. The subcontractor finished the remaining paint striping in Downtown Albert Lea. All work is now complete except for minor items. The striping subcontractor for the Blazing Star Trail painted the parking stalls in the parking lot this week. All work is now complete except for minor items.
Fire Crews responded to a house fire in Rochester Thursday night. The notification first came from a burglar alarm to Rochester police who found the fire and called fire crews. The cause of the fire was a chase used for pipes. No one was at home at the time of the fire and no one was injured as a result of the fire. The Rochester Fire Department says the home sustained over $100,000 in damage to the basement and main floor.
Construction crews have finished their work on Interstate 35 south of Owatonna Thursday afternoon and the road is officially open again for full traffic flow. The work was to resurface a close to nine mile stretch of road. AWeigh-in-Motion System and Road Weather Information System were also installed in one area of I-35 during construction. The hardware for these systems will be installed in the coming weeks, and it will require a lane closure for a day.
The Freeborn County Board of Commissioners will meet this coming Tuesday September 19th. The Board has several items on the agenda for the meeting. One of the items is to consider a resolution for Freeborn County to approve a Joint Powers Agreement with the state of Minnesota on behalf of the sheriff's department regarding the Minnesota Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force. The board will also introduce its newest member Lieutenant Whitney Wacholz.
Power 96 News Brief 9-14
09/14/2023
An Austin man has pleaded guilty to a charge of third-degree assault from a shooting in June. Denroy Jeffers-Brown has been sentenced to five years of supervised probation after he was originally charged with second-degree attempted murder, first-degree assault, and second-degree assault with a dangerous weapon. Jeffers-Brown was accused of shooting another man on June 3 in the basement of a home in Austin. The victim told police he was held down by another person and shot by Jeffers-Brown. A witness and Jeffers-Brown claimed the gun fell out of Jeffers-Brown"s pocket and went off. The witness told investigators it happened as Jeffers-Brown was moving to pistol whip the victim.
An Austin man faces criminal sexual conduct charges after allegedly sexting and molesting a 12-year-old who visited his neighborhood. James Ray Watkins,allegedly met the girl at a bus stop near 6th Avenue NE, Austin. Police learned last week that Watkins had been seen with the girl several times and knew where the child lives as well as her contact info. Watkins has been convicted for similar crimes in the past. Watkins is currently held in the Mower County Jail on $100,000 bail with conditions, or $150,000 bail with no conditions.His next court appearance is scheduled for Sept. 25.
Rochester Police are looking for help as they try to identify a suspect involved in a shooting at the Olmsted County Fairgrounds. The Rochester Police Department says three shots were fired at the fairgrounds at around 10 pm on September 2nd but no injuries have been reported and multiple people were present for the gunfire. Police ask anyone with any information about the shooting or the suspect to please call them or Crime Stoppers.
A Mason City man has pleaded not guilty to drug related crimes. Michael Williams will now stand trial beginning November 28 for intent to deliver methamphetamine, failure to use a drug tax stamp, and possession of marijuana-1st offense after being arrested August 20 on an outstanding warrant after he failed to appear in court for another crime when he was caught with several drugs on his person including marijuana and meth.
Power 96 News Brief 9-13
09/13/2023
Union Members at Hormel Foods in Austin will begin voting today on whether not to accept a new business proposal made to them by the company. The United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW) Local 663 will vote on approving the offer. The previous deal expires Sunday. The main issue in the negotiations is wages as well as pension pay. The bargaining committee has recommended members vote no and they hope to reach a fair agreement quickly.
A Stewartville man who was arrested for trying to stab two people is taking a plea deal. Michael Brett Judy, was arrested on May 9 for two counts of second-degree assault with a dangerous weapon, two counts of felony domestic assault, and one count of terroristic threats.
According to The Olmsted County Sheriff"s Office Judy threatened two people in the 700 block of Reichels Circle NE. Judy attempted to stab both victims through the windows of their separate vehicles and threatened to kill the female victim. Judy pleaded guilty to one count of terroristic threats and will be sentenced on October 25.
Two Rochester men will stand trial after pleading not guilty to charges from a reported shootout between the two men in May over Keys and money. Michael King Jr. is scheduled to stand trial starting March 24, 2024, for second-degree assault with a dangerous weapon and drive-by shooting toward a person. Joshua Eugene Adams will stand trial for second-degree assault with a dangerous weapon. The trail for Adams is set to begin January 16, 2024. No injuries were reported as a result of the incident.
A Mason City man has pleaded not guilty to charges from an incident where he allegedly stabbed another man in Mason City in early July. Elgin Shabazz Richmond faces charges of willful injury resulting in serious injury. According to documents, Richmond and the victim got into an argument in the 1300 block of North Federal Avenue and it turned into a physical fight involving weapons. Richmond allegedly rushed at the victim with a knife while the victim was defending himself with a crowbar. Police say the victim was stabbed in the neck and the middle of the back. Richmond"s trial is now scheduled to begin on October 31.
Power 96 News Brief 9-12
09/12/2023
The Albert Lea City Council met Monday night and approved many items up for vote. The City approved the sale of city owned property on east fourth street, and the city also approved October 14th as a clean up day where residents of Albert Lea can dispose of most items free of charge or at reduced rates at the city transfer station and landfill. There will be a fee for certain types of items such as furniture, tires and appliances. Proof of residence in the city will be required. The City also began discussion on whether or not to eliminate fines for adults at the Albert Lea Public Library.
An Austin man pleaded guilty in Mower County Court Monday on one charge of criminal vehicular homicide and leaving the scene of the accident, as well as a DWI charge. Darin Finley pleaded guilty to the charges coming from an event last December when a man as found in the middle of the road not breathing and without a pulse when officers arrived on scene. Finley was later arrested by police after evidence at the scene was consistent with damage on his vehicle.Finley is set to be sentenced on Dec. 21, 2023.
The Freeborn County Board of Commissioners will meet Tuesday night with several topics up for discussion. One of the items includes a discussion on the new Cannabis Ordinance that was recently passed in Albert Lea which made it illegal to smoke or vape cannabis products in public places in Albert Lea in several settings around Albert Lea such as city owned property, restaurants, apartment buildings, and schools.
Rochester Public Schools have been awarded $50,000 as part of a total of over $700,000 that the Minnesota Department of Transportation is giving the schools around the state as part of the Safe Routes to School program which is an international program to improve safety and reduce traffic congestion around schools. The programs goal is to make it safer and easier for students to walk and bicycle to school
Power 96 News Brief 9-11
09/11/2023
The Albert Lea City Council will meet Monday night. On the agenda for the meeting are several votes. One vote will be whether or not to convert a former office into a retail merchandise store with a carwash. The second vote will be about authorizing the sale of a vacant lot on East Fourth St. The city obtained the property through tax forfeiture and demolished an existing structure. The final vote will be on holding a cleanup day on Saturday, Oct. 14, at the Transfer Station.If approved, city residents may dispose of yard waste or household garbage for free with reduced rates for car tires, furniture, appliances and mattresses.
A Stewartville man is facing charges after being found in possession of several hundred pictures of child pornography. Brett Maronde faces three counts of possession of pornographic work after the Olmsted County Sheriff's office searched his home in Mid July after a tip from the Internet Crimes against Children Task Force. The Olmsted County Sheriff"s Office says they are working to determine if any of the children in the pornographic images are from Minnesota. Additional charges could be filed.
Hormel Foods in Austin has set a date where union members of The United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW) Local 663 will vote on a new deal proposed by the company about whether or not to approve the terms of the deal. The current deal expires on Sunday. The main issue in the negotiations is wages as well as pension pay. A union vote is set for Wednesday and Thursday of this week. The bargaining committee has recommended members vote no and they hope to reach a fair agreement quickly.
Rochester fire crews responded to a fire Sunday. The call came from a home located at 1618 Marion Road SE at around 6:50 Sunday morning. Crews arrived to find an outside fire had spread to a trailer and everyone in the trailer had escaped. Crews extinguished the flames and used a fan to remove any smoke or toxic gasses. No injuries are reported from this incident. The front deck, door, and siding of the trailer sustained damages estimated at about $5,000.
Power 96 News Brief 9-11
09/11/2023
The Albert Lea City Council will meet Monday night. On the agenda for the meeting are several votes. One vote will be whether or not to convert a former office into a retail merchandise store with a carwash. The second vote will be about authorizing the sale of a vacant lot on East Fourth St. The city obtained the property through tax forfeiture and demolished an existing structure. The final vote will be on holding a cleanup day on Saturday, Oct. 14, at the Transfer Station.If approved, city residents may dispose of yard waste or household garbage for free with reduced rates for car tires, furniture, appliances and mattresses.
A Stewartville man is facing charges after being found in possession of several hundred pictures of child pornography. Brett Maronde faces three counts of possession of pornographic work after the Olmsted County Sheriff's office searched his home in Mid July after a tip from the Internet Crimes against Children Task Force. The Olmsted County Sheriff"s Office says they are working to determine if any of the children in the pornographic images are from Minnesota. Additional charges could be filed.
Hormel Foods in Austin has set a date where union members of The United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW) Local 663 will vote on a new deal proposed by the company about whether or not to approve the terms of the deal. The current deal expires on Sunday. The main issue in the negotiations is wages as well as pension pay. A union vote is set for Wednesday and Thursday of this week. The bargaining committee has recommended members vote no and they hope to reach a fair agreement quickly.
Rochester fire crews responded to a fire Sunday. The call came from a home located at 1618 Marion Road SE at around 6:50 Sunday morning. Crews arrived to find an outside fire had spread to a trailer and everyone in the trailer had escaped. Crews extinguished the flames and used a fan to remove any smoke or toxic gasses. No injuries are reported from this incident. The front deck, door, and siding of the trailer sustained damages estimated at about $5,000.
Power 96 News Brief 9-8
09/08/2023
The Albert Lea Healthcare Coalition has announced that the Ball in the Mall fundraiser slated for October is being postponed. The decision was made due to the closing of the Albert Lea MercyOne clinic at the end of the year Once a new provider and partner has been found the Ball in the Mall will take place. All proceeds from the ball were donated to the Albert Lea Healthcare Coalition. No funds were ever sent to MercyOne.
An Albert Lea man now has a warrant out for his arrest after failing to appear in court of charges from when he stoles gas from a Kwik Trip in Austin in 2019.Kyle Gerald Williams failed to show up to his original court date in December of 2019. Austin police issued the warrant in 2019 which was served this year that included $500 bond. Williams failed to appear for his hearing Wednesday of this week and a warrant was issued for his arrest Thursday, Sept. 7
The Freeborn County Board of Commissioners will meet this upcoming Tuesday with several topics to discuss. One of the items includes a discussion on the new Cannabis Ordinance that was recently passed in Albert Lea which made it illegal to smoke or vape cannabis products in public places in Albert Lea in several settings in Albert Lea such as city owned property, restaurants, apartment buildings, and schools.
Four Rochester residents have been arrested in connection with gunfire.Gunshots were reported on August 31 in the 2800 block of Northern Valley Drive, near Bowlocity. Bullet holes were found and shell casings were recovered in the area. The Rochester Police Department executed search warrants Wednesday in the 6800 block of Chester Heights Drive SE. Officers found gun parts and a vehicle that was hit by gunfire during incident. The four suspects were arrested Thursday morning on charges of drive-by shooting, second-degree assault, and reckless discharge of a firearm. The investigation is ongoing and more arrests and charges are expected.
Power 96 News Brief 9-7
09/07/2023
An Albert Lea man was sentenced to over a decade in prison after being found guilty on all charges. Adam Haeska was found guilty of two counts of first-degree criminal sexual conduct, two counts of domestic assault, and fifth-degree drug possession.He was arrested in August of 2022 when Investigators say Haeska sexually assaulted a woman and when he was searched by police Haeska was found in possession of two hypodermic needles and a baggie with close to three grams of methamphetamine. He pleaded not guilty and after a four-day trial in May, a jury found Haeska guilty of all charges and will spend 13 years in prison and must also spend 10 years on conditional release after getting out of prison.
A Chicago Man has pleaded guilty after robbing a Rochester bank. Jacari A. Peters pleaded guilty to robbing the Sterling State Bank on 25th Street in Rochester on September 10, 2021. Investigators say the teller gave Peters over $1,500 from the drawer and he left the bank. Peters was arrested when he was caught trying to rob a bank in Pine Island as well that same day. He was pulled over on Highway 57 in Dodge County and taken into custody. Peters was deemed incompetent to stand trial in the case before that was reversed. A charge of Simple robbery carries a sentence of up to 10 years in prison and a fine of up to $20,000.
Rochester police arrested a man after he assaulted and robbed a man Wednesday. officers responded to Central Park at about 1:30 on a report of a man assaulting another man.Officers located Sekouba Kenneh, who immediately surrendered to police.Kenneh had blood on his knuckles and a pair of allegedly stolen sunglasses on his person. Park witnesses say Kenneh was talking and punched the man in the jaw when he took out his phone to call police.The victim was taken to St. Marys with a missing tooth and possible jaw injury. Kenneh was taken to the Adult Detention Center and faces charges of 1st-degree robbery and 3rd-degree assault,
During a city council meeting Wednesday Rochester Police Department proposed an ordinance on behalf of the Rochester City Council to address the city"s concerns with its unsheltered population.The two major pieces of the ordinance have to do with panhandling and camping within city limits. The RPD proposal would call for a ban on both. The City remains focused on providing more resources to Rochester"s homeless population.
Power 96 News Brief 9-6
09/06/2023
The Albert Lea Health Coalition held a public meeting Tuesday to address the Mercy one health clinic closing its doors in Albert Lea and what the next steps will be. During the meeting Brad Arends the president of the Albert Lea Healthcare Coalition says they have already engaged in conversations with other healthcare providers about moving into the former MercyOne location. The coalition says they are confident they will find the right fit for their healthcare system. Mercy one is currently scheduled to close its doors in Albert Lea on December 31st of this year.
The Austin City Council has approved the new installation of cameras inside Riverside Arena. The new cameras are part of a new requirement for all North American Hockey League teams which include the Austin Bruins. The cost of the cameras will be covered by the NAHL but the city of Austin will cover the cost of the installation. The camera system will provide enhanced review ability for officials, the scoring table, team personnel, and fans. The cameras will be installed before next season.
Family Service Rochester is receiving close to $150,000 to work in partnership with Olmsted Medical Center in Rochester and FiftyNorth in Northfield to offer multi-site dementia education and referral specialists, strengthen coordination between healthcare and community-based organizations, and organize region-wide public forums on brain health, memory care, and caregiver supports. The money comes from the Minnesota Board on Aging as they fund efforts to raise awareness and educate about Alzheimer"s disease and related dementias.
A Mason City man who was caught with a gun and illegal drugs after a home search has pleaded guilty to charges including possession with intent to deliver meth and possession of a firearm as a felon. Darius Stackhouse was arrested after law enforcement searched a home in the 1400 block of S. Pennsylvania Avenue in Mason City in May of 2022.Investigators say they found a handgun, marijuana, and methamphetamine.Stackhouse has been sentenced to five years of supervised probation.
Power 96 News Brief 9-5
09/05/2023
No injuries were reported in a fire this morning in a trailer being pulled by a truck in Albert Lea. At 11:29 a.m. Sept. 2, Albert Lea Fire Rescue was dispatched to 2808 Bridge Ave. Crews found the trailer had been disconnected from the towing vehicle with flames coming out of the front half of the trailer roof.Firefighters removed belongings from the trailer as they extinguished the fire. They remained on scene for an hour.The cause of the fire was radiant heat from a trailer tire, according to Albert Lea Fire Rescue. Damages were estimated at $17,000.
Albert Lea Fire Rescue responded to a motorcycle fire early Sunday morning. The fire occurred at around 3:40 near an apartment complex near 800 SOUTH. Fourth Ave. Upon arrival, firefighters found a motorcycle fully engulfed in flames with the fire impinging on a passenger vehicle. Fire crews extinguished the fire. The cause of the fire remains under investigation by Albert Lea Fire Rescue and Police Department with the Minnesota State Fire Marshal contacted. The motorcycle was a total loss, estimated at $3,635, with minor damage to a passenger vehicle. No injuries have been reported from the fire.
Rochester Police responded to gun fire at the Olmsted County Fairgrounds Saturday night. According to police, a fight broke out outside Graham Arena while several parties were going on. Witnesses say the fight led to gunshots being fired. Investigators say those involved in the fight were between the ages of 15 and 20. no shell casings were found at the scene but there was a bullet hole through a radiator. No injuries have been reported and no arrests have been made at this time. The incident is still under investigation.
A Rochester man has pleaded guilty to charges stemming from a collision that resulted in one person's death and two others injured. Deng Tong Kwel, pleaded guilty to criminal vehicular homicide-operating a motor vehicle in a grossly negligent manner. Kwel was speeding and weaving in and out of traffic on East Circle Drive NE in April of 2022 when he eventually lost control near the intersection with Century Valley Road NE, went through the median, and smashed into another vehicle.The driver of the other vehicle, Cynthia Gomez of Rochester, was killed. Kwel and a passenger in Gomez" vehicle, suffered non-life threatening injuries.
Power 96 News Brief 9-1
09/01/2023
This weekend the City of Albert Lea is inviting residents to Celebrate Daisy Fest with family, food and fun. The event will take place this Saturday, Sept. 2, at Central Park, located at 300 W. Clark St.,the event will last from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. At this wellness event, more than 40 vendors will showcase a variety of holistic and useful items, along with food and music from local performers. There"s also a chance to win prizes throughout the day.
Construction continues in Albert Lea:In Downtown The contractor completed paving several downtown streets. The Next steps include pavement markings such as center striping and parking stalls, sod placement along the new sidewalk, cleanup and corrective items.
The contractor finished replacing underground utilities on Fifth Street and started removing the pavement on Frank Hall Drive. Crews are moving the temporary water supply to the affected houses on Frank Hall Drive. Utility replacement will begin next week, as will excavating and installing the new gravel road base.
Rochester Police are investigating a shooting that took place in Northeast Rochester in the 2800 block of Northern Valley Drive at about 8:15 Thursday night. An officer reported the sound of shots fired to dispatch, and was told law enforcement had gotten several calls about gunshots in the NE Rochester area. An apartment building and at least two vehicles were damaged by what witnesses recalled as between eight and 30 shots fired. According to Police they have not located any victims, and local hospitals reported no gunshot wounds. the shooting appears targeted.
A Rochester man was arrested for violating his probation and the arrest led to Rochester Police seizing more than 250 grams of various drugs after a search of his home and car . The Rochester Police Department says Jon Ask was seen leaving home around 5 p.m. on Wednesday. He was wanted for a probation violation and officers stopped Ask"s vehicle and took him into custody.Police found 48 grams of crack cocaine in Ask"s possession, which led to search warrants being issued for his home and vehicle.Investigators say the driver of Ask"s vehicle could also be facing charges.
Power 96 News Brief 8-31
08/31/2023
The MercyOne Clinic in Albert Lea has announced that it will be closing at the end of the year. The Albert Lea Healthcare Coalition, a group of residents, spent more than four years petitioning the hospital system to move into Minnesota after Mayo Clinic moved services to Austin. In the statement from the ALHC they say they remain committed to their purpose of the community controlling needed healthcare services and restoring lost services for citizens. MercyOne will officially close on December 31st.
The Minnesota Secretary of State Steve Simon stopped in Albert Lea Wednesday to speak with local business owners about the ups and downs they've faced over the past year. The trip to Albert is a part of his tour of the state. The secretary discussed several leading concerns from people throughout the state, including a lack of labor, affordable housing, and childcare. Simon also spoke with high school students at Albert Lea High School about the importance of voting and how students can pre-register to vote thanks to a new law recently passed by the state.
The City of Albert Lea will be part of a Netflix series about Blue Zones. Albert Lea has a few moments of screen time in a Netflix series available for a limited time. The series is called “Live to 100: Secrets of the Blue Zones,” the series will take viewers around the world with author Dan Buettner to discover five communities where people live extraordinarily long and vibrant lives.Albert Lea became the first Blue Zones certified community in the United States in 2016.
A Mantorville man facing charges stemming from a standoff with police while he was inside a shed with a shotgun in Mid August appeared in court on multiple assault charges resulting from the incident. Russell Hilsman pleaded not guilty to charges of 1st-degree assault against a peace officer and 2nd-degree assault with a deadly weapon in Dodge County Court Wednesday. Hilsman is next scheduled to appear in court for a pretrial hearing Nov. 22.
Power 96 News Update 8-30
08/30/2023
A motorcyclist was taken to the hospital Tuesday afternoon after he lost control of his motorcycle and tipped over at the intersection of Freeborn County Road 45 and 298th St. in Clarkes Grove. Kevin Whitmore was traveling northbound on County Road 45 at around noon Tuesday and was going to turn right on 298th Street when he came onto lose gravel and lost control of his motorcycle which caused it to tip over. Whitmore was wearing a helmet at the time of the accident and was taken to the hospital as a precaution.
A Rochester man is facing multiple charges after allegedly attacking his wife with a machete. Eugenio Jarquin-Pena was arrested at around 11:45 Tuesday for charges of second degree assault, threats of violence, and domestic assault. Officers were called to the 2000 block of 31st street NW. after a woman reported her husband went out drinking and, came home and pulled her to the ground and began attacking her. The man then began swinging a machete. Jarquin-Pena was arrested after he opened the door to the home. Investigators located the machete as well as a hammer and screwdriver used in the incident. The victim was scratched but was not harmed otherwise.
A 14 year old Mankato teen is facing several charges in connection with multiple incidents that occurred in North Mankato. The teen was charged in Nicollet County District Court with one court each of burglary tool possession, motor vehicle theft, driving without a license, possession of drug paraphernalia, and four counts of tampering with a motor vehicle. Investigators say the charges clear several cases that were investigated this summer.
A Mower County man who had avoided arrest for two years on an outstanding warrant for criminal sexual conduct with a minor has entered pleas in the case. Rodolfo Orataya Lopez pleaded not guilty to felony first degree criminal sexual conduct penetration of a child under 13, first degree criminal sexual conduct – sexual contact with child under 13 and felony second degree criminal sexual conduct-sexual contact victim under 13. Lopez was charged in 2021 with sexually assaulting a five-year-old girl. After being arrested Lopez failed to show up for a subsequent hearing in April 2021. A warrant was issued that day.Lopez remains in the Mower County Jail, held on $250,000 with no conditions and $125,000.
Power 96 News Brief 8-29
08/29/2023
No injuries were reported in a fire Monday morning at 702 Garfield Ave. Albert Lea Fire Rescue was dispatched at 1:10 a.m. Aug. 29 to the home, where crews found fire coming from the two-stall detached garage. Fire crews quickly extinguished the fire, and remained on scene for about an hour to put out hot spots.The cause of the fire was a home-made oil lamp that tipped over as the owner was leaving the garage area, according to Albert Lea Fire Rescue. The garage and contents were a total loss, estimated at $22,000.
The Albert Lea City Council approved a new ordinance that will expand the no smoking in public places rule in the city to include cannabis along with tobacco. The new ordinance applies to “any cannabis flower, or cannabis product that can be inhaled through the means of smoking or an electronic device.” Those who break the rule will face a misdemeanor charge. The rule applies to many public places such as schools, eating establishments and bars, apartment buildings and city owned buildings.
Albert Lea will receive a visit from the Minnesota Secretary of state Wednesday.Steve Simon will visit Albert Lea High School about the importance of voting. Once Simon is done speaking with students the Albert Lea-Freeborn County Chamber of Commerce will host a conversational event with Simon aimed at fostering open dialogue and community engagement. The event will start at around 12:15 Wednesday and is open to the public Attendees will have the chance to ask questions, share insights and gain a deeper understanding of the Secretary of State"s initiatives and priorities.
Austin Police responded to a call about a teenager carrying a firearm. Officers were called when a resident called saying they saw a man walking in the 700 block of 6th Avenue SE around 11 a.m. Monday morning with what looked like a firearm.The suspect was detained by police in the 500 block of 10th Drive SE, after which officers determined that he had a pellet gun and there was “no ill intent.” the suspect was taken to an adult family member"s home, where police dropped off the boy and the air rifle.
Power 96 News Brief 8-28
08/28/2023
An Albert Lea woman was injured when a vehicle rolled over on Interstate 90 in Hayward Township at around 1:30 Friday afternoon. Pamela Johnson, was reportedly taken to Mayo Clinic Health System in Albert Lea for injuries that were deemed to be non life-threatening, according to the Minnesota State Patrol. The report stated Johnson was driving a 2004 Jeep Liberty westbound on I-90 when she lost control of the vehicle and rolled into the median. Alcohol was not a factor, and Johnson was wearing her seat belt at the time of the rollover.
Edgewater Park in Albert Lea saw hundreds of visitors on Saturday for the Let Inclusion Fly Kite Festival, which raised money for a new inclusive playground that is being built in Albert Lea. The event raised a little more than $27,000, according to organizers. A group of donors announced it would give a combined $50,000 toward the park for the festival as a match to funds raised from the festival. Money will continue to be raised to support the match through Friday.
The Albert Lea City Council will hold a vote at its meeting Monday on expanding no smoking to cannabis products at city parks and other public areas. Current city law prohibits smoking or chewing tobacco in city property such as parks, City Hall and City Arena, along with places like restaurants, stores, schools, hospitals, nursing homes and common areas of apartment buildings.The law change, would add “any cannabis flower, or cannabis product that can be inhaled through smoking or an electronic device.” The Albert Lea Parks and Rec Board voted at its Aug. 21 meeting to recommend the council adopt the ordinance change.
The Minnesota Department of Transportation is investigating a part of Interstate 35 near Owatonna after two serious car crashes happened in a construction zone within one week of each other. Both crashes occurred in the same area, the first taking place last Sunday when five people were injured in a six-car pileup. Two of them are still in the hospital with life-threatening conditions. The second crash occurred on Friday,involving three different vehicles which resulted in two deaths.
Power 96 News Brief 8-25
08/25/2023
A Rochester man was saved by an unknown man while he was drowning at Foster Arena Park. Rochester Police received a call at around 2 p.m. Thursday reporting a man was drowning. Police arrived to see the man had been helped from the lake and had been given life saving aid. Police do not know the identity of the man who rescued the victim, but he would likely be nominated for a lifesaving award.
Rochester Police say the conducted a warrant sweep around the city of Rochester Thursday. Rochester Police Officers executed seven knock and announce warrants between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. Thursday. the Rochester Police Department says a 16-year-old was taken into custody for possession of a stolen firearm. Investigators say the gun they found was taken from a vehicle in Northeast Rochester.
A North Iowa man wanted for a violent burglary has been arrested.
Keyshawn Lofton was booked into the Cerro Gordo County Jail just before 9 Thursday night He"s charged with first-degree burglary. Investigators say Lofton entered a home at around 6 am Monday. Lofton is accused of going into the bedroom of a minor female and trying to smother her with a pillow. Documents state the victim was choked unconscious and suffered visible bleeding cuts, abrasions, and bruising to her face.
Police are searching for a Mankato man who is suspected of assaulting a woman Thursday. Mankato Public Safety responded to a report of an injured female at a home on Elm St. officers found a woman who was unresponsive with obvious injuries from an assault. The woman was transported to a hospital for treatment of her injuries. John Robert Olson was identified as a suspect and faces charges including 3rd-degree assault, 1st-degree criminal sexual conduct, kidnapping, felony domestic assault, stalking, and tampering with a witness.
Power 96 News Brief 8-24
08/24/2023
Due to the forecasted heat today, the Thursdays on Fountain concert series will be held at the 112 on Broadway starting at 5:30 pm.
A Mower County man is getting another prison sentence for attacking a man in Freeborn County.Terrance Gustav Book pleaded guilty to second-degree assault with a dangerous weapon for an incident on July 25, 2022. Law enforcement says Book was armed with a knife and a wooden bat when he beat another man. Book has been sentenced to three years and nine months in prison. That will be served at the same time as a five-year prison sentence Book received in Mower County for first-degree aggravated robbery and possession of a firearm after being convicted of a crime of violence.
A Rochester man was sentenced to about 4.4 years, after being convicted of promoting the prostitution of an individual. Andre Franklin was arrested in September of 2021, when police responded to a call that a woman had tried to stab him. Police claim that the female victim had fought with Franklin after he allegedly “sold her body” to their upstairs neighbor, for between $40 and $100. Franklin was acquitted of a charge of sex trafficking, but convicted of promoting prostitution in June of this year.He was sentenced in Olmsted County court on Monday, Aug. 21. Schulte,is scheduled to stand trial on a charge of engaging in prostitution in late October.
Ten members of a Rochester-based methamphetamine trafficking ring have been sentenced to prison. According to court documents, from September 2021 through February 2022, Jerry Milliken, 41, led a large-scale methamphetamine trafficking conspiracy based in Rochester. Milliken and his nine co-conspirators organized the delivery of drugs from Kansas City, Missouri, to the Rochester area. Between the fall of 2021 and the winter of 2022, law enforcement seized approximately 80 pounds of methamphetamine from the conspiracy during various enforcement operations.
A Rochester is going back to prison.Charles Randy Payton Lewis , has been sentenced to five years in prison, after being found guilty by a judge of possession of a firearm after being convicted of a crime of violence.Lewis was driving on September 28, 2022, when he was pulled over by Rochester police in the 1700 block of North Broadway. An officer noticed a lump in Lewis" front pocket that resembled a pistol magazine. Lewis was then searched and police say he had a black pistol in his front pocket.
Power 96 News Brief 8-23
08/23/2023
Great American Kites & Events, along with the All Together Albert Lea Inclusive Playground & Miracle Field and Albert Lea Convention and Visitors Bureau, are hosting “Let Inclusion Fly! Kite Festival” from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday at Edgewater Park.The event will be in the same location as where the inclusive playground is expected to be built to raise awareness for where it will be across from the newer pavilion. The event will also feature face-painting, games, a dunk tank, a raffle and food vendor. All proceeds will go towards the inclusive playground and Miracle Field.
Austin Public schools has announced the next Austin Packers Girls Hockey Coach. Sultanna Akkerman has been hired to lead the Packer Girls hockey team for the 23-24 season. Akkerman, who works as a Sales Solution Specialist at Hormel foods, played hockey at Rochester Century. Akkerman has been coaching for Austin Youth Hockey and was a volunteer coach for Austin High School during the 2022-23 season. Akkerman replaces Kendra Maxfield and Corey Squire who co-led the Packers last season.
Rochester firefighters responded to a report of black smoke coming from a building in Northwest Rochester. Crews responded at around 10:30 Wednesday morning to 20 6th street NW which was once an escape room. After investigation the cause was found to be a cooking appliance. One person was taken to the Mayo Clinic in Rochester as a precaution to be evaluated for smoke inhalation. Crews were able to clear and ventilate the scene.
Rochester residents got a visit from Riders from the veteran's nonprofit Project Hero who stopped in Rochester Tuesday as they are currently partaking in a five-day bike trip to raise money for former military and first responders. The ride started in St. Paul and stopped in Rochester Tuesday afternoon as their second day of the excursion. Project Hero helps veterans and first responders suffering from PTSD through outdoor therapy programs like the bike trip
Power 96 News Brief 8-22
08/22/2023
Albert Lea schools welcome students back, with the new year comes new policies about cell phone usage. There will now be designated times and areas of the school where students are allowed to use their phones during school and places in the school where phones are prohibited. Teachers can also establish their own rules when it comes to cell phone use in their classrooms. Students will have three strikes about usages and once a student reaches strike three a parent will have to come get the phone.
The Minnesota Court of Appeals has overturned the rule of a district court judge after ruling that the travel plaza in Albert Lea was immune to being part of an annex that would see the business lose 7.6 acres of land and increase property taxes and deferred assessments for city services and infrastructure. After several appeals the plaza was ruled immune before The Minnesota Court of Appeals reversed the judge"s ruling. The Court ruled the annexation process had followed state law and the Travel Plaza"s concerns about paying increased taxes for city services were not enough to stop it.
A Mantorville man faces assault charges after a standoff with Dodge County law enforcement last week. Dodge County Sheriff"s Office got a call that Russell Herbert Hilsman was in a shed on his property with a gun and he said he wanted to die. Hilsman said he had multiple guns and propane tanks. The sergeant said Hilsman sounded intoxicated.After police captured Hilsman he was taken to St. Marys for evaluation, then the Olmsted County Adult Detention Center, where he remains on $75,000 bail with conditions, or $150,000 bail with no conditions.Hilsman"s next court appearance is scheduled for Aug. 30.
The Rochester Police Department is asking for help in identifying a suspect who they caught on camera kicking in a window at Gargaar Grocery on 6th Avenue NW Rochester at around 3am on Monday. Investigators say that according to the video the suspected man kicked in the window and then left the scene going north on 6th Avenue NW. Anybody with info or who may know the man is asked to call the Rochester police non-emergency line
Power 96 News Brief 8-21
08/21/2023
Two people were injured Saturday night on I-35 north of Albert Lea after a vehicle rollover. The Minnesota State Patrol report indicated Erhumwerese Clara Amadasun was driving a 2019 Jeep Cherokee north on I-35 near milepost 14 when the vehicle left the roadway and rolled at around 11p.m. Amadasun and her passenger, Eghe Amadasun were taken to Mayo Clinic Health System in Albert Lea for injuries deemed not life-threatening. Both were wearing their seat belts, and alcohol was not a factor.
A Byron man is in jail for second-degree assault with a deadly weapon. Lee Stellmaker is also facing a charge of domestic assault. The Olmsted County Sheriff"s Office says it got a call about a domestic assault in the 100 block of 8th Street NE in Byron. Deputies say they responded and found a 50-year-old woman bleeding from a 2 ½ inch cut to her arm. The woman told deputies she had been in a fight with Stellmaker, who was intoxicated, and he cut her. Deputies noticed blood on Stellmaker"s pants and located a knife. Investigators say Stellmaker"s blood alcohol content tested at .28, over three times the legal limit.
Freeborn County and much of the surrounding area is under an excessive heat warning from noon today until 7 p.m. Thursday as dangerously hot conditions are expected to bring heat index values as high as 113. overnight temperatures during the heat warning will only drop to the lower to middle 70s, providing little relief from the effects of the heat overnight.Drivers should be aware of buckling roads during the heat as well.
A Rochester man was arrested after a pursuit through the Gold Rush Days event. According to the Olmsted County Sheriff"s Office, Frankie Hanson, 47, was arrested after a report that he tried to start a fire at Self Storage Facility. While fleeing Hanson was seen taunting responding deputies and drove through stop signs. Hanson returned to the storage unit where deputies believe he may have been living. And resist arrest and He is being held on multiple charges.