Local News

Power 96 News for Thursday March 12th, 2026.

03/12/2026

A St. Paul man arrested with over 100 pounds of methamphetamine during a traffic stop in August on Interstate 35 in Freeborn County pleaded guilty Tuesday in federal court to conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine. As part of a plea agreement, Carlos De Jesus Hernandez Carpio pleaded guilty to the charge, and the government agreed to dismiss two additional counts, including distribution of methamphetamine and possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. According to the agreement, agents with the Drug Enforcement Administration in July 2025 arranged for a controlled purchase of one pound of meth from a co-conspirator for $2,400. On July 23, Carpio reportedly met an undercover agent at a location in St. Paul, where he delivered one pound of meth and provided the agent with his name and phone number. The agreement states that based on sentencing guidelines that look at his criminal history and other criteria, guidelines call for a sentence of 46 to 57 months in prison, though Carpio acknowledges that regardless of the guidelines, the statutory mandatory minimum sentence is for 10 years in prison. Both parties will be free to recommend whatever sentence they deem appropriate at sentencing and reserve the right to make motions for departures from the sentencing guidelines or other variances. The agreement also states that the parties understand that the guidelines are advisory and that the court may vary or depart from the applicable guidelines range. Carpio will not be able to withdraw his guilty plea if the court does not accept the sentencing recommendation of the parties.

The National Weather Service has issued a high wind warning effective Thursday evening through Friday morning. Northwest winds of 30 to 40 mph are likely with gusts up to 65 mph expected. The Weather Service states damaging winds could blow down trees and power lines, and widespread power outages are possible. Travel will be difficult, especially for high profile vehicles. People are advised to secure loose objects that could be blown around or damaged by the wind. The warning remains in effect from 10 p.m. Thursday through 7 a.m. Friday. The weather agency has stated there is a high chance for more than 6 inches of snow Saturday night through Sunday evening.

The Mower County Board of Commissioners on Tuesday morning cleared the way for a cannabis grow and manufacture facility to begin operation in rural Mower County. Commissioners voted unanimously to approve six conditional use permits (CUPs) related to the 125-acre, six parcel operation near LeRoy that will include five fields for the growing of cannabis and one parcel designated for a fully-enclosed manufacturing process. The fully-enclosed process is a closed-looped system that will not allow for open-air solvents with no outdoor processing, drying or storage of any kind with no exterior lighting or light spill from the facility. The land in question, located in the 74000 block of 115th Street, LeRoy, is enclosed by existing natural buffers with the closest neighbor situated approximately 1,220 feet away from the property.

Steele County is the latest county to determine if they wish to stay a shotgun only area, or if they will allow the new rifle hunting rules. The Steele County Board of Commissioners" public hearing on potential changes to local deer hunting firearm regulations will be during their meeting at 5 p.m. March 24. Their meetings take place at the Steele County Administrator Building in the board room.

Power 96 News for Wednesday March 11th, 2026.

03/11/2026

The Shell Rock River Watershed District Board of Managers on Tuesday approved a $7.7 million contract with dredging and marine construction company J.F. Brennan Co. for the third and final phase of dredging on Fountain Lake. Shell Rock River Watershed District Administrator Andy Henschel said dredging will begin in the spring and take two years to complete. The project calls for removing about 600,000 cubic yards of sediment out of portions of Bancroft Bay, Bancroft Creek and the east basin of Fountain Lake"s main bay. Upon completion, the Fountain Lake Restoration Project is expected to have removed between 1.7 and 1.8 million cubic yards of sediment from Fountain Lake. The district said in a press release the sediment removal is a major step toward improving water quality and moving the Lake closer to delisting it from Minnesota"s Impaired Waters List.

Albert Lea Fire Rescue says it tackled a house fire early Tuesday in the 400 block of Maurice Avenue. Firefighters arrived at 6:57 a.m. to find flames visible on two sides of the house. The residents were found at a neighbor's home, having suffered smoke inhalation. Mayo Clinic Ambulance Service treated two children and one adult on-site before transporting them to Mayo Clinic Health System in Albert Lea. Damages are estimated at $30,000. The Minnesota Fire Marshal's Office is investigating the cause. The Albert Lea Police Department and the Salvation Army assisted at the scene.

A 59-year-old Florida man was injured Monday afternoon when a semi crashed on Interstate 35 south of Albert Lea. George Lester Copeland, of Kissimmee, Florida, was 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 Copeland was driving a 2016 Kenworth semi southbound on Interstate 35 near milepost 3 at 3:50 p.m. Monday when the semi failed to turn properly in a curve area, left the roadway and collided with the median barrier. Copeland was listed as wearing his seat belt, and alcohol was not a factor. The roads were dry at the time of the crash. The Glenville Fire Department, Freeborn County Sheriff"s Office and Mayo Ambulance assisted at the scene.

A high-speed chase in Cerro Gordo County is sending a North Iowa man to prison. Clay Douglas Kalvig, 37 of Mason City, pleaded guilty to eluding, possession of marijuana with intent to deliver, and driving while barred. The Cerro Gordo County Sheriff's Office says it arrested Kalvig on November 4, 2025, after he fled a traffic stop and drove through several streets at high speeds, damaging police vehicles and a construction zone. Kalvig was apprehended near 5th Street SE and South Vermont Avenue. Court documents state marijuana and drug paraphernalia were found inside his “significantly damaged” vehicle. He has now been sentenced to up to 15 years in state prison.

Power 96 News for Tuesday March 10th, 2026.

03/10/2026

The Albert Lea City Council opted to approve $166,750 in improvements, far from the full $1.9 million dollar project presented at the last meeting. Improvements passed were for new keys and a monitoring system, as well as sidewalk repairs to eliminate tripping hazards, sealing windows that had been leaking and ordering cubicles for the lower level to replace the current ones that are not OSHA compliant. Rigg said the project will be primarily funded by the building maintenance fund and a mix of utility reserves. The council voted 7-0 on the smaller list of improvements after voting 5-2 against the 1.9 million dollar option.

A collision occurred around 9:10 pm Monday at the intersection of Northbound Highway 218 and Twenty-First Avenue Northwest, involving two vehicles. The Minnesota State Patrol says a 2009 Hyundai Santa Fe, driven by a 17-year-old male, was traveling westbound on Twenty-First Avenue when it collided with a 2019 Hyundai Tucson, driven by 52-year-old Oman Ogalla Oman of Mankato, who was heading northbound on Highway 218. The airbags did not deploy in the Santa Fe, and the driver reported no injuries. Both Oman and his passenger, Ariet Okway Didumo, 52 of Mankato, were wearing seat belts. Oman was uninjured, while Didumo sustained non-life-threatening injuries and was transported to Mayo Clinic-Austin for treatment. The road conditions were dry at the time of the collision. Austin Police Department and Mower County ambulance services responded to the scene.

Charges have been dropped against a man accused of a bloody knife attack. Naing Lin, 42 of Austin, was charged with second-degree assault with a dangerous weapon and domestic assault. The Austin Police Department says Lin attacked another man twice on September 14, 2025. Police said the victim was flown to Mayo Clinic in Rochester for medical treatment. The Mower County Sheriff's Office says the victim and primary witness in the case have disappeared and not responded to attempts to contact them. Prosecutors say without their cooperation, it would be impossible to prove Lin guilty beyond a reasonable doubt and they filed to dismiss all charges against him.

A former Wells man was sentenced Monday to just shy of a combined two years in the Faribault County Jail for criminal sexual conduct with a minor he mentored and coached. Michael Allen Swanson, 56, in December entered an Alford plea to two counts of second-degree criminal sexual conduct, involving a victim under 16 years by a person in a significant relationship. One count was for incidents from June 2017 through July 2019, and the other was for incidents between mid-August 2019 through mid-August 2021. Sixteen other counts - one count of first-degree criminal sexual conduct involving penetration or contact of a victim under 16, including multiple acts over time, along with 15 counts of first-degree criminal sexual conduct - were dismissed.

Power 96 News for Monday March 9th, 2026

03/09/2026

An Albert Lea man was sentenced Friday to four years and one month in prison for fleeing from a courtroom while in custody in December, assaulting a deputy and then running down the main courthouse stairs before he was tased by another deputy. Jacob Steven Segura, 27, in January pleaded guilty to one count of attempted escape from custody as part of a plea agreement with the Freeborn County Attorney"s Office. He also pleaded guilty to domestic assault in two other cases involving a family member in one case and his girlfriend in another. The 49-month sentence was tied to the escape from custody charge, while he was sentenced to 30 months for each of the domestic assault charges. All three sentences will be served concurrently. Segura will receive credit for 79 days already served in prison on the two domestic charges and 78 days on the escape from custody charge. He will serve two-thirds of his sentence in prison with the other one-third on supervised release if he has no infractions in the prison.

The Albert Lea City Council will evaluate four project options for City Hall at its meeting on Monday after rejecting a $1.9 million remodel proposal for the building, which is nearly 60 years old. The council faces urgency, as the low bid for the project expires on March 20. If the council does not act by then, they will need to rebid the project. They have 4 options that they will discuss to maintain City Hall at 221 East Clark Street, with some enhancing safety and efficiency. The council will also recognize two police officers for recovering a missing child and vote on acquiring a property to remove a hazardous structure. Meetings will be held at City Hall, 221 East Clark Street, with a work session at 5:30 p.m. and a regular meeting at 7 p.m. Ward 3 Councilor Ted Herman may join online while out of town.

A Freeborn County man has been sentenced in two theft cases. Alan Edward Christensen, 43 of Albert Lea, pleaded guilty to felonoy theft of a motor vehicle and gross misdemeanor theft. Law enforcement says Christensen shoplifted a total of $654.60 work of items from Home Depot on June 19, 2025, then stole an ATV worth about $25,000 on August 14, 2025.Christensen has been ordered to spend three years on supervised probation, perform 40 hours of community work service, and pay a total of $300 in fines.

A Mason City man has received a 13-year federal prison sentence after pleading guilty to conspiracy and distribution charges related to methamphetamine. Federal prosecutors say between January 2024 and February 2025, Kevin Knight, 45, participated in a methamphetamine distribution conspiracy in Mason City. Investigators say they documented his involvement in the drug trade and that Knight's criminal history includes thefts, forgeries, burglaries, domestic abuse assault, and four previous methamphetamine-related convictions. Judge Leonard T. Strand sentenced Knight to 156 months in prison, followed by a five-year supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system. Knight remains in the custody of the United States Marshal awaiting transfer to a federal prison. The Cerro Gordo County Sheriff"s Department and the Iowa Division of Narcotics Enforcement investigated the case, with prosecution by Assistant United States Attorney Ron Timmons.

Power 96 News for Friday March 6th, 2026.

03/06/2026

Fifth Ward Councilor Keith Van Beek announced Thursday he is running as a Republican candidate for the Minnesota House of Representatives in District 23A. The seat is currently held by Rep. Peggy Bennett, who has announced her campaign for governor.

Van Beek said his campaign will focus on restoring accountability in state government, expanding opportunities for young people through strong rural schools and ensuring local businesses can grow without unnecessary mandates from St. Paul, according to a press release.

He also emphasized his campaign will be grounded in core constitutional principles, including a firm commitment to protecting the Second Amendment. Van Beek also expressed appreciation for Bennett"s service to the district. Van Beek was elected to the Albert Lea City Council in 2024. In that role, he has emphasized transparency, fiscal responsibility, and open communication with residents while working to ensure local government remains responsive and accountable to the people it serves.

The North Iowa Children's Museum (NICM) is announcing its official permanent home in Clear Lake. NICM says the location at 2405 15th Avenue N in the Fieldstone Neighborhood behind Culver's offers "exceptional visibility from the interstate, convenient access for families, proximity to dining and retail amenities, and ample space for future expansion." In partnership with Pritchard Companies, NICM says the new site will introduce an automotive-themed exhibit that will feature a hands-on mechanic shop to encourage early STEM learning through imaginative play.

A Florida man was charged Tuesday in Freeborn County District Court in what authorities say was part of an alleged ATM ‘jackpotting" attempt in Albert Lea. David Santa Cifuentes, 26, of Tampa, Florida, was charged with one count of aiding and abetting unauthorized computer access-penetrate security system or electronic terminal, a gross misdemeanor. Court documents state officers responded to an ATM alarm going off at 4:49 a.m. Monday at Accentra Credit Union at 1619 Blake Ave. in Albert Lea. The ATM had been the subject of jackpotting attacks on three previous occasions. The court complaint stated the sergeant who responded was aware that jackpotting ATMs is a rising issue, often carried out by groups from out of state. One member of the group opens an ATM with a key to get security information, while another member observes law enforcement"s response before returning to plant software that will give access to the money kept in the ATM. The sergeant located a vehicle in the AT&T parking lot, about 150 yards from the bank, where it is normally uncommon to find a vehicle at night. When the sergeant approached the vehicle, he noted movement in the driver"s seat. There also were fresh tracks in the snow from the tires and from footprints. The vehicle had Texas plates and was running. The individual in the front seat was reportedly laying in the front seat facing away from the door, and there was clothing covering the illuminated dash and screen. When the sergeant knocked on the door, the individual, later identified as Cifuentes, immediately sat up. The sergeant checked the man"s Florida driver"s license and found he had a Texas warrant for his arrest. When police searched his car, the man received text messages on his phone, which was reportedly in plain view. The messages, in Spanish, translated to, “brother, leave me a message when they release you,” and “Call Martin, he is waiting for you,” according to court documents. The sergeant stated this indicated to him that he believed he was being observed by other members of the jackpotting group. Cifuentes was also reportedly found to be wearing the same coat as the man captured on camera by the credit union, who was seen unlocking the ATM and taking a picture of the inside. In court Tuesday, Freeborn County District Court Judge Christy Hormann set unconditional bail at $6,000, and conditional bail at $2,000. Cifuentes is next slated to appear in court March 12.

Power 96 News for Thursday March 5th, 2026.

03/05/2026

The Freeborn County Sheriff"s Office is asking for help from Clarks Grove residents for information tied to possible gunshots fired Tuesday night in the city. The Sheriff"s Office is asking residents to check their security cameras between 10 and 11 p.m. on Tuesday at which time several gunshots were reported in northeast Clarks Grove. The department received a report at 11:16 p.m. Tuesday tied to gunshots that had occurred right before 10:30 p.m. The reporting party stated there were six shots fired followed by a pause, followed by six more shots. The caller also reported seeing a vehicle leaving the area at the same time, though they were unsure if it was related. People are asked to call the non-emergency dispatch line at 507-377-5200, extension 5, if they see anything worth sharing on camera footage or if they have any information regarding the gunshots.

A Dodge County man facing two counts of attempted murder is taking a plea deal. Johnathan David Harris, 53 of Kasson, was arrested on April 11, 2025, after law enforcement was called to the 500 block of 1st Avenue NW in Kasson. Investigators say Harris tried to stab a woman with a knife during an argument and when another male tried to stop him, Harris tried to stab him. Law enforcement says the other male received several cuts to his hand and had to be taken to the hospital for treatment. Harris was charged with two counts of attempted murder, two counts of second-degree assault, and domestic assault. He's pleaded guilty to one count of second-degree assault. A sentencing hearing is scheduled for May 6 in Dodge County District Court.

Governor Kim Reynolds has directed all flags in Iowa to be flown at half-staff in honor of Major Jeffery O"Brien of Waukee and Sgt. Declan Coady of West Des Moines, who were killed in action on March 1, 2026, in Port Shuaiba, Kuwait. Both soldiers were part of the 103rd Sustainment Command in Des Moines. Flags will remain at half-staff on the State Capitol Building and across the Capitol Complex, as well as on all public buildings and facilities throughout Iowa. The governor encourages individuals, businesses, and local governments to do the same as a sign of respect.

An Austin man is facing criminal charges after a drive by shooting that took place on February 27. Travis Jon Hatfield, 33, faces charges of Dangerous weapons - drive by shooting toward a person, Dangerous weapons - drive by shooting toward occupied motor vehicle or building, Two counts of second-degree assault - dangerous weapon, Reckless discharge of a firearm within a municipality, Carry a pistol without permit - first offense, Carrying a pistol while under the influence of alcohol. According to court documents, law enforcement was dispatched to a home on the 300 block of 13th Street NE in Austin at around 12:16 a.m. on February 27 for a report of gunshots. When officers talked to one of the victims, he said Hatfield had a gun, had shot it in his face, was actively drinking and driving, and fled the area in a gold/tan Nissan Rogue. While at the jail, officers noticed Hatfield"s eyes were bloodshot, his speech was slurred, and he smelled of alcohol. It was also determined that Hatfield did not have a permit to carry a gun.

Power 96 News for Wednesday March 4th, 2026.

03/04/2026

The Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) announced that prescribed burns will take place this spring across several wildlife management areas in Worth, Winnebago, Wright, Hancock, Cerro Gordo, and Franklin counties. Areas scheduled for prescribed burns are Hogsback Marsh, Wood Duck Marsh, Myre Slough, Pilot Knob, Good Neighbors Marsh, Harmon Lake and Rice Lake in Winnebago County. And Elk Creek, Grass Lake and Winans Creek in Worth County The DNR says the aim of these burns is to enhance wildlife habitats, control invasive species, and maintain native plant communities. They also help reduce wildfire risks. Each burn can range from a few acres to several hundred acres, and areas are typically burned every four to five years. Prescribed burns are planned to start in mid to late morning and finish by late afternoon or early evening, from mid-March to mid-May. If conditions are not met, burns may be rescheduled for the fall.

Austin residents will have to be more careful where they park after the city council increased the punishment for violations. According to the Austin Police Department, the city council recently raised fines for parking violations from $10 to $25. For snow emergencies, the fine has been raised from $25 to $50. The risk of vehicles getting towed is also still on the table. Police are also reminding residents to not use city streets as a place to park junk vehicles, campers, or trailers. These new fine totals are effective immediately.

March is the month to connect with the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources" fisheries offices across the state. The agency is updating fisheries management plans for 197 lakes in 52 counties in 2026 and is inviting Minnesotans to reach out and share their input. The DNR encourages people with thoughts on the future management of a lake with a scheduled plan update to call or email the area fisheries office for that water body before March 31. Area fisheries teams will consider the public"s observations and comments as they develop updates for each management plan. Local lakes scheduled for the management plan include Freeborn and Beaver lakes.

Stealing a truck is sending a Mason City man to prison. Kaleb Martinez Prestby, 38, pleaded guilty to second-degree theft. The Mason City Police Department says Prestby stole a 2019 Ford Ranger parked at River II Apartments on January 25. The theft was reported around 12:50 am and police say Prestby lost control of the truck as he drove away, hitting a median and a light pole before stopping in a yard near Sixth Street and South Adams Avenue. Mason City police officers say they conducted a high-risk stop and took Prestby into custody. Prestby has now been sentenced to up to five years in state prison.

Power 96 News for Tuesday March 3rd, 2026.

03/03/2026

Police continue to investigate the deaths of three adults found in a home on Saturday. Officers discovered the bodies in the 500 block of 509 South Adams Avenue shortly before 5:00 p.m. Police say the deceased individuals have been identified as Larry Gene Walker, 73, the property owner; Shey William Pals, 39; and Morgan Lee Tarr, 33, all from Mason City. Family members were notified the same evening. The Iowa Medical Examiner's Office will conduct autopsies. Evidence from the scene is being processed, with laboratory analyses underway. The Mason City Police Department says final reports may take several weeks to complete, and causes of death will be announced once the investigation concludes.

An 82-year-old man was injured Friday evening after he was struck by a vehicle on the 300 block of Clark Street. Thomas Richard Laite of Albert Lea was taken to Mayo Clinic Health System in Albert Lea for treatment. According to police, Laite was crossing Clark Street, traveling southbound, when he was struck by a 2015 Nissan Rogue traveling eastbound driven by Luvern Robert Rasmussen, 83, of Albert Lea at 6:37 p.m. Rasmussen told police he did not see the pedestrian in the roadway and attempted to stop upon noticing him but was unable to avoid the collision. No citations were issued.

The individuals involved in a fatal auto collision Saturday in Mower County have been identified. The Mower County Sheriff's OFfice says Ana Farias De Torres, 73 of Waterloo, Iowa, was trapped in a passenger car after the collision and was pronounced dead at the scene. The driver of the passenger car, Ignacio Torres Valencia, 69 of Waterloo, IA, suffered serious injuries. A second passenger in the car, Giovanni Hilario Torres-Birrueta, 26 of Waterloo, IA, suffered minor injuries. A pickup truck driver, Kenneth Duane Haarstad, 60 of Austin, also suffered minor injuries. The Sheriff's Office says the collision happened around 1:22 pm Saturday at the intersection of 610th Avenue and 170th Street when the southbound bound and northbound pickup truck crashed. The truck was towing a flatbed trailer at the time and the car caught fire. Weather and roadway conditions are believed to have been contributing factors in the crash.

The Blue Earth County Sheriff"s Office is asking for the public"s help in finding a missing person. According to BECSO, 84-year-old George Bruce Door of rural Mankato was reported missing on Sunday, March 1. He was last seen at his home around 8 a.m. on Saturday, February 28. Door"s landlord reported that he and his black 2007 Chrysler Town and Country minivan, MN license plate HHL901, were gone later that same morning. Investigators checking multiple areas in Blue Earth and Nicollet counties have been unable to locate Door or his vehicle. Anyone with information is encouraged to call BECSO at 507-304-4863.

Power 96 News for Monday March 2nd, 2026.

03/02/2026

Age Friendly Freeborn County invites the public to hear a free educational presentation on Thursday, March 19, 2026. Frauds and scams are on the rise, with some targeting older adults. There are ways to protect yourself and your personal information. Come and learn how to detect, prevent and report fraud and what to do if you are scammed. Learn about the numerous types of fraud including dating, IRS, jury duty, warrant for arrest, computer, mail, check, credit card, abuse and Medicare fraud. Age Friendly Freeborn County is partnering with Minnesota Aging Pathways and the Albert Lea Police Department for the two presentations, one at 9:00 a.m. and one at 11:00 a.m.   Nicole Cummings, from Minnesota Aging Pathways and Lieutenant Jeff Strom and Detective Luke Tuzinski from the Albert Lea Police Department will be the presenters. No registration is required for this event. The presentation will be live streamed and posted on Albert Lea Healthcare Coalition and Age Friendly Freeborn County"s Facebook pages.

Emergency responders discovered three dead adults in a home on South Adams Avenue just before 5 pm Saturday. The Mason City Fire Department and Mason City Police Department were dispatched to the scene following reports of unresponsive individuals inside the residence. Investigators say there were no signs of foul play or struggle. A Medical Examiner's Investigator arrived to assist with the investigation. The area surrounding the home has been secured and will remain so as investigations continue. Mason City Police Chief Mike McKelvey says no further information will be available until Monday to allow for proper notifications and investigative procedures.

A devastating two-vehicle crash occurred around 1:22 pm Saturday in Mower County at the intersection of 610th Avenue and 170th Street. The Mower County Sheriff's Office says a passenger car collided with a pickup truck, resulting in the car catching fire. Deputies say the passenger car, driven by a 69-year-old man from Waterloo, Iowa, was traveling south when it hit the northbound pickup, which was towing a flatbed trailer. The crash resulted in serious injuries to the driver, who was taken to Mayo Clinic Health System - Austin. The Sheriff's Office says a passenger in the car, a 73-year-old woman from Waterloo, was trapped and later pronounced dead at the scene despite emergency efforts. Another passenger, a 26-year-old man from Waterloo, suffered major injuries and was also transported to the hospital. The pickup's driver, a 60-year-old man from Austin, sustained minor injuries and did not need hospitalization. Weather and roadway conditions were observed at the scene and are believed to have been contributing factors in the crash.

Starting Tuesday, spring load restrictions will be enforced on Freeborn County highways. The restrictions will take effect when load restriction signs are posted. According to state statute, all gravel roads in Freeborn County will be limited to five tons per axle during this period. Highway maps with the load postings can be found on the Freeborn County website under the Public Works Department.

Power 96 News for Friday January 27th, 2026.

02/27/2026

A routine traffic stop on Interstate 90 near Albert Lea last Friday turned into the seizure of approximately 50,000 fentanyl pills, according to the Minnesota State Patrol. The agency posted on its Facebook page Thursday afternoon that a trooper stopped a vehicle for speeding and noticed signs of possible drug activity.

With help from their K-9 partner and the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension, they found nine packages containing pills. “That single stop prevented tens of thousands of dangerous pills from reaching Minnesota communities,” the post stated. “Large-scale seizures like this disrupt the supply of fentanyl - a drug linked to hundreds of overdose deaths in Minnesota each year - and help keep our communities safer.” The name of the driver has not yet been released.

The joint superintendent of the Osage and Riceville school districts is resigning. Barb Schwamman has posted a message to social media that she will be stepping down as superintendent, effective June 30, to take the position of Director of District and School Support with Keystone AEA. Schwamman says she and her family "have been truly blessed and proud to be part of these communities for over a decade." Schwamman says she will remain "fully committed" to making sure there is a smooth transition to the next superintendent.

Spring load restrictions will begin on Freeborn County Highways, Tuesday, March 3, 2025. Restrictions go into effect when load restriction signs are posted. Per State Statute, all gravel roads in Freeborn County will be restricted to 5 tons per axle during the Spring Load Restriction period. Highway maps showing the load postings are available on the Freeborn County website under the Public Works Department.

Police say a woman missing for over two months has been found safe. Sanita "Faith" Asberry, 53, was last seen in Rochester on December 20, 2025. The Rochester Police Department (RPD) asked for the public's help locating her in mid-February. On Friday morning, RPD announced that Asberry has been found safe in another state. Investigators say they thank everyone who contributed or shared information on this case.

Power 96 News for Thursday February 26th, 2026.

02/26/2026

A two-vehicle collision in northern Minnesota seriously injured a Freeborn County woman. The Minnesota State Patrol says the crash happened around 10:30 pm Wednesday in Cass County. The State Patrol says a 2025 Chevrolet Tahoe SUV driven by Jordan Lamont Hartmann, 20 of Wadena, was pursuing a 2013 Ford Escape driven by Rosanne Beatrice Bauer, 51 of Albert Lea. Jordan Hartmann is listed as a full-time sheriff's deputy on the website of Wadena County. The crash report says both vehicles were heading east on 76th Street SW when the Escape went out of control on the icy roadway as it turned into King Richard Avenue SW. Both vehicles went off the road and crashed. The State Patrol says Bauer was not waering a seat belt and suffered life-threatening injuries. She was taken to North Memorial Health - Robbinsdale Hospital for treatment. Hartmann suffered non-life threatening injuries and was transported to Lakewood Health System in Staples. The Wadena County Sheriff's Office, Cass County Sheriff's Office, Motley Fire Department, Staples Ambulance, and North Memorial Air Care assisted with this incident.

A Mitchell County man charged with 15 child porn felonies is pleading not guilty. Damon Wesley Powers, 44, is accused of 15 counts of possessing or purchasing depictions of minors in a sex act. Powers was charged after investigators said they searched his home in June 2025 and found images and videos of child pornography stored on Powers' electronic devices. A trial is set to begin on April 8 in Mitchell County District Court.

During its meeting Tuesday, the Mower County Board of Commissioners voted to take no action on the stance of leaving the county as shotgun-only for deer hunting. With Tuesday"s unanimous vote, the status of deer hunting firearms use in Mower County defaults to a new state law that allows for the use of rifles. According to numbers provided during Tuesday"s meeting, 31 counties in Minnesota have taken up conversations around the issue with 11 voting for either rifle hunting or taking no action. Only two counties have voted to remain shotgun only.

Attacking two people with a machete is sending a Rochester man to prison. Anthony Nolan King-White, 39, has been sentenced to four years and three months behind bars after pleading guilty to second-degree assault and third-degree assault. King-White will receive credit for 341 days already served. The Rochester Police Department says King-White attacked a man with a machete at an Elton Hills Court NW on February 3, 2025. Court records state the victim was left with an 8 to 10 inch long laceration from his jaw to his neck. Officers say the cut was several inches deep and bled heavily. Police say King-White then swung a machete at another man on March 17, 2025, at the 6th Street Parking Ramp. Investigators say the victim was cut on the forehead, leaving a wound that bled heavily and needed seven stiches to close.

Power 96 News for Wednesday February 25th, 2026.

02/25/2026

The Albert Lea City Council voted 4-3 Monday against moving forward with the contract to remodel City Hall, citing struggling residents overloaded with recent increases in property taxes and higher assessment valuations. Councilors Reid Olson, Brian Anderson and Larry Baker voted in favor of the project, while Mayor Rich Murray and Councilors Rachel Christensen, Ted Herman and Keith Van Beek voted against.

A Clear Lake man accused of stealing from over a dozen motor vehicles has pleaded guilty. Daniel Tchizige, 20, was charged with 16 counts of third-degree burglary and one count of fourth-degree theft. He eventually entered a guilty plea to seven counts of third-degree burglary. Court documents state Tchizige illegally entered 16 different vehicles with the intent to steal between the evening of October 15, 2025, and early morning October 17, 2025, in Clear Lake and Ventura. He has now been sentenced to two-years of supervised probation and must pay $1,118 in damages. Tchizige received a deferred judgment, meaning this conviction will be removed from his record if he successfully completes his sentence.

Minnesota Governor Tim Walz has directed all United States and Minnesota flags at state buildings to fly at half-staff from sunrise on Wednesday to sunset on Thursday, honoring Reverend Jesse Louis Jackson, Sr., who passed away at 84. Meanwhile in Iowa, Governor Kim Reynolds announced that flags in Iowa will be lowered to half-staff on two consecutive days to honor two prominent figures including Jackson. On Thursday, flags will be at half-staff to honor Billie Lee Ray, former First Lady of Iowa, who passed away on February 18 at 97. On Friday, flags will be lowered in memory of Jackson.

Hormel Foods Corporation has named Donald Monk as its chief technology officer, effective March 23. Monk will lead the company's technology strategy, focusing on digital and data advancements to support long-term growth. Monk brings over 35 years of global technology experience, including a tenure as chief information officer at General Mills. Hormel says he is recognized for leading enterprise transformations and building advanced digital ecosystems.

Power 96 News for Tuesday February 24th, 2026.

02/24/2026

Albert Lea Fire Rescue (ALFR) responded to a shed fire in the 17000 block of 760th Avenue on Monday night. Crews arrived at 10:42 p.m. to find the equipment and hay shed engulfed in flames. Firefighters attempted to tackle the blaze but had to retreat when the roof started collapsing. Heavy machinery was used to remove burning equipment and hay, which were extinguished outside the structure. Firefighters continued to battle the fire from exterior doorways into the early morning hours, leaving the hay to burn due to deep-seated flames. The cause of the fire is under investigation but is believed to be accidental. ALFR received assistance from the Glenville, Hayward, and Clarks Grove Fire Departments, as well as the Freeborn County Sheriff"s Office. Both the equipment and the shed were total losses, though damage estimates are not yet available.

The Albert Lea City Council voted 6-1 Monday to expand the number of retail cannabis registrations available in the city from two to four, along with increasing the requirements for applicants wishing to open up shop. The ordinance identifies that a business has 180 days to open once its registration is approved and clarifies that there is no waiting list for registrations. If an application is submitted when no registrations are available, it becomes void after 30 days.

The ordinance also clarifies that the city is making decisions to protect the “public health, safety and welfare of the city residents” when it makes decisions regulating cannabis businesses.

A plea deal is struck over 14 child porn felonies in Mower County. Jason Dean Vandeweerd, 41 of Austin, was charged with one count of use of minors in a sexual performance and 13 counts of possession of pornographic work involving a minor under 14. The Austin Police Department says a tip from the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Investigation led to an investigation that discovered of thousands of images and videos of child sexual abuse material in Vandeweerd's home. Vandeweerd has not pleaded guilty to four counts of possession of pornographic work involving a minor under 14. The other charges will likely be dismissed when Vandeweerd is sentenced, which is scheduled for May 15.

A Waterloo teen is pleading not guilty to an armed robbery in North Iowa. Jontavious Raejon Akeem Phillips, 17, is charged with first-degree robbery for an incident on January 4 in Mason City. Law enforcement says Akeem Phillips was at a home on North Jefferson Avenue around 3 am when he pointed a handgun at another person and told the victim not to move. Court documents state Akeem Phillips then demanded money and fled with the victim's belongings. A trial is set to begin on April 7 in Cerro Gordo County District Court.

Power 96 News for Monday February 23rd, 2026.

02/23/2026

No charges will be filed against the rural Alden man who shot and killed his 45-year-old son in September in self defense as his son attacked his family, Freeborn County Attorney David Walker said Friday. Walker said he reviewed the reports sent to his office regarding the shooting death of Joshua Petersen, and he completed an Administrative Death Review. He shared his conclusion with the Freeborn County sheriff and the lead investigating detective and noted the investigation was thorough and proper. Walker stated “The evidence proves that the shooting of Joshua Petersen was a legally justified exercise of self-defense. Joshua Petersen had attacked his father, mother and brother.” The county attorney said video of the incident from home surveillance video cleared showed Joshua Petersen attacking all three of his family members with a metal pipe that he used like a baseball bat. “The family was unable to retreat from him and were unable to stop his attack,” Walker said. “At the instant that he was shot, he was on top of his brother and was beating his head with a closed fist. The use of the firearm was justified in self-defense and in defense of others.” Sheriff Ryan Shea previously said Dave and Shari Petersen both suffered injuries to their upper bodies and heads, with one more severely hit in the head. Joshua Petersen"s brother, Jason, had injuries to the legs. All three were treated at Mayo Clinic Health System in Albert Lea and released. Joshua Petersen had violated two harassment restraining orders when he came to his parents" house that night. The orders, filed in 2022, prevented him from being at the residence or having contact with his parents through 2027. His brother also had a harassment restraining order against him that had expired last year.

The Albert Lea City Council is set to vote on significant changes to local cannabis and tobacco regulations on Monday. In addition, the council will decide whether to accept a $1.46 million bid to remodel portions of City Hall, enhancing security and creating more efficient workspaces. Public hearings on street reconstruction projects, including parts of Valley Avenue, Marshall Street, 14th Street, and St. Mary Avenue, will take place before the council votes on proceeding. The regular meeting is scheduled to start at 7pm at City Hall.

A fatal collision occurred Sunday in Mower County when two vehicles collided on Highway 218. The incident involved a 2023 Nissan Rogue and a 2020 Freightliner semi. The Nissan, driven by 31-year-old Luke James Ball of Austin, Minnesota, was traveling southbound, while the Freightliner, driven by 39-year-old Labh Singh Banger from Regina, Canada, was heading northbound. Tragically, Ball died from his injuries at the scene. The Freightliner's passenger, 47-year-old Varinder Bawa, also from Regina, sustained non-life-threatening injuries and was treated at MCHS Austin. Both drivers were wearing seat belts, and alcohol was not suspected in the crash. Local agencies, including the Austin Fire Department and Mayo Ambulance, responded to the scene. The road was dry at the time of the crash.

Rosina Food Products, Inc. has issued a recall for approximately 9,462 pounds of ready-to-eat frozen meatball products due to potential contamination with metal fragments. The U.S. Department of Agriculture"s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) says the affected meatballs were produced on July 30, 2025, and include 32-ounce packages of "Bremer FAMILY SIZE ITALIAN STYLE MEATBALLS" with a "BEST BY" date of October 30, 2026. These packages have timestamps from 17:08 through 18:20 and are marked with establishment number “EST. 4286B” inside the USDA inspection mark. FSIS discovered the issue following a consumer complaint about metal fragments in the meatballs. Although no injuries have been reported, FSIS advises consumers to discard or return the products to the place of purchase. The recalled meatballs were distributed to Aldi supermarkets across the country. FSIS emphasizes that affected products may still be in consumer refrigerators or freezers and should not be consumed.

Power 96 News for Friday February 20th, 2026.

02/20/2026

A trial has been scheduled for a Mower County man charged with 21 child pornography felonies. Shadow Hawk Mallan, 30 of Austin, will stand trial starting April 20 for three counts of disseminating child porn, 13 counts of child porn possession, and five counts of soliciting a child to engage in sexual conduct. The Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension says it received a cybertip in October 2025 of suspected child sexual abuse material being uploaded to the internet. Investigators say the material was traced to an online account used by Mallan. According to court records, Mallan admitted to law enforcement that he had received child abuse material and was actively soliciting minors via the internet.

The Food and Drug Administration has updated a peanut butter recall affecting more than 22,000 single-serve products distributed to 40 states, including Iowa. The recall includes peanut butter packets and small cups containing both peanut butter and jelly. These products were produced by Ventura Foods and mostly sold under private label brands. The recall was initiated after pieces of blue plastic were found in a filter at the production facility. Consuming the affected products could cause temporary illness, though it's not likely to result in anything serious or life-threatening.

The Albert Lea school district is facing budget reductions of $2 million or more for each of the next three years based on updated enrollment numbers for this school year and projections for the coming years. In a presentation to the school board Monday, Paul Durbahn, executive director of finance, operations and safety for the district, said this year"s average daily membership decreased by about 102 to about 3,190, and the next three years are projected to have a continued slow decline. By fiscal year 2029, average daily membership is projected to be below 3,000. Durbahn said he is recommending the district reduce its expenditures by $2.6 million for the 2026-27 school year, followed by decreases of an additional $2.25 million in the 2027-28 school year and $2 million more in the 2028-29 school year. District leaders organized a task force of community members, parents, teachers and district administration to look at how to stop that trend and consider other alternatives to how the district is operated. District leaders hope to have task force recommendations to review publicly in March with final budget decisions taking place in June.

The History Center of Freeborn County will host its annual meatball supper from 5 to 7 p.m. Feb. 27 at the Albert Lea Moose Lodge, 1623 W. Main St. The meal will include meatballs, mashed potatoes, gravy, veggie and a dinner roll. Tickets are $12 per person and can be purchased at the History Center or through board members. If you would like to purchase tickets by phone with a credit card, call 507-373-8003.

Power 96 News for Thursday February 19th, 2026.

02/19/2026

An Albert Lea man was among those hurt in a semi/tow truck collision in southern Minnesota. The State Patrol says a 2007 Freightliner tow truck driven by Joshua David Manges, 41 of Albert Lea, was stopped on the right shoulder of northbound Interstate 35, pulling out a vehicle near mile marker 28 in Steele County. A 2020 Kenworth semi driven by Sergio Rivas, 59 of Las Cruces, New Mexico, was northbound and struck the tow truck. The collision happened at 10 pm Wednesday. The State Patrol says Manges and Rivas suffered non-life threatening injuries. Rivas was taken to Owatonna Hospital for treatment. The Steele County Sheriff's Office and Ellendale Ambulance assisted with this accident.

A northeast Iowa man has been sentenced for child sex crimes. James Michael Eberhart Sr., 52 of McGregor, pleaded guilty to grooming and telephone dissemination of obscene material to a minor. A charge of sexual exploitation of a minor was dismissed as part of a plea deal. The Mar-Mac Police Department says a member of law enforcement posed as a 14-year-old girl on Facebook and engaged in a conversation with Eberhart between November 12 and November 15, 2025. Court documents state Eberhart attempted to coerce the supposed 14-year-old girl into sending him nude photos multiple times. Eberhart also allegedly sent his victim a picture of himself exposing his genitals. He has been sentenced to up to 5 years in prison and must pay a $430 fine.

One of the teens arrested for burglarizing a gun store in Mason City has been sentenced. The Mason City Police Department says LaDanian Pannhoff, 18 of Mason city, Parker Thompson, 20 of Mason City, Dayce Nixon, 19 of Mason City, and a 17-year-old stole from Hart Brothers Weaponry on June 6, 2025. Officers say they got to the store around 1:24 am to find the front door open and a smashed display case inside that was missing several weapons. Law enforcement then obtained search warrants for four Mason City homes and two vehicles. Searchers found seven handguns, six of which were identified as stolen from Hart Brothers. Nixon has now pleaded guilty to third-degree theft and been ordered to spend one year on supervised probation and pay a civil penalty of $855. Nixon received a deferred judgment, meaning this conviction will be removed from his record for successfully completing his sentence. Court records indicate state charges against Pannhoff and Thompson have been dismissed to allow for their federal prosecution. The 17-year-old was charged as a minor and a name was not released.

The Rochester Police Department is seeking assistance from the public to locate Sanita "Faith" Asberry, a missing 53-year-old woman. Asberry stands 5 feet 3 inches tall, weighs 190 pounds, and has black hair and brown eyes. She was last seen on December 20 on North Highway 52 in Rochester. Anyone with information about Asberry's whereabouts is urged to contact the Rochester Police Department at 507-328-6800 or call 911.

Power 96 News for Wednesday February 18th, 2026.

02/18/2026

An Albert Lea man was arrested on suspicion of driving while intoxicated Monday evening after he reportedly rolled his vehicle on Lakeview Boulevard near the road"s intersection with Grace Street. Police stated Thomas Allen Fynbo, 25, was taken to the hospital for minor injuries. According to the report, authorities were called at 6 p.m. for a report of a single vehicle rollover north of the intersection of Lakeview Boulevard and Grace Street. Fynbo was driving a 1998 Jeep Cherokee and reportedly tried to pass another vehicle on Lakeview Boulevard at a high-rate of speed but lost control of the vehicle and rolled the vehicle on its side. He reportedly got out of the vehicle and fled on foot but was located a short while later at 933 S. First Ave. Police stated he had visible injuries and was brought back to the hospital to be checked out. There, police executed a search warrant for a blood draw for suspicion of DWI, and after that he was released. He has not yet been formally charged.

Commuters using eastbound Interstate 90 should be on the lookout for a crash near Austin Wednesday morning. According to MnDOT"s Minnesota 511 website, a crash was reported between Exit 181 at 28th St. NE and MN 56 along eastbound I-90. The crash was reported just outside of Austin.

A sentence has been handed down in the case of a man hit by a car in Albert Lea. Lancelot James Marcks, 21 of Albert Lea, has been ordered to spend 170 days in the Freeborn County Jail, followed by two years of supervised probation. Marcks must also pay a $300 fine. Marcks was charged with second-degree assault with a dangerous weapon for the incident on December 4, 2024, in the 1300 block of Louis Street in Albert Lea. Police say the mother of Marcks" child had gone to his home with her boyfriend to confront Marcks over some threats made to abduct the child. Witnesses say Marcks accelerated his car and struck the boyfriend, sending the male victim up onto the hood, windshield, and roof of the car before he fell off. Court documents state Marcks then grabbed a rock and threw it at the victim. Marcks pleaded guilty to a reduced charge of third-degree assault.

The House, a homeless shelter located in Mason City, closed last Tuesday after city officials cited residential zoning violations and a lack of sprinkler systems as the reason. Despite having been in operation for only 8 weeks, the doors to The House were opened over 1000 times as members of the community came and went for support. The house served an average of 15 people a day, but saw 34 people under its care during its busiest week.

Power 96 News for Tuesday February 17th, 2026.

02/17/2026

Clear Lake, Iowa posted on its Facebook account on Monday that it made the decision to cancel the 'Color the Wind Kite Festival', which was set to be held on Saturday, February 21st. The post sites the unsafe ice conditions near the shoreline on Clear Lake. Safety officials determined the ice would not be stable enough to host the event. Attempts to move the festival to land were unsuccessful due to FAA regulations, space limitations, parking, and lack of electricity. Clear Lake emphasized safety is its top priority. Organizers say Color the Wind will return next year of February 20th, 2027.

An informational meeting is being planned in April for residents of Austin to learn about a management proposal for the spongy moth. The Minnesota Department of Agriculture is partnering with organizations in order to plan treatment this summer in the City of Austin. The meeting will be held from 4:30-6 p.m. on April 2, at the Jay C. Hormel Nature Center"s Ruby Rupner Auditorium and during the meeting people will learn about the proposed management activities. Ranked as America"s most destructive tree pests, the spongy moth is an invasive tree defoliator, which can cause significant environmental and economic damage.

The City Arena's upgrades are nearing completion, with contractors set to finish the new refrigeration system for the Nystrom and Colstrup rinks by early March. The refrigeration system, approved by voters in a 2024 referendum, is the project's largest component, costing $5.4 million. Federal energy incentives covered $2.4 million of this cost, enhancing energy efficiency for both rinks. Once the permanent chiller is operational, the Nystrom rink will maintain ice through March for events like figure skating shows and hockey camps. The city says it will discontinue leasing the temporary chiller used since October. Work on the Colstrup rink is concluding, with subfloor heat installation to prevent permafrost damage. Ice installation is set for April, enabling year-round operation. Completed arena improvements include support beam repairs, electrical system upgrades, Colstrup rink floor replacement, LED lighting installation, lobby expansion, and other equipment updates.

Authorities in Mankato, are investigating a stabbing that occurred on the 500 block of South Broad Street on Monday. Mankato Public Safety says officers arrived at 3:57 p.m. and found two juvenile males involved in a confrontation. One of the juveniles had been stabbed and was transported to Mayo Clinic Health System for treatment. The other juvenile was taken into custody. Weapons believed to be involved were recovered at the scene. An investigation is underway.

Power 96 News for Monday February 16th, 2026.

02/16/2026

A Woodbury man was sentenced to eight years in prison on Friday in Freeborn County District Court, for criminal sexual conduct with a 15-year-old girl after messaging her on an online app designated for teenagers and then meeting up with her in Albert Lea. Jorge Hernandez Perez in November pleaded guilty to two counts of third-degree criminal sexual conduct, including penetration, as well as three counts of engaging in electronic communication relating or describing sexual conduct with a child. Four counts of the engaging in electronic communication charge were dismissed. According to court documents, local police were alerted after receiving information from a detective in Menomonie, Wisconsin, who was investigating a forcible criminal sexual conduct assault of a teenager Hernandez-Perez had met online. While investigating that assault, the Wisconsin detective identified that the suspect had messaged and solicited other teenage girls for sex, including one in Albert Lea. In an interview with an Albert Lea detective, the teenager stated she had met Hernandez-Perez on an app called Befriend and that their conversation then moved to Snapchat. She said her age is listed on the app. In addition to the two occasions the sexual conduct that occurred in September 2024, the victim stated she and Hernandez-Perez had sent nude photos to each other as well. Hernandez Perez will receive credit for 42 days already served. He will serve a conditional release of 99 years after he is released from prison.

Crews have finished placing beams for the Interstate 90 westbound bridge over the Cedar River, marking a significant milestone in the project. The Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) says the bridge work, which faced delays due to unexpected concrete found below the riverbed, is now on track for completion by late spring. On February 10, crews moved beams into place for both the east and west ends of the bridge. This included 19 beams over the past few weeks to cover the three spans. MnDOT says as work continues, crews will focus on building the decking and pouring the concrete deck. The bridge is expected to reopen to traffic by late spring.

Power 96 News for Friday February 13th, 2026.

02/13/2026

Hormel Foods Corporation announced the appointment of Will Bonifant as group vice president and chief supply chain officer, effective March 9. Bonifant will oversee the company's global supply chain operations, including procurement, manufacturing, logistics, and innovation. Bonifant previously worked at The Hershey Company, managing supply chain strategy for a 20-plant network. His experience includes leadership roles in the U.S., Canada, and international markets such as Asia and Europe. Prior to Hershey, he served as a management consultant with The Boston Consulting Group and as a U.S. Navy submarine officer. Bonifant's educational background includes degrees in electrical engineering, engineering, and business administration from the U.S. Naval Academy, Georgia Institute of Technology, and the Wharton School, respectively.

Mayo Clinic Health System in Albert Lea went under a brief lockdown Thursday as a precaution, the health system stated. The organization did not expand on what led to the lockdown, other than to say the situation resolved quickly and patient care activities resumed as normal.

Power 96 News for Thursday February 12th, 2026.

02/12/2026

The Austin Fire Department responded to a house fire at the Oakland Estates Mobile Home Park early Wednesday morning. The blaze claimed the life of one person, while another is receiving treatment for injuries. The Austin Fire Department has identified the fatality as 76-year-old Ricky Lee Hofer. Firefighters were called out to the 3700 block of 3rd Pl. SW just after 1:30 a.m. Emergency services, including the Austin Police Department, Mayo Ambulance, and Austin Utilities, were on the scene. The State Fire Marshal"s Office is investigating the cause. The Austin Fire Department emphasized the importance of having functional smoke and carbon monoxide detectors for early detection and saving lives.

Freeborn County is weighing what types of guns residents should be able to use when hunting after a recent policy change. County officials are holding a public hearing on Thursday, February 12th, on the repealing of “shotgun-only” zones. Residents are invited to give their feedback on whether Freeborn County should keep the rule, or allow other types of firearms to be used for hunting. Community input is key in helping counties decide whether or not to keep the rule. Anyone unable to attend in person can still give their feedback by phone or email to their Freeborn County Commissioners. Contact information is available on the county"s website. The meeting goes from 5:30-7:30 p.m. at the Freeborn County Courthouse.

Albert Lea police arrested an Austin man Thursday morning who was a fugitive from the state after he fled from a vehicle during a traffic stop, ran across Fountain Lake and was apprehended in the area of Raymond Avenue and Albert Lea Street. Albert Lea police stated Nickalos DeWayne Taylor, 22, was a passenger in a vehicle being followed by Minnesota Department of Corrections agents. He had been on supervised release for a conviction of second-degree manslaughter.   Albert Lea officers tried to pull over the vehicle Taylor was in at 9:29 a.m. near the intersection of Fountain Street and Bridge Avenue, after which Taylor reportedly got out of the vehicle and fled on foot. He ran toward Fountain Lake and across the frozen surface, with officers in pursuit. Albert Lea officers, Freeborn County Sheriff"s Office deputies and DOC agents established a perimeter around the lake near Raymond Avenue and Albert Lea Street and ultimately took Taylor into custody without further incident. Custody was retained by the Minnesota DOC.

The Big Freeze takes center stage this weekend in Albert Lea. Activites include a polor plunge, ice fishing and broomball tournaments, music, and a chili cook off. With the warmer temps, be sure to check the CVB"s Facebook page for posible changes to some of the events.

Power 96 News for Wednesday February 11th, 2026.

02/11/2026

The woman accused of making a bloody mess at a Mason City convenience store is pleading not guilty. Cheri Rae Decker, 32 of Mason City, is charged with first-degree criminal mischief and assault causing bodily injury or mental illness. Investigators say that a naked Decker entered the Casey"s General Store in the 800 block of North Federal at around 9:30 am on December 19, 2025. Law enforcement says Decker was covered in blood and assaulted a man, knocked over a shelving unit, broke glass bottles, threw items at employees, and covered multiple store items with blood. The store had to close for a couple of weeks so a professional cleaning crew could be brought in. No trial date has been set for Decker.

LIFE Mower County is hosting its 31st Annual Rose Sale from February 17 to March 26. Proceeds will support programs for children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities in the community. The community can contribute by organizing a rose sale at workplaces, schools, or among friends and family. Roses can also be ordered for employees or customers to spread joy. Volunteers are needed to coordinate sales or assist with pick-up and delivery on April 14, 2026. Orders are due by March 26, 2026, and can be placed online at the LIFE Mower County website.

Minnesota Department of Transportation maintenance crews are removing trees along the banks of the Cedar River in Austin to prepare for construction of a new pedestrian-bike bridge north of Interstate 90. Tree clearing is starting now ahead of the seasonal bird nesting period to ensure birds are not displaced. The work is along the river north of I-90 where the new pedestrian-bike bridge will replace the current structure. This bridge construction will occur this year or in 2027. Tree cutting work is expected to be completed by April 15. The trail will remain open but may need to close for brief periods for safety when equipment is moved or when individual trees are felled. To learn more about the project, visit the MnDOT project website where you can also sign up to receive email and text message updates.

An early Wednesday morning fire has claimed the life of an individual in the Oakland Estates Mobile Home Park located on the west edge of Austin. Firefighters remained on scene along with an investigator from the State Fire Marshal's office, who was investigating the cause of the blaze. The blaze was located at the rear of the residence with damage visible to an nearby shed as well.

Power 96 News for Tuesday February 10th, 2026.

02/10/2026

The Albert Lea City Council on Monday approved the first reading of an amendment to the city"s ordinance surrounding cannabis and tobacco, including a change that would increase the number of cannabis retail registrations in the city from two to four. Albert Lea Mayor Rich Murray and New Third Ward Councilor Ted Herman voted against the amendment, while all others voted in favor.   Herman was selected by Murray to fill the vacant 3rd ward seat. He will serve the rest of the term, which will be up for vote in November.

After only 1 clue and a couple hours, this years Big Freeze medallion was found near South Shore Drive. The winner received a gift basket from the Chamber of Commerce that was filled with items from local business. This years winner was Jay Behrends, also known as Big Jay 25.

Iowa Congresswoman Ashley Hinson says she"s secured over $18.7 million dollars of key investments for Iowa"s Second Congressional District in the recently passed bipartisan government funding package for Fiscal Year 2026. Included in the funding is $3,000,000 for the North Iowa Corridor Workforce Housing Initiative to address a shortage of workforce housing in Cerro Gordo County by supporting site acquisition, relocation, rehabilitation, and new construction of affordable housing units. The goal is to provide attainable housing for new and existing workers, including teachers, nurses, police officers, and entry-level employees and their families. Hinson says the 2008-2009 floods destroyed nearly 200 homes, and housing demand has outpaced supply for over a decade. Despite local efforts, there remains a shortage of more than 500 units. Hinson says this initiative will directly support countywide economic development goals to improve or build up to 1,000 units by 2030.

A new report from Minnesota traffic safety leaders says new programs are saving lives and cutting traffic deaths across the state. The Advisory Council on Traffic Safety reports a more than 20% drop in traffic fatalities in 2025. There were 370 people who died in crashes last year, which is the lowest since 2019. The report credits first responders, safety upgrades, and community programs like safe road coalition and affordable teen driving classes for the improvement.

Power 96 News for Monday February 9th, 2026.

02/09/2026

The Albert Lea City Council is set to vote on two important issues at its meeting on Monday. One decision involves the appointment of a new council member for Ward 3. Mayor Rich Murray has recommended Ted Herman, a former school resources officer and District 5 Freeborn County Commissioner, for the position. If approved, Herman will be sworn in and take his seat early in the meeting. The council will also consider changes to local tobacco and cannabis regulations. The proposed amendments aim to align city ordinances with state laws, enhance youth protections, and establish a clear regulatory framework for cannabis businesses. Key changes for cannabis include background checks by the police chief, a limit of one registration per applicant, and restrictions on license transfers. For tobacco licenses, the changes would require additional background information from applicants and limit ownership to one store per owner. The current cap of four stores selling tobacco as their primary product will remain, but the council retains the option to adjust this limit. Retailers like gas stations, which primarily sell other products, will continue to be regulated differently. The council's work session starts at 5:30 p.m. Monday and the regular meeting at 7 p.m. Both are open to the public and held in the council chambers on the top floor of City Hall, 221 E. Clark St.

The Albert Lea-Freeborn County Chamber of Commerce released the first in a series of clues for the annual Big Freeze Medallion Hunt, which kicks off the Big Freeze Week long activities. The first clue is: “Not downtown, yet never to far from it. Where engines hurry north and south, And the land flattens before meeting something older. The medallion waits where city edges soften.” If you get lucky enough to find the medallion, it should be turned into the chamber office at 132 N Broadway, where the winner will receive a prize basket.

Cerro Gordo County deputies responded to a snowmobile incident Sunday in the 21000 block of 320th Street in Plymouth. The sheriff's office says Benjamin Venenga, 23 of Nora Springs, was driving north on private property when he hit a large rock and was ejected from his snowmobile. Venenga was not wearing a helmet and suffered injuries that required transport to Mercy One hospital by Mason City Fire Medics. The Plymouth Fire Department and Mason City Fire Department assisted at the scene. The Cerro Gordo County Sheriff's Office is investigating the incident, which happened just before 1 pm.

The body of a missing woman in Rochester has been found. The Rochester Police Department reported on January 26 that Feroza Sherzai, 28, had been missing since January 17, when she was last seen walking in the area of Highway 63 and County 16. Police now say Sherzai"s body was found Saturday in a wooded area near Highway 63 and County Road 16. Investigators say Sherzai was passing through the area on her way to Virginia. The cause of her death is undetermined but police say there is no indication of foul play and no known threat to the public. The Rochester Police Department expresses its condolences to Sherzai"s loved oned.

Power 96 News for Friday February 26th, 2026.

02/06/2026

Freeborn County Sheriff"s Office Deputy Nick Golbuff was presented with a Minnesota State Patrol Commendation Award Thursday during a ceremony honoring the brave efforts of troopers, residents and other public servants who performed heroic acts, excelled in crisis or demonstrated the State Patrol"s core values over the past year. The presentation was at the Mendakota Country Club in Mendota Heights. According to a press release, State Patrol Trooper Jacob Ristau and Golbuff helped pull an unconscious woman out of her vehicle after a fiery, head-on crash near Albert Lea on Oct. 18. Ristau was the first to arrive at the crash, where he found an unbelted woman in the rear cargo area of the burning SUV, where she had been launched on impact. When the rear cargo hatch would not release, he lifted the unconscious woman through the window.   With the assistance of Golbuff, they carried the victim to safety. Less than two minutes later, the vehicle became fully engulfed in flames. “The victim likely would have died if it were not for the quick actions of Trooper Ristau and Deputy Golbuff,” the release stated.

Investigators are seeking information in relation to a child"s kidnapping. Joseph Andrew Bragg, 28, has been charged in connection with the abduction and sexual assault of a 7-year-old girl. He faces one count of kidnapping and one count of first-degree criminal sexual conduct. Bragg was arrested near Albert Lea hours after he allegedly kidnapped the child in January. The child was returned safely to her family. In a Facebook post, the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension said they were seeking information about Bragg from anyone who hired him as a nanny or for childcare services. The Sherburne County Sheriff"s Office is leading the investigation. If you have any information, you are encouraged to contact the BCA tip line at 651-793-2465.

The Albert Lea-Freeborn County Chamber of Commerce Agricultural Committee on Thursday announced that the 21st annual Agriculture Luncheon is scheduled for Noon to 1:30 p.m. March 24 at the Fairlane Building at the Freeborn County Fairgrounds. The annual Agricultural Luncheon is a tribute to those who tirelessly cultivate the lands and nourish the community. As part of this annual meeting, the Chamber's Agriculture Committee selects and recognizes the Freeborn County Farm Family of the Year and Farm Families of years past. This will be the 47th year for the recognition. The chamber is accepting nominations for the 2026 Farm Family of the Year. To be nominated, the Farm Family must be Minnesota food producers actively involved in agricultural production with one or more agricultural enterprises or have made significant short-term progress and/or innovative contributions with their agricultural endeavors. Winners are selected based on their commitment to enhancing and supporting the fields of agriculture and production and their involvement in their communities. Farm family nominations will be accepted through Feb. 10.

New court documents filed on Wednesday show that the state is seeking an aggravated sentence for the defendant in an Austin murder case. Phillip Tyrek Gills, 17, faces two charges of second-degree murder in the death of Opoka James Nathanael. Gills is accused of killing Nathanael and shooting another man from the back seat of a car in the 1100 block of 5th Ave NW in Austin, on February 15, 2025. According to the documents filed Wednesday, the state is arguing aggravating factors were present due to the vulnerability of the victim. Court documents state Nathanael was shot seven times from the backseat of the vehicle he was driving. Because of this, the state argued he had no opportunity to escape the shooting. Gills is set to appear for an omnibus hearing on February 12. The trial, initially scheduled to begin on February 2, has been pushed back after the defense attorney requested to withdraw from the case.