Local News

Power 96 News Brief 3-29

03/29/2023

Rochester Police are investigating a possible shooting was reported at The Gates of Rochester Tuesday night. Police received a call at around 9pm Tuesday after a witness says they saw a group of people surrounding a car. One of the people in the crowd reportedly was swinging a bat and the witness says they also heard multiple gunshots. Upon investigation no police found no shell casings to indicate a shooting. Police did arrest two juveniles for kicking and spitting on police.

The Food and Drug Association announced Wednesday that it has approved the legal selling of Narcan over the counter without a prescription. Narcan is often used by police and first responders as a possible life saving measure for those who suffer from a drug overdose. Approval by the FDA would make Narcan the first opioid available to be purchased over the counter. Narcan would be available over the counter starting in late July if the approval is confirmed.

Rochester Police responded to a report that a teenager was trying to rob a gas station Tuesday night. The incident occurred at a gas station in the 900 block of 37th St. NW at around 10:20 Tuesday night when the teenage boy arrived at the station and tried to steal batteries before pointing a gun at the clerk. Police arrived at the scene but the suspect had already fled on foot and no other details are currently available in the case.

A Rochester home has received more reports of mistreatment of its residents. The first incident occurred last week at the Cardinal of Minnesota when an employee allegedly pushed an autistic resident onto a couch and slapped them in the face. The most recent incident reportedly involved a staff member yelling obscenities and other insults at a resident. The employee in question is no longer on staff at the home and the current employees will be retrained.

Power 96 News Brief Tuesday March 28th

03/28/2023

A Rochester woman faces charges after her child ingested a fentanyl pill. Rahmo Yussuf Salah faces charge one charge of child endangerment and one charge of fifth-degree drug possession. Rochester Police received a call about an overdose involving a one-year-old child in the 3000 block of Rose Heights Dr. in Southeast Rochester Sunday night. Police later discovered fentanyl pills after speaking with Salah. Salah is scheduled to appear in court today.

The Minnesota State Senate passed two more bills that will now move to the State House. The First bill would prevents families and children from becoming homeless and would provide the state with 50 million dollars in emergency funding for rental assistance. The bill passed with bipartisan support 42 votes to 21. The second bill prevents gaps in health care coverage for 1.5 million Minnesotans who would be impacted by the end of federal funding. That bill also passed with bipartisan support 46-18.

The Albert Lea City Council met last night and approved several measures and resolutions. Among the approved items yesterday was money that will be set aside for new bleachers to be installed at Albert Lea City Arena, The bleachers that are currently being used at City Arena are the same bleachers that were installed when the building opened in the late 1970s. According to Cathy Malakowsky, director of community engagement and enrichment for the city, the bleachers do not meet requirements from the American Disability Act.

A Rochester woman fell victim to an online scam related to dogs. The woman posted on social media that her dog had passed away and was contacted by the scammer about a dog she could purchase.The woman paid $100 as a deposit. The woman then made multiple payments totaling about $1900, thinking the dog would be shipped to her in Rochester. The scammer claimed he would mail the dog to her. Rochester police continue to warn residents to be wary of pet sales where the buyer is not able to meet the pet in question before paying.

Power 96 News Brief Monday March 27th

03/27/2023

Rochester police are investigating a burglary that took place over the weekend after a passerby noticed a broken window on a business. Authorities say that Pho Chau on N. Broadway Ave. was broken into. Police say the burglary happened between 9p.m. Friday night and 6 a.m. Saturday morning. Rochester police are looking for surveillance video from the area to help in the case. At this time no suspects have been found and the case is ongoing.

In the Minnesota State house, DFL Rep Andy Smith is planning to propose a bill that would create a task force that would look into the possibility of legalizing LSD and other similar psychedelic drugs for medical purposes. The bill reportedly has support from both parties which Smith says he is pleasantly surprised by. Possible uses for the types of drugs include treating depression, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and other mental health issues.

The Olmsted County Sheriff's department responded to another theft at a Rochester dog park over the weekend. OCSO received a call from a woman at around 5p.m. Sunday while she was at the Rochester dog park on West River Road. The woman claims that her purse and about fourteen hundred dollars worth of cash and other items were stolen from her car, which she says she left unlocked, while at the dog park. The case is under investigation.

Early Monday morning emergency crews respond to a car crash in northwest Rochester. The two vehicle crash occurred at around 7:30 a.m. at the 37th St. NW and 18th Ave. NW intersection. The two vehicles including A black SUV T-bone crashed at the intersection with traffic flowing in both directions. The accident took about half an hour to clear once responders were on the scene. It is not know if any injuries were suffered as a result of the crash.

Power 96 News Brief

03/24/2023

An Albert Lea man pleaded guilty in a freeborn county court on drug related charges. Michael Ray Sanders Jr. pleaded guilty to third-degree meth sale when he sold 14.8 grams to two informants for $800 on July 28, 2020. and one count of violating a domestic abuse no contact order in a separate case. Both the court and Sander"s Attorney recommended 45 months for the drug charge and about 20 months for the no contact order violation, the sentences would be served consecutively. Sentencing for Saunders is scheduled for late may.

Dodge County deputies responded to a call of a crash early Friday. The crash took place at around eight am Friday morning near the area 250th Ave. and 720th St in hayfield. According to police a black Ford Escape traveling southbound on 250th Ave. and a Saturn Sedan was traveling northbound collided and both vehicles ending up in the ditch. The Escape was upside down when police arrived at the scene. The drivers were taken to the hospital with non life threatening injuries.

A Stewartville man was arrested in Rochester after leading police on a car chase. Rochester police received a call Thursday afternoon of a car speeding and driving recklessly in the area of 55th street NW and 18th Ave NW which caused it to flip over, roll several times on the ground and then land on its tires. Police then arrested Andrew Bisbee around 3:30 Thursday after the incident. Police say Bisbee tried to flee the scene when police arrived and was caught after a brief chase. Bisbee was taken to the hospital to be evaluated once in custody.

The Minnesota State House passed a bill that would make the state of Minnesota a refuge state for transgender individuals. The bill known as HF 146 was introduced by DFL representative Leigh Finke. Finke says the bill is meant to protect transgender people, their families, and healthcare providers from legal repercussions if they receive gender affirming care in the state. The bill passed along party lines with 68 votes in favor and 62 against. The bill will now head to the DFL controlled state Senate and then to the desk of Gov Tim Walz if it passes in the Senate.

Power 96 News Update

03/23/2023

A Mankato Man who was arrested as the result of a sting operation into a prostitution ring in Rochester. Justin Daniel Hitt pleaded not guilty to a charge of engaging in prostitution. Hitt was arrested after arriving at a meeting place after having paid the money via Venmo and messaged the police involved in the operation. After the arrest Hitt admitted that he was there to engage in sexual activity and police found a box of condoms on his person. Hitt is the first of six people arrested in the sting operation to plead not guilty. Hitt will have a trial by jury in July.

A Rochester Man who was charged with 1st-degree criminal sexual conduct has pleaded not guilty. Rafeal Earl Steele faces the charge after he allegedly impregnated a teenage girl. Steele denies contact with the girl, but a mandatory paternity test conducted by law enforcement matched steele and the baby"s DNA at almost one hundred percent. Steele is scheduled to stand trial in Olmsted County Court June 19, with a pretrial hearing scheduled to take place on June 8.

A Rochester man will be in court Thursday on charges that he stabbed a dog. Keshawn Judaryll Howell Jr. faces one charge of gross misdemeanor mistreatment of an animal after he allegedly stabbed a dog during an argument with a woman in early March. Howell claims that the dog tried to bite him. The dog was taken to the hospital but the condition of the dog is unknown. Howell Jr. will be in court at around 1:30.

A Rochester apartment complex is now being condemned by the city, and residents will now have to find a new place to live. Residents of the Creekside apartments were given an eviction notice after an investigation of the property found several issues with the building. The issues included insecure condition of the property, lack of domestic water, and failing to have a fire suppression system as well as an alarm system. The owner of the property reportedly has another building in Rochester which has similar issues. It is currently unknown when the residents must be completely moved out of the building.

Power 96 News Brief for Wednesday 7-06

07/07/2022

The City of Albert Lea has closed some roadways after Tuesday nights heavy rainfall. Front Street at Maple Hill Drive and the gravel road on Commercial Street are closed until further notice. Also muckout kits are available on a limited basis from the Salvation Army located at 302 Court Street. Dealing with the heavy rains additional police and fire staff were brought in due to travelers unsuccessfully attempting to travel on flooded roadways. One Albert Lea tow company removed over a dozen cars that were trapped in the flash flood waters.

Emergency responders in Mower County rescued a man trapped in a grain bin in Dexter Tuesday morning.

At approximately 9:38 a.m., emergency communications received a 911 call regarding a 48-year-old man who was trapped up to his neck in a 2/3 full grain bin located in the 22,800 block of 680th Ave.

The man was transported by ground to Mayo Clinic Health Systems in stable condition.

HappyBirthday to Spam, the square-shaped canned cooked pork, is celebrating 85 years since being invented.

The spiced pork product was invented by Jay Hormel back in 1936.

Hormel Foods Corporation made Spam"s official public debut one year later in 1937 when the precooked meat was used to help feed troops during World War II and for some it is still a staple today especially in the state of Hawaii.

Spam got the first two letters of its name from the word spice and its last two letters from the word ham. The word Spam was invented for the product.

The Freeborn County Board of Commissioners approved a tentative agreement between the county and the Minnesota Public Employees Association involving the jail programmer unit for 2022-24.

The board voted to fill the vacant county assessor position.

• Approved a grant agreement with Freeborn County Family Services and Children"s Mental Health Collaborative.

• Approved an agreement with the city of Clarks Grove for prosecution of petty misdemeanor and misdemeanor offenses.

County Attorney David Walker said this was the first time it had been done for a city with a population over 600.

Glenville will be the last city without a prosecution agreement with the county other than Albert Lea.

The board accepted a reimbursement grant of about $26,000 from the Minnesota Department of Health for COVID-19 testing and mitigation in the jail.

Commissioners also Approved a series of tax abatements for 2022.

Authorities are searching a portion of the Mississippi River and a surrounding park in Stearns County for a missing 6-year-old girl whose mother was found dead of an apparent suicide.

Officials believe Lisa Wade, 39, may have been involved in the disappearance of her daughter, Elle Ragin, before the Northfield woman was found dead Saturday.

Investigators said they have followed up on hundreds of leads and have used boats, dive teams and underwater search drones in their search near Rice.

The FBI and the state Bureau of Criminal Apprehension are helping with the investigation.

Authorities have closed the area where the search continues.

Power 96 News Brief for Tuesday 7-05

07/07/2022

The City of Albert Lea has blocked access to the building at 332 S. Broadway Ave. after part of a wall collapsed on July 25. The City has been working to demolish this building and the adjacent building at 324 S. Broadway Ave. because of their hazardous conditions. Both buildings are vacant and were in disrepair when the City acquired them through tax forfeiture.

These buildings are in the historic downtown district so the City needs to work with the Minnesota State Historical Preservation Office on their removal. This state office has now agreed that the buildings are a hazard and should be addressed promptly. Demolition needs to be planned carefully and some will need to be done by hand because the buildings share walls with adjacent buildings. The City has blocked access the area, including the alley from College Street to West Main Street, and will remove the buildings as soon as safely possible.

An Albert Lea man pleads not guilty to nine crimes in Winnebago County.

Eric William Jensen, 40 of Albert Lea, is facing charges of third-degree burglary, two counts of driving while barred, two counts of operating a vehicle without owner"s consent, second-degree criminal mischief, first-degree theft, eluding, and OWI-first offense.

Investigators say Jensen broke into a farm building in rural Thompson and stole 2.5 gallons of gasoline on May 25. A witness says he chased Jensen but lost him when Jensen drove through a field.

Jensen was then arrested on May 26 after allegedly refusing to pull over for law enforcement.

According to Investigators, Jensen was driving a stolen utility vehicle worth about $14,000 and the pursuit through planted fields caused an estimated $10,000 in damage.

Jensen"s trial is scheduled to start on August 10.

Beginning Tuesday, parents and legal guardians could schedule appointments for children ages 6 months to 5 years old at Mayo Clinic Health System in Albert Lea and Austin.

COVID-19 vaccine recommendations in the U.S. have been expanded to include children ages 6 months to 5 years, following meetings of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices on June 17 and 18.

The new vaccine recommendations include:

Children ages 6 months to 4 years of age can receive a three-dose primary series of the Pfizer vaccine or a two-dose primary series of the Moderna vaccine.

Children who are 5 years old can receive a two-dose primary series of either the Pfizer or the Moderna vaccine.

Parents and legal guardians may schedule COVID-19 vaccination appointments by using their Patient Online Services caregiver account.

A Buffalo Center man was killed Sunday in a one-vehicle crash in Winnebago County.

According to the Iowa State Patrol the crash occurred Sunday just after 4 p.m at County Road - R 20 and 390th Street in Winnebago County.

The Iowa State Patrol says that 42-year-old Troy Vaudt of Buffalo Center Iowa was traveling North on County Road - R 20 at 390th Street when he lost control and rolled his car. The State Patrol saying he died at the scene.

Power 96 News Brief for Thursday 6-30

07/01/2022

A man displayed a gun during a traffic dispute on I-35 in Freeborn County last week, according to charges filed in the court.

Antonyo Robert Ausman, 18, of Coon Rapids, was charged with felony counts of 2nd-degree assault with a dangerous weapon and possession of a firearm with no serial number.

According to a criminal complaint, Ausman was a passenger in a vehicle that cut off another vehicle on I-35. The driver told investigators that he tried to pass the vehicle, but Ausman flipped him off. The complaintant said he returned the gesture. In response, Ausman reached in the backseat and retrieve a black handgun that he held up to the window, but did not directly point at the victim, according to the complaint.

Police spoke to Ausman and the driver, who both said there wasn"t a firearm in the vehicle. But when troopers searched, they discovered a gun without a serial number and two 24-round Glock magazines loaded with 33 rounds.

Police say Ausman claimed self-defense, but admitted he had lied about not having a gun in the vehicle. He allegedly told investigators that he held the gun up to the window and pointed it at the ground in the victim"s direction.

A closure of Blake Avenue to the south of E. Main Street is scheduled beginning Thursday, June 30. The duration of the closure is expected to last approximately one week. The closure will allow the project contractor, Ulland Brothers Inc., to install underground storm sewer utilities across the Blake Avenue intersection. There is a signed detour motorists can follows to access Home Depot. If you are coming from Albert Lea,   take Prospect Avenue to S.E. Marshall Street to Blake Avenue. If coming from County Road 46, take County Road 38 to S.E. Marshall Street west to Blake Avenue north.

The Lakes Foundation of Albert Lea, along with the Albert Lea Convention and Visitors Bureau, will have a boat parade at Fountain Lake at 3 p.m. Saturday. All boats/pontoons must be motorized. Awards will be given out following the parade for “crowd favorite,” “most wild” and “Albert Lea pride.”

There is no fee to participate, but organizers ask for registration. Registration is needed for the boat parade, please connect with Holly at the Convention & Visitor's Bureau via email: Holly@explorealbertlea.com

State health officials say syphilis cases rose sharply in Minnesota in 2021.

The increase brings cases to “concerning levels,” the Minnesota Department of Health said Wednesday. The numbers come from an annual MDH report of sexually transmitted diseases and HIV data. Health officials say the local increase mirrors a national rise in syphilis cases.

Syphilis cases saw a 33% increase statewide according to MDH.

Syphilis is a bacterial infection usually spread by sexual contact.

A Seattle woman was arrested Wednesday following a traffic stop where 18 LSD tablets were found.

The vehicle was stopped in the 9000 block of County Rd. 5 NW. for speeding. A deputy smelled marijuana and then had probable cause to search the vehicle.

It led to the arrest of Syndey Johnson, 26, of Seattle, for multiple felony drug charges.

Power 96 News Brief for Wednesday 6-29

06/30/2022

Tuesday afternoon, Freeborn County Public Health reported 15 new lab confirmed positive COVID-19 cases. Public Health also reported no new deaths, and 2 residents were reported as being newly hospitalized. 1 child under the age of 10, and no children between 10 and 14 were included in the total of those who tested positive.

The number of active cases within the county now stands at 28. In addition to the current numbers, Public Health also reported that there has been a cumulative total of 559 people who have been reinfected with COVID 19.

A Worth County woman is accused of cheating the State of Iowa out of housing and food assistance.

Jennifer Hope Mikesell, 45 of Northwood, is charged with ongoing criminal conduct, first-degree theft, and first-degree fraudulent practice. She"s accused of lying to the Iowa Department of Human Services to receive $10,067 in aid.

She's being held in the Worth County Jail on $45,000 bond.

Football season is right around the corner.

Tuesday, the Minnesota Vikings announced the schedule for the 62nd training camp in team history.

For the fifth year in a row, training camp will be held at Twin Cities Orthopedics Performance Center in Eagan.

Camp will be open from 11:45 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. each day with practices taking place from around 2:15 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Training camp will open with “Back Together Saturday” on July 30 before the team"s first padded practice on Aug. 1.

The Vikings will have a night practice at TCO Stadium on Aug. 8 and the San Francisco 49ers will come to town for joint practices on Aug. 17 and 18.

According to the organization, fans will need to reserve digital general admission tickets before each practice, with up to 4,000 being made available each day. The July 30 and Aug. 8 practices will cost $10 for adults and $5 for children (free for kids under 3 feet tall). All other padded practices will cost $5 for adults and be free for kids under 18 while non-padded practices will be free for all attendees.

Training camp tickets will be available online starting at 10 a.m. on June 29 for season ticket holders and at 10 a.m. on June 30 for the general public.

The Vikings say training camp will be completely cashless, meaning all purchases will require credit or debit cards, or contactless options like Apple Pay.

Another monkeypox case has been confirmed in Minnesota.

According to the Minnesota Department of Health, there are now two confirmed cases of monkeypox as of Tuesday.

The first presumptive case of the disease was reported earlier this week. MDH said it was detected in an adult in the Twin Cities area who likely caught the virus while traveling abroad.

That infected person is receiving outpatient care, and the health department is conducting contact tracing. Officials don't believe he's spread the disease to anyone else.

Power 96 News Brief for Tuesday 6-28

06/29/2022

A man arrested after a chase from Austin to Lyle Friday faces multiple felony charges in Mower County Court.

Adrick Mims of Rochester was charged Monday with felony robbery while possessing a dangerous weapon, felony 2nd degree assault with a dangerous weapon, and felony fleeing a peace officer in a motor vehicle.

Mims is a suspect in at least one armed robbery in Austin.

While a gas station attendant reported being robbed at knifepoint Friday, an off-duty officer saw a suspect exit the gas station and flee the area at a high rate of speed.

Austin and Lyle police, and Mower and Mitchell County sheriffs searched the town of Lyle Friday afternoon and found Mims hiding in the bushes near a residence.

He was taken into custody around 6:30 p.m. Friday and appeared in court Monday morning.

A Blooming Prairie man is headed for prison after selling meth in Mower County.

Michael Phillip Chavez, 39, pleaded guilty to second-degree sale of drugs. Chavez was arrested in November 2021 and accused of selling 27.37 grams of meth to a confidential law enforcement informant.

Court documents state the sale happened December 4, 2020, in Austin.

Chavez was sentenced to five years and seven months in prison, with credit for 115 days already served.

The Albert Lea City Council met Monday evening and voted to implement a special redevelopment tax increment finance district to provide incentive for future development of the Freeborn National Bank and Jacobson Apartments buildings downtown.

The buildings, located at 201 and 211 South Broadway, are both considered structurally substandard, which is a requirement to create a redevelopment TIF district.

In other actions, the council awarded the sale of about $5 million in general obligation bonds that will cover improvement projects completed by the city this year. Those projects include the East Main Street resurfacing and trail improvements, the U.S. Highway 65 resurfacing and flood mitigation project, the reconstruction of Pillsbury and Freeborn avenues, the 2022 overlay project, the resurfacing of the Washington Avenue and Main Street parking lots, the 209th Street and Happy Trails Lane project, and the City Arena roofing and flooring project.

The bonds have a term of 10 years and will be at 3%.

Power 96 News Brief for Monday 6-27

06/28/2022

For public health and enjoyment, weekly spraying for mosquito control will start at dusk Wednesday, June 29, in Albert Lea. Mosquito Control of Iowa will provide the spraying service, as contracted by the City of Albert Lea.

In case of rainy or windy weather, Thursdays will be the back-up days, for the remainder of the summer.

The company uses a product called Evoluer 4-4, which includes permethrin, a pesticide that is safe yet effective against mosquitoes and gnats. This product has quick knockdown, low odor, and is non-corrosive.

The Freeborn County Board of Commissioners will hold a workshop on Tuesday June 28th at 8:30 am in the Freeborn Room in the Freeborn County Government Center. Commissioners will hear from the Auditor/Treasurer as they discuss Abatements, The Personnel Department for discussion on the Assessor Position, The County Attorney for proposed Prosecution Agreement with the City of Clarks Grove, and County Administration for a discussion on the new County Administrator recruitment plans.

The Albert Lea City Council will be in session Monday evening at 7 pm in the Council Chambers in City Hall.

The council is expected to vote on issuing nearly $5 million in bonds to finance major street projects and arena repairs this year.

Councilors will receive the City"s annual auditor"s reports with a review of the 2021 financial results.

The reports will issue a “clean” opinion, with no significant deficiencies or material weaknesses in internal controls and no legal compliance findings.

The council will consider making the Freeborn Bank and Jacobson buildings more marketable to developers by creating a tax increment financing district specifically for these two buildings. Located at 201 and 211 S. Broadway Ave., the development goals for these two historic buildings are commercial space on the ground floors with apartments on the upper floors.

The council will also decide on changes to the City"s pet waste law. Property owners would need to pick up pet waste within 24 hours on their own property, and immediately on others" property, including public places. The changes clarify the timeline for pickup.

Officials will hear a request from the volunteer group that runs the Pelican Breeze tour boat on Albert Lea Lake for funding toward a new dock, that is expected to cost $40,000.

The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) today reported a presumptive case of monkeypox virus infection in an adult in the Twin Cities area. Initial testing was completed on Saturday at the MDH Public Health Laboratory and confirmatory testing is being done at the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in Atlanta. The patient likely was exposed while traveling abroad.

The patient is receiving outpatient care.

Power 96 News Brief for Thursday 6-23

06/24/2022

Vortex Cold Storage held a ribbon cutting ceremony Wednesday to celebrate its brand new warehouse in Albert Lea.

The 170 thousand square foot facility will employ about 30 people, and will provide temperature controlled storage for companies.

At the ribbon cutting ceremony the Vortex team was presented with a C-PACE Alliance Award for best environmental impact for its 2021 energy efficient build.

Gov. Tim Walz announced on Wednesday income parameters for his direct payments proposal.

On Sunday morning, Walz said he wanted to call a short Special Legislative Session, with the sole intent of passing his beefed up 'Walz Checks' proposal.

The proposal would dish out at least half of the states' $9.25 billion dollar budget surplus back to Minnesotans, which is around $4 billion.

Walz said individuals would receive $1,000 checks, while married couples would receive $2,000 checks.

And on Wednesday, Walz said income limits for individuals would be capped at $164,000 and $273,470 for married couples.

Because testing demand is falling rapidly around Minnesota, to preserve state resources and capacity for any future case surge, and due to widely available free testing through other providers, MDH is resizing its Community Testing network.

Free COVID-19 testing is available from providers including clinics and pharmacies. Minnesotans can receive free at-home rapid testing in the mail from the state (at Order your free at-home rapid tests) and federal governments (at COVID.gov), and through reimbursement from health insurers.

June 25, 2022, will be the final day of regular COVID-19 testing at the Albert Lea testing location.

The state"s three busiest Twin Cities testing sites, and four busiest Greater Minnesota testing sites, will remain open

A woman's body was discovered Friday evening in rural Olmsted County.

In a joint press conference, authorities said 28-year-old Tia Mercedes Arleth was found just before 6 p.m. near County Rd. 2 and 70th Ave. NE. in Haverhill township.

Arleth was discovered after a person mowing tall grass adjacent to a corn field saw a tarp with a human arm sticking out the side.

The condition of the body was in an advanced state of decomposition making it difficult to determine the identity of the victim.

Law enforcement is calling both the condition of her body and the location it was found "suspicious in nature."

The Sheriff"s Office requested the assistance of the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension who arrived on scene and began investigative methods to determine the identity. The autopsy came back on Monday, June 20. At that time, the identity was still unknown.

On Tuesday, the Medical Examiners Office got partial prints and were able to identify Arleth. She was one of the persons RPD had identified as one of the two missing persons they shared with the Sheriff"s Office.

Arleth had a listed address out of Minneapolis but had significant ties to Rochester and was last seen May 30. She was reported missing to authorities by her mother on June 12.

The Sheriff's office is currently investigating the incident.

Power 96 News Brief for Wednesday 6-22

06/23/2022

The Albert Lea Charter Commission will hold its annual meeting on Thursday, June 23, at 4:30 p.m. in the City Council Chambers, 221 E. Clark St. The meeting is open to the public.

This commission considers changes to the City Charter, which is like the City"s constitution. This 7-member commission is responsible for reviewing and revising the City Charter to make sure it meets all applicable state and federal laws, and meets the needs of Albert Lea residents. Members are appointed by the Chief Judge of the Third Judicial District.

Tuesday afternoon, Freeborn County Public Health reported 4 new lab confirmed positive COVID-19 cases. Public Health also reported no new deaths, and no residents were reported as being newly hospitalized. No children under the age of 10, and 1 child between 10 and 14 were included in the total of those who tested positive.

The number of active cases within the county now stands at 29. In addition to the current numbers, Public Health also reported that there has been a cumulative total of 554 people who have been reinfected with COVID 19.

A Glenville man was killed Monday morning after a truck versus semi crash in Freeborn County.

The Minnesota State Patrol says a 2007 Kenworth Semi well-drilling truck driven by a 45-year-old Scott Kirton from Hammond, Wisconsin blew out a tire on southbound Interstate 35 near exit 2 just after 8 a.m.

The semi crossed the median and hit a northbound 2001 Dodge Ram pickup truck driven by 22-year-old Hunter Robertson from Glenville. Robertson died at the scene.

A multi vehicle crash has claimed the life of a Bricelyn man while injuring three others Tuesday evening on Interstate 90 in Faribault County.

According to the Minnesota State Patrol, John William Brooks, 80, of Bricelyn died in the crash.

Chad Ryan Yarrington, 44, Elena Marie Yarrington, 15, and Sara Susan Yarrington, 44, all of Plymouth, Michigan, were taken to Blue Earth Hospital with injuries that were deemed not life-threatening.

That crash occurred at 5:01 p.m. when a 2004 Ford F150, driven by Joel Luther Robinson, 36, of Wells, was eastbound on I-90 near milepost 123 in Blue Earth Township and collided with an eastbound 1978 Chevrolet Nova, driven by Brooks.

The Nova crossed the centerline and collided with a westbound 2016 Winnebago Motorhome driven by Chad Yarrington.

Four other youth passengers in the motorhome were not injured. Robinson was also not injured.

Power 96 News Brief for Tuesday 6-21

06/22/2022

A crash in involving a semi and a pickup truck in Freeborn County killed at least one person.

The Minnesota State Patrol says a 2007 Kenworth Semi well-drilling truck driven by a 45-year-old man from Hammond, Wisconsin blew out a tire on southbound Interstate 35 near exit 2 just after 8 a.m.

The semi crossed the median and hit a northbound 2001 Dodge Ram pickup truck driven by 22-year-old man from Glenville.

The names of the drivers have not been released.

The Freeborn County Sheriff"s Office, Albert Lea Fire Department, Glenville Fire Department, Mayo Ambulance, and Minnesota Department of Transportation all assisted with this accident.

Additional details are expected to be released later today.

Child care providers across Minnesota are upset that they're not eligible for the state's COVID-19 "hero pay" program.

Gov. Tim Walz signed the program into law in April. It enables people who were employed for at least 120 hours in at least one front-line sector job outside their homes between March 15, 2020, and June 30, 2021 to apply for state-funded bonuses. State officials have estimated about 667,000 workers will receive about $750 each.

About 6,450 child care providers who operate out of their homes are likely ineligible if they are sole proprietors rather than limited liability companies.

The Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry has said sole proprietors and independent contractors aren't eligible because they're not considered employees.

A Rochester man has been arrested for fleeing police after a traffic stop, leaving his 7-month son in his car on the hottest day of the year.

Sean Blass, 29, faces charges of child endangerment or neglect, fleeing an officer on foot, obstructing the legal process, and 4th-degree burglary for attempting to enter a home on 4th St. SE during the chase.

At about 10:46 p.m. Monday, June 20, Rochester police say Blass' vehicle cut off another vehicle at 11th Avenue SE and Center Street.

After seeing the car make a lane change without signaling, officers pulled him over.

Blass, the driver, reportedly exited the car and approached officers, while an adult male passenger got out and stood by the vehicle.

When police told Blass to return to his vehicle, he allegedly began to comply, then ran off on foot.

One responder approached the car and passenger, and noticed an infant in the back seat.

The referred charge of child endangerment is based on the extreme heat Monday.

Officers located Blass in the entryway of a residence in the 800 block of 4th Street SE, was apprehended and taken to Olmsted County Adult Detention Center.

The infant was released to his mother.

The state trial for two former Minneapolis police officers who are charged in the death of George Floyd has been moved once again.

Court documents state the trial is now moved up to Oct. 24, 2022, the second time the date has moved.

The request was made because J. Alexander Kueng"s attorney told the court and other parties he was unavailable for trial from January through March of 2023 due to a scheduling conflict of a personal nature, according to court documents.

They"re each charged with aiding and abetting second-degree murder and aiding and abetting second-degree manslaughter.

Power 96 News Brief for Monday 6-20

06/21/2022

The District 241 School Board will be in session this evening at 5 pm in the Board Room at the Brookside Education Center to conduct the official business of the district.

The board is expected to enter a Memorandum of Understanding with Albert Lea Schools Directors/Coordinators Association. They are also expected to accept the Albert Lea Schools Executive Director of Finance and Operations 2022-2025 Master Agreement and accept the Freeborn County Truancy Officer Agreement for the 2022-2023 school year.

Board members will receive a Superintendent report, along with reports from Teachers, Student board members and elected board members. The board is also expected to take action on the Long Term Facilities Management Plan, give Approval of 2021-2022 Final Budget, Approve the 2022-2023 Original Budget, and vote on a Resolution Relating to the Election of School Board Members and Calling the School District General Election.

Jeffrey Mitchell Weir, 53 of Albert Lea has entered a guilty plea in a child sex abuse case in Mower County.

Already a predatory offender for an incident in Wisconsin, Weir was charged in March of 2019 with three counts of first-degree criminal sexual conduct.

Weir was accused of sexually abusing a child in Mower County in 2015.

Weir had originally pleaded not guilty and his trial was to begin Monday but has accepted a plea deal in the case. Under the plea deal, Weir has pleaded guilty to two counts of second-degree criminal sexual conduct and is set to be sentenced on September 15.

The Freeborn County Board of Commissioners will be in session Tuesday morning at 8:30 in the Boardroom at the Freeborn County Government Center. Doug Host will deliver a CLA presentation on the 2021 Freeborn County Audit. Commissioners will receive reports from the Finance Department and Consider a resolution setting parameters for issuance for bonds and setting authorized committee. The board will also hear from the Auditor Treasurer Department and

Consider a resolution approving updating the 2022 Change Fund/Impress Cash Fund appropriation.

Commissioners will discuss a tabled Resolution, 22-173, Permission to Fill Office Eligibility Worker Position.

discuss the Summary of Candace Pesch evaluation from June 7th closed session.

And consider an interim County Administrator.

On Friday, Freeborn County Public Health reported 19 new lab confirmed positive COVID-19 cases. Public Health also reported no new deaths, and no residents were reported as being newly hospitalized. 3 children under the age of 10, and no children between 10 and 14 were included in the total of those who tested positive.

The number of active cases within the county now stands at 43. In addition to the current numbers, Public Health also reported that there has been a cumulative total of 552 people who have been reinfected with COVID 19.

Power 96 News Brief for Thursday 6-16

06/17/2022

Tuesday afternoon, Freeborn County Public Health reported 20 new lab confirmed positive COVID-19 cases. Public Health also reported no new deaths, and two residents were reported as being newly hospitalized. 2 children under the age of 10, and no children between 10 and 14 were included in the total of those who tested positive.

The number of active cases within the county now stands at 37. In addition to the current numbers, Public Health also reported that there has been a cumulative total of 548 people who have been reinfected with COVID 19.

The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) is stepping in after a nursing home in Pine Island failed to pay its employees wages, healthcare insurance and other vendor fees.

Pine Haven Care Center is now under a receivership with MDH.

The receivership gives the Minnesota Department of Health the authority to oversee the facility to address concerns about health and safety of Pine Haven residents

The United Way of Freeborn County on Wednesday announced 93 Thousand dollars in awards for the 2022 Community Impact Grant cycle.

Programs receiving funding grants include, Albert Lea Family Y, Life Center of Freeborn County, STARS Mentoring, Cedar Valley Services, Daybreakers Kiwanis, SEMCAC, Senior Resource of Freeborn County, The Children"s Center, First Lutheran Church and Grace Lutheran Church.

Community Impact Grants are available through the financial support of individual donors, corporate partners and successful workplace campaigns.

To learn more and apply for grant funding, visit www.unitedwayfc.org

Autopsy results for the woman found dead near Gage Elementary School in March have been released.

According to the Southern Minnesota Regional Medical Examiner's office, 22-year-old Mercedez Rocha of Northfield, MN died as a result of ingestion and/or injection of illicit drugs, specifically Fentanyl and Methamphetamine.

For the first time in 13 years, Austin Public Schools is raising its fees for school athletics and activities starting in the 2022-2023 school year.

Austin Public Schools Executive Director of Finance and Operations Andrew Beenken-Adams said when district officials were looking at the financials they realized the costs of coaches, buses, referees, spaces to practice, participate and compete have gone up to the point the district had to reassess its athletics and activity costs.

APS offers a flat fee per sport. Starting this upcoming school year, high school athletes will pay $100 per sport while middle school athletes will pay $70 per sport. In years past, high school athletes would pay $80 for their first sport, $65 for their second sport and $0 for their third.

For fine arts, activities and school clubs, the price has jumped from a $25 fee to $45.

APS said it still has one of the lowest fees in southern Minnesota school districts, if not the lowest. That's even with the rate increase.

The school board said families who are eligible for free or reduced lunches are qualified for free or reduced activity fees as well.

U.S. Attorney Andrew Luger announced on Thursday that both a corrections officer and an inmate at the Stillwater corrections facility have been charged for their alleged roles in a methamphetamine distribution conspiracy.

Luger says 24-year-old corrections officer Faith Rose Gratz worked with 34-year-old inmate Axel Rene Kramer to distribute meth within the prison complex.

Power 96 News Brief for Wednesday 6-15

06/16/2022

Tuesday afternoon, Freeborn County Public Health reported 20 new lab confirmed positive COVID-19 cases. Public Health also reported no new deaths, and two residents were reported as being newly hospitalized. 2 children under the age of 10, and no children between 10 and 14 were included in the total of those who tested positive.

The number of active cases within the county now stands at 37. In addition to the current numbers, Public Health also reported that there has been a cumulative total of 548 people who have been reinfected with COVID 19.

The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) is stepping in after a nursing home in Pine Island failed to pay its employees wages, healthcare insurance and other vendor fees.

Pine Haven Care Center is now under a receivership with MDH.

The receivership gives the Minnesota Department of Health the authority to oversee the facility to address concerns about health and safety of Pine Haven residents

On May 27th, the MDH received a complaint about employees not being paid at Pine Haven Community Center. Early this month, MDH staff members discovered a number of concerns at the nursing home. Along with employee payroll issues, Pine Haven also failed to pay a pharmacy, a food vendor and its payroll service provider.

Temporary orders for receiverships can last up to 18 months, but MDH says it"s too early to tell when exactly the order will end.

In the past nearly 15 years, there have been four receiverships issues by the Minnesota courts.

Rochester police have not made any arrests after an early morning shooting at Holiday gas station on 7th Street in Rochester.

Police officials said no one was injured in the shooting.

A 42-year-old man told police her was walking between the gas pumps around 12:43 a.m. when a passenger in a vehicle at one of the pumps began shooting at him.

The victim ran away from the station, as the shooter kept firing.

Witnesses in the area reported they heard 3-8 shots.

Rochester police found the 42-year-old man in the area of the gas station, as well as two bullets in a nearby apartment building, in the 700 block of North Broadway.

No one is in custody, and Rochester police are continuing to search for the suspect.

Minnesota cities and counties this summer will start to see an influx of funds from a multistate settlement with opioid manufacturers and distributors, an agreement that will bring $300 million to Minnesota for their role in the proliferation of pills that sparked a crisis nationwide.

A majority of Minnesota"s share of the $26 billion settlement will go to 230 local governments, totaling $222 million, according to the Minnesota Attorney General"s Office. The funds, which collectively will be dispersed over 18 years, can be used for prevention and treatment programs to fight the opioid epidemic in their communities.

Power 96 News Brief for Tuesday 6-14

06/15/2022

A Historic hire took place last night as Albert Lea Fire Rescue swore in their very first full-time female firefighter.

Congratulations to Brandi Krenz who was sworn in at Monday night's city council meeting.

Krenz was a paid on-call firefighter since 2018 and recently became an Emergency Medical Technician. She is a graduate of Albert Lea High School and holds bachelors" degrees in Psychology and Photojournalism.

In other city council actions, the council approved seeking bids to improve the drainage at Snyder Field this fall instead of spring 2023 to make sure the improvements are in place for baseball and softball season in 2023. The City Council approved contributing $30,000, from Albert Lea Police Drug Forfeiture Account, toward the purchase of an armored vehicle for the South Central Drug Investigation Unit.

The council also approved a grant of $25,584 to C & H Holdings, owner of an apartment building at 214 S. Washington Ave., to cover half the cost of stabilizing the building, tuck-pointing, fabricating and installing a fire escape and garage door.

James Joseph Vinton of Glenville received a sentence of two years" probation in Freeborn County Court, after firing a rifle at a would-be truck thief.

Vinton pleaded guilty to felony intentional discharge of a firearm that endangers the safety of others.

Vinton"s wife told deputies someone stole their blue Chevy pickup and that her husband had shot his .243 rifle into the air in hopes of trying to scare off the thief.

When Deputy Josh Partlow arrived to the scene, the truck was in a ditch and hung up on a fence.

The victim told Partlow he couldn"t stand because he was shot.

The victim admitted to stealing the truck and was airlifted to Saint Marys in Rochester and is expected to make a full recovery.

Vinton originally pleaded not guilty to all charges, but later amended his plea.

Austin police are searching for a suspect in an armed robbery that took place Sunday morning.

At about 10:32 a.m. Sunday, an unknown man used a large, silver-bladed knife to rob Reed's 4th Ave. convenience store.

The suspect pulled the knife out, pointed it at an employee, and demanded money. The employee complied and the suspect fled with an undetermined amount of cash.

A witness followed the suspect to a nearby home and alerted the police. Austin's Special Incident Response Team cleared the residence, but did not find the suspect.

The suspect was described as a Black man with brown eyes, wearing a "Boys in the Hood" white t-shirt, black pants, and a white medical mask at the time of the robbery.

The employee said she recognized the man as a frequent customer, but didn't know his name.

An Algona Iowa man was killed Sunday night after a two vehicle crash while another man was life-flighted to the hospital.

The Iowa State Patrol said Brian Freeman, 45, of Garner, was taken by Mercy Air to MercyOne North Iowa following the crash on Highway 18 east of Cylinder.

Landon Schiek, 26, of Algona, was killed in that crash.

Power 96 News Brief for Monday 6-13

06/14/2022

The East Main Street/Highway 65 construction project keeps moving forward as crews have completed replacing the watermain along East Main Street and storm sewers between Newton Avenue and William Street. They continue work on the stormwater ponds at the former Godfather"s site.

Work expected this week includes: Water service replacement between Clark Street and the Shell Rock River bridge.

Storm sewer replacement east of William Street.

Pavement removals on Clark Street and the eastbound lane of East Main Street and Watermain and sanitary sewer replacement on Clark Street.

Other work expected for the week includes storm sewer work at the intersection of Blake Avenue and ditch grading between Blake Avenue and I-35.

The Albert Lea City Council meets Monday evening to consider several matters, including:

Improving the drainage at Snyder Field this fall instead of spring 2023 to make sure the improvements are in place for base- and softball season in 2023. The council will vote on ordering bids for the project, which is expected to cost $475,000.

The council will be voting on contributing $30,000 toward the purchase of an armored vehicle for the South Central Drug Investigation Unit, which includes the Albert Lea Police Department. Enforcement officers use this type of armored vehicles when responding to active shooters, barricaded suspects, response and rescue situations, and high-risk warrants.

The coucil will also be voting on providing a grant of $25,584 to C & H Holdings, owner of an apartment building at 214 S. Washington Ave. The City maintains a reimbursement grant program to help owners of buildings in the historic downtown comply with certain requirements.

This grant represents half the cost of stabilizing the building, tuck-pointing, fabricating and installing a fire escape and garage door.

The Albert Lea City Council meeting will start Monday at 7 p.m. at City Hall.

20 former employees are now suing Mayo Clinic and the Mayo Foundation for religious discrimination.

Six different lawsuits have now been filed in U.S. District Court for the State of Minnesota over Mayo terminating employees who failed to abide by the healthcare provider"s COVID-19 vaccination mandate. The former employees worked at Mayo Clinic or Mayo Foundation facilities in Minnesota, Wisconsin, or Arizona.

All the lawsuits make similar allegations that Mayo refused to grant religious exemptions to its COVID-19 vaccination mandate and then refused to explain why those exemptions were not granted.

Mayo Clinic fired roughly 700 employees for refusing to take a COVID-19 vaccine.

Power 96 News Brief for Thursday 6-09

06/10/2022

Freeborn County and the City of Albert Lea announcing paving operations scheduled by Ulland Brothers on Bridge Avenue from Marshal Street to Hammer Road.   

The work is scheduled to begin on Friday morning, June 10.

There will be intermittent disruptions to normal traffic flow that include blocked side streets, lane closures, and flaggers in order to control traffic. The County and City request that residents who need to travel through the construction zone use caution, obey construction signage, and slow down or plan for the use of alternate routs.

The work is expected to progress into the evening hours with the hope that only minor work will remain for Saturday.

Traffic striping will be installed early next week and may also involve disruptions to traffic flows.

One man was found dead after an apparent motorcycle crash in Eagle Lake on Wednesday.

A 911 call was placed by some concerned citizens after they discovered an unresponsive motorcycle rider on the south side of Eagle Lake.

That motorcycle rider was identified as 43-year-old Troy Josef Tabor of Eagle Lake.

Sheriffs Deputies arrived along with Eagle Lake Police and Fire and ambulance personnel. Lifesaving efforts at the scene were unsuccessful.

According to officials, Tabor was riding a 2002 Yamaha V Star alone and possibly lost control on a gravel road and was ejected causing his injuries.

Tabor was not wearing a helmet and did not have a valid license or motorcycle endorsement.

That crash remains under investigation.

The Minnesota State Patrol is reporting that an Iowa man was injured Tuesday afternoon after his vehicle went off of Interstate 35 near Albert Lea and ended up in a ravine embankment.

Terry Charles Olson, 72, of Ames, was taken by Mayo Ambulance to Mayo Clinic Health System in Albert Lea for non life threatening injuries according to the MSP.

According to the report, Olson was driving a 2016 Honda Fit southbound on I-35 near milepost 7 when the vehicle left the road, entered the right-side ditch and ended up in the embankment.

The road was dry at the time of the crash and alcohol was not a factor.

The report stated Olson was wearing his seat belt.

The Freeborn County Sheriff"s Office and Albert Lea Fire Department assisted at the scene.

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources will have a free park visit day Saturday (which is also National Get Outdoors Day). Visit a state park, including Myre-Big Island State Park in Albert Lea, without a state park vehicle permit. For more information visit mndnr.gov/freeparkdays.

Power 96 News Brief for Wednesday 6-08

06/09/2022

Minnesotans who worked on the frontlines during the COVID-19 peacetime emergency can start applying for bonus pay on Wednesday.

Minnesota lawmakers approved $500 million for the frontline bonus checks. Around 667,000 Minnesotans are expected to be eligible for the payments.

However, to get the bonus, eligible frontline workers have to apply between June 8 and July 22.

Workers from sectors ranging from health care to food service, public transit and manufacturing services are eligible for the checks, as long as they worked at least 120 hours between March 15, 2020 and June 30, 2021, couldn"t work remotely, worked close to others, didn"t get any unemployment insurance benefits for more than 20 weeks during the peacetime emergency and doesn"t exceed the income cap.

After applications are processed, workers can appeal a denial within 15 days. Then, the final list of eligible applicants will get an equal payment. Lawmakers said the checks are expected to be around $750 but can"t exceed $1,500.

Applications can be completed on line at https://frontlinepay.mn.gov/submit

Motorists in Albert Lea will need to use a detour starting today and lasting for about 1 week, around a section of County Road 38 (780th Avenue) south of East Main Street.

Construction crews will be installing storm sewers under the road. Motorists will be asked to follow the signed detour, which will route traffic from Blake Avenue to County Road 91 (S.E. Marshall Street) to County Road 38.

Motorists may still reach Myre-Big Island State Park by taking the detour.

Motorists are asked to slow down in construction zones and give crews plenty of space to do their work.

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources is hosting “Take a Kid Fishing Weekend” June 10-12.

The weekend allows people to go fishing without a fishing license if they take a kid age 15 or younger fishing with them.

Kids ages 15 and younger never need a fishing license to fish. Adults looking to purchase a fishing license can do so here. The DNR says that people can usually also fish at state parks without a license if the body of water in the park does not require a trout stamp.

Power 96 News Brief for Tuesday 6-07

06/08/2022

Albert Lea Area Schools has a new superintendent, as the board voted 4-2 Monday in favor of a contract with Ron Wagner, an associate superintendent, negotiated by the school board chairman and a team.

Board members Angie Hoffman and Jill Marin voted against the contract. Hoffman stated that the feedback she received was that the board was moving too fast to fill the position.

Once the contract is signed, Wagner will earn $181,500 for the upcoming school year, $185,130 for the 2023-24 school year and a to-be-determined amount in 2024-25. Wagner will receive 25 vacation days. The district will match up to $5,000 a year in contributions to a 403 (b) plan, and Wagner will also participate in the district"s group health plan at no cost to the employee.

Tuesday morning, Freeborn County Public Health reported 28 new lab confirmed positive COVID-19 cases. Public Health also reported no new deaths, and two residents were reported as being newly hospitalized. No children under the age of 10, and no children between 10 and 14 were included in the total of those who tested positive.

The number of active cases within the county now stands at 37. In addition to the current numbers, Public Health also reported that there has been a cumulative total of 541 people who have been reinfected with COVID 19.

The Austin City Council took time out of the regular meeting to honor former basketball coach Kris Fadness.

Fadness retired earlier this year after 25 years as the high school boys' basketball coach.

In that time his teams accumulated 407 victories, the most in school history, with fifteen consecutive winning seasons, six Big 9 Conference Championships, and three State Championship appearances.

Even though his career as coach has ended he plans to continue teaching in the community.

Governor Tim Walz will hold a ceremonial bill signing to celebrate the mental health package investing in the state"s mental health system. The legislation will increase hospital bed capacity, attract new mental health care professionals, and expand the use of mobile crisis services.

Power 96 News Brief for Monday 6-06

06/07/2022

The District 241 School Board will hold a Study Session Monday evening at 5 pm in the board room at the Brookside Education Center. The board is expected to take action on the superintendent contract. There will also be a resolution designating Medsurety LLC and Matrix Trust as Health Reimbursement Arrangement Trustees, and the board will be presented with a Resolution to enter into a Solar Contract with iDeal Energies. Afterwards, the board is expected to move into a closed session for labor negotiations.

Filings for the Albert Lea City Council closed May 31 with a full slate of candidates. Albert Lea will have a new mayor after incumbent Vern Rasmussen Jr. has decided to step down after serving as mayor since 2012 and as Ward 1 councilor before that. Ward 1 will have a new councilor after incumbent Rich Murray filed for mayor. And Ward 6 will have a new city councilor after incumbent Al “Minnow” Brooks – first elected in 1998 - has decided not to run again.

In addition to Rich Murray as a candidate for Mayor, Murray will be joined by Ryon McCamish on the ballot for the position of mayor.

The Freeborn County Board of Commissioners will be in session Tuesday morning at 8:30 am in the Freeborn Room at the Freeborn County Government Center. There will be a public hearing to consider projects eligible for funding using Freeborn County Transportation Sales and Use Tax dollars. The Commissioners will receive reports from Personnel where resolutions will be presented for the tentative Agreement between Freeborn County and the Minnesota Public Employees Association representing the Detention Sergeants Unit for the calendar years 2022-2024.

Commissioners will also Consider a resolution approving the tentative agreement between Freeborn County and Law Enforcement Labor Services, Inc. representing the Licensed Deputy Unit for the calendar years 2022-2024.

Other reports and requests will come from the Probation Office, Public Health, Human Services, and the County Administrator.

A Clear Lake, Iowa man is facing attempted murder charges after police say he intentionally hit two motorcyclists with his vehicle.

Chad R. Gustin, 43, of Clear Lake, IA was arrested on May 30 on two counts of attempted murder, a Class B Felony, and one count of violating a no-contact order.

Clear Lake police said officers were called to the area of N. 8th Street and 3rd Ave. North on May 29 for a report of a person who had intentionally struck a motorcycle.

Gustin is currently being held at the Cerro Gordo County Jail.

Power 96 News Brief for Thursday 5-26

05/27/2022

The Freeborn County Board of Commissioners will hold a special session and a workshop in the Boardroom at the Freeborn County Government Center Tuesday May 31st at 9 am.

The commissioners are expected to to enter into a closed session for preliminary consideration of allegations or charges against an individual(s) subject to its authority to begin the special session.

After the closed session is adjournment, the board will begin its workshop.

The workshop will consist of discussion of payment for CIP if bonding is not available. There will also be continued discussion with the Department of Human Services staff movement for mental health programming. The board will then open discussion to set the boards wishes on how to proceed filling the Administrator position which is being vacated by County Administrator Tom Jensen.

The Minnesota State Patrol reported alcohol was a factor in a crash that left an Austin man was injured late Wednesday night.

Logan Conley, 28, of Austin collided with a Tow Truck that was assisting a motorist with a stalled vehicle on Highway 14 in Dover Township.

Conley was taken to St. Marys with non-life-threatening injuries.

The Worth County Board of Supervisors has voted to make Emergency Medical Services an essential service within the county.

The resolution was passed in its third reading in front of the board.

In the resolution, the board recognized the importance of maintaining and advancing the level of care for citizens within the county.

The resolution will now move to voters to be approved and it will require at least 60% voter approval to be passed.

Minnesota front-line workers can start applying for hero pay checks from the state starting next month, the Department of Labor and Industry said this week. The department said it would open the application portal beginning June 8 and would leave it open through July 22. Eligible front-line workers could then expect to see their checks sent beginning September 5th. Lawmakers approved the legislation and the governor signed into law a $500 million plan to send funds out to those who remained on the job in person during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Power 96 News Brief for Wednesday 5-25

05/26/2022

Harbor Freight Tools, has announced that it will be opening a new store in Albert Lea, MN. The new store will be located at 307 Hamilton Street and is expected to open this summer. An official opening date will be announced closer to opening.

The store is expected to bring between 25 and 30 new jobs to the community, including Sales and Logistic Supervisors, Senior Associates, Sales Associates, and seasonal opportunities as well.

The family-owned company started in Southern California in 1977, when 17-year-old Eric Smidt began transforming his father "s small phone sales business into a successful mail order company, bypassing the resellers, dealing directly with factories, and passing the savings on to the customer.

Harbor Freight Tools has over 1,300 stores across the country, 24,000 associates and more than 40 million customers who depend on Harbor Freight "s quality and value to earn a living, repair their homes and cars and pursue their hobbies.

With 100% of the precincts reporting in the Minnesota 1st Congressional District primary, 1%, or 389 votes separate Republican candidates Brad Finstad and Jeremy Munson.

Finstad coming in at 38% (13,835) of the vote and Munson at 37% (13,446).

The winner will face former Hormel Foods executive Jeff Ettinger, who won the Democratic nomination.

Madeline Marie Young, 36 of Austin, and Marcos Daniel Brito, 35 of San Jose, California have entered not guilty pleas after being caught with more than 4.4 pounds of methamphetamine.

Court documents state a tracker was installed in Young"s vehicle after being involved with the sale and transportation of meth. Officers initially pulled Young over on Oakland Avenue in Austin for too-dark window tint.   

A sheriff"s deputy stated that Young showed signs of being under the influence and failed multiple field sobriety tests. A search of the vehicle found a plastic baggie containing 44.31 grams of meth and two plastic pool boxes, one holding two bags of meth and the other three.

Court documents say officers also found marijuana, a plastic bag of crushed pills that tested positive for fentanyl, THC wax, and drug paraphernalia.

A trial date has yet to be set for either Young or Brito.

Governor Tim Walz has directed all flags at state and federal buildings in Minnesota to be flown at half-staff effective immediately until sunset on Saturday, May 28, 2022 to honor the lives lost in the school shooting at Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, Texas on Tuesday, May 24, 2022.

Minnesota joins the nation, in accordance with a proclamation issued by President Joe Biden, to remember, mourn, and honor the lives lost in Uvalde. Individuals, businesses, and other organizations are also encouraged to join in lowering their flags.