HBC TV25 News
Flordia murder suspects arrested in Winona County
Winona County, State and Federal authorities converged on Whitewater State Park arly this morning, apprehending two men wanted in connection with a Florida triple–homicide. Winona County Sheriff Dave Band said 38–year–old James Lindsey Howze of O'Brien, Florida and 47–year–old Lonnie Robert Munn of Lake City, Florida, were arrested without incident after members of the Winona County Emergency Response Team rushed their camper trailer at 1:33 this morning. Brand said the suspects were in custody by 1:40 a.m. Acording to Brand, he was contacted by U.S.
Elgin bank robbery suspect still at large
Authorities continue to search for a suspected wanted in connection with the robbery of an Elgin bank Wednesday. Wabasha County officials say there is nothing new to report and that the investigation is continuing. Reports say a lone male entered People's State Bank at around 12:15 Wednesday afternoon and handed a note to a teller. The suspect left with an undisclosed amount of cash. The suspect is described as a white male between 5'8" and 5'10". He was wearing a white tank top with tattoos on both arms and across his chest. He left in a white pickup truck.
Highway 74 resurfacing project starts Tuesday
Minnesota State Highway 74 between Chatfield and St. Charles will be getting a facelift next week. Starting September 7, the Minnesota Department of Transportation will begin resurfacing the road. Traffic will be reduced to a single land with traffic controlled by flaggers and pilot cars. Officials expect the project to be completed near the end of October. The resurfacing project also includes pedestrian ramp accessibility improvements in Chatfield and St. Charles. Rochester Sand and Gravel, a division of Mathy Construction is the prime contractor for the $3.5 million project.
Over 70 cited during "Move Over" law enforcement effort
Tuesday's enforcement of the Ted Foss Move Over Law resulted in over 70 traffic stops by state patrol troopers. The Minnesota State Patrol conducted the enforcement in 11 southeastern Minnesota counties. A total of 267 motorists were stopped for traffic–related violations throughout the district. Minnesota law requires motorists to move over when they see flashing lights. The law was named in honor of State Patrol Trooper Ted Foss who was killed 10 years ago by a passing vehicle as he was responding to a crash scene on the shoulder of Interstate 90 near the Lewiston exit.
Local teacher contract agreement reached
School District #861 officials and the Winona Education Association have tentatively agreed to a new contract agreement. The deal will cover teachers from 2009–2011 and 2011–2013. The contracts call for freezing salaries and benefits across–the–board through 2011 with increases in the district's health insurance contribution for 2011–2013. The deal for 2011–2013 also includes step and lane increases for eligible teachers. The settlement was approved by the district's teachers earlier this week and is scheduled to be ratified by the Winona Area Public Schools Board next Thursday.
State think tank holds Winona press conference to discuss property taxes
Representatives of the think tank Minnesota 2020 held a press conference at Winona City Hall this morning to talk about property taxes. According to the group, the average Winona homeowner's property taxes have risen an inflation–adjusted 26 percent since 2002. Winona Mayor Jerry Miller said the city made a commitment to provide property tax relief to local homeowners if the state would boost its LGA allotment to Winona. He said Winona would set aside half of their proposed allotment of one million dollars for local property tax relief.
Broadband project money available through city
Money is available through the City of Winona to expand broadband technologies in the city. The $85,000 in grant monies came through the C. K. Blandin Foundation. Assistant City Planner Carlos Espinosa said several types of projects qualify for funding.
Young alums returning to SMU
Recent graduates from St. Mary's University will be returning to campus next weekend. SMU is hosting its Young Alumni Reunion Weekend, Sept. 10–12. Around 200 alumni are expect to return for a weekend of events which will include a bonfire, a community outreach project, a faculty and staff social, ropes course activities, disc golfing and a pig roast picnic. The weekend coincides with Cardinal 'M' Club Weekend.
Mazeppa man killed in single vehicle rollover
A single–vehicle accident in Wabasha County has killed one person. The Minnesota State Patrol reports 44-year-old Todd Lewison of Mazeppa died when his 2002 Saturn left Highway 63, struck a rock wall and overturned near milepost 71. Officials say Lewison died at the scene. He was alone in the car. The accident happened shortly before 9:15 Monday morning. Reports indicate Lewison was wearing his seatbelt.
Winona council members take first look at proposed 2011 budget
Winona City Council members got their first look last night at the proposed 2011 budget for the City of Winona. The budget comes in at just over $32.7 million and includes elements that have already raised concerns among the council. The biggest concern is a proposed 4.6 percent property tax increase for 2011. The proposed document also includes a $24 million equipment bond which would be used to purchase emergency response and city departmental vehicles. The money would also help purchase 800 megahertz radios for Winona Police and Fire departments.
State Patrol honors fallen Winona trooper
Ten years ago today a Minnesota State Patrol trooper from Winona was killed in the line of duty near the Lewiston exit on Interstate 90. The Minnesota State Patrol and the state Department of Transportation hosted a news conference this morning at State Patrol District Headquarters in Rochester to honor Trooper Ted Foss' memory by educating motorists of the Ted Foss Move Over Law. Foss was struck and killed by a vehicle during a routine traffic stop on August 31, 2000.
Condo development clears last hurdle
Work can now proceed on a condominium to be built near Winona's riverfront. During a special meeting last night, Winona City Council members approved vacating an easement required for construction to begin. The River View Condos will be built at 2 Washington Street on property owned by developer Dave McNally.
Winona Police send the message that underage drinking will not be tolerated
Winona Police are letting students know that underage drinking will not be tolerated. This past weekend, Winona Police cited 35 individuals for unlawful consumption of alcohol. Police have stepped up foot patrols both downtown and around the Winona State University campus. According to Deputy Chief Tom Williams, the increased enforcement efforts are funded by an $5000 federal grant.
Winona Chamber is on the move...literally.
Beginning today, the Winona Chamber Office will be temporarily closed while it relocates. This week, staff is busy getting the office moved and ready to open for business at its new location of 902 East Second Street Suite 120 on Tuesday September 7. An Open House event is planned for Tuesday afternoon from 3:00 until 6:00 p.m.
Weekend Watercross event a success
Quite a crowd gathered along the shores of East Lake Winona Saturday to watch Round Six of the 2010 Great Lakes Watercross Tour. Conditions were perfect as jet ski racers competed in closed course and freestyle events. Great Lakes Watercross promoter Scott Hyke said local racer Spenser Sieracki thought Lake Winona would provide a great venue for the event. Hyke said the began talking with city officials and they were able to bring the tour to Winona. Leading the pack in the novice division was Winona's Spenser Sieracki. Sieracki is a senior at Cotter High School.
Winona City Council to host three special meetings
There are two special city council meetings planned for tonight and another scheduled for Tuesday. The first meeting tonight is being held to consider vacating a public utility easement to allow construction of a riverfront condo development to begin at the foot of Washington Street. The project is being proposed by local developer Dave McNally. That meeting begins at 5:00 p.m. in the Wenonah Room of City Hall. Then at 5:05 tonight, council members will begin discussions concerning the 2010 City of Winona Budget.
HBC-TV 25 revamped program schedule to begin Monday
HBC–TV 25 will be receiving a schedule overhaul next week. Beginning Monday, it will be easier to find your favorite programs. The new schedule follows more of a network-type line up with shows on at the same time five to six times a week. You can find a copy of the new program line up at my.hbci.com/hbctv HBC customers will also be receiving a copy of the new schedule in your next invoice. Those who use e–pay will receive the new line up as an attachment to your online bill.
School Board candidate drops out
Tirina Bryant Moynagh has dropped out of the race for the District 2 seat on the Winona Area Public Schools Board. Moynagh bowed out yesterday following her arrest on charges of domestic assault. Moynagh was released from custody on her own recognizance following her court hearing. Her next court appearance is September 3.
WAPS celebrates 150 years
Winona Area Public Schools celebrates a milestone this year. District 861 is celebrating its sesquicentennial this school year and many special events are planned throughout the year. Commemorative activities are scheduled during Homecoming Week, American Education Week, and at the Sesquicentennial Showcase on March 19. You may purchase your commemorative buttons for $5 each at the Community Education Office, at the Winona Middle School after School Activities Office, at the WSHS Activities Office and at school events.
Gladiolus Days concludes this weekend in St. Charles
Gladiolus Days wraps up this weekend in St. Charles. Earlier this week, Ashley Paladie was crowned Miss Gladiolus 2010. First runner up is Samatha Reps and Candi Jo Holets was named second runner up. Reps was also named Miss Congeniality and Miss Photogenic. Tonight's events include a fish fry and two street dances with music provided by "Standby" and "Trouble Shooter." On Saturday there's the 3 mile Run/Walk with registration beginning at 8:00 a.m.






