News

Storm Damage--Winona County
05/20/13 11:16 AM
Winona County authorities said a building in St. Charles was damaged along with downed trees and power lines in other parts of the county following Sunday night's storm that dumped more than two inches of rain on some areas.

Unpermitted Fire
05/20/13 11:20 AM
The Winona County Sheriff's Department said a Dakota man was cited for having no burn permit after four fire departments were called to a Dakota area residence last Thursday to battle a fire that got out of control.       

Mulligan's Brawl
05/20/13 11:18 AM
Winona Police said two people were jailed early Saturday following what has been described as a brawl outside a downtown bar.             

Police Bike Auction
05/20/13 11:24 AM
91 bicycles and numerous other items will be on the auction block on Wednesday when the annual City of Winona spring auction takes place. 

Session Adjournment Nears
05/20/13 07:06 AM
Come midnight, the Minnesota Legislature's 2013 session will be history.   But some must-pass items have yet to get final approval.

Principal Search
05/20/13 03:36 PM
The Winona Area Public School District is still searching for a new principal for Jefferson Elementary School.

Gas Prices
05/20/13 03:35 PM
A new survey finds Minneapolis has the highest gas prices in the Lower 48 states. The average U.S. price of a gallon of gasoline has jumped 11 cents over the past two weeks.

High School Remodel
05/20/13 11:52 AM
As the school year winds down at Winona Senior High school faculty and staff have been busy preparing for a remodeling project that will get underway in June.                 

Education Bill
05/20/13 11:29 AM
The Legislature has sent Governor Mark Dayton a school funding bill that boosts education spending in a number of areas.   The Senate passed the bill Sunday by a vote of 41-26. The House signed off on the bill hours earlier in a 2 a.m. vote on Sunday.

5-20-13 Kill: 11:00 am Tuesday
05/20/13 11:23 AM
Police said 22 year old Taylor Nicholas Gleason was jailed after he was cited with alleged drug violations last Thursday.                 

Drug Bust--Lake Village
05/20/13 11:21 AM
Two people were cited with felony drug violations when local authorities conducted a search of a residence in the Lake Village Mobilehome Park on Friday.                  

Local Storm Impacts
05/20/13 09:21 AM
A powerful band of storms with strong winds and heavy rain uprooted trees, flooded roads and caused structural damage in southeastern Minnesota...including western Winona County.   Rainfall totals in the county ranged from less than two inches to more than four inches.

Concrete Plant
05/20/13 08:28 AM
The Goodview City Council will continue a public hearing Monday on a request to locate a proposed ready-mix concrete manufacturing plant near the Michael La Canne Memorial Park.              

FLOOD STATEMENT
05/20/13 06:25 AM
FLOOD WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT FOR THE MIDDLE FORK WHITEWATER RIVER NEAR WHITEWATER PARK  

Saturday Sports Update
05/18/13 08:03 AM
Winona State University takes on Central Oklahoma Saturday in Game 2 of their NCAA Division II Super Regional Matchup.  Central Oklahoma defeated WSU 5 to 2 on Friday.  The two teams are back on the diamond at 2:00pm on Saturday.  If needed, Game 3 will be at 4:30pm.

The start time for Saturday's Cotter and Stewartville softball game was incorrectly reported in the media today.  That game is at 11:00am.

Also Saturday is final registration for Winona Winstars 5-10 year old fastpitch softball.  It is at Wesley United Methodist Church from 9:00am until 11:00am.

Clock Is Ticking On Minnesota Legislature
05/18/13 07:42 AM
The Minnesota Legislature is meeting over the weekend as the clock counts down on the regular session.  The House and Senate are both convening Saturday. Sunday sessions are also a good possibility, with a late Monday deadline to adjourn the regular session.

MnSCU Pleased With Legislative Funding
05/18/13 07:33 AM
The Chancellor of the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities is praising the state legislature for it's higher ed spending package.

High Speed Rail Meeting
05/18/13 07:21 AM
The public is invited to an open house on Monday, June 3rd, to learn more about the planning study for the proposed high speed passenger rail service between Rochester and the Twin Cities.            

City Council
05/18/13 07:17 AM
The Winona City Council on Monday will be asked to approve a contract for the final design of proposed upgrades to the municipal airport.              

Barge Rams Lock
05/18/13 07:13 AM
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is reopening the lock and dam on the Mississippi near Fountain City after a towboat hit one of the gates.   The Corps says the tow was navigating downriver when it hit the lock gate Thursday.

Medical Amnesty
05/17/13 11:21 AM
The Minnesota House of Representatives Thursday passed the Medical Amnesty Bill which allows a person under the age of 21 who consumes or possesses an alcoholic beverage, to contact a 911 operator to report a medical emergency without the risk of being ticketed for underage consumption.

Minnesota Budget
05/17/13 11:19 AM
Democratic Minnesota lawmakers Thursday reached an agreement on a tax package that is the linchpin of the next state budget. 

Drug Bust
05/17/13 10:21 AM
The Winona County Sheriff's Department says two people were jailed Thursday night after authorities served a search warrant on their residence near Elba at 9:00 p.m. and discovered drugs and a large number of items believed to have been stolen.  

Alma City Council President
05/17/13 10:19 AM
Gary Ruff has been elected as the new Alma City Council president.  The council elected Ruff with three votes, defeating former council president Larry Farl who had two votes. Alderperson Jim Wilkie had one vote.     

Coodinator Search Extended
05/17/13 09:47 AM
The Buffalo County Board of Supervisors will renew its search for a new administrative coordinator.

Terrorism Conviction
05/17/13 09:25 AM
Two Rochester women convicted of conspiring to send money to the terrorist group al-Shabab in Somalia have been sentenced in federal court. 

City Council--Finance Report
05/16/13 11:45 AM
The Winona City Council will hold an informational meeting this coming Monday prior to the council's regular meeting.  Councilmembers will discuss the city's 2012 financial review.      

Daycare Union
05/16/13 11:44 AM
Republican State Senator Jeremy Miller says he was very disappointed that the Senate passed a bill to allow daycare providers and personal care attendants to unionize.    

Jobs-Energy Bill
05/16/13 11:42 AM
Republicans in the Minnesota House say a House-Senate conference report on Jobs and Energy, that passed Wednesday, will kill jobs in the state.       

Unemployment
05/16/13 11:39 AM
Minnesota's unemployment rate took a dip in April according to the latest figures released by the Department of Employment and Economic Development.                  

Rock Blasting
05/16/13 10:31 AM
Residents who live near the Biesanz Stone Quarry are being invited to a meeting next Wednesday, May 22nd, where they will learn about upcoming rock blasting at the quarry.               

Ready Set School
05/16/13 10:29 AM
The local Ready Set School program has met its goal and has received a $10,000 matching grant from Winona Radio.

Burglary
05/16/13 10:28 AM
Winona Police are investigating a burglary reported at a home in the 500 block of East Fifth Street.                   

ATV Crash--O'Grady
05/16/13 10:26 AM
The Winona County Sheriff's Department said a 74 year old Minnesota City woman had to be rescued Wednesday after the ATV she was driving overturned throwing her off.                

Boy's Transplant
05/16/13 10:24 AM
A 6 year old boy who has spent the last six months in intensive care has undergone heart transplant surgery at Mayo Clinic in Rochester. 

Dalton Benefit
05/16/13 10:23 AM
A special benefit will be held on Sunday, May 19th, at the Black Horse Restaurant for Dalton Cook, a 2012 Winona Senior High graduate, who became seriously ill after traveling out of the country in March.   

Mailbox Bombs
05/16/13 10:16 AM
A federal judge in Iowa says he'll order a new competency hearing to determine whether a former college student from Pine Island accused of planting bombs in rural Midwest mailboxes in 2002 is mentally fit enough to stand trial. 

Motorcycle Fatality
05/16/13 07:50 AM
The man killed in a motorcycle accident in Wabasha County on Tuesday night was a popular Minneapolis Latin DJ.  32 year old Omari Omari was a member of the dance DJ group Salsa Police. 

Carol Hill Scholarships
05/15/13 12:03 PM
The Winona Health Auxiliary has awarded $23,000 in scholarships to 17 students who have been accepted into an accredited healthcare program.             

Fatal Cycle Crash
05/15/13 12:01 PM
A 32 year old Minneapolis man was killed in a motorcycle crash in Wabasha County Tuesday evening.

Farm Bill
05/15/13 11:52 AM
Minnesota Senator Amy Klobuchar the Farm Bill has passed the Senate Agriculture Committee with strong bipartisan support.                  

Early Release Day Cancelled
05/15/13 11:50 AM
The Winona Area Public School District has announced that the early release day that was scheduled for Wednesday, May 22nd, has been cancelled.              

DFL Budget
05/15/13 11:44 AM
With just a few days left in the legislative session, the DFL majority says the final budget will be good for the entire state of Minnesota.                    

MnDO 20-Year Plan
05/15/13 11:43 AM
The Minnesota Department of Transportation will host a series of public meetings over the few next weeks seeking input on its draft 20 year State Highway Investment Plan.               

Farm Bill
05/15/13 11:42 AM
Minnesota Senator Amy Klobuchar the Farm Bill has passed the Senate Agriculture Committee with strong bipartisan support.                       &

Highway 16 Project
05/15/13 11:38 AM
A six and a half million dollar project to upgrade Minnesota Highway 16 between Rushford and Lanesboro is set to begin this Monday, May 20th.                    

New Lourdes High School
05/15/13 11:36 AM
Over 450 students had a chance last week to tour the brand new Rochester Lourdes High School as moving day is just a couple of weeks away.                 

Day Care Union
05/15/13 11:35 AM
The Minnesota Senate has passed a bill allowing the unionization of home child-care workers in Minnesota after an all-night debate that saw Republicans trying to block the bill.   The Senate finally voted just after 8 a.m. Wednesday. The bill passed

Frac Sand Agreement
05/15/13 08:58 AM
House and Senate members, the governor's administration, DNR and the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency have reached an agreement on legislation regarding silica sand mining in Minnesota.

Klobchar-Women in Manufacturing
05/14/13 02:54 PM
Minnesota Senator Amy Klobuchar, Vice Chair of the U.S. Congress Joint Economic Committee released a new report examining the role of women in American manufacturing.

SBD Button Contest Winner
05/14/13 02:51 PM
The Winona Steamboat Days Festival Committee unveiled the 2013 Button Design and announced its designer  at Bluffview Montessori School  Tuesday afternoon.  This year's design winner is Sequoia Fassbender, a 6th  grade student  at Bluffview Montessori School .  Sequoia  is  the daughter of  Julie and Tom Fassbender

Citizen's Advisory Committee
05/14/13 12:17 PM
The Winona County Board has formally appointed 18 members to the County Comprehensive Plan Update Citizen's Advisory Committee.

St. Charles Rebate
05/14/13 12:15 PM
St. Charles residents who were billed for Winona County recycling services they did not receive will be getting a rebate.
                 

Miller-Gay Marriage Vote
05/14/13 12:14 PM
Republican State Senator Jeremy Miller of Winona said he voted against the gay marriage bill Monday because he went along with the majority of voters in his district who also opposed gay marriage.
                 

Dalai Lama Checkup
05/14/13 12:13 PM
The Dalai Lama has made a stop at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester for a checkup.
 

Fatal Fire
05/14/13 12:12 PM
Authorities say one person has died in a mobile home fire in Vernon County.
 

WSHS-Art Competition
05/13/13 02:28 PM
The Winona Senior High School Art Department has announced the names of 3 students who have had art or photography chosen as the top 3 award winners in the annual U.S. Congressional Art Competition.
                  
These students are: Spencer Hodge - 1st Place,,  Danny Young -2nd Place and Haley Christensen-3rd Place

Motorcycle Crash
05/13/13 02:21 PM
The Minnesota State Patrol says a 35-year-old St.Charles man was injured in a motorcycle crash over the weekend.
                  

Highway 43 Bridge
05/13/13 02:20 PM
The Minnesota Department of Transportation says motorists traveling on the Highway 43 bridge over the Mississippi River in Winona will experience some temporary lane closures and delays next week.
                  

School Board
05/13/13 02:19 PM
The Winona Area Public School Board will review a proposed timeline for a search for a new superintendent of schools when the board meets on Thursday.
                      
 

Law Enforcement Memorial
05/13/13 12:28 PM
A reminder that local law enforcement agencies will hold a special ceremony on Wednesday to mark National Law Enforcement Memorial Week this week.            

Child Punished-Ressie
05/13/13 12:27 PM
Winona Police said a 67-year-old Winona woman was jailed Saturday on suspicion of assaulting and causing miscellaneous punishment of a child. Deputy Police Chief Tom Williams said Joan Marie Ressie was cited with assaulting a 9-year-old female causing both fear and harm and with kicking the child twice in the legs while the child laid on the ground.

Elba Burglary
05/13/13 12:26 PM
The Winona County Sheriff's Department is investigating a burglary reported at a residence near Elba along Northlynn Drive.

Highway 14/42 Intersection
05/13/13 12:25 PM
Some short term changes will be made to the Highway 14 and Highway 42 intersection near Eyota following a fatal crash that occurred there last month.

Buffalo County Court
05/13/13 09:39 AM
Among recent appearances in Buffalo County Circuit Court in Alma.

19-year-old Jeremiah Littlehawk of Solon Springs, Wis., formerly of Mondovi, was placed on one year probation for 4th degree sexual assault of a female.

Mistaken Gunfire
05/13/13 09:35 AM
A report of gunshots on the campus of a La Crosse technical college drew an immediate response from heavily-armed police officers who found the sound was nothing more than balloons popping during a class project.
 

Click it or Ticket
05/13/13 09:34 AM
Motorists and passengers are reminded to buckle up this spring as extra seat belt patrols take to the roads statewide May 20 - June 2. Winona County Law Enforcement agencies are among nearly 400 Minnesota agencies increasing patrols to encourage motorists to buckle up.

Injury Crash
05/13/13 09:33 AM
The Trempealeau County Sheriff's Department says three people were injured in a three-vehicle crash Friday afternoon.

Legacy Bill
05/13/13 09:30 AM
Two local Republican Minnesota House members voted against the so-called "Legacy Amendment" bill Friday that allocates funding for the environment, natural resources and arts initiatives.
               

ATV Trail Opening
05/13/13 09:28 AM
The Southeastern Minnesota A-T-V organization announced the Stockton to Altura A-T-V Trail will have a delayed opening.

Tractor Fatal
05/13/13 09:27 AM
The operator of a tractor has died in an accident in Blue Earth County.
 

Milk Programs
05/13/13 09:27 AM
La Crosse elementary school students will have to do without their morning milk break.

Wetlands Mitigation
05/13/13 09:26 AM
 A proposal to restore a degraded wetland to create a separate "wetland mitigation bank" in Monroe County is currently under Department of Natural Resources review and the public has until May 23rd to comment on the permit application.

Planning Commission
05/13/13 09:15 AM
The Winona City Planning Commission on Monday, May 13th, will discuss possible amendments to a downtown zoning district that had allowed for a failed condominium project near the Mississippi River.

E-A-B Tour
05/13/13 09:14 AM
The Minnesota Department of Agriculture is offering the public a chance to take a tour of the Great River Bluffs State Park to see the invasive  Emerald Ash Borer up close.
                    

Healthcare Directives


05/13/13 06:17 AM
The Winona Health Auxiliary is offering a free program to help individuals document their wishes regarding healthcare services so their families will be informed when necessary.
                              
The next free program about Healthcare Directives will be Monday, May 20, from 6:30 - 7:30 p.m. in the Winona Health Parkview Conference Room on Mankato Avenue.

The primary purpose of a Healthcare Directive is to allow individuals to retain control over their care, even after losing the ability to speak on their own behalf. All individuals age 18 and older are encouraged to complete a Healthcare Directive. The session will cover both Minnesota and Wisconsin Healthcare Directives.

A follow-up session will be held at the same time in the same location, Monday, June 3.

The sessions are free and open to the public. No advanced registration is required.

If you have questions about the program, please call 474-3328....

Mistaken Gunfire


05/13/13 06:10 AM
A report of gunshots on the campus of a La Crosse technical college drew an immediate response from heavily-armed police officers who found the sound was nothing more than balloons popping during a class project.

Officers armed with assault rifles took up defensive positions around the Coleman Center at Western Technical College Thursday after a 911 call was received about shots fired in the building. Nervous students were evacuated from nearby buildings.

Police stormed inside with weapons drawn and searched room by room. Then officers found the class with the balloons and learned it was a false alarm.

The La Crosse Tribune says the incident reflects a heightened awareness of danger that may be the new normal on college campuses. Police and college officials say the response was appropriate given the nature of the 911 call.

Winona Health Award
05/10/13 12:57 PM
Winona Health's Community Engagement Department recently received a Gold award for its 2012 community report: Stories of Generosity in the national Healthcare Advertising Award competition now in its 30th year.  &nbs

Gay Marriage--Davids
05/10/13 12:56 PM
A positive vote on the gay marriage bill in the Minnesota House Thursday has not changed a Winona area lawmaker's opinion on the subject. Republican Representative Greg Davids told Winona Radio News he maintained his long opposition against the bill.

BBBS Bowling Results
05/10/13 12:53 PM
The annual "Bowl for Kids Sake" event in Winona last month raised over 31-thousand dollars for the local Big Brothers Big Sisters organization. Development Specialist Ashley Santalin says the over $30,000 raised will stay in Winona.

County Board
05/10/13 12:52 PM
The Winona County Board of Commissioners will hold two closed-door sessions next Tuesday, May 14th,

More Home Burglaries
05/10/13 12:51 PM
Winona County authorities are investigating three home burglaries reported on Thursday.

Gay Marriage-Local Votes
05/10/13 12:50 PM
Next up for the bill to legalize gay marriage in Minnesota is a scheduled final vote in the state Senate.        The Senate vote is set for Monday.

Gay Mariage
05/10/13 09:03 AM
Next up for the bill to legalize gay marriage in Minnesota is a scheduled final vote in the state Senate.
 
The Senate vote is set for Monday. The House passed the bill 75 to 59 on Thursday after a debate of more than three hours that grew emotional at times. As lawmakers shared personal stories of gay friends and family members, hundreds of demonstrators on both sides of the issue sang,

Miss Arcadia
05/10/13 09:02 AM
A new Miss Arcadia will be crowned Saturday night at Arcadia High School.

Smuggling Heroin
05/10/13 09:01 AM
A La Crosse woman has been charged with smuggling heroin into the Trempealeau County Jail. According to the Trempealeau County Times, Katelyn Camling is alleged to have stitched chunks of heroin into underwear.

Absentee Ballots
05/10/13 09:00 AM
An elections bill that would let people vote absentee without a valid excuse has won approval from the Minnesota House.
 

Minnesota House Approves Same Sex Marriage
05/09/13 03:10 PM
The Minnesota House of Representatrives has approved expanding civil marriage in Minnesota to include same sex couples by a vote of 75 to 59.  The bill will be taken up by the Senate on Monday, where passage is expected.  Governor Dayton has said he will sign the bill.  Gay marriages could be held as soon as August 1.

St. Charles Police Chief
05/09/13 11:55 AM
Two final candidates for the St. Charles Police Chief position are being interviewed this week.            

Gay Marriage--Miller
05/09/13 11:53 AM
Republican State Senator Jeremy Miller calls an expected Senate decision on legalizing gay marriage a tough vote for him.       

International Science Fair--Bryant
05/09/13 11:50 AM
A Winona High School student has been preparing to attend the Intel International Science and Engineering Fair next week.   

March Foodshare--Final Results
05/09/13 11:48 AM
The Minnesota March Foodshare food drive is being characterized as a major success.                        State

Food Drive--Post Office
05/09/13 11:47 AM
Winona area lettercarriers are hoping see a lot of bags of non-perishable food when they make their rounds on Saturday.  It's the annual National Association of Lettercarriers Food Drive.   

Mistaken Identity
05/09/13 11:45 AM
The La Crosse bomb-sniffing dog was called out to the Dakota area along Oak Hill Drive Wednesday evening after someone discovered what appeared to be a bomb inside a hollow tree.       

School Bus Off Road
05/09/13 11:44 AM
No injuries were reported when a Winona school bus went off a road just after 8:00 a.m. Thursday.                   

McClenathan Scholarship-Meyer
05/08/13 06:31 PM
The Winona Health Foundation selected Tanya Meyer to receive the Phyllis A. McClenathan Nursing Scholarship. Meyer attends Winona State University and will graduate with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing.

Davids-Session
05/08/13 06:27 PM
The clock is ticking, but are legislative leaders paying attention? Republican State Representative Greg Davids says there's just over a week remaining in the legislative session and there no sense of urgency by majority Democrats to finish their work.

Fastenal Earnings
05/08/13 06:19 PM
Winona's Fastenal Company posted a 9.8% increase in net sales for the month of April when compared to April of 2012.
                     

WSU-Green Colleges
05/08/13 06:17 PM
Winona State University is one of the country's most environmentally-responsible colleges according to the 2013 edition of "The Princeton Review's Guide to 322 Green Colleges."

Veteran's Bill
05/08/13 06:16 PM
A bill introduced by First District Representative Tim Walz to give military retirees the honor they deserve passed through the Veterans Affairs Committee.

Fishing Opener
05/08/13 06:15 PM
Thousands of anglers are packing up their gear as they get ready to hit the lakes this weekend for the start of the fishing season.
          

Cardinal Burke-Winona
05/08/13 06:14 PM
Raymond Leo Cardinal Burke visited Saint Mary's University in Winona Wednesday. His Eminence was appointed Cardinal in November of 2010 by Pope Benedict XVI after previously serving as Bishop of the Diocese of La Crosse and Archbishop of St. Louis.



 

Winona Radio's Greg Taylor interviews with Cardinal Burke


Listen to Greg Taylor's interview with Raymond Leo Cardinal Burke

Energy Bill
05/08/13 11:24 AM
The Minnesota House passed the Omnibus Energy Bill Tuesday by a 69 to 64 margin that Republicans say will cause higher energy rates.             

Crime Alert--Eau Claire
05/08/13 11:19 AM
Eau Claire authorities have issued a crime alert regarding a man and a woman who have been passing counterfeit American Express Travelor's Checks.    

Goodview City Council
05/08/13 11:17 AM
The City of Goodview held a public hearing Monday on a conditional use permit request for a proposed ready-mix concrete manufacturing facility at 6620 Martina Road.                

Wabasha Administrator Controversy
05/08/13 11:16 AM
A decision by the Wabasha County Board of Commissioners to hire a permanent county administrator was not declared null and void.      

SE Tech Accreditation
05/08/13 11:15 AM
Minnesota State College--Southeast Technical has  been granted national accreditation to its concurrent enrollment program which validates the college's courses offered in high schools.           

Child Safety Award
05/08/13 11:11 AM
The Winona County Sheriff's Department has received national recognition for the department's 50 years of membership in the National Child Safety Council program.               

Law Enforcement Memorial
05/08/13 11:08 AM
Winona County Sheriff Dave Brand is reminding the public that National Law Enforcement Memorial Week is next week, May 13th through the 17th.  A ceremony will be held at the Law Enforcement Center next Wednesday, May 15th.

Purple Heart To Be Awarded
05/08/13 11:00 AM
It has taken almost nine years, but a Winona veteran will be presented with a purple heart this Saturday during a ceremony at the Winona American Legion.

Frac Group-State Capital
05/07/13 05:06 PM
A group from southeastern Minnesota is at the State Capitol, urging lawmakers to ban frac-sand mines any closer than one mile to trout streams and their tributaries. 

WSU Commencement Broadcasts
05/07/13 04:41 PM
More than 1,200 students will participate in the Winona State University Spring 2013 Commencement ceremonies this Friday, May 10th, in McCown Gymnasium in Memorial Hall on the Winona campus.
                 

Healthy Kids Club-Scouts
05/07/13 04:29 PM
Winona Health Healthy Kids Club invites kids ages 6 to 11 and their families to register for Step into Summer with area scouts next month.

Criminal Data Collection
05/07/13 04:04 PM
Winona County Commissioners gave a preliminary nod to spending up to $400,000 for a new criminal data collection system linking the five law enforcement agencies in the county and the county attorney's office.

Nisbit Appeal
05/07/13 04:01 PM
Winona County Board members will hold a closed session soon to discuss how the county will deal with an appeal filed by a group of 12 county citizens opposing the board April action on the proposed Nisbit sand mine in Saratoga Township.

SMU V-P Selected
05/07/13 03:58 PM
A St. Mary's University vice president has been selected as the next president of Iowa Wesleyan College in Mount Peasant, Iowa.

State 4-H Memorial Scholarship
05/07/13 03:11 PM
Taylor Gibson of Hill and Hollow 4-H Club has been awarded the Elizabeth Salter-Eby Memorial Scholarship for the 2013-2014 academic year.

Conservation District - 75 Years
05/07/13 11:47 AM
The Winona County Soil and Water Conservation District will celebrate a milestone Wednesday.  An open house will be held at the Lewiston Ag Service Center to celebrate the organization's 75th anniversary.        

Comp Plan Committee
05/07/13 11:45 AM
The Winona County Board will make final appointments next Tuesday to a new County Comprehensive Plan Citizen Advisory Committee.  The current document will be under review and updated over the next 18 to 24 months.       

Bullying Bill
05/07/13 09:13 AM
The Minnesota House has passed a bill requiring all public school districts to create policies aimed at reducing bullying.   The House passed the bill on Monday by a vote of 72-57.

Gay Marriage
05/07/13 09:11 AM
The Minnesota House has scheduled a Thursday debate and floor vote on the bill to legalize same-sex marriage in the state.   House DFL leadership announced the plans Tuesday.

City Council-Frac Sand
05/06/13 08:40 PM
The Winona City Council Monday voted to table a decision on one of two proposed ordinance amendments that would require all new silica sand facilities complete a Transportation Impact Analysis.

Frac Sand Protest
05/06/13 04:39 PM
Area citizens unhappy with Senator Jeremy Miller's votes so far concerning frac sand setbacks from trout streams will take a trip to the capital. They will meet  on the steps of City Hall in Winona at 8:45 a.m. Tuesday morning where they will all sign an over-sized postcard addressed to Miller.

4-H, JC Penny Programs
05/06/13 04:21 PM
Wisconsin 4-H Youth Development has a chance to develop or expand afterschool programs in 11 counties around the state, thanks to a $13,000 grant from the JC Penney Round Up for Afterschool program.

Fort McCoy Open House
05/06/13 04:20 PM
Fort McCoy has canceled its 2013 Armed Forces Day Open House because of automatic federal spending cuts.

League of Women Voters
05/06/13 04:11 PM
The Winona League of Women Voters will hold its annual  meeting Wednesday at 6:00 p.m. at Betty Jo's Restaurant.
                 
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Sugar Loaf Ford-Red Cross
05/06/13 04:10 PM
Sugar Loaf Ford hopes to raise up to $6,000 for the local American Red Cross chapter this coming Saturday, May 11th.

Food Shelf Funding
05/06/13 11:11 AM
House and Senate lawmakers this week will try to reconcile differences in their separate Health and Human Services bills.  Among the provisions in the two bills where there are differences is how much funding should go to Minnesota food shelves.

"Terror Attack" Disrupted In Western Minnesota
05/06/13 11:08 AM
The FBI believes "a terror attack was disrupted" when authorities arrested a man after they converged on a mobile home in western Minnesota that contained Molotov cocktails, suspected pipe bombs and firearms, the agency said Monday.

Highway 16 Project--Meeting
05/06/13 11:03 AM
A public information meeting on a project to resurface Highway 16 in Fillmore County between Rushford and Lanesboro has been rescheduled for Tuesday, May 14th in Rushford. 

Suchla--Drugs
05/06/13 11:02 AM
The Winona County Sheriff's Department says a 21 year old La Crosse man was taken into custody  Sunday evening in Minnesota City after police discovered he was a fugitive from Trempealeau County.   

Carlson--Assault
05/06/13 11:00 AM
A 50 year old Winona man is facing felony assault by strangulation charges following an incident Saturday evening at Mark and Huff Streets.       

Prom-Dream Date
05/06/13 08:21 AM
Things only got better for the western Wisconsin teen with Down syndrome who escorted Miss Minnesota USA to his junior prom.  Besides his dream date with Danielle Hooper Saturday, Menomonie High School junior Charlie Gainey was elected prom king.

Drug Bust
05/06/13 08:19 AM
The Trempealeau County Sheriff's Department says four people were taken into custody in Galesville Saturday and jailed on possible drug charges.

Amish Buggy Crash
05/06/13 08:16 AM
All but one of the nine people injured when their buggy was struck by a vehicle in Trempealeau County on Friday have been released from the hospital.  David and Lydia Wengerd, of Osseo, and seven children were hurt when a vehicle hit the back of their buggy on Highway 53 east of Whitehall.

MPCA Building Demolition
05/04/13 10:23 AM
The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency reports that next week a licensed contractor will remove hazardous materials from the Capri Beauty Salon in Byron, preparing it for demolition later this month.
                    

Dennis Charges
05/04/13 10:23 AM
27 year old Blake Dennis of Alma was bound over for trial on felony charges of child abuse and causing death of an animal by mistreatment in Buffalo County Circuit Court.
                

National Train Day
05/04/13 10:22 AM
The National Train Day will be held on Saturday, May 11th at the Winona Amtrak Station located at 65 East Mark Street.

Minnimum Wage


05/04/13 07:57 AM
A bill that could eventually give Minnesota the nation's highest minimum wage has cleared the state House.

WSHS Robotics Class
05/04/13 07:54 AM
Members of the Winona Senior High School Robotics class gave the Winona Area Public School Board a first hand demonstration of their latest work. Teacher and Robotics team leader Bill Braun says the students built a frisbee throwing robot and entered into the state tournament against other school's robots.

Opat-New Judge
05/03/13 04:42 PM
A Chatfield attorney has been appointed by Governor Mark Dayton as the new Third Judicial District Court judge to be chambered in Fillmore County.
                    

Road Restrictions
05/03/13 04:41 PM
The Minnesota Department of Transportation says spring truck weight restrictions on state highways in the Twin Cities metro and southeast Minnesota frost zones will end Monday, May 6th, and weight restrictions for the south frost zone are scheduled to end Friday, May 10th.

County Board
05/03/13 04:40 PM
The Winona County Board of Commissioners next Tuesday, May 7th, will get an update on an appeal filed by 12 county citizens who are opposed to the board's negative decision regarding the Nisbit frack sand mine proposal review.
               

Special Session--Davids
05/03/13 11:43 AM
Republican State Representative Greg Davids is predicting that continued disagreements among majority Democrats at the state capital on some major legislation may cause the session to go down to the final hour...and maybe even a special session.  &nb

Gun Theft
05/03/13 11:41 AM
The Winona County Sheriff's department says two guns were reported stolen from a vehicle at a residence in Pleasant Valley.                      

Flood Warning--Wabasha
05/03/13 11:39 AM
The National Weather Service says the Mississippi River is rising again...minor flooding possible and a floodwarning has been issued for Wabasha.        

Cerney--Drug Arrest
05/03/13 11:37 AM
32 year old Robert Cerney of Winona is facing multiple criminal counts after police searched his vehicle and turned up drugs following a traffic stop early Friday.                &

River Cleanup Postponed
05/03/13 11:30 AM
The Great Mississippi River Cleanup event scheduled to take place on Saturday, May 11th, has been postponed.

Harbormaster
05/03/13 11:28 AM
The Winona Steamboat Days Festival Committee is seeking nominations for its 2013 Harbormaster and Friday is the deadline to submit a name.             

Semi-Rollover
05/03/13 11:27 AM
Traffic on Highway 61 near Minneiska was disrupted Friday when a semi-truck rolled over and blocked one of the lanes.  The Minnesota State Patrol reported the crash about 7:30 a.m.   

Car vs Pedestrian
05/03/13 11:25 AM
The Minnesota State Patrol says a Lake City man was injured when he was struck by a vehicle on Highway 61 north of Lake City during the height of the Thursday snow storm.               

Milk Production
05/03/13 11:23 AM
Wisconsin milk production increased 3% to 2.4 billion pounds last month while the number of licensed dairy herds dipped by 73 herds to just over 11,000 according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture.    

Governor-Threat
05/03/13 11:20 AM
A Black River Falls woman is charged with threatening Gov. Scott Walker's family.   A criminal complaint says 52 year old Dana Sartor called the governor's office April 16th and in slurred speech left a voice mail threatening to shoot Walker's wife and children.

Emerald Ash Borer
05/03/13 11:17 AM
Minneapolis officials are warning homeowners against pruning their ash trees...good advice for homeowners in Winona and Houston Counties, as well.   Even with this late spring, conditions are warm enough for the beetles to attack and kill ash trees.

Missing Canoeists
05/03/13 11:16 AM
Eau Claire police say a kayaker made up a report of two missing canoeists that prompted a search of the Chippewa River.   Police arrested the kayaker - a 30 year old man from Manitowoc - on suspicion of obstructing an officer, a misdemeanor. He was b

Highway 61 Closed
05/03/13 07:38 AM
Highway 61 was closed Firday morning for about two hours south of Minnieska due to a semi rollover.  The highway reopened just after 8:30am.

Winina FFA-State
05/02/13 08:31 PM
Sixteen Winona FFA members competed against 3,500 FFA members from across Minnesota at the MN State FFA Convention that was held in Minneapolis/St. Paul on April 28th through the 30th.
             

WSHS Schedule
05/02/13 08:29 PM
The Winona Area Public School Board Thursday discussed various options for a proposed schedule change at the Winona Senior High School.

C-FC Bond Debt
05/02/13 04:24 PM
The Cochrane-Fountain City School District saved enough to pay off a $750,000 bond debt balance for money that was used to erase unfunded pension liabilities owed to the Wisconsin Retirement System.

I-90 Bridge Project
05/02/13 04:23 PM
Starting Thursday, motorists on the interstate 90 bridge at Dresbach will experience some lane closures.

Human Services Delivery
05/02/13 04:22 PM
What was once a projected plan for 12 counties in southeastern Minnesota tocombine their human services delivery has now been reduced to a more manageable 4 counties. The Post-Bulletin reports Waseca, Steele, Mower, and Dodge counties have been discussing the merger of their human services departments for a few years and recently met to discuss the plan.

T-E-C Pole Testing
05/02/13 04:20 PM
Tri-County Electric in Rushford says a contractor will be conducting tests on the company's power poles over the next four to eight weeks.
                     

Nisbit Appeal Filed
05/02/13 04:19 PM
Twelve Winona County citizens are appealing the County Board of Commissioners' April 2nd decision not to order an Environmental Impact Statement  on the proposed Nisbit frac sand mine in Saratoga Township.

Merchants Earnings
05/02/13 04:17 PM
The Merchants Financial Group Incorporated has posted $3,200,000 in net earnings for the first quarter of 2013.

Safe Route To School Grants
05/02/13 04:16 PM
The Minnesota Department of Transportation has announced the recipients of $3.8 million in federal grants for Safe Routes to School.

Higher Ed Bill
05/02/13 11:46 AM
Winona will be well represented on the on the House and Senate Higher Education conference committee.  In addition to House Democrat Gene Pelowski who will serve on the committee, Republican Senator Jeremy Miller has also been chosen.

Local Road Conditions
05/02/13 11:24 AM
Winona County Highway Engineer Dave Kraemer calls it a typical March snowstorm...it's just happening in May. Winona County and State Patrol personnel have been responding to a number of spin out incidents and trees down on roads as a result of the heavy wet snow.

Drug Arrest
05/02/13 11:09 AM
A 38 year old Winona woman was jailed Thursday night on suspicion of possessing controlled substances and drug paraphernalia.    

Snowstorm Local Crashes
05/02/13 11:07 AM
Local authorities were kept busy this Thursday morning responding to vehicle crashes during the heavy snow storm.      

Prom Dream Date
05/02/13 11:05 AM
One Wisconsin teen will have a dream date for his junior prom.  18 year old Charlie Gainey is taking Miss Minnesota USA Danielle Hooper to the Menomonie High School prom on Saturday.  

Snowstorm - Fatal Crash
05/02/13 11:03 AM
The State Patrol says heavy snow in northwestern Wisconsin was a factor in a fatal interstate crash between two semis.  

Spring Snowstorm
05/02/13 10:54 AM


The calendar has flipped to May, but winter made a return appearance to southeastern Minnesota where residents have been digging out of a rare May snowfall.

Habitat Auction
05/01/13 05:20 PM
Tickets for Habitat for Humanity Winona-Fillmore Counties 2013 annual dinner and auction are now available.

Cotter Auction Results
05/01/13 05:15 PM
The 34th Annual Cotter Auction was a big hit. This year Cotter raised over $101,000 and the proceeds from the event will be used to help ensure the viability and success of Cotter each year.

Fire Department Report
05/01/13 05:13 PM
The Winona Fire Department responded to fewer calls in 2012 when compared to 2011, according to an annual report released by outgoing Fire Chief Ed Krall.
                  

Johnson-Army Corps
05/01/13 05:09 PM
A Winona man has been selected by the U-S Army Corps of Engineers as the winner of the national Construction Hard Hat of the Year Award. Eric Johnson won the award after being named the Mississippi Valley Division Hard Hat Award winner in January.

SMU Page Series
05/01/13 05:08 PM
Season subscriptions will be available starting on June 19th, for the 27th season of the St. Mary's University Page Series.
                 

Sunday Alcohol Sales
05/01/13 05:07 PM
The Minnesota House Wednesday afternoon said "no" to liquor stores being open on Sunday and on Thanksgiving and Christmas Eve.

State Science Fair
05/01/13 12:10 PM
Six Winona Middle School students competed at the recent Minnesota State Science Fair.               

Wabasha Position Challenge
05/01/13 12:07 PM
A judge has taken under advisement a petition from two former members of a Wabasha county study commission challenging the group's recommendation that a new county administrator be hired.        

Higher Ed Bill Conference
05/01/13 12:05 PM
Lawmakers are making preparations to begin a conference committee on the House and Senate Higher Education Bills.               

New Teacher President
05/01/13 11:37 AM
Former longtime Winona teacher and State Representative Gene Pelowski is weighing in on the election last week of a new president of the state teacher's union, Education Minnesota.         

Drug Arrest--Treichel
05/01/13 11:34 AM
Police said a  44 year old Rochester man was jailed early Wednesday on drug charges following a traffic stop on Winona's east side.      

Cargo Plane Crash
05/01/13 11:32 AM
The Minnesota stepfather of one of the seven Americans killed in a cargo plane crash in Afghanistan says his son knew the risks of his job and was happy to volunteer. 

Frac Sand-Trout
05/01/13 11:31 AM
A Minnesota Senate committee has rejected a proposal to protect trout streams from potential impacts from frack sand mining.  

Circuit Court Dispute
05/01/13 11:29 AM
A lingering dispute over clerical staffing needs in the Buffalo County Clerk of Circuit Court Office grew more divisive after a former employee alleged a hostile work environment. 

Missing Canoeists
05/01/13 11:13 AM
A search for two missing canoeists is to resume on the Chippewa River in Eau Claire.   A search crew was to return to ghe river early Wednesday looking for two men whose canoe capsized Tuesday afternoon.

WACS Summer Enrichment Programs
04/30/13 05:59 PM
Cotter School will host a variety of activities during their Cotter and WACS Summer Enrichment Programs.

Citizen's Environmental Quality Committee
04/30/13 05:44 PM
The Citizens Environmental Quality Environmental Committee will meet next Tuesday, May 7th, to further discuss air quality monitoring of frac sand operations.

WSU Commencement
04/30/13 05:06 PM
Nearly 1,200 students will participate in the Winona State   University Spring Commencement ceremonies Friday, May 10th, in Memorial Hall on the Winona campus.

Building Permits
04/30/13 04:58 PM
The City of Winona issued 28 building permits last week representing almost $1,300,000 in new construction.

WSU-Provost Search
04/30/13 04:56 PM
Winona State University has decided to conduct a second round of campus interviews in its search for a new Provost-Vice President for Academic Affairs.

GRSF Actors Wanted
04/30/13 04:55 PM
The Great River Shakespeare Festival is seeking young male actors between the ages of 10 and 14 to play the role of Young Sebastian in its 2013, 10th Anniversary season of Twelfth Night.
              

Drug Collection
04/30/13 11:41 AM
A collection of unused and unwanted prescription drugs from the public  held in Buffalo County this past weekend has been termed a success.     

Accidental Shooting
04/30/13 11:39 AM
The Trempealeau County Sheriff's Department said a 14-year-old boy was injured Monday evening when a gun accidentally discharged in the Village of Trempealeau.  

Controversial Bills
04/30/13 11:38 AM
With all of the major omnibus budget bills completed in the Minnesota House, Republican Representative Steve Drazkowski is predicting Democrats will soon turn to bills expected to generate even more debate.         

Minimum Wage
04/30/13 11:37 AM
A local lawmaker says he his some concerns about a Democratic minimum wage bill that passed out of the House Ways and Means Committee Monday.    

Beethoven Festival
04/30/13 11:35 AM
Single tickets for the 2013 Minnesota Beethoven Festival go on sale May 1st.       

SMU--Centennial End
04/30/13 10:26 AM
St. Mary's University will roll out the red carpet on June 22nd, to mark the end of the university's yearlong centennial celebration.                    

Car Strikes House--Assault
04/30/13 10:23 AM
A 20 year old Winona woman is facing possible felony assault charges after she allegedly tried to run down a man with a vehicle and ended up striking a house.                 

Frac Sand Protest
04/30/13 10:21 AM
Police have arrested 35 people for trespassing during a protest of frack sand mining in Winona.  Officers on Monday arrested 19 people at the city's commercial harbor and then responded to a sand processing plant along Highway 14 where another 16 people were arrested.

Just Gundersen, Thank You
04/30/13 10:05 AM
Starting Wednesday, Gundersen Lutheran Health System becomes Gundersen Health System...the latest area provider to drop religious references from its name.

Waumandee Cheese Plant Idled "Indefinitely"
04/30/13 06:19 AM
A large Wisconsin dairy cooperative plans to close a cheese plant, idle another local plant indefinitely and lay off more than 100 employees, including 50 in Waumandee. 

Ready Set School
04/29/13 05:46 PM
Ready Set School is making a last minute push to raise money while Winona Radio is matching all donations pledged up to $10,000 collected through the end of April.
                     

SMU Commencement
04/29/13 05:30 PM
On Saturday, May 11th, the Winona campus of Saint Mary's University will host a joint commencement ceremony for both Winona undergraduate and graduate students, beginning at 11:00 a.m. in the gymnasium.

Trooper Honored
04/29/13 05:05 PM
Several citizens, troopers and other public servants who performed life-saving acts or excelled in a crisis to ensure safer Minnesota roads were honored Monday by the Minnesota State Patrol at its annual awards ceremony.

Merchant's Shred Event
04/29/13 04:57 PM
If you have confidential papers at home or in your office that contain information you no longer need and you're not sure how to dispose of them, there will be a special event in May to help.
                      

Minnesota Marine Art Museum Expansion
04/29/13 04:48 PM
The Slaggie Family Foundation in Winona is giving $1,100,000 to the Minnesota Marine Art Museum for a gallery expansion. Museum Executive Director, Andy Maus, says the much needed expansion will be named the Stephen and Barbara Slaggie Family Gallery and will be completed this fall.

Sexual Assault Investigation
04/29/13 04:45 PM
As Winona authorities continue to investigate a sexual assault involving a 23-year-old woman in her own residence, Police Chief Paul Bostrack issued an advisory to residents to keep doors locked and windows shut at night.
                 

Burglary Investigation
04/29/13 04:44 PM
Police are investigating a burglary that took place in the 750 block of West Fourth Street Saturday.

Hit and Run
04/29/13 04:43 PM
Winona Police are looking for a vehicle that struck a 13-year-old boy and then left the scene.
                

Accidental Shooting
04/29/13 11:37 AM
A former conservation officer and local gun safety instructor was treated at a Rochester hospital last week after he accidentally shot himself in the hand.

Accidental Shooting
04/29/13 11:37 AM
A former conservation officer and local gun safety instructor was treated at a Rochester hospital last week after he accidentally shot himself in the hand.

Train Derailment-Grain Spill
04/29/13 11:35 AM
A cleanup is underway in the southern Minnesota town of Blue Earth, where 17 cars derailed on a train carrying corn, and 10 tipped on their sides.  

Frac Protest
04/29/13 11:33 AM
At least 20 people were arrested at the Winona commercial harbor Monday after they attempted a work stoppage in protest of frac sand mining and the loading of the sand onto barges.  

DFL Budget
04/27/13 11:34 AM
With three weeks left in the legislative session in St. Paul Minnesota House Democrats are touting the nine budget and finance bills they have passed so far as being good for the state. House Speaker Paul Thissen says combined, the bills make a strong bud

River Clean-Up
04/27/13 11:33 AM
The public is being invited to take part in the 'Great Mississippi River Clean-up' coming up on Saturday, May 11th. The event is held annually in 23 cities along the river and it is sponsored by the Living Lands and Waters group out of Illinois.

United Way--Children's Funding
04/27/13 11:31 AM
The United Way of the Greater Winona area says there is still time to apply for funding for children's programming from the organization.

WSU--Woods
04/27/13 11:30 AM
Winona State University Education Leadership Department has partnered with the Minnesota Association of Scholars and the Winona County Historical Society to host Peter Wood, president of the National Association of Scholars on Wednesday, May 1st.

Social Host Arrest
04/27/13 11:30 AM
Winona Police said a 20-year-old Winona resident was cited with violating the city's social host ordinance after police received a complaint of a loud party. Authorities responded to 579 Dakota Street just after 11:00 p.m.

Snowmobile Charges--Beck
04/27/13 11:29 AM
A 33-year-old St. Charles man is facing criminal charges in connection with a snowmobile crash in March. KTTC-TV reports Brett Beck was driving a snowmobile near Zumbro Falls on March 25th, that struck a snow bank about 1:15 in the morning.

Waumandee plant to closen
04/27/13 11:27 AM
In a move to consolidate cheese manufacturing capacity and capitalize on recent investments in its processing network, Foremost Farms USA® announced today that it is integrating cheese production from two plants.

Winona County Fair nominations
04/27/13 11:25 AM
The Winona County Fair Board is seeking nominations of individuals that exemplify the "best" of Winona County's residents in the following categories: Five Hall of Fame Honorees will be recognized during the fair.

I-90 Bridge Delays
04/27/13 11:22 AM
Starting next Thursday, May 2nd, motorists on the interstate 90 bridge at Dresbach will experience some lane closure. The Minnesota Department of Transportation says work will get underway on construction of the I-90 bridge.

Wellness Exchange
04/27/13 11:20 AM
Winona State University will host the inaugural wellness conference on June 6th and 7th in Winona.  It's called 'Wellness Exchange for Lifelong Learners' and it will feature over 40 sessions.

Blue Cross Payment Change
04/26/13 11:51 AM
The Minnesota Hospital Association says a payment change plan by Blue Cross Blue Shield of Minnesota scheduled to take affect on May First, will slash payments to hospitals and have a particularly devastating effect on rural health care.    

Altura Assault
04/26/13 11:49 AM
A 39 year old Altura woman was jailed Thursday night after she allegedly assaulted a man at an Altura residence.      

Apartments Evacuated
04/26/13 11:48 AM
A small explosion has damaged a La Crosse apartment building and caused an evacuation.   Firefighters say the blast damaged a water heater and the building's ventilation system.

KSTP Poll--Legislature
04/26/13 11:45 AM
A Survey USA--KSTP Poll shows Governor Mark Dayton with a positive approval rating but the state legislature has a very negative approval rating. 

Beginning Farmers
04/26/13 11:44 AM
Legislation has been introduced in Congress that supporters say is vital to the economic future of rural America...and the entire country.           

Drug Turn-in
04/26/13 11:43 AM
Residents of Buffalo and Trempealeau counties will have an opportunity to rid themselves of unused or unwanted prescription drugs when an event will be held Saturday.            

Drug Charges--Foss
04/26/13 11:42 AM
Police said an 18 year old Winona man was jailed Thursday evening on fifth degree controlled substance charges after authorities went to his Gilmore Valley Road home.  

Online Enticement
04/26/13 08:59 AM
A Houston, Texas area man must serve nearly 20 years in prison for enticing a 9 year old Rochester girl he met online into posing nude and emailing him the photo.  

Rochester Courthouse Security
04/26/13 07:32 AM
Security procedures are being reviewed at the Olmsted County Government Center after a defendant tried to harm himself with a razor during a court appurtenance.         

Pelowski-Tuition
04/26/13 07:31 AM
Democrats joined by some Republicans passed a major higher education funding bill in the Minnesota House Thursday which has good news for students.  Winona Democrat Gene Pelowsk says it means no new tuition increases.      

WSU-College for Kids
04/25/13 07:36 PM
Winona State University will host the 26th annual College For Kids July 8-12 and 15-19 on the Winona campus.

Habitat VISTAs
04/25/13 07:35 PM
Habitat for Humanity-Winona-Fillmore Counties is currently recruiting several VISTAs to join the global movement to build simple, decent and affordable housing in partnership with people in need.
                 

Minnesota Pro-Business
04/25/13 07:34 PM
Minnesota was the third worst pro-business state in the nation in 2012, according to a study.
                  

Open Council Seat
04/25/13 07:33 PM
The 1st Ward city council seat in Fountain City remains vacant while city hall searches for a new alderman to fill the seat by appointment.
    

House Tax Bill
04/25/13 11:35 AM
Starkly different views were voiced Wednesday as the Minnesota House approved its omnibus tax bill which would raise taxes more than two and a half billion dollars.                

Levee Park Cafe
04/25/13 11:34 AM
As a local citizen's committee continues to discuss ways to revitalize Levee Park, a new business will open there soon that city officials feel will give the park a shot in the arm.

Daycare Death
04/25/13 11:32 AM
Fillmore County authorities are investigating the death of an 11 month old who died at a hospital after she stopped breathing at a Le Roy daycare.  Authorities say they haven't determined how the girl died, but say there's no sign of foul play.

Miller-Tax Bill Mayo
04/25/13 11:31 AM
State Senator Jeremy Miller of Winona says he will be forced to vote against a Mayo Clinic expansion proposal in Rochester because he opposes the senate tax bill.   

Fatal Crowbar Attack
04/25/13 11:26 AM
A man accused of fatally attacking his neighbor with a crowbar in Eau Claire County has been committed to a mental health institution.  

Zoning Policy Manual
04/25/13 10:30 AM
Buffalo County has approved a new zoning policy manual outlining standard conditions and procedures to use in dealing with mining permit applications.  

Drought-Minnesota
04/25/13 10:04 AM
Updated information shows that the drought continues to relax its grip on Minnesota.  The new map from the U.S. Drought Monitor on Thursday shows that only about half the state is now in drought, compared with two-thirds last week. 

Drug Arrests--Independence
04/25/13 10:02 AM
Independence police say two men were jailed Wednesday on drug charges following a traffic stop in Independence.               

Highway 43 Crossing Project
04/24/13 06:57 PM
The Minnesota Department of Transportation hosted a public meeting in Winona Wednesday to showcase a project to improve the pedestrian crossings on Highway 43 in the city of Winona.
                

Winona ORC Grants
04/24/13 04:55 PM
The Winona ORC has been awarded a number of grants to further support programs and their mission of providing community based employment and vocational training for people with special needs.
                  

Let's go Golfing!
04/24/13 04:53 PM
Warm weather has finally arrived which means several area golf courses are opening for business.
                  

Sugar Loaf Ford-Red Cross
04/24/13 04:53 PM
Sugar Loaf Ford and the American Red Cross are partnering to help raise up to $6,000 in support of local services as part of Ford Motor Company's Drive 4 UR Community program.
                   
 

Manufacturing Survey
04/24/13 04:51 PM
A State of Manufacturing survey conducted by Enterprise Minnesota shows Winona firms continue to be optimistic about the future but also have concerns about funding qualified workers.
               

Senate Tax Plan
04/24/13 04:50 PM
Minnesota Senate Republican Leader David Hann is calling a Democratic tax plan unveiled Tuesday uncalled for.
                 

Health Clinic
04/24/13 04:49 PM
 The Winona Community Health Clinic, a monthly free clinic for people who are uninsured or unable to pay for healthcare, will be held on Tuesday, May 7th.

Higher Ed Bill
04/24/13 11:42 AM
College and university administrators in Minnesota will see an end to their pay bonuses if a higher education bill is approved by the legislature.                  The House w

Obituary Burglaries
04/24/13 11:40 AM
Two people are in custody and are being accused of committing so called ''obituary burglaries'' in southwestern Wisconsin.

Cotter Forum
04/24/13 11:00 AM
The Cotter Technology Department and the Winona Area Catholic Schools are inviting the public to attend a forum Wednesday designed to help parents deal with social media and how to keep kids safe.    

Wabasha County Administrator
04/24/13 10:54 AM
The Wabasha County Board has decided to seek a permanent county administrator.  That's the recommendation of a special board-appointed committee that had been tasked with seeking an interim county administrator.   

Wabasha City Administrator To Leave
04/24/13 10:50 AM
The Wabasha City Administrator has announced he will leave the position at the end of June after serving nearly eleven years.              

Mining Permit Fees
04/24/13 10:47 AM
A sliding fee scale based on mine size has replaced a $10,000  flat fee for a nonmetallic mining permit in Buffalo County.  A new fee scale approved by the Buffalo County Board ranges from $500 to $13,500 based on mining site acreage.

Fountain City Seeks Grant
04/24/13 10:46 AM
Fountain City is applying for a $745,000 community development block grant to fund public water and sewer improvement projects.      

Winona Properties Sold
04/24/13 10:44 AM
Two commercial properties in Winona have been sold.                   

Mock Crash--Lewiston
04/24/13 10:42 AM
Students at Lewiston-Altura High School will get a chance to see up close and personal what can happen if they text and drive.

Debit Card Fraud
04/24/13 10:40 AM
The Winona County Sheriff's Department says a Dakota resident reported that a stolen debit card was used to purchase nearly $3,000 worth of items. 

Power Outage
04/24/13 09:07 AM
Excel Energy reports that thirteen customers were without power on Wednesday morning east of Mankato Avenue.  Power is expected to be restored shortly after 10:00am.

County Board-Recycling Rebate
04/23/13 09:32 PM
The Winona County Board of Commissioners voted to table a  decision on how to reimburse about 1,100 St. Charles residents who are double paying for recycling services.
                 

Minnesota GreenCorps
04/23/13 05:00 PM
Minnesota GreenCorps is recruiting host sites and AmeriCorp members.

Levee Park Committee
04/23/13 04:57 PM
The Levee Park Redevelopment Committee met Monday and started laying out an outline process for the University of Minnesota College of Design to assist in refurbishing the levee.

Frac Sand Committee Disbands
04/23/13 04:56 PM
A frac sand study committee in Houston County has been disbanded. The Caledonia Argus reports the committee met for about a year and discussed a proposed ordinance outlining several issues dealing with frac sand mines in the county.

Highway 43 Crossing Meeting
04/23/13 04:55 PM
The Minnesota Department of Transportation will host a public meeting in Winona Wednesday on a project to improve the pedestrian crossings on Highway 43 in the city of Winona.

Prom Dress Exchange
04/23/13 04:54 PM
Winona High school female student looking for a dress to wear to next month's Junior-Senior prom have a way to find one and save some money too.
                

WSHS Knowledge Bowl
04/23/13 04:54 PM
Winona High School's Knowledge Bowl team was among the forty teams that took part in state competition earlier this month out of 800 teams from across the state.

Building Permits
04/23/13 11:27 AM
The City of Winona issued 22 building permits last week representing about $500,000 in new construction.

Walz--Student Loans
04/23/13 11:25 AM
First District Representative Tim Walz recently joined with over 60 of his colleagues in introducing legislation to stop student loan interest rates from doubling from 3.4% to 6.8% on July 1st of this year.  A new bill being offered would lock in the lower rate until July 1, 2015.

Nursing Home Funding--Miller
04/23/13 11:23 AM
State Senator Jeremy Miller, along with other members of the Minnesota Legislature's Rural Caucus, urged Democrat leaders to prioritize seniors and caregivers in the state's budget at a Capitol press conference Monday.

HHS Bill--GOP Reax
04/23/13 11:21 AM
Republicans in the Minnesota House are calling the Health and Human Services bill that passed on Monday a bad bill.                  While Democrats touted the package as rest

Alma Stairway
04/23/13 11:19 AM
Improvements to one of the steep slope stairways connecting downtown Alma with upper Second Street might become a reality.  The Alma City Council has agreed to draft plans and specifications for seeking bids on improving the city's Elm Street Stairway.

Red Cross-Illinois
04/22/13 05:20 PM
The American Red Cross has deployed Andrea Swanson of Frontenac and Mike Papke of Winona to help with flood relief efforts in Illinois.
                 

WSU-Arbor Day
04/22/13 05:19 PM
Winona State University will host an Arbor Day event that will tour campus from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. on Friday, April 26th.

Honda Moterwerks
04/22/13 05:18 PM
Honda Motorwerks of La Crosse hosted a tour of sustainable practices in the area Monday as part of Earth Day.
                 

Frac Sand Bill
04/22/13 05:16 PM
A frac sand bill moving through the Minnesota Senate does not include a call for a statewide moratorium on frac sand mining.

County Board
04/22/13 05:15 PM
The Winona County Board of Commissioners has a rather light agenda for its meeting Tuesday night.

Cotter Auction Tickets
04/22/13 05:14 PM
The deadline to pre-register for this coming Saturday's Cotter auction is Tuesday.
                     

Jefferson Principal
04/22/13 12:02 PM
The Winona area Public Schools will begin interviews later this week for a new Jefferson School principal following the announcement that Matt Nelson will be leaving at the end of the school year.  

Red Cross Busy Year
04/22/13 12:01 PM
2013 has been a busy year for the American Red Cross in Southern Minnesota. Residential fires have caused Red Cross staff and volunteers to open 100 cases in the first 100 days of 2013.   

Davis--Assault Charges
04/22/13 12:00 PM
A 27 year old Winona man was jailed on Saturday on suspicion of committing malicious punishment on a child under the age of four.       

Palubicki--Drugs
04/22/13 11:58 AM
An 18 year old Winona man was jailed Friday after authorities acted on  search warrant at his West Burns Valley residence and turned up drugs.      

St. Charles Incident
04/22/13 11:56 AM
A 14 year old St. Charles male student was jailed over the weekend on suspicion of committing felony counts of second degree asault with a dangerous weapon on school property and terroristic threats  

Winona Crash
04/22/13 11:55 AM
Winona Police said one person was injured in a two vehicle crash at Fifth and Orrin Streets over the weekend.

Injury Crash
04/22/13 11:53 AM
Winona County authorities said two people,. including a child, escaped from a vehicle that overturned into a dry creek bed south of Ridgeway Sunday.  

Dead Infant-Hospital Linens
04/22/13 11:52 AM
Hospital officials say a second search of a Red Wing laundry service failed to locate the remains of a stillborn baby.        Staff from Regions Hospital did another search at Crothall Laundry Services Saturday, looking for the bo

Aerial Photography - Winona
04/22/13 11:51 AM
Don't be alarmed if you see some low-flying airplanes in the skies over Winona County in the next several days              

Traffic Crash
04/22/13 11:48 AM
The Trempealeau County Sheriff's Department says a 23 year old woman was injured in a one vehicle rollover on Friday.   

The Shine Shines On Earth Day In Levee Park!
04/20/13 03:36 PM






This is a model of a sculpture of philanthropist John Latsch proposed for Levee Park.  It is the work of sculptor Lynette Power.  It was on display near its proposed home near the site of Latsch's office on the river in downtown Winona during Earth Day.  Click on the headline for more images that caught Bob Sebo's eye while wandering the park on Saturday.

Levee Park Committee
04/20/13 11:08 AM
The Levee Park Redevelopment Committee will meet Monday to further discuss plans to refurbish the levee.
                  

Insty Prints-Ready Set School
04/20/13 10:26 AM
Insty Prints of Winona is offering money off your order with a donation to Ready Set School. If you bring in $25 or more for Ready Set School you will receive 5% off or printing order.
               

30% Rule-Hearing
04/20/13 06:48 AM
District Judge Jeffrey Thompson says that Winona's 30% rental rule is legal...and does not unfairly rob property owners of their constitutional rights.

WSU-Olson
04/19/13 05:28 PM
Winona State University's 15th president, Dr. Scott Olson, was formally inaugurated Friday during a special ceremony in McCown Gymnasium.

Veterans Meeting
04/19/13 05:02 PM
Local veterans and their families who have questions about V-A benefits and military retirement benefits are invited to a Town Hall meeting in Winona on Thursday, May 9th.

Stolen Coins
04/19/13 05:01 PM
Winona Police  and the Winona Area Chamber of Commerce have placed local and area merchants and banks on alert to be on the lookout for stolen coins.
               1

Lottery Winner
04/19/13 05:00 PM
A Winona woman has won $25,000 in the Minnesota State Lottery.

Manure Spill
04/19/13 04:59 PM
A large manure spill in southeastern Minnesota is still being investigated. An above-ground storage pit spilled about one million gallons of manure last weekend, with some flowing into a trout stream.

Winona Broadband Use
04/19/13 11:39 AM
Winona recently completed projects designed to enhance high-speed internet access among area residents, and in the process, improved its score in an assessment of broadband use.

Water Usage Fee
04/19/13 11:13 AM
Every Republican in the Minnesota House Thursday voted against an omnibus Environment, Natural Resources and Agriculture bill because of  the estimated $47 million increase in spending.

Buffalo County Spending
04/19/13 11:11 AM
Buffalo County Courthouse departments and standing county board committees might be given more latitude in spending money on budgeted and non-budgeted purchases.

Harbormaster
04/19/13 11:10 AM
The Winona Steamboat Days Festival Committee is seeking nominations for its 2013 Harbormaster.

Spring Flood Run
04/19/13 11:07 AM
If you plan to be out and about Saturday between Winona and Twin Cities should be on the lookout for motorcycles.  It's the annual Spring Flood Run where groups of motorcyclists travel between Winona and the Twin Cities on both sides of the Mississippi.

Stolen Coins Alert
04/19/13 11:05 AM
Winona Police  and the Winona Area Chamber of Commerce have placed local and area merchants and banks on alert to be on the lookout for stolen coins.

UW-La Crosse Gun
04/19/13 11:03 AM
Professors and campus police says the student who took a shotgun into a classroom at the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse is someone familiar to them because of his erratic behavior.  

Legislature-Fee Increases
04/19/13 11:02 AM
From $3 extra for a driver's license to higher charges for water usage, hundreds of millions of dollars in fee increases are strewn throughout the budget bills starting to pass at the Capitol.

County Sales Tax--Miller
04/18/13 11:48 AM
State Senator Jeremy Miller says he can not support an effort to give counties the ability to impose their own one-half cent sales tax.

Miller--Higher Ed Bill
04/18/13 11:21 AM
The Senate has passed its higher education budget, a $2.8 billion package that aims to hold down tuition and make public universities and colleges more accountable to the state.  Republican Jeremy Miller of Winona said he supported the bill.

Olson Inauguration
04/18/13 11:04 AM
Winona State University's 16th president. Dr. Scott Olson will be formally inaugurated Friday during a ceremony in McCown Gymnasium.

Arcadia Bank 100th Birthday
04/18/13 11:02 AM
In honor of its 100th anniversary, the State Bank of Arcadia is offering free family portraits.   

Unemployment Update
04/18/13 10:59 AM
The Minnesota unemployment rate dropped one tenth of a percent in March to a seasonally adjusted 5.4%, according to figures released by the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development.          

Boston Marathon Explosions-Amputee
04/18/13 10:21 AM
A double-amputee who makes prosthetic limbs in La Crosse knows what victims of the Boston Marathon bombing are going through. 

Spruce Up Winona Postponed
04/17/13 05:29 PM
Due to probable wet weather Thursday, Winona State University's "Spruce Up Winona" has been postponed until next Thursday, April 25th, from 1:00 to 5:00 p.m.

Tornado Drills
04/17/13 05:28 PM
Wisconsin has postponed a statewide tornado drill because of the threat of severe weather.
       

City Council-Emergency Ordinance
04/17/13 05:27 PM
The Winona City Council Monday voted in favor of an emergency interim ordinance that will establish a study period and moratorium for a period of four months on developments located in the mixed-use business B-2.5 zone.
                   

Fools Five Road Race
04/17/13 05:26 PM
Final results show the 35th Annual Fool's Five Road Race in Lewiston this month brought in over $85,000 for cancer research.
               

WAPS Early Release
04/17/13 05:25 PM
Parents and child care providers are reminded that they will be welcoming students from Winona Area Public Schools, Bluffview Montessori School, and Ridgeway Community School two hours earlier on Tuesday, April 23rd.

Nelson To Leave Jefferson Elementary
04/17/13 12:33 PM
Internal and external candidates are being considered as the new principal for Jefferson Elementary in Winona following the resignation of Mat Nelson.  He'll be leaving the post at the end of the school year.

Klobachar--Immigration Reform
04/17/13 11:41 AM
Minnesota Senator Amy Klobuchar announced that her bipartisan provisions to boost high-tech innovation were included as part the comprehensive immigration reform bill introduced in the Senate Wednesday.         &n

Prairie Island Generators
04/17/13 11:40 AM
Two giant new generators have arrived safely at the Prairie Island nuclear power plant near Red Wing after completing a trip that started in France.

Mayo Expansion-Pelowski
04/17/13 11:12 AM
Minnesota House Democrats want to trim the state's contribution to a Mayo Clinic expansion proposal in Rochester by about $200 million from the clinic's original request.             &nbs

Higher Ed Bill
04/17/13 11:09 AM
A higher education bill calling for a tuition freeze and more accountability for how education funding is spent by the University of Minnesota, passed the House Higher Education Finance and Policy committee Monday.

The Grip Loosens
04/17/13 10:44 AM
   

Old Man Winter is ever so slowly backin his way out of the Hiawatha Valley.

Employee Theft--Grigg
04/17/13 10:40 AM
A 30 year old Wabasha man is being held in the Wabasha County Jail after he was charged with stealing narcotics from his employer, St. Elizabeth's Hospital.  

Injury Crash--Winona County
04/17/13 10:38 AM
A Winona County woman was injured in a two-vehicle crash along Highway 61 Tuesday.          

Dead Infant-Hospital Linens
04/17/13 10:37 AM
A Minnesota hospital is apologizing for mishandling a stillborn baby who was discovered at a laundry service.   Regions Hospital in St. Paul says the body was found in a sheet Tuesday at a laundry service in Red Wing. The hospital says the remains

Manure Spill
04/16/13 04:37 PM
The cold spring is aggravating problems with manure spills and runoff around Minnesota.  About one million gallons of manure spilled from a 500 head dairy operation late Sunday night, fouling two trout streams before making its way into the Root River. 

Cotter Auction Tickets
04/16/13 04:26 PM
The 34th Annual Cotter Auction will be held on Saturday, April 27th at the John Nett Recreation Center on the Cotter Campus starting at 5:00 p.m.
                 
Pre-registration for the event is available now for $15.

Olson, Rochester
04/16/13 04:25 PM
The Rochester community is invited to celebrate the inauguration of Scott Olson as the fifteenth president of Winona State University with a post-inaugural reception next week.

SMU Graduation
04/16/13 04:25 PM
St. Mary's University will hold it graduate and undergraduate commencement ceremony on Saturday, May 11th on the main Winona campus.
                  

Project 515
04/16/13 04:21 PM
Winona State University on Friday, April 19th, will host a performance of Project 515 Education Campaign's of '515--The Tour'.
               
It's a 45-minute theatrical representation of the real challenges faced by same-sex couples and their families in Minnesota.

CWD Meeting
04/16/13 04:19 PM
The public is invited to an informational meeting to be held on Tuesday, April 23rd, at Viterbo University in La Crosse.

The topic will be chronic wasting disease that has been spreading outside the so-called hot spots in south-central Wisconsin.

Pray For No More Snow!
04/16/13 02:06 PM
Winona Area Public School students are praying for no more snow...at least they are if they want to see the school year end on time. Superintendant Scott Hannon says we've run out of wiggle room...and any more snow days in the district will mean days additional time tacked on to the end of the school year.

Labor Contracts
04/16/13 11:43 AM
Republican State Representative Steve Drazkowski says the House Monday night ratified six more state labor contracts.

School Board
04/16/13 11:41 AM
The Winona Area Public School Board will be asked Thursday to make a final decision on whether to implement an open lunch period for certain members of the senior class at Winona High School.   

Midwest Music Fest
04/16/13 11:32 AM
The fourth annual Midwest Music Fest is Thursday through Saturday this week...and it promises to be bigger and better than ever.

Injury Crash--Galesville
04/16/13 10:21 AM
The Trempealeau County Sheriff's Department says a 38 year old La Crosse man was injured in a one vehicle crash in the Town of Gale Sunday.  

Granddaughter Shot
04/16/13 10:20 AM
A Rochester minister has been ordered to do community service work for shooting his own granddaughter.  

State Spending Study
04/16/13 10:17 AM
A Twin Cities think tank says adjusting for inflation, population growth, budgeting gimmicks and takeovers, the State of Minnesota is spending 18% less than it was a decade ago.

Mikrut Appeal Hearing
04/15/13 09:20 PM
By a narrow 4 to 3 vote, the Winona City Council Monday affirmed the city’s Board of Adjustment decision to allow the construction of two rail spurs located just west of Pelzer Street near McConnon Drive.

The council held a public hearing after an appeal was filed by a Winona couple who wanted the decision in favor of Mikrut Properties overturned.

DAC Garage Sale
04/15/13 04:36 PM
The Winona County Developmental Achievement Center will hold their 3rd Annual garage sale on Friday, May 3rd and Saturday, May 4th in conjunction with the 100 mile garage sale.
                 

Boston Marathon Blasts Kill Two
04/15/13 04:13 PM



Boston police say there's been a third explosion in the city, following two blasts near the finish line of the Boston Marathonthat killed two people and injured many others.

Habitat Auction
04/15/13 03:48 PM
Tickets for Habitat for Humanity Winona-Fillmore Counties 2013 annual dinner and auction are now available.

The event, sponsored by Merchants Bank, Miller Felpax and Winona National Bank, will be held on Friday, May 17th at Visions Event Center at Signatures Restaurant.

MPCA Fines
04/15/13 03:41 PM
The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency completed 51 enforcement cases in 36 Minnesota counties during the first quarter of 2013.

These penalties totaled just over $190,000 and included several fines issued in southeastern Minnesota.

Shelter Drill
04/15/13 03:39 PM
A three-county Red Cross Shelter Drill held over the weekend in Lake City has been termed a success.

Creek Rescue
04/15/13 03:38 PM
A Winona County Sheriff's deputy received some Good Samaritan help Sunday in the rescue of an elderly couple whose vehicle overturned in a creek bed...after the deputy himself had to get a ride to the accident scene when his own vehicle became stuck in the snow.
                

Pelowski-Higher Education
04/15/13 03:37 PM
Winona Representative Gene Pelowski Monday unveiled the House omnibus higher education bill saying funding will directly benefit students by freezing tuition at both the University of Minnesota and the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities system.
                

Deer Testing
04/15/13 03:35 PM
None of the more than 2,300 deer tested for Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) in three specific areas of Minnesota have tested positive for the disease.

Green Drinks
04/15/13 11:35 AM
A new group will meet Monday in Winona to share their interest in environmental health.  The 'Green Drinks' gathering will be at the Acoustic Cafe at Second and Lafayette Streets starting at 6:30 p.m.        

Pelowski--Higher Ed Bill
04/15/13 11:20 AM
Winona Democrat Gene Pelowski on Monday unveiled the House omnibus higher education bill.                  

Kimp--Walmart Thefts
04/15/13 11:15 AM
A 22 year old Winona man is facing felony theft by shoplifting charges after he allegedly stole some expensive items on three different dates from Walmart without paying for them.

Creek Rescue
04/15/13 11:12 AM
A Winona County Sheriff's deputy received some Good Samaritan help Sunday in the rescue of an elderly couple whose vehicle overturned in a creek bed...after the deputy himself had to get a ride to the accident scene when his own vehicle became stuck in the snow.

Injury Crash
04/15/13 11:10 AM
The Winona County Sheriff's Department says a 48 year old Burtonville, Texas, man was seriously injured when the vehicle he was driving rolled over along County Road 17 at the bottom of Witoka Hill. 

Dairy Princess
04/15/13 11:09 AM
The Winona County American Dairy Association crowned its 2013 Winona County Dairy Princess Saturday.  Named as the new princess was Eryn Orth of Lewiston, the daughter of Jim and Laurie Orth.

KAGE-AM Repairs Scheduled
04/15/13 10:12 AM
Needed repairs will take KG-Country 1380AM off the air for about an hour on Monday afternoon starting at 1:30pm.  We'll be back!

Fatal Crash
04/15/13 09:37 AM
The Minnesota State Patrol says a 34 year old Mendota, Illinois, woman was killed in a one vehicle crash in Winona County.  The Patrol identified the woman as the driver of the vehicle, Sarah Dalton. 

Stabbing
04/15/13 06:21 AM
The Trempealeau County Sheriff's Department says an Independence man was jailed over the weekend in connection with a stabbing near Blair.

5th Grade Infor Meeting
04/13/13 10:53 AM
The Winona Middle School is inviting all public, private, charter, and parochial parents and students to an informational meeting being held at the Middle School auditorium on Tuesday, April 16th

Sit to Fit
04/13/13 10:53 AM
Gundersen Lutheran and Winona Health are teaming up to help Winona area residents get a running start to fitness. Sit to Fit: A running start  is a nine-week program designed for those who want to begin a running program and for those who simply want to get moving to improve their health.
                

Red Cross Awards
04/13/13 10:52 AM
Nearly 120 volunteers, donors, partners, and friends celebrated the mission and outreach of the American Red Cross earlier this month when awards were presented to volunteers and donors in celebration of 96 years of service in the Winona, Wabasha, and Goodhue county area.

Severe Weather Drill
04/13/13 10:51 AM
Because severe weather can threaten the lives and property of Minnesotans at any time, Governor Mark Dayton has proclaimed April 15-19 as Severe Weather Awareness Week.
                

City Council - Emergency Ordinance
04/13/13 10:50 AM
The Winona City Council will hold an informational meeting April 15th prior to its regular meeting to discuss a proposed Emergency Interim Ordinance.
                

Little Sprouts
04/13/13 10:49 AM
A monthly program series for families with children ages three to five years old will kick off on Saturday, April 20 at Whitewater State Park.    The new series, called "Little Sprouts", will be offered on the third Saturday of each month at 10am.  

WSU - Ramaley Symposium
04/13/13 10:48 AM
Winona State University will hold the Seventh Annual Judith Ramaley Celebration of Research and Creative Scholarship Symposium from 2-6 p.m. Wednesday, April 17, in the East Hall of, Kryzsko Commons.
                    

Shakespeare Season Preview
04/12/13 04:35 PM
The Great River Shakespeare Festival will host its annual free Season Preview on Sunday from 4:00 to 6:00 PM, in conjunction with the Winona County History Center, where the event will be held.
                  

County Road 25
04/12/13 04:32 PM
Winona County Road 25 in Lewiston will be closed for three days next week.
             
The Winona County Highway Department says the road will be closed from its intersection with Highway 14 at the Lewiston Kwik Trip, south for about 2,200 feet.
 

Dairy Princess
04/12/13 04:31 PM
Three candidates will be vying for the title of 2013 Winona County Dairy Princess Saturday night.
                
The Coronation and Banquet takes place at the Winona Middle School at 7:30 p.m.

Winona County Attorney Candidate For Fillmore County Judgeship
04/12/13 12:06 PM
Winona County Attorney Karin Sonneman is one of three candidates being recommended to Governor Mark Dayton to replace the retiring Robert Benson in Fillmore County.

Healthy Lunchtime Challenge
04/12/13 11:39 AM
Congratualtions to Winona Radio's Bob Sebo!  Bob was named the winner of the Winona Area Public School's first ever healthy lunchtime challenge. Bob's recipe for a healthy sides dish will be on student menus across the district.

Mikrut Properties--Appeal
04/12/13 11:37 AM
The Winona City Council will hold a public hearing April 15th on an appeal by a Goodview couple who want a city Board of Adjustment decision overturned.                  

Goodview Building Permits
04/12/13 11:35 AM
The City of Goodview issued a total of 17 building permits during the months of January, February, and March.  The permits totaled $613,000.                   &

Rushford School--Davids
04/12/13 11:32 AM
The quest by the Rushford-Peterson school district to get state funding to help with the construction of a new school has received yet another setback.  

Power Outage
04/12/13 10:56 AM
A power outage occurred in central and eastern Winona Friday morning.

Drug Turn-in--Buffalo County
04/12/13 10:47 AM
Residents of Buffalo County will have a sixth opportunity to rid themselves of unused or unwanted prescription drugs when a turn in event will be held on Saturday, April 27th.

Gettler to Retire
04/12/13 10:46 AM
The Administrator and CEO of Saint Anne of Winona has announced he will retire on October First of this year.

Drug Bust---Stoa
04/12/13 10:44 AM
A 24 year old Willow Creek, California man was released from custody Thursday without bond following his initial appearance in Winona District Court in connection with a drug bust. 

Club Shooting-Appeal
04/12/13 09:36 AM
An appeals court has rejected a former Winona man's challenge to his life sentence for a fatal club shooting in downtown La Crosse.  

Hospice Volunteers Sought
04/11/13 03:52 PM
Due to the increased number of hospice patients and the need for volunteers, Gundersen Lutheran Hospice is looking for caring and compassionate individuals who would be able to share their time.

Highway 43 Public Meeting
04/11/13 03:51 PM
The Minnesota Department of Transportation will host a public meeting in Winona on Wednesday, April 24th, on a project to improve the pedestrian crossings on Highway 43 in the city of Winona.

Hann-Mayo Proposal
04/11/13 03:49 PM
State Senate Republican Leader David Hann has announced his support of the Destination Medical Center proposal in Rochester.

Rushford Remodel Rejected
04/11/13 03:48 PM
The Rushford city council has rejected bids for converting its former municipal liquor store building into a city hall.
                      
The Tri-County Record reports the council also to turned down a loan from the U-S Department of Agriculture to help pay for the project.

Fastenal Earnings
04/11/13 03:47 PM
Winona's Fastenal Company is reporting increased earnings during the first quarter of 2013.

Fastenal reported net earnings during the quarter of $109,000,000, an increase of 8.8%. Net earnings went up 37 cents a share.

Education Bill
04/11/13 11:43 AM
Minnesota schools would get state funding for all-day kindergarten and an extra $200 per pupil on average in House Democrat's plans for education funding.  

Kids' Choice Mexican Barley and Beans
04/11/13 11:24 AM
Winona Radio's Bob Sebo was the big winner in the Great Winona Healthy Lunchtime Challenge!  If you want to make this crowd pleasing (and healthy) dish at home here is the recipe!  It's easy, too!  This is a great side dish for taco night.

Public Safety Bill
04/11/13 11:04 AM
A House Public Safety bill unveiled Wednesday will ensure no layoffs and increases funds for sex offender treatment.             

Miller--Mayo Expansion
04/11/13 10:36 AM
A local lawmaker says he does not believe the Mayo Clinic will leave Minnesota if it does not get legislative approval of its massive expansion plans in Rochester.

Plant Food Arrest
04/11/13 10:20 AM
Winona Police said a 34 year old Winona man was jailed early Thursday on drug charges following a traffic stop. 

Frac Mine Approved
04/11/13 10:17 AM
A Trempealeau County committee went against recommendations and approved permits for what is being called the largest proposed frac sand mine in the county.

IT CONTINUES...
04/11/13 06:26 AM
WINTRY MIX OF PRECIPITATION AFFECTING PORTIONS OF THE UPPER MISSISSIPPI RIVER VALLEY  

SMU Founders Day Awards
04/10/13 05:18 PM
Saint Mary's University presented awards to three Christian Brothers, a faculty member, a Lasallian educator and two outstanding seniors at its Founder's Day celebration Tuesday.
              
Pictured: The Outstanding Male and Female Seniors awards went to Peter Borash, son of Ron and Ann Borash of North Prairie, Minn.; and Constance Budin, daughter of Bruce and Colleen Budin of Le Center, Minn.

SMU Triathlon
04/10/13 05:04 PM
The annual Saint Mary's University "Row, Ride, Run Triathlon" will take place on Saturday, April 27th,.
               

Buffalo County -Zoning Ordinance
04/10/13 05:00 PM
Proposed non-metallic mining amendments to a Buffalo County Zoning Ordinance were recently adopted 3 to 1 by county zoning supervisors and forwarded to the full county board for final action on April 16th.

Buffalo County -Zoning
04/10/13 04:59 PM
A public hearing on proposed non-metallic mining amendments to a Buffalo County Zoning Ordinance drew an audience estimated at 75 people. Twenty-two of them offered public comments.

It was a mixed crowd of sand mining supporters as well as opponents and activists skeptical of frac sand mining.

Arcadia Credit Union
04/10/13 04:58 PM
The Arcadia Credit Union will celebrate 50 years in business with an open house on Thursday, April 25th.
                  

Highway 74 Closed
04/10/13 04:57 PM
The Minnesota State Department of Transportation says Highway 74 in the Whitewater State Park has been closed because of flooding.

Old Wagon Bridge
04/10/13 04:56 PM
The City of Winona says an inspection of the Old Wagon Bridge has been postponed and will be completed next Monday, April 15th.
                   

Car Hits Train
04/10/13 11:45 AM
Winona County authorities say a cellphone enabled a West Salem woman to contact authorities after the vehicle she was driving struck a train near Homer Tuesday morning. 

FREEZING RAIN...SLEET AND SNOW TONIGHT INTO TOMORROW
04/10/13 11:39 AM
PRECIPITATION WILL MOVE BACK INTO THE REGION TONIGHT WITH THE  MAIN PRECIPITATION TYPE LIKELY BEING FREEZING RAIN WITH SLEET AND SNOW POSSIBLY MIXING IN.   

ANOTHER ROUND OF HEAVY RAIN TONIGHT TO OCCUR
04/10/13 11:24 AM
THE COMBINATION OF AN INCH AND A HALF TO 3 INCHES OF RAINFALL OVER  THE PAST 2 DAYS AND RUN OFF FROM RECENTLY MELTED SNOW IS RESULTING  IN RISING RIVER LEVELS ACROSS THE REGION.  THE NEXT ROUND OF RAIN WILL MOVE IN THIS AFTERNOON.

WSU Education Village
04/10/13 11:20 AM
A plan by Winona State University to revamp its curriculum for teacher education got a nod from Governor Mark Dayton this week.  The Governor has included $5.8 million in his proposed bonding bill for a so-called Education Village at WSU.  

Altura Sales Tax Funding
04/10/13 11:17 AM
A bill allowing the City of Altura and three other cities to share in the proceeds from the Rochester local sales tax has received its first hearing in the Minnesota House.

Wabasha City Administrator
04/10/13 11:16 AM
On a split vote, the Wabasha City Council has decided not to renew the current contract of its city administrator...but will hold a special meeting next week to possibly consider offering David Schmidt a new contract.

Lottery Fraud
04/10/13 10:13 AM
Police said a Winona man is facing felony lottery fraud charges after he allegedly stole $100 worth of lottery tickets from a convenience store.   

Car vs Tree
04/10/13 10:12 AM
The Winona County Sheriff's Department says a 28 year old Rollingstone man escaped serious injury when the vehicle he was driving struck a tree Tuesday afternoon. 

City Hall Crash-Eau Claire
04/10/13 10:11 AM
Eau Claire police say the driver who crashed into City Hall there was under the influence of drugs.   The 42 year woman was not seriously injured when she crashed into a side entrance of the building Tuesday about 5:30 p.m.

Driver Dies
04/10/13 10:09 AM
Winona Police said rescue workers were unable to revive a man who was discovered slumped behind the wheel of a vehicle near Sixth and Ewing Streets early Tuesday.

Power Outage
04/10/13 06:50 AM
Power reportedly went out at about 4:30am in the West Burns Valley area south of Sugarloaf in Winona Wednesday morning.  XCel Energy says 366 customers are without power and the lights should be back on by 7:45am.

Girl Scouts Toy Drive
04/09/13 05:07 PM
A local Girl Scout troop is holding an Earth Month Toy Drive starting Wednesday to benefit Winona's Family & Children's Center.

1st graders in Girl Scout Daisy Troop 44534 are looking for donations of gently used plastic toys, for the dual purpose of helping families at need with toys as well as keeping plastic toys out of the landfills, in honor of Earth Day this month.

WSU-Grandparents U.
04/09/13 04:06 PM
Winona State University will host Grandparents University Thursday and Friday, June 20th and June 21st, on the Winona campus.

Grandparents University 2013, sponsored by the WSU Retiree Center, will feature six different majors: composite materials engineering, English, geoscience, global studies, mass communication, and recreation and tourism.

Participants will learn in WSU classrooms with WSU professors, and sample the many summer highlights of WSU and the City of Winona.

Participants do not have to be a grandparent to participate.
   
On-campus housing in WSU's New Residence Hall is available.

For more information,call the Retiree Center at 457-5565.

Winona Health Survey
04/09/13 04:02 PM
Winona Health is conducting a brief survey about the Urgent Care Clinic hours.
                  
Currently, Urgent Care hours are Monday through Thursday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Friday through Sunday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

River Levels
04/09/13 03:49 PM
The Mississippi River levels in the Winona area has slowly started to rise.

The Mississippi River at Winona was at 7.98 feet Tuesday afternoon. The river reached its high point at 8.48 feet last week. According to the forecast, the Mississippi River at Winona should be at 8.1 feet by Thursday morning.

First Tow-St. Paul
04/09/13 03:28 PM
The commercial shipping season on the Mississippi River in St. Paul officially opened Monday evening with the arrival of the first towboat.

ORC Laundry
04/09/13 03:27 PM
A building permit has been issued by the City of Winona to ORC Industries for a new laundry facility.

The $500,000 permit was one of 19 permits issued last week representing abut $630,000 in new construction.
     

Milk Prices
04/09/13 03:26 PM
The latest gauge of dairy producer prices showed milk in Wisconsin selling for an average $19.40 per hundred pounds.

The Wisconsin Department of Agriculture said producers in Wisconsin were 30 cents per hundredweight higher than the national market.

Hazelton Retires
04/09/13 03:23 PM
Winona County Board members have given one of Winona County's longtime employees special recognition for her years of service.

Public Health employee Merrily Hazelton will retire at the end of the month after more than 28 years of service to the county.

Car Hits Train
04/09/13 03:18 PM
A car hit a moving train Tuesday morning in Winona County.
                  
The Minnesota State Patrol reports 24-year old Gina Wilson of West Salem, Wisconsin, lost control of her Toyota Corrola while driving north on Highway 61 by milepost 23 south of Winona.

Car Hits Train
04/09/13 12:31 PM
A car hit a moving train Tuesday morning in Winona County.
                  
The Minnesota State Patrol reports an unidentified person driving a Toyota Corrola lost control while driving north on Highway 61 by milepost 23 south of Winona, ran off the road, launched off a cement culver, then rolled down to the tracks and hit the train.

Winona Bonding Funds
04/09/13 11:45 AM
The City of Winona could be in line for state funds if a $750 million bonding proposal released by Governor Mark Dayton Monday gets final approval by the state legislature.

Hazelton Retires
04/09/13 11:07 AM
Winona County Board members have given one of Winona County's longtime employees special recognition for her years of service.  Public Health employee Merrily Hazelton will retire at the end of the month after more than 28 years of service to the county.

Child Care Assistance
04/09/13 11:04 AM
The Winona County Board of Commissioners has unanimously agreed to outsource the management of one of the county's social service programs to a private firm.

Medical Amnesty
04/09/13 10:53 AM
A proposed state law would give underage drinkers protection from prosecution if they call 911 because of a medical emergency.   Winona State and Minnesota State University are among colleges across the country that have a similar policy on campus.

Flood Watch In Effect Through Thursday Evening
04/09/13 10:46 AM
THE COMBINATION OF RAIN AND RECENTLY MELTING SNOW...ALONG WITH ADDITIONAL MODERATE TO LOCALLY HEAVY RAIN EXPECTED TODAY THROUGH THURSDAY...IS LIKELY TO CREATE ADDITIONAL RISES ON AREA RIVERS ALONG WITH FLOODING IN SMALLER CREEKS AND DRAINAGE AREAS.

Severe Weather Alerts
04/08/13 06:29 PM
As part of Severe Weather Awareness Week, the La Crosse National Weather Service will issue a simulated tornado warning and outdoor warning sirens will be activated throughout Winona and Winona County at 1:45 p.m. on Thursday April 18th.
             

Lake Pepin-First Tow
04/08/13 06:18 PM
Several days after the first towboats of the spring season arrived in the Winona area, the first towboat expected to reach St. Paul this year passed through Lake Pepin near Lake City at Monday morning around 7:00 a.m.

Planning Commission-Frac Sand
04/08/13 06:04 PM
The Winona Planning Commission voted 8 to 1 Monday to recommend denial of proposed ordinance amendments that would require all frac sand facilities complete a Transportation Impact Analysis.
               

WSU-Olson
04/08/13 05:41 PM
Winona State University will celebrate the inauguration of Scott Olson as its fifteenth president next week.

Highway 43 Project
04/08/13 04:10 PM
The Minnesota Department of Transportation says behind-the-scenes work continues on the Highway 43 Interstate Bridge project in Winona.
                  

SMU Founders Day
04/08/13 04:08 PM
St.  Mary's University will celebrate Founder's Day Tuesday with the presentation of awards and honorary doctorate degrees.

Port Authority
04/08/13 04:07 PM
The Winona Port Authority is being asked to turn down a request from a cement business to locate new quarters in the J-T Schain Industrial Park.

March Foodshare Totals
04/08/13 04:06 PM
The local March Foodshare food drive has been termed a success.
                
Winona Volunteer Services Executive Director Sandra Burke reports the final totals were 23,775 pounds of actual food, and $33,250 in cash collected.

Fool's Five Results
04/08/13 11:53 AM
The 36th Annual Fool's Five Road Race in Lewiston on Sunday produced over $83,000 for cancer research.  There were 3048 participants in the event with proceeds also coming from the live and silent auctions.

Pictured:The winner of the 8k race, Aaron Goran

I-90 Bridge Project Update
04/08/13 11:51 AM
The Minnesota Department of Transportation says you can expect some traffic delays starting Thursday on the Wisconsin side of the Interstate 90 bridge.                  &

Buffalo County Crash
04/08/13 11:49 AM
Buffalo County authorities say a Cochrane man sustained life threatening injuries when the vehicle he was driving collided with a tree Sunday evening.

Drug Charges
04/08/13 11:46 AM
 Winona Police said two people  were jailed early Monday  on suspected drug charges after an officer spotted a stolen vehicle and stopped it.

Altura Burglary
04/08/13 11:45 AM
The Winona County Sheriff's Department is investigating a burglary in Altura.                    The homeowner reported someone entered the residence between 3:0

Boy Scouts Trip
04/08/13 11:44 AM
Eleven Boy Scouts from Troop 13 in Winona went to Sea Base in the Florida Keys in March, and "survived" their weeklong stay on a deserted island in the Atlantic Ocean...Robinson Crusoe-style.          

Crash Death
04/08/13 11:42 AM
The Minnesota State Patrol says a 66 year old Rochester man was killed in a two vehicle crash on Highway 14 over the weekend.

Hann-Winona Visit
04/06/13 10:19 AM
Senate Minority Leader David Hann was in Winona Friday to visit with fellow Republican State Senator, Jeremy Miller, and local business leaders about Governor Mark Dayton's budget and the current legislative session.

Bluffview Montessori Silent Auction
04/06/13 09:58 AM
Bluffview Montessori School is hosting a silent auction fund raising event next weekend.

Buffalo County Elections
04/06/13 08:05 AM
Mary Anne McMillan Urell and Darrell Rognholt won supervisory seats in two special elections Tuesday to fill vacancies on the Buffalo County Board.
    

Fort McCoy Open House
04/06/13 07:49 AM
The 2013 Fort McCoy Armed Forces Day Open House has been cancelled.

The decision to cancel the event, which had been scheduled for May 18th, was based on the continuing restrictions placed on community outreach events according to Department of Defense sequestration guidelines.

WSHS-Open Lunch
04/06/13 07:49 AM
The Winona Area Public School Board Thursday discussed a student request for an open lunch period at the senior high school.

Wisconsin Control Towers
04/06/13 07:47 AM
The Federal Aviation Administration's decision to delay the closings of control towers at 149 airports across the country means a reprieve for eight Wisconsin airports.
     

Health Auxiliary Garage Sale
04/06/13 07:47 AM
Winona Health Auxiliary volunteers are seeking donated items for their upcoming garage sale.
                  
Donations of quality items are appreciated, however, no clothing or electronics such as televisions or computers are needed.

Highway 14 Accident
04/05/13 05:03 PM

Highway 14 west of Chester was closed for about 45 minutes Friday following a one vehicle roll over accident.

The Minnesota Highway Patrol reports 18-year old Joshua Seibert of Eyota lost control of his car and it rolled over on Highway 14, one-half mile East of County Road 11.

Traffic was re-routed because a power line had fallen, blocking the highway.  

WSU's Schmidt-Chancellor
04/05/13 04:56 PM
Winona State University Vice President Dr. James Schmidt has been confirmed as the next
Chancellor of the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire.

C-FC Pay Raise
04/05/13 04:52 PM
Teachers in the Cochrane-Fountain City School District are getting a raise.

Election Results--Buffalo County
04/05/13 12:17 PM
Selected Buffalo County Election Results

DARE Breakfast
04/05/13 12:15 PM
The Goodview Police Reserves and the Winona County DARE program are teaming together to hold a pancake breakfast on Sunday, April 14th.                     

Davids--Mayo Expansion
04/05/13 12:13 PM
Representative Greg Davids says he can't support the changes being proposed to the Mayo Clinic expansion bill.

Vikings--Drazkowski
04/05/13 12:11 PM
State Representative Steve Drazkowski says revenue projections in the bill authorizing construction of the new Vikings stadium were like "foo foo dust."

Drug Sale--WHS
04/05/13 11:57 AM
Winona Police said two Winona High School students have been charged in connection with a drug incident that took place at the school on March 25th. 

Juvenile Assault
04/05/13 11:56 AM
A 15 year old Winona boy is facing felony charges of domestic assault by strangulation after he allegedly assaulted his own mother.

Rollingstone Streets Cleaned
04/05/13 11:54 AM
The City of Rolingstone says the city streets will be cleaned starting on Monday.

Missing Person Found
04/05/13 11:53 AM
Police say a 24 year old Ohio man who was reported missing on Wednesday has been located.                

UW-Eau Claire Chancellor
04/05/13 11:51 AM
The University of Wisconsin System's Board of Regents will meet Friday to consider whether to approve a Winona State University vice president as the new chancellor of UW-Eau Claire..

Merchant Annual Meeting
04/04/13 10:24 PM
Merchants Financial Group, Inc. (MFGI) held its annual meeting Thursday, formally reporting a record year to shareholders and re-electing four members to the MFGI Board of Directors.

MFGI President & CEO Richard L. Mahoney reported that the organization is sound and continues to grow, recording $12,439,492 in net income in 2012.

Planning Commission-Frac Sand
04/04/13 10:22 PM
The Winona Planning Commission will meet Monday, April 8th and further discuss proposed ordinance amendments that would require all frac sand facilities complete a Transportation Impact Analysis.

School Board
04/04/13 10:21 PM
The Winona Area Public School Board Thursday discussed various initiative's to consider moving forward, including the possibility of eventually closing an elementary school building.

Fools Five Road Race
04/04/13 04:21 PM
The weather is warmimg up just in time for this weekend's 35th Annual Fools Five Road Race in Lewiston.
              
The race will take place Sunday, April 7th and you can register and donate online at www.foolsfive.org.

Lake Pepin Ice
04/04/13 04:11 PM
The ice on Lake Pepin remained at 20 inches thick in four locations this week following the latest measurements taken on Wednesday.

The U-S Army Corps of Engineers said the thickest ice is near the foot of Lake Pepin just north of Reads Landing.             

Asian Carp Report
04/04/13 11:37 AM
New analyses for Asian carp DNA in water samples from the Mississippi and St. Croix rivers showed little evidence of bighead and silver carp, researchers announced in a report released Thursday.           

Home Loans
04/04/13 11:29 AM
The Southeastern Minnesota Multi-County Housing and Redevelopment Authority announced that Goodhue, Wabasha and Winona Counties received over $1.6 million to provide home-ownership opportunities through single-family mortgage revenue bonds.

Goodview Update
04/04/13 11:27 AM
Goodview Mayor Steve Baumgart said despite an increase  of 20% in population since 2000, the City of Goodview has been able to accomplish a lot in recent years without raising taxes even though its tax rate has gone up caused by the state of Minnesota.

LGA Update
04/04/13 11:25 AM
The City of Winona may not see a reduction in its local government aid if the state Legislature adopts a recommendation from a coalition of cities in Minnesota.

County Update
04/04/13 11:23 AM
County Board Chairman Wayne Velentine told a State of the Community audience today Thursday the county's 10.5% reduction in property taxes since 2009 ranks number one among Minnesota's 87 counties.

Burglary
04/04/13 11:21 AM
Police are investigating a burglary reported on Wednesday about 4:00 p.m. 

Missing Person
04/04/13 11:19 AM
Winona Police are continuing to investigate a report of a missing person.

Stockton Fire
04/04/13 11:17 AM
Winona County authorities said the Lewiston Fire Department was called in Tuesday to battle a fire in a wooded area near Stockton's Hickory Lane.                  Sheriff

Root River Meeting
04/03/13 05:05 PM

One of several public meetings in Fillmore and Houston Counties to get public input on what to do about improving the Root River will take place Thursday..

The Tri-County Record reports the meeting will be held at the Rushford City Hall at 6:00 p.m.

Schmit-Silica SAND
04/03/13 04:42 PM
The senator pushing for tougher regulations on silica sand mining says the state needs to take extra steps to protect drinking water from the booming industry.  
  

WSU-Spruce Up Winona
04/03/13 04:35 PM
Winona State University will participate in "Spruce Up Winona" from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. Thursday, April 18th, to help clean up the neighborhoods surrounding WSU.
                   

DFL-Property Tax Relief
04/03/13 04:29 PM
Minnesota House Democrats are proposing $250,000,000 in property tax relief including a boost in refunds available to homeowners, new credits for renters and an increase in aid to local governments they say should reduce reliance on local property taxes.

Tubby Buyout
04/03/13 04:28 PM
The University of Minnesota's $2,500,000 buyout of ex-basketball coach Tubby Smith has Winona

WSHS-Open Lunch
04/03/13 04:27 PM
The Winona Area Public School Board Thursday will be asked to approve an open lunch period at the senior high school.  Superintendent Scott Hannon calls it a pilot program that would be open only to selected students in the senior class.

Cotter Auction
04/03/13 04:23 PM
Live and silent auction items are currently being collected for the 34th Annual Cotter Auction.
                   
Items collected so far include a variety of past favorites including the "No Worries Cruise" for 10 on the Mississippi, 20 pairs on Minnesota Twins tickets and a variety of gift baskets and baked goods.

Pictured are Live Auction Chair,Carol Ehlinger, Silent Auction Chair, Amy Modjeski and Procurement Chair,  Ann Renk            

Lepsch Murder Trial Delayed
04/03/13 11:26 AM
The trial of a 39 year old La Crescent man accused of murdering a La Crosse father and son has been delayed.

Friends of Main Street
04/03/13 11:24 AM
The Winona Area Chamber of Commerce is looking for ways to continue to finance the new Main Street Program following a conference that was held in Winona last week to help get the initiative started.          &

Pelowski--Tubby's Buyout
04/03/13 11:15 AM
The University of Minnesota's $2.5 million buyout of ex-basketball coach Tubby Smith has Winona Representative Gene Pelowski concerned.

River Levels
04/03/13 11:12 AM
River levels in the Winona area have started to drop.                   

Car Theft--Chase
04/03/13 11:11 AM
A 32 year old Austin man was jailed early Tuesday following a car chase in connection with a stolen vehicle.

State of the Community
04/03/13 11:09 AM
A reminder that the City of Winona will host the State of the Community event Thursday at City Hall.                      New Winona Mayor Mark Peterson,

Buffalo County Board Election
04/03/13 11:05 AM
Two vacant seats on the Buffalo County Board of Supervisors were filled Tuesday following the spring election.

School Referendum
04/03/13 11:02 AM
Voters in the Arcadia School District said no to a request for $24.4 million to construct a new addition to the Arcadia High School.  

Winona County Auditor-Treasurer
04/03/13 10:39 AM
Winona County Administrator Duane Hebert says the process of hiring a new County Auditor-Treasurer is no closer to resolution following an application process...and it will be up to county commissioners to decided how to proceed.

Arcadia referendum Fails
04/03/13 05:55 AM
Voters rejected a school referendum in Arcadia on Tuesday that would have approved funding for an building addition to the high school to house elementary and middle school students.

Deer Poaching
04/02/13 04:52 PM
DNR Conservation Warden Bob Jumbeck, based in Buffalo County, is looking for information regarding the attempted poaching of a deer in the Alma area.

Jumbeck says on the morning of Saturday, March 23rd he responded to an injured deer complaint on County Rd I in the Township of Nelson. The deer had recently been shot.

Miller-Vikings Commission
04/02/13 04:42 PM
Senator Jeremy Miller of Winona has been appointed to serve on the newly-created Legislative Commission on Minnesota Sports Facilities.

The commission was established as a part of the legislative stadium agreement reached during the 2012 session and will oversee the construction of a new Vikings Stadium.

Buffalo County Court
04/02/13 04:36 PM
21-year old Ashley Emmons of Winona has a preliminary court hearing scheduled May 8th in Buffalo County Court on a felony drug charge accusing her of possessing methamphetamine.

Session Resumes
04/02/13 04:35 PM
Minnesota lawmakers returned to the state capital in St. Paul Tuesday following their spring break with a lot still on the table.  There is about seven weeks left to finish writing a new two-year budget, decide whether to legalize gay marriage and make any revisions to state gun laws.

Distracted Driving
04/02/13 04:34 PM
With the high school prom season and Graduation approaching Winona County motorists are being urged to pay attention behind the wheel.

Local and area law enforcement officers are highlighting the issue during prom and graduation seasons.  

Cotter Convention
04/02/13 04:33 PM
Two members of the Cotter School's Board of Directors will make a presentation at a national convention Wednesday.

Deputy Finance Director
04/02/13 04:32 PM
A Mable woman has been hired as Winona County's new Deputy Finance Director.

Bobby Jo Vickerman was introduced to the Winona County Board of Commissioners Tuesday.
                
Vickerman spent the last ten years as City Administrator for the City of Lanesboro.

Nisbit Sand-EIS
04/02/13 04:30 PM
The Winona County Board of Commissioners moved a proposed frac sand mine and quarry in Saratoga Township another step toward reality when board members voted 3 to-2 to not require a full environmental impact statement.    

First Tow
04/02/13 04:28 PM
The first towboats of the spring season arrived in the Winona area and then turned around and went back south.
              
Two towboats locked through Lock and Dam Number Six at Trempealeau Monday

Buffalo County Zoning Board
04/02/13 04:27 PM
The Buffalo County Zoning Board of Adjustment Monday said it intends to learn more about sand mining environmental impacts on air quality and groundwater.

Nisbit Mine--No EIS
04/02/13 11:30 AM
The Winona County Board of Commissioners moved a proposed frac sand mine and quarry in Saratoga Township another step toward reality when board members voted 3 to-2 to not require a full environmental impact statement.        

I-94 Improvement
04/02/13 11:28 AM
The lion's share of some $190 million budgeted for 2013 Wisconsin state highway projects will be spent on I-94 in the northwest region.  The 2013 plan does not include any major state highway improvement projects in Buffalo or Pepin counties.

Mayo Expansion
04/02/13 11:23 AM
The bill to assist the Mayo Clinic in a major expansion is back before a Minnesota House committee where it hit turbulence last month.   The House Taxes Committee planned Tuesday to take another look at Mayo's request for a state subsidy for infr

Officer Stabbed-Release Petition
04/02/13 11:21 AM
A La Crosse man committed to a mental health institution after stabbing a police officer in 2006 is petitioning for his release.  

First Tows
04/02/13 09:51 AM
The first towboats of the spring season have arrived in the Winona area.  Two towboats locked through Lock and Dam Number Six at Trempealeau late Monday.

Council-Levy Park


04/01/13 07:21 PM
The Winona City Council Monday voted to fund the $5,000 requested by the Levee Park Redevelopment Committee to help pay for a consultant to refurbish Levee Park.

Mississippi River Stage


04/01/13 04:41 PM
Although some minor flooding has been reported around southeastern Minnesota, the Mississippi River at Winona is well under flood stage.  As of Monday afternoon, the river stage is 7.3 feet. Flood stage is 13 feet.         

Shelter Drill Volunteers
04/01/13 04:35 PM
Volunteers are being sought for next weeks Shelter Drill at Lincoln High School in Lake City.

The Winona/Wabasha/Goodhue County Chapter of the American Red Cross will be conducting the drill on Saturday, April 13th from 9:00 am to 2:00 pm.

County Comp Plan
04/01/13 04:26 PM
Winona County is seeking 15 county residents to serve on a citizen steering committee to assist in the development of an update to the county's 2000 Comprehensive Plan.

Healthiest Counties
04/01/13 04:25 PM
Trempealeau and Buffalo Counties are among the least heathy counties in Wisconsin according to a study by the University of Wisconsin.

According to the Trempealeau County Times, Trempealeau County is ranked as the 41st healthiest county and Buffalo County is in 44th place among  Wisconsin's 72 counties.

State of the Community
04/01/13 04:21 PM
The City of Winona will host the State of the Community event on Thursday, April 4th, at City Hall.

Winona Mayor Mark Peterson, Goodview Mayor Steve Baumgart, and Winona County Board Chairman Wayne Valentine will make presentations.

The event will begin at 7:30 a.m. in City Council Chambers and it is open to the public.

First Tow
04/01/13 04:17 PM
Two towboats are headed up the Mississippi River after locking through Lock and Dam Number 8 at Genoa early Monday and Lock and Dam Number 7 in La Crescent Monday afternoon.

Habitat--ReStore Show
04/01/13 11:54 AM
The Winona ReStore and Habitat for Humanity Winona - Fillmore Counties are hosting a one-day repurposing event this coming Saturday, April 6th called "Your Home: ReStyled, RePurposed, ReVived!" 

Main Street Program
04/01/13 11:52 AM
Winona's new Main Street Program is ready to move to the next step following a two day training session hosted by the Winona History Center last week.

Building Permits--MMAM
04/01/13 11:50 AM
The City of Winona issued 17 building permits last week representing $1.375 million new construction.

Shot Fired--Brierley
04/01/13 11:49 AM
Winona Police said a 24 year old Winona man was jailed early Sunday after he admitted to discharging a firearm outside his westend residence.

Injury Crash--Kellogg
04/01/13 11:47 AM
The Minnesota State Patrol says a 26 year old Wabasha man was seriously injured in a one vehicle crash on Highway 61 near Kellogg Sunday.

La Crosse Landslide
04/01/13 11:46 AM
A La Crosse highway has been reopened after a landslide forced the closure of both westbound lanes.  No one was injured in the mudslide, which happened Saturday around 5:30 p.m. Mud and debris washed across two lanes of Highway 14, just east of the Highway 35 split.

Ricochet Injury
04/01/13 11:44 AM
Northeast Iowa authorities are investigating a shooting where a 27-year-old man injured himself.  The Allamakee County Sheriff's office says the incident happened around 4:30 a.m. Sunday at a home near Lansing.

First Tow
04/01/13 10:38 AM
Two towboats are headed up the Mississippi River after locking through Lock and Dam Number Eight at Genoa, Wisconsin, early today Monday.  Three tugs are near Winona awaiting ice clearing in the commercial harbor.       

City Council
03/30/13 11:24 AM
The Winona City Council on Monday will be asked to contribute $5,000 for hiring a University of Minnesota consulting group to work with a local committee on a plan for redeveloping Levee Park.

Strategic Session
03/30/13 11:23 AM
The Winona County Board of Commissioners will hold a strategic planning session this coming Thursday, April 4th.

Cotter Auction
03/30/13 11:22 AM
A reminder the 34th Annual Cotter Auction is Saturday, April 25th.

Habitat Auction
03/30/13 11:20 AM
Habitat for Humanity Winona and Fillmore Counties is looking for items to be donated to its upcoming auction and annual dinner.
                
The event, with the theme "Building It Family Style," will be held on Friday, May 17th at Visions Event Center and Signatures Restaurant.
                 

School Building Referendums
03/30/13 11:19 AM
Residents in the Arcadia and Blair-Taylor school districts will go to the polls on April 2nd to decide referendums on new buildings.

Winona County Foreclosures
03/30/13 11:18 AM
The number of foreclosures in Winona County dropped significantly during the first quarter of 2013 compared to the first three months of 2012.                

Trempeleau River Flooding
03/30/13 11:17 AM
The National Weather Service says runoff from melting snow has caused rises on the Trempealeau River at Dodge. however...no flooding is expected at this time.

First Tow
03/30/13 11:14 AM
While three small single tugboats passed through Lock and Dam 6 at Trempealeau Friday night into the Winona area, still no sign of any towboats coming up river.

First Tow


03/30/13 08:25 AM
While three small single tugboats passed through Lock and Dam 6 at Trempealeau Friday night into the Winona area, still no sign of any towboats coming up river.

The nearest towboat was the Penny Eckstein which was pushing 15 barges. According to the U-S Army Corps of Engineers tracking website, the Penny Ekstein dropped off its barges in Pool 8 above Eastman., Wisconsin, then turned around and headed back downriver.

Urgent Care Hours
03/29/13 04:42 PM
Winona Health's Urgent Care will be open over the Easter holiday weekend on Saturday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. but will be closed Sunday.

                       
The current Urgent Care wait time is available online at: winonahealth.org/uc.

Family Fun Day-WSU
03/29/13 04:41 PM
Winona State University will sponsor "Family Fun Day and Summer Activities Fair" next weekend.
                       

Shakespeare Season Preview
03/29/13 04:40 PM
The Great River Shakespeare Festival will host its annual free Season Preview on Sunday April 14th from 4:00 to 6:00 PM, in conjunction with the Winona County History Center, where the event will be held.
               

Methodist-St. Mary's Merger Reaction
03/29/13 04:39 PM
The Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Winona issued a statement following the announcement by the Mayo Clinic that St. Mary's and Methodist hospitals in Rochester will change into one identity.
                

Lyle's Flooring America
03/29/13 04:37 PM
Lyle's Flooring America in Minnesota City is undergoing a few changes effective April 1st.
                       

Buffalo County Coordinator
03/29/13 11:44 AM
Buffalo County planned to interview two women and two men Friday for the position of county administrative coordinator.       

Wabasha Chamber Event
03/29/13 11:42 AM
The Wabasha-Kellogg Chamber of Commerce and Convention and Visitor's Bureau is inviting the public to a special social membership event.

United Way--Family Wise Cards
03/29/13 11:38 AM
The United Way of the Greater Winona area says there is a  way for those who have insurance that does not cover their medication to get some help.

Miller--Session Review
03/29/13 11:36 AM
While the legislative session is on recess this week, state lawmakers have been back in their districts talking with constituents and getting their reaction to what has happened in the first eleven weeks.         &n

County Board--Nisbit Mine
03/29/13 11:35 AM
The Winona County Board of Commissioners will be asked next Tuesday, April 2nd, to determine if a full environmental impact statement should be conducted on the proposed Nisbit sand mine and quarry in Saratoga Township.

Goodview Utilities Extension
03/29/13 11:34 AM
The City of Goodview will host an informational meeting for residents on the west side of the city.                

Eyota Injury Crash
03/29/13 11:32 AM
The Minnesota State Patrol says a Winona couple were injured in a two-vehicle crash in Olmsted County.

Parents Killed-Estate
03/29/13 11:30 AM
The children of a western Wisconsin man convicted of killing his parents will inherit part of their grandparents' estate.  Probate records filed in La Crosse County Circuit Court show Eric Koula's two children will split $740,000 when they're older.

Follow us on Twitter!
03/29/13 09:03 AM
Bob Sebo has the latest news updates @winradnews!

United Way Funding
03/28/13 04:02 PM
United Way of the Greater Winona Area is offering funding for children's programming.
                

Radio Shack Theft
03/28/13 03:55 PM
Winona Police are asking for the public's help in locating a man who stole about $4,000 worth of merchandise from the Radio Schack store on March 20th.

Rushford City Hall
03/28/13 03:54 PM
The Rushford City Council has decided to delay the awarding of a contract to remodel the city's former liquor store into a city hall.

WSU Scrubs Camp
03/28/13 03:52 PM
Winona State University and HealthForce Minnesota are teaming up to bring Scrubs Camp to middle school students in Winona June 25-27.

This new day camp is open to students entering grades 6-8 in fall 2013. Students will spend three days exploring a variety of healthcare careers, such as nursing, rehabilitative therapy, pharmacy, emergency medicine and laboratory, through hand-on activities.

Winona County Bike Trail
03/28/13 03:48 PM
The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources is inviting the public to review and comment on a proposal to add 9.6 miles of new bicycle trail to the existing 6.5 mile Plowline Trail system in Winona County at an open house.

Mankato Avenue Reopens
03/28/13 12:27 PM
Workers have finished construction on Mankato Avenue a day earlier than expected.  The rail crossing on Mankato is now open.

Levee Park--Rail Switchyard
03/28/13 11:57 AM
Winona's Levee Park Committee has had preliminary talks with the Union Pacific Railroad over the future development of Levee park.

Davids--Budget
03/28/13 10:51 AM
Republican Representative Greg Davids says lawmakers need to pick up the pace in the remaining seven weeks of the session, following this week's break, in order to finalize a budget by May 20th. 

Buffalo County Board
03/28/13 10:49 AM
A seat on the Buffalo County Board in Dist. 6 at Mondovi has sat empty for nearly 12 months.  But that will change on April 2nd when a special election will pick one of two candidates running for the office to serve.

County Board Election
03/28/13 10:22 AM
Two town of Buffalo residents are running for county board in a special election next Tuesday to fill a vacancy in the 14th Dist. representing the towns of Cross and Buffalo.    

More Walmart Thefts
03/28/13 10:14 AM
A 20 year old Winona man was jailed after he was cited with stealing items from the Walmart store twice in less than 24 hours.

Car vs Power Pole
03/28/13 10:12 AM
The Sheriff' sDepartment says a 26 year old Dresbach man escaped injury when his vehicle struck a power pole causing power lines to fall across a road.

Power Plant Violation
03/28/13 10:10 AM
The Prairie Island nuclear power plant near Red Wing is getting extra inspections from the federal government, after a delay in repairing a radiation detector.   A radiation detector in Prairie Island's Unit 1 stopped working in July 2011.

Byron Adversity Fundraiser
03/28/13 10:09 AM
A benefit in honor of a southeastern Minnesota teenager killed in a traffic crash has been expanded to help her family who this week lost its furniture business in a fire. 

Lake Pepin Ice--First Tow
03/28/13 09:53 AM
With the recent cold temperatures at the arrival of spring the ice on Lake Pepin has gotten thicker instead of melting.

Franken-Winona
03/27/13 04:16 PM
U.S. Senator Al Franken was in Winona Wednesday and met with school officials and addressed a senior class assembly at Winona High School about the rising cost of education.
                     

Lake Pepin Ice
03/27/13 04:14 PM
With the recent cold temperatures at the arrival of spring the ice on Lake Pepin has gotten thicker instead of melting.
                
According to measurements taken Wednesday by the U-S Army Corps of Engineers, the ice on Lake Pepin is 26 inches deep at one location and 25 inches thick at six other locations.

Decker Scholarships
03/27/13 04:13 PM
The Winona Women in Business organization is offering several scholarships to qualified candidates.
              

Dayton-Rochester
03/27/13 04:12 PM
Governor Mark Dayton will hold a public town hall  meeting in Rochester next week as part of his 'Meetings with Mark' around the state.
mon

County Board-Zoning Code
03/27/13 12:57 PM
The Winona County Board Tuesday discussed possible changes to the county's zoning ordinance.

All Day Kindergarten
03/27/13 11:56 AM
Minnesota House DFLers are calling on the legislature to fund all-day, everyday, kindergarten throughout Minnesota.             

Winona Walmart Thefts
03/27/13 11:18 AM
Winona Police say thefts or merchandise from the Walmart store have been increasing.  Deputy Police Chief Tom Williams said two separate thefts of laptop computers occurred on the same day Thursday.

Main Street Conference
03/27/13 11:16 AM
The City of Winona will host the Minnesota Main Street Conference and Training Thursday and Friday.  The event will be hosted by the Winona History Center.

2013 Highway Projects
03/27/13 10:58 AM
The Minnesota Department of Transportation says more than three hundred construction projects are scheduled for 2013 as the department invests $1.1 billion in upgrading the state's transportation system.         

Marsalis--Honorary Doctorate---SMU
03/27/13 10:54 AM
St. Mary's University Tuesday awarded renowned Grammy-Award- winning saxophonist Branford Marsalis an honorary doctorate degree.

Mobile Home Fire
03/27/13 10:52 AM
The Winona County Sheriff's Department says a mobile home in Wiscoy Township was destroyed by fire last Saturday.

Frack Sand Mining Controls--Vinehout
03/27/13 10:50 AM
The growing frack sand mining industry in Wisconsin has prompted a legislator to propose some controls. 

Injury Crash
03/27/13 10:47 AM
The Minnesota State Patrol says a 64 year old Sun Prairie Wisconsin woman was injured when the vehicle she was driving overturned on Interstate 90 in the Lewiston area. 

Saint Mary's and Methodist Hospitals To Merge
03/27/13 08:18 AM
Saint Marys and Methodist hospitals in Rochester will merge and operate under the name Mayo Clinic Hospital-Rochester.

SEMAC Grants


03/26/13 04:45 PM
Last week, the Board of Directors of the Southeastern Minnesota Arts Council awarded 46 grants for a total of $183,305 in funding to applicants throughout southeastern Minnesota.

Bowl for Kids Sake


03/26/13 04:35 PM
Big Brothers Big Sisters of the 7 Rivers Region is appealing to the community to support Bowl for Kids' Sake, one of the mentoring organization's largest annual fundraisers.

The event raises money needed to pair volunteer mentors with children who face adversity in staff-supported, long-term mentoring friendships.  
  
Participants solicit pledges from friends and family to raise funds to support BBBS in the Winona community.  After raising about $35,000 last year, they are looking to raise $40,000 this season.
                  
Bowl for Kids' Sake will be held at Westgate Bowl in Winona, April 18th through the 20th and teams who enter by April 1st will be entered to win five $25 gift cards.  

For more information visit www.7riversbbbs.org.

Every dollar raised directly funds mentoring programs in the Winona area. Throughout 2012, Big Brothers Big Sisters of the 7 Rivers Region served 244 children in the Winona area. The Winona office currently supports over 140 matches throughout Winona County

Global Awareness Day
03/26/13 04:26 PM
Over 70 international students from Winona State University will visit classrooms at W-K School on Thursday.

It's part of Global Awareness Day where the international students have a cultural exchange with the younger students.

March of Dimes Event
03/26/13 04:25 PM
The March of Dimes is reminding local residents the annual March for Babies event will be held on Saturday, April 20th, in Winona's Lake Park.
                    

WAPS-Fire and Ice Gala
03/26/13 04:22 PM
The Foundation for Winona Area Public Schools 2013 Fire and Ice Gala held on March 2nd raised over $32,000 in funding to continue to enrich and expand educational opportunities in Winona Area Public Schools. The Foundation's Legacy Award was presented jointly to Merchants Bank and Winona National Bank for their support of Winona Area Public Schools.

Minnesota Xcel Rate Hike
03/26/13 11:48 AM
State officials say Xcel Energy's math doesn't add up in the company's request for a rate hike.                  

March Food Drive Update
03/26/13 11:45 AM
The annual Boy Scout food pickup for the March Foodshare food drive collected about 3000 pounds of food.

Altura Sales Tax Proceeds
03/26/13 11:44 AM
The City of Altura and three other communities may get a share of the proceeds from Rochester's half-cent local sales tax if Republican Representative Steve Drazkowski is successful with his proposed legislation.

Minnesota Cigarette Tax Increase
03/26/13 11:42 AM
Governor Mark Dayton's latest budget proposal is calling for a significant increase in the state's tobacco tax and the Commissioner of the Department of Health says he is supporting it.           &

Home Burglary
03/26/13 11:40 AM
Winona Police are investigating a burglary involving an occupied home.                  Sargent Rick Bittle said a homeowner in the 500 block of West 8th Street heard a noise

Hormel-Military Families Donation
03/26/13 11:39 AM
The head of Austin-based Hormel Foods is presenting a $50,000 donation to a home for families of patients at the Minneapolis VA Medical Center.   Hormel CEO Jeffrey Ettinger visits the Minneapolis Fisher House today Tuesday to present the contributio

La Crosse Bride Theft
03/26/13 11:37 AM
Authorities arrested a Wisconsin bride after her wedding reception for allegedly stealing rings that were on display.   The La Crosse Tribune reports the 58 year old Onalaska woman was caught on surveillance video at a La Crosse hotel and restaurant

MinnesotaCare-Jesson
03/25/13 06:38 PM
The Commissioner of the Minnesota Department of Human Services had a chance to hear from local citizens, health care providers, and advocates during a panel discussion in Winona Monday at Winona Health.

Franken-Winona
03/25/13 06:36 PM
U.S. Senator Al Franken will be in Winona Wednesday to discuss his efforts to make college more affordable for students and families at a roundtable meeting at Winona State University. Later Franken will meet with school officials and address a senior class assembly at Winona High School.
             

Food Drive Update
03/25/13 06:35 PM
Saturday's annual Boy Scout food pickup for the March Foodshare food drive collected about 3,007 pounds of non-perishable food items.

Executive Director Sandra Burke says that brings the total amount collected so far to about 7,000 pounds of food and about $13,500 in cash donations.

Planning Commission-Frac Sand
03/25/13 06:27 PM
The Winona Planning Commission Monday voted to hold a public hearing on April 8th before deciding on proposed code amendments that would require all frac sand facilities complete a Transportation Impact Analysis.

SMU-Taylor Richmond Dance
03/25/13 05:52 PM
Nearly 500 people attended Saint Mary's University's 13th annual Taylor Richmond Benefit Dance on March 23rd raising raising more than $12,000!


PIctured: This year’s recipient, Sabrina Bushlack, poses with the benefit’s namesake, Taylor Richmond.

Legislature-Easter/Passover Break
03/25/13 11:48 AM
A break began Monday for Minnesota's House and Senate.   The state Legislature typically takes the week off leading up to Easter Sunday. It's a chance for lawmakers to spend time back in their districts.   Both Democrats and Republican l

New K9 Unit Fundraising
03/25/13 11:46 AM
A Lewiston-Altura 5th grader has a unique way to raise money to help Winona County pay for its new K9 officer "Cleo."                 Harlie William has been making speci

Shots Fired - Juveniles Apprehended
03/25/13 11:44 AM
Three boys were taken into custody over the weekend after a homeowner near La Crescent along County Road One complained of hearing gunshots.                 Winona County Sheriff D

Mayo Clinic-Medical Records Expansion
03/25/13 11:42 AM
The Mayo Clinic's treasure trove of medical records is getting even bigger.   Since 1966, Mayo has collected as many records as possible from Olmsted County and used them to generate important studies that help save lives. The Rochester Epidemiol

Norris Abts Transportation Center Dedicated
03/25/13 06:01 AM
Minnesota State College Southeast Technical has named its new 38,000 square foot campus addition in honor of one of the founders of the school's transportation programs.

Planning Commission-Frac Sand
03/23/13 10:57 AM
The Winona Planning Commission will meet Monday and begin new discussions on further study of air quality and traffic impact issues concerning silica sand.
                 

Minnesota Sands-EQB
03/23/13 10:46 AM
A pair of proposed frac sand mines in Saratoga Township are still on hold after the Minnesota Environmental Quality Board (EQB) recently agreed to  to be the lead agency in directing an environmental impact statement (EIS) for both projects.                   

Highway 35 Rollover
03/23/13 10:45 AM
An accident involving a logging truck closed State Highway 35 in Buffalo County for 6 1/2 hours Friday afternoon.
                  

Tree Planting
03/23/13 10:05 AM
The City of Winona is seeking 300 property owners who will volunteer to have a boulevard ash tree removed and replaced by a tree of another variety.

SMU-Spruce Up Winona
03/23/13 10:04 AM
St. Mary's University is inviting Winona nonprofit groups and agencies to submit requests for "Spruce Up Winona Day" coming up on Saturday, April 20th.

AgStar-Project FINE
03/23/13 10:03 AM
The AgStar Fund for Rural America, a corporate giving program of AgStar Financial Services, has awarded over $63,000 to the 2013 grant recipients, including one in Winona.
                
 

WAPS Early Release
03/23/13 10:01 AM
Winona Area Public Schools have announced an early release day Monday.

All public schools, Bluffview Montessori School, Dakota Community School and Ridgeway Community School will dismiss students 2 hours early.

SMU-Relay For Life
03/23/13 09:58 AM
On March 15th and 16th, more than 175 students, faculty, and staff came together to celebrate and remember those who have defeated cancer, currently battling cancer, and those who have lost their lives to the disease as part of Saint Mary's University Relay for Life. $17,5000 was raised!!
               

Minnsure
03/23/13 09:41 AM
Minnesota's new health insurance exchange will be the topic of discussion at a panel to be headlined by Minnesota Human Service Commissioner Lucinda Jesson in Winona on Monday.

Go Trojans!
03/23/13 08:34 AM
The Rushford Petertson boys basketball team will have a welcome home rally Saturday at 6:00pm at the high school.

Winona State Provost
03/23/13 08:30 AM
Four candidates have been announced for the position of provost at Winona State University.

Wisconsin Air Traffic Towers
03/23/13 08:20 AM
The Federal Aviation Administration says it will close eight air traffic towers at small airports around Wisconsin because of federal budget cuts.  The agency announced the decision Friday, a month after it released a preliminary list of facilities that could be closed. The Wisconsin airports include Eau Claire and La Crosse.

Schmidt--Eau Claire
03/22/13 11:01 AM
Winona State University Vice President James Schmidt says he is looking forward to becoming the next leader of UW-Eau Claire.

Burglary-Thefts
03/22/13 10:52 AM
Police are investigating the theft of some expensive fishing equipment from a Winona man.

Drug Arrests
03/22/13 10:50 AM
Winona Police said two Winona residents were jailed early Friday after they were arrested on drug charges following a traffic stop on Mankato Avenue.

Garvin Heights Crash
03/22/13 10:47 AM
Police said a 22 year old Winona woman escaped injury when the vehicle she was driving crashed into a power pole as she was coming down Garvin Heights Road.

Radio Shack Theft
03/22/13 10:45 AM
Winona Police are investigating the theft of nearly $4,000 worth of merchandise from the Radio Shack store in the Westgate Shopping Center.

Davids---Complaint
03/22/13 10:07 AM
Minnesota's Democratic Party wants an administrative judge to rule that a veteran Republican lawmaker broke the law with letters to newspapers saying four freshmen Democrats had voted for billions in new taxes.  The party's complaint against Representative Greg Davids of Preston was filed Thursday with the Office of Administrative Hearings.

Garvin Heights Road Closure
03/22/13 07:24 AM
City of Winona officials say Garvin Heights Road is closed Friday from 6:00am until approximately 2:00pm.  Wincrest and other ridge residents will need to use Highway 43 or Gilmore Valley Road for travel into the city today.

Planning Commission-Nisbit Frac Sand
03/21/13 09:33 PM
About 40 people attended Thursday night's Winona County Planning Commission public hearing on a proposed frac sand mine in Saratoga Township.

The commissioners voted 5 to 3 to NOT require a full Environmental Impact Study for the proposed 19 acre David and Sherry Nisbit frac sand mine.                

WSU-First Responders
03/21/13 04:35 PM
Winona State University's Outreach and Continuing Education Department will sponsor a Wilderness First Responder Course May 17th through the 26th.
                  

Tri-County Electric Grants
03/21/13 04:30 PM
Tri-County Electric Cooperative has announced that $3,000 has been distributed to worthy organizations as part of the company's Operation Round Up.
                 

YMCA Awards
03/21/13 04:29 PM
The Winona Family YMCA honored two people Tuesday during the Y's 127th Annual Meeting.

Presented with the Outstanding Volunteer of the Year Award was Bruce Reed Jr.  Reed was honored for many hours of volunteering at Camp WeNoNah and at the YMCA.

Buffalo County Cross-Training
03/21/13 04:28 PM
The Buffalo County Board postponed action on a proposal to fill a vacant 28-hour per week position in the county clerk of court and circuit court offices.
    

Winona DAC Casino Night
03/21/13 04:28 PM
The Annual Winona County Developmental Achievement Center's Auction and Casino Night was a big success.
  

Rushford Peterson


03/21/13 11:45 AM
The Rushford-Peterson Boys Basketball game will be carried LIVE on K Country 99.3 FM and streamed live on Winonaradio.com with pregame starting at 12:45pm and tip-off at 1pm.

Deputy Position Approved
03/21/13 11:45 AM
A resolution to hire a full-time sheriff's deputy to fill an upcoming retirement vacancy was adopted on a 10 to 1 vote by the Buffalo County Board.  A resolution passed earlier by the county's law enforcement committee to hire a sheriff's sergeant to fill the job and work dual roles in management and sheriff's patrol was shelved for now. 

Planning Commission-Nisbit Mine
03/21/13 11:43 AM
The Winona County Planning Commission holds a public hearing tonight Thursday on a proposed frac sand mine in Saratoga Township.  The commission will meet at 7:00 p.m. to take public input on the completed environmental assessment worksheet for the proposed David and Sherry Nisbit frac sand mine.

Miller--Feedback
03/21/13 11:12 AM
With some significant issues coming before the legislature in the next several weeks, like unionizing daycare workers and same-sex marriage, State Senator Jeremy Miller is looking for some feedback from his constituents.

Jobless Rate
03/21/13 10:46 AM
Minnesota's unemployment rate for the month of February remained unchanged from January at 5.5%.  The US jobless rate in February was 7.7%.

Mayo Clinic-Plan B
03/21/13 10:09 AM
Mayo Clinic officials are working with lawmakers to come up with a Plan B for funding its Destination Medical Center proposal amid criticism about the current financing plan.

Hospital Nurse Staffing
03/21/13 10:07 AM
Minnesota hospitals and nurses are moving past differences to back a compromise to track and study how patient care units are staffed.

Dayton--Health Board
03/21/13 10:06 AM
Governor Mark Dayton has announced that the seven member board for MNSure, Minnesota's health insurance exchange, will be appointed. MNSure is a new marketplace where Minnesota individuals, families and small employers can get quality, affordable health insurance and access tax credits or assistance to help pay for coverage. Open enrollment in through MNsure begins this year.

Dayton--Frac Sand Moratorium
03/21/13 06:20 AM
Governor Mark Dayton says he does not support a statewide moratorium on silica sand mining for now, but he backs tougher regulations.

O'Kane-RCTC Interim President
03/20/13 04:34 PM
The Board of Trustees of the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities system Wednesday appointed Gail O'Kane interim president of Rochester Community and Technical College.

WSU-Empty Bowls Fundraiser
03/20/13 04:22 PM
Winona State University will hold "The Empty Bowls" fundraiser next week.
                   
The event will run from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Thursday, March 28th, in the Science Laboratory Center Atrium.

Winona County Health Ranking
03/20/13 04:21 PM
Winona County is the sixth healthiest county among Minnesota's 87 counties.     
                   

Dayton Health Bill
03/20/13 04:20 PM
An estimated 1,300,000 Minnesotans will benefit from legislation signed into law Wednesday by Governor Mark Dayton, including nearly 300,000 Minnesotans who are currently uninsured.

WSU Economic Impact
03/20/13 04:18 PM
Winona State University has released the results of a study that estimates the economic impact of WSU on the regional economy to be $307,000,000 and 3,875 jobs.
                       

KIDS Preschool Target Grant
03/20/13 04:16 PM
Community KIDS Preschool, a program of the Winona Area Public Schools Community Education department, was recently awarded the Early Childhood Reading Grant from Target Corporation.
                   

Budget--Tuiton
03/20/13 11:15 AM
Minnesota House Democrats are seeking to impose a tax surcharge on the top one percent of earners to pay down the state's $800 million debt to schools.

Mayo Proposal
03/20/13 10:53 AM
Republican State Representative Greg Davids is calling on his fellow lawmakers to get behind the proposal to expand the Mayo Clinic in Rochester.

Asian Carp-Rivers
03/20/13 10:51 AM
A newly released study says Asian carp may be reproducing in more places and for longer periods than previously thought.

Doctor Shortage
03/20/13 10:50 AM
Physicians across Minnesota are welcoming the new Minnesota Health Insurance Exchange passed by the legislature, they are also pointing out an anticipated shortage of physicians in the near future due to retirements.

Home Burglary--Suspect Jailed
03/20/13 10:49 AM
The Winona County Sheriff's Department arrested a suspect Tuesday in a home burglary that netted both guns and jewelry.

New Prague School Lockdown
03/20/13 10:13 AM
A sheriff says a 911 call about an active shooter at a school in south central Minnesota appears to be a hoax.  Scott County Sheriff Kevin Studnicka says students and staff at the middle school, high school and Central Education Campus buildings in New Prague are all safe.

Levee Park Committee
03/19/13 04:25 PM
The Levee Park Committee will meet again Tuesday, March 26th.
                   
The committee is expected to review funding options for the U of M Design Contract.

GRSF Production Honored


03/19/13 04:13 PM
The Great River Shakespeare Festival-originated production of "The Comedy of Errors" was honored with three St. Louis Critics Circle Awards at a gathering Monday evening.
                  
The production featured a New Orleans at Mardi Gras, circa 1936, setting and incorporated gospel and Dixieland music.

The first-ever "Louie" awards named the production best comedy of the 2012 season and also honored Paul Barnes, GRSF Artistic Director, as Best Director of a Production of a Comedy, and Meg Weedon, resident GRSF Costume Designer for Best Costume Design.

MCA Registration
03/19/13 03:52 PM
Registration is now open for spring and summer offerings at the Minnesota Conservatory for the Arts.

I-pad Open House
03/19/13 03:51 PM
The Rollingstone Community School will host an open house for the public next Monday, March 25th.

Students and teachers will have a chance to show off their new I-pads they received last fall.

Cotter Auction
03/19/13 03:50 PM
The date for this year's 34th Annual Cotter Auction is Saturday, April 25th.
                      
The longtime community event is open to the public. Registration is $15 through April 23rd and $20 at the door.

Boy Scouts Food Drive
03/19/13 03:49 PM
This coming Saturday, March 23rd, is the annual Boy Scout food pickup for the March Foodshare food drive.
                      
The Boy Scouts and Cub Scouts will be going door to door in Winona, Goodview and Minnesota City picking up bags of food left out on the door step.

Road Conditions
03/19/13 03:47 PM
The Minnesota Department of Transportation and the Minnesota State Patrol are advising southeastern Minnesota drivers to slow down during their evening commute and throughout tonight because of scattered icy spots.
                      

Minnesota-Tax Return Software
03/19/13 11:52 AM
The Minnesota Department of Revenue says problems have been addressed with electronic tax filing services that caused delayed state tax returns for some people.  The department said Tuesday that tax software contractor Intuit has fixed errors with TurboTax and other online tax filing programs and that Minnesota taxpayers may start using them again.

Health Insurance Exchange
03/19/13 11:51 AM
Legislation establishing a Minnesota Health Insurance Exchange is on its way to the Governor after the Senate approved a final conference committee report on Monday.

New WHS Addition--Bids
03/19/13 11:49 AM
A Rose Creek, Minnesota firm is the apparent low bidder on a contract to construct a new math-science addition on to Winona Senior High School.  The Winona Area Public School Board on Thursday will be asked to approve a bid of $1.55 million for constructing the 20,700 square foot addition.

SE Tech--Open House
03/19/13 10:34 AM
Minnesota State College - Southeast Technical is reminding the public that an open house for it's new $2.3 million Transportation Center will be held this coming Sunday, March 24th.  The new 25,000 square foot facility houses the Truck Driving, Autobody Collision Technology, and Automotive Technology programs. 

Walz--Art Competition
03/19/13 10:30 AM
Congressman Tim Walz has kicked off the 2013 Congressional Art Competition by inviting high school students from across Minnesota's First District to submit their artwork for the contest.

Community Health Clinic
03/19/13 10:27 AM
The Winona Community Health Clinic, a free clinic, will be open Tuesday, April 2nd, from 4:00 -
8:00 p.m.

Rochester's Growing Pains
03/19/13 10:11 AM
As the Mayo Clinic seeks state money to help with its expansion plans, Minnesota's third-largest city is feeling the strain from the rapid growth it has already seen.

Milk Truck Crash
03/19/13 10:09 AM
The Winona County Sheriff's Department says a 30 year old  Altura man was injured when the vehicle he was driving collided with a milk truck that had gotten stuck in the snow.

Fools Five Road Race
03/18/13 05:39 PM
Time to dust off your running shoes again because the 35th Annual Fools Five Road Race in Lewiston is right around the corner.

The race will take place Sunday, April 7th and you can register and donate online at www.foolsfive.org. This year's events include guest speaker, Gabriele Anderson, an Olympic Trials finalist and a two time cancer survivor.

WSU Administrators Leave
03/18/13 05:11 PM
If Dr. James Schmidt is confirmed as U-W Eau Claire's next chancellor, it will mark the third Winona State University administrator to leave in less than a year.
             
The U-W Eau Claire board meets on April 5th, to decide on a recommendation to hire Schmidt as its chancellor.

Drazkowski-Daycare Bill
03/18/13 05:09 PM
Republican State Representative Steve Drazkowski is criticizing majority democrats for delaying work on important issues like the budget - to focus on divisive issues like forcing child care providers to unionize.

Drazkowski says it's another example of trying to give unions more power in the state.

Mueller-St. John's Donation
03/18/13 05:07 PM
A Winona County Farmer has won $2,500 for St. John's Lutheran School through America's Farmers Grow Communities.

Andrew Mueller of Lewiston has been selected as a winner in America's Farmers Grow Communities, sponsored by the Monsanto Fund.

Schmidt Named Eau Claire Chancellor
03/18/13 11:32 AM
Jim Schmidt has been recommended as the next Chancellor of the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire. He currently serves as Vice President for University Advancement at Winona State University and Executive Director of the WSU Foundation Board of Trustees.

Planning Commission--Frac Proposal
03/18/13 11:29 AM
The Winona County Planning Commission holds two separate meetings this coming Thursday March 21st.

Frac Sand Bill
03/18/13 11:27 AM
The author of the senate bill calling for a moratorium on frac sand mining in Minnesota says he is willing to compromise.  Democratic Senator Matt Schmit of Red Wing told Winona Radio News he is not tied to a moratorium just as long as lawmakers get the final bill right.

Bishop on New Pope
03/18/13 11:05 AM
The Bishop of the Catholic Diocese says it's too early to know exactly how the new pope will make his presence and his impact throughout the world known.

Arcadia New School
03/18/13 10:40 AM
The final in a series of informational meetings on the Arcadia School District's $24.4 million April 2nd referendum, will be held this week.  The district is seeking the funds to construct an addition to the current high school that would house the elementary and middle school classes. 

Home Burglary
03/18/13 10:39 AM
The Winona County Sheriff's Department is investigating a burglary at a home that netted thieves several guns and jewelry.

Injury Crash
03/18/13 10:37 AM
The sheriff's department is trying to determine who driving a vehicle that crashed and rolled off County Road 114 a mile east of County Road 37 Saturday morning about 9:00 a.m.

Injury Crash--Winona
03/18/13 10:36 AM
Winona Police said two people were injured Friday morning when their vehicles collided nearly headon near the bottom of Garvin Heights Road and West Lake Boulevard.

Train Derailment
03/18/13 06:47 AM
Canadian National is investigating the cause of a train derailment in western Wisconsin.  Nineteen train cars derailed and spilled an unknown amount of sand near Hatfield Saturday. The train was traveling between Taylor and Wisconsin Rapids. No one was hurt.

Injury Crash
03/18/13 06:45 AM
The Minnesota State Patrol says a 29 year old Wabasha woman was injured in a one vehicle crash on Saturday.

McNally Buildings
03/18/13 06:33 AM
Documents filed at the Winona County Recorder's office indicate two buildings owned by Winona developer David McNally have been turned over to a La Crosse bank.

I-90 100% Ice Covered
03/16/13 06:13 AM
MnDot reports I-90 in Winona County  is 100% ice covered...very bad around mile marker 259, near Nodine Hill .... crews are out sanding but drive with extreme caution this morning!

AgStar County Fair Funds
03/15/13 03:44 PM
The AgStar Fund for Rural America has increased support for the county fair facility upgrade grant program by offering an additional $20,000 in awarded grant dollars, for a total of $70,000 available.

Each county in AgStar's local service area, including Winona County, can apply for up to $3,000 to be used towards repairs on fairground agricultural buildings.

Triple "A"-Cotter
03/15/13 03:35 PM
A Cotter High School senior is one step away from winning the Class A Minnesota State Triple "A" award.
Jacob Johnson was named the Region One-A winner in the competition that recognizes excellence in athletics, the arts, and academics.

Pictured Jake Johnson and parents, Dan and Mary Johnson.

Highway 43 Project
03/15/13 03:33 PM
The City of Rushford will seek state money to help pay for its share of a Highway 43 reconstruction project that include's Rushford's main street.
               

County Landuse Plan
03/15/13 03:32 PM
Winona County is about to begin up to a two-year effort to update its comprehensive landuse plan and is seeking people to serve on one of two steering committees.
             

Main Street Program
03/15/13 12:31 PM
The Winona Area Chamber of Commerce has introduced the new director of the Main Street Program in downtown Winona.  He is David Bittner.

Health Exchange
03/15/13 11:21 AM
The Minnesota House has passed a bill creating an online health insurance marketplace that aims to give at least 1.3 million Minnesotans a new way to purchase coverage.  The House passed the bill early Friday on a vote of 72 to 61. Most Democrats backed the bill while Republicans opposed it.

Lisowski--Officer Assault
03/15/13 11:20 AM
A 23 year old Winona man was jailed early Thursday after he fought with a police officer on a roof top and then had to be tased twice.

County Auditor-Treasurer
03/15/13 11:18 AM
Only two people have applied for the position of Winona County Auditor-Treasurer.

Winona County Population
03/15/13 11:16 AM
Winona County's population has gone up slightly according to County Recorder Bob Bambenek. Revised census figures give Winona County a population of 51,629 for the year ending July 1st, 2012.  That's  an increase of 123 from the year before.

Samuelson-WSU
03/14/13 09:23 PM
About 325 people attended Thursday nights special event at Winona State University sponsored by Promoting Modern Agriculture. National Agriculture Radio Host Orion Samuelson was the featured speaker and he stressed the importance of promoting agriculture in today's world.

School Board Retreat
03/14/13 03:58 PM
The Winona Area Public School Board will hold a School Board Retreat on Saturday, March 23rd, from 8:00 a.m. to 12 noon in the Media Center at Winona Senior High School, 901 Gilmore Avenue.
                 

Dayton Revised Budget
03/14/13 03:39 PM
Governor Mark Dayton released a revised budget plan that, he says, responsibly resolves the state's budget deficit and makes crucial investments in Minnesota's future.

The Governor's proposal makes major investments in education, job creation, and a stronger middle class.
         

Miller-Memorial Bill
03/14/13 03:35 PM
State Senator Jeremy Miller has introduced bipartisan legislation to have the state pay $500,000 for the design construction of a new commemorative memorial at the state capitol in St. Paul.

Frac Split
03/14/13 03:34 PM
The partnership involved in bringing a proposed frac sand processing facility and railroad access to an area next to St. Charles has split up.

Freedom Honor Flight
03/14/13 11:46 AM
Freedom Honor flight of La Crosse has announced the spring Honor Flight to Washington, DC will take place on May 4th.  A second Honor Flight is scheduled for September 21st.  Veterans for the May 4th flight have been selected from applications already on file.

Health Exchange--Miller
03/14/13 11:43 AM
With a House-Senate conference committee continuing to work on a compromise Health Insurance Exchange bill, Winona Republican Jeremy Miller says he cannot support it.  Miller told Winona Radio News he has too many concerns and unanswered questions about the Democratic bill including a seven member board that will oversee the exchange with no oversight. 

Gay Marriage
03/14/13 10:57 AM
Two local lawmakers from opposite parties appear to agree that the budget should come first before social issues.

Buffalo County Court
03/14/13 10:41 AM
Recent Appearances In Buffalo County Circuit Court

Gady--Arson Plea
03/14/13 10:23 AM
A 19 year old Houston man accused of setting fire to a kiosk in Agahming Park has pleaded not guilty in Buffalo County circuit court to felony arson charges.  Kenneth Gady is also accused of intentionally setting a fire that damaged a boathouse in the Town of Buffalo.

Home Theft
03/14/13 10:16 AM
The Winona County Sheriff's Department is investigating the theft of some equipment from a residence in the Green Terrace mobile home park near La Moille.

Fight Charges
03/14/13 10:14 AM
Winona Police said nine people have now been charged in connection with a fight that occurred in the Maplewood Townhomes on February 16th.

Highway 61 Reopened
03/14/13 09:56 AM
The Minnesota State Patrol said the northbound right lane of Highway 61 near La Moille was reopened after cashes involving several vehicles caused it to be shut down.

Frac Mining Ordinance
03/14/13 09:55 AM
Buffalo County has scheduled a public hearing for 6 p.m. on April 3rd to take comments on proposed zoning ordinance amendments to regulate nonmetallic mining.

Sameuelson-WSU
03/13/13 04:50 PM
National Agriculture Radio Host Orion Sameuelson will be the featured speaker at a special event in the East Dining Room at Winona State's University's Kryszko Commons.
 

Easter Egg Hunt-SMU
03/13/13 04:36 PM
Winona-area children in grade four and younger are invited to attend an Easter egg hunt at Saint Mary's University from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. on Sunday, March 24th.

Food Drive Update
03/13/13 04:35 PM
The March Foodshare food drive has nearly reached the halfway point with $5,600 and some 1,600 pounds of food being collected at Winona Volunteer Services.
              

I-90 Bridge Project
03/13/13 04:33 PM
The Minnesota Department of Transportation says the Dresbach Travel Information Center will be closed to semi-trucks starting next Monday, March 18th, as preparations for the $187,000,000 Interstate 90 bridge replacement project get underway.

Lake Pepin Ice
03/13/13 04:32 PM
The ice on Lake Pepin remains pretty thick as the  watch begins to see when the commercial shipping season on the Mississippi River begins.
                  
The U-S Army Corps of Engineers took another round of ice measurements Wednesday and found the ice is 20-inches thick at six different locations.

Warrior Club Scholarships
03/13/13 04:31 PM
The Winona State Warrior Club will host the annual Warrior Club Scholarship Gala Saturday, March 23rd, at Visions Event Center in Winona.

The registration deadline is Friday, March 15th.

 

United Way Awards
03/13/13 04:29 PM
United Way of the Greater Winona Area highlighted its accomplishments during the past year at the organization's 69th annual meeting Tuesday night.
                

New Pope Elected
03/13/13 02:35 PM

Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio of Argentina has been elected as the new pope of the Catholic Church, taking the name Francis I.

New Cotter Schools Principal
03/13/13 11:39 AM


The Cotter Schools announced the appointment of a new principal to lead grades 7 through 12 in a change to the administrative structure that will be in effect with the start of the 2013-14 school year.  Cotter President, Sister Judith Schaefer, said Oscar Uribe has been appointed principal.

Food Drive Update
03/13/13 11:06 AM
The March Foodshare food drive has nearly reached the halfway point with $5600 in cash and some 1,600 pounds of food being collected at Winona Volunteer Services.  Executive Director Sandra Burke says there is still plenty of time to donate both food and cash.

IBM Rochester Jobs
03/13/13 11:03 AM
Senators Amy Klobuchar and Al Franken and Congressman Tim Walz are urging IBM to keep jobs in Rochester.  This past week IBM announced plans to move approximately 200 jobs from Rochester to Mexico and New York.

Tri-County Tour Winner
03/13/13 10:53 AM
Tri-County Electric Cooperative has announced that Chelsea Schossow, of Houston, a Winona High School student,  has won an all-expenses paid trip to Washington D.C., courtesy of the company.

Alternate Side Parking
03/13/13 10:48 AM
Winona Police wrote 72 alternate side parking tickets early Wednesday, the second consecutive day that tag and towing operations were held throughout the city following Sunday and Monday's big snowfall.  60 vehicles were also towed away during the operation because they were parked on the wrong side of the street overnight.

Teacher-Sex Charges
03/13/13 10:46 AM
A former teacher at a Faribault prep school says he's innocent of charges that accuse him of sexually abusing six male students.

Frac Sand Setback-St Charles
03/13/13 10:44 AM
The city of St. Charles has rejected annexation that could have brought frack sand mining to the community and served as a catalyst for similar projects in the region.

Curves Food Drive
03/12/13 05:46 PM
Curves International 15th Annual Food Drive, "Feed the Need," is underway and  challenges Curves' club members in the U.S. and Canada to meet a goal of  100-thousand donations during the two week period of March 11th - March 23rd.
                  

Drazkowski-Sales Tax
03/12/13 05:45 PM
Republican Representative Steve Drazkowski says he is pleased that Governor Mark Dayton appears to have abandoned his bid to broaden the state sales tax to service transactions.
           
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Levee Park Committee
03/12/13 05:44 PM
The Levee Park Committee met Tuesday and decided to make a request to the city council to fund hiring the University of Minnesota's Center For Changing Landscapes (CCL) to assist in the planning and design of a refurbished Levee Park.   
                  

Financial Reporting
03/12/13 05:43 PM
 A Winona County Department is being commended by the state of Minnesota for its financial reporting.
 
The state Department of Human Services congratulated County Community Services staff for their perfect performance in the financial reporting requirements for 2012.

Public Data Fees
03/12/13 05:42 PM
Winona County Board members had a chance to discuss whether the county should begin charging a flat fee for staff time preparing public documents requested by the public.

Spring Weight Restrictions
03/12/13 05:41 PM
Spring truck weight restrictions on state highways will begin Friday, March 15th for Minnesota's south, southeast and Twin Cities Metro area frost zones.
                   

Frac Sand EIS
03/12/13 11:35 AM
Winona County Board members are supporting a request from Fillmore county for a multi-jurisdictional environmental impact statement on proposed frac sand mines in the two counties that are close together.

Southeast Tech--Open House
03/12/13 11:18 AM
Minnesota State College-Southeast Technical announced an open house for its new Transportation Center will be held in Winona on Sunday, March 24th.

Hammer Attack-Sentence
03/12/13 11:08 AM
A jealous husband convicted of fatally attacking a man with a hammer in southern Minnesota has been sentenced to 33 years in prison. Brian Freeman also injured his estranged wife and her two daughters in the assault at a Blue Earth home in February 2012.

Tag and Tow
03/12/13 08:26 AM
The City of Winona has declared a tag and towing operation for the entire city for early Wednesday, March 13th.  That means since it's an odd-numbered day, park your vehicle on the odd side of the street between the hours of midnight and 6:30 a.m.

Schumacher-Appearance


03/11/13 05:07 PM
Jeffrey Jon Schumacher Sr. made an appearance in Winona County District Court Monday. The 58 year old Goodview man was indicted last week by a grand jury in connection with the drug-related death of his son, Jeffrey Jon Schumacher Jr.

Miller-Frac Advisory Council
03/11/13 04:50 PM
Republican Senator Jeremy Miller of Winona has co-authored bipartisan legislation that will provide assistance and guidance for local governments as they set guidelines for silica sand mining.

Bambenek Baseball Field-WSU
03/11/13 04:42 PM
The possibility of a new baseball field at the Bambenek Fields in Lake Park is a bit closer to reality after the Winona City Council gave the project an initial go-ahead last week.
  
Winona State University is seeking to partner with the city on a new field that the college could use for national tournaments.

Women Build
03/11/13 04:41 PM
Habitat For Humanity Winona-Fillmore Counties will host a special launching of its Women Build project coming up on Monday, March 25th at Wesley United Methodist Church in Winona.
                 

Judge Thompson-Third Judicial District
03/11/13 04:40 PM
Winona District Judge Jeffrey Thompson has been apppointed as the chief judge of Minnesota's Third Judicial District.
                    
 

Merchants Earnings
03/11/13 04:38 PM
Merchants Financial Group, Inc. ended 2012 with $12,400,000 in net income, an increase of nearly  $3,700,000 over 2011, according to Merchants Financial Group President & CEO Richard L. Mahoney.
                     

Coke Bottles-Bike Path
03/11/13 04:35 PM
The Coca-Cola Bottling Co. plant of Winona has been bottling their signature beverage for eighty years and this past October the last vintage 6.5 oz glass bottles rolled off the line.

Mining Amendments
03/11/13 12:17 PM
A zoning committee in Buffalo County said proposed amendments to a county zoning ordinance along with a policy on mining procedures and standards would be administered through the county's Land Resources Department.

Injury Crash
03/11/13 12:16 PM
The Winona County Sheriff's Department says one person was injured in a two vehicle crash in Wiscoy Township over the weekend.       

Crime Alert Cancelled
03/11/13 12:15 PM
The search for a missing Planview man has been cancelled.

Jewelry Missing
03/11/13 12:14 PM
Winona Police are continuing to investigate some missing jewelry from a Winona home.

Walmart Robbery
03/11/13 12:13 PM
Winona police said a 28 year old Winona man was apprehended outside the Walmart store early Monday as he tried to make off with a shopping cart full of expensive merchandise.

Snow Knocks Out Power
03/11/13 09:04 AM

XCel Energy customers in Rollingstone were without power for nearly three hours this morning as heavy snow brought down tree limbs...and power lines.  Power in Rollingstone was restored just before 5:30 Monday morning. They aren't alone. Tri-County Electric Cooperative reported 900 customers without power Monday morning.

WSU Concert-Phillips
03/09/13 10:57 AM
The Winona State University Annual UPAC Spring Concert will feature headliner Phillip Phillips, as well as opening acts Churchill and Zach Heckendorf.

School Board-Foreign Language
03/09/13 10:54 AM
The Winona Area Public School Board Thursday discussed the possibility of expanding foreign language to kindergarten through fourth grade levels.

WSHS-MCA Scores
03/09/13 10:53 AM
Winona High School Principal Kelly Halverson updated the School Board Thursday on efforts to reach the target reading and math proficiency scores for the Minnesota Comprehensive Assessments.
                 

Habitat Golf Fundraiser
03/09/13 10:51 AM
Thrivent Financial for Lutherans is hosting a golf fundraiser in May to benefit Habitat for Humanity Winona-Fillmore Counties and support construction and rehabilitation of affordable housing in partnership with low-income families.
                      

Merchants-SBA Loans
03/08/13 02:55 PM
Merchants Bank is third in the total number of SBA 504 loans and seventh in Minnesota in dollar volume for SBA 504 loans, according to information from the National Association of Development Corporations.

County Board
03/08/13 02:54 PM
The Winona County Board of Commissioners will take up a discussion next Tuesday, March 12th, on the process of requesting public data.

KEAP Center-WSU
03/08/13 02:53 PM
Winona State University will host an Open House for the new Diversity Center at 4 p.m. on Monday, March 11th, in Wabasha Hall.

United Way Distribution
03/08/13 02:52 PM
The United Way of the Greater Winona Area is seeking volunteers for its fund distribution process.

Healthcare Exchange--Miller
03/08/13 11:34 AM
The Minnesota Senate has approved a bill to create the state's health insurance exchange. Lawmakers voted Thursday night to approve a measure that helps the state's health care system conform with the federal health insurance mandate. The insurance exchange is an online marketplace for residents to shop for coverage plans.

SMU Benefit Dance--Bushlack
03/08/13 11:32 AM
Saint Mary's University says proceeds from the 13th annual Taylor Richmond Benefit Dance on Saturday, March 23rd, will go to senior Sabrina Bushlack who is recovering from a serious traffic crash.

Freight Rail Study
03/08/13 11:06 AM
The final open house for the Southeastern Minnesota Freight Rail Capacity Study will be held at the Rochester Community and Technical College next Wednesday, March 13th.  The study outlines the options and costs for routing freight rail either through or around Rochester.

Project Fine Grant
03/08/13 11:01 AM
Project FINE in Winona County has received a $25,000 grant from the Blandin Foundation.

Orchestra Audit
03/08/13 11:00 AM
State lawmakers are urging the Office of the Legislative Auditor to audit the Minnesota Orchestra Association. The legislature has invested $14 million in bonding and Legacy dollars and over $1 million for general operations of the Minnesota Orchestra.

Three Car Crash
03/08/13 10:54 AM
Winona Police said one person was injured in a three vehicle crash at Broadway and Winona Streets Thursday morning.

Deer Hunting - Point Restrictions
03/08/13 10:43 AM
How to best manage the deer herd and the deer hunt in southeastern Minnesota has become a heated discussion among outdoorspeople.

Sales Tax Proposals may Be Dropped
03/08/13 09:34 AM
Minnesota Gov. Mark Dayton tells The Associated Press he's '99.8 percent certain' he'll abandon a bid to broaden the state sales tax to service transactions, a key revenue element of his proposed budget but also one that provoked protest from the business community.  Dayton said Friday that a business-to-business component was surely gone and he doesn't want consumers to shoulder the load.

Flood Outlook-Minnesota
03/08/13 08:30 AM
Recent snowfall has increased the risk of flooding to normal on parts of the Upper Minnesota and Mississippi River basins.  The National Weather Service says February's snowfall has changed the previous forecast of a below normal risk of flooding.

Superintendent Search
03/08/13 08:24 AM
The Winona Area Public School Board discussed a loose time line Thursday night for the search for a new superintendent of schools.  Superintendent Scott Hannon's contract ends June 30th, 2014, and the board expects to hire a search firm this summer.

MPCA Air Pollution
03/07/13 09:35 PM
The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency  has issued an air pollution health advisory for the southern two-thirds of Minnesota, including Rochester,  Friday through midday Saturday, March 9th. Fine particle pollution is increasing across the southern two-thirds of the state. 

Wabasha Frac Sand
03/07/13 09:34 PM
The Wabasha City Council has approved a frac sand moratorium while the Houston County Board this week voted to extend that county's moratorium another year.
                 

Cotter-Science Fair
03/07/13 09:33 PM
Seven Cotter students will compete in this year's Minnesota State Science Fair next month after winning top prizes in the regional fair held at Winona State University last week.
                       

WAPS-STEM
03/07/13 09:32 PM
The Winona Area Public School board Thursday discussed the possibility of expanding the Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics program to the Middle School level.

Gun Law
03/07/13 11:44 AM
A new proposal to tighten Minnesota's gun laws is being opposed by critics who say it doesn't go far enough in addressing the problems with guns getting into the wrong hands.

Wabasha Vets Officer Search
03/07/13 11:23 AM
The Wabasha County Board of Commissioners has appointed a three member committee to find the county's next veteran's service officer.  The county has advertised the need for replacing Lisa Jaeger who resigned at the end of 2012.

Purple Caucus--Reax
03/07/13 11:20 AM
Reaction to a proposal to bring Republicans and Democrats together in the state senate has been absolutely positive according to Republican Jeremy Miller, who along with Democrat Roger Reinert of Duluth, have formed the "Purple Caucus" in an effort to reduce partisanship.

Tax Reciprocity
03/07/13 11:17 AM
Minnesota and Wisconsin are close to hammering out a deal to bring back income tax reciprocity to the two states after it was eliminated a couple of years ago.

Judge To Retire--Fillmore County
03/07/13 11:04 AM
A search is underway to find a new district judge to be chambered in Fillmore County.  Judge Robert Benson has announced he will retire on March 31st.

Home Burglary
03/07/13 11:02 AM
Winona County authorities are investigating a home burglary reported by a resident of the Green Terrace mobile home park.  Chief Deputy Ron Ganrude said someone entered the mobile home and ransacked it.

Invasive Species Talk
03/06/13 06:33 PM
Great River Bluffs State Park will host a special meeting to discuss non-native insects and plants invading the wooded areas of the region and the state.
                       
 

Forage Workshop
03/06/13 06:21 PM
A forage workshop will be held March 21st in Rushford to address key forage production and management issues in Southeast Minnesota.

WAPS-Kindergarten Open House
03/06/13 06:20 PM
If you missed the kindergarten registration session for the 2013-2014 school year that was held at Central School in late February, parents will have a chance this week to do so.
                     

Missing Plainview Man
03/06/13 03:53 PM
The Plainview Police Department has issued a statewide Crime Alert and is seeking the public's help in finding a missing Planiview man. Plainview police said 43-year-old Melvin Edward Peterson was last seen on Sunday, March 3rd, in Alma, Wisconsin, where he was visiting a family

Dayton Budget-Pelowski
03/06/13 03:52 PM
Minnesota Gov. Mark Dayton hasn't decided whether to keep a proposed sales tax expansion intact but says he expects to announce a revised budget early next week.

Special Ed-Audit
03/06/13 03:50 PM
Minnesota's legislative auditor says fast-rising special education costs are hampering the ability of school districts to reach other education goals, such as reducing class sizes.

Buffalo County Court
03/06/13 03:48 PM
Among the recent appearances in Buffalo County Circuit Court, 39-year-old Terra Schwanke of Altura, was scheduled to have a sentencing hearing March 28th for revocation of probation on a 2008 felony drug offense.

Dairy Prices
03/06/13 03:47 PM
Dairy farmers in Trempealeau, Buffalo and Pepin counties should see average decreases of 80-cents per hundred pounds of milk produced in February.
    
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La Crosse Chamber Awards
03/06/13 03:46 PM
A variety of awards were given out Monday during the annual Recognition Dinner for the La Crosse Chamber of Commerce.

Lake Pepin Ice
03/06/13 03:45 PM
It may be a while before the first towboats attempt to navigate through Lake Pepin to open the commercial shipping season on the Mississippi River.

Walz--Vets Bill
03/06/13 11:21 AM
First District Congressman Tim Walz has introduced a bill he says would ensure justice by reviewing and, when necessary, correcting service records for over 31,000 veterans who may have been misdiagnosed by the Department of Defense with a Personality Disorder or Adjustment Disorder and improperly discharged after active duty deployment.

WAPS Superintendent Search
03/06/13 11:17 AM
The Winona Area Public School Board is set Thursday to begin discussions on a timeline for completing the search for a new superintendent of schools.  With Superintendent Scott Hannon's current extended contract ending on June 30th, 2014, the board hopes to hire a search firm this summer.

Schumacher Indicted
03/06/13 11:03 AM
Winona County Attorney Karin Sonneman says a 58 year old Winona man has been indicted with by a grand jury in connection with the drug related death of a minor.  Sonneman said the grand jury issued two indictments on Monday against Jeffrey Jon Schumacher.

Blomsness to Retire
03/06/13 11:01 AM
The longtime executive director of the Winona Family YMCA has announced he will retire and a search committee has been appointed to seek his replacement.  Andy Blomsness announced he will step down on June 30th of this year.

Tag and Tow
03/06/13 10:19 AM
The City of Winona has declared another Tag and Towing operation for the entire city for early Thursday morning.  The operation will take place between midnight and 6:30 a.m.

After Hours Bar Citations
03/06/13 10:16 AM
Winona Police said citations were issued to a total of seven people after an officer discovered people inside Cheaters Bar in downtown Winona after closing hours early Monday morning.

Gay Marriage-College Republicans
03/06/13 10:14 AM
The two-term chairman of the Minnesota College Republicans is the latest from his party to support legalizing gay marriage in the state.  Ryan Lyk tells The Associated Press he wants people to know that not just Democrats support gay marriage.

Mental Health In Schools
03/06/13 09:44 AM

Minnesota Democratic Senator Al Franken has introduced legislation that would provide additional resources to K-12 schools to address mental health problems in their student bodies.  The "Mental Health In Our Schools Act" would provide $200 million dollars per year over five years in grant funding for mental health initiatives. 

IBM Jobs -Rochester
03/05/13 07:44 PM
People who work for IBM in Rochester got bad news Tuesday. KTTC-TV reports that hundreds of IBM manufacturing jobs are moving to  Mexico, while others are headed to New York.

Levee Park Committee
03/05/13 07:34 PM
The new Levee Park Committee will meet for the second time next Tuesday, March 12th.

City Council-Air Quality
03/05/13 07:22 PM
The Winona City Council Monday came to a consensus and  instructed the Planning Commission to further study air quality issues concerning silica sand.

WACS-Open Houses
03/05/13 07:21 PM
Due to the recent winter snowstorm, the open houses for St. Mary's Primary School (16 months-kindergarten) and St. Stan's School (1st-6th grades) have been rescheduled for next Tuesday, March 12th.

Health Exchange
03/05/13 04:52 PM
The Minnesota House has passed a bill establishing Minnesota's health insurance exchange, with its sponsor calling it the most substantial changes to state healthcare policy in 50 years.

Winina Health-A Grade
03/05/13 04:50 PM
Winona Health was awarded an "A" Hospital Safety Score by The Leapfrog Group, an independent national nonprofit run by employers and other large purchasers of health benefits.

New SMU Majors
03/05/13 04:49 PM
Saint Mary's University is offering two new majors in collaboration with the Mayo School of Health Sciences.

DWI Enforcement
03/05/13 11:48 AM
Trempealeau County Sheriff Richard Anderson says his department will increase DWI enforcement from now until the end of the St. Patrick's Day weekend.  Officers also hope to increase safety belt use during the stepped up enforcement that runs until March 20th. 

Arcadia Referendum
03/05/13 11:45 AM
The last in a series of informational meetings on the Arcadia School District's spring referendum will be held Wednesday night.  The district on April Second will ask residents to approve a $24.4 million bond issue.

New Wanek Pavilion
03/05/13 11:43 AM
The City of Arcadia will be getting a new pavilion  thanks to the Wanek family.  The Trempealeau County Times reports the Arcadia City Council has approved a $391,000 contract for construction of the Joyce A. Wanek Pavilion in Schank Park. 

Public Data Fee
03/05/13 11:41 AM
A discussion by the Winona County Board of Commissioners on charging a fee for public document requests was postponed when the board meeting was cancelled because of the weather.  County Administrator Duane Hebert said the board will consider charging an hourly rate for preparing documents by county staff at a future meeting.

Unemployment Report
03/05/13 11:38 AM
The state of Minnesota saw its unemployment rate increase to 5.6% in January compared to 5.4% in December.  But according to the latest statistics from the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development the state also added 12,100 jobs in January.

Animal Rights Bill
03/05/13 11:35 AM
Republican Representative Steve Drazkowski says he opposes a bill that would require dog and cat breeders to undergo state inspections and licensing.

Health Exchange
03/05/13 10:11 AM
The Minnesota House has passed a bill establishing Minnesota's health insurance exchange, with its sponsor calling it the most substantial changes to state healthcare policy in 50 years.

Tag and Tow
03/05/13 09:18 AM
The City of Winona has declared a tag and towing operation for early Wednesday morning for the entire city of Winona.  The alternate side parking ordinance will be strictly enforced between the hours of midnight and 6:30 a.m. on Wednesday, March 6th.

City Council-Frac Sand
03/04/13 08:22 PM
The Winona City Council Monday voted down an attempt to extend the current moratorium on the frac sand industry in the city by another 120 days. Council member's Gerry Krage and Pam Eyden were seeking to extend the year long moratorium that will expire March 13th.

DNR-Driftless Area
03/04/13 04:32 PM
Anglers and other outdoors enthusiasts familiar with Wisconsin's Driftless Area are invited to share ideas on how to improve fishing access and better manage state lands in this fisherman's paradise.
               

SMU-Relay For Life
03/04/13 04:04 PM
The Saint Mary's University Colleges Against Cancer group is inviting the community to its 2013 Relay for Life.

The annual fundraising event will be held 6:30 p.m. to 4:00 a.m. Friday and Saturday, March 15th and 16th, in Saint Mary's Gostomski Fieldhouse.

Port Authority
03/04/13 04:03 PM
The Port Authority of Winona meets Thursday, March 7th and they will vote on a pair of agreements with CHS.
                  

Colon Awareness
03/04/13 04:02 PM
Doctors, nurses and staff members from the Mayo Clinic Health System-Franciscan Healthcare will be at Valley View Mall in Onalaska all day on Saturday, March 9th and Sunday, March 10th to raise awareness for colon cancer.
                 

Purple Caucus
03/04/13 04:01 PM
Two Minnesota State senators from opposite parties have announced the creation of a new bipartisan "Purple Caucus."

Republican Jeremy Miller of Winona has partnered with Democrat Roger Reinert of Duluth in an effort to get lawmakers to focus more on the status of Minnesota rather than their individual parties.

Winter Storm Warning Through Tuesday
03/04/13 11:21 AM
Another round of heavy snow is moving into Minnesota and creating hazardous travel conditions.  Ten to eleven inches is forecast for the Winona are by Tuesday evening.

Regional Science Fair
03/04/13 11:18 AM
A Winona High School student was the big winner in the 60th Annual Southeastern Minnesota and Western Wisconsin Regional Science Fair held at Winona State University on Saturday.

Food Drive
03/04/13 11:17 AM
The annual Minnesota March Foodshare Drive is off and running and the statewide campaign seeks to raise enough dollars and pounds to supply 300 local foods shelves with about half their annual needs.

Frac Sand Hearing
03/04/13 11:15 AM
A senate bill regulating the frac sand mining industry in Minnesota gets is second committee hearing this week in St. Paul.  The bill, sponsored by Democratic Senator Matt Schmit of Red Wing, passed its first committee last week.

City Council
03/04/13 11:14 AM
The Winona City Council will hold its regular meeting Monday at City Hall and will address the current moratorium on the frac sand industry in the city.  The one year moratorium will expire in mid-March.

County Board
03/04/13 11:12 AM
The Winona County Board of Commissioners will take up a discussion Tuesday on the process of requesting public data.  Board members will talk about whether or not the county needs to charge a fee for news media and the public to obtain certain public data.  The board will also discuss their 2013 goals.

Regional History Day
03/02/13 01:02 PM
Winona State University will host Southeast Minnesota Regional History Day Monday, March 11th, in the East Hall of Kryzsko Commons.

Rushford Nano Business
03/02/13 01:01 PM
A Rushford company is getting ready to take its new device to market.

Bidget Forecast
03/02/13 01:01 PM
The latest budget forecast shows an improving budget picture in Minnesota and with the improvements Eliot Seide with AFSME Council Number Five of state workers says now is the time for Minnesota to step up.

Schmit Jobs bill
03/02/13 12:59 PM
DFL State Senator Matt Schmit of Red Wing has co-authored a bill designed to create more jobs in the state.  The bill supports Governor Mark Dayton's $30 million dollar funding proposal for the Minnesota Investment Fund which provides loans for businesses that commit to expanding and creating jobs.

Hope Lutheran Donation
03/02/13 12:28 PM
 Hope Lutheran High School in Winona has received two smart boards.

ORC Awards
03/02/13 12:28 PM
The Winona County O-R-C presented special awards at a recent annual banquet.
                   

Sameuelson In Winona
03/02/13 12:27 PM
National Agriculture Radio Host Orion Sameuelson will be the featured speaker at a special event in Winona on Thursday, March 14th.
               
Sameuelson hosts the National Farm Report on KAGE-AM 13-80 each weekday.
             

Violence Prevention
03/02/13 12:26 PM
A Status of Women report from the Women's Foundation shows that one third of Minnesota women are sexually assaulted in their lifetime and two local groups are working together to try and reduce that number and keep the community informed of heir progress.
                 

WACS Open House
03/02/13 12:25 PM
 The Winona Area Catholic Schools will hold open houses at both St. Mary's and St. Stan Schools on Wednesday, March 5th.
                     

Cotter Blood Drive
03/01/13 05:21 PM
Cotter High School is being cited for a successful blood drive at the school on February 26th.
   
The local American Red Cross chapter says the most successful drive in the school's history collected 77 units of blood.

Klobachar-Barges
03/01/13 05:21 PM
Minnesota Senator Amy Klobachar has cosponsored legislation that would advance key infrastructure projects on the Mississippi River to help ensure barge travel that Minnesota businesses rely on is not disrupted.

Felony Drugs
03/01/13 05:20 PM
Sentencing was set for April 17th, in Winona District Court for a 30-year-old Winona woman who was found guilty Friday of felony drug charges.
                 

GOP Deficit Reaction
03/01/13 05:17 PM
Republicans are giving themselves the credit for lowering the budget deficit according to a revenue forecast released on Thursday.
           

County Solar Project
03/01/13 05:16 PM
The Winona County Board of Commissioners approved a letter of intent to apply for a chance to save electricity cost's.
                   
JJR Power Inc. would fully finance a system that would feature solar panels on the roofs of two county buildings, the government center and the highway shop on

Winona Health-Team Approach
03/01/13 12:33 PM
Winona Health has implemented a new approach to care in the Family Practice and Internal Medicine departments called the Care Team Model that's now paying off with additional appointment options.

Sex Offender Released
03/01/13 12:32 PM
Winona Police have issued a required public notification that a convicted risk level three sex offender has moved into the city as of February 20th.  Police said 27 year old Ramone Lamont Newell is residing in the 400 block of Sioux Street.      

Food Drive
03/01/13 12:31 PM
The annual March Foodshare month is underway in Minnesota and, locally, Winona Volunteer Services kicked off its drive.  Executive Director Sandra Burke says the need  in the community is just as great as it has been in past years.

Fatal Crash
02/28/13 09:57 PM
A 16-year-old girl has died of injuries suffered when her car collided with a school bus in southern Minnesota.
 

DNR-Bluff Plan
02/28/13 09:57 PM
The Minnesota Department of natural Resources is seeking public input by March 29th, on a preliminary issues and assessment document that will be used to revise the forest management plan for the blufff lands in southeastern Minnesota.
                   

Tri-County Record Sold
02/28/13 09:55 PM
The Tri-County Record newspaper in Rushford has been sold.
                   
The paper reports that owners Darlene and Myron Schober have sold the paper which they have owned for 35 years.

Asian Carp Barrier
02/28/13 09:53 PM
The U.S. Coast Guard says it's highly unlikely that Asian carp will reach the Great Lakes by stowing away in barge ballast tanks.

Gridlock--Miller
02/28/13 11:46 AM
He's been in the state legislature for only two years and already State Senator Jeremy Miller of Winona says he is frustrated with the political gridlock that has found its way from Washington, DC to the Minnesota state capital.

Minnesota Budget-Miller
02/28/13 10:47 AM
Minnesota's projected budget deficit for 2014-15 has shrunk to $627 million, which is down more than 40% from the last estimate.  The last forecast, released in December, showed a $1.1 billion deficit. That's the one Gov. Mark Dayton used to build his budget. He will release a supplemental budget sometime in March to account for the changed projection.

Winona--LGA
02/28/13 10:46 AM
Winona City officials are hoping to get Governor Mark Dayton to change his proposal for calculating local government aid payments to outstate cities.

Levee Park Committee
02/28/13 10:44 AM
Winona Mayor Mark Peterson says he would like the new Levee Park Committee to take another look at improving foot access to to the park.

Weapon at School
02/28/13 10:42 AM
Winona Police said an 18 year old Winona man has been cited with possession of a dangerous weapon on school property.

Fish Shacks Removal
02/28/13 10:40 AM
A reminder that the deadline for removing fish houses, shacks, and portables from area waters is Friday.

Mayo Performance
02/28/13 10:39 AM
Mayo Clinic reports a strong financial performance in 2012 as the Minnesota-based health care provider added more employees and patients.

Wind Farm-Eagles
02/28/13 10:37 AM
The Public Utilities Commission holds a hearing Thursday on a wind farm proposed for southeastern Minnesota that's drawn bitter opposition because of the danger it could pose to eagles, other birds and bats.  The New Era project seeks to build a 78 megawatt wind farm near Zumbrota in Goodhue County.

SMU Grad Murder Victim In Mississippi
02/28/13 07:03 AM
A Saint Mary's University graduate was found dead in a rural area of the Mississippi delta on Wednesday.  Coahoma County investigators say they are treating the death as a homicide.  34 year old Marco McMillian owned MWM Consultancy, working with non-profit groups.  McMillian received his master's degree in Philanthropy and Development from SMU.

DNR-Deer Meeting
02/27/13 08:03 PM
Nearly 250 people packed the Tandeski Center Wednesday night to hear the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources talk  about the antler-point restrictions placed on deer hunters in the area. The Minnesota legislature is considering extending program in southeastern part of the state and the DNR have been getting public input before making any recommendations.

Bittle-Fire Chief
02/27/13 04:57 PM
Winona Fire Captain Curt Bittle has been appointed to the position of Fire Chief.
         

Johnson Recognized
02/27/13 04:56 PM
Republican Senator Ron Johnson of Wisconsin has been recognized as a Defender of Economic Freedom by the Club for Growth, the nation's leading free-market advocacy organization.
             

WSU-Science Fair
02/27/13 04:55 PM
Winona State University will host the annual Regional Science and Engineering Fair on Friday.
                   

County Auditor-Treasurer Deadline
02/27/13 04:54 PM
A reminder that Friday, March 8th, is the deadline for submitting applications for the position of Winona County Auditor-Treasurer.
           

Revenue Forecast
02/27/13 11:43 AM
Representative Gene Pelowski is predicting state lawmakers will hear two revenue forecasts Thursday.

Minimum Wage
02/27/13 11:41 AM
Lawmakers at the state capital have begun holding public hearings on a bill that would increase the state's minimum wage to $10.55 an hour by August of 2015.

Gores Replacement
02/27/13 11:39 AM
State Representative Gene Pelowski says Winona State University should think twice about hiring a replacement for administrator Connie Gores who was named president of Southwest Minnesota State University Tuesday.

Pest Spray
02/27/13 10:35 AM
Wisconsin will take its fight against the gypsy moth to much of the western portion of the state later this year, with aerial insecticide spraying in about one-third of the state's counties.  The spray may start in late spring or early summer depending on the weather, and will last about a month.

WSU Flasher
02/27/13 10:33 AM
Winona Police are asking for the public's help in getting more information about a flasher seen in the Winona State University area.

County Board-Nisbit
02/26/13 10:23 PM
The Winona County Board of Commissioners Tuesday voted unanimously to schedule a public hearing on the completed Environmental Assessment Worksheet (EAW) for the Nisbit sand mine proposal in Saratoga Township.              
  

Frac Sand Bill
02/26/13 04:33 PM
State senators are leaning toward halting new silica sand mines while the state studies the health and environmental costs of the booming industry. The Senate Energy and Environment committee on Tuesday passed a bill on an 8-4 vote to establish firm oversight of silica sand mining. It includes a one-year moratorium on new permits.

Digital Workshop
02/26/13 04:27 PM
Teachers in all disciplines are invited to attend a free workshop this Saturday, March 2nd, from 8am - Noon at Whitewater State Park.

 

Minnesota Revenue Scam
02/26/13 04:26 PM
The Minnesota Department of Revenue is warning taxpayers of a new scam that targets their personal or banking information.

MOSES Conference
02/26/13 04:25 PM
Despite heavy snow across the region, over 3-thousand, 300 people attended the 2013 MOSES Organic Farming Conference last week in La Crosse.

Davids-Taxes
02/26/13 04:21 PM
Republican State Representative Greg Davids says proposed tax increases by Democrats just keep coming a the state capital.
                 

Sameuelson-Winona
02/26/13 04:19 PM
National Agriculture Radio Host Orion Sameuelson will be the featured speaker at a special event in Winona on Thursday, March 14th.

Building Permits
02/26/13 04:18 PM
The City of Winona issued just ten building permits last week representing $282,000 in new construction.
                  

Volunteer Grants
02/26/13 04:17 PM
Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Winona is one of six service organizations across Minnesota to receive a state grant to support senior volunteers.
               

Ready Set School
02/26/13 04:15 PM
Winona National Bank has donated $2,000 to the local Ready Set School program. Winona National has sponsored the program for the past 13 years and spokesperson Jenny Baertsch (right) says the gift will help Ready Set School get their 2013 fundraising campaign off the ground.

Ready Set School-WNB


02/26/13 04:11 PM
Winona National Bank has donated $2,000 to the local Ready Set School program.
                   
Winona National has sponsored the program for the past 13 years and spokesperson Jenny Baertsch says the gift will help Ready Set School get their 2013 fundraising campaign off the ground.

The program works to ensure that all Winona County children in kindergarten through the twelveth grade have the basic and necessary school supplies and clothing for school

In the current school year Ready Set School has helped 956 students

Meanwhile, Blooming Grounds Coffee House will donate 10% of the day's sales on Tuesday, March 5th, to Ready Set School.

10% of the proceeds from both locations in Downtown Winona and at the Winona Mall will donated from that day.     

HyVee Dog Food Recalled
02/26/13 11:44 AM
Doctors from BluePearl Veterinary Partners are urging people to stop using and return or discard certain bags of Hy-Vee dog food after the company issued a voluntary recall throughout the Midwest Friday.

City Council
02/26/13 11:42 AM
The Winona City will hold an informational session on Monday, March 4th at 5:45 p.m. in the Wenonah Room at City Hall to discuss a proposal by the Winona Park and Recreation Department and Winona State University for shared facilities within Bambenek Fields at Lake Park.

Food Shelf Help
02/26/13 11:41 AM
With record numbers of Minnesotans reaching out for help to put food on the table, a bill is up for a hearing this week in St. Paul that would help food pantries across the state stay stocked up.

Theft by Swindle
02/26/13 10:59 AM
Winona Police said a local woman is being investigated by the county attorney's office for possible theft by swindle charges.

Gores New SW Minnesota President
02/26/13 10:57 AM
Winona State University administrator Connie Gores was named the new president of Southwest Minnesota State University in Marshall on Tuesday.

Injury Crash--Houston
02/26/13 10:27 AM
Two people were sent to hospitals in La Crosse following a head-on crash in Houston County Monday morning.

Sand Mining
02/26/13 10:26 AM
Minnesota senators will discuss whether to halt new silica sand mines while the state studies the booming industry.  The possibility of a statewide moratorium is part of a broader effort from Sen. Matt Schmit of Red Wing to establish firm regulations for silica sand mining.

Maurices Internship
02/25/13 04:28 PM
A national women's clothing retailer is seeking applicants for Internship Program in LaCrosse.
          
For the 8th straight year, maurices is offering a 10-week paid Store Management Internship Program which focuses on "real world" in-store experience and is available to 60 students nationwide.

SE-Tech-Exploring STEM
02/25/13 04:19 PM
Minnesota State College-Southeast Technical's "Girls Understanding and Exploring STEM Science" event has been rescheduled for this Friday, March 1st.

Lock and Dam 5A Statistics
02/25/13 04:18 PM
There were more than 3-thousand, 300 lockages at the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, St. Paul District's Lock and Dam 5A, near Fountain City during the 2012 navigation season.
         

County Board
02/25/13 04:16 PM
The Winona County Board of Commissioners will be asked Tuesday night to set a date for a public hearing on the completed environmental assessment worksheet for the Nisbit sand mine proposal in Saratoga Township.              .

Cotter Open House
02/25/13 04:15 PM
Cotter Junior High School will host a public open house on Wednesday this week.

The event will run from 5:45 to 7:15 p.m. and a parent information meeting will be held at 6:30 p.m.

Broadwater-Merchants
02/25/13 04:13 PM
Laura Broadwater has been promoted to Commercial/Ag Banker and Assistant Vice President at Merchants Bank in St. Charles, according to Jim Allen, President of Merchants Bank in St. Charles.

Deer Meeting--DNR
02/25/13 11:53 AM
A reminder that  the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources will host a meeting Wednesday, February 27th, in Winona to discuss the possible extension to the antler-point restriction program in southeastern Minnesota.

Spelling Bee Winner
02/25/13 11:51 AM
A Winona Middle School fifth grader is one step away from advancing to the Scripps National Spelling Bee in Washington, DC.  The Winona School District reports that Emma Bucknam has advanced to the final spelling bee to be held in Rochester Tuesday.

St. Charles Lottery Winner
02/25/13 11:04 AM
St. Charles has produced another big lottery winner.

Gores--SW State President
02/25/13 11:02 AM
The Minnesota State Colleges and Universities Board of Trustees is expected to name a new president for Southwest Minnesota State University in Marshall Tuesday.

Injury Crash
02/25/13 10:58 AM
Police said 21 year old woman was injured in a two vehicle crash at Second and Main Streets early Sunday.

DWI-Child Endngerment
02/25/13 10:56 AM
38 year old Winona woman was cited with DWI and child endangerment following a traffic stop in downtown Winona Friday evening.

Polus--Gun at Party Revelors
02/25/13 10:54 AM
Winona Police says a 31 year old Winona man was jailed early Saturday after he allegedly pointed a gun at some neighbors hosting a party and stole their keg of beer.

Sunday Liquor Sales-Hearing
02/25/13 10:51 AM
Minnesota senators are returning to a familiar topic: whether to permit Sunday liquor store sales.

Mayo Expansion
02/25/13 10:49 AM
The Mayo Clinic has an AA credit rating and proven strength in attracting gifts as it prepares to embark on an ambitious expansion plan.

Snow Removal Downtown
02/25/13 10:46 AM
Better make sure you park your vehicle on the correct side of the street Monday before you go to bed if you live in Winona's downtown area.  The city has declared a tag and towing operation for early Tuesday morning, February 26th, for the downtown area for snow removal.

Red Wing Mayor--Frac Lobby
02/25/13 10:44 AM
The mayor of Red Wing says he will resign amid public pressure over his second job as a frack sand lobbyist.

STEM Lottery
02/23/13 10:22 AM
The Winona Area Public School board received an update Thursday on projected class sizes and recent lottery results for the Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics school at Jefferson Elementary.

Principal Mat Nelson says the Kindergarten class will be full next fall with 20 students, with a waiting list of 23.

WAPS-Class Time
02/23/13 10:09 AM
Winona Area Public Schools will have the same amount of instructional time next year as this year, after the School Board Thursday decided against making any changes.
                  

Asian Carp Caught
02/23/13 09:51 AM
The second ever silver carp caught in Minnesota was netted near Winona Thursday. According to FOX 47, commercial fisherman Tim Adams caught the 18-pounder  along pool 6, ten miles south of Winona in the Mississippi River.
  

Pogemiller-WSU
02/23/13 07:56 AM
Larry Pogemiller, Director of the Minnesota Office of Higher Education, will visit Winona on Tuesday, February 26th to discuss Governor Dayton's budget recommendations for higher education with students.

Schmit-Frac GEIS
02/23/13 07:49 AM
DFL Senator Matt Schmit of Red Wing has announced he's co-sponsoring legislation relating to silica sand mining in Minnesota, to be officially introduced on Monday.

Schmit says the legislation calls for a state-wide generic environmental impact statement (GEIS) to address a number of unanswered questions plaguing the local permitting process.

Miller-Rushford School
02/23/13 07:47 AM
Republican Senator Jeremy Miller of Winona has introduced,   bipartisan legislation to provide $20,000,000 in state bonding dollars to the Rushford - Peterson School District for the construction of a new E-12 school.
             

MnSCU-Rochester-President
02/23/13 07:46 AM
Minnesota State Colleges and Universities (MnSCU) has named two semifinalists who are under consideration to be president of Rochester Community and Technical College.

The candidates are Laura Urban and Gary Wheeler. They were recommended by a search advisory committee comprised of students, faculty, staff and community leaders.

United Way Awards
02/22/13 02:01 PM
United Way of the Greater Winona Area will hold its annual meeting and awards event Tuesday, March 5th, at the Alverna Center in Winona.

Lock and Dam 5 Statistics
02/22/13 01:56 PM
There were nearly 3,000 lockages at the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, St. Paul District's Lock and Dam 5, near Minnesota City during the 2012 navigation season.
              

Road Conditions
02/22/13 08:14 AM
Difficult driving conditions are reported across southeastern Minnesota and western Wisconsin Friday morning.  Snow covered and slippery roads combined with blowing snow are making for a difficult morning commute. MnDOT reports all roads are 100% snow covered, with some blowing and drifting and urge drivers to slow down and stay safe.

WSHS-Kolter Addition
02/22/13 08:07 AM
The Winona Area Public School Board recieved an update  Thursday on the construction of a new math and science addition to Winona High School.

The bulk of the funds, $2,400,000, are coming from the estate of former math instructor, the late Richard Kolter.

Nisbit Sand Mine--EAW
02/22/13 08:07 AM
The public comment period on a proposed third frac sand mine in Winona County has come to an end and the issue will go before the County Planning Commission next month.

School Board-Budget Cuts
02/22/13 08:05 AM
The Winona Area Public School Board Thursday unanimously approved budget cuts and revenue enhancements for the coming school year 2013-14 that totalled just over $554,000.

School Board-Kolter Addition
02/22/13 07:59 AM
The Winona Area Public School Board recieved an update Thursday on the construction of a new math and science addition to Winona High School.  The bulk of the funds, $2.4 million, are coming from the estate of former math instructor, the late Richard Kolter.

School Board--Budget
02/22/13 07:31 AM
The Winona Area Public School Board Thursday unanimously approved budget cuts and revenue enhancements for the coming school year 2013-14 that totalled just over $554,000.  A big chunk of savings, about $110,000 a year, will come by increasing class sizes by 2 students district-wide.

Difficult Driving
02/22/13 07:14 AM
Difficult driving conditions are reported across southeastern Minnesota and western Wisconsin Friday morning.  Snow covered and slippery roads combined with blowing snow making for a difficult morning commute. A winter weather advisory remains in effect until 6:00pm Friday.

Frac Mines--EIS
02/22/13 07:01 AM
Permits sought for two proposed frac sand mines in Saratoga Township will be delayed for as much as one year after the company seeking the permits announced it will conduct a voluntary environmental impact statement.

Century Farms
02/21/13 04:32 PM
The application deadline for the 2013 Century Farm Recognition Program is April 1st.

Wisconsin Crop Production
02/21/13 04:07 PM
The U.S. Department of Agriculture says Wisconsin farmers planted 4.35 million acres of corn in 2012, up 200,000 acres from 2011.

Whitewater Course
02/21/13 04:01 PM
A ten-week course to teach the natural history of Minnesota's hardwoods region will take place at Whitewater State Park beginning Wednesday, March 13th.

Nisbit Sand-EIS
02/21/13 04:00 PM
The public comment period on a proposed third frac sand mine in Winona County has come to an end and the issue will go before the County Planning Commission next month.
               

Frac Sand Hearing-CANCELLED!
02/21/13 03:58 PM
Winona County says a joint public hearing, with the Winona County Board of Commissioners, scheduled for Thursday by the County Planning Commission on two proposed frac sand mines in Saratoga Township has been cancelled.

Health Exchange - Miller


02/21/13 11:53 AM
Republican State Senator Jeremy Miller says he has some big concerns about the Healthcare Exchange legislation that is moving quickly through the Minnesota Senate.

10% Solar Requirement


02/21/13 11:08 AM
Minnesota lawmakers will soon consider a bill that sponsors say will create new jobs in the solar energy industry.

Habitat Womens Build


02/21/13 11:02 AM
Habitat for Humanity Winona- Fillmore Counties will host a special event coming up on Monday, March 4th, to kick off a local Women Build Project.

Ice House Rules


02/21/13 10:57 AM
A reminder to ice anglers that the deadline for removing fish houses, shacks, and portables from area waters is looming.

Deer Hunting Restrictions


02/21/13 10:55 AM
The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources will host a meeting next Wednesday, February 27th, in Winona to discuss the antler-point restrictions placed on deer hunters in the area.

ACT Seminar
02/20/13 05:37 PM
Registration is now open for an ACT seminar for high school students being held next month.
                   

Habitat-March Meltdown
02/20/13 05:36 PM
The local Habitat for Humanity is hosting a fundraiser at Wheeler's Bar and Grill in Harmony on Saturday, March 2nd as part of the 2nd Annual March Meltdown festivities.

Buffalo County Coordinator
02/20/13 05:35 PM
Buffalo County has 11 job applicants for a full-time administrative coordinator position authorized by the county board.

Council-State Frac
02/20/13 05:34 PM
As state lawmakers start deciding whether they need to step in and regulate the state's booming sand mining industry, the Winona City Council Tuesday night voted to send a message to the capital.

Galesville Officers
02/20/13 05:33 PM
A special judge is expected to rule on the case involving two suspended Galesville police officers by April 18th after a final hearing was held last week.

Injury Crash
02/20/13 05:32 PM
The Minnesota State Patrol says two people were injured in a two-vehicle crash on Stockton Hill Thursday.

WAPS-Kindergarten
02/20/13 05:31 PM
The Winona Area Public Schools is currently taking kindergarten registration for Fall 2013 at Central School through Tuesday, February 26th.
                 

Tax Increases--Davids
02/20/13 11:32 AM
State Representative Greg Davids is predicting if Governor Dayton's tax increase proposals were brought to a vote in the House and Senate chambers they would fail miserably.

State Employee Contracts
02/20/13 11:30 AM
Gov. Mark Dayton has signed a bill giving tens of thousands of state employees a 2 percent raise.  The contracts include the first raise in more than three years.

Medicaid Expansion
02/20/13 11:29 AM
Minnesota has accepted a federal offer to put more low-income people on a state-fashioned Medicaid program with the costs falling to the federal government.

Pelowski--Dayton
02/20/13 10:43 AM
State Representative Gene Pelowski says he had a one hour meeting with Governor Mark Dayton Tuesday and the two talked about higher education issues.

Buffalo County Court
02/20/13 10:40 AM
Among the recent actions in Buffalo County Circuit Court

Winona Health Restrictions Lifted
02/20/13 10:39 AM
Winona Health has lifted its visitor restrictions.

Whitehall School Referendum
02/20/13 10:38 AM
Residents in the Whitehall School District said yes to a referendum to finance a new school addition.