Click here to view Winona Area Weather
Home > News

Winona takes center stage, emerging as destination for arts and culture (2008/07/20)
This summer, Winona was entertained by a freak show from Austin, Texas.

Riverway switch: Charter school director changes teaching methods (2008/07/20)
Riverway Learning Community may be facing an identity crisis.

Tri-Oval campground closer to reality after board OKs zoning changes (2008/07/20)
ALMA, Wis. — Tri-Oval Speedway is one step closer to getting the campground its owners want — one some neighboring property owners say is already there.

Rep. Walz visits store in St. Charles to talk food prices, energy (2008/07/20)
ST. CHARLES, Minn. — Shoppers at grocery stores across the country are complaining about high food prices.

Drunken woman gives deputies the slip (2008/07/20)
A reportedly drunken woman wiggled free from handcuffs, escaped from a patrol car and hid in a cornfield Friday near St. Charles, Minn., before she was finally captured by Winona County Sheriff’s deputies.

Pampering, dog washing goes to a good cause (2008/07/20)
Parker arrived Saturday at the fifth annual Dog Wash sponsored by the Winona Area Humane Society and Pet Medical Center, and all eyes turned to him.

Mother charged with homicide in death of infant (2008/07/19)
The attorney for a La Crosse, Wis., teen accused of letting her newborn daughter die last fall challenged whether facts in the case support a first-degree intentional homicide charge.

Man convicted in rape case ordered to prison for parole violations (2008/07/19)
Stephen Michael “Shaggy” Eldridge said nothing and showed no emotion Friday when a judge ordered him to serve 51 months in prison for repeatedly violating terms of his probation.

Community mourns loss of ‘Mr. Rushford’ (2008/07/19)
RUSHFORD, Minn. — Alton “Al” Morken, a longtime car salesman who promoted the simplicity of small-town living, died at his Rushford home Tuesday after a two-year battle with cancer. His family was at his bedside.

Police: Man stole pills from parents (2008/07/19)
A 26-year-old Goodview man was charged Tuesday with felony burglary for allegedly breaking into his parents’ home and stealing prescription medication in February.

Girl’s death 30 years ago led to focus on mosquito-borne illnesses (2008/07/19)
Most people didn’t know or won’t remember Dawn Lyn Torgerson.

Conductor finds it ‘impossible’ to pick a favorite Beethoven symphony (2008/07/19)
Osmo Vänskä will conduct the Minnesota Orchestra again this year to conclude the second season of the Minnesota Beethoven Festival.

School board says DREAMS afterschool program at risk after arbitration ruling (2008/07/18)
A Winona school district program aimed at helping elementary students at risk of falling behind in reading and math may be at risk itself.

Speakers call for stricter zoning law on blufftop development (2008/07/18)
Winona Daily NewsA throng of speakers on Thursday night urged Winona County leaders to protect two types of land unique to the area n one type that’s been discussed for years, and another that’s just attracted public attention in recent weeks.

GRSF costume designer leaves a legacy (2008/07/18)
Rosemary Ingham liked to joke that she’d married into theater.

Winonan singing praises of persistence (2008/07/18)
Twenty-eight-year-old Maisi Pedersen inherited her family’s love of music. She also got their tenacity.

Man guilty of hurting two in car (2008/07/18)
A Minnesota City man was convicted Thursday of injuring two passengers when he rolled his car last October while driving under the influence of marijuana and cocaine.

Rain doesn’t quit for La Crosse: Storms leave area trails drenched and tattered (2008/07/18)
Storms this week have left La Crosse, Wis., nearly 10½ inches ahead of normal precipitation, while in Winona, precipitation levels are about average.

Winona OKs utility line extension in Pleasant Valley (2008/07/17)
By unanimous vote, the Winona City Council last week approved a $1.3 million plan to extend utility lines to the Cobblestone Creek subdivision in Pleasant Valley, with construction beginning as early as this week.

Paul Giel Field renovation on hold (2008/07/17)
The Winona school district’s plan to renovate Paul Giel Field has hit a snag.

6½ years in prison for home invader (2008/07/17)
A Rochester, Minn., man convicted of helping two others tie up a Winona homeowner and steal nearly $5,000 cash in May 2007 was sentenced Wednesday to 6½ years in prison.

Hearing to focus on bluff, farmland protections (2008/07/17)
Winona County bluffs would see tighter development restrictions than first suggested under a new proposal advanced by county planners and consultants.

Drug suspect challenges charges (2008/07/17)
A 31-year-old accused of selling cocaine to a police informant challenged the evidence against him Wednesday in Winona County District Court.

Burglary suspect not ready for trial (2008/07/17)
A jury trial scheduled to begin in two weeks for a woman accused of pilfering items from her dead neighbor’s home last year, was delayed Wednesday until October.

Kimmel loses appeal: Arcadia mayor won’t be on ballot for Assembly race (2008/07/17)
John Kimmel, mayor of Arcadia, Wis., will not be on the ballot in this fall’s election for the 91st District state Assembly seat.

Fastenal profits up (2008/07/17)
Winona-based Fastenal Co.’s second-quarter net earnings this year rose from $60.3 million to $76.2 million — 26.4 percent — compared with the second quarter in 2007, according to a recent company earnings statement.

‘Never give up’: Rushford Days button sales to help firefighters (2008/07/17)
RUSHFORD, Minn. — A little heroism and “never ever give up” attitude comes with every Rushford Days button sale.

CMH makes ‘most wired’ list again (2008/07/17)
For the seventh consecutive year, a survey by the journal of the American Hospital Association named Winona Health Community Memorial Hospital the nation’s most wired small and rural hospital.

Mayor faces three challengers (2008/07/16)
Voters, prepare for primaries. The filing period for state and local offices ended with a flourish Tuesday evening, as a cadre of challengers likely will trigger primaries in the cities of Winona and Stockton, and in Winona, Houston and Fillmore counties.

Bostrack appointed new district court judge (2008/07/16)
Assistant Winona County Attorney Nancy Bostrack will don black robes and become the next district court judge in Winona, Gov. Pawlenty announced Tuesday in Winona.

Back home: Rushford residents are happy to be home (2008/07/16)
RUSHFORD, Minn. � Don Woxland inspected the square patches of sod spread out over his yard like green checkerboard.

Woman arraigned in Senenfelder case; evidentiary hearing set (2008/07/16)
Linda Mae Parrish appeared in Winona County District Court on Tuesday for the second time on charges she aided in the killing of Ada Frances Senenfelder, the victim in Winona’s only unsolved homicide.

Winona School Board incumbent to defend seat against three challengers (2008/07/16)
The Winona School Board will have at least two new faces this fall.

Play explores the interesting things strangers say (2008/07/16)
What would people say if they didn’t know you were listening? Or better yet, what would they say if they thought you couldn’t understand them?

Area group wants to send WWII veterans to see national memorial (2008/07/16)
LA CROSSE, Wis. — Freedom Honor Flight Inc., a new La Crosse-based affiliate of the national Honor Flight Network, is chartering an airplane to take veterans of the conflict to see the National World War II Memorial and other memorials in Washington, D.C., on Oct. 8.

Pawlenty to name new county judge (2008/07/15)
Gov. Tim Pawlenty is expected to announce his selection to fill retired Judge Margaret Shaw Johnson’s vacant seat today at the Winona County District Courthouse.

Weeklong exhibit features 19th century art movement (2008/07/15)
It already has a Tiffany and a Monet, but on Monday night, the Minnesota Marine Art Exhibit added a Renoir to its collection on display. “La Féte de Pan” by Pierre-August Renoir, is part of the museum’s “Exceptional Art of the Impressionist Era” exhibit, on display through Sunday.

New yoga studio offers balance for busy lives (2008/07/15)
Jennifer Valentine has a hard time sitting still. That’s exactly why she loves yoga.

Comedy has fun with politics (2008/07/15)
Last summer, Rushford Area Society for the Arts had fun with “Minnesota Nice” in “How to Speak Minnesotan.” This year, they’re having fun with political scandal in “The Sensuous Senator.” Playwright Michael Parker based the play on the Gary Hart/Donna Rice scandal of the late 1980s but it seems scandals in politics never really go out of style.

Charges pending against mother in baby’s death (2008/07/15)
LA CROSSE, Wis. — A La Crosse teen confessed she stopped breastfeeding her daughter last August two days after giving birth at home knowing the infant would die, prosecutors said Monday.

Muscle-car lovers show off, raise money for cancer research (2008/07/14)
How does Ernie Snider love Ford Mustangs? Let him count the ways.

On the Job: Lifeguards must love the sun, know the various whistles (2008/07/14)
Leann Swogger is a pool rat turned pool master. The 20-year-old is one of two head lifeguards at the Bob Welch Aquatic Center in Winona. She teaches swimming lessons, cleans the facilities and does office work besides manning the pool from a stand.

Mayor Miller, Councilor White get challengers (2008/07/14)
Winona Mayor Jerry Miller and councilwoman Debbie White both are seeking

Winds scramble egg toss at Catfish Days (2008/07/14)
TREMPEALEAU, Wis. — With wind gusts of more than 25 miles per hour at the Catfish Days annual egg toss contest, luck was as important as strategy when it came to catching and throwing the eggs.

Beautiful & Sacred? Indian burial sites are reason to protect bluffs, says chieftain (2008/07/13)
Groups such as Bluff Land Environment Watch say Winona-area bluffs should be protected for their scenic beauty and environmental sensitivity.

And they’re off — Neighbors, track owner at odds over speedway campground (2008/07/13)
ALMA, Wis. — Jackie Killian loves going to the races in Fountain City.

Bar to commemorate Wilkie with music fest (2008/07/13)
Thirty-three-year-old Ed Hoffman remembers coffee cans throughout Winona where people could donate money to rebuild the Julius C. Wilkie.

WSU workshop teaches high school students about jazz improv (2008/07/13)
It could have been a scene out of the 1920s, as the band broke out into the beginning notes of “Down by the Riverside” and the crowd started tapping their toes to the upbeats.

Plan forms to scare away unwanted Canada geese from Alma Beach Park (2008/07/13)
Those naughty Canada geese. Fun to watch, fun to hunt, but when they barge in where they’re not wanted, things get messy.

That’s a mouthful: Teams pig out on subs at fair (2008/07/13)
One bite determined it all. Four hungry teams of five gathered around 3-foot Subway sandwiches, strategizing and eyeing up the competition Saturday at the Winona County Fair.

Ted Kjos Day at the county fair (2008/07/13)
ST. CHARLES, Minn — Sunday is Ted Kjos day at the Winona County Fair.

Fountain City revives neighborhood crime watch program (2008/07/13)
The Fountain City Police Committee and Officer Jason Mork intend to resurrect a neighborhood crime watch program.

Golden Frog still hoppin’ after 130 years (2008/07/12)
FOUNTAIN CITY, Wis. — One-hundred-thirty-years is a long time for any business, and for a bar and restaurant, it’s almost unheard of. Yet that’s the milestone Fountain City’s Golden Frog has reached.

Brats and the Bard: ‘Grill with Will’ to try to win over skeptics (2008/07/12)
If you haven’t yet become a Bard believer, tonight is your night. The Great River Festival is inviting all Shakespeare skeptics for “Grill with Will,” an event designed to win over non-believers with food, reduced ticket prices and live Shakespeare.

Winona County Fair: 4-H events offer life lessons (2008/07/12)
ST. CHARLES, Minn. — Like a makeshift barber, Pete Schell used a fine-toothed brush and an angled scissors to perfect a Mohawk-styled strip down the spine of his 1½ year old Holstein named Stormy.

Winona County Fair 4-H cattle judging (VIDEO) (2008/07/12)
4-H members vie for the blue in the Winona County Fair show ring Friday.

Fair celebrates Jim Allen Day (2008/07/12)
Saturday is Jim Allen Day at the Winona County Fair.

Goodview man accused of sex with minor (2008/07/12)
A Goodview man serving time for a 2007 burglary will face new accusations next week.

Winonan accused of fighting with police (2008/07/12)
Dustin Roy Wetzel, 23, of Winona was issued a summons to appear in court as the result of an alleged drunken scuffle with police.

Freddie, Fannie worry Wall Street (2008/07/12)
Stocks end lower amid concern about country’s largest mortgage financiers

Warrior fights to top of Army Reserves (2008/07/12)
FORT McCOY, Wis. — He ran. He shot. He wore out three pairs of socks and his feet marching in 80 pounds of battle gear.

Retired La Crescent orchard keeper says it’s time to switch to metric (2008/07/12)
LA CRESCENT, Minn. — Frank Van Lin had to make plenty of adjustments when he arrived in the United States in 1954.

Libertarian returned to ballot (2008/07/12)
Libertarian candidate Ted Burleson will be on the November ballot for state Assembly District 91 after fixing some paperwork.

Catfish Days (2008/07/12)
Schedule for today Events to be held in Trempealeau, Wis. 6 a.m.: Fishing tournament 7:30 a.m.: Catfish ‘50’ bike tour registration

Storm chases fairgoers; brings wind, rain, hail (2008/07/11)
They called it stormy Monday, but Thursday’s just as bad.

Wither, the Wilkie: Controversial, iconic structure leveled in hours (2008/07/11)
Some brought cameras, others brought their children to Levee Park on Thursday morning to watch a backhoe smash and scoop the plywood shards that remained from the Wilkie steamboat replica.

The end of the Wilkie (VIDEO) (2008/07/11)
A Winona landmark since 1982, the replica steamboat Julius C. Wilkie was demolished Thursday morning, the victim of years of inadequate maintenance and neglect.

Police question two men in woman's death (2008/07/11)
A 39-year-old Nodine, Minn., woman died early Thursday, and authorities are questioning her son and boyfriend about the unusual circumstances surrounding her death, Winona County Sheriff Dave Brand said.

Woman’s body pulled from Root River; 11th Fillmore County fatal accident this year (2008/07/11)
A 48-year-old Preston, Minn., woman became the 11th person to die an accidental death in Fillmore County this year.

Man held in slashing says he was threatened (2008/07/11)
Police referred a 25-year-old Winona man to the Winona County Attorney’s Office for charges of assault with a dangerous weapon after he sliced another man outside a downtown bar early Thursday.

Son faces charges for knife attack on his father (2008/07/11)
An 18-year-old man attacked his father with a knife Wednesday when the man took the TV remote control away and refused to give it back to his son, police said.

Bail set at $2M for ’85 death suspect (2008/07/11)
A woman from Prairie du Chien, Wis., accused of being involved in the killing of Ada Frances Senenfelder in June 1985 arrived in Minnesota on Wednesday and is being held in jail on $2 million bail.

Flood aid funding formulas leave some counties with an unexpected bill (2008/07/11)
CALEDONIA, Minn. — Two weeks after President Bush declared Fillmore, Houston, Mower and Freeborn counties a disaster, officials talked funding formulas for flood aid.

It's Russell Felsch Day at the Winona County Fair (2008/07/11)
Friday is Russell Felsch Day at the Winona County Fair in St. Charles.

Demolition of Wilkie to start as early as this morning (2008/07/10)
The red paddlewheel that once rotated behind the Wilkie steamboat replica dangled from the arm of a caterpillar on Wednesday afternoon.

Wilkie demolition begun (VIDEO) (2008/07/10)
The paddle wheel came off and the steam engines were removed as a wrecking crew began the demolition of the Julius C. Wilkie today. Demolition will continue Thursday.

Pelowski wants to change business of lawmaking (2008/07/10)
It’s July 10 — do you know where your legislator is?

Gilmore Creek adding concerts (2008/07/10)
You can see some pre-theater music before performances by the Gilmore Creek Summer Theatre at Saint Mary’s University’s Page Theatre. Audiences attending “Little Shop of Horrors,” which opens today, or “The Foreigner,” opening July 17, are invited to come an hour before the 7:30 p.m. performances on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays, or before the 3 p.m. performances on Sundays. The music starts tonight with Nate Gill, a rootsy folk/blues musician hailing from Australia, who specializes in finger-style guitar playing and warm, baritone vocals.

Corps’ 2008 Pool 6 drawdown cancelled (2008/07/10)
ST. PAUL, Minn. — The planned Pool 6 drawdown for the Mississippi River, which had been scheduled for June 16 through Sept. 30 has been cancelled, according to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers St. Paul district officials.

Cancer survivor many times over, man counts music as a blessing (2008/07/10)
Dick Ramberg is a lucky unlucky man. The 67-year-old was born with retina cancer and wasn’t expected to live to see the terrible twos. Retina cancer occurs in about one of every 20,000 births. Most have it in one eye. Ramberg had it in both.

Sviggum in town to talk about workers compensation (2008/07/10)
Something’s broke with workers compensation in Minnesota.

The big pull: Sometimes it’s just horsing around (2008/07/10)
A pull-horse team may weigh a couple thousand pounds, but as Jim Schleich puts it, they can still act like a couple of little kids.

The big pull: Real horsepower on display (VIDEO) (2008/07/10)
It was real horsepower on display at the Winona County Fair Wednesday night.

WSU student competes for top soldier honors (2008/07/10)
FORT MCCOY, Wis. — Spc. David Obray lay on his belly on an earthen berm, his right knee cocked and his M4 assault rifle pointed out across the Wisconsin countryside.

Two file for school board (2008/07/10)
Two challengers have thrown their hats into the Winona school board election ring.

Acting out: GRSF apprentice cast takes Shakespeare on the road (2008/07/10)
Rhonda Snead has never gone to a Shakespeare play.

Barb Nelson day at the county fair (2008/07/10)
Thursday is Barb Nelson Day at the Winona County Fair in St. Charles.

Stockholm Art Fair to celebrate 35th year (2008/07/10)
The 35th annual Stockholm Art Fair will be held from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. July 19 in Stockholm Village Park in Stockholm, Wis. More than 100 juried regional artists will be displaying and selling their work, which includes pottery, wood, wearable and two-dimensional fiber, metal sculpture, paintings, drawings, clay sculpture, a wide variety of jewelry, glass, leather and photography.

Wilkie to be demolished today (2008/07/09)
The Julius C. Wilkie steamboat replica, Winona’s beloved but beleaguered monument to its Mississippi River heritage will die today when construction crews begin demolishing it. The Wilkie is 27.

Anxiously waiting for dad: Countdown ends Thursday for military family (2008/07/09)
ST. CHARLES, Minn. — Every night before bed, 6-year-old Zach Slavin crossed off another day on his calendar.

Let the fun begin: Winona County fair celebrates 150 years (2008/07/09)
Most birthdays don’t warrant two cakes. But, most birthdays aren’t for a 150-year-old.

Peterson honored for work at fair (2008/07/09)
Wednesday is Jeff Peterson Day at the fair. Peterson has been named to the 2008 Winona County Fair Hall of Fame for his efforts in coordinating the fair’s First Aid program.

Today at the fair: (2008/07/09)
Wednesday - Jeff Peterson Day 10:30 a.m. -- Day Care Day (Group No. 1) at the Entertainment Tent

Garvin Heights sign found on bluff (2008/07/09)
The panoramic picture vandals targeted on Garvin Heights last month wasn’t stolen after all, just unceremoniously tossed.

91st Assembly race draws a crowd; Arcadia mayor disqualified (2008/07/09)
With the retirement of Rep. Barbara Gronemus after nearly three decades in the state Assembly, the 91st District race is shaping up to be one of the most competitive in the state.

Winona County joins CodeRED (2008/07/09)
Evacuation warnings will soon be just a phone call away.

Missing woman, kids found (2008/07/09)
A 41-year-old Winona woman and her two children were found less than an hour after police reported them missing Tuesday morning.

Wind storms smash up Utica farm (2008/07/09)
Bby Amber Dulek / Winona Daily News UTICA, Minn. — Jim Pelowski is used to life on the breezy side at his 120-acre hilltop farm.

Bail remains unchanged at $5 million for man accused in 1985 murder (2008/07/08)
Jack Willis Nissalke made his first appearance in Winona County District Court on Monday on four charges of first-degree murder handed down by a grand jury last week for the killing of Ada Frances Senenfelder in June 1985.

Bridge repairs to start by Thursday (2008/07/08)
Repairs to Winona’s Interstate Bridge should begin by Thursday, allowing truck traffic to resume no later than July 31, Minnesota Department of Transportation officials said Monday.

Analysis finds increase in college-age drinking deaths (2008/07/08)
WINONA, Minn. (AP) _ Kaytie woke up before most of the other 20-somethings who had crashed on various beds and couches at the house on Johnson Street after a night of drinking.

Man arrested as home burns (2008/07/08)
Police cited a man for police orders and disorderly conduct as his home burned Sunday night.

Blufftop purchase moves ahead after unanimous council vote (2008/07/08)
A proposed purchase of blufftop land from Winona Radio owner Jerry Papenfuss will move ahead following a unanimous approval vote by the Winona City Council on Monday night.

Three hospitalized in boat collision (2008/07/08)
Three people suffered minor injuries Friday when a runabout boat smashed into a pontoon on the Mississippi River near Lock and Dam 5 near Fountain City, Wis.

Herold only one to file for school board (2008/07/08)
Midway through the election filing period for three seats on the Winona Area Public School Board, only one person has thrown his hat into the ring.

Rock Solid founder trusts in God to heal his leg (2008/07/07)
The Moser family believes in miracles. They believe God saved Kathleen Moser’s life when she suffered from a blood clot that moved from her leg to her lungs, and they believe God cured her of the debilitating disease fibromyalgia — a condition of feeling widespread, immense and chronic pain for no apparent reason. There is no known cure.

On the Job: Driving instructor (2008/07/07)
Greg Gabbert holds the keys to driving success. The 14-year United Driving School instructor teaches teenagers how to drive in the classroom and behind the wheel.

This week in government: Wilkie demolition is chance to move forward (2008/07/07)
Supporters of the Wilkie steamboat replica have clamored for two years to preserve the structure as part of Winona’s history. Later this week, the Wilkie will become history, alright — though not in the way its supporters intended.

Analysis: WAPS district spent $130,000 in legal fees since 2006 (2008/07/06)
The Winona Area Public School District has spent more than $130,000 conducting investigations since 2006, fighting a near-record number of grievances and working through drawn-out contract negotiations with teachers.

Fillmore County deputies, residents struggle to cope with bizarre string of deaths (2008/07/06)
They’re calling it a black cloud. The dread and sorrow that hangs over Fillmore County, where 10 accidental deaths in the past two months have residents and law enforcement reeling.

Caledonia man one of only four U.S. foie gras producers (2008/07/06)
CALEDONIA, Minn. — The fuzzy yellow-and-gray-haired ducks moved in unison like a school of fish across a pasture’s brushy edge in the sun to a watering trough and miniature corn cribs in the shade of giant trees.

Local amateur radio club stays connected (2008/07/06)
Sound crackled through a green speaker. “I’m 96 years old and a graduate of Tulane University,” the voice said.

The new class: Local districts leading the online learning trend (2008/07/05)
The gravel road, the puppies gated in the yard and the horses grazing in the distance are tell-tale surroundings of a rural Winona County home, not a school.

Police say motorcycle chase hit 130 mph (2008/07/05)
A Holmen, Wis., man was charged with felony attempt to flee a police officer after he reportedly tried to elude police on his motorcycle at speeds as high as 130 mph.

Caledonia barn quilt project aims to spur tourism (2008/07/05)
CALEDONIA, Minn. — What do barns, quilts and art have in common?

Minnesota Kite Society brings airborne fun to flood-battered Rushford (2008/07/05)
RUSHFORD, Minn. — Red, white and blue dotted the sky in Rushford Friday.

Eagle Bluff to host climate change talk (2008/07/05)
Fresh Energy science policy director J. Drake Hamilton’s will host a discussion July 12 at Eagle Bluff Environmental Learning Center on how personal and policy changes to promote energy efficiency and clean, renewable energy can help Minnesota.

Finalists named in SMU’s ‘Idol’ competition (2008/07/05)
Five finalists were selected June 28 at the “Fox Fest Idol” competition, held at Saint Mary’s University and sponsored by Fox 25/48. The five competitors, from left, are J.R. Larke from Winona; Vanessa Blackwell from La Crosse, Wis.; T.J. Burbach from Winona; Tim Olstad from Winona; and Kassandra Kujak from Winona. All will advance to the “Fox Fest Idol” finals Aug. 3 at Skipper Liner Marine in La Crosse. Finalists from the Saint Mary’s Competition — as well as competitions in Eau Claire, Wis., and La Crosse — will perform at this regional finale. The winner Aug. 3 will receive an “American Idol” audition in August.

Tanker accident dumps ethanol into Root River (2008/07/04)
A tanker truck spilled more than 3,000 gallons of ethanol into the Root River on Thursday when it rolled on Minnesota Highway 16 just west of Lanesboro, Minn.

Scrap metal suspect captured (2008/07/04)
A man who escaped from the Winona County Jail two weeks ago is back in custody.

No injuries in early morning Winona fire (2008/07/04)
Pounding and yelling woke up Amber Newport just after 1 a.m. Thursday. “People were yelling ‘Fire!’” Newport said moments after three men pounded on the back door of a house she was visiting at the corner of Main and Howard streets.

Former Olympic rowing coach bringing regatta to Winona (2008/07/04)
Get ready to row. Winona will host its first Paddle of Life Regatta on Sept. 13 at Lake Winona.

Goodview gets $1.2M flood mitigation grant (2008/07/04)
The city of Goodview has received $1.2 million in state funds to build an outlet for Lake Goodview and other mitigation projects, state officials said.

Unused flood relief funds tabbed for buyouts, levee repair (2008/07/04)
Funds originally slated to aid flooded businesses in southeast Minnesota instead will be used to buy out flooded property, draw new floodplain maps and build flood-prevention structures, state officials said this week.

La Crescent highway work to last until Labor Day (2008/07/04)
LA CRESCENT, Minn. — Construction on Hwys. 14/61 will likely not be complete until Labor Day, officials at the Minnesota Department of Transportation said.

‘Nosy neighbor’ gets probation (2008/07/04)
A woman convicted of trespassing in a dead neighbor’s home in February 2007 was sentenced Thursday to a year of probation.

Two get probation for home invasion (2008/07/04)
Two people convicted of witness tampering during a home invasion in April 2007 were released from jail Thursday.

Blue Heron Committee working to keep statues in public eye (2008/07/04)
Last summer, Winona went to the birds and decorated the city with 15 blue heron statues. Now, the people who helped the herons land on street corners and storefronts have formed the Blue Heron Committee and want to make sure art is still visible.

No one home in Troy house fire (2008/07/04)
No one was injured early Thursday when fire and smoke severely damaged a home on Bradt Road near Troy, Minn., police reported.

Indictments issued in 1985 slaying (2008/07/03)
A Winona County grand jury has indicted three people for their alleged roles in the slaying of Ada Frances Senenfelder, the victim in Winona’s only open homicide investigation.

Developer wants to build $850 million wind farm in Fillmore County (2008/07/03)
Winds in southwest Fillmore County may soon do more than blow hats off of farmers.

Buffalo County squad car totaled (2008/07/03)
Two Buffalo County sheriff’s deputies escaped serious injury when they crashed into a La Crosse Milling Co. parking lot in Cochrane, Wis., after swerving to avoid a sport utility vehicle.

Goerke house, built in 1853, is for sale (2008/07/03)
FOUNTAIN CITY, Wis. — There’s a red house in Fountain City for sale. It’s tucked away on Hill Street with a spectacular view of the Mississippi River and whistling trains.

City lands funds for trailer park buyout (2008/07/03)
ST. CHARLES, Minn. — City officials here have secured more than $700,000 for two major parks projects: a proposed buyout of a mobile home park that flooded last August, and a trail that could connect St. Charles to Whitewater State Park.

Construction to begin on two area roads (2008/07/03)
One of the worst roads in Winona County — and in the entire state of Minnesota — will get a major makeover beginning next week.

Moderation, bonds keep Slaughter rockin' across the nation (2008/07/03)
They may not be topping the charts anymore, but rock band Slaughter has done something few bands from their era have accomplished. They’ve survived.

Ag officials: Crops will rebound after flood (2008/07/02)
RUSHFORD, Minn. — The high-noon sun beat down and traffic whizzed by on Highway 16 as two Belgian horses pulled a man wearing a mechanic’s uniform atop a corn planter.

Knee high in July means tough year for corn (2008/07/02)
LA CROSSE, Wis. — Even after a late start and the wettest June on record, area crops are behind but beginning to rebound.

Tschumper seeks more information on public nuisance charges (2008/07/02)
Rep. Ken Tschumper, DFL-La Crescent, wants formal criminal complaints filed in Houston County District Court before making a decision on how to proceed with his escaped cattle cases, his attorney said Tuesday.

County hires firm in effort to trim energy costs, carbon emissions (2008/07/02)
Winona County has become the second local government body to scrutinize its facilities and operations for potential changes that could save on energy costs and reduce carbon emissions.

Power line proposal jolts local landowners (2008/07/02)
Winona Daily News A consortium of energy companies that wants to build a high-voltage power line through the Winona area says the lines are needed to serve Minnesota’s spiking demand for energy.

Pelowski kicks off July filing period (2008/07/02)
A handful of early bird candidates for Winona-area offices opened the 2008 filing period Tuesday.

Free concert kicks off second summer season of Beethoven Festival (2008/07/02)
Lake Winona was filled with music as hundreds gathered for a free pops concert by the Minnesota Orchestra. The event kicked off the second summer season of the Minnesota Beethoven Festival.

The Minnesota Orchestra in Lake Park (VIDEO) (2008/07/02)
The Minnesota Orchestra presented a free concert in Lake Park Tuesday night to kick off the 2008 Beethoven Festival.

Walz sells interest in Chrysler (2008/07/02)
A 17-year partnership between Chrysler Winona franchisees Bill Hutmacher and Jack “Butch” Walz ended Tuesday.

100 planes expected for 25th annual Air Show on Sunday (2008/07/02)
More than 100 planes are expected to fly into Winona’s Max Conrad Field Airport on Sunday for the 25th-annual Fly-In/Drive-In Air Show and Breakfast.

Bluff Siding woman hiking to Chicago to raise funds for school (2008/07/01)
Many people would consider it an accomplishment to walk 340 miles in one year. Cheryl Watson will do so in about two weeks.

Court says ‘no’ to MySpace for 'Hottestsingleman' Dobbelmann (2008/07/01)
Former Winona County jail deputy Nathan Miller Dobbelmann wanted his probation terms clarified, but he may have gotten more clarification than he planned for.

Area charter schools score mixed results in state testing (2008/07/01)
Like their Winona Area Public School counterparts, area charter schools’ MCA-II scores were mixed.

FWS: No fireworks on Mississippi refuge (2008/07/01)
Like drinking and driving, fireworks and a major wildlife refuge don’t mix.

Minnesota test results mixed for area kids (2008/06/30)
Minnesota students in almost every grade improved slightly this year on state math and reading tests, while Winona’s students showed more mixed results.

Pilot Mound reunion: Many return for 150th celebration (2008/06/30)
Some bonds just can’t be broken. Though many have moved far away, former residents of Pilot Mound, Minn., came back to their old hometown Sunday to celebrate the community’s 150th birthday. So many came that they were crammed into the basement of the Pilot Mound Lutheran Church for a heritage service, the kick-off for the event.

Man found dead in Wabasha County (2008/06/30)
The Wabasha County Sheriff’s Office is investigating the death of a man found Sunday afternoon.

On the Job: Umpire consistent, but a stickler on balks (2008/06/30)
Greg Zaborowski polices baseball games. The 52-year-old umpire followed in the footsteps of his retired umpire father. Zaborowski has been umpiring baseball and softball games throughout the region for almost 25 years.

Winona motorcyclist seriously injured on Hwy. 61 (2008/06/30)
A Winona motorcyclist was seriously injured early Sunday in a crash on Hwy 61 just north of the I-90 split in Winona County.

Japanese bike wins S&S competition (2008/06/30)
LA CROSSE, Wis. — A Japanese-built motorcycle won S&S Cycle’s 50th anniversary celebration competition Sunday, the final day of the weekend event that drew more than 25,000 people.

County, watershed district could take lead on Garvin Brook project (2008/06/30)
Building a levee around Stockton is the best option to harness the rains that could flood the Garvin Brook watershed again, a new study suggests. The next question: Who will take the reins to advance that plan?

Winona developers say ethanol plant in Eyota could fuel economy; others not so sure (2008/06/29)
EYOTA, Minn. — Rob Smith, an Eyota Township milk hauler, was willing to listen.

First time since 1976, four in Winona enter priesthood at once (2008/06/29)
Applause in the sanctuary echoed as rain pounded the roof Saturday morning at the Cathedral of the Sacred Heart, where four men were ordained into the diocesan priesthood.

Winona man launches his handmade watercraft (2008/06/29)
The champagne popped. Gabe Ericksen poured the first glass and splashed the contents of the cup on the front of his boat, which he christened “Oakenshield,” Saturday morning.

Organic farmers see mixed news in bill (2008/06/29)
ROCHESTER, Minn. (AP) — Jack Hedin owns Featherstone Farms, an organic fruit and vegetable producer. He’s a well-known name in southeastern Minnesota’s organic world.

Bad year for barges: At least 100 still stranded in port (2008/06/28)
It’s been a bad year for barges at Winona’s port.

High water levels, flows may help fish, hurt birds and plants (2008/06/28)
Birds, ducks and plants in the Mississippi River’s marshes and wet bottomlands may not adjust as well as their scaled friends to the river’s recent mighty flows, according to fish and wildlife biologists.

Minnesota think tank: County roads getting worse (2008/06/28)
Minnesota’s county highway engineers say new revenue from a transportation bill passed this year won’t do enough for locally maintained roads, according to a new survey by a progressive think-tank group.

Fillmore County sheriff’s deputies reeling another road fatality (2008/06/28)
Another collision in Fillmore County has left a man dead and his wife hospitalized.

Area legislator to challenge livestock fines (2008/06/28)
Good fences make good neighbors, but for state Rep. Ken Tschumper, DFL-La Crescent, bad fences mean your neighbors call the police when your cows get out.

Actors bring backdrops to life at Masonic Temple Theatre (2008/06/28)
Dragons, pirates and lions come to life in the fourth-annual “Drops and Drama,” a backdrop showcase hosted by the Theatre du Mississippi.

GRSF’s Shrew an original take on familiar tale (2008/06/28)
You don’t need to be a theater aficionado to have seen one version or another of “The Taming of the Shrew.” Whether it’s the Heath Ledger-Julia Stiles “10 Things I Hate About You” movie or the David Addison-Maddy Hayes “Moonlighting” episode, “Shrew” is a familiar story.

St. Louis archbishop gets new job in Rome (2008/06/28)
ST. LOUIS — Archbishop Raymond Burke, the former head of the La Crosse Catholic Diocese, was appointed Friday to lead the Vatican’s supreme court.

Prairie Moon Sculpture Garden reception today (2008/06/28)
If you haven’t experienced the beautiful oddity that is Prairie Moon Sculpture Garden and Museum in Buffalo County, Wis., today is the perfect time.

Bridge repairs to start by July 15 (2008/06/27)
The Minnesota Department of Transportation expects to begin repairing the Interstate Bridge no later than July 15, engineers told members of a new Winona Bridge Coalition on Thursday night.

Lewiston mayor resigns (2008/06/27)
The mayor of Lewiston, Minn., has resigned, the Lewiston City Council announced Wednesday night.

Driver gets max in child sledding fatality (2008/06/27)
WHITEHALL, Wis. — Mark McKay’s hands shook and voice trembled Thursday as he talked about the afternoon his 5-year-old son died.

Local campgrounds open again after recent flooding (2008/06/27)
DunRomin’ Park Campground owner Dawn Johnson saw beauty in the aftermath of a flood.

Catholic schools awarded $500,000 grant for phy-ed programs (2008/06/27)
Winona Area Catholic Schools has been awarded a $500,000 grant to boost its struggling physical education programs, Democratic Rep. Tim Walz announced Thursday.

Man in rape case faces prison for probation violation (2008/06/27)
A man convicted in 2006 of participating in the rape of a 16-year-old with a beer canwas in court Thursday on suspcions of violating his probation, because he recently contacted teenage girls.

Vandals strike Garvin Heights (2008/06/27)
Garvin Heights has long been the target of vandals, but now a line has been crossed for one Winona resident.

G-E-T names West Salem principal new superintendent (2008/06/27)
The Gale-Ettrick-Trempealeau school board voted to approve Troy Gunderson as its new superintendent Thursday.

Review: Complex ‘Merchant’ is all about the gray (2008/06/27)
“The Merchant of Venice” is a story with many layers. It’s one of Shakespeare’s more challenging plays for both the audience and for actors. The Great River Shakespeare Festival’s Wednesday preview of the play captured the complexity, making us laugh and making us squirm.

State DOTs to cover bridge closure costs (2008/06/26)
The Minnesota and Wisconsin Departments of Transportation will reimburse the city of Winona for its cost to establish a ferry service during the recent Interstate Bridge closure, a sum of more than $200,000, MnDOT officials said Wednesday.

Man drowns in East Harbor in Winona (2008/06/26)
The Winona County Sheriff’s Office recovered the body of a 78-year-old man who drowned Wednesday morning at East Harbor in Winona when he fell trying to dock his small, flat-bottom boat. Witnesses tried to rescue Robert Plinski of Winona, police said.

Senior citizen pleads guilty to firearms, drug charges (2008/06/26)
A Winona man who had prior murder, drug trafficking and firearms convictions pleaded guilty Wednesday to drug and firearms charges.

Bush declares 4 Minnesota counties (2008/06/26)
disaster areas By Amber Dulek Winona Daily News President Bush issued a limited presidential disaster declaration Wednesday afternoon for the waterlogged Minnesota counties of Fillmore, Houston, Freeborn and Mower.

One-man band embarks on Deep Breath Tour (2008/06/26)
Joseph “Froseph” Kujawa doesn’t dream of performing music in big stadiums or concert halls. He prefers performing at houses, backyards and campfires.

Fire officials: Quarry blaze was arson (2008/06/25)
Officials suspect arson as the cause of fires that shot pillaring black smoke into the air Monday and destroyed a utility shed at Biesanz Stone Quarry.

Suspected scrap metal bandit on the lam (2008/06/25)
A man who has twice fled custody and is accused of stealing more than 600 pounds of scrap metal in late May has escaped again, according to a criminal complaint filed Tuesday.

Levee Park redesign proposed (2008/06/25)
Part of the problem with Levee Park is that it’s divided by a levee, says a group appointed by Winona officials to redesign the park.

Fillmore County wells test positive for nitrates, E. coli (2008/06/25)
PRESTON, Minn. — Thirty-five percent of Fillmore County well water samples gathered in the wake of June floods exceed the federal threshold for safe drinking water, according to Fillmore County Public Health.

MPCA: Lake Goodview water is clean (2008/06/25)
Lake Goodview received a clean bill of health last week from state environmental authorities who have monitored the lake since the August floods.

Drazkowski joins C-FC School Board (2008/06/25)
After two rounds of votes and moments from a coin flip, the Cochrane-Fountain City School Board named its seventh member at its Monday meeting.

Buffalo County to replace tower equipment (2008/06/25)
The Buffalo County Board voted 13-0 with three members absent to replace law enforcement, firefighting and ambulance service communication equipment at a north side radio tower.

Child starts apartment fire (2008/06/25)
Tenants of a Whitehall, Wis., apartment complex were displaced Tuesday after a fire, according to the the Trempealeau County Sheriff’s Department.

Nissalke wants to see the evidence; County attorney says grand jury must indict accused killer first (2008/06/24)
Jack Willis Nissalke, the man accused of killing Ada Frances Senenfelder in 1985, Winona’s only unsolved homicide investigation, wants to see the evidence against him.

Historical society expansion progressing (2008/06/24)
The Winona County Historical Society announced on Monday that it had met its $1.5 million fundraising challenge — and advanced a new goal in its quest for a proposed museum expansion.

Accused stabber withdraws guilty plea (2008/06/24)
Joseph Marshall Millen chose to withdraw his guilty plea Monday for charges that would have meant more than 13 years in prison. After withdrawing the plea, a judge scheduled the case for trial.

City considers new rules for dynamic signs (2008/06/24)
The Winona Planning Commission got its first look Monday at an ordinance to regulate bright, variable signs within the city.

Two more running in 91st Assembly race (2008/06/24)
Two more candidates — a Democrat and a Libertarian — are getting into the race for the 91st Assembly District.

Armed with silly makeup, silly outfits and silly jokes, they aim for smiles (2008/06/23)
Like theater performers, they primped and preened in front of lighted vanities an hour before the parade.

Truck fire delays Steamboat Days parade, but the show goes on (2008/06/23)
This year’s Grande Parade for Steamboat Days started off with a big bang, literally.

ON THE JOB: The man’s fussy about grass (2008/06/23)
Any way he cuts it, Dick Kolter is a grass connoisseur.

Wanted: Deep roots in Winona County (2008/06/23)
More than 150 years have passed since the first Fitches settled in Winona County’s Pickwick Valley. But Opal Fitch can imagine how some of Minnesota’s first European-American residents must have viewed their newfound home.

Wabasha County drug court is turning around people’s lives (2008/06/22)
Tiffany Hunsley battled alcoholism and methamphetamine addiction for more than 20 years. She’s been charged with four DWIs, lied and manipulated her way through three outpatient treatment programs and lost her children to foster care.

Is a drug court right for Winona County? (2008/06/22)
Kevin Gilow was last convicted in 2000 of driving under the influence, a charge that qualifies offenders for treatment through drug courts in some jurisdictions.

Man makes his living as a cannonball (2008/06/22)
Most people wouldn’t call being shot out of a cannon routine.

Boat races zip into Winona (2008/06/22)
The engines roared to life as the drivers headed toward the starting line.

Green-thumbers show their stuff on garden tour (2008/06/22)
Gardeners are generous. That’s what Karin Worthley of Rollingstone, Minn., said Saturday morning as she walked through Sharon Kaczorowski’s garden on Wabasha St.

Oil prices force Buffalo County to cut back on road maintenance (2008/06/22)
High oil prices are driving up local costs for road and highway maintenance.

Steambolympics hopes to bring more fun to fest (2008/06/21)
Are you ready for some paper football? The old-school sport of study halls is one of three events at this Sunday’s Steambolympics. The competition also includes rock paper scissors and motormouth, a word association game made famous on “The $100,000 Pyramid.”

Local volunteers help with Iowa flood relief (2008/06/21)
The Winona County American Red Cross deployed two volunteers to help Iowa survivors recover from the worst Midwest flood in 15 years.

Behind the Bard: Costume shop threads it all together for plays (2008/06/21)
Forget you’re in Winona. The job of the Great River Shakespeare Festival’s costume shop is to transport an audience to the Renaissance for “The Merchant of Venice” and create a circus-like environment for “The Taming of the Shrew,” both of which will be performed June 27 through July 27 at Winona State University’s Performing Arts Center Main Stage.

Burglary suspect tackled and caught near bar (2008/06/21)
Police tackled a burglary suspect early Friday after he handed an officer a beer and fled near a downtown Winona bar.

Selke feedlot expansion gets go-ahead (2008/06/21)
Winona County planning commissioners on Thursday endorsed a proposed expansion of the Selke Farms cattle feedlot south of Ridgeway, Minn.

What Vacation? Teens hit the road to build homes in Winona this summer (2008/06/21)
GOODVIEW, Minn. — Some teenagers think of summer as a time to sleep in, watch TV and maybe catch some rays at a local pool, but not 17-year-olds Kayla Schoofs, Julianne Mason and Amanda Osswald.

Man accused of stealing gas caught in Winona (2008/06/21)
Police arrested a Blair, Wis., man Thursday they suspect of stealing gas from Kwik Trip on Huff and Sarnia streets several times since April.

Corps spills fuel into Mississippi (2008/06/21)
FOUNTAIN CITY, Wis. — Workers at the U.S. Army Corps of Engineer service station in Fountain City, Wis., accidentally spilled five gallons of diesel fuel into the Mississippi River on Tuesday afternoon.

WSU program stars on Capitol Hill: Lawmakers accuse U.S. Justice Department official of unfair grant disbursal (2008/06/20)
Winona State University and one of its most recognized programs was at the forefront of a Congressional hearing Thursday.

Winona goes green (2008/06/20)
Saving money and saving the planet needn’t be mutually exclusive, Winona officials say.

‘Pee for the cure’: Portable toilets help raise money to fight breast cancer (2008/06/20)
Portable toilets don’t have the best reputation.

Houston County farmers get flood relief (2008/06/20)
Relief from last summer’s flood is now on the way to Houston County farmers.

Fastenal-sponsored NASCAR drivers swing by Winona (2008/06/20)
Fastenal employees got a brush with life in the fast lane Thursday when 2007 Indianapolis 500 champ Dario Franchitti cruised into the Fastenal parking lot in Winona.

Burglar pleads guilty (2008/06/20)
A Winona man caught hiding under a bed in an apartment he burglarized in January pleaded guilty Thursday to third-degree burglary in Winona County District Court.

Suspected stabber wants more time to think (2008/06/20)
Almost a month after trying to avoid a more than 13-year prison sentence, Joseph Marshall Millen said he still needs more time to think about withdrawing his guilty plea in the stabbing of a Winona man 11 times last April.

Garden tour on Saturday (2008/06/20)
Summer-like weather has finally arrived in Winona, bringing the flowers and foliage area residents have grown accustomed to.

Winona County District Court: Suspect gets jail for 121 mph drunken crash (2008/06/20)
A Viola, Minn., man was sentenced Thursday to 90 days in jail and five years probation for crashing his car while drunk and injuring three passengers in May 2007.

MnDOT report: Rusty gusset plates found in 2006, 2007 (2008/06/19)
State bridge inspectors documented badly rusted gusset plates on Winona’s Interstate Bridge years before the Minnesota Department of Transportation cited the corrosion as the reason to close the bridge earlier this month, MnDOT records show.

Leaders push Bush to declare areas disaster (2008/06/19)
State and federal politicians are insisting President George W. Bush issue a federal disaster declaration for the four southeastern Minnesota counties still rebounding from severe flood damage and tornados earlier this month.

New SMU president adjusting to the Midwest (2008/06/19)
Brother William Mann is still getting accustomed to being Saint Mary’s University’s new president.

12 rescued near Dresbach dam (2008/06/19)
DRESBACH, Minn. — Twelve adults and teenagers were rescued from the Mississippi River on Wednesday afternoon as their crippled boat neared Lock and Dam No. 7 at Dresbach.

Leaders push Bush to declare areas disaster (2008/06/19)
Sometimes, the government can move as fast as waters in a raging flood.

Man convicted of peeping into showers (2008/06/19)
A Winona man convicted of peeping on three young girls showering at Prairie Island Campground last summer was sentenced Wednesday to 30 days in jail.

Drug seller sentenced to 20 years probation (2008/06/19)
A Winona woman was sentenced Wednesday to 20 years of probation and to complete 40 hours of community service for selling cocaine to police informants in June 2007.

Kids compete in Power Pedal Pull at Steamboat Days (2008/06/19)
The competitors’ brows collected sweat. Deafening applause could be heard Wednesday night throughout downtown Winona. The pressure was on — but so was the fun.

Winona County District Court: Dad convicted in shooting neighbor’s cat (2008/06/19)
A St. Charles, Minn., man pleaded guilty Wednesday to aiding and abetting his son in killing a neighbor’s cat with a bow and arrow last fall.

Danielle Tamke crowned 63rd Miss Winona (2008/06/19)
It’s every little girl’s dream to become “Miss Something,” says Danielle Tamke.

Steamboat Days opens today with more amusement (2008/06/18)
Sean Cobb says bumper cars are everybody’s favorite carnival ride.

Economic worries mean fewer loan options for some students (2008/06/18)
Financial aid officers call it a red flag, not a crisis. But they’re still worried.

Rock Solid founder injured in accident (2008/06/18)
Rock Solid Youth Center founder Greg Moser lost several toes in a work accident Monday morning, the Winona County Sheriff’s Department reported.

Hundreds turn out to see freak show in Winona (2008/06/18)
WINONA — Winona loves its freaks. So many people showed up at the 999 Eyes Freakshow on Monday at Holzinger Lodge that the Austin, Texas, troupe performed a second show, ensuring no one would go home without seeing Lobster Girl, the Human Tripod and Elephant Man.

999 Eyes Freak Show VIDEO (2008/06/18)
999 Eyes Freak Show, a troupe of performers from Austin, Texas, performed Monday night at Holzinger Lodge as a benefit for the Down and Dirty Bike Club.

Good Harvest to close as local businesses feel economic pinch (2008/06/17)
A popular soup-and-sandwich eatery in Goodview, The Good Harvest Café, plans to shut its doors June 27 after 11 years.

State outlines $2.5 billion plan to replace 11 major bridges by 2018 (2008/06/17)
ST. PAUL — Minnesota transportation officials outlined a $2.5 billion draft bridge improvement plan that would replace 11 major highway and freeway spans over the next decade — a top priority set by lawmakers after last year’s Interstate 35W bridge collapse.

Flood forces Amtrak to shut down some routes, use buses (2008/06/17)
Flooding in the Midwest has forced Amtrak to suspended passenger service between Chicago and points west and north, including Winona, which has been using motorcoaches instead of trains since June 10.

After father tries to cover for him, man charged in death of motorcyclist (2008/06/17)
A Rushford, Minn., man was charged Monday with two counts of criminal vehicular homicide after he tried to escape apprehension by getting his father to take the blame for a car crash near his home on Father’s Day, according to court documents.

Council still squawking on chickens in neighborhoods (2008/06/17)
Winona residents could keep pet chickens on their residential property under a proposal considered by the City Council on Monday night.

Thousands cited statewide in seat belt campaign (2008/06/17)
About 400 law enforcement agencies in Minnesota teamed up to issue more than 7,700 tickets to drivers for not wearing seat belts during a Safe & Sober “Click It or Ticket” campaign during the last two weeks of May.

Officials ID Fillmore fatality (2008/06/17)
The Minnesota State Patrol identified a Rushford, Minn., man as the seventh fatality in Fillmore County this year.

103 years young: Winona woman celebrates a century — and more (2008/06/16)
Arline Baumann doesn’t like to sit around. “It drives me bugs,” Arline said. “Why should you sit like that?”

Steamboat Days starts Wednesday (2008/06/16)
For 61 years, Steamboat Days has helped welcome summer to Winona. This year’s celebration kicks off Wednesday and continues through Sunday.

On the job: RV service and sales manager (2008/06/16)
Doug Breza sells homes on wheels. The 59-year-old RV service and sales manager does everything from changing tires to emptying the septic system to showcasing new and used RVs to prospective buyers.

Biker killed in collision (2008/06/16)
A motorcyclist was killed in an accident just after midnight Sunday off of Highway 43 in the town of Hart, Minn., according to the Minnesota State Patrol Web site.

Winona family makes play a family activity (2008/06/16)
Eight-year-old Nathan Graff knows how to be a munchkin.

Woman hurt in motorcycle accident (2008/06/16)
A 24-year-old woman was injured Sunday morning in a motorcycle accident on Hwy. 54/35 near Centerville, Wis.

It's open again: Hundreds line up to cross Interstate Bridge (2008/06/15)
The intersection of Fourth and Winona streets no longer plays host to an all-way stop.

Coleman pledges bipartisan bridge aid (2008/06/15)
Minnesota’s congressional delegation will cross the political aisle to secure funding for bridge inspection and repairs, U.S. Sen. Norm Coleman said at a press conference with city and transportation officials Saturday morning at Levee Park.

Goodview mobile home park evacuated after gas leak (2008/06/15)
A gas leak at Red Top Mobile Home Park in Goodview prompted the Winona Fire Department to partially evacuate residents late Saturday morning.

Crash claims seventh life in Fillmore County in ’08 (2008/06/15)
A motorcyclist died early Saturday morning on Minnesota State Highway 30 in Fillmore County, according to the Minnesota State Patrol Web site.

Walk around Lake Winona raises awareness for organ transplants (2008/06/15)
If it weren’t for a stranger, Dora Pelley’s 11-year-old daughter, Olivia, might have died.

Fountain City Council member resigns after taking new job (2008/06/15)
A Fountain City Council member resigned Wednesday, saying he plans to move from the area.

Winona to help pay cab bills for bridge crossers (2008/06/14)
This weekend should be a little more cheerful for most folks around the Winona area.

Pig-sitter challenges animal cruelty charge (2008/06/14)
The pet-sitter accused of allowing a potbelly pig’s weight to balloon last year is challenging the misdemeanor animal cruelty charge brought against her by the county attorney’s office.

Acting is about making the right moves (2008/06/14)
A fiddling of the hands here. A shuffling of feet there. Either can distract an audience, making people see there’s an actor on stage. And if they see an actor, they’re not seeing the character. We don’t just have to believe the words of a performance. We have to believe the movements.

Rain washes out bridge at Whitewater park (2008/06/14)
A temporary bridge put in after last summer’s flood washed out Thursday morning at Whitewater State Park.

Man pleads guilty in Winona burglary (2008/06/14)
A Rochester man pleaded guilty Friday to felony burglary for his role in a home invasion in May 2007 that left a Winona homeowner beaten and robbed of nearly $5,000.

Memorial dedication today: Long-awaited SMU tribute to veterans completed (2008/06/14)
A memorial honoring veterans with ties to Saint Mary’s University is complete, but the emotions it stirs and questions it raised about Catholic teachings on military service still remain.

A dry day means less water, more flood cleanup in Houston County (2008/06/14)
CALEDONIA, Minn. — Federal disaster teams have completed visual damage assessments of flooded areas in Houston County, Emergency Manager Kurt Kuhlers said.

Bridge to open Saturday (2008/06/13)
Winona’s Interstate Bridge will reopen to cars, passenger trucks and vans no later than 8 a.m. Saturday, Minnesota Department of Transportation officials announced Thursday.

Longer route is costing freighters (2008/06/13)
Haulers still have a long haul. The 3,000 commuters who regularly use the Winona Interstate Bridge can celebrate the reopening, but the extra driving and headaches continue for local shipping and freight companies.

City switches from buses to cabs (2008/06/13)
The city of Winona will set up a taxicab system to replace the temporary river ferryboat operation to help pedestrian traffic cross the Winona Interstate Bridge.

Early WAPS budget anticipates $1.7M deficit (2008/06/13)
Winona Area Public Schools approved a preliminary budget for the 2008-09 school year Thursday that estimates expenses exceeding revenues by about $1.7 million for the district.

Snapping turtles bring ‘terror’ into town (2008/06/13)
The Goodview Police Department had their hands full last week.

Goodview burglar to serve 6 months (2008/06/13)
The second co-defendant in the ransacking of a Goodview home last June was sentenced Thursday to six months in jail and 10 years of probation.

World’s last authentic freak show coming to Winona (2008/06/13)
They call her the human tripod. She stands 3 feet 9 inches tall and was born with one leg, which is missing a femur bone. She has only four toes. Two fingers on her left hand were webbed at birth and separated surgically when she was 2 years old.

NRCS would consider levees in Stockton, Gunderson (2008/06/13)
Federal conservationists would further consider proposals to build levees protecting Stockton and Goodview’s Gunderson Addition, a citizens’ group learned Thursday night.

‘Knit in’ offers knitters chance to work outside (2008/06/13)
Knitters of the world unite. Saturday is World Wide Knit in Public Day, an event celebrated Saturday with a “knit in” at the farmers market, Second and Main streets, in Winona, and at the farmers market and Ewetopia Fiber Shop in Viroqua, Wis.

Businesses in ‘state of panic’: Interstate Bridge closure hurting Wisconsin businesses the most (2008/06/12)
When Tri-Oval Speedway opened its gates to race fans last Friday night, owner Jeff Duellman crossed his fingers and hoped for the best.

Nissalke bail set at $5M in cold case (2008/06/12)
Jack Willis Nissalke made his first appearance in Winona County District Court on Wednesday on amended charges that allege he murdered Ada Frances Senenfelder 23 years ago.

Three days into ferry service, riders want more buses (2008/06/12)
They carried umbrellas and lunch boxes. Some carried babies. One carried strawberries, another, a brand-new string trimmer.

Fillmore flood damages at $2M so far (2008/06/12)
Initial flood damage estimates to Fillmore County’s public infrastructure are between $1.5 million to $2 million so far — not including agricultural or homeowner losses — Fillmore County coordinator Karen Brown said Wednesday.

School Board to meet today to discuss budget (2008/06/12)
The Winona Area Public School Board will meet today, after a month-long break to discuss a 256 page agenda with over 150 pages of new business.

No bridge, no bar, but the roast must go on (2008/06/12)
Last year, their bar burned down. This year, the Interstate Bridge is closed. But neither has stopped the Road Dog Motorcycle Club from putting on their yearly bash in Bluff Siding, Wis.

Winona County District Court: ‘Shaggy’ Eldridge accused of another probation violation (2008/06/12)
Stephen Michael “Shaggy” Eldridge appeared in Winona County District Court Wednesday for a hearing on a fourth alleged probation violation in less than a year.

Time to meet your friendly ferryboat captains (2008/06/12)
Pounding rain. Bolts of lightening. High winds. Eddies. Barge traffic.

Hot rod tour to cruise Winona (2008/06/12)
The hot rods are coming! The hot rods are coming! The 14th annual Hot Rod Power Tour, sponsored by Hot Rod Magazine, will wind its way through Winona on Friday.

Murder charges filed in 1985 ‘cold case’ (2008/06/11)
Prosecutors filed murder charges Monday against a Winona man they accuse of killing Ada Frances Senenfelder, the victim of Winona’s only unsolved homicide.

Waters recede quickly in Fillmore County; more rain in the forecast (2008/06/11)
PRESTON, Minn. — A second day of sunshine drove the rain-swollen Root River back to its banks, and flooded homeowners finally found time to dry out.

Houston County damages could top $20M; crop losses significant (2008/06/11)
CALEDONIA, Minn. — Preliminary estimates put flood damage in Houston County at more than $20 million — $6.8 million in infrastructure and $15 million in crop loss — according to Houston County Emergency Manager Kurt Kuhlers.

Flood fund ruling will be turning point for Garvin Brook group (2008/06/11)
Thursday will be a start or a start-over point for a local group trying to build flood-control structures along Garvin Brook.

Rock Solid celebrating near-decade of helping kids (2008/06/11)
In one corner, a couple of kids play the “Rock Band” video game. In another, they’re playing cards. A long-haired kid wearing an AC/DC shirt brings in his skateboard while the Smashing Pumpkins’ “Cherub Rock” plays in the background.

Some local restaurants pull tomatoes after recall (2008/06/11)
Popular varieties of fresh tomatoes have been pulled from many restaurant menus and produce aisles as a nationwide salmonella outbreak now linked to at least 145 illnesses in 16 states, including Wisconsin, continues to spread.

MnDOT: Short-term bridge repair very possible (2008/06/10)
Short-term repairs to the barricaded Interstate Bridge, as opposed to immediate replacement, are “very possible,” a Minnesota Department of Transportation official said Monday.

Not your typical Monday: Morning commuters keep ferries busy (2008/06/10)
Moods were upbeat as people made their Monday morning commute by ferry. By 9 a.m., more than 1,000 people had already been moved across the Mississippi River.

Shuttle system starts with few glitches (2008/06/10)
A bus-and-ferry shuttle system moved more than 1,000 interstate commuters for the first time Monday with relatively few glitches, city of Winona officials reported.

Toddler drowns at his birthday party (2008/06/10)
TOWN OF PIGEON, Wis. — Authorities have released the name of a 1-year-old boy who drowned in a family swimming pool Saturday.

Preston hit hard by floodwaters (2008/06/10)
PRESTON, Minn. — They came before the muddy floodwaters of the Root River started to recede in this small southeast Minnesota town. They were the everyday heroes and good neighbors that earned the state its Minnesota-nice reputation.

Houston County digs out from weekend storms (2008/06/10)
CALEDONIA, Minn. — Houston County was declared a state of emergency by its board of commissioners Monday in the wake of powerful weekend storms that dumped up to 10 inches of rain in some areas.

Lanesboro residents, parks and dam hit by rain-swelled Root (2008/06/10)
LANESBORO, Minn. — A rug, an electric fan and paint cans floated overtop furniture halfway up Deb and Gary Danielson’s basement stairs leading into their kitchen.

Floodwaters in Lanesboro (VIDEO) (2008/06/10)
Weekend rainfall totals of more than seven inches filled the south branch of the Root River and came within several feet of spilling over the dike in this bed-and-breakfast town of 788 residents along the Root River Bike Trail. By midday Monday, significant areas of the village were still underwater as residents watched and waited.

Judge sentences man to 10 years in prison for fatal hit-and-run (2008/06/10)
WHITEHALL, Wis. — An Arcadia, Wis., man will serve 10 years in prison for driving a car that ran over and killed another man who was trying to pull a vehicle from a ditch near Arcadia early Dec. 8.

Suspected dealer pleads guilty to drug charges (2008/06/10)
Mantrel Lee King, 25, pled guilty to two counts of second-degree sale of a controlled substance Monday, stemming from the Operation Watchful Neighborhood drug bust last fall.

No foul play suspected in Houston house fire (2008/06/10)
Houston County was hit with both fire and rain this weekend.

Man faces sixth OWI (2008/06/10)
LA CROSSE, Wis. — A Dakota, Minn., man with five drunken driving convictions was arrested Saturday on suspicion of his sixth.

Unruly groom arrested at wedding reception (2008/06/10)
LA CROSSE, Wis. — Nicholas Morrison spent his wedding night in a La Crosse County jail

Floods force evacuations in Houston County (2008/06/09)
Heavy rains in southeastern Minnesota on Sunday forced flood evacuations in areas of Houston County and raised concerns of additional floods today.

Number of boaters down as gas prices increase (2008/06/09)
Increasing gas prices and bad weather have put a damper on boat travel in the area so far this spring.

Community Harvest fights food waste (2008/06/09)
Adam Volkert plucks a battered apple from a pile of produce, peels off its bruised skin and takes a crisp bite.

On the Job: Hoof trimmer -- Special tools, sense of humor important (2008/06/09)
PLAINVIEW, Minn. — Wayne Wendt gives pedicures to cows.

Community bridge coalition to be proposed today (2008/06/09)
City of Winona officials earned applause Friday for acting swiftly after the Minnesota Department of Transportation closed the Interstate Bridge.

Houston woman dies in house fire (2008/06/09)<