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4November 2024

Tickets available for Walz stop in LaCrosse

LACROSSE, Wis. – Local Democrats invited ticket applications for the Tim Walz campaign visit to LaCrosse on Monday. Tickets. The site, however, was not announcedfori security reasons. The location will be commmunicated to ticket-holders nearer the time of the event, organizers said. The time hasn’t been pinned down but will be between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., they said.

Earlier: LaCrosse on Walz campaign itinerary Monday

Earlier: Vance to LaCrosse ahead of Election Day

3November 2024

College scores

Soccer (women): Winona State 1, UM-Duluth 0

3November 2024

Early voting interrupted by firearm threats

ROCHESTER, Minn. – A Rochester man was arrested after threats to shoot up the Olmsted County election office. Timothy Kearney, age 46, was drunk, police said. There were no signs that he was an agent in larger plot. Police were called to the elections office at 2122 Campus Drive Southeast about 11:15 a.m.  An election judge said that Kearney had accompanied someone to the office for early voting and began to yell about shooting. Police took Kearney to a hospital for an intoxication evaluation. At jail he was booked for felony threats of violence.

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Kearney. Arrested after election office disturbance

3November 2024

CNN: A six-point Wisconsin edge for Harris

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Great Lakes battlegrounds. Political analyst David Chalian points to Pennsylvania as the closest race in Democrats’ once Blue Wall states. The CNN poll, released Thursday, has Harris leading Trump in Michigan and Wisconsin.

Harris way ahead on honesty, trustworthiness

ATLANTA, Ga. — Vice President Kamala Harris has a narrow advantage for Wisconsin’s 10 electoral votes, suggesting a path to an Electoral College victory over former President Donald Trump, according to a CNN poll. Harris led 51% to 45%. The poll was conducted for CNN by SSRS. The poll is among the last pre-Election Day snapshot of likely voters. Wisconsin went in Trump’s favor in 2016, but President Joe Biden won in 2020. The new results are nearly identical to the last 2024 round of CNN polling in late summer, when Harris led 50% to 44%. The new poll gives Harris a relatively broad advantage on perceptions about honesty and trustworthiness. She led Trump on this attribute by 17 points in Wisconsin. Harris also was viewed as more likely to put the country’s interest above her own by a 10-point margin.

Earlier: Marquette poll: Harris-Trump close in Wisconsin

Earlier: New polls agree: Wisconsin in play

Earlier: Latest Minnesota polls: Harris-Walz in lead

3November 2024

Cops: Suspected drunk driver kept burping

WINONA, Minn. – A Rushford man booked on suspicion of drunken driving burped so much during attempts to test his blood-alcohol with a breathometer that police instead drew a blood sample. The sample was sent to the state crime lab for analysis. Meanwhile, Cody Grant Ryan, 24, was released to a friend to take home pending the crime lab tests. Ryan was found slumped over the console of his vehicle at Second and Franklin streets about 1:55 a.m. Officers pounded on the window of the locked car, whose engine was running. Then they shouted. Still no response. Finally they broke in. Ryan reeked of alcohol. There also were other signs of intoxication. Asked how much he had been drinking: Ryan slurred: “Enough.” Such were officers’ details in their written report.

3November 2024

Minnesota missionary’s wife held in his death

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Family portrait. On site in Angola village on missionary mission. Family formerly from Detroit Lakes, Minnesota.

Arrest followed fatal attack on husband

CHARLOTTE, N.C. –The wife of missionary Beau Shroyer has been arrested for his murder in west Africa, the SIM USA missionary organization reported. Shroyer, of Detroit Lakes, Minnesota, was killed October 28 in an impoverished Nyneka area of Angola.  Mark Bosscher, a SIM spokesperson, confirmed the arrest of Jaclyn Marie Shroyer, 44, but said few details were available. Bosscher expressed gratitude to Angolan officials for investigating the case. He encouraged patience as the Angola legal process unfolds. Bosscher said SIM supports “the ongoing pursuit of justice for Beau” and has been ensured that Jacltn Shroyer has appropriate legal representation. SIM has 4,000 missionaries worldwide and has been in Angola since 2016 with no suchS situation ever before. He said SIM has been assured that the Shroyers  five children were being well cared for.

Earlier: Minnesota missionary slain in west Africa

3November 2024

New academic chief named at Southeast State

WINONA, Minn.  – A community college administrator from Illinois, Amy Maxeiner, has been appointed vice president for academics and student services at Minnesota State College Southeast. Since 2016 Maxeiner has been at Black Hawk College, which has 7,000 students in Moline and Galva, Illinois. Most recently she was vice president for Instruction and student affairs. At Minnesota Southeast her duties will cover both the Winona and Red Wing campuses. Her main office will be in Winona. Her salary: $151,600. Her academic reecord includes leadership with the Illinois Council of Community College Chief Academic Officers and the Illinois Council of Community College Administrators.

Earlier: Southeast State searches for student affairs exec

Earlier: Southeast College enrollment double the state rise

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Maxeiner. Twenty years in higher-ed administration.

3November 2024

Notable journalism

Giovannia Dell-Orto (Associated Press, October 31, 2024): “Minnesota Farm Town Reshaped by Migrants Wrestles with Real Changes Beyond the Political Vitriol”

 Reggie McLeod (Big River, November-December 2024): “Coyotes, the New Natives”

 Steve Rundio (LaCrosse Tribune, October 30, 2024): “Western Wisconsin Cooperatuve Wants Back in the Nuclear Business”

3November 2024

Winona Health lauded for healthcare metrics

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Pride in the wards. Merry Enright, quality coordinator, and Kelly Fluharty, care transformation manager, with their team.

UCare recognizes how health services measured

WINONA, Minn. – The Winona Health hospital and clinic was recognized again for continuing innovations in preventive care, disease management, behavioral health, maternity care, care transitions and medication management. The recognition was from the UCare prepaid medical assistance program and Minnesota Care at UCare’s annual “Salute to Excellence” event. Winona Health was an early innovator in developing methods to improve patient outcomes through transitioning to a value-based healthcare model.

2November 2024

News summary at week’s end: November 2, 2024

2November 2024

Driver’s blood-alcohol nearly twice too high

WINONA, Minn. – A Winona driver was stopped for speeding, but after the deputy detected alcohol impairment the driver was arrested for drunken driving. Dustin Orvin Fahl, 42, had a blood-alcohol level of 0.15%, according o a breath-testing device. The legal limit for driving is 0.08%. The traffic stop was about 11:05 p.m. at Franklin and Howard streets.

2November 2024

Marquette poll: Harris-Trump close in Wisconsin

MILWAUKEE, Wis.  – The final Marquette Law School Poll before Election Day found likely Wisconsin voters support Democratic Vice President Kamala Harris 50% to 49% over Republican former President Donald Trump. When initially undecided voters were separated out of the data, Harris led 48% to 47% with 5% undecided. These undecided voters could shift margins either way, which explains the flurry of Harris, Trump, Vance, Walz and surrogate stumping across the state. The Marquette poll was conducted October 16 to October 24. The poll found an urban-rural divide. In principal cities Harris by led by 36 points. In rural areas and small towns Trump led by 23 points.

For U.S. Senate. In the U.S. Senate race, incumbent Tammy Baldwin held 51% of likely voters against 49% support Eric Hovde. When undecided voters were folded into the data,  7% wereundecided.

Methodology. The Marquette poll interviewed 834 Wisconsin registered voters with a margin of error of 4.4 percentage points, and 753 likely voters with a margin of error also of 4.4 percentage points. Because voter sentiment is a moving target, the results depend on the dates the data ere collected. Other variables include olls include whether registered voters or likely voters were sample. In statistical sampling there always is a margin of error. Some polls measure third party and independent candidates. Some don’t.

Candidate bravado. Some candidates, notably Trump, claim advantageous margins in their independent polling. This can be bluster Unless a candidate identifies the source, dates, and the population sampled, the claims aren’t worth a grain of salt;

EarlierNew polls agree: Wisconsin in play

Earlier: Latest Minnesota polls: Harris-Walz in lead

2November 2024

College scores

Football: UM-Duluth 42, Winona State 38

Football: UW-LaCrosse 33, UW-Stout 31

Hockey (men): Saint Mary’s 3, Lake Forest 2

Hockey (women): Concordia of St. Paul 4, Saint Mary’s 3 (third period)

Volleyball (women): Minnesota State-Mankato 3, Winona State 1

Volleyball (women): Hamline 3, Saint Mary’s 2

(more…)

2November 2024

Minnesota prep

Volleyball (girls): Chatfield Gophers 3, Winona Cotter Ramblers 0

Volleyball (girls): Stewartville Tigers 3, Byron Bears 2

Volleyball (girls): Harmony Fillmore Central Falcons 3, Mabel-Canton Cougars 1

 

2November 2024

LaCrosse on Walz campaign itinerary Monday

WASHINGTON – In an 11th-hour campaign blitz the Democratic vice-presidential candidate Tim Walz will wing into LaCrosse on Monday, the Harris campaign office announced. The event will be in the afternoon. For security reasons the location was not announced immediately. Gwen Walz, wife of the Minnesota governor, will be traveling with him. For Walz this will be his first LaCrosse  campaign visit, although First Lady Gwen Walz attended a local Democratic event in September. Walz also will be at Wisconsin events Monday in Stevens Point and Milwaukee.. Odd as it may seem, the GOP vice-presidential candidate JD Vance also will be in LaCrosse on Monday. Possibly the Vance and Walz planes will be on the LSE tarmac at the same time. Vance would be departing after a 9:30 a.m. event.

Earlier: Vance to LaCrosse ahead of Election Day

Earlier: Gwen Walz on abortion: Let women choose

2November 2024

Cops: Driver drunk in fatal I-90 crash

SPARTA, Wis. — A Sparta man was arrested for drunken driving and causing an Interstate 90 crash that killed an equipment operator in a construction zone. Isaac Morales Jr., 25, was charged with homicide by intoxicated use of a motor vehicle. Morales not only was intoxicated but also was driving with a revoked license, according to the criminal complaint. Also, said deputies, there was marijuana in his vehicle

Earlier: Construction zone crash kills road worker

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Morales. Facing multiple felony counts.

2November 2024

Public input sought on Guttenberg dam upgrades

GUTTENBERG, Iowa — The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers scheduled a public display on its proposed Lock and Dam 10 mooring cell project near Gutttenberg. Time: 5 to 7 p.m., Friday, at the Guttenberg Public Library. The plan is to build  a mooring cell for tow boats and barges awaiting passage through the lock. It’s a dual-purpose project to improve navigation and environmental sustainability, the Corps said.

2November 2024

Winona home sales in October 2024

WINONA, Minn. – Among residential property sales logged by Bob Bambenek, county recorder, in October:

23277 Blackberry Road: Hines to Cisewski, $762,000.

67 Valley Oaks Drive: Orange to Blue, $585,000.

840 Kerry Drive: Burros to Meier/Villasenor-Loya, $440,000.

214 Michaelwood Drive: Borcherding to Roemer, $325,000.

476 Sunset Drive: Mertes to Kvittem, $305,000.

Earlier: Winona home sales in September 2024

2November 2024

Winona County home sales in October 2024

WINONA, Minn. – Among residential property sales outside Winona logged by Bob Bambenek, county recorder, in October:

Goodview: 1445 49th Avenue: Shadle to Hynes, $355,000.

Goodview: 1235 49th Avenue: Stolts to Hylland, $331,000.

Minnesota City: 435 Connie Drive, Zittle to Vaske, $510,000.

Minnesota City: 7485 Golden Oak Court, Getzin to Apse, $405,000.

Rollingstone:14968 County Road 25, Schmidt to Manns, $357,000

St. Charles: 15027 Sandstone Drive, Schroeder to Weiser, $570,000.

St. Charles: 224 Devin Drive, Med City Builders to Wunderlich, $442,000.

St. Charles: 518 St. Martin Avenue: Seitz to Sayles, $335,000.

Earlier: Winona County home sales in September 2024

2November 2024

Winona County commercial property sales in October 2024

WINONA, Minn. – Among commercial property sales in Winona County logged by Bob Bambenek, county recorder, in October:

Winona: 1736 Wilkie Drive, Neitzke to IPR Properties, $1.3 million.

Earlier: Winona County commercial property sales in September 2024

2November 2024

R.I.P.: Luke Lukaszewski

ROLLINGSTONE, Minn. – Kenneth J. “Luke” Lukaszewski, age 75, of Rollingstone, who operated Power Tech Prop Repair for 20 years. died at home. He was trained in welding and tool and die making at Western Technical College in La Crosse. He began work atPeerless Chain in 1967, where he was a member of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers. He was an avid trapper who regarded himself a man of the swamp, often trapping by moonlight.

Detail: Watkowski-Mulyck Funeral Home

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1949-2024

2November 2024

Uber driver: Late night fare strangled him

LACROSSE, Wis. – A Uber driver reported being choked twice by a passenger, once at 70 mph on Interstate 90, on a trip from the LaCrosse bar district to suburban Onalaska. In Onalaska, the Uber driver told police, the man threatened to kill him: “If you call the cops or do anything stupid I’ll kill you.” Police found the man inside a Kwik Trip convenience store in Onalaska. Police said the man denied any assault, but apparently there was a witness — a second passenger. The assailant, police said, was highly intoxicated and was arrested. This, according to the Uber driver, is what happened:

> The driver picked up two men at a downtown bar for a trip to Onalaska.

> One man became argumentative on the way.

> Despite the driver trying to calm the man, his hostility surged.

> As the vehicle entered Interstate 90, the man placed both hands around the driver’s neck, this at 70 mph.

> The vehicle nearly swerved off the road.

> The msn released his neck hold as the driver regained control.

> At the Kwik Trip, on Highway 16, the man again grabbed the driver by the neck and choked him again with a warning not to call police.

2November 2024

Driver admits to two drinks; test shows 0.13%

WINONA, Minn. – With his blood-alcohol testing at 0.13% — 1-1/2 times the legal limit – police made he arrest. Jacob Kevin Koff, 34, of Winona, had been stopped in his car at U.S. Highway 61 and Huff Street about 1:20 a.m. for failing to signal. Asked how much he had been drinking, Koff admitted to two beverages. The officer said. His finger dexterity wasn’t too good and he stumbled and mumbled, the officer said.

1November 2024

College scores

Hockey (men): Lake Forest 5, Saint Mary’s 4

Hockey (women): Saint Mary’s 6, Concordia of Moorhead 1

Soccer (women): Winona State 1, St. Cloud State 1

Soccer (women): Minnesota North Mesabi 67, Rochester Community 58

Volleyball (women): Bethel 2, Saint Mary’s 0

Volleyball (women): Carthage 3, UW-LaCrosse 0

Volleyball (women): Rochester Community 3, Central Lakes Brainerd 1

1November 2024

Minnesota prep

Football: Chatfield Gophers 24, Caledonia Warriors 14

(more…)

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