Charge: Tattooer ventured forbidden places
WINONA, Minn. — A Winona tattoo artist was charged with sexually assaulting a woman during a tatting session. The criminal complaint said that Travis Wayne Musiklek, 38, repeatedly touched the woman in places that had had nothing to do with the tattoo she wanted on her upper thigh. He denied the charge. The incident was in June, the woman said. The next day she showed police a video she took of the session. When arrested, Musilek said he has been tattooing since 2017. Police, however, were unable to find any record that he was licensed. Besides the sexual complaint, he was charged with operating without a license.
Musilek. Complainant says she wanted her upper thigh tatted, nothing more.
New state grants to aid disabled persons
ST. PAUL, Minn. — A $93,000 state grant has been awarded the Wabasha County Developmental Achievement Center to support exercise therapy and functional life training for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The Wabasha center also serves Buffalo and Pepin counties in Wisconsin. The grant is from a $14 million Minnesota Human Services Department state-wide program. Among other recipients:
> LaCrescent: Cardinal Home Services, $100,000.
> Rochester: Family Services, $99,000.
> Red Wing: Sunshine Group Living, $82,000.
Emergency, fire crews make 78 calls
WINONA, Minn. – The Fire Department reported 53 emergency medical calls plus 25 fire calls in recent days:
> Tuesday, August 22: 8 medical calls plus 3 fire calls.
> Monday, August 21: 7 medical calls plus 3 fire callw.
> Sunday, August 20: 8 medical calls plus 6 fire calls.
> Saturday, August 19: 8 medical calls plus 6 fire calls.
> Friday, August 18: 2 medical calls plus 1 call.
> Thursday, August 17: 13 medical calls plus 4 fire calls.
> Wednesday, August 16: 7 medical calls plus 2 fire calls.
Earlier: Emergency, fire crews 49 calls
Minnesota prep
Volleyball (girls): Caledonia Warriors 3, Dover-Eyota Eagles 9
Volleyball (girls): Chatfield Gophers 3, Dover-Eyota Eagles 0
Volleyball (girls): Stewartville Tigers 3, Faribault Bethlehem Cardinals 2
Volleyball (girls): Harmony Fillmore Central Falcons 3, Zumbrota-Mazeppa Cougars 2
Ever thought about going to jail? Now your chance
WINONA, Minn. – You have to forgive Sheriff Ron Ganrude if the buttons ae popping off his shirt. The new $28 million Winona County jail, sure to be his signature legacy, is opening soon. And he’s having a party. Err, an open house for the public to tour the jail on Sunday, September 17. Time: 1 to 4 p.m. Free. Light refreshments. Walking tours of 10 to 15 people will leave every 10 minutes. Tours will run 1-1/2 hours. Stops include booking, administration and housing units and the jail kitchen. Displays outside the jail: The Canine Unit, SOAR Team, Mounted Posse, and Dive Unit. A rule, this being a jail: No backpacks, purses or bags. And no knives, other weapons, or contraband. To be sure, no inmates will have yet to be transferred from the old jail next door.
Earlier: Fresh stripes for new jail
Ganrude. Sheriff since 1999 now has a new address on Second Street.
Image: Steve Lunde
Three years prison for Minnesota teen sex procurer
MINNEAPOLIS — A St. Paul woman was sentenced to three years in prison for a sex trafficking conspiracy the rattled the Minnesota Republican Party in 2020. Gisela Castro Medina, 23, will spend the time in federal prison. Judge Patrick Schlitz rejected her request for leniency. Castro Medina had noted that she has lectured against sex trafficking since she was caught and participated in an out-of-state panel for survivors of sexual abuse. Even so, Judge Schiltz responded, she earlier had actively obstructed the investigation into the money-and-gifts for sex scheme. After sentencing, Medina told a KARE interviewer: “I’m grateful I got caught.” It her turned her life around, she said. In court she apologized profusely to the victims who had testified against big-time Republican financier Tony Lazarro about the devastating effect the sex-trafficking scheme had on the teen-iage girls she procured for him. Through Medina, Lazarro lavishhed hundreds of dollars in cash, gift cards, alcohol, and other items on girls as young as 15. Lazzaro was found in March and is serving a 21-year prison sentence.
Earlier: Lazzaro sex-trafficking accomplice to be sentenced
Earlier: GOP golden boy Lazzaro: 20 years for teen consorting
Castro Medina. He request for leniency didn’t faze he judge.
Southeast College looks to its own for new executive
WINONA, Minn. – A 25-year veteran at Minnesota State College Southeast, Lisa Pozanc, has been named vice president of finance. Since 2019 Pozanc had been director of business and finance. In the new position Pozanc has a staff of 18. She reports directly to the college president. Salary: $125,000. Poznc replaces Amy Schmidt, who resigned in May after 2-1/2 years to become finance vice president of Viterbo University in LaCrosse.
Pozanc. Holds a 1999 associate degree in accounting from Southeast and a 2014 business degree from Metropolitan State.
State Fair was packed but nothing like record 2019
FALCON HEIGTHS, Minn. – The 2023 Minnesota State Fair didn’t set an attendance record after a miserably hot and humid opener and an equally torrid although not so humid two final days. The 12-day total: 1.8 million in a state of 5.8 million people. The Fair’s record attendance was in 2019 at 2.1 million. This year day by day:
August 24 (Thursday): 106,000
August 25 (Friday): 164,000
August 26 (Saturday): 2`3,000.
August 27 (Sunday) 27: 174,000.
August 28 (Monday): 134,000.
August 29 (Tuesday): 135,000.
August 30 (Wednesday):128,000.
August 31 (Thursday): 130,000.
September 1 (Friday): 190,000.
September 2 (Saturday): 100,000.
September 3 Sunday): 141,000.
September 4 (Labor Day): 120,000.
R.I.P.: Elaine Wieczorek
WINONA, Minn. – Elaine R. Wieczorek, 79, of Winona, a dialysis nurse at Winona Community Memorial Hospital, died at home. Earlier she was in the emergency room and other departments. She retired in 2010.She graduated from Winona High School in 1962 and became an licensed practical nurse through Winona Vocational Technical School and then a registered nurse through Western Wisconsin Technical School, followed by a degree in 1984. She loved horses and competed in pole weaving and barrel racing. She was a frequent camper at Money Creek, Her travels included Hawaii, Alaska, Costa Rica, Mexico, Europe, Australia and New Zealand.
Detail: Watkowski-Mulyck Funeral Home
Fire marshal checks remnants of scrapyard fire
WINONA, Minn. – An agent from the state fire marshal has come and gone from a fire that destroyed a garage-warehouse at the sprawling Miller scrapyard on Shives Creek. The agent’s report was not immediately filed. The fire, Friday evening, drew every unit from Winona’s two fire stations and also from the Goodview fire station. The Wilson volunteer department, 11 miles away, was on standby for any other Winona calls. The fire was confined to the single metal storage building. There were no injuries.
Interior shambles. Nothing recoverable the morning after.
.
Miller scrapyard. Heavy equipment began clearing debris at dawn the morning after. The yard, gated and fenced, runs half a mile along Shives Creek. The creek drains Lake Winona to the Mississippi River. Miller Scrap Iron & Metal, a third-generation famiy business, was originally Consumer Tire & Supply Company, The name most recently became Miller Scrap & Disposal to reflect the family’s entry into the competitive Winona home-trash pick-up business. Images: Steve Lunde
Earlier: Miller scrapyard fire rekindles; extinguished
Cars collide with injuries at LaCrescent junction
LACRESCENT, Minn. – Three motorists were injured in a morning-commute wreck at the troubled Highways 14 and 16 intersection heading across the Mississippi sloughs to LaCrosse. The injuries were described as non-life threatening, but the impact was harsh enough to deloy both vehicles’ airbags. The accident was about 9:10 a.m. Injured in one car, a 2011 Kia Sorento, were John Paul Troendle, 28, and Jasmine Nicole Troendle, 24, of Caledonia. In the other car, a 2020 Honda Odyssey, was Mary Irene Warmkagathje, 48, of St. Charles. All were taken six miles to a LaCrosse hospital.
Winona home sales in August 2023
WINONA, Minn. – Among residential property sales logged by Bob Bambenek, county recorder, in August:
> 814 Spring Brook Drive: Pope to Killen, $1.1 million.
> 21697 Government Point Road: Hurt to Holcomb, $725,000.
> 24199 East Burns Valley Road, Kuehl to Twite, $649,000.
> 63 Buck Ridge Road: Rockellow to Atkisson, $610,000.
> 23679 Homer Valley Road: Speltz/Brennan Trust to Loesel/Phillips, $589,000.
> 1428 Ridgewood Drive: Arndt to Irish, $500,000.
>1665 Clubhouse Drive: Miene to Espy, $430,000.
> 24853 County Road 17: Fruechte to Clemance, $425,000.
>1617 Clubview Road: Freiheit to Kujak/Illies, $355,000.
> 160 West Fifth Street: Phillips to Kanz. $350,000.
> 1041 Glen Echo Lane: Fooshee to Rades, 316,000.
> 156 Waterford Circle: Barge/Streifel/Kori to Johnson, $325,000.
> 76 Dresser Court: Nix to Marsolek, $305,000.
Earlier: Winona home sales in July
Winona County home sales in August 2023
WINONA, Minn. – Among residential property sales outside Winona logged by Bob Bambenek, county recorder, in August:
Altura: 20831 Cemetery Road, Benck Trust to Kanz, $436,000.
Dresbach: 46711 Waas Valley Drive, Ruben to Coppett, $430,000.
Goodview: 3760 Service Drive, Dennis to Valley Enterprises, $340,000.
LaCrescent: 31399 Pier Ridge Road, Smith to Fosaaen/Dagendash, $500,000.
St. Charles: 1064 Idso Court, Webeck to Girard, $395,000.
St. Charles: 590 East 13th Street, Marsolek to Ruud, $315,000.
Winona County commercial property sales in August 2023
WINONA, Minn. – Among commercial property sales in Winona County logged by Bob Bambenek, county recorder, in August:
Winona: 619 Huff Street (neighborhood shopping mall), Winona Mall to Bros Enterprises, $$1.1 million.
More buses than drivers: Shortage continues
Fleet in gear. The contract school bus company First Student has dozens of yellow buses lined up for the first full week of classes. The gated yard is on Louisa Street on Winona’s Far East End. Once again there’s a shortage fod drivers. Want $20-plus an hour plus a $3,000 signing bonus? “Apply within.” Image: Steve Lunde
Thunderstorms headed our way, then heat relief
WINONA, Minn. – The recent heatwave in the 90s will be broken by a cold front predictied to arrive in southeast Minnesota a little before dusk. The downside: Scattered thunderstorms in a region parched in drought and vulnerable to lightning-started wildfires. The thunderstorm warning also applies to adjacent areas of Wisconsin and Iowa. The heat wave soon will be history. Highs on Wednesday will be around 70, the National Weather Service said.
Earlier: Drought update: Absolute fire ban in Olmsted County
Record: 99 degrees
The high in Winona on Monday was 99 degrees at mid-afternoon. The previous record: 98. The average for the date: 79.
Visitor count 13,000 at LST 325’s LaCrosse stop
LACROSSE, Wis.— The historic World War II landing ship LST 325 unberthed from Riverside Park after 13,000 visitors came aboard over a six-day mooring. The count exceeded expectations, organizers said. The floating museum made a U-turn and headed downriver for the next stop, at Dubuque, on its 2013 Upper Mississippi tour.
Earlier: Bonus yesteryear thrill: Riverside buzz-over
Earlier: World War II naval workhouse draws LaCrosse crowd
R.I.P.: Janet Campbell
ST. CHARLES, Minn. – Janet K. Campbell, 80, of St. Charles, who worked for IBM Credit Union in Rochester, died at Lewiston Senior Living. She also did in-home daycare for many years. She graduated from St. Charles High School in 1961. She loved travel and especially valued her experienves in Australia and Alaska.
Details: Hoff Funeral Home
1943-2023
Argument degenerates into slap, police told; man to jail
WINONA, Minn. – A Winona man was arrested after a woman reported being slapped around at her place. Arrested was William J. Blackmond, 43. Police said he showed signs of intoxication. Although Blackmond didn’t resist arrest, he refused to be tested for drunkenness, police said. He lso refused to make a statement about what happened. . The woman’s 13-year-old daughter told police that she witnessed the slap, which occurred, she said, during an argument. Police reported that the woman’s face was bruised but that she said it didn’t hurt like it did at first. The incident was about 1:20 a.m. in the 700 block of Gilmore Avenue.
Blackmond. Jailed on domestic assault allegation.
Miller scrapyard fire rekindles; extinguished
WINONA Minn. – Firefighters were recalled to the Miller scrapyard where flames had rekindled in an industrial trash bin from the major weekend fire. The new fire was easily extinguished.
Notable journalism
Jacob Shafer (Winona Daily News, September 2, 2023): “‘We Have Good People Here”: 120-Year-Old Winona Business Relies On Its Workforce”
Rachel Mergen (Winona Daily News, August 31, 2023): “Enrollment Down at Winona Public Schools as Teachers Prepare for Start of New School Year”
Steve Rundio (LaCrosse Tribune, September 4, 2023): “‘Desir to Look Good’: LaCrosse Boutique Features Upscale Menswear from Winona”
College scores
Soccer (men): Marian 2, Saint Mary’s 1
Manhunt ends in arrest for Third Street attack
WINONA, Minn. — Police arrested a Winona man for the savage beating of another man on a downtown street in broad daylight Friday evening. Richard Gordon Deppe, 31, had eluded police three days. He was taken without resistance at an upstairs apartment in the 150 block of Lafayette Street. The arrest was less than a block from the assault occurred. When arrested, police said, Deppe refused to make a statement about the attack. The booking charge: Assault with substantial bodily harm. The victim, age 25, whose name police have not released, was in improving but guarded condition at a LaCrosse hospital. The victim told police he knew Deppe but couldn’t explain the attack.
Deppe profile
Deppe is no stranger to police, the courts or prison. His conviction record includes:
2021: Credit card fraud, Wabasha.
2021: Meth possession, Winona, 15 months at St. Cloud state prison.
2021: Domestic assault, Winona, 30 days in county jail.
2019: Marijuana sale, Winona.
2018: Marijuana possession, Winona.
2018: Diazepam possession, Winona, 15 months at St. Cloud state prison.
2018: Assisting a drug offender, Winona.
2018: Disorderly conduct, Winona, 30 days in county jail.
2017: Drug paraphernalia possession, Winona.
2015: Aiding an offender, Winona, 42 months at St. Cloud state prison.
2013: Disorderly conduct for noise, Winina, two days in county jail.
2011: Marijuana possession, Winona.
2010: Drug paraphernalia possession. Winona, 30 days in county jail.
1992: Marijuana possession, Winona, 15 months
Deppe. Known as “Ricky” to associates. Previous convictions for drugs, violence fraud. Released from St. Cloud state prison last October. Has had 15 Winona addresses over the years.
Prison guards fault management for inmate protest
STILLWATER, Minn. – The collective-bargain agent for Minnesota prison guards, AFSCME Council 5, called the inmate protest at the Stillwater prison “endemic.” In a statement, the union said the protest “highlights the truth behind the operations” of the state Corrections Department that has led to chronic understaffing that upset offender with restrictions on inmate rehab programming and their recreation time. “There are not enough security staff to protect the facility,” the union said. “Our union believes to our core that our correctional facilities cannot have transformational offender programming without sufficient facility security.”
R.I.P.: Georgia Sand
HOUSTON, Minn. – Georgia Helen Sand, 89, of Houston, who worked at La Crosse Footwear, died at Valleyview Health Care in Houston. She was born in Money Creek and graduated from Houston High School in 1952. She lived a while southern Wisconsin but moved back to Houston in 1968
Details: Hoff Funeral Home
1934-2023
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