Wisconsin prep
Basketball (boys): Galesville-Ettrick-Trempealeau Red Hawks 76, Altoona Railroaders 51
Basketball (boys): Independence Indees 53, New Auburn Trojans 49
Basketball (boys): Arcadia Raiders 57, Eau Claire Regis Ramblers 54
Basketball (girls): Cochrane-Fountain City Pirates 57, Eleva-Strum Cardinals 29
Basketball (girls): Blair-Taylor Wildcats 85, Whitehall Norse 43
Basketball (girls): Melrose-Mindoro Mustangs 48, Augusta Beavers 46
Basketball (girls): Arcadia Raiders 65, Black River Falls Tigers 34
Basketball (girls): New Auburn Trojans 42, Independence Indees 31
New state law: 2040 as zero-emission deadline
ST. PAUL, Minn. – Governor Tim Walz signed legislation into law establishing Minnesota as carbon-free in electricity production by the year 2040. At the signing ceremony, at the St. Paul Regional Labor Center, Walz emphasized provisions fir in the law for job protection in moving to new power production methods. “Minnesota will continue to lead the way on combatting climate change and we’ll create clean energy jobs in the process,” he said. “This bill is an essential investment in our future that will continue to pay off for generations to come.” Walz also emphasized that new power-generation projects will need to comply with his overarching One Minnesota goal to be sure that marginalized communities share all the benefits.
How compliance will work
The bill instructs the state Public Utilities Commission to consider these goals in authorizing new power-generation projects:
> Will high-quality jobs be created paying wages that support families?
> Will projects recognize worker rights to unionize?
> Will workers have opportunities to learn new skills in the transition to new energy technology?
> Will all Minnesotans all benefit in the new clean economy?
> Will statewide air emissions be reduced with an eye to environmental justice for marginalized communities.
> Will new electric service be available to all Minnesotans, particularly low-income consumers.
A head start on 2040 goal
Electrical utilities in Minnesota have already made significant strides toward carbon-free energy, Walz noted. He cited a study that carbon emissions fell 54% from 2005 to 2020. He noted too that utilities have sufficient planning time and flexibility to reach the 100% goal while also maintaining reliable and affordable electricity. The law specifies 80% carbon-free production by 2030 and then further reductions every 5 years to reach 100% by 2040. The bill encourages utilities to locate new power-generating facilities in communities where fossil-fuel-generating plants have been retired or are scheduled for retirement and prioritize projects that maximize local employment.
A plea: Opt for shovels and scrapers — no chems
ST. PAUL, Minn. — The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency has launched a chloride reduction project to reduce run-off salt that is damaging wildlife. The salt comes from de-icing streets and sidewalks. “Chloride is toxic to our freshwater fish and insects,” said Brooke Asleson, the agency’s chloride reduction coordinator. “It affects their ability to reproduce successfully. It can affect their growth.” Her project is an informational campaign to find balance between safety and damaging environmental effects. The immediate goal: A 30% to70% reduction in salt use. How? By encouraging people to:
> Opt first for shovels and ice scrapers – not chemicals.
> Look carefully at the fine print on de-icing products because an environmentally friendly claim in the big print doesn’t necessarily mean salt-free.
Jail deal: One month for Amish buggy death
PRESTON, Minn. – A Hastings man whose pickup hit a horse-drawn Amish buggy and killed the 15-year-old driver in 2021 pleaded guilty to reduced charges. It was a plea deal for Joseph Perry, 40. He agreed to plead guilty to two misdemeanor charges, including drug possession, if other charges, including careless driving and felony drug possession, were dropped. Perry said he was unable to swerve in time because the sun was in his eyes. As punishment, the deal suggested one month in jail and two years probation. Perry also agreed to write a condolence letter to the Amish boy’s family.
Earlier: Boy in Amish buggy dies in collision
Hot Powerball ticket at St. Charles worth $50,000
ST. CHARLES, Minn. – Somebody these past few weeks bought a $50,000 Powerball lottery ticket at the Whitewater Travel Plaza at the Interstate 90 exit into St. Charles. We may never know who — because law regards the names of winners of more than $10,000 as private information. The winner, whoever he or she may be, has one year to claim the money. Meanwhile, the big Powerball winner, of $654 million, was in Washington state.
$100,000 bail for man quelled only after three tasers
PRESTON, Minn.— Bail was set at $100,000 for a Canton man arrested after strongly resisting arrest in a traffic stop near Canton. Jacob Olias Erickson, 31, was charged with assault against a peace officer, fleeing a police officer in a motor vehicle, and attempting to disarm a peace officer. He also faces 10 lesser charges. In the arrest, Erickson fended off two taser shots before before downed by a third. Even then, according to the trooper, he got still got up fighting. In setting bail, Judge Christopher Neisen told Erickson to abstain from illegal drugs and alcohol if he is able to post the $100,00 bail. The prosecution noted that Erickson has drunken-driving convictions in 2015 and 2017 across the state line Iowa.
Earlier: Charge: Canton man resists arrest, roughs up trooper
Erickson. Pulled off state trooper by passersby after pinning trooper to ground, according to court documents.
R.I.P.: LeRoy Gunderson
WINONA, Minn. – LeRoy “Whitey” Gunderson, 84, of Winona, who had a long career as a production control manager at Peerless Chain, died at home of cancer. Earlier he was at the Sherwin Williams paint store. He graduated from Fountain City High School in 1956. He served two years in the U.S. Army as a mail clerk in Germany. He belonged to the Peerless golf league and enjoyed lunches with the Peerless retiree group.
Detail: Watkowski-Mulyck Funeral Home
1938-2022
Ex-Congresman Kind joins lobby firm
WASHINGTON – Former LaCrosse member of Congress Ron Kind has joined the Washington public relations company Arnold & Porter as a senior policy advisor. Kind, a Democrat, had represented western Wisconsin 26 years in Congress. His responsibilities with Arnold & Porter include helping clients with “complex policy and legal issues,” Kind said. In Congress Kind was a leader on health care, tax and trade issues.
Lobbying limits
Restrictions prohibit former members of Congress from direct lobbying, but the restrictions eventually expire. About 400 former Congress members have jobs with the lobbying firms under the title “senior policy adviser.” Generally they are paid more than their former Congressional salaries — $174,00 a year.
Arnold & Porter profile
Arnold & Porter is an international law firm with a large lobbying presence in Washington. The Washington office has 140 persons on the professional staff. The offices are less than a mile from the Capitol at the fashionable 601 Masxachusetts Avenue Northwest address, an easy walk or cab ride.
Minnesota prep
Basketball (boys): Lewiston Altura Cardinals 89, Blooming Prairie Amazing Bloomers 74
Basketball (boys): Chatfield Gophers 58, Winona Cotter Ramblers 43
Basketball (girls): Lake City Tigers 52, Winona Cotter Ramblers 50
Basketball (girls): LaCrescent-Hokah Lancers 61, Lewiston-Altura Cardinals 55
Basketball (girls): St. Charles Saints 45, Mabel-Canton Cougars 38
Wisconsin prep
Basketball (boys): Whitehall Norse 89, Alma Center Lincoln Hornets 66
Basketball (boys): Black River Falls Tigers 49, Melrose-Mindoro Mustangs 38
Basketball (boys): Fall Creek Crickets 72, Whitehall Norse 55
Basketball (boys): Arcadia Raiders 64, Neillsville Warriors 59
Basketball (girls): Onalaska Hilltoppers 73, Arcadia Raiders 30
Grand Meadow man: Not guilty to taping naked kids
AUSTIN, Minn. — A Grand Meadow man pleaded not guilty to hiding cameras in his bathroom and taping children. Police reported finding the cameras and tapes in a search of the home of Nicholas Adam Sneed, 45, in December. Later, based on the search warrant, Sneed also was charged with being a felon in possession of a firearm; drug possession for methamphetamine, tramadol and marijuana; and being a controlled substance user in possession of a firearm. He was prohibited from purchasing weapons in 2015, 2017 and 2020 due to a history of violent crime. But he was issued a permit anyway in 2021 — a clerical error, authorities say. The new firearm charges were dismissed at the plea hearing.
Elegance in slim lines: Turbine stark on landscape
Glinting in winter sun. In mid-Winona County on Lewiston’s outskirts. The turbine is one of four owned by the Gundersen hospital in LaCrosse, two in Lewiston and two near Cashton in Wisconsin. Together the turbines generate electricity to power the equivalent of 1,200 homes. The wind farms also lessen the strain on local grids during weather extremes. Image: Steve Lunde
Governor likes black-out charity plates
ST. PAUL, Minn. – Governor Tim Walz has seen black auto license plates in other states and wants Minnesota to go the same route – at least for plates that espouse a cause. About 120,000 Minnesota car owners already pay extra $12.50 for specialty plates that pass on revenue to critical habitat and other causes. Other states do even a brisker business but with so-called black-out plates. Iowa has issued 450,000 this year– compared to only 230,000 two years ago.
Bumper beauty. Ordinary plates would remain with outdoorsy blue and green. How many people would opt for proposed black-out plates that promote a cause?
Mild next few days; perhaps some precip
WINONA, Minn. — A seasonally mild and sunny Sunday ushered in a week promising mild temperatures. Any rain or snow will be isolated, the National Weather Service said. There may also be patchy fog. Daytime highs will be in the mid-30s through Wednesday, then slightly cooler in the upper 20s.
College scores
Tennis (men): St. Norbert 5, Saint Mary’s 4
Wisconsin prep
Basketball (boys): LaCrosse Aquinas Blugolds 61, Dodgevlle Dodgers 59
Basketball (boys): Elroy Royall Panthers 61, Blair-Taylor Wildcats 54
Basketball (girls): Ellsworth Panthers 54, Black River Falls Tigers 37
R.I.P.: LaVonne Majerus
ST.CHARLES, Minn. – LaVonne J. “Boots” Majerus, 87, of St. Charle,w who worked 17 years at Whitewater Healthcare Center and 10 years in the Olmsted Medical Center in St. Charles s, died at Seasons Hospice in Rochester. She graduated from St. Charles High School in 1953. She attended Winona Vo-Tech and earned her nursing certification in 1973. Her jobs included St. Charles IGA and Lewiston Rush Products. She was active in St. Charles Red Hat Ladies, St. Charles Senior Citizens, and several quilting clubs.
Details: Hoff Funeral Home
1935-2023
R.I.P.: Kurt Olloff
RUSHFORD, Minn. – Kurt E. Olloff, 57, of Rushford, a laser metal cutter for Rushford Manufacturing. died at Gundersen hospital in La Crosse. Hewas raised in La Crosse and Houston. He attended Houston schools. He learned auto body repair at Winona Technical College.
Details: Hoff Funeral Home
1959-2023
Man: She slashed at me with butcher knife
WINONA, Minn. – A Winona woman, obviously angry, slashed at a man with a 12-inch butcher knife, the man told police. Precious Jessica Paepzil, 23, was arrested and booked for assault with a deadly weapon, threats of violence, and domestic abuse. The attack had been in the 150 block of East King Street. The man reported that Paepzil was within a foot of his face when she was the most threatening. He was unhurt but afraid, he told police. He ran out to get away. Once police coaxed Paepzel from the residence, which was about 10:10 a.m. they entered and found the knife.
Paepzil. Adult male says she was in his face and yelling and slashing.
Lutheran Sabbath: Faithful pack parking lot
In rolling farmlands. The pastor Bert Mueller had the pews filled at the Silo Lutheran Church on Highway 25 between Rollingstone and Lewiston on this cold and clear Sunday. This was the second service at 10:30. Image: Steve Lunde
R.I.P.: Lynne Bambenek
WINONA, Minn. –Lynne Marie Bambenek, of Winona, who was known n for her love of rock concerts and rescuing Dobermans. died of cancer. She was 62.
Detail: Watkowski-Mulyck Funeral Home
1959-2022
Notable journalism
Mayzie Olson (KAAL television, January 19, 2023): “Family Threatens Legal Action Against School”
Chris Rogers (Winona Post, February 2, 2023): “WPD Officer Charged with Domestic Assault”
Chris Rogers (Winona Post, February 1, 2023): “MMAM Shows Explore ‘Fauna,’ Book Art”
$75 million gift for new St. Thomas arena
ST. PAUL, Minn. — St. Thomas University announced plans for a 6,000-seat $130 million sports arena. The arena is part of the university’s giant leap from Division III in the Minnesota Intercollegiate league to Division I two years ago. Never had there been a move directly from Division III to Division I. The Tommies had so dominated the Minnesota league tyat two years ago that they were asked to leave to restore “competitive balance.” Among MIAC schools is Saint Mary’s in Winona. After being ejected, St. Thomas embarked on creating a Tier 1 athletic presence among Catholic universities. nThe project for a new arena was jump-tarted with a $75 million gift from Lee and Penny Anderson — itself the largest monetary gift to a university in Minnesota history and the ninth largest nationally designated for college sports.
2025 completion target. The arena will replace an 1,800-seat gym on campus and a 1,000-seat suburban ice arena shared with high schools eight miles from campus.
Philanthropists. The Anderson fortune is from 40 fire protection and industrial and specialty construction companies. They live in Florida and vacation in Minnesota. The arena will bear their names.
Inclined to feed wild birds in winter? “Don’t”
ST. PAUL, Minn. – Wildlife experts caution against putting corn and other grains out for wild birds, especially roadside. Birds attracted to the grain are more vulnerable to being hit by traffic, the state Natural Resources Department said. There is special concern for ringtail pheasants, whose population the agency is working to expand. Also:
> Luring wild birds from their nests exposing them to frigid temperatures and predators.
> Encouraging wild birds to congregate increases the chance for avian diseases to spread.
The state has conservation reserve programs that pay farmers to plant tall grass, brush and trees to help create more nesting cover for wildlife.
Test or not, driver faces boozing charge
HOMER, Minn. — Although the driver refused to take a blood-alcohol test, he was charged with drunken-driving anyway. Kenneth Maurice Lofton, 52, of Winona, had been stopped for speeding about 2:26 a.m. on U.S. 61 near the Watkins Road trail up the bluffs. The arrest was based on his alcohol body odor, bloodshot and watery eyes, impaired speech, and an inability to walk a straight line. He was driven to jail.
Lofton. Charges include refusing a breath test in the field and then also a test at the station house.
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