HBC TV 25 News

Winona County, State and Federal authorities converged on Whitewater State Park arly this morning, apprehending two men wanted in connection with a Florida triple–homicide. Winona County Sheriff Dave Band said 38–year–old James Lindsey Howze of O'Brien, Florida and 47–year–old Lonnie Robert Munn of Lake City, Florida, were arrested without incident after members of the Winona County Emergency Response Team rushed their camper trailer at 1:33 this morning. Brand said the suspects were in custody by 1:40 a.m. Acording to Brand, he was contacted by U.S.

Authorities continue to search for a suspected wanted in connection with the robbery of an Elgin bank Wednesday. Wabasha County officials say there is nothing new to report and that the investigation is continuing. Reports say a lone male entered People's State Bank at around 12:15 Wednesday afternoon and handed a note to a teller. The suspect left with an undisclosed amount of cash. The suspect is described as a white male between 5'8" and 5'10". He was wearing a white tank top with tattoos on both arms and across his chest. He left in a white pickup truck.

Minnesota State Highway 74 between Chatfield and St. Charles will be getting a facelift next week. Starting September 7, the Minnesota Department of Transportation will begin resurfacing the road. Traffic will be reduced to a single land with traffic controlled by flaggers and pilot cars. Officials expect the project to be completed near the end of October. The resurfacing project also includes pedestrian ramp accessibility improvements in Chatfield and St. Charles. Rochester Sand and Gravel, a division of Mathy Construction is the prime contractor for the $3.5 million project.

Tuesday's enforcement of the Ted Foss Move Over Law resulted in over 70 traffic stops by state patrol troopers. The Minnesota State Patrol conducted the enforcement in 11 southeastern Minnesota counties. A total of 267 motorists were stopped for traffic–related violations throughout the district. Minnesota law requires motorists to move over when they see flashing lights. The law was named in honor of State Patrol Trooper Ted Foss who was killed 10 years ago by a passing vehicle as he was responding to a crash scene on the shoulder of Interstate 90 near the Lewiston exit.

School District #861 officials and the Winona Education Association have tentatively agreed to a new contract agreement. The deal will cover teachers from 2009–2011 and 2011–2013. The contracts call for freezing salaries and benefits across–the–board through 2011 with increases in the district's health insurance contribution for 2011–2013. The deal for 2011–2013 also includes step and lane increases for eligible teachers. The settlement was approved by the district's teachers earlier this week and is scheduled to be ratified by the Winona Area Public Schools Board next Thursday.

Representatives of the think tank Minnesota 2020 held a press conference at Winona City Hall this morning to talk about property taxes. According to the group, the average Winona homeowner's property taxes have risen an inflation–adjusted 26 percent since 2002. Winona Mayor Jerry Miller said the city made a commitment to provide property tax relief to local homeowners if the state would boost its LGA allotment to Winona. He said Winona would set aside half of their proposed allotment of one million dollars for local property tax relief.

Money is available through the City of Winona to expand broadband technologies in the city. The $85,000 in grant monies came through the C. K. Blandin Foundation. Assistant City Planner Carlos Espinosa said several types of projects qualify for funding.

The Morrie Miller Athletic Foundation will host its annual fundraising event next weekend. A 5K run/walk will be held at Winona Senior High School on September 11. Anyone interested in participating can pick up a registration form at the Winona YMCA and on raceberry.com. Participants will receive a moisture–wicking t–shirt and complimentary refreshments. New this year is a run for kids aged 4–12. The event is free.

Recent graduates from St. Mary's University will be returning to campus next weekend. SMU is hosting its Young Alumni Reunion Weekend, Sept. 10–12. Around 200 alumni are expect to return for a weekend of events which will include a bonfire, a community outreach project, a faculty and staff social, ropes course activities, disc golfing and a pig roast picnic. The weekend coincides with Cardinal 'M' Club Weekend.

A single–vehicle accident in Wabasha County has killed one person. The Minnesota State Patrol reports 44-year-old Todd Lewison of Mazeppa died when his 2002 Saturn left Highway 63, struck a rock wall and overturned near milepost 71. Officials say Lewison died at the scene. He was alone in the car. The accident happened shortly before 9:15 Monday morning. Reports indicate Lewison was wearing his seatbelt.