HBC TV 25 News

A Winona man was arrested and placed in jail on charges of selling a controlled substance. According to Deputy Chief Paul Bostrack, 30-year-old Antonio Bracy was taken into custody after alledgedly selling cocaine to a confidential police informant on two separate occasions. On April 8, 2008, Bracy is alledged to have sold 1.64 grams of cocaine to an informant. He is also accused of selling 3.15 grams of cocaine to an informant on May 6, 2008.

A bill passed the Minnesota House Wednesday that requires insurance companies to regularly notify homeowners about whether or not they have flood insurance. The bill, sponsored by LaCrescent DFL'er Ken Tschumpter, passed with bipartisian support by an 87-45 vote. The legislation would require insurance agents to provide written notice to homeowners, at least once each year, that their homeowner's policy does not cover damage caused by flooding. The notice must tell homeowners how to contact NFIP to find out more about purchasing flood insurance.

Severe weather sent many Winona County residents scurrying for their basements Tuesday night. The National Weather Service issued a tornado warning after funnel clouds were reported at several different locations in the county. Funnel clouds were reported near Utica and there was a report of a tornado touchdown near Clyde in Saratoga Township in Winona County's southwest corner. Reports of heavy rain were also common. There were no reports of damage or injury caused by last nights severe weather.

Two new members were appointed to a committee that will explore the pre-design elements of a new multi-use facility for Winona. Monday night the city council approved the addition of Mike Leaf and Richard MacDonald to the multi-purpose event center and arena ad-hoc committee. The proposed facility would house events ranging from The Great River Shakespeare Festival and other arts events to sporting events. According to City Manager Eric Sorenson, the committee should be ready to recommend a consultant for the project by September.

Winona County Commissioners are expected to approve a state sub-grant that would make additional dollars availabe for flood recovery. The Homeland Security and Emergency Management Sub-Grant Agreement would formalized just over $321,000 in additional aid for roads and bridges, buildings and equipment, water control facilities and other projects. The money will come from a state issued general obligation bond. Commissioners will also continue discussion on a comprehensive study of last August's flood. The study would cost $48,000.

A multi-purpose arena, sidewalk replacement and surplus city property are just three of the items up for discussion and action at tonight's meeting of the Winona City Council. Council is expected to approve members of a new ad-hoc committee that will oversee the pre-design process for a proposed city multi-purpose facility.

A Winona man was being held Friday in the Winona County Jail on charges of third degree criminal sexual conduct. Winona Police Deputy Chief Paul Bostrack said 19-year-old Hector Valenzuela was arrested by police officers without incident yesterday and questioned about an alledged sexual assault involving a 15-year-old girl. Bostrack said police were notified after the girl spoke with school officials about the incident Thursday. According to reports the alledged incident took place Wednesday evening at a West end Winona residence.

Winona State University held commencement exercises for over 900 graduates Friday at McCown Gymnasium. Graduates from the College of Business and the College of Liberal Arts received degrees during the morning ceremony. The College of Nursing and Health Sciences and the College of Science and Engineering received degrees at an afternoon ceremony. The guest speaker for this year's commencement was Thomas Ehrlich. Ehrlich is the Senior Scholar at the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching.

Winona Police Chief Frank Pomeroy announced Friday that he will be retiring next year. His last official day on the job will be March 31, 2009 at which time he will be completing his 34th year in law enforcement. Pomeroy said he felt it was time to step down. He said it has been an honor and a priviledge to serve the Winona community. Pomeroy will end his career as the longest tenured chief of police in Winona's history, having spent over 22 years at the post. He began his law enforcement career as a patrolman with the Winona Police Department on April 1, 1975.

The Winona Area Public Schools Board will meet Thursday evening for a study session. School board members will hear more about the track and field relocation and improvements at Paul Giel Field. The project recently received a postitive review from the Minnesota Department of Education. The district and the Morrie Miller Foundation would like to consider the option of adding an artificial turf playing surface to Paul Giel Field. It would add an additional $400,000 to the project with the district donating $150,000 and the Morrie Miller Foundation funding the remaining balance.