HBC TV 25 News

A Mayo Clinic internal medicine specialist will discuss frac sand related health concerns at 7:00 tonight in Figliulo Recital Hall of the Page Theatre at Saint Mary's University. Wayne Feyereisn's presentation will focus on health concerns related to silica sand dust and diesel exhaust. Other topics will include information on truck routes and proposed frac sand processing and transport facility locations The presentation is sponsored by the Land Stewardship Project, Citizens Concerned about Silica Mining, Concerned Citizens for St.

Minnesota's ice fishing shelter removal dates are approaching as February draws to a close. The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources said dark houses, fish houses and portables need to be off the ice by midnight March 4 in the southern part of the state. The March 4 deadline applies to an area south of a line starting at the Minnesota–North Dakota border along Highway 10, then east to the Minnesota–Wisconsin border near Duluth. The shelter removal deadline for border waters is March 1 for Minnesota–Wisconsin. Those who do not remove their shelters will be prosecuted.

Almost 100 people took the Grumpy Plunge to help raise money for Great River Homes of Wabasha Saturday during the Grumpy Old Men Festival. Hundreds watched as folks of all ages jumped off the dock at Slippery's into the Mississippi River. One of those jumping was Bob Fetting of Nelson. At 74-years-old, Bob was the oldest to take the plunge. While the shock of hitting the water was said to take your breath away, some said it was warmer in the water than standing on shore. A total of 94 people braved the waters raising thousands of dollars. A final total is not yet available.

Tonight's public hearing on the proposed Dabelstein and Yoder mines has been cancelled. Minnesota Sands reported informed Winona County officials this morning that they would conduct a voluntary EIS and requested that actions related to their Conditional Use Permits be tabled for the Dabelstein and Yoder sites. The regular Planning Commission meeting at 5:30 pm will be held as scheduled. County officals say more details on the scope of the EIS would be released soon.

Winona State University President Dr. Scott Olson notified students and their families today of an incident of sexual misconduct involving then dean of business, Bill Murphy. Winona Police Deputy Chief Tom Williams said today that university officials had requested and investigation, but that it did not rise to a criminal level based on information uncovered by police. According to Williams, the behavior appeared to be among conscenting adults. He said at that point the university handled the incident internally.

Winona State University students and families were notified today of an incident regarding inappropriate interaction between an employee of the University and several male students. In an email distributed to students and staff this morning, President Dr. Scott Olson said the school learned of the incident this past fall.

Winona Police have a man in custody following an eight hour game of cat and mouse.
At 3:50 pm police dispatch received a complaint of a black Chevy Impala running red lights and stop signs. An officer in an unmarked squad pulled in behind the vehicle after seeing the car run the stop light at Sarnia and Huff Streets. The officer attempted to stop the vehicle but was unable to due to traffic and road conditions.

After amending the language of proposed changes to the Sand Moratorium Ordinances, those rules are now expected to be adopted at the next Winona City Council meeting.

Governor Mark Dayton has announced that he will lead representatives from Minnesota businesses and organizations on a trade mission to Germany, Sweden and Norway in June. The group hopes to increase state exports, attract foreign investment opportunities and meet with potential customers and partners in Europe and Scandinavia during networking events and activities in Berlin, Dusseldorf/Cologne, Oslo and Stockholm. Minnesota exports have set quarterly records for eight straight quarters and are expected to reach another annual record when 2012's final numbers are completed.

U.S. Senator Al Franken has introduced the Mental Health in Schools Act, which would ensure schools provide access to mental health treatment for kids who need such services. The bill would authorize funding for grants to schools and community mental health centers to work with organizations to expand access to mental health services for students. A House version is expected to be introduced soon. Franken's bill has received support from mental health professionals, parents, educators, and law enforcement.