HBC TV 25 News

Winona City Council members got their first look last night at the proposed 2011 budget for the City of Winona. The budget comes in at just over $32.7 million and includes elements that have already raised concerns among the council. The biggest concern is a proposed 4.6 percent property tax increase for 2011. The proposed document also includes a $24 million equipment bond which would be used to purchase emergency response and city departmental vehicles. The money would also help purchase 800 megahertz radios for Winona Police and Fire departments.

Ten years ago today a Minnesota State Patrol trooper from Winona was killed in the line of duty near the Lewiston exit on Interstate 90. The Minnesota State Patrol and the state Department of Transportation hosted a news conference this morning at State Patrol District Headquarters in Rochester to honor Trooper Ted Foss' memory by educating motorists of the Ted Foss Move Over Law. Foss was struck and killed by a vehicle during a routine traffic stop on August 31, 2000.

Work can now proceed on a condominium to be built near Winona's riverfront. During a special meeting last night, Winona City Council members approved vacating an easement required for construction to begin. The River View Condos will be built at 2 Washington Street on property owned by developer Dave McNally.

Winona Police are letting students know that underage drinking will not be tolerated. This past weekend, Winona Police cited 35 individuals for unlawful consumption of alcohol. Police have stepped up foot patrols both downtown and around the Winona State University campus. According to Deputy Chief Tom Williams, the increased enforcement efforts are funded by an $5000 federal grant.

Beginning today, the Winona Chamber Office will be temporarily closed while it relocates. This week, staff is busy getting the office moved and ready to open for business at its new location of 902 East Second Street Suite 120 on Tuesday September 7. An Open House event is planned for Tuesday afternoon from 3:00 until 6:00 p.m.

Quite a crowd gathered along the shores of East Lake Winona Saturday to watch Round Six of the 2010 Great Lakes Watercross Tour. Conditions were perfect as jet ski racers competed in closed course and freestyle events. Great Lakes Watercross promoter Scott Hyke said local racer Spenser Sieracki thought Lake Winona would provide a great venue for the event. Hyke said the began talking with city officials and they were able to bring the tour to Winona. Leading the pack in the novice division was Winona's Spenser Sieracki. Sieracki is a senior at Cotter High School.

There are two special city council meetings planned for tonight and another scheduled for Tuesday. The first meeting tonight is being held to consider vacating a public utility easement to allow construction of a riverfront condo development to begin at the foot of Washington Street. The project is being proposed by local developer Dave McNally. That meeting begins at 5:00 p.m. in the Wenonah Room of City Hall. Then at 5:05 tonight, council members will begin discussions concerning the 2010 City of Winona Budget.

HBC–TV 25 will be receiving a schedule overhaul next week. Beginning Monday, it will be easier to find your favorite programs. The new schedule follows more of a network-type line up with shows on at the same time five to six times a week. You can find a copy of the new program line up at my.hbci.com/hbctv HBC customers will also be receiving a copy of the new schedule in your next invoice. Those who use e–pay will receive the new line up as an attachment to your online bill.

Tirina Bryant Moynagh has dropped out of the race for the District 2 seat on the Winona Area Public Schools Board. Moynagh bowed out yesterday following her arrest on charges of domestic assault. Moynagh was released from custody on her own recognizance following her court hearing. Her next court appearance is September 3.

Winona Area Public Schools celebrates a milestone this year. District 861 is celebrating its sesquicentennial this school year and many special events are planned throughout the year. Commemorative activities are scheduled during Homecoming Week, American Education Week, and at the Sesquicentennial Showcase on March 19. You may purchase your commemorative buttons for $5 each at the Community Education Office, at the Winona Middle School after School Activities Office, at the WSHS Activities Office and at school events.