HBC TV 25 News

Careful demolition of the former Chrysler Winona building got underway Tuesday. A backhoe made quick work of the building originally built in the 1920's. This morning the demolition continued on the Port Authority owned building. The port also owns the former Charter building located at Fourth and Johnson Streets. It too has a date with the wrecking ball in the coming days. However parts of both building will live on as part the Winona County Historical Society's expansion project. Workers gingerly set aside blocks of Winona stone from the Chrysler building.

The Winona Area Public Schools Board meets Thursday night. The board will vote on a number of items. One of those votes will establish a budget reduction goal for fiscal year 2010. According to financial forecasts from the city, state and federal governments, the district faces an anticipated budget deficit of $3.2 million. As part of cost saving measures, the administration will ask the board to approve implementation of a 4–day workweek for the summer months. Administrators estimate energy savings to the district of nearly $25,000 for the period of June 22 through August 14.

The Winona Area Public Schools Board of Education will hold two public listening sessions to gather public input on budget reductions for the upcoming school year. The School District will be looking at finding ways to trim its budget for the 2009–2010 school year by over 3 million dollars. The first meeting will be held Monday, March 9 at the Winona Senior High School auditorium from 7:00–9:00 p.m. A second is scheduled for Wednesday, March 18 at the Winona Middle School auditorium from 7:00 until 9:00 p.m.

The Minnesota League of Women Voters–Winona Chapter will be hosting a public forum on campaign financing Thursday night. "Campaign Financing: How does it Impact Democracy?" will feature panelists Cherie MacLennan, the Winona County Auditor; and WSU's Kara Lindaman, Ph.D. of the Department of Political Science/Public Administration. The forum begins at 7:00 p.m. and will be held in the Commissioners Board of the Winona County Government Center. It will be followed by audience discussion. The public is encouraged to attend and participate in the discussion.

The Winona City Council agreed to a proposal that would grant temporary, conditional exceptions to the city's rental cap rule. On a split vote, council moved to allow city staff to grant one–year exceptions to the rental cap for property owners trying to sell homes on blocks that exceed the 30–percent threshold. Council could finalize the proposal yet this month. The exception was proposed by councilman Tim Breza and would give homeowners an option of short term rental of property listed to be sold. Councilman Al Thurley said he had reservations about allowing temporary rental status.

The United Way of the Greater Winona Area held its 65th annual meeting Monday night. The meeting highlighted the accomplishments of the organization and its volunteers during the past year. In addressing the group, Board president Darrell Ehrlick said the past year was challenging, but that there were many positive things that happened in 2008 including an increase in relationships and partnerships for the United Way. Winona businessman Steve Blue was recognized for his work with Leadership Giving.

Winona Police arrested a Winona woman after she allegedly beat her boyfriend after her refused to give her a ride to LaCrosse early this morning. Winona Deputy Chief Paul Bostrack said officers were called at around 2:20 a.m. to a residence in the 1060 block of East Seventh Street to remove and unwanted person. He said upon the officers arrival, they found 28–year–old Cheyenne Lynn Islam creating a disturbance. According to reports a 31–year–old male at the residence said he and Islam had been asleep when she awoke and asked him to make a pizza.

A summons has been issued for a Winona man to appear in court to face three drug related charges. Documents filed in Winona County District Court charge Allen Richard Walters of Winona with one count of Second Degree Sale of a Controlled Substance in a school zone. Walters' also faces two counts of Third Degree Sale of a Controlled Substance. Reports allege Walters sold cocaine to an informant twice on April 29, 2008 and again on June 6, 2008. His first court appearance is scheduled for April 28.

A judge has ruled against a request to suppress DNA evidence clearing the way for a trial in the 1985 murder of Ada Senenfelder. According to Winona County Attorney Chuck MacLean, District Judge Robert Benson denied the request submitted by attorney Chuck Ramsey who is representing Jack Willis Nissalke; the man who police say murdered the Winona woman to prevent her from testifying against another man.

The Winona County Board of Commissioners will be meeting Tuesday morning. Commissioners will be voting on a resolution to enter into an agreement with the State of Minnesota and Olmstead County to be able to access grant money to upgrade the county's radio communications infrastructure. The move will help facilitate the upgrade to the 800 megahertz standard that was adopted by the state. By entering into the agreement, Winona County would be required to pay nearly $11,000 to receive a portion of over $1 million in grant money.