HBC TV 25 News

There are several special city council meetings planned for Monday and Tuesday of next week. Informational sessions to discuss the 2011 City of Winona Budget are planned for Monday at 5:05 p.m., and Tuesday at 5:00 p.m. in the Wenonah Room of City Hall. Preceding Monday's budget informational session, council will hold a special meeting to consider vacating a public utility easement for a riverfront condo development proposed by developer Dave McNally. The meeting will also be held in the Wenonah Room. These meetings are open to the public.

Gladiolus Days wraps up this weekend in St. Charles. Earlier this week, Ashley Paladie was crowned Miss Gladiolus 2010. First runner up is Samatha Reps and Candi Jo Holets was named second runner up. Reps was also named Miss Congeniality and Miss Photogenic. Tonight's events include a fish fry and two street dances with music provided by "Standby" and "Trouble Shooter." On Saturday there's the 3 mile Run/Walk with registration beginning at 8:00 a.m.

Tomorrow from 9:00 a.m. until 3:00p.m. you can help support the Cotter Band simply be getting behind the wheel of a new car. "Drive One For Your School" is a Ford Motor Company initiative to help schools earn money. Money raised will help offset Cotter Band expenses. This event will take place at St. T's/John Nett Rec Center on the Cotter Campus. For every valid test–drive completed, Sugarloaf Ford along with Ford Motor Company will donate $20.00 to the Cotter Band; up to $6000.00.

Assault charges are pending against a Winona Area Public Schools Board candidate. Winona Police report charges of Fifth Degree Assault Causing Fear and Fifth Degree Assault Causing Harm are expected to be filed against 38–year–old Tirina Vernesha Lynn Moynagh after she allegedly assaulted an unidentified 40–year–old male. According to reports there was a verbal argument reported between Moynahgh and the victim at a residence in the 310 block of Harriet Street. The victim told police Moynagh pushed him, grabbed him around his neck and scratched him. A witness confirmed the account.

Winona is one of several Minnesota cities nominated to receive an award recognizing community pride. The online news publication MinnPost.com is sponsoring the event designed to showcase community–wide improvement efforts and achievements in specific categories. Winona was nominated for the Winona County Courthouse 120th Anniversary Open House and the 5th Anniversary of the building's rededication which took place on October 4 of last year. Winona Police officer Kevin Kearney was one of the event's planners and he will be at the fair to share more information on the open house.

An increase in email phishing has been noticed. Phishing is a method individuals use in an attempt to get your personal information. The perpetrators send out very official, very real looking and sounding emails hoping that you will respond. Some of the false email sources are Amazon.com, Ebay.com, Newegg.com, Overstock.com, Priceline.com, even the IRS. Almost all involve an "order confirmation" request. Most of the emails also include a false contact number where the person on the other end will try to get your contact information.

The Winona County Board has hired a retired attorney as interim county attorney. Last night commissioners unanimously approved Thomas Frost to complete the remainder of Chuck MacLean's term. Frost will serve until January when a newly elected county attorney takes over. Frost, of Trego, Wisconsin, comes with a wealth of experience having served in the Hennepin County Attorney's office for six years as the managing attorney for the child protection division. He has also worked in the Ramsey County and Dakota County Attorney's Offices.

Thursday the city will be celebrating Winona's National Night Out with block parties planned throughout Winona. In addition to about a dozen neighborhood gatherings, the City of Winona is hosting a party at the East End Recreation Center. Winona Police Community Liaison Officer Kevin Kearney said special guests will be stopping by all the parties. They will include firefighters, police officers, city officals and McGruff the Crime Dog. If your neighborhood is not hosting an event, Kearney said everyone is invited to attend the East End Rec block party.

Winona Police report a home burglary in the 150 block of Jay Bee Drive in Winona. Winona Police Sergeant Chris Nelson said a person or persons entered the occupied home sometime between 11:30 p.m. Monday and 7:30 Tuesday morning. Missing from inside the home is a laptop computer valued at $3000. A laptop was also missing from a vehicle parked in the garage. It was valued at $1200. Nelson said they have no suspects at this time. The incident remains under investigation.

St. Charles is celebrating Gladiolus Days all this week. Events began Saturday with a bike ride and rally. The fun continues tonight with the Teen Dance at the Moose Lodge and Thursday night you can yuck it up with the Scott Hansen Comedy Gallery, also at the Moose Lodge. Friday brings more music and events including the cake walk, wine tasting, a fish fry and a street dance featuring the bands "Standby" and "Trouble Shooter." And Saturday features a golf tournament, volley ball and softball tournaments and a flea market, plus more great food and music.