HBC TV 25 News

For more than a month and a half, persons living in District 2 have had no representation on the Winona Area Public Schools Board. Last night, board members talked about what should be done about the seat that had been filled by Brian Neil until his resignation June 30. John Goplen said the second district is not without a voice. Board members decided to leave the seat empty until the General Election with the winner to take the seat immediately.

Winona's Levee Park was filled with excitement this morning as people from around the country gathered for the annual Ragnar Race. Spokesperson Jill Coombes said there are 12 races across the county this year with four more to be added for 2011. She said today's event featured around 310–12 person teams with participates from Seattle to New York taking part. This is the second year Ragnar has come to Winona.

Several motorists were caught not moving over for an emergency vehicle Thursday morning. The Winona County Sheriff's Department along with Winona Police were participating in a state–wide enforcement intitiative of the Ted Foss "Move Over" Law. Working in tandem with the Winona County Sheriff's Department, Winona Police issued four tickets to motorists who did not move over while deputies were conducting a traffic stop.

The Goodview Day's Activity Group is gearing up for a full weekend of fun. The 34th Annual Goodview Days celebration runs through Sunday in Goodview. This morning, kids showed off their floats and costumes during the kiddie parade which moved along Fifth Street. Following the parade, kid's enjoyed music by David Dall.

The Winona County Sheriff's Department is reporting several incidents of garages and cars being entered overnight in the Spring Brook addition. Chief Deputy Ron Ganrude said that as of 8:30 this morning, three calls were received from persons reporting items missing from unlocked vehicles. Ganrude said all three callers reported their cars were parked in unlocked garages. Items missing included iPods and loose change.

The Winona Community Foundation has announced the recipient of the 2010 Founders Award. This year, the award was presented to the Winona Hims. The award is given to groups that demonstrate a commitment to improving the quality of live in the Winona area through use of their time, talent and treasure. The Winona Hims is a non–denominational men's choir performing spiritual music. As recipients of the award, the Hims can now give the $2000 award to a charity of its choice or divide it among several charitable organizations.

A new Miss Goodview was crowned last night at the annual scholarship pageant held at the Winona Middle School. Miss Goodview 2010 is Shelby Faustino. Her royal court includes First Attendant Monica Weltzein and Second Attendant Jenna Amundson. Amundson was also named Miss Congeniality. Faustino and her court will preside over this weekend's Goodview Days. If you missed last night's pageant telecast, it will be replayed Saturday at 7:30 p.m.

The Winona and Goodview law enforcement community made it clear today that they intend to be party–crashers. At a press conference this morning, Winona Police Chief Paul Bostrack announced that the department has received a grant that will allow stepped up walking and squad patrols to enforce drinking laws. The city has had a number of past alcohol related deaths, something Bostrack said they want to avoid in the future. Both Winona and Goodview have adopted social host ordinances that make it a misdemeanor to allow underage drinking in your house, apartment or dorm room.

Car prowlers were at it again in Winona with thieves striking in Knopp Valley. Winona Deputy Chief Tom Williams said residents in the area of Hillsdale Court notified police of the break–ins Wednesday. According to reports, at least four vehicles were entered. Items taken included iPods and iPod chargers and adapters, and loose change and cash. A 3–inch Buck knife was also taken from one of the cars. Williams said all of the vehicles were either in residential driveways or a garage and were unlocked.

Lake Winona will be buzzing the the sound of jet skis as the Great Lakes Watercross tour comes to Winona. The event features closed course racing with speeds approaching 70 mph and freestyle events. Racing begins at 10:00 am August 28 on East Lake Winona. Attendees will also have the opportunity to see 17-year-old Spencer Sieraki of Winona compete. Sieraki is currently competing at an event in West Virgina. This will be the sixth round of racing in the Great Lakes Watercross 2010 Tour. For more information log onto: www.greatlakeswatercross.com.