HBC TV 25 News

The Minnesota Department of Public Safety Office of Traffic Safety released preliminary traffic crash reports earlier in the week. They indicate Minnesota's pedestrian fatalities have hit the 20–death mark for the year. There were 19 pedestrian deaths at this time last year and 41 pedestrian deaths for all of 2009, the highest number since 2005. DPS officials are calling for increased motorist awareness of pedestrians as students return to campus and foot traffic increases to and from schools. Some safety tips for motorists include: Drive at safe speeds and pay attention for pedestrians.

Assault charges have been filed against a St. Charles man for punching a co–worker in the face over a disagreement. 33–year–old Jerad Blake Christopherson is charged in a Winona County Court criminal complaint with third degree assault–causing substantial bodily harm and fifth degree assault for having two or more prior convictions.

The issue of conforming/non–conforming structures, a major issue holding up a proposed zoning ordinance, was tentatively solved by the Winona County Board last night. Discussion began with Second District Commissioner Marcia Ward entering a motion that the proposed zoning document be put on hold while the county's comprehensive plan was re–written. According to Ward, the comprehensive plan is the key document that commissioners have been ignoring. Ward suggested that the comprehensive plan would be the appropriate place to address non–conforming land use.

Before the meeting, groups in favor of the new plan and against it rallied at the Winona County Government Center. The group Landowners of Winona County organized a tractor parade down Winona's Main Street to demonstrate their dis–satisfaction of the proposed zoning document. The organization is composed of rural land owners who believe restrictions on land use would adversely affect their livelihood. Group member and rural landowner Steve Jacob said the proposed ordinance will have economic impacts. Others who favor the document were represented as well.

A new Miss Goodview will be crowned tonight in the Winona Middle School Auditorium. Six young women will be competing for $4000 in scholarship money. This year's contestants are Jenna Amundson, Clara Bruner, Nicole Elliott, Shelby Faustino, Madalyn Stevens and Monica Weltzien. The pageant begins at 7:00. Tickets are $7.00 at the door. The Miss Goodview Pageant will be televised live tonight on HBC–TV 25. The program will be re–aired Saturday evening at 7:30 on HBC-TV 25.

Winona's two universities have earned the title "Best Regional Universities" by U.S. News Media Group. Winona State University is ranks high among public universities in Minnesota in the category of "Best Regional Universities" in the 2011 edition of the publication. WSU Vice–president for student life and achievement, Connie Gores, was very excited with the news. Winona State University is ranked second among public universities in Minnesota in the category of "Best Regional Universities”.

Work began this week on a major city street project. A stretch of Second Street from Hamilton Street to Mankato Avenue is closed to traffic as crews begin a street reconstruction project. According to the city engineers office, the project will include new curb and gutter and water main replacement. During construction, residents will have limited access to their homes. The project will be completed the first part of November.

Winona Women in Business is looking for outstanding women. The Outstanding Women in Business Award committee is seeking nominations in a number of categories. Nomination forms are available at the Winona Daily News, Sport and Spine and from anyone on the Women in Business board. For more information and a complete listing of award categories, log onto: www.wibwinona.org. Winners will be announced at the Outstanding Women in Business Awards Banquet to be held October 21 at Signature's.

Department of Transportation officials will hold a public meeting in Winona next week to discuss the next I–90 project scheduled for 2011. Interested members of the public are invited to attend the meeting on Monday, Aug. 23, to learn more about the Interstate 90 resurfacing project and proposed detour scheduled to begin summer 2011. According to the Minnesota Department of Transportation, two informational sessions will be held at the Winona City Hall in the City Council Chambers. The first session is from 4:00 to 5:00 p.m. with a short presentation at 4:30 p.m.

Perhaps city manager Eric Sorensen summed the city bee issue best by saying "to bee or not to bee." That was the question before Winona city council members last night. Council was prepared to pass a final ordinance to regulate beekeeping within the city. But instead will wait 30 days before taking a final vote. Second Ward Councilman Gerry Krage said keeping bees in the city should be regulated, however suggested that residents meet with city staff to come up with a consensus.
The issue will be brought back before the city council at a future date.