HBC TV 25 News

The City of Winona Port Authority gave its approval Thursday to loan over $5 million to Bay State Milling Company. The loan will be used by the company to update equipment at the Winona plant. Bay State officials said the upgrades will help the company remain competitive and save at least 15 jobs over the next two years. The loan is being backed by tax–exempt state recovery zone facilities bonds.

Forbes.com has released its 2010 list of "America's Best Colleges" and it includes a local university. Saint Mary's University is at number 457 on the listing of 610 "best public and private colleges and universities —from the student's point of view." The list can be found at: www.forbes.com/lists/2010/94/best–colleges–10_Americas–Best–Colleges_Rank.html. A total of 15 other Minnesota Colleges also made the list.

Roadwork on Interstate 90 near Winona is entering the final stages. Traffic previously routed onto westbound lanes will now be spilt with one eastbound and one westbound lane open. Construction crews will continue to finish up on/off ramp work and will begin removing crossover medians used during construction. The Enterprise Rest Area will also remain closed. Motorists will experience a smoother ride surface when the project is completed in mid–August, weather permitting. P.C.I. Roads is the prime contractor for the $15,327,582 construction project.

Beekeeping will be the buzz at the Winona City Council meeting next week. Council members will further discuss the proposed beekeeping ordinance that was introduced at the last council meeting. The ordinance will allow bees to be kept but they would be required to follow certain guidelines. Council will also approve the issuance of bonds to Bay State Milling. That measure was passed yesterday by the port authority. The Winona City Council meets Monday night at 6:30 in city hall council chambers.

The Winona County Red Cross has opened a place for those without air conditioning to beat the heat. Thursday, local Red Cross officials opened a cooling shelter at their offices on Kramer Drive in Winona. Emergency Services Director Chris Humble said this is a first for the local Red Cross. With the break in the weather today, Humble said she didn't know how many people may stop by, but the cooling shelter will remain open until 7:00 p.m. tonight. She said if the heat returns, it could reopen this weekend as well.

The American Red Cross, Winona is opening a cooling center for residents of southeast Minnesota who are feeling overwhelmed by the heat.
Thursday August 12th and Friday August 13th from 1:00pm until 7:00pm, individuals may go to the Winona County Red Cross Chapter building 1660 Kraemer Dr, for a cool place to wait until they feel comfortable returning to their homes. Red Cross volunteers will staff the cooling center, where water and snacks will be available. There is no cost for any assistance received from the Red Cross.

District 31B State Representative Greg Davids is recovering at Saint Mary's Hospital in Rochester, following quadruple–bypass surgery on Tuesday.
Davids did not have a heart attack, but instead went to St. Mary's on Monday to undergo an angiogram. It's believed that the results of that test sent Davids to the operating table.
Davids' Legislative assistant, Kitty Musty, said that Davids was in good spirits, and has told those close to him that he's ready to get back on the campaign trail.

Minnesota voters are casting ballots to decide who will make the cut for November's general election. The polls will remain open until 8:00 p.m. If you are unsure where you vote, the Secretary of State's website has an easy to use precinct locator. Log on to www.sos.mn.gov and click on the precinct finder. Winona voters are narrowing the field for Winona County Commissioner–District 2, an at–large seat on Winona City Council and Winona Area Public Schools Board at–large. Wabasha County voters are voting for candidates for Auditor–Treasurer and Wabasha County Commissioner–District 4.

If you'd like to see first–hand some of the city projects planned over the next five years you'll have your chance Saturday morning. The Winona City Council will hold an informational session Saturday, August 14 from 8:15 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Council members and any interested city resident can take a bus tour of proposed capital improvement projects throughout the City. The tour will begin at Winona City Hall. The tour will be conducted on a Winona Transit vehicle. The meeting is open to the public.

Hiawatha Broadband Communications, Inc. has announced a reorganization of its leadership team. HBC President and CEO Gary Evans said the reorganization plan, announced earlier today, provides one new position and significantly revamps HBC's supervisory infrastructure in line with its Board of Directors' decisions to double the size of the company in the next four years. Joining HBC will be CPA Manuel F. de Angel, of Wabasha, as chief finance officer, and HR consultant Jerald K Olson, of Red Wing, as chief operating officer.