Recent content from Trey Mewes
Winona says it needs a new police station. Some residents (and officials) aren't so sure.
City officials are looking to partner with Winona County on a new law enforcement center.
Neighbors, city officials at odds over Rochester lake dam
Critics planning a rally to protest a city plan to make changes to the Silver Lake area.
At St. Olaf College, talking about death is on this 'cafe' menu
College officials are embracing a student-led effort to ponder one of life's biggest mysteries.
This retired journalist changed professional wrestling from Mankato
Norm Kietzer was a pioneer in professional wrestling journalism for 40 years.
These Rochester teens wanted to help families like theirs. Now Congress is recognizing their new app.
Century and John Marshall high schoolers created a resources app for area Muslims.
Albert Lea passes $10M referendum to fund hockey, swimming and the arts
Residents voted 3-to-1 in favor of infrastructure improvements.
Dog breeders accused of starving German shepherds won't get them back
A Fillmore County judge on Monday ruled against returning the dogs to the LeRoy breeders
Southeast Minnesotans worry over state water pollution response
Four months after promises to help, Minnesota has yet to deliver clean drinking water to people most in danger. Moreover, some residents worry about how seriously the state will treat nitrate pollution in the future.
How did Faribault become home to Minnesota's deaf and blind academies?
These southeast Minnesota institutions date back to the earliest days of statehood.
President of divided Rochester council won't run for re-election
After one term, Brooke Carlson declines to run again.
Wisconsin man's body pulled from Zumbro River near Rochester
James Steiner, 62, was found in a submerged truck in the river.
![A school bus driving Austin's basketball teams to Rochester drove past the Hormel Foods plant, which employs much of the town. ] Aaron Lavinsky • aa](https://arc.stimg.co/startribunemedia/CNGFNXO2H2R6DZW3U4V2H6QJ5I.jpg?h=120&w=180&fit=crop&bg=999&crop=faces)
Pigs' blood leaked from Hormel plant into storm water system in Austin, Minn.
Officials say the debris, released by faulty equipment at a pork processing plant, overwhelmed the city's system for several days.
Rochester to get new $5M swim park
New pool, splash pad and bathhouse will be coming to Silver Lake Park.
Olmsted County has a new plan to address homelessness. Some officials are skeptical.
Area housing staff plan to use the national Built for Zero program to better connect services and become more efficient.
Rochester author Harriet Hodgson on grief: 'Death will be the loser. Life will be the winner.'
The 88-year-old shares her wisdom as an "experienced griever."
Rochester paves way for Mayo to demolish old Lourdes High School building
The City Council rescinded landmark status for the former Catholic high school near downtown, which allows for its demolition to make way for a Mayo Clinic expansion.
Minnesota dog breeders charged with starving German shepherds
15 dogs were taken from a farm outside LeRoy last month after deputies and veterinarians found kennels covered in feces and urine.
Rochester council dives headfirst into its shortage of swimming pools
The City Council put a plan to replace one of two city pools with a splash pad on hold.
Private investment in downtown Rochester fell in 2023
Non-Mayo Clinic development is at its lowest point since the DMC initiative began tracking investment.
It's Amish vs. animal lovers as Winona County cracks down on dog breeding
County officials seek to ban future dog breeding kennels and enact stricter regulations on mostly Amish breeders.
Controversial Rochester council member to face primary for her seat
Molly Dennis faces two challengers for her Ward 6 seat; more are expected over the next few months.
Minnesota sculptor's will in question after appeals court finds fraud evidence
Court records indicate a Good Thunder city official lied about being present when Arnold Lillo signed his will, casting suspicions his signature was forged.
Demolish or preserve: Mayo Clinic's plans for Catholic school building called into question
Some residents oppose tearing down the old Lourdes High School as the city debates its status as a landmark.
After nearly three years, small-town newspaper fight in southeast Minnesota appears finished
The owner of the Fillmore County Journal must pay nearly $80,000 to the man he bought six newspapers from — and closed — in 2020.
From bison to stars: Rochester schools seek mascot approval after forced change
District to ask permission from Minnesota's Tribal Nations Education Committee to use the stars mascot.
Rochester has a housing problem. Mayo Clinic may be the answer.
Officials say Mayo has to play a part in housing the workers it will draw with an upcoming $5 billion expansion.
Has Rochester added workers of color in its busy building industry? It's still working on it
A workforce program starts marketing efforts this month to increase awareness.
Rochester middle school must change mascots after failed appeal to tribes
Dakota Middle School chose the bison as its mascot just two years ago.
With Mayo's $5B Rochester expansion, the city says it needs to expand too
City officials estimate they need at least 14 new staff to address the upcoming wave of construction.
How did Northfield become home to St. Olaf and Carleton colleges?
The prominent private schools have given the town an outsized stature.
Faribault police ID homicide victim found in his home
Police discovered the body of Gary Lehmeyer, 76, Monday afternoon.
Faribault police say suspicious death is homicide
Officers found a man's body inside a southwest Faribault home Monday afternoon.
Rochester passes ban on homeless camps as legal issues loom
A legal nonprofit threatened to sue the city if the ban goes into effect.
Rochester police ID victim in fatal shooting linked to road rage
Osbel Ornelas, 24, died shortly after being taken to St. Marys Hospital.
DMC plans to spend $40M this year, adding to its $200M total spent on downtown Rochester
Destination Medical Center set to get another $30 million in state funding in 2024.
Thousands of Minnesota women, infants could lose access to federal program due to stagnant funding
On Thursday, U.S. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack visited Minnesota to urge Congress to fully fund the Women, Infants and Children supplemental nutrition program, or it will face funding cuts for the first time in 25 years.
Winona hospital's dialysis program saved with last-minute $3 million gift
Anonymous donors subsidize the hospital's dialysis procedures for the next three years.
Rochester man indicted on first-degree murder charges in Christmas 2022 killing
Mustafa Bush is accused of murdering his ex-girlfriend
Rochester adopts controversial downtown historic district
Property owners say the commercial district adds too many new rules, costs.
Rochester City Council member sues city officials, alleging bias over ADHD
Molly Dennis was censured in 2023; officials say she has harassed staff and behaved inappropriately.
Suspect in Madeline Kingsbury murder wants trial moved out of Winona
Adam Fravel's attorneys argue the case has drawn too much media attention that could prejudice potential jurors.
Rochester woman charged with arson almost two years after church fire
Sesen Tesfay allegedly used hand sanitizer to set fire to Peace United Church hours after Easter 2022
Rochester's music man never missed his chance to help others
Longtime Lourdes music teacher Gene Eiden died in December at 93 years old.
Winona legislator retires after 38 years
DFL Rep. Gene Pelowski spearheaded changes to how Minnesota responds to disasters after a 2007 flood rocked southeast Minnesota.
Olmsted County to become transitional housing landlord with $5 million building
County officials are backing off of their proposal to turn a low-income apartment into a homeless shelter.
What will Rochester look like in 2050? City wants residents to decide
Mayor Kim Norton outlines community planning campaign, local priorities in State of the City address.
Rochester makes Ear of Corn Tower an official landmark
City Council unanimously approves historic designation for water tower.
Recycling plant near Albert Lea goes up in flames
Neighbors heard a loud bang and saw flames shortly before 4 a.m.
After censure, Rochester City Council divisions have only deepened
Council Member Molly Dennis is weighing whether to sue the city of Rochester.
Community mourns Mankato soldier killed in Mediterranean training accident
Area law enforcement held a funeral procession throughout the Mankato area for Sgt. Cade Wolfe, who died in a military training accident in November.
Winona clears way for $30 million downtown hotel project
60 Main Street will have 20 to 30 apartments and 70 to 80 hotel rooms overlooking the Mississippi River.
Olmsted County regrouping after failed grant bid for homeless shelter
In the meantime, other organizations are stepping up to help.
Lights, trucks, action! Minnesota firefighter light show videos go viral
Choreographed light show set to Trans-Siberian Orchestra music has garnered international attention.
Rochester charter schools serving Somali children declare bankruptcy, leaving future in doubt
Rochester STEM Academy and its counterpart Rochester Math and Science Academy began Chapter 11 bankruptcy proceedings in early December.
Mayo Clinic gives $10 million to Rochester school district, averting school closures
The district will no longer close three schools, but officials warn those cuts could still happen if a levy request fails next year.
Mayo Clinic opens new cancer research facility — its first major building in Rochester in decades
Hundreds of researchers will move into the Anna-Maria and Stephen Kellen Building starting next week.
Authorities ID man killed in landslide near Mankato
Jack Loso of Robbinsdale was visiting Minneopa State Park with family Saturday when he was caught in a landslide near the Minneopa Falls area.
Rochester's Ear of Corn water tower on path to become historic landmark
The city's historic preservation commission has recommended a historic designation for the tower.
Man dies after police standoff in front of Rochester TV station
Police say the man made suicidal threats, shot at officers before dying of self-inflicted wounds.
Want to pick up vehicle tabs with less hassle? Try a kiosk
State officials are promoting kiosks in eight Cub Foods locations in the Minneapolis-St. Paul area and Rochester where residents can register their vehicles.
Rochester school district plans to close three schools
School officials say two elementary schools and one early learning building will close next summer.
60 years after its first organ transplant, Mayo Clinic looks to the future
Mayo researchers say multiple studies and projects are in the works to improve organ transplantation.
After decades of work, Hwy. 14 expansion complete
Communities along the southern Minnesota highway have pushed to expand the road to four lanes since the 1960s.
'A very educational year': Red Wing closes dog park as Dakota reclaim burial mounds
Area could be restored as educational space.
'A really serious situation': Rochester schools to cut $10 million after failed referendum
The cuts come as the district is in the midst of contract negotiations.
Mankato native among 5 soldiers killed in Mediterranean helicopter crash
Sgt. Cade Wolfe, 24, a Mankato East High School graduate, died in the military helicopter crash.
How do you grow a small town? Spring Grove is finding out.
This southeastern Minnesota city is proactive with its community planning. The push is paying off with more businesses and a better safety net in case of disaster.
Lawsuit seeks to halt one of Rochester's two levy questions next week
Business owner Casey McGregor filed the lawsuit Monday accusing Rochester Public Schools of misrepresenting its technology levy.
Former southern Minnesota priest convicted of sexually assaulting adult male
Prosecutor says Ubaldo Roque Huerta exploited the victim's trust.
Rochester area added health care jobs, reduced unemployment in September
About three in five workers in the Rochester area work in health care and social assistance.
Red Wing's relationship with American Indian community shifts to partnership
The Prairie Island Indian Community brings visitors and an economic boost to the area, according to the city's recently completed diversity project.
Oronoco City Council publicly fires city administrator; council member resigns in protest
The City Council voted 3-2 to remove Sunny Bjorklund Schultz a little more than a year after she was hired.
Zumbrota leans toward keeping police force after union talks
The southeast Minnesota city is losing a third of its police department to better-paying jobs with Goodhue County.
Advocates to Rochester: Spend more on sustainability
Residents, volunteers and environmental advocates packed a Rochester City Council meeting Monday night.
