KTOE Noon News 10-14-25

Top Stories for Noon 10-14-25:

• Minnesota River Valley Drug Task Force Intercepts Over $25,000 In Mail Scam

• Blue Earth County Deputies Apprehend Stolen Vehicle and Occupants with Active Warrants

• Two people from Southeast Minnesota have been arrested after police reportedly found an illegal substance during a traffic stop earlier this week. According to court records, 36-year-old Aguiel Bior of Rochester and 31-year-old Emmanuel Oman of Austin are facing charges of first degree controlled substance sales after police say more than four pounds of cocaine was found during a Sunday traffic stop on Interstate 90. Both individuals remain in custody and are awaiting arraignment in the Olmsted County Adult Detention Center.
• White Bear Lake Area Schools officials are investigating how a 22-year-old man fraudulently enrolled in one of the district’s high schools. The issue was a focal point at Monday night’s packed school board meeting. According to the district, Kelvin Luebke used falsified identification and documents to gain admission. Officials maintain that the enrollment process followed state law and was conducted thoroughly. Police say several female students reported that Luebke contacted them via text and social media. Investigators have searched his phone for evidence related to criminal sexual conduct, solicitation of a minor, and child pornography. Luebke has a prior conviction from two years ago for sending explicit images to a 15-year-old girl. He was arrested last week for violating probation stemming from that case.
• Attorney General Keith Ellison is suing two unlicensed contractors accused of defrauding Minnesotans out of at least 1.6 million dollars. Ellison says Earl Rode and Ryan Pietron took large pre-payments for home renovations, did little or no work, and refused refunds. The lawsuit says the men claimed to be licensed when they had been banned from even applying for a license until 2030. One homeowner had to demolish his childhood home after Rode abandoned the job. Ellison urges anyone defrauded by either contractor to file a complaint with his office.
• Minnesota lawmakers are speaking out in frustration as the federal government shutdown reaches its second week, causing concerns before the busy M-E-A travel weekend. Leah VanDassor, President of St. Paul Federation of Educators, says, “Families dealing with the stress of travel and travel delays, it’s not the most grave thing happening right now. But it’s yet another example of how the MAGA Republicans are choosing billionaires over working people and impacting all of our lives.” The Trump Administration is blaming Democrats for the possible changes to airport operations, as well as the shutdown. This comes after Fox News reported that a video began airing at airports on Thursday of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem saying, “Democrats in Congress refuse to fund the federal government, and because of this…most of our T-S-A employees are working without pay.”
• Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport is bracing for a significant increase in passenger traffic during the upcoming Minnesota Educators Academy (MEA) break. The upcoming long weekend, running from October 16th to 19th, traditionally prompts a spike in family getaways. Airport officials project a 19 percent rise in travelers compared to typical fall volumes. Thursday is expected to be the peak travel day, with approximately 52,000 passengers passing through security checkpoints. To help ensure a smooth experience, travelers are strongly encouraged to arrive at least two hours early for domestic flights.
• Northfield will host the 2026 Minnesota Governor’s Pheasant Hunting Opener. The Cannon River town is 150 years old and was ranked one of America’s best places to live in 2024. Governor Tim Walz says it was chosen for its public lands, scenic beauty, and strong community support. The event runs through October 9th and 10th.