KTOE Noon News 7-31-25
Top Stories for Noon 7-31-25:
-
The City of Owatonna has declared a state of emergency following severe storms on July 28 that caused significant tree damage. Resolution #37-25, signed on July 29, allows the city to access state funding and coordinate recovery efforts with Steele County. City crews have cleared all streets and are now working to assess damage in parks and on trails. To help residents, Owatonna is offering free curbside pickup of storm-related tree debris through August 10. Limbs and trunks must be trimmed, stacked parallel to the curb, and trunks must be no longer than eight feet. Additionally, fees are being waived through August 10 for storm debris dropped off at the By the Yard compost facility on 32nd Avenue West. Property owners are responsible for debris placed after that date. For ongoing updates, visit owatonna.gov, follow the city on Facebook, or sign up for email alerts.
-
Green Isle Woman Struck and Killed by Dump Truck in Sibley County
-
Highway 91 in Adrain closed for railroad work starting August 4
- A judge is tossing out a civil lawsuit involving Rochester City Council member Andy Friederichs and former City Council Member Kelly Kirkpatrick. The suit alleged that Friederichs doesn’t live in the 4th Ward, but instead resides in Marion Township. He has denied the allegations. Both parties recently submitted requests to dismiss the case. After the case was dismissed, the judge is now deciding whether to assign financial sanctions to the petitioners.
- Minnesota Governor Tim Walz is casting his support behind Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey’s re-election bid. The governor said that the incumbent mayor is a partner that he can trust to deliver progressive polices and improve people’s lives. Recently, Frey did not gain an endorsement from the DFL Party. Their backing went to State Representative Omar Fateh during its convention on July 19th. The mayoral election is set for November 4th.
- Assistant State Climatologist Pete Boulay says the wet weather pattern that started in June has continued into this month. “The whole state just in July so far—we’re running about an inch above normal. If you look at both months together, you’ll see about two and a third inches above normal. So overall, most places are seeing a wet summer.” Boulay says multiple rounds of severe storms brought damaging winds, hail, and heavy rain. The only part of the state still dealing with moderate drought is the northwest corner.
