Eric Min
(He/Him)
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Articles by Eric Min
Early voting begins in Minnesota Original
ROCHESTER, Minn. (KTTC) – Friday is the first day of early voting in Minnesota and at home in Olmsted County, election officials saw a large turnout within the first few hours. “So far today, we’ve had well over 400 in a significant turnout so far,” said Olmsted County Property Records and Licensing Associate Director Luke Turner. “Some of that is driven by the races, but early voting, in general, has just increased year-by-year in Olmsted County.
Six months after tornado, Marion Township recovery continues
MARION TOWNSHIP, Minn. (KTTC) – Six months after an EF-2 tornado swept through Olmsted County, residents of Marion Township have made progress rebuilding, but challenges remain. When the severe weather struck, Marion Road Christian Church served as the center of disaster relief efforts in the township, helping the community recover. “It has been a long six months,” said Jennie Murphy who was the church’s crisis response and donations manager.
One-on-one with Iowa U.S. Senate candidate Rep. Ashley Hinson
ROCHESTER, Minn. (KTTC) – The race for U.S. Senate in Iowa is a close contest, as a Republican congresswoman and a Democratic Iowa state representative are set to face off in November. Ahead of Election Day, KTTC conducted one-on-one interviews with both candidates to learn what they wish to achieve in the first 100 days of office if elected. “No tax on tips, no tax on overtime, no tax on Social Security,” said GOP Representative Ashley Hinson, who represents northeast Iowa.
One-on-one with Iowa U.S. Senate candidate Rep. Ashley Hinson
ROCHESTER, Minn. (KTTC) – The race for U.S. Senate in Iowa is a close contest, as a Republican congresswoman and a Democratic Iowa state representative are set to face off in November. Ahead of Election Day, KTTC conducted one-on-one interviews with both candidates to learn what they wish to achieve in the first 100 days of office if elected. “No tax on tips, no tax on overtime, no tax on Social Security,” said GOP Representative Ashley Hinson, who represents northeast Iowa.
Wednesday is first day of early voting in Iowa
DES MOINES, IOWA (KTTC) – Early voting is underway in Iowa, and ahead of November, Secretary of State Paul Pate has a few details he wants people to keep in mind. “Absentee ballots were mailed out by all 99 counties,” Pate said. “Over 70,000 ballots were mailed out. Don’t rush to your mailbox right today. It takes a little while for it to get to you, but you will get it.” According to Pate, people who wish to vote by mail have until Oct. 19 to request an absentee ballot.
Olmsted County residents question the need to relocate Frank’s Ford Bridge
ORONOCO, Minn. (KTTC) – Frank’s Ford Bridge, built in 1895, is the oldest known remaining bridge in Olmsted County. The bridge has been closed to all traffic since 2011 and, to preserve the structure, Olmsted County is planning to remove, rehabilitate and reconstruct the bridge.
MoFo Advises ATL Partners on Precise A&D Platform with Acquisition of Precise Metal Products
Keep up with the latest legal and industry insights, news, and events from MoFo MoFo advised ATL Partners (“ATL”), a middle-market private equity firm focused on commercial aerospace, national security, transportation and logistics sectors, on the formation of Precise Aerospace & Defense (“Precise A&D”), as well as the acquisition financing for Precise A&D’s inaugural acquisition of Precise Metal Products.
Olmsted County Public Works shares status quo on Frank’s Ford Bridge relocation project
ORONOCO, Minn. (KTTC) – Olmsted County is currently in the planning stage for the relocation project of Frank’s Ford Bridge—a structure in Oronoco that was designed and constructed in 1895. The bridge over the south fork of the Zumbro River was listed in the National Register of Historic Places in 1980. Due to its age and unsafe conditions, Olmsted County closed the bridge to all traffic in 2011.
Rochester Salvation Army’s ‘More than a Coat’ drive open Tuesday and Wednesday
ROCHESTER, Minn. (KTTC) – The Rochester Salvation Army began its “More than a Coat” drive on Tuesday, providing free winter outerwear for community members in need. Tuesday’s event was for families with children and Wednesday’s event is for couples and single adults without children.
RPS superintendent proposes 2030 Strategic Plan
ROCHESTER, Minn. (KTTC) – With the rapid growth of artificial intelligence, social media and screen technology over the years, school leaders nationwide are faced with the difficult challenge of finding the best way to educate our young ones as the environment around them constantly evolves.
Minnesota State Patrol reports increase in injury crashes with deer
ROCHESTER, Minn. (KTTC) – They are fast, unpredictable and hard to see, especially at night. The Minnesota State Patrol is reminding drivers to be on high alert for deer as the state enters the beginning of the animal’s mating season. “We have seen an increase in some injury crashes with deer, but thankfully people are belted and are walking away from these crashes with minor injuries,” Sgt. Troy Christianson said.
What the exclusion of soybeans from U.S.-China trade talks means for Iowa
AMES, Iowa (KTTC) – The late September summit between the U.S. and China resulted in tariff cuts on about $60 billion worth of goods. What was left out of the conversation was the crop Iowa produces most: soybeans. Soybeans being grown by Mann Family Farms near North Mankato, Monday, Sept. 28, 2026.
Minnesota counties spent the most on human services in 2024
SAINT PAUL, Minn. (KTTC) – A new report from the Office of the State Auditor showed Minnesota counties spent more money on human services than any other spending area in 2024. According to the report, counties throughout the state had total governmental expenditures of about $10.5 billion in that year. Human services represented nearly 24% of the total. The second-highest expenditure was a category called “General Government,” which includes administration, finances and elections.
Soybeans left out of U.S.-China trade talks; Minnesota farmer weighs in
ROCHESTER, Minn. (KTTC) – Soybeans were excluded from the U.S.-China trade talks in late September. The lack of discussion on the crop was not what the American Soybean Association (ASA) hoped for. “ASA is disappointed U.S. soybeans were not included among the agricultural products receiving additional tariff relief from China,” the organization wrote on its website.
MnDOT engineer’s innovation brings Amish buggy safety to the forefront
ROCHESTER, Minn. (KTTC) – In January, the Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) installed a new traffic system in Fillmore County that is the first of its kind in the United States. It was a motion signal, located between Mabel and Canton on Highway 44, that warns drivers that an Amish buggy is on the road. David Tsang Traffic Operations Engineer David Tsang is the person behind the traffic solution.
Austin Public Schools hosts day of AI Professional Learning
ROCHESTER, Minn. (KTTC) – AI ethicist and keynote speaker, Rebecca Bultsma, visited Austin Public Schools (APS) Monday, leading a day of AI Professional Learning for both students and staff. Bultsma’s background includes strategic communications, crisis response, and public trust, and she has delivered more than 200 AI presentations. “Change is something that’s exciting to me,” APS Director of Technology Amy Thuesen said.
MnDOT urges caution on roads during fall harvest
ROCHESTER, Minn. (KTTC) – As our area farmers pick away at the fall harvest, the Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) is reminding everyone to keep an eye out for large machinery on the road. Spokesperson Mike Dougherty said the farm vehicles are slow-moving but usually are not commuting long distances. (Figure 1 of 2): A combine is pictured collecting corn during a harvest. “They’re not going to be out on that highway for 10 or 20 miles,” Dougherty said.
New Minnesota law targets law enforcement vehicle impersonation
ROCHESTER, Minn. (KTTC) – A new Minnesota public safety law is now in effect, requiring retired police cruisers and law enforcement vehicles to be stripped of their emergency equipment, markings, and silhouettes before they can be sold to private buyers. Under House File 3356, which officially took effect Oct.
Rep. Ashley Hinson visits Protivin, hosts rural public safety roundtable
PROTIVIN, Iowa (KTTC) – Iowa Congresswoman Ashley Hinson visited Protivin Thursday morning, meeting with northern Iowa public safety officials at the city’s new fire department. The representative hosted a roundtable with local leaders, gathering feedback on challenges faced by area first responders. Thursday’s visit by Hinson was a significant moment for some officials as her work over the years has shaped the needs felt by the local region.
Rochester Public Schools reading proficiency rates surpass statewide numbers
ROCHESTER, Minn. (KTTC) – Rochester Public Schools (RPS) announced Wednesday its reading proficiency rate results on the Minnesota Comprehensive Assessments (MCA) surpassed the state’s numbers for the first time in 14 years. (Figure 1 of 3): Reading proficiency rates in 2026 Rochester Public Schools and Statewide MCA-IV Out of 8,436 students in the district, 3,922 were marked proficient, according to MCA data. This represents a rate of 46.5%—higher than the state’s rate of 46.2%.
What the U.S. ban on select Canadian imports means for Iowa Original
AMES, Iowa (KTTC) – The United States officially blocked nearly $1 billion in select Canadian imports starting Tuesday. The restricted products ranged from whiskey and whey to motorcycles. To better understand how this would impact the local area’s agriculture and economy, KTTC spoke with Sunghun Lim, an associate professor in the Department of Economics at Iowa State University’s Center for Agricultural and Rural Development.
Minnesota tax revenues surpass forecasted numbers by $60+ million
SAINT PAUL, Minn. (KTTC) – Minnesota collected more tax revenue than anticipated in August, exceeding state budget projections by $64 million, according to preliminary figures released by Minnesota Management and Budget (MMB). In a monthly review memo addressed to Governor Tim Walz and Lt. Governor Peggy Flanagan, MMB Commissioner Erin Campbell reported that net general fund revenues totaled $2.146 billion for August 2026.
Minnesota State considers overhaul amid structural deficits
ROCHESTER, Minn. (KTTC) – In an interview with KTTC Monday, Minnesota State Colleges and Universities Chancellor Scott Olson said the higher education system will face structural deficits if it continues to operate under the status quo. He said the move comes after financial impacts from inflation and state funding issues. “We are the most affordable and want to remain the most affordable higher ed option in the state,” Olson said.
Gov. Walz celebrates eight years of public-private partnership in Rochester
ROCHESTER, Minn. (KTTC) – Gov. Tim Walz visited Rochester Wednesday, highlighting eight years of public-private partnership between Minnesota, Destination Medical Center (DMC) and Mayo Clinic. “I oftentimes say if you’re feeling a little pessimistic in a chaotic world, come to Rochester, Minnesota,” Walz said. “It’s where the future is being thought about.
Jury trial underway for Austin 18-year-old charged for 2025 deadly shooting
AUSTIN, Minn. (KTTC) – Wednesday was the second day of the jury trial for 18-year-old Phillip Gills of Austin, who is facing murder charges for a deadly shooting in Feb. 2025. Gills is accused of second-degree murder and second-degree attempted murder for killing a man and injuring another in Austin. He was 16-years-old at the time he allegedly committed the crimes but is facing these charges as an adult.
Could you go a week without getting behind the wheel? City of Rochester wants you to try
ROCHESTER, Minn. (KTTC) – For many Rochester community members, grabbing the car keys is second nature when they leave their homes. Starting next month, the city is challenging drivers to park the car and see what getting around town looks like through a different lens. Rochester is inviting residents who usually drive to join the national Week Without Driving campaign from Oct. 1 through Oct. 8, encouraging them to step into the shoes of their non-driving neighbors.
More motorcyclist deaths reported in Minnesota this year
ROCHESTER, Minn. (KTTC) – Preliminary data from the Minnesota Department of Public Safety show more motorcycle-related deaths are happening on Minnesota roads this year compared with the previous year. The state’s Office of Traffic Safety said speed has played a role in a third of the fatalities. “The numbers pretty much mirror year to year,” Motorcycle Safety Administrator Jay Bock said.
People’s Energy Cooperative says rising diesel costs won’t affect bills at this time
ROCHESTER, Minn. (KTTC) – With record-high diesel prices in Minnesota impacting both residential and commercial drivers, KTTC reached out to several local utility companies to learn if the increases may lead to higher energy bills. People’s Energy Cooperative is one of the companies that serves southeast Minnesota, covering Dodge, Fillmore, Mower, Olmsted, Wabasha and Winona counties.
More than 30 students being interviewed for Albert Lea High School vandalism
ALBERT LEA, Minn. (KTTC) – Albert Lea Area Schools Superintendent Dr. Steven Heil confirmed with KTTC Tuesday that authorities are interviewing more than three dozen students regarding their involvement with Monday’s vandalism of Albert Lea High School. This development comes after the district closed the facility due to widespread presence of food items, paint and toilet paper littered across the building on Tiger Lane.
Albert Lea High School set to open on Tuesday after vandalism damages
ALBERT LEA, Minn. (KTTC) – Albert Lea High School was closed Monday as a result of widespread vandalism. This came as the district celebrates its 100th Anniversary Homecoming Week. (Figure 1 of 3): Paint damage at one of Albert Lea High School's doors Food items, paint and toilet paper were littered across the building on Tiger Lane. Superintendent Dr. Steve Heil said it took more than 50 people to clean the facility thoroughly.
Hundreds celebrate Latino Fest 2026 in downtown Rochester
ROCHESTER, Minn. (KTTC) – t was a rainy Saturday in Rochester, but that did not stop hundreds of community members from gathering downtown to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month. The Alliance of Chicanos, Hispano, Latino Americans hosted Latino Fest 2026 at Chateau Theatre and Peace Plaza, featuring dozens of vendors and performers. The organization’s director, Gloria Torres-Herbeck, expected about 4,000 people to attend the free event.
Northwest Dental Group hosts Free Dental Day
ROCHESTER, Minn. (KTTC) – It was a rainy Friday in Rochester, and despite the wet weather, Northwest Dental Group saw dozens of community members Free Dental Day. “It’s a fun day,” Marketing Executive Olivia Stoltz said. “So many people show up and that’s what makes us be able to do this every year.” Services provided were completely free of charge and they include exams, cleanings, extractions and fillings.
Cause of Rochester school bus fire remains under investigation
ROCHESTER, Minn. (KTTC) – On Tuesday, a First Student school bus in Rochester caught fire while traveling on Highway 52 north. No one was injured as a result of the incident. Data from Minnesota State Patrol showed 47 school buses with First Student in Rochester failed state inspections. First Student confirmed the school bus that caught on fire was inspected and passed with no defects.
All-time record high diesel prices continue in Minnesota as harvest season gets underway
ROCHESTER, Minn. (KTTC) – Diesel prices in Rochester have reached $6.26 per gallon—a number, according to GasBuddy, that is an all-time high. “We’ve never even remotely been close to $6 in Minnesota for diesel,” Head of Petroleum Analysis Patrick De Haan said. “It’s coming at the worst potential time as farmers are going to get out into the fields with crops to harvest.” De Haan said geopolitical tensions between Ukraine and Russia contributed to the continued price push.
CONTINUING COVERAGE: Statement from Rochester Public Schools on Tuesday’s school bus fire
ROCHESTER, Minn. (KTTC) – No one was injured after a Rochester school bus caught fire on Tuesday. According to the Minnesota State Patrol (MSP), this happened around 2:08 p.m. on Highway 52 North near 19th Street in Rochester. Authorities said the driver noticed smoke behind him and pulled the First Student vehicle over before exiting. The only passenger, a Rochester Public Schools staff member, also safely evacuated.
Minnesota Driver and Vehicle Services explains why quality driver education matters
ROCHESTER, Minn. (KTTC) – Whether it is your first time or your umpteenth time on the road, being a safe driver is a skill that we actively have to work on. To make these practices a habit, guidance through high-quality driver education is a helpful resource. “There are lots of reports and research around this topic as a whole throughout the country,” Minnesota Driver and Vehicle Services (DVS) Director Pong Xiong said.
“They believed in their communities, even if it meant sacrificing everything”: Rochester community honors 9/11 first responders
ROCHESTER, Minn. (KTTC) – The American flag waved in the heart of downtown Rochester on Friday as local first responders marked 25 years since the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. The community gathering at Broadway Plaza was a moment to honor the lifesavers who made the ultimate sacrifice.
University of Minnesota graduate among missing after Nepal flash floods
ROCHESTER, Minn. (KTTC) – The University of Minnesota Department of Orthopedic Surgery confirmed in a Facebook post that Dr. Ishan Patel is among those missing after the flash floods in Nepal. Patel is a recent graduate of the school’s Adult Reconstructive Fellowship. The university said he traveled to Nepal with his wife, Akanksha Patel, his mother, Shilpa Patel and his father-in-law, Umeshkumar Patel on a pilgrimage after his graduation.
Minimum wage standards for Minnesota nursing home workers start Thursday
SAINT PAUL, Minn. (KTTC) – Thursday marked the beginning of minimum wage standards for nursing home workers across Minnesota. Previously, there were no industry-specific minimum wages for such employees in the North Star State. Resultantly, nursing home workers’ salaries fell under standard state labor laws.
University of Minnesota graduate among missing after Nepal flash floods
ROCHESTER, Minn. (KTTC) – The University of Minnesota Department of Orthopedic Surgery confirmed in a Facebook post that Dr. Ishan Patel is among those missing after the flash floods in Nepal. Patel is a recent graduate of the school’s Adult Reconstructive Fellowship. The university said he traveled to Nepal with his wife, Akanksha Patel, his mother, Shilpa Patel and his father-in-law, Umeshkumar Patel on a pilgrimage after his graduation.
Rep. Brad Finstad visits Rochester, receives endorsements from local unions
ROCHESTER, Minn. (KTTC) – In a press conference Wednesday morning, the International Union of Operating Engineers Local 49 and Minnesota Pipe Trades Local 6 announced their endorsement for Republican Congressman Brad Finstad.
Oil surges past $100 per barrel while diesel prices hit record high
ROCHESTER, Minn. (KTTC) – The price of oil per barrel has surpassed $100 once more this year. This comes while diesel prices maintain record high numbers. “We continue to see impact from the geopolitical tensions that have now been with us for six months and nothing’s really changed,” GasBuddy Head of Petroleum Analysis Patrick De Haan said. “We continue to see volatility.
Rochester housing market favors buyers as listings surge
ROCHESTER, Minn. (KTTC) – More houses are for sale than usual in Rochester and in Minnesota. (Figure 1 of 5): Housing Inventory: Active Listing Count in Minnesota (ACTLISCOUMN) (Figure 2 of 5): Housing Inventory: Active Listing Count Year-Over-Year in Minnesota (ACTLISCOUYYMN) Data from the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis shows there are 18,852 active listings in the North Star State as of August 2026—a 30.64% increase from the same time last year.
All hands on deck: Rochester storm cleanup makes significant progress
ROCHESTER, Minn. (KTTC) – Getting in early and staying late—for the past day, Rochester cleanup crews have been around the clock conducting recovery after Wednesday’s overnight storm. For the restoration team, officials said the scale of the damage was the greatest challenge. “It took a partnership in order to even start on this endeavor,” Rochester Parks and Recreation Forestry Supervisor Alison Litchy said.
Widespread tree damage in Rochester after overnight severe storm
ROCHESTER, Minn. (KTTC) – Downed trees, broken branches and piles of leaves filled several Rochester streets, sidewalks and lawns after an overnight round of severe weather. (Figure 1 of 5): Downed tree on house In the northern side of town, a large maple tree slammed into the dining room of a house on 11th Avenue NW. “I heard the tinkle of glass breaking and rain dripping in and all kinds of wind noise,” said Richard Finger, the resident of the house.
MnDOT: $41+ million available for expanding electric vehicle fast-charging stations
SAINT PAUL, Minn. (KTTC) – The Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) announced on Tuesday that more than $41 million in new funding is available to expand the state’s electric vehicle (EV) charging network. The push for more charging stations comes as EV ownership in Minnesota has skyrocketed. According to MnDOT, the number of registered electric vehicles in the state grew by 1,000 percent in less than a decade—surging from about 9,000 vehicles in 2018 to 90,000 today.
MnDOT: $41+ million available for expanding electric vehicle fast-charging stations
SAINT PAUL, Minn. (KTTC) – The Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) announced on Tuesday that more than $41 million in new funding is available to expand the state’s electric vehicle (EV) charging network. The push for more charging stations comes as EV ownership in Minnesota has skyrocketed. According to MnDOT, the number of registered electric vehicles in the state grew by 1,000 percent in less than a decade—surging from about 9,000 vehicles in 2018 to 90,000 today.
Iowa DNR State Forest Nursery opens annual seedling orders Original
ROCHESTER, Minn. (KTTC) – The Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR)’s State Forest Nursery Program opened its annual seedling orders on Tuesday. Landowners can choose from 23 species of native hardwoods, evergreens and shrubs, costing $1 to $1.30 per seedling. Bare-root plants are sold in bundles of 25 and can be shipped directly to you or picked up at the nursery in Ames. According to the Iowa DNR, it is always best to plant trees grown from locally adapted seed no matter where you live.
Joint peak energy alert issued for southeast Minnesota and northern Iowa
ROCHESTER, Minn. (KTTC) – Freeborn Mower Electric Cooperative, MiEnergy Cooperative and People’s Energy Cooperative issued a joint peak energy alert Monday—in effect until approximately 6 p.m. To save money on electricity, the companies are asking community not to run demanding appliances. Their suggestions include: Setting cooling systems to at least 76 degrees or higher if no one is home.
Mason City man faces multiple charges after Wednesday shelter-in-place order
MASON CITY, Iowa (KTTC) – A shelter-in-place order resulted in the arrest of 27-year-old Mason City resident Shone Owens Wednesday night. According to Mason City Police Department (MCPD), officers responded to a home on 5th Street NW around 6:15 p.m. for a report of a protective order violation; however, they could not make contact with anyone inside. As a precaution, law enforcement alerted nearby residents later that evening to stay inside.
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