News

Walz Leads Push for New Veterans Cemetery in Preston

Monday, May 14th, 2012, 10:45pm

(ABC 6 NEWS) -- There's a project in the works to create a third veterans cemetery in Minnesota. It's something Congressman Tim Walz, a veteran himself, is working hard to make a reality. He and other veterans say time is running out for many of Minnesota’s older service members. According to the Department of Veterans Affairs, thousands of Minnesota's veterans die every year which is why when it comes time to find a final resting place, local veterans say there isn't an option close to home.

"[Creating this cemetery] is very near and dear to me. I, I was recently - three years ago…diagnosed with lung cancer from Agent Orange," says former Veterans’ of Foreign Wars state commander, Steven O'Connor. The battlefield has changed for O'Connor, who instead of worrying about the dangers in Vietnam, now struggles with knowing he may die soon.

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Extra Seat Belt Patrols Unite to Recognize Teen Crash Survivor

Submitted by Steph Crock

Monday, May 14th, 2012, 10:28pm

Extra Seat Belt Patrols Unite to Recognize Teen Crash Survivor

(ABC 6 News) -- You’ve heard it over and over again, and Monday more than 30 law enforcement agencies from across southern Minnesota gave "click it, or ticket," a whole new meaning. From Faribault to Caledonia, law enforcement from 11 southeast Minnesota counties united to send a clear message about seat belt use.

The numbers don't lie, traffic crashes are the leading cause of death for teenagers. To help drive that message home, they introduced a woman who wouldn't be here today, had she not been wearing a seatbelt.

"When the car stopped, the seatbelt was like pushing me up against the seat, so I just know that my seatbelt kept me where I was," said crash survivor Dani Fiebelkorn. She rolled her car 7 months ago and credits her seat belt for that second chance. "I was wearing my seat belt and without it I probably would have died," she said.

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World's Tallest Man: From Rochester to Boston... For Shoes!

Submitted by David Springer, ABC 6 Assistant News Director

Thursday, May 3rd, 2012, 4:55pm

World's Tallest Man: From Rochester to Boston... For Shoes!

CANTON, Mass. (AP) - The tallest man in the United States has traveled from Minnesota to Massachusetts for a custom shoe-fitting with Reebok that he hopes will help him live a normal life.

Igor Vovkovinskiy says he's had 16 surgeries in six years to fix problems created by shoes that didn't fit. He's 7 feet, 8 inches tall and says his shoe size is somewhere between a 22 and 26.

He was at Reebok headquarters in Canton on Thursday for a complex shoe-fitting that involved, among other things, custom pressure-mounting equipment and a handful of technicians.

Vovkovinskiy says his only shoes have no traction, making it "suicidal" to leave his home.

Reebok says it's building the shoes because they want to help. The company says the project will cost between $12,000 and $20,000.

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Returning Soldiers, Now Looking For Work

Submitted by Steph Crock

Wednesday, May 2nd, 2012, 10:01pm

Returning Soldiers, Now Looking For Work

As Minnesota Red Bull Soldiers return home after serving overseas, many have a tough task ahead of them, finding a job.

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Stewartville High School Choir Benefit

Submitted by James Wilcox, ABC 6 News Anchor

Wednesday, May 2nd, 2012, 5:13pm

The Stewartville Morning Lions are having a benefit on Saturday May 5th at 4:00pm. The club is raising money to help the Stewartville High School choir purchase new robes. There will be a meal, silent and live auctions, and a Stewartville version of Cash Cab. All proceeds will benefit the choir.

In the past five years, the choir has grown from 27 girls to a membership of 260 girls and boys in six choirs. Organizers say the Stewartville School is the only school at music competitions that do not have choir robes for the students to wear as their numbers are so large.

This event will be held at the Stewartville Middle School from 4pm - end of Live Auction. Silent Auction 4pm - 7pm and Live Auction starts at 7:30pm.

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Highway 56 Road Construction

Submitted by James Wilcox, ABC 6 News Anchor

Wednesday, May 2nd, 2012, 4:44pm

Drivers can expect single-lane traffic on Highway 56 in Mower and Fillmore counties between Leroy and Highway 63 beginning Tuesday, May 8, as crews begin resurfacing the road. Flaggers and a pilot car will control traffic throughout the project, which is scheduled to continue through May, weather permitting. When the project is complete, motorists will experience a smoother ride surface and a safer highway. Ulland Brothers Inc, is the prime contractor for the $1.5 million project.

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Stadium Talks Still Stalled

Submitted by Betsy Singer, ABC 6 News Anchor

Monday, April 30th, 2012, 9:20pm

Minnesota lawmakers won't get their wish. They had hoped to wrap up the session tonight -- but a compromise on three key issues hasn't been reached.

Probably the most talked about, a new Viking's stadium.

Republicans say they won't vote on that until two other bills are settled on. One, tax relief for small businesses and the other, the half-billion dollar bonding bill.

Governor Dayton said it'll likely take another day or two to come to an agreement.

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