T.J. Leverentz has been a trusted voice covering news and sports in Southeast Minnesota for nearly 10 years. He got his start in college at Winona State before moving to Rochester in 2022. He's dedicated to covering the news that matters most in Rochester and across the state including crime, local government, education and breaking news. When he's not in the newsroom he's out a local high school broadcasting football and basketball games. T.J. is a huge sports fan and when he's not on the clock he's spending time with family and friends, teeing it up at the golf course or trying to tackle projects at his house.
TJ Leverentz
Minnesota Woman Killed After Crashing SUV, Becomes 10th MN Traffic Death Since April 25
The driver of an SUV became at least the 10th person to die on the state’s roads since April 25.
Law Enforcement Impersonation Scammers Charged for Swindling Rochester Woman Out Thousands of Dollars
The caller told the victim she missed a court date and would be arrested unless she paid an outstanding $10,000 bond.
Albert Lea Man Charged for Massive Meat Theft That Cost Rochester Butcher Shop Thousands of Dollars
The local Rochester business estimated the loss from the theft at $5,242.29.
Rochester Man Cited for False Report of Crime on Minnesota Trail
Falsely reporting a crime is a misdemeanor charge.
Young Motorcyclist Killed in Crash With Car on Southeast Minnesota Highway
The motorcycle was traveling north and the car was heading south when the vehicles collided on the two-lane highway.
Man Wanted for Southeast Minnesota Child Sex Crimes Captured
The Fillmore County Sheriff’s Office and BCA are continuing the investigation.
Motorcycle & Car Involved in Fatal Crash in Southeast Minnesota
A northbound motorcycle and south car collided on the two-lane highway.
7 Lives lost in Under 7 Days on Minnesota Roads
The State Patrol responded to the seventh traffic death since April 25 on Tuesday night.
Rochester Police: Evidence Contradicts Robbery Reported on Popular Minnesota Trail
The incident was officially referred to by police as a "suspicious circumstance investigation."
Charges: Rochester Man Robbed Victim of Bike Trailer, Attacked Police Multiple Times
He’s also accused of committing the robbery that police responded to a northwest Rochester apartment complex to investigate.
Wanted Rochester Woman Accused of Fleeing Deputies at High Speeds Arrested After Crashing
She’s accused of fleeing an attempted traffic stop north on Hwy. 63 at speeds that reached approximately 100 mph at times.
2 Boys in Group of Runners Airlifted After Being Hit by Car at Minnesota Intersection
A car hit the boys while they were in the crosswalk.
Misdial Prompts Active Shooter Response at Zumbrota Factory
The preliminary investigation indicates an employee set off the alarm by misdialing a number on the plant’s internal phone system.
Trucker Alleged to Have Been Distracted by Netflix Charged for Crash That Killed 2 People on Minnesota Interstate
The deadly crash occurred on the afternoon of August 25