🌱 Proposed Cannabis Ordinance + QAnon Cult Leader Dead In Rochester

Hey, friends! It's Friday in Rochester-Mason City and I'm back in your inbox to get you caught up on the most important things happening locally.

But first, your local weather:

• Friday: Nice with sun and some clouds. High: 75 Low: 55.
• Saturday: Sunshine and nice. High: 78 Low: 58.

Here are the top three stories in Rochester-Mason City today:

1. A proposed ordinance in Rochester aims to limit the number of licensed marijuana retailers to less than half of the city's licensed liquor stores and prevent the opening of new cannabis businesses until 2025. The state of Minnesota will legalize recreational marijuana use in August, but local governments, including Rochester, have the authority to regulate sales and licensing. The proposed ordinance will be reviewed by the Rochester City Council, with considerations for additional zoning restrictions on retail locations, during a public hearing on Monday. (Post Bulletin)
2. Michael Protzman, the leader of a QAnon cult that propagated conspiracy theories about John F. Kennedy and his son, John F. Kennedy Jr., being alive, has died in Rochester. Protzman, also known as Negative 48, gained a significant following on Telegram, but his predictions and prophecies failed to materialize. After his death, some of his followers continue to deny the news and perpetuate conspiracy theories surrounding his demise. (Post Bulletin)
3. Water-related emergencies have been reported during the Fourth of July holiday, emphasizing the importance of water safety. The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) highlights that drownings can occur rapidly in various water environments, including pools, hot tubs, and lakes, often silently. Wearing a life jacket is crucial, as nearly 90 percent of boating-related drowning victims were not wearing one, and alcohol was a contributing factor in 50 percent of boating fatalities in 2021, according to the DNR. (KTTC)

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Today and tomorrow in Rochester-Mason City:

Friday, July 7

• Friday Night Live At Principal Performing Arts Pavilion, Downtown Mason City (6:00 PM)

Saturday, July 8

• Karaoke Night At All Vets Center (8:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• After 27 years of ownership, Janna and David Tran are preparing to sell Cheap Charlie's, a long-standing restaurant in Rochester. The couple has maintained the restaurant's traditions of homemade and affordable food, with David being a familiar face to regular customers. While Janna is eager to retire and have more free time, David hopes to sell the building to someone who will continue the Cheap Charlie's legacy, even considering opening it elsewhere if necessary. (Post Bulletin)
• The ongoing drought in Minnesota has impacted local golf courses, including Soldiers Field Golf Course in Rochester, where yellow patches of dry grass are noticeable. The drier ground has the advantage of allowing the golf ball to roll farther along the fairway. However, if the drought persists, there may be turf issues later on, requiring re-turfing of parts of the course when rainfall returns. (KIMT 3)
• Christopher Wayne Kackley, a man from Mason City, has been sentenced to five years in prison for one burglary while he awaits trial for two other burglary charges. He pleaded guilty to third-degree burglary and possession of methamphetamine in relation to an incident in December 2022. Kackley is also facing trial for two counts of second-degree burglary, accused of breaking into a manufacturing company and stealing a safe and a camera. (KIMT 3)

Thanks for following along and staying informed. I'll see you back in your inbox soon with a new update!

— Nicole Fallon-Peek

About me: Nicole Fallon-Peek is a journalist and copywriter with a degree in Media, Culture and Communication from New York University. She has served as a freelance reporter, managing editor, copy editor, and editorial director for a variety of B2B news outlets. She currently co-owns and operates content creation agency Lightning Media Partners.