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
Police Officer Injured While Trying to Break Up Massive Brawl at Minnesota Carnival (Video)
Officers were at the carnival but were outnumbered as the situation escalated, police say.
Social Media Sting: Rochester Man Accused of Sharing Child Porn Video Online
The charge is the result of an operation conducted by Owatonna Police this past January to identify individuals possessing, publishing, distributing or producing child sexual abuse material on social media.
Unbuckled Driver Killed, Another Hurt in Rural Minnesota Crash
A westbound pick-up and a southbound SUV collided in the intersection.
Two Hospitalized Following Crash on Southeast Minnesota Highway
An eastbound SUV collided with a northbound pick-up that was crossing the highway at the intersection.
Police Capture Second Suspect in Rochester Apartment Complex Shooting
The shooting occurred on the afternoon of May 4 at an apartment complex in the 6500 block of Lodgeview Ct. Northwest.
Teen Boy Dies in Mother’s Day Drowning At Southern Minnesota Swimming Beach
First responders were advised that a 15-year-old had been swimming in Mounds Creek when he began struggling, went under the water and never resurfaced.
Rochester Man Arrested After Falling Asleep on Hwy. 52, Crashing into Tree, Deck & Vehicle
The crash investigation indicates the driver fell asleep behind the wheel, crashed into a tree then kept going before hitting a deck and a parked vehicle.
Minnesota Man Found Dead in Boundary Waters Canoe Area
911 callers reported finding a canoe that was partially submerged with a deceased person.
Vehicle Crashes into Downtown Rochester Restaurant
Officers responded to the incident around 3:30 p.m.
Man Dies After Being Struck by Train at Rochester Rail Crossing
The deadly incident occurred around 10:45 Saturday night.