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
Authorities Capture On-The-Run Rochester Sex Offender
On July 2, police requested the public’s help with locating a predatory offender who had tampered with his electronic monitoring device on June 30.
Minnesota Child Critically Injured in Dog Attack Not Expected to Survive
The child’s mother also was injured in the dog attack.
Update: Vulnerable Minnesota Man Who Vanished During Trip to Buy Battery Found Safe
He was last seen around 10:30 Wednesday morning.
Montana Search & Rescue Crew Recovers Body of Young Missing Minnesota Hiker
Officials say the young man likely became trapped underwater near where he fell into the creek.
Four Different Water Emergencies in Three Days Across Minnesota Lead to Three Deaths & Airlifted Child
First responders across the state were dispatched to four different water emergencies between Friday and Sunday.
Minnesota State Trooper Charged in Rochester Crash That Killed Minnesota Teen Girl
18-year-old Olivia Flores of Owatonna died just weeks before graduating high school following a crash at the 12th St. Southwest/Hwy. 14 entrance to Apache Mall on May 18.
Body Found in One of Two Vehicles Submerged in River Near Minnesota Boat Launch
Bystanders reported seeing a vehicle enter the river and become fully submerged shortly before 8:00 Sunday night.
Toddler Hospitalized After Slashed by Pizza Cutter During Assault at Rochester Child Care Center
One of the employees at the child care center had assaulted another employee’s toddler with a pizza cutter.
Minnesota Teen’s Injuries Suffered in Scooter Crash Deemed Fatal
The 14-year-old was hit by a vehicle on Monday afternoon.
Woman Killed, 3 Young Girls & Trucker Hospitalized After Crash at Minnesota Intersection
Three girls ages 1,2 and 4 were riding in the pick-up.
Body of Missing Minnesota Boy Found in Southwest Minnesota River, Authorities Investigating Possible Drowning
Emergency personnel pulled the four-year-old boy from the water and began performing life-saving measures at the scene.
Two Lives Lost in Two Crashes on Minnesota Roads Monday
A vehicle caught on fire in one of the crashes and the other involved a teenager driving a luxury vehicle.