NEWS
--As October 15th this year landed on a weekend, the deadline for paying the second half of property taxes is today, Monday, October 17th. Payments must be received or postmarked by today or late penalties will be added. Questions can be directed to the Morrison County Auditor/Treasurer Office today.
--A Montana man faces multiple charges after leading police on a chase in a stolen semi. Just after noon Thursday authorities received a call about a stolen white semi pulling a 44-foot flatbed trailer with a forklift on the back of it. The semi was reported stolen from a Fridley parking lot and the owner was following it through Stearns County. Avon police found the vehicle traveling on I-94 near County Road 2 and attempted to make a traffic stop. The driver ignored police and continued heading west on I-94. Authorities attempted to stop the semi with the help of stop sticks. Prior to reaching the New Munich exit the front tire blew, causing the semi to go into the ditch. Police says the driver, 38-year-old Isaac Birdinground Jr. from Garryowen, Montana was not hurt, but was showing signs of being drunk. He was arrested and taken to the Stearns County Jail. He faces charges of felony possession/receiving stolen property, fleeing police and 4th degree driving while intoxicated.
--The Sherburne County Sheriff's Office is warning you of a phone scam circulating again in around central Minnesota. The sheriff's office says they've received a number of complaints from residents saying they've received a phone call from a person claiming to be an employee of the sheriff's office. The caller, who has a southern accent, says the person was summoned for jury duty and that they failed to appear and a warrant will be issued for their arrest unless they pay a fine using MoneyPak gift cards. The sheriff's office says the scammer is calling from the phone number 763-309-6069, which is not associated with the sheriff's office.
--The Minnesota State Patrol reported nearly 100 accidents Friday morning mainly in St. Louis and Pine County with the snow and sleet that fell. There were also accidents in southern Minnesota with a number of cars sliding into the ditches. Of the accidents there were no fatalities Friday but seven had injuries in the state. With more wintry type weather a reminder to please drive for the conditions. However, that was the case Saturday with morning snow and rain that had two people die in an early morning in a crash in Pine County. According to the Pine County Sheriff's Office, dispatchers were alerted at 1:49 am Saturday to a single-vehicle crash at Pokegama Lake Road and Fairway Road Southwest in Pine City. The sheriff's office said a 20-year-old woman and an 18-year-old man died in the crash and two other young adults were in the car at the time, who were both "determined to be deceased at the scene." The two were taken to the Midwest Medical Examiner's Office, which will release their names after the victims' next of kin are notified. The sheriff's office added in the press release that a 19-year-old woman was treated at the scene and an 18-year-old man was airlifted to a hospital. There were also more accidents from weather on Saturday.
--The Pierz School District is preparing for their Peer Helper Winter Coat Drive October 24th through the 28th. Donate your clean/gently used coats, sweatshirts, mittens, scarves and hats to help local community members in need and help them stay warm this winter. Drop off locations are at The High School Main Entrance Doors, Mr. Herold's Office or the Main Office at Pioneer Elementary. The district is hoping for many items to be dropped off next week in Pierz.
--The Little Falls School Board meets at 5pm at the Middle School Media Center. Last month, Superintendent Greg Johnson said that the meeting on the 17th would address more on a possible teaming with the city of Little Falls on a child care facility which the school was looking at to be adjacent to Lincoln Elementary in the southwest side of town. The city of Little Falls that after the meeting for the school the city would then look at their side of the options. The City Council is also scheduled to meet tonight at 7:30pm at City Hall.
--Morrison County Sheriff Shawn Larsen on Saturday sent out that October 15th was the anniversary of the deaths of former Sheriff John Stack and Chief Deputy Andrew Herlitz who were killed in the line of duty on October 15th, 1965. Sheriff said his office and the area remember the two for their bravery and protecting the freedoms while serving the public. There is a memorial plaque to remember the two and others on the southwest side of the County Courthouse.
--There is a meet the candidates event at Royalton High School. Stop in and meet those candidates vying for the city, county, school board and state seats all are invited to attend the event. This event is sponsored by Community Ed, Royalton Teachers and the Royalton Lions Club. Tonight at 7pm. Questions call Doug Luepke at 320-584-5957.
--A special thank you to all you helped on Thursday for the Swanville fight against cancer night. The team stated they raised $3,105 in donations. The team continued with an online auction this weekend and more events planned to help the fight against cancer and again thank you to all who donated for the Swanville Volleyball Team.
--Due to the weather Saturday the Darling Cemetery Clean Up that was scheduled for Saturday had to be canceled until further notice.
ENTERTAINMENT NEWS
--”Harry Potter” actor Robbie Coltrane has died at age 72. Coltrane portrayed Hagrid in all 8 Harry Potter movies. He was also in the James Bond movies “Goldeneye” and “The World is Not Enough”.
DEATH NOTICES
--Steve Brownie, age 52 of Randall
--James “Jim” Sobiech age 73 of Sobieski.
--Peter A. Britz, age 67 of Spring Lake Park.
--Marie C. Cronquist, age 85 of Hillman/Pierz area.
WEATHER
TODAY= sunny and chilly, breezy, high 34, clear night, low 17.
TUESDAY= sunny skies, less windy, high 39, low near 20.
WEDNESDAY= sunny, getting warmer, high 48. low near 31.
SPORTS
NFL= Vikings get two late defensive turnovers a fumble recovery and an interception and Dalvin Cook did the rest as the Vikings win in Miami Sunday 24-16. The Vikings are 5-1 and have a bye week now.
COL FB= Gophers are held to under 200 total yards as the Illinois Fighting Illini beat the Gophers 26-14 on Saturday. Gophers 4-2.
TODAY IN HISTORY
IN 1847= Charlotte Bronte published “Jane Eyre”
IN 1923= Walt Disney begins his own production/animation company.
IN 1956= Elvis Presley's first movie Love Me Tender opens in theaters
IN 1964= Cleveland Indians vote to stay in Cleveland after getting offers from a number of cities to move the franchise. Still there today.
IN 1987= Jessica McClure rescued after falling into 22' well shaft.