NEWS
--More severe storms worked through the state Wednesday and Thursday dropping large hail, heavy rains where some areas in Morrison County had over 2 inches and some others in the state were drying out from 4-6 inches of rainfall causing lots of flooding. A flood warning is in effect for the Mississippi River in Crow Wing and Aitkin Counties for further notices from the heavy rains. The National Weather Service was investigating Thursday of nearly a dozen reports of funnel clouds to see if any tornadoes touched down in south central Minnesota. Storms Thursday morning brought hail to areas of Morrison County, some reports of larger hail in Little Falls to marble size at the radio station. Heavy rain another 2 inches by noon at the studio, trees downs in Royalton, Buckman, Little Falls and other areas over 1,500 Minnesota Power customers around the county lost power during the morning hours due the trees down and high winds damaging power lines. Then yet another round of severe weather last night with tornado warnings, very strong winds and heavy rains through Morrison County sparking more power outages. No reports as of this morning of any major damage from storms but still early.
--Tomorrow at 12:01am is the Minnesota Fishing Opener for walleye and other fish on Minnesota lakes. The Department of Natural Resources stated that fishing licenses went on sale for 2022 back in March so make sure you have yours before heading out. The DNR also posted a number of safety messages like life jackets and cold water issues that could arise on many lakes this weekend. Though almost all lakes in the southern two-thirds of the state have no ice or very little if any on their waterways far northern Minnesota has ice and even as of last week people were walking or even using ATV's on lakes like Leech Lake and Lake Vermilion where they are not expecting to have ice out in the whole lakes for at least a few more weeks around May 23rd or even Memorial Day weekend.
--The new executive director of the Morrison County Historical Society/Charles A. Weyerhauser Museum, Mike Worcester came on KLTF yesterday and said he has worked with Mary Warner in the past before she left for new position and Mike was at the Great River Arts but his love with history and museums and had to jump at the chance for the new position which he started this week and ended his tenure at GRA. Mike mentioned the big issue they are dealing with is the shoreline issue at the museum and the board has worked with city and county members to help with an assessment done to see how to work on this as the shoreline is less than 20 feet from the museum. He also added that in 2027 they are planning with other groups to acknowledge the 100th Anniversary of the Charles Lindbergh flight from New York to Paris over the Atlantic Ocean. Those still 5 years away they are already working on large plans for the anniversary of the famous flight. Worcester said that they are also looking to have archeological survey work done on the property to see what history items are there which is being done in other parts of the county this summer. They have asked for a grant to get that work done in the near future at the museum site. If you have questions on the hours and items at the museum call Mike at 320-632-4007 or check out the website morrisoncountyhistory.org.
--On Wednesday night the Little Falls Community High School hosted their scholarship night. In total 176 scholarships were handed out for a total of $335,700. Congratulations to all the scholarships winners and thanks to all who organized the event and those that give out the scholarships from the many groups, families and organizations.
--Morrison County Sheriff Shawn Larsen stated there are still openings for the sandbox fill on May 26th for those living within a three mile radius of Bank Square of Little Falls. To place your name on a list call 320-631-2880, the deadline to sign up is May 24th.
--The Aitkin County Fairgrounds sustained severe damage from straight line winds and hail on Thursday. The Aitkin County Sheriff's Office stated yesterday the fairgrounds had numerous trees downs and shelters and building had roofs ripped off and debris everywhere.
--Jury selection is underway in the trial of Gregory Ulrich. The 68-year-old Buffalo man is charged in the February 2021 shooting and bombing of the Allina Health Clinic that left one person dead and three seriously hurt. Ulrich is charged with one count of first-degree premeditated murder, four counts of first-degree attempted premeditated murder, and the discharge of an explosive or incendiary device. The criminal complaint describes Ulrich walking into the clinic on February 9th and setting off two homemade bombs inside and shooting the five victims, some of whom were hit multiple times. The bombs damaged the entryway and a desk inside the clinic. A third undetonated bomb was found inside as was the 9mm handgun used in the shooting. Court records show Ulrich called 911 minutes later and surrendered to the police. Opening arguments in Ulrich's trial are scheduled for Monday.
--Four people had to be rescued from Lake Sagatagan in Collegeville after the canoe they were in capsized. The Stearns County Sheriff's Office says they got the call just after 7pm Wednesday night. The caller, who was one of the occupants of the canoe, reported only one of the four were wearing a life jacket. St. John's University Life Safety launched a small boat into the water to rescue the four men and brought them to shore. One of the men told authorities they had been in the water for about 20 minutes before they were found. Two men were taken to St. Cloud Hospital for treatment of possible hypothermia, while the other two declined medical attention.
--Upsala Area Schools wants to congratulate Curtis Robertson, for being selected Section 6 Minnesota Robotics Coaches association Coach of the Year and also State Coach of the Year.
--The Little Falls School Board will meet Monday at 5pm at the Community Middle School media center. Agenda items approval of 2022-2023 capitol projects for the district and the Superintendent's report at the meeting Monday.
WEATHER
TODAY= sunny skies, breezy, high 72, clear night low around 48 SATURDAY= sunny skies, cooler, high near 70, low near 50.
SUNDAY= mostly cloudy, PM showers possible, high 68, low 46.
MONDAY= sunny and cooler, high near 60, low around 45.
SPORTS
TWINS= Twins lose resumed game 11-3 and then second game also to Houston 5-0 yesterday. Twins open a series with the Cleveland Guardians tonight with pregame at 6:30pm, Saturday is 5:30pm and Sunday will start with Inside Twins at noon, all live on Q92 WYRQ.
WILD= St. Louis eliminated The Minnesota Wild last night in the NHL playoffs winning 5-1 to take Game 6 and win series 4 to 2.
NFL= Vikings will open the 2022 season at home against the Green Bay Packers on Sunday, September 11th at 3:25pm kickoff. They will play Monday Night, September 19th vs. Philadelphia, in London against New Orleans on October 2nd at 8:30am central time and will also take on New England on Thanksgiving night at 7:20pm.