NEWS
--John Phelps will be the Royalton School District interim Superintendent for the next year. Phelps most recently was a principal on special assignment and a superintendent intern at the Anoka-Hennepin School District. He has submitted his paperwork to obtain his Superintendent’s license, which he expects he will receive this summer. After interviews were held last Monday, the board made their choice and contract negotiations with Phelps were held Wednesday. Thursday, his hiring was finalized. Saturday was his first day. The previous Superintendant Jon Ellerbusch resigned effective Friday to take over as Superintendant of North Branch Area Schools.
--The Little Falls Area Chamber of Commerce has announced Susie Dehler is their July employee of the month. Susie Dehler has been a clerk at Thielen Meats of Little Falls for the past 26 years.
--The Minnesota Department of Transportation urges motorists to use extra caution while driving through highway work zones during the July Fourth holiday. Some projects will have crews working today, but all projects will be shut down on the Fourth of July holiday. Local major road projects include Highway 238 from Albany to Upsala along with many projects in Crow Wing and Cass Counties.
--Four people were arrested after a search warrant in the Big Water area of Pillager Thursday morning. Cass County officials executed a search warrant which resulted in the seizure of methamphetamine, marijuana, firearms and drug related items. During the search, a 31-year old Staples woman, 34-year old Audobon man, 23-year old Motley man and a 44-year old Pillager man were arrested on a number of charges against each of the them. Cass County withheld the names until formal charges are processed with the Cass County Attorney's office. The investigation is ongoing and possible more arrests may still occur through the Cass County Sheriff's Office.
--The Central Minnesota Violent Offender Task Force conducted a search warrant at an Albany residence last Wednesday in Stearns County. The residence is owned by 48-year old Jeno Peterson. Peterson was not home at the time of the warrant however arrived while investigators were in the process of searching his house. During the search investigators located a mushroom grow, a marijuana grow containing 48 plants and 3 ½ pounds of methamphetamine. Also located during the search was a .357 handgun and a shotgun along with approximately $11,500 in U.S. Currency. Peterson was arrested and transported to the Stearns County Jail to await court. The firearms and money are subject to forfeiture. No one else is expected to be charged.
--A 27-year-old St. Cloud man who led Crow Wing County authorities on a high speed chase June 23rd has been charged in Crow Wing County District Court. Jonathon Nesenson was charged with drug possession and fleeing a peace officer. He also has outstanding warrants in Benton and Stearns County for drug arrests. The chase begain in Deerwood and lasted for 45 miles on Highway 210 through Aitkin and ending in Hill City where he was taken into custody.
--A Sauk Centre teenager was injured after rolling his car Thursday morning. The incident happened at about 10:45am on Highway 4 near 2nd avenue north in Greenwald. The Minnesota State Patrol says 15-year old Carter Braun was heading south on Highway 4 when he ran off the road, hit an approach, went airborne and rolled. Braun was taken to Melrose Hospital for treatment of injuries.
--Tomorrow is Independence Day, one of the three days (Christmas and News Years) that falls on the same day (no matter of what day of the week it is on) that is a federal holiday. There will be a number of parades and events tomorrow to mark the birthday of the United States of America. Many businesses, offices, government agencies, post offices, banks and others are closed tomorrow for the 4th of July. Some businesses are even closed today for an early start for the holiday so call ahead before venturing out. Events tonight in Randall, street dance and fireworks and tomorrow in Randall, fire house open house and duck races, tomorrow in Brainerd parade at 4pm, music and fireworks tomorrow night, Hillman has a parade at 11am with events throughout the afternoon. The offices of Little Falls Radio are open today but closed on Tuesday. The staff of Little Falls Radio hopes you and yours have a happy and safe 4th of July holiday.
--Here are some safety tips provided by the Department of Public Safety State Fire Marshal Division. If you purchase your own fireworks: Remember that if it flies or explodes, it is illegal in Minnesota. You could face fines and confiscation of illegal fireworks. Use them in an open area, away from houses and other structures. Light them on a solid and non-combustible surface. Use a long lighter meant for a gas grill to light fireworks, and stay as far from the wick as possible. Dispose of spent fireworks in water or sand. Do not relight a dud. Ensure children are supervised. Do not use fireworks under the influence of alcohol. Follow the instructions on the package carefully. During the 4th of July holiday period law enforcement is not only concerned about the proper use of fireworks but also for those who choose to get behind the wheel after drinking. Last year, there were 412 DWI arrests and 6 fatalities on Minnesota roads. To keep Minnesota motorists safe, law enforcement across the state will have extra patrols this holiday period.
--A section of Division Street near downtown St. Cloud was closed for about an hour Thursday night as police talked to a suicidal man. The incident began just before 8:00pm Thursday and lasted for about an hour. Police reported the man is safe.
DEATH NOTICES
--Agnes “Aggie” Tabatt, age 96 of Pierz Villa formerly Little Falls.
--Hannah Kay Swedeen, 8 month old of Jason & Deanna Swedeen.
WEATHER
TODAY= mostly sunny, high near 80.
TONIGHT= partly cloudy, low around 60, possible storm overnight.
4th of JULY= party sunny, early/late day T-storms, high 75, low 62.
WEDNESDAY= sunny, warmer, late day storms, high 86, low near 65.
SPORTS
TWINS= KC beat Twins Friday 8-1, won Saturday 11-6 in first game, Twins took 2nd game 10-5. KC then won Sunday 6-2 over Twins. Twins host Angels tonight 6:30pm then have a day game on the 4th of July against the Angels tomorrow at 12:30pm both on Q92 WYRQ. LYNX= Maya Moore 21 points, Lynx beat Phoenix Friday 91-83.
NBA= Timberwolves trade Ricky Rubio Friday to Utah Jazz then early Saturday signed Jeff Teague to a 3-year deal to take his place.
A reminder that Little Falls Radio offices will be closed tomorrow for 4th of July. No newsletter on Tuesday.