NEWS
--The Minnesota State Patrol reported an accident with injuries around 7:45am Wednesday on Highway 27 near 350th Avenue in Leigh Township of Morrison County. The patrol said that two vehicles collided head on causing one of the vehicles to strike the cable barrier on the north side of Highway 27. The State Patrol stated, a 17-year-old was driving the vehicle that crossed the center-line, that person was taken to the Onamia hospital, no name was given. The other driver, 46-year old Susan Adickes of Finlayson was taken to the CHI St. Gabriels Hospital in Little Falls with non-serious injuries.
--Around 12:15am Wednesday the Morrison County Sheriff’s Office received a report of a motorcycle accident with injuries on 370th Avenue near the intersection of Sunset Road, in Richardson Township. According to the Sheriff’s Office, the driver of the motorcycle, 35-year old Robert Virnig of Hillman was traveling south on 370th Avenue when he struck a deer with his motorcycle. Virnig was transported to St. Cloud Hospital with unknown injuries.
--This year the National Night Out event and Falls Festival on Foot are partnering together on Tuesday, August 1st. That night from 5-7:30pm the area of First Street Southeast will be closed between 2nd and 5th Avenue to all motorized vehicles to allow people to experience all the great activities offered by these two annual events. There will be a free community meal served by the Salvation Army, free bicycle surreys available to ride up and down the streets, a bike rodeo, child’s play area and hula hoop contests for kids, as well as demonstrations by the following: North Air Care helicopter, Morrison County K-9 unit, Little Falls Fire and Rescue “grease fire” kitchen safety demonstration, specialty cardio & Zumba, yoga, BMX and strider races. Other events include: live music provided by “Disaster Area” and a Critter Crawl. The Critter Crawl is a short walking loop for dogs (and other friendly pets) and their owners which starts at the Maple Island Park shelter at 6:00pm. For information about the event or to volunteer, contact Kate Bjorge at the Live Better Live Longer (LBLL) office at CHI St. Gabriel’s Health at 320-631-5675.
--Motorists in Long Prairie will encounter crews, equipment and narrowed travel lanes on Highway 27 and Highway 71 after a project to improve the roadway, sidewalks and other infrastructure begins Monday. Motorists should plan their travel, and expect the following traffic changes- Highway 27 and Highway 71 will remain open, but lanes will be narrow and will close intermittently while crews complete their work. Shoulders will also close as needed. Access to all local residences and businesses will be maintained. A public open house for the project is scheduled today from 4:00pm to 6:00pm at Long Prairie city hall. Attendees will be able to view a large layout of the project, get project details and get their questions answered from MnDOT staff and others working on the project.
--A bicyclist was injured Saturday when he ran a stop sign in Nisswa and was struck by a car. 43-year old Eric Fotsch was struck by the vehicle in the intersection and was treated and released for his injuries. The driver of the car from Sartell was not injured.
--Pike Creek Township will have a clean up day on July 15th from noon to 3pm at the Pike Creek Town Hall. For more information on the clean up day contact Adam at 360-9632.
--Tonight is the next Rock, Roll and Stroll in Pierz. Events begin around 5pm with car show, poker walk and more tonight.
--The Little Falls city council met on Monday night. The city ordered more garbage carts for residents. Carts have been ordered and the city is hoping to get the carts in July or August and then begin the switchover. More information will be released once the city receives the garbage carts. A public hearing was also held Monday on a proposed zoning ordinance change. The city is considering to consolidate zoning districts. There have been five business districts but it would be down to two. Also there were three and would be one type of industrial zone. There would be less residential types too. A citywide map is available through the city's website and also on display in their main office. Another public hearing is set for Monday at 6:30pm to consider rezoning around 225 properties.
--Three people were hurt, one critically in two separate motorcycle accidents in Lake Shore of Crow Wing County. The first was Saturday when 67-year old Barbara Anderson was on County Road 78 as she left the roadway and struck the ditch. Anderson was airlifted to the Twin Cities with reportedly critical injuries. Sunday, a motorcycle crashed on Little John Road in Lake Shore. 60-year old Robert Young and 58-year old Lorri Badeaux both of Brainerd were on the cycle. Both were taken to the Brainerd hospital with injuries. Badeaux had more serious injuries and was listed in fair condition Monday. Young was treated and later released.
--Walleye fishing on Mille Lacs Lake is about to close for three weeks as fisheries managers try to revive its walleye population. With a ban on night fishing already in place, walleye fishing on the lake effectively closes at 10:01pm tonight and reopens at 6:01am on Friday, July 28th. The closure, first announced in March, is meant to prevent walleyes from dying after being caught and released, a tendency called hooking mortality, which increases as the water warms. Fishing on Mille Lacs for all other species, including bass, remains open.
BIRTH ANNOUNCEMENT
--Jason and Jessica Colombe of Little Falls, girl on July 2nd
--Tim and Michelle Wasland of Little Falls, a boy born July 3rd.
DEATH NOTICES
--Elizabeth Warn, age 48 of Staples.
WEATHER
TODAY= morning storms, then clearing, warm, high 87.
TONIGHT= clear skies, less humid, low 57.
FRIDAY= sunny and pleasant, high 76, low 53.
SATURDAY= sunny skies, high near 80, low near 60.
SUNDAY= sunny early, afternoon storms develop, high 82.
SPORTS
TWINS= Angels beat Twins 2-1 Wednesday to avoid the sweep despite Ervin Santana pitching a complete game. Twins host Baltimore for the first of four games tonight 6:30pm on Q92 WYRQ.
WNBA= Lynx host Los Angeles tonight 7:30pm in St. Paul.
SB= on Friday night, the Wounded Warrior Amputee Softball Team will take on a team of Brainerd area all-stars and other community members in an exhibition softball game. Gates open at 6pm, the game is played at 7:30. The event is free admission, but donations are expected for the Wounded Warrior Project.