NEWS --The Morrison County Board of Commissioners Tuesday unanimously approved a State of Emergency Declaration for Morrison County resulting from the storms May 12th. The National Weather Service confirmed on May 12th an E-F-0 Tornado with winds of 80-85 miles an hour did impact Cushing Township by Lake Alexander and the city of Little Falls and Little Falls Township had straight line winds of 60-70 miles an hour. Based on preliminary investigation damages in Morrison County public critical infrastructure which would include roads, bridges, utility co-ops, cities, townships, school districts, and private non profits exceeded the state threshold of $69,720.50. The next step is working with affected entities to assess damages and then work with Mn Departments of Emergency Management and Homeland Security to request a preliminary damage assessment with their staff. This state assistance program does not affect private properties as those are usually covered by individual insurance policies. The incident period presently is limited to May 12th.
--As spring arrives in Minnesota, it’s time for the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) to kick off its popular program that relies on Minnesota residents to help monitor Minnesota’s 12,000+ lakes and 92,000+ miles of streams. The MPCA is now recruiting volunteers to measure water clarity in numerous lakes and streams, including several high-priority sites in the Little Falls area and across Morrison County, and then report back to the agency. This is the perfect opportunity for outdoor enthusiasts and those interested in helping protect our state’s natural resources! Through the Volunteer Water Monitoring Program, volunteers do a simple water clarity test in a body of water twice a month during the summer. Lake monitors boat or paddle to a designated spot in the lake to check the clarity, while stream monitors record data from the streambank or a bridge over it. The MPCA provide all the equipment and training, so no experience is needed. The MPCA uses the data to help determine whether lakes and streams are meeting water quality standards designed to protect aquatic life and recreational activities like fishing and swimming. In some cases, the information gathered by volunteers is the only monitoring done on a particular lake or stream. Those interested in volunteering, locating open volunteer sites near them, or learning more about the program can go to www.mn.gov/volunteerwater.
--Blake Paulson has filed the paperwork with the Benton County Auditor to run for State Representative on the Republican ticket in District 10B. The newly redistricted 10B will include the southern half of Morrison County from Upsala to Pierz (excluding Little Falls) then southeast through Benton, southern Mille Lacs and northwestern Kanabec County. Paulson, a life-long Central Minnesotan, who grew up in a working-class, Christian family, he learned the value of faith, family and hard work. When redistricting created the new District 10B, Blake worked hard to earn the support of many delegates to the District endorsing convention, but the convention was prevented from endorsing any candidates.
--The St. Cloud fire department responded to a house fire near Wilson Park Tuesday morning. The call came in just before 6am in the 600 block of Riverside Drive Northeast. Fire crews arrived to find flames and smoke coming from the home. The homeowners were awaken by the smoke alarms and were able to get out of the house safely. The fire started on the first floor of the home and has been ruled accidental. The St. Cloud Fire Marshall is investigating the cause of the fire. The American Red Cross are assisting the homeowners.
--While statewide filing periods are underway, cities that don't have primaries like the city of Little Falls have later filing periods. The city of Little Falls filing period is August 2nd – 16th.
--A 19-year-old man is dead and a 34-year-old man was arrested following an apparent stabbing on Saturday in rural Cass Lake. The Cass County Sheriff’s Office stated it received a report of a medical situation at 9:35pm at a residence on Waboose Trail Northwest in Pike Bay Township. The victim was transported via ambulance to Cass Lake Indian Health Services, where additional lifesaving efforts were performed. The man was pronounced dead. Through an investigation, the sheriff’s office identified a suspect. The 34-year-old man was taken into custody and treated for medical needs, with formal charges pending. The investigation is ongoing. Names were withheld pending notification of family members and charges.
--Sauk Rapids Police are looking for help finding a vehicle involved in a hit-and-run collision with a pedestrian Monday. Police say a 17-year-old boy was jogging next to the westbound lane of 5th Street South and heading west when he was struck by an unknown vehicle. The incident happened at about 3pm at 1000 block of 5th St South. The teen was brought to the hospital via ambulance with non-life-threatening injuries to his left side, left hip, back and leg. If anyone has information on the vehicle or the driver, they're asked to call the Sauk Rapids Police Department at (320) 258-5341.
--The ROCORI School District is planning to bring a referendum to the voters this summer. During Monday's meeting, the board approved holding a special election on August 9th. The ballot has two questions with the first one asking for $63.7-million and the second question is looking for an additional $8.9-million. Question one is for upgrades to the school building, then second is for a new activities center. If both passes would see small tax increases over the next 20 years.
--On Monday, Governor Tim Walz issued Executive Order 22-12, authorizing temporary regulatory relief for motor carriers and drivers supporting the transportation of livestock and livestock feed following widespread storm damage across the state. Heavy rain and wind gusts caused significant damage to roads and bridges, causing farmers and drivers transporting livestock and feed to take longer, more circuitous routes to their destinations. The executive order allows for the continued movement of livestock, poultry, and feed for livestock and poultry to ensure the health and safety of the animals. Strict enforcement certain hours of service rules could hinder transportation of these important supplies to Minnesota farms.
DEATH NOTICES --Theresa Phillippi, age 94 of Royalton formerly Waite Park.
WEATHER TODAY= partial sun, PM storms possible, high 73. TONIGHT= early evening storm, then cloudy, low 47. THURSDAY= cloudy, AM fog, pm showers & storms, high 66, low 43. FRIDAY= cloudy, showers at times and windy, high 56, low 34.
SPORTS TWINS= Oakland beats the Twins 5-2 last night. The Twins wrap up the series in Oakland this afternoon, pregame at 2pm Q92 WYRQ. WNBA= Lynx beat LA Sparks 87-84 for first win of season last night. NBA= Orlando Magic got #1 pick in NBA draft in June from lottery. HS BAB= Little Falls at Pierz baseball game that was to be Thursday will be tonight at 7pm in Pierz live on 94ROCKS KFML.
