Tuesday, October 28, 2025

A one-vehicle crash on Saturday sent an Eden Valley woman to the hospital. The incident happened just after 2:15 p.m. in the 63000 block of Meeker Stearns Street near Eden Valley. The Meeker County Sheriff's Office says 58-year-old Jennifer Hanson veered onto the shoulder of the road and overcorrected, causing her to hit a post and a mailbox. Hanson was the lone occupant of the vehicle and was taken to St. Cloud Hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources has announced the winter walleye limit on Upper Red Lake this season. Anglers will be able to keep four walleye, with only one over 17 inches. The daily bag limit is a reduction from the 2025 open water season, which had a five-fish limit. Fisheries Section Manager Brad Parsons says their fall assessment showed the walleye population is in excellent shape. They're reducing the daily bag limit because winter fishing is so popular on Upper Red Lake. The fall gill net catch was the highest since 2014 and included fish of all sizes, with half of the catch in the 13-inch to 16-inch range. There was also a good number of fish in the 17-20 inch range.

The Stearns County Sheriff’s Office held a swearing-in and awards ceremony last week, where Sheriff Steve Soyka recognized staff members whose actions exemplified extraordinary courage, dedication, and commitment to public safety. According to the department’s Facebook page, several members received Lifesaving Awards for their critical interventions in medical emergencies throughout the county. Dispatcher Kara Otremba and Deputy Cole Thoma were honored for their response to a cardiac emergency at the Triple R Bar and Grill in Kimball. When a 69-year-old patron collapsed from a suspected heart attack, Otremba quickly provided CPR instructions over the phone while Thoma, who was in the area, arrived within minutes. Thoma applied an AED and performed chest compressions, delivering two shocks before EMS arrived with a LUCAS mechanical chest compression device. The victim, Charles Mathiowetz, was stabilized and transported to St. Cloud Hospital, where he survived. Public Safety Telecommunicator Elizabeth Borasz received a Lifesaving Award for her response to an August 19th call from a St. Cloud woman whose husband had collapsed face-down in their backyard. Borasz determined the man was exhibiting agonal respirations and calmly guided the caller through rolling the patient over and performing CPR. She remained on the line, counting compressions aloud until police arrived. A pulse was regained at the scene, and the man was transported for further treatment. Sergeant Steve Noetzel earned a Lifesaving Award for his response to an unresponsive man at Bel Clare Estates Mobile Home Park in Waite Park. Alongside Sergeant Abe Salber of the Waite Park Police Department, Noetzel applied an AED, performed chest compressions, and administered four doses of Naloxone. Their efforts successfully restored a pulse, and the individual survived after transport to St. Cloud Hospital. Salber received a Letter of Commendation for his role in the rescue. Lead Dispatcher DeAnn Heinen received a Public Safety Telecommunicator Award from VFW Warren Ostendorf in recognition of her outstanding service and leadership spanning more than a decade. Since beginning her dispatch career in 2011, Heinen has brought valuable experience from her previous roles as both a correctional officer and deputy. Over 13 years, she has held multiple leadership roles, including serving as a communications training officer, where she mentors new dispatchers. Multiple staff members received Letters of Commendation for their exceptional work on challenging investigations and initiatives. Deputies Tyler Thunstedt and Andrew Bragelman were recognized for establishing a dedicated warrant unit in January 2025. In just over three months, the team attempted to serve 315 warrants and cleared 186, a 60% success rate compared to the patrol division’s 15% rate during the same period in 2024. Their work led to the apprehension of suspects across the country, including fugitives in South Dakota, North Dakota, Florida, New York City, and California, as well as a gang member wanted for murder in Washington State. 

For the first time since the Edmund Fitzgerald memorial ceremony started, the event is completely sold out on November 10, 2025 which is the 50th Anniversary of the ship sinking on Lake Superior. This year marks both the 50th anniversary of the sinking of the Edmund Fitzgerald and the 40th anniversary of Split Rock Lighthouse’s annual memorial beacon lighting. Though the seating is filled up there will be outside parking and access to audio and video of the ceremony that will be released prior to the ceremony. However, throughout the day, guests can still explore the lighthouse, fog signal building, and visitor center. Guided tours and a brief film will be available that share the story of the Edmund Fitzgerald and her final voyage will run from 10am-6pm at the lighthouse just the Ceremony at 4pm is sold out. The lighthouse will temporarily close as the names of the 29 crew members are read aloud to the tolling of a ship’s bell, followed by a rendition of the Naval Hymn. After the ceremony, the beacon will be lit in their honor, and the lighthouse tower will reopen to visitors until 6 pm. Please bring a flashlight or headlamp, as the grounds and trails are unlit. Dress for unpredictable November weather. 

Living Hope Church will have a family fall festival Wednesday from 6-8pm at the church north of Little Falls. All free, hot dogs, drinks, hayrides, bonfire, smores, candy, inflatables, photo op area and games for the whole family. Come for the fun evening, again everything is free to enjoy for kids and adults alike. 

Death Notices: Arlene R. Justin, age 93 of Royalton. Richard "Dick" Thelander, age 94 of Little Falls. 

Weather: Tuesday rain likely, some heavier showers at time, high 47 rain likely Tuesday night ending before midnight, near 40. Wednesday cloudy with showers early, then clearing skies, high near 50, low near 33. Thursday cloudy skies, high near 51, low around 33. Halloween few rain showers, breezy, high near 45. 

Sports: Minnesota Vikings quarterback Carson Wentz is expected to have season-ending surgery on his shoulder. The team confirmed Monday that Wentz was being placed on injured reserve, but didn't provide any additional details. Schefter reported that he is scheduled to have season-ending surgery on his non-throwing shoulder, the same shoulder that has been injured for several weeks. Wentz, a former No. 2 overall pick in 2016, signed with the Vikings just prior to the season. He began the year as J.J. McCarthy's backup, but then took over as the starter in Week 3 when the second-year quarterback suffered a high ankle sprain. Following Thursday night's game, Vikings coach Kevin O'Connell said he believes that McCarthy will be ready to play Sunday against the Detroit Lions at noon on Sunday. KLTF will have a triple header of game son Sunday starting at noon and streamed online at fallsradio.com.  High School Volleyball playoffs continue Tuesday with Swanville vs. Pine River Backus 6pm in Crosby-Ironton High School. Nevis vs. Verndale in other semi-finals, Sauk Rapids vs. Fergus Falls, St. Cloud Tech vs. Annandale, Albany hosts Foley, Sauk Centre at Minnewaska, winners move to to section finals on Thursday night.