NEWS
--A Flood Warning remains in effect for the Ft. Ripley now through midnight on December 24th. The warning was extended now that warmer weather is expected this weekend which could keep minor flooding over the flood stage at near 11 feet in effect through next Monday night. The Fort Ripley area experienced some ice-jam flooding Sunday after the Mississippi flood stage. At 6:30pm last night it was at 10.9 feet and expected to reach crest around 11.1 feet. Temperatures are expected to get very cold in the area tonight with wind chill advisories out for northern Minnesota. Then a warm up with highs in the low to mid 30s Saturday and Sunday.
--On Saturday, December 14th the Todd County Sheriff’s Office responded to a UTV through the ice on Little Swan lake near Swanville (Pillsbury). The operator was not injured. Please use caution on area lakes, the ice conditions are not consistent and can change quickly. Remember, no ice is ever 100% safe.
--More award nominees from area schools as Royalton announced their ExCEL nominees are Naomi Ferguson and Brady Conrad.
--Last week, Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue announced the U.S. Department of Agriculture open signup for the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) has been extended to February 28th 2020 for agricultural producers to sign up for general CRP, while signup for continuous CRP is ongoing. Farmers and ranchers who enroll in CRP receive a yearly rental payment for voluntarily establishing long-term, resource-conserving plant species, such as approved grasses or trees (known as “covers”) to control soil erosion, improve water quality and develop wildlife habitat on marginally productive agricultural lands. CRP has 22 million acres enrolled, but the 2018 Farm Bill lifted the cap to 27 million acres. This means farmers and ranchers have a chance to enroll in CRP for the first time or continue their participation for another term. For more information contact your local FSA/USDA office. In Morrison County call 632-5477.
--Veterans served by the St. Cloud VA Health Care System are invited to participate in a town hall meeting on January 15th at 2:30pm in the Auditorium at the St. Cloud VA Medical Center. The town hall meeting is a public forum focusing on improving VA health care services and programs. Prior to the Town Hall meeting at 1:30pm Stearns County Veteran Service Officer Cory Vaske and VA staff members will be available to discuss enrollment in VA health care and provide information on the full range of Veterans benefit programs.
--Gas prices continue their downward dip at pumps across Minnesota, fueled by rising inventories and sluggish demand. GasBuddy.com reports that the cost for a gallon of unleaded dropped 2.2 cents last week, averaging $2.39 statewide. That brings gas down 10.6 cents from where prices were a month ago, but still 10.4 cents higher than they were at this time last year. GasBuddy says the cheapest station in the Twin Cities is priced at $2.14 per gallon while the most expensive is $2.99 per gallon, a difference of 85 cents. The lowest price in greater Minnesota on Monday is $2.22 per gallon, while the highest is $2.70 per gallon, a difference of 48 cents per gallon.
--The Holiday Gift Giving Program is asking those who took tags from the trees at area businesses and organizations in the area, to please return them with the gift before the end of the week as distribution of the gifts are on Saturday. Monetary donations can be made to Pine Country Bank. If you have questions call Judy at 630-8497.
--Blue Christmas Service Wednesday at 7pm at First United Church.
--Morrison County Crews will continue trimming trees along various road right of ways this week. This will include CSAH 22 northwest of Little Falls, CSAH 3 north of Lake Alexander and CSAH 17 on the west side of Little Falls. Maintenance workers will be out patching potholes in the southwest part of the county and in the northeast part of the county as weather permits. Morrison County would like to remind everyone that it is illegal to push snow across roadways per MN State Statute 160.2715. Drive safe and stay warm, have a great week!
–The upcoming holidays are meant for celebrating and spending time with family. It is also the season when most home accidents tend to happen. The Farm Bureau is here to help you prepare for keeping your family safe this holiday season. Top Tips for Keeping Your Family Safe This Holiday Season: Lighting: double check your lights for loose connections, exposed or frayed wires or broken sockets. If you go all out with outside holiday lights and decorations, be careful not to overload your electrical circuit. Fires: The National Fire Protection Association reports 12 percent of home candle fires occur in December. Combustible seasonal decorations and glowing candles can leave you more at risk for fire. Clean your chimney and fireplace area every year, and don’t leave the house with a fire burning. Pets: A Poinsettia will jazz up your mantel, but it may harm your pets. Keep dogs and cats away from that iconic red foliage. Packages: Keep your packages safe. If you’re expecting a gift or getting a gift you intend to have delivered, try to be home for the delivery. When holiday deliveries ramp up, would-be thieves are on the lookout for packages. In the Kitchen: Spread good cheer, not germs. Wash your hands, and insist any helpers wash up too. Resist the temptation to rinse raw meat or poultry. Splashing water can spread bacteria onto clothing, work surfaces and cooking equipment. On the Road: Holidays come with extra traveling. Take extra care to be safe on the road including avoiding driving distracted. Keep your cell phone put away and make sure everyone is buckled up. We hope you have a safe and happy holiday season!
--A crash between two semis sent a Wisconsin man to the hospital Monday morning. The Minnesota State Patrol says a semi driven by 49-year-old William Deadrick of Litchfield was northbound on Highway 22 in Litchfield, waiting to turn left onto Ripley Street when he was rear-ended. The second semi was driven by 49-year-old Lorenzo Sanso of Milwaukee. Sanso was taken to Litchfield Hospital with non-life threatening injuries. Deadrick was not hurt.
--Thanks to Tony Wenzel who sent pictures of the Wreaths for the Fallen wreath laying ceremony Saturday at the State Veteran's Cemetery north of Little Falls. The pictures can be viewed on the Little Falls Radio Facebook page.
DEATH NOTICES
--Lawrence Seelen, age 85 of Little Falls.
WEATHER
TODAY= snow showers in morning, then PM sun, temps falling.
TONIGHT= clear and very cold, low -16 wind chills near -25.
WEDNESDAY= sunny and cold, high 7 above, clouds move in late.
THURSDAY= cloudy skies, high 23, temps stay steady at night.
SPORTS
HS GBB= Staples-Motley at Pierz tonight 7:15pm on FM94 KFML.
NFL= Green Bay at Vikings next Monday night 6:30pm on KLTF.