NEWS
--The Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension is investigating a fatal officer-involved shooting that took place in St. Louis County Wednesday morning. The St. Louis County Sheriff’s Office says shortly after 4:30am deputies from their department, police officers from Hibbing, Chisholm, and Virginia, and members of the Minnesota State Patrol were searching for a suspect and vehicle wanted in a felony-level crime that took place in Morrison County recently. Authorities say around 7:15am the suspect vehicle was found unoccupied in Chisholm. Officers then responded to a home in the 200 block of Central Avenue South and made contact with the suspect. The sheriff’s office says an officer-involved shooting followed, with the suspect requiring life-saving efforts by authorities. Authorities say the suspect died at the scene. No members of law enforcement were hurt. The names of the officers and the name of the suspect have not been released. The investigation remains active.
--Approximately 150 Soldiers from the Minnesota National Guard’s 434th Chemical Company, based in Hastings and Red Wing, returned last week from deployment to Kuwait in support of Operation Spartan Shield. While deployed, the Soldiers provided Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear (CBRN) response in support of Operations Spartan Shield and Inherent Resolve in the United States Central Command area of operations. The unit is trained to respond to multiple hazards in the event of a CBRN or weapons of mass destruction attack or threat. “The 434th Chemical Company did Minnesota proud during this deployment,” said Army Lt. Col. John
McRae, battalion commander of the 434th Chemical Company’s higher headquarters. “They were a key protection asset for the theater, an enabler for high profile exercises and special events, and a trusted source of expertise for their chain of command. We are very proud of their outstanding performance during this critical mission and want to welcome them back home.” In theater, the Soldiers of the 434th Chemical Company provided CBRN response on-site at the Arab Cup in Qatar and participated in joint training exercises in Egypt, Saudi Arabia, and Jordan. They were also part of a joint training exercise with the United States Navy Chemical Assessment Response Team. There were four soldiers from St. Cloud in the 434th Chemical Company that returned home, and one each from Little Falls, Sartell, Wadena and Brainerd.
--A St. Cloud man has pleaded guilty to assault with a dangerous weapon following a shooting in south St. Cloud last spring. An officer heard gunshots in the 1000 block of 9th Avenue South in the early morning hours of March 10th. The officer responded to the Go For It Gas parking lot and saw a man sitting in an SUV. The officer tried to get the man to exit the vehicle but he sped off, crashed into a retaining wall, and fled on foot. Police say a rifle was found in the front seat. Authorities set up a perimeter and brought in a police dog, but were unable to find the suspect. Police talked with a victim at the scene who says he was shot at but was not hit. The suspect was then found walking in an alley in the 700 Block between 6th and 7th Avenue South nearly two hours later. An officer again tried to stop the man, who again fled on foot and ran into a nearby home. The officer followed the suspect into the home and brought him down with the use of a taser to take him into custody.
*Congratulations to Jackie Brady the grand prize winner last night of Ladies Night Out Little Falls Style. The dress up winner was Sarah Okroi. Thanks to all who attended.
--Swanville schools announced they are saddened by the loss of longtime football coach Con Natvig who passed away April 19th. Con was a long time teacher in Swanville and was still on the coaching staff for football through the past season. He coached many other sports as well. Con was also summer rec coordinator for many years. The Swanville Football Field has been named the Con Natvig Field and he was a member of the MN High School Football Hall of Fame.
--Weekend events include a Spaghetti Dinner fundraiser at St. Edwards in Elmdale tonight, German Dinner (tickets already sold) but also their large raffle will be tonight for St. Joseph's Church at the Pierz Ballroom in Pierz tonight, Pierz Pizzazz fundraiser tomorrow night at Pierz Ballroom with spaghetti and comedy show, tickets sold at Pierz businesses or will be sold at the door starting Saturday at 4:30pm. Spring Fever event Sunday at the Bank Square Plaza in downtown Little Falls with tours of the building and events starting at 11am Sunday at the corner of 1st street and Highway 27. Also there will be the special Earth Day Mass today at 11am at the convent. The Legacy Chorale of Greater Minnesota will have a free concert Sunday at Aitkin High School then next Sunday, May 1st at Brainerd Center for the Arts. Get details on events at fallsradio.com community calendar.
--The Royalton High School and Royal Playhouse announced the new dates for their spring musical Annie Jr. on May 6th and 7th at 7pm and also on May 7th a 2pm matinee at Royalton High School. Those coming should use the Royalton Activities entrances. Tickets are $8 for adults, $5 for students/senior citizens, preschool and under free.
--The Little Falls Community Bike Ride will be Saturday, May 21st beginning at 4:15pm at the Morrison County Government Center where you can ride with the heroes from police, sheriff, EMS and firefighters as they ride with their families and yours fro a slow roll through Little Falls ending at Lindbergh State Park. All ages welcome and please ride safe remember to wear a helmet at the free event.
--Crane Meadows National Wildlife Refuge will be hosting a guided bird walk on Saturday, May 7th at 8am. This event is FREE and is open to all ages. The refuge classroom is at 19502 Iris Road in Little Falls.
DEATH NOTICES
--Carter Xavier Denny infant son of Page Taylor & John Denny of LF.
--Diane Brisk, age 79 of Harding.
WEATHER
TODAY= rain developing in afternoon, some thunder late, high 53.
TONIGHT= showers & storm, some heavy rain possible, temps rise.
SATURDAY= showers & storms early, then sunny and warmer, highs around 72 then more storms late day, some could be severe.
SUNDAY= AM showers, sunny and breezy then, high 41, low 28.
MONDAY= sunny, windy and chilly, high 38, low around 26.
SPORTS
TWINS= Joe Ryan shuts down the Royals as Twins win 1-0 to take one of the 3 games in KC. The Twins return home and host the White Sox tonight for a weekend series at Target Field. Pregame tonight at 6:30pm, Saturday at 2:30pm and Sunday Inside Twins begins at noon with all games live on Q92 WYRQ.
NBA= Memphis comes back to beat Wolves with a big 4th quarter last night 104-95 to take game 3. Timberwolves host Game 4 of NBA playoffs with Memphis Saturday at the Target Center.
VL= Flensburg at Royalton game of the week if weather allows it to be is planned Sunday at 1:30pm on AM960 KLTF.