NEWS
--The Morrison County Sheriff’s Office reported yesterday that there is a TiKToK trend that has emerged indicating widespread violence to schools nationwide Today. This national threat is circulating on social media regarding alleged threats concerning schools. There is no indication of a nationwide specific threat, however, we want our residents to be aware that we are currently investigating information that was brought to our attention by the Royalton School District. The information was regarding a video of a social media post that may have identified three school districts in Morrison County; Little Falls School District, Royalton School District and Pierz School District. At this time, we have not been able to identify or verify the specific post or parties who may have been responsible. The investigation is ongoing. We are working in partnership with the school districts and all local law enforcement agencies directly impacted. The Sheriff’s Office along with the Little Falls, Pierz and Royalton Police Departments, and local schools take this matter very seriously. If anyone is aware of potential threats to our local schools, please call our Sheriff’s Office at (320) 632-9233. Information about criminal activity should always be reported to local law enforcement and your first call should be 9-1-1 to report any crime in progress. This is a reminder for parents and/or guardians to pay attention and inquire about their children’s social media communications. Make sure that discussions include positive and respectful social media use, making sure that social media postings do not violate their school’s code of conduct and/or lead to potential criminal charges. Students need to be reminded that everything that is posted on social media can be shared. They need to think about every message they convey prior to sending it out viral. After that announcement; Little Falls Superintendent Stephen Jones, based on law enforcement interviews, Little Falls Community Schools was specifically identified in a TikTok post related to this threat. In conversations with local law enforcement, the origins of this threat remain unknown. Therefore, school throughout the district all public and at Mary of Lourdes Schools is canceled today. Mary of Lourdes rescheduled their concert to Tuesday. All home events and activities are canceled tonight and all district buildings will be closed as the investigation continues. Pierz Schools announced no school today at Pierz public schools and also at Holy Trinity School in Pierz today, Holy Trinity will also have no Kids place child care today. No school also today at Royalton today and all activities cancelled tonight, No Map Friday and the Fitness Center Friday is closed. Late last night both Upsala and Swanville Schools announced out of safety for those in all districts they will be closed today also. Last night the Minnesota Department of Public Safety stated there is no credible threat and said law enforcement has discredited the source. But local schools want to play it safe.
--On Tuesday 30 heroes and 30 kids teamed up for the annual Shop with a Hero event. Heroes from fire departments in Bowlus, Camp Ripley, Flensburg, Little Falls, Motley, Pierz, Randall, Royalton, Scandia Valley, Upsala along with the Little Falls Police Department and Morrison County Sheriff's Office all participated. Kids were given $100 to shop for their families. Once finished shopping volunteers wrapped the presents and sent them home with the children. The cost was covered by Wal Mart and Bernicks.
--The Little Falls City Council meets Monday at 7:30pm at City Hall, there will be special work session before the council meeting.
--Ho Ho Dough Grand Prize drawing will be Tuesday on LF Radio.
--The Minnesota State Patrol says they responded to 121 crashes on the highways between 6am Wednesday and 6am Thursday. Twenty-seven people were hurt in those crashes including one with serious injuries. There was also one fatal crash. There were many other minor injury accidents and property damage crashes reported.
--The Central Minnesota Violent Offender Task Force (CMVOTF) executed a search warrant in the 10000 of 115th Street in Gilman of Benton County on Thursday. Investigators learned that the occupants of the residence were suspected of selling methamphetamine. After a several month long investigation, Investigators applied for a search warrant and one was granted. During the execution of the search warrant, Investigators located 3 individuals inside the residence. As they entered, Sherryl Ann Barnhart, 62 years of age from Gilman Mn, was trying to flush suspected methamphetamine down a bathroom toilet. Also located was Virgil Timothy Pouliot, 65 years of age also from Gilman Mn., and another individual who was not charged, Investigators located over 50 grams of suspected methamphetamine, a small amount of suspected THC products, a small amount of suspected marijuana and suspected psilocybin mushrooms. Also located in the residence was ammunition and approximately $16,000.00 that is believed to be proceeds from suspected drug distribution. Both Barnhart and Pouliot were transported to Benton County Jail and booked for 1st degree possession of controlled substance, 5th degree possession of controlled substance, felon in possession of ammunition, and obstructing legal process. Both individuals are being held in jail until their first court appearance.
--Weekend events include the St. Francis Music Center has the St. Francis Orchestras in a Christmas concert “Christmas Treats, Christmas Suites!” tonight at 7pm at the Falls Ballroom. On Saturday night at 7pm local comedian Jason Schommer and local musician Michael Shynes with special guest violinist David Gerald Sutton put on a comedy show with Christmas music and more. Tickets are $20 and all seating is general admission. Tickets can be purchased at 320-632-0960, online at Greatart.org, if tickets remain at the door. On Sunday there is Christmas at the Pipe Organ at 4pm at Our Lady of Lourdes Church on the west side of Little Falls. Bill Messerschmidt will perform Christmas Carols and more on the pipe organ. The event is a free will offering to help Oasis Central Minnesota in helping the homeless this holiday season. For info call 632-9140.
DEATH NOTICES
--Myron (Mike) Johnson, age 86 of Alexandria.
--Elaine Munson, age 86 of Little Falls.
WEATHER
TODAY= cloudy skies, snow by late afternoon, high 18.
TONIGHT= snow likely before midnight, 1-2 inches, low 12.
SATURDAY= partly sunny, chilly high around 15, low -4.
SUNDAY= mostly cloudy, high 25, flurries at night, low 12.
MONDAY= sunny and windy, temps near 20 then falling.
SPORTS
NFL= Chief win 34-28 in walk off fashion last night over Chargers, more games Saturday, Sunday and Vikings Monday on AM960 KLTF.
HS= due to the announcement from Little Falls, Pierz, Royalton, Swanville and Upsala schools closing today from the alleged threats tonight's local schedule is up in the air on what will be played. Continue to listen to LF Radio today for the latest on sports.