NEWS
--Morrison County Sheriff Shawn Larsen states that the reward for information that leads to the identification of the person who shot and killed Terrance Brisk has been increased to $20,000. According to Larsen, there are two anonymous donors. The Sheriff's Office along with the assistance of the BCA continues to actively investigate this case. All information relevant to the case is being followed up on and numerous interviews are being conducted. As of this date, no arrests have been made. Due to the active investigation no new information is being released. Larsen states that he believes this is an isolated incident and there is no known risk to the public. If you have any information regarding this case please contact the Morrison County Sheriff’s Office at (320) 632-9233.
--Minnesota is back as the #1 state in voting after the November general election. Despite an election with less turnout, Minnesota still turned out nearly 3-million voters (2,968,281) in last month's election. Reportedly that is the highest number the state has ever seen at the ballot box. According to Secretary of State more than 81& of registered voters cast ballots during the general election.
--Republican candidate for the 8th U.S. Congressional District Stewart Mills III Tuesday formally requested a discretionary recount of the votes originally tallied on Election Day last month. Minnesota election law says only elections with a margin of less than 0.25 percent can be funded by taxpayer dollars. However, the losing candidate may request a discretionary recount if the margin is larger than that threshold, if their own campaign pays for it. Unofficial results had Mills behind Democratic incumbent Rick Nolan by about a 0.56 percent margin, or slightly more than 2,000 votes. County governments across the 8th District will begin recounting the votes in staggered start dates that vary from December 5th-7th. In Morrison County they will begin the recount process right away in the morning on Wednesday, December 7th. The Minnesota Secretery of State estimated a cost of the recount would be $102,053 and Mills and his campaign would be responsible for covering the cost.
--The Central Minnesota Violent Offender Task Force conducted a search warrant at the address of 235 18th Avenue North in St. Cloud early Thursday. The search warrant was executed by the St. Cloud Police Department SWAT team due to the possible presence of firearms inside the residence. During the search of the residence several people were present. 26-year old Antonius Garth of St. Cloud was arrested and taken to Stearns County Jail. He faces charges of 1st degree possession of a controlled substance, 1st degree possession with intent to distribute, being a felon in possession of a firearm, and a felon in possession of ammunition. Investigators located approximately 1 ounce of heroin, 2 ounces of cocaine, and a small caliber handgun in the search. Also located was approximately $3,400 in U.S. Currency which is subject to forfeiture.
--This weekend has dozens of events for all to enjoy, Christmas tours at the LF Attractions run through Sunday, concerts, boutiques, santa workshop and toy bingos all this weekend, also Harding has a horsin' around Christmas parade Saturday at 5:00pm. All of the events are posted with detailed information at fallsradio.com then click on the community calendar link on top of the home page.
--The Little Falls City Council holds their next regular council meeting on Monday at 7:30pm at Little Falls City Hall.
--After careful review and thoughtful assessment of community needs, the organization’s primary mission and ministry, and resource allocation, leadership of CHI St. Gabriel’s Health has decided to close St. Camillus Place effective February 1st, 2017. St. Camillus Place was opened in 1984 by the Franciscan Sisters as an institutional care setting for individuals with intellectual disabilities. The facility currently has 13 residents. CHI St. Gabriel’s Health staff will work closely with families, Morrison County Social Services, and state agencies to find appropriate living arrangements for all the residents. Sixteen full-time, part-time, and HELP pool staff will be impacted by this decision. Severance pay and retention bonuses will be provided to full and part-time employees and retention bonuses for HELP pool staff. CHI St. Gabriel’s Health leaders arrived at the decision after thoughtful review of current operations and in consideration of services necessary to meet of the greatest community health needs into the future. Those areas of greatest needs identified revolved around clinical and inpatient care, which are central to the organization’s core mission.
--The Royalton Public Library will be closed for recarpeting beginning next Friday, December 9th with a target reopening date of Monday, December 19th. Loan periods for items due to be returned to the Royalton Public Library within that time period will be extended. Library hold items will also be retained at the library. During the hiatus, library patrons are encouraged to use other libraries within the Great River Regional Library system, including in Little Falls and the library on West St. Germain Street in St. Cloud.
--The St. Cloud VA Medical Center is holding a career fair tomorrow for openings in their nursing and clinical occupations. The career fair includes an introductory session to educate applicants on the federal hiring process. You’ll hear information on the VA boarding process, benefits, pay scales, and advancements. You are encouraged to bring a copy of your resume and a tablet or laptop so you can set up an account in the VA’s electronic hiring system. The career fair will be from 9:00am-12:00pm in VA’s Auditorium.
DEATH NOTICES
--James J. Sauer, age 74 of Pierz.
--Marlene Wakanabo, age 66 of Foley.
WEATHER
TODAY= mostly cloudy, cooler, high near 30.
TONIGHT= cloudy early, clearing late, low near 20.
SATURDAY= partly sunny, high near 30, snow late, low 27.
SUNDAY= snow early, mixed with rain and sleet, high 36, low 30.
MONDAY= snow early, then cloudy, rain/snow again late, high 36.
SPORTS
NFL= Dallas held off the Vikings 17-15 last night on Thursday Night Football. Vikings scored with 25 seconds left, but missed the 2 point conversion to tie it. Dallas is 11-1, Vikings fall to 6-6 on season.
HS BB= double header of basketball tonight, Pierz at Little Falls with the girls at 6pm and boys at 8pm tonight on Q92 WYRQ.
COL FB= Gophers will find out by early next week where they will be heading for their bowl game. Bowls begin on December 13th. This weekend there are conferece championships including the Big 10 Title Game of Wisconsin and Penn State Saturday 7:30pm on KLTF.