NEWS
--Governor Tim Walz announced that Minnesota will remain focused on vaccinating most of the state’s seniors before expanding eligibility for the COVID-19 vaccine. Governor Walz issued guidance to vaccinate 70% of adults 65 years of age and older before expanding eligibility, and aims to reach this goal by the end of March. The directive is the latest commitment of the Walz-Flanagan Administration to vaccinating seniors and keeping them safe. The state has made tremendous progress in vaccinating our most vulnerable population. As of Thursday, Minnesota has vaccinated more than 43% of Minnesotans aged 65 and over. Severe illness and death in our long-term care settings have plummeted as we vaccinated these most at-risk Minnesotans: deaths are down 97% from their November peak, and cases are down 89%. “We set out to protect the most vulnerable Minnesotans, and we are honoring that commitment. Older Minnesotans have borne the brunt of the COVID-19 pandemic and we are focused on making sure they get vaccinated and keeping them safe," said Governor Walz. "These vaccines work — we can see that in the plummeting cases, hospitalizations, and deaths in long-term care facilities around our state. We will continue working with a robust network of providers to vaccinate all Minnesota seniors who need the most protection against COVID-19 right away.” Nearly 90% of COVID-19 deaths in Minnesota have come from those aged 65 and over. In January, following relaxed federal guidance, Governor Walz directed healthcare providers to begin vaccinating this group of Minnesotans, ensuring maximum impact for the small number of vaccines the state receives each week. The state has built a network of providers to get shots to seniors, including healthcare providers, federally qualified health centers, retail pharmacies, local public health, and state-run community sites to provide vaccination coverage for the whole state. Once 70% of the state’s seniors have received the vaccine, Minnesota will expand eligibility based on underlying health conditions and workplace exposure risk. Based on current projections, the next group of Minnesotans eligible for a vaccine will begin getting them in April, and every Minnesotan should be able to get a vaccine by this summer. The state has developed an expansive infrastructure for vaccinating efficiently and equitably, and every Minnesotan who wants a vaccine will have the opportunity to get one as supply increases in the coming months. Minnesota will move forward with phases of vaccine eligibility based on science, medical evidence, and federal guidance.
--Little Falls Community Schools Superintendent Stephen Jones stated that the Middle School Pool Thursday afternoon was being used by members of the Little Falls Police for training so that was the reason for the number of law enforcement there on Thursday.
--The Sobieski/Swanville Lions are hosting their 28th Annual Fishing Derby on Saturday on Long Lake. Tickets are $5 and also goes to the raffle later that night. Fishing starts on noon on Saturday and there will be a number of prizes for both adults and free stuff for the kids on Saturday on the lake. All are welcome plenty of spacing for all.
--The Morrison County Website reported 32 active cases on Thursday and 14 of those in Little Falls Zip Code, 6 in Motley zip code. The state website reported 996 new cases and 7 new deaths. Morrison County on Thursday reported 6 new cases on the state report.
--Another Friday in lent meaning fish frys galore to choose from area establishments that includes Kinship's tonight 4:30-7pm at VFW.
--District 9 Senator Paul Gazelka announced that Thursday they passed a bill off the Senate floor that would allow businesses to reopen and our economy to start back up. “I'm pleased that this passed with a Tri-Partisan vote and I hope the House and the Governor soon follow suit.” This bill gives businesses individual authority to create and implement safety preparedness plans so they can open safely. With each business having different needs and wants for their customers and staff, it is important to allow them the opportunity to do what works for them. Small businesses are a vital part of Minnesota’s economy and communities. They are run by our friends, family members, and neighbors, and they have been crushed over the past year. The losses in small businesses across the state will have irreparable damage to not only our economy, but the livelihood of many community members. SF 1 brings power back to where it belongs, to the people. Minnesota’s economy has suffered dramatically since the beginning of the pandemic and resulting lockdowns. The Minneapolis Federal Reserve reports that Employment is down 8% from the previous year and that Labor force participation down from pre-pandemic levels. Unemployment also remains above pre-pandemic levels at 4.4% in December of 2020 vs. 3.3% in December of 2019.
--Crane Meadows National Wildlife Refuge on Iris Road southeast of Little Falls is hosting its Annual Habitat Day on Saturday, March 20th. This year, this free event is shifting to a drive-thru, allowing community members to register for a 15-minute time slot to pick up bird house kits to assemble at home. From 10am-12pm the refuge is offering a combo kit, which will include one bluebird house kit and one wood duck box kit. From 12:30-1:30pm the refuge is offering two bluebird house kits. Registration is required and is open from March 1st to March 17th. Reserve your two kits by registering through Eventbrite at https://habitatday21.eventbrite.com or visit the refuge website for instructions. You'll receive a confirmation email with your free "ticket"; on March 20 we ask that you arrive during your chosen time slot. For more information contact Crane Meadows Refuge at 320-632-1575. In case of inclement weather, the back-up date for the event will be Saturday March 27, 2021. If the event is cancelled or postponed this will be communicated on Little Falls Radio.
WEATHER
TODAY= cloudy, gusty winds over 40mph, high 42.
TONIGHT= partly cloudy, breezy early, low 22.
SATURDAY= sunny skies, high 36, snow showers late, low 7 above.
SUNDAY= sunny and cooler, high 25, clear night, low near 10
MONDAY= sunny skies, high near 30, temps steady at night.
SPORTS
HS GBB= Little Falls at St. Cloud Cathedral tonight 7pm on Q92.
COL BB= Gophers at Nebraska Saturday 5:30pm on AM960 KLTF.
TWINS= Twins and Boston Sunday at noon from Florida on Q92.
TODAY IN HISTORY
IN 1732= 1st Catholic Mass is reportedly celebrated in what is now the United States at a small church in Philadelphia.
IN 1916= Charlie Chaplin signs his first movie contact with Mutual.
IN 1938= radar is instsalled in passenger ships.
IN 1983= Michael Jackson's “Thriller” album hits #1- there 37 weeks