NEWS
--The Little Falls Fire Department was called out Wednesday night at 10:10pm to 24149 195th Avenue in Ripley Township on a report of a house on fire. The resident was awakened by smoke alarms sounding and was able to exit the house safely. Firefighters arrived and found smoke coming from the residence. Firefighters contained the fire to the area where it originated. There was smoke and water damage throughout the house. The cause of the fire is under investigation by the Little Falls Fire Department and MN State Fire Marshal’s Office.
--Little Falls Police responded to a chimney fire on December 31st at 1028 Riverview Drive, they assisted the fire department in putting out the fire and making sure all were safe. No injuries were reported and the fire department the fire was contained to the chimney. Police said they continue to get calls on suspicious activity, illegal burning going on December 29th and 30th mostly being done because of the warmer temps. They also received fraud reports and responded to a number of accidents in town between Christmas and New Years with no reports of any injuries from those accidents through LFPD.
--Multiple state capitols received bomb threats Wednesday morning that led to brief evacuations or lockdowns as police investigated, but no evidence of explosives was found. The warnings came after a spate of false reports of shootings at the homes of public officials in recent days. Connecticut, Georgia, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi and Montana were among the states that evacuated statehouse offices or buildings. Lawmakers in Kentucky and Mississippi have begun meeting in legislative sessions. The closures were brief in most states. Several public officials have been hit by “swatting” calls in recent days. Swatting is a prank call made to emergency services intended to bring a police response.
--Authorities are asking for the public's help in finding a suspect in a shooting involving a stolen firearm. The Alexandria Police Department says a man, later identified as 27-year-old Joshua Robles of Alexandria, went to Alomere Hospital for treatment of a gunshot wound to his hand shortly after 2am Tuesday. Authorities say Robles refused to give them any information, but officers determined he shot himself in the hand using a gun that had been reported stolen. Officers found the gun inside a vehicle and the Douglas County SWAT Team used a search warrant to enter the home where the shooting happened. Authorities arrested 44-year-old Travis Schutte of Alexandria inside the home on an unrelated, outstanding warrant. Police say Robles left the hospital before being properly discharged and a warrant for his arrest has been issued. He faces charges including Felony Receiving or Possession of a Stolen Firearm, Felony Possession of a Firearm by a Prohibited Person, and Felony Reckless Discharge of a Firearm. Authorities say he was last seen in St. Cloud and is known to stay with people in Alexandria and Fergus Falls. Anyone with information that could help locate Robles is asked to contact the Alexandria Police Department.
--Another reminder from the Minnesota DNR and the Morrison County Sheriff's Office if venturing out this weekend that ice is still a big concern on lakes and rivers. The Sheriff's Office posted resorts in the state showing very thin ice around their spots and reports of ATV's and fish houses falling through the thin ice. Please use caution.
--The Haven of Mercy Area Catholic Community confirmed that the State of the Haven of Mercy ACC address will be Thursday at 7pm at the Falls Ballroom in Little Falls. All are invited to hear the latest.
--The City of Pierz has job openings right now. The city is looking for a City Administrator after the resignation recently of Bob Otremba, the cit posted “they are looking for someone who sees the charm of our small city and wants to help us be the best city we can be. committed council and dedicated, hard-working city staff to help you succeed. Your job will be to take a city with a lot to offer (like a campground, golf course and all the parks and recreation you can imagine) and help us attract the next generation of residents. A background in city administration at a middle to upper management level will be most likely to get you an interview, but we are open to other management, HR or Public Administration backgrounds as well. We want someone who enjoys working with community leaders to creatively solve problems, who rises to the challenge of economic development in a rural setting and wants to use social media to promote our city. To learn more and apply for the job, visit our website at https://www.pierzmn.org/ or stop by and apply in person. The city is also looking for a City Clerk at this time. Completed employment application can be dropped off at city hall or emailed to deputyclerk@pierzmn.org. Questions can be directed to City Hall in Pierz for details or application on both of the positions. The next Pierz City Council meeting is Monday at 7pm at Pierz City Hall.
--A 48-year-old Brainerd man was arrested last Friday after he allegedly sexually assaulted a person who is mentally impaired or physically helpless in Brainerd. Anthony Charles Thomas was charged with felony third-degree criminal sexual conduct with penetration where the victim was mentally impaired or physically helpless. The charge carries a maximum sentence of 15 years in prison and a $30,000 fine. Thomas made his first court appearance Tuesday in Crow Wing County District Court, where he was appointed a public defender. Bail or bond was set at $100,000 with no conditions, or no bail or bond with conditions. The two knew each other and messaged each other before the reported assault took place in a basement.
--Weekend events include a gun bingo for the Pierz Boys Basketball program Saturday at 1pm at Frosty's Bar in Pierz. Breakfasts on Sunday at the Little Falls Senior Center 8am-12pm and also one for Epiphany Sunday at St. Mary's Church in Little Falls from 9-12. More details on events are at community calendar on fallsradio.com.
BIRTH ANNOUNCEMENT
--Vince and Heather Kokett of Little Falls, a boy, Jan 1, 2024.
WEATHER
TODAY= freezing mist/drizzle, then snow later, high 31.
TONIGHT= snow showers, ½ inch possible, low 27.
SATURDAY= snow likely 1-2 inches, breezy, high 30, low 13.
SUNDAY= partly sunny, high near 20, low near 10.
MONDAY= cloudy skies, light snow showers in PM hours, high 26.
SPORTS
HS WRE= Little Falls and Cloquet at Pierz in a triangular of wrestling tonight, matches begin at 5pm on Q92 WYRQ.
NFL= Vikings at Detroit Sunday at noon to wrap up the regular season, hear the action live on AM960 KLTF.
WRAP= The Saturday Morning Sports Wrap expands to 1 hour starting tomorrow morning at 9am with coaches interviews and the week that was in high school sports, hear it live on AM960 KLTF.