NEWS
--In response to severe drought conditions across the state, Governor Tim Walz has sent a letter to United States Department of Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack requesting assistance to aid Minnesota’s livestock producers by relieving the immediate impacts of drought on grazing land. “Agriculture is the past, present, and future of Minnesota’s economy. We must do everything we can to address the challenges our farmers and ranchers are facing due to the severe drought conditions plaguing our state. That’s why I’m asking the U.S. Department of Agriculture for assistance,” said Governor Walz. “The USDA’s ongoing support of Minnesota’s agricultural industry is well-recognized across the state, and with their continued assistance, our livestock producers will have a brighter outlook as we endure these harsh conditions and look forward to a thriving future.” Governor Walz wrote in support of an implementation plan to allow emergency haying and grazing on eligible Conservation Reserve Program acres in Minnesota counties experiencing Level D2 or greater drought conditions, reducing forage pressures on Minnesota’s livestock producers. As of the latest U.S. Drought Monitor update on July 8, nearly 40 percent of Minnesota is suffering under Level D2 or greater drought conditions. The quality of forage on CRP lands continues to deteriorate under drought conditions, and delaying access until August 1 will eliminate the advantages of the resource. If producers cannot get quality feed to their livestock, they will have no other options than to sell animals or purchase hay to haul in.
--As mentioned last week on Little Falls Radio that Little Falls Schools Superintendent Stephen Jones has released his video message update the summer progress and previewing the fall of 2021 at the community schools in the district. He stressed the return to normalcy, but also that parents need to get involved in their students registration weeks that are coming up. Jones also discussed the future state of the district as we move forward to the fall session. Jones has signed on to be the superintendent of schools for the next school year after announcing his retirement earlier this year. Jones on KLTF last week said that he always has the option for more years after this year to see how things go. To the see the full 6 minute video of Superintendent Stephen Jones it is posted on the Little Falls Community Schools facebook page.
--Around 6:15pm on Saturday two personal watercrafts (PWC’s) collided on Rush Lake of the Whitefish Chain of Lakes. 15-year old Caelan Hanson and 16-year old Espen Ulland, both of St. Paul, were each operating a PWC when they collided. Hanson suffered a likely wrist fracture, and was transported by North Aircare to an unknown facility. Ulland suffered a likely ankle fracture, and was transported to Essentia by North Ambulance.
--The Little Falls City Council meets Monday at 7:30pm at City Hall. One more more council members may meet via interactive technology which is allowed through a state statute. A work session will precede the regular meeting on Monday night at City Hall.
--The Little Falls School Board will meet on Monday evening at 5:00pm at the Little Falls Community Middle School in the Media Center. Agenda items include a resolution on a long term facility maintenance ten year plan, revised fees for community services, and approval to sell surplus technology equipment.
--Catch-and-release walleye fishing will resume today and continues through Wednesday, September 15th on Lake Mille Lacs.
--A 23-year-old from Little Falls was killed in an automobile accident in Mankato. Trevin Larson died from his injuries in the accident.
--A St. Cloud man has pleaded guilty to illegally possessing a machine gun. 27-year old Michael Dahlager of St. Cloud admitted Wednesday that he possessed two devices that convert a semi-automatic firearm into an unlawful fully automatic weapon. He remains in federal custody pending sentencing.
--The Stearns County Sheriff's Office says a cause of death has been determined after a body was found in St. Stephen earlier this week. On Monday afternoon a jogger reported finding the body in the ditch near the intersection of County Road 5 and 65th Avenue. The Midwest Medical Examiners Office says the person died as a result of a suicide. The sheriff's office says no further information will be released regarding the incident.
--Events this weekend include the Brainerd Ski Loons at 5pm Sunday at Brainerd's Lum Park this is a free event. The Upstage Players present Crazy For You tonight 7pm, Saturday at 7pm, Sunday at 2pm and Monday at 7pm at the Upsala High School Auditorium, tickets sold at the door. Details on future events at fallsradio.com.
DEATH NOTICES
--Trevin Larson, age 23 of Little Falls.
--Shawn Keating Authier, age 30 of Little Falls.
WEATHER
TODAY= sunny and hazy, high 84.
TONIGHT= clear night, hazy in evening, low 58.
SATURDAY= sunny skies, hazy at times, high 88, low near 60.
SUNDAY= sunny skies and warm, high 91, low near 60.
MONDAY= sunny and still warm, high 92, low around 63.
SPORTS
TWINS= Twins back on the field today at Detroit with the Tigers. Two games today, first at 12:30pm pregame then 5:30pm pregame for two 7 inning games in a double header. Saturday pregame begins at 4:30pm and 11:30am pregame Sunday, all live on Q92 WYRQ.
CRUZ= Nelson Cruz made Major League Baseball history at age 41 he is the oldest player to lead his team with hits, home runs and runs batted in as he does for the Twins going into today. However, Cruz's days in Minnesota are likely numbered as a number of teams have posted interested in Cruz before the trade deadline. ESPN reports that Oakland has the best deal on the table and it may not just take Cruz away but others players including the other All Star Taylor Rogers. Other players on the trade block could be Max Kepler, Jose Berrios, Tyler Duffy and Michael Pineda.
VL= it is the final regular season weekend in the Victory League with games tonight and tomorrow. There are a few play in games for the playoffs on Sunday. The Game of the Week is Saturday at 1:30pm between Buckman at Ft. Ripley on AM960 KLTF.
TODAY IN HISTORY
IN 1429= Joan of Arc leads French Army into Battle of Orleans.
IN 1768= Mozart presents his first opera in Austria, at age 12.
IN 1861= Battle of Bull Run, considered first battle of Civil War.
IN 1935= first parking meter installed in Oklahoma City.
IN 1945= first atomic bomb is detonated in New Mexico.
IN 1969= Apollo 11 launched off to reach the Moon.