NEWS
--On Thursday, Morrison County Chairman, Mike LeMieur, declared a local state of Emergency regarding the COVID-19 pandemic. The most significant change at this time will be to close Morrison County Government Office’s to walk-in traffic. Beginning at 8am today, March 20, 2020, all Morrison County Government offices will be closed to walk-in traffic. Employees will continue to be available to help the public via email, phone, online and drop-box. Appointments will be accepted for citizen and client transactions that cannot be postponed. Please call 320-632-2941 or email us at mcadmin@co.morrison.mn.us if you need assistance and to conduct business. 7th Judicial District access will still be available via the main south entrance from 1st Ave. The intent of this measure is to implement prevention and protection measures in response to the expanding COVID-19 pandemic. Thank you for your patience and understanding while Morrison County is doing our part to help respond to this emerging public health threat.
--A tanker truck rolled over on Highway 371 in Baxter Wednesday, March 18, halting traffic on the thoroughfare. The accident happened at 2:45pm Wednesday, near the intersection of Highway 371 and College Road. The Minnesota Department of Transportation announced the northbound lanes of Highway 371 between Highland Scenic Road and Glory Road were closed, while the southbound lanes were open. The State Patrol said that the scene was cleared before 5pm for the evening rush which includes along with hazardous material spill response equipment from the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency. There were reports of injuries by the State Patrol website but the driver did not seek any medical aid.
--Minnesota's three State Veterans Cemeteries north of Little Falls, Preston and Dultuh will remain open for both visitors and interments, however, funeral protocols are being aligned with coronavirus mitigation strategies. Options for families: Hold a direct burial or interment now and postpone committal or memorial services. Postpone both burial or interment and services to a later date. Limit the number of attendees to less than 50 for outdoor services. At Little Falls, move services from inside the Committal Building to outside (a tent is available), using social distancing. Explore live streaming the service on social media to allow some people to attend virtually. Be aware that volunteer and military honor guard availability may be limited. Question can be contacted to the State Veterans Cemeteries and the one in Little Falls the number is 616-2527.
--St. Cloud State University and the St. Cloud Technical and Community College will be online only for the remainder of the spring semester. It was also reported that all graduation ceremonies at Minnesota State System Schools have been canceled. SCSU says they will try to find an alternative option that will enable students to celebrate this significant milestone. SCTCC says they are also exploring different options. The University of Minnesota and their campuses in Moorhead, Mankato and Morris and already announced that graduation ceremonies would not be held and that items of their graduation would be sent out through mail and e-mail notifications.
--The United States Postal Service is closely monitoring the COVID-19 situation. Local spokeswoman Nicole Hill wants Minnesotans to know, that CDC, the World Health Organization, and the Surgeon General have indicated that there is currently no evidence that COVID-19 is being spread through the mail.
--Get latest postponements at fallsradio.com click on the news page.
--AM960 KLTF will be having a live Mass this Sunday in our studios do the the suspension of Masses from the St. Cloud Diocese until April 13th and also the Duluth Diocese until April 20th. Father Ben and Father Mark of the Tri Parish in Little Falls and Father Jimmy of the Parishes of Sobieski, Randall and Flensburg will be in studio to deliver Mass on Sunday at 9am on AM960 KLTF and fallsradio.com. Also with the help from the Catholic Churches and local Knights of Columbus AM960 KLTF will have the Rosary aired on Saturday mornings, the rosary will be conducted by Father Ben and will precede the 7am news Saturday morning KLTF and fallsradio.com.
--In order to maintain social distance due to COVID 19, the Morrison County Food Shelf has implemented the following procedures until further notice: Food distribution will be Tuesday and Wednesday from 10:30 until noon and Thursday from 6-8 pm. Clients will not be allowed to enter the food shelf. Clients will be given a prepackaged box of food according to family size that staff/volunteers will bring out to you. Also, the March Food Share campaign has been extended until April 30, 2020. If you would like to drop off donations or have any questions, please call Marilyn at 632-8304 to make sure someone will be there to take your donations. You can also mail your donation or drop it in the secure drop box located in the front of the food shelf.
--Many events this weekend have been cancelled including fish fries tonight (some are take out only call ahead to make sure), breakfasts and bingos cancelled with closures. Church Services and events cancelled at many area churches including First Baptist, First Lutheran, First United, Zion Lutheran in Little Falls and St. Peter's in Swanville, Immanuel Lutheran in Hillman and many others, call to make sure what is going on, Living Hope will have internet only services Sunday. Many more events like Ham Bingo in Buckman next Sunday already has been cancelled. More at fallsradio.com.
--The Stearns County Sheriff's Office is closing their lobby to the public at this time and with the Government Center annoucing there are closing all county offices including the USDA Farm Service Agency in Little Falls is closing their lobby to the public but continuing to help at this time via phone calls. Use the number 320-632-5477.
--Minnesota wildlife officials say walleye fishing will be catch-and-release only again this summer on Mille Lacs Lake. State officials said Tuesday the lake will be closed altogether to walleye fishing in July.
SPRING NEWS
--Today is the first full day of Spring. The Vernal Equinox to start the season of Spring occurred at 10:50pm last night in the U.S. Central Time Zone. Spring is here until June 20th at 4:44pm then Summer.
WEATHER
TODAY= sunny and colder, windy, high 25.
TONIGHT= partly cloudy skies, winds die down, low 9 above.
SATURDAY= sunny start, increasing clouds, high 32.
SAT NITE= snow showers after midnight, low 26.
SUNDAY= snow in morning, then rain showers, high 41, low 29.
MONDAY= sunny and warmer, high 48, snow late night, low 26.
SPORTS
MBA= The Minnesota Baseball Association announced that there will be no Amateur Baseball games until at least May meaning the Victory League Season also started postponing games next month. When games start hear Victory League Baseball on AM960 KLTF.