NEWS
--The Morrison County Sheriff’s Office is seeking information from the public as part of its ongoing investigation into the November 7, 2016, murder of Terrence “Terry” Brisk. Brisk was found deceased on wooded property in Belle Prairie Township, approximately eight miles northeast of Little Falls. The sheriff’s office is seeking information about a blue van or minivan that may have been in the area the day Brisk was killed. Brisk was hunting on property northwest of the intersection of Hawthorne and Jewel roads when someone shot him with his own gun. Investigators consider the blue van/minivan to be a vehicle of interest in the investigation. A $30,000 reward is offered for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person responsible for Brisk’s murder. Whatever information you may have about this case, please contact the Morrison County Sheriff’s Office at (320) 632-9233 or call Crime Stoppers toll free at 1-800-222-TIPS [8477]. To make an anonymous report, contact Crime Stoppers of Minnesota on www.CrimeStoppersMn.org or send a text message beginning with TIP674 to CRIMES [274637]. Information about this case is also posted on the Morrison County website at www.co.morrison.mn.us/630/documents. Sheriff Shawn Larsen will join the KLTF Morning Show today around 8:30am.
--A Motley man accused of killing his live-in girlfriend chose not to enter a plea, Monday, during an appearance in Morrison County District Court. Harold Arvid Wassather, 60, was arrested, March 6th.
After he allegedly killed his girlfriend, Christine Nygard, 66, Motley. He was charged in Morrison County District Court two days later with one count of second-degree murder with intent but not premeditated and one count of third-degree murder perpetrating an eminently dangerous act and evincing a depraved mind. The defense attorney requested an omnibus hearing “without regard to time.” A defendant is allowed to enter a plea of “guilty” at a Rule 8 hearing, but must ask for an omnibus hearing if they plan to plea “not guilty” or are not yet ready to enter a “guilty” plea. Wassather will be expected to enter a plea at the omnibus hearing. The omnibus hearing is scheduled for 1:30pm Monday, April 25, in Morrison County District Court. Judge Leonard Weiler will preside over the hearing.
--The Minnesota National Guard is celebrating the newly remodeled Brainerd Armory with a grand opening and ribbon-cutting ceremony on Friday. The remodeled Brainerd Armory is a quality, eco-friendly building that will enhance training, bring new capabilities to the area, and contribute to the mission readiness of the Soldiers in the local unit. Some of the 38,500 square foot facility upgrades include a hybrid heat pump mechanical system, efficient LED lighting, and a solar panel field. “The Brainerd Armory was built in October 1989, and the Soldiers who have served here carry the rich history of the battalion forward,” said Army Lt. Col. Jake Helgestad, commander of the 1st Battalion, 194th Armor Regiment. The armory includes the Bataan Memorial Museum. The 194th Tank Battalion was ordered to
The Philippines just months before the attack on Pearl Harbor. Of the 64 men from the tank company that left Brainerd, three were killed in action, and 29 died as POW’s. The remaining 32 survived captivity. The 1st Battalion, 194th Armor Regiment proudly draws their lineage from the original 194th Tank Battalion.
--Congratulations to Katie Leidenfrost and Caleb Kuske, Pierz Schools 2022 "Students of Character" award recipients! Sourcewell reaches out to schools about nominating two students for the award with a celebration to take place at Madden's Resort on April 20th.
--Congratulations to the grand prize winner Mindy Bednar of Pierz who won $500 in Pierz Ladies Night Out Bucks. Courtney Carlson of Genola won the best dressed prize. Many others won various prizes last night too. Thank you to each of the sponsors and those who attended Ladies Night Out yesterday. The next Ladies Night Out will be on Thursday, April 21st in Little Falls. Save the date.
--The 69th Morrison County Dairy Princess Coronation and Banquet is tomorrow night at the Falls Ballroom. Social at 7:30 and dinner at 8pm tickets are $20 and are sold at the door of the event. This year's contestants are 18-year-old Erin Borash of Bowlus, 18-year-old Kristina Karst of Pierz and 16-year-old Madison Westermann of Little Falls. The three will then move on to the regional later this year with an opportunity to be a finalist for Princess Kay of the Milky Way that will be crowned the night before the Minnesota State Fair.
--Some Minnesota state lawmakers are saying it's time to update the state flag and seal: Some at the State Capitol say the time has come to update both the seal and the flag that displays it in multitudes of places. It's been tried many times before, and House Democrats are moving forward with legislation that would create a 14-member commission with diverse membership to study new designs and make a recommendation to the legislature. This all started back in 2017 when local high school students asked for change and proposed several possible designs. They thought the current flag, the state seal on a blue background, is cluttered and isn't easily recognizable. The state seal is also being proposed for an update. It currently is a detailed image of a farmer in the foreground plowing a field with a rifle and ax on a tree stump nearby. The farmer appears to be looking over his shoulder at a shirtless Indigenous brave riding a horse holding a spear as the sun sets behind him. The seal has drawn criticism from Native American Minnesotans.
--In accordance with a proclamation issued by President Joe Biden, Governor Tim Walz has ordered all United States and Minnesota flags to be flown at half-staff at all state buildings in the State of Minnesota effective immediately until sunset on Sunday, March 27, 2022, in honor and remembrance of former U.S. Secretary of State Madeleine Albright for died on Wednesday.
--Great River Arts is reminding those that the annual Little Falls Community High School Student Art Show in the GRA galleries has been extended through April 30th. Over seventy students are exhibiting their talents in this year’s show. The pieces include sculptures, paintings, digital art, photography, and quilts. GRA wishes to thank the LHFS Art and FACS instructors for their dedication in guiding the students in their works. For more information call 320-632-0960.
DEATH NOTICES
--Adam W. Mortenson, age 28 of Swanville.
WEATHER
WIND ADVISORY 10AM TO 7PM TONIGHT.
TODAY= rain/snow showers, very gusty winds, high 38.
TONIGHT= rain/snow early then clearing, low 13 windy.
SATURDAY= sunny and windy, high near 30, low around 8.
SUNDAY= sunny and not as windy, high 33, low around 10.
MONDAY= sunny skies, high 41 snow develops late night.
SPORTS
TWINS= Twins spring games today through Sunday on Q92.