NEWS
--Governor Tim Walz announced a three-step timeline to end nearly all state COVID-19 restrictions by May 28, and end the statewide masking requirement once 70% of Minnesotans age 16 years and older get their vaccine, or by July 1. The announcement comes as more than 2.6 million Minnesotans have gotten their shot and the state is on track to vaccinate 70 percent of Minnesotans by the end of June. Step one takes place at noon on May 7. It includes initial steps to relax some restrictions, primarily in outdoor setting. It removes limits for outdoor dining, events, and other get-togethers, and ends the mask requirement outdoors except at large venues with over 500 people and eliminates the state-established mandatory closing time for bars, restaurants, and food and beverage service at other places of public accommodation. The second step begins on May 28. Remaining capacity and distancing limits will come to an end, including for indoor events and gatherings. The requirements that will remain include: Face coverings indoors and for outdoor events that exceed 500 people. There will be no new safety requirements for businesses, though they must maintain their plans to keep their employees and customers safe – as they have from the beginning of the pandemic – guided only by a minimal universal state guidance document. The third step takes place once 70 percent of Minnesotans age 16 years and older – 3,087,404 Minnesotans – get at least one dose of the vaccine, but no later than July 1. The remaining face covering requirement and the requirement for preparedness plans will end. Work on vaccines will continue, and local jurisdictions and entities may set their own mask policies. Because the youngest Minnesotans are not yet eligible for the vaccine, the Safe Learning Plan for schools will continue until the end of the school year to protect students, teachers, and staff in schools. Additional protections will remain, including the eviction moratorium, a ban on price gouging, and eligibility exemptions for people who receive state services. The State will continue its emergency efforts to get Minnesotans tested and vaccinated and will continue to monitor the virus and the growth of variants in the months to come. Additionally, local jurisdictions and businesses may still require masks and have other requirements beyond July 1.
--After a stand-off that lasted more than eight hours, St. Cloud police arrested a man who was holding five hostages Thursday night. St. Cloud Police Chief Blair Anderson says it all began at about 1:45pm when a man who was upset over a prior dispute entered the Wells Fargo bank. By the time officers arrived several customers and employees fled the bank but five employees remained inside with the suspect. Anderson says they were never sure if he had a weapon. Anderson says negotiators made contact with the suspect in every possible way including writing notes and putting them up against the window. The suspect has been identified as 35-year-old Ray Reco McNeary a man familiar to local police. NcNeary was supposed to be in court Thursday for a violent offense. Throughout the evening some of the hostages were released by the suspect, while others fled when they saw an opportunity. The last hostage that was being held took his chance and made a run for the door, and as he was running toward the door both tactical units -- from St. Cloud PD and FBI -- made a simultaneous entry and took the suspect into custody without incident. At one point during the evening McNeary opened the door to the bank and threw out a fist full of cash.
--The Pierz City Council meets Monday at 7pm at Pierz City Hall.
--Camping World Holdings announced the expansion of its business presence in the Minnesota market with an agreement to acquire Hilmerson RV in Little Falls. The acquisition is expected to close in early summer 2021. The facility, located at 14884 113th Street in Little Falls just off Highway 10, will transition to the Camping World brand and open for business early this summer. This will be the company’s 11th location in Minnesota and will include a wide range of new and used RVs from top manufacturers in addition to a full assortment of RV and outdoor products and accessories.
--The Morrison Soil and Water Conservation District will have free nitrate testing May 17th through the 21st from 9am to 4pm at the Morrison County Government Center. Call 631-3551 for information.
--Crow Wing County Sheriff Scott Goddard reports a motorcycle crash resulting in injuries occurred on Crow Wing County Road 49 (Wise Road) near the intersection with Smith Rd, on Sunday, May 2nd, at approximately 3:40pm. Three motorcycles were westbound together on 49, when another westbound vehicle struck one motorcycle from behind. This collision caused a chain reaction collision between all three motorcycles. The operator of one motorcycle, Scott Pikula, 43, of East Gull Lake, was thrown from his machine, and had to be airlifted to an unknown hospital with a severe leg injury. Another operator, Brett Pikula, 40, of Brainerd, suffered an unknown arm/shoulder injury, and was brought to the Essentia St Joseph’s ER by private vehicle. The third operator was not injured.
--Julia Mueller of Linden Hill Conference and Retreat Center stated yesterday on KLTF that there will be Historic Tours on Thursday Friday and Saturday starting Memorial Day through Labor Day. Events are picking up including their tea event Saturday, plant sale May 18th and 19th from 8am to 1pm both days and a free concert with the St. Francis Music Center on May 19th. Julia said right now the hope for their summer events and Christmas at the Mansions are on for 2021 as long as state guildelines allow it. For information call 616-5580.
DEATH NOTICE
--Wayne Scherling, age 94 of Little Falls.
--Bernard Zigmond Rekowski, age 91 of Little Falls.
WEATHER
TODAY= sunny skies, high 54.
TONIGHT= clear night, some frost late, low 30.
SATURDAY= increasing clouds, PM showers possible, high 57, low 35.
SUNDAY= partly sunny, isolated PM showers, high 57, low 35.
MONDAY= sunny skies, high 56, low around 33.
SPORTS
TWINS= Twins go to 0-7 in extra inning games after losing 4-3 in 10 innings Thursday to Texas thus dropping 3 of 4 in the series. The Twins (11-19) open series at Detroit tonight pregame at 5:30pm, Saturday pregame at 2:30pm and Sunday pregame at 11:30am with Inside Twins at 11am Sunday on Q92 WYRQ.
LF= Congratulations to Zack Gwost of the Little Falls Flyers pitching a no hitter against Cathedral in 3-0 win for the Flyer baseball team.
HS SB= Little Falls at Pierz today at 5pm on 94ROCKS KFML.
VL= Pierz Lakers at Buckman Sunday at 1:30pm on AM960 KLTF.
Little Falls Radio wants to wish all the Mother's a very special Happy Mother's Day on Sunday. Remember to take time to remember or if you can call or see your Mom.