NEWS
--It is official, the 2020 Pierz Freedom Fest has been cancelled for this year and moved to next year to be on July 10th, 2021. Pierz Freedom Fest committee members stated unfortunately in light of current events they felt the safest decision for staff, volunteers, talent and of couse the fans was to wait until 2021. They are trying to get the same lineup for next year. Anyone you purchased a ticket for the concert can get a refund or tickets will be good for the 2021 show (though prices may change for the event next year). For ticket information or refunds call Jenni Smude at 468-6925.
--Tomorrow is the Minnesota Fishing Opener in the state but with COVID-19 restrictions and the Stay at Home Order by Governor Tim Walz still in play through the end of May 17th, this year will be very different on Minnesota lakes and rivers. Bait shops and gas stations are open this weekend, some campsites are open and others are closed call ahead, many area attractions (Zoos, museums, libraries remain closed due to the order until the day of May 18th). The DNR is reminding anglers, first have a license; second wear a lifejacket as the water is still very cold and falls could become tragic if landing in the frigid water, third social distancing 6 feet between boats, fourth boat and fish close to home and only boat with immediate family members, then when done remember to clean and dissinfect your boat and area when completed. Leave plenty of room between cars, trailers and boats when using boat landings and docks. Have a safe Fishing Opener in Minnesota.
--Royalton Schools Superintendent John Phelps spoke on KLTF yesterday and stated he feels the emotion of students, staff and family members this year with schools doing distance learning. The school is still working with families for food distribution through the end of the school year and announced that there will be Graduation for the Class 2020 at 5pm on Friday May 22nd scheduled for the football field with social distancing guidelines expected where family members may have to be seated in vehicles and students come up one at a time to receive their diploma. Weather could move it indoors and the school is waiting to hear if the Governor extends, removes or changes up the Stay at Home Order that remains in place right now through 11:59pm on May 17th. Phelps congratulated the many students this past year that received numerous accolades and awards in 2020 and hopes for a great return for students in the fall.
--The Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs will hold a virtual Memorial Day program this year in place of live events at the three State Veterans Cemeteries where past years drew thousands of visitors. “The COVID-19 pandemic requires a new approach to our traditional Memorial Day events,” explains MDVA Commissioner Larry Herke. " This year we will mark this special day in a new and different way, but with the same goal: to honor and pay our respects to Minnesota Veterans who have passed.” MDVA is partnering with Twin Cities PBS-TPT to create a 30-minute Memorial Day program entitled “Always Remember: A Minnesota Tribute to Veterans we’ve lost,” that will be broadcast across the state on TPT’s Minnesota Channel at 7:30 p.m. on Monday, May 25. The program will include remarks from Minnesota Governor Tim Walz and Commissioner Herke, personal stories about those we have lost and honor on Memorial Day, music and a rifle salute traditionally included in a live event. More details will be shared when the event gets closer.
--The Pierz City Council meets Monday at 7pm at City Hall via Zoom.
--Morrison County Public Health reported early Thursday that two more Morrison County residents have tested positive for the COVID-19 virus. One person is in their 50s and the other in their 60s. Then late Thursday received another report making it 12. That person is in their 40s. All are quarantined at their homes according to Public Health but no other details released. According to the Minnesota Department of Health website as of Thursday morning for confirmed cases of COVID-19 in nearby counties in Benton there are 64 cases (1 death), Cass-7 cases, Crow Wing-23 cases (1 death), Mille Lacs-6 cases (1 death), Sherburne-88 cases (1 death), Stearns-1,161 cases (4 deaths), Todd-26 cases and Wadena County 4 cases. There are now only 3 counties without a confirmed case. There have been 97,421 completed tests with 9,365 total positive cases. 5,308 patients are no longer needing isolation. There have been 508 deaths linked to the virus. 407 of those deaths are among cases that resided in long term care or assisted living facilities. 1,459 total cases required hospitalizations including 435 currently with 182 in ICU.
--Governor Walz unveiled a five-point plan to provide support to our state’s long-term care facilities and protect Minnesota seniors and their caregivers. The Governor and Minnesota Department of Health Commissioner Jan Malcolm worked closely together to develop the plan, which aims to bolster the significant work that is taking place already within facilities and our public health sector. The comprehensive approach includes: Expanded testing for residents and workers; Creating strike teams to provide testing support; Providing additional personal protective equipment to facilities; Ensuring adequate staffing levels at all facilities and Partnering with local public health to coordinate support. Governor Walz also shared guidance, issued yesterday by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, to stay close to home during Saturday’s season fisher opener. While the state’s fishing opener is a time-honored tradition, the COVID-19 pandemic requires that Minnesotans approach the opener differently this year. Many communities across Minnesota don’t have the hospital capacity to handle large outbreaks.
--Sunday is Mother's Day. Remember Mom with a phone call or email this weekend, with the restrictions in place many in person contacts may not be able and with restaurants, bars and other places closed, drive through, pickup or delivery only call ahead to get your Mother's Day items this weekend but please remember Mom.
--It was informed to Little Falls Radio that from the Townships listed yesterday from Public Works, Belle Prairie Township will have their cleanup day scheduled on June 6th.
DEATH NOTICES
--Daniel J. Stanek, age 90 of Little Falls.
--Carol M. Langer, age 62 of Hillman.
WEATHER
TODAY= sunny and windy, high 48, clear night low 28.
SATURDAY= cloudy, rain showers develop, high 53, low 31.
SUNDAY= snow early, then PM sunshine, chilly, high 44, low 26.
MONDAY= partly cloudy, windy and chilly, high 48, low near 30.
SPORTS
TWINS= It's Game 7 of the 1987 World Series this Sunday at noon for a Classic Twins game on Q92 WYRQ and fallsradio.com.
VL= no Victory League games until Stay at Home is lifted.