NEWS
--Two women are dead as a result of a crash between a UTV and pickup truck that occurred in Benton County Saturday around 2:20pm. The crash happened on Ronneby Road in Maywood Township. Upon arrival at the scene, first responders found a gray 2011 Chevy Silverado in the east fully engulfed in flames. Witnesses had already pulled the two women who had been inside the UTV from the burning wreckage. However, both women were pronounced dead at the scene of the crash as a result of their injuries. The driver of the pickup truck, Todd Lee Henke, age 57 of Foley, suffered minor
injuries as a result of the crash and efforts to aid the victims in the UTV. The names of the two women on the UTV are being withheld pending positive identification by the medical examiner. Investigating deputies found that, prior to the crash, the UTV had been driving southbound and that the pickup truck had been driving northbound on but it was reported by the truck driver that the UTV had been driving down the middle of the roadway at highway speeds. Evidence at the scene showed the point of impact between the UTV and pickup truck happened near the centerline of the roadway. Benton County has not released the name of the two women who died.
--Authorities are asking for the public’s help to find a St. Cloud man who is deaf and is believed to be endangered. Shane Lewis Wozney was last seen on February 11th around the St. Cloud area. The 37-year-old primarily uses American Sign Language to communicate. He is described as 5’11”, 180 pounds, with brown hair and hazel eyes. He was last seen wearing an orange baseball hat with a dark colored hat underneath that with a tan or green button up jacket, blue jeans and tan/dirty work boots. Police say he also sometimes wears a pair of black framed glasses. He also has an eagle’s head tattoo on his back. Anyone with information is asked to contact the police, the Minnesota Crime Alert Network at 651-793-1120 or the BCA.
--Morrison County Disabled American Veterans Chapter #12 representing Morrison and Todd County are hosting a free bus ride to attend the Minnesota Veterans Day on the Hill at the State Capitol on Wednesday. The bus will leave the Walmart parking lot in Little Falls around 7am on Wednesday. DAV Minnesota State Department has many legislative bills before the State legislature during this legislative session. Questions or for more information please contact James Storlie at 320-733-4772.
--Colonel Christina Bogojevic has been appointed as the new colonel of the Minnesota State Patrol. Minnesota’s Department of Public Safety Commissioner Bob Jacobson announced the change Thursday.
Interim Col. Bogojevic brings a wealth of knowledge, leadership, and dedication, not only to the organization but to law enforcement as a whole. She embodies the State Patrol’s core values and cares deeply for the people with whom she works and serves. I am confident she will continue to make a positive impact within the State Patrol and communities across our state. Bogojevic has been with the State Patrol for over 20 years and captained the Rochester district before becoming the patrol’s second-in-command in December of 2022. The patrol’s previous colonel, Matt Langer, announced he was leaving for a position with the International Association of Chiefs of Police earlier this year. Bogojevic officially takes command on May 2nd. Governor Tim Walz last week praised the decision on making her colonel.
--The Little Falls City Council meets tonight at 7:30pm at City Hall.
--Little Falls Police and Brainerd Police both reported in the past week burglary reports or tampering at storage facilities in the cities. If you notice suspicious activity near storage units contact local police or law enforcement to investigate. Police did not state from their reports if anything was stolen from the incidents.
--A Foley couple is in trouble with the Minnesota Department of Revenue for allegedly failing to file income tax returns.
The Ramsey County Attorney’s Office has charged Ian Anthony Stocco and Jessica Leigh Stocco, each with six felony counts of willfully failing to file individual income tax returns. According to authorities, from 2017 through 2022, the Stoccos knew of their obligation to file income tax returns but did not, even though they made enough income through his business to require them to file and pay taxes. The Department of Revenue says they owe over $129,000 in income tax, interest and penalties. Each tax-related felony charge carries a maximum penalty of five years prison and/or $10,000 fines.
--A North Carolina man had to be taken to the hospital after crashing his pickup in Stearns County Friday. The crash happened just after 2pm on Highway 55 between Kimball and Watkins. The Minnesota State Patrol says a pickup driven by 29-year-old Randolph Gordineer of Rockingham, North Carolina left the road and struck a tree. Gordineer was brought to St. Cloud Hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. Troopers say he was not wearing a seatbelt.
--Crosby Police and the Minnesota Federated Humane Society removed the cats Thursday following reports of animal cruelty/neglect, animal hoarding and unsafe living conditions. The cats were taken to the Tri-County Humane Society in St. Cloud to help in finding previous owners or new ones. Some cats did have microchips that may help in locating any former owners.
TAX DAY NEWS
--Today is the deadline to file your federal income taxes or face a penalty if you have not gotten an extension. Also the Internal Revenue Service advised taxpayers, including self-employed individuals, retirees, investors, businesses and corporations need to have filed their first quarter estimated tax payments for this year. If you need assistance on this go to the website www.irs.gov.
DEATH NOTICES
--Jill K. Petron Jacobson, age 56 of St. Joseph.
--Ronald A. Neuhring, age 86 of Little Falls.
WEATHER
TODAY= partly sunny, showers in afternoon, high 62, low 46.
TUESDAY= showers, heavy at times, some T-storms, high 55, low 44.
WEDNESDAY= showers likely, gusty winds, high 50, low near 35.
SPORTS
TWINS= Twins lose 8-2 on Friday in Detroit, then won both games on Saturday over Tigers 11-5 in 12 thanks to a 7 run 12th inning and then 4-1 over Tigers. Twins blow a 3-0 lead on Sunday as Tigers score 4 in 8th inning to win 4-3. Twins open a series at Baltimore tonight, pregame starts at 5pm on Q92 WYRQ.
NBA= NBA play in games begin Tuesday, winners move to first round where Timberwolves will host a series beginning on Saturday.