NEWS
--Living Hope Church announced they have been approved for another Grocery Giveaway on Tuesday April 6th and then again on April 20th, It'll be from 3-5 PM or until supplies last, on both dates (pending truck delivery being on time). There is no charge but again please remember that no food will be distributed until at least 3pm on those days and you will enter from north of the church and leave from south of the church to avoid traffic hassles.
--The townships of Agram, Buckman, Buh, Granite, Hillman, Leigh, Mount Morris and Pierz, will be sponsoring a cleanup day for residents living outside city limits but within those townships listed from 8:00am-noon on Saturday, April 10th at the Rich Prairie Livestock yard parking lot. Questions call Loren Meyer at 468-6503.
--32 year old, Jacob Schoonover Collins of Little Falls, was charged in Morrison County District Court with one felony count of first degree criminal sexual conduct with a child younger than 13 years old and one felony count of second degree criminal sexual conduct with a child younger than 13 years old. According to the complaint, in April 2019, it was reported to the Little Falls Police Department that there were suspicions by family members that Collins was sexually abusing the victim, who was younger than 13 years old. Based on concerns of sexual abuse, the victim was brought to the Midwest Children’s Resource Center for a forensic interview. During the course of the interview, the child allegedly described multiple sex acts with Collins. Collins now faces 55 years prison and/or up to $70,000 in fines.
--USDA Rural Development has funding availabile for very low- and low-income individuals and families seeking to purchase or repair a home in a rural area. The Direct Home Loan program offers financing to qualified very-low and low-income applicants that are unable to qualify for traditional financing. No down payment is required, and the interest rate could be as low as one percent with a subsidy. Applicants must meet income and credit guidelines and demonstrate repayment ability. The program is available in rural communities of generally 35,000 people or less. The maximum loan amount is $20,000 at a one percent interest rate, repayable for a 20-year term and can be used to improve or modernize homes and do essential repairs. Grants of up to $7,500 are available to homeowners 62 and older and must be used to remove health or safety hazards, such as fixing a leaking roof, installing indoor plumbing, or replacing a furnace. Time is limited to receive funds for the current fiscal year. Contact a USDA Rural Development Housing Specialist in your area today, to see if you qualify. USDA Rural Development loans and grants provide assistance that supports infrastructure improvements; business development; housing; community services such as schools, public safety and health care; and high-speed internet access in rural areas. For more information, visit www.rd.usda.gov/mn.
--The 17-year-old missing in the St. Cloud area recently has been found safe. The BCA reported Friday that John Patrick Grillo Jr. of Lindstrom was located last week in Thursday by police and is safe.
--Sartell police are asking for your help as they investigate several reports of vandalism. They say their office has taken multiple reports throughout the city of vehicle windows being shot out with what is believed to be BB guns during the overnight hours. If you have details on the vandalism call police at 320-251-8186.
--Governor Tim Walz has ordered flags to be at half staff until sunset Tuesday for the deaths from the incident last week at U.S. Captiol.
--33-year-old Michael Emory Allen of Lino Lakes, was charged in Morrison County District Court with one felony count of disarming a peace officer along with gross misdemeanor counts of fourth degree assault against a peace officer and obstructing the legal process. On March 23rd, two deputies from the Morrison County Sheriff’s Office went to a residence in Morrison County where they believed Allen lived. He had a felony warrant out for his arrest. The homeowners allegedly gave the deputies permission to search the residence, at which time one of them observed Allen in a bedroom and ordered him to put his hands up and walk slowly toward the deputies. He initially complied, but once outside the bedroom, he allegedly lowered his shoulders and attacked one of the deputies by pushing him across the hallway and into a small bathroom. Once in the bathroom, Allen allegedly tried to gain control of the deputy’s firearm. A lengthy struggle with Allen continued as he continued to try and take the firearm from the police officer, another deputy used a TASER a number of times on Allen including twice near his jawline to stop the suspect and apprehend him. Multiple other law enforcement officers arrived at the scene to assist the deputies. Allen faces a maximum penalty of 4.5 years imprisonment and/or $11,000 in fines.
--Governor Tim Walz has proclaimed April “Month of the Military Child.” “By recognizing Military Child Month, we pay tribute to military children for their commitment, sacrifice, and unconditional support for our troops,” according to the proclamation. It is estimated that more than 23,000 children in Minnesota have at least one parent or guardian currently serving on military duty.
--The Little Falls City Council meets tonight at 7:30 at City Hall while the Morrison County Commissioners meet tomorrow at 9am inside the government center building. Some on either may be virtual.
BIRTH ANNOUNCEMENT
--Jonathon and Lisa Sharon of Randall, a baby girl born April 1st.
DEATH NOTICES
--Dorothy F. (Motschke) Thielen, age 95 of Pierz.
--George Dambowy, age 80 of Pierz.
--Lawrence A. Trettel, age 90 of Royalton/Bowlus area.
WEATHER
TODAY= sunny and warm, high 78, scattered thunderstorms develop after 5pm today and some could be strong into tonight.
TONIGHT= thunderstorms early, some severe, clearing late, low 42.
TUESDAY= sun early, increasing clouds, breezy, high 59, low 40.
WEDNESDAY= rain likely, some thunder possible, high 53, low 41.
SPORTS
BHK= Dodge County ended the Flyer season with a 4-1 win Friday in the state-semi finals. Little Falls Boys Hockey Coach Tony Couture announced he is retiring as hockey coach after 28 seasons. Gentry Academy beat Dodge County 8-1 on Saturday for Class A Title.
TWINS= Jose Berrios strikes out 12, Twins as a team strike out 17 as the Twins shut out the Brewers 2-0 Sasturday. Twins go long ball Sunday to win 8-2 and take the 3 game series over Brewers. The Twins travel to Detroit for 3 straight day games, today, tomorrow and Wednesday, all with pregame at 11:30am on Q92 WYRQ.
NCAA= Gonzaga with a buzzer beater beat UCLA and will face Baylor tonight for National Championship and an undefeated season.