NEWS
--The Morrison County Sheriff's Office will be conducting cold water rescue training on Pierz Fish Lake today from 8am-5pm located at the public access. Sherriff Shawn Larsen wants the public to be aware of this training, as to not alarm anyone. Deputies will be practicing social distancing due to Covid-19. We would appreciate the public keeping their distance for everyone’s safety as well. Last week Morrison County Sheriff Shawn Larsen posted on their facebook page the do's and dont's on what we should do to stop the spread of COVID-19. Stop doing these: public gatherings, sleep overs and play dates for kids, hosting visitors, eating in restaurants, in person happy hours, hoarding foods and other items (toilet paper), travel to non essential jobs. Use Caution when: grocery shopping or shopping for essentials, going to medical appointments, picking up medications, delivering supplies to loved ones, traveling to essential jobs, carryout food, riding any form of public transportation. It is safe to: seek emergency care, call friends and family, work from home, walk the dog, exercise outside, bike walk or run, eat healthy, get enough sleep, host video chats and use online learning tools. The Sheriff's facebook said this is a big help in stopping the spread of the COVID-19 virus and for that matter any viruses to others. Sheriff Larsen Friday on Little Falls Radio stated to please continue to call if you notice suspicious activity in the area, they do ask to please call public health or the Center for Disease Control hotline if you have questions on what you can and cannot do doing the time of COVID-19 and the Governor's Stay at Home and Social Distrance Guidelines.
--Morrison County Veterans Service Officer Kathy Marshik stated Thursday that earlier this month Governor Tim Walz signed executive order 20-01: Declaring a Peacetime Emergency and Coordinating Minnesota’s Strategy to Protect Minnesotans from COVID 19. Yesterday it was announced that financial Assistance designed to help Veterans who were directly and negatively impacted by economic, societal or health relation regarding COVID-19. Time sensitive and limited funding- There is only 6 million dollars for the entire state. That seems like a lot, but it will go fast considering there are 87 counties and approximately 361,129 Veterans in Minnesota. To qualify for any of these MN Department of Veterans Affairs programs, you must meet the criteria of MN State Stature 197.44 (definition of qualifying Veteran). Surviving Spouses of a deceased Veteran may also be eligible. Qualifying Veterans must be a Minnesota Resident.
There are a number of benefit selections which cash value to veterans and their spouses. Also if the soldier is deployed less than 181 days. They are still elegible. As deployment, disability or 181 days of consecutive active duty makes people eligible If you have information contact Kathy at the Morrison VSO at 632-0290.
--The Mayo Clinic announced that they are starting Coronavirus Blood Tests this week. The new antibody test will detect who has recovered from the virus and might have immunity. This test will replace the current molecular test that confirms symptoms of COVID-19. They feel the new test will be more essential in helping learn how long the virus lasts, when patients can return to their essential jobs and learn more in the treating and preventing of COVID-19.
--Today at 8:35am on Community Focus Morrison County Public Health will discuss Public Health Month and what is happening for COVID-19 prevention. That is today at 8:35am on AM960 KLTF. Later this week Royalton Mayor, Father Ben and Stephen Jones.
--Today on KLTF Party Line Steve Smith and Lisa Hanowski of CHI St. Gabriel's Health will give an update on COVID-19 at their facility what is being done, what their needs are and as a community how we can all pull together. That is today at 10:05am on AM960 KLTF.
--Current Morrison County Commissioner chair, Mike LeMieur, announced his intent to seek re-election as Morrison County Commissioner for District 1 in the upcoming November election.
--Dave Rocheleau, Pierz Schools Activities Director is putting together a 'Ray of Hope' event in support of the Pierz Community during this Stay-At-Home Order. Tonight at 9pm every business in Pierz, and every homeowner, is encouraged to turn their outside/porch lights on for 20 minutes to show their community support, and also honor the Class of 2020 Graduating Seniors.The lights will be turned on at the High School Football Field, Hellie Field, along with the lights at the Genola Ball Park. Spread the word to everyone you know so we can light up the town! That is tonight at 9pm in Pierz.
--The latest report from Minnesota Department of Health from Sunday is 935 postitive tests of COVID-19 in Minnesota, out of 26,777 tests, 29 deaths, 451 no longer in isolation, 106 hospitalized and 46 of those in ICU. 80-percent of cases our private residences with only 4% of the cases in long term, nursing homes or assisted living facilties but of the deaths they range in age from 58-100.
--Governor Tim Walz Friday unveiled a new State of Minnesota COVID-19 dashboard that tracks the virus in Minnesota and provides the latest available data on available ventilators, ICU beds, personal protective equipment (PPE), and testing. The dashboard will be updated daily and is available at https://mn.gov/covid19/. During Minnesota’s Stay Home Order, Minnesota’s priorities have been to collect data about COVID-19; increase the number of ICU beds, ventilators, and PPE needed to care for a surge in patients; and develop strategies to address the economic and social impacts of COVID-19 in Minnesota. Governor Walz has formed work groups to focus on critical response and recovery work and Governor Walz asked for more help from the Federal Government Sunday to a letter sent to President Trump and delivered his State of the State Address stating that Minnesota will weather this latest storm and pull together to stop the spread of COVID-19 by staying home. Walz's Stay at Home Order continues through this Friday.
DEATH NOTICES
--Janet Lee Gahbow, age 67 of Isle.
--Marilyn J. Holtz, age 82 of Becker.
WEATHER
TODAY= isolated showers, then mostly cloudy, high 58.
TONIGHT= showers, possible T-storms, low 46.
TUESDAY= morning showers, then PM sun, high 63, low 36.
WEDNESDAY= sunny skies, isolated shower early, windy, high 48.
SPORTS
NBA= former Minnesota Timberwolves player Kevin Garnett, San Antonio Spur Tim Duncun and the late Kobe Bryant of the Lakers who died earlier this year headline the 2020 class to be inducted to the NBA Fall of Fame later this year.
WNBA= the WNBA is the latest league to postpone games, their May 15th season opening has been postponed until a later date. The WNBA Draft on April 17th will be a virtual draft only.