NEWS
--35-year-old, Lora Murray of Little Falls, was charged in Morrison County District Court with two counts of criminal vehicular operation, causing substantial bodily harm while having an alcohol concentration above the legal limit. At about 8:18pm June 18th, the Morrison County Sheriff’s Office received multiple 911 calls regarding an ATV rollover accident with injuries. According to the report, the accident occurred near a residence on Lake Camille Drive. Along with law enforcement, first responders arrived on the scene and attended to a female victim, who allegedly told them that she could not feel her legs. She also told them that her back hurt and she was short of breath. Due to the serious nature of the injuries, the victim was airlifted to a hospital in the Twin Cities metro. Law enforcement later learned that the victim sustained multiple injuries, including several fractured ribs, a collapsed lung and a fractured back. Deputies on scene learned the victim was a passenger on the ATV, which was driven by Murray. Law enforcement spoke with Murray, who told them she was driving on Woodchuck Trail when she attempted to go around a branch that was in the road. At that point, her tire caught the ditch and she rolled the ATV. While speaking with her, a deputy detected an odor of alcohol coming from her person, according to the report. She allegedly admitted that she had been drinking, and estimated she had “four or five” glasses of beer that day, “but nothing recently.” She agreed to take a portable breath test, which showed results of .141, over the legal limit. If convicted, both charges carry a maximum penalty of three years imprisonment and/or a $10,000 fine.
--Charles “Chuck” Parins will be on the Republican Primary ballot for the House District 10A seat, but he is not actively campaigning for election. Parins who initially tossed his hat in the ring against incumbent Representative Ron Kresha said his decision to step back is due to family health issues. There isn't a democrat who filed for District 10A which includes portions of Morrison, Crow Wing, Aitkin, Mille Lacs and Kanabec counties.
--The second of two people charged in a south St. Cloud shootout last August has been found guilty. A Stearns County jury has convicted 33-year-old Justin Hudak of aiding and abetting 2nd-degree assault with a dangerous weapon and drive-by shooting. No sentencing date has been set. The other defendant, 23-year-old Davontae Dixon pleaded guilty to a felony charge of shooting a gun within city limits in May. Two people were hurt by the gunfire.
--A reminder again from Little Falls Community Schools that registering students at each of the 5 public schools Lindbergh, Lincoln, Dr. S.G. Knight, Community Middle and High School. Tuesday through Thursday at the Little Falls Community High School office.
--School bus drivers are being sought by local school districts. Recently a number of Morrison County schools along with schools across central Minnesota are asking for those to become school bus drivers for the upcoming school year. If you have an interest there are state wide websites for drivers or contact your local schools in your area to see what bus driving needs they are seeking.
--Members of the Little Falls Theater Company spoke Friday on KLTF and wants all to come to there play performance of Treasure Island this Thursday, Friday and Saturday night with doors opening at 6:30 then also a matinee Saturday at 2pm (doors open at 1:30) at the Charles D. Martin Auditorium. Tickets are $10 at the door or you can get them presale at lftheatre.org.
--The City of Little Falls reported no filings for city offices on Thursday an again on Friday since the first filings were reported last week. Filings can still be on for city offices throughout this week.
--A 17-year-old was killed Saturday at 9:36am on Highway 210 in Rabbit Lake Township of Crow Wing County. 17-year-old Jacob Blondo of Kettle River was east on 210 when it crossed into the westbound lane and struck a vehicle driven by 75-year-old Curtis Watson of Aitkin. Blondo was pronounced dead at the scene when authorities arrived. Watson sustained critical injuries and was life linked to St. Cloud with life threatening injuries in the accident.
--Another fatal accident happened at 7:36pm Saturday in Crow Wing County when a Harley Davidson motorcycle was southbound on Highway 371 near Nashway Road when a jeep driven by 62-year-old George Lentsch of St. Paul turned in front of the cycle. Lentsch was not hurt. The impact of the crash caused the motorcycle to then hit trailer towing boat and then the cycle went into the median. 26-year-old Alex Nelson of Akeley was dead at the scene of the accident.
--The Minnesota Board of Animal Health says the first case of the West Nile virus in 2022 was confirmed in a horse from Kandiyohi County. The 4-year-old horse was euthanized in late July because of "deteriorating neurologic conditions," according to a press release. Tests conducted afterward confirmed that the horse had been infected with the virus and passed away.
--A Meeker county man suffered minor injuries in a motorcycle crash. The Meeker County Sheriff's Office says at about 3:30pm Thursday 68-year-old Gregory Bunce of Darwin was going south on 675th Avenue south of Watkins when his motorcycle went into the ditch. Bunce was not wearing a helmet and hit his head. He was brought to his home where he eventually called in the crash. He was then taken to Meeker Memorial Hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.
DEATH NOTICES
--Arliss J. Godejohn, age 88 of Little Falls.
--Steve C. Drager, age 60 of Swanville.
WEATHER
TODAY= becoming sunny, high 75, clear night, low near 50.
TUESDAY= sunny and warmer, high 85, clear night, low near 60.
WEDNESDAY= sunny and cooler, breezy, high 79, low around 51.
SPORTS
TWINS= after Toronto ties the game in the 9th the Twins win it in the bottom of the 10th 6-5 on Friday over Blue Jays. Twins win Saturday over Toronto 7-3. Then almost a repeat from Friday but this time Toronto wins 3-2 in 10 innings Sunday after Twins tie it in the 9th. The Twins have today off, in Los Angeles tomorrow night.
REGION 8C= Pierz Lakers beat Freeport 6-3 Saturday after a 3 hour rain delay before the first game was played. Avon gets a homerun late to beat Buckman Saturday 3-2. Nisswa gets a 3 run walk off double in the 9th to beat Randall 3-2 Saturday. St. Stephen held off a late rally by Foley to win 7-6 late Saturday into Sunday morning. On Sunday Buckman eliminated Freeport 6-0, Avon beat Pierz Lakers 2-1 to qualify for State. Nisswa went long ball and beat St. Stephen 7-3 to qualify for the state tournament Sunday. The final game Sunday started with Foley leading 3-1 in the 2nd inning over Randall when the rains came through suspending the game. The game will resume tonight at 7:05pm from Freeport and will be live on Q92 WYRQ.