NEWS
--District 10A Representative Ron Kresha, R-Little Falls, was appointed Republican Lead of the Education Finance Committee for the 2023-2024 biennium. This is the third term in which Kresha was appointed to serve as Republican lead on the committee. Kresha’s term as Republican lead on the Education Finance Committee begins January 3rd. Kresha won election to the newly redistricted 10A seat this past November in a race without a DFL opponent.
--A woman was found dead following a report of a house fire Friday, in northeast Brainerd. The Brainerd Police Department received a report of a residential structure fire at 12:12pm Friday on the 700 block of Seventh Avenue Northeast. Officers responded to the scene, along with personnel from the Brainerd Fire Department and North Memorial Health Ambulance. The residence was filled with smoke upon arrival, and a woman was found dead inside. The woman’s body was transported to the Ramsey County Medical Examiner’s Office for identification. The Minnesota State Fire Marshal’s Office is investigating the incident. No other details are being released now.
--Two people were arrested Thursday following a drug investigation in Kandiyohi County. The Kandiyohi County Sheriff's Office responded to a home in Atwater on a possible drug overdose. Authorities say the person had eaten a brownie laced with THC. During the investigation, authorities traced the source to an apartment in Spicer. Members with the CEE-VI Drug and Gang Task Force used a search warrant and arrested two people inside. Arrested was a 24-year-old man who was wanted by the Minnesota Department of Corrections and a 23-year-old woman. Their names have not been released. During the search, authorities say they found 1/2 ounce of methamphetamine, 5 1/2 pounds of marijuana, 12 ounces of marijuana wax, and a cake pan containing about 1 3/4 pounds of THC laced brownies. Investigators say items related to selling drugs, a handgun and a large amount of cash were also found inside. The two people arrested are being held in the Kandiyohi County Jail on several drug and firearm charges.
--Minnesota’s minimum wage will go up on January 1st. The Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry is reminding all employers that the state’s minimum wage will be adjusted for inflation on January 1st. Large employers with gross incomes of over $500,000 will see the minimum wage go up to $10.59 per hour, while smaller employers will see the minimum wage bump to $8.63 per hour. A training wage of $8.63 per hour may be paid to new employees under age 20 for the first 90 days of employment. A youth wage of $8.63 per hour may be paid to employees under 18 years old. The minimum wage laws will not apply to communities, like Minneapolis and St. Paul, that have higher minimum wages. State-mandated wage posters featuring the new minimum wages are available for download at the Labor and Industry website.
--The Canadian Pacific Holiday Train is heading through portions of Minnesota this week. The decked out train of holiday lights and decorations will make stops for those to view the train and there will a pop up style concert provided. Wednesday is the day in central Minnesota with stops in Loretto, Buffalo, Annandale and Eden Valley. Then on Thursday travel west/northwest to Glenwood, Alexandria, Detroit Lakes, Mahnomen, Plummer and Thief River Falls. Details on times and locations are at explore Minnesota website and then click on the Holiday Train schedule in the state for the holiday season.
--A reminder the Belle Prairie Park is closed today through Friday to all visitors, please follow the barricade and signs that are posted.
--Pierz Schools Superintendent George Weber spoke on KLTF Friday and thanked all the parents, students and staff who have helped to make this school year a great one so far. There is a toy drive for needy families right now and you can drop off a toy for ages 0-16 this week with distribution on Thursday at the elementary gym. There is a blood drive on the 21st at the high school and there Christmas band and choir concert is the 19th at 7pm at the high school. Weber says if you have questions call 320-468-6458.
--A Monticello woman was hurt in a three-vehicle crash in Buffalo Saturday morning. The incident happened shortly before 10am on Highway 25. The Minnesota State Patrol says a van and two SUVs were all going north on Highway 25 when they collided. The driver of one of the SUVs, 56-year-old Jodie Dessellier, was taken to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. The driver of the other SUV, 47-year-old Rhonda Rezac, and the driver of the van, 46-year-old Hector Hoppe, were not hurt. Authorities say snowy road conditions may have been a factor in the crash.
--The Sartell Police Department has announced the route for the annual Santa Claus tour. The department will once again serve as Santa’s escort as he makes his way around town, including a trip through several neighborhoods. In addition to the parade, Santa will be making several stops at places that include Sartell High School and City Hall. The festivities begin at 5:30pm on December 22nd.
DEATH NOTICES
--James Leo Tatro, age 73 of Pierz.
--Cleo “Tootie” Cimenski, age 98 of Little Falls.
--Robert “Bob” Happke, age 85 of Pierz.
WEATHER
WINTER STORM WATCH STARTS AT NOON TUESDAY.
TODAY= cloudy skies, turning breezy, high 32.
TONIGHT= cloudy and breezy, flurries late night, low 26.
TUESDAY= rain, sleet changing to all snow by later in the afternoon, temperatures will be steady around 30, strong winds to 40mph.
WEDNESDAY= snow likely 3-6 total over 2 days, high 34.
SPORTS
NFL= Detroit overpowered the Vikings defense on Sunday, though Justin Jefferson had a big game. Detroit wins 34-23. Vikings 10-3. Vikings will host Indianapolis Saturday morning at 11:30 on KLTF.
NCAA= for the first time in the 123 year history of the Army Navy game, the game goes overtime, and then double over-time with a long field goal to win for Army over Navy 20-17 in double OT.
HS BHK= Little Falls at Princeton Tuesday at 7:15pm Q92 WYRQ
HS GBB= Albany at Pierz Tuesday at 7:15pm on 94ROCKS 94.1FM
TODAY IN HISTORY
IN 1800= Congress adopts that Washington DC is the Nation's Capital
IN 1899= George F. Bryant patents the golf tee.
IN 1901= first Transatlantic radio signal competed by Marconi.
IN 1946= Tide Detergent is introduced to the public.
IN 1957= Jerry Lee Lewis reportedly married his 13 year old cousin out of the United States, Lewis was still legally married to his 1st wife.
Register for Ho Ho Dough today, another $100 Ho Ho Dough winner Tuesday. Grand prize of $500 cash, $500 Ho Ho Dough drawn on December 20th. Details at fallsradio.com.