NEWS
--An Onamia women escaped serious injuries after she fell asleep behind the wheel and crashed. The Morrison County Sheriff's Office says the incident happened just before noon Thursday on 213th Street West of Highway 25, roughly six miles northwest of Pierz. Authorities say 32-year-old Julia Sam was heading east on 213th Street when she fell asleep behind the wheel, hit the guardrail. Sam's vehicle then went down a hill and came to a rest on the Platte River.
Sam was taken to St. Gabriel's Hospital with minor injuries.
--Congratulations to the 2021-22 ExCEL Representatives from Pierz : Elissa Pawlu and Conner Kruse. ExCEL stands for - Excellence in Community, Education and Leadership – it is a unique recognition program sponsored by the MSHSL designed exclusively for Minnesota high school juniors who are active in school activities, who show Leadership qualities, and who are model citizens. Elissa is the daughter of John and Elene Pawlu , she is involved in: Volleyball, Basketball, Track, Peer Helping, WEB, Band, Pep Band, FFA, 4H, Big Brother/Big Sister and Youth Group. Conner is the son of Lowell and Amy Kruse, he is involved in: Cross Country, Track, the Musical/Play, Choir, Jazz Choir, Band, Jazz Band, Pep Band, Knowledge Bowl, MHS, Student Council, and MN National Guard Youth and Teen Camp.
--On Thursday Crow Wing County Sheriff's offficials responded to an unresponsive male in the City of Trommald. Upon arrival, deputies found a 37-year old male deceased. The name of the male is being withheld, pending the notification of family. The male was transported to the Ramsey County Medical Examiner’s Office for an autopsy. The death remains under investigation by the Crow Wing County Sheriff’s Office. Foul play is not suspected.
--Sartell police say the Grinch is up to no good again. Police say they've had several calls about someone stealing inflatable Christmas decorations in the Celebration Circle area. Sartell police say often times residents don't report these types of crimes as they believe they are bothering authorities with these minor issues. Authorities say you should never hesitate to call and report any issues within your neighborhood so they can provide extra patrol to help prevent any future property damage or theft.
--Transportation officials are working to create Minnesota's second United States Bicycle Route. Minnesota currently has U.S. Bicycle Route 45 which is also known as the Mississippi River Trail. Now, MnDOT officials want to designate a second bike route from St. Cloud to Fargo/Moorhead. The route, USBR 20, will branch off from the Beaver Island Trail/Mississippi River Trail in St. Cloud and travel northwest to the Minnesota/North Dakota border in Moorhead. The route will utilize the Lake Wobegon Trail, Central Lakes Trail, other regional trails, and even road shoulders. USBR 20 will connect to points of interest, parks, campgrounds, and several cities along the way. The survey responses are due by Sunday, December 19th, go to Mn Dot website for further details.
--The Benton County Sheriff's Office is the latest to enact a Safe Exchange zone under 24-hour video surveillance to document the identities of individuals who meet there. The Safe Exchange zone is open to anyone and is located in the southeast corner of the public parking area, near the entrance to the Veteran's Memorial. Other law enforcement agencies including the Little Falls Police Department also have a safe exchange area in their parking lot already.
--The Pierz City Council meets tonight 7pm at Pierz City Hall again there will be a public hearing on police body cameras.
--One person was injured Friday afternoon at 3:52pm at Highway 10 and 138th Street in Little Falls. A dodge caravan was attempting to pass an SUV and veer out of control and near 138th and struck the van. 27-year-old Jorgia Authier of Little Falls was in the the SUV and not injured. 57-year-old Brenda Romig of Baxter was in the Dodge Caravan and treated for non-life threatening injuries at St. Gabriels Hospital in Little Falls.
--Little Falls Police reported last week that a counterfeit $10 bill was given to Pine Country Bank in Little Falls from a local establishment. The bill was sent to Secret Service as part of an investigation. Police also have stated that a number of stores have called police regarding shoplifting complaints reminding store owners to be alert around their belongings and bars, stores, banks and others are also asked to check their cash they receive for possible counterfeit bills.
--The southern half of Minnesota continues to dig out of a massive winter storm that dropped 16-21 inches of snow from St. Paul to Woodbury south and east into Wisconsin and Iowa. Friday afternoon alone saw over 350 accidents in the snow fallen area with two fatalities. St. Cloud reported 2.5 inches of snow but north of that region a coating to ½ inch around Little Falls and almost nothing north of Brainerd. However local law authorities are reminding pedestrians and motorists that with warming temps during the day some wet spots and compacted snow on driveways, parking lot and sidewalks will still get icy and they reported some falls over the past few days to be mindful of when heading out. Another round of mixed precepitation is in the forecast for Wednesday into Thursday.
--Mike from Great River Arts stated that the artists' reception at Great River Arts scheduled last Saturday has been moved to Saturday, January 15, Noon-2pm. Details on their website and Facebook page.
ENTERTAINMENT NEWS
--Singer, songwriter and actor Mike Nesmith died Friday at age 78. He was one of the four members of the Monkee's on TV (1966-1968) and with the music group. Nesmith wrote songs for the Monkee's produced their move Head in 1967 and then wrote for many artists including Linda Ronstadt and the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band.
--Author Anne Rice has died at age 80 in New Orleans. Rice wrote “Interview with a Vampire” in 1976 and other considered dark novels.
DEATH NOTICES
--Richard A. Czech, age 84 of Little Falls.
--Marie C. Meyer, age 92 of Pierz formerly of Morrill.
WEATHER
TODAY= freezing fog in AM, sunny skies, high near 40.
TONIGHT= cloudy skies, low 26, freeze fog possible overnight.
TUESDAY= freezing fog early, partly sunny, high 38, low 30.
WEDNESDAY= rain likely, changing to snow at night, low 44.
SPORTS
NFL= Aaron Rodgers tossed 4 touchdowns in a 45-30 win over the Chicago Bears Sunday night. Packers are 10-3. Vikings will take on the Bears next Monday night 6:30pm on AM960 KLTF.
COL FB= Navy beat Army Saturday 17-13 in Army/Navy game. Alabama's Bryce Young received Heismann Trophy for 2021.
COL BB= Gophers (8-1) beat Michigan Saturday 75-65, they host Texas A&M in non-conference play Tuesday 6:30pm on KLTF.
HS BBB= Long Prairie-Grey Eagle at Pierz Tues 7:15pm 94ROCKS.