NEWS
--The Morrison County Sheriff's Office reported late Friday that On December 16, 2021, the Royalton Police Department received information regarding potential threats involving Little Falls Schools, Pierz Schools and Royalton Schools. The Royalton Police Department, along with the Morrison County Sheriff’s Office, Little Falls Police Department and the Pierz Police Department have initiated an investigation regarding the potential threats. This information was shared with local school districts and out of an abundance of caution, a decision was made to close schools in Morrison County on Friday, December 17, 2021. This investigation remains ongoing, however, at this point law enforcement feels there is no ongoing threat to our students, schools or residents. Law enforcement takes these threats very seriously and continues to follow up on any new information that is reported. Following that statement all Morrison County schools announced that events and other items planned on Saturday would resume and students will be returning to class as normal this morning. Some arrests were made nationally and as close as Brainerd but unclear if related to the initial TikTok message.
--A Little Falls man convicted of second degree murder in connection to the death of his wife was sentenced, Thursday, in Morrison County District Court. 31-year-old Jonathan Greyblood of Little Falls was sentenced to 180 months/15 years in prison Thursday on a conviction back in October for one count of second degree murder, not intentional while committing a felony. The 180-month sentence was the longest available to Morrison County District Court Judge Antoinette Wetzel in accordance with state sentencing guidelines. As part of the sentence, Greyblood will be required to serve a minimum of 120 months in prison, or 10 years, and will be eligible for supervised release for the final 60 months. He did receive credit for 304 days served in Morrison County Jail. Restitution in the case will remain open for 45 days, at which point Greyblood will have an opportunity to appeal any findings. The sentencing was issued Thursday after impact statements were recited to the judge in the case. Greyblood was convicted for strangling and killing his wife Jeannine in February and disposing of her body under the Swan River bridge. Which was found a day after a search started in trying ot find her after Jonathon reported her missing after an argument.
--The Little Falls Fire Department was dispatched at 2:08am Saturday to 61 8th Avenue Southeast in the City of Little Falls on a reported fire in the basement. Little Falls Police Officers had already confirmed that everyone was out of the residence when firefighters arrived. The occupants had all been sleeping but were alerted to the fire by smoke alarms. Firefighters made entry and extinguished the visible fire quickly. They found that the fire had spread into the wall above on the main floor and upwards toward the attic. Firefighters had to conduct extensive overhaul to expose the fire in the wall. The fire department was on scene for nearly 3 hours. While there was no major structural damage to the home, there was smoke and water damage throughout. There were no injuries to occupants or firefighters. The cause of the fire is under investigation.
--An accident sent one to the hospital Friday morning at 11:32am on Highway 10 at Highway 115 in Randall. 56-year old Theresa Erickson of Indiana was attempting to cross Highway 10 at 115 and collided with a westbound vehicle driven by 30-year old Adelle Sanoski of Little Falls. Erickson was taken to the hospital with non life threatening injuries. Her passenger, Sanoski and her 12-year old passenger were reportedly not injured in the accident.
--State Representative Ron Kresha stopped by Friday and announced their will be Free Christmas meals available locally thanks to the support of the Little Falls Ministerial Association, Black and White, Donna's Big Johns and Dominos Pizza. Meals will be distributed December 23rd, 24th, and 25th at the AT Black and White meals are available for pickup. The other two will have delivery or pickup of the free meals. If interested, you must call Kresha at (320) 348-0958.
--Announced on Friday, Governor Tim Walz ordered all United States and Minnesota flags to be flown at half-staff at all state buildings in Minnesota this past Saturday in honor and remembrance of Fire Captain Brian Lange. “Captain Lange was a dedicated firefighter who was respected by his family, friends, and colleagues,” reads the proclamation issued by Governor Walz. “The State of Minnesota recognizes Captain Lange for his dedicated service to, and sacrifice for, his fellow Minnesotans, and our thoughts and prayers are with his family, friends, and entire community.” Captain Lange died on Saturday, December 11, 2021, of a medical illness obtained from line of duty service. Captain Lange dedicated 22 years to the Upsala Fire Department and served as Captain for six years. Lange's funeral was Saturday in Upsala with a large presence of firefighters, firetrucks, law enforcement and first responders in attendance in Upsala.
--CHI St. Gabriel's Health stated on KLTF Friday that this past week their ICU Unit was full and extra patients were waiting for beds at the hospital and MaryRose stated that there were no open spots for beds in the state due to high demand, this is not just COVID related but many other illness related items also at hospitals. Right now there is no visitor restrictions for visiting non ICU and non COVID related patients at the hospital The ICU is still limiting to one visitor or two depending on age. Surgeries have had to be moved and because of availability they have had to postpone some minor elective surgeries until a bed opens up. CHI still has vaccine and antibodies that you get at the hospital and have great results in antibodies. The hospital has received many calls and concerns from patients and ask if you have questions about recent vaccines, drugs, approaches for prevention call your local doctor to see what they recommend.
--Little Falls Community High School announced their ExCel Award representatives for 2021 are Elizabeth Ahlin and Lawrence Hudson Filippi. Swanville also announced that seniors Mackenzie Morris and Shane Lambrecht have been selected as this year’s Swanville High School Triple A nominees. Congratulations to them.
--Congratulations to the three Dairy Bucket winners from the Morrison County ADA and AM960 KLTF drawn on Friday. Karen Hansmann, Laurie Veillete and Jeanie Walock. All three picked up their $50 in dairy products Friday. Congratulations to them.
DEATH NOTICES
--Raymond “Ray” Hoppe, age 92 of Little Falls.
WEATHER
TODAY= clouds early, clearing, temps dropping to 5 above late.
TONIGHT= temps drop to -4 early, rise with snow by daybreak.
TUESDAY= snow likely, 1-3 inches by noon, high 18, low 6 above.
WEDNESDAY= partly cloudy skies, high 25, clear night low 11.
SPORTS
NFL= Vikings at Chicago tonight 6:30pm on AM960 KLTF.
HO HO DOUGH GRAND PRIZE DRAWING IS TOMORROW.