Newsletter: Monday, December 21st 2020
NEWS
--Little Falls Community School Superintendent Stephen Jones Friday stated that even after the Governor's announcement last week there will no changes to the current cirriculum right now, elementary schools to remain in distance learning through January 8th (back in class scheduled for Monday January 11th), and secondary schools will remain in distance learning through January 18th (MLK Holiday) with in class learning to return on January 19th. Superintendent Jones said that he will present Monday to the school board the plan for the calendar when students can return, activities, athletics and other schedules to address at the meeting Monday and then on Tuesday morning will take to the phone, internet and messaging services to send out the information on how the school district will move forward and the next phase of their plan to get students back in class and how this will be done in January. Jones understands the struggles that have been addressed for some families during this time and knows the importance of getting the students (all grades) back in class and the first step is the younger grades returning January 11th.
--The Little Falls School Board meets today at 5pm at the Community Middle School media center, they will hear presentations on the World's Best Workforce Annual Report, Life in Early Childhood, Supporting Students during COVID-19 and Special Education programs update. They will certify the tax levy, the EMLF Seniority List, designation of LEA Representative for next year and hear from Superintendent Stephen Jones on the changes to the school calendar as they head into 2021. Then at 6:00pm the Truth in Taxation public hearing will be held for the school district.
--The Little Falls City Council meets tonight at 7:30pm with many still meeting via Zoom conference and also in council chambers. The offices of the City of Little Falls are reminding residents that they will be closed as will other city offices Thursday and Friday this week for Christmas Eve and Christmas Day and also next week Thursday and Friday for New Years Eve and New Years Day.
--The Morrison County Commissioners are holding virtual meetings at this time and there next one is Tuesday at 9am. The will hear from the Sheriff, Extension Office, Motor Vehicle update, the auditor and public works at their meeting Tuesday morning.
--Sauk Rapids police are looking for the suspect who broke into a home while the owners were inside. About 6:45pm Thursday the homeowner heard noises coming from the basement of the house. While going down into the basement a figure was seen in the dark leaving the home. Some blood was found at the scene, possibly from the suspect(s) during the break-in. The incident happened in the 1500 block of Perennial Lane Northeast in Sauk Rapids. Police have released no other details. If anyone has information about the break-in call Sauk Rapids police at 251-9451.
--St. Cloud Police have released the name of the man shot and killed in south St. Cloud Wednesday. The victim has been identified as 21-year old Marenio Kennedy of Waite Park. Authorities say the shooting was not a random incident, and there is no ongoing threat to public safety. No information has been released on the description of the gunman. Police say the investigation is active and ongoing.
--Erik Saagi of the Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery reported again that there was no wreath laying ceremony at the state veterans cemetery in Little Falls this year due to COVID-19 restrictions. Wreathsforthefallen.org stated they hope to do it again next year.
--Many cities are coming together to help small businesses during this trying time of restrictions and COVID-19. Little Falls, Pierz, Randall, Royalton and others have all in some way put together ways to help the businesses with campaigns, financial aid and other items to get the word out to Shop Local in their communities as the days to Christmas are now to 4 as of today (3 to Christmas Eve). Please help your local towns and communities by shopping locally.
--The Morrison County website Friday showed 208 active cases (up only 2 from the day before), 155 hospitalized (up 1), Little Falls Zip Code was at 86 (up 1), Pierz at 36 (down 3), Royalton 22 (down 7), Cushing 14, Motley and Hillman at 10 cases on Friday. The State website reported 2,737 new cases Friday of COVID-19 and 65 newly reported deaths linked to the virus which include one new death in Morrison County of a person in their 70s. Morrison County had 15 new cases on Friday's report. Saturday had 2,772 on the report and another 57 deaths. Morrison County 16 new cases Saturday. Sunday had 2,705 new cases and 70 new deaths on the daily report. Morrison County had 9 confirmed and 2 probable cases on Sunday. It was also reported 1 new death of a person in their 90s on the state report Sunday in Morrison County making 38 deaths total for county.
--State Senator of St. Cloud Jerry Relph died on Thursday. In a statement from the family, Jerry was a beloved husband, father and grandfather. He was a Marine Corps veteran who served in Vietnam, an attorney, small businessman and dedicated public servant in the Minnesota Senate." Relph, a Republican, was elected to serve Senate District 14 in 2016. Relph was exposed to COVID-19 in early November and tested positive on November 13th. Relph was 76.
WINTER NOTE
--The Winter Solstice occurred at 4:02am this morning and therefore Winter has began in the Northern Hemisphere. Winter is here until 4:37am Saturday, March 20th, 2021 when it becomes Spring. The days are going to (in time) get longer than they were on Sunday.