NEWS
--A traffic stop led to a drug bust. Around 10:50pm Thursday a Morrison County Deputy conducted a traffic stop on a green Ford Escape north of Little Falls, near the Highway 10/Highway 371 split. The deputy observed a traffic violation, made the traffic stop and identified the occupants of the vehicle. The deputy could smell an odor of marijuana while speaking to the occupants and conducted a search of the vehicle. During the course of the search, approximately three pounds of suspected marijuana was located and seized. During the investigation, the driver Roger Hegarty of Baxter admitted to purchasing the suspected marijuana for $6,000. Morrison County Sheriff Shawn Larsen stated that this is a case where the deputy utilized his drug interdiction training and took thousands of dollars worth of illegal narcotic drugs off the streets of Morrison County. Roger Hegarty is being held in the Morrison County Jail pending charges for 5th degree possession of a controlled substance.
--The Morrison County Public Works announces the starting date of spring load restrictions on all Morrison County Highways will be Tuesday at 12:01am. Road restrictions maps indicating the locations of weight restricted routes are listed on the Morrison County website at www.co.morrison.mn.us
--The head of the FBI in Minneapolis says authorities may never be certain about what led to the stabbing attack that left 10 people wounded at the St. Cloud mall five months ago. FBI Special Agent in Charge Rick Thornton said getting into Dahir Ahmed Adan's electronic media has been an ongoing effort, and authorities might never know exactly what he was thinking. He said he'd still characterize the attack as one in which Adan, who had expressed a recent interest in Islam may have been radicalized.
--The Minnesota Association of County Officers named Deborah Erickson, Crow Wing County administrative services director, as the Auditor of the Year. The award was given at the annual conference February 6th-10th in Bloomington. Awards are presented annually to an outstanding auditor, treasurer and recorder of the year. Officers receiving awards are voted in by their peers. Erickson previously served Crow Wing County as auditor and auditor-treasurer before being named administrative services director. Erickson was noted for her efforts representing Crow Wing County, as well as her service to the association as the chair of the elections committee.
--Sauk Rapids-Rice Superintendent Dan Bittman will be moving on. The Elk River school board Thursday night voted to enter into contract negotiations with Bittman, offering him the position of Superintendent in District 728. Bittman was chosen over two other finalists. The Elk River District has had an open superintendent position since last June when their previous superintendent retired. Former St. Cloud Area School District Superintedent Bruce Watkins has been filling in this year on an interim basis. If they can agree on a contract, Bittman is expected to start his new job on July 1st. He’s been with the Sauk Rapids-Rice school district since 2010.
--The Morrison County Commissioners meet Tuesday 9:00am in the Morrison County government center. Agenda includes mudfest in Hillman, information technology, sheriff's report, awards of excellence given out and a proclamation for Hands of Hopes Resource Center.
--Due to city offices being closed today the Little Falls City Council will meet Tuesday at 7:30pm at Little Falls City Hall.
--Today is President's Day. In some states they still use the name Washington's Birthday, Washington/Lincoln's Birthday or President's Day but whichever you call it, it is a federal holiday. Therefore all government offices are closed today, including banks, financial institutions, post offices and other offices may be closed today. Many schools are off today, though some are in session. Some offices will be open while others are not so it is best to call ahead.
--The Minnesota Department of Transportation will start spring truck weight restrictions in the central frost zones Tuesday, February 21st. Removal of winter load increases and start of spring load restrictions in the south, southeast and metro frost zones began Friday. Road restriction maps showing the locations of weight-restricted routes and those state highways open to maximum 10 ton axle weights are listed at www.mndot.gov/loadlimits. Click on “seasonal load limits,” and then “spring load restrictions.” Overweight permits for more than 80,000 pound gross vehicle weight will continue and new permits will be issued if all axle and group weights are legal. Full-summer overweight permits can be issued during the spring load restriction period only on interstate through movements. Middle-range overweight permits become available within each frost zone when spring load restrictions are lifted. Full-summer overweight permits become available two to three weeks after spring load restrictions are lifted. Ending dates for spring load restrictions are variable and based on how weather is affecting roadway strength. For more information go to the MN Dot website.
--A number of law enforcement agencies will be ramping up efforts to reduce fatal crashes on Minnesota Highway 23. The enforcement efforts will have officers watching for traffic violations including speeding, no seat belts, distracted driving, stop sign violations and impaired driving. The multi-agency enforcement efforts include the Benton County Sheriff's Office, Mille Lacs County Sheriff's Office, Foley Police Department, Milaca Police Department and the Minnesota State Patrol. The point of extra patrol is not about the number of citations or arrests, but bringing down the number of fatal collisions. The enforcement efforts come after two fatal collisions that occurred on Highway 23 within one week. The enforcement efforts will be a year long.
DEATH NOTICES
--Dianne (Burton) Roberts, age 79 formally Little Falls and Eveleth
--Martha Gosiak, age 89 of Swan River Township in Morrison County
--Donald Wensmann, age 90 of Elmdale
WEATHER
TODAY= showers, possible T-storms, breezy, high 57.
TONIGHT= showers, T-storms early, cloudy late, low 35.
TUESDAY= sunny and mild, high 56, clear night, low 38.
WEDNESDAY= light rain and drizzle, high around 50.
SPORTS
GHK= Roseau defeated Brainerd/Little Falls 3-2 in 4 overtimes late Friday night to advance to Girls Hockey State Tournament ending a tremendous run by the Warriors girls hockey team at 25-3.
WRE= Pierz wins 7A Championship and advances to state as does Foley 10th straight year as 6AA Champions. Little Falls lost in the section semi-finals to St. Cloud Tech Saturday.