NEWS
--On Tuesday the Pierz Police Department received numerous phone calls about a scam that is going out to many individuals in the Pierz area and central Minnesota via text messages and or emails. They are asking the general public to donate Apple Store Gift Cards to them for people suffering from cancer or other illnesses. When theses scammers send out these emails and text messages, they are making it appear they are coming from several of our local churches and are utilizing the name of each priest or pastor assigned to these parishes. Pierz Police Chief Eric Hanneken would like to remind everyone that this is purely a scam and at no time will a Pastor or Priest or other members of these parishes request such a donation. If you have any question or concerns pertaining to this scam, please give Chief Eric Hanneken with the Pierz Police Department a call at (320) 630-1510.
--One person died in a two-vehicle crash on Interstate 94 Friday morning. The Minnesota State Patrol says it happened just after 5:00am at Opportunity Drive in St. Augusta. Troopers say a Honda Accord was going east when the driver pulled over to the right shoulder, then attempted a U-turn, and was struck by a pickup in the left lane. The driver of the Honda was 42-year-old Lual Omot of St. Cloud. He died in the crash. His name will be released Friday afternoon. The driver of the pickup, 43-year-old Jason Trobec of Rice, was taken to St. Cloud Hospital with non-life threatening injuries. That was one of many accidents on Thursday night and Friday morning due to slippery roads, Stearns County alone had over 30 accidents around the time of the fatal that morning and five people were hurt in an accident Friday afternoon in Crow Wing County when the first vehicle tried to stop for an emergency vehicle and caused a chain reaction of vehicles striking each other.
--Stearns County reported that back on January 30th correctional officers were in the process of locking down inmates at the end of the evening meal. Inmate 26-year-old Joshua Peterson was refusing to lock down. While attempting to gain control and return Peterson to his cell, Peterson struck a Correctional Officer in the face with a closed fist. Several officers responded and took control Peterson, securing him in a cell. According to Sheriff Soyka, the Correctional Officer was transported to the St. Cloud Hospital for non-life-threatening injuries. He was treated and released. The case remains under investigation and will be sent to the Stearns County Attorney’s Office for formal charges.
--Crow Wing County Sheriff Scott Goddard announced Friday the arrest of three individuals for mail and package theft throughout Crow Wing County, along with reports of mail theft in Cass, Aitkin, Itasca and Mille Lacs County. According to a news release, the suspects are Donald Robert Scott Jr., 35, Jared Bruce Borchert, 33, and Jennifer Ann Scott, 31, all of Emily were arrested and more arrests are still pending in the mail theft case.
--The Pierz Knights of Columbus held the 23rd annual buffalo feed and raffle on January 25th at the Pierz Ballroom. For the past 23 years, the Pierz Knights of Columbus has donated half of the proceeds of the feed and raffle which will benefit the American Cancer Society the other half goes to Pierz Knights of Columbus projects. This year’s event resulted in more than $21,420 being donated to the Morrison County Relay for Life. The event is held in memory of Gen Boser, a victim of cancer.
--Pioneer Elementary play coming up February 6th in Pierz.
--The Little Falls Area Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce the February Employee of the Month, Jolene Sutton, Anderson Custom Processing. Jolene has been the Plant Administrator and HR Assistant for the past 4 years. Congratulations Jolene Sutton!
--The Little Falls City Council meets tonight at 7:30pm at the city hall council chambers. City Administrator John Radermacher is also asking residents of Little Falls, and the surrounding area within the 56345 zip code to attend any of the upcoming OurTown 56345 Community Design meetings that will be held February 10th through the 12th in Little Falls. Food, fellowship and fun are promised for residents of all ages at these events. OurTown 56345 seeks input from area residents regarding their hopes, concerns, visions and priorities to build a healthy and sustainable future for all who live within the 56345 zip code. A wide variety of perspectives are needed, therefore representatives of all economic, racial, ethnic, educational backgrounds residing in the 56345 zip code area are encouraged to attend. These open house-style events will be available on three different days, for three hours at each of three sites. The public can drop in for as short or long a time, as fits their schedule and interests. The important thing is to come and be heard at one of these events: Monday February 10th from 2-5pm at the Initiative Foundation, Tuesday, February 11th from 8:30-11:30am at the Purple Carrot in the Victor Mall and Wednesday, February 12th from 4-7pm at the Little Falls Community Middle School Commons. For more information contact City Hall at 616-5500. Jon will also be the guest on the KLTF Party Line program February 10th at 10:05am.
--The 2020 Minnesota Teacher of the Year will be chosen from a field of 134 candidates, including Faye Sandy of the Pierz School District and Melissa Hammer of Royalton Public Schools. This year’s program will name the 56th Minnesota Teacher of the Year, celebrating the tradition of excellence in teaching in Minnesota. The 2020 Minnesota Teacher of the Year will be announced Sunday, May 3, at the Saint Paul River Centre. Over the coming weeks, a 25-member panel of community leaders will name a group of semifinalists and finalists.
NATIONAL NEWS
--Yesterday Phil the Ground Hog did not see his shadow meaning that spring in on the way if you believe the ground hog prediction.
DEATH NOTICES
--Roger E. Przybilla age 73 of Pierz.
--Marcella “Marcie” Selinski, age 90 of Bowlus/Royalton area.
WEATHER
TODAY= cloudy skies, temps dropping into the teens by afternoon.
TONIGHT= partly cloudy, colder, low 4 above.
TUESDAY= sunny and windy, high 12 above, low around -8.
WEDNESDAY= increasing clouds, high 20, low around 7.
SPORTS
NFL= Kansas City beat San Francisco 31-20 last night in Super Bowl 54 in Miami, Patrick Mahomes comes alive in the 4th quarter as the Chief score 21 points in the final 9 minutes to win the first Super Bowl victory for KC since 1970 in Super Bowl IV. Mahomes was MVP.
HS= February is here and that means playoffs, sections for Nordic Skiiing and Girls Hockey playoffs begin later this week for area teams, get the latest sports daily on all 3 Little Falls Radio Stations.