NEWS
--Governor Tim Walz ordered all flags to be flown at half-staff at all state buildings this past Saturday in honor and remembrance of First Responder Reverend Brian Alnes. Alnes died on January 4th, due to complications from a medical condition obtained in the line of duty. Alnes dedicated eight years of service as a first responder and firefighter with the Crystal Fire Department and as a first responder in Swanville. He also served as chaplain for both the Morrison County and Todd County sheriff's offices.
--The Avon police department is looking for whoever broke into Spunky's Bar early Monday morning. They say the businesses sustained extensive damage and theft. Evidence from the scene possibly leads to other bar burglaries in the area and at least one suspect's clothing matches the suspect's clothing shown on hidden video at Spunky's. Avon police are asking for your help in identifying a pick-up and the suspect. Details are on the Spunky's Bar and Avon Police Department Facebook page with pictures of the suspect and the pick-up truck at the scene. Avon Police said to contact their department or Tri-County Crime Stoppers with any information you may have on Spunky’s burglary.
--The largest ice fishing event in the world has cleared it's final hurdle. The Crow Wing County Sheriff's Department says ice conditions on Gull Lake's Hole in the Day Bay are safe enough to hold the annual Brainerd Jaycees Ice Fishing Extravaganza January 29th. The world-renown fishing contest has drawn more than 10,000 people annually for over 25 years. The proceeds from the event are donated to more than 50 area charities with Confidence Learning Center as the primary beneficiary. Since the event was founded, The Brainerd Jaycees have donated more than $4.2-million. The 32nd Annual Brainerd Jaycees Ice Fishing Extravaganza will start this coming Saturday at noon. Law enforcement and the State Patrol remind motorists to expect delays on Highway 371 toward the Hole in the Day Bay Road for delays and stoppages to and from the event and watch for the flaggers patrolling traffic that day.
--The Morrison County Sheriff's Office recent report show a scam reported on Royalton and a theft in Randall on January 13th. Damage to property reports in Royalton and Flensburg January 14th. A resident on Hawthorn Road in Little Falls reported a scam in which two people came to visit them to buy their house on the 15th and more damage to property including two reports from Cushing. On January 17th A resident on Basil Road in Swanville reported someone had met with them to purchase a vehicle, took it on a test drive and never returned. The vehicle was later found parked at a residence on Dove Road. Mailbox theft in Royalton on the 18th and an establishment on Broadway East in Little Falls reported a theft on January 19th. Little Falls Police also on their latest report showed an uptick on scams for debit cards, phone calls and emails being reported to the police department so a reminder again to be careful when purchases items online or getting information that you might not be sure where it is coming from.
--The Minnesota State Patrol reported an accident at 9:47pm Friday on Highway 169 at marker 209 in Onamia Township of Mille Lacs County. A 17-year-old driver was on 169 lost control and spun out several times in the median. The driver was taken by ambulance to the Milles Lacs area hospital in Onamia with her injuries. Three passengers ages 19, 17 and 9 were in the vehicle. The State Patrol did not state if they were injured as of Saturday's report.
--The Diocese of St. Cloud says that face coverings will now be required for all indoor parish activities regardless of vaccination status. In a letter to parishioners, Bishop Donald Kettler cites the resurgence of COVID-19 cases due to the fast-spreading omicron variant, which is expected to peak in the next two to six weeks, and healthcare facilities experiencing staff shortages and strained resources for treating patients with not just COVID-related symptoms but other illnesses and emergencies as the reason for the updated guidance. The masking requirement, which starts today, January 24th, is for attendance at Masses, faith formation classes, and “other gatherings.” Masks will also be required in Catholic Community Schools. Bishop Kettler says he is also encouraging parishes to limit group events and meetings as much as possible for parishioners and staff. He says when feasible, gatherings should be moved online but doubled down on keeping schools to the in-person learning model. Parishioners, staff, parents, and students who are feeling ill or exhibiting COVID-related symptoms are asked to stay home from parish and school activities, including Mass. The Bishop outlined several exceptions to the Mass obligation. You are excused from the obligation if you believe your health would be significantly compromised, you are a caregiver to someone who is sick or homebound, or you are 65 or older, which puts you in a higher risk category.” Those who cannot or should not attend Mass are encouraged to tune in to Masses on TV or online.
--Authorities made a drug bust early Friday morning in south St. Cloud. Officers with the St. Cloud Police Department's Community Response Team, Violent Offender Task Force, and Swat team served search warrants on two apartments in the 1000 block of 5th Avenue South. Police raided the apartments just after 6am and made a number of arrests. Officers arrested 21-year-old Travis Galtney of St. Paul on suspicion of drug sales, Twenty-five-year-old Arthur Foote of St. Cloud was arrested for a Scott County warrant for felony theft. Police say they recovered a 9mm handgun and cash at the scene.
ENTERTAINMENT NEWS
--Louie Anderson died Friday morning at the age of 68. The Minnesota comedian last week, he had a form of blood cancer.
DEATH NOTICES
--Grace Boser, age 78 of Pierz.
--Edward “Aardvark” Kalis, age 66 of Bowlus.
--Kathleen Mary Voegtle, age 90 of Pierz.
WEATHER
WIND CHILL ADVISORY 3PM-12AM, WIND CHILL WARNING FROM 12AM-12PM TUESDAY, ADVISORY AGAIN TUESDAY NIGHT INTO WEDNESDAY
TODAY= sunny and cold, high 4 above, wind chills near -25 late day.
TONIGHT= clear, very cold, low -24, wind chills -35 to -40 at times.
TUESDAY= sunny and very cold, high -6, lows around -23.
WEDNESDAY= increasing clouds 14 above, snow by evening.
SPORTS
NFL= Cincinnati beat #1 seed Tennessee Saturday 19-16 on a last second field goal then San Francisco did the same thing a last second field goal to beat #1 seed Green Bay Saturday night 13-10 eliminating the Packers. Los Angeles Rams last second field goal eliminates Tampa Bay 30-27 Sunday then Kansas City needs overtime to beat Buffalo 42-36 to advance to Championships games Sunday.