NEWS
--Governor Tim Walz Friday announced Phase III of the Stay Safe MN plan, including a gradual turn of the dial to allow cautious and safe re-opening of indoor dining, gyms, and entertainment venues beginning Wednesday, June 10th. Customers and employees will be either strongly recommended or required to wear masks and will be required to adhere to appropriate social distancing measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Limited re-opening of dine-in restaurants, gyms, and entertainment venues can begin on Wednesday. Occupancy rates will be limited based on risk, with an overall occupancy maximum of 250 people. All critical businesses are required to develop and implement a COVID-19 Preparedness Plan by June 29th, and the Department of Health (MDH), Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED), and Department of Labor and Industry (DLI) will publish industry guidance by June 15th. Under Phase III of the Stay Safe MN plan: Restaurants can begin offering indoor dining while maintaining social distancing, requiring reservations, and seating no more than 50 percent occupancy. Indoor social gatherings can take place with 10 people or less; outdoor social gatherings can take place with 25 people or less. Gyms, personal fitness and yoga studios, and martial arts may open at 25 percent capacity. Indoor entertainment venues, such as theaters and concert halls, can open at 25 percent capacity. Recreational indoor entertainment venues, such as bowling alleys, arcades, and museums may open at 25 percent capacity. Personal services, such as salons, tattoo parlors, and barbershops, may increase occupancy rates to 50 percent while requiring reservations. Outdoor entertainment venues, such as sporting events, concerts, and theaters may open at 25 percent capacity. Places of worship can increase occupancy rates to 50 percent beginning on Wednesday, June 10th.
--Morrison County Administrator Deb Gruber stated that beginning today (June 8th), construction will begin on the south main parking lot at the Morrison County Government Center (First Avenue). The main south lobby door will not be accessible, and parking will be limited to the west parking lot, north parking lot and street parking. For access to all county offices, enter through either the North Doors (N-1, N-2) or the Southwest Motor Vehicle Entrance (W-1). The Morrison County Government Center is allowing limited walk-in services. Office hours are be Monday – Friday, from 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. The county drop-box will be temporarily located in the west parking lot. In order to maintain the safety of the public and county staff, Morrison County continues to encourage business be done online, phone, via the drop box and email. Most services will be available by appointment only. Call (320) 632-2941 or 1 (866) 401-1111 or visit www.co.morrison.mn.us for more information and availability. The Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) will still have no walk-in services available and all access is by appointment only. Limited appointments are available for online scheduling only, with schedules are available one week in advance. Due to the high call volume, the office will not answer phones or return calls at this time. For faster service on tab renewals, customers are asked to keep their business local and utilize the drop box or mail to: Morrison County DMV, 213 SE First Ave., Little Falls, MN 56345. Gruber stated that still until further notice passports, jail visists and DHS fingerprinting are not happening yet.
--The Morrison County Board of Commissioners will meet Tuesday morning at 9am at the government center boardroom.
--Morrison County reportedly is at 51 positive cases as of Sunday morning of COVID-19 with no reported deaths linked to the virus. There were still 388 new cases reported Sunday and 16 more deaths.
--Little Falls Community Schools Superintendent stated Friday on KLTF that the school is still busy over the summer months. Food distribution is being done with help from 20 locations from Flensburg, Bowlus, Fort Ripley, Randall and through Little Falls. Call for information as this is open to all residences in the school district for students 18 years of age and younger on Mondays and Thursdays at the various sites but call today to the number 632-2029. Jones stated for summer sports through Community Services and the schools is hoping to start on Monday, June 22nd following the numbers that the CDC allows have to be done. Jones stated that the big question he hears is what is happening this fall and right now it is up in the air but the school has starting planning if guideline restrictions for students would happen like alternating buildings and using a more hybrid system or something different, if the hope of all students returning doesn't happen, Jones said a system will be in place by July 15th which is 7 weeks before school starts. Jones stated that last night residences in the school district with students should had received via a phone call or via e-mail a short survey on how parents feel about their students returning to school in the fall. This is also an opportunity that parents can ask questions or concerns about their student returning so that the school can have a plan in place by early next month and be prepared for the school year by the end of July. If you have questions about Little Falls School call Jones at 632-2002.
--At 6:30pm on Thursday the Morrison County Sheriff ‘s Office received a report of a one vehicle accident near the intersection of Cannon Road and 65th Avenue, approximately one mile north of Elmdale, in Swanville Township. According to the Sheriff’s Office, a 16-year-old male from Rice, was traveling east on Cannon Road. His vehicle went off the road and hit a road approach. The 16-year old male and his 17-year old female passenger from Swanville, were transported to the hospital by personal vehicle with unknown injuries.
--The Morrison County Sheriffs Office reported Saturday they have identified the suspect in a manner of a counterfeit bill at the Casey’s gas station in Randall. Authorities stated they have made contact with the individual but no others details were released. Again the person of interest has been identified and the office thanks those for their assistance in helping to locate this person of interest.
DEATH NOTICES
--Audrey B. Pflueger, age 64 of St. Francis of Assisi.
--Dale G. Starr, age 88 of Hillman.
--Ronald “Ronnie” Gross, age 82 of Harding.
--Gladys M. Thompson, age 89 of Swanville.
--Harold “Bud” Biskey, age 96 of Swanville.
WEATHER
TODAY= early storms, then hot and humid, high 93.
TUESDAY= storms after dark, low near 70.
THURSDAY= storms likely day and night, high 72, low 63.
WEDNESDAY= storms still likely, cool and windy, high 65.
BAB= Governor Walz stated Friday youth baseball is still considered high risk for COVID 19 and remains closed, nothing was addressed on Amateur Baseball, the MBA is asking the governor to address this.