NEWS
--Little Falls Schools Superintendent Greg Johnson sent out a statement on Friday addressing in his words inaccurate information circulating in the community and on social media about Little Falls Community Schools. He states that a small group of individuals have spoken out in support of a parent who had made claims against the school district. While Johnson could not comment on the situation he did state on providing clarification. In the statement Johnson said that if an interaction between a parent and teacher becomes unproductive, they may ask for them to address this to a principal or the superintendent. Johnson said these matters are not taken lightly and wants to ensure the community they take the safety of the students as their top priority. Also he addressed a situation where “sexting” claims arose, Johnson said this is untrue. The fact is that one aspect of the programming includes ensuring students know what sexual harassment is. These conversations are facilitated by counselors and social workers. Johnson continues to state that the topics of cyberbullying, sexting and harassment in the upper elementary levels because many students are spending more time online. Parents are encouraged to read up on the district’s educational materials and have the right to pull their student from any of the programs or courses offering if they wish. In the statement the Superintendent said all requests for parents to view the curriculum or to remove a student have all been granted. If you have concerns please address them with the Superintendent Greg Johnson or your student’s school principal.
--The Leech Lake Tribal Police Department was asking for the public's help locating a missing 8-year-old boy who they believe left his home near Prescott, Minnesota Thursday. According to the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension, Alfred Desjarlait III walked away from his home near 140th Street Northwest and Wakonabo Drive Northwest on foot around 5:30pm wearing a black Timberland jacket, jeans and multi-colored Puma shoes. Around 10:45am Friday morning the BCA reported that the boy had been found safe and was being returned to family members. No other information released.
--A Minnesota State Trooper was hurt when his squad car was struck by another vehicle Friday morning. The incident happened along westbound Interstate 94 near St. Joseph just before 6:00am. The state patrol says Trooper Matthew Carlson was parked with his emergency lights activated as he investigated a crash in the median. A second car driven by 49-year-old Mark Hoffman of St. Cloud struck the squad car as he passed. Hoffman was not hurt, but the 31-year-old Carlson was taken to a hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.
--A St. Cloud has been charged after a police chasing where he allegedly tossed out drugs from the window of the vehicle. The incident began around 4:40am Thursday in Cold Spring. An officer, noticed a vehicle with no taillights, after finding out the driver also had a revoked registration. The vehicle refused to and chase ensued with the driver weaving over both sides of the highway, running red lights and driving off the roadway at times. Officers finally were stop the vehicle after some time. Stearns County identified the driver as 29-year-old Joshua Hemmingson. He was observed by officers tossing many items out of a window. Later found to be 57 grams of meth rocks tossed from baggies. Hemmingson was charged with first degree possession of a controlled substance.
--Ladies Night Out in Pierz this Thursday, details fallsradio.com.
--Two 16 year olds were injured Friday at 10:37pm in an accident in Morrison County. 16-year-old Richard McPherson of Pierz was eastbound on Highway 27 at Dove Road in Culdrum Township slid on a patch of ice and entered the ditch rolling the vehicle. Richard was not hurt. His two passengers, 16-year-old Amiliya Callus of Little Falls and 16-year-old Mackenzi Willhite of Little Falls both sustained non life threatening injuries and taken to the Little Falls Hospital. Another accident with three teenagers happened around 7:53pm in Stearns County near Sauk Centre. The three were taken to Sauk Centre hospital and treated for their injuries. The driver did not have a valid drivers license according to the State Patrol website but no names in that case were released.
--Morrison County Public Works announced that spring load restrictions will begin at 12:01am on Wednesday, March 22nd. Posted axle weight limits control vehicle weights on posted roads. All restriction limits are gross axle weights. No overweight permits will be issued. The weight of any axle shall not exceed 5 tons on any unpaved highway unless posted otherwise or 10 tons weight limit on paved highways. Restrictions will remain in effect until further notice. The road restrictions map indicating the location of the weight restrictions on Morrison County routes, along with the seasonal load limits dates by Mn Dot can be found on the Morrison County website and then click on the public works section.
--A 5-year-old Becker boy was killed in an accident Thursday night in Anoka County. 32-year-old Amanda Reardon of Becker was on Highway 10 at Armstrong Boulevard in Ramsey when the vehicle spun on the slippery roads and struck a cement wall before rolling over. Reardon was taken to Mercy Hospital in Coon Rapids with serious but non life threatening injuries. Her four year old passenger, Avery Reardon sustained critical life threatening injuries and the five year old passenger Elijah Reardon died at the hospital from his injuries. Authorities said all were wearing seatbelts in the vehicle.
--For the first time in several years, Holy Trinity School is Pierz will be having a play performance. The play The Mystery of the Missing Medallion will be performed Wednesday, March 22nd at 1:30pm and 6:30pm at the School Gym in Pierz. Come and enjoy the show.
SPRING NEWS
--Spring will officially begin at 4:24pm today in the Northern Hemisphere. Spring is here until Summer Begins June 21st.
DEATH NOTICES
--Richard S. Seppelt, age 89 of Lastrup.
--Daniel Stangl, age 78 of Pierz.
--Gerald “Jerry” Brill, age 54 of Harding.
WEATHER
TODAY= sunny skies, high 31, partly cloudy night, low 15.
TUESDAY= snow in afternoon, high 32, possible 2-4 inches late.
WEDNESDAY= snow ending, cloudy and breezy, high near 30.
SPORTS
GBB= Mountain Iron-Buhl, Providence Academy, Benilde St. Margaret's and St. Michael-Albertville wins for girls basketball at state, while BBE 3rd, Albany 2nd, Alexandria 4th at State this year.
BBB= State Boys Basketball Tournament begins on Wednesday.