NEWS
--Pierz School Superintendent George Weber on Little Falls Radio Friday stated again now appreciative he is of the community, parents, students, faculty, volunteers, bus drivers and all involved who has made this school year greater than expected and keeping all students in class. Weber thanked the fans and families who drove a long way to watch boys and girls basketball playoffs in Hermantown, Eveleth and the ones who packed the gym for the section finals for the girls in Brainerd. Weber stated that work is scheduled on the playgrounds, they will have some modern technology to some of the rooms, they are doing a compete remodel to the industrial Ag classrooms, adding on to the welding shop and wood shop, new H-VAC in that area, getting a new dust collection system, IT work and many other items are still planned later this year. They are putting numbers still together before getting bids. Timeline, price and other items are still unknown according to Weber right now. But more details will come. Weber said more events this week including their Band-O-Rama massed band concert with grades 5-12 is Tuesday night at the MAC. There Elementary musical is being planned for April 7th and spring sports have started practices with first track meet later this week. Any questions reach out to George Weber at the school 468-6458.
--For decades, hosting the Minnesota Governor's Fishing opener has been a crown jewel for communities across the state, a chance to welcome an influx of anglers and pour hospitality dollars into the local economy. The 2022 opener, set for May 14, will mark a break in tradition. Minnesota Department of Natural Resources spokesperson Gail Nosek stated that the fishing opener will look a bit different this year, due to ongoing impacts from COVID and uncertainties with the virus that have made planning a "traditional" community-hosted opener difficult. Nosek explained that the planning process is "significant," generally taking 12 to 18 months.
Instead of a town or community hosting the big event this year, like Otter Tail County did in 2021, the DNR says the opener will take a "more geographically dispersed, hybrid approach," celebrating fishing in a variety of ways rather than focusing on a single host area. Governor Walz will be involved in some fashion. The DNR, Explore Minnesota Tourism Department and the office of Governor Tim Walz will release more specifics on the 2022 opener next week. Nosek says planning for the 2023 Governor’s Fishing Opener is also underway. Minnesota has held a community Governor's Fishing Opener since 1948. The event was designed to improve local economies by developing and promoting the state’s recreational opportunities.
--The recent Morrison County Sheriff's Reports had complaints of credit card fraud in Randall, a vehicle reportedly hit property of Little Falls Granite Works and their mailboxes. A resident on 205th Avenue in Royalton reported damage to their property. A resident on 203rd Street in Pierz reported a scam in which they received a phone call from a person stating the resident had a warrant. A business on 113th Street in Little Falls reported the theft of several propane bottles out of campers. A resident on Cable Road in Little Falls reported the theft of the “Welcome to Sobieski” sign on the west side of the town. More break ins and scams have been reported in the past week. If you notice suspicious activity call the sheriff's office in Morrison County at 320-632-9233 so they can investigate.
--District 9B State Representative Ron Kresha will be holding office hours for those to address questions or concerns with him on Tuesday from 1-3pm at the Pierz City Hall.
--At 6:46am Saturday, the Little Falls Fire Department was dispatched to 12662 125th St in Pike Creek Township on a report of a skid loader on fire. We arrived and found the skid loader fully involved in fire. Firefighters were able to extinguish the fire, but the machine was a total loss. The cause of the fire is under investigation.
--Authorities say an arrest has been made in connection to Thursday's Amber Alert out of Pope County. Officials with the Pope County Sheriff's Office say the man was arrested outside his home in Big Lake just after 11pm Thursday. According to the press release, investigators were contacted by a Paynesville resident that the 2-year-old was in their garage. The child was taken to St. Cloud Hospital to be evaluated and has been reunited with his mother.
It's unclear what connection, if any, the suspect has to the victim.
--Governor Tim Walz has ordered all State Flags to be flown at half staff in remembrance of U.S. Congressman Don Young of Alaska who died last week. U.S. President Biden ordered U.S. Flags too.
--The Little Falls School Board meets at 5pm today at the Middle School Media Center. Including presentations and discussion on the a project at the high school on the north wing for remodeling.
--The Little Falls City Council meets tonight at 7:30pm at the City Hall Council Chambers. A works session will precede the meeting tonight.
--The Morrison County Commissioners meet Tuesday at 9am at the government center boardroom with many items on the agenda.
--The Little Falls Kiwanis Club thanks everyone who took part in the Trivia Night last week. There were 18 total teams at the event. The winners were a team of teachers from the Upsala Area Schools and they tied with a team from Little Falls that also had some teachers from the middle school. Edward Jones was third and one question out of the tie for first which Jon Radermacher was on that team who has brought teams to victory in the past. A big thank you as they made in total, $4,715 from sponsorship and donations to help with the playground project in northeast Little Falls.
--Join Today's Homeowner Danny Lipford on KLTF Party Line today at 10:05am on AM960 KLTF. You can call in and talk to Danny about homeowner questions, improvement and spring clean up at 320-632-2306. Hear his program 9-11am Saturdays on KLTF.
SPRING STARTED
Officially at 10:33am yesterday morning central daylight time Spring began in the northern hemisphere.
DEATH NOTICES
--David A. Palm, age 80 of Little Falls formerly of Swanville.
WEATHER
TODAY= mostly cloudy skies, high 55, few sprinkles possible.
TONIGHT= rain likely, mixing with wet snow toward morning, low 33.
TUESDAY= rain/snow early, then cloudy windy with rain, high 41
TUES NIGHT= snow likely after dark, 1-2 inches, low 27.
WEDNESDAY= snow early, then rain showers, windy, high 37, low 22
SPORTS
MLB= Twins make a big signing inking shortstop Carlos Correa to a three year 105.3 million deal on Saturday. Then early Sunday Twins signed Joe Smith a relief pitcher to a deal to help close for the Twins.
GBB= Hancock, Providence Academy, Totino Grace and Hopkins win state girls basketball titles on Saturday. Fergus Falls AA runner-up, Albany finished 4in AA, Pequot Lakes finished 5th in Class AA.