NEWS
--As of Sunday, there are now 9 confirmed deaths of COVID-19 in the state. The Minnesota Department of Health updating their information that of the four previous deaths, they were all in their 80s and three of the four lived in congregate living facilities. The other deaths have been made officials on where they died. Minnesota now has 503 confirmed cases of COVID-19, but half of those (252) have recovered and no longer need to be in isolation. The state says 75 of those confirmed cases required hospitalization. 39 of them are still in the hospital. Another set of numbers will come out today. There have been 17,657 COVID-19 tests completed in the state. Stearns County is still at five confirmed cases, Sherburne County has gone up to five confirmed cases as well, Benton County is still at one confirmed case. None in Morrison, Todd, Crow Wing or Mille Lacs. But some counties in central and north central and northern counties now have cases reported like Douglas, Otter Tail, Clearwater, Beltrami, Hubbard and Mahnomen have reported at least 1 case.
--The Minnesota State Patrol reported a fatal accident occurred on Highway 25 at 30th Street in Daggett Brook just north of the Morrison/Crow Wing County line Friday morning around 3:45am. The one vehicle accident was due to the vehicle leaving the roadway and striking the westbound ditch. According to the State Patrol report the occupant, a 34-year old Justin David Lipinski from Minneapolis was not wearing a seatbelt. He was pronounced dead at the scene.
--The Little Falls Economic Development Authority has authorized emergency small business loans for Little Falls businesses. Applications can be found on the City’s webpage. Loans for eligible businesses can be made for up to $5,000 for 24 months, payments will be deferred for the first 6 months, and will be 0% interest will monthly payments for the final 18 months. Applicants are also highly recommended to apply for the Federal Small Business Association (SBA) and State Small Business Emergency Loans through MN Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED). State loan applications must be made through certified lenders and there are three lenders serving Morrison County: Entrepreneur Fund, Initiative Foundation, and North Central Economic Development Association. For information call Little Falls City Hall at 616-5500 or Morrison County Community Development at 632-5466.
--The Little Falls Police Department in the past week have reported a number of suspicious activity calls, assisted the fire department last Monday on the garage fire call, talked to residents on possible scams and the reports from last Monday night through Tuesday morning of car alarms going off, an alarm at Casey's Store on the west side, garages and cars tampered with on the southwest side of Little Falls. If you see suspicious activity please call police at 616-5570.
--Stress and uncertainty could be playing a part in a recent increase of fires set by kids across Minnesota. The State Fire Marshal Division says over the last month they’ve seen a jump in the number of fires statewide set by kids and they expect it to continue with the COVID-19 pandemic. The SFMD says it could be one unexpected way for kids to deal with difficult emotions and the unknown. Authorities say parents should talk to their kids about fire safety, keep matches, lighters, and other ignitors away from children, and most of all set a good example when using fire.
--The Little Falls Township Regular Board Meeting on April 6th will be held by teleconference at 6:30pm. Questions please call 232-9554.
--The USDA Farm Service Agency has issued the following releases relating to our Conservation programs Friday. USDA Launches New Conservation Pilot Program for Prairie Pothole Producers to Plant Perennial Cover, also on this signup for the Soil Health and Income Protection Program starts today, Monday March 30th. Also the USDA Announces More Than 3.4 Million Acres Selected for General Signup Conservation Reserve Program. The USDA Farm Service Agency is still staffed at this time if you have questions though there walk in offices are closed. Call for information at 632-5477 extension 2. Also if you need to see the full releases from USDA, check out their website.
--A St. Cloud man and as many as three juvenile teenagers are accused in a robbery where two 16-year olds were punched and had their iPhones stolen. 19-year-old Roderick Hollins is charged with two felony counts of simple robbery. According to the criminal complaint, two 16-year-olds and a 17-year-old drove to a house in the 1100 block of 12th Avenue South Tuesday to meet an acquaintance. The 16-year-old driver told police Hollins and three others came out of the house and approached the car. Hollins is accused of forcing open the driver's door, punching the driver in the stomach, demanding their property and then taking an iPhone. Hollins is accused of then forcing open the rear door, assaulting that 16-year-old passenger and taking their phone. A second suspect also attacked the backseat passenger as Hollins allegedly yelled to one of the group to go get a gun. The occupants of the car were able to fight off the attack and drive from the scene. Hollins was identified by the victims and a search warrant of the home turned up the phones in a basement crawl space. The SIM cards had been removed from both phones.
--The deadline to get a REAL ID in order to board a flight in the United States has been pushed out due to COVID-19. Federal officials say they have moved the deadline back a full year to October 1st, 2021 because many Department of Motor Vehicles offices and License Centers have closed in response to COVID-19 and social distancing recommendations. Once the deadline passes, REAL ID will be needed to board a plane, enter some secure government buildings, and visit military bases.
ENTERTAINMENT NEWS
--Country Singer Joe Diffie has died at age 61. Behind songs likes “John Deere Green” “Pickup Man” and “Third Rock from the Sun” reportedly died of complications from the COVID-19 virus.
BIRTH ANNOUNCEMENTS
--Nathan and Juliana Rothstein of Pierz, had a girl born March 25th.
DEATH NOTICES
--Phyllis Mae Flasch, age 75 of Onamia.
WEATHER
TODAY= sunny skies, high 57, partly cloudy night, low 30.
TUESDAY= sunny skies, breezy, high 53, rain late, low 36.
WEDNESDAY= rain likely, high near 50 then falling temps.
SPORTS
VIKINGS= The Vikings have signed wide-receiver Tajae Sharpe to replace Stefon Diggs who was traded to Buffalo. Sharpe played last year with Tennessee, Vikings also signed defensive lineman Anthony Zettel who played last year with Cincinnati and San Francisco.