NEWS
--On Thursday night at 9:43pm Little Falls Police were called to respond to the 700 block of 3rd Street NE to a report of gun shots. Investigating officers learned that the victim, a 32-year old male, had been seated in a vehicle with other occupants when a second vehicle approached and fired multiple rounds into the victim’s vehicle. Two male suspects, who were identified as 30-year old Carlos Weems and 26-year old Rashawn McDonald both from Little Falls, were apprehended in the parking lot of a business on Highway 10 north of Sartell. Both subjects were transported to the Morrison County Jail. The victim was taken to St. Gabriel’s Hospital with non life threatening injuries. No one else was injured in the incident and there is no ongoing threat to the public.
--Morrison County Public Health stated Friday that a 6th person has tested positive of COVID-19 in Morrison County, and it is a person in their 60s. With expanded testing in Little Falls, St. Cloud and other facilities the numbers are expected to rise throughout the week.
--As boaters across Minnesota prepare to hit the water this weekend for the opening of fishing in Minnesota they need to keep in mind tips for being safe on cold water as well as their responsibility for staying close to home and practicing socially distancing under Governor Tim Walz’s “Stay at Home” executive order. No matter when the ice went out, there’s one common theme: The water this time of year is dangerously cold. Falls into the water can quickly turn tragic. With water temperatures not much above freezing, a fall in likely will trigger cold-water shock. This year, people should head out only with members of their immediate household and let others on shore know where they’re going and when they plan to return. Keep the floor of the boat free of clutter to avoid tripping and falling into the water, and ensure the boat has safety equipment such as life jackets, communication and noise-making devices, and a first-aid kit. When hitting the water, know the DNR’s COVID-19 outdoor recreation guidelines and practice the following to protect yourselves and others. Maintain social distance of at least 6 feet. This includes places such as fuel stations and community docks, and means no beaching or tying up to other boats. Boat only with people in your immediate household. Boat close to home. Travel to and from the access site without making other stops. When fueling, wash your hands as you would when fueling a car. If soap and water are not readily available, use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60 percent alcohol. Cover all surfaces of your hands and rub them together until they feel dry. Do not touch your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands. When launching and loading your boat, give people ahead of you plenty of time and space to finish launching or loading before you approach. Know what’s open. To see what DNR-managed sites are available, see the DNR’s COVID-19 website or call for information at 651-296-6157 or 888 646-6367. The DNR is also reminding those outdoors that there are burning restrictions still in place, check with the DNR website on areas where burning is restricted.
--The Little Falls City Council will meet tonight at 7:30pm. City offices remain closed until May 18th due to Governor's Stay at Home order so the meeting is not open to the public. It will be shown on the city website with some members on phone and/or internet.
--The Pierz American Legion Auxiliary announced that they will not be doing their Poppy Day event on May 8th due to restrictions that remain in place and also their Poppy Day breakfast is also cancelled.
--In keeping with the Governor's Stay at home order, most Little Falls city offices (including City Hall and the Police Department) remain closed through May 17th. The city will will waive late fees on utility bills due June 5th. Garbage bags for excess garbage will be available in the breezeway of the East entrance at City Hall, and they ask that you leave a payment of $4/garbage bag in the payment box. Change will not be provided so please give the exact amount.
--Catholic churches in St. Cloud will be allowed to reopen with some restrictions starting today. Bishop Donald Kettler announced Friday that churches in the Diocese of St. Cloud will still have to suspend public masses until May 18th, when Minnesota’s Stay at Home order is set to expire, Kettler says churches will be able to hold small services of 10 people or less including weddings, baptisms, and funeral liturgies. The bishop also said churches are allowed to open with limited hours for individual prayer and adoration. He says reopening will be an ongoing process and is requesting that each parish submit a plan on how to open and also protect members.
--As mentioned on Friday the Minnesota’s Stay at Home order has been extended again until May 18th as the state works toward building herd immunity to COVID-19. DEED Commissioner Steve Grove says the state will be allowing some customer-facing businesses to start today. This involves any retail store or business that sells, rents, or maintains or repairs goods that can reasonably be picked up outside by a customer without entering the place of business and with limited interaction between the worker and the customer. Those businesses should offer curbside pick-up or delivery, continue following social distancing guidelines, and take online payment as often as possible. Grove says salons and barbershops will be allowed to reopen their retail spaces, but not allowed to offer haircutting services. The governor is also recommending companies continue to allow their employees to telework and says you should wear a manufactured or homemade mask whenever you leave your house. Restaurants and bars are asked to remain drive through, delivery and pickup only with on lobby seating or indoor dining until after the order is lifted on May 18th. Governor Walz said guidelines on campsites and campgrounds remain as followed where seasonal works and those that live on the site for the season are allowed, recreational camping and campsites remained closed for now.
--All Great River Regional Libaries are still closed until May 18th by order of the Governor, The Little Falls Carnegie Library staff will be available for patrons to pickup holds at curbside during all of our regular library hours beginning May 11th. Call ahead at 632-9676.
DEATH NOTICES
--DeNae A. Samler, age 65 Florence, AZ formerly of Randall
--Arlene Marie Smude, age 93 of Pierz.
--Frances “Fran” G. Koetter, age 74 of Swanville.
WEATHER
TODAY= increasing clouds, scattered showers late, high 57.
TONIGHT= rain likely, low 38.
TUESDAY= rain likely, cooler, high 49, low around 38.
WEDNESDAY= sunny skies, high near 60, low around 40.
SPORTS
AAA= Congratulations to Christopher Borash of Royalton High School named the Class A Boys AAA Award winner for 2020.