NEWS
--The Minnesota Department of Health Sunday reported 1,318 new cases of COVID-19 with 2 new deaths. 8 new cases in Morrison County with the 6 on Saturday making 203 cases since testing began with around 63 new cases in the past 14 days, however it was reported last week that many of the cases in the past days the results are after they had started or in some cases through their isolation period so the number in isolation is closer to 35. Schools plan on staying with in class learning for now but the numbers if they continue to go up could change that reasoning in the days ahead. Little Falls Schools Superintendent Stephen Jones on Friday stated that the schools right now are watching very closely the numbers statewide but right now the infection rate in Morrison County has not affected the schools directly, which is the reason right now that schools can continue to have in class learning as an option with hybrid also being done by some students. The county wide numbers have risen in the past 21 days to over 60 new cases but again as mentioned by Jones, the numbers are frayed as if they are tested in Morrison or have their permnament address here that does not mean they are residing here at the moment during their isolation if they are in college, vacation or work in another city or county. Jones said the he needs the community to work together to keep this from changing, wear face guards and masks where the state mandate requires you to do so, stay home when sick from work or school not to spread it, social distancing when you can and talk to your students elementary, middle school, high school about the importance of these guidelines so they can stay in school. If you have questions for Superintendent Jones call him at 632-2001.
--The Minnesota State Patrol reported a pickup truck struck a motorized scooter on Highway 10 at northbound Highway 27 Thursday night around 6:52pm. 66-year old Donald Handeland of Cushing was coming onto 27 from Highway 10 in Little Falls and collided with a scooter operated by 64-year old Denise Smith of Brainerd who was crossing the intersection. The report stated that Smith was taken to St. Gabriel's Hospital and treated for non life threatening injuries. Handeland was not injured.
--Sauk Rapids police were led on an early more chase Thursday that ended with an arrest at the Benton County Fairgrounds. Police Chief Perry Beise says they received a driving complaint near the intersection of 2nd Avenue South and 1st Street South at around 2:15am. Police say a red pickup pulling a trailer was swerving all over the road. The truck turned onto Lincoln Avenue before pulling into a parking lot at Amerigas. When officers approached, the driver pulled out of the parking lot and sped off onto 9th Avenue South, over the railroad tracks and south on 3rd Avenue. A second officer responded to the area and saw the truck drive by, without the trailer on 13th Street South. The officer tried to make a traffic stop but the suspect continued at speeds of up to 60 mph. The driver allegedly ran two stop signs before crashing into the chainlink fence at the Benton County Fairgrounds. The suspect then took off on foot into the fairgrounds. Officers were able to catch up with suspect near the horse barn. Police say the suspect was uncooperative and was eventually tased. The man was identified as 22-year-old Jacob Pick. He was arrested and taken to the Benton County Jail. Police say Pick was also driving with a suspended license.
--KLTF experienced a transmitter failure on Friday morning, thanks for the patience from listeners until it was fixed that afternoon.
--The Minnesota State Patrol and The Morrison County Sheriff's Office over the weekend again asked for the public's assistance again in helping locate the vehicle that struck and killed 40-year-old Joseph Herold of Pierz on September 13th around 6am north of Pierz. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Minnesota State Patrol investigative unit or the Sheriff's Office at 320-632-9233.
--One person was injured in a two vehicle accident Thursday in Mille Lacs County. At 2:37pm, 37-year old Candice Lebarron of Braham was on Highway 95 near Princeton, turned west and collided with a truck driven by 30-year old Jeremy Yuker of Princeton. Lebarron was taken to the hospital in Cambridge with non life threatening injuries. Yuker and his passenger were not injured.
--Fall is the most popular time of year for off-highway vehicle riding and the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources is urging safety. The DNR says fatal accidents have already reached the highest level in more than a decade with 19 deaths. OHVs are ATVs, dirt bikes, side-by-side ATVs, and other off-road vehicles. The DNR says they have 24,000 new registrations this year alone indicating the sport is becoming more popular. Riders are reminded to complete a safety course, wear protective gear including a helmet, ride sober, ride only on designated trails, avoid riding on paved roads except to cross and supervise children at all times.
NATIONAL NEWS
--U.S. Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg died Friday at the age of 87. She was appointed to the high court in 1993 by President Bill Clinton. Flags are at half-staff until Justice Ginsburg's funeral.
DEATH NOTICES
--Lloyd E. Strassburg, age 87 of Burtrum.
--Gary Lee Nelson, age 77 of Little Falls.
--Marvin P. Warzecha, age 79 of Pierz.
--Joyce Popken, age 82 of Swanville.
--Donald J. Lapos, age 95 of Flensburg.
WEATHER
TODAY= sunny skies, high near 80, clear night, low near 55.
TUESDAY= sunny skies, high near 80, clear night, low near 55.
WEDNESDAY= partly cloudy, high 78 and breezy, low around 50.
SPORTS
TWINS= Cubs hold off the Twins Friday 1-0. Twins win and clinch a playoff spot in the American League with an 8-1 win Saturday night thanks to homers from Donaldson, Sano and Rosario. Jose Berrios shut down the Cubs Sunday and Keppler homered in a 4-0 win. The Twins are off today and host Detroit on Tuesday without manager Ron Gardenhire who resigned on personal reasons over the weekend.
COL FB= Gophers will open the Big 10 football season on Saturday, October 24th against Michigan. There will be 4 home and 4 away games until December 12th. Then a champions week game against a team from the other conference on December 19th to end season. VIKINGS= Indianapolis Colts beat the Vikings Sunday 28-11. The Vikings (0-2) host the Tennessee Titans Sunday at noon at U.S. Bank Stadium, again with no fans in the stands.
MSHSL= The Minnesota State High School League is planning to vote today on reinstating football and volleyball if the vote is finalized there could be high school football and volleyball in October.