NEWS
--Little Falls Radio is saddened to learn the passing of John “Jack” Peck. Peck died Saturday at age 94. Peck joined the family of KLTF in 1959 and did play by play for many decades along with other radio duties. Jack was a Navy Veteran and a big supporter of the Minnesota State Veteran's Cemetery and Veterans issues. He also loved the Little Falls Flyers and the school activities doing the PA for years for Flyer sports. Funeral arrangements are pending at the time for Jack Peck.
--The Crow Wing County Sheriff's Office reported on Saturday morning at 8:49am, deputies responded to a medical in the jail. A 54 year old female inmate was found unresponsive in her bunk. Life saving measures were attempted by both corrections staff and ambulance personnel. The inmate was deceased at 9;19am according to personnel on the scene. The Morrison County Sheriff’s Office responded and is investigating the matter. This is routine protocol in all in-custody deaths. The Ramsey County Medical Examiner will perform an autopsy. The inmate was a border from Beltrami County. No foul play is suspected at this time. Crow Wing County did not release the name of the inmate. An investigation is ongoing.
--Early voting for Minnesota’s fall 2023 elections began Friday and goes until November 6th the day before Election Day November 7th.
While there are no statewide or federal elections on the ballot this year, cities and towns across Minnesota will vote on mayors, city council and school board members. Many are also holding special elections for vacant seats, ballot questions, or both. Voters can always cast a ballot on Election Day, but Minnesotans also have options to vote early, both by mail and in person. Voting early is completely optional. It can be a convenient option for people with disabilities, people who have other obligations or will be out of town on Election Day, or people who simply don’t want to wait in any potential lines on Election Day. You can mail, fax or email a completed absentee ballot application to your county election office. For the latest ballot in our county or city contact your local government center or city hall further information or the Secretary of States website on early voting in Minnesota.
--Crow Wing County has entered into a contract with Anderson Brothers Construction for a mill and fill road rehabilitation project on a section of County Highway 10 near Bay Lake, between Brighton Point Road and County Highway 14. The milling of the road’s surface will begin today and then paving will take place Tuesday. County Highway 10 will remain open during this time. However, short-term delays should be expected in this area. Weather may delay the timing of this project a day or two depending on rainfall this past weekend.
--Minnesota Governor Tim Walz ordered all U.S. and Minnesota flags flown at half-staff from sunrise until sunset yesterday in honor of firefighters who have been killed or injured in the line of duty. September 24th is Minnesota Fallen Firefighters Memorial Day. Individuals, businesses, and other organizations were encouraged to lower their flags in honor of Minnesota's fallen firefighters.
--The Prescription Take Back event is tonight 6-8pm at the Swanville Senior Center. All are welcome to drop off unused and unwanted prescription drugs and enjoy refreshments and talk to law enforcement and first responders at the event.
--Little Falls Community High School Homecoming Coronation is tonight at 7pm at the High School. Parade is Friday at 2pm.
--The Pierz City Council meets tonight at 7pm at Pierz City Hall.
--The Morrison County Commissioners recently got a state legislative update last Thursday. County Administrator Matt LeBlanc said that they were hold of lots of government spending took place that will have significant impacts on the entire state for years to come. Community Corrections Director Nicole Kern spoke about new legislation that took effect June 1, that gives convicted felons the right to vote in elections. The felons must be no longer incarcerated to vote and must be contacted by mail or email and provided a voter registration packet. The new legislation is being challenged, but it is currently in effect unless the decision gets overturned. Health and Human Services (HHS) Director Nathan Bertram said just the summary of what the legislation affected within his department was 80 pages long. However, one of the biggest changes was the splitting up of the HHS three ways. Starting July 1, 2024, the Youth, Children and Families department gets pulled out and gets its own commissioner. The Direct Care and Treatment Department gets pulled out starting Jan. 1, 2025. Human Resources Manager Beth Hamlin said the biggest change that will affect her department is that nursing and pregnant mothers must be provided with accommodations related to maternity. The Crown Act was also enacted, which states that people cannot discriminate against job applicants based on their type of hair. Public Works Director Tony Hennen shared that as of July fuel now has an indexed excise tax. This means there will likely be a 3-cent increase per gallon in 2024, and a 5-cent increase by 2027.
--Listen to Little Falls Community Schools Superintendent Greg Johnson today at 8:30am and High School Principal Tim Bjorge tomorrow at 8:30am on AM960 KLTF Community Program.
DEATH NOTICES
--Betty Poegel, age 88 of Swanville.
--John “Jack” Peck, age 94 of Little Falls.
WEATHER
TODAY= rain showers & t-storms at times, cloudy, high 63
TONIGHT= rain showers, cloudy, low around 54.
TUESDAY= mostly cloudy, still rain showers possible, high 67.
SPORTS
TWINS= For the first time since 2020, the Minnesota Twins will be part of the MLB postseason. Alex Kirilloff drove in three runs to help the Twins defeat the Los Angeles Angels 8-6 Friday night to clinch the AL Central. This will be the Twins’ third playoff appearance in five years, however, their postseason struggles have reached historic heights as Minnesota has lost 18 straight postseason games, which is the longest playoff drought in MLB history. But most of those losses were to the New York Yankees who will not be in the playoffs this year. Angels shut out the Twins 1-0 in a pitchers duel Saturday. Twins pound the Angels 9-3 on Sunday to take the series. Twins (83-73) are off today and will host Oakland Tuesday on Q92 WYRQ.
NFL= Vikings drop to 0-3 Sunday with a 28-24 loss to the Los Angeles Chargers, again turnovers killed the Vikings in the game.
GOPHERS= a rough ending for the Gopher football team as the Gophers led 24-10 after 3 quarters only to watch Northwestern score three touchdowns in the fourth quarter and win it 37-34 in overtime.
HS FB= Albany beat Pierz, Perham defeated Little Falls and Kimball beat Royalton Friday night. Holdingford, USA and Foley were winners.