NEWS
--The Morrison County Sheriff’s Office reports that on Tuesday morning at 11:14am they received a report of a man that was run over by a tractor pulling a trailer at a residence off 85th Avenue, just north of Flensburg in Pike Creek Township. According to the Sheriff’s Office, 22-year-old Albin Oldakowski of Little Falls, was attempting to get a tractor and trailer unstuck using another tractor and trailer. Oldakowski got caught under the wheel of the tractor that was being pulled out and the tractor ended up running over him. He was transported to St Gabriel’s Hospital by Mayo Clinic Ambulance and then airlifted to St. Cloud Hospital with serious injuries.
--The Morrison County Sheriff’s Office reports that on Tuesday afternoon at 4:25pm they office received a report of a school bus accident on 355th Avenue near 61 st Street, approximately ten miles southeast of Buckman in Morrill Township. According to the Sheriff’s Office, 22-year-old Christopher Olson from Waite Park was driving the bus for Foley School District. The bus was traveling south on 355th Avenue when it went off the roadway in the south ditch and struck a drainage culvert. A 10-year-old female passenger from Hillman, MN was transported by family to get checked out medically for minor injuries. This case remains under investigation.
--The Meeker County Sheriff’s Office has found surveillance footage of a truck used in an attempted abduction last week. Last week on Wednesday, a 13-year-old said they were at the end of their driveway when an adult male pulled them into a red truck. They got away and ran to a nearby house for help. It happened in Ellsworth Township near Lake Stella. Investigators say the video shows a late-model red Ford pickup westbound on County Road 33 on April 3rd. The same truck was caught on camera driving slowly and repeatedly around 217th Avenue and County Road 33 the night before. Anyone with information regarding the truck or seeing anything suspicious around that area is asked to contact police at 320-693-5400. Tips can also be left on the sheriff’s department confidential tipline at 320-693-5411.
--Randy H. Winscher, District 3 commissioner, will run for re-election in the November 5 county board election. Winscher stated “I’m an avid supporter of the Constitution of the United States. I will continue engaging with the community, serve for value, and promote common sense. I appreciate everyone’s support.”. Winscher said he can be contacted at(320) 260-0320 or by email randyw@co.morrison.mn.us.
--Rural Minnesota CEP and Career Force are preparing for the 2024 Career and Community Resource Fair in the Parking Lot between the High School and Exchange Arena in Little Falls on May 8th from 10am-2pm. They are asking for any businesses, organizations, vendors and others wanting to be part to show off what they have to offer and what opportunities are available for ages high school and up to come and be part of the event. The event will be held rain or shine. Call for information or to sign up by calling Sam at 320-232-2000.
--A report from Second Harvest Heartland stated that Food Shelf use in 2023 increased by nearly 4x the number of visits than in 2022. Second Harvest estimated around 7.5-million visits in 2023 which is up over 2 million visits from the year before. Second Harvest reports that southeastern Minnesota had nearly a 14% increase in numbers from 2022 to 2023 the most of any portion of the state. Donations last year did reach 5-million dollars but more will need to be done to keep the shelves stocked in 2024 across the state of Minnesota.
--A Hennepin County deputy was shot and another deputy was hurt "as a result of the gunfire" while serving a warrant in Minnetonka on Wednesday, according to authorities. Law enforcement also announced the gunman died at the scene. The deputies, who suffered non-life-threatening injuries, were serving the warrant at a home in the 13000 block of East Crestwood Drive in Minnetonka. In a press conference Wednesday evening, Hennepin County Sheriff Dawanna Witt said the injuries of the deputy shot were non-life-threatening but "very serious." A shelter in place was in effect for the immediate area around the shooting but lifted after the gunman was ruled deceased by law enforcement. It remains under investigation.
--An announcement from St. Cloud Public Services Director Tracy Hodel says they have $750,000 in state funding to fix issues on the Veterans Bridge. Hodel says they fully understand the impact the work will have in relation to the Highway 23/Highway 10 project and the upcoming work on University Drive, but she says they have a deadline to spend the state money. The good news is that the bridge is structurally safe. Hodel says the project will get started in May and there will likely be a period of up to 30 days where the bridge will be closed to traffic in St. Cloud so motorists watch for detour signs.
--Horizon Health Services announced their Adult Day Services division will host an open house today from 1-5pm at 1201 Hilton Road in Little Falls on their “The Club” for adults, this is a place for those suffering from a stroke, dementia or other adult care for dependent adults in need of self-care in a safe environment. All are welcome to come and see and new facility today in Little Falls. If you need information contact Lauren at 320-431-3181.
--Rock Roll and Stroll in Pierz is celebrating their 10 year anniversary. Mark the dates for the Classic Car Show put on by the Pierz Area Commercial on June 6th, July 11th (2nd week in July due to July 4th), August 1st and September 5th each of those Thursday nights starting from 5-8pm with many more items going on in Pierz.
--The American Red Cross Bloodmobile will be at the St. Mathias Park and Rec Building today from 12pm-6pm. Appointments can be made still today at 1-800-RED CROSS or at redcrossblood.org.
WEATHER
TODAY= partly cloudy, spotty PM showers, breezy, high 54.
TONIGHT= evening showers, then clearing, low 34.
FRIDAY= sunny and breezy, high 58, low near 40.
SATURDAY= sunny and mild, high 72, low near 45.
SUNDAY= sunny and milder, high 75, showers overnight, low 48.
SPORTS
TWINS= Edouard Julien homers twice as the Twins hold off the Dodgers 3-2 on Wednesday to take 1 of the 3 games. The Twins are scheduled to open a series in Detroit today but rain is in the forecast today and Friday there. If the games get in they have an 11:30am pregame today and 5pm on Friday on Q92 WYRQ.
TODAY IN HISTORY
IN 1890= Ellis Island is announced as an immigration station.
IN 1900= The U.S. Navy puts first submarine into use.
IN 1947= Jackie Robinson is called up to play for the Brooklyn Dodgers, he pinch ran in a game, first at bat April 15th breaking the color barrier in Major League Baseball. IN 1970= one day after Paul McCartney reported the Beatles were no longer a group and broke up, “Let it Be” by the Beatles hit #1.