NEWS
--A reminder that the next free food distribution by are area churches and the USDA Farmers to Families program is today at Holy Family Catholic Church at Belle Prairie north of Little Falls starting at 3:30pm and going to 5:30pm today. Enter from the south end of the church, watch for signs, please remember that this is contactless pickup and the volunteers will put the items in your vehicle also no food will be distributed until 3:30pm today. Expect some delays in an out of the church area today and please be patient getting your items.
--At 5:18pm Tuesday the Little Falls Fire Department was dispatched to the area of 115th Ave in Pike Creek Township on a report of a swamp fire. Upon arrival firefighters found a pile of wood and stumps on fire at 15334 115th Ave. The fire was believed to have been started due to discarded ashes near the wood pile. The Fire Department was assisted at the scene by the MN Department of Natural Resources. Authorities were on the scene for less than an hour. This is a good reminder of the current high fire danger in the area. The MN DNR is only allowing restricted burning permits to be issued right now. Their website can be checked daily for any changes at https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/forestry/fire/firerating_restrictions.
--Ron Kresha stated Wednesday there are meals still available but the numbers are dwindling. He reported that going into yesterday there were 175-180 meals remaining so call as soon as you can if you still want one for this weekend. He also was in need of a few more volunteers to help out with pickup Saturday 2-6 at Falls Ballroom or 11am-1pm at the Royal Cafe. Call today 320-761-6133 for a meal or to volunteer for the free meal items this weekend as soon as you can.
--Morrison County website Wednesday reported 186 active cases of the COVID-19 virus. Little Falls Zip Code has seen an uptick in the past week to 66 cases now ahead of Pierz which has seen cases dropped in the past week to 65 on Wednesday's report. Royalton reported 21 cases and Hillman at 14 on the county website report. There were 8 new cases Wednesday on the state report with a reported 1,660 new cases overall and 12 new deaths.
--The Minnesota BCA says a missing 10-year-old child who was believed to be driving around the Twin Cities has been found safe. The Fridley Police Department identified the child as Ava Whitfield and says she took a vehicle from her residence Tuesday morning. She was located and there were no injuries from anyone involved.
--A Sartell man has been charged with 1st degree arson after allegedly trying to burn down his mother-in-law's home in June 2019. The home had sat empty since May 2019, as his mother-in-law was receiving treatment for cancer at Mayo Clinic. She died a month later. Records show a neighbor reported to police suspicious activity involving 40-year old Erin Idzerda a few days before the fire. The neighbor stated the home's window blinds were askew, a light was on upstairs and there was a smell of burning paint and plastic. Records show Idzerda told police he was at the home two days before the fire and talked about his mother-in-law's 'hoarding problem' and 'if they couldn't sell the home, they would have to take another job to pay for the remaining mortgage balance.' Court records show Idzerda also expressed his belief he could submit an insurance claim for the fire. The Sartell Fire Marshal arrive at the home in the 800 block of 2 1/2 Street North and determined the fire started in the basement from a pile of combustibles that had been intentionally set on fire by a match or cigarette lighter. Idzerda's first court appearance is set for June 14th.
--The Little Falls Area Chamber of Commerce announced their April Employee of the Month is Mary Bartlett of the Little Falls Community Schools. Mary has worked for Little Falls Community Schools Food Service for 11 years and been the Food Service Director for one year. Superintendent Stephen Jones states about Mary “Mary earned the promotion to Food Services Director upon Gail Johnson’s retirement. Entering the position during a pandemic, Mary has been a dependable, dedicated and a positive leader. The amount of food that feeds our students – in school or at home – is a testament to our Food Service Department’s commitment to students and families. Mary’s leadership drives the desire to feed students wherever, whenever and however possible!” Mary states: “Working for the district has been a blessing for me. I’m very fortunate to work with so many wonderful people. I’m very thankful for the amazing food service staff, they have all been very supportive, patient and kind with all of the transitioning this year. I am honored to have been chose for this award.”
--Listen to the Good Friday service from Living Hope Church this Friday at noon on AM960 KLTF and fallsradio.com.
--Little Falls City Council meets Monday 7:30pm at City Hall or Zoom.
DEATH NOTICES
--Ray Eckman, age 93 of Little Falls.
--Anita M. Steffen, age 38 of Long Prairie.
WEATHER
TODAY= mainly sunny skies, high 44.
TONIGHT= partly cloudy skies, low around 26.
FRIDAY= sunny and warmer, breezy conditions, high 60, low 35.
SATURDAY= sunny and warmer, high 67, low around 36.
EASTER SUNDAY= sunny and warmer yet, high 71, low near 45.
SPORTS
TWINS= The Twins open the regular season today at Milwaukee against the Brewers, pregame at 12:30pm on Q92 WYRQ. The Twins have an off day tomorrow then continue series with the Brewers Saturday at 5:30pm and Sunday at 12:30pm on Q92.
HS BHK= Little Falls vs. Dodge County in the State Tournament Semi-Finals tomorrow, the game has a 1pm start time but expect it to be a bit later with a game before them at 11am at Xcel Energy Center in St. Paul. Hear the Flyer game live Friday on Q92 WYRQ. Yesterday the school announced tickets could be bought through ticketmaster only and had to be bought by last night for Friday.
NFL= The NFL has approved a 17 game regular season with only three preseason games for the next NFL season.
April Fool's Day History
Many feel that April Fool's Day started in France in the 1500s when the calendar changed and many still celebrated the start of the new year on April 1st instead of January 1st where then they were called fools. Others state the day is to commemorate Spring and the Vernal Equinox bring unpredictable weather and strange occurances and therefore pranks or tricks were played on townspeople for that.
Holy Thursday History
Today is Maundy or Holy Thursday, the day of the Last Supper with Jesus and his Apostles before he is arrested and brought before Pilate