NEWS
--Morrison County Public Health Director Brad Vold confirmed that there were two new cases of COVID-19 in Morrison County bringing the total up to three. However, the timing of reports that are listed in the daily update are as of 4:00pm the previous day and the MDH website listed Morrison County at two cases, however we know that total is actually three. The new cases in Morrison County were a teenager and a person in their 40's. Both are quarantined at home. In protection of patient confidentiality, the department of health does not release any more details about a person's exact address. The state public health department for each new case conducts contact reviews, reaching out to people who may have been in contact with a positively tested person to be extra careful for watching for any symptoms and warn individuals who may have been in contact to those known with the virus. Morrison County Public Health Director Brad Vold told us the best defense against the spread of this virus continues to be wash your hands frequently and avoid touching your face. According to the latest data released Wednesday by the Minnesota Department of Health there have been 66,744 completed tests with 4,644 total positive tests of COVID-19. 2,043 patients are no longer needing isolation. 319 deaths have been linked to the virus. 950 cases have required hospitalization with 320 hospitalized as of today including 119 in ICU. Individual county positive COVID-19 cases are Morrison at two (we can confirm this is actually three), Benton-10, Cass-5, Crow Wing-20 with one death, Mille Lacs-2 with one death, Todd-7, Sherburne 26 and Stearns 166.
--Around 12:10pm Tuesday, it was reported that an 11-year old boy had been missing from his home for approximately 2 hours. Crow Wing County Sheriff’s Office deputies, along with a Brainerd Police K9 unit, and the CWC Drone team responded to the address in Irondale Township. A Brainerd Police K9 track, as well as an aerial search, commenced in the immediate area of the residence. The Deerwood Fire Department arrived with personnel and began an organized grid search pattern on over 40 acres of property near the residence and eventually over 160 acres was gridded out and searched on foot by area fire departments and the Crow Wing County Mounted Patrol. The child was located at approximately 7:20pm by drone team pilots, hiding in a wooded area near the residence. Incredible professionalism was displayed by all agencies who responded. The Sheriff’s Office would like to thank all agencies involved. A special thanks to all of the public volunteers lending their support to the family of the boy. Several volunteers provided assistance by driving area roads and trails that was crucial to allow more police and fire personnel to focus on wooded areas.
--A Little Falls man was arrested Saturday night after yelling profanities and threatening a St. Cloud Walmart security guard and another woman. According to the criminal complaint, St. Cloud Police were called to the Walmart store around 11:00pm Saturday. A security guard told officers a man was yelling at her and threatened to set another woman on fire. Police located the man nearby and identified him as 37-year old Garrett Gustafson. Officers interviewed the second woman who said Gustafson approached her and began accusing her of stealing money from him. Records show Gustafson told the woman he was going to pour gasoline on her and light her on fire. According to the charges, Gustafson said she would "melt like plastic" and her eyes, nose and mouth would burn. Gustafson is charged with a felony count of threats of violence to cause terror.
--Governor Tim Walz signed Executive Order 20-47 clarifying application of Executive Order 20-33 that local governments and law enforcement are not prohibited from taking immediate action to address trespassing or to protect life, prevent injury, or preserve evidence within encampments or among people staying outdoors. It also clarifies that under certain circumstances state or local governments may restrict, limit, or close encampments that have reached a size or status that is a documented threat to the health, safety, or security of residents. The Governor continues to work with our local government and private sector partners to create safer spaces for people experiencing homelessness. The governor will address the Stay at Home order today and if it will be extended.
--The Mille Lacs County Sheriff’s Office is investigating the murder of a male found inside a home in Onamia. The sheriff’s office was called at 9:57pm Monday, to conduct a welfare check on the 200 block of Pony Farm Road in Onamia Township. Deputies along with an Onamia police officer arrived and located the deceased male. The body was taken to the Midwest Medical Examiner’s Office in Ramsey County for an autopsy. The Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension is processing the scene and assisting in the investigation. The sheriff's office has a person in custody. They wanted to thank everyone for being vigilant and reporting suspicious activity. Anyone with additional information in this case should contact the Mille Lacs County sheriff’s office at 320-983-8250.
--The Director of the Army National Guard, Lt Gen Daniel R Hokanson, announced Wednesday the newest Division Artillery (DIVARTY) Headquarters will be assigned to the 34th Red Bull Infantry Division, and will be located in Minnesota. The 34th DIVARTY will be fully operational and activated with an effective date of Sept. 2nd, 2022 and will provide a long range-precision fire support capability.
--Erik Sogge of the Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery was on Little Falls Radio Wednesday and stated that due to COVID-19 restrictions this years Memorial Observance Program at the State Cemetery which was to be on Sunday, May 24th at 2pm, has been cancelled as a public gathering event. The cemetery is open to visitors to come and view graves and markers but the committal hall and the offices are closed to the public at this time. There are no public memorials or graveside services (all are done privately or at a later date when restrictions are lifted). If you have questions about the cemetery and burials contact Erik at 616-2527.
--More road work begins today on the road that connects Highway 23 and County Road 75 in Waite Park will close to through traffic. The closure is along 28th Avenue South near Mills Fleet Farm. The street will be closed at the intersection of 28th Avenue and Stearns County Road 138 as work begins on a new roundabout. A detour around the work zone will be in effect until the intersection reopens in early July.
WEATHER
TODAY= sunny skies, mild, high near 70
TONIGHT= clouds increasing after midnight, low 46.
FRIDAY= cloudy, scattered showers & t-storms, high 72, low 47.
SATURDAY= sunny and breezy, high near 70, low around 48.
SUNDAY= partly cloudy, not as windy, high 68, low around 42.
SPORTS
VL= Minnesota Amateur Baseball to meet this weekend to decide on a season which would include Victory League in 2020.