NEWS
--Governor Tim Walz on Wednesday announced he has extended the Stay at Home order effective immediately through May 3rd. He also extended the executive order on restaurants, bars, hair salons etc. through May 3rd too. The Governor’s order to stay home is predicted to significantly slow the spread of COVID-19, pushing out the peak of the disease and allowing the state to continue key preparations for the pandemic. These preparations include building new hospital capacity and buying ventilators and masks, planning for how to protect those most at risk, expanding testing, and freeing up time for health care giants like the Mayo Clinic to develop critical treatments for the virus. The Stay Home Order is now extended to 11:59pm on May 3rd, 2020. Consistent with the extended Stay Home Order, Executive Order 20-33 also extends the closure of bars, restaurants, and other public accommodations through 11:59pm on May 3rd, 2020 and outlines exemptions to the Stay Home Order, including exempted activities and critical sector workers. Under the extended order, Minnesotans may leave their residences only to perform the following activities, and while doing so, they should practice social distancing: Relocation to ensure safety, such as relocating to a different location if your home is unsafe due to domestic violence, sanitation, or reasons related to essential operations. Health and safety activities, such as obtaining emergency services or medical supplies. Outdoor activities, such as walking, hiking, running, biking, hunting, or fishing. Necessary supplies and services, such as getting groceries, gasoline, or carry-out. Essential intrastate and interstate travel, such as returning to a home from outside this state. Care of others, such as caring for a family member, friend, or pet in another household. Displacement, such as moving between emergency shelters if you are without a home. Moving or relocation, such as moving to a new home or place of residence. Voting, including all local and state elections. Funerals, provided that no more than ten attendees are gathered and strict social distancing is enforced. Tribal activities and lands, such as activities by members within the boundaries of their tribal reservation. Executive Order 20-33 also orders that all workers who can work from home must do so. Workers in critical sectors who cannot work from home are permitted to go to work. Guidance related to critical sectors is available at http://mn.gov/deed/critical/. Updates on the COVID-19 pandemic in Minnesota are available at mn.gov/covid19. According to the latet data released by the Minnesota Department of Health there have been 1,154 total positive tests of COVID-19 statewide out of 30,753 tests completed. 632 patients no longer need to be isolated. There have been 271 cases requiring hospitalization; 135 as of today and 64 in ICU as of today. Geographically by county, Morrison, Todd, Mille Lacs and Wadena counties are still without a positive test. They are among only 22 counties (roughly 25%) statewide without a confirmed case (65 counties with positive cases). Benton County had 1 confirmed case, 3 in Cass, 7 in Stearns, 9 in Sherburne, and 10 in Crow Wing. There have been 39 deaths linked to COVID-19, up 5 from the previous day.
--Shannon Wettstein from Morrison Soil and Water is reminding those that forms for the tree sale need to be in by the end of the week. There will be no walk ups this year for extra trees. You must have the form in by Friday for the tree distribution later this spring. She also said that permits are needed for ditching. That can be done by calling Soil and Water at 631-3551.
--Following the extension of the Stay at Home by Governor Walz yesterday, Bishop Donald Kettler of the St. Cloud Diocese announced that all Masses will now be suspended through May 15th. Father Ben is the guest on Community Focus today at 8:35am on AM960 KLTF to discuss the Holy Week schedule and the Bishop's announcement.
--The Minnesota State Fair and the Minnesota Farm Bureau recognize 154 Minnesota farms as 2020 Century Farms. Qualifying farms have been in continuous family ownership for at least 100 years and are 50 acres or more. Century Farm families receive a commemorative sign, as well as a certificate signed by Minnesota State Fair and Minnesota Farm Bureau presidents and Governor Tim Walz. Since the program began in 1976, more than 10,500 Minnesota farms have been recognized as Century Farms. In Morrison County Hebler's KG Ranch of Pierz is being recognized. Neighboring county farms being recognized include: Hess Farms of Foley; Latterell Farm of Foley; Hoefs Rock House Ranch of Pequot Lakes; Berscheit Farms LLC of Grey Eagle; Zastrow Farms of Long Prairie; Eltgroth of Sauk Centre; Flat Rock Farm of Aitken; Chelsey Brook Acres of Finlayson; Hartman Family of Bertha; Burg Family Farm of Albany; Linn Family Farm of Albany; Malley Family Farm of Albany and Kosel Family of St. Joseph. Congratulations to each of the 2020 Century Farms.
--Morrison County Commissioner Jeffrey J. Jelinski, announced he will be running for re-election, representing Morrison County, District 2. District 2 covers Belle Prairie, Ripley, Platte and Buh Townships, the City of Harding and the majority of the NE Quadrant of Little Falls.
--Fire destroyed a Cub Cadet lawn tractor Tuesday in Baxter. The Brainerd Fire Department was called at 4:37 p.m. to an attached garage on fire on the 13600 block of Olivewood Drive in Baxter. Upon arrival, it was learned a lawn tractor was inside the garage when it started on fire. The homeowner and the neighbors used fire extinguishers to knock down the fire and called 911. When firefighters arrived, they pulled the lawn tractor out of the garage and extinguished the remaining fire that was left. The interior of the garage had some damage, where the fire melted some items and a small amount of smoke was inside the home.
--Governor Tim Walz signed Executive Order 20-30, which activates the Minnesota National Guard to assist in areas of Minnesota that face a high risk of spring flooding. Large areas of Minnesota have been under significant threat of flooding during the 2020 spring snowmelt. Multiple counties have declared local emergencies and activated emergency operations plans.
NATIONAL NEWS
--Senator Bernie Sanders announced Wednesday he is suspending his campaign for President. Former Vice-President Joe Biden is likely the lone candidate moving to the DFL Convention this year.
WEATHER
TODAY= cloudy skies, windy and colder, high near 40.
TONIGHT= clearing skies, windy, low 22.
FRIDAY= partly sunny, not as windy, high 48, low around 32.
SATURDAY= partly sunny, high 54, rain and snow at night, low 29.
EASTER= snow showers likely, colder and windy, high near 40.
HOLY THURSDAY HISTORY
--Today is known as Holy or Maundy Thursday, in the bible it's the night of the Last Supper (passover meal) before Jesus is arrested.