NEWS
--Governor Tim Walz announced the next part of the plan to continue combatting community spread of COVID-19 while getting students back in the classroom and supporting Minnesotans’ quality of life. Following the announcement, the Governor signed into law a $216 million economic relief package to support small businesses and workers impacted by the pandemic. As Minnesota approaches 4,500 deaths, our hospitalization rates and community spread put Minnesota well above the high-risk threshold and are still significantly higher than this summer and fall. Hospitals remain concerned about capacity as COVID-19 continues to spread in our communities across Minnesota. Governor Walz is continuing efforts to stem community spread of COVID-19 and support our frontline heroes. Inside entertainment venues, event spaces, and similar establishments remain closed until January 11. Bars, restaurants, and breweries also remain closed for indoor dining, but they may open for outdoor service at 50 percent capacity or up to 100 people. Each table is limited to four people, and tables must be at least six feet apart. In his announcement, the Governor acknowledged this action is by no means a solution for the industry as a whole. Rather, it is a recognition that some establishments – particularly breweries – have put significant work into making outdoor service possible and this may prove helpful to some. Social Gatherings: Indoor gatherings are not recommended, but Minnesotans may gather inside with one other household up to 10 people. If outside, social gatherings may include up to two additional households (three total) with a maximum of 15 people, starting December 19. Masking and social distancing is strongly encouraged. Gyms and fitness studios: May open for individual exercise at 25 percent capacity, or 100 people maximum, with masks and 12 feet of physical distancing between individuals. Additional guidance about group classes, which can begin January 4, will be forthcoming. Youth and adult sports: Practices can resume January 4. Additional guidance regarding the resumption of practices will be forthcoming. Additionally, organized sports activity is no longer directly tied to county case data or school learning model. Outdoor entertainment venues: Open at 25 percent capacity, up to 100 people at a time. If food and drink are served, all must be seated. Kids being in school is an important public health priority so the Governor updated the Safe Learning Plan so that starting on January 18, 2021, every elementary school across the state may choose to operate in an in-person learning model as long as they are able to implement additional mitigation strategies, which include providing and requiring staff to wear a face shield and mask and offering regular testing. Quality time with loved ones and regular exercise are critical to the mental and emotional well-being of families across the state. Several modifications to existing restrictions will allow Minnesotans to tend to their quality of life. Also Governor Walz signed into law $216 million in direct support for small businesses and workers affected by the recent decisions to keep Minnesota safe with these pauses.
--Morrison County website on Wednesday reported 212 active cases of COVID-19 and since testing began 151 being hospitalized. Little Falls Zip Code dropped down to 81 active cases, Pierz 39, Royalton now at 29, Cushing 13 and Motley and Hillman were at 10 cases. The State Website reported 2,279 new cases Wednesday and 92 new deaths linked to the virus. Morrison County reported only 2 new cases on the report yesterday from the Department of Health.
--A Brainerd man has pleaded guilty for his role in helping to set fire to a Minneapolis police station during civil unrest in the days following the death of George Floyd. A federal complaint accuses 23-year old Dylan Shakespeare Robinson of lighting a Molotov cocktail that another person threw toward the Third Precinct headquarters on May 28th. Robinson and others allegedly tore down a fence that surrounded the building. Robinson pleaded guilty Tuesday to one count of conspiracy to commit arson. He was the first person to enter a plea in the precinct fire. A Staples man was charged in the case but has not yet entered a plea in the case.
--A 65-year-old from Remer died in an accident in Cass County Wednesday morning just before 8am. Thomas Kleman was on Highway 6 in Remer Township when he left the roadway went into the west ditch and struck a tree. Kleman was dead at the scene.
--On Friday there will be Adventure coffee mobile coffee truck that will be parked outside of CHI St. Gabriels. They are giving away free coffee that has been purchased by the community. In the past days their link has about $500 plus donations that have been given to adventure coffee to help give free cups to all those working at the clinic or hospital on Friday. It is planning ot be there around 8:30am until about noon for all to come and enjoy free coffee Friday.
--The Morrison County Historical Society (Charles A. Weyerhauser Museum) will be hosting a zoom chat with St. Nicholas on Saturday morning at 10am. This is free event for kids to be at home and see Santa first hand from the safety of their homes. How this works is you are encouraged to send your email information to staff@morrisoncountyhistory.org by Friday of this week. Parents, guardians and caregivers are welcome to join in with the children for the Zoom chat style with St. Nicholas on Saturday morning. If you need more information contact the museum at 632-4007.
--The Franscian Sisters announed they will be live-streaming their Christmas Day Mass at 8:30am on December 25th on their website fslf.org and their Facebook page as the public will not be invited to come in person this year due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
WEATHER
TODAY= morning fluries, afternoon sunshine, high 29.
TONIGHT= clouds increase late, low around 26 then rising.
FRIDAY= cloudy, mixed precip afternoon, breezy, high 35 then falling
SATURDAY= sunny and breezy, cooler, high 25, low around 13.
SUNDAY= sunny and warmer, high 37, low around 18.
SPORTS
NFL= a busy stretch of days for the NFL, one game tonight Chargers vs. Raiders 7pm on KLTF, 2 games Saturday including Carolina at Green Bay, a number of games Sunday including Vikings hosting the Chicago Bears and a Monday night football also to wrap it up.
TODAY IN HISTORY
IN 1903= Orville and Wilbur Wright demonstrated their first sustained motorized airfcraft flight. (First flight of an airplane)
IN 1955= Carl Perkins reportedly wrote “Blue Suede Shoes” on the back of a matchbox heading to Memphis. He recorded 2 days later.
IN 1962= The Beatles appear on British Television for first time.
IN 1965= The Houston Astrodome opens, being the first indoor dome stadium, Judy Garland and The Supremes headline the first show.
IN 1969= Tiny Tim and Miss Vicki were married on the Tonight Show.