NEWS
--A Winter Storm Warning is in effect through Midnight tonight. Because of the snow that started this morning these schools Little Falls, Royalton, Upsala, Brainerd and Mid State Education District are closed. Pierz and Swanville will have virtual learning days today for students but no students in the classrooms today. Some schools are running late, stay tuned to Little Falls Radio for the latest weather related announcements. The snow started after midnight but will pick up to 4-7 inches by late afternoon and winds gusting up to 25mph or higher causing blowing snow. Expect travel delays today with the snow in the forecast today. MN Dot reminds those to use 511mn.org for latest road conditions.
--Minnesota families will get their child tax credit earlier under a new plan unveiled by Governor Tim Walz Wednesday. The state will become the first in the country to allow payments to be accelerated. A portion of the credit would be sent back to families in the second half of 2025 across three installments, with the remainder paid out in early 2026. Previously, filers had to wait until the following April for the financial pick-me-up. About 223,000 Minnesota families took advantage of the assistance for the 2023 tax year, which averaged just under $1,250. Walz points out the credit is meant to keep children out of poverty and a consistent payment schedule will help improve financial freedom. Revenue Commissioner Paul Marquart says, “Giving them the option to get a portion of next year’s credit in three installments will allow families to budget throughout the year instead of getting their refund in one lump sum when they file their taxes.” Minnesota’s Child Tax Credit program allows any family to get a benefit of up to $1,750 per child, regardless of whether they owe taxes. They must file a return to qualify, though.
--A St. Cloud man has been charged with allegedly helping steal clothing and a Rolex watch worth over $10,000. According to the criminal complaint, the victim said two men had been talking using Snapchat about selling clothing and jewelry. The victim arrived in a truck around 6:20 on December 11th with his girlfriend and a 13-year-old. Court records state that the unidentified man approached the truck and was acting strange. The victim decided not to sell the items because of the man’s suspicious behavior. According to court records, the unidentified man then reached into the passenger side window of the truck in an attempt to take the items then another grabbed the victim by the neck. During the scuffle, the unidentified man grabbed a Bape T-shirt from the truck’s backseat, valued at $99.00. Both suspects then fled the scene in a vehicle. The victim says he called 911 and began to follow the two men to several locations on St. Cloud’s south side. At one stop, both men exited their vehicle and pointed guns at the victim. Believing the guns were fake, the victim approached them. Investigators say the unidentified suspect demanded the victim hand over his Rolex watch, valued at $11,017.76. Based on the victim’s description and social media posts, police arrested one suspect later that night after pulling over his girlfriend’s car and finding him in the passenger seat. In the glove box where he was sitting was a handgun believed to have been used in the crimes. His next hearing is scheduled for December 20th. The other suspect at the time has not been found in this case.
--Tim Sumner informed Little Falls Radio that all the meals have been reserved for Friday night at the Royal Cafe. Thank you to all who are volunteering and coming to enjoy the meal. Again all of the take out, dine in and delivered meals are reserved. Questions 632-2540.
--Pastor Tony Romaine invites everyone to their Blue Christmas Service of Reflection for the Longest Night at First United Church Saturday night at 7pm. The Blue Christmas is a night for many who have hardships during the hustle and bustle of Christmas to use a peaceful night, maybe loss of loved ones during the holidays and a place to pray and comfort their souls. There will be quiet music, and a time of reflections. All are welcome, the service is held on the night of Winter Solstice the shortest day and longest night of the year.
--An 8-year-old Breezy Point boy was injured Monday, Dec. 16, after he fell from a ski chair lift in at Mount Ski Gull. The Cass County Sheriff’s Office responded to the incident at 6:24pm at Mount Ski Gull in Fairview Township. According to the report, deputies learned the boy had fallen about 30 to 40 feet out of the ski chair lift to the ground. The juvenile was treated on scene and transported to a Twin Cities area hospital via helicopter for additional care.
–A man has been charged with a smash-and-grab burglary at a tobacco and pipe shop in St. Cloud. Christian Dominic Dematteis appeared in Stearns County District Court on Monday on felony charges of third-degree attempted burglary and fourth-degree criminal damage to property. According to the criminal complaint, the 18-year-old St. Cloud man and a 15-year-old kid allegedly used a five-pound dumbbell to smash the glass door of Smoke N’ Cloud off the 2800 block of Division Street. Officers saw two people inside upon an alarm call. Dematteis ran south away from the store while the juvenile took off to the north. Officers ran after both suspects and arrested them after a brief chase. Dematteis allegedly admitted to police that he and the 15-year-old were friends from school and that they used a barbell to break the glass on the front door of the business. Court records also show he admitted to burglarizing the same business before. His next court date wasn’t immediately set.
DEATH NOTICES
--Anna Marie Montague, age 86 of Little Falls.
WEATHER
WINTER STORM WARNING IN EFFECT THROUGH MIDNIGHT
TODAY= snow likely 2-5 inches by afternoon, temps steady near 18.
TONIGHT= snow ending, clearing and cold, low 3 above.
FRIDAY= mostly sunny and cold, high 12, low around -6.
SATURDAY= partly sunny, high 13, low around 1 above then rising.
SUNDAY= cloudy skies, low around 23, snow late, low near 10.
SPORTS
Because of the wintry weather, many games are postponed or canceled today, listen to LF Radio or check with your schools website for what gets in tonight.
NFL= Denver at LA Chargers tonight 6:30pm on AM960 KLTF. Also there will be a triple header of NFL Action on Sunday, with Washington and Philadelphia at Noon and Vikings at Seattle will be the 3pm game on Sunday live on AM960 KLTF Little Falls.