NEWS
--Area schools and law enforcement are asking all to mark your calendars and plan to attend an important virtual event on December 16th from 6-7:30pm. This training will offer parents and community members information regarding sex trafficking in Minnesota as they dive into what Minnesota is doing to combat this issue and an overview of the dynamics involved within this issue. Additionally, parents and community members will leave with a better understanding of how to identify red flags in youth and what you can do to respond. A Parents Guide to Understanding Sex Trafficking in Minnesota will be available on the eventbrite.com website at 6pm that night and links will be provided from area schools and law enforcement agencies from their Facebook pages.
--The Morrison County website reported Wednesday that active cases of COVID-19 Wednesday were under 400 in Morrison County for the first time in weeks at 392. Little Falls at 134, Pierz at 89, Royalton at 43 and Bowlus at 26 were highest spots in the county. There were larger numbers today on the State Website 5,192 new cases and 77 new deaths linked to the virus including 1 in their 80s in Morrison County and another 39 new cases of COVID-19 in Morrison County the state's website on Wednesday's report.
--Randall Holly-day event will be done a bit differently this year. Santa Claus will be coming through Randall this afternoon on a fire truck starting around 3pm, children should listen for the siren as he will passing by residential areas in Randall this year and waving to children from their houses and some day care facilities in Randall. Later on Santa will be on Facebook live to see the kids from the computers and get the opportunity to ask them what they want for Christmas details on the Randall Business Group Facebook page. Businesses will continue with their items and also a business group raffle of tickets to award a number of people bucks to use at the Randall stores. There is no large gathering of events like in the previous years for the Randall event this year. Randall Mayor Dan Noss stated that there is a food pantry at Bingo Park where those in need of food can pick up items and can also donate items to help those this year. Noss stated that the hope is still to their large events back in 2021 including the 4th of July Parade next year that was unable to take place this year due to recent restrictions.
--Little Falls Police reported an accident on November 24th at 8:17pm on 4th Street Southeast. When officers arrived they located the driver who failed a field sobriety test and 37-year-old Joseph Bednar was arrested for DWI. There was no injuries reported in the accident.
--U.S. health officials say staying home for the upcoming winter holidays is the best way to stay safe and protect others. But for those who ignore that advice, COVID-19 testing before and after trips is an option. Many Americans didn't follow CDC guidance against traveling over Thanksgiving so the agency announced the testing option after trips also. They said even if few people became infected while traveling, that could still result in hundreds of thousands of new infections. The advice includes reducing non-essential activities for a full week after travel or for 10 days if not tested afterward. Governor Tim Walz's restrictions remain in effect through 11:59pm on December 18th though the Department of Health has recommended that the governor extend his restrictions on entertainment venues continue through the New Year to cut down on large gatherings for Christmas and New Years holiday, no word if that will happen yet.
--Rose Surma of Oasis Central Minnesota stated on KLTF Wednesday that they are gift wrapping presents at the Morrison County Government Center for the Christmas season for a monetary donation to Oasis to help in their fight against hunger. In a regular year the programs has Share A Meal and Paint A Thons and other fundraisers but could not this year with restrictions of COVID-19. They hope to be returning next year. To get your presents gift wrap contact their office at 632-9140 and they will meet you oustide the Government Center, wrap your gifts and return them using the safety protocals. Any donation to Osasis Central Minnesota is appreciated.
--The Stearns County Sheriff’s Office has owned and operated Unmanned Aerial Vehicles, also referred to as drones, for several years. A recent change to Minnesota Statute mandates that agencies wishing to use or purchase UAV’s must, according to Minn. State Statute 626.19 subd. 9, accept public comment on the agency's policy. The Stearns County Sheriff’s Office is now accepting public comments on Policy 606 Unmanned Aerial Systems Operation. Comments will be accepted via email at Sheriff@co.stearns.mn.us, by mail at Stearns County Sheriff’s Office P.O. Box 217, St. Cloud, MN 56302 or by phone at 320-259-3702. The Stearns County Board of Commissioners will also hold a public hearing on December 15th, 2020 at 9am, or shortly after, to hear public comments. The meeting will be held at the Stearns County Administration Center Board Room located at 705 Courthouse Square, St. Cloud, MN 56303. In person public comments will not be heard, to conform with MDH and CDC guidelines to minimize gatherings. If you would like to participate in public comment by telephone or other electronic means, please contact the Stearns County Auditor’s Office (320) 656-3900.
DEATH NOTICES
--William “Bill” Buermann, age 59 of Little Falls.
WEATHER
TODAY= sunny skies, high 38, clear night low around 20.
FRIDAY= sunny skies, high 35, low around 18.
SATURDAY= sunny skies, high 34, low around 13.
SUNDAY= sunny skies, high 36, low around 22, all days dry.
SPORTS
MSHSL= The Minnesota State High School League announced Wednesday they have put together a plan to start up high school sports again on December 21st. This still has to be approved at their next meeting and depends on Governor Walz's guidelines.
TWINS= Twins announced that Eddie Rosario has been put on the waiver wire and could be picked up by another team. Also yesterday relief pitcher Trevor May signed with the New York Mets. Twins did reach deals with Jose Berrios, Mitch Garver, Byron Buxton and Tyler Duffy and waiting on a deal with Taylor Rogers from Wednesday.
NFL= due to the game yesterday where Pittsburgh beat Baltimore by the score of 19-14 to go to 11-0 on the season there is no game tonight in the NFL, 2 games on Monday and another next Tuesdsay while the Vikings are still Sunday at noon against Jacksonville.
Help the Holiday Gift Giving Program in Little Falls Fill the Truck Saturday from 10am-3pm at Wal-Mart Partking Lot. Little Falls Radio will be there live starting at 10am. If you want to help out with the program call Judy 630-8497.