NEWS
--A 19-year-old Brainerd man was pulled from the railing of the Laurel Street bridge Monday after he tried to jump over the railing into the Mississippi River. The Crow Wing County Sheriff’s Office responded to the incident, reported at 2:57pm in Brainerd. According to the sheriff’s office, a man was standing on the railing of the Laurel Street bridge when a deputy drove by and turned around to talk to the individual. When asked, the man told deputies he was going to jump over the railing. After a second deputy arrived, the man attempted to climb over the fencing on the bridge when he was grabbed by deputies and detained. The man was transported to Essentia Health-St. Joseph’s Medical Center in Brainerd by the Brainerd Police Department for evaluation.
--Holdingford Mayor Sue Marstein resigned Monday morning before that night’s meeting. An agenda item listed a request for her to resign. The city’s website now lists the mayor’s post as vacant. No explanation for her resignation was given. Holdingford Clerk Nicky Lahr says the council’s goal is to hold a special meeting before the next regularly scheduled city council meeting to discuss the best way to fill the vacancy. The council could appoint a mayor, take applications or some other option but they do not plan to have a special election for the position.
--Several roads are closed in west central and northwestern Minnesota due to whiteout conditions late Tuesday into Wednesday morning. By 5am Wednesday Interstate 94 from Fargo through Fergus Falls and Highway 10 from Fargo/Moorhead to Detroit Lakes had to be closed. A number of roads around Alexandria in Douglas County into Wadena, Otter Tail and Becker Counties were closed from the high winds and icy roadways. The blizzard warning was extended into the early afternoon yesterday in many parts and the weather did not get cold enough to freeze until 3-5am Wednesday morning. Colder temps today and below zero temps tonight will still have icy sidewalks and spots again from the rain that fell on Tuesday. A reminder from Mn Dot, The State Patrol and local law enforcement to please use caution venturing out still today and again on Friday.
--A related note from the last story that Governor Tim Walz has declared a peacetime emergency and authorized the Minnesota National Guard to provide emergency relief services for stranded motorists in Clay County after heavy snowfall and strong winds created blizzard conditions across western and northwestern Minnesota. “I am grateful to the members of the Minnesota National Guard for answering the call and providing immediate assistance to Minnesotans in need,” said Governor Walz. “The state stands ready to provide support, so that everyone can weather this winter storm and return safely to their homes.” Heavy snow and strong winds causing blizzard conditions have stranded motorists in Clay County. Interstate 94 between Fergus Falls and Moorhead and other state highways near Crookston have closed due to whiteout conditions. Executive Order 23-01 is effective immediately. Activated last night, the Minnesota National Guard will continue to provide assistance to stranded motorists in that section of the state.
--The ROCORI School Board has ended their search for a new superintendent. Following two days of interviews, the school board offered the position Kevin Enerson. Enerson is currently the superintendent of Pipestone Area Public Schools. If he accepts the position, he would start July 1st.
--Good Luck to the LF Flyer Boys Nordic Ski Team at state today.
--The city of Pierz was accepting applications for the vacant Mayor seat and city treasurer through today. Hopes are to have interviews with applicants next week and perhaps name the next Mayor and treasurer in Pierz at the city council meeting February 27th.
--A Sauk Rapids woman has pleaded guilty for her role in what authorities say was a murder-for-hire to kill her husband. 51-year old Maria Foster pleaded guilty to 1st degree aiding and abetting attempted murder. As part of the agreement, a charge of aiding and abetting 1st-degree assault will be dropped. She will be sentenced in April. The other two involved, 21-year-old Christian Kane pleaded guilty to doing the assault on the victim and will be sentenced next week while reported earlier that 26-year-old Katrina Hunt pleaded guilty aiding Kane and Foster and will be sentenced April 7th.
--On Wednesday, the Minnesota National Guard signed an official State Partnership Program agreement with Norway in Trondheim, Norway, to further expand their 50-year relationship. This was the final day of their stay in Minnesota. “As a Minnesotan and a member of the Minnesota National Guard, I am grateful the Department of Defense has officially approved our partnership with Norway,” said Army Maj. Gen. Shawn Manke, Minnesota National Guard’s Adjutant General. “Unique from the earlier State Partnership Program model, our relationship with Norway is already mature,” said Manke. “What a great day for the United States and a great day for Minnesota as we further commit to the future with our partner and our friend, Norway." After 50 years of a partnership between the Minnesota National Guard and the Norwegian Home Guard through the U.S.-Norwegian Reciprocal Troop Exchange, known as NOREX, Minnesota will broaden its partnership to the entire Norwegian armed forces agencies through the State. Partnership Program. This partnership will increase the Minnesota National Guard’s interoperability with a NATO ally and build upon already established ties. Both sides believe that this is not just an agreement between the Norwegian Home Guard and the Minnesota National Guard. It's an agreement between two military branches and two nations that have all the possibilities to develop further by working together for all involved.
ENTERTAINMENT NEWS
--Actress and sex symbol of the 60s and 70s, Raquel Welch has died. She was in “Fantastic Voyage” and appeared on a number of shows and magazine covers in her career. She died yesterday at 82.
DEATH NOTICES
--Cara Lee Smude, age 55 of Lastrup.
--James Winter, age 81 of St. Wendel.
WEATHER
TODAY= sunny and colder, high 15, wind chills near 0.
TONIGHT= clear and cold, low -11, wind chills near -20.
FRIDAY= increasing clouds, breezy, high 26, low around 17.
SATURDAY= partly sunny, warmer, high 33, low near 25.
SUNDAY= sunny and mild, high 34, colder night, low near 7.
SPORTS
WRE= Section Wrestling begins tonight for Pierz as they host Milaca-Faith Christian at 6pm live on 94ROCKS KFML. If Pierz would win they would then move on to Friday's action also on 94ROCKS.
WRE= Little Falls advanced in section wrestling last night and they will move on to the next round Friday in Brainerd live on Q92 WYRQ