NEWS
--The names of a fatal accident near Pillager Tuesday night have been released by the Minnesota State Patrol. 18-year-old Shawn Alexander of Baxter died in the accident. Alexander, a senior at Pillager High School, was westbound on Highway 210 at Sylvan Lake Road when he attempted to pass another vehicle and was struck broadside by a vehicle driven by 17-year-old Dennis Blowers of Motley. Blowers had non-life threatening injuries. There were five passengers in Blowers vehicle, all teenagers, two of the teenage passengers, 16-year-old Kearra Mikel and 17-year-old Edward Pappenfuss both of Browerville were treated at the hospital and released. The two other passengers, 15-year old Connor Kasper of Motley and 16-year-old Tyler Chounard of Cushing were not hurt.
--A 23-year-old Brainerd man faces felony domestic charges after allegedly fighting with a woman over a PlayStation. Kristopher Wehrs was charged Tuesday in Crow Wing County District Court with felony domestic by strangulation, gross misdemeanor domestic assault to inflict bodily harm and misdemeanor third-degree property damage. Bail was set at $40,000 with conditions. His next court date will be on Wednesday, March 8th.
--The Morrison County Area Foundation along with the Little Falls Education Foundation are putting on a free community-wide event which will feature the Sundance-selected documentary Most Likely to Succeed. Following the screening, there will be an interactive discussion about re- imagining our school system. Most Likely to Succeed examines the history of education in the United States, revealing the growing shortcomings of conventional education methods in today’s innovative world. The film explores compelling new approaches that aim to revolutionize teaching as we know it. After seeing this film, the way you think about “school” will never be the same. The film will be shown at 5:30pm on February 13th at Charles D. Martin Auditorium in Little Falls Community High School. The film screening is free. For event information or to find out more about the foundation go to morrisoncountyaf.org.
--Christy Masog and Tyler Moore, Little Falls Community High School seniors, have been selected to represent Region 8AA in the Academics, Arts, and Athletics Award program. Christy, the daughter of Rick and Kari Masog have participated in band, Nordic Ski, softball, swimming and trap shooting. Tyler, the son of Michael and Cheryl Moore, has participated in band, cross-country, basketball, golf, robotics, and track and field.
--Swanville High School announced that seniors Sophie Larson and Jarick Rieffer have been selected as this year’s Swanville High School AAA (Triple A) nominees. The Triple A award recognizes top high school seniors who have excelled in academics, arts and athletics. Every member school of the Minnesota State High School League (MSHSL) is invited to nominate one female and one male for the Triple A Award. Sophie is the daughter of David and Susan Larson, has participated in band and theater throughout her high school career. Her future plans are to attend Minnesota State University, Moorhead to major in health care administration. Rieffer, son of Joel and Gail Rieffer, has participated in band, speech and theater during his high school career. His future plans are to attend Hamline University to major in legal studies.
--LF Radio looking for marketing reps- contact chris@fallsradio.com.
--St. Cloud school district officials are hopeful to break ground on the new high school in July. Architects involved in planning presented an updated time line and building plans to the St. Cloud school board Wednesday night. School board members viewed preliminary schematic designs, which build off designs released before the referendum. Voters approved the $104.5 million project in November. About $83.5 million will be dedicated to construction on the building and site. The new school, on the south side of St. Cloud, has an expected opening date of fall 2019.
--Authorities say an Itasca County sheriff's deputy was involved in a head-on collision on snowy roads that killed a teenage girl in northeastern Minnesota. The Minnesota State Patrol says the deputy was responding to a medical call and had his emergency lights on when the 16-year-old lost control on U.S. Highway 169 and crossed the center line into oncoming traffic. The victim, Sierra Rose Matthews of Pengillly was wearing a seat belt. The deputy was not hurt. The roads were snowy and icy at the time of the crash, which happened around 7:45am Tuesday. The crash report says alcohol was not involved. The State Patrol is investigating the crash at the request of the Itasca County Sheriff's Office.
--A truck was stolen yesterday in Motley. A 2001 blue Dodge extended cab truck with a yellow V-plow was stolen Wednesday morning from Brick’s in Motley. The truck has a Scandia Valley Fire Department sticker on the side window and a Mossy Oak sticker in the back window. Anyone who saw anything or who has information, is asked to call Morrison County Sheriff’s Office.
--There have been more than 30 crashes this season involving vehicles and snowplows, and the Minnesota Department of Transportation is urging motorists to use extra caution during plowing and snowing operations. Operators’ ability to see behind them is restricted behind the truck so they must rely on mirrors to see to the rear and side of the truck. Last year in Minnesota, there were 48 crashes involving vehicles and snowplows. Minnesota law requires motorists to turn on their headlights when it’s snowing or at any other time when weather conditions impair visibility.
BIRTH ANNOUNCEMENT
--Wyatt and Abby Carr of Baxter, boy on January 9th
DEATH NOTICE
--John Vander Hayden Jr., age 85 of Milaca
--Joyce Fritz, age 75 of Clarissa
WEATHER
TODAY= sunny, windy and cold, high 7 above, wind chills -25.
TONIGHT= extremely cold, low -28, wind chills near -38.
FRIDAY= sunny and cold, high 4 above, low -3 clouds overnight.
SATURDAY= cloudy early, PM sun, high 16, low around -5.
SUNDAY= sunny and warmer, high 25, low around 3 above.
SPORTS
HS BHK= Little Falls at St. Cloud Cathedral 7:15pm tonight on Q92
HS BBB= Pierz at Paynesville Area tonight 7:30pm on FM94 KFML
COL BB= Michigan State beat up the Gopher men's basketball team last night winning 65-47. Gophers at Penn State on Saturday.
NBA= Timberwolves beat Dallas Tuesday and Houston last night.