NEWS
--Morrison County Sheriff Shawn Larsen reports that a coordinated effort between multiple agencies has resulted in arrests Wednesday morning for felony possession of stolen property and felony possession of controlled substances. Larsen stated that the Morrison County Sheriff’s Office worked collaboratively with Mille Lacs County, Crow Wing County and the Aitkin County Sheriff’s Offices. On 1-2-2021, Hilmerson RV, located south of Little Falls, reported the theft of a camper trailer. On 1-4-2021, the same business reported the theft of another camper trailer. Surveillance video obtained from the business showed that the same suspect vehicle was involved in both thefts. Investigators developed a suspect in the case after the first stolen camper was located and recovered in Mille Lacs County. Investigators tracked the suspect to a residence in Crow Wing County that ultimately led to a residence in rural Aitkin County. The second stolen camper was located at the Aitkin County residence and recovered Wednesday morning. Illegal narcotics and drug paraphernalia were found inside the camper, along with two suspects. A stolen enclosed trailer from Stearns County was also located and recovered at the scene. Two suspects have been arrested and are currently being held in the Aitkin County Jail pending formal charges. This is an ongoing investigation and further arrests and criminal charges are anticipated.
--The Morrison County Department of Public Works would like to notify Soo Line Trail Users that the Soo Line Recreational Trail is no longer open for use by ATV’s. The trail is now open for use by snowmobiles, fat tire bikes and cross-country skiers. For information call the Morrison County Public Works Department at (320) 632-0121.
--Pierz Superintendent George Weber announced that yesterday it was vaccination Day for Pierz Schools staff. The District Wednesday was given enough vaccine to vaccinate all those employees, office staff, paras, cooks, teachers, drivers, coaches and other district employees who wanted to have vaccination given to them. Weber wanted to thank those involved and getting the vaccine to be used for the school staff in working to keep students in classrooms.
--A reminder from the Department of Motor Vehicles, local residents and all Minnesotans who have been putting off driver's license and ID card renewals due to the pandemic will need to take action soon, as the state's expiration extension will be ending in the coming weeks. Last year, Governor Tim Walz signed a law that granted an extension for nearly 300,000 Minnesotans with driver's licenses and ID cards scheduled to expire between March 13, 2020 and February 28th, 2021. The extension was necessary as many renewal offices closed during the stay-at-home order in the early months of the pandemic, and as safety precautions remained in place when offices reopened.
--As the construction on the new Performing Arts Center addition continues, the Board of Education turned its attention Monday evening to the question of what to name this center that will serve the school district and community. The Brainerd Board of Education is requesting input from the community on this question. The public is invited to submit ideas for a name for the new center via a short survey located on blueprint181.org. Name submissions will be accepted through Friday, February 12, 2021. A committee consisting of community members and district staff will narrow down the community submissions the week of February 15, 2021.
--Pierz Knight of Columbus again reminding those that they have moved their Buffalo Feed and Raffle to May 22nd from this Saturday.
DEATH NOTICES
--Paul Ira Lyon, age 81 of Little Falls.
--Becky Haight, age 52 of Long Prairie.
WEATHER
TODAY= clouds with gradual sun, high 18, flurries tonight, low 7
FRIDAY= cloudy skies, flurries at times, high 26, low around 17.
SATURDAY= snow likely, high 28, low near 20, 1 -2 inches possible.
SUNDAY= light snow early, then cloudy and windy, high 27, low 11.
SPORTS
HS BHK= Little Falls at Sartell tonight 7:15pm on Q92 WYRQ.
HS BBB= St. Cloud Cathedral at Little Falls tonight 7pm on FM94.
INTENT= Pierz High School senior Jonah Prokott recently signed a letter of intent to play baseball at Division II Minot State University. Jonah is the son of Brenda and Brian Prokott.
TODAY IN HISTORY
IN 1986= Today marks the 35th Anniversary of The Space Shuttle Challenger explosion that killed all seven on board. The Space Shuttle Challenger (OV-099) broke apart 73 seconds into its flight,The crew consisted of five NASA astronauts, and two payload specialists, which included a school teacher Christa McAuliffe.