NEWS
--Recently Greg Johnson, Superintendent of Little Falls Community Schools stated on KLTF the district is actively exploring the concept of banding its elementary schools in Little Falls. This involves transforming Lincoln Elementary into a Preschool to 1st grade and Lindbergh Elementary into a grade 2nd-5th grade school. For those interested in learning more and engaging in the discussion about Grade Level Banding, we invite you to a general meeting on Monday, January 8th at 6pm. The meeting will take place in the high school auditorium and is open to all members of LFCS school district.
--A reminder from the Morrison County Veterans Service Office that there is a military resource fair on January 18th from 5-8pm and the Morrison County Government Center basement boardroom. This is a free event and their will be appetizers provided. Veterans, spouses of Veterans, families of Veterans are welcome to come and see what is being provided and what resources are available for Veterans in our area. Questions can be directed to 320-632-0290. Again there was a venue change last month and the event is at the government center in Little Falls on January 18th from 5-8pm.
--The USDA is asking those new to farming in the state, they can help you with everything from registering your farm to getting financial assistance and advice. Go to the website www.farmers.gov/your-business/beginning-farmers or you can contact your local USDA Farm Service Agency representative, in Morrison County the number to call for the local FSA office is 320-632-5477 extension 2.
--One of the warmest years on record in central Minnesota from data from the National Weather Service forecast office in Chanhassen shows St. Cloud and central Minnesota had its warmest December ever, with an average temperature of 32.1 degrees. That’s 14.3 degrees above normal and shattered the previous December record by 3.5 degrees set in 1913. In 2022 for December there were 11 days near or below zero. There were no zero degree readings all month and just 1 day in Little Falls early in the month where the temperatures were only 3 degrees below the normal high while St. Cloud and the Twin Cities had no days with below normal temperatures. Weather experts say we can blame the balmy conditions on the Pacific weather pattern known as El Niño. It’s a very, very strong El Niño, and when you get that, you typically look at what is going to be above normal temperatures over the period for winter in this part of the country. Moisture can go either way; above normal like the heavy rains here over the Christmas holiday or just west of Minnesota in the Dakotas, Nebraska and Kansas with heavy snow. St. Cloud saw a record 3.35 of precipitation last month with most of that falling Christmas week and some part of Morrison County had over 4 inches of that week alone. Though colder temperatures are coming next week where temperatures are expected to be near or below zero by next week, weather trackers see another warming pattern near the end of the month.
--Another event that will happen this winter is the John Beargrease Sled Dog Marathon along the North Shore. Organizers announced Tuesday they are postponing the event until January 2025. The board of directors discussed pushing it back to a later date this winter but said the weather was too unpredictable to reschedule this year. The marathon runs 300 miles from Duluth to Grand Portage John Beargrease and his brothers delivered mail from Two Harbors and Grand Marais starting in 1879.
–-Yesterday afternoon Chuck Zwilling of Ice Fest announced they have a contingency plan going into place if there is not significant ice for the event next month. Right now the event IS on at Green Prairie Fish Lake on February 17th and 18th with many raffles, events on the ice and other items planned. Fireworks at night and evening events as well as daytime ones. If the ice is not considered safe still next month there is a plan B for a non-lake event as a back up which will held at a field/or spot to be announced only if has to be the scenario. Right now they are hoping for the event to be on the ice next month. With or without the ice Zwilling stated that because raffle tickets have been sold, giveaways items are already been given and donations accepted the event will go on February 17th and 18th. If you would like to help volunteer, see what they still need or give items for the event contact Chuck or Becca through www.MNIceFest.com.
--Fire crews responded to a call at an apartment building in south St. Cloud. The St. Cloud Fire Department says the call came in at about 4:30pm Tuesday for a fire at 530 16th Street South. They found a fire in the ceiling above the main community room area bathroom, with the fire extending into the attic space. The fire was extinguished. The cause of the fire is still under investigation.
--The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) and Department of Agriculture (MDA) are warning people to not eat Busseto brand Charcuterie Sampler bought at Sam's Club or other retailers after a positive test for Salmonella. MDH says one person reported becoming ill after eating a sampler in December they bought at Sam's Club, and MDH conducted a positive test for Salmonella on the sampler. Specifically, the MDH says consumers should avoid LOT number L075330300 with an expiration date of April 27, 2024, containing prosciutto, sweet soppressata, and dry coppa. MDH says it is not known which individual components of the sampler may have been the source, and since many people who become sick don't seek health care the number of ill people is likely larger than just the one identified case from the Minnesota Department of Health.
--St. Mary's Catholic Church is hosting their Epiphany Breakfast this Sunday in the church basement from 9am-12pm. There will be eggs, sausage and homemade rolls with other items for a free will offering.
BIRTH ANNOUNCEMENT
--Kyle and Nicole Welle of Pierz, a boy born January 2nd, 2024.
DEATH NOTICES
--Joan “Joann” Zahler, age 90 of Cushing.
WEATHER
TODAY= flurries at times, mostly cloudy, high 24.
TONIGHT= cloudy skies, flurries, temps steady around 20.
FRIDAY= cloudy skies, snow in afternoon, high 31, low 27.
SATURDAY= snow likely 2-4 inches by night time, high 30, low 22.
SUNDAY= partly sunny, windy, high near 25, low near 19.
SPORTS
NFL= the NFL heads into their final weekend of the regular season with many games still having some playoff implications on who will move on to next weekend. The Vikings have slim hopes of that and are at Detroit Sunday at noon. Nick Mullens has been named the quarterback for Sunday's game. Game is live on AM960 KLTF.