NEWS
--The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) confirmed the first official death of a Morrison County resident due to COVID-19, the disease caused by the novel coronavirus. The resident was in their 70’s. Morrison County currently has 53 lab confirmed cases of Covid-19, but we know local transmission of the virus continues to occur. Of the 53 cases, 47 should no longer need isolation and 1 remains hospitalized. While the majority of people who become infected with the virus will have mild symptoms, all residents need to take the necessary precautions to slow the spread of the virus and protect those in our communities who might be at higher risk of severe illness or death. Individuals most vulnerable to COVID-19 illness and death include those over 65, those living in a long-term care facility, and those with underlying health conditions. Steps that everyone can take to slow the spread of the virus and protect our most vulnerable include: Avoid close contact with people who are sick, even inside your home. If possible, maintain 6 feet between the person who is sick and other household members. Stay at least 6 feet from other people outside of your home and do not gather in large groups. Remember that some people without symptoms may be able to spread the virus. Cover your mouth and nose with a cloth face covering when in public settings. Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds especially after you have been in a public place, or after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing. Use hand sanitizer if soap and water are not readily available. Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces daily. This includes tables, doorknobs, light switches, countertops, handles, desks, phones, keyboards, toilets, faucets, and sinks. Monitor your health and be alert for symptoms. Watch for fever, cough, shortness of breath, or other symptoms of COVID-19. MDH has set up a public hotline open daily, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. The hotline number is 651-201-3920. Any person can call this number with questions about COVID-19.
--Minnesota Department of Health update from Wednesday showed another 352 positive cases and another 19 deaths. 193 remain in ICU of 427 that remain hospitalized. Morrison County reported at 11am 1 new case, but received word of another and one death before 5pm yesterday of COVID-19 making 53 cases. Others are Todd 364 (2 deaths) Stearns is at 2,081 (17 deaths), Benton 190 (3 deaths), Crow Wing 87 (with 9 deaths), Mille Lacs 24 (1 death).
--A Pierz man was airlifted to the hospital after a skid loader accident Tuesday. The incident happened shortly after 11:30am on a farm along 73rd Street in Buckman Township, southeast of Buckman. 66-year old Gordon Boser was hauling wood/brush with his skid loader, when the loader tipped forward causing Boser to be ejected. He was airlifted to North Memorial Hospital with head injuries.
--The Little Falls Police Department reported receiving three reports on the morning of June 2nd of vehicles tampered with in the northeast side of Little Falls. In most of the cases the vehicles were unlocked the report states that the contents in the center counsels were tossed out and in the glove departments. No mention of what if anything was taken from the report there was also a report of a vehicle tampered with on the southeast side the night before that. Little Falls Police also helped in investigating counterfeit bills being given to businesses locally and saw a larger number of property damage accidents last week but with no reported injuries from them.
--Little Falls City Council meets Monday at 7:30pm at City Hall.
--Governor Tim Walz Wednesday announced that he will convene a special legislative session beginning at noon on Friday. The Governor’s priorities will be to pass police reform and accountability and build a stronger and more equitable economy. “Minnesota is at a turning point. This is our chance to take strong action to combat persistent structural inequities, pass substantive police reform, and build a stronger economy,” said Governor Walz. “I look forward to working with the legislature to seize this moment and build a brighter future for Minnesotans.” “This is not business as usual. We have an extraordinary opportunity to create meaningful, lasting change. We cannot waste this moment with hesitation.” The Governor supports the recommendations on police reform and accountability that will be introduced by the Minnesota People of Color and Indigenous (POCI) Caucus and the Attorney General’s Police-Involved Deadly Force Encounters Working Group. The proposals support use of force reform; funding for alternatives to policing; greater police oversight; voting restoration; community healing; and prosecutorial, investigatory, and training reform.
--23-year old Justine Marie Beto of Little Falls was charged with two felony counts of violating a restraining order in Morrison County District Court. The first count stemmed from a May 27th incident, when law enforcement received a call from the man Beto was prohibited from contacting under an order for protection (OFP). An officer contacted Beto about the incident and she allegedly admitted to knowing the man (who the order was made for) works there but said she didn’t know he would be working at the time. The second count stems from a May 29th incident, when the same man contacted police about Beto allegedly sending him a message on Snapchat. An officer allegedly confirmed that a message was sent by Beto and proceeded to call her for questioning. Beto allegedly admitted to sending the man a message and that she was aware of a restraining order. Beto has previous convictions for violating a restraining order in 2018, enhancing her current charge. If convicted, Beto could face up to five years in prison and/or a $10,000 fine.
--A Richmond man crashed a Jeep multiple times, injuring himself and his passenger, Tuesday afternoon near Eden Valley. Around 2:30pm near the intersection of Highway 22 and County Road 43 in Eden Lake Township, 33-year-old Abelino Gallardo, was traveling on Highway 22 when he crashed into a parked car. Gallardo reportedly fled the scene of that crash and ran off the road near County Road 43, hitting multiple signs. Gallardo was taken to the hospital with non-life threatening injuries. His passenger, 28-year-old Daniel Reyes of Richmond was hurt but was not taken to the hospital.
DEATH NOTICES
--Larry D. Betts, age 73 of Randall.
WEATHER
TODAY= partly cloudy, slight chance of PM shower, high 75.
TONIGHT= early shower possible, then clearing, low 48.
FRIDAY= sunny skies, high 72, clear night low around 50.
SATURDAY= sunny skies, high 73, clear night low around 52.
SUNDAY= partly sunny, warmer, high 78, storms develop late.
SPORTS
TWINS= catch a classic Twins game from 2017 today where Twins take on Kansas City. Hear the action at noon today on Q92 WYRQ.