NEWS
--DNA matching a 10-year-old Lake Park girl killed in a hit-and-run earlier this month was found on a boat trailer driven by a Hastings man now charged in connection with her death. 44-year old Steven L. Meier was charged Wednesday with two counts of felony criminal vehicular homicide in the death of Caylin Donovan, who was killed after being struck by a vehicle earlier this month near Lake Mille Lacs in Aitkin County. Meier was arrested Monday in connection with the crash, as was Deborah Chandler, who was traveling with Meier but driving a separate vehicle. According to the complaint, Chandler told investigators she knew Meier had hit something and she felt horrible for not stopping. A court complaint filed Wednesday in Aitkin County District Court alleges Meier caused the girl’s death while operating a motor vehicle and that he left the scene without alerting authorities. Charges against Chandler are still pending.
--The St. Cloud Fire Department responded to a large garage fire Monday night. The fire was reported on 2nd Avenue Northeast just before 10pm near Wilson Park. A mattress in the garage started on fire. Residents had a plan to dispose of the mattress and decided to do a test burn in the garage and it got out of control. Fire crews were on the scene until 1:30am and were able to mostly prevent the blaze from spreading to the house but the garage was a total loss. A boat in the garage was destroyed, along with a car in the driveway. Nobody was hurt in the incident. The fire likely caused between $150,000 to $200,000 in damage.
--The man named a “person of interest” in the abduction of Jacob Wetterling will not have his trial on unrelated child pornography charges moved to another state. Lawyers for 53-year old Danny Heinrich, of Annandale, had asked that his federal trial be moved, saying that he would not be able to get a fair trial because prosecutors publicly labeled him a “person of interest” in the Wetterling case. Heinrich has pleaded not guilty to 25 charges of possessing and receiving child pornography. He is scheduled to stand trial on those charges in July in U.S. District Court in Minneapolis. In a report filed in federal court Tuesday the judge recommended that Heinrich’s request be denied.
--An arrest warrant has been issued in Stearns County for a man charged with possessing child pornography. 46-year old Matthew George Hall is charged with five counts of possessing child pornography. He failed to show up for his first court appearance June 6th, and a judge later signed the warrant. Hall was charged after a police investigation that began more than a year ago.
--Three people were injured in a two-vehicle broadside crash at 11:37am Tuesday on Highway 210 and 37th Avenue near Pillager in Cass County. The Minnesota State Patrol reported a car driven by 36-year old Wendy E. Albertson of Pillager was westbound on Highway 210, turning south on River Street, also known as 37th Avenue, when it collided with a vehicle eastbound on Highway 210 driven by 74-year old Richard L. Bulduc of Motley. Both of the drivers and Bolduc's spouse, 72-year old Beverly J. Bolduc of Motley, were transported to Essentia Health-St. Joseph's Medical Center in Brainerd for non-life-threatening injuries. They all were wearing their seat belts.
--The DFL endorsed candidate in the District 9 State Senate race Jason Weinerman of Little Falls is expected to be an in studio guest on Up Front today at 9:05am on AM960 KLTF. Weinerman will challenge incumbent Paul Gazelka this fall for the seat.
--Now that Stearns and Morrison have had their Breakfast on the Farm events it is Todd County's turn this Saturday. Dale Katterhagen of Browerville who homesteads where his grandfather started farming in 1879 with his wife Marie are hosting this year’s Todd County Breakfast on the Farm Saturday from 10:00am-2:00pm. Since enough parking space is not available, for safety reasons, visitors are asked to park at Motzko Fields, at 25002 County 16 or at Oberg Farm, at 24760 County 14, both in Browerville and take the shuttle bus. There will be fun activities at the breakfast including a coloring contest held by the American Dairy Association (ADA), face painting, a balloon twister who will create various animal balloon forms, petting zoo and wagon rides. There will also be machinery exhibits of general farm equipment, along with several education booths. A tour of the farm will also be given. Those who are hungry can enjoy a cheeseburger, chips, pickles, milk and ice cream for $1.
--The Minnesota State Fair announced 32 new foods for 2016. The fair runs August 25th through September 5th. This year foods include candied bacon doughnut sliders, SPAM sushi, macaroni and cheese curds, cheesy french onion monkey bread, gumbo fries and iron range meat and potatoes. Get full details at mnstatefair.org.
--Great River Arts presents the 7th Rock the Park Event on June 30th at Maple Island Park. The day’s events start with Kids Art in the Park, from 4 to 6 pm, which will feature a family friendly afternoon in the park, including free art projects, sidewalk chalk murals, a collaborative community art project, theater games and the library will also be doing storytelling in the park. The outdoor concert then will feature LaVerne and the Starlights at 6 pm and headliners Brothers Tone and The Big Groove from 7 to 10 pm. A variety of food trucks and vendors will be on hand with refreshments. Any questions contact Great River Arts at 632-0960. Admission to the park is free.
DEATH NOTICES
--Ronald Witt, age 60 of Little Falls
WEATHER
TODAY= sunny skies, high 75.
TONIGHT= clear skies, low 55.
FRIDAY= sunny, warmer, high 82, storms after midnight, low 67.
SATURDAY= storms early and late, some severe, high 85, low 60.
SUNDAY= sunny and breezy, high 78, low 60.
SPORTS
SCSU= The National Champion St. Cloud State Husky wrestling team is being honored by the Minnesota Twins today. The team will be recognized by the Twins during a pre-game ceremony at Target Field just before the 12:10pm first pitch. The ceremony includes an on-field introduction of the team, and coach Steve Costanzo will also throw out the first pitch. St. Cloud State won its second consecutive NCAA Division II national title this spring. The team included Pierz graduate Clint Poster. Meanwhile Twins battled back last night after a long rain delay to beat Philadelphia 6-5 and will try for a sweep at home today. Hear the game live today on Q92 WYRQ.
WILD= The Minnesota Wild Road Tour is in Little Falls today. Come to the Exchange Arena between 11:30-1pm and meet Wild players and announcers, get your sports signed by the players and announcers and have a hot dog and beverage for a small charge.