NEWS
--More information on the Initiative Foundation relief efforts for the flooding in Randall will be discussed this morning at 8:30am on the KLTF Community Program on AM960 and online fallsradio.com.
--The Benton County Sheriff’s Office reported that they were seeking the public’s assistance in investigating suspicious activity that occurred on Monday at the former King’s Inn property in Watab Township. Around 6:00pm Monday the Benton County Sheriff’s Office responded to the former King’s Inn property in Rice, to investigate a suspicious activity complaint. The adult caller advised the investigating deputy that she and 5 children were at the former King’s Inn property fishing from the shore. One of the children told the investigating deputy the group had been fishing when they observed a drone come out of a wooded area in the northern portion of the King’s Inn property. The child stated the drone flew above the group for a short time before flying back toward the northern portion of the property. The child said the drone returned a short time later and, on this second flight, dropped a bag of candy near the children. The deputy learned that witnesses at the scene observed a black SUV parked in the northern portion of the property at the same time the drone was seen flying in the area. Witnesses described the lone occupant of the SUV and the vehicle was seen leaving the area northbound on Highway 10. Later in the day the Benton County Sheriff’s Office has identified and interviewed the person of
interest in this suspicious activity complaint. The evidence gathered to this point indicates this incident was an ill-conceived effort to obtain footage for use on a social media platform rather
than an attempt to engage in criminal activity. No charges are being sought against the man in question. The Sheriff's Office reminds those that even though this ended with arrests or any criminal activity, you should never hesitate to call in any suspicious activity to your local law enforcement when you not sure of the situation so that the authorities can investigate and avoid any serious situations.
--A St. Cloud man has been sentenced for promoting prostitution after allowing women to use his apartment for sex. A Stearns County judge sentenced 55-year-old John Elrod to five years and five months in prison. He gets credit for 134 days in the county jail. Court records show an undercover officer responded to an ad posted on a website known to advertise prostitution. The undercover officer struck an agreement to pay for sex acts. Record show officers made contact with the victims who said their friend named "John" would let them use his 2nd-floor apartment to engage in prostitution in exchange for money, beer, and cigarettes. Records show Elrod admitted to investigators he received roughly $100 from one victim and a few cans of chewing tobacco from the other victim in exchange for him letting them use his apartment. He pleaded guilty back in April.
--Motorists can expect periodic lane closures and short-term delays as crews resurface Highway 10 between Wadena County Road 108 near Wadena and 12th Street Northwest in Staples, Todd County. Work will occur during daylight hours, Monday through noon Friday, on good weather days until late July. For the latest list of road construction in the state go to 511mn.org and check out the latest info on the map.
--The 27th Platte River Day is still a month away on July 30th but details are being released, new this year a mobile sign shop, Magic Bob's Comedy Magic Show and a car show. The usual 5K run, parade, auction, minnow races, duck races and egg toss and street dance with the Fabulous Armadillos are again scheduled July 30th.
--The fundraiser for Randall Flood Relief is today from 11am-6pm at the Falls Ballroom Parking Lot. Get a hot dog, chips, pop or water for a free will donation with all proceeds helping Randall flood relief. The Falls Ballroom wants to thank all the donations of food and items that will be on tap also during the fundraising effort today.
--The Minnesota Department of Transportation reported Wednesday that supply chain delays again are slowing down a number of road projects at this time. As many get ready or have already headed out for the long weekend, expect many delays as projects either will continue through the weekend or pause meaning some roads blocked do to the work and detours will be placed in those areas.
--A Monticello man faces felony charges for allegedly secretly recording a young girl in her home. According to the complaint filed in Benton County District Court, 27-year-old Matthew Winter is charged with four counts of interference with privacy against a minor. The child reported the incidents at her school in April. She reported finding cameras in her bedroom and bathroom, including a camera in the floor vent of her bedroom, a charging cube containing a camera in an electrical outlet, and cameras in the bathroom where she showers. Wright County officers met with Winter and confiscated his phone. He allegedly admitted to knowing there were things on his phone that shouldn't be there, including nude photos. Court records show investigators found an SD card containing more than one million still images of the girl and four videos. Some of the images date back to 2019 and were taken at homes in St. Cloud and Monticello. Winter is due back in court in August.
--The Brainerd Fire Department responded to a report of black smoke in the area at 6:09pm Tuesday on the 17000 block of Terratrac Road in Unorganized Territory. Upon investigation, fire crews determined the smoke was caused by illegal burning. Fire crews extinguished the fire. Firefighters remind those that permits are still required for a number outdoor burning of items. Check with your local conservation officers for information, violators can face citations for illegal burning.
DEATH NOTICES
--Ardelle R. Johnson, age 94 of Little Falls.
--Julie Lynn Scholz, age 60 of Upsala.
--Beverly Beto, age 61 of Royalton.
WEATHER
TODAY= AM showers, then sunny, high 84.
TONIGHT= clear skies, becoming less humid, low 54.
FRIDAY= sunny and pleasant, high 78, low around 55.
SATURDAY= late day thunderstorms, high 79, low 61.
SUNDAY= thunderstorms possible, high 81, low near 60.
4th OF JULY= thunderstorms possible, high 83, low near 62.
SPORTS
TWINS= a wild 10th inning where the Twins score 3 times but Cleveland scores 4 to win 7-6 in 10 innings. Twins wrap up series with Cleveland today, pregame begins at 11:30am on Q92 WYRQ.
WILD= The Minnesota Wild Wednesday reported traded forward Kevin Fiala to the Los Angeles Kings for their first round draft pick in next weeks' NHL Draft which is the 19th pick and also University of Minnesota defensemen Brock Faber. Wild currently have the 24th pick in the first round of the NHL draft already next week.
NCAA= University of Minnesota wrestler and Olympic Gold Medalist Gabe Steveson was named the Big 10 male Athlete of the Year.