NEWS
--Governor Mark Dayton received four candidate recommendations Wednesday from the Commission on Judicial Selection for whom should follow the Honorable Douglas P. Anderson in Morrison County and the Honorable Ann L. Carrott in Douglas County after their retirements. The 7th judicial district consists of Morrison, Becker, Benton, Clay, Douglas, Mille Lacs, Otter Tail, Stearns, Todd and Wadena counties. The commission recommended the following four candidates: Antoinette Wetzel an attorney at Wetzel Law Firm in Little Falls, assistant Douglas County attorney Michelle Clark, Kevin Gray a partner at the St. Cloud law firm, Rajkowski Hansmeier, Ltd and senior assistant attorney for Benton County Karl Schmidt. Interviews will be done over the next few weeks followed by appointments.
--Brigadier General Lowell Kruse, the senior commander of Camp Ripley made his annual report recently on the works being done at the military base. General Kruse stated that Camp Ripley brings a total of $294 million dollars plus to the financial impact to the communities they serve. He mentioned the seven buildings that were damaged by the September, 2016 tornado, and that $31 million dollars has been spent on rebuilding and reconstructing the base. Most of those monies came from the federal government. The main training season is beginning at Camp Ripley and loud noises will be heard off and on through October. A number of agencies will be using the base for training including the BCA, Department of Corrections, DNR, Highway Patrol and Homeland Security, local agencies like sheriff's offices, SWAT team, Central Lakes College, Red Cross, Gold Star Families and civilian groups using the base for their practices. The General highlighted youth programs, environmental programs and awards they have won for their natural resource efforts. Those living around the Camp Ripley area are reminded that controlled burns started recently and will continue through May.
--The Brainerd American Legion will conduct a memorial service in honor of Post and Unit members who have died in the previous year, on May 10th at 7pm at the Brainerd Legion. Family and friends of deceased members are invited to attend with refreshments served by the Legion Auxiliary members.
--A St. Cloud man faces a 3rd degree criminal sexual conduct charge after he allegedly drove to Alabama to pick up a 13-year old girl and then had sex with her. 19-year old Brady Christiansen is accused of driving to the girl's house and picking her up at midnight on March 16th, then driving her back to a Waite Park hotel. Lee County Sheriff's officials in Alabama contacted Waite Park Police the following day about a runaway girl believed to be with Christiansen and that they were at the Asteria Inn. Officers responded and made contact with Christiansen who said he was with his girlfriend. Police interviewed the girl who allegedly said they had intercourse twice, once on the drive back and once in the hotel room. According to investigators, he ultimately admitted to having sex with the girl, knowing she was 13 and admitting he knew it was wrong. Christiansen has been issued a summons to appear on the felony charge June 4th.
--A 34-year old Merrifield man was arrested following a personal injury crash at 10:34pm Monday on Brandon Way and 50th Avenue, south of Brainerd. The Crow Wing County Sheriff's Office reported the driver was transported to Essentia Health-St. Joseph's Medical Center in Brainerd, where he was treated and then released. He then was arrested for vehicle theft.
--Mike Wilson announced on Wednesday that he will run for Morrison County Commissioner in District 4. Wilson is winding down his first term in office as he was elected to that seat in the 2014 election.
--The Little Falls Fire Department responded to a car fire early Wednesday morning. Around midnight 15-Little Falls firefighters responded to the car fire near Highway 10 and Haven Road south of Little Falls. Firefighters were on scene for approximately 30 minutes. The vehicle owned by Mike Wippler was damaged, but the extent was not known. The cause was undetermined. Fire danger remains at a high level in Morrison County and across our area. It will likely remain that way until we receive significant rainfall.
--Vietnam veterans will be honored with a parade in Swanville to remember the soldiers who did not get a welcome home, along with a group returning from a trip to Vietnam. A parade will be held for the homecoming group and all other Vietnam veterans, Sunday at 5pm. The parade will run from Swanville Public Schools along Main Street to the parking lot of Red’s Irish Pub. All are invited to participate in the welcoming home event. Bruce Johnson with the Swanville American Legion encourages people to contact him at (320) 360-5614, if they know of any Vietnam veterans who wants to ride in one of the “welcome home” buses.
--The mystery substance found on cash that burned a clerk at a Mahnomen County gas station Monday turned out to be a “carbohydrate” that may have triggered an allergic reaction. A state lab in St. Paul determined that the powder on the bill was “nontoxic and nonacidic,” and no threat to the general public.
--The Book of Golden Deeds Award Banquet is tonight at the Falls Ballroom honoring Mary Larson. Larson is a former school teacher and has continued to volunteer for a number of groups and organizations. Social hour at 6pm with a dinner beginning at 7pm.
BIRTH ANNOUNCEMENT
--Joe and Amanda Hyatt of Pierz, boy on May 1st
DEATH NOTICES
--Kevin J. Deick, age 36 of Cushing
--Evelyn T. Hilmerson, age 88 of Little Falls
--Marie Howard, age 91 of Hillman
WEATHER
TODAY= sunny and mild, high 72.
TONIGHT= clear night, low near 40.
FRIDAY= partly cloudy, warm and windy, high 76, low around 48.
SATURDAY= showers & T-storms at times, partial sun, high 72.
SUNDAY= sunny and breezy, high 67, low around 45.
SPORTS
TWINS= Twins shutout Toronto 4-0 Wednesday to salvage one game in the series. Fernando Romero just called up wins his first big league matchup. Twins open series with White Sox tonight in Chicago. Pregame at 6:30pm on Q92 WYRQ.
TRACK= Little Falls Community Schools has announced the opening of the Little Falls High School Track for the public’s use, weekdays through August 10th. The track is open 6-8am and then again 6-8pm. The track will not be open July 4th or 5th or during track meets. For more information about track availability call Community Services.