NEWS
--Senate Majority Leader Paul Gazelka Wednesday announced he's stepping down as Majority leader but will still remain in the Minnesota Senate. In a statement, Gazelka says "five years ago, under bittersweet conditions, I was honored to be elected leader of the Senate Republican Caucus. I have those same bittersweet feelings today as I announce my intention to step aside." Gazelka says leading the caucus has been one of the most rewarding experiences of his life. Gazelka says he plans to be a part of the future success of the party, but he looks forward to letting someone else take over serving as a leader while he pursues the next chapter in his political life. Meanwhile, the official field of Republicans running for governor increased by one yesterday as State Senator Michelle Benson from Ham Lake jumped in the race for Minnesota Governor.
--The Minnesota National Guard has released its first official statement since several hundred of its soldiers completed its mission in Afghanistan. More than 1,000 soldiers from Task Force 1-194, 1st Armored Brigade Combat Team, 34th Red Bull Infantry Division deployed in March of this year to Kuwait. The task force includes soldiers from units in Brainerd, Camp Ripley, Sauk Centre, St. Cloud, east St. Paul, Detroit Lakes, Crookston, and Cottage Grove. They say less than two weeks ago, more than 400 soldiers from that unit rapidly deployed to the Hamid Karzai International Airport in Afghanistan. Their mission was to provide perimeter security at the airport. In addition, 1-194 soldiers provided humanitarian assistance to U.S. citizens, special immigrant visa holders, and their families. On August 30th, Minnesota National Guard leadership received notification that all 1-194 soldiers supporting the efforts in Afghanistan had safely returned to Camp Buehring, Kuwait. The soldiers are expected to return to Minnesota in the winter of 2021.
--49-year-old, Timmy Emanuel Stewart of Little Falls, formerly of Cold Spring, was sentenced in Morrison County District Court to five years of probation on a felony conviction of fifth degree possession of a controlled substance. A five-year stay was placed on a 15 month prison sentence, which would be imposed if Stewart violates the conditions of his probation. On June 17th, 2019, a trooper from the Minnesota State Patrol received a report from dispatch about a vehicle driving erratically on Highway 10 near Royalton. Multiple callers stated the vehicle was weaving in and out of traffic, speeding and then slamming on the brakes. The trooper located the suspect vehicle in a gas station parking lot in Royalton. The trooper knocked on the window several times before finally opening the driver’s side door himself. He detected “an overwhelming” odor of alcohol and marijuana coming from the vehicle.The driver was identified as Stewart, and the trooper noted he had bloodshot, watery eyes and slurred speech. He asked Stewart to perform a field sobriety test, but he refused and was placed under arrest. A search of Stewart’s vehicle was conducted following the arrest. On the floorboard on the front passenger seat of the vehicle was a large, flat item wrapped in foil. Upon further inspection, it was discovered to be a large vacuum-sealed bag of marijuana. There was more marijuana found in the vehicle, as well. In all, it weighed 522 grams, more than one pound. Stewart’s driving privileges were canceled at the time due to multiple DWI convictions, the most recent of which was February 2015 in Stearns County. Stewart was given credit for 143 days served in local confinement after other charges were dismissed in a plea agreement.
--In honor of all first responders, police officers, EMT workers and our military, The Pine Grove Zoo is offering free admission to our community heroes next Thursday through Sunday (September 9th through 12th). Personnel who qualify for free admission include police officers, firefighters, EMTs, county sheriff officers, 911 operators, correction officers, firefighters, state troopers and active and retired members of the military. Pine Grove Zoo will be going to their fall hours effective next Tuesday and will be open Thursdays through Sundays from 9am 4pm and closed Monday through Wednesday again this is after this Labor Day Weekend. Professional credentials, along with a valid government-issued photo ID must be presented at the Pine Grove Zoo to take advantage of this offer. Badges and identification cards are accepted only if accompanied by photo ID. All ID must reference specific fire, police, EMT or military duty. If anyone has any questions, please contact Pine Grove Zoo at 320-616-5595 or info@pinegrovezoo.com.
--The Minnesota State Patrol in a statement Wednesday stated that as with the summer so far, it is expected that many will be traveling out this weekend for the Labor Day Holiday for the unofficial end of summer. Because of this motorists should expect delays in parts of roadways especially those with stop lights or stop signs, watch for bikers, pedestrians and others out. Also pedestrians are urged to please use the crosswalks. Speed and DWI enforcement campaigns continue through September on Minnesota roadways and they ask you remember to buckle up and make it a safe Labor Day weekend.
--A reminder that the Pierz Food Shelf is hosting an open house at their new location (the former Library) in Pierz from 5-8pm tonight also during the time with the final Rock Roll and Stroll in Pierz. You are encouraged to help the food shelf by dropping off items for donations. Come for a tour of the facility while seeing the cars as you stroll through Pierz tonight.
WEATHER
TODAY= cloudy skies, PM showers develop mainly after 4pm, high 68
TONIGHT= showers and T-storms, some heavy overnight, low 54.
FRIDAY= showers and T-storms early, partial PM sun, high 72, low 50
SATURDAY= sunny skies, high 72, low around 55.
SUNDAY= sunny skies and pleasant, high near 70, low around 46.
LABOR DAY= partly cloudy, high 67, storms develop at night, low 53.
SPORTS
TWINS= Cubs score 3 in the 3rd and go on to shut out the Twins Wednesdsay 3-0 for the 2 game sweep. Twins have today off.
COL FB= Gophers open the season at home tonight against the Ohio States Buckeyes. Pregame at 5pm on AM960 KLTF
HS FB= due to the possible rainy forecast tonight the Little Falls at Glencoe Silver Lake is now a 6pm start tonight on AM960 KLTF. The deal is to breakaway from Gophers at 5:45 for high school pregame then go back ot the Gophers after the Flyer football game tonight.
HS FB= Pierz vs. Holdingford at Sauk Centre tonight 7pm 94ROCKS
HS FB= Upsala/Swanville at Maple Lake tonight 7pm on Q92 WYRQ
TODAY IN HISTORY
IN 1752= the Julian Calendar ceased and the new Gregorian Calendar went into effect which is still used today in 2021.
IN 1789= the U.S. Treasury Department was established by Congress
IN 1901= Vice-President Theodore Roosevelt gave his famous Speak Softly and Carry a Big Stick speech, he became President days later