NEWS
--A statement late Sunday from the Minnesota National Guard on the shooting incident Sunday morning stated that the two injured Minnesota National Guard Guardsmen were two adult males, one in their 30’s and one in their 40’s. Their families have been notified. The shooting occurred on or about 4:19am Sunday, as a light colored SUV fired several shots at an Operation Safety Net security team providing neighborhood security. No team members were seriously injured. Two National Guard member did sustain minor injuries from the incident. One Guardsman sustained an injury from shattered glass requiring additional care and was taken to a local hospital to receive treatment for injuries sustained. The other Guardsman received only superficial injuries. No further information is available at this time. "I am relieved to know none of our Guardsmen were seriously injured," said Maj. Gen. Shawn Manke, Minnesota National Guard Adjutant General. "This event highlights the volatility and tension in our communities right now. I ask for peace as we work through this difficult time." The Minnesota National Guard is activated as part of Operation Safety Net, a joint effort among the Minneapolis Police Department, Hennepin County Sheriff's Office, the State of Minnesota and local jurisdictions. The Minnesota National Guard was activated as part of the effort to protect people, freedom of speech and property during the Derek Chauvin trial as well as the aftermath of the police involved shooting of Daunte Wright in Brooklyn Center.
--The Morrison County Commissioners meet today at 9am at the government center boardroom. There will be proclamations for National Crime Victims Rights Week and Vulnerable Adult Abuse Awareness. They will receive reports from the Little Falls Airport, land services, the Initiative Foundation, Sheriff and Public Works at their meeting this morning, where the public is allowed to attend.
--Morrison County Public Health in a statement Monday said that the recent numbers of COVID-19 in the county are now the highest they have been since December. There were 211 active cases on Monday with Little Falls seeing the spike up to 74 cases yesterday, Pierz has dropped to 59, Royalton 32, Randall 15 and Hillman at 11 cases.
--Jury selection was to begin Monday for the trial of a Paynesville man accused of killing his daughter by burning down their mobile home but 48-year-old John Newport instead asked to forgo the jury trial and pleaded guilty yesterday to second degree muder in the death of 22-year-old Jamey Newport who died in the July 2019 fire. The Paynesville Police Department responded to a call from the daughter shortly before 7pm on Tuesday, July 23rd saying her father was pouring gasoline inside their trailer home and was threatening to light it on fire. According to the criminal complaint, following an argument with his daughter, John Newport posted on Facebook that he wanted to burn down the trailer. He allegedly dumped gasoline inside the home and set it on fire. Authorities say Jamey Newport was trapped inside and was screaming. Records show John Newport made multiple attempts to enter the home but was unable to get inside. Officers who arrived at the scene were also unsuccessful in getting the woman out. After the flames were put out, Jamey was taken to Paynesville Hospital where she later died. Newport will be sentenced July 2nd and prosecutors are asking for a minimum sentence of 18 years prisons due to the aggravative factors that led to the burning of the trailer with his daughter inside.
--Little Falls city wide leaf pickup is scheduled for May 8th.
--After 45 witnesses, three weeks of testimony and almost an entire day of closing statements, the jurors in the Derek Chauvin trial will be sequestered until they reach a verdict on each count. Chauvin, a former Minneapolis police officer, is charged with second-degree and third-degree murder, and second-degree manslaughter in the May 25, 2020 death of George Floyd. Bystander video and police body camera footage showed the former Minneapolis police officer kneeling on Floyd for nine minutes and 29 seconds. Prosecutor Steve Schleicher spent nearly two hours delivering the closing argument for the state, telling the jury that Chauvin "betrayed the badge." He told jurors that while Floyd said that day he was "not trying to win," Derek Chauvin was. Schleicher told the jury that they have to consider reasonable doubt, but not "nonsense." In defense attorney Eric Nelson's closing argument, he emphasized to the jury that they cannot convict Chauvin if they see any reasonable doubt. He focused on two arguments: that the Chauvin's use of force was reasonable, and that drug use and underlying heart conditions were significant factors in the cause of death.
--Authorities say a missing St. Cloud woman has been found safe. 35-year-old Alicia Lewis was found in St. Cloud Monday and is working with police on where she has been. Lewis was reported missing late last week after family became concerned for her welfare. She is safe.
--The Little Falls Police Department in the past week has dealt with fraud report of a counterfeit bill at a local credit union, suspicious activity reports, a stolen vehicle report, thefts, erratic driving and assisting the fire department and hospital staff with certain incidents.
--There is another Free Grocery Giveaway today at Living Hope Church north of Little Falls scheduled from 3-5pm. Also there is a scheduled free food distribution event scheduled for Sunday afternoon at St. James Church in Randall. Details were on the church bulletin. If you can help with the distribution Sunday call Al Poser.
POLITICAL NEWS
--Former Minnesota Senator and U.S. Vice President Walter F. Mondale died on Monday at age 93. Mondale was Vice-President under President Jimmy Carter from 1977-1981.
DEATH NOTICES
--Robert E. Holmgren, age 79 of Little Falls formerly of Randall.
--Tommy D. Meece, age 64 of Randall.
--Rose Mary Zak, age 69 of Tuscon, Arizona.
WEATHER
TODAY= partly sunny, scattered snow showers, high near 40.
TONIGHT= scattered snow showers, clearing and colder, low 22.
WEDNESDAY= sunny start, isolated snow showers in PM, high 43.
WED NITE/THURS= temps rise overnight, high near 60 Thursday.
SPORTS
TWINS= Twins will play a straight double-header today in Oakland if all tests of COVID-19 come back negative. Pregame for game 1 is scheduled at 5pm with second game to follow on Q92 WYRQ.
HS= due to yesterdays cold conditions many of the high school softball, baseball, track and golf was postponed. The same is said for today with postponed games due to cold conditions. Check out the updated local sports schedule of games at fallsradio.com click under the news tab and click on local sports for area teams.