NEWS
--On Friday the Central Minnesota Violent Offender Task force executed a search warrant in reference to the distribution of methamphetamine in Central Minnesota. Within the past several months, Investigators from the task force learned that 38-year old Robert Virnig of Hillman was suspected of distributing large quantities of methamphetamine throughout Central Minnesota. On Friday the Central Minnesota Violent Offender Task Force executed a search warrant at Robert Virnigs residence in the 37000 block of Skyview Road in Hillman. The task force made entry to the property along with the assistance of the Morrison County’s Swat Team. Investigators located just over 2 pounds of methamphetamine, a small amount of cocaine, numerous controlled pills, a small indoor marijuana grow, and other items associated with the distribution of controlled substance. Robert Virnig was transported to Morrison County Jail where he is awaiting charges on this case. More arrests are expected in association with this case.
--Little Falls Mayor Greg Zylka spoke on KLTF Monday. Zylka said that the city approved with the Economic Development Authority Friday of a change that had been $5,000 loan with 6 month deferred payments over 18 months with 0% interest, now the city voted to adjust the package and make 50% of the loan be forgivable. The terms will be worked on by City Officials and Community Development, Zylka said some terms were possibily to cut the loan payment in half for the life of the loan and the half would be forgiven or take a different option and shorten the loan itself. This will be put in a memorandum in the near future. Mayor Zylka said if you want to find out more about the loan programs for small businesses call Little Falls City Hall at 616-5500 or Carol Anderson at 632-5466.
--CHI St. Gabriel's Health announced that currently St. Gabriel’s Hospital is testing patients based on the criteria set forth by the Minnesota Department of Health viewable at the following website https://www.health.state.mn.us/diseases/coronavirus/basics.html. CHI St. Gabriel’s, soon, would like to expand the testing to virtually everyone who is symptomatic. They are planning to expand testing to all symptomatic patients as early as this week, but those people will first need to be seen either through telehealth visit or Emergency Department. If you are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19, please schedule to a Telehealth Visit with the Family Medical Center (320-631-7000) or if you are experiencing severe symptoms, please present to the St. Gabriels Hospital Emergency Department. Thank you for your understanding and patience as we navigate together through this pandemic. We will continue to update the public as new information becomes available.
--The latest numbers from the Minnesota Department of Health on Monday show that 3,816 have tested positive for COVID-19 in Minnesota of the 61,268 tests. Of those there are 286 deaths related to the virus, 1,842 are no longer in isolation, 861 were hospitalized 292 are still and 122 in ICU. New age demographics released show that 25% of all who have contracted COVID-19 in Minnesota are over the age of 70 and that 84% of all deaths are from those ages too. The demographic shows 16% between ages 50-59 and also between the ages of 30-39. It drops to 13% for ages 20-29, 40-49 and 60-69 and less than 3% under the age of 19. Morrison County remains at 1 positive case, Stearns has a large jump to 55 cases, other counties, Todd, Mille Lacs, Benton and Cass show no changes to the number of positive cases as of Monday morning's numbers.
--At 1:42pm Saturday the Little Falls Fire Department was dispatched 7513 165th Street in Pike Creek Township on a report of round hay bales and hay wagons on fire. Approximately 24 firefighters responded and were assisted at the scene by the Morrison County Sheriff’s Department. Upon arrival authorities found two hay wagons in the middle of 165th Street loaded with approximately fifteen round bales on fire. They extinguished the fire and the owner removed the wagons and hay from the roadway. The fire department cleared after about 90 minutes on scene. The cause is under investigation.
--This past Saturday fire departments statewide were a drop off site for COVID-19 masks to be delivered to area congregate living facilities. There were approximately 320 masks donated in Little Falls.
--Morrison County Public Works would like to remind farmers that planting crops within road right of way is illegal. State law prohibits plowing, tilling and/or planting in the right of way. They want to prevent any situation where crops block motorists’ vision, create erosion concerns or other safety issues. Maintenance crews will continue crack sealing this week on CSAH 46 west of Pierz, and CSAH 3 in the northwest part of the county. Crews will work in one lane, and control traffic with flaggers. They will also be out sweeping streets and intersections on various roads around the county and continue to blade gravel roads as weather permits. Please use caution around all work crews. As they continue to preserve and maintain Morrison County infrastructure, Public Works employees are practicing social distancing in their travels and at their work sites.
--A Waite Park man died in a motorcycle crash near St. Rosa on Saturday. The incident happened around 9pm on County Road 17 near 425th Street in Millwood Township. The Stearns County Sheriff's Office says 57-year old Patrick Kraker was driving south on County Road 17 when he left the road, drove into an open field, and crashed. Kraker was taken to a hospital where he later died.
--Cancellations starting to affect June events, Moondance Jammin County in Walker cancelled until 2021, Summer Bible School in Pierz from Father Pierz School of Religion June 1st through 5th cancelled. Already announced for this weekend the Greater Minnesota 2 Cylinder club's field days event cancelled, garage sale days and the cleanup day in Randall postponed, the gathering and potluck at Lastrup Sunday cancelled, the scheduled raffle will be drawn out and the winners will be announced by Father David Monday on KLTF.
ENTERTAINMENT NEWS
--Harold Reid of the Statler Brothers died Sunday at the age of 80.
BIRTH ANNOUNCEMENT
--Sam and Courtney Lange of Burtrum, boy on April 25th
DEATH NOTICES
--Jean E. Petersen, age 81 of Little Falls.
WEATHER
TODAY= showers and possible thunderstorms, high 56.
TONIGHT= breezy, showers early, cooler, low 36.
WEDNESDAY= partly cloudy and windy, high 65, low near 40.
THURSDAY= sunny and warmer, high near 70, low near 46.
SPORTS
NFL= After drafting 15 players in the NFL Draft last week the Vikings signed another 12 rookie free agents this past weekend too.