NEWS
--A potential large winter storm is expected from the central Plains tomorrow and last through Thursday over most of Minnesota. A Winter Storm Watch goes into effect Wednesday night and lasting through Friday morning. Snow heavy at times late Wednesday night with thunder likely through Thursday and Thursday night with snow dropping 1-2 inches per hour in many parts of the state. Snow totals are expected in the southern two-thirds of the state including Little Falls, St. Cloud and Brainerd to reach 10-15 inches Wednesday through Thursday night with even heavier amounts in many areas by Friday morning. Also gusty winds will be a factor with wind gusts over 40mph beginning late Wednesday. Travel advisories are being posted on the MNDOT website for the next few days. The light at the end is that temperatures are expected to reach 50 and above by next week.
--Public Works is expecting to be back plowing snow on Thursday and Friday of this week as another winter storm is in the forecast. Please use caution around snowplows and give them plenty of room to work. Maintenance crews will continue crack sealing this week on CSAH 1 (south of State Highway 27), County Road 274 as weather permits. Crews will work in one lane, and control traffic with flaggers. Please use caution around work crews. Crews will also be out sweeping streets and intersections on various roads around the county which will include Randall, Buckman and Pierz. Maintenance workers will also continue patching potholes around the county.
--The Morrison County Sheriff's Office along with the National Child Safety Council is sending out a reminder to please educate yourself on methamphetamine, since it’s still a problem throughout Minnesota and here locally. The Mexican Cartels are producing cheap methamphetamine which is getting into the wrong hands and neighborhoods throughout Minnesota. Information has been provided on the sheriff's office facebook page, and if you notice suspicious activity or the behaviors from the information provided, please do not hesitate to contact authorities. The Morrison County Sheriff’s Office number is (320) 632-9233.
--The Minnesota Department of Transportation is observing National Work Zone Awareness Week April 8-12 to encourage safe driving through highway work zones. The week is an annual spring campaign to coincide with the start of road construction season. MnDOT officially kicked off the construction season April 4, although many construction projects started earlier. The theme for the week is “Drive Like You Work Here,” reminding motorists to use extra caution when driving in work zones. More than 200 active work zones are scheduled throughout the state this construction season. A work zone is defined as any area where highway construction, maintenance or utility work is being done. Work zones are identified by warning signs, signals, barriers, pavement markings and flaggers. In Minnesota, during the past three years, there were 31 fatalities and 123 serious injuries in work zones. The National Work Zone Awareness Week observance is in cooperation with the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials, the Federal Highway Administration and Traffic Safety Services.
--For those in the surrounding area you may have heard the Harding Outdoor Warning Siren Monday afternoon. This was only a test related to maintenance work at the site.
--Congratulations to the Q92 WYRQ and Johnny C's bracket challenge winner Marlene Mallinson who had Virginia who won the National Championship last night. Thanks to all that signed up and participated in the Bracket Challenge. Marlene as the grand prize winner receives now five pairs of tickets to upcoming Minnesota Twins games this season. You can hear Twins Baseball all season long also on Q92 WYRQ.
--The Morrison County Sheriff's Office Emergency Management wants to remind everyone that Severe Weather Awareness Week is this week through Friday. Today the focus topic is Severe Weather, Lightning and Hail. On Thursday, Morrison County will be participating in the Statewide Tornado Drill with sirens being activated at 1:45PM and 6:45PM. Outdoor warning sirens and NOAA Weather Radios will sound in two simulated tornado warnings. The tornado drills allow everyone in the community to practice their emergency plans for tornadoes. The first drill is intended for institutions and businesses. The evening drill is intended for second shift workers and families. There is no such thing as an “all-clear” siren. For more information about severe weather safety and preparedness, please visit the Minnesota Homeland Security and Emergency Management website.
--A St. Cloud man was arrested Friday on suspicion of assaulting another man with a knife. 53-year old Carter Frederick Peterson faces a second-degree felony assault charge. The victim, who had a long laceration on the left side of his face, told police he intentionally met with Peterson to purchase marijuana. The victim said he gave Peterson cash for the marijuana, but Peterson got into a car and never supplied the marijuana. The victim said he confronted Peterson about not getting the marijuana and then Peterson pulled out a knife. The victim said he also pulled out a knife and the fight started. The victim was taken to St. Cloud Hospital after the incident and was not charged as of Monday afternoon.
--Join the St. Francis of Assisi Church south of Upsala for their Journey with Jesus to Calvary which tells the story of Holy Week in the steps of Jesus Christ for Palm Sunday to Easter. Programs at 7pm Wednesday, 7:30pm Friday and Saturday and 1pm on Sunday.
WEATHER
WINTER STORM WATCH WEDNESDAY NIGHT AT 7PM LASTING THROUGH 10AM FRIDAY MORNING.
TODAY= sunny skies, high near 50.
TONIGHT= partly cloudy, low around 28.
WEDNESDAY= rain by afternoon, high near 40, winds pick up.
WED NITE= snow likely 1-3 inches, low around 30.
THURSDAY= snow, heavy at times with thunder, 5-10 inches during the day with another 4-6 at night, high near 30, low near 27.
SPORTS
LF= Little Falls High School Senior Grant Litke signed a national letter of intent Monday morning to participate in wrestling at the University of Mary in Bismarck, North Dakota. Grant is the son of Steve and Laurie Litke.
NCAA= Virginia is the National Champions in Mens' Basketball as they defeated Texas Tech Monday night 85-77 in the championship last night at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis.
TWINS= Twins after Monday off, are in New York against the Mets tonight with pregame at 5:30pm on Q92 WYRQ.