NEWS
--The Morrison County Sheriff’s Office announced, Monday, that a Level 3 sex offender was moving into the area. Travis Kenneth Ahles, 27, will be residing in the vicinity of 160th Avenue and Iris Road, south of Little Falls. Ahles was released from custody on March 25, 2019, after he was convicted on charges related to having sexual contact with a known female teenager. The Sheriff’s Office stated in the release that it was releasing this information pursuant to Minnesota statute because it believes it will enhance public safety and protection. The Morrison County Sheriff’s Office stated that it cannot give out the exact location of where Ahles does or does not reside. It also cannot disclose where he works or goes to school.
--A 50-year-old Hannacroix, New York, man died Friday after his motorcycle struck a retaining wall at Brainerd International Raceway. The Crow Wing County Sheriff’s Office responded to the crash, reported at 3:45pm at BIR, north of Baxter. According to the sheriff’s office, the motorcyclist was participating in a qualifying race as part of the MotoAmerica Superbikes event when he lost control and struck a retaining wall. MotoAmerica announced the driver of the motorcycle was Scott Briody. Briody was a competitor in MotoAmerica’s Stock 1000 class and the accident occurred during the first qualifying session. The sheriff's office reported Briody was pronounced dead at the scene and his body was transported to the Ramsey County Medical Examiner’s Office. All on-track activity was canceled for the remainder of Friday at BIR out of respect for Briody.
--St. Francis Music Center along with the Franciscan Sisters of Little Falls will celebrate National Night Out with on outdoor concert on tonight from 6–8:00pm. National Night Out celebrates community which is a perfect opportunity to celebrate our rural musicians. Performing at the concert will be the St. Francis Percussion Ensemble and St. Francis Orchestras along with other students from the Music Center. Also performing will be singer/songwriter Andy Spofford. This community concert is free and open to everyone. Bring a chair or blanket and enjoy this outdoor event on the west lawn of St. Francis Campus. Some local emergency personnel including those from the Little Falls Fire Department are expected to be there too.
--A 39-year-old Duluth woman was injured Saturday after the motorcycle she rode struck a passing vehicle on Highway 371 in Crow Wing County. The Minnesota State Patrol responded to the crash, reported at 6:12pm in Unorganized Territory, north of Baxter. The driver of the motorcycle, Amy Beth Gallagher, suffered non-life-threatening injuries and was transported to Brainerd Hospital. Gallagher was wearing a helmet at the time of the crash. The SUV driver Holly Ann Usherwood, 38, of Wadena, and passengers Joann Dorothy Hoof, 18, of Pequot Lakes, and Dominic Ray Paulson, 19, of Pine River, suffered no reported injuries in the accident.
--A 54-year-old driver and a 33-year-old passenger, both of Cedar, were injured Sunday after a car struck an SUV on Highway 65 in Aitkin County. The Minnesota State Patrol responded to the crash, reported at 12:23pm in Rice River Township, south of McGregor. According to the report, a 1995 Mercury Grand Marquis was southbound on the highway, south of Highway 27, when it struck a 2013 Chevrolet Equinox traveling the same direction. The driver of the Chevrolet, Leean Mae Wicken, and her passenger, Cassie Lee Bowerman, both suffered non-life-threatening injuries and were transported to Riverwood Healthcare Center in Aitkin. The other driver from St. Paul had no apparent injuries.
--Morrison County Veterans Service Officer Kathy Marshik yesterday called in on KLTF to thank everyone who has been a part of her time at the Veterans Service Officer. Marshik announced earlier this summer that yesterday was her last day in the office as she will work for the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs starting this week. Marshik also announced Kristina VonBerge will be taking over in the Veterans Service Office effective August 15th and Jim and Luann are still in the office to assist those with questions at 320-632-0290.
--A reminder that filings for city elections like Mayor, city council or local school boards that do not have a primary election start today by contacting your local city hall or school district. Primary elections are August 9th for those in races with more than one candidate in a party with a primary like Minnesota House and Senate Seats.
--Senator Paul Gazelka was recognized by the Coalition of Greater Minnesota Cities (CGMC) with the Minnesota Legacy Award on Thursday during the Coalition’s three-day summer conference in Red Wing. This award is given, upon retirement, to legislators who had a particularly positive impact on Greater Minnesota cities during their legislative careers. Sen. Gazelka, a Republican from East Gull Lake, will conclude his tenure in the Legislature after his fifth term in the Minnesota State Senate. Both as a senator and as Senate Majority Leader, Gazelka showed a steadfast commitment to CGMC priorities, particularly Local Government Aid (LGA) and state investments in critical infrastructure. When passing legislation, Sen. Gazelka always prioritized his constituents’ needs over partisan politics. CGMC is a nonprofit, nonpartisan advocacy organization representing over 100 cities outside of the Twin Cities metropolitan area. The Coalition educates legislators about issues important to Greater Minnesota.
--The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources has announced that another Stearns County lake has zebra mussels. The invasive species was found in Lake Koronis near Paynesville. The DNR reported the findings on July 8th after investigating the lake. Zebra mussels compete with native species for food and habitat, can cut the feet of swimmers, and damage boat motors.
--The Little Falls Area Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce their August Employee the Month is Sophie Ngomuo, who works at the Dairy Queen on Haven Road. Congratulations Sophie Ngomuo, Little Falls Area Chamber of Commerce Employee of the month.
ENTERTAINMENT NEWS
--Nichelle Nichols, the actress who played Lieutenant Uhura has died. She played the role all seasons of the original series and in the first six Star Trek Movies from the 1970s-1990s. Nichols was 89 years old.
WEATHER
TODAY= sunny and hot, high 94, heat index values near 100.
TONIGHT= muggy, storms overnight, some heavy rains, low 73.
WEDNESDAY= AM storm, then sunny, breezy, high near 80, low 60.
THURSDAY= sunny skies, not as windy, high 83, low around 66.
SPORTS
TWINS= Gio Urshela hit a walk-off 2 run homer last night as the Twins beat Detroit 5-3 in 10 innings. The Twins and Detroit have game 2 tonight at 6pm on Q92 WYRQ.
TRADE= today is the trade deadline in Major League Baseball for teams to set themselves for the playoffs. The Twins have made some talks about getting relief pitching is some possible trades today.
REGION 8C= Region 8C Baseball Saturday and Sunday on KLTF.