NEWS
--Morrison County Administrator Matt LeBlanc spoke on KLTF yesterday and said that 2023 was a very good year where they completed their full construction projects and carry overs from 2022. They did a bridge safety inspections and keep to put a plan in place for next year to work on and formalize their 2024 plan. Little Falls City Administrator Jon Radermacher also spoke on KLTF and completed all their 2023 projects and started on a few 2024 projects like the golf course project to get worked on and home to be ready for golf season next year. Next year the large project will be on 4th Street Northeast being closed most of 2024, they will be starting on the child care center adjacent to Lincoln Elementary and environmental and planning will go into full force on the rail-grade separation on moving the highway off of the railroad tracks but that is still 2-3 years in the future and construction hopefully to start in the next 5 year. LeBlanc stated that Association of Minnesota Counties recognized Morrison County was the outstanding county for workers compensation division for 2023 showed top rating of loss control, risk management, claims administration and responsiveness and LeBlanc said that goes to this team and leadership roles. Morrison County was the only county out of the 87 in the state to receive this award. Radermacher mentioned an event on Friday where residents of Little Falls and the surrounding area are invited to a community discussion about their drinking water on Friday from 6-8pm in the Council Chambers at Little Falls City Hall. Refreshments and childcare will be provided and the first 25 participants will receive a $50 gift card for their time. This conversation, hosted by Clean River Partners, the City of Little Falls, Freshwater, and the University of Minnesota, is part of a statewide series of discussions on drinking water sponsored by the Minnesota Department of Health. These discussions will be used to provide input for an assessment about the 2024-2034 State Drinking Water Plan. Both Radermacher and LeBlanc wish all the best this holiday season and if you have questions for call Little Falls City Hall or the Morrison County Government Center.
--A passing motorist spotted a large building on fire south of Backus and firefighters from seven area departments worked through the night to contain the blaze. The fire was reported at 12:52am Saturday on Highway 371 in Pine River Township. When deputies and responders arrived they found a large building on fire at Sawyer Timber Co. Mutual aid and assistance from nearby fire departments was requested and firefighters worked to contain the fire to the main shop building at the business. The shop and its contents were a total loss. The fire and its cause remain under investigation with the assistance of the State Fire Marshal's Office.
--The former Benton County attorney charged with criminal sexual conduct following allegations he sexually assaulted a minor has been acquitted. After a two week jury trial and just a few hours of deliberation, Phil Miller was found not guilty of all charges. Miller’s then stepdaughter said he came into her room and touched her inappropriately on several occasions. He was charged with one count of second degree criminal sexual conduct involving a significant relationship with a victim under 16 and two counts of fourth degree criminal sexual conduct. Miller’s complaint was amended in 2023 to two counts of second degree criminal sexual conduct involving a significant relationship with a victim under 16. Miller announced his retirement in 2022 from the Benton County Attorney's Office.
--The Minnesota Department of Agriculture confirmed emerald ash borer in Morrison County for the first time. There are now 46 counties in the state, including Morrison, with emerald ash borer. A suspected emerald ash borer infestation was reported at a campground in Genola. Emerald ash borer larvae were later found, and samples were collected by Minnesota Department of Agriculture staff. Federal identification confirmed the samples as emerald ash borer. Minnesota Department of Agriculture staff also surveyed other areas in Morrison County and found emerald ash borer near Little Falls. Emerald ash borer was first discovered in Minnesota in 2009. The insect larvae kill ash trees by tunneling under the bark and feeding on the part of the tree that moves nutrients up and down the trunk.
--The Annual honor wreath placement at the Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery north of Little Falls will take place this Saturday. The event will begin at 11am by the cemetery’s Flagpole Assembly Area. You are encouraged to arrive early to ensure they have time to park and travel to the ceremony site. There will be a brief ceremony, followed by volunteers being released to burial sections to place honor wreaths on every headstone. Due to the limited parking space available, the cemetery asks that volunteers carpool, if possible. Also if you plan to volunteer dress for the weather, the whole event is done outdoors on Saturday for the wreath laying ceremony.
--Monday marked the 25th anniversary of the gas explosion in downtown St. Cloud. The incident happened at 11:40am on December 11th, 1998. Four people died and 11 others were hurt in the blast. Six businesses were destroyed including Ballatini's Pizza which is where the explosion happened. Tom's Bar and Book 'Ems Bar were also destroyed. Other businesses demolished included L. Michael Law Office and Bartsch Bail Bonds. The explosion which was caused by a worker puncturing an underground gas pipeline, caused about $400,000 in damage. The portion of the block where the explosion happened was never redeveloped. It is now owned by the county and most of it is used as a parking lot for the businesses.
--Morrison County Sheriff Shawn Larsen stated that their office is so grateful for all the First Responders who volunteer in their communities. These people put others before themselves. Recently there was a big Congratulations given to Stephanie Fyten for 40 years of service as a first responder. Thank you for the years of service.
BIRTH ANNOUNCEMENT
--Michaela DeLong of Little Falls, a baby boy born December 7th.
DEATH NOTICES
--Bonnie Marie Litke, age 67 of Brainerd formerly of Harding.
WEATHER
TODAY= sunny skies, cooler temps, high 24.
TONIGHT= cloudy skies, low near 10 above.
WEDNESDAY= partly cloudy skies, high 35, low near 23.
THURSDAY= sunny skies, mild and breezy, high 44, low 32.
SPORTS
GBB= Pierz at Albany tonight at 7:15pm on 94ROCKS KFML.
NFL= Vikings wide receiver Justin Jefferson is listed as day to day after bruised ribs in the game Sunday vs. Las Vegas. The Vikings take on Cincinnati Saturday at noon on AM960 KLTF.