NEWS
--Since the last social media post last Friday by the Morrison County Sheriffs Office which was addressed yesterday on the newsletter, there has been another suspected overdose in the city of Little Falls. Law enforcement continues to educate, enforce and do everything within their means to address the opioid crisis, but they need EVERYONES help. For people fighting addiction, please seek help immediately. Everyone needs to know that there is help out there and no one has to battle this disease alone. You will not face judgment from those who are here to help you, as this is something too difficult to fight on your own. Fentanyl is deadly and killing too many people. If you are reading this and need assistance, please call the numbers listed below. You can call the Sheriff at (320) 632-0189, or the Chief of Little Falls Police at (320) 639-2302. We will be more than happy to guide you in the right direction. Morrison County Health and Human Services- (320) 632-2951, Effective Living Center- (320) 632-3166, Northern Pines- 1 (833) 316-0698, Restoring Hope- (320) 639-2193 x1, National Hotline for Substance Abuse- 1-800-662-4357 or the use of Fast-Tracker which is Minnesota’s free, easy to use tool designed to connect searchers with resources and services. For more information, call Fast-Tracker-(651) 426-6347. Otherwise again please reach out if you need assistance from law enforcement as they continue to try and get these very dangerous drugs off the streets by calling 320-632-9233 or also Little Falls Police at 320-616-5570.
--A Paynesville man accused of breaking into a home, brandishing a gun, and firing shots at one of the victims has changed his plea to guilty. 33-year-old Elliot Barg pleaded guilty earlier this month to one count of 2nd degree assault with a dangerous weapon. He'll be sentenced at the end of February. Three other charges are expected to be dismissed at that time. Police responded to a gun complaint at a home in the 30-thousand block of County Road 28 in Paynesville Township last February. A woman said she was estranged from her husband, had changed the locks on the house, and that Barg was living elsewhere. She told officers that she had spent the night at the home with another man. Barg burst into the home at 6am the next morning holding a handgun. She said he chambered a round and said it was time for the man to leave. The victim quickly put on his shoes, got into his vehicle, and started leaving. Court records show Barg aimed the gun at the man's vehicle and fired three shots. Barg is then accused of following the victim until the victim pulled into the police department. Officers later found Barg at his job and arrested him. Police say they found a 9mm handgun on Barg and used a search warrant to match shell casings found at the scene to those found in a fish house where Barg had been living.
--Rose Surma of Oasis Central Minnesota said they will continue today through Thursday 9am-3pm and Friday 9am-12pm at the historic Courthouse in Little Falls to wrap gifts for anyone who wishes to give a monetary donation to help Oasis Central Minnesota in their feed the hungry quest this week. Questions call Rose at 632-9140.
--First United Church (across from the Hospital and Convent) will be having their Longest Night/Blue Christmas Service on the shortest day of the year tomorrow (Wednesday, December 21st) at 7pm. The service is for those who have a hard time during the holiday season, maybe the loss of loved ones, hardships or sadness. The service will be of remembrance, solemn times and music. All are invited to attend or it can be viewed on the church's Facebook page.
--Congratulations to Pierz Healy High School Junior Kaden Kroll of the Pierz FFA Chapter who was the recipient of the SAE (Supervised Agriculture Experience) Support Grant of $1,000. There were applicants from all over the nation (nearly 1,300) and Kaden was selected for his maple syrup business that he wants to start up and then sell it at farmer's markets. The grants were established to help FFA members, work toward and start a business in an agriculture related source and help with their overall experience in it.
--St. Cloud Police have sent out a warning of counterfeit $20 bills being distributed at area businesses. Two were passed around at a local business on Highway 10 south of St. Cloud, another was passed at a larger big box store on Highway 10 north of St. Cloud. Police also stated that packages being stolen are still occurring in St. Cloud and Sartell. If you notice suspicious activity please call police.
--A St. Cloud woman suffered non life threatening injuries in a one vehicle accident Thursday night. At 10:10pm 32-year old Magalo Gabow Jimale was southbound on Highway 23 in Stearns County. Jimale lost control, slid off the roadway into the ditch and struck a utility pole. Jimale was taken to St. Cloud Hospital for her injuries.
--Last weekend #1 South Dakota State and #3 North Dakota State won their semifinal games in the Football Championship Subdivision (FCS). They will play each other for the National Championship at 1pm on January 8th in Frisco, Texas. While each team has numerous players from Minnesota, NDSU has more from our area. Players from the Central Minnesota region include for South Dakota State University Bo Donald, an Offensive Lineman from Kimball. The rest are on the North Dakota State University Roster: Nathaniel Staehling, Linebacker from Baxter; James Kaczor Linebacker from St. Cloud; John Kaczor, Defensive Tackle of St. Cloud; Brayden Weber, Linebacker from Becker; Hunter Poncius Offensive Tackle of Buffalo; Brandon Westburg, Center of Cambridge; Jacob Streit, Tight End of Watkins; Noah Gindorff, Tight End of Crosby; and Finn Diggins, Tight End of Perham. Good luck to all the area athletes in this game.
--Mary of Lourdes Middle School has rescheduled their middle school Christmas program today at 1:30pm and again at 5:30pm.
DEATH NOTICES
--Alphonse “Al” Weber, age 89 of Little Falls.
--Kody Lee Stiller, age 29 of Rice formerly of Little Falls.
WEATHER
WINTER STORM WATCH BEGINS AT 6AM WEDNESDAY AND LASTS UNTIL SATURDAY, ALSO A WIND CHILL WATCH BEGINS AT 6PM THURSDAY UNTIL NOON ON SATURDAY.
TODAY= sunny and cold, high around 0, wind chills near -15.
TONIGHT= cloudy skies, low -15, snow will begin toward morning.
WEDNESDAY= snow likely 3-5 inches during day, high -3.
WED NIGHT= snow likely another 1-3 inches, low around -8.
THURSDAY= light snow early then gusty winds, high -4, with wind chills on Thursday around -15 to -30, even colder on Friday.
SPORTS
HS BHK= Little Falls at Brainerd tonight 7:15pm on Q92 WYRQ.
HS BBB= Milaca at Little Falls tonight 7:15pm on 94ROCKS.
DB HEAD= There will be a double-header of boys and girls basketball on Thursday from Pierz. Crosby Ironton at Pierz Boys first at 5:45pm then Holdingford at Pierz girls scheduled for just after 7:30pm on Thursday. Both games live on 94ROCKS 94.1FM.