NEWS
--Pierz Schools Superintendent George Weber informed the Pierz School Board recently that Pierz Schools will likely not be making up any of the missed days in January and February from the cold and snow mainly because of the construction that is scheduled immediately after the school year ends. Last week Governor Tim Walz informed schools that canceled classes in late January/early February from the frigid cold temperatures did not have to be made up. Weber said the calendar is built on 172 student contact days at Healy High and 170 at Pioneer Elementary, which is more than many other districts. Plus, the days are longer than average. Weber also stated that odds are we will make up teacher days only. Despite the lost days, Pierz still exceeds the number of minutes the state requires students to be in the classroom. So there would be no funding penalties. Although the weather is a factor, the construction project remains on schedule.
--County Unemployment rates in December have been released. Morrison County had 6.5% unemployment in December. Here is how our other area counties fared for December unemployment rates: Aitken 7.5%, Benton 4%, Cass 6.4%, Crow Wing 4.9%, Mille Lacs 6%, Stearns 3.3%, Sherburne 3.7%, Todd 5.1%, and Wadena 6.8%. The non seasonally adjusted state unemployment rate in December was 3.2% and the same national rate was 3.7%.
--Morrison County Public Works stated that with more snow in the forecast for the upcoming week, it is expected that crews will be out on snow and ice control. When not plowing, maintenance crews will be out removing snow from bridges and intersections around the county. This may include lane closures and flaggers at times. Please drive with caution around snow plows and work zones.
--The Morrison County Sheriff's Office has posted pictures on their Facebook page asking for the public's help in identifying a male subject in the photos posted. The photos are from the Randall laundromat. The vehicle that the subject is believed to be driving is a red or maroon passenger car. If you have any information regarding who that subject might be, please call the Sheriffs Office at (320) 632-9233. The photos were taken last Thursday night. Authorities did not elaborate why they are searching for the man in the pictures.
--Five people were hurt in a three-vehicle crash in Isanti County on Friday. The incident happened on Highway 95 near Wyanett shortly before 9:20am. The Minnesota State Patrol says an SUV and a van were going east on Highway 95 when a cargo van going west crossed the center line. The cargo van hit the SUV and then the van. The driver of the SUV, 79-year-old Gerald Cronquist of Princeton, and the driver of the van, 64-year-old James Strong of Princeton, were taken to Hennepin County Medical Center with life-threatening injuries. A passenger in the SUV, 80-year-old Jacqueline Cronquist of Princeton, as well as the driver and passenger in the cargo van, 69-year-old Edward Vesel and 69-year-old Sharon Vesel of Vadnais Heights, were taken to HCMC with non-life threatening injuries.
--There will be a pep fest this afternoon and send off to the Little Falls Flyer Nordic Ski Team as they head to Biwabik for the state tournament on Thursday. The boys team and Katie Corbett of the girls teams will compete at state this week.
--Another day of spin outs and accidents across central Minnesota Monday and more is expected today, so please drive with caution.
--Congratulations to Pierz Healy High School Junior Katie Schaefer for being chosen as a MSHSL state recipient for the 2019 ExCEL award. Profiles of each Recipient we be aired throughout the broadcast of the winter tournaments. Katie will be honored at Halftime on March 16th at 2:00pm during the state Girls Basketball tournament.
--Morrison County Child Care Provider of the Year nominations are now being accepted. If you are using or observing a licensed child care home in Morrison County and feel that the provider is deserving of such a nomination, visit their Facebook page at Morrisoncoutyprovideroftheyear or send a letter explaining what special qualities he/she has and why you feel that the provider should be considered as the Provider of the Year for Morrison County. Send your nominations in by March 1st to Jessica Nutz, 140 East 6th Street Randall, MN 56475 or email them to Morrisoncountypoy@yahoo.com.
--On Friday the Central Minnesota Violent Offender Task Force, executed a search warrant at 304 3rd Street SE in Melrose. During the search warrant, investigators seized approximately 3.7 pounds of methamphetamine and close to $6,000 U.S. Currency. As a result of the search warrant, 22-year old Juan Morales Alvarez from Melrose, was arrested as he was leaving the residence. Alvarez was arrested on 1st degree controlled substance charges and brought to Stearns County Jail. More arrests are expected as a result of this case.
--A fire destroyed a home in Stearns County on Sunday. Around 7:35pm authorities responded to the 57-year old Gary Johnson's residence at 21157 Elkview Circle in Munson Township. The home was occupied by 54-year old Margueritte Johnson and 16-year old Jonathan Cable both of Richmond. The caller stated her one bedroom with a loft style residence was on fire. The residence and its contents are considered a complete loss. The cause of the fire is unknown.
--Minnesota's 8th District Congressman Pete Stauber, R-Duluth, has been appointed to serve as a member of the U.S. House Transportation and Infrastructure's Subcommittee on Highways and Transit, Subcommittee on Railroads, Pipelines, and Hazardous Materials, and Subcommittee on Aviation. One of Stauber's goal while in office is to improve the infrastructure of the country's roads, bridges and highways including those in greater Minnesota.
BIRTH ANNOUNCEMENTS
--Jebidiah and Josey Duffey of Onamia, girl on February 6th
--Josh and Julie Athman of Pierz, girl on February 8th
DEATH NOTICES
--Marie T. Pohlkamp, age 93 of Buckman.
WEATHER
TODAY= snow likely, 3-5 inches by tonight, high 23.
TONIGHT= snow ending, clearing and colder, low -4, wind chills -25.
WEDNESDAY= partly sunny, high 13, low around 0, snow late night.
THURSDAY= snow likely 1-3 inches, high 21, low around 10.
SPORTS
HS GHK= Sartell-St. Stephen at Brainerd/Little Falls in round 2 of the Section playoffs tonight at 7pm on Q92 WYRQ.
HS BBB= Holdingford at Pierz tonight 7pm on FM94 KFML.
TWINS= Twins pitchers and catchers report to camp in Florida tomorrow with first exhibition game scheduled for Feb 23rd.