NEWS
--The 26th Annual Sobieski and Swanville Lions Club Fishing Contest is this Saturday on Long Lake in Swanville. Over 10,000 dollars in prizes, fishing 12-3pm, fish prizes for largest fish, prizes for kids, then a raffle will be held in Sobieski at 6pm on Saturday with tickets for $5 and the grand prize is $2,500 cash along with many other prizes from area businesses and groups. Tickets are available by any member of the Swanville and Sobieski Lions to be used for their many community functions the Lions work with.
--Two people were killed in a two-vehicle crash in Elk River. The Minnesota State Patrol says it happened at about 5:30 p.m. Sunday at the intersection of Highway 169 and 221st Avenue Northwest in Elk River. A pickup driven by 42-year-old Wesley Cemenski of Princeton was going south on Highway 169 in the left lane. Meanwhile, a car was trying to cross the highway. The car pulled out and was struck sending both vehicles off the road, and striking a sign. The 77-year-old man driving the car and his 68-year-old woman passenger died in the crash. Their names have not been released yet. Cemenski had non-life threatening injuries.
--Continuing his goal of ending childhood obesity, fitness specialist Jake Steinfeld, chairman of the National Foundation for Governors' Fitness Councils, kicked off 2019 by selecting Minnesota for its 2019 DON'T QUIT! Campaign. The foundation will deliver a DON'T QUIT! fitness center to three schools for demonstrating leadership in getting and keeping students fit. The nomination period is now open and will run through March 22nd. To nominate a school, fill out the application at natgovfit.org/nominate-your-school/ and include an essay or video.
--The Sherburne County Sheriff's Office has identified a Big Lake couple that were found dead in their home Tuesday. Deputies say 66-year-old Michael Knox and 68-year-old Shirley Knox were found on Adams Avenue in Big Lake shortly before noon. A family member called police to report they hadn't been able to reach the couple for several days. Sherburne County Sheriff Joel Brott says preliminary autopsy results show that there was no trauma to either person and no signs of violence.
--Two dogs died in a house fire in Watkins. The Meeker County Sheriff's Office says the call came in just before 5:00 p.m. Thursday for a fire in the 100 block of Meeker Avenue South. There were two people in the home when the fire started. They were able to get out safely. However, 29-year-old Rusty Staten, who was renting the home, says two family dogs died.
--The Brainerd Fire Department responded to several calls last week. On Wednesday: Called at 10:46 a.m. to a dryer fire at the Mid-Minnesota Women's Center, 1414 Maple St. Upon arrival, the fire was out and ventilation was performed. At 5:02pm to Minnesota T's, 822 Front St., to a report of a fire. Upon arrival, it was determined to be a burned electrical fixture. No fire was found. At 7:06pm to Nisswa Sanitation, 14099 Highway 210, for a garbage truck on fire. Fire was extinguished. On Thursday they were called at 5:39am to Clearwater Apartments, 6889 Clearwater Road, for a fire alarm. Upon investigation, it was determined to be unfounded and called at 4:19pm to a vehicle crash at the intersection of Pine and Southeast 15th streets. Firefighters were canceled en route. There were no injuries in the crash.
--Little Falls City Council meets tonight 7:30 at City Hall.
--A reward is being offered for information regarding a suspect believed to be armed and dangerous. Multiple felony warrants have been issued for the apprehension of 29-year old Michael Dale Eilola Jr. from Anoka for failing to appear at a hearing in Stearns County. Eilola is described as white, 6'2”, 220 pounds, with brown hair and green eyes. Eilola has already been convicted in 2014 for criminal sexual conduct in the 4th degree. He is a registered predatory offender. Based on social media accounts, it is assumed he has been attending youth activities in St. Cloud, Sauk Rapids, Sartell and Waite Park area. He has been seen driving multiple vehicles usually loaned out to him by associates or family members. He has relatives and known associates in Bloomington, Minneapolis, Brooklyn Park and St. Paul ares. Eilola is presumed to be armed and dangerous. Do not try to apprehend yourself. If seen please call 911 immediately.
--The Hubbard County deputy who discharged his firearm during an incident in Nevis on Thursday has been identified. Deputy Seth Kuhn has been in law enforcement for nine years, including the past year with the Hubbard County Sheriff’s Office. In addition, the deputy who was injured when he was fired upon by Bryce Anthony Bellomo during the pursuit has been identified as Deputy Erick Rypkema who has been in law enforcement for 13 years, including the past four with the Hubbard County Sheriff’s Office. On Saturday, the Ramsey County Medical Examiner’s Office identified the three deceased persons. Both 40-year old Heidi Eve Pierce of Akeley and 37-year old Candi Cheryl Goochey of Akeley, died of homicide due to a gunshot wound. 34-year old Bryce Anthony Bellomo of Nevis, died of suicide due to a gunshot wound. The Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (BCA) is investigating the officer involved shooting.
NATIONAL NEWS
--A powerful winter storm will effect over 200-million Americans this week with heavy rains, sleet, ice and snow from coast to coast. As Minnesota braces for snow, some in eastern and southeastern parts of the state over a foot, other parts of the U.S. will see freezing precip from Texas through Missouri causing icy roads then heavy snow of feet not inches forecast east of the Ohio Valley this week.
WEATHER
WINTER STORM WATCH GOES INTO EFFECT WED MORN.
TODAY= sunny skies, high 15, wind chills below zero.
TONIGHT= snow develops after midnight, low 6 above.
WEDNESDAY= snow likely, heavy at times, 4-8 inches is possible during the day, with temps around 22.
WED NIGHT= snow ending, clearing late, low 9 above.
THURSDAY= partly sunny, high 25, low around 10 above.
SPORTS
HS BHK= Little Falls host River Lakes in the opening round of boys hockey playoffs tonight 7pm on Q92 WYRQ.
HS BBB= Pierz host Royalton tonight 7pm on FM94 KFML.
TODAY IN HISTORY
IN 1878= Thomas Edison patents gramophone- later phonograph.
IN 1906= Will Kellogg introduces Corn Flakes cereal in Michigan.
IN 1913= Cracker Jack introduced- with a prize inside the box.
IN 1971= Paul McCartney and Wings released their first studio album