NEWS
--Multiple law enforcement sources, as well as next-door neighbors have confirmed the identity of the man who killed two police officers and an EMT before killing himself as Shannon Cortez Gooden. The 38-year-old was prohibited from possessing firearms as the result of a 2008 2nd-degree felony assault with a deadly weapon conviction, according to court documents. Eleven years later, in 2019, Gooden petitioned the court to restore his firearm rights. Gooden wrote in an affidavit, "I would like to be able to protect not only myself but my family as well. I completed an anger management course as well as a parenting course." Gooden noted that he had five children, ranging in age from 11 months to 11 years old when he signed the sworn statement in December 2019, as well as noting that he provided for his girlfriend's two kids who were 8 and 10 at that time. It was reported by Burnsville police that around 2am February 18th Gooden opened fire on first responders from a second-floor window of the house he rented on 33rd Avenue South in Burnsville. Court records show Gooden had two order for protection petitions filed against him, one alleging domestic abuse and the other alleging domestic assault. Many local law enforcement agencies including Morrison County Sheriff's Office and Little Falls Police Department have sent out their hearts and prayers to the families and informed police departments in Burnsville and First Responders in the area of their willing to help if need be during this time of grief as many police cars and other emergency vehicles went through the areas yesterday in honor and remembrance of their fallen colleagues. Also the City of Burnsville is asking people to be aware of scams popping up in the wake of the tragic shooting of three first responders on Sunday. They say, unfortunately, some people are taking advantage of well meaning community members looking to help and posting fake or scam pages. The only official links to donation sites and information on how to help the families involved will be posted on the Burnsville city website as soon as they are available later this week. Twenty-seven-year-old officer Paul Elmstrand, 27-year-old officer Matthew Ruge and 40-year-old firefighter-paramedic Adam Finseth were all shot to death while responding to a call for help at a home early Sunday morning. At least one other officer, Sergeant Adam Medlicott, was also hurt but is expected to recover. If you are receiving calls or emails from sites saying they are helping the families, be aware that many of these are scams and again the city of Burnsville is working with REAL helpers.
--A 25-year-old Bertha man was injured Friday after he rolled his vehicle on Highway 210 in Cass County. The Minnesota State Patrol responded to the crash, reported at 12:04am in Sylvan Township, east of Pillager. According to the crash report, a 2002 Chevy Silverado was eastbound on the highway near Meadowlark Lane when it went off the road, hit a sign and rolled. The driver, Dylan James Horn, suffered non-life-threatening injuries and was transported to Lakewood Health Systems hospital in Staples. The State Patrol reported alcohol was involved in the crash.
--Two people were hurt in a crash near Howard Lake on Sunday. The Minnesota State Patrol says around 12:30pm an SUV driven by 26-year-old Samantha Perovich of Big Lake and a second SUV driven by 16-year-old Lillian Adickes of Howard Lake were both going west on Highway 12 when they collided just east of mile marker 125. Both Perovich and Adickes were treated with non-life-threatening injuries.
--A reminder from the City of Little Falls that March 5th is the Presidential Nomination Primary. An updated ballot can be seen on the Little Falls Radio Facebook page that you would vote on (only for U.S. President) on March 5th at your local polling place. You can find your Election Day Polling Place by visiting the secretary of state's website and click on the pollfinder link for the primary election.
--The St. Cloud Police Department is investigating an incident of shots fired near the Great River Regional Library downtown St. Cloud Saturday afternoon. According to a press release, just before 5pm, officers were called to a report of shots being fired on the 1300 block of West St. Germain Street. When they arrived, no one was around, and no victims were found. Investigators say they believe a man drove into the parking lot, got out of his vehicle and approached another man walking alone through the middle of the parking lot. Both immediately began exchanging gunfire with each other. The incident did not appear to be random. No further details were given, and police say the investigation is active and ongoing.
--An Elbow Lake man has killed his brother, the Grant County Sheriff’s Office said deputies arrested a 30-year-old man shortly after 11pm Sunday in Elbow Lake. The man told 911 dispatchers that he shot his 33-year-old brother. Medical staff who responded to the scene determined the 33-year-old was dead. The sheriff’s office released few details about the shooting, nor did they disclose the names of the dead man or the suspect only that it's an ongoing investigation.
--Gas prices continue to rise ahead of the summer increase and analysts say the trend is expected to continue. Average prices in Minnesota rose 4.4 cents a gallon over the last week now averaging $3.03 a gallon. Prices in Minnesota are 26.9 cents per gallon higher than a month ago. Nationally, the average price went up 8.7 cents a gallon to $3.26. The national average price of diesel fuel went up 10 cents to $4.09 a gallon in the latest reports on gas prices.
--Jimmy Buffett once sang that the big top is like Santa Claus, it only comes around once a year. The same applies to the state fair. Bring an historical artifact of the Great Minnesota Get Together into your home or office through auction. Bids are being taken until 1pm next Tuesday on Carnival rides, the old Kiddy Kar, and vintage circus wagon wheels are just some of the fun, nostalgic items up for grabs. Old agriculture tools and so much more are part of the auction too. Organs and pianos, spotlights, time clocks, and typewriters, even change counters are among the listings. More functional items like pallets and carts are there. Anything that made the fair tick is online now and could be yours. A link to browse the 389 items is here. Winners must pick up their stuff at the State Fairgrounds on February 28th during fair office hours from 10am to 6pm.
WEATHER
TODAY= mostly sunny and mild, high 44.
TONIGHT= partly cloudy skies, low 27.
WEDNESDAY= sunny and warmer, high near 50, low near 30.
THURSDAY= mostly cloudy, breezy, fog, drizzle, high 44, low 21.
SPORTS
HS BHK= Section boys hockey playoffs have quarter-finals tonight around the state, including Princeton at Little Falls tonight at 7pm live on Q92 WYRQ and fallsradio.com. A Flyer win and they would then play on Saturday also that would be live on Q92 WYRQ.
HS GBB= Mora at Pierz tonight 7:15pm on 94ROCKS KFML.