NEWS
--On Saturday at approximately 12:44pm, the Crow Wing County Dispatch Center received a report that a utility terrain vehicle (UTV) had broken through the ice on the Daggett Channel in Crosslake. It was reported one of the two occupants from the UTV was still in the water and was hanging onto the side of the ice; the second occupant was out of the water. The Crosslake Fire Department responded and was able to get both occupants from the UTV out of the water and off the ice. The Crosslake Fire Department advised the firefighter, who was wearing the water rescue suit, also broke through the ice while pulling one of the occupants off the ice. Both occupants, a 69 year old male and a 64 year old female, were assisted to shore by the Crosslake Fire Department. During the investigation, the driver of the UTV advised he and his passenger where driving to a fishing location when the UTV broke through the ice. The driver also stated he had driven the UTV near the same location the previous weekend and thought the ice would still be safe. With the recent warm temperatures, along with the recent wet snow and rain, the ice conditions appear to have deteriorated in various locations on area lakes. A reminder to the public to use extreme caution when taking part in recreational activities on area lakes.
--The Willmar Police Department says a homicide investigation is underway after a 41-year-old man suffered an apparent indirect "penetrating wound" to the chest. Police initially responded to a medical emergency on Friday around 8pm. on the 1000 block of 4th Street Southwest, where they located the man and his family. Police say his family witnessed the incident and described the moment the man "suddenly collapsed" while working in his garage. Willmar PD says emergency responders uncovered the "penetrating wound" to the man's chest upon further inspection. The man was taken to Carris Hospital where efforts were made to save his live, though he was later pronounced dead, according to police. The victim was identified as David Delfosse, 41, of Willmar. Investigators combing the scene later located a bullet hole in the wall of the garage where the man was working, and determined by the bullet's trajectory that it originated from an area off the man's property. A full medical autopsy is being conducted. Willmar PD says a SWAT team executed a search warrant at a nearby home on Saturday, in which no arrests were made. Although the case is being investigated as a homicide, authorities say they do not believe the victim was directly targeted. No further information has been released at this time, and this remains an active investigation.
--The Catholic Charities Mardi Gras celebration; an event that raises money for two important events for Catholic Charities; Catholic Charities Emergency Services, which provides food, warm clothing and financial assistance to help people in need get back on their feet; and Catholic Charities Domus Transitional Housing, which provides temporary, service enriched, shared living transitional housing for mothers and their children, this year, like many other things, is going to be virtual. The Mardi Gras celebration will be held this coming Saturday, with a pre show beginning at 7 pm, program at 7:30pm, and silent auction ending at 9 pm. The silent auction will be open this Wednesday, January 20th at noon. The event is free to attend online with the silent auction their fundraising part at ccstcloud.org.
--The Minnesota State Fair announced they are going ahead with plans for the fair this August and September as scheduled. There will be new guidelines and likely more restrictions when they do reopen.
--Governor Tim Walz announced that state officials are launching a pilot program at nine locations around Minnesota, preparing for the second wave of COVID-19 vaccinations when more vaccine is available. Officials say a small number of doses will be available for those age 65 and over, plus pre-K through grade 12 educators, school staff and child care workers. There is a very limited supply of COVID-19 vaccine in Minnesota, and despite promises from the Trump administration of additional allocations, Minnesota has not yet received an increase in weekly doses. Governor Tim Walz has repeatedly called on the federal government to purchase more vaccine. The federal government has been giving mixed messages on vaccine availability and guidance, and we need them to step up and get more vaccine to the state. When they do, we will be ready. The announcement yesterday expands the priority populations eligible for a vaccine right now. Additional details on Phase 1b are dependent on decisions to be made by the federal government and will be available in the weeks ahead. Pilot locations will begin offering vaccines on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday. Appointment scheduling begins around noon Tuesday at mn.gov/vaccine. Locations include Anoka, Brooklyn Center, Fergus Falls, Marshall, Mountain Iron, North Mankato, Rochester, St. Cloud and Thief River Falls.
--Governor Tim Walz also has ordered flags at half-staff today to remember all you have died of COVID-19 this was established last year to be done on the 19th of each month. The governor as also asked that a candle be lit in windows to remember the dead.
--The State Website Monday reported 980 new cases and 12 new deaths linked to the virus. Due to being a holiday and coming off a weekend the numbers are lower with less reporting yesterday. Morrison County had 3 new cases on Monday's report.
--The Pierz Knights of Columbus announced that due to indoor restrictions they have decided to move the Buffalo Feed and Raffle to Saturday, May 22nd at the Pierz Ballroom. Raffle tickets that were purchased already are still good for the drawing and tickets can still be purchased for both events. Now it will be May 22nd in Pierz.
ENTERTAINMENT NEWS
--1960s music producer Phil Spector reportedly died January 16th at the age of 81. He was currently serving a prison term for murder.
DEATH NOTICES
--Donald A. Kainz, age 80 of Rice formerly of Harding.
WEATHER
TODAY= mostly cloudy, snow showers possible, high 12.
TONIGHT= cloudy skies, low near 0f early then rising temps overnight
WEDNESDAY= cloudy skies, warmer, high 37, low 21 but breezy.
THURSDAY= sunny skies, high near 30 then falling, gusty cold winds.
SPORTS
HS BHK= Princeton at Little Falls tonight 7pm on Q92 WYRQ.
HS BBB= Pierz at Little Falls tonight 7pm on FM94 KFML.
NFL= Kansas City Head Coach Andy Reid stated Monday that if the NFL did not have the concussion protocols they have in place Patrick Mahomes likely would have returned to the game Sunday as he was feeling better by the time he ran into the back to get tested. Reid feels Mahomes will be ready to play Sunday night against the Buffalo but understands that the NFL doctors will make that official decision.