NEWS
--Morrison County Sheriff's Office reported that a Randall resident was scammed out of $6,272 from a Western Union style scam. A reminder not to give out personal information over the phone. Deputies also responded to fire reports, a chimney fire last Tuesday at 9pm on the 200 block of Main Street in Pierz, house fire reported last Tuesday afternoon 1:50pm on 34000 block of Highway 10 in Motley, a wood stove reportedly started the fire. Deputies with Randall firefighters were called December 30th to a shop fire on the 9300 block of 180th street Little Falls. When they arrived the shed of the shop was on fire. In all cases, no injuries were reported. Deputies also responded to various suspicious activity reports and arrested a 33-year-old in Burtrum on assault charges.
--An accident Sunday closed Highway 210 west of Brainerd through the mid afternoon hours. The State Patrol stated that around 3pm, 66-year-old Nancy Walz of Wadena was traveling westbound on 210 in May Township near Pillager when a pickup came off of a township road and clipped the back end of the Walz vehicle. 64-year-old Ellen McGregor of Staples then overcorrected her vehicle striking the ditch and then launching over a road approach. McGregor and her passenger, 46-year-old Anna North of Kentucky were taken to the Brainerd hospital for injuries. Walz and her young passengers, ages 13 and 9 were not injured in the accident.
--On Sunday at approximately 2:26 PM, the Stearns County Sheriff's Office received a report of a one vehicle accident at County Road 145 and 188th Street in Lynden Township near Clearwater. One vehicle failed to negotiate the curve, entered the ditch and landed upside down in a row of trees. The driver of the vehicle, identified as Tyler Gilbert Abfalter and his two passengers, identified as Kayla Marie Hauwiller and Jaitwan Artez Smith, were transported to the St. Cloud Hospital for further medical evaluation. Excessive speed is believed to be a factor in this crash.
--On Saturday at approximately 6:40am Stearns County Dispatch received a call of a residential fire at 9241 155th St in Maine Prairie township. Kimball Fire Department, Watkins Ambulance along with the Stearns County Sheriff's Office responded. The homeowners noticed an electrical issue in their garage and upon further investigation located a fire in the attic above the attached garage. The homeowner attempted to extinguish the fire and call 911. The homeowners evacuated their 3 children ages 13, 10, and 6. The homeowner was taken to St Cloud Hospital for treatment of smoke inhalation. Damage was contained to the garage.
--Law enforcement officials are concerned about the welfare of a 16-year-old girl missing from her home since mid-November. The Aitkin County Sheriff's Office is looking for assistance in locating Alexis Elling of Onamia. Elling left her home November 11th and has not returned. In the past, Elling has left for short periods of time but always stayed in contact with her mother, the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension reported. In this case, no one has heard from her since she left and authorities are concerned. Alexis is described as 5 feet 1 inch tall and 190 pounds with red hair and hazel eyes. She has tattoos on both arms. Those who think they might have seen Elling or know of her whereabouts are asked to contact the Aitkin County Sheriff's Office at 218-927-7400 or dial 911.
--Dick Knopik of Social Security on Party Line Wed 10am on KLTF.
–The first baby born at St. Gabriel's Hospital in 2018 to parents Beth and Matt Swanson of Upsala. Kaylee Swanson was born on Friday, January 5th at 7:20pm. The Swansons also have a 2 ½ year-old son Evan. Little Falls area businesses donated numerous items and gift certificates for the celebration. Congratulations to Beth and Matt Swanson of Upsala on having St. Gabriel's Hospital first baby in 2018.
--Congratulations to the Chuck Zwilling family for completing the world record ice carousel Sunday night. The carousel took a lot longer to complete then expected which started around 11am Saturday and got was completed around 6:30pm Sunday. Aviation pictures of the carousel have been posted on a number of facebook sites and reportedly the carousel breaks the world record is set around 111 meters. The event was also to donate to the Flyer Pride Pack backpack program at Lindbergh, Lincoln and Dr. S.G. Knight Elementary schools. As of late Monday, there has been over $4,000 in donations to the backpack program. A special thank you to all who took part and gave to the program this past weekend.
--A 21-year-old from North Dakota was injured Sunday night on Interstate 94 near West Union in Todd County. Stephen Holton of Grand Forks attempted to avoid a deer around 9:30pm going off the road and through a fence. Holton was taken to Sauk Centre Hospital.
--Minnesota could see a repeat of smoky skies next summer as huge fires continue in the western United States. State pollution control officials say climate change and years of fire suppression have created the right conditions for the abundance of massive wildfires. smoke can be particularly harmful to those with asthma, chronic bronchitis, emphysema and other breathing conditions. The agency tracks air quality in 17 areas in Minnesota. Last year, the St. Cloud area was under two Air Quality Alerts. They were on September 14th and 15th due to wildfires in the western United States. Statewide, officials issued several air quality alerts in August and September.
--State Senator David Osmek (R-Mound) is suspending his campaign for the office of Minnesota Governor. Sen. Osmek, currently serving his 2nd term in the Minnesota State Senate, will no longer be seeking the Republican endorsement for Governor.
BIRTH NOTICES
--Matt and Beth Swanson of Burtrum, a baby girl Jan. 5th
DEATH NOTICES
--Eldon Walker, age 73 of Little Falls.
WEATHER
WINTER STORM WATCH THURSDAY 12am-3pm.
TODAY= partly sunny and mild, high 36.
TONIGHT= cloudy, temps steady around 30.
WEDNESDAY= drizzle and mist early, then rain/sleet in afternoon changing to snow by Wednesday night 1-3 inches possible, high 38.
WED NITE= snow likely, temps dropping, blowing snow, low 4.
THURSDAY= snow likely another 1-2 inches, cold and windy, high 7.
SPORTS
HS BHK= River Lakes at Little Falls tonight 7:15pm on Q92 WYRQ.
HS GBB= BBE at Pierz tonight 7:30pm on FM94 KFML.
COL FB= Alabama wins National Championship once again by defeated their SEC rival Georgia in overtime 26-23 last night.