NEWS
--Little Falls City Administrator Jon Radermacher spoke yesterday on KLTF and stated that the 4th Street Project started last week and will be working in multiple phases into next year for a few reasons, one to limit the disruptions and blocking of the roads as much as possible but also due to the unfortunate use of supply and demand and cost of construction and that is the reason that the work will be in five phases lasting into mid-summer 2023 along with funding from the County and Public Works that will also be working on 4th street with city crews during the next year. More roadwork is going on at a number of residential roads across the city so please slow down in work zones. Radermacher also made the announcement that it looks like that the local option sales tax question will not be on the ballot this November as the Legislature is likely not coming back for the reasons of the bonding bill or questions like the sales tax option for the city of Little Falls so for now it will not be on the ballot until likely 2024. Also that means also the community center idea is also on hold and the train realignment ideas for the railroad in Little Falls is also on sold until discussion can start again with the State Legislature in the near future. The railroad project could not be up to another 5-6 years before any work could start on it. Radermacher said they are also addressing upgrades to the Little Falls City Hall building, Water Treatment building and the Fire Hall at recent meetings with the council. Radermacher also stated that a letter will be sent out in the upcoming weeks on the recent elections in Little Falls and where to vote with the redistricting changes for Ward 1 and 2 changing their demographics for the November election. Any questions on contact City Hall at 320-616-5500.
--A 23-year-old man died Saturday, after he lost control of his 2021 CAN AM Maverick off highway vehicle and crashed into a tree. Cass County Sheriff’s Office responded to the crash at 10:28am in Shingobee Township near Akeley. According to the report, the off highway vehicle lost control on the roadway, entered the ditch, struck an oak tree and caught fire. Deputies arrived on scene and met with the reporting party, who was traveling on Lake Alice Road when the crash scene was discovered. The male driver was located inside of the vehicle and was deceased upon arrival. The initial investigation indicates that the male was operating the vehicle alone during the previous evening, with the crash occurring sometime after midnight. The name of the deceased has not been released and the crash remains under investigation.
--Recently 250 arrests were made in the Twin Cities for Street Racing on many roadways. The street racing problem is not just the Twin Cities was also problem in St. Cloud. Stearns County Attorney Janelle Kendall in a statement Monday said She says the problem spawned out of the pandemic in St. Cloud but says it is "tightened up" in St. Cloud thanks to efforts from the St. Cloud Police Department. Kendall says it takes a lot of resources to attack street racing, police used "massive coverage" with law enforcement in the area with pole cameras up, and focusing attention in the targeted areas. Over the past holiday Kendall said a number of citations were issued for speeding in forms of racing and she is working on making street racing crimes in the county more of a maximum fine or penalty that is currently under the basic driving charges for offenders right now.
--The Upsala Upstage Players are performing “Brigadoon” later this month July 22-25th in Upsala with evening shows and a Sunday matinee. Get more details today on Party Line at 10:05 on KLTF.
--The Morrison County Fair was discussed on KLTF Party Line Monday. The Fair will be July 21st through the 23rd at the fairgrounds east of Little Falls. This year the Gopher State Carnival is back all three days with wristbands available each of the days and nights at different sections and presale are at Coborn's in Little Falls. There is a first time bulls and barrels rodeo that Saturday at 2pm with presale tickets also available at Coborn's, Fleet Supply and Taco John's. Grandstand shows each night tough tuck, truck pull and demolition derby, music will be all afternoon and into the night from many local and regional bands. Bean Bag tournament Friday, Kids Pedal Pull on Thursday both at 6pm those nights, kids day on Saturday, classic tractors Thursday and classic cars on Friday all at the Morrison County Fair and listen to KLTF Party Line live at the Morrison County Fair next Thursday and Friday at 10am on AM960.
--Thirty-eight-year-old Elijah Sharks Jr. of St. Louis was arrested early Friday morning after a witness reported his erratic driving to the St. Cloud Police. The witness said he saw Sharks hit a curb, stop at a green light, and then "floor it" through the intersection. The man followed Sharks to give live updates on Sharks' location to the dispatcher. Court records show at one point, Sharks got out of his car, yelled at the witness about following him, and briefly pointed a handgun at him. Officers made a traffic stop after spotting Sharks in the area of 33rd Avenue South and 2nd Street South. Officers determined Sharks was showing signs of impairment and arrested him. Police allegedly found a loaded handgun in the back pocket of the front passenger seat. Sharks was booked into the Stearns County Jail where officers say he refused to take a breath test. He is charged with felony threats of violence, refusal to submit to a test, and DWI. Court records show Sharks has a previous DWI convictions from his time in Missouri dating back to 2019.
--The Annual Community Garden Walk is scheduled for Wednesday this week from 3-8pm. This is a showcase of the grounds and garden at Linden Hill in Little Falls. Cost is $10 and is a fundraiser for Linden Hill. For more information on the event and what it entails, you can reach out to Linden Hill at 320-616-5580.
BIRTH ANNOUNCEMENT
--Travis and Sarah Kahl of Pierz, a baby girl born July 10th.
DEATH NOTICES
--Donald E. Holmstrom, age 92 of Little Falls.
--Fred Olerich, age 76 of Eagan.
--Joyce (Schnoor) McDonald, age 73 of Randall.
--Adam Gall, age 36 of Pierz.
--Thomas V. Surma, age 94 of St. Joseph formerly of Randall.
WEATHER
TODAY= partly cloudy, storms possible 3-8pm, high 80.
TONIGHT= clearing after early storm, low 57.
WEDNESDAY= sunny and less windy, high 80, low near 60.
THURSDAY= sunny and warm, high 88, strong storms at night.
SPORTS
TWINS= Twins open series with Milwaukee tonight, pregame begins at 6pm on Q92 WYRQ. Twins learned Sunday that Byron Buxton and Luis Arreaz will be heading to Los Angeles for the All Star Game as American League reserves on July 19th.
GOLF= LF Radio took 12th place yesterday at Chamber Golf Outing.