NEWS
--The Pierz Fire Department responded to a fire in a hay shed at the Chuck and Pat Tax residence located at 25162 Hawthorne Road in Pierz. The call came in around 11:55am Thursday and firefighters were on the scene until about 6:30pm. 18 Pierz firefighters battled the blaze while the Little Falls Fire Department was utilized for mutual aid by hauling water. The initial investigation has authorities believing the hay may have been ignited from being baled a bit too wet but the official cause is still under investigation. The shed and all hay inside was destroyed but there were no other structures or animals harmed from the fire. There were no injuries.
--July 1st marked the beginning of $35 million in new funding to expand broadband access in unserved and underserved areas throughout the state. Over the past two years, Assistant Majority Leader Representative Ron Kresha, R-Little Falls, led the charge to approve historic investments in broadband funding totaling $45 million in funding over the next two years—more than double the amount approved in 2013-2014. When combined with federal and private funds, Minnesota is expected to see well over $100 million in broadband investment in the next year alone. Rep. Kresha issued the following statement on the increased funding. "Since joining the legislature, I've worked to provide high-speed internet access to areas in need throughout the state," said Kresha. "This historic funding will provide students, small businesses, and local governments in Greater Minnesota the broadband connection they need to keep pace with the Twin Cities."
--Telephone scams targeting electric utilities typically heat up in the summer and Minnesota Power encourages its customers to be alert and protect themselves. These con artists often demand immediate payment of a past due electric bills stating the power will be
disconnected within the hour if no payment is made. Various directions are given for payment and may include prepaid money cards from Walgreen’s or CVS, electronic funds transfer, routing and check numbers from a bank account, or credit or debit card numbers.
Customers who think they are dealing with a suspicious call are advised to hang up immediately and call Minnesota Power directly at 1-800- 228-4966 to verify their account status and report this illegal activity. Minnesota Power reminds customers of the procedures it follows for accounts with overdue bills: if a customer is behind on a bill, Minnesota Power sends a written notice before service is disconnected. Customers who have not received a disconnect notice in the mail should not engage with anyone on the phone offering to take payment. Instead, customers should hang up and contact Minnesota Power at 1-800- 228-4966 to verify their account status and report the attempted scam.
--The Brainerd police department is notifying the public that a Level 3 Predatory Offender is being released from jail and will be returning to northeast Brainerd on Wednesday. 39-year-old Jordan Koloski is scheduled to be released this week and will return to his residence on Gillis Avenue. He has a history of sexual contact with female victims under the age of 17. He is known to use force and get his victims intoxicated to take advantage of them. Because Koloski is not new to the area he is returning, there will not be a notification meeting. Fact sheets can be obtained at the Brainerd Police Department and on their department facebook page.
--The Little Falls Community Schools has been named one of the “Top Workplaces in Minnesota” by the Star Tribune. Top Workplaces recognizes the most progressive companies in Minnesota based on employee opinions measuring engagement, organizational health and satisfaction. The analysis included responses from over 73,870 employees at Minnesota public, private and non profit organizations. “It's an honor to win this important distinction for the third year in a row,” said Little Falls Community Schools Superintendent Stephen Jones. He added, “We strive every day to create a culture where employees feel supported, valued and above all, happy. The fact that our employees' feedback earned us this honor makes it incredibly meaningful to us.” To qualify for the Star Tribune Top Workplaces, a company must have more than 50 employees in Minnesota. Over 1,555 companies were invited to participate. Rankings were composite scores calculated only on the basis of employee responses.
--The Morrison County Sheriff's Office responded to an ATV accident Friday around 4:00pm in Agram Township west of Genola. 14-year-old Megan Mohler of Randall was traveling south on the trail near Lake Road when she lost control and rolled the ATV on top of her. Mohler was taken to an area hospital with unknown injuries.
--Nearly 20 Soldiers from the Minnesota National Guard's B Company, 2nd General Support Aviation Battalion, 211th Aviation Regiment based in St. Cloud, will deploy for a nine-month mission to Afghanistan. While deployed, the soldiers will conduct decisive action aviation operations in support of Operation Freedom's Sentinel and Resolute Support. A departure ceremony is on Thursday at 9:30am in St. Cloud at the Army Aviation Support Facility. The unit provides support for combat and combat service operations, air assault and the aerial movement of troops, equipment and supplies. The Soldiers come from 17 communities across Minnesota including Little Falls, Fort Ripley, Sartell, Sauk Rapids and St. Cloud.
BIRTH ANNOUNCEMENTS
--Beau Nelson/Rivetts & Nakota Patrick of Little Falls, a girl June 27th
DEATH NOTICES
--Louise Prozinski, age 90 of Perham formerly of Little Falls.
--Jack Peter Ruff, age 92 of Little Falls.
--Harvey W. Hoheisel, age 86 of Pierz.
--Bernice C. Meyers, age 92 of Little Falls.
--Veronica Popp, age 87 of Royalton.
--Rose M. Wachlarowicz, lifelong resident of Little Falls.
--Gail Burton, age 81 of Little Falls.
WEATHER
TODAY= strong to severe storms in afternoon, humid, high 85.
TONIGHT= strong to severe storms early, then clearing, low 59.
WEDNESDAY= mix of clouds and sun, high 81
WEDNESDAY NIGHT= cloudy with a chance of late storms, low 61
THURSDAY= storms early and late, high 78, low around 55.
SPORTS
TWINS= The Texas Rangers beat the Twins 3-2 in 10 innings Friday. Twins rout the Rangers on Saturday 17-5 with the help of Max Kepler 2 homeruns and 7 RBIs. Twins win Sunday 5-4 to take the series. Oakland beat Minnesota yesterday 3-1.