NEWS
--The heaviest rain in years struck Morrison County and Little Falls on Monday. The heavy rains began after 4pm and lasted through the evening and overnight for some areas with the system still in Mille Lacs County at 6am this morning. Rain totals were in the 5-9 inch catagories with massive street flooding causing stalls and hydroplaning of vehicles. Big flashes of lightning and loud thunder continued for many hours causing a number of power and phone outages across the area. Flood warnings were issued around rivers and streams and high water in areas will be a factor for creeks, streams and smaller riverbeds around roadways and areas near waterways so please use caution. Little Falls Radio is checking on any damage or incidents from the storms last night. There were no thunderstorms warnings last night as the rain was heavy but no repoorts of gusty winds or hail. The Morrison County Sheriff's Office is reminding motorists still today to watch for areas where heavy water could still be a factor. More heavy rains are forecasted for early tomorrow morning and later in the day Wednesday until hot and dry weather Thursday through Sunday with highs into the 90s.
--Little Falls Mayor Greg Zylka spoke on KLTF Monday. Zylka stated their preparnesse plan in the city was addressed recently to make sure all the city offices are up to speed to move forward which includes City Hall (though closed still but plans on reopening soon though an official state according to Zylka is still being worked out). Mayor Zylka said that 55 Econcomic Development loans has been given out making $137,000 given out to the city businesses to help during their closures and most have since reopened with a a few still available if those wish to still apply by calling Carol Anderson at the Little Falls EDA at 632-5466 all applications must be in by this Thursday. Mayor Zylka said that as we continue through the summer, he is very pleased that attractions are starting to reopen, events are still cancelled but hopes by the late summer some of those, the city is hoping will get back to the community. If you have questions about the City of Little Falls, city hall is staffed at 616-5500.
--Seven people were hurt in a two-vehicle crash in Gilman Sunday afternoon. The incident happened around 1:00pm at Highway 25 and 115th Street Northeast. The Minnesota State Patrol says a car was going south on Highway 25 and attempting to turn onto eastbound 115th Street NE. Authorities say the car failed to yield and hit an oncoming SUV. A four year old passenger in the SUV was taken to Minneapolis Children's Hospital with life-threatening injuries. The driver of the car, 45-year old Tammy Mellen of Princeton, her three 16-year old passengers, the driver of the SUV, 36-year old Cassandra Bush of Foley, and a five-year old passenger in the SUV were all taken to St. Cloud Hospital with non-life threatening injuries.
--The July Rock, Roll, and Stroll Event is scheduled to proceed this Thursdsay night from 5-8pm in Pierz. There will be different guidelines that have to be followed this year than in the past. If you bring a vehicle park on the west side of Main Street. There will be no registration, no prizes, no poker walk due to the CDC guidelines. They are asking if you move through town, to look at cars in a circular manner, walking on the sidewalk. They prefer everyone walk in the same direction as traffic on that side of the street to limit interactions. They prefer everyone wear a mask but there will not be a requirement on Thursday night. Businesses will be open during the car show Thursday night so all are encouraged to shop locally.
--The Minnesota State Patrol responded to a number of accidents this weekend with many involving injuries. Sunday at 5:30pm, two vehicle accident in Otter Tail County, 65-year-old Steven Peterson of Hewitt injured and hospitalized. An 18-year-old driver from Starbuck was killed when he collided with a semi-truck in Pope County around 12:40pm Sunday. Josiah Wright died at the scene. The semi driver from Paynesville was treated for minor injuries. A 70 year old from Willmar was injured on Highway 169 in Mille Lacs County around 12:20pm Sunday near Onamia. Anthony Dokken was taken to North Memorial in the Twin Cities as he was a pedestrian and struck by an oncoming vehicle. The driver was not hurt, Dokken's injuries were considered serious but non life threatening. The State Patrol reported from 6pm Friday to 6pm Sunday 119 vehicle accidents, 34 of those with injuries and 3 fatal accidents including the death of a 3 year old passenger in Becker County over the weekend. They are encouraging motorists to please slow down, watch your surroundings and expect a lot of travel on Minnesota roadways for the 4th of July Holiday weekend as local motorists are reportedly staying close to home as most of the larger festivities have been cancelled this year. .Join Sgt. Neil Dickenson of the Minnesota State Patrol today on KLTF Partyline on AM960 KLTF at 10:05am, call in 632-2306.
--There was one new case of COVID-19 Monday in Morrison County, making the total of positive cases of 58 with 1 confirmed death.
--Two St. Cloud men were arrested in connection to a recent break-in and armed robbery. The incident happened on June 20th around 10:30pm in the 100 Block of 4th Street Northeast in St. Cloud. Police say 26-year-old Shane Blenker and 22-year-old Deantae Davis, forced their way into the apartment. Once inside, police say Davis hit a 51-year old St. Cloud man over the head with a handgun, stole his money and then both suspects fled the seen. Around 2:45pm Saturday, police say Blenker was seen in the Albany area and arrested. Around 2:00am Sunday, the St. Cloud SWAT Team was called in to the 1100 Block of 13th Street South. Authorities say Davis was believed to be inside and used a search warrant. After about two hours, police found and arrested Davis who was hiding in the attic. Both Blenker and Davis are being held in the Benton County Jail and face charges of aggravated robbery and 1st degree burglary.
DEATH NOTICES
--Phyllis (Ringwelski) Yasgar, age 101 of Little Falls.
--John A. Lange, age 56 of Swanville.
--Elledean O. Anderson, age 98 of Little Falls
WEATHER
FLOOD WARNING IN EFFECT STILL THIS MORNING.
TODAY= becoming sunny and warm, high 88.
TONIGHT= storms after midnight, some heavy rain, low 72.
WEDNESDAY= storms likely, some severe posible, high 84, low 63
THURSDAY= sunny and hot, high 92, low around 70.
SPORTS
TWINS= The Twins announced that their radio voices Corey Provus and Dan Gladden will not travel to road games this year due to COVID-19 guidelines, but use internet monitors to call the game on radio. Hear the games starting around July 23rd or 24th on Q92 WYRQ. The Twins did also announce their roster for this year and the 60 game season of Twins Baseball.