NEWS
--The Morrison County Sheriff's Office reported that the stolen Jet Ski taken from Hilmerson Sports Center south of Little Falls has been found. The Morrison County Sheriff’s Office wants to thank the local media outlets, everyone’s social media posts and everyone who provided their agency information on this case. The sheriff's office reported they have one subject in custody and are still following up with interviews. More details were be released when completed.
--As mentioned yesterday by Morrison County Administrator Deb Gruber the first of two phases (done back to back) in the south parking lot of the Government Center began yesterday causing some parking restrictions and unable to use the south entrance. She also mentioned after a week of opening to process face-to-face transactions, county staff at the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) expressed challenges with increased call volumes and ability to see those who scheduled online appointments. The DMV is open for driver’s license and title transfer transactions, but is still doing tab renewals via the government center drop box. Walk-in transactions are currently not an option at the DMV. The demand is so high and staffing is so limited, that the office has suspended the option for residents to leave a voicemail with questions or appointments. Even phone calls during business hours may not be answered. When calling, customers are given automated information for scheduling an appointment online, DMV office hours and even state contact information. The county DMV is currently selling out just seven days in advance due to limited staffing and other unknowns. Scheduling one week at a time to see how it goes.
--The Minnesota Department of Health update Monday stated there are 338 new cases and 11 reported new deaths linked to COVID-19. There have been 354,226 tests, 28,224 positive cases in Minnesota. It was reported that ICU patients are under 200 (at 198) for the first time since May 4th. Morrison County remained at 51 cases Monday. Benton 188 (3 deaths), Stearns 2,071 cases (16 deaths), Crow Wing is up to 85 cases (6 deaths), Todd at 354 (2 deaths).
--The Little Falls Police Department reported a number of theft calls in the past two weeks. In most cases they were from unlocked buildings. Authorities continue to remind residents to please watch their belongings and lock up garages and other buildings when not home. Also keep vehicles locked when left unattended.
--The DNR is reminding those to watch for larger animals with the warmer wetter weather. A black bear was spotted in Sartell over the weekend and area police have had reports in Todd County of bear sightings in the past days. The DNR recommends you removed bird feeders or any food in your yards and please use caution if you are outside and in the city parks. There have been many reports of deer spotted in areas causing car/deer collisions recently. Watch out for animals crossing roadways or stopping at area residences.
--A rural Otter Tail County church built in the 1870s burned Saturday just days before ropening due to COVID-19. Bethel Lutheran Church in rural Battle Lake had been closed amid the spread of COVID-19, was set to reopen within the next few weeks. Firefighters from nearby Dalton believe it was caused by a lightning strike.
--The Royalton Lions officially announced the Platte River Day in Royalton this summer is cancelled but the raffle will still be held live streamed. Next year's Platte River Day is Saturday, July 31st, 2021 and musically will feature the Fabulous Armadillos.
--At 3:26pm Friday the Morrison County Sheriff’s Office received a report of a two vehicle accident involving an ATV with possible injuries near a residence on Friends Court, approximately one-mile northwest of Royalton, in Bellevue Township. A 39-year old male resident of Royalton, was traveling east on Friends Court with an SUV pulling a trailer. An ATV driven by a 7-year old male from Royalton drove to the end of the driveway to get the mail. The ATV turned around and struck the trailer. The 7-year old male was taken by ambulance to St. Gabriel’s Hospital with unknown injuries.
--Morrison County maintenance crews will be shouldering CSAH 1, CSAH 2 and County Road 203 in the northwest part of the county. Crews will also be out painting Stop Ahead symbols on various roads around the county. As they continue to preserve and maintain Morrison County infrastructure, Public Works employees are practicing social distancing in their travels and on various job sites.
--On Friday at 5:56pm Stearns County Sheriff deputies responded to a building fire in the 43000 block of 155th Avenue in Holding Township, 2 miles east of Holdingford. Homeowner, 86-year old George Bieniek, of Holdingford, stated his detached garage was one fire. Holdingford Fire Department responded to extinguish the fire. According to Mr. Bieniek, he believed the fire started near the electrical panel in the shed. The garage is considered a complete loss. No one was injured.
--The St. Cloud 4th of July Fireworks show will go on, with some modifications. The fireworks committee says a 2020 "Salute to July 4th" will include a brief and meaningful fireworks salute from an alternate location, a daytime aircraft flyover, an online virtual 'best of' St. Cloud area fireworks show, and an online educational tribute to the history of Independence Day. St. Cloud area community members will be encouraged to look and listen from their doorsteps or backyard for the salute at 10pm on Saturday, July 4th. You will learn which direction to look and listen shortly before 10pm Saturday via area media outlets and social media. There will be no organized Fireworks activities in Hester or Wilson Parks this year. No pyrotechnics will be launched from a barge on the Mississippi River. The changes are being made in response to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and the restrictions on large gatherings.
--Father Jimmy Joesph informed Little Falls Radio Monday that the Sacred Heart Church Bazaar this year in Flensburg for July is cancelled this year. Father added there is no raffle either.
DEATH NOTICES
--Joyce E. Podtburg, age 64 of Little Falls.
WEATHER
TODAY= showers & storms likely in afternoon, muggy, high 81.
TONIGHT= showers and storms, heavy at times, low 53.
WEDNESDAY= cloudy, showers likely, breezy and cooler, high 66.
WED NITE= showers likely, ending after dark, clearing, low 51.
THURSDAY= sunny skies, breezy, high near 70, low near 50.
SPORTS
MLB= Major League Baseball has been given another proposal of a 76 game season to start the season before July 4th, the players union has until tomorrow to see if they will accept it. While we wait you can catch a classic game during the day Thursday at noon as the Twins battled the Royals in 2017, listen to it on Q92 WYRQ.