NEWS
--The Minnesota State Patrol says charges are likely against a semi driver who struck a taxi at a St. Cloud intersection, killing two people. State Patrol Lieutenant Tiffani Nielson says there’s no indication the semi driver took any action to avoid the collision and could face vehicular homicide charges. Killed in the crash were the cab driver 66-year old Thomas Findlay, of Sartell, and passenger 22-year old Emily LeTourneau, of Big Lake. The other passenger, a 24-year-old woman from New Hope, was taken to St. Cloud Hospital where she is in serious condition. The driver of the semi, 61-year-old James Cockram of Owatonna spoke with patrol officers. The investigation is ongoing and formal charges against the driver are pending.
--A job offer was extended for the Baxter administrator post Saturday after all city council members had the same candidate at the top of their list. Three finalists were interviewed Saturday morning following a two-day process that included formal interviews with department heads and the full council. The council voted to offer the job to Bradley Chapulis. Chapulis is currently the community and economic development director for the southwestern Minnesota city of Worthington. He's been with Worthington since 1998. The council voted to offer the position to Chapulis with final action at tonight's city council meeting in Baxter.
--The 10th annual Teen Driver Safety Seminar will be 5pm today at the Brenny Funeral Chapel Community Room, in Baxter. The free seminar is open to teens and their loved ones and will provide practical tips and information about key Minnesota legislation affecting teen drivers as well as other teen driving issues, like aggressive and distracted driving or the consequences of driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs (prescription or illegal) and the affect of a teen driver on auto insurance. There will be guest speakers from law enforcement, medical, insurance and other fields and a teenager with a horrific story. If you are interested in attending please contact Sara Pusc, 218-454- 2970 or email sarap@baxterinsurancegroup.com.
--A St. Cloud man faces possible DUI and careless driving charges after crashing his car into a tree Saturday. St. Cloud Police say a witness saw a car driving erratically and at a high rate of speed along Riverside Drive Southeast around 5:45pm. The driver lost control, left the roadway and crashed into the tree. Authorities arrived to find the driver, 29-year-old Mohammed Abdulla Murshed outside the vehicle. Police say Murshed was hurt in the crash and showed signs of impairment. He was taken to St. cloud Hospital for treatment of non-life threatening injuries where toxicology tests were performed.
--Minnesota House Republicans want to cut taxes $1.35 billion in the next two years. That is more than the $900 million Senate Republicans announced last week and the $300 million Democratic Governor Mark Dayton included in his updated budget plan Friday. The three sides will try to negotiate a final figure by the May 22nd legislative session adjournment date. The House plan would send most of the projected $1.65 billion budget surplus to tax breaks.
--The candidates vying for Morrison County Dairy Princess are scheduled to be the guest on AM960 KLTF Party Line today at 10am and streamed online at fallsradio.com. The Dairy Princess coronation and banquet is Saturday at 8:00pm at Falls Ballroom.
--The Pierz Public Schools have a proposed referendum this spring that will be voted on by district residents. We will learn more today as Pierz School Superintendent George Weber will be the community events guest at 8:45am on AM960 KLTF and at fallsradio.com.
--The Minnesota Military Museum supports recognition of the Month of the Military Child and National Poetry Month this April. U.S. Senator Al Franken announced he is hosting his sixth annual poetry contest for Minnesota students. The theme of this year's contest is "Celebrating the Veteran in My Life." The contest is open to all students in Minnesota grades K-12, with three age categories: Kindergarten to 5th grade; 6th to 8th grades; and 9th to 12th grades. Students can celebrate any veteran or active military member, including a relative, family friend, or neighbor who has had a positive impact on their lives. Winners will be chosen in each age category. If you or someone you know wishes to participate in the poetry contest, please submit a poem by April 21, 2017 to poetry@franken.senate.gov or by mail to: Office of Sen. Al Franken, c/o “Poetry Contest”, 60 Plato Boulevard East, Suite 220, St Paul, MN 55107. Winners will be displayed in Washington D.C. for viewing.
--A 16-year-old driver was involved in a two-vehicle collision Saturday around 8:15pm. Officers responded to the scene of a collision at the intersection of Clearwater Road and Sportsman's Island Road. According to the police department, a 16-year-old female driver from Sartell was eastbound when another driver attempted to make a left turn onto northbound Clearwater Road. The teenage driver failed to yield the right of way to oncoming traffic. A vehicle being driven northbound on Clearwater Road by 64-year old Daniel James Zika of International Falls was subsequently struck in a right-angle collision. The teenage driver reported minor injuries that did not require medical attention. Zika reported no apparent injuries. A passenger in Zika's vehicle, 64-year-old Sharon Deborah Zika of International Falls, was transported to the St. Cloud Hospital with injuries that are not believed to be life threatening. The 16-year-old driver, whose name was not released, was cited for failure to yield right of way.
DEATH NOTICES
--Henry Kargel, age 77 of Randall.
--Joseph John Ringwelski, age 89 of Bowlus.
--Bonnie L. Gatzke, age 77 of Prior Lake formerly of Little Falls.
--Leona I. Nelson, age 79 of Little Falls.
WEATHER
TODAY= sunny and cooler, high 35.
TONIGHT= clear and cold, low 10 above.
WEDNESDAY= sunny early, clouds increase high 40.
WED NITE= snow develops after midnight, low 28.
THURSDAY= snow early, then rain likely, high 45, low 30.
SPORTS
TWINS= Twins and Philadelphia today in spring training play with start time at noon, hear the action live on Q92 WYRQ. Twins open the regular season with Kansas City on April 3rd.
TODAY IN HISTORY
IN 1980= J.R. Ewing was shot on Dallas, bringing one of the biggest cliffhangers in TV history having all saying Who Shot J.R.?