NEWS
--Little Falls Mayor Greg Zylka signed a proclamation making May 15 - 24 a time to show appreciation for the Little Falls Community High School Class of 2020. The proclamation reads: “Whereas, 2020 gave way to unprecedented circumstances which have prohibited typical high school graduation, year-end activities and celebrations; and “Whereas, Little Falls Community High School seniors have exhibited incredible strength, resiliency and Flyer Pride; and “Whereas, the Class of 2020 makes our community and school system a fantastic place to live and learn; and “Whereas, educators at Little Falls Community Schools work closely and passionately with our students and families to provide a wonderful education; and “Whereas, the Little Falls Community High School Class of 2020 makes our citizens proud of their commitment to responsible citizenship in this unprecedented time of Covid-19; and “Whereas, the Class of 2020 will be our future leaders, pioneers, creators, motivators, and role models; and “Whereas, the community of Little Falls supports and congratulates all the students who will continue to influence our community long after this current crisis has ended. “Now therefore, I, Gregory J. Zylka, mayor of the city of Little Falls, Minnesota, do hereby proclaim May 15, 2020 through May 24, 2020, a Time of Appreciation for the Dedication of the Little Falls Community High School Class of 2020 who have worked hard, persevered and risen to the challenges before them.” The staff at Little Falls Community Schools and members of the Grad Bash Committee will recognize seniors Friday, May 15, during a special drive-by ceremony where seniors can pick up their cap and gown, yearbook and Grad Bash prizes, as well as any awards they would have received during May.
--Little Falls Community High School have announced their top 10 for the Class of 2020. Prinicpal Tim Bjorge stated "This senior class will forever be remembered for their perseverance, grit, and scholastic excellence. I have no doubt that this experience has taught them the importance of individual determination and flexibility as they go through life. These students will go on to accomplish wonderful things as they hold true to the values of Flyer Pride! Good luck and best wishes to the LFCHS class of 2020!" The Top Ten is Camilla L. Johnson, Adrienne A. Kresha, Zachary E. Stich, Claire E. Zack, Thomas M. Zupko, Emily A. Liddell, Kali M. Schirmers, Jaylin A. Strack, Alex J. Gwost and Kaleese C. Kuchinski-Helgeson.
--Pierz Healy High School at their awards night last week on the school's Facebook page announced their top 10 students for the Class of 2020. They are Mathias Matthias Algarin, Brenna Andres, Cole Andres, Kami Athmann, Roblyn Austin, Simon Kroll, Katie LeBlanc, Rylee Rauch, Claire Riedemann and Rhiannon Theis. The awards night can still be viewed on the Pierz School's Facebook page.
--More big events postponed after the announcement last week that Pierz Freedom Fest will not happen this year and will now be set for July 10th, 2021. The annual Mud Fest on Memorial Day weekend in Hillman announced on Facebook due to no large gatherings they have had to cancel their event at the end of the month, they are still hoping to have their Labor Day weekend event this year depending on restrictions. St. Joseph's Joetown Rocks event this year is cancelled including the large 4th of July parade in St. Joseph this year is cancelled. Firefest in Cold Spring and Winstock in Winsted have cancelled this year. The Rock N Run scheduled for this Saturday in Little Falls has also been cancelled this year.
--The Minnesota Senate has voted to allow most businesses to reopen amid the COVID-19 pandemic as long as they follow safety guidelines. The debate Monday highlighted the divide between the chamber's Republican majority and the more cautious approach of Democratic Gov. Tim Walz. The bill passed 39-28, mostly along party lines, but it has little support in the House Democratic majority. Walz is still deciding to what degree he'll extend his stay-at-home order before it expires next Monday.
--The Crow Wing County Sheriffs Office said that Saturday at 2:47pm deputies and Nisswa officers responded to a skid steer accident at 17201 Highway 371. It was learned that a four year old male was sitting on the operators lap while a skid-steer tractor was in use. The child's was injured in the arm mechanism of the tractor when he leaned forward in the cab. The child was airlifted to Childrens Hopsital in the Twin Cities for surgery to repair internal injuries.
--The Crow Wing County Sheriffs Office responded just after noon on Saturday to 11048 Bonnie Road to a report of a 17-year old male being shot by a handgun. The male was taken to the St. Cloud Hospital for multiple surgeries. The investigation at the scene appears to support an accidental shooting discharge by another family member while handling the firearm.
--Stearns County responded to a possible fire at Loesch Supportive Living Services, a group home for disabled young adults, at 9517 Echo Road in Maine Prairie Township Saturday around noon. All residents were safely removed from the residence by the group home workers. The fire was located in the floor cavity of the main floor. A fire extinguisher was used to put out the flames. The cause of the fire is believed to be electrical and a small portion of the residence sustained damage. No injuries were reported from all at the site.
--The recent numbers from the Minnesota Department of Health of COVID-19 on Monday were 115,781 tests, 11,799 positive tests 7,536 no longer in isolation, 591 deaths linked to virus, 472 of those from assisted or long term facilities. Of those cases, Morrison County 14, Todd 38, Stearns 1,443 with 6 deaths, Benton 93 with 2 deaths, Crow Wing, Cass and Mille Lacs have 1 death each.
ENTERTAINMENT NEWS
--longtime comedic actor Jerry Stiller has died at age 92. The father of actor Ben Stiller aappeared Seinfeld and The King of Queens.
DEATH NOTICE
--Beverly “Bev” Messinger, age 65 of Little Falls
WEATHER
TODAY= sunny skies, high 57
TONIGHT= increasing clouds, rain toward morning, low 38.
WEDNESDAY= showers likely, high 55, rain ending late, low 40.
THURSDAY= partly sunny and warmer, high 67, low around 46.
SPORTS
MLB= Major League Baseball owners agreed for a start of the 2020 baseball season around July 4th weekend. The Players Union still has to agree on the proposal. Likely though the games without fans.
LEGION= There will be no American Legion Baseball this summer in Minnesota. The Minnesota American Legion cancelled the 2020 season due to the restrictions in place because of COVID-19. This will be the first season since 1923 with no Legion Baseball.