NEWS
--The Little Falls Fire Department responded to a structure fire on Sunday night in Fort Ripley. As firefighters arrived at the trailer house located at 645 Ripley Street in Fort Ripley, the trailer house was engulfed in flames. The owner, Michael Nolta was at home at the time of the fire and managed to escape. He was taken to Brainerd Hospital for treatment of smoke inhalation. 17-Little Falls firefighters along with mutual aid from Brainerd Fire, Crow Wing County Sheriffs Office and the Minnesota State Patrol were on scene for around 2 ½ hours. The fire was believed to have started by a wood stove. The fire was contained to the trailer house which was a total loss. The Little Falls Fire Department also responded to a minor grass fire on the side of the road at 2:00pm on Sunday. The fire was quickly put out. Also at 9:15pm on Saturday the Little Falls Fire Department responded to a carbon monoxide alarm at 839 Buck Lane. A reminder to check furnaces and hot water heaters as they are turned on for the first time this year, to ensure they are working properly.
--Last Thursday the Kiwanis Trivia Night raised $3,995. Part of these funds will be used for the playground equipment at Washington Park in Little Falls while the remaining funds benefit Morrison County 4H. The Little Falls Kiwanis thanks all who participated and donated.
--Two southeast St. Cloud railroad crossings will be closed for a few days while maintenance is performed. Starting today, the crossing at 7th Street Southeast between Lincoln Avenue Southeast and 8th Avenue Southeast will be closed. The crossing is scheduled to reopen by the end of the day Friday. Starting next week Monday, the crossing at 15th Avenue Southeast will close between Lincoln Avenue Southeast and 11th Street Southeast. That crossing is scheduled to reopen by the end of Friday, October 26th.
--Hackers gained access to 21,000 Minnesotans’ personal identifying information in a massive data breach in June, according to the Minnesota Department of Human Services. The compromised information includes: Social Security numbers, financial information, medical information, employment records, dates of birth, and more. Letters were sent out to affected individuals last week. Senate Leader Paul Gazelka released the following statement: “The first reaction people have when they hear about a massive government data breach is to feel their stomach clench as they wonder if they’re going to be a victim of identity theft. This breach affected 21,000 individuals on Medical Assistance, which is massive. But my Democrat colleagues at the legislature want five million Minnesotans to be on government-run health insurance. If we can’t protect the Social Security Numbers and medical information of the people on government plans now, how in the world are we going to be able to secure every Minnesotans’ personal information? It’s a recipe for disaster. This theft occurred in June. But 21,000 Minnesotans just received letters this week telling them to monitor their credit reports. There is absolutely no excuse for a delay that long. It’s scary.”
--Sears-Roebuck Stores, the once-dominant retail chain that changed how Americans shopped and lived, has filed for bankruptcy. The 132-year old company has been struggling for several years and is drowning in debt. The final straw was a $134 million debt payment due Monday that it could not afford. Dan Drilling of Sears Hometown Store in Little Falls will address what impact that has for the local store today at 9:05am on KLTF Up Front program.
--The Benton County Sheriff’s Office is investigating the death of a 7 month old infant. Around 10:15am on Saturday the Benton County Sheriff’s Office received a 911 call from a 33 year-old woman in Rice. The woman reported that she believed her 7 month old son was deceased. Benton County deputies, Rice firefighters, and Gold Cross paramedics responded to the woman’s home in the 1100 block of 108th Street NW, Rice, Watab Township. Upon arrival, deputies and firefighters found the 7 month old child inside the residence. Lifesaving efforts were begun, however a short time later, the child was pronounced dead at the scene. Deputies secured the residence and began an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the child’s death. The Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension was called to the scene to assist with the investigation. The child’s body was transported to the Midwest Medical Examiner’s Office for an autopsy. The investigation into the cause and manner of this child’s death is ongoing. There is no evidence of any threat to public safety as a result of this incident.
--The Crow Wing County Sheriffs Office is looking for assistance in locating 52-year old Lisa Finnerty of Crosby. Lisa was last seen around 11:00pm Sunday. No one has seen or heard from her since and because of recent events authorities are concerned for her welfare. Lisa is driving a maroon 2010 Honda CRV with Minnesota license plate 667 XBV. She is described as 5'2”, 160 pounds with brown hair and brown eyes. If you see Lisa do not approach or engage but contact law enforcement right away. Anyone with information on Lisa Finnerty's whereabouts should either contact the Crow Wing County Sheriffs Office or dial 911.
--Even though many retailers have reported struggles recently, the number of retail jobs in central Minnesota is actually growing. Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development says the region has added 760 net new retail jobs since the industry bottomed out. Motor vehicle and parts dealers, building material and garden equipment supply dealers, gas stations, general merchandise stores, health and personal care stores, have all been seeing growth. There were 3,000 job openings in retail in central Minnesota in the second quarter of this year. Those jobs are becoming much more attractive to job seekers.
INTERNATIONAL NEWS
--Their Royal Highness's The Duke (Prince Harry) and Duchess of Sussex (Meghan Markle) are very pleased to announce that The Duchess of Sussex is expecting a baby in the Spring of 2019. Reports are that the Duchess is 12 weeks along and is doing well.
DEATH NOTICES
--Jeffrey T. Peterson, age 63 of Little Falls.
--Lucille A. Schlicting, age 75 of Royalton.
WEATHER
TODAY= sunny and very windy midday, high 44.
TONIGHT= partly cloudy, low 28.
WEDNESDAY= sunny, not as windy, high 44, low around 30.
THURSDAY= sunny and warmer, high 61, rain late, low 44.
SPORTS
MLB= Brewers win 4-0 over Dodgers last night up 2-1 in NLCS.