NEWS
--The Little Falls School Board voted 6-0 in favor of the joint resolution for a daycare partnership with the city of Little Falls. At the city council meeting the Little Falls city council voted 7-1 in favor of the joint partnership. A reminder that back in March the city of Little Falls received a $1.5 million dollar HUD grant for a childcare facility. In order for the funds to be received the city needs a plan to HUD by December 31st and the development of a plan takes time. The resolution the school board passed was contingent on approval by the Minnesota Department of Education, HUD and financing options available. The conceptual plan would be a 10,000 square foot addition to the childcare center for a total cost estimated at $3.2 million dollars. 1.5-1.7 million of that cost would be covered by the schools. The school district plans to cover their cost with an option called Lease Levy, which is already used on facilities like the Exchange Arena. The tax impact for the school cost would be $10 per year on a $150,000 home. The city in the partnership agreement pledges to support the initial operational cost of the childcare center with up to $200,000 of American Recovery Plan Act to offset any financial losses in the first year of childcare operations. The facility would include 4 daycare rooms, 2 preschool rooms, one support space area and one large motor room. The capacity at its current form would be up to 16 infants, 35 toddlers and 60 preschoolers. There would be a cost for using this facility, and the district was looking at setting costs slightly higher than local daycares so as not to compete. It should be noted that these numbers are currently planned but could be amended as the plan is developed.
--Also at Monday's Little Falls City Council meeting the council approved the purchase agreement of Lion's Park on the east side of Little Falls from the Little Falls Lions Club for $0. By selling the asset to the city the Little Falls Lions will get out of certain future costs. The Lions Club will continue to operate the shelter and maintenance while being reimbursed from the city when proving costs. The city as a result will gain the park as an asset. The council also approved recommendations from the interview committee to hire Spencer Notch as a Park Maintenance Worker and Joe Sobania as a Wastewater Operator. The Mayor also proclaimed October 31st through November 4th as National Veteran's Small Business Week.
--At 4:03pm on Saturday, the Little Falls Fire Department was dispatched to 16203 225th Avenue in Belle Prairie Township on a report of a barn on fire. When the fire department arrived, they found the building fully involved with fire. The barn was in the process of being torn down and was vacant. There were no injuries to residents or firefighters. The barn was a total loss. Little Falls Fire Department was assisted at the scene by the Pierz Fire Department, Camp Ripley Fire Department and Morrison County Sheriff’s Department. The fire started as a result of them cutting metal pipes with a torch as part of the deconstruction. Firefighters cleared from the scene at approximately 9:15pm.
--Officials in Douglas County reported Monday that 18-year-old Casey Michael Deleski has been found safe after being reported missing on Sunday by his father, who said that Deleski was going biking at Brophy Park. When the teen didn't return by Sunday evening, his father said he drove to the park where he found Casey's vehicle and some personal items. The 18-year-old was reportedly at a friends house. The sheriff's office thanked all who aided in the search.
--A 66-year-old Brooklyn Park woman and man were found dead Sunday in their cabin on the 3900 block of Highway 18 in Mille Lacs County. The Mille Lacs County Sheriff’s Office responded to the incident, reported at 10:20pm in East Side Township, north of Isle. According to a news release from the sheriff’s office, the son arrived at the family property and found his parents deceased. The victims were identified as Mai Lee and Moon Lee. The new release stated the Isle Fire Department was called to the scene and located the presence of a dangerous level of carbon monoxide inside the cabin. The Mille Lacs County Sheriff’s Office reported the Lee’s had been using a small charcoal stove for heat without proper ventilation. No carbon monoxide detector was located inside of the cabin at the time of the incident. Another reason to have working carbon monoxide detectors in the home now with the colder days ahead.
--A St. Cloud man is accused of sexually assaulting a woman inside a Waite Park apartment building. Nineteen-year-old Alexis Morales is charged with three felony counts of criminal sexual conduct. A woman told police that she held the main door to the building for a man who said he was going to his grandparents' apartment. As they were walking down the hall, court records allege Morales grabbed the woman's buttocks, threw her up against the wall, and kissed her.
The woman said Morales had his hand on her throat and was preventing her from leaving. Morales then allegedly groped her under her shirt and down her pants. The assault ended when there was a noise in the hallway. The woman was able to get away from him.
--A St. Cloud man is charged with three counts of criminal sexual conduct for allegedly raping a young girl multiple times over the years. 37-year-old Jairo Fernandez Sorto is accused of raping the girl dating back to 2016 when she was just eight-years-old. Court records allege the abuse happened as recently as October 11th. The abuse came to light when the 14-year-old told a teacher about it. The girl said Hernandez Sorto would rape her about three times a week. She also said he bought her the morning-after pill on two different occasions because he was worried she might be pregnant. Hernandez Sorto's next court appearance is scheduled for Thursday.
--Meghann Boser of United Way of Morrison County announced yesterday they are having a carbles (Cards and Marbles) tournament that is sort of like the old Sorry board game which has become popular in areas on October 28th at the Sobieski Community Center. Teams of 3 will compete for cash prizes of $500 1st place, $250 2nd place and $150 for 3rd place. The doors open at 6pm and there will be a cash bar and other drawing through the evening. All proceeds go for the United Way of Morrison County. To participate it is $90 and you can call Meghann at 320-632-5102 or go online to unitewayofmc.org for the latest information to play.
DEATH NOTICES
--Kathleen Hollerman, age 67 of Little Falls.
WEATHER
TODAY= sunny skies, chilly, not as windy, high 39.
TONIGHT= clear skies, calm winds, low near 20.
WEDNESDAY= sunny and a bit warmer, high 48, low near 28.
THURSDAY= sunny and warmer yet, high 54, low near 35.
SPORTS
HS VB= Pierz at Little Falls volleyball tonight 7pm on Q92 WYRQ.
HS FB= High School Football is tomorrow night for all area teams.