NEWS
--The Morrison County website Monday reported 744 cases since testing began for COVID-19 in the county, 254 active cases, 36 hospitalizations from total cases, 136 active cases with a 56345 (Little Falls) Zip Code, 25 in Pierz and 20 in Royalton as of Monday of active cases, 15 each in Bowlus, Hillman and Motley zip codes. On the state website there were 1,578 newly reported cases and four new deaths linked to the virus. Of the new deaths there was one death in each Todd, Stearns, Wright and Ramsey counties. From the state website they showed 22 new cases, 734 confirmed cases with eight additional probable cases in Morrison County.
--Morrison County Auditor/Treasurer Chesley Robinson spoke on the KLTF Up Front program Friday and stated that if you have tested positive of COVID-19 or in isolation/quarantine that would go past the Election Day voting next Tuesday you can get an absentee ballot by going online at mnvotes.org or you can contact Robinson at her office at 632-0137 as soon as possible so they can mail out the ballot so it can be returned by next Tuesday. They also have curbside voting if you call ahead and someone will come out to your vehicle to do the voting in the parking lot. This service has to be called ahead of time to continue with privacy while voting and you will need proper identification to verify your registration to the area for voting. Also, eight precincts in Morrison County switched to mail in ballots only. Those precincts include: Buh Township, Cushing Township, Darling Township, Green Prairie Township, Pierz Township, Pulaski Township, Ripley Township and the city of Upsala. Polling places will open at 7am next Tuesday morning, so get out and Vote.
--Morrison County is helping in the search for an 80-year-old Kannebec County woman missing since last Friday. Searches continued Saturday and Sunday for Andrea "Andy" Nyberg of Mora. The family said she does not drive, but for some reason took the family car in Mora at about 4pm Friday. The car is a red 2004 Buick LeSabre, Minnesota plates 024 RWA; Nyberg was last seen wearing an aqua green jacket and black jeans. The family said they are "gravely concerned about her health and safety as she does suffer from dementia”. Dozens of searchers drove roads south of Mora on Saturday. On Sunday, family members, friends and volunteers gathered at the Princeton Evangelical Free Church in Princeton, Minn., to coordinate and continue the search. Anyone with information on the whereabouts of Nyberg or the car is asked to contact local law enforcement. Morrison County Sheriff Shawn Larsen stated on the sheriff's facebook that many have volunteered to help in the search for Nyberg. There have been some possible leads in southern Minnesota and Iowa but nothing concrete on the case.
--Sisten Julien Dierkes of the St. Francis Convent wants to thank all who have made appointments for the American Red Cross Blood Drive this week at First United Church. Even before yesterday's blood drive began all of Monday was filled up and Sister Julien said that Tuesday was getting pretty full and Wednesday had some openings later in the afternoon. Call as soon as you can to get an appointment if you wish to help out and donate blood as this is by appointment only. No walk in due to restrictions. Call 632-0663 for an appoimntment. Due to the Convent on lock down, the event is at First United Church located across the street from the convent. The Sisters have also put out a plea to the community on COVID-19 and you can hear that message on Franciscan Sisters Facebook page.
--Republican U.S. Senate candidate Jason Lewis has been rushed to a hospital. His campaign manager says early Monday he was taken to the emergency room with severe abdominal pain. Following tests and examination doctors have determined Lewis is suffering from an internal hernia, a diagnosis they say is life-threatening if not treated quickly. True to form- Jason was in good spirits, optimistic, and speculating about when he could resume campaigning, eager to continue fighting for his fellow Minnesotans. Lewis is challenging DFL U.S. Senator Tina Smith in the next election next Tuesday.
--Governor Tim Walz joined health officials Monday for a regular briefing call to update the public on the state of COVID-19 spread and response in Minnesota. Walz told Minnesotans that the state is at a "critical" point in the COVID-19 pandemic.The governor said that expanding testing capacity in Minnesota, specifically with saliva testing centers opening throughout the state, is crucial. "Testing is the key to stopping the chain of virus spread as the upper Midwest is at a critical juncture. Widespread testing, especially among asymptomatic people, is key according to Walz “Our ability to hold the positivity rate gives us a fighting chance here," Walz said. "The virus ... is most dangerous when it's infecting people who don't know they have it." Walz said the virus is spreading in rural Minnesota as quickly as anywhere else. The infection rates in the upper Midwest are the highest infection rates on the planet right now, the governor said. He also pointed out that young people who feel they are at a lower risk of becoming severely ill are playing a major part in spreading the virus around Minnesota. The governor finished his message with three pleas for Minnesotans Avoid large gatherings and think about even limiting gatherings with family. Wear a mask and social distance. Test, test, test. "The next six to 12 weeks are going to be critical," the governor said.
--Again free testing for COVID-19 will be today, Wednesday and Thursday from 12-6pm at Bethel Lutheran Church. Plenty of room for walk ins if you did not make an appointment, this is for those without symptoms also so you may feel fine but this will give you piece of mind that you don't have are not spreading the deadly virus.
DEATH NOTICES
--Wayne Harrison, age 79 of Royalton.
WEATHER
TODAY= increasing clouds, breezy, high 31.
TONIGHT= cloudy, few flurries overnight, steady temps near 30.
WEDNESDAY= sunny and warmer, high 44, low around 30.
THURSDAY= sunny, cooler and breezy, high 36, low around 22.
SPORTS
HS FB= The Pierz Football game is being moved and at latest report will now be at 3pm Friday at Brainerd High School on FM94 KFML. COL FB= Gophers vs. Maryland Friday at 6:30pm on KLTF.
WS= LA Dodgers lead Tampa Bay 3 games to 2 in best of 7 World Series, game 6 tonight, all games in Arlington, Texas.
A reminder that we Fall Back this weekend as Daylight Saving Time ends at 2am Sunday morning. Remember to turn your clocks back 1 hour before bed Saturday night or before 2am Sunday morning. Also good time to check smoke and carbon monoxide detectors and change their batteries.