NEWS --The filing period for elections without primaries began yesterday. On the Little Falls City Council both Ward two councilman Gerald Knafla and Ward three councilman Frank Gosiak filed for re-election. Loren Boyum in Ward one is the only other seat up for election. Boyum along with any challengers in these races or others on school boards and township elections have until 5:00pm August 16th to file.
--A St. Cloud woman who owns a tax preparation business has been charged with 10 tax-related felonies. The Stearns County Attorney's Office charged Bernice A. Garbina with five counts of failing to file income tax returns and five counts of failing to pay income taxes, according to a news release from the Minnesota Department of Revenue. Garbina is accused of evading paying about $4,000 in Minnesota income tax by failing to file and pay for tax years 2010 through 2014, according to the release. The complaint against Gabina states that, as a licensed certified public accountant and owner of a tax preparation business, she was aware of the filing requirements for Minnesota income tax returns. The complaint states that Garbina admitted that she knew when tax filings were due and did not file hers on time, the release states. Each tax-related felony charge carries a maximum penalty of five years in prison, a $10,000 fine or both.
--The Minnesota Military Museum is currently honoring WWl Private Sidney Carl Burk of the United States Marine Corp from Orion MN in the Featured Veteran exhibit for the month of August. Honoring this veteran is part of a major featured exhibit on WW 1 that opened July 22nd entitled “In the Fight: Minnesota and the First World War”. The public is invited to visit the entire exhibit on Sidney Carl Burk and the new WW 1 exhibit. The museum represents all branches of the service and honors Minnesota Veterans and military history from frontier days to the present. The Minnesota Military Museum is also hosting a book sale and book signing from 10:00am-5:00pm on Friday, August 12th and Saturday, August 13th. Two authors will sign books on August 13th. Vietnam Veteran Michael P. Maurer will sign copies of his novel “Perfume River Nights.” Royalties benefit the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund. Wisconsin journalist Jennifer Rude Klett will be signing “Alamo Doughboy” and will have a special presentation at 11:00am August 13th. The Minnesota Military Museum is located inside the gates of Camp Ripley and open 10:00am to 5:00pm seven days a week through September. Adult visitors to Camp Ripley need a photo I.D for entrance.
--Quick response helped in a boat fire Saturday afternoon in Crosslake. Firefighters got the call around 3pm, when they arrived they found smoke from the boat and most of the fire had been extingushed by the person on the boat and some bystandsers who quickly came to help. Firefighters said the boat was considered a total loss and the fire started in the engine area. Many of the items beloning to the boat owner were tossed over to be saved and there were no injuries in the fire.
--Yesterday the Mayo Clinic was named the best hospital in the nation in U.S. News & World Report’s annual list of top hospitals.
--The Green Fair is today from 4-8pm at the St. Francis Convent on the lawn with music including string ensemble, Chrisitan music, U Rock bands and more, plus vendors, food and tours.
--The Pierz Community Picnic is tonight 5-7pm at the Pierz Park.
--Three people were hurt Monday morning in a two-vehicle crash on Highway 210 and County Road 1 near Pillager. The State Patrol said that 66-year-old John McCaughtry of Pillager was making a turn into a gas station when he was struck by an oncoming vehicle driven by 29-year-old Catherine Sebasky of Baxter. Sebasky and her four year old son Carson along with the other driver were all taken to the Brainerd hospital and treated for non life threatening injuries.
--The Brainerd fire department was called to a vehicle fire Monday morning just before 8:00am on Highway 25 and Thompson Road south of Brainerd. When firefighters arrived smoke and flames could be seen for miles. The State Patrol helped move traffic around the vehicle fire which started in the engine compartment and quickly engulfed the vehicle. No injuries reported. Firefighters cleared the scene within two hours.
--After last year's Avian Flu outbreak in central Minnesota you will see chickens, turkeys and other prized birds back on display at our county fairs in the weeks ahead. Last year fairs across the state cancelled all poultry shows. However this year officials have decided to bring it back. Minnesota lost over 9-million turkey’s and chicken’s from the disease. To keep the exhibit from being empty last year fair officials in Morrison, Crow Wing and Benton County last year made educational displays filled with pictures of the kids and their projects. The Benton and Crow Wing County Fairs are ongoing this week with the Morrison County Fair beginning next Thursday in Little Falls.
--Platte River Day is Saturday in Royalton. Parade at 10:30, auction, duck races, jello eating contest, pork chop dinner, egg toss, street dance and much more. Get details on the event at fallsradio.com.
--Scandia Valley Summerfest is Friday through Sunday, car crush and fireworks on Friday, Turkey BBQ and craft fair on Saturday and pancake breakfast and raffle on Sunday in the Cushing/Lincoln area.
--A reminder that though many National Night Out events were held yesterday in Minnesota- the Little Falls National Night Out event with police, firefighters and other emergency personnel will be next Tuesday from 4:30-7pm at the Little Falls Fire Hall.
--The next Rock Roll and Stroll in Pierz is Thursday 6-9pm.
DEATH NOTICES --Mildred “Millie” Voelker, age 95 of Little Falls.
WEATHER TODAY= sunny skies, high near 90. TONIGHT= storms after midnight, some heavy, low 67. THURSDAY= showers and storms likely through midday, high 81. THURS NIGHT= clearing skies, low 54. FRIDAY= sunny skies, high near 80, clear and cool night, low 52.
SPORTS TWINS= Kepler, Dozier, Escobar, Mauer and Sano have big game to help Twins beat Indians 10-6 on Wednesday. The Twins continue their four game series with Cleveland tonight at 5:30 on Q92 WYRQ OLY= The Summer Olympics have their opening ceremonies in Rio on Friday but the action begins today with 4 events, including the U.S. Women's Soccer Team opening pool play with New Zealand. The mens basketball team begins Saturday with China as the Women's team with 4 Lynx players opens play Sunday against Senegal. VFW= Cold Spring beat Little Falls 8-3 Tuesday ending their season.