NEWS
--Chuck Zwilling gave an update on 4th Annual Sunny Zwilling Memorial ICE Fest 2021 scheduled for February 13th and 14th on Green Prairie-Fish Lake north of Little Falls. Zwilling said that if the Governor's restrictions on large gatherings remain in place that they would have to go to a virtual event with drones, Facebook Live and video showing around the lake to show the work on the ice carousel as they try and break (for now) their own world record from last year (Quebec may still try it before event, but Chuck was unclear on that). All the proceeds raised go to Flyer Pride Pack (back pack food programs for the Little Falls Community School District) and the Care Closet at the High School for those in need of items and food. In the previous 3 years the event has raised around $36,000 for those two groups. If they can't gather for the event than all the monies go to the two groups as less money would be needed for the event (food, concessions, outdoor activites and other miscellaneous items). Zwilling is still looking for a paramedic, EMT or First Responders to help for a few hours. Any volunteers to donate their time with the event on February 13th and 14th or if you have questions go to MnIceFest.com or you contact Chuck Zwilling at 320-249-1504.
--Mark Hoheisel of Father Pierz School of Religion announced that they will still be having their gifts program today from 3:30-7:30pm at Holy Trinity School in Pierz. All other events that were scheduled for St. Nick Night in Pierz which would have been tonight had to be cancelled by the Pierz Area Commerical Club this year. Mark said that students are to be dropped off at the doors across from the Pierz Villa (parents are to stay in the car and all students should wear a mask). Confirmation students will help the students in the building get their $1 gift for Mom and a $1 gift for Dad and then help the students out the exit door which will be in the front of the school. Also there will be the St. Nick Raffle tonight at 6pm but on Facebook live as the public will not be able to attend. Questions on this and the gift program, contact Mark at Holy Trinity 468-2640.
--Shannon Wettstein of Morrison Soil and Water announced that letters were recently sent out for trees because nurseries will be pulling trees and still will be able to get folks fruit trees and native species for the spring. If you want to get an order for trees in the spring and did not receive one in the mail call their office for information. Also there will be no open house this year as offices are still closed for walk-in traffic, but they will have a tree week December 8th-10th if you get your order in by then you will also receive the 10% discount like they would have had in the past if they attended the open house. The number for information is 631-3551. You can mail your tree application in or drop it off in the dropbox outside the office. Also the DNR is not sending out their tree mailings this year. It will only be available online. Also when the trees are available for pickup they will let us know how that will be handled if restrictions remain in place for events such as that next spring.
--Morrison County website Tuesday reported 2,390 cases since testing began and 415 active cases of COVID-19. Numbers keep going down as Little Falls at 143 and Pierz at 93, Royalton at 43. Governor Walz stated Monday that the numbers were down and the trend continues with 3,570 new cases Tuesday and 22 new deaths, though Morrison County did report 41 new cases on Tuesday.
--Join the Morrison County ADA and AM960 KLTF Thursday on Party Line at 10:05 for the kickoff of the Dairy Recipe Contest.
--The Little Falls Area Chamber of Commerce announced their December Employee of the Month as Nancy Zak. Nancy has worked at Pine Country Bank as a bank teller for the past 13 years. Congratulations to Nancy Zak as the December Employee of Month.
--The Little Falls Area Chamber of Commerce announced that, in an effort to celebrate our members and the numerous individual volunteers who dedicate their time and talents to the Chamber, the Outstanding Service Committee is now accepting nominations for our 2020 Chamber Volunteer of the Year, Small Business of the Year and Large Business of the Year. Each award has a specific criteria to assist you in the nomination process. Nominations are due to the Chamber of Commerce by Friday, January 22nd, 2021. Awards will be bestowed at the Annual Meeting, Thursday, February 25th. Please consider making a nomination in one or more categories. Recipients will receive the public recognition and a plaque in their honor. Their names will also be displayed on permanent plaques in the Chamber lobby. Nominations forms can be found at the website at www.littlefallsmnchamber.com.
--Minnesota Management and Budget released the November economic forecast for the State of Minnesota. Governor Tim Walz released the following statement after the announcement: “This improved economic outlook means we can, and we must, act immediately on COVID-19 relief. We must do everything we can to keep small businesses afloat and support the working families who are bearing the brunt of this crisis.”. The forecast showed a projected surplus of $641 million for the fiscal years 2020-21. The improved budget outlook continues into fiscal years 2022-23, but a $1.273 billion budgetary shortfall remains for that biennium.
--The Department of Natural Resources Conservation Report for this week reported of two cases already in Northeastern Minnesota of anglers falling through thin ice. In both cases they were able to get to dry shore before the conservation officers arrived for assistance. This is a reminder that most lake ice is not firm enough even to walk on let alone use an ATV or larger vehicle at this time. Most of central and southern Minnesota has nearly all open water due to the recent warmer temperatures and with daytime highs into next week staying above 32 degrees and plenty of expected sunshine, ice will not form as fast to make is any safer in the upcoming week ahead.
--Ryan Webber, conductor of the Heartland Symphony Orchestra has stated that due to restrictions they will not be able to have their live Holiday Concerts at Little Falls and Brainerd this weekend. Instead there will be a virtual holiday concert put together and that will be available to watch starting December 19th on their website. For details go to heartlandsymphony.com and click on holiday virtual concert.
DEATH NOTICES
--Irene E. Newman, age 85 of the Little Falls area.
--Armand Robert Marx, age 78 of Little Falls.
WEATHER
TODAY= increasing clouds, high 35.
TONIGHT= cloudy night, some freeze fog toward morning, low 25.
THURSDAY= partly cloudy skies, high near 40, clear night, low 20.
FRIDAY= sunny skies, winds pick up, high 34, low around 15.
SPORTS
TWINS= Twins Hot Stove returns tonight 6pm on Q92 WYRQ.