NEWS
--An 84-year-old from Bowlus was seriously injured Tuesday afternoon at 2:35pm on Highway 238 at Dove Road in Elmdale Township. Arnold Molus was eastbound on 238 when he went off the road, struck the guardrail and rolled. Molus reportedly suffered life threatening injuries in the State Patrol report.
--As expected on Tuesday, the Crow Wing County Board of Commissioners voted to pass a resolution to send a letter of disapproval to Governor Walz and members of the State Legislature on the new design of the Minnesota State Flag and State Seal stating that it was voted on by a group of Metropolitan idea makers and did not represent greater and rural Minnesota. A letter is being set out.
--One person was injured Monday night around 6pm on Highway 371 and County Road 77 in Nisswa. 40-year-old Joshua Pool of Brainerd and 30-year-old Chad Grady of Stillwater collided in the intersection. Both drivers were not injured. One passenger in the Grady vehicle Anna Kadrie, age 29 of Afton was treated at Brainerd hospital.
--Good news for folks on Social Security, chances are your monthly checks are about to get bigger in the new year. Every year, the Social Security Administration announces a Cost of Living Adjustment, commonly called a COLA. This year the COLA is going to be 3.2%.The Social Security Administration says the 2024 COLA will increase the average monthly payment by more than $50 a month. The report shows the average recipient will see a monthly increase of $59 a month, with the average retired worker in the U.S. receiving a $1,848 monthly Social Security payment in 2023, compared to a $1,907 monthly payment in 2024. This adjustment may be lower than what some people were expecting. On the flip side, some workers may have to pay more in the new year. The Social Security Administration says most workers pay a 12.4% tax to help fund Social Security. For employed workers, the employee covers half of that tax, and the employer covers the other half. Self-employed individuals must pay the full 12.4% on their own. That tax rate isn't going to change in the new year, it hasn't changed since the 90s. According to the Social Security Administration, in 2023, every dollar a person earns, up to $160,200 is subject to this Social Security tax. The new limit for 2024 is set at $168,600 which is an increase of $8,400. So, higher earners will have to pay more money to fund Social Security in the new year. The Social Security Administration says this change will be reflected in your January Social Security check. If you have questions contact your local social security office or go to their website at www.ssa.gov.
--Crow Wing County Attorney Don Ryan has concluded his review of a September 5th murder-suicide that occurred in Breezy Point. The county attorney's conclusions are consistent with findings from the Ramsey County Medical Examiner and finds no prosecution warranted. Ryan in a written statement said "It is my opinion that on September 5, 2023, Michael Toner shot and killed Melanie Jansen and Hannah Jansen. Mr. Toner then took his own life. This is consistent with the Ramsey County Medical Examiner's findings of a double homicide/suicide," "There being no evidence that anyone else was involved, I find no prosecution warranted. This concludes my review of the matter and our file is now closed," The three people were found dead from gunshot wounds the night of September 5th at a residence in Whitebirch Estates in Breezy Point. The investigation had stated that there was not risk to the public from his isolated incident.
--Oasis Central Minnesota is hosting a Jammin January fundraiser January 19th at 7pm at the Falls Ballroom with Songblast Dueling Guitars Show. The event is a fundraiser to help those in the housing insecure in Morrison County. Tickets are $40 through Eventbrite or by contacting Oasis Central Minnesota office at 320-632-9140.
--The Department of Natural Resources has outlined a long list of research needed to gather basic information about 23 fish species long labeled “rough fish” in state law. In the report to lawmakers, the agency recommends changing the definition from rough fish to native rough fish and removing invasive species such as carp from the definition. The agency is also asking lawmakers for expedited rule making authority to place bag limits on species that need protection. But the DNR has little data on most of the native rough fish species, making management decisions more of a challenge. Many of the species of fish are in the larger lakes like Lake Mille Lacs and the list can be viewed of the 23 species on the Minnesota DNR website.
--A man is dead after a car hit him on Highway 65 and 109th Ave. NE in Blaine early Tuesday. Authorities received a call from a passerby about 4:30am reporting a man lying in the road. Blaine police confirmed that a car did strike this man. Blaine spokesperson Mark Boerboom said the victim was going to be transported via Life Link helicopter but died before reaching the hospital. No arrests have been made in the incident.
--Gas prices fell last week. Gas Buddy says average gasoline prices in Minnesota have fallen 4.0 cents per gallon, averaging $2.85. The national average price of gasoline has fallen 1.6 cents in the last week, averaging $3.06. The national average price of diesel has fallen 4.5 cents in the last week and stands at $3.96 per gallon.
--A Maple Lake man recently got certification that his collection of KISS memorabilia has earned a place in the Guinness Book of World Records. Recently, the Simons found themselves in a financial crunch and Vern has begun dispersing his collection. It was reported when Guinness gave the world record there were 3,799 KISS items from albums, posters, clothing, ticket info and other items in his basement.
--The Pierz Boys Basketball program is putting on a Gun Bingo this Saturday at 1pm at Frosty's in Pierz. Proceeds go towards an outdoor basketball court in Pierz. The goal is to raise enough money to build it this year. $100 a card this Saturday in Pierz come and help out.
DEATH NOTICES
--Joyce H. Gunderson, age 66 of Little Falls.
--Roseann Wagner, passed away December 9th from Lastrup.
--Donald E. Strom, age 96 of Little Falls.
--Ronald Leners, age 73 of Bowlus.
WEATHER
TODAY= flurries at times, windy, falling temps into the teens.
TONIGHT= clearing skies, colder night, low 9 above.
THURSDAY= sunny skies, high 25, temps steady overnight.
FRIDAY= snow develops, high near 30, low near 20.
SPORTS
HS WRE= Cloquet vs. Little Falls vs. Pierz at Pierz in a triangular of wrestling Friday beginning at 5pm Q92 WYRQ and fallsradio.com.
COL FB= Michigan and Washington will play for the National Title in College Football next Monday night at 6:30pm in Houston.