NEWS
--If you live in the Little Falls or Brainerd Lakes areas and hear explosions today, don’t be alarmed. An Air Force Reserve Unit from the Twin Cities will be detonating some old munitions at Camp Ripley. The explosive items are components from old aircraft ejection seat systems, which were recovered or removed from former military aircraft and collected by members of an aircraft club. The U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms is in possession of these items now, and has requested support from the Air Force Reserve Unit in destructing them on a Department of Defense-owned range. The items are considered hazardous wastes because of their explosive characteristics, and therefore the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency is issuing an emergency hazardous waste permit to the Air Force Reserve Unit and Camp Ripley. The permit allows them to detonate these items through August 4th, though the unit expects to complete the work this week.
--The Little Falls Economic Development Authority has extended the emergency small business loans for Little Falls businesses, until July 29, 2020 at 4:30pm. Applications can be found on the City’s webpage. Loans for eligible businesses can be made for up to $5,000 for 42 months, payments will be deferred for the first 6 months, and will be 0% interest with monthly payments for the final 36 months. If the applicant makes 18 months of payments or $2,500 of principal payments, the remaining $2,500 will be forgiven. If you have questions for the city of Little Falls call 616-5500.
--Morrison County Administrator Deb Gruber stated that they should be wrapping up the parking lot work in the next few weeks in the southside of the building. She said the public parking access is ready to go and use the newly remodeled horseshoe style parking lane to enter the building. The west parking lot works best for motor vehicle traffic but the south parking lot is open. The work is on the southeast side of the building at this time. They are working with the city and Community Development for the CARES monies for business assistance and funding in the near future and mentioned also the DMV opening for walk ins next Monday.
--St. Cloud is the latest city in Minnesota to require face masks in public indoor spaces. The council voted five to two to pass the temporary ordinance. Many of the council members said they received hundreds of comments from the public about the issue. Council President Jeff Goerger says he's frustrated that the issue has become so controversial. The ordinance goes in effect immediately. It will be in effect for 30 days but could be rescinded earlier or extended by another city council vote. The city's mask ordinance will also expire if either the St. Cloud state of emergency or the statewide Peacetime Emergency expire, or if a statewide mask law is enacted by Governor Tim Walz. The emergency ordinance requires face coverings for indoor public places. Indoor public places include retail stores, government buildings, recreational facilities, etc. Some exceptions include kids under five years old, people who can't wear a mask for medical reasons, people who have trouble breathing, restaurant or bar customers who are eating or drinking, or workers who are in an area of a business that is not open to customers. Violations could result in the issuance of a warning, or a fine of $250. Other Minnesota cities like Minneapolis, St. Paul, Rochester, Mankato, Duluth and several others have passed a face mask mandate.
--Parade of blessings tonight at the Convent beginning at 5:30pm.
--The Pierz Outdoor Warning Sirens will be testing today at 1:00pm. This is only a test to ensure the sirens are working properly. If this were a real event, please remember to take the following precautions for safety: Move to a basement or an interior room on the lowest floor of a sturdy building. Avoid windows. If you are outdoors, in a mobile home or in a vehicle, move to the closest substantial shelter and protect yourself from flying debris.
--Latest MDH numbers Tuesday show 352 new cases and 3 new deaths linked to COVID-19. There was one new case of COVID-19 in Morrison County, now at 74 cases and 1 confirmed death.
--One person was hospitalized and two vehicles sustained heavy damage following a three-vehicle accident Saturday. One vehicle rolled onto its roof and the other two vehicles sustained heavy damage near the intersection of 33rd Avenue and Third Street N in St. Cloud. One of the vehicle's occupants needed hospitalization where no one else in the accident was hurt.
--The Brainerd YMCA announced they are temporarily closed due to the severe weather last Friday and Saturday. Heavy rains caused flooding inside the building for roof damage and it will take time to dry out the building. The YMCA is asking for financial support to help in the repairs. To help got to the Brainerd YMCA facebook page.
--A St. Joseph man was injured in a one vehicle crash. At 7:55am Friday Stearns County Sheriff’s deputies responded to a one-vehicle crash on County Road 3 near 355th Street in St. Wendel Township. 48-year old Ryan Howe of St. Joseph, was driving south on County Road 3 when he crossed the center line and over corrected the vehicle. He went into the ditch and struck a field approach. Howe was taken by ambulance to the hospital for non-life-threatening injuries. Howe was the sole occupant of the vehicle and was not wearing his seat belt.
--Friday at 5:47pm, Stearns County Sheriff’s deputies responded to a motorcycle crash with injuries in the 21000 block of County Road 71 in Wakefield Township. This location is a few miles south of the city of Richmond. Kevin Jungles, 28, of St. Cloud, was driving a 2016 Honda motorcycle northbound on County Road 71 when he lost control of it as he negotiated the curve. Mr. Jungles was thrown from the motorcycle. He was not wearing a helmet and sustained non-life-threatening injuries. Mayo Ambulance transported Mr. Jungles to the St. Cloud Hospital for treatment of his injuries. Alcohol is not believed to be a factor in the crash. Chain of Lakes Fire and Rescue assisted.
--Another cancellation has been reported from the Little Falls Senior Center that all of their AARP Driver Safety Classes at the senior center have been cancelled until further notice and may be rescheduled for 2021. Call your insurance company for discounts.
WEATHER
TODAY= sunny and pleasant, high 74.
TONIGHT= clear night, low 55.
THURSDAY= sunny and warmer, high 81, storms late night, low 62.
FRIDAY= storm early, then sunny, warm and humid, high 88, low 70.
SPORTS
VL= Randall at Upsala Saturday at 1:30pm on AM960 KLTF.
TWINS= the Minnesota Twins take on the Chicago Cubs in an exhibition game tonight at 6pm. Hear the game live on Q92 WYRQ.
Reminder that tomorrow is FM94's Ladies Night Out Pierz Style get the details at fallsradio.com, it begins at noon.