NEWS
--Following a multi-million-dollar renovation by Minnesota native and PGA professional golfer Tom Lehman, the Lehman 18 made its grand debut Monday at Cragun’s Resort with an official teeing off ceremony. Lehman was serenaded on the first tee by the University of Minnesota Band Alumni, Cragun’s Resort owner Dutch Cragun, Eric Peterson, General Manager, Jack Wawro, Director of Golf, and Matt McKinnon, Director of Golf Course Maintenance. Tee off footage on this link. “Having grown up 90 minutes from here, it’s great to return to be a part of this resort’s golf legacy,” said Lehman, a Minnesota native who attended the University of Minnesota. Open for its first full golf season, the course layout moves perfectly through a 1000-acre wooded sanctuary working its way around Stephens Lake and through many of the other natural wetlands, a true Minnesota backdrop. Dramatic strategic and aesthetic changes occurred on every hole, with lake and forest views in abundance throughout. Lehman cited the demanding, 627-yard par 5 fourth hole among his favorites, with the summer’s prevailing wind almost always at the golfer’s back, allowing the chance to think about getting home in two shots and a chance at eagle. Avoiding a trio of fairway bunkers guarding the right side of the fairway is key off the tee, he explained. The green is protected by a massive bunker in front that will need to be avoided. On the back nine, from the 16th hole through the close, spectacular views of the lake beckon at every hole. The Dutch Course, which annually hosts the PGA TOUR Canada’s CRMC Championship presented by Gertens, debuted its renovated Blue Nine earlier this summer. The Championship layout stretches to 7001 yards and plays to par 70. The Red Nine is currently closed for renovation by Lehman Design Group and will reopen in 2024. Cragun’s Resort is located on beautiful Gull Lake in Brainerd, Minnesota, and offers a wide array of outdoor activities for individuals, families, and groups, including a mile-long sandy beach, biking, hiking trails, and watersports. More info is at the website at www.craguns.com. Little Falls Radio's James Hershey and Mark Fyten got to play the course on the event Monday.
--On Monday at approximately 2pm, a 3-vehicle accident occurred on State Hwy 371 in the southbound lane just south of Barbeau Road. One of the vehicles involved was a Crow Wing County Squad car. The squad car did start on fire and was a total loss. The deputy involved did have minor injuries and was transported to the St. Joseph Hospital. There was a total of 3 occupants in the other vehicles involved. All 3 occupants were transported to St. Joseph hospital with minor injuries. According to the State Patrol the first vehicle had stopped on Highway 371 then a second vehicle stopped fast causing a third vehicle to strike the 2nd and thus causing a chain reaction that stalled traffic on Highway 371 for some time. The drivers and passengers from Minneapolis, Brainerd and Nisswa according to the State Patrol and Sheriff's Office had no serious injuries.
--Two people were hurt in an accident Monday in Benton County. Around 6:20pm 50-year-old Annie Etzel of Plymouth was westbound on Highway 95 when a truck driven by 65-year-old Leroy Hoff of Sauk Rapids had slowed to turn onto his driveway and the vehicles collided. Both were taken to St. Cloud Hospital and treated for what the state patrol said were non life threatening injuries.
--The Stearns County Fair starts today and runs through Sunday in Sauk Centre. Benton and Crow Wing Fairs start next week.
--A request to reevaluate conditions of release from jail was brought forward in the case against the 47-year-old Fort Ripley man accused in the hit-and-run murder his wife, 49-year-old Angela McClelland. Tony McClelland was charged July 12 with felony second-degree murder with intent but no premeditation, felony first-degree manslaughter and two counts of criminal vehicular homicide in connection with the death of his wife, Angela McClelland, on a frontage road near Highway 371 in Fort Ripley Township south of Brainerd. Tony McClelland appeared Tuesday in Crow Wing County District Court. Tony McClelland’s attorney, Jack Rice, requested the judge amend the conditions of release to something more reasonable as Tony McClelland only had a DUI charge on his record along with having family and ties to the community. Rice told Askegaard his client would be willing to wear a GPS monitor, so the court could keep track of his whereabouts. Assistant Crow Wing County Attorney Jaqueline Fogal informed Askegaard the state would oppose any amendments to McClelland’s conditions of release. Askegaard said he would take the request under advisement and make a ruling by Wednesday evening. Tony McClelland’s bond or bail is set at $2 million without conditions; or $1 million with conditions. As of Tuesday he was in custody at the Crow Wing County Jail. His next court appearance is scheduled for October 12th.
--A virtual Veterans town hall meeting focused on improving VA health care services and programs is scheduled on August 8th at 2pm for Veterans served by the Montevideo VA Clinic and the St. Cloud VA Health Care System. The virtual town hall meeting provides Veterans the chance to hear from and have concerns addressed by St. Cloud VA officials while observing social distancing guidelines. There are many ways to view this by computer, smart phone, cell phone, or even by phone line set up. Contact our local VA office to get the latest on how to get involved with his town hall meeting Aug. 8th.
--The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources is expanding the slot limit for harvesting walleye on Lake Mille Lacs. The DNR is opening the slot to one fish between 20-23 inches, or one longer than 28 inches. The previous limit was one walleye between 21-23 inches or one walleye over 28 inches. The changes stem from a lower catch rate this summer, abundant forage fish, and a strong 14-inch walleye class. The DNR says the increased slot limit will give anglers a better chance at harvesting a fish. The slot changes go into effect on August 1st. The winter regulations will be out in November.
--Due to the tremendous response from people who want to help Officer Brady Pundsack, a fundraisers for the deputy has been set and then rescheduled and the new date is September 16th. More details on the event to in the weeks ahead. If you want to help out with this contact beckirentz@gmail.com.
WEATHER
TODAY= AM storms, then hazy and humid, high 93.
TONIGHT= storms overnight, muggy night, low near 68.
THURSDAY= storms early and late, hazy and humid, high 91, low 63.
FRIDAY= AM showers, then partly sunny, cooler, high 83, low 57.
SPORTS
TWINS= Twins bullpen crumbles as Seattle scores 7 late runs to beat the Twins 9-7 last night. The Twins and Mariners wrap up series today, pregame begins at 11:30am on Q92 WYRQ.