NEWS
--At the recent Little Falls School Board meeting this week, the board accepted current Superintendent Stephen Jones announcement of his retirement from the district which would be effective today June 30th. The Board then voted to work on negotiating with Jones working the next school year 2021-2022. The board began the negotations with Jones on Tuesday. Late yesterday morning the school board announced they will host a special meeting at noon on Friday at the High School District Office to approve an at-will contract for the superintedent position currently held by Stephen Jones.
--At 4:52pm Monday the Little Falls Fire Department was dispatched to 21590 Grouse Road in Green Prairie Township on a reported gas leak. Upon arrival firefighters found that a gas meter had been backed into by a vehicle and gas was leaking from the pipe below the meter. Firefighters were able to slow the flow of gas from the pipe and monitored gas levels in the area until officials from Minnesota Energy Resources arrived to shut the leak down. The Fire Department was assisted at the scene by Camp Ripley Fire Department and the Morrison County Sheriff’s Office.
--At least four people have been formally charged with various counts of rioting following a June 20th shooting in downtown St. Cloud that injured a 17-year-old boy. Twenty-five-year-old Antwon Jenkins, 19-year-old Sumaree Boose, 43-year-old Charmaine Duncan, and 31-year-old Ashley Katzmarek are all charged with a felony charge of 2nd-degree riot armed with a dangerous weapon and gross misdemeanor 3rd-degree riot using unlawful force or violence. An arrest warrant has been issued for the St. Cloud man believed to be the triggerman in the downtown St. Cloud shooting incident that left a teenager wounded. Twenty-year-old Kevon Washington has been formally charged with 2nd-degree assault with a dangerous weapon and causing substantial bodily harm and felony gun possession. Four others are also charged with various counts of rioting for the fight that broke out prior to the shooting. The incident started with what police called multiple fights taking place in the H-lot parking lot. Records show a man was then seen firing a gun toward the adjacent Centre Square parking ramp. Those shots are believed to have wounded the teen. An initial report stated that Washington was in custody in Stearns County but released until evidence was located and now he was reportedly not in custody as of Tuesday morning.
--A St. Cloud man faces a felony charge after allegedly threatening another man with a gun. Eighteen-year-old Isaac Schlenker is charged with 2nd-degree assault with a dangerous weapon. St. Cloud Police were called to the 900 block of Savanna Avenue Thursday on a gun complaint. A woman told officers that she and Schlenker had gotten into an argument. According to the criminal complaint, when the argument intensified, another man got involved. Schlenker displayed a handgun in his waistband while continuing to make threats. The man said Schlenker ultimately pulled the handgun out and pointed it at his face. Officers later found Schlenker at an apartment in the 4000 block of Clearwater Road and arrested him. Police say a woman in the apartment handed over a suitcase containing a 9mm handgun. Schlenker denied brandishing a gun in a statement to police, but when confronted with Ring doorbell video showing him holding a gun, Schlenker said it was a BB gun.
--Congratulations to Stacy Jensen who found the specially marked Randall Medallion. She turned it in to City Hall on Tuesday morning and it was found under a piece of metal at the Randall Water Tower.
--The Little Falls Chamber of Commerce announced that the legislative update on Thursday will start at 9am but wil now be shorter tomorrow as Senator Gazelka has to leave by 9:45am. Again the update starts at 9am at Little Falls City Hall will be shorter due to the schedule of Senator Gazelka. Questions call 632-5155.
--The Morrison and Todd County Sheriff's Office announced they have new K9 units to their offices. Todd County stated that Ranger is a year and a half old German Shepard from the Czech Republic. Deputy Hendricks is Ranger's handler and has been with the Sheriff's Office for 8 years. Morrison County also shared that they got a new K9 Deputy on duty with Deputy Austin Scherping. Bane is a one and a half year old German Shepherd from Czech Republic. He is certified through the USPCA ( United States Police Canine Association) and the NPCA (National Police Canine Association). The dogs are trained and certified in criminal apprehension, narcotics detection and tracking.
--An 18-year-old was injured Monday at 12:39pm in Deerwood of Crow Wing County. 44-year-old John Blood of Deerwood was on County Road 12 was pulling another truck behind his when the strap broke causing the pulled vehicle to pass the first one and strike another vehicle in the other lane driven by 41-year-old Melanie West of Sauk Rapids. Neither driver was hurt. 18-year-old Timothy Blood of Deerwood who was in the pickup truck that was being pulled was taken to the Crosby Hospital with non life threatening injuries.
--The Stearns County Sheriff's Office says they plan to be more visible at a number of Stearns County parks. The sheriff's office says they have seen an increase number of incidents at several Stearns County Parks, particularly at Quarry Park in Waite Park. In the past several weeks, authorities have responded to a large number of thefts, fights, and alcohol and drug violations in Quarry Park. Beginning this week, there will be an increase in officers, along with a stronger focus on ordinance violations related to drug and alcohol use. All violations will be cited accordingly. It is unfortunate that some people go to the parks only to create problems, drink to excess and steal when most people are just trying to enjoy the parks that Stearns County has to offer. This stepped-up enforcement and presence is a way to deter this activity and promote a welcoming park atmosphere. Overall, the Stearns County Park System is safe, but we have experienced trouble at a few, caused by a few. The Stearns County Sheriff's Office reminds visitors and residents that alcohol in Quarry Park is a violation of county ordinance.
BIRTH ANNOUNCEMENT
--Jordan and Anna Schutz of Pierz, a baby boy born June 28th.
WEATHER
TODAY= sunny skies, isolated shower possible, high 87.
TONIGHT= clear skies, warmer night, low 63.
THURSDAY= sunny, breezy and cooler, high near 80, low 54.
FRIDAY= sunny, not as windy, high 83, low around 60.
SPORTS
TWINS= White Sox hold off a late Twins rally to win 7-6 last night. The Twins and White Sox again tonight 6:30pm on Q92 WYRQ.
NHL= The Wild and St. Louis Blues are planned to play the Winter Classic in NHL Hockey on January 1, 2022 at Target Field.
TENNIS= Serena Williams slips on the grass at Wimbeldon yesterday and is forced to retire from tourney with an injury.