NEWS --Around 5:30am Tuesday the Stearns County Sheriff's Office responded to a call of a vehicle in the Sauk River at the intersection of Sauk River Road and County Road 139 in Rockville. A passerby saw a road sign down and tracks leading to the river. When deputies arrived at the scene they found a car in the river on its roof. The crash occurred at the T intersection of County Road 139 and Sauk River Road. Authorities extricated an adult male from the vehicle. Despite life saving efforts the male died at the scene. The 47-year old male's name from Rockville is being withheld at this time until next of kin can be notified. The vehicle was removed from the river. Initial investigation shows that the car was traveling southbound on County Road 139. Investigators believe that the driver applied the brakes late while approaching the intersection. He traveled through the intersection striking the yellow warning sign. He continued into the ditch striking a tree which caused the car to flip on its roof and into the river. Deputies determined he was the lone occupant. They also spoke to the owner of the car who had lent it to the driver Monday afternoon. The crash is still under investigation.
–A motorist and her passenger were injured in a two-vehicle crash at 5:45pm Saturday at Eighth Avenue Northeast and H Street in Brainerd. 40-year old Janiece Renstrom of Brainerd was stopped at a stop sign on H Street as 45-year old Kelli Turcotte of Brainerd was traveling north on Eighth Avenue Northeast. Renstrom's vehicle proceeded east across Eighth Avenue Northeast and the two vehicles collided. Renstrom and her passenger, 19-year old Shandra Frimood of Brainerd were taken to Essentia Health-St. Joseph's Medical Center in Brainerd for minor injuries. Turcotte was not injured.
--The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources stated Monday that the bog on North Long Lake north of Brainerd in the Minnesota American Legion owned Legionville is planning to be moved. The bog broke away from the shoreline in October in Merrifield Bay on North Long Lake, north of Brainerd. The wind shifted the bog a few times, until it found its final resting place for the winter in front of the Legionville camp's swimming beach. Preparations are in place to move the bog Wednesday, May 16, close to where it originated—just northeast of the camp. So far the lake association has close to 20 volunteers for the process. According to the Legionville Camp more volunteers are needed to move the bog. The late ice off has made it difficult to secure barges, so we are looking for the use of larger boats and/or pontoons with larger motors and (are) also looking for at least one four-wheeler." The Legionville camp serves about 700 youths each summer and was established by the Minnesota American Legion for the purpose of training young people in correct school patrol procedures. School safety and bus patrol training is the primary focus of the camp, however other classes campers attend are first aid, watercraft safety and swim safety.
--The “Kare Kloset” at Little Falls Community High School is no longer in need of any donations. They have all the necessary donations to finish the school year and last through the summer. Thank you to all those who have donated. The Kare Kloset will likely be looking for donations again next school year.
--Congratulations to Keith Thompson of Little Falls who won the Tim McGraw/Faith Hill tickets from the Little Falls Radio Cash Cube yesterday during Q92 Classic Country with Al Windsperger.
--Benton County Sheriff’s Office K9 Ragnar has received a bullet and stab protective vest thanks to a charitable donation from non-profit organization Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. The vest was sponsored by Russell Paumen and Kristi Ronallo of Ramsey and embroidered with the sentiment “In honor of all who protect and serve.” Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. is a charity whose mission is to provide bullet and stab protective vests and other assistance to dogs of law enforcement and related agencies throughout the United States. The non-profit has provided over 2,800 protective vests in 50 states, through private and corporate donations, at a cost of over 2.4 million dollars. In a press release yesterday it stated, “The Benton County Sheriff’s Office is very grateful for the generosity of Mr. Paumen, Ms. Ronallo, and Vested Interest in K9s. Police K9 teams are important assets in public safety both here in Benton County and across the state of Minnesota. This vest will serve to protect Ragnar and ensure he has the opportunity to serve our area for many years to come.”
--On Monday, the State House voted to approve a capital investment package on a bipartisan 84-39 vote featuring $825 million in general obligation bonds to fund construction projects throughout the state. More than two-thirds of the bonding is dedicated to bricks-and-mortar projects, such as roads and bridges, water infrastructure and statewide asset preservation. The bill also features a component to use excess reserves from the Vikings stadium account to fund construction of veterans homes in Bemidji, Montevideo and Preston.
--Former Rocori Superintendent Scott Staska pleaded not guilty to 19 counts of indecent exposure Tuesday in Stearns County District Court. Staska faces the misdemeanor charges for reportedly exposing himself at stores in St. Cloud and Waite Park between May 2017 and April. Staska was not required to post bond but a condition of his release mandates he comply with geographic restrictions that prohibit him from entering stores where he is accused of exposing himself. A pretrial hearing is scheduled for July 20. Each misdemeanor count carries a maximum penalty of 90 days in jail and/or a $1,000 fine.
--Good Luck to the Little Falls Robotics Team heading to the state tournament at Mariucci Arena this Saturday in Minneapolis. This is the first time in the six year program that they will compete at state.
--Tickets are still available for the Tonic Sol-fa concert in Upsala this Friday at 7:30 at the Upsala High School. Tickets $20 at the door.
BIRTH ANNOUNCEMENT --Devan Leger and Adrian Neisen, girl on May 14th
WEATHER TODAY= sunny and hot, high 85. TONIGHT= clear night, low around 50. THURSDAY= sunny early, high 77, storms by late afternoon. FRIDAY= partly sunny, high near 80, storms develop late night.
SPORTS TWINS= Jose Berrios pitched 7+ strong innings, Bobby Wilson hit his 1st homer as a Twin as the Twins held off St. Louis 4-1 Tuesday night. The Twins and Cardinals wrap up series today at Target Field, pregame at 11:30am on Q92 WYRQ. NBA= Boston beat Cleveland for the 2nd time in three days, winning 107-94 last night to lead their NBA playoff series 2-0. LOCAL= check out local sports schedules at fallsradio.com- sports.