NEWS
--During these stressful times, Morrison County is working to ensure all community members have access to healthy food. The goal is to deliver healthy food to our rural community members, those homebound due to COVID-19, the elderly, families with children and all other residents who do not have the ability or access to utilize community resources. In partnership with Morrison County Food Shelf and Second Harvest Heartland, Morrison County is again offering free delivery of fresh produce to those Morrison County residents in need. For those who received a box of fresh produce on May 1st or have utilized a food shelf in the past 30 days, we are asking you not to register for this food drop. Morrison County cannot guarantee every household that registers will be able to receive a box. To register for a delivery, residents can call Morrison County Public Health at (320) 632-6664 between the hours of 8:00am-4:30pm today, tomorrow and Friday or until capacity has been reached. Please do not leave voice messages after hours. Quantities are limited, so register early. Boxes will be delivered to your doorstep sometime between 9:00 am – 3:00pm on Thursday, May 14th, 2020. No contact between resident and delivery driver will take place.
--Governor Walz Tuesday signed Executive Order 20-51, providing a roadmap for safely restarting elective surgeries. Starting next week, doctors, dentists, and veterinarians who create a plan to keep patients and healthcare professionals safe may begin offering these procedures, which can treat chronic conditions, prevent and cure disease, and relieve chronic pain. Executive Order 20-51 will allow hospitals, ambulatory surgical centers, and clinics – whether veterinary, medical, or dental – to resume many currently delayed procedures once facilities have developed criteria for determining which procedures should proceed during the COVID-19 pandemic and provided a plan to maintain a safe environment for facility staff, patients, and visitors. This Executive Order is effective immediately upon approval by the Minnesota Executive Council.
--Morrison County Public Health reported that three more residents, making nine have tested positive for COVID-19. Two of these residents are in their 20s and one is in their 50s. All appear to be quarantined in their homes. Public Health does not release where these individuals live.
--Authorities say the body of a missing St. Cloud man has been found. St. Cloud Police Lieutenant Lori Ellering says they received a call back on April 7th, from a resident who stated they found what was believed to be human remains in a large wooded area north of the Cloverleaf Trailer Park. Officers responded and the body was sent to the Midwest Medical Examiners Office, who identified the body as Adam Peckham. Peckham had been missing since July 25th. The cause of death is unknown and the case remains active. Anyone with information on Peckham's disappearance or death is asked to call the St. Cloud Police Department Criminal Investigations Unit.
--The National Weather Serivce has released their summer outlook forecast. Minnesota is expected in June, July and August to see above normal temperatures with an average high in the upper 70s and near to above normal precipitation in June into early July and then normal precipitation for the second half of summer. The weather service also expects more chances than last year of severe storms to impact the state due to the Jet Stream and a more southerly flow of weather through the next 60-90 days.
--A reminder that their will be a flyover today from the Air National Guard over St. Gabriel's Hospital between 11-11:15am this morning. They are doing this to praise the essential workers at health care faciltiies during this time of COVID-19.
--The Little Falls Gradbash committee on Monday agreed to celebrate the senior class of 2020 on Friday, May 15. A senior celebration and recognition will be held and Mayor Greg Zylka has offered to do a City Proclamation for the event. Seniors will be invited to drive thru the high school's south loop between 2pm to 7pm where they will be greeted by representatives from Gradbash and LFCHS staff. Seniors will stay in their vehicles as they are presented their cap and gowns, yearbooks, Gradbash prizes, scholarship certificates, and other items, all in their Gradbash tote. High School Prinicpal Tim Bjorge is getting the word as if anyone may have more ideas and and ways to support the Class of 2020 are welcomed and feel free to give input to the school by contact Bjorge at 616-2201. Bjorge, Mayor Zylka and the entire staff and committee what to thank you for supporting all the children living in this community.
--Little Falls Community High School announced their Honors Night will be tonight at 7pm but closed to the public. Flyer Media Productions will provide video of the Honors Night Wednesday night at 7pm on the Little Falls Community High School U-tube channel and also on Channel 181 on the local cable provider for those to view. Pierz Healy High School also announced they will have their Academic Awards Night at 7pm tonight the Pierz Schools Facebook Page.
--Crow Wing County Sheriff Scott Goddard reports that on Sunday at approximately 12:24pm his office received a report of an assault involving a firearm taking place in the area of the 22000 block of County Road 4 north of Merrifield. Deputies and officers from the Nisswa, Crosslake, Brainerd, Breezy Point, Minnesota State Patrol, and Pequot Lakes Police Departments assisted with attempting to locate the suspect. Numerous witnesses were identified at the scene. The only information regarding the suspect is that the suspect was driving a black sedan, wearing a handkerchief over their face, and discharged the firearm from the vehicle while chasing the victim. Anyone with information on the identity or location of the suspect should contact the Crow Wing County Sheriff Office at 218-829-4749. Sheriff Goddard advises that “public safety is paramount and wants the community to be aware that we are actively investigating this case and any leads we obtain.” We do believe this is an isolated incident, but are asking that anyone in the area of the 22000 block of County Road 4 to please check your surveillance cameras systems for a black sedan coming or going from that area between the hours of 10:00am to 1:00pm on Sunday May 3rd.
DEATH NOTICE
--Stanley E. Holtslander Sr., age 89 of Little Falls
WEATHER
TODAY= sunny skies, breezy conditions, high 62.
TONIGHT= clear skies, winds die down, low 33.
THURSDAY= sunny and cooler, less windy, high 56, low 27.
FRIDAY= sunny, windy and colder, high 46, low near 25.
SPORTS
TWINS= listen to Game 6 of the Twins/Cardinals 1987 World Series tonight at 6pm on Q92 WYRQ and online at fallsradio.com.