NEWS
--The Morrison County Sheriff's Office Emergency Management wants everyone to know that November 4-8th is Winter Hazard Awareness Week. Winter is the signature season in Minnesota. It's normally a long season of cold temperatures and snow and ice that can last from November through April. Yet winter doesn't slow Minnesotans down- in fact Minnesotans are just as mobile, social and active during winter as they are during the summer months- both indoors and especially outdoors. But in order to ensure a safe and enjoyable winter, it is critical to be informed and aware of the potential risks and hazards associated with winter weather and how to avoid them. The Minnesota Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Management website is featuring daily topics including winter weather overview, outdoor winter safety, winter fire safety, indoor winter safety and winter driving. For more information about winter weather preparedness and safety please visit the HSEM Winter Weather Safety website at the Department of Public Safety website.
--The Pierz City Council met on Monday night. At the meeting the Pierz Council approved an increase in the recycling fee from $3.10 per month per household to $3.75 per month effective November 20th. 2-building permits were approved to Advantage One for a lighted sign and Jacob Kirsling for a shed. The council approved baskets to be placed at about 20 Pierz businesses for collection for the Pierz Toy Drive. A gambling permit for a raffle at St. Joseph's Church was approved and the council set a City Council Workshop on Monday, November 4th at 5:30pm at Pierz City Hall.
--The Wadena County Sheriff’s Office has apprehended 34-year old Ryan Paul Petro who escaped from custody during a transition to a court appearance on Monday. Due to the search the Wadena County Courthouse, Wadena-Deer Creek elementary and high schools went into a lockdown or safety zone during the day yesterday. Sheriff Michael Carr says Petro has been in custody since September 28th for charges including 1st degree burglary, misdemeanor fleeing on foot, misdemeanor damage to property, misdemeanors of disorderly conduct, obstructing legal process, and felony conditions of release. Again Petro was arrested late yesterday afternoon and is in custody once again and faces more charges in his escape from custody.
--The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources says there was a strong response to the first statewide season for young deer hunters. The DNR says more than 5,700 youth hunters bagged a deer during October 17th-20th, that's an increase of 77 percent from last year's youth hunt which was limited to fewer areas of the state. Before October 17th about 21,000 youth licenses were sold, up more than 50 percent from last year. Another 7,800 licenses were purchased during the youth season. Since the first youth deer season began in 2004 in northwestern Minnesota, the hunt for ages 10 to 17 has been expanded to 28 deer permit areas in parts of southeastern and northwestern Minnesota and the Twin Cities metro.
--During the week of October 20th through October 26th, the Todd County Sheriff's Office responded to 168 calls for service. The following were the types of calls: 38 traffic stops, 11 civil process, 4 suspicious activity type complaints, 9 assist other agencies, 6 traffic complaints, 5 disturbances/domestics, 3 damage to property complaints, 7 car/deer accidents, 3 accidents, 3 vehicles in ditch and 4 farm animals out complaints. Todd County Dispatch received 109 calls to 9-1-1 during the week.
--Tomorrow is Halloween. The Little Falls Area Chamber of Commerce announced that dozens of businesses will have treats to hand out between 3:30-5pm Thursday. They recommend for elementary school aged children and younger who don't usually go out door to door at night as much as the older children. Look for the specially marked pumpkin in the doors of businesses. FM94 KFML will be broadcasting live at Fallsnet during the event with Halloween music. The Pierz Area Commercial Club will host trick or treating at participating businesses in Pierz from 3:30-5:30pm on Thursday again watch for the specially marked item in the doors and enjoy fun and treats from the businesses in Pierz. The Royalton Drama Club will host a fundraiser Halloween event for elementary age children and younger at the Royalton High School cafetorium Thursday from 5-8pm with trick or treating, games, haunted house, trunk or treat in the parking lot and more. Also the 16th Annual Halloween Trick or Treat Safety event will be at the Brainerd Police Deparment, Brainerd Fire Department and the Crow Wing County Sheriff's Office in Brainerd from 3:30-6:30pm on Thursday. Come trick or treat at these place for a safe and friendly environment Thursday in Brainerd.
--Police are investigating a burglary at a St. Cloud business over the weekend. The incident happened just before 1am Saturday in the 600 block of 1st Street Southeast in St. Cloud. Authorities say when they arrived the door to the business was open. It's believed the suspects entered the business by breaking a window and took several items from inside, including a flat-bed truck that was parked in the a garage. The case remains active and anyone with information is asked to contact the St. Cloud Police department.
--St James Church of Randall, will be hosting a Catholic Community Seminarian Support Brunch on Sunday from 10am-1pm. Brunch will consist of Pancakes, sausage, scrambled eggs, fresh fruit and beverages. A Free Will Offering will be accepted. Scott Kahler, from Our Lady of Lourdes parish in Little Falls is our seminarian. Mass on Sunday is at 10:30am at St. James in Randall. For more information, call Joy Stich320-333-3303.
--Remember to fall back this weekend Daylight Saving Time ends on Sunday morning at 2am, turn the clocks one hour back.
BIRTH ANNOUNCEMENT
--Nathan and Beth Berlin of Randall, a girl born October 25th.
DEATH NOTICES
--Marian J. Brisk, age 95 of Pierz.
--Martha Y. Thielen, age 83 of Lake Alexander, Cushing.
WEATHER
TODAY= sunny skies, chilly temps, high 33.
TONIGHT= clear skies, chilly temps, low 17.
THURSDAY= sunny skies, high 38, snow showers after 2am, low 24.
FRIDAY= snow early, mixing with rain by noon, high 38, low near 27.
SPORTS
VB= Royalton Royals advanced on with a 3-1 win over Albany last night and will take on Annandale Thursday at 6pm in Sauk Rapids in the section semi-finals, hear the action live on Q92 WYRQ.
WS= Washington beats Houston 7-2 last night with the long ball, the deciding Game 7 of the World Series is tonight in Houston.
NFL= Vikings at Kansas City Sunday at noon on AM960 KLTF.