NEWS
--FEMA will conduct the first ever nationwide test of the Wireless Emergency Alert (WEA) system this afternoon. The 30-minute test window runs from 1:18pm-1:48pm. If your cell phone is switched on and within range of an active tower, you’ll receive a one-time message that says, “THIS IS A TEST of the National Wireless Emergency Alert System. No action is needed.” Again this is only a test for FEMA to attempt an alert system to wireless devices.
--The Little Falls Police Department in recent weeks has responded to numerous traffic accidents, scams, theft reports and in a couple cases fraudulent currency. In one case a business owner believed a $50 bill was a fake but the bill turned out to be real. In a separate case, a counterfeit $100 bill was spotted at a gas station. Business owners are encouraged to be on the lookout for counterfeit bills.
--Seven former service members will be inducted into the Minnesota National Guard Court of Honor during a ceremony on Camp Ripley on Sunday. Individuals who have distinguished themselves during their military service and within their communities have been memorialized at Camp Ripley since 1933. These memorializations, are often inscribed on road ways, buildings, and training areas as an honor to those who have served with such accreditation. In more recent years, the names of the memorialized individuals are inscribed in the Court of Honor, an outdoor monument plaza located within the grounds of the Minnesota Military Museum on Camp Ripley. This year’s Honorees include Brigadier General (BVT) (Ret.) Ronald L. Hein of Duluth, Colonel (Ret.) Kenneth W. Zieska of Plymouth, First Sergeant (Ret.) Ronald H. Jacobson of Alexandria, First Sergeant (Ret.) Dennis L. Kohlman of Appleton, Master Sergeant (Ret.) Richard E. Kemp of Brooklyn Park, Master Sergeant (Ret.) Marjorie J. (Beers) Nelson of Little Falls, and Sergeant First Class Warren S. Gammell of Madison. The public is invited to attend this ceremony, which starts at 1:00pm at the Recreation Center, just across from the large education center building on Camp Ripley. An unveiling ceremony will begin at 3:45pm at the Minnesota Military Museum along Infantry Road.
--More information was released on two fatal accidents this past weekend. On Saturday around 1pm, Crow Wing County reported an accident on Highways 3 and 4 in Merrifield. 54-year-old Jeffrey Dockman of Nisswa was south and 56-year-old Cindy Parker of Pequot Lakes was north on Highway 4 near Merrifield when Dockman turned east onto Highway 3 and the two collided. Both drivers had non-life threatening injuries. A passenger in Dockman's vehicle, 79-year-old Jerry Albert of Merrifield was pronounced dead at the scene. On Sunday as reported yesterday, a Floodwood man was killed after the vehicle he was a passenger in was struck by a bear. The driver, 64-year-old Thomas Andor of Hibbing struck the bear in Aitkin County. Andor and his passenger, 61-year-old Vernon Owens of Floodwood got out of the vehicle to check the damage when Owens was struck by an oncoming vehicle driven by 55-year-old Jane Sautbine of Cloquet. Owens died at the scene. Neither driver was injured. Both fatal crashes are currently under investigation.
--Royalton is hosting homecoming against Browerville this Friday night at 7:00pm. Before the game there will be a homecoming parade at 5:00pm in downtown Royalton followed by a carnival from 5:15pm-6:30pm behind the school. The public is invited to both. Listen to the Royal football game Friday on 92.1FM WYRQ.
--38-year old Daniel Walter Kenning of St. Cloud, the man who police say walked into the St. Cloud Police Department Saturday morning and told officers he killed a woman in his home, was charged Tuesday with intentional murder in the second degree. St. Cloud police also identified Tuesday afternoon the victim as 45-year old Jennifer Lee Moy of Blaine. Kenning is charged with one felony count, according to a Stearns County criminal complaint, which says after Kenning walked into the police department about 8:10am and made the confession, he took officers to his north side St. Cloud home, where officers found Moy dead. Kenning faces a maximum sentence of 40 years in prison. His next court appearance is October 15th.
--A Sartell couple is charged with malicious punishment of a child after one of the children said his mother and stepfather would "whoop" he and his brothers daily with belts, extension cords and a board. 52-year-old Louis Hill and 29-year-old Stephanie Woods Hill are each charged with two felony counts of malicious punishment of a child. The children ages 13, 9 and 4 were found to have issues like missing school assignments and not understanding their homework. Both Woods and Woods-Hill informed police they had used belts on the children for punishment. Stephanie Woods Hill is due in court October 19th, Louis Hill has a hearing scheduled for November 9th.
--A 38-year-old Brainerd man was injured in a motorcycle accident Sunday afternoon in rural Brainerd. Dustin Walsh was on Crow Wing County Road 144 and Gilbert Lane when he crashed at the intersection. Walsh went to the hospital for his injuries.
--Brainerd High School held coronation Monday night. Abby Pelowski was crowned queen and Brett Hague was crowned king. Brainerd's homecoming game is Saturday afternoon vs. Becker.
--The Legacy Chorale of Greater Minnesota presents a Night at the USO Saturday at Cragun's in Brainerd. The event is s fundraiser for the Chorale to continue doing concerts around the state, with their over 100 separate members. The show consists of cocktails and silent auction at 5pm, meal of pot roast, salad, vegetables and dessert and a live music show with music of the 40s. There will be replicas of World War II style outfits, stages and even a jeep. The cost for tickets are $55 and can be purchased at legacychorale.org or by contacting Ann at Legacy Chorale at 218-270-8212.
WEATHER
TODAY= showers and T-storms, high 68 then falling in PM hours.
TONIGHT= showers early, clearing and cold, frost late, low 30.
THURSDAY= sun early, afternoon clouds, windy, high 46, low 32.
FRIDAY= rain/snow early, then cloudy, high 49, rain late, low 39.
SPORTS
TWINS= The Minnesota Twins have fired manager Paul Molitor just days after the season ended. Molitor last year took the Twins to the playoffs and was the American League Manager of the Year. This year the team ended at 78-84, finished second in the division but below 500. Molitor in 4 seasons with the Twins went 305-343. Paul was offered a different position in the front office as they “move forward” according to the Twins front office in finding their next manager.
TV= longtime WCCO Sportscaster Mark Rosen announced Monday that after 50 years in sportscasting, he will be retiring in 2019. Rosen would give a definite date stating it would be after the NCAA Final Four Coverage early next spring.