NEWS
--Little Falls Community Schools was notified yesterday of two confirmed cases of COVID-19 affecting two different members of Little Falls Community Middle School. The first case has an exposure date of September 30 and the second case has an exposure date of October 5. We have worked with MDH to identify those people who had close contact with the cases, and we have communicated directly to all of those people. The risk of exposure for other individuals present in the Middle School on September 30 or October 5 is no greater than the risk of contracting the virus in the general community. We are confident that all close contacts have been identified and communicated with.
--The Department of Health numbers Tuesday were 954 new cases of COVID-19 and 4 new deaths linked to the virus. Morrison County reported 6 new cases of COVID-19 Tuesday making 343 cases since testing began. Morrison County website Tuesday reported 348 cases of COVID-19 in Morrison County (which also includes zip codes that might be over the county line) since testing began and of those 113 are active cases according to reports in the past 14 days. The latest report showed more cases in the Cushing, Bowlus and Royalton area moving their test cases over 10 in their zip codes, Little Falls 64, Pierz at 14 on Tuesday's report from the county website.
--Shannon Wettstein of Morrison Soil and Water is reminding residents that their nitrate clinic is going on this week at the Morrison County Courthouse. This year it is at the courthouse as soil and water offices remain closed to the public. Those wanting to have water tested for nitrates should bring in a clean ziploc bag or glass container to the lower level of the courthouse. It must be less than 24 hours old if you take it out of the faucet by Friday from 9am-4pm. The is a free service. For more information call 631-3551.
--Don't be alarmed if you see smoke and flames along some highways in central Minnesota the next couple of weeks. The Minnesota Department of Transportation is conducting prescribed burns through mid-October. The burns will take place along the Lake Wobegon Trail near I-94 in West Union and Osakis, along Highway 55 near Belgrade, and along Highway 10 near the St. Cloud Travel Information Center. Some of the burns may also be north of St. Cloud and south of Little Falls between now and October 31st weather permitting. The work should not impact traffic, but you're advised to be prepared to slow down if necessary.There is no need to report the fires as the prescribed burns are conducted by trained crews during optimal weather conditions. The burns are designed to preserve native grasses and vegetation which treats stormwater runoff, prevents snowdrifts, and reduces mowing.
--Swanville Schools announced that Conferences for both the elementary and the high school are this Thursday and next Tuesday from 4 to 8 p.m. Due to COVID they will not be doing in person but a blend of phone calls and virtual meetings with parents. For elementary parents, your students teachers should have been in contact to set a time. If not, please reach out to the school. High school, please set up a time with any teacher you may wish to speak with by emailing them. They will also be reaching out to parents where there are academic concerns. There is a staff directory for each school on the school website. Please look under the tab “our schools” for the individual schools.
--AM960 KLTF turns 70 Thursday, tune in for a look back 70 years.
--The Morrison County Sheriff’s Office reports that on Tuesday their office received multiple reports of damage to corn fields in Swanville Township. The damages are believed to have occurred sometime overnight or early morning. An unknown vehicle drove into multiple corn fields off Basil Road and Baltic Road causing significant damage to the crops. The Morrison County Sheriff’s Office is asking anyone with information to contact their office at 320-632-9233.
--Kinship of Morrison County announced that with the rise in numbers of COVID-19, the Kinship Board felt the most responsible thing to do was to cancel the Soup and Chili Cookoff this year that was scheduled for next Tuesday at the Falls Ballroom. Aaron Olson stated that the board spoke with members from school officials and local health workers and they decided that a large event at this time would not be wise and so the board decided for the first time in 21 years to not hold the large fundraiser this year in 2020. The hope is to have the soup and chili cookoff back again in 2021.
--Governor Tim Walz announced that this week has been proclaimed Principal's Week. The governor said that principal's are visionaries, instructional leaders and community builders to help students achieve at their best and get them ready for the future ahead. The State of Minnesota honors all prinicpals for each and every of our states schools and thanks them for all that they do.
--One person is in the hospital and two men have been arrested in connection to a shooting in Meeker County. The Sheriff's Office says the received a call of a gunshot victim who was brought to Meeker Memorial Hospital at about 11pm Sunday. The victim, 34-year-old Tyeson Schaumburg of rural Litchfield, was airlifted to HCMC with critical injuries. The initial investigation determined the shooting happened in the 23900 block of Highway 22 in Litchfield Township. Two men have been arrested, 18-year-old Carl Leaf of Grove City and 18-year old Jaden Kramp of Litchfield. The investigation is ongoing.
--Find out more about an art exhibition at the Great River Regional Library/Carnegie Library now through October 23rd on Veterans and what they fought for. Check it out during regular library hours.
NATIONAL NEWS
--Tonight is the Vice-Presidential Debate between Vice President Mike Pence and DFL Candidate for Vice-President Kamala Harris at 8pm.
ENTERTAINMENT NEWS
--Rock and Roll Hall of Famer Eddie Van Halen died Tuesday. Van Halen with his brother Alex and David Lee Roth founded the group Van Halen in 1972. Eddie died of cancer, he was 65.
WEATHER
TODAY= sunny skies, cooler, high 65.
TONIGHT= clear night and cooler, low 36.
THURSDAY= sunny skies, not as windy, high 63, low 52.
FRIDAY= sunny and mild, high 77, clear night, low near 42.
SPORTS
VIKINGS= The Vikings announced Tuesday there will be no fans for the October 18th game with Atlanta at U.S. Bank Stadium. The Vikings will not have another home game until November 8th with Detroit and will reevaulate the numbers of COVID-19 to see if fans can attend. The Vikings are at Seattle this Sunday on Sunday Night Football which can be heard live starting at 6:30pm on AM960 KLTF.