Newsletter: Wednesday, September 13th 2017
NEWS
--A multi-year, multi-million dollar project aimed at bringing high-speed internet access to all residents in Region 5 continues this year with broadband expansion and exploration into the rural areas of Todd and Wadena counties. From Region Five Cheryal Lee Hills, stated, “Since 2015, NJPA has made a combined total of $400,000 worth of investments to CTC, WCTA and others in the region for feasibility and engineering research. This generous investment helped us provide the data needed to secure and leverage $9.8 million through the Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) Office of Broadband and CTC/WCTA match infusion.” The project build out areas for 2017-18 include approximately 200 residents and 68 miles of fiber in the rural Wadena County area, and approximately 145 residents and 63 miles of fiber in the northern Todd County area.
--A one vehicle rollover in Benton County Friday injured three people. Around 6:00pm, Edward Grew of Lake Elmo was on Highway 10 in Langola Township when he ran off the road, over corrected, went across the highway and struck the ditch on the other side. Grew and his two passengers were treated for injuries in St. Cloud.
--The Little Falls Police Department last week responded to a number of suspicious activity calls, arrested a 40-year old on public intoxication, arrested a 52-year old woman for trespassing, arrested a 47-year old man on assault and disorderly conduct charge, a 39-year old woman was arrested for shoplifting and a 44-year old was arrested for assault.
--Coborn’s Inc is recalling two types of bread, American Rye Bread and Caraway Bread, because of unspecified allergens. The allergens include milk, soy and egg and that anyone who has a sensitivity will run the risk of having an allergic reaction to the breads. The products were distributed to Coborns, Cash Wise and Marketplace Foods stores in Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota and Western Wisconsin. Those who bought the recalled breads can return them from where it was bought for a full refund. Coborns Inc. says no illnesses have been reported to date from the allergens.
--Two were injured in a two-vehicle accident Sunday around 2:00pm on Highway 371 at Bedow Road near Fort Ripley. 55-year old Robin Kastonek of Fort Ripley was on 371, attempted to turn around in the median and struck a southbound vehicle driven by 59-year old Gerald Botts of Pine River. Neither driver was hurt. Two of Bott's passengers, 21-year old Kaitlyn and 18-year old Kaylee Botts were both taken to the hospital for injuries. A 3-year old passenger was not hurt.
--There is a heartwarming story behind the new Miss Teen Minnesota crowned this past weekend. 16-year old Grace Grell of St. Cloud was diagnosed with cancer at age 3, then another form of cancer since she was 14. She has been ruled legally blind, and yet has inspired others by giving to multiple causes including Make-A-Wish. Last weekend Grell was crowned Miss Teen Minnesota. She currently attends school at St. John's Prep School and will head to Hollywood Thanksgiving weekend to attend the national finals in trying to become the next Miss Teen USA.
--Man vs. Beast Rodeo Saturday and Sunday 4:00pm at the Morrison County Fairgrounds. Get details on the events this weekend at fallsradio.com on the community calendar.
--KLTF Party Line live in Albany at Pioneer Days Friday at 10am.
--The Pierz City Council met Monday night. At the meeting the Knights of Columbus donated $1,000 to the City of Pierz to use towards the playground equipment for legion park. The City Council also approved a Land Lease Agreement that was in the packet. The Pierz City council meets again Monday, September 25th. A workshop is scheduled prior to the council meeting that night at 6:00pm.
--The Crow Wing County Sheriff Todd Dahl would like to make the public aware of two recent scams taking place in our area. The first being phone calls to area home owners where the caller reports having a civil process document that needs to be served and will accept payment to not serve the paper. The second being questionable calls seeking donations for hurricane victims. Please remember, the Crow Wing County Sheriff's Office will not call seeking payment for civil process service. If you wish to donate to help the storm victims, find an established charity or organization.
--A 43-year old Brainerd man is accused of breaking into an apartment building and hitting a woman with a shovel. Theodore Lee Erickson appeared in Crow Wing County District Court Monday, where he faced four felonies, first degree burglary during which he assaulted a person in a building, first degree burglary of an occupied dwelling, second degree assault with a dangerous weapon and third degree burglary to steal or commit a felony. He was also charged with two misdemeanors of theft and disorderly conduct.
--A pet boa constrictor that was missing for a week in Princeton has been found alive and well. Rocky the snake was discovered by neighbors on their doorstep a few days ago. The pet's owner was extremely thankful that the boa constrictor was returned.
--A 21-year old St. Paul man was sentenced Tuesday in Stearns County District Court for charges relating to a 2015 robbery. Sheneil Trevez Smith, who was 19 at the time of the robbery, was arrested in November 2015 after police say Smith and another man demanded property from a 21-year old man in the 1100 block of Fourth Avenue South. The men took the victim's belt, phone and cash, according to police. The suspects didn't show any weapons, and the victim was not injured. Investigators were able to identify Smith and the other suspect, and both were arrested and booked in Stearns County Jail the day after the incident. Smith pleaded guilty to a felony simple robbery charge July 31st as part of a plea agreement. He was sentenced Tuesday to 77 days in Stearns County Jail with credit for time served. Smith will also serve 10 years of supervised probation for the charge. He has previously been convicted of second degree felony drug charges.
WEATHER
TODAY= sunny and warm, high 85.
TONIGHT= late night shower, partly cloudy, low 65.
THURSDAY= partly sunny, PM storms, high 84, low 63.
FRIDAY= showers & storms likely, some strong, high 72, low 61.