News

Friday- February 3rd, 2012

NEWS
--Congratulations to the following individuals on being selected as the 2011-12 recipients of the Triple A Award in Region 5A. Leah Peterson of Onamia High School and Preston Weber of Pierz High School both advanced to the state competition.

--Larson Boat Group recently took home the Best Boat Display at the 2012 Progressive Boat Show in Minneapolis. The Larson boat display promoted all four Larson product groups and their all new FX fishing boat line. Mike O’Connell, Chief Operating Officer for Larson was quoted as saying teamwork and mutual excitement shown by the staff and the factories were a big reason for the successful display.

--Little Falls Police is investigating damage to a window on the southwest side of Lincoln Elementary School Monday night. The call came in around 7:30pm. Anyone with information is asked to contact police. There was no report of any forced entry from the incident.

--The Little Falls City Council meets Monday night 7:30 at City Hall. One item expected to be discussed is the sign ordinance in town after a complaint arose about a banner in the downtown area.

--The Foley City Council announced their next meeting has been moved to Tuesday, February 7th at 5pm to accommodate party caucuses. City Administrator Sarah Brunn stated in a press release that the public safety and police patrols issue will be on the agenda.

--Minnesota Senate lawmakers Wednesday heard from a broad range of groups and individuals who oppose a constitutional amendment that would require voter ID at the polls. Many who spoke to the committee, who have yet to vote on the measure, stated it will make many people no longer able to vote absentee. Minnesota Majority stated that most voters who can’t afford a voter ID still will have 2 years before the next election to get a free ID card. If the legislature approve the bill then the proposed constitutional amendment will go on the ballot this fall and if passed would go into effect in 2012.

--Two people were hospitalized after a car and semi-truck collided on Stearns County Road 74 Thursday morning around 8, due to fog. No names were released and the injuries to those involved were not serious. The road was closed for over an hour as authorities worked to remove the vehicles.

--Pennsylvania's Punxsutawney Phil emerged from his lair to "see" his shadow on Thursday, in the process predicting six more weeks of winter. However, Minnesota forecasters are still wondering when winter will actually arrive. With only a handful of days since December 1st, below zero and very little snowfall in the state and no major snowstorms forecasted in the next 2 weeks, forecasters are wondering if there will be a winter season still to have. Though they all stated that March can be one if not the snowiest month.

--The Morrison County Farm Service Agency reminds area farmers that sign up for the 2012 Direct and Counter Cyclical Program and Average Crop Revenue Election Program began last week at area FSA offices. The last day for producers to sign up for either program is June 1st, 2012. This year, FSA will need to review al farm operating plans and update them. While sign up may take a few minutes longer in the long run this will be beneficial. For more information contact the FSA Office in Little Falls at 632-5477 or go to www.fsa.usda.gov.

--In observance of the 69th anniversary of the tragic sinking of the US Army transport Dorchester off the coast of Greenland, Governor Mark Dayton has ordered all U.S. Minnesota flags to be flown at half-staff at all state buildings from sunrise until sunset.

--40-year-old Norman Maass of Little Falls was charged last week in Morrison County District Court with felony of knowingly violating the predatory offender registration requirement or intentionally providing false information and one felony count of 5th degree possession of a controlled substance. Maass was required to register as a predatory offender through 2016 from a conviction in Scott County in 1995. His last registration was July 20, 2010 in Iowa. On January 23rd, Little Falls police was informed that Maass was residing in southwest Little Falls where he was arrested and taken to the Morrison County Jail. He faces 5 years prison and/or $10,000 in fines.

--Governor Mark Dayton announced that he has selected a St. Cloud lawyer to be the next judge in Mille Lacs County. Sarah E. Hennesy, who is a legal aid attorney with St. Cloud Area Legal Services will fill the judgeship created by the retirement of Judge Steven P. Ruble. Hennesy was one of 3 candidates that were selected by a committee to vie for the judicial seat. One of the candidates was Todd Kosovich, an assistant Morrison County attorney.

--Two 23-year-old men, who were critically injured January 14th in a two-vehicle crash on Crow Wing County Road 49, also known as Wise Road, have been released from North Memorial Medical Center in Robbinsdale and transferred to Bethesda Rehabilitation Hospital in St. Paul. The driver Justin Dechon of Litchfield, was transferred to the rehabilitation hospital on Tuesday and his passenger Jacob Steven Steininger of Brainerd was transferred on Sunday.

BIRTH ANNOUNCEMENT
--Rick and Kara Henze of Little Falls, a girl born February 1st

DEATH NOTICES
--Ronald Nelson, age 84 of Little Falls.

WEATHER
TODAY= fog and ice early then gradual sunshine, high 35.
TONIGHT= partly cloudy, patchy fog, low near 20.
SATURDAY= fog early then sunny skies, high near 40, low 20.
SUNDAY= sunny skies, high near 40, low around 22.
MONDAY= sunny skies, high near 40, colder at night, low 10.

SPORTS
HS BBB= Holdingford at Pierz tonight 7:30 on FM94 KFML.
HS BHK= Little Falls at St. Cloud Cathedral Saturday night at 7, catch the game live on Q92 WYRQ and AM960 KLTF.
GOPHERS= Gopher Athletic Director Joel Maturi announced effective June 30th he will step down at the University of Minnesota. Maturi has been with the Gophers since 2002. Maturi does plan to stay on at the University as a consultant.
NFL= Super Bowl 46 is Sunday in Indianapolis between the New England Patriots and New York Giants, catch the game live with full pregame coverage starting at 1pm Sunday on AM960 KLTF.

TODAY IN HISTORY
IN 1959= a plane crash took the lives of rock-n-roll singers Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens and J.P. “The Big Bopper” Richardson. The plane crashed in Clear Lake, Iowa in the early morning hours.
IN 2001= the failed XFL Football League debuted on NBC TV.

“Whiskey Tango” tonight, DJ Jesse Saturday at West Side Bar.

NEWS
--Morrison County Sheriff Michel Wetzel reports that on Monday two simultaneous investigations occurred in connection with 3 separate Morrison County burglaries. At the conclusion of these investigations, four area residents were incarcerated in the Morrison County Jail. According to Wetzel, Morrison County Deputies, along with the Randall Police Chief, continued investigations of two thefts that had occurred on January 10 in Randall. On that date, OK Tire and Bait reported the theft of numerous tires, and Kierstead Trucking reported the theft of gasoline and brake drums. Officers were able to develop a suspect in these two thefts and prepared a search warrant for a residence in Enchanted Lakes north of Randall. On Monday, Morrison County deputies, the Randall Police Department, and agents with the Central Minnesota Violent Offender Task Force executed a search warrant at the Bruce Boyd residence in Enchanted Lakes. During a search of the residence officers located several tires that had been identified as having been stolen from OK Tire and Bait, along with brake drums identified as having been stolen from Kierstead Trucking. Deputies arrested 41-year old Bruce Everett Boyd of rural Randall, 37-year old Shawn Michael Morello of rural Randall, and 35 year old Wednesday Maureen Grover also of rural Randall. All three were transported to the Morrison County Jail where they were held pending formal charges for theft and possession of stolen property.  According to Sheriff Wetzel, additional charges may be possible in connection with thefts from the Wal-Mart store in Little Falls. The Morrison County Sheriff’s Office also received the report of a burglary which had occurred at a residence in Motley Township earlier in the evening. Responding deputies confirmed that a garage and shed had been broken into at a residence just south and east of the city of Motley. Morrison County deputies developed a suspect after processing the crime scene and proceeded to the suspect’s residence in Cass County just north of the Morrison County line. Morrison and Cass County deputies then located the suspect who admitted his involvement in the Motley burglary. An air compressor stolen during the burglary was recovered from the suspect’s residence. Arrested at the scene was 29-year old David Jason Clairmont of rural Motley.  Clairmont was also transported to the Morrison County Jail where he was held pending formal charges for burglary.

--The Little Falls Area Chamber of Commerce has announced their February Employee of the Month is Joyce Pearson. Joyce is a Produce Clerk and 33 year employee at Coborn’s Superstore. Joyce also enjoys watching NASCAR, football, basketball and spending time with her 3 daughters and 4 grandchildren. Congratulations, Joyce!

--Republican Presidential hopeful Mitt Romney was in Minnesota yesterday afternoon. Romney is fresh off his win in the Florida primary and spoke at Freightmasters in Eagan with former Minnesota Governor Tim Pawlenty who has endorsed Romney for the nomination and is a high pick to be a possible running mate before the November elections. The trucking company was chosen as the site to show support from blue-collar workers for Romney and to talk about jobs and economy. Another GOP candidate was also in Minnesota as Rick Santorum spent time in Luverne on Monday.

--Arctic Cat in Minnesota is recalling 19,000 sleds due to a problem which could lead to the loss of steering control. These are from the F. X-F and M models. Owners should contact their local dealership immediately for a free inspection and repair.

--The State Fire Marshal and investigators announced Tuesday that they were unable to determine the cause of the fire that destroyed the Swany White Flour Mill in Freeport. The fire on December 27th caused $850,000 in damage. Owner Gary Thelen told fire officials that an employee noticed smoke and flames in the floor mill around 4:30 pm and called 911. The mill later collapsed and the state fire marshal stated that many items inside the mill were major fire hazards but it is unclear what officially started or caused the devastating fire to the Central Minnesota landmark. The building had been in the Thelen family since 1903 and he is unclear of the future.

--The Sunset Commission which includes District 12 Senator Paul Gazelka who serves Morrison and Crow Wing County, Pierz native and Representative of Big Lake Mary Kiffmeyer and Representative King Banaian of St. Cloud has made their inaugural recommendations on which parts of the state government should continue to exist. They opted to leave the door open on a merger of the Combative Sports Commission and the Amateur Sports Commission, subject the Council on Black Minnesotans for review again in 2014, health licensing boards should reduce their fees, boards and councils should use administrative support services along with other recommendations. This will now work its way through the legislature. Banaian hopes that more funds for the commission to function will be more effective in the coming years.

BIRTH ANNOUNCEMENT
--Christopher and Rachel Young of Pierz, a boy born January 31st.

DEATH NOTICES
--Robert Vandermey, age 84 of Delano also of St. Paul and Genola
--John A. Pritchard, age 86 of Little Falls.

WEATHER
TODAY= early fog then party sunny high of 39
TONIGHT= mostly cloudy with patchy fog low of 23
FRIDAY= partly sunny to partly cloudy high of 37, low of 20
SATURDAY= sunny high of 35, then partly cloudy low 20
SUNDAY= sunshine high of 36, partly cloudy low of 23

SPORTS
HS GBB= Pierz at Howard Lake-Waverly 7:30 tonight on FM94.
BATS= The St. Cloud River Bats will have a new name and new colors later this year in the Northwoods League. New team owners Gary Posch and Joe Sexton of Brandl Motors announced that the name and team colors will be unveiled by the end of this month. Posch and Sexton along with Scott Schreiner, who will serve as Vice President, announced yesterday that they have purchased the team from Joel Sutherland who owned it from 1996.

TODAY IN HISTORY
IN 1802= imported from Bengal, first leopard exhibited in the U.S.
IN 1863= Samuel Clemens first used the pseudonym Mark Twain.
IN 1876= The National League in Baseball was organized.
IN 1887= the first Groundhog Day event was held in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania where Phil came out to see or not see his shadow.
IN 1959= The Coasters released their hit “Charlie Brown”.

“Hot Hits” tonight, “Whiskey Tango” Friday at the West Side Bar

Wednesday, February 1st- 2012

NEWS
--On Thursday, Crow Wing County Attorney Don Ryan is hosting a forum on voting rights in the wake of the ineligible wards voting scandal in the 2010 election. Mentally incapacitated wards under court orders declaring them incapable and ineligible to vote were brought to vote by their caregivers. The forum is intended to provide attendees a better understanding of the laws concerning a person's right to vote, how that right can be lost or reinstated and ways to exercise the right to vote. Secretary of State Mark Ritchie (or someone from his office), County Attorney Ryan, the Crow Wing County auditor, Dan McGrath of Minnesota Majority and other guests will be panelists. The forum will be Thursday at 6:30pm in the student cafeteria of Central Lakes College.

--43 members of the Pierz BPA chapter competed at Regions on Wednesday, January 25 at Alexandria Technical and Community College. Of the 43 who competed 17 will advance to the State competition in Minneapolis on March 8-10.  The National competition this year will be held in Chicago, IL. Advancing to state in different categories for the Pierz BPA this year include Tyler Kieffer, Kirsten Henegin, Abby Cyr, Sara Schlegel, Ben Boser, Curtis Boser, Alex Lucken, Jacob Lanners, Olivia Zajac, Kyle Becker, Andrew Schmidtbauer, Derrick Spalding, Elias Schomer, Austin Liekvol, Beth Brochofsky, Michael Novak, and Amber Girtz. Congratulations to each of these competitors on qualifying for state and good luck at state.

--A warm front is going through our area. Yesterday temperatures hit 39 degrees at the Little Falls Radio studios. Similar highs of well above freezing are forecasted the next few days. As temperatures get above and then drop below freezing, it can make for tough driving conditions and spots of ice refreezing on some of our roadways especially near bridges. Another result of warm weather is all Little Falls outdoor ice rinks are closed until further notice.

--District 12B Representative Mike LeMieur has authored two bills this session, calling for constitutional amendments to be placed on the fall ballot. One, if approved by voters, would prohibit tax dollars from being used to fund abortions. The other bill would ban so called "web-md abortions". That is a procedure in which a physician can prescribe an abortion inducing drug after only having a web consultation with the woman. Both bills have begun to make their way through the committee process in the House of Representatives.

--The flu season has been mild across Minnesota so far. Karen Martin is an epidemiologist at the Minnesota Department of Health and says typically the flu season peaks between January and March. She says even though we have now entered February and there has been low activity, people need to keep their guard up. Martin says it’s difficult to predict what lies ahead, but adds it is not too late to get vaccinated. During the latest reporting period no schools or nursing homes reported flu outbreaks.

--Yesterday there was an extended debate in the Senate Committee on a bill that would ease state regulations on speed limit violations. Someone going up to ten miles per hour over a 60 mile an hour speed limit would not have the violation go on their driving record. Major Ken Urquhart with the Minnesota State Patrol opposes the move. He says if you have repeat offenders who are cited but it does not appear on their driving record then there is no record of their violations. Bill sponsor and Republican Senator Mike Parry says when speeders get caught, many learn their lesson and deserve a break.

--Little Falls Police investigated an assault Sunday afternoon on 12th Street Southwest, theft of a gas tank and an auger from a residence on the 1200 bloc of 8th Street Northeast and got a call last Friday of a fire complaint on 7th Street Northeast, no damage reported.

--Minnesota Senate Republicans want to phase out the statewide business property tax over the next 12 years or sooner saying it’s a way to immediately stimulate job creation. St. Cloud Senator John Pederson argues it’s a better approach than Governor Dayton’s plan which would give a one time three thousand dollar tax credit to any business hiring a returning veteran, unemployed Minnesotan, or recent college grad. He says most employers hire the most qualified candidate. Democrats warn eliminating the tax will worsen an expected state budget deficit in future years. Republican respond spending reforms and economic growth will plug the gap.

--A federal indictment was recently filed charging 12 people in connection with an identity theft ring allegedly responsible for the theft of more than $2-million dollars from financial institutions and retail businesses in 14 states which included stores in the Brainerd Lakes area. On December 5th, 43-year-old Steven Maxwell of Minneapolis was charged with aggravated identity theft. Maxwell pleaded not-guilty December 14th then the federal indictment added more charges including conspiracy to commit bank fraud and conspiracy to commit money laundering it also added 11 co-conspirators and an outline to a plot to defraud banks and retail businesses. On January 19th, the 11 listed were indicted on charges of conspiracy to commit bank fraud. Most are from the Minneapolis and St. Paul areas. Another 12 people are also being implicated in the theft ring but charges have yet to be filed against them. Most of those names are from out of the Metro Area with ties to central and southern Minnesota and western Wisconsin. The case is being prosecuted in the Twin Cities. The Minnesota Financial Crimes Task Force and United States Postal Inspection Service, IRS and Criminal Investigation Division worked on getting the arrests in the case.

NATIONAL NEWS
--Mitt Romney wins the Florida Primary Tuesday handily over Newt Gingrich, Rick Santorum was 3rd followed by Ron Paul a distant 4th.

DEATH NOTICES
--Elizabeth Becker, age 97 of Pierz

WEATHER
TODAY= occasional sprinkles, fog, cloudy, high near 40.
TONIGHT= partly cloudy, low around 22.
THURSDAY= partly sunny, high near 40, low around 25.
FRIDAY= partly cloudy, high 37 low around 20.

TODAY IN HISTORY
IN 1788= Briggs and Longstreet patented the steamboat.
IN 1862= The Battle Hymn of the Republic was first published in “Atlantic Monthly” it was written by Julia Ward Howe.
IN 1884= Thomas Edison finished construction on the first motion picture studio. The studio was in West Orange, New Jersey.
IN 1949= RCA countered the long playing album by introducing the 7-inch single song record known as 45s, became the rage in the 50s.

Hot Hits tonight and Thursday, meat raffle Friday at West Side Bar.

NEWS
--Authorities have identified the man whose body was found in open water on the west side of Rice Lake about three miles east of Paynesville as 65-year old Michael Clark Hickman of Paynesville. Hickman was last seen driving his ATV on Rice Lake Thursday night. Deputies and DNR officers discovered his body floating in open water on the lake. His body has been transported to Ramsey County Medical Examiners Office for an autopsy. The ATV Hickman was riding remains in the lake at this time.

--A man died from a cabin fire Saturday. 34-year old Jod Beliaj of Zimmerman was found dead after a fire in a rural St. Louis County cabin. The fire occurred Saturday afternoon about 15 miles southeast of Hibbing. 35-year old Jamie Lynn Nelson of Buhl escaped without injury but Beliaj was found inside. The fire destroyed the cabin and remains under investigation.

--38-year old Brian Northbird of Cass Lake died in a 2 vehicle crash Friday night. Around 9:30pm Northbird was driving east on Highway 2 when he passed a semi tractor on the right and then turned left in front of the semi causing the broadside collision. Northbird was not wearing a seatbelt and died from the crash. The driver of the semi 39-year old Raymond Mayer of Fort Collins, Colorado was wearing his seatbelt and sustained only minor injuries and was taken to the hospital in Bemidji. Icy roads were believed to be a factor.

--St. Cloud Police are investigating a car theft from early Sunday. The burglary is believed to have occurred between 2:15-4:50am in Sunday in the 1200 block of 14th Street North while residents were in the home. Taken was a white 1992 4-door Acura with a Minnesota license plate 362-CKJ. Anyone with info should call police.

--The Todd County Sheriff’s Office responded to a one vehicle accident at the intersection of County Road 24 and County Road 21 shortly after 10:00pm Saturday. Upon arrival authorities determined that Britinie Borst of St. Cloud was eastbound on County Road 24, went through a stop sign, crossed the intersection and struck a tree. Her only passenger Tabitha Casey of Albany was taken to Tri-County hospital in Wadena where she was treated and released. Borst was taken to the Todd County Detention Center where she was booked in for suspicion of DUI. The vehicle was a total loss.

--The Minnesota Department of Transportation is holding a series of open houses to gather public input on its 20-year statewide transportation plan. The closest meeting will be Thursday in St. Cloud. The first meeting was yesterday in Duluth. Other sites include today in Crookston and tomorrow in Moorhead. Each open house will be from 4:00-7:00pm. Topics will include the Minnesota Go Vision, current transportation system, future challenges and opportunities, draft plan objectives and strategies, and how the plan will be used. There will be public hearings in March after the draft plan is available.

--The IRS wants to remind everyone with tax season upon us of a helpful tax credit. 20% of eligible taxpayers fail to claim the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) each year. It can be worth more than $5,700 for some families. People whose financial, marital or parental status changed in 2011 should check on whether they qualify so they don’t miss out. For last years tax season more than 335,500 Minnesotan taxpayers claimed $648 million through the EITC. In Morrison County 2,876 taxpayers claimed $5.6 million with an average of $1,950 per claim.

--See pictures of last week’s Twins Caravan at www.fallsradio.com.

--The Printing Industry Midwest has announced that Spectrum Marketing Services of Little Falls is the most recent member to obtain Great Printer Certification. The Great Printer program has been a service of PIM for over 15 years, recognizing printers for their efforts in environmental and safety operations. Printers in this program have improved the environment by using less hazardous solvents to clean presses, purchasing wind generated electrical energy and many other “green” initiatives. In addition, the certification requires that the printer has two “above compliance” projects in place at all times. Spectrum Marketing Services began as a small commercial printing facility in 1994. It has now entered into nearly every facet of the marketing services industry creating a unique buying experience for their clients.

--On Sunday around 3:15am Jamie Thieschafer of rural Long Prairie was traveling southbound on County Road 29 when he struck a horse owned by Judy Geis of rural Long Prairie. Thieschafer received minor injuries in the crash, the horse was dispatched at the scene due to the severity of its injuries.

--The St. Cloud VA Health Care System hosted a ceremony last night to officially recognize the end of the war in Iraq. VA spokesman Barry Venable says the event was not political. It was simply a place for veterans to gather and hopefully put the war to rest. Several veterans submitted items to a scrap book that will be on display at the medical center.

DEATH NOTICES
--Timothy Zimmerman, age 50 of Little Falls
--Virgil L. Austin, age 89 of Little Falls

WEATHER
TODAY= mostly cloudy, high of 38
TONIGHT= mostly cloudy, low of 23
THURSDAY= partly sunny, high of 39; mostly cloudy, low of 23
FRIDAY= partly sunny high of 34; becoming partly cloudy low of 20
SATURDAY= mostly sunny high of 34; partly cloudy low of 22

SPORTS
WOLVES= The Timberwolves beat Houston last night 120-108.
BHK= Alexandria @ Little Falls 7:00pm tonight on WYRQ/KLTF.
BBB= Eden Valley Watkins @ Pierz 7:30pm tonight on 94.1 KFML
NFL= The Super Bowl is Sunday in Indianapolis between New England and NY Giants. Catch the Game live on AM960 KLTF.

TODAY IN HISTORY
IN 1865= The U.S. Congress passed the 13th Amendment to the Constitution abolishing slavery though it still had to be passed by the states. On the same date, Robert E. Lee was named the General-in-Chief of the Confederate Army during the Civil War.
IN 1936= The Green Hornet debuted on radio in Detroit.
IN 1940= the first Social Security check for retirement was delivered to Ida May Fuller a retired legal secretary.
IN 1958= Explorer I the first U.S. Satellite was put into Orbit.
IN 1967= The Monkees’ hit #1 with I’m A Believer.
IN 1983= Men at Work hit #1 with Down Under.
IN 1990= McDonald’s opened its first restaurant in Russia.

Hot Hits Wednesday and Thursday at the West Side Bar

Monday- January 30th, 2012

NEWS
--Crow Wing County Sheriff Todd Dahl and members from his department checked the ice on Gull Lake last week finding that the ice was consistent to around 18 inches thick which is above the normal range for the Ice Fishing Extravaganza on Hole in the Day Bay on February 11th. Dahl did issue the permit for the event with one condition that vehicle traffic will be restricted on the lake. Dahl stated that ATVs and snowmobiles can be used for the event but stresses all who use them to use caution not just at the event in February but anytime on area lakes as there are still reports of thin ice on many lakes especially now south and east of the Brainerd Lakes area. The event was postponed earlier this month due to the thickness of ice and moved to February 11th. The Jaycees are reminding ice anglers and visitors to use the free shuttles.

--The Stearns County Sheriff’s Office is investigating a body pulled from Rice Lake in Eden Lake Township. The sheriff’s office received a call Friday afternoon of a missing person who was last seen the night before riding an ATV on Rice Lake. A search of the area led to the person being found unresponsive and later pronounced dead. The ATV has yet to be removed from the lake. The identity of the victim is being withheld pending notification of relatives. Authorities are reminding those on ATVs to use caution on area lakes with temperatures Thursday and Friday into the 30s the ice is becoming more unpredictable still with the milder and drier winter.

--Staples police continue to search for the armed robbery suspect that robbed the Staples Self Serve last Wednesday afternoon. No one was harmed in the robbery when the man, is his late 20s or early 30s, 6 feet tall with a slender to medium build brandished a handgun and left with an undisclosed amount of money. Police are asking the public to call them if they noticed suspicious activity from anyone during the time of the burglary last Wednesday at 800-794-5733.

--Morrison County Deputies last week investigated a theft of a motorcycle from David Oldenburg of Foley, theft of an ice auger from the back of Shooter’s Pub in Swanville, and investigated a windshield damaged in front of the Randall Bar.

--Habitat for Humanity of Morrison County invites the public to participate in the dedication ceremony of their twelfth home in Morrison County today at 5:30 pm in Little Falls.  The address of the home is 12027 160th Avenue, approximately 2 ¼ miles south of Evergreen Equipment. All volunteers who helped build the home, contractors, suppliers, neighbors and friends are welcome to attend and celebrate. For more info call 616-2084.

--A 55-year-old Brainerd man was hurt Thursday after his vehicle left Pine Beach Road north of Baxter and struck the ditch. Dennis Goff was taken to Brainerd Hospital for treatment of injuries.

--The St. Cloud VA Health Care System invites central Minnesota Veterans and members of the public interested in learning more about volunteer opportunities at the VA to attend the Veteran Appreciation events scheduled at the St. Cloud VA’s Community Based Outpatient Clinics, February 15-17, during the National Salute to Veteran Patients. Events will take place in St. Cloud, Brainerd, Alexandria and Montevideo. For more info on times and dates contact the St. Cloud VA Office at 320-255-6365.

--The Morrison County DFL will hold its caucus on February 7th at the Little Falls Community Middle School commons at 7pm. Registration will begin that Tuesday evening at 6:30pm prior to the caucus.

--The Minnesota Twins Winter Caravan made a stop in Little Falls on Thursday night. The event featured TC the Bear, Hall of Famer Bert Blyleven, legendary Twins star Tony Oliva, current players Rene Tosoni, Drew Butera, and Denard Span. Hundreds gathered to greet the Twins and during the event over $3,800 was raised to benefit the Thanks for our Freedom Fund. Thank you to all who attended and supported this great cause.

--Little Falls Police last week responded to a number of theft reports including an American flag stolen from Home Savings of America and jewelry taken from a purse at St. Gabriel’s Hospital. Police also arrested a 23-year-old last Thursday on a Stearns County warrant.

--Two mailboxes were destroyed by explosive devices last week. Thursday and Friday authorities were called to Wetherbee Road and Crow Wing County Road 123 here mailboxes were damaged. A partial device was recovered from one mailbox, which showed plastic tubing and end caps. County Authorities and the bomb squad technician are conducting a thorough investigation in the devices in question.

--The Morrison County Commissioners have a meeting scheduled today at 11:00am at the Government Center boardroom.

--A 19-year-old from Rockville was seriously injured on County State Aid Highway 138 Friday afternoon when Jaime Ubaldo left the roadway and struck a tree. Deputies stated that Ubaldo had to be extricated from the vehicle by Rockville firefighters and transported to St. Cloud Hospital with life-threatening injuries.

DEATH NOTICES
--Richard ‘Rich’ Brace, age 56 of Brainerd.
--Margaret M. Gammon, age 84 of Little Falls.
--Glen H. LeBlanc, age 50 of rural Pierz.
--Raymond H. Solinger, age 90 of Pierz.

WEATHER
TODAY= mostly cloudy, highs near 40.
TONIGHT= mostly cloudy, low around 25.
TUESDAY= snow early then rain/snow mix, high 35, low 19.
WEDNESDAY= partly sunny, high near 35.

SPORTS
PRO BOWL= AFC beat the NFC 59-41
WOLVES= The Wolves lost to the Lakers last night 106-101
NFL= The Super Bowl is Sunday in Indianapolis between New England and NY Giants. Catch the Game live on AM960 KLTF.

HISTORY EVENTS
January 28th, 1547- King Henry VIII died. Edward VI became King.
January 28th, 1813- Pride and Prejudice was published.
January 28th, 1915- The U.S. Coast Guard was created by Congress.
January 28th, 1986- The Space Shuttle Challenger exploded after takeoff killing all on board including teacher Christa McAuliffe.
January 29th, 1900- 8 teams formed baseball’s American League.
January 29th, 1936- Baseball named 1st inductions to Hall of Fame.
January 30th, 1790= first lifeboats were attacked to many vessels.
January 30th, 1862= the ironclad U.S.S. Monitor was first launched.
January 30th, 1969= The Beatles made last public appearance together from the rooftop of Apple Records.

Need Happy Hour, stop in today to the West Side Bar for specials.

NEWS
--The Foley police issue continues to raise talk in that town. At the recent meeting the Foley City Council stated that the recent plan to hire a private security company to hire community service officers had fallen through and now the city is meeting with a different security firm and a consultant to start a new police system in the city. The Peace Officers Training Board standards coordinator stated that counties must have a sheriff’s office with a number of statues that have to be followed but a city does not have the same statutes to follow for a police department. A small police department is likely in a city such as Foley as other nearby cities like Royalton has 1 full-time and 2 part-time officers, and Rice has 2 full time officers and of the 350 police departments in the state, nearly 100 are of 5 officers or less. The City of Foley is scheduled to discuss the policing issue at their next regular meeting scheduled for February 6th. Also they remind residents that the Benton County Sheriff’s Office will still handle all emergencies in Foley and the 911 service is still working.

--The Minnesota Historical Society has announced recipients of Mid-Size and Large Historical and Cultural Heritage Grants. The grants total more than $3.8 million awarded to 59 organizations in 39 counties. Locally, in Morrison County the Minnesota Military Museum, Collection Management was awarded $43,403 and the Morrison County Historical Society, Digital Access to Morrison County History Resources was given $11,090. In Todd County, the Staples Historical Society, Northern Pacific Railway Depot: Restoration Plans and Specifications Development received $90,000.

--The family of Timothy Larson has filed a wrongful-death lawsuit against the two rural Paynesville men accused of shooting and killing the 43-year-old Albertville man in October in northern Kandiyohi County. The lawsuit, filed in December in Wright County, was originally against 81 year old Delbert Edwin Huber and his 45 year old son Timothy John Huber, but was later amended to add Delbert Huber’s niece, Cherry DeMarais, and his sister, Elise Wagner, of Howard Lake. The amendment alleges “fraudulent conveyance” of Delbert Huber’s land, by DeMarais and Wagner via a quitclaim deed. According to the attorney of the family that filed the suit, both Hubers’ were indicted by a Kandiyohi County grand jury on November 17th on first-degree premeditated murder charges. They also face second-degree intentional and unintentional murder charges for their roles in the October 8th death of Larson.

--Inmates at the prison in St. Cloud were among 9,500 statewide who were locked down for 25 hours beginning Tuesday as federal officials investigated a gang with ties to racketeering and other crimes. The lockout ended about 24 hours after it began. The lockdown ended as the U.S. Attorney’s Office issued a news release that detailed the investigation and announced the indictments charging 24 alleged gang members with conspiracy to participate in racketeering and other charges.

--The two men injured January 14th in Crow Wing County are still in critical condition at North Memorial Medical Center in Robbinsdale after a crash on Crow Wing County Road 49 north of Brainerd. Justin Dechon of Litchfield and Jacob Steininger of Brainerd had to be both extricated from the vehicle by Brainerd firefighters and airlifted to North Memorial. The driver and passenger in the 2nd vehicle were treated at Brainerd Hospital for minor injuries.

--See weekend events at www.fallsradio.com community calendar.

--A Long Prairie man was convicted Wednesday of stalking the Todd County Attorney, who was prosecuting against him in another case. Last spring, Chuck Rasmussen was prosecuting a case against 63-year-old Earl Thom of Long Prairie for exploiting a vulnerable adult, but their interactions didn't end in the courtroom. Thom was spotted at least 14 times outside Rasmussen's Long Prairie home before Thom was sentenced to fines and jail time in October. Investigators from Todd and Stearns Counties arrested Thom on two stalking charges and found several weapons in his home. Authorities said Thom later admitted he wanted to harm Rasmussen. The case was handled in Stearns County. No sentencing date has been set, but Thom faces up to five years in prison and a $10,000 fine. Thom also has a previous harassment conviction from 2009 in Todd County.

--A one-vehicle crash in Albany Township Thursday morning sent a 24-year-old Albany man to the hospital. Albany Fire and Rescue, Melrose Ambulance, Albany Police and Stearns County Sheriff’s Office all responded to the crash scene on Stearns County Road 10 just after 7:15am. Dennis Cipala went off the road, struck an approach went airborne about 50 feet landing upright. Cipala was taken by ambulance to the Albany hospital and was treated for injuries.

--A look at crashes involving Reichert’s Bus Service in Baxter raises concern by the company and the State Patrol. According to records offered by Mike Moran of Reichert Bus Service to Commercial Vehicle Inspector Christopher Norton, since the beginning of the 2008-2009 school year there were about 13 crashes with company buses. About nine of those crashes were other motorists crashing into the rear of the buses, many of which occurred at railroad crossings and other locations when the buses were stopping or stopped as required. Two of the past three years there have been three crashes, one year shows four crashes. There have already been three crashes this school year prompting the concern.

BIRTH ANNOUNCEMENT
--James Stanley and Jeanette Pallies of Little Falls, boy born 1/25/12

DEATH NOTICES
--Daniel James Meyer, age 52 of Little Falls.

WEATHER
TODAY= snow likely into afternoon then cloudy, high 35.
TONIGHT= breezy, mostly cloudy, flurries, low 15.
SATURDAY= partly sunny, snow in afternoon, high 25, low 0.
SUNDAY= mostly sunny, high 15, low 10 snow at night.
MONDAY= mostly cloudy, warmer, high 32.

SPORTS
HS BHK= Fergus Falls at Little Falls tonight 7pm on Q92/KLTF.
HS GBB= Pierz at Rockford tonight 7:30pm on FM94 KFML.
HS GBB= Little Falls at Zimmerman 3pm on Q92/KLTF.
HS BBB= Detroit Lakes at Little Falls is Saturday night, during the game Little Falls will induct the latest members of their Hall of Fame. The class includes Tom Poliseno, Roger Fregin, Leo Meyer, Kate Brenny, Dawn Hochhalter Micaud and Sherwin Goodrich.
COL HK= MN Gophers at St. Cloud State Saturday 6:30 on KLTF.
NFL= AFC/NFC Pro Bowl Sunday 6pm on AM960 KLTF.

 “Electric Almighty” tonight, “Kings Ransom” Saturday at WS Bar

Thursday- January 26th, 2012

NEWS
--Little Falls Radio is proud to announce the Minnesota Twins Caravan is at the Little Falls VFW tonight. Along with meeting Hall of Famer Bert Blyleven, Twins Legend Tony Oliva, current players Denard Span, Rene Tosoni and Drew Butera and the mascot T.C. the Bear, there will be a fundraiser to help the Thanks for Our Freedom Fund to support military families around the Morrison County and central Minnesota area while their loved ones are deployed overseas. The Twins program starts at 6pm, there will time to sign autographs, though Blyleven will only have pre-signed autographs, then at 7:30 the raffle to help the Freedom Fund begins with over 100 prizes worth over $3,000. Raffle tickets can be purchased throughout the event at $1 a ticket or 12 for $10. Admission to the Twins program is free. Doors at the VFW open at 5pm. For more info on the event; go to www.fallsradio.com and for the raffle contact 632-2992.

--An armed robbery is being investigated in the city of Staples. The Staples Police Department reported Wednesday afternoon around 2:30 a lone male entered the Staples Self Serve and brandished a handgun and demanded money. The suspect is described a white male in his 20s or 30s with a slender to medium build, about 6 feet tall. The suspect was wearing a green hooded sweatshirt, dark colored jeans and larger metal rimmed sunglasses. The suspect fled on foot from the store. The possible suspect’s vehicle was a blue or brown Ford Taurus or Mercury Sable with North Dakota plates. As a precautionary measure Staples-Motley High School went into full lockdown mode and the elementary school went into partial lockdwn mode after the robbery was reported. The schools were allowed to dismiss students when the schools were informed that the students were not in danger. Anyone with information on the robbery should contact Staples police at 1-800-794-5733.

--Little Falls Police in the past week assisted a 7-year-old boy who was locked out of his home; arrested a 29-year-old on an outstanding warrant; assisted the sheriff’s office after reports of an unruly patient at St. Gabriel’s Hospital; reported someone had drove onto church property on Prairie Drive and tore up the lawn area; investigated a report that someone had cut a power-steering line from a vehicle parked at Business Machine Plus; and investigated a vehicle theft last Sunday morning on 2nd Street Northeast.

--A driver and his passenger escaped the frigid waters of Gull Lake last Friday night when their truck went through the ice. Around 11pm, Cass County stated the truck was pulling a fish house and went through the thin ice. The occupants in the truck were able to escape on their own and got to shore where they contacted help. Stearns County reported a vehicle went through ice Tuesday morning on Rice Lake in Eden Lake Township. Again the driver was able to escape the vehicle without injury and reach the shoreline.

--An Alexandria business owner and his wife have been charged with 29 felony counts of not paying or filing taxes. Authorities said Robert and Susan Thompson haven't paid taxes since 1998 and the married couple owes the government more than $220,000. Authorities said Robert Thompson, current owner of C.I. Construction and previous owner of eight other businesses, didn't pay taxes on a motor home purchased for company use and is registered in Montana, because of cheaper fees, but he owns a home in Alexandria worth more than $300,000. They face up to five years in prison and a $10,000 fine for each of the 29 charges.

--Morrison County American Dairy Association is seeking candidates to participate in this year’s Dairy Princess Contest. The 59th annual Morrison County Dairy Princess Contest will be March 24th at the Falls Ballroom. A candidate must be a high school graduate by July 1st and not yet 24 years old. She or her parents or legal guardian must be actively engaged in production of milk for sale to a licensed plant during the current year. A candidate also qualifies if she or her parents or legal guardian are employed on a dairy farm in a dairy related capacity. For more information call Cindy at (320) 745-2615.

--More accidents in the area from the recent snow and icy conditions from last Saturday through Wednesday. Four people were injured Monday night when two vehicles collided on Cass County Road 77 in East Gull Lake. Firefighters from the area had to extricate one of the victims from the vehicle. Both drivers and 2 passengers were taken to the Brainerd hospital. One was kept for observation but released on Tuesday while the others were treated and released. A Deerwood woman was injured Monday afternoon at the intersection of Highways 210 and 371 in Baxter. Roseanne Reed collided with James Albrecht of Motley around 2pm. Reed was treated at Brainerd hospital while Albrecht was not hurt. Two Brainerd residents were hurt last Friday in a two-vehicle accident in Crow Wing County on Pine Beach Road when their vehicles collided at an intersection. Both were treated and released for their injuries.

--6th District Congresswoman Michele Bachmann announced Wednesday that she will seek a 4th term in the Minnesota House of Representatives following her failed bid to become the Republican nomination for U.S. President.

--A fire stopped work at the Grede Foundries in St. Cloud early Wednesday. Shortly before 12:30 firefighters were called to 5200 Foundry Circle. The fire started in the duct work attached to the cooling room. The room sustained significant damage but the fire was contained enough to where it was able to burn out without spreading into other parts of the building. Estimate damages were reported around $50,000. No one was injured in the fire.

--Knights of Columbus Buffalo Feed and Raffle is Saturday in Pierz.

BIRTH ANNOUNCEMENT
--Neil and Kimberly Zimmerman of Little Falls, girl born January 24th
--Andy and Angie Ebert, of Little Falls, girl born January 24th

WEATHER
TODAY= partly sunny, breezy, high 35.
TONIGHT= partly cloudy, low around 15.
FRIDAY= 20% chance of light snow, partly sunny, high 30.
SATURDAY= partly sunny, high 23, low around 0.
SUNDAY= mostly sunny, colder, high around 15.

SPORTS
NBA= The Timberwolves have agreed to a 4-year extension on the contract to keep Kevin Love in Minnesota. The All-Star forward is expected to receive around $62-million dollars over the 4 year deal. The new deal must have revamped the Wolves who beat Dallas on the road last night 105-90. The Wolves are 8-10 on the year.
HS BBB= Pierz at BBE tonight at 7:30 on FM94 KFML.
COL HK= Gophers at St. Cloud State Saturday 6:30pm on KLTF.

“Hot Hits” tonight, “Electric Almighty” Friday at West Side Bar

NEWS
--A single vehicle crash occurred Monday afternoon shortly before 1:00pm on the west side of Motley on Highway 10. The vehicle driven by 72-year old Ted Lundberg of Motley ran off the road thru two fences and struck a tree. Lundberg is in critical condition. His only passenger 43-year old Michael Weinhandl of Brainerd did not have any documented injuries.

--A State Trooper was not seriously injured Monday when his squad car was struck by a vehicle on Highway 169 in Mille Lacs County. The trooper had been stopped for another crash that occurred near Pease when his vehicle was struck from behind by another vehicle that began to spin out on the slushy/icy roadway. The trooper reportedly was a bit shaken up but not hurt. The other driver also was not hurt and there were no injuries in the crash the trooper was called to.

--Two people were hurt Sunday night in a 2-vehicle accident east of Staples on Highway 10. 30-year-old William Otto and his passenger, whose name was not released, were treated at the Staples hospital for non-life threatening injuries. The other driver, 29-year-old Chad Fishman of Staples was not hurt. Slippery roads were a factor.

--Parts of Stearns County Road 158 in Cold Spring and some residences were evacuated after an accident Tuesday morning around 9am. Sheriff John Sanner said the vehicle ran off the road and struck a metal fabricating building. There was a potent odor of natural gas when deputies arrived and the gas company was called in to determine if there was a leak. No other details have been released at this time and no word if anyone was injured in the accident.

--A 45-year-old Crosby man escaped without injury after his snowmobile went through the ice on Rabbit Lake near the entrance of the Mississippi River in Crow Wing County. Jonathon Kurilla was snowmobiling around 7:30 Friday evening when he hit open water. Just another reminder that ice is the area is very unpredictable.

--A hearing was held Monday in Cass County for 24-year-old John Lutgen. Lutgen is charged with felony first-degree attempted murder, first degree burglary and 2nd-degree assault from an incident last month where he entered a residence and assaulted a male who was sleeping at the time. An omnibus hearing is set for February 6th.

--The Pierz City Council met Monday night. During the meeting they set up a meeting to review with the Public Works Committee the St. Francis Schools project and the Robert and Park Avenue project. That meeting will be tomorrow at 1:30pm at Pierz City Hall. The council also approved a gambling permit for Pioneer wrestling.

--Governor Mark Dayton stated that with the current Vikings lease expired he is telling the team if a new stadium bill is to be passed this session than the facility has to be at the Metrodome site. This comes after the governor met with leaders from the Basilica of St. Mary, who object to construction of a new stadium at a preferred site on Linden Avenue in Minneapolis. Vikings ownership had pushed to build a new facility in Arden Hills calling it the most practical. Dayton says revamping the dome site is the only way a stadium deal can be reached before the current session ends.

--Kindergarten registration begins February 6th in Royalton. Registration begins at 6:30pm with an informational meeting at 7pm at the media center. The meeting is for parents of kindergarten students that would be 5 years old by September 1st.

--Get recipes, news, weather, sports etc. at www.fallsradio.com.

--A study done by the University of Minnesota Extension revealed two significant trends in rural Minnesota leadership: 1) The number of community organizations, and thus the number of leadership positions, is increasing, and 2) The number of people who are able and prepared to serve as leaders is declining. According to study author Ben Winchester organizations in the most rural counties require an average of one in 34 residents to serve in leadership positions, compared with one leader required for every 143 residents of major metropolitan areas. So, the demand for leadership is up to five times more in rural counties than in urban areas, while the supply of leaders is diminishing. Winchester feels if you live in a small town, you can help close the leadership gap by recruiting new leaders, rather than going back to the same leaders time and again. You also can help by supporting leadership training opportunities. For more information Winchester’s survey, check out the University of Minnesota Extension’s website.

--A 19-year-old from North Dakota has been charged with criminal vehicular homicide for an accident last week that killed a 65-year-old Duluth woman. Hawk Edwards from Williston crossed the center line on a St. Louis County Road and hit head-on with Paula Bergren. Bergren was dead at the scene. Her 13-year-old grandson Edward Bergren remains in critical condition at a Duluth hospital. Edwards was found have a blood alcohol level of .11 at the time of the accident and also was traveling a high rate of speed. Edwards remains jailed in Duluth on $150,000 bond.

--Upsala Area schools revealed Tuesday their plans for their mid-winter carnival coming February 12th. The Mid-Winter Meltdown Carnival will be 2pm to 5pm at the Upsala High School Commons and will feature numerous games, bingo and events to help Upsala schools. This will also include an auction and a raffle. The event is open to all, even if you do not attend or live in the school district.

WEATHER
TODAY= snow this morning, then clearing and windy, high 35.
TONIGHT= partly cloudy, low around 22.
THURSDAY= mostly cloudy, breezy, high 35, low around 15.
FRIDAY= snow in the afternoon, still breezy, high near 30.

SPORTS
TWINS= The Twins Caravan is in Little Falls tomorrow night at the Little Falls VFW from 6-9pm. The event is also a fundraiser for the Thanks for our Freedom Fund to help military families in central Minnesota. Full details on the Twins at www.fallsradio.com and if you need info on the raffle and fundraiser contact LF Radio at 632-2992.

TODAY IN HISTORY
IN 1858= Mendelssohn’s “Wedding March” was used for the first time at the Wedding march for the wedding of Queen Victoria’s daughter.
IN 1937= “The Guiding Light” debuted on NBC Radio, the soap opera would stay on radio until 1956, and also started on CBS TV in 1952.
IN 1949= the first Emmy Awards for television were presented.
IN 1964= after just releasing the single I Want to Hold your Hand in the United States 2 weeks earlier, the Beatles song hit #1 causing Beatlemania to form and the band arriving in the U.S. shortly after.

“Hot Hits” tonight and Thurs. Get lunch today at West Side Bar.

Tuesday- January 24th, 2012

NEWS
--A pursuit that began in Aitkin County Saturday morning ended in Benton County when the suspect’s vehicle was pinned in by a state trooper squad car on Highway 10 in the Little Rock Lake area. Aitkin County Sheriff Scott Turner stated a citizen reported a suspicious vehicle in an Aitkin County neighborhood, deputies discovered a burglary had occurred and evidence linked the vehicle to it. When they tried to stop the vehicle a pursuit entailed with speeds of 100 miles per hour. The vehicle pulled over on Highway 169 and a passenger got out and was apprehended but the driver was able to speed away. The vehicle was found abandoned about a mile south of there and a vehicle was stolen from a nearby residence. That vehicle was found abandoned in Hillman Township and another vehicle was reported stolen from a Morrison County residence. The driver, 23-year-old Travis Severtson of Bovey was finally apprehended in Benton County and taken into custody about 4 hours after the first reports came into about the first vehicle. Severtson was booked on charges of burglary, theft of a motor vehicle and fleeing a police officer. The passenger, 21-year-old Kyle Oltz of Sauk Rapids faces aiding and abetting burglary and giving a false name to authorities because Oltz had 2 outstanding warrants. Aitkin, Crow Wing, Morrison and Benton County Sheriff’s deputies, Little Falls and Sartell police, the DNR and the State Patrol all assisted in the pursuit and eventually the arrest of the 2 men. No one was injured.

--The Crow Wing County Sheriff’s Office is reminding ice enthusiasts that the ice is still not safe in spots on area lakes. Fish houses were seen going through the ice on Gull Lake in the Brainerd/Baxter area this past weekend. Cass, Crow Wing and Aitkin County authorities stated they have had to pull ATVs and fish houses out of area lakes that have gone through the thin ice. While some areas of lakes show 15-20 inches of thickness others are less than 4 inches and can not hold the weight of any all terrain vehicles. The hope is to still have enough ice for the upcoming Ice Fishing Extravaganza in Baxter on February 11th, the event was to be last weekend but postponed into February due to the ice safety factors.

--8th District Congressman Chip Cravaack stated last week that he had money leftover in his Congressional office expense account a the end of the year so he gave it back to the House and ultimately, taxpayers. Cravaack returned $90,000 in leftover expense allowance from 2011. The money is usually spent for things like salaries, office supplies, postage and phone bills and even travel expenses back to House members’ home district. The amount returned is about 7% of Cravaack’s office budget for the prior year.

--Todd County is investigating a burglary Sunday near the Fawn Lake Townhall on Pinto Drive. Sometime between 2-5pm Sunday it was reported an Acer laptop, MAC Book Air laptop, a Barnes and Noble Nook and a large amount of cash was taken during the burglary. Anyone with information is asked to contact Todd County deputies.

--Icy roads are to blame for an accident in Melrose Township Sunday morning just before noon. 45-year-old Lenae Glasner of Melrose was east on Stearns County Road 17 near Birch Lake Road when he spun out and struck an oncoming vehicle driven by 39-year-old Jane Austing of Freeport with caused Austing’s vehicle to strike an attached garage on a residence belonging to James Fuchs. No one was home at the time. Both drivers and their juvenile children were taken to Melrose Hospital and treated for injuries.

--A number of people were hurt in a multiple vehicle crash that involved a state patrol squad car Sunday afternoon on interstate 94 near St. Joseph in Stearns County. The squad car had its lights flashing while it was parked on the side of the eastbound lane of I-94 when vehicles began to spin out due to the misty conditions and icy roadways. One vehicle struck several cable barriers in the center median. Another vehicle struck the parked squad car which was unoccupied at the time of the accident. Two of the drivers, 56-year-old Robin Grundman of Farmington and 19-year-old Erin Takle of Alexandria along with 6 others, including 2 young children, between the 3 vehicles were all taken to area hospitals and treated for injuries that the state patrol were non-life threatening.

--Vision Randall, a part of the Randall Business Group will have a community dinner to update residents on the progress of current and future projects. The dinner will be held at the Randall VFW, next Tuesday beginning at 6 p.m. It is free to all residents of Randall and their invited guests. Updates will be given on the early warning siren system, Neighborhood Watch program, economic development, youth programs and quality of life in Randall. Various committees will be giving reports on their projects. Those wishing to attend should contact Neil at 749-2265 or Jerry at 749-2650.

--Minor damage was reported for a fire Sunday afternoon at a residence in Richmond. Stearns County and the Chain of Lakes Fire Department were able to help the homeowner put out the fire that started in the laundry room. 29-year-old Christine Weineke was treated at the scene for smoke inhalation. The home sustained only minor damage and the cause of the fire was not determined.

--Brainerd firefighters were called to an attic fire Saturday around 7pm. The fire was electrical in nature at the home on County Road 23. The homeowners had to be treated for smoke inhalation but were not hospitalized. The fire did damage to the attic area of the home but firefighters were able to keep it contained to that area.

NATIONAL NEWS
--President Barack Obama gives his State of the Union Address tonight to the nation. The address begins at 8pm.

DEATH NOTICES
--Mary Phillips, age 90 of Little Falls
--Walter Bryce, age 78 of Staples.

WEATHER
TODAY= mainly sunny, high 22.
TONIGHT= partly cloudy, low around 10.
WEDNESDAY= mostly sunny, breezy, high 30, low around 20.
THURSDAY= mainly sunny, mild and breezy, high around 35.

SPORTS
HS BBB= Little Falls at Sauk Rapids tonight 7:30 on Q92/AM960
HS GBB= Kimball at Pierz tonight 7:30 on FM94 KFML.

TODAY IN HISTORY
IN 1922= Christian Nelson of Iowa introduced the Eskimo Pie treat.
IN 1935= the first beer sold in cans came from Krueger Brewing Co.
IN 1984= the first Apple Macintosh computer went on sale.

“Hot Hits” Wed and Thurs, Meat Raffle Friday at West Side Bar

NEWS
--The 48-year-old Little Falls woman seriously injured in an accident on January 11th in Mayhew Lake Township has died. Benton County reported the crash around 8am on the 11th on the 3300 block of Little Rock Road where Nancy Vanscoik’s vehicle had left the road and struck a tree. Responding deputies had to force their way into the car to retrieve Vanscoik. She was taken to North Memorial Medical Center in Robbinsdale by helicopter with serious life threatening injuries. North Memorial reported last Friday afternoon that Vanscoik had died from the injuries she sustained in the crash. She was not wearing a seatbelt and slushy roads were a factor in the accident.

--The Little Falls School Board meets tonight at 5:30 at the Morrison County Government Center. Agenda items include a presentation on high school registration and the Project REAL from the music and arts department. They will receive donations, approve to advertise on the District web site, take action the EMLF seniority list and the budget assumptions on the next school year.

--The Morrison County Commissioners meet Tuesday at 9 at the government center. Agenda items include certificates of appreciation to be handed out past citizen committee members; reports on social services, public health, extension office and planning and zoning.

--Congratulations to Preston Weber of Pierz who was the District 19 AAA award winner following a banquet last week. Weber will now advance to the Region 5A banquet on February 1st in St. Cloud where he will compete with 3 other boys to advance to state.

--Slippery roads are to blame for a number of accidents in Stearns and Benton County Friday morning. Around 11:30am a truck slid down an embankment off of Highway 15 and ended up with its front end submerged in the Sauk River. There were no apparent injuries. A 2-year-old was hurt around 11:30am on Highway 15 when 31-year-old Genevieve Migala of Sauk Rapids lost control of her car and spun into the median causing a 2nd-vehicle to collide with her. The 2nd driver, 30-year-old Carissa Daiker of Sartell was not hurt, her 2 year old passenger was treated at St. Cloud Hospital for minor injuries. 4 other accidents were also reported around 11 to 11:45am Friday due to icy conditions in central Minnesota. The State Patrol reported over 50 accidents from St. Cloud to the Twin Cities on Minnesota highways Friday due to snow showers.

--Republican and Democratic leaders of the Minnesota legislature agree that jobs are the top priority from the 2012 session that begins on Tuesday. Senate Majority Leader Dave Senjem and House Speaker Kurt Zellers are pushing for government reform, streamlining regulations and property tax cuts for businesses. Senate Minority Leader Tom Bakk and House Minority Leader Paul Thissen are calling for passage of a large bonding bill and middle-class tax relief. Governor Dayton says he hopes both sides can reconcile their differences better than last year when the state government went into a shut down as the legislative session ended last May.

--The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources stated that the deer harvest declined 7 percent in 2011. The DNR cites lower deer populations and a windy first weekend of the firearms season. Minnesota hunters harvested 192,300 deer during the 2011 season. That’s a drop of 15,000 from the 207,000 deer harvested in 2010. DNR wildlife research manager Lou Cornicelli notes that up to 50 percent of the annual deer harvest happens during opening weekend.

--Pierz KC’s Buffalo Feed is this Saturday night at Pierz Ballroom.

--The Republican Party of Minnesota announced their state convention will be in St. Cloud at the Civic Center on May 18th and 19th. The Party will endorse a candidate to face DFL Senator Amy Klobuchar in November and work on getting other nominees is pivotal state elections later this year. They will also pick delegates to the Republican National Convention later this year.

--Crow Wing County authorities were kept busy Thursday in the frigid temperatures. Just before 9am, Ideal Township, Pequot Lakes and Crosslake firefighters along with Crosslake and Breezy Point police and sheriff’s deputies battled a house fire on County Road 39. The house sustained moderate damage. No report of a cause or any injuries. Around 9:15am, deputies were called to a two-vehicle accident involving a school bus. Both drivers were treated at the scene for minor injuries. There were no students on the bus at the time of the accident that occurred on Washington Street in Brainerd at the railroad tracks. One person was injured around noon when the vehicle they were driving spun out and struck a parking lot post on 13th Street in Brainerd. The driver was taken to the area hospital for treatment of non-life threatening injuries.

--Minnesota’s unemployment rate dropped again in December to 5.7% which is the lowest level since September of 2008. The rate fell from 5.9% in November and down 1.5% since August. The state gained 7,900 jobs last month and over 25,000 jobs for the year. The biggest job gains were in professional and business services, government, education and health care. The construction, logging and leisure and hospitality industries took the biggest losses in 2011.

BIRTH ANNOUNCEMENT
--Nicholas and Jeanine Uchiha of Little Falls, a boy born January 18th

DEATH NOTICES
--Esther C. Stanek, age 90 of Little Falls formerly Sobieski.
--Nancy Vanscoik, age 48 of Little Falls.
--Joyce Cameron, age 80 of Little Falls.
--Christine Kowalzek, age 91 of Harding.

WEATHER
TODAY= snow likely this morning, around 1 inch, high 23.
TONIGHT= gradual clearing, low around 0.
TUESDAY= mostly sunny, high 25, low around 10 Tues night.
WEDNESDAY= partly cloudy, high of 32.

SPORTS
NFL= New England defeated Baltimore 23-20 when Ravens missed a last second field goal then the Giants beat San Francisco 20-17 in OT. New York Giants and New England will face off in the Super Bowl.
COL FB= longtime Penn State football coach Joe Paterno died early Sunday in Pennsylvania. He was 85 and had battled lung cancer.
TWINS= WYRQ presents the Twins Caravan this Thursday 6-9pm at the Little Falls VFW, there will a raffle at the event to help the Thanks for our Freedom Fund to benefit military families here at home while there soldiers are deployed overseas.  Already 100 prizes have been donated totaling over $3,000. The raffle will be 7:30-9pm during the Twins Caravan and you must be present to win. For further details contact Chris at (320) 632-2992 today.

The best is food and entertainment is found at the West Side Bar