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Friday- July 30th, 2010
NEWS BIRTH ANNOUNCEMENT DEATH NOTICES WEATHER SPORTS Get information on the church festival in Pierz this Sunday & an Open House/Ride the Train event at the Dewey Radke House on August 10th at fallsradio.com/community calendar. Fussy Entertainment, Hot Hits and Soundtrax all in August at WS Bar
--Beginning this morning Highway 10 crossing the overflow bridge north of Little Falls will close to traffic to allow crews to place the new bridge beams. Traffic will be stopped at the bridge while beams are being placed, which should take approximately 15 minutes per beam. Between each beam placement, the traffic restriction will be lifted and motorists will be allowed to cross the bridge. Motorists should expect major delays or consider an alternate route during this work.
--More road work, this time in Little Falls. 11th Street Northeast between Broadway and 7th Avenue Northeast began surface improvements yesterday. The work includes milling off the existing bituminous surfacing, installing drainage piping, catch basin replacements and repairs, one manhole replacement installation of new bituminous surface painting and other related all to be completed by September 3rd. The public is advised to use side-roads when possible and drive with caution in the construction area. Detour signs will be posted and area businesses on 11th will have alternate entrances off the adjoining avenues. Questions call 616-5500.
--Road work continues also on Highway 25 in Pierz. According to MN Dot’s Judy Jacobs and the contractor of the project, heavy rains in the past 14 days have caused delays in the projects as curb, sidewalk and gutter replacements continue in the north-half of town. The hope is to have it mostly completed by late August. Jacobs also stated that Pierz is not the only area dealing with construction woes from Mother Nature as one area in particular in Cambridge reported in the last 26 days they have had to hamper work 20 of those due to rainfall. For road work information in your area call 511 or log on to 511mn.org.
--Cass County deputies responded to the 2 accidents Tuesday where five people were injured. Deputies responded to an ATV accident where two were hurt east of Backus. Then deputies were called to a 2-vehicle accident west of Pine River where 3 were hurt. In both cases the five were taken to area hospitals. No names or conditions of those injured were released.
--An 89-year-old Burtrum man was hurt when his vehicle struck the ditch early Thursday on Todd County Road 103 in Burtrum. George Clear was driving around 2am when he missed his driveway, overcorrected and struck the west ditch. Clear was taken to the Melrose Hospital for minor injuries.
--A Red Lake woman was sentenced to 30 years in prison for the murder of a 14-year-old and assault on a 17-year-old last year in the Red Lake Indian Reservation. 19-year-old Patricia Lee Brown was found guilty in December for the murder of Jason May after May was leaving a gathering on the reservation in April, 2009. Brown stabbed May killing him instantly then later Brown was confronted by two teenage boys and Brown stabbed the 17-year-old doing permanent damage to his hand. The judge stated during the sentencing that Brown was “a danger to the community”.
--According to the latest Beige Book released by the Federal Reserve, the upper Midwest’s economy grew slightly over the early summer. The growth was led by energy, consumer spending, tourism, manufacturing, mining and agriculture. Two sectors that saw a decrease was real estate and commercial construction.
--Police have identified the man killed in a car-bicycle accident in Moorhead on Monday. 31-year-old Kristopher Close of Fargo was initially hospitalized after the collision at an intersection but later died at the hospital. The car’s driver was not injured.
--The heavy rains from earlier this week have northwestern Minnesota still dealing with high water. Flood warnings were issued through Thursday night from Sabin to Dilworth and into the Fargo/Moorhead area along the Red and Buffalo rivers. Water flooded rural roadways and lots of homes were dealing with flooded basements. Clean up continues in central Minnesota from Tuesday’s storms with many trees still being collected from yards. Homes were damaged by lightning in Buh Township and reports of many homes scattered with hail damage on sidings and walls. The National Weather Service ruled Wednesday that no tornado touchdowns were confirmed on Tuesday but some areas saw 75-mile an hour winds.
--St. Cloud State University announced Wednesday that they have sent layoff letters to 26 employees. The 26 were probationary faculty members. The layoffs were part of an effort to eliminate 80-90 faculty positions for the 2011 school year. The 26 layoffs are expected to save the university more than $2-million dollars. Reports indicate that there could be tenured faculty layoffs but before that could happen probationary faculty must be laid off.
--A MN Dot “Highway Helper” in his yellow-green pickup Wednesday rescued a driver and her two children from a car that was sinking in a holding pond on I-35W in Richfield. Officials say Don Machacek jumped into neck deep water and got everyone out of the vehicle which was three-quarters submerged. The woman and her two children did not need medical attention and are extremely grateful.
--Sabrina Webeck of Little Falls, mother of a girl born July 28th
--Troy and Tamara Bellefeuille, of Little Falls, a girl born July 28th
--William A. Nickaboine, age 19 of Onamia.
--Kenneth R. Zuleger, age 77 of Foley.
--Florence M. Mrozik, age 93 of Little Falls.
TODAY= scattered showers and isolated T-storms, high 80.
TONIGHT= early shower, then partly cloudy, low 63.
SATURDAY= partly cloudy, high around 85, low around 65.
SUNDAY= hazy sun, showers & storms possible, high 83.
MONDAY= chance of showers & storms, high 85, low 65.
TWINS= Twins open a series with Seattle tonight at Target Field. Games tonight and Saturday are at 6:10 with Sunday at 1:10. Pregame begins ½ hour before first pitch live on Q92 WYRQ.
REGION 8C= 8 games in 2 days on AM960 KLTF beginning Saturday at 11 with Sobieski and Brainerd, then Fort Ripley against Royalton at 1:30, 5pm it’s Avon and Pierz Brewers the final game Saturday will be Lastrup against Opole. Losers of the 4 games play the first 2 games Sunday with the winners playing the night games. Again all 8 games on KLTF and online at fallsradio.com
Thursday- July 29th, 2010
NEWS BIRTH ANNOUNCEMENT DEATH NOTICES WEATHER SPORTS TODAY IN HISTORY Enjoy a great lunch and great atmosphere at the West Side Bar today
--The severe storms of Tuesday damaged homes, trees and downed power lines from the heavy rains, lightning and strong winds. Morrison County responded to two homes in Buh Township that were struck by lightning. The first around 5:30pm at the Terry Froelich residence on 193rd Street was when lightning struck the phone line causing damage to the phone box and line going into the house. Pierz firefighters were called out and said that smoke was coming from the phone box. The 2nd reports a short time later at the Lois Virnig residence on 275th Avenue lightning struck the house. A deputy stated that the northwest corner of the house was struck and there was damage to the siding, wood frame and basement area. Lightning caused a hole in the side of the house going into the basement. Luckily in both cases there were no injuries. Crow Wing, Mille Lacs, Stearns and Benton battled storm damage Tuesday also with reports of many trees down and wind gusts on average of 55 to 60 miles an hour with a few reports over 70 miles an hour in Stearns County. Minnesota Power worked through the evening hours until late restoring power to the area as thousands of homes were without power across Morrison and Crow Wing County on Tuesday and that was only a small part of the large storm system.
--A 16-year-old boy from Harris was hurt when he was struck by lightning jogging in Duluth Tuesday around 5pm. The boy was taken to St. Luke’s Hospital and last listed in stable condition.
--Despite reports that Minnesota’s economy is on the rise and the state had added 11,000 jobs in the past year. Construction jobs are the exception. A general contractor’s union stated that the slowdown could be attributed to some major projects being completed, such as Target Field and TCF Bank Stadium. There are some signs of hope, including the increase in the gas tax and the constitutional amendment to dedicate vehicle sales taxes to transportation projects.
--Benton, Stearns and Sherburne Counties are investigating 2008 election records after claims that a large number of ineligible felons voted and that could have been the outcome needed in some races including the U.S. Senate race. County attorneys have received a number of complaints every election about felons casting ballots. In the 2008 election, voting records in the entire state showed that 2,803 suspected felons may have voted with the highest concentration being in the Twin Cities Metro Area. The 3 central Minnesota counties will look through records, but in most cases the investigations mainly reveal the person in question was not a felon.
--A four-vehicle accident in Wright County Monday killed one man and injured 3 others. The accident happened when 64-year-old Judy Tripp of Waverly was on Wright County Road 35 in Catham Township turning into a driveway, a vehicle driven by 49-year-old Mark Braatz of Buffalo slowed down but ended up being rear-ended by 43-year-old Wayne Gangl of Buffalo. The impact caused Braatz’s vehicle to strike the first one and flipped into the opposite lane strike a 4th vehicle driven by 18-year-old Charles Janckila of Cokato. Braatz died at the scene. The other 3 drivers were treated at the Buffalo hospital.
--The public is encouraged to line the streets of Little Falls this afternoon around 1:30 in respect of Private-First Class Nietfeld of the U.S. Marine Corps who died while on active duty in Louisiana. The funeral for PFC Nietfeld is in Elk River today with the procession leaving around noon. They are expected to pass through Little Falls around 1:30 up to a burial service at the State Veteran’s Cemetery.
--A former railroad union official from Albert Lea has pleaded guilty to embezzling $35,000 from the organization. 39-year-old Cory Carroll admitted he stole the money by charging personal expenses to his union credit card and by claiming lost wages for days he was not absent from the railroad for union business. Carroll faces up to five years in federal prison at sentencing. He was a secretary-treasurer with the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen.
--A 27-year-old from Willmar was sentenced for raping a woman back in February at an apartment complex. Manuel Leiva-Pineda had his prison sentence of 36-months stayed he will serve 10 years probation and spend 150 days in the county jail for another criminal sexual conduct charge. He will have to follow state guidelines and file as a registered sex offender. Leiva-Pineda and his attorney may appeal the decision has he continued to deny the rape.
–USDA Rural Development in Minnesota has received an additional $20 million in Recovery Act funds to help low and very-low income individuals and families achieve home ownership. To qualify, applicants must purchase or build in a rural area, generally defined as a community with a population of 20,000 or less. Applicants also must be considered low or very-low income, meet income and credit standards and demonstrate repayment ability. Funds can be used to purchase an existing home or build a new one. Interested applicants should contact their USDA office or go online to usda.gov.
--Paul and Shawna Sachs of Little Falls, a girl on July 27th.
--Rose Helen Christen, age 90 of Albany.
--Louise Simon, age 85 of Buckman.
TODAY= mostly sunny, high around 80.
TONIGHT= showers and storms after midnight, low 60.
FRIDAY= showers and storms early and late, partial sun, high 82.
SATURDAY= mostly sunny, high 85, low 60.
SUNDAY= partly cloudy, chance of a PM shower or storm, high 88.
TWINS= Twins sweep the Royals by winning 6-4 Wednesday afternoon. Delmon Young homered to aid in the victory. Chicago beat Seattle 6-5 so the Twins still trail the White Sox by 1 game in the AL Central. Twins have today off and host Seattle tomorrow night.
IN 1890= painter Vincent Van Gogh died at age 37.
IN 1907= Sir Robert Baden Powell formed the Boy Scouts in England
IN 1914= first transcontinental phone service began.
IN 1954= “Tonight” premiered on NBC television. Jack Parr was the host. The show later became the Jack Parr Show then when Parr left it became the Tonight Show with new host Johnny Carson in 1962.
IN 1958= NASA was authorized by Congress.
IN 1974= Cass Elliott of the Mamas and the Papas died at age 32.
IN 1981= England’s Prince Charles married Lady Diana Spencer at St. Paul’s Cathedral in London as millions watched around the world.
Wednesday- July 28th, 2010
NEWS WEATHER SPORTS TODAY IN HISTORY More music, more food, more fun, all at the West Side Bar
--Severe storms made their way through central Minnesota twice yesterday. The first in the morning dropped heavy rain and lightning with reports of strong winds and hail. In the late afternoon, tornado warnings sounded across Morrison and Todd County. No official tornado touchdowns were confirmed though one was reported spotted between Flensburg and Sobieski. The storm packed heavy rains, hail, winds in excess of 65 to 75 miles per hour and dangerous lightning. Trees were reported down in the Pierz area. Numerous homes were without power for periods of time yesterday as power crews worked on power lines and other electrical issues. The Morrison County Sheriff’s Office responded to 2 homes in Buh Township that were struck by lightning. There were no injuries in either case. Rain totals varied from 1-3 inch amounts in the area.
--Formal charges against two men in the death of William Nickaboine were filed Tuesday in Mille Lacs County. Nickaboine’s burned body was found by a community search party Friday night across from the Mille Lacs Band wastewater treatment center. 23-year-old Aaron Beaulieu and 20-year-old Joshua Boyd were charged with 2nd degree murder and an aiding and abetting charge. Unconditional bail was set at $800,000 for each man. Reports say there was a fight between the men but no other info on a possible motive was released.
--A man accused of slashing his dog’s throat did not show up for court in Fergus Falls Monday. An arrest warrant was issued for 23-year-old Benjamin Stavaas of Battle Lake. Stavaas first told authorities he cut the dog’s throat after it was hit by a car, then changed his story to say he could not train it to stop chasing cars. The dog survived and remains at an animal shelter.
--State officials have added another 6 counties to the major disaster declaration from the federal government for June’s tornadoes and severe storms. Officials say they requested the list be lengthened after an additional two million dollars in costs and damage were discovered. Two types of aid are included: to local governments for emergency work and repair of damaged facilities, and assistance to reduce long-term risk from natural hazards. Seven Minnesota counties were included in the original disaster declaration, including Wadena and Otter Tail and that number now stands at 13 with the adding of Blue Earth, Brown, Houston, Kittson, Nicolet and Sibley.
--St. Cloud. Police are waiting on results of blood tests taken from 23-year old Chau Ska Sharp in a fatal accident Saturday in north St. Cloud to see if alcohol was involved. Police say they did not detect any signs of alcohol on Sharp, who agreed to the taking of blood samples. Sharp was driving on Cooper Avenue when his vehicle left the road and struck a tree. His passenger 21-year-old Caleb Abrahamson was taken to St. Cloud Hospital and died from injuries.
Sharp was treated and released. No charges have been filed against Sharp but again police are waiting on other tests.
--Minnesota crops continue to thrive as the summer months continue. The U.S. Department of Agriculture announced that 85% of the corn crop is at or beyond the silking stage. Other crops have also shown improvement in abundant rainfall and warmer weather through the month of July. Reports say 89% of the corn crop is at good to excellent condition around the state.
--St. Cloud police are seeking information in several vehicle fires early Tuesday. Around 2:30 reports came in that someone had poured gasoline on several vehicles parked in an alley and then set on fire.
--Sgt. Curt Mowers and Lt. Dave Zumberge of the Minnesota State Patrol appeared on KLTF’s Partyline program Tuesday. Both discussed that safe and sober, speed enforcement and other enforcement projects are expected to continue through Labor Day. Zumberge reminded motorists to slow down in construction zones as Morrison County still has 4 major projects ongoing, they are Highway 10 north of Little Falls, Highway 25 in Pierz, and also Highway 27 west of Pierz/Genola at the Platte River Bridge, and Highway 27 east of Lastrup. Over 50 projects are going on statewide and workers and the state patrol state that fines are doubled for speeding in work zones and if you strike a construction vehicle, you will likely lose.
--The superintendent of Cass Lake-Bena Schools is on paid leave for allegedly having sexual contact with a 17-year-old male student. 65-year-old Carl Remmers is charged with one count of 4th degree criminal sexual conduct. The criminal complaint alleges that Remmers touched the boy inappropriately in a Bemidji Motel room on July 18th. Police later arranged for the victim to place a phone call to Remmers where he admitted to grabbing the boy.
--Brainerd firefighters responded to a grass fire Monday afternoon near Cedardale Park in Baxter. The grass fire was extinguished but one of the trucks had problems after being involved in a minor crash with a car on College Road on route to the fire. No one was injured in the crash or in the fire that a separate unit took care of.
--The Oasis Share A Meal/Community Paint-A-Thon is scheduled for August 7th. Seven homes will be painted, five in Little Falls and 2 in Swanville. 15 teams are involved in the painting duties.
TODAY= mostly sunny, high near 80.
TONIGHT= clear and cooler, low 52.
THURSDAY= sunny, high near 80, low of 57.
FRIDAY= early morn and evening storms possible, high 82, low 62.
TWINS= Twins get another big hitting performance to beat KC 11-2 Tuesday. Danny Valencia had a 4 hit game, Denard Span and Joe Mauer added key hits in the win as Carl Pavano picks up win #13. Twins try for the sweep today, pregame 12:40 on Q92 WYRQ.
MORNEAU= the 2006 MVP first-basemen for the Twins, Justin Morneau, continues to recover from a concussion earlier this month. Manager Ron Gardenhire announced this week that Morneau is with the team in Kansas City and will take some practice this weekend at Target Field. Gardenhire would not give a timeline on Morneau’s return only that he stated that Justin is doing a lot better.
IN 1866= the metric system was authorized for the standardization of weights and measures throughout the United States.
IN 1868= 14th Amendment of the Constitution was ratified. It gave citizenship to all U.S. African Americans.
IN 1896= the community of Miami, Florida was incorporated.
IN 1933= the first singing telegram was delivered.
IN 1939= Judy Garland recorded the song “Over the Rainbow”.
IN 1951= Disney released “Alice in Wonderland” in theaters.
IN 1978= National Lampoon’s Animal House opened in theaters.
Tuesday- July 27th, 2010
NEWS DEATH NOTICES WEATHER SPORTS TODAY IN HISTORY Cool down with a great drink and watch the game at West Side Bar
--A 17-year-old from Eden Prairie was hurt in a parasailing accident Sunday near Nisswa. Authorities say Natalie Carlson attempted to parasail on Lower Cullen Lake and struck a pontoon docked nearby. Carlson was wearing a lifejacket at the time and taken to Brainerd hospital. No one on her boat or the pontoon was injured.
--An Iowa man was hurt in a 4-wheeler accident in Clarissa over the weekend. Tomlin Cole was taken to Long Prairie Hospital for minor injuries after his 4-wheeler left 201st Avenue and rolled.
--A 68-year-old from California was the man who died Saturday when his crop-dusting helicopter crashed near Rochester. Allen Broussard died at the scene. Federal officials are investigating the crash cause.
--Two people died Saturday when a motorcycle and a mini-van collided in Meeker County. 43-year old Amy Langford and 50-year-old James Nelson, both of Spicer, died when their bike was hit from behind by a mini-van on Highway 55. The 30-year old minivan driver from Eden Valley was not hurt. Authorities are investigating the crash as why the minivan did not slow down when it struck the cycle and if alcohol was a factor in the accident.
--Four people, including 2 young children, were hurt in a two-vehicle accident Sunday afternoon in Merrifield. Crow Wing County deputies say the accident happened at the intersection of Crow Wing County Roads 3 and 4. 52-year old Donald Berry of Crosslake pulled out in front of 19-year-old Lindsey Jo Hanson of Brainerd striking her broadside. Both drivers had minor injuries. An 8 month old and a 2-year old in Hanson’s vehicle were taken to the Brainerd hospital and treated for non-serious injuries.
--8th District Minnesota Congressman James Oberstar wants Congress to pass another stimulus bill that would include additional road projects. Oberstar chairs the U.S. House Transportation Committee and says 1.3-million construction site jobs resulted from the first round of stimulus funding. Oberstar predicts a continuing slow but progressive turnaround in the nation’s economy.
--Pedestrian deaths in Minnesota are rising. State Traffic Safety Director Cheri Marti says motorists must be extra watchful but so do pedestrians. Marti reminds motorists that pedestrians have the right of way in crosswalks and pedestrians need to watch for traffic in both directions before they venture out. Marti says at least 19 pedestrians have died on state roads this year, four more than last July 27th.
--The Minnesota Department of Transportation has put together a supplemental final environmental impact statement for improvements to Highway 371 in Crow Wing and Cass counties. The statement includes recent changes to the city of Pequot Lakes from a through city design, also road work designs for portions of Highway 18 in Nisswa through Cass County Road 2 in Pine River. The statement is available upon request from the Baxter MN Dot office and comments will be taken from now through August 9th.
--Foley school officials will have to tear up their new football field before a game can be played there. The Foley High School field will have to be replaced after the school stated the field has been deemed unsafe to play on. The field was made up of 30% gravel and that means for the 2nd year Foley will play its home games at Husky Stadium in St. Cloud. The hope of the school is to have the new field completed and up to par by the 2011 football season.
--Find out how to win tickets to the August 20th Twins Game by going to fallsradio.com then click on the Q92 icon for more info.
--Mille Lacs Tribal police have identified the body of the man missing on the Mille Lacs Reservation since July 17th. Authorities say 19-year-old William Nickaboine was found by a community search party late Friday night. Police have arrested 2 suspects on suspicion of 2nd degree murder as 20-year-old Joshua Boyd and 22-year-old Aaron Beaulieu both of Vineland. Beaulieu is being held at the Mille Lac County Jail and Boyd is at the Stearns County Jail pending charges.
--Federal authorities have finished their search of items excavated at a St. Joseph Township farm that was speculated to have ties to the Jacob Wetterling abduction back in 1989. Items of interest were found from the six truckloads of dirt taken on June 30th and July 1st at the farm of Robert and Rita Rassier. Their 54-year-old son Daniel was named as a person of interest in the case but was not arrested. The items were taken to forensic labs for additional testing and could still take many weeks before any findings are known.
--Charges are pending against one of the drivers in a 2-vehicle accident Sunday in Sherburne County. All authorities released is that a 58-year-old man from Osseo and a 47-year-old from Maple Grove were taken to a Twin Cities hospital in critical condition. A 54-year-old Elk River woman was treated at the Princeton Hospital. Authorities are investigating the accident and stated that the Elk River woman was at fault and faces possible charges.
--Morrison County deputies responded to a 2-car accident Monday morning near Hillman. Authorities say one vehicle ran a stop sign and collided with another. There were no injuries in the accident.
--Bennett P. Jorgensen, age 64 of Pierz/Buckman area.
--Caleb S. Abrahamson, age 21 of St. Cloud.
TODAY= showers and storms early then hazy sunshine and humid, with PM storms, some severe, high 88.
TONIGHT= storms early, some severe, then partial clearing, low 60.
WEDNESDAY= mostly sunny, cooler, high 78.
THURSDAY= mostly sunny, calm winds, high near 80.
TWINS= The Twins destroyed the Royals last night with a grand slam from Danny Valencia, 5 hits from Joe Mauer, two 6 run innings and great pitching from Francisco Liriano. When the smoke cleared the Twins won 19-1 over KC. White Sox win and lead the Twins by 1 game in the AL Central. Game 2 in KC tonight 6:40 on Q92
REGION= Catch Region 8C action Saturday beginning at 11am with 3 games to follow then another 4 Sunday all on AM960 KLTF.
IN 1909= Orville Wright set a record for longest airplane flight. The first U.S. Army plane stayed aloft for 1 hour and 46 minutes.
IN 1940= Bugs Bunny made his official debut for Warner Brothers.
IN 1953= the armistice agreement that ended the Korean War was signed in Panmunjon, Korea. The U.S. represented South Korea.
IN 1974= The House Judiciary Committee voted in favor of recommending the impeachment of President Richard Nixon.
IN 1986= Greg Lemond won Tour of France, first American to do it.
Monday- July 26th, 2010
NEWS
--The Annandale woman involved in Thursday’s accident near Little Rock has died from her injuries. 84-year-old Lois Yendrzeski died Friday at St. Cloud Hospital. She was a passenger in the vehicle driven by 81-year-old Florence Nyland of Menahga. Nyland suffered non-life threatening injuries after her vehicle left the road and struck a field approach Thursday afternoon on Highway 25.
--Mille Lacs Tribal Police are searching for a 19-year-old missing since July 17th. William Nickaboine was last seen on the Mille Lacs Reservation in Vineland. He is 5’8 and about 145 pounds, dressed all in black and has a scar on his nose and another on top of his head. He is listed as a missing/endangered person. Anyone who knows of his whereabouts is asked to call Tribal police at 320-532-3430.
--The Little Falls City Council approved $100,000 in tax increment financing for Larson Boats, for the second phase in bringing the Triumph Boat line to Little Falls which involves moving equipment for the facility from North Carolina to Little Falls. The report said the deal would have provisions and would generate about $100,000 in financing. The hope is to hire new employees for their training next month and have at least 3 boats being made a week by September.
--Lawyers for the man convicted of the kidnapping and killing of Pequot Lakes native Dru Sjodin in 2003 have issued one last legal appeal for Alfonso Rodriguez Jr. who remains on death row. A judge has appointed lawyers for a habeas corpus motion which is typically filed when a conviction becomes final. The U.S. Supreme Court has not decided if it will even hear the arguments from the appointed lawyers. The justices are likely to decide in October whether or not if they will hear the arguments on the appeal. If they decline then the lawyers would have one year to file their case. Rodriguez was sentenced to death in September, 2006 following a guilty conviction.
--U.S. and Minnesota flags will fly at half staff again today on all state and federal buildings, as they did on Friday. On Friday flags were at half staff for Specialist Matthew Johnson, and today it is for First Lieutenant Christopher Goeke of Apple Valley. Both men died while serving in Afghanistan earlier this month.
--Former Senator Norm Coleman reportedly has his eyes on the chairmanship of the Republican National Committee. Reports indicate that Coleman has started talking to associates about challenging Michael Steele, if the current chairman of the RNC decides to seek another term in January. Coleman plans to attend the RNC August meeting in Kansas City. Analysts say that this signals to party faithful that he’s interested in the job.
--Crow Wing County deputies are investigating the theft from the Black Dog Bar and Grille in Crosby which included 2 jars of money that was donations for two veteran’s causes. One jar was for the Vietnam Moving Wall in Crosby through today, the other to the Minnesota Assistance Council. The bar was broken into last Wednesday night or early Thursday and besides the 2 jars that had about $100 between them. Liquor bottles and pull tabs were also stolen. The pull tabs were found scattered along two county roads in Riverton Thursday night. Anyone with info is asked to call police.
--The Little Falls City Council meets tonight at 6, with one agenda item on how the city should handle inventory of public properties.
--The Little Falls Area Chamber of Commerce has announced their Employee of the Month for August as Louise Block of Randall. Louise has worked 4 years at Randall Lakes Area Clinic as the receptionist.
--Little Falls will be swarming today with bicyclists donating their time and energy to the Multiple Sclerosis. The MS Society’s The Ride across Minnesota (TRAM) is making a stop in Little Falls. Events today include making stops around Little Falls businesses and area restaurants, attractions, hotels and much more. The visitors will be camping at Le Bourget Park where there will be a street dance, beer garden, food and medical services. The public is invited to join the riders tonight from 6:30 to 9:30pm at Le Bourget Park. If you need more information on the event call the CVB at 616-4959.
--A St. Cloud man is dead after an accident early Saturday when the vehicle he was a passenger in hit a tree on Cooper Avenue in St. Cloud. 21-year-old Caleb Abrahamson was taken to St. Cloud Hospital but died from his injuries. The driver, 23-year-old Jason Sharp was not seriously hurt. Investigators are looking into criminal vehicular operations charges against Sharp.
--Foley firefighters battled a bathroom fire Thursday afternoon on 75th Avenue. Firefighters spent about an hour at the residence. The bathroom sustained heavy smoke damage but ruled that it is fixable. There were no injuries. The cause of the fire was not released.
--More road work in central Minnesota begins today. Night work begins tonight on Highway 15 in St. Cloud. Motorists will encounter lane closures and shifts from 9pm to 6am with reduced speeds. There will still be lane shifts daily south of Highway 23 in St. Cloud down to Highway 47 in St. Augusta. The nighttime work is for the city of St. Cloud. Sudden stops are also expected on Highway 23 work west of Cold Spring with road work today and tomorrow. Road work continues on Highway 27 west of the Pierz/Genola area at the Platte River Bridge, Highway 25 in Pierz, Highway 210/371 in Baxter, Highway 27/71 in Long Prairie and many others through the summer. For road construction/traffic/congestion info go to 511mn.org.
DEATH NOTICES
--Josephine ‘Terry’ Baggenstoss, age 73 of Albany.
--Doris Burggraff, age 80 of Onamia.
--Alexia Waite, age 74 of Little Falls.
WEATHER
TODAY= sunny to partly cloudy, high around 85.
TONIGHT= partly cloudy, a late night storm, low near 70.
TUESDAY= showers and storms early and late in day, high near 90.
WEDNESDAY= partly cloudy, cooler, high around 75.
SPORTS
TWINS= Baltimore gets a 2 run homer from Luke Scott to beat the Twins 3-2 Friday, Joe Mauer had a 2 run homer of his own but it was not enough. Delmon Young had a 4 hit night Saturday including a homer and Scott Baker took care of business as Twins win 7-2. Twins go long Sunday as Jason Kubel belted a grand slam, then homers by Delmon Young, Jim Thome and Jason Repko gave them a 10-4 win to take the series. The White Sox lost and Tigers split a double-header, meaning the Twins are 1 game behind the White Sox and still a ½ game ahead of Detroit in the AL Central Division. Twins open a series in Kansas City tonight at 6:40 on Q92 WYRQ.
VL= Lastrup, Pierz Brewers, Brainerd, Fort Ripley, Sobieski, Royalton, Opole and Avon are in the Region 8C Tournament starting Saturday.
Need a cool beverage, or a great lunch idea, check out West Side Bar
Friday- July 23rd, 2010
NEWS BIRTH ANNOUNCEMENT DEATH NOTICES WEATHER SPORTS Enjoy the weekend by stopping in to the West Side Bar.
--A one-vehicle accident Thursday afternoon injured 2 in Morrison County. 81-year-old Florence Nyland of Menahga was north of Little Rock on Highway 25 when the vehicle ran off the road and struck a field approach and rolled. Nyland had non-life threatening injuries. A passenger, 84-year-old Lois Yendrzeski of Annandale was taken to St. Cloud Hospital and listed in critical condition.
--The governor has ordered all U.S. Flags and Minnesota Flags on state and federal buildings be flown at half-staff today in honor of Specialist Matthew Johnson of Maplewood who was killed July 14th serving his country in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.
--A flag unfamiliar to many people will fly on the Minnesota Capitol grounds following a special ceremony Thursday. It’s the Honor and Remember Flag, a creation of George Lutz whose soldier son was killed in Iraq five years ago. Lutz says the flag, with a red and white field, symbolizing blood shed and the purity of sacrifice, honors all those who died, whether in service or in training. The families of two fallen Minnesota soldiers who were at the center of the ceremony were Specialist Greg Rundell, killed 2 years ago in the Middle East and Sergeant Lyle Mackadanz who died in the Vietnam War. Lutz is taking the flag and ceremony to all 50 dates, hoping to wind up his “honor and remember” campaign of Veterans Day.
--A meeting is set for tomorrow that will focus on restoring the banks and shorelines along the Mississippi River and area tributaries. Helen McClennen of Morrison County Soil and Water Conservation District says the new Clean Water Legacy Amendment is providing a grant of $40,000 that can be used to restore native plants along the river banks. The Lake and River day meeting is Saturday from 9am until noon at the Scandia Valley Town Hall. Questions call 616-2479.
--Governor Pawlenty continued visiting Minnesota soldiers overseas. The governor hopes that President Obama will keep in mind the deadlines and troop levels should not be arbitrary and must reflect the needs of the ground. He says goals in Afghanistan should include making sure terrorist organizations don’t use that country as a safe haven and seeing that Afghan Security Forces take on more responsibility. Pawlenty urges strategic patience.
--The State College and University Board has approved a contract to repair tornado damage to its Wadena Campus. There were no injuries on-site during the June 17th tornado but the college’s main building was severely damaged and three other buildings on campus sustained damage. Estimated cost of repairs is three to five-million dollars which officials say will be primarily paid for by insurance. They expect most the work to be finished in time for the fall term.
--An Alexandria man has been charged following a chase Monday through St. Cloud. 38-year-old Patrick Meyer was charged with fleeing an officer both in a vehicle and on foot and driving after his license had been cancelled. Meyer was arrested Monday after a 29 mile chase that ended when he crashed into construction equipment near St. Cloud Hospital. Meyer has prior convictions for fleeing police and a 4th fleeing police charge is still pending in another case.
--There will be an Open House/Ride the Train event on August 10th at the Dewey Radke House on the west side of Little Falls. The event is to talk about a fundraiser using a train through Pine Grove Park that will raise money for the house’s renovations. Meet the maker of the train, enjoy refreshments and learn about Dewey Radke House from 4-8pm on August 10th. Questions contact Chris at 320-632-2992.
--All Minnesota Democrats voted YES while all Minnesota Republicans voted NO as the U.S. House approved an extension of unemployment benefits through November which President Obama is expected to sign into law. It’s retroactive to the beginning of June when benefits expired for many. Republicans warn the 34-billion dollar unemployment benefit extension will add to the federal deficit.
--22 Airmen from the St. Paul based 133rd Airlift wing were welcomed home from Afghanistan Thursday. National Guard Captain Ann Todd says they spent two months supporting army units, bringing them critical supplies, transporting soldiers and evacuated the injured. Although their tours are generally shorter than army units, another wave of C-130s and personnel left St. Paul this month and will return from Afghanistan this September.
--Otter Tail County continues to release information on the man found in the middle of Highway 210 Sunday. Authorities say now that assault was not a factor in the death of Dajun Honer. According to witness accounts, Honer exited a vehicle while it was moving and suffered the blunt force trauma to his head and later died. Three other people were in the car at the time. The witness would not give information on why the 3 were not at the scene when authorities arrived. The case has been forwarded to the Otter Tail County Attorney’s office for possible charges against the 3 others.
--A Princeton man died Wednesday after a head-on collision in Itasca County. 44-year-old Wayne Andrist was driving on Minnesota Highway 46 when his car crossed in the northbound lane and struck a semitrailer driven by 38-year-old Chanin Johnson of Kelliher. Andrist was pronounced dead at the scene. No one else was injured.
--Christopher and Brandi Juetten of Pierz, a girl born July 20th.
--MaryAnn Brodesen of Little Falls, mother of a boy born July 21st
--Lydia Elizabeth Bratvold, age 90 of St. Cloud.
--Reinhard Theis, age 77 of Sauk Rapids formerly Buckman.
TODAY= partly cloudy, an isolated storm possible, high 82.
TONIGHT= showers and storms likely, some strong, low 60.
SATURDAY= early showers and storms, then partial sun, high 77.
SUNDAY= lots of sunshine, high 81, low 54.
MONDAY= mostly sunny, high 84, low 61.
TWINS= 2 straight shutouts for the Twins as Carl Pavano shuts down the Orioles 5-0 Thursday night with Delmon Young adding the offensive punch. Twins are 2 games behind Chicago in the AL Central and tied with Detroit as they are at Baltimore for 3 more games this weekend. Game times at 6:05 tonight and Saturday then 12:35 Sunday. Pregame ½ hour before the first pitch live on Q92 WYRQ.
VL= The Game of the Week is Saturday at 1:30 with the Pierz Brewers at the Buckman Billygoats, the final Victory League Roundup of the season is Sunday at 6:30pm. Next weekend is the Region 8C Tournament from Pierz, 8 games in 2 days, this weekend and next hear all the action live on AM960 KLTF.
Thursday- July 22nd, 2010
NEWS BIRTH ANNOUNCEMENT DEATH NOTICES WEATHER SPORTS Hot Hits, Hot Pizza, cool beverages, all at the West Side Bar.
--The Minnesota Department of Public Safety and State Patrol reports the state is on pace to have the lowest number of traffic deaths since 1944, despite at least three weekend deaths that pushed the 2010 total over the 200-death milestone. The state’s preliminary traffic death count is 204, compared to 214 at this time last year. Traffic Safety officials say enforcement of seat belt use as well as aggressive and impaired driving patrols coupled with educational outreach have factored in the lower death count. DPS also cites continued MnDOT engineering improvements and efficient emergency response to crashes are contributing to the lower death count. They also remind motorists that the speed enforcement effort through many law enforcement agencies continue through the month of July.
--Unemployment figures rose in the month of June in central Minnesota even though statewide the numbers went down slightly. In Morrison County unemployment for June rose to nearly 8% up slightly than May. The other totals showed Crow Wing at 7.5%, Aitkin at 8.5%, Mille Lacs at 10.4%, Todd 7.2%, Wadena 8.7%, Stearns and Benton combined was at 8.3%. Bigger cities like Rochester 5.6%, Mankato 6%, Duluth was 7.5% and 6.8% in the Twin Cities. The state average dropped to 7% from 7.2% from May to June.
--The Minnesota Court of Appeals has upheld the conviction of the woman accused of causing a fatal school bus crash near Cottonwood two years ago. Olga Franco was found guilty of driving a minivan that ran a stop sign and struck a school bus killing 4 students on board. Franco’s defense attorneys say it was her boyfriend who was driving and that she was coerced by police into giving a confession. The Appeals Court rejected those claims and stated she will serve her 12 ½ year prison sentence then likely will be deported after prison time.
--2 women were involved in an accident Tuesday morning in Little Elk Township of Todd County. Deb Abrahamson and Mindy Thomsen collided at an intersection. Thomsen was treated for minor injuries.
--The State Court of Appeals ruled Tuesday that a Little Falls man can be charged again with criminal sexual conduct. A Stearns County judge ruled even though the attorney’s office originally filed the wrong charge against William Sahr, the new charge doesn’t violate the double jeopardy law. Sahr’s attorney is considering taking the case to the State Supreme Court for review. Sahr was previously convicted on criminal sexual conduct in Morrison & Mille Lacs County.
--A police chase Monday in St. Cloud ended with an Alexandria man being arrested. 38-year-old Patrick Meyer fled police and ended up crashing into construction equipment at St. Cloud Hospital then was arrested after a short foot chase. Meyer faces multiple charges including fleeing a police officer.
--Benton County has agreed to a contract for its detention officers, court security officers and dispatchers. The contract stated that the 37 eligible members can get step increase and longevity pay. The contact goes into effect next January after the latest contract expires.
--Summer is continuing to go at a fast pace and just over a month away is the start of the Minnesota State Fair. Auditions are underway this week to win spots in the Amateur Talent Contest at the Fair. Judges will select 120 performers or acts from the auditions to take part in the real contest during the State Fair. The Fair runs August 26th through September 6th. For info go to State Fair’s website
--The Vietnam Memorial Moving Wall is in Crosby Memorial Park on Serpent Lake today through Monday. Expect traffic delays in area.
--Henning police have released more information on the man found lying in a street Sunday. Dajun Honer reportedly died of head trauma. The Henning Police Department, Ottter Tail County Sheriff's Office and the Minnesota State Patrol are conducting a forensic search of a car believed to be involved in the incident. Honer was found Sunday lying in the traffic lane of State Highway 210 on the south east edge of Henning. He was taken to an area hospital where he later died of his injuries. No vehicle was found near Honer's body. Authorities are asking for the public’s help to see if this was a hit and run, or possibly Honer falling from a vehicle.
--A 16-year-old from Walker has been reportedly missing now for over a week. Breanna Fox left a note in her vehicle saying she was leaving the area. Police believe she may be traveling in northern Minnesota with 31-year-old Kenneth Gentry of Backus. Anyone with information on their whereabouts should contact police.
--After damaging storms struck the state Saturday now the problem is scams from unlicensed contractors wanting work on the damaged homes. A local emergency management director said home owners should do their homework before hiring anyone. Stearns County says they have received many reports of people coming to area homes and asking the homeowners if they need work done. Most of the contractors are from out of state and saw the storm stories on internet sites. Local officials are reminding homeowners to use common sense, ask questions, take down information and get a phone number to the person at your door. Find out information on them before it’s too late for you if you hire a contactor to complete the home. Licensed contractors should have no problems showing you their information and their license to contract. If you feel you have been scammed contact your local police.
--A hayshed was destroyed by fire early Wednesday in Cold Spring. Fire crews worked through the morning to put out the blaze. The shed was full of hay and some wagons. An estimated $40,000 in damage was caused by the fire that is under investigation however firefighters believe it was spontaneous combustion.
--Jeff Fuchs and Sara Wippler of Holdingford, a boy born July 20th
--Ronald Popp Sr., age 68 of Buckman.
TODAY= periods of showers and storms, some strong, high 77.
TONIGHT= showers and storms early, fog late, low 62.
FRIDAY= a chance of an early storm, partly sunny, high 81.
SATURDAY= chance of early storms, partly cloudy, high 77.
SUNDAY= lots of sunshine, high 83, low 55.
TWINS= Francisco Liriano struck out 8 in 7 innings of shutout ball as the Twins win 6-0 over Cleveland. The Twins (50-45) are 2.5 games behind Chicago in the AL Central and tied with Detroit and open a 4 game series at Baltimore tonight. Pregame begins at 5:35pm on Q92 WYRQ.
VL= Pierz Brewers at Buckman Saturday at 1:30 on AM960 KLTF
Wednesday- July 21st, 2010
NEWS BIRTH ANNOUNCEMENTS DEATH NOTICES WEATHER SPORTS TODAY IN HISTORY Lunchtime, Happy Hour, any hour it’s happening at West Side Bar
--A crash halted traffic on I-94 Monday afternoon near St. Augusta. The crash happened around 3:15 involving a semi-truck and an orange MN Dot construction truck. The driver of the semi, Scott Crow of Pelican Rapids was pulled from his vehicle, soaked in fuel. He was airlifted to an area hospital with non-life threatening injuries. The MN Dot truck driver was not hurt and no others at the scene of the crash were hurt. The crash closed the highway for over 4 hours. Inspectors were at the crash site Tuesday to determine the cause of the crash.
--A Stearns County jury has convicted an Albany man on second degree assault and domestic assault for choking his wife and pointing a gun at her on December 31st. 35-year-old Brian Andvik was convicted after an argument ensued at the home. The jury deliberated for about 3 hours Monday before reaching a verdict.
--One person was hurt in a motorcycle crash last weekend in Brainerd. Police say Keith Riedel was on Washington Street when he was turning onto Kingwood Street and lost control of the cycle. Riedel was treated at the Brainerd Hospital for his injuries.
--A burglary attempt Sunday at a Sports Shop in Brainerd was halted by police and now 3 people face charges. Police got a call at 1:50am stating that there were 3 people breaking in from up on the roof of Easy Riders Sports Shop. Officers arrived and arrested 2 juvenile males and one adult male without incident. The three had broke a window into the building but bars inside prevented them from entering. Formal charges against the 3 are still pending.
--Wadena County responded to a one vehicle accident Sunday west of Sebeka. Upon arrival they learned that a driver had left the roadway and struck the ditch. The driver apparently left the scene and walked to his nearby residence. The driver, 20-year-old Bryant Crabb allegedly admitted to consuming alcohol prior to the crash. He was taken to the Wadena hospital and checked over for lacerations. Deputies say the case of has been turned over to the county attorney’s office on minor consumption and DWI charges.
--Expect heavy traffic in the Crosby area this week. The Vietnam Veterans Moving Wall is at Memorial Park on Serpent Lake in Crosby Thursday through Monday. In the past the Wall has drawn crowds of 100,000 people. Motorists traveling on area roads in Crosby, including Highway 210 and Highway 6, should expect traffic delays.
--A 9-year-old Crosby boy donated $50 for the for the Kans 4 Kops program by selling aluminum cans and was given recognition for his efforts to help the program which is a scholarship given to the Crosby schools each year. Logan DeCent said he started raising money only about 3 weeks ago and has given over $50 in donations already. He plans to do more this summer. Crosby Police say they are a little surprised that a 9-year-old did all of this, but says this is a great story to tell the youth programs around the area on working for others.
--Charles A. Lindbergh State Park is hosting a voyageur canoeing exhibition Saturday with guides sharing stories from early explorers. Visitors may ride and paddle in one of the 10 person canoes starting Saturday from 11am on with different times. More information is available by calling 320-616-2525.
--The Brett Favre saga continues as reporters flocked to Mississippi Monday as Brad Childress had visited with Favre on his future with the Vikings. Childress would not discuss what was said between the two. Favre has continued to state he has not made up his mind if he wants to return for a 2nd season or retire from the NFL permanently.
--Authorities in Otter Tail County are investigating the death of a man found injured on a road in Henning. Authorities have identified the man as 31-year-old Dajun Honer. His body has been sent to Ramsey County for an autopsy. Honer was found Sunday lying on Highway 210. He was taken to an area hospital where he later died of his injuries. The death remains under investigation.
--Hazardous materials crews worked Monday night to clean up a nitric acid spill near a St. Cloud business. Firefighters were called to Spee Dee Delivery in St. Cloud Monday night at about 7:45pm to clean up the spill leaking from one of the company trailers. Firefighters contacted the shipper and found out the nearly 22 pound package leaking was filled with Nitric Acid. All the nitric acid was removed and no one was injured in the incident.
--The Pierz City Council Monday voted on pay raises for the 2011 year. The vote was 3-2 in favor of a $600 pay raise for all full time employees. However, last year’s added extra week of paid vacation was taken away. The city’s part time employees will not receive a pay increase in 2011.
--Minnesota weekly crop report shows corn, soybeans and other crops continue to develop well this year. Officials say twice as much of the corn crop is in critical pollination stage this week as compared to the five-year average for this time in July. Soybean development is also ahead of normal and small grains continue to ripen at a faster pace than most years. The biggest problem most farmers have had this year is too much rain and isolated storms. 90% of the topsoil in Minnesota has adequate to surplus moisture.
--Andrew and Angela Petersen of Little Falls, a boy born July 19th.
--Eric Okerman and Heather Loveday of Little Falls, a girl on July 19th
--John E. Dombrovski, age 57 of Cushing.
TODAY= slight chance of a shower, partly cloudy, high near 83.
TONIGHT= showers ands storms in overnight, low 63.
THURSDAY= storms likely, some strong, breezy, high 75.
FRIDAY= storms in the morning, then partly cloudy, high near 80.
TWINS= Twins bullpen couldn’t hold up last night as Cleveland scored 3 off Twins relievers to win 4-3. Indians try for the sweep over the Twins with a day game today, with a pregame at 11:40am on Q92 WYRQ. Then the Twins are off to Baltimore.
VL= Victory League Game of the Week is Saturday this week at 1:30 and pits the Pierz Brewers at Buckman in an elimination game. Next weekend the Region 8C Tournament begins with 8 games in 2 days, catch all the action live on AM960 KLTF and fallsradio.com.
IN 1930= The Veteran’s Administration of the U.S. was established
IN 1961= Astronaut Gus Grissom sub-orbited Earth in Liberty Bell 7
IN 1969= Armstrong, Aldrin & Collins blasted off the moon
IN 1973= Jim Croce hit #1 with Bad Bad Leroy Brown
Tuesday- July 20th, 2010
NEWS
--Storms this weekend rumbled across much of central Minnesota, with heavy rains, strong winds and some hail. Rain amounts ranged from about an inch in some places to over 3-inches in others, and hail as big as softballs in some locations. But for farmers, Daryl Larson of the local FSA office says any damage was isolated. Daryl did say that some areas in Todd County, especially around Osakis did receive some heavy hail damage to crops and homes and other buildings. Talking with Dan Martens and Craig Roerick of the U of M extension office, they also said there were no reports of major crop damage from the storm. They also said the good news is it appears to be only isolated areas of damage.
--A meeting is set for this weekend that will focus on the banks and shore-lines along the Mississippi River and area tributaries. Helen McClennen of the Morrison County soil and water conservation district says the new Clean Water Legacy Amendment is providing a grant of $40,000 that can be used to restore native plants along the river banks. They will be looking to restore the river banks with native plants and seed sources that are as locally as can be found. The Lake and River day meeting is set for this Saturday from 9-until noon at the Scandia Valley Town Hall. Along with McClennon will be representatives from Morrison County Planning and Zoning, the DNR, the MPCA and the state dept. of Health.
--And a reminder motorists traveling on area roads in Crosby, including Highway 210 and Highway 6, should expect traffic delays as visitors attend the “The Moving Wall” event at Crosby Memorial Park, on Serpent Lake from July 22-26. “The Moving Wall” is a half-scale replica of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall in Washington, D.C. and is expected to draw up to 100,000 visitors.
--A not so lovely fragrance is due to hit southern Minnesota noses this week. Every three years, the corpse flower blooms at Gustavus Adolphus College in St. Peter. Professor Brian O'Brien says the rare flower is indigenous to Indonesia. People have said the corpse flower smells like dead fish, a locker room, and even rotten sauerkraut.
--The Morrison county Relay for life was held over the weekend at the Middle School Track in Little Falls. Organizers say nearly 3-dozen teams participated and in all raised over $132,000. Along with raising money to help fund research into finding a cure for cancer, the event also helps to raise awareness of the disease and urges self exams and routine check-ups.
--The State Patrol says a Douglas county man has died after he was struck by a car over the weekend as he rode his bicycle along Hwy-29 in Alexandria. 87-year old Don Keith was taken to a local hospital following the accident Saturday afternoon, where he died early Monday morning. The driver of the car, 26-year old Nick Jalbert, also of Alexandria was not injured in the accident.
--With summer slipping away, the DNR has announced its waterfowl hunting season for this fall, as well as the first ever sandhill crane season. The new sandhill crane and early goose season will both open Sept. 4th and run through October 10th. The open area will be only in 6-counties in the far northwest corner of Minnesota. The sandhill cranes have long been considered “recovered” and have been hunted in some states since 1961.
--The average price for gas in Minnesota went up nearly 6- cents over the past week, averaging $2.68 a gallon on Monday. That puts gas prices, nearly 40-cents more than this time last year.
--A girl from Bertha was hospitalized last week, after being bitten on the face by a dog. The 8-year old girl was taken by ambulance to the Tri-County Hospital for treatment that included 18-stitches to close the wound. The dog has been taken to the Long Prairie Vet Clinic for testing. There have been no reports as of yet as to the outcome of those tests.
--St. Cloud authorities are looking for the person or persons who broke into a business over the weekend. According to reports they entered by breaking in through the back door. Once inside they pried open the cash register and then cut a hole in the side of a safe and made off with the contents. Right now they have no suspects, and anyone with information should contact authorities.
--It's just over three weeks to the August 10th primary election in Minnesota and officials say a few thousand absentee ballots have already been returned. Secretary of State Mark Ritchie is urging Minnesotans to contact their city or county offices as soon as possible if they want to vote absentee but have not yet requested a ballot. As for turnout in the primary election, Ritchie's prediction is as follows. Democrats have a high-visibility primary for governor, with party-endorsed candidate Margaret Anderson Kelliher facing challenges from Mark Dayton and Matt Entenza. In the Independence primary, Rob Hahn is challenging endorsed candidate Tom Horner.
DEATH NOTICES
--Karen F. Anderson, age 68 of Little Falls formerly Randall.
--F. Michael ‘Mike’ Hayden, age 76 of Little Falls.
--William Brenner of Randall
WEATHER
TODAY= showers and T-storms likely through afternoon, high 80.
TONIGHT= a shower early, then partly cloudy, low 55.
WEDNESDAY= partly sunny, high around 80, low around 60.
THURSDAY= showers and T-storms likely, high 78, low 65.
SPORTS
TWINS= Cleveland rocked the Twins last night 10-4 at Target Field. Twins have game 2 with Cleveland tonight with the pregame starting at 6:40 on Q92 WYRQ.
MORNEAU= Twins 1st basemen Justin Morneau may be out longer than suspected. Morneau is still dealing with issues from a concussion suffered before the All Star Break. He will meet with a specialist today on the resent issues. He remains on the disabled list.
TODAY IN HISTORY
IN 1859= first baseball game with spectators being charged to watch took place in Brooklyn. The game cost 50 cents to see.
IN 1925= the Goodyear Blimp made its first appearance at a sporting event. It was a Cleveland Indian/Washington Senator baseball game.
IN 1937= inventor Guglielmo Marconi died. Marconi is credited for creating radio technology and won the Nobel Prize for Physics.
IN 1940= Billboard Magazine published its first list of sold singles.
IN 1969= Astronaut Neil Armstrong became the first man to walk on the surface of the moon. Buzz Aldrin later joined his colleague on the moon’s surface while Michael Collins piloted the Apollo 11 command ship Columbia on the history making occasion.
Enjoy all the fun each day and each night at the West Side Bar.
Monday- June 19th, 2010
NEWS BIRTH ANNOUNCEMENTS DEATH NOTICES WEATHER SPORTS Food, drink, music, the wheel, happy hour and more at West Side Bar
--Devastating storms rocked Morrison County and the state Saturday. A tornado was spotted northwest of Cushing Saturday evening. One caller reported many trees down from Cushing to East of Randall with crop damage and power lines down. Bob Krantz who lives east of Buckman reported seeing a tornado touchdown causing damage to many trees and crops it also took one of the walls off his house. He also reported 2.5 inches of rain. That same tornado was reported to have moved into Forreston near the Benton/Mille Lacs County Line earlier in that storm a report that trees down and crop damage from Pierz/Genola through Little Rock, and minor structural damage down into Benton County. Todd County had a string of damage reported from Hewitt, Browerville, Long Prairie and Grey Eagle. Many houses had wind or hail damage in those areas and major hail damage was reported to many Todd County crops. Again rain totals varied from 1 inch in areas to over 3 in others. Many accidents were reported by area law enforcement one accident near Richmond involving a 15 year old girl had serious injuries but none of the others reported were fatal or serious. Southern Todd and Stearns County reported softball to grapefruit size hail up to 4.25 inches in diameter. Saturday was a very dangerous night but for now no fatalities.
--Two of eight U.S. troops killed over a 24-hour period in Afghanistan last week were from Minnesota. The family of 1st Lieutenant Christopher Goeke of Apple Valley says he died Wednesday in Kandahar. Goeke was a 2004 graduate of Apple Valley High School. The Department of Defense reported the death of 21-year-old Specialist Matthew Johnson of Maplewood. He and 3 others were killed in a roadside bomb attack last week in southern Afghanistan.
--A 41-year-old of Long Prairie is dead after a 3 vehicle accident last week south of Eagle Bend. Authorities say the accident happened in a construction zone when Scott Brown slowed down for the zone and was rear-ended causing Brown’s vehicle to cross the centerline and strike a construction vehicle. Brown died at the scene. The driver of the 2nd vehicle, 28-year-old Melissa Titera of Parkers Prairie and her 2 children were treated at Long Prairie Hospital. The third driver involved in the accident from Avon was not hurt.
--A St. Stephen man is in the hospital following a diving accident on Lake Moses near Alexandria. The Douglas County Sheriff’s Office says 30-year-old Daniel Shea was injured when he dove off a dock on the south side of the lake Friday. He was taken by helicopter to a Twin Cities Hospital. The extent of his injuries is unknown.
--An 8-year-old boy from Iowa is dead after a four-vehicle crash near Owatonna Friday. The State Patrol says Gabe Graham of Riverside was killed after a semi crossed the center-line and struck the vehicle he was in. The crash caused 2 others vehicles to crash. Graham’s mother and father along with 2-year-old brothers were all injured in the crash and treated in Rochester for injuries. The semi-driver and drivers and passengers in all other vehicles were not hurt.
--Record breaking temperatures are raising a red flag for climatologists. According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, record heat was recorded worldwide in March, April, May and June. Last month the NOAA recorded an average global temperature that was 1.22 degrees higher than normal. The temps this summer are stated to be higher than any records before 1880.
--The Little Falls School Board meets at 5 today at government center. Little Falls City Council meets at 7:30 tonight at City Hall.
--The Morrison County Fair wrapped up Saturday. The Morrison County Outstanding Senior Citizen Award this year went to Betsy Tepley who will represent Morrison County at the State Fair next month. Century Farms were recognized and given to Paul Cantleberry, Stanley and Bernetta Czech, Leonard and Gladys Psick and Delphine Sobiech. There were also essay winners to 6th graders, the top girl was Kathleen Jopp of Little Falls and top boy was Ethan Och of Swanville. Thanks to all to attended the Morrison County Fair.
--More road work continues on Highway 210 and 371 in Baxter today as they are behind from equipment and weather problems through the last days. Closures and delays are expected today and Tuesday. This is only 1 of nearly 50 projects on Minnesota state highways.
--A Burtrum man was injured Friday morning when his vehicle left a Todd County Road near Swanville. Around 5am, James Meagher Jr. overturned his vehicle. He sustained minor injuries in the crash.
--In court news, a St. Cloud man was sentenced Thursday to more than 14 years in prison for sexually abusing a 14-year-old girl multiple times in 2007. 59-year-old James Dahl was convicted of 3 counts of first-degree criminal sexual conduct. The judge denied Dahl a stayed sentence. A Sartell man was arrested Wednesday after he threatened a woman and forced her to help him burglarize a residence. 22-year-old Jordan Mulcahy was arrested on connection to the burglary on Clearwater Road. A Foley man is jailed in Benton County accused of sexually abusing a girl in his home for a four year period. 44-year-old Cal Ramier is charged with 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th degree criminal sexual conduct and jailed on $500,000 bail.
--Chris and Shelly Witucki of Little Falls, a girl born July 15th.
--Thomas and Kimberly Warner of Long Prairie, a girl born July 15th
--Sherrilyn Marie Mitchell, age 15 of Onamia.
--Leonard A. Hopkins, age 70 of Little Falls.
TODAY= partly sunny, slight chance of PM showers, high 77.
TONIGHT= an evening storm possible, clouds, 58.
TUESDAY= partly cloudy, 20% chance of storms, high near 80.
WEDNESDAY= better chance of showers & storms, high 83.
TWINS= J.J. Hardy and Joe Mauer added key hits as the Twins win 7-4 Friday over Chicago. Twins score 3 runs in the 2nd inning and that was all Carl Pavano needed for a complete game win Saturday as the Twins win 3-2. Twins trailed 6-3 in the bottom of the 9th to the Sox Sunday but battled back with key hits from Jason Kubel, Michael Cuddyer and Delmon Young to win 7-6 and take 3 of 4 over the White Sox to move now 1 ½ games behind Chicago and only a ½ game behind Detroit in the AL Central. Twins open a series with Cleveland tonight at Target Field, pregame at 6:40 on Q92 WYRQ.
VL= 16 games in 2 days this weekend in the Victory League and the field of 16 is now down to 12 going into the final weekend of the playoffs. Find out who’s in and who’s out at fallsradio.com and click on Victory League then listen Sunday at 1:30 on AM960 KLTF.