Wednesday, September 24, 2025
The Morrison County Sheriff’s Office formally recognized members of the Sheriff's Office and the Little Falls Police Department for their swift and professional response to a life-threatening incident that occurred on June 5, 2025, at the Eastern Morrison County Sportsmen’s Club. During the incident, a member of the public was firing a bolt-action rifle using re-load ammunition. Tragically, one of the rounds exploded upon firing, causing the upper portion of the rifle to disintegrate and inflict serious injuries on the individual. Luckily, Morrison County Deputies and small-town police departments were training at the range when this incident occurred. Thanks to the quick actions of the responding officers, immediate life-saving care was administered. Officers provided critical first aid on the scene, including the application of tourniquets, controlled bleeding, administering oxygen, and treating the victim for shock. Their ability to remain calm under pressure and focus on delivering essential care undoubtedly contributed to the victim’s survival. In addition to medical assistance, radio communication played a vital role in coordinating emergency medical services. A designated officer managed radio operation, allowing others to concentrate fully on caring for the injured individual. This strategic coordination ensured a seamless and timely response by EMS personnel. We are thankful for their quick thinking, professionalism, and teamwork. Because of their actions and efforts, the victim was able to survive this incident and was able to join us in our ceremony today. Congratulations gentlemen from Sheriff Shawn Larsen. Recognized was Morrison County Deputy Josh Pesta, Morrison County Deputy Jason Neuwirth, Morrison County Sgt. Joel Gross, Little Falls Sgt. Eric Hegna and Little Falls Sgt. Dan Owens.
A 27-year-old Aitkin County man accused of shooting his father on Monday near Jacobson is facing felony assault charges in connection with the shooting. Benjamin Blesi is charged with felony first-degree assault with great bodily harm, second-degree assault with substantial bodily harm, and second-degree assault with a dangerous weapon. Court documents say Blesi was fighting with his dad over a firearm, which went off accidentally and shot the father in the hand. Later, Blesi reportedly resisted arrest and had to be tased to be taken into custody. Blesi is being held on $750,000 bail or bond with conditions or $500,000 without conditions. His next court appearance is set for October 6.
A former Minnesota state senator who was convicted of burglary for breaking into her estranged stepmother’s house was sentenced Tuesday to six months in jail but will be allowed to serve her time on work release. Democrat Nicole Mitchell, 51, of Woodbury, faced a minimum sentence of six months on the felony burglary count because her stepmother was at home in the northwestern Minnesota city of Detroit Lakes when she broke in last year. Becker County District Judge Michael Fritz agreed to let Mitchell serve her 180-day sentence on work release in Ramsey County, where she lives. Her attorneys said the former broadcast and military meteorologist recently got a job working at a fast-food restaurant. The judge ordered Mitchell to report for her sentence by Oct. 8. Minnesota defendants typically serve two-thirds of their sentence in custody and one-third on supervised release, so she could be free in four months. The judge stayed a 21-month prison sentence on the condition that she abides by the terms of her probation. The defense plans to appeal. Governor Tim Walz has called special elections for Nov. 4 to fill Mitchell’s seat, and the seat of GOP Sen. Bruce Anderson, of Buffalo, who died in July.
The Minnesota Deer Hunters Association will host their annual banquet event Saturday at the Falls Ballroom, doors open at 5pm, many games, food and events for young and old alike to take part in the event. The ticket includes their membership fee and the food that night. Also there will be the Youth Archery Hunt at Camp Ripley which is scheduled from October 10th through 12th.
Former KSTP-TV anchor Stan Turner has died at age 81 following a three-year cancer battle. Turner died Sunday evening at Our Lady of Peace in St. Paul, where he had been in hospice according to a family spokesperson. Turner was born in St. Louis Park and worked for almost 35 years at Hubbard Broadcasting, the locally-based parent company of ABC affiliate KSTP-TV, starting in 1968. He held many roles at the local station over the years, including weekday co-anchor, news director and weekend anchor.
Weather: some morning fog today then sunny with high 74. mainly clear tonight low near 50 with possible fog again toward morning. Fog in the morning Thursday then sunny and warmer, high 81, slight chance of an isolated shower overnight into Friday low near 48. Friday partly sunny, high 76 cool Friday night low 45. Saturday cooler, breezy with partial sun, high near 68 then clear Saturday night low around 48. Warmer Sunday and Monday highs back in the low to mid 70s and lows in the low 50s.
Sports- Zebby Matthews pitches a 7 inning gem as Twins beat Rangers 4-1 last night actually eliminating Texas from the playoffs. The Twins are at Texas game 2 of their series tonight at 6:30pm on Q92 WYRQ. The Minnesota Lynx blow a 20 point lead to Phoenix last night losing in overtime 89-83 and the playoff series is tied at 1 a piece. Game 3 is Friday night in Arizona with Game 4 scheduled for Sunday. Las Vegas tied their series with Indiana last night too winning 90-68. Little Falls at Pierz homecoming for Pierz football game is Friday at 7pm on 94ROCKS KFML and fallsradio.com.