News

Congratulations to Little Falls Flyer Wrestler Ivan Petrich winning the Class AA 215 pound State Wrestling Championship on Saturday night. Also Congratulations to Masyn Patrick and Jaxon Bartkowicz of Holdingford also winning Class A State Championships on Saturday night. Royalton-Upsala Jake Leners finished State Runner Up in Class A 189 on Saturday takes 2nd place. 

A Waite Park man is facing felony kidnapping and assault with a weapon charges after allegedly terrorizing and holding his partner hostage. According to the criminal complaint filed in Stearns County District Court, 46-year-old Johnathan Vanzandt became upset with the woman, and an altercation ensued after leaving a friend's house on January 26th. Court records show Vanzandt allegedly told the victim that she was disrespecting him while in the vehicle and striking her in the throat with his arm. When the couple returned to their Waite Park residence, Vanzandt allegedly dragged the woman from the car by her hair and clothes and held her captive for hours. During that time, the woman said she was made to stand naked in a shower with no hot water for about eight hours and had a gun held to her head while Vanzandt threatened to "off her". The victim said she tried to escape multiple times when Vanzandt fell asleep, but he would wake up and stop her. Eventually, the woman said she was able to escape the residence and drive to a friend's house to call authorities the following day.  Court documents show Vanzandt's entire criminal history is from out of state, and the couple's relationship has a history of domestic violence. Authorities say the two have lived in Alaska, Montana, and North Dakota before moving to Minnesota in November 2025. Vanzandt is charged with one count of felony kidnapping involving a gun, 2nd-degree assault with a dangerous weapon, felony threats of violence, and being a felon in possession of a gun. The charging complaint reveals Vanzandt was previously convicted of felony assault with a weapon in 2010 in Kalispell, Montana, making him ineligible to possess a gun.

One person was seriously hurt in a two-vehicle crash on Highway 169 in Mille Lacs County. The Minnesota State Patrol says the incident happened just after 10:30 a.m. on Friday at the intersection with 300th Street in Onamia Township. A pickup driven by 90-year-old James Theis of Pierz was going east on 300th Street crossing Highway 169 when it struck a car driven by 44-year-old Brandon Bassett of Onamia, which was going south on the highway. Bassett was flown to North Memorial in Robbinsdale with life-threatening injuries. Theis was not hurt.

Stacy Happke informed Little Falls Radio Saturday that the candidates so far for this Morrison County Dairy Princess Coronation is Senior princess Candidates: Kayla Virnig, Breanna Houdek, Cheyenne Keehr, Daizy Dickmann.  Junior Candidates: Lydia Kokett, Joslynn Wyatt, Addison Marshik. The Banquet is scheduled for March 14th at the Falls Ballroom. Social starts at 7pm, More details to come closer to the event. 

The March Little Falls Area Chamber of Commerce and Tourism Employee of the Month is Allison Murray. Murray is a Family Services Specialist at Arrows Family Services. Arrows Family Services is dedicated to supporting and strengthening families through education and resources. As a Family Services Specialist my role is meeting families where they are without judgment even in tough situations. The environment at Arrows Family Services is to have a positive parent-child interaction. I have a huge heart, patience, empathy, and compassion for the families I work with. I enjoy helping families feel like they matter and make an impact in their lives. Supervisor: Shannon Wegner says Allison brings a calm, steady presence into every space she enters. In her work providing parent education, supported supervised visitation, and caregiver support, she leads with compassion and patience. Families often come to us during some of the most vulnerable seasons of their lives, and Allison meets them with kindness, dignity, and understanding. During parent education sessions, she gently guides caregivers toward growth while honoring the strengths they already have. In supervised visitation, she creates an environment that feels safe and respectful, allowing parents and children to connect in meaningful ways. Her ability to balance structure with warmth makes families feel supported rather than judged. Allison also offers steady encouragement to caregivers who may feel overwhelmed or discouraged. She listens deeply, responds thoughtfully, and reminds families that change is possible. Her approach reflects not just skill, but heart. Beyond her direct work with families, Allison is a supportive and dependable team member. She is thoughtful in her communication, and always willing to help where needed. Congratulations to Allison Murray the March Employee of the Month. 

National News:  A major attack launched by Israel and the United States killed Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, President Donald Trump said Saturday, announcing an assassination that he said gave Iranians their “greatest chance” to “take back" their country but that also put the future of the Islamic Republic in doubt and raised the risk of regional instability. “Khamenei, one of the most evil people in History, is dead,” Trump wrote in a social media post. He warned of “heavy and pinpoint bombing” that he said would continue throughout the week and even beyond, part of a lethal assault the U.S. has justified as necessary to disable the country's nuclear capabilities. Bombing of Israel and the United States in Tehran by air raids was announced by President Trump late Friday. A second day of bombings was reported Saturday.  Death Notices: Marc Erickson, age 64 of Little Falls. Kevin Kowitz, age 63 of Sauk Rapids formerly of Little Rock. 

Weather: Monday cloudy skies high near 40. Monday night, clearing skies low near 20. Tuesday becoming sunny and mild, high 44, low around 36. Wednesday sunny and mild, high 52, clear Wednesday night low 35. Thursday again sunny and very mild, high near 55, rain on Thursday night and mild low near 40.  

Congratulations to the Pierz Pioneers Wrestling team beating Foley 29-22 Thursday to finish 3rd place in Class AA at the State Tournament in St. Paul.  A Clearwater woman is hurt...

Last night at 8:24pm, the Little Falls Fire Department and Little Falls Police Department were dispatched to 412 1st Street NE on a report of a house fire. Little Falls...

Freezing rain led to numerous spinouts on icy roadways Tuesday morning. In a span of 7am to 11am Tuesday the State Patrol responded to nearly 300 accidents on Minnesota roads....

The City of Little Falls will hold an open house Tuesday from 4:30-7pm with casual discussion with the Mayor and City Council members. Questions can be directed to 320-616-5500.  The...