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Wednesday, April 8, 2026
The Morrison County Government Center is sending out this information about another scam floating in teh area: Minnesota DVS is warning residents about fake emails and text messages pretending to be from state motor vehicle agencies. These messages often claim you owe money for tickets or penalties — but they are scams. DVS will NEVER send a text asking for money or personal information. Messages from “Minnesota Department of Motor Vehicles,” “Minnesota (DVS),” or “Minnesota Department of Vehicle Administration (DMV)” are not real agencies. If you receive a suspicious message: Do not click links Do not respond Do not give money or personal information Report it as junk/spam and delete it If you’re unsure, you can email DVS to verify: DVS.driverslicense@state.mn.us.
St. Cloud Police are releasing an update on the fire at Westwood Elementary School last week. Investigators say the fire was intentionally started and was contained to a bathroom in the school. Police say the suspect is a juvenile and a student at Westwood. There is no further information at this time, and the investigation is ongoing. The initial call came in at 9:00 a.m. on Tuesday, March 31st. Students and staff were evacuated with no injuries. The smoke damage from the fire prompted school officials to close the school this week and have the students learn remotely. The school is scheduled to reopen for in-person learning on Monday, April 13th. The St. Cloud Area School District also had a release yesterday thanking the number of groups and individuals that have come forward to help the students and the school during this time. Westwood students will continue learning remotely Wednesday through Friday this week. Daily lessons are being shared with families, including teacher-made videos. For families needing printed materials, worksheets, and reading resources are available for pickup at the District Administrative offices in Waite Park from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. and at Westwood Church from 11am and 12pm. Great River Children's Museum is offering a student field trip opportunity for K through 5th-grade students, Wednesday through Friday, with transportation provided from designated locations. Breakfast and lunch will be provided, and Westwood staff will be there for on-site learning. Space is limited, and registration is required. The YMCA is offering free access to Westwood students and families, including open gym and swim times throughout the week. YMCA and Westwood staff will be on-site, but parents or guardians must remain with their child. The Roosevelt Boys & Girls Club is also offering childcare services for Westwood families from 7:30 a.m. until 7:0 p.m. Families can pre-register online or on-site. Parents are asked to provide a cold lunch for their child. Snacks will be provided. Westwood staff will be there to help students with remote learning. Access to the District 742 food pantry and clothing shelf is available at the Administrative Office. Additional food box distribution will take place at Westwood Community Church from 11am until 12pm. Wednesday through Friday. After a safety check late this week, the school should reopen for all Monday.
The man accused of beating a coworker to death with a sledgehammer was deemed incompetent to stand trial back in February after a licensed psychiatrist found he's currently incapable of understanding legal proceedings. David Bruce Delong, 41, was charged with first-degree premeditated murder in the death of 20-year-old Amber Czech, a welder at Advanced Process Technologies. Police were called to the business around 6 a.m. on Nov. 11, 2025, after a 911 call reporting that an employee was found at her work station suffering from "significant head trauma." Responding deputies found Czech on the ground in a pool of blood and attempted lifesaving measures, but she was soon pronounced dead at the scene. Surveillance video revealed that Delong, Czech's coworker, had struck her in the head with a sledgehammer and then hit her four more times as she lay helpless on the ground. The criminal complaint filed against Delong says that after deputies took him into custody and advised him of his rights, the defendant told them he intended to kill Czech, did not like her, and had planned the attack for some time. According to court documents filed on Feb. 23, 2026, a psychologist found that Delong "lacks the ability to rationally consult with counsel and lacks the ability to understand the proceedings or participate in the defense due to ongoing symptoms of mental illness." The court filing said the assessment was uncontested, and proceedings have since been suspended. Wright County Attorney Brian Lutes released a statement saying that he intends to seek a life sentence for Delong without the possibility of parole. "Once Delong has been treated for mental illness, his competency will be reassessed," Lutes said in the statement. "The goal is to restore Delong to competence which will allow me to proceed to trial."
All schools in the Willmar Public School District were closed on Tuesday due to a safety threat. The district did not give details on the threat, but said they are working with local law enforcement and need more time to fully investigate its credibility. School officials said there will be no virtual learning on Tuesday, no after-school activities and no one is allowed to enter school sites. "The safety and well-being of our students and staff are our highest priority. We apologize for the inconvenience this sudden closure causes and deeply appreciate your understanding and cooperation as we prioritize the safety of our school community," Superintendent Dr. Bill Adams said in a letter to families.
The Morrison County Historical Society invites all to enjoy its current temporary exhibit, More Good People: A Photographic Exploration of Morrison County, which displays the beauty of the people and places of the county we call home. First displayed in 2022, Photographer Anthony Marchetti returns to present even more of his project that looks on both sides of the political divide to bring greater understanding to the diverse communities of Minnesota. Marchetti began his exploration of Morrison County in 2018, frequently visiting, making connections within the community, and learning about the lifestyles, values, passions and fears of local residents. His work consists of portraits of neighbors and pictures of places residents will recognize. These vibrant and striking photos will be on display at the Charles A. Weyerhaeuser Memorial Museum beginning Wednesday, April 8, through Labor Day weekend. For more information, call the Weyerhaeuser Museum at 320-632-4007 or email mocohistory@gmail.com.
Death Notices: Valerie Thomas, age 67 of Pierz
Tuesday, April 7, 2026
The Morrison County Sheriff's Office Emergency Management wants to remind everyone that Severe Weather Awareness Week is next week April 13th through 17th. On Thursday, April 16th will be Statewide...
Monday, April 6, 2026
While Little Falls had around 1-3 inches of snow Friday into Saturday some parts of the state are digging out of 12-16 inches of snow in northwestern Minnesota with areas...
Friday, April 3, 2026
A Winter Storm Warning has been issued from 4pm today to 10pm Saturday night. A mixed precipitation event will unfold across Minnesota into Wisconsin with rain, freezing rain and all...
Thursday, April 2, 2026
Swanville Schools are doing an E-Learning Day today. Other schools such as Foley, Sauk Rapids, Sartell and St. Cloud are running 2 hours late. Continue to listen to Little Falls...
