News

Today is Independence Day, July 4th the day that the Declaration of Independence was ratified and approved by the Continental Congress in Philadelphia declaring their independence from England and King George III. On the 250th Birthday of the United States Of America a reminder that banks are closed, post offices are closed no mail delivery today, there is no parcel delivery services today on a regular basis, 1 Day and Priority Delivery is still running today. Some offices and businesses are closed today for the 4th of July also many were closed yesterday for the federal holiday. There are many events scheduled today for 250 years of our country including parades in Hillman and Crosby at 11am, Pillsbury at 2pm, Brainerd at 6pm tonight. There are large fireworks displays also tonight at dusk in Brainerd and a large 250th Birthday Event in St. Cloud with live music at Wilson Park from 3pm-10pm and a military style, 21 gun salute, fly over and fireworks at dark tonight in St. Cloud.

A statement sent out by Morrison County Sheriff Shawn Larsen for the 4th of July holiday "As we prepare to celebrate the 250th Birthday of the United States of America, our office would like to wish everyone a safe, enjoyable, and memorable Fourth of July weekend. Whether you're traveling across the county or just down the road, please give yourself plenty of time to reach your destination. Slow down, avoid being distracted while driving, and keep your focus on the roadway. If your plans include alcohol, plan ahead by arranging for a designated driver or another safe ride home. This is a decision that can save a life. If you're enjoying Minnesota's roadways and trails, remember that ATV safety starts with you. Wear the proper safety equipment, ride responsibly, obey the laws, and respect our roadways, trails, and the property of others. A little courtesy goes a long way in keeping everyone safe. For those spending time on or near the water, please make safety a priority. Ensure that children are wearing their life jackets and always have direct supervision on them as it only takes a split second for a tragedy to occur. If boating, Children under 10 years old are required to wear a life jacket, and everyone on board should have a properly fitting life jacket readily accessible. If you're operating a personal watercraft (jet ski), remember that it may only be operated between 9:30 a.m. and one hour before sunset. You must also maintain a slow-no wake speed within 150 feet of shorelines, docks, swimmers, swimming rafts, anchored or non-moving boats, and other restricted areas. These laws exist to protect everyone enjoying our lakes and rivers. Fireworks are a tradition many families enjoy, but please use them responsibly. Safety should be everyone’s top priority, be respectful of your neighbors, and remember that loud fireworks can be especially difficult for veterans, young children, pets, and others in our communities. Before purchasing or using fireworks, take a few minutes to familiarize yourself with what is legal in Minnesota. As we celebrate our nation's 250th birthday, let's also remember that the freedoms we enjoy today came at a price. We owe a debt of gratitude to the men and women who have served, and those who continue to serve our great nation. Their sacrifice has made this celebration possible. On behalf of everyone at the Morrison County Sheriff's Office, thank you for doing your part to keep our communities safe this holiday weekend. May God bless you and your family, and may God continue to bless the United States of America!. A message from Morrison County Sheriff Shawn Larsen.

National News: As the country celebrates 250 years there are over 100 large events nationwide on the 4th of July including the America 250 Celebration in Washington DC, as a Capitol 4th with music, speeches including President Donald J. Trump and others on hand for the event. Time Square is dropping the large ball usually done on New Years Eve but today will do it at different times to commemorate the birthday of our nation. More events in Boston, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Louisville, San Francisco all with large fireworks display, music and celebrating the 250 years of the United States of America. 

Death Notices: Louise R. Billmeyer, age 87 of Pierz. Thomas Swisher, age 82 of Little Falls formerly of Swanville.

Weather: July 4th forecast, partly sunny, thunderstorms after 2pm and before 10pm some with heavy rains, high 82, storms ending tonight low around 62. Sunday sunny skies, high 83, clear Sunday night low 62. Sunny and warm Monday, high 88, partly cloudy Monday night isolated T-storms overnight, low 64. Sunny and warm Tuesday high 87, storms likely late Tuesday into Tuesday night some could be severe, low 63. Storms likely and windy Wednesday, high near 80, low around 60. Thursday sunny skies, high 81, low 59. 

Sports: Yankees beat the Twins 5-2 Friday night at Yankee Stadium, game 2 on July 4th at 12:35pm and Sunday the game also at 12:35pm in New York. Breanna Stewart scored 36 points to lead New York Liberty over the Minnesota Lynx 99-86 Friday night in New York. Lynx back in action Monday against Connecticut. Team USA in World Cup Soccer Monday 9pm against Belgium. No Victory Leagues are scheduled this weekend, with no game of the week Sunday, hear classic games of Victory League and high school baseball for Little Falls with the voices of Paul Froncak, Al Windsperger and Jack Peck from radio past on Sunday afternoon beginning at 1pm on AM960 KLTF and fallsradio.com. 

Independence Day falls on Saturday, July 4. The annual holiday recognizes the day in 1776 in which the Second Continental Congress voted to adopt the Declaration of Independence 250 years...

The Central Minnesota Violent Offender Task Force issued a search warrant at a residence Wednesday on the 14000 block of 133rd Street in Little Falls on suspicion of distribution and...

A strong storm damaged numerous trees and knocked power out to thousands of people late Monday, June 29, in Crow Wing County. A tornado warning was issued shortly before 11 p.m....

Another stormy day across central and north central Minnesota has heavy rains affected the Brainerd Lakes area with very heavy downpours as 1.89 inches of rain at the Brainerd Airport...