News

Vance Boelter, the man charged with killing Minnesota House Speaker Emerita Melissa Hortman and her husband, Mark, appeared in federal court Thursday to change his plea to guilty. State Sen. John Hoffman, who, along with his wife, Yvette, was also shot by Boelter, watched as the terms of Boelter's plea agreement were announced. Boelter pleaded guilty to two counts of stalking, two counts of murder and two counts of discharging a firearm relating to a crime of violence. Prosecutors recommended a sentence of two consecutive life terms, plus 40 years, effectively taking the death penalty off the table. As part of the plea agreement, Boelter will face the longest possible prison term allowable for the offenses. A judge will decide Boelter's final sentencing, which is expected to take place before the end of July. In a press conference following the hearing, prosecutors called Boelter’s actions a "scourge in our nation" and “despicable.” “Political violence is a scourge in our nation,” said United States Attorney Daniel N. Rosen. “We now expect Vance Boelter will spend the rest of his natural life in prison without parole. To all of those who would commit political violence: this Justice Department will seek and obtain the longest prison terms for your offense.". Boelter also confirmed he was dressed as a police officer when he visited both lawmakers' homes. A federal grand jury indicted Boelter last July on six federal charges connected to stalking, murder and firearms offenses in the shootings of the Hortmans, Hoffmans, and attempted shooting of the Hoffmans' daughter, Hope. 

Little Falls Police Department is investigating a fraud case, and we are looking to identify this person post on this link https://www.facebook.com/littlefallspd/ If you know who they are, please call Investigator Burgardt at 320.616.5570.

A Level 3 sex offender has moved to the Pillager area. The Cass County Sheriff's Office reports Dustin Gene Ayres, 44, relocated June 4 to the northwest area of Sylvan Township, in rural Pillager. Ayres is not wanted by the police and has served the sentence imposed upon him, the sheriff’s office reported in a news release. Ayres engaged in sexual contact against a known female child and a known female teen on separate occasions. Contact included touch. Ayres gained access to the teen victim by entering her residence without permission and took advantage of her vulnerable state to gain control. He used his established relationship of trust to attain and exploit unmonitored contact with the child victim. The Cass County Sheriff’s Office released this information in compliance with Minnesota state statute authorizing law enforcement officials to inform the public of a public registrant’s release from prison or a secure treatment facility when officials believe the release of information will enhance public safety and protection. The Cass County Sheriff's Office may not direct where the offender does or does not reside, nor can this agency direct where the offender works or goes to school. The risk level of this offender has been determined largely on his potential to re-offend based on his previous behavior. 

A reminder that the Little Falls DAV has their clothing drop off Friday 9am-12pm at 609 4th Avenue Northeast in Little Falls, must be clean clothing and packaged in a garbage bag.

Events this weekend include the Fair in Motley, Holy Family Belle Prairie Heritage Festival, Community Field Day at Meadowbrook Farm, Benefit for John Booth, Heartland Symphony Orchestra Summer Pops concert Friday 7pm in Brainerd and more, next week St. Francis Convent has a blood drive June 15-17th call Sister Julien for appointments at 320-632-0663. 

Death Notices: Betty Mary Pollock, age 95 of Opole.