Monday, March 17, 2025

--Rain, ice, wind and snow Saturday across the area led to many issues. Rain totals over 1.45 inches reported at the Little Falls Airport, mostly rain, some snow but very little accumulation in Little Falls heavier to the west where 2-5 inches fell. The rain turned to icy spots Saturday with gusty winds over 30mph and temps dropping into the teens, which led to fatal accidents in Aitkin, another near Blufton, and two fatal accidents reported in southern Minnesota. Today temps in the 50s then another round of rain and possible snow to fall tonight through Wednesday morning. For the latest road conditions go to the website https://511mn.org.

--On Friday at 228pm, the Little Falls Fire Department was dispatched along with the MN DNR to 22415 140th Ave in Green Prairie Township on a report of a grass fire, approximately 1 acre in size. The fire was located just west of Camp Ripley, so Camp Ripley Fire was requested to assist as well. The fire spread rapidly with the windy conditions and threatened a couple of outbuildings. Firefighters were able to prevent the fire from spreading to any buildings. The fire burned several acres and is believed to have started from a spark from a piece of equipment that was being operated. Firefighters cleared the scene at approximately 4:08pm. 

--Morrison County United Way (MCUW) has awarded 10 area non-profits with a total of $20,750 in allocation funding for the year (an increase of $750 from 2024). Each year, MCUW accepts applications for funding from non-profit agencies focusing on Education, Income, Health or Basic Needs. In order to apply, an agency much be incorporated, operational, providing services for which they are applying, not-for-profit, and IRS tax-exempt. Additional conditions for funding are included in the application and agreement. Awards are given to non-profits serving Morrison County. Agencies awarded funding for 2025 include: Boys and Girls Club (Little Falls Branch), Central MN Foster Grandparents, Employment Enterprises Inc., Girl Scouts of MN and WI, Lakes and Pines (Pierz Program), Hands of Hope Resource Center, Helping Hands 365, Kinship of Morrison County, Labor of Love, LSS Senior Meals, and Morrison County Chaplaincy. This year the United Way also launched United for ALICE. For more information about MCUW, visit www.unitedwayofmc.org. 

--St. Cloud police say the victim in Thursday night’s stabbing has died. Authorities were called around 9:20 to the 600 block of 12th Avenue North for a fight in progress. When they arrived, they found the 36-year-old victim with a stab wound to the back. Lifesaving measures were taken at the scene before he was rushed to CentraCare – St. Cloud Hospital for treatment where he died Friday afternoon. Investigators say the suspect and victim knew each other and had been together at the house all day long before they started fighting. The suspect, a 25-year-old homeless man, dropped the knife and fled the scene before police arrived. He was arrested just after 11:00 Friday morning and booked into the Stearns County jail where he is awaiting formal charges. Jail records show the man has a lengthy criminal record. The victim has not yet been identified.

--A middle schooler was hit Friday morning headed to class in Sartell. The police department says in a post on social media that the injuries were minor and the child is expected to be fine. They are reminding drivers that warmer weather means more people biking or walking about town, including to school. Parents are encouraged to talk with their children about the dangers of crossing an intersection. Officials hope everyone uses appropriate caution. The accident happened along Pinecone Road near the Kensington Bank branch.

--An investigation is underway after a person was found dead at the Elk River landfill on Wednesday. According to the Elk River Police Department, a trucking company reported one of its employees missing around 9 a.m. The employee was delivering a load to the landfill at 225th Avenue Northwest and U.S. Highway 169. Officers responding to the landfill found the missing person dead at the scene. The death remains under investigation. Police do not suspect foul play.

--A former deputy sheriff and investigator has been named the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources 2024 Volunteer Snowmobile Safety Instructor of the Year. Jerome Kahl is a member of the Buckman Trailblazers Snowmobile Club and has taught snowmobile safety to students since 1993 and has led the Pierz-area snowmobile safety training for the last 20 years. He is credited with drawing students from surrounding communities such as Little Falls, Rice, and Royalton. The DNR says he also brings instructors from nearby snowmobile clubs to enhance the program. A press release says Kahl is known for making engaging lessons, emphasizing the importance of safe riding and has built a reputation as a passionate and effective educator. He has been an active Rice Area Sportsmen’s Club member for nearly 40 years and teaches ATV and firearms safety courses. “Jerome sets the bar high for all our volunteer instructors and really shows what it means to serve the greater good,” said Conservation Officer Andrew Struffert, who is stationed in Pierz. “His commitment has laid the foundation for many kids to safely enjoy a lifetime in the outdoors, and he’s an extremely deserving recipient of this award.” Kahl is one of over 1,000 volunteer instructors across Minnesota who lead DNR snowmobile safety courses.

--The Little Falls City Council meets tonight 7:30pm at City Hall. 

WEATHER- Today sunny skies, high 52, tonight increasing clouds, low 28. Tuesday cloudy skies, chance of rain and snow by afternoon high 42, snow likely Tuesday night around 1-2 slushy inches, strong winds, low around 28. Wednesday snow in morning then breezy and colder, high 36, low around 22. Thursday calls for sunny skies, high around 40, low around 32. 

SPORTS- Nevis beat Upsala 80-38 Friday ending the Cardinals season, Nevis on to state. Other boys teams heading to state, Albany, Alexandria, Henning, Pequot Lakes, tournament starts Tuesday. The State Girls Basketball Tournament wrapped up Saturday in Minneapolis. Providence Academy beat Crosby-Ironton for AA title 81-63. West Central Area won Class A, Benidle St. Margaret's AAA and Hopkins wins the Class 4A Title. Alexandria 3rd in Class A, Walker-Hackensack Akeley was 5th in Class A this year.