Thursday, July 3, 2025

Little Falls School Superintendent Greg Johnson spoke Wednesday on KLTF stated that on Monday after a summary on why the closure was to happen for Dr. SG Knight which was explained to the board, the public hearing and on KLTF Radio in the past again based on lower enrollment since the early 2000s and the decision to downsize at least one or two schools led to the 5-1 vote Monday to close the elementary school in Randall. E-mails and letters were being sent out as of yesterday to the the families of Randall on the decision, busing to Lincoln and Lindbergh Elementaries for students. Questions can be directed to the school office. Johnson also addressed questions about the Little Falls Community Middle School, the city of Little Falls has addressed interest in buying the building but for now the Middle School will remain the same with no changes for the upcoming school year to middle school students, Johnson said if there would be a change to the school it would not be happening until the 2027-2028 school year and that is very tentative according to Superintendent. He said he understands this was a difficult decision and thanks those who addressed their concerns to the board recently at meetings and at the public hearing, Johnson stated that he hopes that families and students can work with the district and continue to move forward with the recent decision by the Board for the students in the upcoming school year and those to come.  

Law enforcement is releasing more details after a Minnesota State Trooper from St. Joseph drowned while swimming on a South Dakota lake on Sunday. According to the Day County Sheriff’s Office, Mollie McClure had been boating on the northeast part of Waubay Lake that evening when she went into the water and, at some point, wasn’t able to keep swimming. She went underwater before she could be saved. First responders were unable to find McClure in the water Sunday night and were forced to call off the search due to incoming storms. They resumed the next morning, and her body was recovered. McClure joined the St. Cloud District of the Minnesota State Patrol in 2021. She was known for helping to train academy cadets, serving as a peer counselor, and participating in workgroups aimed at increasing the number of female troopers. She was also a beloved presence at recruiting events, known for her ability to connect with people. Investigators are still looking into the incident and are trying to figure out why McClure was unable to stay above water; however, no criminal charges have been filed, and those involved are cooperating. 

As we head into the busy 4th of July holiday weekend, no-wake restrictions have been put in place on several counties on their lakes. The Stearns, Meeker, Sherburne, Wright and Benton County Sheriff's Office says that, due to the significant rainfall throughout the month of June, several lakes in their county are experiencing very high water levels. The no wake warnings and advisories will be in effect through the next 30 days for up to 300 feet from the shoreline. The lakes include: Two Rivers Lake in Holding Township, Long and Crooked Lakes in Lyndon Township, Rice Lake and North Browns Lake in Eden Lake Township, Big Lake in Munson Township, and the entire Sauk River Chain of Lakes. The Sheriff's Office says they realize the timing of the 4th of July weekend and the impact this will have on boaters wanting to enjoy the long weekend. However, shoreline erosion and property damage are of concern. St. Cloud recorded almost 8 inches of rain in the month of June. Little Falls Airport recorded over 6+ inches of rain since June 23rd.

Morrison County Sheriff Shawn Larsen spoke on KLTF Wednesday and said that the office is watching the lakes and rivers around the county for high water and ask that boaters put safety first when entering lakes and rivers in the area. Larsen is concerned about ATV safety after received many residents come up to him at the recent fair and carnivals about ATV riders going too fast around residential areas and along trails, he asks if you notice something don't assume that someone else will call it in. Another concern in recently reports of underage drivers and unlicensed drivers. If you notice anything out of the ordinary please call the sheriff's office at 320-632-9233 and they can investigate the situation in the area. Larsen also spoke on the break ins in Hillman, recent gas drive offs in Pierz and Hillman, high water issues and flooding in spots, and theft reports being investigated. Again call suspicious activity in at 320-632-9233.

Three people were hurt in an accident Wednesday around 1:30pm off of Interstate 94 and Roosevelt Road in St. Cloud when their vehicles collided off the ramp. Both drivers and a passenger were treated at the scene with just the one driver from St. Cloud taken to the hospital for his injuries. 

Events this weekend include Rock Roll and Stroll Thursday night 5-8pm in Pierz with classic cars and poker walk. Hillman 4th of July celebration at 11am Friday parade, Brainerd 4th of July Parade is at 6pm Friday with fireworks Friday night. Saturday Harding Days parade at 11am and rodeos this weekend in Harding, Randall Saturday parade at 5pm and fireworks at dusk, Bowlus Fun Day Sunday Mass at 10am, parade at 11:15am, water wars at 2:30pm and fireworks at dark all this weekend for events. Details have been posted on the community calendar website at fallsradio.com. 

Death Notices- Anne M. Miller, age 101 of St. Cloud formerly of Randall.

Weather- today sunny, warm and humid, high 87 tonight clear night, muggy low around 70. Friday sunny, hot and humid, high 93 Heat Index Values near 100 with an isolated shower & t-storms in the afternoon, storms likely after 10pm Friday some severe overnight with heavy rains and damaging winds, low around 66. Saturday showers and possible strong storms into the early afternoon could develop, high 84 then temps dropping into the 50s by late Saturday night, storms could linger to around 8-9pm Saturday night then clearing. Sunday sunny skies, less humid and cooler, high 75, Sunday night clear low around 59. Monday sunny and pleasant high near 76, low around 62 becoming more humid. Tuesday sunny and warmer with showers and storms in the afternoon, high near 80, low around 60. 

Sports- Twins get 2 hits from Carlos Correa and beat Miami 2-1 last night with help from 6 Twins pitchers in the victory. Twins (41-45) wrap up with Miami this morning, pregame at 10:30am on Q92 WYRQ. Twins then host Tampa Bay over the weekend, pregame at 2:30pm on 4th of July, 12:30pm on Saturday and then Inside Twins at noon on Sunday all live on Q92 WYRQ. Lynx host Washington tonight at Target Center then host Golden State on Saturday night in the WNBA. Buckman at Ft. Ripley Sunday at 1:30pm for the KLTF Victory League Game of the Week on AM960 KLTF and fallsradio.com. 

A reminder that the 4th of July is tomorrow meaning that most government offices, banks, post offices, and other businesses are closed for the holiday including the office of Little Falls Radio will be closed on Friday. LF Radio was also informed that some businesses usually open on the weekends will also be closed for the longer holiday weekend so check ahead. Because the offices of LF Radio are closed Friday  there will be no updated news page on Friday the 4th of July. Happy 4th of July from Little Falls Radio.