Thursday, October 9, 2025
The Morrison County Sheriff's Office reported they were assisting the Royalton Police Department with a felony warrant at a residence in the city of Royalton Wednesday afternoon. During that time the elementary school was placed on lockdown as a precautionary measure. There is no direct threat to the school or the public. Yesterday an announcement was sent out first by the school that read Attn: The Royalton Elementary School is currently in Secure mode due to an increase in law enforcement presence around school. There is no danger to the students at the school. The Sheriff's Office said that was only as a precautionary measure and not threat to the school or the public. Last night the sheriff's office reported that subject with the warrant for their arrest was apprehended without incident and again there is no threat to the public from this case.
A Sartell boy who was critically hurt in a bike accident on Sunday is being taken off life support. Sartell Police Chief Brandon Silgjord says the family of 12-year-old Raghav Shrestha is sharing with the community that Raghav's condition has worsened and his medical care team has declared that, as of Wednesday morning, he has no brain activity. The family also wants to thank the community and is deeply appreciative of the support they received during their time of need. Shrestha leaves behind his mom and dad, and a younger brother. Chief Silgjord says the boy wanted to be a police officer when he grew up, so several officers went to visit him and pin him with his own badge and swear him in as an honorary Sartell Police Officer. The Sartell Police Department says Shrestha was riding his bike down Muskie Hill and crashed near the bottom at around 7:50 p.m. on Sunday. Despite having a helmet on, he suffered a severe head injury, which appeared to have caused the initial cardiac arrest.
On Monday, October 6th Little Falls Police Officer Morse and Officer Gowens were recognized for their lifesaving actions on August, 28, 2025. Officer Morse and Gowens responded to a call of a 6 year old child not breathing. Upon arrival they immediately provided emergency care, restoring the child's breathing through skilled intervention and teamwork. They further assisted paramedics to ensure the child received continuous care enroute to the hospital. Their quick response, professionalism and dedication directly saved a young life. There were presented recognition by Mayor Zylka and Police Chief Johnson Monday night the regular Little Falls City Council meeting.
A priest in the Diocese of St. Cloud has been charged after allegedly forcing a woman to have a sexual relationship with him while he provided spiritual guidance to her. Father Aaron John Kuhn was charged by summons on Tuesday in Stearns County District Court on a charge of third-degree criminal sexual conduct. According to the criminal complaint, the St. Cloud Police Department began investigating the 47-year-old in August 2024 after the woman told police she received counsel from Kuhn between November 2019 and October 2022, and during that time, he allegedly manipulated and pressured her into having a sexual relationship. The victim says she repeatedly asked Kuhn to stop. The acts took place on multiple occasions in Wadena, Stearns and Benton counties. Court documents say officers interviewed several witnesses affiliated with the church who confirmed Kuhn had acknowledged having sexual contact with the victim while he was offering spiritual direction. Kuhn served the parishes that make up Mary Mother of the Church Area Catholic Community. Its churches include St. Ann in Wadena, St. John the Baptist in Bluffton, St. Joseph in Bertha, Assumption of Our Lady in Menahga, St. Frederick in Verndale, St. Hubert in Bluegrass, Sacred Heart in Staples and St. Michael in Motley. A statement emailed to KNSI News said Bishop Patrick Neary has placed Kuhn on full administrative leave, effective immediately. He was removed from active ministry in June 2024 when the report of sexual misconduct first surfaced. He underwent a professional evaluation and subsequently received residential treatment. Bishop Neary was notified in October 2024 that a report had been made to authorities after Father Kuhn entered treatment. The diocesan Crisis Response Team held parish meetings following the initial report in June. Following diocesan protocols, upon completing treatment in December 2024, Father Kuhn was assigned to the Chancery offices, assisting with the administrative work of the diocesan Tribunal and Office of Canonical Affairs in St. Cloud. A safety plan and procedures were put in place and continue to be monitored. Kuhn was ordained to the priesthood on June 16th, 2007, at St. Mary’s Cathedral in St. Cloud. Father Kuhn served as parochial vicar at St. Mary’s Cathedral, St. Augustine Parish in St. Cloud and Christ Church Newman Center from June 2007 to July 2010; studied for Canon Law Licentiate at Catholic University, Washington, D.C., from July 2010 to 2013.
A Holdingford man who pleaded guilty to selling methamphetamine and fentanyl to another man who overdosed has been sentenced. Thirty-two-year-old Cody Johannes pleaded guilty to one count of 3rd-degree murder in June. He was given a seven-year stayed prison sentence. Johannes served 167 days in the county jail and will be on probation for 25 years. According to the criminal complaint filed in Stearns County District Court, Johannes sold the victim the drugs in November 2024. The victim's body was found two days later, after his brother called St. Cloud Police for a welfare check. Police say they found the man's body in the bedroom of an apartment with drug paraphernalia in his hand, commonly used to smoke fentanyl pills, and a piece of tin foil nearby with what appeared to be burn lines. An autopsy of the man showed he died of drug toxicity from the presence of fentanyl, xylazine, and methamphetamine. Court records show investigators conducted a data extraction of the victim's phone, which they said showed text messages between the victim and Johannes discussing drug sales. One of those conversations specifically discussed a drug transaction on the morning of the man's death. Police say phone records show Johannes is the only person the victim contacted about getting the drugs.
CHI Health and Home Hospice is having a Harvest of Care fundraiser dinner and event on October 23rd at the Little Falls VFW. BBQ pulled pork dinner for $15 in advance, $17 at the door cheaper prices for children. Live and silent auction, quilt drawing 50/50 drawing and more, details by calling 320-631-5575 or on the fallsradio.com community calendar website.
Death Notices: William "Bill" George Altenhofen, age 92 of Little Falls formerly St. Paul Park.
Weather: increasing clouds, chance of PM shower today, high 69 wind gusts to 25mph, clearing tonight low around 47. Friday sunny skies, cooler, breezy north winds, high 59, clear with patchy frost Friday night low around 35. Saturday sunny skies, high 67, rain after midnight low 48. Showers on Sunday, high near 70 between the rain systems some could have heavy downpours, low Sunday night of 41. Partly sunny and breezy Columbus Day Monday, high near 60.
Sports: St. Cloud Tech eliminated the Little Falls Boys Soccer team from the playoffs 6-0 last night. Girls soccer playoffs begin today at 4pm for Flyers hosting Detroit Lakes. Pierz tennis team is the section championships today against Pine City at Sartell. High School Football Friday night, Little Falls at Melrose 7pm on AM960 KLTF. Pierz at Rockford 7pm on 94ROCKS. Paynesville at Royalton 7pm Friday with the T-Mobile night with many giveaways, free concessions, and the grant receiving to the school for equipment and weight room upgrades. Ashby Brandon-Evansville at Swanville vs. USA Patriots at 7pm and Holdingford is at St. Cloud Apollo at 7pm. Reminder next week the games will be on Wednesday night for most due to the MEA break coming up. Get high school sports recap Saturday 9:05am on AM960 KLTF Little Falls.
A special Thank You from AM960 KLTF staff and management for all who attended the Celebration Wednesday at the Falls Ballroom and as always Thank You for listening to Little Falls Radio.