Tuesday, January 6, 2026

Minnesota Governor Tim Walz announced Monday that he will not seek reelection this November for a third term for Governor. Walz reportedly met with U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar over the weekend which may have led to his announcement as the Governor now faces a federal investigation that has allegedly uncovered an estimated $9 billion in fraud from 14 different welfare programs since 2018, the year Walz was elected to the office. It has been rumored that four-term Democrat U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar could run in his place. Minnesota Speaker of the House and Republican gubernatorial candidate Lisa Demuth of Cold Spring said, “If Democrats think they can sweep Minnesota’s fraud scandal away by swapping out Tim Walz, they are wrong. Every Democrat in Minnesota has spent years enabling criminals who stole our tax dollars, with still no meaningful accountability and no end in sight to the billions in fraud that still plagues nearly every government program imaginable, thanks to 16 years of Democrat control.” Also seeking the Republican nomination to take Walz’s office is Chair of the Minnesota Fraud Prevention Committee Kristin Robbins, “Tim Walz and his staggering fraud could not outrun our investigations and the momentum we have in this race. Anyone Walz handpicks to run for governor will own the fraud and failures of this administration.” Gubernatorial candidate, businessman and veteran, Kendall Qualls’ reaction was also swift, “Tim Walz’s two terms as governor have been a total failure for Minnesota as rampant fraud, out of control crime, key high prices and declining schools are holding Minnesota back. Walz is terrified to run on his record. But it doesn’t matter if the DFL props up Amy Klobuchar or any other candidate, they share the next 11 months contrasting Democrat failed policies.” Minnesota House Republican Floor Leader Harry Niska also felt the theft of public funds disqualified the governor, “Minnesota’s fraud epidemic extends well beyond any one individual. It is the result of nearly two decades of Democrat governors, backed by their legislative allies, creating a culture of complacency that has cost Minnesotans and their families billions of dollars.” U.S. House Republican Majority Whip Tom Emmer simply released a two-word statement, “Good riddance.” Democratic responses have also poured in. Senator Klobuchar followed up from her X account with, “Governor Walz made the difficult decision to focus on his job and the challenges facing our state rather than campaigning and running for reelection. He has always dedicated his career to delivering for Minnesota and his impact will be felt for generations to come.” Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flanagan came to her boss’s defense, “Since his time as a teacher, Governor Walz has led with decency and compassion. Today’s decision reflects who he has always been: someone who puts Minnesotans first. I am proud to call him a friend and proud of all the work that has been done to make Minnesota the best place to raise a family.” Minnesota DFL Party Chair Richard Carlbom summed up his feelings about the governor’s service, “Tim and Gwen Walz have served Minnesota with a deep commitment to servant leadership. We’re grateful for the years Governor Walz has spent in public service delivering for Minnesotans as a public-school teacher, National Guardsman, member of Congress, and as our Governor. We respect his decision not to seek a third term.” Walz’s announcement caught the eye of those in the political realm from coast-to-coast. The Republican National Committee made a proclamation saying, “It’s been failure after failure for Tim Walz, so it’s no surprise he chickened out of running for re-election. Under Tampon Tim, billions in taxpayer dollars were stolen.” Americans for Prosperity Minnesota Director Jake Coleman commended Governor Tim Walz for ending his reelection campaign, “Tim Walz made the right decision in ending his bid for a third term as governor. After making Minnesota synonymous with fraud and dysfunction, the only thing he should be focused on is cleaning up his mess before he leaves office. But the problem doesn’t start and stop with Gov. Walz. There are more people who need to be held accountable for this fraud.” Senate Leadership Fund Communications Director Chris Gustafson wasn’t a fan of Walz’s work, “The systematic fraud overseen by Tim Walz and Minnesota Democrats has put the state’s open Senate seat squarely in play and provides yet another opportunity for Senate Republicans to expand their majority. While Democrats spent years ignoring the billions stolen from children and taxpayers, the brutal lear[n]ing lesson they receive from voters this fall will be impossible to ignore.” Democratic National Committee Chair Ken Martin, from Minnesota, issued a statement that read in part, “I’ve known Tim Walz for a long time, and one thing has always been true about him, he entered public life for the right reasons and never lost sight of them. He doesn’t measure success by the number of elections won, but by classrooms strengthened, families supported, and communities that are better off because he fought for them.” Democratic Governors Association Chair Andy Beshear said, “Governor Tim Walz has been a true leader who has delivered results that will make life better for Minnesota workers and families for years to come. He’s been a national leader in fighting for the middle class, ensuring free school meals, investing in public schools, and expanding access to affordable health care.” The DFL party stated it will continue to focus on delivering results and running a fair, trusted process that earns the confidence of grassroots activists, candidates, and voters across Minnesota. That work begins with precinct caucuses on February 3rd, followed by local, congressional, and state conventions, including the DFL State Convention from May 29th to the 31st. Walz stated he could not take on an election this year as he needed to focus on family and the work that needs to be done before November. 

The Morrison County Sheriff's Office is investigating two early Sunday morning burglaries. The Sheriff's Office says at around 1:45 a.m., they received a report of a burglar alarm going off at Swanville Produce, located off Rhonda Avenue in Swanville. When they arrived at the business, deputies discovered the establishment had been broken into, along with St. Peter Lutheran Church. Authorities say the suspect gained entry to Swanville Produce by prying the inside door open. The suspect also gained entry to the church and rummaged through several offices. It is unknown what was taken at this time. The Sheriff's Office is asking anyone who may have witnessed anything strange in the area during the time frame to contact them and to review their security camera footage for any suspicious activity.

The Morrison County Sheriff’s Office reports that on 1-4-2026 at approximately 7:42 pm, their office received a report of a one-vehicle accident at the intersection of 260th Avenue and Highway 25, approximately one mile northwest of Buckman, MN in Buckman Township. According to the Sheriff’s Office, 65-year-old Linda Eno of Pierz, MN was traveling north on 260th Avenue approaching the intersection with Highway 25. Eno’s vehicle slid off the roadway and rolled. Eno was treated and released at the scene for minor injuries. The Morrison County Sheriff’s Office was assisted at the scene by the Pierz Fire Department, Pierz First Response Team and Mayo Clinic Ambulance.

A two-vehicle crash on Friday morning sent both drivers and all of the passengers to the hospital. The Stearns County Sheriff's Office says it happened at about 8:10 a.m. in Fairhaven Township south of St. Augusta. The sheriff's office says a pickup driven by 44-year-old Bernardo Saaverda of South Haven was southbound on County Road 7 while a van driven by 27-year-old Hassan Adan of St. Cloud was eastbound on County Road 146. Authorities say Adan failed to stop at the intersection, and the vehicles collided. Saaverda, Adan, and the passengers in both vehicles were all taken to St. Cloud Hospital with injuries. No other names were released by the sheriff's office. The State Patrol reported that a fatal accident happened in Wadena County that killed an 87 year old Sebeka man. Injury accidents were also reported in Todd County near Long Prairie Sunday that injured a 19-year-old and another injury accident in Itasca County. 

A data breach at a third-party vendor has potentially exposed personal information of more than 235,000 Blaze Credit Union members. The breach happened at Marquis Software Solutions, a company that provides services to financial institutions. Blaze Credit Union began notifying affected members via letters mailed in early December. Credit union officials say they have no evidence of the misuse, or attempted misuse, of personal information as a result. The credit union is working with Marquis to arrange complimentary credit monitoring and identity protection services for those members whose information was involved in the incident. They are also urging all members to monitor their accounts closely for suspicious activity and to watch out for phishing attempts via unsolicited calls, texts, or emails requesting personal information. Members should also review their credit reports regularly for any unauthorized accounts. For more information, members can visit their local credit union or also Blaze Credit Union for updates and guidance on protecting their accounts.

Death Notices: Sharon "Sherry" Keller, age 73 of Pierz formerly of Little Falls. 

Weather: Dense Fog Advisory until noon today. Fog and freeze fog likely today, some freezing mix still possible early high near 32, clearing skies Tuesday night low around 18 still some fog possible into morning. Wednesday partly sunny skies high 36, partly cloudy Wednesday night low 20. Thursday partly cloudy skies, high 38, clouds increase Thursday night low 26. Friday cloudy skies, high near 30, snow late, low near 20. 

Sports: High School Girls Basketball tonight Pequot Lakes at Little Falls 7pm on Q92 WYRQ and Pierz at Staples-Motley at 7pm on 94ROCKS and both streamed at fallsradio.com. Monday saw many NFL teams firing their coaches including Atlanta, Cleveland, Las Vegas and Arizona, the Giants and Tennessee had fired coaches during the season. Wildcard weekend is set with games Saturday at 3:30pm LA Rams at Carolina, Saturday 7pm Green Bay at Chicago, Sunday at noon Buffalo at Jacksonville, 3:15pm San Francisco 49ers at Philadelphia and 7:20pm LA Chargers at New England. Monday at 7:15pm Houston at Pittsburgh, winners move on and losers are eliminated. You can hear all the Wild Card Games live this weekend on AM960 KLTF and fallsradio.com.