News
News Articles

During the Tuesday, Jan. 21 planning session of the Morrison County Board of Commissioners, Land Services Director Amy Kowalzek provided an update on the county’s efforts to modernize its renewable energy standards. Kowalzek explained that the current ordinances, which cover solar and wind energy, do not fully reflect the rapidly...

Les Schwab Tire Center expands into Little Falls
Jan 24 2025When the new Les Schwab Tire Center opens in Little Falls around April 16, the community can expect more than just tires and auto services. As Area Manager Matt Bruce explained, the company is focused on building deep roots and becoming an integral part of the local landscape.“Little Falls is...

In the wake of a devastating flood that hit the city of Randall in June 2022, the local water and wastewater department has taken proactive measures to safeguard the community’s drinking water supply. These efforts have earned recognition from the Minnesota Department of Health and the Minnesota Rural Water Association.During...

The Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) is calling on produce farmers who have never completed the Grower Questionnaire, or who have not filled it out since 2022, to complete the 2025 edition.Completing this questionnaire helps farmers identify the federal food safety requirements that apply to their operations and gain access...

Britian Conley always knew she wanted to fly. As a child growing up in Little Falls, she spent countless hours at the airport in Fargo, North Dakota, watching military jets soar through the sky. That early fascination would eventually lead her on an incredible journey, from a college ROTC program...

For the past two decades, True Balance Counseling has been a beacon of mental health support in rural Minnesota. Founded in 2005 by Leslie Russell-Martin and her husband Ken Martin, the practice has evolved from a single-provider office to a multi-location, holistically-focused organization serving communities across the state.“There were no...

A Pierz-based sunflower processor has been awarded a $530,482 grant to help strengthen its food supply chain.The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) has partnered with the State of Minnesota to award $9.5 million through the Resilient Food Systems Infrastructure Program (RFSI) to build resilience across the...

A Pierz-based sunflower processor has been awarded a $530,482 grant to help strengthen its food supply chain.The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) has partnered with the State of Minnesota to award $9.5 million through the Resilient Food Systems Infrastructure Program (RFSI) to build resilience across the...

In the heart of Pierz sits an old building that countless farmers have relied on through generations. It is the home of Pierz Farmers Mill and has been so for more than 60 years.“This building was built in 1964 and then, prior to that, there was an older building that...

Morrison County Sheriff’s Office Deputy Brady Pundsack and Sgt. John DeCock were awarded the Minnesota Sheriffs’ Association Deputy of the Year and Supervisor of the Year awards, respectively, at the 139th Annual Sheriff’s Winter Conference Banquet. The event was held at the Arrowwood Resort in Alexandria on Sunday, Dec. 8.In...

On the 83rd anniversary of the attack on Pearl Harbor, Dec. 7, Minnesotans came together virtually to remember the sacrifices of those who served on that fateful day. The 2024 Pearl Harbor remembrance meeting, hosted by the Minnesota Military and Veterans Museum, featured moving personal accounts from the families of...

Morrison County’s iconic historic courthouse is set to receive a much-needed facelift, as county officials have approved plans for significant renovations to improve accessibility and preserve the building’s historic character. The project, which has been in discussion for over two years, will focus on making the courthouse ADA (Americans with...

The Morrison County Board of Commissioners held a bittersweet meeting on Dec. 31, 2024, as they bid farewell to longtime Commissioner Jeffrey Jelinski and expressed gratitude to outgoing Board Chair Randy Winscher.Commissioner Jelinski, who has served on the board for the past 12 years, was honored for his dedicated service...

In a move to align with national, state and local efforts, Morrison County is transitioning its digital presence from the .us domain to the .gov domain. This change, which is set to take place in the coming weeks, promises to provide enhanced security and increased credibility for the county’s online...

Music enthusiasts got to take in the St. Francis Community Chorale’s annual Christmas concert earlier this month in Little Falls. Accompanied by the St. Francis Youth Choir, Brass Ensemble, and Orchestra, the chorale performed a collection of Christmas classics for those in attendance.Music has been a part of St. Francis...

At its Tuesday, Dec. 17 meeting, the Morrison County Board of Commissioners took action on a pair of initiatives from the public works department aimed at upgrading the county's transportation infrastructure.First, the board approved a resolution supporting the county's application for federal transportation funding. If awarded, these funds would be...

Morrison County approves cannabis ordinances
Dec 26 2024During its Tuesday, Dec. 17 meeting, the Morrison County Board of Commissioners approved two key ordinances to regulate the cannabis industry within the county. This action comes in response to the Minnesota state legislature passing a cannabis legalization bill that went into effect on Aug. 1, 2023 and in anticipation...

Pierz City Council accepts clubhouse manager's resignation, seeks new leadership for golf course operations
Dec 26 2024In a bittersweet move, the Pierz City Council accepted the resignation of Clubhouse Manager Toni Meyer, opening the door for new leadership at the city’s popular golf course.Meyer, whose last day in her position was Dec. 27, submitted her resignation to the council at its Monday, Dec. 9 meeting. While...

Construction is underway on a new museum next to Camp Ripley near Little Falls to honor Minnesota’s military veterans.When Randal Dietrich looks out over a frozen field next to Highway 371, he envisions a place where people will come to hear the stories of the roles Minnesotans have played in...

Families, veterans, and volunteers came together to remember the fallen soldiers at the National Remembrance Ceremony, which is very important to the armed forces community and those who have lost a fellow battle buddy or family member to combat.This event started over 15 years ago, and only 5 honorees were...

A change at two Central Minnesota schools is going smoothly in its first year. The Little Falls Community School Board approved Grade Level Banding (GLB) last February. The plan to change Lincoln Elementary to preschool through grade 2 and Lindbergh Elementary to 3rd through 5th grade was implemented this fall. Superintendent...

Residents of Buckman Township in Morrison County will soon have access to high-speed internet, thanks to an Oct. 9 grant awarded by the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED). The $1.248 million grant, part of the state’s Border-to-Border Broadband Development Grant Program, will fund a project to bring...

In a move to better support the growing needs of local veterans, the Morrison County Board of Commissioners approved a restructuring of the county’s Veterans Service Office during its Tuesday, Dec. 3 meeting. The changes, proposed by Veterans Service Officer Kristina VonBerge, will convert a part-time case aide position into...

In his annual report to the Board of Commissioners during its Tuesday, Nov. 12 planning session, Morrison County Administrator Matt LeBlanc highlighted a year of strategic planning, emergency preparedness and community engagement, all while navigating the ongoing challenges of staffing and infrastructure. One of the key focuses for the administration in...