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![Freedhem '76: Fourth of July weekend bike race puts small county community on the map of ‘gravel grinders’ Photo](http://cdn.1.economicgateway.com/media/userfiles/subsite_67/images/66952d70b8a5c_image.jpg)
Freedhem '76: Fourth of July weekend bike race puts small county community on the map of ‘gravel grinders’
Jul 16 2024Larry Brenize says he’s just a guy on a bike.But Brenize and the 409 other bicyclists who gathered at the Freedhem store on Saturday, July 6 weren’t just ordinary people on bikes.They were “Gravel grinders”- off-road bicyclists who enjoy taking on challenging terrain with the adventure of exploring scenic back...
![New owners, new name: The Randall Municipal Liquor Store is now Shady’s Bar and Grill Photo](http://cdn.1.economicgateway.com/media/userfiles/subsite_67/images/6692cc8aa88ab.jpg)
It’s the Fourth of July, and for the first time that anyone can remember, the liquor store and bar in Randall is open. Not only is it open, but it is packed, full of patrons donning patriotic clothing. Although the bar had just recently switched ownership and gotten a new...
![County seeks grant funding to revitalize Soo Line Trail Photo](http://cdn.1.economicgateway.com/media/userfiles/subsite_67/images/6692d0eeb4416_image.jpg)
In a move to address the aging infrastructure and deteriorating conditions of the Soo Line Trail, the Morrison County Board of Commissioners unanimously approved a grant application to secure funding for a major rehabilitation project during its meeting on Tuesday, July 9. The proposed enhancements aim to breathe new life...
![Randall shows off cool cars at the 11th Annual Randall Car Show Photo](http://cdn.1.economicgateway.com/media/userfiles/subsite_67/images/6692cfe309ceb_image.jpg)
The city of Randall ended its Fourth of July weekend in style with the 11th Annual Randall Car Show, taking place from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Sunday, July 7. Dozens of cars, antique to modern, were parked near Highway 10 for attendees to admire. The event was sponsored...
![Businesses making connections at the Little Falls Chamber Golf Outing Photo](https://secure-cdn.scdn6.secure.raxcdn.com/media/userfiles/subsite_67/images/66917778b44ff_image.jpg)
Twenty two teams of four people took part in the 35th Annual Chamber Golf Outing at the Little Falls Country Club Monday, July 8.The event included 15 hole sponsors, two sponsors for hole in one prizes, and nine corporate sponsors. President and CEO of the Little Falls Chamber of Commerce...
![Little Falls Education Foundation tops $110,000 in donations Photo](https://secure-cdn.scdn6.secure.raxcdn.com/media/userfiles/subsite_67/images/668b0ec87ffcd.jpg)
It’s been eight years since the Little Falls Education Foundation was founded.While it’s easy to count the years that the foundation has been in existence, the impact the foundation has made on the children of the Little Falls community is immeasurable.Towards the end of the 2023-23 school year, the Little...
![Country star Phil Vassar ready to take the stage at Pierz Freedom Fest Photo](https://secure-cdn.scdn6.secure.raxcdn.com/media/userfiles/subsite_67/images/news/GRvpLnmacAE9u8m.jpeg)
Country music star Phil Vassar is excited to get back on the road and perform for fans at the Pierz Freedom Fest on Saturday, July 20.Vassar, who first broke into the country music scene in the 1990s and 2000s, took some time off from touring recently but says he’s now...
![Clubhouse rental fees set at Little Falls Golf Course Photo](http://cdn.1.economicgateway.com/media/userfiles/subsite_67/images/news/666c76de8fe81_image.jpg)
Rental fees for facilities at the Little Falls Golf Course have been set for the 2024 season.A fee schedule drafted by Finance Director Hannah Kurkowski was approved by the City Council at its Monday, July meeting.The approval came after a Council debate over whether city residents should receive a “hometown...
![Mobile app coming for Little Falls police department Photo](https://secure-cdn.scdn6.secure.raxcdn.com/media/userfiles/subsite_67/images/news/Little%20Falls%20Police%20Department%20logo.jpeg)
City residents will soon have information about the Little Falls Police Department in the palm of their hands.Little Falls Police Department. Chief Kyle Johnson requested authorization to enter into a contract with Full OCV, LLC for the development and operation of a mobile app.Johnson said the app will help enhance...
![Morrison County Historical Society offers grant update Photo](http://cdn.1.economicgateway.com/media/userfiles/subsite_67/images/mchs-logo_2021_edited.jpg)
Camille Warzecha, president of the Morrison County Historical Society, provided an update to the City Council. She said the Historical Society received a grant from the State to help fund a stream bank restoration project along the Mississippi River. Shannon Wettstein of the Morrison County Soil and Water Conservation District...
![Boys and Girls Club of Little Falls: An Anchor for Youth Development Photo](https://secure-cdn.scdn6.secure.raxcdn.com/media/userfiles/subsite_67/images/news/download%20(2).png)
The Boys and Girls Club of Little Falls continues to be a staple of the community. At the Tuesday, May 21, Morrison County Board of Commissioners meeting, representatives from the local Little Falls club and its parent organization, the Boys and Girls Clubs of Central Minnesota, provided an update on...
![St. Francis Health & Wellness Center features updated weight room Photo](https://secure-cdn.scdn6.secure.raxcdn.com/media/userfiles/subsite_67/images/66705f64bd8c0_image.jpg)
St. Francis Health & Wellness Center reopened their weight room on May 1 with freshly painted walls, new fitness equipment and new rubber flooring. In addition to the weight room, the facility offers a full gymnasium, a heated pool, circuit room, cardio room and rehab room. There is a hot...
![Cost overruns, incomplete work plague golf course Photo](https://secure-cdn.scdn6.secure.raxcdn.com/media/userfiles/subsite_67/images/news/LF%20golf%20country%20club%20CourseLayout.jpg)
Budget overruns and additional costs needed to fully equip and operate the Little Falls Country Club clubhouse could total more than $185,000- including nearly $175,000 in large ticket items needing City Council approval.The City leadership team comprised of department heads Annie Cribb (human resources director), Hannah Kurkowski (finance director), and...
![Get ready for some fun at the Morrison County Fair Photo](https://secure-cdn.scdn6.secure.raxcdn.com/media/userfiles/subsite_67/images/news/morrison%20county%20fair%202024.jpg)
Throughout the year, 4-H members, artisans and other exhibitors have prepared for the Morrison County Fair, Thursday, June 20 to Saturday, June 22.Jeremy Hanfler, president of the Morrison County Agricultural Society, who hosts the event, encourages people to come to the various events.Not only to show their support for the...
![Great success for Swanville Supermilage Team at BIR Photo](https://secure-cdn.scdn6.secure.raxcdn.com/media/userfiles/subsite_67/images/news/6670649dcc042_image.jpg)
During the 2023-24 school year, the 18 students enrolled in the super milage class at Swanville High School built several vehicles. The goal is to design and construct efficient vehicles by using innovative technologies. This year, the students’ hard and clever work earned them a well-deserved spot in the limelight. ...
![Author Will Weaver fills Little Falls Carnegie Library with insights into family history, writing craft Photo](https://secure-cdn.scdn6.secure.raxcdn.com/media/userfiles/subsite_67/images/news/666724b3542f9.jpg)
Author Will Weaver fills Little Falls Carnegie Library with insights into family history, writing craft
Jun 10 2024“Mr. Weaver, have you ever been in jail?”This was one of the questions asked to renowned Minnesota author Will Weaver at the Swanville Elementary School, as he recounted the humorous question to another audience at the Little Falls Carnegie Library on Tuesday, May 14.“Well, have you?” someone at the library...
![Field set for Morrison County, State and federal elections Photo](http://cdn.1.economicgateway.com/media/userfiles/subsite_67/images/news/664d247798e21.jpg)
Tuesday, June 4 marked the deadline for many candidates to submit paperwork to get on the November ballot.The deadline sets up some competitive races across Morrison County, local State legislative districts and federal offices. The filing dates for city and school seats is Tuesday, July 30 through Tuesday, August 13.Read...
![Dam Festival set for June 14-15 in Little Falls Photo](https://secure-cdn.scdn6.secure.raxcdn.com/media/userfiles/subsite_67/images/news/448101087_1158230372228063_7913194963950971168_4.jpg)
Maple Island Park will come alive with activity during Little Falls’ 21st Annual Dam Festival next week, Friday and Saturday, June 14 - 15.And there’s a lot to be excited about, says James Kowalczyk, president of the Little Falls Dam Festival.From the parade, food vendors, the Dam North Market, nightly...
![Upsala gallery invites art, conversation Photo](https://secure-cdn.scdn6.secure.raxcdn.com/media/userfiles/subsite_67/images/news/Upsala%20Art%20Gallery.jpg)
Upsala gallery invites art, conversation
Jun 7 2024Creative geniuses are finding a home in Upsala.That’s because The Art of Conversation Art Gallery has opened its doors this weekend.The gallery, located in a one-time home to Upsala City Hall at 105 Main Street, opened Friday, June 7. The grand opening of the gallery continues Saturday, June 8 and...
![Highway 115 Randall to Camp Ripley closes, detours to replace pipes June 10–19 Photo](http://cdn.1.economicgateway.com/media/userfiles/subsite_67/images/news/mndot%20central%20cdmc.jpg)
Motorists who travel on Highway 115 between Randall and Camp Ripley will encounter the road closed and detoured to work beneath the road June 10–19, advises to the Minnesota Department of Transportation.Highway 115 will close from east of Highway 10 in Randall to the Mississippi River bridge, east of Morrison...
![Cute animals full of mischief at Pine Grove Zoo Photo](http://cdn.1.economicgateway.com/media/userfiles/subsite_67/images/news/66563fbe99b5a.jpg)
Cute animals full of mischief at Pine Grove Zoo
May 28 2024This is the final article in a three-part series about the Pine Grove Zoo.The Pine Grove Zoo in Little Falls is home to nearly 100 animals. Of those, there are about 35 different species, said Zoo Director Marnita Van Hoecke.Each animal has its own personality. While the animals are, for...
![Fallen veterans celebrated for the lives they lived Photo](http://cdn.1.economicgateway.com/media/userfiles/subsite_67/images/news/6654cf58ef98a.jpg)
“There’s nothing in life more liberating than fighting for a cause larger than yourself.”Those were the words shared by Sen. Amy Klobuchar at the Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery at Camp Ripley the day before Memorial Day as she quoted the last words spoken to her by friend and former United...
![There’s a TREASURE in this Morrison County CITY: A Royalton souvenir shop has a rich 61-year history Photo](http://cdn.1.economicgateway.com/media/userfiles/subsite_67/images/news/6650b3d80e416_image.jpg)
There’s a TREASURE in this Morrison County CITY: A Royalton souvenir shop has a rich 61-year history
May 24 2024Treasure City, located in Royalton, has been a staple souvenir shop in the community for over 60 years. Robert Janski, the shop’s owner, spoke about the history and unique offerings of this local business.Janski recounted that in 1962, two people decided to open three Treasure City stores in three different...
![Morrison County auditor/treasurer provides insight into department operations Photo](https://secure-cdn.scdn6.secure.raxcdn.com/media/userfiles/subsite_67/images/news/6650b4e12620b.jpg)
At the Tuesday, May 14 Board of Commissioners planning session, Auditor/Treasurer Shannon Coyle gave a detailed presentation providing insight into the many roles and responsibilities of the auditor/treasurer’s department.Coyle began by outlining the department’s organizational structure and staffing levels. She noted that the department is now fully staffed after recently...