By DANA KAZEL St. Louis County's request for funding to stabilize the eroding shoreline of the privately-owned Scandia Cemetery, has cleared an important hurdle. The Legislative-Citizen Commission on Minnesota Resources (LCCMR) today voted to include $1.44 million for the project on its list of recommendations
"It's important for people to recognize that we could be dealing with air quality impacts for a long time to come. These impacts could likely vary from day to day, and even hour by hour; and may also vary depending based on location across our large county." -- Amy Westbrook
Smoke from the wildfires also is creating dangerous air quality conditions across the region. By Wednesday morning, air quality throughout St. Louis County was expected to reach hazardous or very unhealthy levels.
A Red Flag Warning is in effect from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday across 13 northern Minnesota counties because of extreme wildfire danger, according to the National Weather Service. The warning covers Beltrami, Carlton, Cass, Clearwater, Cook, Hubbard, Itasca, Koochiching, Lake, Lake of the Woods, Marshall, Roseau
A 46-year-old man was sentenced Tuesday to 12 years in prison after being convicted of multiple counts of criminal sexual conduct involving a minor, according to the St. Louis County Attorney's Office. Chief Judge Leslie E. Beiers sentenced Shawn Francis Mortensen to 144 months in prison
County officials expect the expanded service area to approximately double the volume of waste handled at the landfill. Despite the increase, officials said the facility is expected to have a long operational lifespan.
"This was a challenging session, but it was very encouraging to see the commitment of our local representatives and senators as they advocated on our behalf." -- County Administrator Kevin Gray
By Dana Kazel The St. Louis County Board met in Hermantown on Tuesday, approving resolutions on a range of topics. Here is a recap of three notable actions: The Board approved a $955,000 contract with Gee Asphalt Systems, Inc., out of Cedar Rapids, Iowa for bituminous seal coat projects
Public comment suggested more work is needed to review two areas: rules regarding storage of six or more inoperable vehicles, as well as classification of data centers.
"It’s a special day when we are able to recognize individuals and organizations that make up the fabric of the public health system." -- Amy Westbrook, St. Louis County Public Health Division Director
"Brad has tremendous enthusiasm and passion for economic and community development, and I am excited to see all that he will accomplish in this new role." -- St. Louis County Administrator Kevin Gray
Nearly 37% of residents in the Arrowhead region, which includes St. Louis County, qualified for a property tax refund in 2023, the most recent year for which information is available.
Under the leadership of Chamber President Matt Baumgartner, Duluth and St. Louis County Days has become a respected presence at the Capitol. Legislators expect it. Policymakers notice it. And participants leave knowing their region’s voice has been heard.
For now, the political formula in Minnesota’s 8th District remains remarkably consistent. Duluth votes. The Iron Range votes. Then the rest of northern Minnesota votes. And the rest of northern Minnesota is usually enough.
Duluth and St. Louis County are not asking for luxury investments. They are asking for help maintaining systems — water treatment plants, shoreline protection, waste management infrastructure — whose costs exceed what local taxpayers alone can reasonably sustain.
The Depot has welcomed visitors to Duluth and St. Louis County since 1892. St. Louis County acquired the building in 1977 and has operated it as a center for arts, history and cultural programming. The facility attracts an average of 200,000 visitors each year for events and exhibits.
