St. Louis County reflects on 2026 legislative session
"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
St. Louis County
St. Louis County Board votes on unique use for taconite tailings by-product
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
County board sends proposed land use Ordinance 62 updates back to planning commission
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.
St. Louis County Board presents Public Health Achievement Awards
"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
Gustafson hired as Economic and Community Development 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
St. Louis County highlights property tax refund programs available to residents
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.
Howie: In St. Paul, regions that show up together get heard
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.
Howie: Why Pete Stauber keeps winning — and what it would actually take to beat him
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.
Howie: What Duluth is really asking for in St. Paul this year
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.
St. Louis County to launch largest Depot renovation in 50 years
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.
St. Louis County seeks nominations for Public Health Achievement Awards
By Dana Kazel St. Louis County Public Health is seeking nominations from the public to recognize individuals or groups who have made significant effort to improve the health of residents or communities in St. Louis County. The Public Health Achievement Awards will be presented during the St. Louis County Board
St. Louis County selects Mike Jugovich as board chair for 2026
"This is going to be a challenging year, but I am confident we will be able to work together and with our state and federal partners to best serve our residents. We will be actively working to deliver needed services but know we must do our best to minimize cost impacts to taxpayers." -- Jugovich
St. Louis County Board approves $564 million budget for 2026
By Dana Kazel The St. Louis County Board today approved its 2026 budget at $564,403,199. The budget ensures stability in the delivery of the county's broad range of services, including public safety, roads and bridges, public health and human services and general government while also factoring
St. Louis County reduces tipping fees at county landfill by nearly $19/ton
By Dana Kazel Beginning in January, residents and businesses in the St. Louis County Solid Waste Management Area could see a decrease in their garbage bill. That's because the St. Louis County Board has voted to reduce tipping fees at the county's regional landfill in Virginia
Hermantown Police and St. Louis County Sheriff’s Office introduce new K-9s, honor retiring K-9s
Three new law enforcement K-9 teams have graduated from training and are ready to begin working patrol shifts. The teams were introduced to the community on Monday during a special event at Hermantown City Hall. They include: . K-9 Bruno is partnered with Hermantown Police Officer Olivia Gottschald . K-9 Kylo is
County Board to host public meeting to get input on 2026 budget
By Dana Kazel The St. Louis County Board will hold an evening public meeting to receive comments on its proposed operating budget and property tax levy for 2026. The meeting is Tuesday, December 2, at 7 p.m. at the St. Louis County Courthouse in Duluth. It will include a