St. Louis County

St. Louis County hires Shane Peterson as new Property Management Director

“Shane was selected from an impressive pool of finalists based on his extensive operations management, capital planning and leadership experiences." -- St. Louis County Administrator Kevin Gray

St. Louis County seeking public input through survey

"We very much value the opinions and information we gain from this survey. In some cases, it becomes rationale to redirect resources, and in other instance we find it reaffirms that people appreciate decisions we've made." -- County Board Chair Annie Harala

St. Louis County Board selects Annie Harala as board chair for 2025

"We have a lot of work ahead this year, but the word I think about is 'steady'. We don't always know what's going to happen at the federal level or the state level, but we are a Board that's consistent." -- Annie Harala

Wendy Skottegard-Burke named new director at Arrowhead Juvenile Center

“She’s been an integral part of AJC operations, and I’m confident she will be an effective leader for our young people, and our staff in this new role.” -- Becky Pogatchnik, Executive Director of Arrowhead Regional Corrections

St. Louis County Board approves $504 million budget for 2025

The County also honored two longtime public servants, and highlighted staff and Commissioner Paul McDonald for work on tax-forfeited lands legal settlement and policy

St. Louis County Board approves cannabis ordinance

Anyone hoping to open a cannabis business in St. Louis County must first apply for a license through the state's Office of Cannabis Management.

St. Louis County Board to host public meetings on 2025 budget

By Dana Kazel The St. Louis County Board will hold two public meetings to receive comments on its proposed operating budget and tax levy for 2025. The first meeting is Monday, November 18, at 7 p.m. in the St. Louis County Courthouse in Virginia, lower-level conference room. The second

County Assessor offers reminder: homestead application deadline is December 31

The St. Louis County Assessor's Department has an important reminder for anyone who moved last year: the deadline to apply for homestead classification is December 31, 2024. The property owner must apply for this classification. It does not happen automatically at closing. A homestead classification may qualify the

St. Louis County completes three-year 'Bridge Bundling' project

By Dana Kazel Over the last three construction seasons, St. Louis County Public Works has replaced 17 bridges throughout the County, while MnDOT replaced an additional four bridges in neighboring Carlton County. The 21 bridges were awarded as one large Bridge Bundling project contract as part of a new Federal

Search for missing Fredenberg man

The St. Louis County Sheriff's Office/Rescue Squad and the Fredenberg Volunteer Fire Department are searching for 62-year-old Marc Curran, a local resident who has not been seen or heard from since approximately 4:30 p.m. Monday. Curran left his home near the Bear Island Road area

Geothermal field approved for use at St. Louis County landfill

"In this area, where we have the cleanest water in the state, we want to make sure we protect it." -- St. Louis County Board Chair Keith Nelson

News conference and ribbon cutting to celebrate completion of three-year "Bridge Bundling" project

Over the last three years, St. Louis County Public Works, through a unique partnership with MnDOT, has completed a $25.33 million Bridge Bundling project. Through this joint project, made possible by receiving $10.25 million in Federal grant funding, St. Louis County replaced 17 bridges throughout the County, while

St. Louis County to host ribbon cutting for new geo-thermal cell at landfill

Construction of the new geo-thermal cell at the St. Louis County landfill is complete and approved for use. To celebrate this first-of-a-kind project in the state, St. Louis County will host a news conference at the landfill to discuss how this technology will work to capture naturally occurring heat that

County seeks residents to serve on Public Health and Human Services Advisory Committee

St. Louis County is seeking volunteers to serve on its Public Health and Human Services (PHHS) Advisory Committee. The committee is responsible for making recommendations to both the County Board and the PHHS Department regarding public health and human service needs of St. Louis County communities and residents. In the

Jason Meyer promoted to Director of St. Louis County Land and Minerals

"Jason has dedicated his career to strengthening the forests in St. Louis County and our contributions to the wood products industry." -- Kevin Gray, St. Louis County Administrator

St. Louis County encourages people to turn on a green light in support of veterans

Whether it be a single green light bulb or a string of green lights, people are asked to display them November 4-11, the week leading up to Veterans Day.

West Skyline Parkway bridge reopens

The new bridge on West Skyline Parkway, providing access to the Spirit Mountain recreation area, has been completed and reopened today, over a month ahead of schedule. Spanning Knowlton Creek and the CN Railway, the $3.2 million project encompassed the construction of the new bridge and the stream restoration

St. Louis County Auditor provides payment option reminder as property tax payment deadline nears

With the October 15 deadline nearing for property owners to pay their property taxes for the second half of the year, the St. Louis County Auditor's Office is reminding people of the variety of ways they can pay, including a no-fee online option. Property owners can pay online

St. Louis County seeks proposals for aquatic invasive species prevention

St. Louis County is looking for ideas on how to prevent the introduction or limit the spread of Aquatic Invasive Species in lakes, rivers and other bodies of water. The County is scheduled to receive $709,992 in grant money to award in 2025 through the state's AIS

St. Louis County Board considers property tax levy for 2025

The St. Louis County Board has given initial approval for the 2025 maximum property tax levy in the amount of $180,310,863. While this is a 7.23% increase in the levy compared to last year, it is slightly below the rate of growth in the county's

Public invited to learn about Community Development Block Grant funds

The St. Louis County Economic and Community Development Department distributed $1.9 million in federal grant money to communities and non-profit organizations in St. Louis County in the last year. These Community Development Block Grant funds helped cover costs for renovations at the Chisholm Kiwanis Park, Mesabi Fit Coalition, and

St. Louis County resumes the sale of tax-forfeited lands following an 18-month suspension

To be eligible to bid, a person cannot have any delinquent property taxes on property they already own in St. Louis County.

FEMA opens Disaster Recovery Center in Virginia

Residents and business owners in St. Louis County who experienced damage from the severe storms and floods between June 16 and July 4 can now receive in-person assistance for federal aid applications. FEMA has established a Disaster Recovery Center starting Friday, August 15, at the St. Louis County Public Works

Daytime closure announced for Highland Street in West Duluth

Highland Street in West Duluth will be temporarily closed from 59th to 62nd Avenue West during the daytime on August 14-15. This is due to CN Railroad's routine inspection of the Highland Street bridge. Traffic detour signs will guide drivers to use Olney Street instead. The closure is

FEMA housing inspectors to begin touring St. Louis County

Residents affected by June flood encouraged to fill out online form to request visit.

St. Louis County receives $1.85 million grant to address climate change impacts on Lake Superior coastal region

St. Louis County has been awarded a federal grant totaling $1,849,228 to help address climate change impacts on the coastal region surrounding Lake Superior. The grant is from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and the Commerce Department and will be paid over four years. The funding

Assessments wrapping up for people affected by June flooding

"The June flood was catastrophic for numerous families and business owners. We are committed to ensuring those affected receive any eligible property tax relief." -- Mary Garness, St. Louis County Director of Public Records and Property Valuation

St. Louis County receives nearly $35 million for Rice Lake Road corridor project

The Rice Lake Road corridor project, which has been in the planning stage for a decade, will be moving forward thanks to significant funding from the federal and state governments. Leaders from St. Louis County, the City of Rice Lake and others gathered Thursday to announce the news. The project

Volunteers sought for Local Mental Health Advisory Council

St. Louis County seeks six volunteers to serve on its Local Mental Health Advisory Councils. Currently, there are five openings on the advisory council serving Duluth and surrounding communities in the southern part of the county and one opening on the advisory council serving the Iron Range and northern part

St. Louis County board approves five-month moratorium on new cannabis businesses

The St. Louis County Board has voted to pause the registration or operation of new cannabis businesses in the county for five months. Following a public hearing on Tuesday, the Board voted 6-1 to approve a temporary moratorium that will be effective through the end of December. Commissioner Ashley Grimm

St. Louis County selects new deputy county administrator

"Julie (Marinucci) brings exceptional leadership, strategic planning, and collaboration skills and has been outstanding in every role she's served in St. Louis County." -- St. Louis County Administrator Kevin Gray

County expands hours/collection events for disposal of household hazardous waste following flood

St. Louis County Environmental Services is expanding its collection services for household hazardous waste (HHW) to make it easier for residents to dispose of paints, stains and other HHW materials that often are stored in basements and garages that may have flooded. Effective now through the end of July: The

Property owners affected by flooding reminded to submit damage reports

The St. Louis County Assessors Department has started touring flood-damaged homes and businesses – including nearly 200 in the Cook area this week – and wants to remind all property owners affected by the June 18 storm to complete the County's flood damage reporting form. People can access the damage

Segment of Woodland Avenue to close starting next Tuesday

Woodland Avenue in Duluth will be closed to through traffic between St. Paul Avenue and Northfield Street from July 9 to July 30. The three-week closure allows for work on the underground storm sewer network, raised concrete medians, curb and gutter, and sidewalk. DTA buses will still be able to

St. Louis County to accept flood debris at no charge

To make it easier for people cleaning up following last week's storms and flooding, St. Louis Environmental Services will accept flood-related debris at no charge at 10 of its locations in the areas most impacted by flooding. The County Board unanimously approved a resolution to waive the fee.

St. Louis County provides update on flood situation and ongoing work for Tuesday

Water levels continue to drop at various locations of concern throughout St. Louis County, one week after devastating storms led to significant flooding. To date, more than 1,500 damage points have been recorded throughout the County - including to public infrastructure and private property. As a reminder and clarification:

St. Louis County provides update on flood situation and ongoing work

Progress continues repairing roads flooded by last week's storm. At the same time, St. Louis County Emergency Management is monitoring tonight's weather forecast and coordinating with local jurisdictions in the event of more dangerous weather and potential impacts. For people needing help cleaning up flooded basements,

St. Louis County and Minnesota Power provide update on flood situation and ongoing work

People are encouraged to visit the County's online flood resource page at stlouiscountymn.gov/flood to find a map of current road closings, a link to file damage reports online, guidance for handling flooded septic tanks and wells, and other resources.

St. Louis County Board approves disaster declaration, updates on flood recovery efforts

By Dana Kazel During an emergency meeting in Virginia, the St. Louis County Board unanimously approved a disaster declaration, which enables the St. Louis County Sheriff's Office Division of Emergency Management to apply for funding assistance from the state and FEMA on behalf of itself along with cities,

St. Louis County Board to hold emergency meeting to consider disaster declaration

The St. Louis County Board will meet in an emergency session and is expected to declare a state of local disaster following this week’s heavy rain and flooding event. The Special Emergency Meeting will take place today, beginning at 10 a.m. in the Lake Vermilion Room, Virginia Public

St. Louis County announces roads closed due to flooding, anticipates emergency declaration

Last night's heavy rainfall on already saturated ground has led to road and culvert washouts throughout the county. The northern third of the county appears to have sustained the most rain and resulting damage. Currently 43 county roads are closed, 32 of which are in the northern portion

Results of Piedmont Ave and 24th Ave West intersection study to be announced

St. Louis County Public Works will hold a public meeting on Wednesday, June 26, at 6 p.m., at Denfeld High School in the West Commons area to announce final recommendations for the intersection of Piedmont Avenue and 24th Avenue West in Duluth.  The intersection of Piedmont Avenue and 24th

Construction begins on Woodland Ave, includes Hartley Green Infrastructure project

Construction has started to improve Woodland Avenue between Snively Road and Anoka Street in Duluth. The project includes repaving the approximately 1.5 miles of Woodland Avenue and constructing new curbs and gutters. More notably, to improve safety for all road users, Woodland Avenue will change from two lanes in

Roger Beldo pleads guilty in Babbitt double homicide

Roger Allen Beldo, 54, pleaded guilty Tuesday to two counts of Intentional Second-Degree Murder for intentionally causing the death of Clifford and Christine Johnson at their Babbitt, Minnesota residence on October 28, 2023. Following the murders, Beldo traveled to Duluth, where he ultimately placed multiple emergency calls requesting help because

St. Louis County 2024 assessment summary reports $2 billion in increased values

Home prices continue to rise, and this is reflected in the 2024 St. Louis County Assessment Summary. The report was just completed by the St. Louis County Assessor's Department and shows the total assessed estimated market value of St. Louis County property for 2024 is $26,717,542,

Williams-Gillard sentenced for role in Duluth homicide

The Hon. Eric L. Hylden today sentenced Brandon Capone Williams-Gillard, 25, to 480 months for his conviction of Aiding and Abetting Intentional Second-Degree Murder. Williams-Gillard received additional concurrent sentences of 71 months for his conviction of Aiding and Abetting Second Degree Assault with a Dangerous Weapon, and 132 months for

Public Health & Human Services releases 2023 Community Impact Report

"It's always a bit humbling to see this report and see both the level of need in our county as well as the outstanding response provided by our Public Health and Human Services team." -- St. Louis County Commissioner Patrick Boyle

Emergency Management updates on wildfire risk, plans

By Dana Kazel Last week's snowstorm put a welcome pause on the wildfire season in northeastern Minnesota. Prior to the snow, more than 20 grassfires had already been reported in St. Louis County this spring. But with snow melting quickly and drought conditions continuing, six agencies joined together

St. Louis County Board presents Public Health Achievement Awards

On Tuesday, the St. Louis County Board recognized two groups and two individuals for their work to improve health in our region. Honorees this year include Divine Konnections Inc., Teri Morrison, the Youth Mental Health Day Committee, and Mallory Cummings.

St. Louis County to host news conference to discuss wildfire risk, safety reminders, and preparation/response plans

By Dana Kazel Nearly all of St. Louis County is experiencing moderate drought conditions. Last week's heavy snowfall provided welcome precipitation and a slight pause to the wildfire risk. However, that snow is expected to melt relatively soon and little additional precipitation is forecast. The St. Louis County

St. Louis County, St. Luke's in the news

Two local agencies and two individuals will be honored with Public Health Achievement Awards for their work to improve the health of individuals and communities in St. Louis County. The awards will be presented by the St. Louis County Board and the county's Public Health Division during the

St. Louis County snowplows drive a cumulative 33,000 miles during three-day storm

By Dana Kazel After an unseasonably dry winter, the heavy March snowstorm blanketed all of St. Louis County with snow totals ranging from nine to 24 inches. The St. Louis County Public Works team, which is responsible for maintaining 3,000 miles of roads, continues to plow and treat the

St. Louis County students earn $2,000 scholarships from the Minnesota Sheriffs' Association

The Minnesota Sheriffs' Association (MSA) has announced its annual list of scholarship winners, and two area college students are among the 16 recipients. Andrew Shamberger of Duluth and Nils DeRemee of Ely each received a $2,000 scholarship to assist with education costs as they pursue a degree that

County highlights property tax refund programs available to residents

With 2024 St. Louis County property tax statements arriving in the mail over the next two weeks, county leaders want to highlight two state programs that could provide residents with property tax refunds. For people whose home has homestead classification, the Minnesota Department of Revenue offers two types of property

Public meeting set to discuss future reconstruction of County State Aid Highway 100 in Aurora

St. Louis County Public Works staff will host a public meeting to listen to community input in preparation for the reconstruction of a nearly two-mile stretch of County State Aid Highway (CSAH) 100 in Aurora. The meeting will be Tuesday, March 19, beginning at 6 p.m. at the Aurora

St. Louis County conducting online surveys to measure public preference for design of two projects

St. Louis County Public Works engineers have created two online surveys to gather additional public input on design options for two upcoming projects in Duluth. Both projects have already involved several public meetings. They are the 40th Avenue West Corridor Project, which includes the intersection with Grand Avenue, and the

St. Louis County News

St. Louis County has named Ryan Logan as director of its new Planning and Zoning Department. Logan has worked for the County for 10 years in various roles, including land use and GIS divisions. Most recently, he served as the County's Onsite Wastewater Planning Manager. He's

St. Luke’s Birthing Center in the news

St. Luke’s Birthing Center has been named a prestigious Blue Distinction Center for Maternity Care title. Blue Cross and Blue Shield’s Blue Distinction Center’s designation signifies that St. Luke’s met nationally established criteria by demonstrating expertise in safely and effectively delivering quality specialty care. “We’re

Temporary load restrictions announced for four St. Louis County roads

St. Louis County Public Works has announced temporary load restrictions on four gravel roads in the southeastern portion of the county due to deteriorating conditions in this unseasonably warm weather. Restrictions will be posted effective end of day on Friday, February 23. Vehicles traveling on the following roads will be

St. Louis County hires Carl Crawford for new Equity and Inclusion role

St. Louis County has hired Carl Crawford to serve in its newly created position of Equity and Inclusion Specialist. Crawford most recently served as the Human Rights Officer for the City of Duluth. He also is serving appointment on four statewide commissions: the State Board of Public Defense, the newly

St. Louis County Board to fund seven projects aimed at combatting aquatic invasive species

The St. Louis County Board has given preliminary approval to distribute $709,393 of state funds for seven projects that focus on preventing the introduction of Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) or limiting their spread in lakes and rivers in St. Louis County. Commissioners unanimously approved the list of projects during

WLSSD, St. Louis County, Minnesota Power in the news

The Western Lake Superior Sanitary District Finance Department has been awarded a Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting by the Government Finance Officers Association of the United States and Canada. The Certificate of Achievement is the highest form of recognition in governmental accounting and financial reporting, and its

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

Sheriff's Office receives fire suppression tool from area Masons

By Dana Kazel When a house catches fire in a rural community, it's not uncommon for a Sheriff's deputy working patrol to arrive before firefighters. if there are people trapped inside, it's extremely dangerous for a deputy, who lacks fire safety equipment, to try

Ceremony to recognize new Corrections Officers, 911 Emergency Communications, other staff

The St. Louis County Sheriff's Office will host a ceremony to swear in new corrections officers and recognize new 911 Emergency Communications Specialists, Court Security and other staff, as well as recently promoted employees within these divisions. The event will be Wednesday at 3 p.m. at the

Boyle to seek another term on county board

St. Louis County Commissioner Patrick Boyle announced his campaign for re-election to the St. Louis County Board, 2nd District. “It has been an honor to represent the citizens of eastern Duluth for the past 10 years on the St. Louis County board with the last year as chair," Boyle

St. Louis County employee named to Minnesota Council on Latino Affairs

Jennifer Reyes of Hibbing has been appointed by Governor Tim Walz to serve on the Minnesota Council on Latino Affairs. Reyes has worked for St. Louis County for 15 years, serving in a variety of administrative roles including the Public Health Division and the Sheriff's Office. She currently

Meeting set to update public on Piedmont Avenue/24th Avenue West intersection in Duluth

The public has shared concerns and vision, and St. Louis County Public Works engineers have reviewed all suggestions and now are ready to present options for new traffic controls at the intersection of Piedmont Avenue and 24th Avenue West in Duluth. The meeting will be Tuesday, January 30, at 6

St. Louis County Board selects Keith Nelson as board chair for 2024

By Dana Kazel St. Louis County commissioners today selected their longest serving and newest serving members for key leadership roles for 2024. The Board chose Commissioner Keith Nelson to serve as County Board Chair and Commissioner Annie Harala as Vice Chair. Nelson represents the Sixth District, which covers the central

St. Louis County: Spring-like conditions cause gravel roads to deteriorate

By Dana Kazel Road conditions that are more typical for April during spring thaw are happening now in December on St. Louis County roads. Excessive rain and warm temperatures are deteriorating gravel roads, and Public Works is limited in what it can do to make repairs. When the ground is

St. Louis County Board approves 2024 budget

The St. Louis County Board has unanimously approved its 2024 budget at $491,590,952. The budget supports key investments to ensure delivery of the county's broad range of services across departments while also factoring in significant inflationary impacts.  Among the notable points reflected in next year'

Johnson, Brinkman promoted to key St. Louis County emergency management positions

Two individuals who played critically important emergency management roles for St. Louis County during situations including the COVID-19 pandemic, construction of Line 3, multiple flooding events including the 2022 flooding in the Rainy River Basin, and other natural disasters have now been promoted. Duane "Dewey" Johnson has been

County Board meeting location changed for Tuesday due to furnace issue

The St. Louis County Board, which is scheduled to meet near Floodwood next Tuesday, December 12, is shifting its meeting location due to an issue with the furnace in the building where the meeting had been scheduled. The new location is the Floodwood Downtown Fair Center, 107 West 7th Avenue,

St. Louis County Veterans Service Office in Duluth returns to Village Mall location

The St. Louis County Veterans Service Office in Duluth has returned to its normal location in the Village Mall Office location at 4815 Burning Tree Road, Suite 100. For the last two months, Veterans Service Officers and other staff had to relocate after heavy rain in late September led to

Dr. Timothy Myles appointed Director of Victim/Witness and Community Outreach

St. Louis County Attorney Kim Maki has appointed Dr. Timothy Myles to serve as the Director of Victim/Witness and Community Outreach. In this role, Dr. Myles will oversee victim/witness staff in the four county attorney office locations and will be responsible for developing and implementing an external communications

Wells selected as new Director of Veterans Service Office

By Dana Kazel The St. Louis County Veterans Service Office has a new director. The County Board on Tuesday approved the appointment of Nadine Wells to lead the Veterans Service Office. Wells has worked as a Veterans Service Officer for St. Louis County since 2017. She served in the United

St. Louis County begins sending 2024 proposed property tax notices

The St. Louis County Auditor's Office has begun the process of sending out Proposed Property Tax Notices for 2024. These notices are sent in staggered batches over the next week, which means some property owners may not receive theirs until the end of the month. The notice, which

St. Louis County, Thursday Prep Sports Notebook

The St. Louis County Board will hold two public meetings to receive comments on its proposed operating budget and tax levy for 2024. The first meeting is Monday, Nov. 20, at 7 p.m. in the St. Louis County Courthouse in Virginia, lower-level conference room. The second meeting will be

City of Duluth partners with St. Louis County to protect Tischer Creek

St. Louis County Public Works is scheduled to make numerous improvements on Woodland Avenue next year between Snively Road and Anoka Street, including repaving, replacing curbs and gutters, creating a center turn lane, and adding sidewalks, bike lanes, and pedestrian crossings for improved safety. The County is working with the

Monday Notebook

ON THE ROAD TO GRANDMA'S – Kristi Schmidt was named the new board chair of Grandma’s Marathon, effective on October 1. A former staff member at Grandma’s Marathon, she currently serves as the Director of Corporate Engagement for the University of Minnesota Duluth and has more than

County launches new campaign reminding people to renew their Medical Assistance eligibility

The end of the COVID-19 Public Health emergency earlier this year has led to challenges for people who rely on Medical Assistance (MA) for health insurance, and for the people tasked with assisting with MA renewal applications. Currently, fewer than 50% of St. Louis County residents who have needed to

Duluth Chamber, St. Louis County, Minnesota Power in the news

The Duluth Area Chamber of Commerce will host the region’s largest and most prestigious business event and gathering of the year, the Duluth Area Chamber’s 153rd Annual Meeting & Dinner Celebration, on Thursday, November 2 at the DECC’s Lake Superior Ballroom. This year’s event will be

Maki names Holets as Deputy County Attorney and appoints two assistants county attorneys to the Duluth office

St. Louis County Attorney Kim Maki has promoted Jon Holets to serve as the Deputy County Attorney. In this role, he will assist in the management of four County Attorney’s Office locations and support the office’s delivery of exemplary service to the citizens of St. Louis County. Holets,

Online property tax payment service is working again

Updated: 3:16 p.m. Monday The issue with the online property tax payment system has been resolved, and citizens are again able to pay their property taxes online. Earlier today, a problem with the service, which the County contracts with an outside company to provide, prevented people from being

St. Louis County Health & Human Services Conference opens today at the DECC

More than 2,500 people are scheduled to attend the 41st annual St. Louis County Health & Human Services Conference, which opens today at the Duluth Entertainment Convention Center. The annual conference is one of the largest in the state for human services professionals, and runs through Friday. This year&

St. Louis County Sheriff's Office offers first ever Citizens' Academy

The St. Louis County Sheriff's Office is offering the public a new opportunity for an inside look at how it operates through a 10-week Citizens' Academy. Classes begin November 1 and will be offered Wednesdays from 6:30-8:30 p.m. Classes will include interactive presentations and

St. Louis County Jail Library dedicated in honor of late donor Leona Gifford

Library services, including the opportunity to access even more books through the Duluth Public Library, are now part of the programming at the St. Louis County Jail, thanks to the vision and generosity of Gifford.

Sheriff and County board honor Lakeland Fire crew, two private citizens with 911 Life Saver Awards

St. Louis County Sheriff Gordon Ramsay today recognized the life saving responses of citizens, volunteer firefighters, law enforcement other first responders, and 911 emergency communications specialists as he presented 911 Lifesaver Awards to the people involved in three separate incidents. Among those honored are Mike Plesha, Andrew Peyla, Danny Mackey,

St. Louis County Public Health offers free training on suicide alertness

If someone was having thoughts of suicide, would you be able to recognize it? And if so, would you know what to do? Most people thinking about suicide don’t actually want to die, but they need help deciding to stay alive. St. Louis County Public Health is offering free

St. Louis County Board considers property tax levy for 2024

By Dana Kazel The St. Louis County Board has given initial approval for the 2024 maximum property tax levy in the amount of $168,153,374. This is a 2.93% increase in the levy compared to last year, however continued growth in the property tax base will help offset

St. Louis County Public Health's Blomberg earns prestigious award

By Dana Kazel Jana Blomberg, a St. Louis County Public Health Program Coordinator, has been honored as one of the 40 Under 40 in Public Health in recognition of her work. The de Beaumont Foundation announced its Class of 2023 on Sept. 7, after reviewing nominations from hundreds of professionals

Wednesday Notebook: St. Louis County, DECC, Roger Reinert, Duluth Curling Club 2023-24 schedule

St. Louis County Emergency Management is working with townships, cities and electrical co-ops to compile a preliminary damage assessment to determine the possibility of requesting a disaster declaration.

Rice Lake Road detour extended to August 26

Rice Lake Road in Duluth will remain closed to through traffic for an extra week between Central Entrance and Arrowhead Road. The road is now set to reopen August 26. The closure is necessary for the replacement of a culvert on Chester Creek. Working around existing utilities has taken longer

St. Louis County Public Works wins national honor for developing low-cost system for monitoring road conditions

When a winter storm hits overnight, with the vast size of St. Louis County, it's not unusual to see high levels of snow in one area, possibly freezing drizzle in another area, and nothing but cloudy skies in other parts. In the past, St. Louis County Public Works

Hermantown High fall sports, St. Louis County in the news

Hermantown High fall sports teams will begin 2023 regular-season play later this week and next. The Hawks girls tennis team will open Friday at 11:30 a.m. at home against nonconference Simley. On Saturday, the powerful Hermantown girls soccer team will participate in a preseason jamboree in Duluth at

St. Louis County partners with Minnesota North College-Hibbing to offer skilled apprenticeship program for heavy equipment mechanics

As early as this fall, students in the Diesel Mechanics/Heavy Equipment program at Minnesota North College - Hibbing will have an opportunity to apply for a skilled apprenticeship position with St. Louis County Public Works. This new apprenticeship program will provide valuable real-life experience for students while also helping

Chatman sentenced in Miller overdose death

David Keith Joseph Chatman, 38, of Virginia, Minnesota was sentenced yesterday after  pleading guilty in October 2022 to Aiding and Abetting Third-Degree Murder in  connection with the October 19, 2021, overdose death of Brooke Ann Miller. Chatman contacted his co-defendant, Torisa Sulvoris Wallace, and coordinated the drug sale between Wallace

Groundbreaking held for shelter serving families on Iron Range experiencing homelessness

Currently in northern St. Louis County, there are 98 households in need of emergency shelter; and 28 of those households are families with children. A new fourplex is now being built to address some of that need. Ground was broken Tuesday for Range Transitional Housing's new Family Emergency

Groundbreaking set for Tuesday for new shelter to serve families on the Iron Range experiencing homelessness

Representatives from St. Louis County, Range Transitional Housing, IRRRB, the City of Virginia and others will join together Tuesday in Virginia for a groundbreaking for a new shelter that will serve families experiencing homelessness in northern St. Louis County. The new shelter will provide short-term housing for four families at

Rice Lake Road detour begins August 7

Rice Lake Road in Duluth will be closed to through traffic between Central Entrance and Arrowhead Road beginning Monday, August 7. The closure is necessary for the replacement of a culvert on Chester Creek. The closure and detour is expected to last through August 20. Detour signs will be posted

St. Louis County receives grant to improve behavioral health services in northern part of county

By Dana Kazel St. Louis County has received nearly $100,000 to work with community partners to develop the Mesabi Behavioral Health Network (MBHN). The grant is from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services through the Heath Resources and Services Administration. The MBHN is a collaborative group

St. Louis County partners with AICHO and Fond du Lac Human Services to launch campaign to stop HIV spread

Today is National HIV Testing Day, and St. Louis County is working with community partners to share the message about the importance of getting tested, as well as treatment options that can be successful for anyone who tests positive. St. Louis County - specifically Duluth and a 30-mile radius around

Airplane crash north of Duluth

The plane was determined to be a 1946 Aeronca Cjamp, which can seat two occupants. At this time the cause of the crash is unknown.

St. Louis County celebrates volunteers and staff for pandemic response

Volunteers through MNResponds worked alongside Public Health staff to provide these clinical services and make it easier for people throughout the community to access tests and life-saving vaccines.

New Highway 133 bridge near Meadowlands opens

Construction of a new bridge crossing the Whiteface River near Meadowlands is complete and County State Aid Highway 133 is now open again. The previous bridge was nearly 60 years old and had a poor rating. Replacing it now prevented the need for load restrictions on this highly traveled road.

St. Louis County board thanks state lawmakers for session successes

"We are very grateful to our local delegation and the entire legislature for funding provided to local jurisdictions. This was the largest increase to counties in decades, and it's coming at a much-needed time." -- St. Louis County Board Chair Patrick Boyle

Quote Me, Howie: Ashley Grimm

3rd District Commissioner Ashley Grimm on St. Louis County leadership listening to and delivering on behalf of constituents: “People deserve to be heard. It’s important that people see that their elected representatives care and listen, that we take them seriously, and put their money where our mouth is. It

Culvert failure forces road closure near Side Lake

A portion of Highway 5 south of Side Lake is temporarily closed after a culvert failed causing a partial washout. Highway 5 is closed from approximately 0.8 miles south of Side Lake to about 1.5 miles north of Green Rock Road. Detour signs are being posted directing travelers

Construction and detour begin Monday on Morris Thomas Road

Construction on Morris Thomas Road in Duluth, along with necessary detours, is scheduled to begin Monday. This is a two-year project to reconstruct Morris Thomas Road between Haines Road and Piedmont Avenue. The $8.4 million project will include the complete reconstruction of Morris Thomas Road, replacement of watermains beneath

St. Louis County Auditor provides payment option reminder as property tax payment deadline near

With the May 15 deadline nearing for property owners to pay their property taxes for the first half of the year, the St. Louis County Auditor's Office is reminding people of the variety of ways they can pay, including a no-fee online option. Property owners can pay online

St. Louis County reminds property owners to review valuation notice

The St. Louis County Assessor’s Department is reminding property owners that Local Board of Appeal and Equalization meetings are happening this month and next, and to review their 2024 Estimated Market Value (EMV) notification in case they have questions or concerns. Most residents have received their EMV notice by

St. Louis County Depot issues RFP for tenants for 2024 and beyond

In the spirit of transparency and fairness, the St. Louis County Depot is again providing opportunity for potential new tenants by issuing a Request for Proposals (RFP). Last year’s process brought about the return of the Duluth Superior Symphony Orchestra (DSSO) with their offices, library, and limited run performances.

Public meeting to discuss need for improvements at railroad crossings along Midway Road

Midway Road (County State Aid Highway 13) in Midway Township and the City of Hermantown carries approximately 6,900 vehicles per day. The road also has two railroad crossings, which each carry approximately 30 trains per day. St. Louis County Public Works engineers have identified several issues at these crossings,

St. Louis County Board presents Public Health Achievement Awards

Just as the work of Public Health covers a wide variety of health topics, so do the winners of this year's St. Louis County Public Health Achievement Awards. The St. Louis County Board, during its meeting today in Duluth, recognized three groups and one individual for their work

More flooding in St. Louis County

Highway 29 north of Floodwood has been closed near the Stremmel Road intersection (just east of the TH 73 intersection) due to flooding. This is a paved road and is the primary route between Floodwood and Meadowlands. It runs alongside the St. Louis River, which is overflowing its banks and