Public Safety Archives - Page 16 of 44

Armed Driver Takes Authorities On Dangerous Pursuit On Hwy 61

May 18, 2023

Dan Hanger,

A 32-year-old man armed with a shotgun took authorities on a wild pursuit on Highway 61 Thursday. According to the St. Louis County Sheriff’s Office, the suspect discharged the shotgun into the door of a family friend’s garage, which lead to the pursuit with authorities. The driver drove back and forth in the wrong direction on the Highway 61 while…

More Than 30 Million US Drivers Don’t Know If They’re At Risk From A Rare But Dangerous Airbag Blast

May 18, 2023

The Associated Press,

DETROIT (AP) — More than 33 million people in the United States are driving vehicles that contain a potentially deadly threat: Airbag inflators that in rare cases can explode in a collision and spew shrapnel. Few of them know it. And because of a dispute between federal safety regulators and an airbag parts manufacturer, they aren’t likely to find out…

Mark W. Barker, Newest Great Lakes Ship Since 1983, Runs Aground

The Barker hit the water in the summer of 2022 and made its first visit to Duluth in September

May 17, 2023

Dan Hanger,

The Mark W. Barker, the first U.S. ship built last year on the Great Lakes since 1983, ran soft aground early Wednesday in the Detroit River after the freighter lost propulsion. The 639-foot vessel, which was built to navigate tight ends, suffered an “electronics malfunction” near Belle Isle around 8 a.m., according to the U.S. Coast Guard. Nobody was injured….

Suspect Arrested In Duluth Shooting That Hit Bystander With Stray Bullet

May 16, 2023

Dan Hanger,

DULUTH, Minn. — The man accused of a shooting last weekend near downtown Duluth that struck an innocent bystander with a stray bullet was arrested Tuesday evening in Columbia Heights, Minnesota, according to the Duluth Police Department. The 36-year-old suspect was taken into custody without incident around 6:15 p.m. “on an arrest warrant for 2nd Degree Assault, Felon in Possession…

How GPS Tracking Devices Have Been Misused In Minnesota: ‘It Feels Like I’m Getting Terrorized’

May 15, 2023

Site Staff,

(FOX 9) – While GPS technology can be helpful to consumers in a variety of ways, more criminals are leveraging the technology to illegally track and even stalk their victims. GPS technology is already a $3 billion industry and market projections expect it to grow even more over the next few years. Using GPS tracking devices without someone’s consent to track their…

Critical Wildfire Conditions Move Into Northland

May 14, 2023

Dan Hanger,

Warmer air, dry fuels, low humidity and wind are creating a high danger for wildfires in the Northland through Monday evening. A wildfire ignited Saturday near Adolph in St. Louis County. The Grand Lake Volunteer Fire Department said the flames spread quickly. Multiple agencies assisted in successfully extinguishing the flames, including a DNR helicopter with a 210-gallon bucket to drop…

10-Year Anniversary Of The Historic Germann Road Wildfire

May 14, 2023

Dan Hanger,

The critical fire conditions in the Northland Sunday come on the 10-year anniversary of the Germann Road Wildfire in Douglas County. The fire, which is one of the largest in Wisconsin state history, consumed more than 7,400 acres and destroyed 104 structures in the towns of Gordon, Highland and Barnes. Twenty-three of the structures destroyed were residences. The DNR said…

Duluth Firefighters Rescue Dog Stuck In Culvert

May 11, 2023

Dan Hanger,

DULUTH, Minn. — The Duluth Fire Department was called out to a hairy situation Thursday at the grounds of Spirit Mountain. A dog named Roo her paw stuck in a culvert. Multiple firefighters came to the rescue with ropes and other techniques to safely release Miss Roo! Categories: Community, Minnesota, News, News – Latest News, Public Safety

Cook County Woman Killed After Rock Crashes Through Windshield, Strikes Her in Two Harbors

May 9, 2023

Rusty Mehlberg,

TWO HARBORS, Minn. – An isolated and an unfortunate event. That’s how Two Harbor’s Police Chief Richard Hogenson describes how a rock the size of a softball came through the windshield of an extended cab pickup Last Friday, leading to the death of a Cook County woman. Hogenson says 46-year-old Kay Spielman was driving south on Highway 61 near the Burlington…

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UPDATE: FOUND Cloquet Police Issue Missing Person Alert For 12-Year-Old Boy

May 4, 2023

KQDS Staff,

**UPDATE** 5:48 AM, Thurs. May 4 — The Cloquet Police Department has confirmed Friedman has been found safe and is back home with family. CLOQUET, Minn. — The Cloquet Police Department is seeking the public’s help locating 12-year-old Leon Roy Friedman. Friedman was last seen leaving the Cloquet Middle School Wednesday. “While he is not believed to be in immediate…

Man Accused Of Attacking MSOP Counselor Charged With Attempted Murder

May 3, 2023

Dan Hanger,

MOOSE LAKE, Minn. – Attempted murder and assault charges have been filed against a man accused of attacking a staff member Monday at the Moose Lake Sex Offender Program. Nicolas Ladell Aron-Jones, 29, has been committed at MSOP as a “sexually dangerous person” since 2015, according to the criminal complaint. Court documents say a 53-year-old male security counselor entered a…

‘Unprovoked Attack’ At Moose Lake Sex Offender Program Leaves Staff Member Seriously Injured

May 1, 2023

Dan Hanger,

MOOSE LAKE, Minn. – An “unprovoked attack” by a man committed to the Minnesota Sex Offender Program (MSOP) in Moose Lake on Monday left a staff member “seriously injured,” according to the Minnesota Department of Human Services. The call for help came in around 1:20 p.m. Carlton County sheriff’s deputies, Essentia Health Ambulance and Moose Lake fire personnel responded. The…

Remembering The Brothers, Petty Officer Taken By Lake Superior In 1967

April 30, 2023

Dan Hanger,

DULUTH, Minn. – April 30th marked 56 years since three teenage brothers were swept away from the Duluth Ship Canal during an intense storm and massive waves. A U.S. Coast Guard officer also lost his life trying to rescue the boys. On Sunday, a special ceremony was held by the Coast Guard near a plaque along the Canal dedicated to…

Alborn Fire Chief Discusses Fatal Tanker Fire Response, Training

April 30, 2023

Dan Hanger,

We’re learning more about that fatal fire fight involving a tanker that rolled Saturday in New Independence Township. The Alborn Fire Department was the lead agency and first on the scene. Fire Chief Jack Carlson told FOX 21 Sunday that the big rig was fully engulfed when his crews arrived on scene. The tanker spilled diesel and gasoline, according to…

Homegrown Music Festival Kicks Off For 25th Year

April 30, 2023

Dan Hanger,

DULUTH, Minn. — Music is officially taking over Duluth for the 25th annual Homegrown Music Festival. Mayor Emily Larson kicked off the eight-day festival Sunday with a proclamation and toast at Hoops Brewing. Zeitgeist Teatro, Blacklist, Carmody Irish Pub and Pizza Luce are among the 36 venues supporting 171 sets through Sunday. There are dress-up themes every day. For more…

Superior Man Identified In Fatal Collision With Semi

April 30, 2023

Dan Hanger,

SUPERIOR, Wis. – A Superior man who died in a collision with a semi Saturday was identified by authorities Sunday. He’s John Myers, 78. The accident happened around 1:30 Saturday. The Wisconsin State Patrol said Myers was not wearing a seatbelt when he slammed his SUV into the back of the semi before hitting a light pole and stopping in…

Arrest Made In Minneapolis Mosque Fires That Rattled Muslims

April 30, 2023

The Associated Press,

Fire crews at The Mercy Islamic Center in Minneapolis last Monday. (FOX 9) Minneapolis police have arrested a man suspected of setting two fires that damaged mosques in the city last week as part of what the police chief called “an attempt to inflict terror onto our Muslim community.” Police Chief Brian O’Hara announced the arrest of 36-year-old Jackie Rahm…

Duluth Celebrates The Life Of Judge Sally Tarnowski

A day of fond memories, professional achievements, and deep friendships

April 27, 2023

Steve Goodspeed,

DULUTH, Minn. — A Duluth born-and-raised attorney and judge was remembered by friends, family and colleagues Thursday during a memorial at the DECC. Judge Sally Tarnowski died unexpectedly in March when she was struck by a vehicle while jogging on vacation in Florida. Tarnowski was 63 years old. Thursday’s reflections included her Duluth public school roots, her going to law…

MnDOT Begins Cleanup Of Duluth Homeless Encampment

April 26, 2023

Dan Hanger,

DULUTH, Minn. – Cleanup of a problematic homeless encampment in Duluth has begun. Encampment site before it was cleaned up along Rail Road Street in Duluth. MnDOT crews have removed piles of trash and debris at the site across from Bayfront Park and Pier B Resort along Railroad Street. The clean-up process was stalled because of the frozen ground and…

Superior Fire Dept. Takes Advantage Of Abandoned Building For Training

April 26, 2023

Dan Hanger,

SUPERIOR, Wis. – The dangers of firefighting are very real, and that means dozens of hours of training every year. On Wednesday, Superior firefighters got an opportunity to get the best type of training possible by using an abandoned building. Superior fire officials said these opportunities don’t open up often, but when they do, they reschedule whatever they are doing…

Brother, Sister Of Fire Victims Thank Duluth Firefighters, Community

April 25, 2023

Dan Hanger, Paige Hansen,

DULUTH, Minn. – A brother and sister who lost their sister and nephew in a weekend apartment fire in Duluth are thanking the firefighters who tried to save their relatives and for the outpouring of community support with the unexpected funeral costs. Fatal fires are not common in Duluth, especially fires that take the life of more than one person….

Victims In Fatal Duluth Apartment Fire Were Mother, Son; Firefighters Union Releases Statement

April 23, 2023

Dan Hanger,

DULUTH, Minn. — We’re getting a new look at just how intense the flames were for firefighters and residents of an apartment building early Saturday morning in Duluth that killed two people and injured two firefighters. The fire victims were a mother and son who lived together, and that son, according to family, actually helped save lives in a 2020…

3 Arrested After Cass County Drive-By Shooting Injures Man

April 23, 2023

Dan Hanger,

CASS LAKE., Minn. – Three people were arrested Sunday morning after a drive-by shooting injured one person and hit two residences. The shooting was reported around 6 a.m. Sunday in the area of 164th Street NW in Pike Bay Township in rural Cass Lake. When authorities arrived, they learned an adult male victim had been taken to Cass Lake Indian…

Man Accused Of Online Threats That Put Twin Ports On Alert Is Charged

April 20, 2023

Dan Hanger,

DULUTH, Minn. — The Duluth man accused of Facebook threats earlier this week that put the Twin Ports on alert has been formally charged. Trevor Billings, 30, is facing two counts of Threats of Violence. Trevor Billings Each felony charge comes with a maximum sentence of five years in prison. The criminal complaint says Billings used a Facebook page called…

“No Hit Zones” Hope to Prevent Spanking of Children or Hitting Others

Staff members in certain public spaces will intervene.

April 20, 2023

Steve Goodspeed,

It is child abuse prevention month, and part of that includes an effort by some to get parents to move away from spanking children. Thursday, supporters of that effort gathered at the YMCA in Hermantown to promote an area coalition that is establishing and increasing the number of “No Hit Zones.” The zones will be spaces and agencies where others…

Mayor Again Asks Duluth Council To Avoid Budget Cuts, Use ‘Rescue Plan’ Funds

April 19, 2023

Dan Hanger,

DULUTH, Minn. – Mayor Emily Larson is speaking up — through an email to councilors — about this year’s $383,000 in city wide budget cuts. She’s urging them to avoid the cuts by using American Rescue Plan funds. The $383,000 handles the one-percent levy cut the council made last December in Larson’s proposed property tax levy increase, which she said…

Duluth Fire Department Busy in 2022, With Some Ups and Downs

Overall runs were up, but actual fires down. Code enforcement was up.

April 19, 2023

Steve Goodspeed,

DULUTH, Minn. – Wednesday the Duluth Fire Department presented a picture of what calls were up and which were down in 2022. In 2022, the department made 478 more runs than the year before. That’s an increase of 3.2%. over 2021. There were twenty-four fewer fire calls. There were also 18 water rescues, down by 21 from the year before….

Duluth Firefighters Rescue 2 Dogs From Burning Home

April 18, 2023

Dan Hanger,

DULUTH, Minn. – Duluth firefighters rescued two dogs from a house fire Tuesday afternoon. The call for help came in around 3:40 p.m. at a home on the 3200 block of Greysolon Place in the Congdon Park neighborhood. When crews arrived within minutes, they found a fire on the rear deck of the home that was extending up the wall…

Closings, Delays, E-Learning: April 17, 2023

April 16, 2023

KQDS Staff,

The following schools are closed, delayed or holding classes virtually for Monday, April 17, 2023: Ashland Schools: Closed Bayfield School District: Closed Bessemer Area School District: Closed Floodwood School District: Closed Solon Springs School District: Closed / Remote Leaning South Shore Schools: Closed / Remote Learning Washburn Schools: Closed / Remote Learning Categories: Minnesota, News, News – Latest News,…

Minnesota Power: Local Dams Handling Rising St. Louis River As Built To Do

April 16, 2023

KQDS Staff,

CARLTON, Minn. — Minnesota Power has activated its emergency action plans at four of its hydro facilities along the St. Louis River, like the Thomson Dam in Carlton. The emergency action plans are enforced to put the public and emergency management agencies on high alert of the higher-than-normal flows. They’ve developed plans of action to identify which neighborhoods are most…

Rising St. Louis River Closes Swinging Bridge At Jay Cooke State Park

April 16, 2023

Dan Hanger,

CARLTON, Minn. – The St. Louis River within Jay Cooke State Park is raging so high that park officials have closed the Swinging bBridge to pedestrians for the time being. Visitors braved the snowy conditions Sunday to check out Mother’s Nature at her best there. Signs and tape blocked off the famous bridge over the St. Louis River until conditions…

Duluth Gas Station Canopy Partially Collapses On Vehicle

April 16, 2023

Dan Hanger,

DULUTH, Minn. — Part of a gas station’s canopy landed on a vehicle Sunday. This happened as wind gusts were clocked at 40 mph at the nearby Duluth Airport. Pictures from viewers showed a massive sheet of siding on the ground at the Holiday Station at the corner of Arrowhead Road and Rice Lake Road. A vehicle’s windshield getting covered…

High School Star Among 4 Killed In Alabama Party Shooting

April 16, 2023

The Associated Press,

Investigators work at the site of a fatal shooting in downtown Dadeville, Ala., on Sunday, April 16, 2023. Several were killed during a shooting at a birthday party Saturday night, the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency said. (Alex Gladden/The Montgomery Advertiser via AP) DADEVILLE, Ala. (AP) — A high school senior who planned to play college football was celebrating at his…

Minnesota Deputy Shot, Killed Responding To Domestic Assault Call; Officer, Deputy Also Hurt

April 16, 2023

KQDS Staff,

CYRUS, Minn. (Fox 9) – A Pope County Sheriff’s Deputy was killed along with a suspect in a domestic assault call Saturday. Two other law enforcement officers were also shot during the incident. Around 7:30 p.m. the deputy along, with another deputy from Pope County and a police officer from Starbuck, Minnesota responded to a domestic assault call in the town of Cyrus on…

Minnesota Power Activates Emergency Action Plans

April 14, 2023

Mason Kroll,

CARLTON, Minn. – Due to the recent warm weather and rapid snow melt, the St. Louis River is in a high flow state. To prepare for potential flooding in areas, Minnesota Power has activated Emergency Action Plans. These emergency action plans are enforced to put the public and emergency management agencies on high alert of the higher-than-normal flows. Minnesota Power…

St. Louis County Reminding Residents About Short Term Rental Process

St. Louis County Announces Road Closures Due To Flooding

April 14, 2023

KQDS Staff,

ST. LOUIS COUNTY, Minn. — Spring flooding continues to be an issue causing many road closures for St. Louis County. The County says there have been road and culvert washouts, as well as flooded roads. The St. Louis County Public Works crew has been monitoring conditions and making repairs as needed. The roads closed are list below: District 4 (northern…

Homeless Encampment, Debris Grow Near Bayfront Park; Cleanup Effort Planned Next Week

April 14, 2023

Dan Hanger,

DULUTH, Minn. — A homeless encampment across the street from Bayfront Park has grown into a public health hazard, and a CHUM official confirms MnDOT will be cleaning the property sometime next week. There are two growing sections along Railroad Street with about five tents and other items across from Playfront Park next to I35. The second section that’s most…

Wildfire Season Begins In Wisconsin, National Guard Deployed

April 13, 2023

Dan Hanger,

Wildfire season has begun in Wisconsin. The Wisconsin National Guard Black Hawks have been deployed to multiple large wildfires in the southern part of the state. Juneau and Monroe counties are being affected. The Jake Pine Fire is affecting more than 80 acres, as of Thursday. Residents have been evacuated there. The fire is contained. The second fire is near…

Flooding Shuts Down Busy Mall Drive & Maple Grove Road Intersection

April 13, 2023

Dan Hanger,

DULUTH, Minn. — Rising flood waters Thursday evening shut down the busy intersection of Maple Grove Road and Mall Drive, along with portions of multiple roads in the area. The water seen on Mall Drive around 7 p.m. was roughly a foot high. There are retention ponds in the area, which have clearly not been able to handle the fast-melting…

Duluth Fire Department Rescues 2 Teens Swept Down Lester River

April 12, 2023

KQDS Staff,

DULUTH, Minn. — Two teens were rescued after getting swept down Lester River in Duluth when swimming Wednesday afternoon. The Duluth Fire Department was called out at 1:34 p.m. to find 13 and 14-year-olds who got swept away due to fast-running water. The boys were able to get to a rock island on their own where crews used ropes, ladders,…

City Of Proctor: ‘Immediately Reduce Water Usage’; Sanitary Sewers, Manholes ‘Full’

April 11, 2023

Dan Hanger,

PROCTOR, Minn. — The city of Proctor is asking citizens and businesses to immediately reduce water usage, according to a news release just before 8 p.m. Tuesday. This is not a boil notice. “At approximately 4:20 PM Tuesday, April 11, 2023 City of Proctor wastewater staff notified city administration the city sanitary sewer lines and manholes are full because of…

Duluth Public Library Security Assessment

April 10, 2023

Paige Hansen,

DULUTH, Minn. — The Duluth Public Library continues to review safety within its downtown branch after a rise in violence and disturbances since the pandemic. Guidepost Solutions recently completed the assessment, which included getting input from library staff. It found more than 90% of staff have experienced a unsafe situation at the library. The assessment also studied the crime around…

Duluth Fire Union: Budget Cuts Will Compromise Safety, Services

April 9, 2023

Dan Hanger,

DULUTH, Minn. — Duluth Firefighters Local 101 is speaking out against budget cuts they say are being ordered by Mayor Emily Larson. Union V.P. Pete Johnson said the cuts will “have a negative impact on our firefighters’ safety and their ability to provide the level of service that the citizens of Duluth deserve.” The department is being asked to cut…

2 Injured Trying To Save Animals In Barn Fire

April 9, 2023

Dan Hanger,

SKELTON TOWNSHIP, Minn. – Two people were injured Saturday night while trying to save animals stuck in a barn that caught on fire. The man and woman sustained burns and smoke inhalation, according to the Carlton County Sheriff’s Office. They were taken to Essentia Hospital Moose Lake to be treated for non-life threatening injuries. The fire broke out around 10:20…

Gov. Evers On 2 Officers Shot, Killed: ‘Our Hearts Are Heavy’

April 9, 2023

The Associated Press,

MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers said Sunday “our hearts are heavy” a day after two police officers were shot to death during a traffic stop. “”Our hearts are heavy for the Chetek and Cameron police officers who lost their lives in the line of duty yesterday. Kathy and I are praying for the officers’ families, colleagues, and…

Man Charged in Duluth Cab Driver Robbery

Police recognized his face in Superior surveillance video

April 7, 2023

KQDS Staff,

DULUTH, Minn. — A 19-year-old man was charged Friday for allegedly robbing a cab driver at gunpoint in Duluth. The criminal complaint says the man is Jaquiel Joseph Omiga. He appeared in court Friday morning. He is charged with aggravated, first-degree robbery, and threats of violence with a reckless disregard of the risk. He turned 19 this week. The criminal…

Federal Grants For Fire Departments In The Duluth Area

April 7, 2023

Steve Goodspeed,

DULUTH, Minn. — The cost of special firefighting equipment and training often cannot be paid for out of a department’s regular operating budget. That’s where federal grants sometimes come into play. U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar was in Duluth Thursday and spoke about how federal grants assist departments. Proctor Chief Kerry Helquist says his department has used such funds for state-of-the-art…

Superior Fire Department Promotes and Bolsters Ranks

COVID Delayed Overdue Recognition

April 6, 2023

Steve Goodspeed,

The Superior Fire Department held a special ceremony Thursday for men and women who have been working quietly, and patiently. Both new and veteran members of the department were sworn in, honored and recognized. Proud family members and friends were there for the big moments. Thanks to the familiar refrain, “Due to COVID,” there had not been a ceremony like…

Duluth Police Department Survey to Measure Racial Bias

April 5, 2023

Pat Brink,

DULUTH, MINN. — The Duluth Police Department is renewing its goals to build trust with the community. Now, along with a group of community leaders, the city has launched a racial bias audit of its policing practices. As part of the audit, a survey has been created for Duluth residents to share their perspectives on policing in the city. The…

Aerial Lift Bridge Sidewalk Closed Due To Ice Falling

April 5, 2023

KQDS Staff,

DULUTH, Minn. — The City of Duluth says they are closing a sidewalk for those who are crossing over the Aerial Lift Bridge. The sidewalk closed is on the harbor side as bridge operations said in a press release that there is ice falling making it hazardous. The lake side sidewalk will remain open. The City of Duluth asks that…