Public Safety

Iron Range Hells Angels “President” Charged in Eveleth Alleged Kidnapping and Assault

Criminal complaint includes two felony charges; says accused is "President" of Hells Angels Iron Range Charter.

A man described as the head of the Hells Angels on the Iron Range was charged Wednesday in an alleged kidnapping and assault case. He is charged with two felonies, including kidnapping and false imprisonment. He’s also charged with assault. A criminal complaint filed in U.S. District Court says the man is Jerand Paul French. The complaint says French, 38,…

1 Of 3 Suspects Charged In Eveleth Kidnapping, Sexual Assault

EVELETH, Minn. — An Eveleth man with alleged connections to the Hells Angels has been charged with beating up and kidnapping another man, and sexually assaulting a woman. A criminal complaint says he is one of three men in custody who have connections with the motorcycle group. Charges against Paul Anthony Debelak include kidnapping to commit bodily harm, criminal sexual…

BCA: Third Suspect Turns Himself In After Eveleth Kidnapping, Sexual Assault

DULUTH, Minn. — A third suspect is under arrest in connection to a kidnapping and assault in Eveleth that took place over multiple days. The Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension on Monday said the 38-year-old man is from Eveleth. He turned himself into the St. Louis County Sheriff’s Office in Virginia Monday morning. The other men under arrest are a…

Hibbing Man, 20, Killed In Head-On Crash; ‘You Are Loved By So Many’

HIBBING, Minn. –  Family and friends on the Iron Range are in mourning after a young man was killed over the weekend in a head-on crash. Levi Greenwood, 20, of Hibbing graduated last year from East Range Academy of Technology and Science. Levi and family The Minnesota State Patrol said the accident happened around 4:30 a.m. Saturday. They said Greenwood…

DECC Exec. Dir.: $1M Line Of Credit Untouched, Year-Round Business Model Sought

DULUTH, Minn. — DECC Executive Director Dan Hartman gave an update Sunday on the venue’s struggling financing, saying he is proud to report the DECC has not used a dime of the $1 million emergency line of credit, which the city council reluctantly approved in September. Hartman said business has picked up, and it has been strong. The William A….

Domestic Violence Prevention Gets Christmas Gifts and Big Check

Cenovus Energy teams up with United Way to help CASDA families.

It is the time of year when a lot of people are doing good things for one another. And Wednesday was another example of that. Gift paper and gift wrappers came together in Superior to bring some Christmas to clients of CASDA, the Center Against Sexual and Domestic Abuse. Cenovus employees and their families were wrapping gifts for twenty CASDA…

Superior Names Next Chief of Police

SUPERIOR, Wis. –The city of Superior announced Friday that Paul Winterscheidt will be the city’s next police chief.  The current chief, Nicholas Alexander retires in January of 2024. Winterschieidt, a 2003 graduate of UW Superior, joined the Superior Police Department in. In his 18 years on the force he has worked patrol, investigations, and narcotics investigations. He was chosen after…

Chickens Killed In Barn Fire

FLOODWOOD TOWNSHIP, Minn. — A barn fire killed several chickens in Floodwood Township Saturday evening. St. Louis County Sheriff Office deputies and area fire departments responded around 6:15 p.m. The barn is a total loss. No people were injured. The cause is under investigation, but authorities do not suspect foul play. Categories: Minnesota, News, News – Latest News, Public Safety

Man Dies In Landslide at Minnesota State Park

Courtesy: Associated Press File MANKATO, Minn. — A 19-year-old man became trapped and died as a result of a landslide at a state park in southern Minnesota. The Blue Earth County Sheriff’s Office received a call Saturday afternoon of a landslide trapping someone under collapsed earth at the falls area of Minneopa State Park, near Mankato. Emergency workers recovered the…

Duluth Firefighters Tackle Downtown Garage Fire

DULUTH, Minn. – Northland firefighters have been busy lately responding to structure fires. In Duluth Thursday, firefighters tackled a garage fire on the 100 block of East Third Street. No injuries were reported. Damage is estimated around $10,000. The Duluth Fire Marshal’s Office is investigating a cause. Categories: Minnesota, News, News – Latest News, Public Safety

Hermantown Fire Evolves Past Volunteer Model

The Department continued growth by hiring a fire inspector and training officer

HERMANTOWN, Minn. — The Hermantown Fire Department is expanding its efforts to better serve the community. Over the past year, the City has been making changes to the volunteer firefighting model. That system has been in place for more than 70 years. But as Hermantown grows, the Fire Department is looking to not only increase efficiency, but support their firefighters….

3 Men of Palestinian Descent Shot, Injured Near University of Vermont

Three young men of Palestinian descent who were in Burlington for a Thanksgiving holiday gathering were shot and injured — one seriously — near the University of Vermont, police said Sunday. Authorities said the attack may have been a hate crime. The shootings occurred at about 6:25 p.m. Saturday near the UVM campus, according to Burlington Police Chief Jon Murad….

MN State Patrol: Driver Of I35 Rollover In Duluth Arrested For DWI

DULUTH, Minn. (Thursday) — The Minnesota State Patrol told FOX 21 on Thursday that the driver who rolled his vehicle on I-35 in downtown Duluth last week was arrested for DWI. Video from a MnDOT camera on Southbound I-35 near the Lake Avenue exit shows a 2022 Dodge Charger rolling multiple times. A public information officer for the Minnesota State…

Mayor-Elect Roger Reinert Visits Duluth Police, Fire on Thanksgiving

DULUTH, Minn. — Duluth firefighters and police officers got a visit this Thanksgiving from Duluth Mayor-elect Roger Reinert. The Duluth Fire Union and the Duluth Police Department posted pictures on social media Thursday of Reinert’s visits. Both agencies thanked Reinert visiting them on Thanksgiving. The fire and police unions endorsed Reinert for mayor this past election. Categories: Minnesota, News, Political,…

Man Seriously Injured In Garage Fire

BREVATOR TOWNSHIP, Minn. — A structure fire in Brevator Township seriously injured a man. The fire broke out around 3:30 p.m. Wednesday on the 3500 block of Nelson Road. The St. Louis County Sheriff’s Office said the 64-year-old man was injured while trying to save items in a burning garage. The man was taken to St. Mary’s Hospital in serious…

Final Report Issued In Outside Investigation of Sexual Abuse Allegations at Duluth’s Vineyard Church

Report said church had a "dismissive response to concerns"; church moving toward a culture "more resistant to abuse and toxicity."

Duluth’s Vineyard Church says it fully accepts the findings of an investigation done by an outside organization, after sexual abuse allegations emerged at the church. The church says it vows to heal wounds, regain trust and make changes. Former youth leader, 35-year-old Jackson Gatlin, has been charged with ten criminal counts involving five females at the church. For its own…

Minnesota Department Of Public Safety Enforcing New Holiday DWI Campaign

MINNESOTA — A new campaign means more DWI patrols will be out on the road this holiday season. The Minnesota Department of Public Safety is protecting people from impaired drivers through the What’s My Why social media campaign. During the campaign law enforcement will be sharing their personal stories of what motivates them to prevent impaired driving tragedies. DPS says…

Duluth Firefighters Battle Garage Fire, Vehicles Driving Over Hydrant Line

DULUTH, Minn. –  A structure fire in Duluth’s Lakeside/Lester Park neighborhood has turned into another plea from firefighters to residents, after vehicles once again got in the way of fighting a fire. The department said five vehicles drove over one of the hydrant lines being used to fight the fire Monday afternoon. Assistant Fire Chief Dennis Edwards told FOX 21,…

Clinton Fire Dept. Accepts 2,352 Cans Of Drinking Water From Anheuser-Busch

CLINTON TOWNSHIP, Minn. – The Clinton Volunteer Fire Department & EMS received thousands of cans of drinking water from Anheuser-Busch. Fire Capt. Eric Monson said the 2,352 canned waters will help first responders stay hydrated when they battle wildfires and other disasters. “This generous donation will significantly enhance our emergency response capabilities and ensure that we can better serve and…

Duluth Fire Department Provides Holiday Season Fire Safety Tips

DULUTH, Minn. — Thanksgiving is fast approaching, but so is the risk of fires in the kitchen. The Duluth Fire Department provides some strategies that will keep you and your family safe during this holiday season. On Thanksgiving, there are three to four times more fires than on a typical day. That’s according to the National Fire Protection Association. Fortunately,…

Second Missing Canoeist’s Body Recovered In Wascott

The two men in their 20s were from New Ulm, Minnesota.

(Nov. 15) — Searchers from the St. Louis County Rescue Squad and the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office located and recovered the body of 27-year-old Andrew DeRock, according to a release from Douglas County Sheriff Matt Izzard. DeRock had been missing since Oct. 28 after a canoeing incident on the Minong Flowage in Douglas County. Ryan Busch, who was also missing…

Cenovus Superior Refinery Responds To Third-Party Railcar Leak

SUPERIOR, Wis. – Cenovus Superior Refinery responded to an emergency railcar leak Tuesday. Cenovus Energy told FOX 21 the railcar was not theirs but belonged to a railroad company with cars at the plant. On Wednesday, Cenovus said the issue had been resolved and no external emergency response was required. Superior Fire Chief Cam Vollbrecht told FOX 21, it’s his…

St. Louis Co. Sheriff’s Office Makes Arrest In ‘Severe Animal Neglect Case’

The St. Louis County Sheriff’s Office announced an arrest Monday evening in what investigators call “a severe animal neglect case.” The Sheriff’s Office posted on social media to say a pit bull named Gio was brought to Animal Allies barely clinging to life.  And after attempts to save its life, Gio, who was also known as Lovebug, died. The suspect…

UPDATE: One Building Destroyed, One Heavily Damaged due to Fire in Downtown Eveleth Sunday

EVELETH, Minn. – Over a dozen fire department worked together to battle a fire in downtown Eveleth Sunday morning. Friends of the Northland Firewire say the initial call came in around 5:30 at an apartment building next to Johnny D’s Bar in the 300 block of Grant Avenue. At least 18 departments spent time on scene, and the need for…

Man With Alzheimer’s Who Went Missing In Itasca County Found Safe

UPDATE (Nov. 6, 1:12 p.m.) — The Itasca County Sheriff’s Office has announced missing 85-year-old Gerald Olson has been found safe. The Sheriff’s Office thanks the public for their help in the search. ORIGINAL POST: The Itasca County Sheriff’s Office is asking for the public’s help in locating 85-year-old Gerald Olson. Olson “suffers from dementia and Alzheimer’s,” according to a…

2 Days To Go: Larson, Reinert Race To The Duluth Mayoral Finish Line

DULUTH, Minn. – The General Election is two days away on Nov. 7, and Duluth mayoral candidates Emily Larson and Roger Reinert were out Sunday continuing to door knock for votes. Both candidates posted to their social media Sunday about the campaigns. Larson posted a video saying in part: “Hey everybody, it’s Emily. It is Sunday night and, why yes,…

Mother, Son Suffer Severe Burns In Cabin Propane Tank Explosion

Courtesy: Northland FireWire BALKAN TOWNSHIP, Minn. — A mother and her son are being treated for severe burns after a propane tank exploded inside a cabin in Balkan Township. The accident was reported around 10:45 a.m. Sunday in the 11600 Block of Countryside Lane. Northland FireWire “Investigation of the incident revealed that a 20lb propane tank had been attached to…

Update: Missing Man In Itasca County Found Deceased

6 p.m. update:  The BCA released the following statement Sunday involving John Derrick’s disappearance: “***CANCELED*** The Itasca County Sheriff’s Office has canceled the missing person alert for John Derrick. He was located deceased. Thank you to everyone who assisted in locating him and for sharing the information.” The cause of death was not immediately released Sunday night, as of 6…

Man Charged With Murder in Babbitt Double Homicide

Criminal complaint says man told police he killed the victims, and where they would find their bodies.

  Updated November 1, 2023: Babbitt, Minn.  — A man has been charged with two counts of 2nd degree murder in the deaths of a Babbitt couple. A criminal complaint filed Wednesday identifies the man as Roger Allen Beldo. He is 53 years old. The complaint says Beldo told police he killed the couple at their home. A relative said…

Duluth City Councilors ‘Unequivocally Condemn’ Hate Speech During Monday’s Public Comments

DULUTH, Minn. — Racist and anti-Semitic remarks took taking the Duluth city council off guard Monday night during the public comment period of the council meeting.  “The Jews are parasites and they’re taking over our country,” said one man who called in. He went on to say, “Diversity means fear of white people, inclusion means the exclusion of white people,…

Child, 5, Dies In Rollover Accident On Vermilion Trail

A 5-year-old child died Tuesday in a weather-related rollover accident in St. Louis County. The accident was reported around 4 p.m. near Vermilion Trail and Harris Bay Road. The St. Louis County Sheriff’s Office said the vehicle ended on its side with the child stuck underneath. Officials said the roads were packed with ice after recent snow and freezing temperatures….

Man Charged in Coleraine Stabbing

Victim treated at hospital; Criminal complaint says suspect has 10 previous convictions.

A Coleraine man has been charged in a stabbing at a local bar over the weekend. The victim was stabbed in the face, and was treated at the hospital for his injuries. A criminal complaint charges Lawrence Jarmaine Daniels with a second-degree felony. The complaint says Daniels is 45 years old and lives in Coleraine. The incident happened about 1:30…

Two Canoeists Missing In Wascott

Rescue crews are searching for two men reported missing on the Minong Flowage in Wascott. The Douglas County Sheriff’s Office said the men went out in a canoe Saturday evening. Family members called 911 just before 1 a.m. Sunday after locating the capsized canoe. Multiple agencies are helping in the search effort, as of Monday evening. Categories: News, News –…

Man Stabbed In Coleraine Bar Fight

A man was stabbed in a bar fight in Coleraine early Saturday. The crime was reported around 1:30 a.m. at the Locker Room Bar, according to the Itasca County Sheriff’s office. The victim was stabbed in the face. The suspect is from Coleraine.  He was arrested at his residence after police said he left the scene. Formal charges were pending…

Police Surround Home In Search Of Maine Mass Shooting Suspect

18 Dead in Maine, and Suspect Still Loose

AP   BY DAVID SHARP, ROBERT BUMSTED, HOLLY RAMER AND MICHAEL BALSAMO Updated 7:47 PM CDT, October 26, 2023 LEWISTON, Maine (AP) — Heavily armed police surrounded a home Thursday as they searched for a U.S. Army reservist who authorities say killed 18 people and wounded 13 in a mass shooting at a bowling alley and a bar in Lewiston, Maine. “You need to come outside now…

Longtime Duluth Prosecutor Jon Holets Named St. Louis County Deputy Attorney

DULUTH, Minn. — St. Louis County Attorney Kim Maki has named her first-ever Deputy County Attorney to help manage all operations of her office in four locations. Veteran prosecutor Jon Holets has prosecuted high-profile cases for the county, like former Last Place on Earth owner Jim Carlson. Holets will now oversee personnel actions, coordination with law enforcement, the courts, and…

Steve Hanke Appointed New Minnesota Sixth District Judge

Duluth attorney will replace retiring Judge Michael Cuzzo in Northeastern corner of state.

Steve Hanke Northeastern Minnesota will be getting a new judge. Steve Hanke has been tapped by Governor Walz to fill a vacancy in the Sixth Judicial District. He will be replacing the retiring Judge Michael Cuzzo. Hanke has ties to both sides of the Blatnik Bridge. He is a lawyer for the City of Duluth and is also an adjunct…

GoFundMe Set Up to Bring Bodies of Two Men Killed in Ashland Home in Mexico

ASHLAND, Wis. — Two brothers from Mexico were shot and killed in Ashland Saturday, and now their family is trying to get their bodies home to be buried. 30-year-old Manuel Garcia and his 27-year-old brother, Luis, were visiting a third brother who lives in Ashland.  The two were shot and killed early Saturday morning.  Manuel’s wife is still in Ashland….

Minnesota Firefighters Meet in Duluth

Annual Minnesota State Fire Chiefs Association Kicks Off

DULUTH, Minn. — Hundreds of firefighters are in Duluth this weekend for the annual state fire chief conference. The event has firetrucks on display, as well as new firefighting technologies. They’re holding educational sessions on leadership, professional development, and safety measures. The fire conference is the largest of it’s kind in the Midwest. MnFIRE is a health and wellness advocacy…

Kitchen Fire Put Out in Duluth East Hillside Apartment Building

DULUTH, Minn. – A number of apartment units inside a Duluth’s East Hillside building suffered smoke and water damage due to a fire Sunday morning. Duluth Fire Department says they responded to an automatic fire alarm at 1232 E. 1st Street.  It was updated to a structure fire after receiving numerous reports of the sound of explosions coming from an one…