Public Safety

Body of One of Two Missing BWCA Canoers Found

Search for the two men has been going for two weeks.

Over Curtain Falls May 23   (Updated May 31, 4:41 p.m.)  The body of a missing canoeist has been found in the BWCA. The St. Louis County Sheriff’s office says they found 41-year-old Jesse Melvin Haugen. The Cambridge, Minnesota man was one of two canoeists missing after four people went over Curtain Falls near the Canadian border. In a press…

Minneapolis Police Officer Among 4 Dead In Mass Shooting: KMSP-TV

(FOX 9) MINNEAPOLIS (FOX 9) – A Minneapolis police officer and the suspected shooter were killed in a mass shooting in the city on Thursday. According to officials, the shooting at an apartment building Thursday afternoon along Blaisdell Avenue near 22nd Street left six people shot, including two police officers and four civilians. In an update at 8:30 p.m., city officials said the suspected gunman and…

Groundbreaking Ceremony For New Public Safety Center In Virginia

VIRGINIA, Minn. — Construction has officially started for a much-needed facility for fire, police, and EMS services in Virginia. The groundbreaking ceremony was held today for the Virginia Public Safety Center and Training Facility. The center will be a new and improved state-of-the-art home for the Virginia Fire & EMS Departments and Police Department. Current facilities are outdated and lacking…

Virginia Man Charged in Stabbing of Two

Criminal complaint says fight started outside bar.

  (Updated May 29, 3:30 p.m.) A Virginia man has been charged with the stabbing of two people over the weekend. Israel Albert Wayne Contreras, who turns 48 on Thursday, faces two felony counts of 2nd Degree Assault with a Dangerous Weapon, and a misdemeanor involving reckless use of a dangerous weapon. A man and woman were stabbed, with the…

Superior Police: Speed, Alcohol Likely Factors In Fatal Rollover

Viewer photo of crash scene SUPERIOR, Wis. —  Superior police are investigating a fatal one-vehicle rollover that they believe involved excessive speed and alcohol. The accident was reported around 10 p.m. Sunday on Hwy 105 and Logan Avenue in the South Superior neighborhood. The 25-year-old male driver from Superior was ejected and later died at a hospital. The 24-year-old male…

Man Charged with Attempted 1st Degree Murder in Duluth Grocery Store Attack; Victim Remains Hospitalized

Complaint says the attacker used a hammer to severely beat 81-year-old man; Victim says he never saw the man before.

UPDATE (May 28, 11:10 a.m.)—A 43-year-old man has been charged with premeditated, 1st degree attempted murder in the assault of a man at a Duluth grocery store last Friday. Meanwhile, police said Tuesday the victim is in stable condition with significant head injuries. In a criminal complaint filed Tuesday morning, the attacker is identified as Lance Alexander Tolbert. The complaint…

Duluth Girl Dies After Side-By-Side Crash; Criminal Investigation Underway

Authorities said the driver is 18 years old and alcohol is believed to be involved.

Crash scene CANOSIA TOWNSHIP, Minn. — A Duluth girl has died after a UTV side-by-side she was riding in rolled into some trees earlier this month in Canosia Township, according to Sgt. Eric Sathers. Meanwhile, the St. Louis County Sheriff’s Office says criminal charges could soon be filed against the driver. The crash happened around 10:15 p.m. May 6 near…

Police: Douglas County Sheriff’s Detective Arrested For Drunken Hit-&-Run

SUPERIOR, Wis. – A detective with the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office is accused of hit-and-run while under the influence of alcohol. Superior police told FOX 21 Matthew DeRosia, 50, was arrested Sunday around 10:15 p.m. after an officer saw his vehicle sparking from a blown-out tire. The incident unfolded on the 1100 block of E. Fifth Street. Upon further investigation,…

‘Toward Zero Deaths’ Reminds Drivers to Slow Down and Drive More Safely

DULUTH, Minn. — Over the last two decades, the number of traffic-related deaths in Minnesota has declined by 37 percent through 2023. The Toward Zero Deaths program in that same period has brought many different groups together to work on making roads safer and changing people’s driving behaviors and habits to reduce crashes. On Tuesday, more than 80 regional traffic…

Names Released Of 2 Missing Canoers, After Canoes Go Over Curtain Falls In BWCAW

Curtain Falls (Cliff Wold’s Outfitting Co. 2017) UPDATE (May 20, 10:45 a.m.) — The St. Louis County Sheriff’s Office has released the names of those involved in the search for two missing canoers in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness. 41-year-old Jesse Melvin Haugen from Cambridge, Minnesota and 40-year-old Reis Melvin Grams of Lino Lakes, Minnesota are the two missing…

Duluth’s ‘Substance Use Response Team’ Coordinator Talks Opioid Crisis

DULUTH, Minn. —  Last year in Duluth, a record number of opioid-related overdoses were recorded. There were a total of 480 opioid-related overdoses, including 46 deaths. In 2013, there were 42 opioid-related overdoses and one death. Jessica Nickila, coordinator of the Duluth Police Department’s Substance Use Response Team (SURT), said the over prescribing of opioids decades ago in our area…

Driver Arrested After Hitting Utility Pole, Vehicle On Garfield Ave.

DULUTH, Minn. — A driver is facing serious charges after Duluth police said he slammed into a utility pole and a vehicle. The crash happened around 10:45 a.m. Saturday in the 500 block of Garfield Avenue. The Blatnik Bridge and Garfield Avenue were closed until Minnesota Power could stabilize powerlines and install a new power pole. Police said the 36-year-old…

Hermantown Firefighters Tackle ‘Significant Training Opportunity’

HERMANTOWN, Minn. — Hermantown firefighters battled a house fire Saturday as part of a “significant training opportunity.” The structure was donated by local developers from Platinum Properties and Patriot Properties of Hermantown. The day-long event featured a variety of training exercises within and around the house on the 4700-block of Lindgren Road. Categories: Minnesota, News, News – Latest News, Public…

Prescribed Burns Begin In Superior National Forest

Prescribed burning began Sunday in the Superior National Forest, north of Ely. Officials said the burning helps reduce hazardous fuel build-up and lowers the risk of intense wildfires. The process helps forest health and wildlife habitat, and is culturally significant to indigenous people in the area, according to the DNR. Categories: Environment, Minnesota, News, News – Latest News, Public Safety

Minnesota’s April Distracted Driving Citations ‘Extremely Frustrating’

Disturbing, unacceptable and extremely frustrating — those are the words from the Minnesota Department of Public Safety when describing the number of distracted driving citations in April. “The number of citations issued is disturbing, unacceptable and extremely frustrating,” said Mike Hanson, DPS Office of Traffic Safety director. “Getting distracted behind the wheel for even a couple seconds can end with…

Wildfire Burns Dozens Of Acres Near Cotton

Courtesy: Northland Fire Wire KELSEY TOWNSHIP, Minn. — A wildfire ignited Thursday afternoon near Cotton that burned up dozens of acres. Kelsey and Cotton firefighters, along with the Minnesota DNR, were called in around 1p.m. along Kacer Road in Kelsey Township, according to the Northland Fire Wire. The Cotton Fire Department said the fire burned at least 80 acres, according…

Work Continues on Downtown Duluth Safety

Approach is combination of outreach, education, and when necessary--enforcement.

Crime and safety in downtown Duluth have been a growing community concern, and the city has taken steps it says are slowly making a difference. That was the message inside the Greysolon Ballroom Wednesday, where Downtown Duluth members heard from the mayor, police chief and city attorney. The approach has involved a combination of education, persuasion and enforcement. It ranges…

Day 2: Pro-Palestine Demonstrations At Rose Garden, Civic Center

DULUTH, Minn. — At least 50 people arrived at the Duluth Rose Garden during the 7 o’clock hour Thursday evening. The pro-Palestine protesters were making their voices heard for the second day in a row there. The crowd Thursday was much larger than last night’s demonstration. Earlier in the day Thursday, the city of Duluth put out a warning that…

Duluth Police Ask Pro-Palestine Encampment To Leave Civic Center

DULUTH, Minn. — A small encampment In the Duluth Civic Center courtyard got a visit from the Duluth Police Department Wednesday evening. The two officers told the pro-Palestinian protesters that it’s against the law to set up camps sites on the property. Wednesday marked the first time protesters have taken to the streets of Duluth to set up an encampment…

Sexually Explicit Video Involving Minors Circulates Lincoln Park Middle School

DULUTH, Minn. – Lincoln Park Middle School alerted parents Wednesday about a sexually explicit video involving minors that was circulating among students. In an email to parents, the principal said the video originated outside of school but was still a serious situation because of the content and the “legal implications associated with distributing or possessing such material.” The school is…

Update on Twin Ports Interchange Project

DULUTH, Minn – The Twin Ports Interchange Project won’t be completed until the end of 2025 instead of the end of this year. MnDOT says the discovery of a jawbone in the construction zone last February is the main reason for the delay. In 2019, prior to construction starting the Minnesota Indian Affairs Council reviewed the site for potential impact…

Drowning of Three Teenage Brothers and Hero Remembered

57 years ago, Coast Guard member died trying to save three brothers.

Tuesday was quiet and peaceful on the waters of Lake Superior. But fifty-seven years ago, the winds were vicious and the swells high. Four would die. The annual ceremony to remember those who drowned took place Tuesday at the Duluth pier. It marks the 57th anniversary of the tragic drowning that took the lives of the three Halverson family teenage…

Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month Reminds Both Drivers and Riders to Stay Alert

Warm weather means motorcyclists are already on Northland roads and beyond

DULUTH, Minn. — May is Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month, but warmer weather had motorcyclists on the roads as early as March. Minnesota has already seen four motorcyclist fatalities this year, according to the Minnesota Department of Public Safety. However, both deaths and injuries to motorcyclists went down from 2022 to 2023 in the state. Wisconsin has also seen a decrease…

Police: 4 Officers Killed, 4 Wounded In Shootout At North Carolina Home

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) — Four officers trying to serve a warrant for a felon wanted for possessing a firearm were killed and four other officers were wounded in a shootout in North Carolina. Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Chief Johnny Jennings said the officers killed the suspect outside the Charlotte home Monday after he fired on them. Jennings says officers who rushed to…

‘One Pill Can Kill’ — The Fentanyl Crisis

DULUTH, Minn – Duluth Police Chief Mike Ceynowa was one of four Minnesota law enforcement officers to appear with Senator Amy Klobuchar (D) who spoke about the fentanyl crisis.  The online event was designed to raise awareness of the increasing dangers of fentanyl. It has been involved in 92 percent of overdose deaths in Minnesota. Fentanyl is increasingly becoming known…

Enbridge To Test ‘Emergency Alert System’ At Superior Terminal

SUPERIOR, Wis. — If you live near the Superior Terminal, you’ll be hearing bursts of alarm tones Tuesday.  But it’s just a test. Enbridge Energy will sound its “emergency alarm system” starting at 9 a.m.  The alarm will put out 15-second tones followed by an audio message. Testing will continue Wednesday. Starting in May, Enbridge will test the alarm system…

Sheriff: Distracted Driver Slams Into Deputy’s Vehicle At Crash Scene

A distracted driver slammed into a deputy’s cruiser Monday in St. Louis County, according to Sheriff Gordon Ramsay. Ramsay posted photos on social media and said the avoidable incident was a big reminder to move over for public safety vehicles and road maintenance workers. Vehicle that struck Deputy’s vehicle The deputy was not seriously injured. Ramsay said the deputy’s SUV…

3 Charged, New Details Released In Downtown Duluth Stabbing Death

DULUTH, Minn. – Three men are wanted and charged after an altercation outside a Duluth bar last week left a woman fatally stabbed. Darrius Plummer, 34, of Canton, Michigan, is charged with second-degree murder. Kimonte Cadge, 36, of Duluth, is charged with second-degree assault with a dangerous weapon after he allegedly chased down Plummer after the stabbing and “pistol-whipped” him,…

Duluth Union Members Bring Attention To Truck Hitting 40th Ave. West Bridge.

Teamsters say the apprentice programs are not the same.

Last week a truck hit a bridge in Duluth, and Friday union workers held signs outside the offices of the non-union company that owned the truck. Members of Teamsters General Local Union 346 gathered Friday morning at the offices of the Kaski Inc. construction company. It was one of Kaski’s drivers and trucks that hit the bridge crossing the freeway…

Family Of Duluth Domestic Homicide Victim Talk Anger, Grief, Hope

Allisa Vollan was 27 years old

DULUTH, Minn. — There is anger and grief from the family of a Duluth woman who has become Minnesota’s sixth homicide victim so far this year by, who authorities call, an intimate partner. In March, Allisa Vollan, 27, was killed by her boyfriend, Dale Howard, 25, according to the criminal complaint. Allisa was found dead in Howard’s apartment just nine…

Superior Firefighters Respond To Partial Building Collapse, Natural Gas Leak

SUPERIOR, Wis. — A partial building collapse and natural gas leak in Superior Thursday afternoon caused some tense times at the Franklin Apartments and the Happy Hearts Childcare center located next door. The incident started when a small section on the outside of the apartment building collapsed. The debris fell into the area where the apartment’s boilers were located as…

Fire Takes Duluth Family Home, But Friends and Community Rally

Sunday fundraiser for thankful Johnson family after return home from hospital

A Duluth family lost almost everything in a fire last month, and the community is getting ready to do more to help them out. The March 13th fire not only destroyed the family mobile home and most of their belongings, but also put an expectant mother and her children in the hospital. Rainy Johnson and her two kids were treated…

Duluth First Responders Compete in First Annual Battle of Badges Blood Drive

DULUTH, Minn. — First responders are facing off against each other in a little competition… and blood is involved. The first annual Battle of Badges Blood Drive took place Wednesday. The Duluth Police Department, Fire Department, and Mayo Clinic Ambulance Service are all partnering with the Memorial Blood Center to make the event happen. The drive builds camaraderie between the…

Mourning Continues Outside Downtown Memorial For Duluth Stabbing Victim

DULUTH, Minn. — Another vigil was held Saturday night for a young woman who was stabbed in the neck at bar close Friday morning on West First Street in downtown Duluth. Sunday afternoon, close friends and family of the victim held a community BBQ as they called for justice to be served in Duluth’s second homicide of the year. Chantel…

Duluth Mayor and Police Chief Release Statements On Early Morning Downtown Homicide

  UPDATE (April 12, 5:30 pm.)–A woman was stabbed to death in downtown Duluth overnight. It happened on First Street between Lake Avenue and First Avenue West. Crime on that block has been so troublesome, that police have focused special attention to the area. As many as eight squad cars were still on the scene processing evidence and taking people…

Police: BNSF Law Enforcement Agents Clear Our Superior Homeless Encampment

SUPERIOR, Wis. — A growing homeless encampment near railroad tracks in Superior was forced out Thursday afternoon. Superior police said law enforcement agents from the Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railroad (BNSF) took steps to remove six people from an area of private railroad property near the Belknap viaduct. Superior police said BNSF did not make them aware of Thursday’s enforcement,…

BCA Search For Clues At Cloquet Home Involving Disappearance Of Peter Martin

BCA photo CLOQUET, Minn. — The Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (BCA) has provided an update on the disappearance of Peter Martin, a member of the Fond du Lac Band of Lake Superior Chippewa. Peter Martin The BCA posted photos on social meeting Friday that showed crime scene investigators at a house in Cloquet as part of their efforts to…

Duluth Man Indicted In Federal Child Pornography Case

DULUTH, Minn. — A one-time Duluth ski coach is now federally indicted on charges of possessing 18,000 images and videos of child pornography. John Degelau, 27, was arrested and released Thursday after being arraigned in federal court. John Degelau Authorities said he used Adobe Photoshop to morph child pornography that he found online with other non-explicit images of minors. Authorities…

Ashland Woman Hit, Killed By Vehicle

ASHLAND, Wis. — An Ashland woman has died after being hit by a vehicle. The victim is identified as 68-year-old Rose Kozeneski. The accident happened around 8 p.m. Wednesday on State Highway 13 and 7th Street. Police said the victim was struck while walking diagonally into a lane of traffic from the median. Police said the driver never saw the…

Road Contruction Season Beginning: Drivers Warned That Construction Zone Deaths Have Increased

Northeastern Minnesota will have 23 new or continuing projects and travel delays should be expected.

The Minnesota Department of Transportation is ready for summer road construction, and officials say get ready for road closures, lane changes, orange cones and a summer of endless stop and go. Thursday, MNDOT revealed plans for 23 projects in Northeastern Minnesota, extending from Hinckley to the Canadian border. “Highway 2 near Floodwood gets a long-needed mill and overlay,” said Andy…

Superior Fire Department Celebrates New Hires and Promotions

SUPERIOR, Wis. — The Superior Fire Department hosted a swearing in and awards ceremony Thursday afternoon. The event was all about welcoming aboard new firefighters, celebrating promotions, and learning about the accomplishments firefighters have done this last year. It is a chance for fire crews to be in the spotlight and for the community to support the work that they…

Sexual Assault, Domestic and Child Abuse Getting Important Focus in April

Awareness effort started Monday in Superior with commitment to support and education.

Sexual assault and domestic and child abuse are issues that continue to plague communities. April is a month when advocates focus attention on the issue and the effort kicked off Wednesday at the Douglas County Government Center in Superior. It involved law enforcement, political leaders, educators, and those with the court system. The wide cross-section represented the message and the…