Public Safety Archives - Page 22 of 43

Firefighter Cancer Awareness Month Continues Education, Prevention

Over time officials say measures like breathing apparatuses and washing gear and skin immediately after calls have become more common.

January 3, 2022

Arman Rahman,

DULUTH, Minn.- January is Firefighter Cancer Awareness Month as fire crews across the nation work to educate more people about job-related cancer, the leading cause of death among firefighters. Duluth crews hope more people in and out of the firehouse can learn about the toxic carcinogens such as smoke, char, and newer building materials like plastics and technology which firefighters…

Douglas Co. Sheriff Tom Dalbec Announces 2023 Retirement

He started his career in law enforcement more than 30 years ago with the Superior Police Department and was elected sheriff of the county back in 2003.

January 2, 2022

Arman Rahman,

DOUGLAS CO., Wis. — Douglas County Sheriff Tom Dalbec has announced that he’s retiring next year. Sheriff Dalbec wrote on Facebook that this will be his last year serving Douglas County. He started his career in law enforcement more than 30 years ago with the Superior Police Department and was elected sheriff of the county back in 2003. Dalbec thanked…

Duluth Man Arrested For DWI, Hitting Almost A Dozen Cars

When police caught up to the driver, the 41-year-old suspect ditched his car and ran near Redeemer Lutheran Church.

January 2, 2022

Alexandra Burnley,

DULUTH, Minn. — Duluth police arrested a man on Sunday who was suspected of hitting almost a dozen cars while driving under the influence of a controlled substance. Police say they arrived on-scene at 9:15 a.m. on the 9400-block of Grand Avenue after multiple people called in about a man driving recklessly and hitting several cars. When police caught up…

Apartment House Fire Displaces Two in Eveleth

One resident was treated for smoke inhalation. No other injuries were reported and five cats were located but uninjured.

January 2, 2022

Arman Rahman,

EVELETH, Minn.- An apartment house that caught on fire in Eveleth Sunday morning has left two residents displaced. According to Friends of the Northland FireWire, the fire was reported around 8:40 a.m. in the 500 block of Jackson St. It was contained to the basement area of the duplex, although smoke filled the entire structure. One resident was treated for…

L & M Radiator in Hibbing Damaged by Fire in Paint Booth

January 1, 2022

Arman Rahman,

HIBBING, Minn.- L&M Radiator in Hibbing was damaged by a fire and subsequent smoke late Friday. According to the Northland FireWire, the Hibbing, Chisholm, Keewatin, and Virginia fire departments were dispatched to a fire alarm at L & M Radiator on 37th Street in Hibbing. The alarm was reported around 7:30 p.m. Arriving Hibbing firefighters discovered a fire in a…

68-Year-Old Twin Brothers Found Dead in Fire-Damaged Duluth Home

It was determined a fire inside the home in the past few days caused "considerable heat and smoke damages" before apparently going out on its own.

January 1, 2022

Arman Rahman,

DULUTH, Minn.- Two brothers were found dead Saturday in a home authorities with the St. Louis County Sheriff’s Office said burnt down recently. According to the Sheriff’s Office, authorities were responding to a possible structure fire at 5728 Industrial Road in Canosia Township Saturday. The person calling 911 stated they stopped at the address to check the welfare of friends,…

Man Arrested After Allegedly Driving Denfeld Boys Basketball Team Bus Drunk, Coach Says

In an interview with FOX 21, Head Coach Homere identified the 47-year-old driver from the St. Louis County Jail roster.

December 31, 2021

Arman Rahman,

DULUTH, Minn.- A frightening ride back home for the Denfeld Boys Basketball team Thursday night, who discovered on the road back from Hibbing that their coach bus driver was allegedly driving them drunk, according to coaches. “He just kept repeating everything he was saying and we were like it’s clear that something is not right and having these kids on…

Police: Mall of America Shooting Leaves 2 People Injured

December 31, 2021

Site Staff,

Photo: FOX9 MINNEAPOLIS (AP) – Two people have been shot and wounded following an apparent altercation at the Mall of America, sending New Year’s Eve shoppers scrambling for safety and placing the Minneapolis mall on temporary lockdown. Bloomington Police Department officials say the shooting happened about 4:30 p.m. Friday. One man suffered a gunshot wound to the leg during…

Twin Ports Prepare For a Lively New Year’s Eve

December 31, 2021

Natalie Noury,

DULUTH/SUPERIOR — Authorities are expecting a busier New Year’s Eve this year with it falling on a Friday and local businesses and law enforcement have been planning all day to make sure they have their bases covered heading in to 2022. Last year’s holiday was a bit quieter coming out of the pandemic and that combined with the a holiday…

Fire Destroys Unoccupied Home in Hibbing Early Friday Morning

The unoccupied house was engulfed in flames when crews arrived. No injuries were reported

December 31, 2021

Site Staff,

Photo: Northland FireWire HIBBING, Minn.- A home in rural Hibbing has been destroyed by a structure fire early Friday morning. According to the Friends of the Northland FireWire, the blaze was reported just before 6:00 a.m. in the 3300 block of Bunker Road. The unoccupied house was engulfed in flames when crews arrived. No injuries were reported Fire departments from…

1 Dead, 2 With Life-Threatening Injuries In Highway 1 Crash Near Ely

December 31, 2021

KQDS Staff,

MNDOT The Minnesota State Patrol is investigating a two-vehicle crash near Ely that killed one woman and seriously injured two others. The accident happened around 4:50 p.m. Thursday on Highway 1 (also known as Highway 169) at Camp Lake Road in Morse Township, which is about six miles southwest of Ely. Investigators say Ryan Anthony Ried, 38, of Superior was…

Police Departments Planning For a Busy New Year’s Eve

December 30, 2021

Natalie Noury,

SUPERIOR, Wis. — Duluth and Superior police are taking extra precautions for Friday night’s deep freeze, as people celebrate into the New Year. Police are expecting extra excitement with New Year’s Eve falling on a Friday, and they’re reminding partygoers, if they want to go out and have fun, they need to do it safely, and try to find a…

3 Arrested, More Expected In Hayward-Area Burglaries, Thefts

December 30, 2021

Dan Hanger,

HAYWARD, Wis. – Authorities have arrested three Hayward men after “multiple burglaries and thefts” in the Hayward area. The Sawyer Count Sheriff’s Office said the weeks-long investigation in conjunction with the LCO Police Department and Town of Hayward Police Department. The men range from 25 to 32 years old. Charges have not been filed yet. Sheriff Doug Mrotek said he…

Duluth Fire Department Experiences Historic One Day Number of Retirees

Including Asst. Chief Clint Reff and Fire Marshal Sandy McComb, a combined 256 years of service left the Department Thursday.

December 30, 2021

Arman Rahman,

DULUTH, Minn.- The end of the year 2021 seeing the retirement of 12 personnel on the Duluth Fire Department – leaving with a combined 256 years of service under their belts. Many of the retirees have worn hats other than firefighter, like Fire Marshal Sandy McComb. Retiring after 24 years, she’s been in charge of car seat clinics for about…

Extra Patrols on Minnesota Roads Throughout New Year’s Day

Nearly 500 Fatalities Have Occurred on Minnesota Roads in 2021

December 29, 2021

Brett Scott,

DULUTH, Minn. – While many make plans to go out and ring in the New Year with friends and family while having a few adult beverages, the Minnesota Office of Traffic Safety is reminding drivers to plan ahead and be responsible. “500 families this year have planned or will plan a funeral for a loved one who’s not coming home…

City Issues 200 Tickets, Tows During First Snow Emergency

December 29, 2021

Natalie Noury,

DULUTH, Minn. — This is the first year the city of Duluth has been able to declare snow emergencies, giving residents a place to move their cars to help with the snow plowing process and with back to back storms over the past couple of days, Duluth and its residents are learning as they go. “I think our goal has…

Man Shot Through Living Room Window In Virginia; Suspect On The Run

December 29, 2021

Dan Hanger,

VIRGINIA, Minn. – A suspect was on the run Wednesday evening after a shooting in Virginia that injured a man. According to the Virginia Police Department, someone shot multiple times through the victim’s living room window from outside at about 5 a.m. Wednesday on the 500 block of 12th Street South. The victim was struck once by a bullet while…

Report: Few Minnesota Departments Adopt Body Camera Guidelines

December 29, 2021

The Associated Press,

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) – Most Minnesota law enforcement agencies have chosen not to implement guidelines mandating officers with a history of misconduct wear body cameras. The League of Minnesota Cities two years ago created a model policy requiring problem officers wear cameras. A Minneapolis Star Tribune analysis found only 10 of 108 agencies with publicly available body camera policies have implemented…

City Of Duluth Issues, Explains First-Ever Snow Emergency

December 28, 2021

Dan Hanger,

DULUTH, Minn. – After more than two years in the making, the city of Duluth issued its first-ever snow emergency Tuesday requiring all vehicles on designated emergency routes with signage to be off the street by 9 p.m. and stay that way until 6 p.m. Wednesday. If vehicles are not moved, drivers could be towed or ticketed. But Chief Administrative…

Adopt a Fire Hydrant to Help Firefighters

December 28, 2021

Natalie Noury,

DULUTH, Minn. — With all the snow Duluth has seen in the past couple of days, fire officials are reminding people of the importance of clearing the snow around fire hydrants. As Duluth gets so much snow annually, city road maintenance crews plow and often push the snow to the sides, which covers fire hydrants. When responding to emergencies, fire…

Pennsylvania Man Charged In Christmas Eve Murder In Gogebic County

December 27, 2021

KQDS Staff,

Nicholas Millard MARENISCO TOWNSHIP, MI. — A Spring Hills, Pennsylvania man is accused of shooting a man to death and wounding another at a cabin in Marenisco Township, Michigan on Christmas Eve. According to the Gogebic County Sheriff’s Office, Nicholas Millard, 30, is charged with first-degree premeditated murder, among other charges. Authorities say Millard killed Thomas Fletcher, 49, of Marenisco…

CDC Recommends Shorter COVID Isolation, Quarantine For All

December 27, 2021

Dan Hanger,

NEW YORK (AP) – U.S. health officials are cutting isolation restrictions for Americans who test positive for the coronavirus and shortening the time that close contacts have to quarantine. People with the virus can leave isolation after five days, down from 10 days. People exposed to the virus can also leave quarantine after five days. The Centers for Disease Control…

Snowstorm Closes Bentleyville For The Season

December 27, 2021

Dan Hanger,

DULUTH, Minn. – Bentleyville Tour of Lights announced Monday afternoon that its final day of the season was canceled because of the wicked snowstorm over the Northland. The following message was posted on Bentleyville’s Facebook page about Monday’s closure: “Sorry folks, but due to the strong winds and large amount of snow Bentleyville will NOT open for it’s finally night…

Man Dies when Vehicle Goes through Lake Bemidji in Minnesota

December 26, 2021

Arman Rahman,

BEMIDJI, Minn. (AP) – Authorities say one man died when a vehicle went through the ice on Lake Bemidji in northwestern Minnesota. Rescue personnel who responded to a call about 5:30 p.m. on Friday found that a woman was able to get out of the water on her own and was transported to a local hospital. A man was pulled…

Multi-Vehicle Pileup Reported on I-94 in Western Minnesota Saturday

December 26, 2021

Arman Rahman,

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — The Minnesota State Patrol reported a pileup of about 50 vehicles Saturday afternoon along Interstate-94 between Alexandria and Fergus Falls, northwest of the Twin Cities. The Star Tribune reported no fatalities or life-threatening injuries resulted in the multi-vehicle crash, according to Patrol Sgt. Jesse Grabow. But I-94 eastbound at Exit 77 near Ashby was closed for more than an…

Iron County Sheriff’s Deputies Respond to Domestic Disturbance Involving Alcohol, Fully-Loaded Rifle

Deputies repeatedly commanded the man to drop his weapon but he refused, and told them to "just shoot me."

December 24, 2021

Arman Rahman,

OMA, Wis.- A late-night domestic disturbance call for the Iron County Sheriff’s Office in Wisconsin resulted in a man in custody pending charges including Endangering Safety by Use of a Dangerous Weapon While Intoxicated. According to a press release from the sheriff, around 11:30 Thursday night deputies responded to a call for a domestic disturbance in the town of Oma…

Duluth Fire Crews Respond to Flames at Historic Vacant Seaway Hotel Building Thursday Night

December 24, 2021

Arman Rahman,

DULUTH, Minn.- Duluth fire crews responded to a structure fire Thursday night in the vacant historic Esmond Building formerly known as the Seaway Hotel. According to a spokesperson with the Duluth Fire Department around 11 p.m. Thursday night firefighters responded to a report of flames and found a small fire in a vacant space on the second floor. The spokesperson…

Update: 2 Bodies Recovered From Bemidji-Area House Fire

December 23, 2021

Dan Hanger,

(Lakeland PBS-TV) — Two bodies were recovered around 1 p.m. Thursday from a house that started on fire in Liberty Township, which is 13 miles northwest of Bemidji. The evening update comes after authorities said two children were unaccounted for in that house fire. Authorities did not confirm if the bodies are that of the children. “The victims were transported to…

Dozens Of Vehicles Involved In Western Wisconsin Crashes

December 23, 2021

KQDS Staff,

Courtesy: WI Dept. of Transportation OSSEO, Wis. (AP) – Authorities in western Wisconsin are trying to sort out multiple crashes along Interstate 94. The State Patrol said in a statement that freezing rain early Thursday left the interstate between Menomonie and Black River Falls icy. About 5:45 a.m. a semi-trailer apparently slid in the median near Hixton and caught fire…

Grand Rapids Attorney Charged With Criminal Sexual Conduct Of Client

December 20, 2021

KQDS Staff,

A Grand Rapids attorney is facing serious charges after being accused of sexually assaulting a client multiple times. Jesse Powell, 32, of Powell Law, is facing five charges ranging from 3rd degree to 5th degree criminal sexual conduct. According to court documents, Powell raped her in his office after episodes of non-consensual touching of her body, including kissing. Powell faces…

Former Duluth Police Chief Is Back, Might Run For St. Louis County Sheriff

December 20, 2021

Dan Hanger,

DULUTH, Minn. – Former Duluth Police Chief Gordon Ramsay and his family have moved back to Duluth, and Ramsay, 49, is eyeing what’s next locally for his career, which could include a run for St. Louis County sheriff. For the last six years, Ramsay has been the top cop for Kansas’ largest police department in Wichita where he has managed…

OSHA Vaccine Mandate Penalties to Start Jan. 10

The federal agency separately says there will be no citations of companies regarding its testing requirements before Feb. 9.

December 18, 2021

Site Staff,

UNDATED (AP)- The Occupational Health and Safety Administration says it will not issue citations tied to its coronavirus vaccination mandate before Jan. 10. This will give companies time to adjust to and implement the requirements. The federal agency separately says there will be no citations of companies regarding its testing requirements before Feb. 9. Saturday’s announcement came after the U.S….

Duluth Officials: Mask Mandates Don’t Look To Make a Comeback

December 17, 2021

Natalie Noury,

DULUTH, Minn. — As the Omicron variant and others continue to threaten the US including the Northland, people are starting to wonder if mask mandates will make a return. Multiple states have already re-instated their indoor mask mandates like California and New York, but with cases rising, and Minnesota seeing a larger surge of the virus, the question lingers of…

Babbitt Man Dead After One-Vehicle Crash; ‘Slippery Road’ Contributing Factor

December 16, 2021

Dan Hanger,

MORRIS TOWNSHIP, Minn. – A 74-year-old Babbitt man is dead after a one-vehicle accident Thursday in Morris Township, and authorities believe it was weather related. The St. Louis County Sheriff’s Office says the accident happened around 3:30 p.m. on the 1900 block of Highway 21 North. The driver, whose name was not released Thursday, died at the scene. Nobody else…

ISD 709 Addresses Concern Of School Threats Stemming From Disturbing National TikTok Trend

December 16, 2021

Alexandra Burnley,

DULUTH, Minn. — The ISD 709 superintendent is addressing the issue of school threats being made over social media, causing safety concerns for students, parents, and campus staff in the city. In an email sent on Thursday, superintendent John Magas passed along the information that was sent to all school districts in Minnesota from the state’s Department of Public Safety…

Ordean East Middle School Investigates Snapchat Threat Made By Unknown Person

December 15, 2021

Alexandra Burnley,

DULUTH, Minn. — An email sent to parents from the Ordean East Middle School administration on Wednesday addressed a threat made over Snapchat reported by multiple students. According to the email, a few students said that they were sent a photo showing guns on Snapchat from a person they didn’t know. The administration said the photo didn’t have a message…

Duluth Firefighters Use Unstable Ice, Open Waters For Rescue Training

December 14, 2021

Dan Hanger,

DULUTH, Minn. – The unstable ice and open waters are creating great conditions for the Duluth Fire Department to train for possible rescues this winter. Firefighters hopped in their rescue suits Tuesday to take advantage of the dicey conditions in a slip in the Duluth Port. Officials said this type of training is crucial to react fast to emergencies on…

Minnesota State Patrol Counts Nearly 300 Crashes In Storm

December 12, 2021

Dan Hanger,

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) – The Minnesota State Patrol has tallied 286 car crashes across the state during a wintery storm that brought as much as 20 inches of snow in some places. The highway patrol reported that 21 of the crashes resulted in injuries, including one that was fatal. The St. Paul Pioneer Press reported that a car driving on Highway…

Duluth Fire Dept. Set to Break All-Time Record for Yearly 911 Calls

This year, the fire department reports 13,930 calls so far and expect to hit 14,000 by the end of 2021, which would be the highest yearly total in history.

December 11, 2021

Natalie Noury,

DULUTH, Minn. — The number of 911 calls coming to the Duluth Fire Department is set to hit an all-time record high. This year, the fire department reports 13,930 calls so far and expects to hit 14,000 by the end of 2021, which would be the highest yearly total in history. Members of the fire department say they were worried…

Minnesota State Patrol Counts Nearly 300 Crashes in Storm

December 11, 2021

Arman Rahman,

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) – The Minnesota State Patrol has tallied 286 car crashes across the state during a wintery storm that brought as much as 20 inches of snow in some places. The highway patrol reported that 21 of the crashes resulted in injuries, including one that was fatal. The St. Paul Pioneer Press reported that a car driving on Highway…

Counterfeit Pills Posing New Threat in Northland

December 10, 2021

Natalie Noury,

DULUTH, Minn. — So far in 2021, 30 people have died from overdoses in Duluth but according to the police department, 2 of those deaths are overdoses from counterfeit Percocet 30’s. These counterfeit pills contain fentanyl, which is more powerful than actual Percocet pills. Officials say it is a deadly drug and hard to tell apart from real pills, but…

DPD Advising Extra Caution on The Roads This Weekend

December 10, 2021

Reece Lindquist,

DULUTH, Minn. — With four big events looking to attract large crowds this weekend, the Duluth Police Department wants to remind people to take extra precautions while out on the roads. Minnesota Ballet’s Nutcracker and the Arrowhead Ice Fishing and Winter Show both at the DECC, Bulldog Hockey games at Amsoil Arena, and Bentleyville at Bayfront are all happening this…

St. Louis County Sheriff’s Office Joins MADD Candlelight Vigil

December 10, 2021

Dan Hanger,

DULUTH, Minn. – The St. Louis County Sheriff’s Office held its own candlelight vigil Thursday night to honor lives lost and injured survivors of drunken drivers. It was part of a state-wide vigil organized by Mothers Against Drunk Drivers, also known as MADD. “Today is a good reminder this still is a problem not only state wide but locally as…

Drug Overdoses Almost 7x Higher Now Compared To 2013

December 8, 2021

Natalie Noury,

DULUTH, Minn. — Total overdoses are 7 times higher than they were in 2013 in Duluth from opioids, this epidemic continues to cause problems in Duluth, we took a look at the current numbers that might be surprising to some. In 20-13, there were 42 total overdoses in one year in Duluth. This year, which isn’t even over yet, has…

Public Input Requested As St. Louis County Sheriff’s Office Plans For Body Cameras

December 7, 2021

KQDS Staff,

DULUTH, Minn. – The St. Louis County Sheriff’s Office is looking for the public’s input as it plans to purchase body worn cameras for its deputies. The St. Louis County Board is scheduled to vote Dec. 14 on the purchase of 110 cameras and supporting equipment at a cost of $790,000. “The Sheriff’s Office has experienced an increase in deadly…

Superior Police Increasing Traffic Enforcement After Spike in Crashes this Year

Traffic crashes are up 25% this year in Superior and 18% nationwide in the first half of 2021.

December 7, 2021

Arman Rahman,

SUPERIOR, Wis.- The Superior Police Department is upping its officers on the streets in hopes of curbing a rise in traffic crashes this year. Traffic crashes are up 25% this year in Superior and 18% nationwide in the first half of 2021 — the largest 6-month increase that’s ever been tracked by the federal government. According to the department’s Public…

COVID Concerns, Staffing Shortages Extend Winter Break For Duluth Public Schools

December 7, 2021

Dan Hanger,

DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth School Board approved an extended winter break of an additional two days during a special meeting Tuesday evening. The two days include Wednesday, Dec. 22 and Monday, Jan. 3, which is district-wide. District officials say the extended break will help deal with staffing shortages and student safety involving COVID. “With general staffing shortages, many unfilled…

Marcus Duluth Cinema Evacuated After Pipe Bursts

December 7, 2021

Dan Hanger,

DULUTH, Minn. – A broken sprinkler pipe forced the Marcus Duluth Cinema to be evacuated Tuesday evening. The break happened just before 5 p.m. in the ceiling of the entrance to the building at 300 Harbor Drive, according to the Duluth Fire Department. Fire crews arrived to shut off the water flow and remove water from the lobby area. After…

Departments of Transportation Gearing up for First Measurable Snowfall

December 3, 2021

Natalie Noury,

TWO HARBORS, Minn. — The roads aren’t bad yet, but they might be this weekend, and the Lake County Highway Department has their plows ready to go as they await the first measurable snowfall this winter season. Preparations began months ago, but the snow hasn’t been as consistent this year making it hard to make an official plan but its…

DTA Driver Charged In Death Of Pedestrian At Miller Hill Mall

Charge: Criminal Vehicular Homicide - Operate Motor Vehicle in Grossly Negligent Manner

December 2, 2021

Dan Hanger,

DULUTH, Minn. – The DTA bus driver who hit and killed a man at the Miller Hill Mall in Sept. 10 is now charged with criminal vehicular homicide. According to the criminal complaint, Crystal Veronica Ball, 36, of Duluth was “grossly negligent” and “distracted” when she ran over David Weston, 64, just before 10 a.m. while going 6 mph during…