Public Safety Archives - Page 28 of 43

Cloquet City Council Passes Mask Mandate; Votes to Take Effect August 1st

While some councilors supported the language of the ordinance, others thought enforcement would be an issue.

July 21, 2020

Arman Rahman,

CLOQUET, Minn.- A mask mandate for indoor public places was passed by the Cloquet City Council Monday evening, taking effect August 1st. Unlike Duluth, the vote was not unanimous — the council, it seems, as divided as they said the community is on the issue. The Council passed the ordinance 5-2, the only change being making it effective August 1st….

Superior School District Approves Three Reopening Scenarios; Asks Parents to Submit Preferences

July 21, 2020

Arman Rahman,

SUPERIOR, Wis.- The Superior School District has approved their possible plan for how students will be taught this fall. The coming school year will either be all virtual, all in-person, or a hybrid of at-home and in-school learning. The district is still waiting to pick a final option. They say they hope to have a set plan in place by…

Superior School Board Approves Response Plan for Reopening this Fall

Plan allows families to choose all-virtual, or hybrid of virtual and in-person learning.

July 20, 2020

Arman Rahman,

SUPERIOR, Wis.- In their first in-person meeting since March, the Superior School Board Monday approved their COVID-19 District Response Plan on reopening schools this fall. In the plan (found here), families can choose whether to continue having their children learn virtually at home, or attend in a hybrid setting with partial education at home and partial in the school building….

Some Cloquet Business Owners Ready for Mask Mandate Ahead of Council Vote Tuesday

While city officials' views on the ordinance are divided, these business owners say it's a good idea.

July 19, 2020

Arman Rahman,

CLOQUET, Minn.- Coming up Tuesday two Northland cities, Cloquet and Superior, will vote on a mask mandate for indoor public places. In Cloquet, some business owners say it’s a good idea if it means continuing their operations as safely as possible. “I think it’s good for the community overall, just to keep the spread of the Coronavirus,” said Cindy Peterson,…

After Storms, Red Cliff Band Declares State Of Emergency On Reservation

July 19, 2020

Alexandra Burnley,

BAYFIELD CO., Wis. — The Red Cliff Band of Lake Superior Chippewa has declared a state of emergency for its reservation after severe storms moved through the area over the weekend, according to a press release from the tribe. Richard Peterson, chairman of the tribe, wrote in the press release that Saturday’s storms tore down trees and power lines all…

Owner of Twin Ports Bars, Restaurants Weighs in On Proposed Superior Mask Mandate

After abiding by the new ordinance at his Duluth locations, Rick Lampton says he expects adjusting at Grizzly's and 7 West in Superior to go smoothly.

July 18, 2020

Arman Rahman,

SUPERIOR, Wis.- In just three days the Superior City Council will vote on whether to implement an indoor public mask mandate similar to Duluth. Now more bar and restaurant owners are speaking out on that proposed ordinance. Rick Lampton, owner of many establishments in both Duluth and Superior, including Grizzly’s and 7 West Taphouse, has already adjusted his businesses to…

75-Year-Old Dies After Crashing UTV Into Creek

July 15, 2020

Alexandra Burnley,

TOWNSHIP OF TRIPP, Wis. — A 75-year-old man died after crashing his UTV into a creek in the Township of Tripp, according to the Bayfield County Sheriff’s Office. It’s unclear how long he was there, but first responders received a call shortly after 3 p.m. on Wednesday about the crash near Range Line Road. When they arrived on scene, they…

With Superior Mask Mandate on Horizon, Business Owners Prepare for its Passage

Some retail businesses like Annie's Attic already recommend masks, so making it a city-wide requirement will take some stress of enforcement, owner says.

July 14, 2020

Arman Rahman,

SUPERIOR, Wis.- Across the bridge in Superior, businesses are preparing for a city wide mask mandate that could take effect July 27th, if the City Council approves a proposed ordinance at next week’s council meeting. All signs show it will be passed for indoor public places, as only Councilor Keith Kern, a bar owner himself, voted against moving forward with…

Duluth Becomes First City in Northland to Approve Mask Mandate for Indoor Public Places

Duluth City Council voted unanimously to require masks indoors in public, with penalties for businesses and individuals that don't comply.

July 13, 2020

Arman Rahman,

DULUTH, Minn.- Duluth is now the first city in the Northland to require masks in all public indoor spaces to stop the spread of the Coronavirus, after City Council voted unanimously to pass the historic ordinance Monday night, effective immediately. Face coverings will now be required in such places as retail spaces, DTA buses, the Skywalk, and in apartment building…

Duluth City Council Unanimously Passes Ordinance Requiring Masks Indoors Citywide

July 13, 2020

Arman Rahman,

DULUTH, Minn.- The Duluth City Council has unanimously passed a resolution requiring masks in indoor public places in the city, effective immediately, to slow the spread of COVID-19. Face coverings will now be required in such places as retail spaces, DTA buses, the Skywalk, at restaurants and bars when not eating or drinking, and in apartment building common areas such…

Duluth Police Investigate Two Weekend Shootings

Police Chief Mike Tusken: "...we have guns in the hands of people who shouldn’t have them..."

July 12, 2020

Dan Hanger,

DULUTH, Minn.- Duluth Police are searching for suspects in two shootings hours apart Saturday night, including one downtown that sent a person to the hospital — and according to Chief Mike Tusken, guns owned by people who shouldn’t are to blame. The first shooting happened downtown in the 100 block of E. # 3 alley around 7 p.m. where…

Update: Three People Rescued From Burning House in Virginia

July 5, 2020

Alexandra Burnley,

VIRGINIA, Minn. — Two adults and a toddler were rescued from a house fire by a Virginia police officer on Sunday, according to the Virginia Fire Department. Firefighters received a call about a house fire on the 700-block of 11th Street North shortly before 11:30 a.m. Before firefighters arrived, a Virginia police officer grabbed a neighbor’s ladder and climbed up…

Fatal ATV Crash in Holyoke Township

July 5, 2020

Alexandra Burnley,

HOLYOKE TOWNSHIP, Minn. — A 48-year-old man died on Saturday after an ATV accident, according to a press release from the Carlton County Sheriff’s Office. Authorities received a call around 8:30 p.m. that an ATV had crashed in the Holyoke Township off of Golf Course Road. The Carlton County Sheriff’s Office said it appeared that the man was going downhill…

Experts Share Tips on Keeping Family, Pets Safe in Intense Summer Heat

Duluth Fire Officials and experts from Animal Allies weigh in on keeping pets and people hydrated and protected.

July 5, 2020

Arman Rahman,

DULUTH, Minn.- Summer heat doesn’t last long in the Northland. While you enjoy it for the short time it’s here, experts say it’s important to do so safely. The first few weeks of summer have been scorchers in the Northland, with temperatures this past week reaching 90 degrees for the first time since August 2018 and temps nearing 90 Fourth…

Duluth Police Chief: Several Fourth of July Incidents Involving Guns

July 5, 2020

Alexandra Burnley,

DULUTH, Minn. — Duluth police responded to three incidents involving guns on the Fourth of July, according to Chief Mike Tusken. In one incident, police responded to shots fired in Lincoln Park. Officers found the address where it happened, and negotiated with the suspect to surrender for over an hour. They took the suspect into custody, and also executed a…

Wildfires in Superior National Forest, BWCA on Fourth of July

July 5, 2020

Alexandra Burnley,

MINNESOTA — According to the U.S. Fire Service, multiple wildfires burned in the Superior National Forest and BWCA on the Fourth of July. In the Superior National Forest, four wildfires were reported in the west area. Three wildfires were reported in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness within St. Louis County, as well as another fire outside of the Boundary…

St. Louis County Responds to Multiple Fourth of July Water Emergencies

July 5, 2020

Alexandra Burnley,

ST. LOUIS CO., Minn. — The St. Louis County Sheriff’s Office responded to three water emergencies on the Fourth of July, according to a press release from the department. The first incident happened at noon on Bassett Lake in the Bassett Township. A 47-year-old man was tubing behind a boat when he was hurt by the rope attached to it….

Lake Avenue Restaurant and Bar Voluntarily Closes After Staff Member Tests Positive for COVID-19

July 1, 2020

CJ Baumgartner,

DULUTH, Minn.– Lake Avenue Restaurant and Bar in Duluth announced Wednesday they are voluntarily closing, explaining that staff has been exposed to a person with COVID-19. It’s also located in Canal Park, where the popular tourist destination has been seeing bigger crowds over the last few weeks. After a number of bars and restaurants in Superior closed yesterday due to…

Park Point Beaches Packed with Swimmers Despite Rip Current Warning, Choppy Water

Many spent the hot second week of summer on the shore or in the water, despite the Red Flag Warning

June 28, 2020

Arman Rahman,

DULUTH, Minn.- The Duluth Fire Department issued a red-flag warning on Park Point Beaches Sunday because of a high risk of Rip Currents. Despite this, many on the beaches said they felt safe as long as they were careful and didn’t swim out far from shore. Sunday’s cooler temperatures were a welcome feeling for many after a week of 70’s…

Red-Flag Warning Issued For Park Point Beaches

June 28, 2020

Dan Hanger,

DULUTH, Minn. — The Duluth Fire Department has issued a red-flag warning on Park Point beaches because of a high risk for rip currents. The warning expires at 10 a.m. Monday. “Rip currents are life-threatening to anyone entering the water. Stay out of the water regardless of your swimming experience,” according to a news release from the fire department. There…

Update: 3 Dogs, 2 Cats Die in Superior Fire

June 27, 2020

Andrew Kirov,

SUPERIOR, Wis. – Three cats and two dogs died in a fire at a Superior home on Friday evening. The Superior Fire Department responded to the blaze 609 Grand Avenue just after 7:00 p.m. Fire crews arrived to heavy smoke and fire coming from the rear of the duplex. The fire was spreading to adjacent structures and firefighters worked to…

Superior Home Heavily Damaged in Fire

June 26, 2020

Andrew Kirov,

SUPERIOR, Wis. – A fire heavily damaged a Superior home on Friday evening. The Superior Fire Department responded to the blaze at 609 Grand Avenue just after 7:00 p.m. Fire crews arrived to heavy smoke and fire coming from the rear of the home. All occupants were reported out of the building. The Superior Fire Department is asking citizens to…

St. Louis County Rescue Squad Ready for Summer Water Emergencies

June 17, 2020

Andrew Kirov,

ST. LOUIS COUNTY, Minn. – The St. Louis County Rescue Squad responds to wilderness, water, and first aid rescues across the region. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the squad has responded to less vehicle accidents than normal, but woodland and water rescues are happening a little more frequently. Every year, there are about 7.5 water deaths in St. Louis County. The…

Some Minneapolis Activists Doubt Disbanding Police Will Work

June 8, 2020

The Associated Press,

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — George Floyd’s death was the breaking point for some Minneapolis civic leaders, who now say the only way to fix the city’s embattled police department is to take it apart. But it’s not clear how they would do that, and groups that have spent years shining a light on police brutality aren’t even sure it’s the answer….

Duluth Rip Current Warning in Effect until 10 a.m. Monday

June 7, 2020

Alexandra Burnley,

DULUTH, Minn. — The Duluth Fire Department issued a rip current warning on Sunday, meaning it is too dangerous for swimming. The warning will expire at 10 a.m. tomorrow unless dangerous conditions continue. The warning is in place because of strong wind and wave conditions. Getting caught in a rip current can be deadly for even strong swimmers, and…

Veto-proof Majority of Minneapolis City Council Announces Support for Dismantling MPD

June 7, 2020

Site Staff,

MINNEAPOLIS (FOX 9) – Nine members of the Minneapolis City Council announced their support for de-funding the Minneapolis Police Department and replacing it with a community-based public safety model at a rally in Powderhorn Park Sunday afternoon. At the end of the rally, the councilmembers and some community activisits committed to ending the Minneapolis Police Department through the budget process. The group…

Duty To Intervene: Floyd Cops Spoke Up But Didn’t Step In

June 7, 2020

The Associated Press,

Minneapolis was among several cities that had policies on the books requiring police officers to intervene to stop colleagues from using unreasonable force, but that didn’t save George Floyd and law enforcement experts say such rules will always run up against entrenched police culture and the fear of being ostracized and branded a “rat.” Power dynamics may have been magnified…

Veteran Cloquet Officer Named New Police Chief

After serving many roles including Commander and Interim Police Chief, Derek Randall is the new top cop.

June 3, 2020

Arman Rahman,

CLOQUET, Minn.-. The Cloquet Police Department now has a new Police Chief. After a nine month search interviewing candidates from across the country, it is the former Commander and Interim Chief Derek Randall who is shedding the “interim” from his title and stepping into the top role. “It’s a breath of relief for sure,” Randall said. Cloquet City Council voted…

Small, Peaceful Protest In Superior As Businesses Board Up For Potential Unrest

A rumored protest taking over the Blatnik Bridge didn't happen.

June 2, 2020

Arman Rahman,

SUPERIOR, Wis.- At the corner of Belknap and Hammond in Superior Wednesday, a dozen or so young people peacefully held signs against the death of George Floyd and police brutality, cheered on by drivers honking their horns in support–amid rumors of protests and unrest in the city swirling for a few days. There was even talk of a protest overtaking…

As Duluth Curfew Ends, Police Chief Says “We Have to Find Equality for Everyone” Going Forward

Less arrests were made during a more peaceful Sunday night, leading Mayor Larson to lift the curfew.

June 1, 2020

Arman Rahman,

DULUTH, Minn.- The city-wide curfew has been lifted in Duluth since Saturday night’s protest that turned violent in Lincoln Park– and that lift, said Mayor Emily Larson, is largely because people voluntarily complied Sunday night. “Because last night went so well, because the community stepped up and provided the kinds of support many of us have needed to feel, we…

FOX 21 News at 9 Sunday: Duluth, Virginia Protest Coverage

June 1, 2020

Dan Hanger,

DULUTH, Minn. — Here is the section of Sunday’s 9 p.m. newscast dedicated to the coverage of protests in Duluth and Virginia this weekend. Categories: Crime, Minnesota, News, Public Safety

Duluth Police Chief Explains Response To Overnight Unrest

May 31, 2020

Dan Hanger,

DULUTH, Minn. – Duluth Police Chief Mike Tusken spoke at a morning press conference Sunday after tensions boiled over overnight by a group of around 100 protesters that became unruly for hours in Lincoln Park. The center of the activity was around the Kwik Trip at 27th Avenue West and Superior Street. Cell phone video showed a Kwik Trip employee…

One Protester Arrested, Car Set on Fire During Protest on Central Entrance Saturday

Car fire was ruled an arson, no arrest made yet.

May 31, 2020

Arman Rahman,

DULUTH, Minn.- At times Saturday night, Duluth Police said it became difficult to respond to incidents of concern– even with about 100 officers out when normally around 20 patrol at night– because some protesters got in cars to head up Central Entrance at one point. A long line of protesters blocked traffic on both sides of the street, eventually stopping…

Duluth PD Makes 11 Arrests During Saturday Night Protest; 9 p.m. Curfew Still in Effect Sunday

Police say they expect a peaceful Sunday evening; they will seek voluntary compliance for those out past curfew.

May 31, 2020

Arman Rahman,

DULUTH, Minn.- According to the Duluth Police Department, 11 people were arrested during the protest between 2:45 Saturday afternoon and 4:16 a.m. Sunday. Four arrests were of juveniles which consisted of Unlawful Assembly, Felony 3rd Degree Riot, Misdemeanor Disorderly Conduct, Damage to Property, Unlawful Assembly, and warrant arrests. Additionally, so far eight reports of property damage are listed: from spray…

Downtown Duluth Businesses Board Up Ahead of Protests

Business owners say they prepared for the worst, hoped it didn't happen.

May 30, 2020

Arman Rahman,

DULUTH, Minn.- Downtown businesses spent the day leading up to the protests buckling down, in case things escalated as they have in other cities across the country. The closed Fond-du-Luth Casino on Superior Street started boarding up their doors and windows a couple hours before the demonstration started. Officials with the reservation said they’re trying to be prepared for anything….

State Patrol: Sharp Increase in Speed Citations on Minnesota Roads

Since Stay-at-Home Restrictions Were Put in Place in March, 232 Drivers Have Received Speed Citations in Excess of 100mph

May 27, 2020

Brett Scott,

DULUTH, Minn. – The Minnesota State Patrol is warning of an alarming increase in speed-related citations since mid-March when COVID-19 restrictions were put in place. Since then, more than 230 drivers in the state have been pulled over for speeding in excess of 100mph. Officials believe the increase points to less traffic on roadways. Officers say a common misconception right…

Gary-New Duluth Fire Station Celebrates 92 Years

Fire Station 10 opened in 1928

May 19, 2020

Andrew Kirov,

DULUTH, Minn. – The fire station in Gary-New Duluth turned 92 years old on May 19. Fire Station 10 was built in 1928. It used to be a police station, community center, and fire hall. Firefighters tell us they can still see some features from the old days like holding cells and a shooting range for police officers. Even though…

Duluth Police Union Caps Off Police Week With Video Featuring Paul Harvey’s “Policeman” Narration

May 17, 2020

Dan Hanger,

DULUTH, Minn. – Duluth Police Local 807, the union representing the department’s officers, investigators and sergeants has started its own Facebook page to help connect with the community better by showcasing the work officers are doing on a daily basis. And just this weekend to cap off Police Week, the page featured a video featuring Paul Harvey’s “Policeman” narration. Click…

Superior Businesses Navigate Operating Safely After First Weekend Open

Douglas County officials urge businesses to follow guidelines, and they may shut them down if they receive complaints.

May 17, 2020

Arman Rahman,

SUPERIOR, Wis.- It was the first weekend that businesses in Wisconsin were suddenly given the green light to open after the state’s stay at home order was thrown out by the Wisconsin Supreme Court–now business owners in Superior say it’s time to figure out how to open safely. The jingle of the door opening is a sound not heard at…

Duluth Firefighters Train with New Fire Rig, Expect Faster Response Times

The new $1.4 million firetruck is outfitted with a center-mounted ladder, mounted bucket, and more.

May 12, 2020

Arman Rahman,

DULUTH, Minn.- Two weeks ago the Duluth Fire Department received a new fire engine, to be used out of Tower One. After spending time outfitting it with all the necessary bells and whistles, they took it out for a spin Tuesday for training. There was no fire in the Marcus Theaters parking lot, but the hoses were running on a…

Gov. Walz Allows Elective Surgeries Statewide; Essentia, St. Luke’s Say They’re Ready

The Governor signed an executive order Tuesday allowing elective surgeries and procedures, reversing an order from March.

May 5, 2020

Arman Rahman,

DULUTH, Minn.- An executive order from Governor Tim Walz gave the green light for healthcare providers to resume elective surgeries and procedures on May 11th. A move officials at Essentia Health and St. Luke’s Hospitals in Duluth said they are ready for. Health systems statewide have lost about $1 billion a month since procedures and surgeries were banned in March,…

Conservative Justices Bash Wisconsin Stay-at-Home Order

May 5, 2020

The Associated Press,

MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Conservative justices who control the Wisconsin Supreme Court raised doubts Tuesday about whether Democratic Gov. Tony Evers’ stay-at-home order is legal, asserting that the Legislature never intended to give the executive branch so much power. Justice Rebecca Bradley suggested during oral arguments over the order that state Department of Health Services Secretary Andrea Palm’s decision to…

Wisconsin Waives Road Test for Young Drivers

May 5, 2020

The Associated Press,

MADISON, Wis. (AP) —Sixteen and 17-year-olds in Wisconsin would not have to take a road test in order to receive their driver’s license under a new pilot program announced by the state Department of Transportation on Tuesday. Also, drivers age 64 and under will be given the option to renew their driver’s license online. The changes take effect Monday and…

Free Pop-Up COVID-19 Testing Events Happening in Northwestern Wisconsin

May 3, 2020

Alexandra Burnley,

WISCONSIN — As states gather more testing kits for COVID-19, Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers has announced that free testing sites will pop-up in counties across Northwestern Wisconsin through at least mid-May. The testing will be done in areas that currently lack it or where there might be higher rates of the virus, according to the state. The pop-ups will be…

Carlton County Sheriff’s Office to Start Using Body Cameras

Sheriff's Office plans to order body cameras for all 25 officers

April 29, 2020

Andrew Kirov,

CARLTON, Minn. – The Carlton County Sheriff’s Office will soon buy body cameras for all 25 officers in the department. The body cameras are made by the company, WatchGuard, and cost $1,000 a piece. A Carlton County deputy tells us the cameras will bring more transparency to the sheriff’s office and will help law enforcement build better cases against defendants….

Hometown Heroes: 4/26/20

April 26, 2020

Dan Hanger,

DULUTH, Minn. — FOX 21 is highlighting local front-line workers who are giving their all for the community during the coronavirus pandemic. Here are just a few of our Hometown Heroes from Sunday’s broadcast. If you’d like to nominate someone, just head over to FOX 21’s Facebook page to upload an image and a brief description about the person. We…

Superior Police Officer Helping Others Through Pandemic With Daily Facebook Posts

April 26, 2020

Dan Hanger,

SUPERIOR, Wis. – We are now more than a month into the stay-at-home order in Minnesota and Wisconsin as thousands are jobless, businesses are shut down and emotions are running higher than ever. But there’s one police officer in Superior who’s trying to help guide those emotions in a positive way through posts on the department’s Facebook page based off…

Superior Asst. Police Chief Retires After Nearly 30 Years Of Service

April 24, 2020

Dan Hanger,

SUPERIOR, Wis. – A nearly 30-year veteran of the Superior Police Department has retired. Friday was Assistant Chief Matt Markon’s last day on the force. The 53-year-old joined the department as a patrol officer in 1991. Markon says he’s enjoyed so much about the job over the years, but especially helping people. “Just being able to think back on the…

Summer Events at Bayfront in Limbo due to Pandemic

Officials, event organizers and acts are all looking at other ways to hopefully bring their art to fans.

April 23, 2020

Arman Rahman,

DULUTH, Minn.- The COVID-19 pandemic has left musical acts and festivals at Bayfront Festival Park in unprecedented uncertainty–forcing organizers and artists to explore different ways to give fans an experience if shows are a no-go. Bayfront has become synonymous with summer fun, filling up every season with concert-goers, food lovers, and fireworks. But the empty, bleak park you see right…

Duluth City Council President, Tourist Attractions Prepare for Tough Times After Budget Shortfall

So far businesses are allowed to open early May, but there's weeks of preparation involved.

April 21, 2020

Arman Rahman,

DULUTH, Minn.- After Mayor Emily Larson’s announcement of the City’s tremendous 2020 budget shortfall due to COVID-19, tourist attractions navigate uncertain times through the most important dollar-making months Duluth sees all year. While Governor Walz’s stay-at-home order right now says businesses can start opening up the first week of May, owners of attractions told us they can’t just throw open…