Public Safety Archives - Page 30 of 43

Duluth Restaurants Take Precautions Against COVID-19

As restaurants close across the country, restaurants here try their best to stay open.

March 15, 2020

Arman Rahman,

DULUTH, Minn.- The President of the Duluth Local Restaurant Association is commenting on how some restaurants in the city are coping with the impacts of people taking precautions and staying home because of the Coronavirus. Currently, all bars and restaurants in Illinois, Ohio, California and Massachusetts have been ordered by their Governors to close to slow the community spread of…

Gov. Walz Closes Minnesota Schools for Two Weeks to Plan for Coronavirus

The two-week period is for school officials and teachers to plan for long-term closures, distance learning.

March 15, 2020

Arman Rahman,

DULUTH, Minn.- In the most intense step the State of Minnesota has taken in response to the Coronavirus, Governor Tim Walz signed an executive order closing all schools in the state starting Wednesday, until March 27th. This comes just two days after Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers announced all schools statewide would close through April 6th. While parents prepare to cope…

Larson Addresses Coronavirus Concerns Sunday Ahead of Press Event

March 15, 2020

Dan Hanger,

DULUTH, Minn. – Duluth Mayor Emily Larson will be holding a press conference Monday at 10 a.m. with an update on the city’s plans regarding the coronavirus. The event will be closed to the public to honor the Minnesota Department of Health’s social distancing guidelines, according to Larson. The press conference will be streamed on the city and FOX 21’s…

Trump Calls on Americans to Cease Hoarding Food, Supplies

March 15, 2020

The Associated Press,

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump on Sunday called on Americans to cease hoarding groceries and other supplies, while one of the nation’s most senior public health officials called on the nation to act with more urgency to safeguard their health as the coronavirus outbreak continued to spread across the United States. Dr. Anthony Fauci says he would like to…

Duluth Police Department Employees Honored at Commendation Ceremony

Annual ceremony awards officers and civilian employees

March 12, 2020

Andrew Kirov,

DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth Police Department awarded officers and civilians for their exceptional work this year. The annual Commendation Ceremony brought dozens of police officers, department employees, community members, and their families together to celebrate great efforts. Awards were given for police partnership, saving lives, and great service. Officer Ethan Roe was named ‘Police Officer of the Year.’ “I…

UWS Extends Spring Break, Moves Classes Online for Coronavirus; WITC Weighing Options

UWS moves to online classes until April.

March 11, 2020

Arman Rahman,

SUPERIOR, Wis.- College campuses in Superior are making adjustments and preparations for the Coronavirus. University of Wisconsin Superior is extending its Spring Break and moving all classes online until April, and WITC is considering alternate delivery modes for classes. “I like staying busy. So part of me, I don’t mind it,” UWS Student Body President Zack Abt said. “It’ll be…

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NBA Suspends Season ‘Until Further Notice’ Due to Utah Jazz Player with Coronavirus

Rudy Gobert tested positive for COVID-19

March 11, 2020

Arman Rahman,

The Spalding NBA official game ball is seen before an NBA basketball game between an NBA game against the Milwaukee Bucks on Friday, Dec. 13, 2019, in Memphis, Tenn. (Matt Patterson via AP) MIAMI (AP) – The NBA has suspended its season “until further notice” after a Utah Jazz player tested positive Wednesday for the coronavirus, a move that came…

CSS Joins UMD, UWS By Extending Spring Break, Moving Classes Online Amid Coronavirus Concerns

March 11, 2020

Dan Hanger,

DULUTH, Minn. – The College of St. Scholastica announced Wednesday it would be joining the University of Minnesota Duluth and the University of Wisconsin-Superior by extending spring break for students and moving classes online when those students return amid concerns about the COVID-19 strain of the coronavirus. Below is the statement from the president CSS: Dear St. Scholastica Family, As…

UMD, UWS Extend Spring Break; Classes Moving Online When Students Return

March 11, 2020

Dan Hanger,

DULUTH, Minn. — The University of Minnesota Duluth and the University of Wisconsin-Superior have announced they are extending spring break and moving classes online when students return because of the growing concerns involving the COVID-19 strain of the coronavirus. Below are the two official releases from each university. UMD: Dear students, faculty, and staff, As the challenges presented by COVID-19…

McDonald’s Retaining Wall Crumbles

City contractors coming in to evaluate the wall.

March 10, 2020

Arman Rahman,

DULUTH, Minn.- A big portion of a retaining wall collapsed at a busy Duluth McDonald’s. It happened around 5:30 Tuesday evening at the McDonald’s on the corner of 21st Avenue East and London Road. The railing detached from the parking lot, and chunks of the wall fell down below along the road. City officials told FOX 21 that contractors were…

Duluth Fire Chief Details City’s Response if Coronavirus Hits Northland

Fire Chief said not to panic, but expect the virus in the County at some point.

March 9, 2020

Arman Rahman,

DULUTH, Minn.- As the second case of Coronavirus was discovered in Minnesota on Sunday, the City of Duluth says it has what it is calling a pandemic plan that could be utilized should the need arise. According to Duluth Fire Chief Shawn Krizaj, the city is closely monitoring the virus on the local, state, and national level. They are also…

Suspect in Cloquet Double Homicide Found, Arrested in ‘Wooded Area’

33-year-old Sheldon Thompson was arrested in Perch Lake Township in Carlton County.

March 8, 2020

Arman Rahman,

CLOQUET, Minn.- Authorities have arrested 33-year-old Sheldon Thompson of Cloquet, in connection to the deaths of a mother and her young son on the Fond Du Lac Reservation in Cloquet. At 8:43 pm Sunday, Thompson was arrested in a wooded area off Mission Road in Perch Lake Township in Carlton County on the Reservation, police said. He was taken into…

Coronavirus Information Phone Line and Webpage Offered by St. Louis County

Public Health Nurses will be on hand to answer questions.

March 6, 2020

Arman Rahman,

DULUTH, Minn.- Amid Coronavirus concerns spreading across the country, St. Louis County opened up an information phone line and a website for people to call or visit to get their Coronavirus concerns addressed. Public Health nurses will be at the ready Monday through Friday, 8am-4:30pm, to answer questions people may have about COVID-19, the disease caused by the new Coronavirus….

Geared Up: Duluth Police Train For Potential Civil Unrest

February 27, 2020

Dan Hanger, Andrew Kirov,

DULUTH, Minn. — With a use-of-force policy now in place for Duluth’s newly purchased protective gear, officers are going through specialized training for those rare events when protesters can turn violent. And while full-blown riots are not a common occurrence in Duluth by any means, Chief Mike Tusken believes it’s his responsibility to be prepared for the worst to keep the…

Working Group Offers Recommendations to Reduce Police Deadly Force Situations

St. Louis County Attorney Mark Rubin updated the County's Officer Deadly Force Encounters Policy as well.

February 24, 2020

Arman Rahman,

DULUTH, Minn.- A working group in the Twin Cities organized by Attorney General Keith Ellison unveiled a report with recommendations on how to reduce deadly force encounters with law enforcement, and Officer-Involved-Shootings across the state. The Working Group on Police-Involved Deadly Force Encounters came up with 28 recommendations and 33 action steps. Those recommendations include training law enforcement in de-escalation…

Council Unanimously Approves New Police Protective Gear Policy

Councilors praised the policy as a great product of a lot of hard work.

February 24, 2020

Arman Rahman,

DULUTH, Minn.- The Duluth City Council unanimously approved a new policy for the use of newly purchased protective gear by the Duluth Police Department. This effectively puts an end to public discussions on the policy, which began back in 2017 when Police Chief Mike Tusken proposed purchasing the gear to replace outdated ones. Many councilors spoke on their reasons for…

Chief Tusken Reflects On Police Department Assessment Report

February 20, 2020

Dan Hanger,

DULUTH, Minn. – A top to bottom outside assessment of the Duluth Police Department is now complete. And Chief Mike Tusken says he’s pleased that the recommendations for improvements were nothing overly unexpected. Tusken says one of the strengths highlighted in the report applauds the department’s mental health unit as innovative and progressive. On the flip side, the report concluded…

Group Makes Banners Empowering Missing, Murdered Indigenous Women March

Currently 20 unaccounted women are logged in urban parts.

February 13, 2020

Arman Rahman,

DULUTH, Minn.- The Native Lives Matter Coalition spent the day making banners for Friday’s fifth annual Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women Memorial March. According to data from the Urban Indian Health Institute, 20 indigenous women are murdered or missing from urban areas in Minnesota. A task force is working on determining numbers for the whole state. The banners empower family…

Duluth Council Approves Grant to Continue Mental Health Officer Position

Officer helps build relationships and get people help from Mental Health Services.

February 10, 2020

Arman Rahman,

DULUTH, Minn.- The Duluth City Council approved a $206,793 grant that’ll allow the Duluth Police Department to continue dedicating an officer specifically for mental health calls. The officer is part of the Department’s Mental Health Unit based out of the DTA substation downtown. He works with people based on referrals from other officers and community members. Since the grant was…

Council Approves Demolition of Kozy; Former Owner Still Determined to Stop Wrecking Ball

Former owner Eric Ringsred didn't come up with the $50,000 bond court required to keep building up.

February 10, 2020

Arman Rahman,

DULUTH, Minn.- The City of Duluth is the closest its ever been to tearing down the condemned Kozy building on East First Street. DEDA owns the building, and the Council voted to approve DEDA’s decision to demolish the building that’s sat vacant for nearly a decade. The council voted unanimously, 8-0 with Councilor Russ absent, to demolish the structure. But…

Lake Superior Nearly Ice-Free this Warm Winter

Ice coverage at less than 5% as temps are higher than normal.

February 6, 2020

Arman Rahman,

DULUTH, Minn.- This winter’s unseasonably warm temperatures have left Lake Superior almost entirely without ice. According to experts at the National Weather Service, less than 5% of the lake is covered so far, while at this time last year 40% of the lake was covered. While less ice may make the water seem warmer, experts said that it’s still icy…

Meeting on Refugee Resettlement Turns Contentious

Both sides of the refugee issue clashed outside of meeting.

February 6, 2020

Arman Rahman,

CLOQUET, Minn.- A presentation on refugee resettlement at the Fond Du Lac Tribal and Community College sparked a bit of controversy Thursday. The presentation focused on explaining “all the facts” about refugee resettlement, while some people in attendance said what they’re doing is wrong. The meeting at the college Thursday was not a part of any established group, but was…

Officials Present New Protective Gear Policy with Police Chief, Community

Policy born out of nearly one year of meetings, and over 30 hours of discussion.

February 3, 2020

Arman Rahman,

DULUTH, Minn.- After 10 months of 12 meetings, the Duluth Police Policy Working Group presented its Protective Gear Policy to Duluth Police Chief Mike Tusken, with the public having the chance to share their questions and concerns. The Policy Working Group consisted of 20 members from groups including the Duluth Citizen Review Board, Duluth NAACP, Homeless Persons Bill of Rights,…

2019 Was Busiest Year Ever for St. Louis County Rescue Squad

February 1, 2020

Andrew Kirov,

ST. LOUIS COUNTY, Minn. – The St. Louis County Rescue Squad says 2019 was the busiest year in its 61-year history. The Rescue Squad posted on Facebook that its members ran 542 missions in 2019, eclipsing the previous record by more than a hundred. In the woods, the squad ran a record 154 missions, consisting of 80 searches, 69 rescues,…

City Asks Residents to Keep Gas Meters, Vents Clear of Ice & Snow

City of Duluth Reminds Residents to Use Preventative Measures as Winter Continues

January 31, 2020

Brett Scott,

DULUTH, Minn. – As winter rolls on, the City of Duluth is reminding residents to think ahead before problems occur. The City says due to an increase in snow and ice-related issues this season involving gas metering equipment, they’re asking residents to make sure gas meters, furnace, boiler, and dryer vents are clear of ice and snow. This preventative action…

Beargrease Vets on Alert with Warm Temperatures

Dogs more prone to overheating, dehydration in the heat.

January 26, 2020

Arman Rahman,

DULUTH, Minn.- All the dogs taking mushers along the Beargrease trail, which is softer than usual due to warmer weather, calls for a big team of trained veterinarians. 11 vets and 7 veterinary technicians are stationed at each checkpoint, along with one EMT to check on the human mushers. Vets say while they’re there for medical attention, mushers are usually…

Whooping Cough Found in Superior Schools

Health officials say to watch children for symptoms.

January 23, 2020

Arman Rahman,

SUPERIOR, Wis.- Three confirmed cases of whooping cough have been found between Superior Middle and High Schools, and other cases are pending. The Pertussis virus leads to a harsh cough which could stop breathing in some younger children, causing health officials to urge parents to keep watch. Whooping cough first shows as common cold symptoms before manifesting in a violent…

UMD Police Urge Drivers to Use Caution, Watch for Pedestrians

Pedestrian Right of Way: Not Always Clear

January 23, 2020

Brett Scott,

DULUTH, Minn. – Three weeks into the new year, and already three drivers have been given citations for failing to yield to pedestrians on the campus of UMD. Just last year, 24 drivers received tickets, an uptick from 2018. With recent weather conditions making for tall snow banks and sloppy, slick roads, it’s prompting UMD Police Department to speak out…

St. Louis County, Teamsters Local 320 Reach Contract Agreement

The Agreement Was Announced Monday Morning on the Facebook Page of Teamsters 320 Local Recording Secretary Erik Skoog

January 20, 2020

Brett Scott,

DULUTH, Minn. – According to Teamsters Local 320 Recording Secretary Erik Skoog, an agreement has been reached between public works employees and St. Louis County. The announcement was made early Monday morning on Skoog’s Facebook page. In a post, Skoog says, “After 15 hours of mediation, we reached an agreement that both parties can be proud of! Congrats Teamsters and…

Fatal Eveleth House Fire Victim Identified, Neighborhood Mourns

77-year-old Bonnie Mae Phinney was trapped in the house as it burned to the ground.

January 15, 2020

Arman Rahman,

EVELETH, Minn.- The identity of a 77-year-old woman who died in a house fire in Eveleth Tuesday morning has been released. Several area fire departments responded to a structure fire on North Court, after a woman called saying she was unable to get out. “Me and my wife were talking about when the reports were coming in that her body…

5 Residents Displaced After Pickup Truck Slams Into Building, Causes Gas Leak

January 14, 2020

Dan Hanger,

SUPERIOR, Wis. – Police were investigating Tuesday after a pickup truck slammed into a multi-unit residential building and caused a gas leak. The single-vehicle accident happened around 5 p.m. at 4010 E. 2nd Street. The vehicle’s impact severed multiple natural gas meters, according to authorities. Police closed down the area to the public at one point until Superior Water Light…

3 Suspected Opioid-Related Overdoses Of Inmates At Ashland County Jail

January 14, 2020

Dan Hanger,

ASHLAND, Wis. — The Ashland County Sheriff’s Office is investigating three suspected opioid-related overdoses of inmates at the Ashland County Jail. Two inmates experienced symptoms and were hospitalized Jan. 9. Another inmate was hospitalized on Jan. 11. All three were eventually discharged from the hospital. Officials say the inmates were all housed in the same cell block. It’s believed a…

Cloquet Fire Sees Most Calls Ever in 2019

The Cloquet Area Fire District responded to just under 3200 calls last year.

January 14, 2020

Arman Rahman,

CLOQUET, Minn.- The Cloquet Area Fire District has seen a very busy 2019, with the largest number of calls in the Department’s history. The Department has responded to just under 3200 calls last year, and 2020 is shaping up to be just as busy. Just last Sunday, they received two calls for fires in one day. But according to Fire…

Superior Fire Department Sees Youngest Force in Years

Half of the department is in their 20s, with less than a year of experience.

January 9, 2020

Arman Rahman,

SUPERIOR, Wis.- The Superior Fire Department started the new year with a new building and new blood, as this is the youngest the Department has been in years. According to Fire Chief Scott Gordon, the last firefighters to retire took with them years of experience. “The three people that just retired we lost 80 years of experience with those three…

Whooping Cough Death Puts Minnesota Doctors, Parents on Alert

Whooping cough, or pertussis, can be prevented through vaccination.

January 9, 2020

Arman Rahman,

DULUTH, Minn.- Minnesota Health Officials are on alert after whooping cough took the life of an infant in November, the first case in many years. The last pediatric death related to whooping cough in Minnesota was in 2013. According to pediatricians at Essentia Health, you should bring your infant or child in if they develop prolonged cold symptoms past a…

Superior Snow Removal on Hammond a Relief for Local Businesses

Local chiropractor said until now, it has been difficult for clients to get to their building.

January 8, 2020

Arman Rahman,

SUPERIOR, Wis.- Public Works crews in Superior spent their Wednesday clearing large snow and ice banks along Hammond Avenue. Staff at Luke Chiropractic along the busy street said they haven’t seen the tall banks touched since the snowstorm over Thanksgiving. It has been a big obstacle, they said, for handicapped clients or those with injuries. So to have them cleared…

In Case of Iranian Cyber Attack, How to Keep Your Data Secure

Officials say a cyber attack is possible, local expert shares tips on how to protect yourself.

January 8, 2020

Arman Rahman,

DULUTH, Minn.- President Trump has said Iran appears to be standing down after their missile attack on U.S. bases in Iraq, but experts say they could hit us with a different type of attack. An FBI and Homeland Security Intelligence Bulletin sent to law enforcement nationwide said a cyber attack in retaliation is possible, due to Iran’s long history of…

Drunken Driver Who Killed 2 In Duluth In 2012 Charged With DWI — Again; Victims’ Family Speaks Out

January 7, 2020

Dan Hanger,

DULUTH, Minn. – A Duluth family is outraged after learning the man who killed their teenage son and his grandmother in a drunken-driving crash in 2012 has been charged for driving while impaired — again. Hawk Edwards The suspect, 27-year-old Hawk Edwards of Superior posted $75,000 bail Tuesday after police say he was driving 55 mph in a 30 mph…

Minnesota Fire Deaths on the Rise, Mostly Smoking-Related

Duluth Fire Officials share with us why, and how to further prevent one from starting.

January 7, 2020

Arman Rahman,

DULUTH, Minn.- According to the Minnesota State Fire Marshal, 42 people died in fires statewide in 2019, a 14% increase from 2018, preliminary numbers say. The leading cause of these fires is smoking, with at least seven people dying in smoking related fires last year. According to Duluth Fire Department leaders, these fires tend to start outside by people improperly…

Tips to Keep Pipes from Freezing in Subzero Temps

ASP Plumbing shares how to protect your pipes from the cold.

January 7, 2020

Arman Rahman,

DULUTH, Minn.- As temperatures are expected to drop below zero Tuesday night, pipes in your home are more likely to freeze, causing serious problems with your plumbing. Plumbers at ASP Plumbing say if you have pipes close to an outside wall, you should insulate the wall and around the pipes. Covering the pipes with insulation will trap the cold air,…

Ice Fishing More Like Slush Fishing Now, Hopefully Freezing Soon

Expert says go out next week, but still be careful.

January 3, 2020

Arman Rahman,

DULUTH, Minn.- The weather and temperature hasn’t been ideal for ice fishing in the Northland, but that is subject to change. The owner of Marine General on London Road said the ice has been pretty slushy until now. He encourages anglers to get out next week when temps are expected to drop, and all that slush is expected to refreeze….

Superior Police Increases Ranks by Two: New Officers Sworn In

Two officers attended Fond Du Lac Tribal and Community College and UW Superior.

January 3, 2020

Arman Rahman,

SUPERIOR, Wis.- The Superior Police Department increased their ranks by two, as they swore in a pair of new officers at the Government Center. Both of the officers attended both Fond Du Lac Tribal and Community College and UW-Superior. One of them, Michael Pitoscia of Duluth, comes from a long line of boys in blue. His two uncles and great…

Family or Bust: Northlanders Set Out on One of the Busiest Travel Days of the Year

Variety of transportation used to get to their destinations.

December 24, 2019

Arman Rahman,

DULUTH, Minn.- A record number of Americans are expected to head out of town this Holiday season, with Christmas Eve being one of the busiest travel days of the year. By car, by bus, by train or by plane, nothing was going to stop some Northlanders from getting to their loved ones this holiday. At the Holiday Stationstore on the…

Police: Harbor Highlands Drive Shooting Not a Random Incident

The Shooting Occured on Monday, December 23, 2019 on the 100 Block of East Harbor Highlands Drive in Duluth

December 24, 2019

Brett Scott,

DULUTH, Minn. – Duluth Police believe a shooting that occurred Monday on the 100 Block of East Harbor Highlands Drive was not a random incident. Authorities say no one is at large, therefore there is no active threat to the public. When police arrived Monday at 2:49 p.m., they discovered a shooting had occurred outside a residence and located two…

Snowmobiler Rescued After Getting Stuck in Swamp

December 15, 2019

Alexandra Burnley,

ARROWHEAD TOWNSHIP, Minn. — Rescue crews helped a stranded snowmobiler on Saturday after he became stuck in a swamp. Around noon on Saturday, the St. Louis County Rescue Squad, the Arrowhead Volunteer Fire Department, and the Floodwood Ambulance responded to the call of the stranded snowmobiler. According to the St. Louis County Sheriff’s Office, the man was riding on a…

State Patrol Urges Minnesotans to Stay Safe on Icy Highways

Three law enforcement vehicles were hit within fifteen minutes of each other on I-35 Sunday

December 11, 2019

Andrew Kirov,

DULUTH, Minn. – A plea for safety comes from the Minnesota State Patrol after three law enforcement vehicles were hit within about fifteen minutes of each other on I-35 near Midway Road Sunday. Nobody was killed this time, and state troopers tell us these crashes can be avoided, even in snowy and icy conditions. Thirty-six Minnesota State Patrol vehicles have…

Second Night of Cold, Second Night of Duluth Warming Centers

Gloria Dei and CHUM Drop-In Warming Centers open again, in need of volunteers and supplies.

December 10, 2019

Arman Rahman,

DULUTH, Minn.- It’s the second night of intensely cold air across the Northland, and the second night the new warming center at Gloria Dei Lutheran Church is open to give shelter. 10 people arrived at the church warming center Monday night, and nine stayed. Meanwhile at the CHUM Drop-In Center, which is also open through the night this season, 12-15…

Gloria Dei Warming Center Activated Monday-Wednesday

Guests should arrive no earlier than 8 p.m. each night.

December 8, 2019

Arman Rahman,

DULUTH, Minn.- With dangerously cold air on the way, a new warming center will be opening tomorrow in Duluth. That center is the Gloria Dei Lutheran Church on 6th Avenue East. CHUM will activate it on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday from 8 p.m. to 8 a.m. Temperatures are expected to drop below 10 degrees those nights, which is the new…

Doctors Remind to Shovel Smart to Avoid Heart Problems

People with heart and weight problems and the elderly advised to shovel light.

December 3, 2019

Arman Rahman,

DULUTH, Minn.- When shoveling all this snow off driveways, streets and cars in a hurry, it can be hard to remember to take it easy for your health. According to Cardiologists with Essentia Health, people should be careful not to lift enormous amounts of snow when shoveling to avoid a possible heart attack. That goes double, they said, for the…

Superior Mayor Paine: Most Streets, Alleys Plowed

Mayor asks public to email with missed streets or alleys.

December 3, 2019

Arman Rahman,

SUPERIOR, Wis.- Across the bridge in Superior, Mayor Jim Paine said almost all streets and alleys have been plowed. According to the Mayor, Midtown and South End neighborhoods are the last to get cleared up. If there’s a street or alley that’s been missed where you live, Mayor Paine would like you to e-mail him so a plow can be…