Public Safety Archives - Page 35 of 45

Superior Emergency Departments Practice Response to Mass Casualty Incident

Fire and Police Department, and Paramedics evaluated response to active shooter situation.

April 30, 2019

Arman Rahman,

SUPERIOR, Wis.- The Superior Fire Department and Police Department joined together for their third mass casualty training. Rather than practicing their response to an active shooter directly, firefighters, police officers, and paramedics worked on getting quick and precise care to those wounded after the shooter had been neutralized. With makeup and uniforms scattered across the Wessman Arena Gym, it may…

Volunteers Spend Day Cleaning Up Skyline Parkway

Dozens of volunteers line the street picking up trash.

April 28, 2019

Arman Rahman,

DULUTH, Minn.- For this year’s 2nd Annual Skyline Parkway Spring Cleanup, volunteers attacked the garbage down Skyline Parkway between Haines Road and Highland Street. The wind and rustling of leaves mixes with the rustling of plastic bags, and the deep crinkle of soda cans. “We’re just gonna keep doing the garbage cleanup,” said one young volunteer. A sea of neon…

Remembering The Role The Weather Played In The Husky Superior Refinery Explosion

Evacuation Area Quickly Spread South From Strong Winds

April 26, 2019

Brittney Merlot,

SUPERIOR, Wisc. — Many of us will never forget the fear and nervousness as the evacuation zone continued to grow last year on April 26th Husky Refinery explosion. The National Weather Service in Duluth and Fox 21’s Meteorologist Brittney Merlot closely forecasted the winds strength and direction that quickly carried the thick, possibly toxic, heavy black smoke southward. Winds were…

Ordinance To Restrict Duluth Massage Businesses Gets First Read

Some are in favor of some new city regulations, but say current proposal hurts their legitimate businesses.

April 22, 2019

Arman Rahman,

DULUTH, Minn.- The Duluth City Council had its first read of an ordinance that would tighten up restrictions for massage businesses. Amendments to the ordinance include broadening hours of operations from 6 am to 11 pm, allowing clients to enter or exit through more than one entrance, and allowing doors to be locked during business hours. Previously, the ordinance stated…

Cloquet’s Police Chief Places Himself On ‘Voluntary Paid Leave’

April 18, 2019

Dan Hanger,

CLOQUET, Minn. – Cloquet’s police chief has put himself on “voluntary paid leave.” City Administrator Aaron Reeves says Chief Jeff Palmer began his leave on Tuesday, April 16. Reeves could not confirm what it’s for or how long the leave will last. Reeves did say the leave has nothing to do with a complaint against Palmer by former Cloquet Police…

Grand Rapids Police Investigate Fatal Stabbing on Elementary School Playground

Woman died as a result, 15-year-old male charged in juvenile court.

April 17, 2019

Arman Rahman,

Disclaimer: Police identify the victim as 20-years-old, but a relative tells us she was 19. GRAND RAPIDS, Minn.- Grand Rapids Police are investigating the death of a Grand Rapids woman, after she was found stabbed on a local school playground. When authorities arrived they found a 15-year-old boy holding a knife. Now the Itasca County Attorney’s office is asking he…

1 Arrested, Light Pole Toppled During Bulldogs Celebrations In Canal Park

Overall, Duluth police said the large crowd mostly remained in control

April 14, 2019

Arman Rahman,

DULUTH, Minn.- Canal Park was alive Saturday night after the UMD Bulldogs’ historic National Championship back-to-back win. Soon, a large crowd flooded Lake Avenue near 310 Pub, causing Duluth police to block off the road to traffic. Some fans took their excitement a little too far. “The guy got up on the light post and started shaking it real hard,…

Police Chief, ISD 709 Superintendent Debrief After School Shooting Threat

Chief Tusken and Superintendent Gronseth Proud of Teams' responses.

April 10, 2019

Arman Rahman,

DULUTH, Minn.- Duluth’s top cop Chief Mike Tusken, and Superintendent of District 709 Schools Bill Gronseth are reflecting on last week’s active shooter threat at Duluth East High School. The incident involved 36-year-old Travis Busch, who was accused of threatening to shoot officers and others in the school. Authorities also found guns in his car in the school parking lot, and…

Community Preps to Sew Bags, Rid Duluth of Plastic Bags on Earth Day

Bag-A-Thon event happening city wide on April 20th.

April 9, 2019

Arman Rahman,

DULUTH, Minn.- To raise awareness about the climate impacts and pollution caused by plastic bag use, the Bag It Duluth campaign is preparing for a city wide event on Earth Day. “Bag—A—Thon” will occur at locations across the city on April 20th. Different locations will accept donations until the 17th. Then people would be invited to come and sew reusable…

One Suspect in Custody After Suspected Home Break-In

Two young males tried kicking in door in Superior.

April 9, 2019

Arman Rahman,

SUPERIOR, Wis.- The Superior Police Department arrested one male suspect and detained three others, after responding to reports of an attempted home invasion at about 5 p–m last night at the thirteen hundred block of Lincoln street. There two young males were accused of trying to kick a door in. Police arrested the suspect on possible charges of bail jumping and…

St. Louis County Promoting Driving Vigilance for Work Zone Awareness Week

Drivers more at risk than construction crews, experts say.

April 9, 2019

Arman Rahman,

DULUTH, Minn.- This week is National Work Zone Awareness Week. With the construction season just around the corner, St. Louis County Officials are sharing driving tips on how to make it through those construction areas. Officials ask drivers to remain extra vigilant on their normal routes, looking out for lane closures and changes due to construction. Not only for the…

Community Raises Funds for Northland Law Enforcement

The 2019 Police Fundraiser had a goal of over $26,000

April 8, 2019

Viktoria Capek,

DULUTH, Minn.- Northlanders had their chance to ‘Back the Blue’ at the 2019 Police Fundraiser. The event is the only fundraiser put on by local non–profit Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 9 to raise money for surrounding police forces in the area. That money goes toward uniforms and equipment but also goes to support officers and the families of those who…

Husky Energy Announces Rebuild of Superior Refinery

Continued use of controversial chemical Hydrogen Flouride facing backlash.

April 3, 2019

Arman Rahman,

SUPERIOR, Wis.- Nearly a year after the explosion at Husky Energy Refinery, the company announced their plans for a $400 million rebuild, expected to create 350 jobs at its peak. However, the plan to continue using the controversial chemical Hydrogen Fluoride (HF) in the Refinery’s operations, is raising some eyebrows. Investigations found the initial explosion took place in the Fluid Catalytic…

City Holds Last Meeting Before Superior Street Reconstruction Begins

Project leaders met with business leaders and residents at Greysolon Ballroom.

April 1, 2019

Arman Rahman,

DULUTH, Minn.- The City of Duluth plans to close down Superior Street from Lake Avenue to Fourth Avenue West this summer for a four–block reconstruction project. The work starts next Monday, so city officials met with business leaders and residents to talk strategy, get feedback, and answer questions about the remodel. Their big message: it’ll be a rough construction period, but…

Residents Rid Central Hillside of Needles and Trash

Natives Against Heroin and other groups pickup trash.

March 31, 2019

Arman Rahman,

DULUTH, Minn.- As the snow melts, it’s revealing some of the effects of the opioid crisis we don’t always see during the winter. Discarded needles. So residents decided to do something about it. The group is called Natives Against Heroin, and a couple dozen people came out to help clean up trash and needles. They don’t want to see anyone…

Nearly Naked Ruck March To Raise Funds For Struggling Veterans

Everyday 22 Veterans Take Their Lives, 23 Veteran Reconditioning Program Can Help

March 29, 2019

Brittney Merlot,

DULUTH, Minn. — Everyday 22 veterans take their lives, struggling from PTSD, trauma, depression and having trouble adjusting and finding their purpose back in civilian life. The 23 Veteran started here in Duluth 4 years ago by Mike Waldron. The non-profit 23 Veteran is a reconditioning program designed to help veterans struggling, live happier and healthier lives. You can help…

House Lawmakers Pass Hands-Free Driving Bill, on to Senate

State Highway Patrol in favor of law.

March 19, 2019

Arman Rahman,

DULUTH, Minn.- The Minnesota House has approved a bill requiring drivers to use hands–free devices when talking on the phone. The House passed the bill 106 – 21 Monday night. Sponsors of the bill say the measure will help cut down on the rising level of distracted driving and save lives. Today the Minnesota State Highway Patrol told us that they’re…

Duluth Public Works Crews Tackle Potholes, Encounter Obstacles

Crews' work doubling due to weather and water.

March 19, 2019

Arman Rahman,

DULUTH, Minn.- Warmer air means Duluth Public Works crews are out in force tackling all those potholes around town. But the melting snow is making any permanent solution, temporary. It took crews an hour to finish 100 yards of a stretch of 35th Avenue East. But looking back on their work, they saw the water runoff and tire treads already…

Hands-free Driving Bill Passes in Minnesota House

The House Passed the Bill Monday Night

March 19, 2019

KQDS Staff,

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) – The Minnesota House has approved a bill that would require motorists to use hands-free devices when talking on the phone. Sponsors say the measure will cut down on the rising level of distracted driving and save lives. The House passed the bill 106 – 21 Monday night. A similar bill is working its way through…

Alleged Stabbing in Lincoln Park

Authorities are investigating.

March 18, 2019

Arman Rahman,

DULUTH, Minn.- Duluth Police are investigating a stabbing in the Lincoln Park neighborhood. Police were called to 28th Avenue West and 4th Street Sunday afternoon to a report of a person with a gun. When they arrived, instead they found a man with a stab wound that appeared to have been caused by a box cutter, and a second man…

More Northlanders Buy Flood Insurance Ahead of Rain and Warmth

Insurance Agency details change in business.

March 13, 2019

Arman Rahman,

DULUTH, Minn.- The potential for flooding has homeowners thinking about flood insurance. Pat Shelton, an agent at Farmers Insurance in Duluth said people are worrying about heavy snow and the potential for flooded basements. Shelton added that you don’t have to be in a flood zone, to get protection. “It can be a good idea, it’s piece of mind,” he…

City Crews Tackle Storm Drains in Superior, Cleaning Businesses Prep for Flooding

City of Superior and SERVPRO of Twin Ports Share Tips and Tricks

March 12, 2019

Arman Rahman,

SUPERIOR, Wis.- There are 3067 storm drains, 91 miles of sewer, and 181 miles of ditches, swales and culverts in the City of Superior. Now crews are rushing to have those near homes clear, before any flooding can begin. “If that drain gets plugged up, whether it’s plugged up with debris like leaves, grass, sticks, garbage, or ice like we’re…

Potential Rain and Warmth Could Mean Flooding

Northland Agencies Prepare for Flooding.

March 11, 2019

Arman Rahman,

DULUTH, Minn.- Normally the first rainfall this time of year means spring is upon us. But being under this much snow with warmer temperatures, means it can spell out trouble, in the form of flooding. “The old saying is ‘turn around, don’t drown.’” That message is what Keith Kesler of Douglas County Emergency Management is advising drivers this week. “I…

Heavy Snowfall Could Lead to Increased Flooding

National Weather Service measuring overflowing

March 9, 2019

Arman Rahman,

MINNESOTA- There could be an increased flooding risk this spring because of all the snow we’ve been getting. According to the National Weather Service, agencies are measuring Minnesota’s risk of flooding this spring. The DNR and the U.S. Geological Survey are monitoring the depth and flow of streams and rivers across the state to figure out how much water they can…

Mother Speaks About Superior Firefighter Son’s Suicide; Dept. Holds New Support Training

March 7, 2019

Dan Hanger, Andrew Kirov,

SUPERIOR, Wis. – Cheryl Sutton, the mother of Erik Sutton — a retired Superior fire battalion chief – broke her silence Thursday about her son’s suicide to FOX 21’s Dan Hanger. This, as the Superior Fire Department – for the first time – takes on special mental health training to help prevent another tragedy involving one of their own. “Each…

One Firefighter Injured in Superior House Fire

Cause of fire still unknown.

March 6, 2019

Arman Rahman,

SUPERIOR, Wis.- The Superior Fire Department responded to a fire in a single family home on the 6400 block of Banks Avenue in the Village of Superior. The smoke alarm awoke all occupants and their pets, so they were able to get out safely, no one was hurt. However, a firefighter suffered a minor injury, crews say he is recovering…

MnDOT Updates on Mission Creek Burial Ground Restoration

Weather only a small hindrance so far.

February 27, 2019

Arman Rahman,

DULUTH, Minn.- Minnesota Department of Transportation shared an update on its efforts to restore an unearthed Native American Burial site in the Fond Du Lac neighborhood. MnDOT held another community meeting on Wednesday. Transportation officials say after nearly two years of the accidental unearthing by MnDOT. Crews are continuing their sensitive work which has been slowed a bit with the…

CHUM Kicks Off Minnesota Food Share March in Duluth

Campaign aims to restock CHUM from Holidays.

February 26, 2019

Arman Rahman,

DULUTH, Minn.- CHUM kicked off the Minnesota Food Share March Campaign with a goal of raising $115,000 and 35,000 lbs of food. The campaign aims to restock food shelves across the state in March. Many of which, like CHUM, are running low on supplies donated during the holiday season. CHUM says the disadvantaged population has increased in Duluth recently, making…

More Snow Means More Chiropractic Appointments

Local Chiropractic offices see increased fall and shovel injuries.

February 26, 2019

Arman Rahman,

DULUTH, Minn.- The snow hasn’t let up across the Northland, and with more on the way, it can get treacherous to navigate. Area chiropractors have sen an increase in business due to falls and injuries. They shared with us some tips on how to avoid getting hurt, and having to pay them a visit. The officials at HealthSource of Duluth told…

Special Report: Lets Go Ice Fishing Part I

Importance Of Guides On Lake Superior: Safety, Convenience & Reeling In The Big Catch

February 26, 2019

Brittney Merlot,

WASHBURN, Wisc. — After the polar vortex overtook the Northland, ice on Lake Superior rapidly formed! As of right now, over 80% of the great lake is frozen. With more ice this year, people are excited and heading to the shores. Fox 21’s Brittney Merlot takes us on a trip across the ice on Chequamegon Bay, with Houston’s Guide Service….

Duluth Council OKs $88K For External Review Of Police Dept.

February 25, 2019

Arman Rahman,

DULUTH, Minn.- City councilors have unanimously approved Duluth Police Chief Mike Tusken’s request to purchase an external evaluation of his department at a cost of roughly $88,000. The funds would come from the department’s already-approved operational budget for 2019. The assessment would be performed by a third party, and police say it would help them better allocate their limited resources…

Powerful Winds Don’t Stop People From Getting Out

50 mph winds rip through lake and Northland.

February 24, 2019

Arman Rahman,

DULUTH, Minn.- Wind didn’t stop people from getting out in Canal Park. Even tourists braved the elements, fighting the gusts to get that perfect shot of the lake. “Madison’s not on a lake like this, so the wind is just nothing that, yeah nothing that we’ve ever seen,” said Weston Erickson, visiting Duluth with his girlfriend. “For me it’s kinda…

Protecting the Birkie with Birkie Security Team

Security prepares for inclement weather.

February 23, 2019

Arman Rahman,

HAYWARD, Wis.- Behind the scenes, the Birkie Security Team of about 25 volunteers say they’re Sawyer County law enforcement’s eyes and ears for the huge event. They tell us the weather’s cooperated so far, but they’re preparing for much worse as athletes and fans head home. Just be safe driving we have a major weather event heading our way,” said…

West Duluth Waits for City to Clear Snow Piles, More Snow Comes

Piles reaching 5 feet still obstruct businesses.

February 18, 2019

Arman Rahman,

DULUTH, Minn.- While the weather was pretty quiet in the Northland on Monday, recent storms still left large mounds of snow in areas around the city. One place where they’re especially high is West Duluth. While the city has promised to get to those piles this week, more snow on the way could change that. Ahead of their big Winter in…

BNSF Investigates 40-Car Train Derailment Near Cloquet

No one was injured, coal spills out onto river and snow.

February 17, 2019

Arman Rahman,

DULUTH, Minn.- BNSF Railway is investigating to find out what caused dozens of train cars to overturn near Cloquet. The Railway released a statement Sunday night which reads in part: “BNSF crews have been working at the site clearing cars and repairing the track, and preparing a plan to remove the spilled coal and remaining derailed cars. There were no…

Apparel Being Sold in K-9 Officer Haas’ Memory

Advantage Emblem and Screen Printing has teamed up with the Duluth Police Department to print K-9 Officer Haas t-shirts to benefit Northland K-9 Foundation.

February 11, 2019

Katharine Huntley,

DULUTH, Minn. – As the Northland continues to process the loss of K-9 Officer Haas, one local business is making shirts and sweatshirts in his memory. Advantage Emblem and Screen Printing has teamed up with the Duluth Police Department to print K-9 Officer Haas t-shirts with all proceeds going to the Northland K-9 Foundation. The creation of memorial shirts is…

Tips and Tricks for Winter Biking

Zeitgeist Hosts Bikes and Bites Tour for Winter Biking Week

February 9, 2019

Arman Rahman,

DULUTH, Minn.- Those not bothered by the cold and snow who want to get outside this winter, might want to take their bikes out for a spin. Dozens of bikers rode in to Zeitgeist Arts Cafe in downtown Duluth today, the snow, slush and cold not stopping them. They shared with us some tips and tricks to navigating these conditions…

St. Luke’s Plans to Expand, Residents Concerned About Helipad

Community meeting meld at Hospital to discuss

February 6, 2019

Arman Rahman,

DULUTH, Minn.- Neighbors who live near St. Luke’s hospital in downtown Duluth are sounding off about potential noise disturbance they feel could come from the hospital’s plan to expand it’s campus. The first phase of the hospital’s extension is estimated to cost $37.5 million and add 16 more general treatment rooms, 2 more trauma rooms, and 3 more behavioral health treatment…

Brutal Cold Weather Strikes Northland

Fun Cold Weather Tricks To Try In Rare Frigid Temperatures

January 29, 2019

Brittney Merlot,

BRUTAL HISTORIC COLD ARRIVES IN THE NORTHLAND WIND CHILL WARNING: Dangerous cold air temperatures paired with high winds will create life threatening wind chills throughout the day today and into Thursday morning. -40° to -60° feel like temperatures will be felt, which can cause frost bite in 5 minutes. It is crucial that you limit your time outdoors, cover all…

Tips To Keep Your Home Safe In Extreme Cold

Furnace Failure & Bursting Pipes Becomes An Issue In Extended Cold Snap

January 25, 2019

Brittney Merlot,

TWIN PORTS — The cold effects not only how we feel but also how we live. Here are some tips to keep you and your home safe and warm. “Prepare for the worst and hope for the best!” said Service Tech Gartner Refrigeration Company Dave Duffy. “Have it checked on a regular basis to try and catch a potential problem…

Salt is Potentially Damaging to the Environment

MPCA rallying for reduced use of chloride salt on ice.

January 15, 2019

Nachai Taylor,

DULUTH, Minn.- Weather conditions this winter have caused a lot of ice buildup around the Northland. Covering roads and sidewalks with salt during the winter is routine, but this process can harm to the environment. According to the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency, many of the salt and de–icers that make it on the ground will eventually end up polluting bodies…

Homeowners Should do Research before Hiring an Ice Dam Removal Company

Low steam pressure is the best practice.

January 8, 2019

Nachai Taylor,

DULUTH, Minn.- During this time of year there are many companies that advertise their service to get homeowners to work with them on their ice dam problems, but you need to be careful when picking someone for the job. An ice dam is a block of ice that forms on the roof of a home. It builds up…

Second Homicide in Two Weeks Leaves Hibbing Anxious

Families Start Locking Doors, Looking After Kids Outside

January 8, 2019

Arman Rahman,

HIBBING, Minn.- The city of Hibbing is on edge after Hibbing Police make three arrests in the suspected murder of 33-year-old Joshua Lavalley of Aurora. Formal charges are pending against two men, 18 and 20, as well as a 17-year-old female all from Hibbing. Meanwhile residents, especially those who exercise on the Mesabi Trail, are shaken up. “We go running…

Knowing Your Neighbors: Warming Up the Homeless

Ruth House Opens as Warming Center

January 7, 2019

Arman Rahman,

SUPERIOR, Wis.- As the frigid air of night sets in, the question of where to sleep enters the minds of the homeless in Duluth and Superior. Places like CHUM or Solid Rock often fill up quickly, leaving them with almost no options. Until now. The Ruth House in Superior is offering warmth, and care, to anyone who needs it during Northland…

January is Proclaimed Trafficking Awareness Month in the Northland

Minnesota ranks high in the human trafficking cases across the nation.

January 7, 2019

Nachai Taylor,

DULUTH, Minn.- Minnesota ranks high nationally in human trafficking cases making events like this community gathering important to build awareness. The event began with a Red Shawl ceremony to honor victims and survivors of human trafficking. It was followed by remarks from several local organizations that work to prevent trafficking in the Northland. One big goal is informing and…

District Court Stands By Arbitrator’s Decision to Reinstate Duluth Police Officer

Officer Adam Huot was suspended for a use of force incident on May 20, 2017

January 3, 2019

Andrew Kirov,

DULUTH, Minn. – “The behavior and what you saw here does not represent the best of us and as a result I felt very strongly, I do feel very strongly that when you betray public trust that we cannot in this day and age in law enforcement tolerate that behavior,” said Duluth Police Chief Mike Tusken during a press conference on…

Suspect in Custody After Potential Threat at UMD

Donald Allen Rankin is being held in St. Louis County Jail on 3 charges

January 2, 2019

Andrew Kirov,

DULUTH, Minn. – There was a potential threat on the University of Minnesota Duluth campus Tuesday night. It all started with a 911 call reporting a man making suicidal threats who may have had a gun. The suspect was arrested Monday night near the Marshall Alworth Planetarium at UMD about thirty minutes after the initial 911 call. Turns out the…

Duluth Bethel Shines Beacon of Hope

Beacon Lighting Helps Ring in New Year for Recovering Addicts

December 31, 2018

Arman Rahman,

DULUTH, Minn.- The Duluth Bethel has been serving the Northland in different ways for 145 years. On New Years Eve, they honored that legacy by having a dinner celebrating the lighting of their green beacon. A small crowd of counselors, community members, and those being treated at the Bethel gathered for the small lighting ceremony. The biting wind and chilling cold…

MnDOT Says Prepare for Dangerous Roads

Extreme Cold Will Freeze, Making Driving Treacherous for New Years Eve

December 31, 2018

Arman Rahman,

DULUTH, Minn.- On top of not driving under the influence, the freezing temperatures on the way spell double trouble for drivers late tonight. The Minnesota Department of Transportation has had their hands full with the new snow already, and officials said the extreme cold will make their job even harder. “The chemicals don’t work as well when it’s this cold, so…

Snowy End to 2018, Lake Effect Snow Ramps Up

Snow Storm #2 Arrived This Morning, Lake Effect Snow Piles Up To End 2018.

December 31, 2018

Brittney Merlot,

DULUTH, Minn. — Fresh snow arrived this morning,with strong cold winds behind it. This is forecasted to turn on lake effect snow this afternoon and surge in dangerous cold wind chills to ring in 2019 tonight, Meteorologist Brittney Merlot reports. Good morning Northland! Winter Storm Warnings, Winter Storm Advisories and Freezing Spray Warnings are in effect today. Old Man Winter…