Public Safety Archives - Page 8 of 43

Update: Coast Guard Clears ‘Vista Star’ For Operation After Striking Breakwater

Five-foot waves were reported during the incident, according to the St. Louis County Sheriff's Office.

July 21, 2024

Dan Hanger,

6:15 p.m. update: After the Vista Star struck a breakwater wall in the Wisconsin Entry to the Duluth-Superior harbor late Saturday evening, the Coast Guard inspected the hull of the boat Sunday evening and gave the all clear for operations to resume, according to Vista Fleet Owner Justin Steinbach. He added the Vista Star cruises will start back up as…

Hermantown Fire Department Launches New Program

July 19, 2024

KQDS Staff,

HERMANTOWN, Minn. — The Hermantown Fire Department has launched its new community connect program. This program is about supply first responders with vital information to better meet the needs of the community when they are called upon. Hermantown residents and businesses can voluntarily input any information that they think will aid responders. Users can outline their health or mobility issues,…

Charges: Suspect Stabbed Stranger In Downtown Duluth Over Drugs

July 18, 2024

Dan Hanger,

Jake Pyrlik DULUTH, Minn. — Court documents have revealed a man who was stabbed in the neck in downtown Duluth did not know the suspect, according to the victim. The suspect, Jake Pyrlik, 30, of Duluth, is accused of slashing the throat of Bryce Brim, 29, because Brim would not share drugs with him, according to the criminal complaint. The…

Ex-Superior Police Officer Sentenced For Double-Fatal Drunken Crash

July 17, 2024

Dan Hanger, Drew Kerner,

SUPERIOR, Wis. – It was an emotional day in court Wednesday as a Douglas County judge handed down his sentence against a former Superior police officer who killed a father and newborn son in a drunken hit-and-run in 2022. Judge George Glonik sentenced Gregory Swanson, 44, to 5 years in prison and 5 years supervision for each of the two…

Strong Opinions On Proposed Public Safety Plan; Duluth Mayor, Chiefs Encourage More

July 16, 2024

Dan Hanger, Drew Kerner,

DULUTH, Minn. — One day after a standing-room only council meeting, the city of Duluth’s top public safety leaders are reacting to 3.5 hours of public comments and dialogue about Mayor Roger Reinert’s proposed ordinance changes to get tougher on non-violent crime. Property damage, graffiti, illegal dumping and camping on public property are among the non-violent crimes that would become…

Council Discusses Public Safety Plan Amid Packed Chamber Room

July 16, 2024

Lucretia Free,

DULUTH, Minn. — Duluth’s City Council got their first chance Monday evening to discuss 10 proposed ordinance amendments to curb non-violent crimes in the city. It would make actions such as camping on city property, graffiti, and unlawful possession or firing of an airgun misdemeanors. An overflow crowd gathered in and near the council chamber’s room for a chance to…

Citizen Stops Near Drowning on Caribou Lake

July 14, 2024

Jenna VanSickle,

CARIBOU LAKE, Minn. — According to the St. Louis County Sheriff’s Office, a 64-year-old Esko man was rescued by a “good Samaritan” on Caribou Lake Saturday evening. While riding a jetski, the watercraft flipped and the man began to struggle to stay above water. Another jet ski rider saw him and pulled him to shore. The man then lost conciousness….

Charges: Carjacker Who Severely Injured Duluth Man Was On Meth

July 11, 2024

Dan Hanger,

Kristy Johnson DULUTH, Minn. — An update on a violent carjacking in Duluth. Court documents say the suspect was on meth at the time and had been awake for 24 hours. Kristy Johnson, 32, is facing six felony charges. The criminal complaint says a 24-year-old Duluth man was picking up food at the Domino’s on Woodland Avenue near UMD when…

Cloquet High School Hosts Active Shooter Training for Law Enforcement

Today was the first of four trainings that will take place over the next week

July 11, 2024

Jenna VanSickle,

CLOQUET, Minn. — On Thursday, the Cloquet Police Department held Active Shooter Response Training at Cloquet High School. Over the four sessions, around 120 trainees will run through simulated active shooter scenarios. Members of the Cloquet and Fond du Lac Police Departments are going through the training. The Carlton County Sheriff’s Office, MN DNR, MN State Patrol, and Cloquet Fire…

Duluth Mayor Proposes ‘Public Safety Ordinances’ For Non-Violent Crimes

July 9, 2024

Emily Halling,

DULUTH Minn.– Improving public safety is one of Duluth Mayor Roger Reinert’s top priorities. On Monday afternoon, he and his chiefs of police and fire announced a proposal to help cut down on non-violent crimes. The plan includes 10 city ordinances that will amend sections of the city code. This includes introducing misdemeanor-level offenses for problems such as burning, graffiti,…

Esko Man Dies In Single-Vehicle Rollover Accident

July 9, 2024

KQDS Staff,

TOWN OF SUPERIOR, Wis. – An Esko man was killed Monday night in a single-vehicle rollover crash in the Town of Superior. The crash was reported around 2:50 p.m. after a passing motorist came upon debris on the roadway and a vehicle off the road in the 4600 S block of Darrow Road. Ryan D.S.S. VanPuymbrouck, 34, was pronounced dead…

Duluth Street Maintenance Team Making Progress on Potholes

A milder winter and dry spring have given the City a head start on street repairs

July 2, 2024

Jenna VanSickle,

DULUTH, Minn. — Summer in Minnesota means potholes, but this year is a little different. Thanks to a mild winter and low-moisture spring, the Duluth street maintenance team is ahead of their typical schedule. This year, they were able to get a jump start on repairs, beginning in May. According to Street Maintenance Operations Manager Geoff Vukelich, they’re already almost…

Hibbing Police Make Big Break In 2017 Unsolved Murder Of Businessman

July 1, 2024

Dan Hanger,

HIBBING, Minn. — The 2017 murder of Hibbing business owner Brian Nelson remains unsolved, as the 7th anniversary of his death approaches next week. But Monday night, FOX 21 confirmed Hibbing police investigators are closing in on the case. After seven years of investigating every lead possible, new forensic technology has created the most credible lead yet into finding out…

Diver Drowns In Crane Lake While Trying To Recover Sunken Machinery

June 30, 2024

Dan Hanger,

CRANE LAKE, Minn. – A scuba diver from Embarrass drowned Sunday while trying to recover a piece of sunken machinery on Crane Lake, according to the St. Louis County Sheriff’s Office. The 50-year-old, William Rebarich was in 70 feet of water when he failed to resurface during the attempt to recover the sunken equipment. Crane Lake is just outside Voyageurs…

Duluth Police: Teen Brandished Gun During Fight

June 27, 2024

Dan Hanger,

DULUTH, Minn. – Duluth police are investigating a confrontation involving a gun just outside of the downtown area. The incident happened around 5 p.m. Wednesday in the area of the 2nd Avenue East and 4th Street. Duluth police said a fight broke out between known parties and a gun was “brandished.” The suspect is a 17-year-old male. Police said the…

2 Of 3 Suspects Arrested In April Downtown Duluth Murder

June 27, 2024

Dan Hanger,

DULUTH, Minn. — Two Duluth murder suspects from out of state are under arrest for their alleged involvement in a fatal downtown stabbing that involved shots fired. On April 12, Chantel Moose, 25, of Duluth was stabbed in the neck after bar close outside Spurs on First on the 100 block of West First Street. Chantel Moose On Wednesday, the…

2 Water Rescues On Same Day In Boundary Waters

June 26, 2024

KQDS Staff,

BOUNDARY WATERS, Minn. — Two water rescues happened in less than two hours Tuesday in the BWCA. The first accident happened around 3:30 p.m. A man and his 14-year-old son capsized their canoe on Bald Eagle Lake. They got to shore, but had no way out, according to the Lake County Sheriff’s Office. The office’s search and rescue team was…

Ashland County Sheriff Received $228 Thousand to Aid the Fight Against Opioids

June 21, 2024

Drew Kerner,

ASHLAND, Wis. — It kills more Wisconsinites a year than car crashes. Opioids, a powerful prescribed painkiller, has overwhelmed communities across the country. In 2023, Wisconsin saw just over 1,300 opioid-related deaths. To combat rising opioid death rates, the state of Wisconsin has announced grants being awarded to law enforcement agencies state-wide. “As Attorney General, my top priority is public…

Cook Community Leans On Each Other As Swollen River Takes Over Downtown

Gov. Walz will visit Cook and Biwabik on Thursday to survey the flood damage.

June 20, 2024

Dan Hanger, Adam Jagunich,

COOK, Minn. – The small, close-knit city of Cook is dealing with a big problem. The swollen Littlefork River has sent feet of water into the low-lying downtown. Homes and businesses are surrounded by water. Some basements have feet of water, according to locals. There was a slight sign of relief Thursday because forecasters believe the river has hit its…

UPDATE: Two Juveniles Arrested in Robbery and Assault of 75-year-old Man

June 20, 2024

Maria Vollom, Dan Hanger,

DULUTH, Minn. — Two male juveniles, a 14-year-old and 16-year-old, were arrested Wednesday, June 19 in the assault and robbery of a 75-year-old man in the DECC parking ramp. UPDATE (6/20): The juveniles are facing pending charges of Aid and Abet 1st Aggravated Robbery and 3rd Degree Riot charges. They were detained at about 10:30 pm on Wednesday, June 19…

Update: Boy Hit By Falling Tree Rescued In BWCA

June 19, 2024

Dan Hanger,

BOUNDARY WATERS, Minn.: A boy who was struck by a falling tree in the BWCA Tuesday during severe weather has been rescued, according to the Cook County Sheriff’s Office. Rescue crews reached the 9-year-old around 9 p.m. Tuesday. He was transported to a boat landing and arrived there at 11 p.m. before being taken by ambulance to North Shore Health…

FOX 21 Local News At 9: Tuesday’s Severe Weather Coverage

June 18, 2024

Dan Hanger,

NORTHLAND — Video from viewers from around the Northland shows manholes unable to hold all the rain water in Bovey. The streets were comparable to small riverways. A similar story comes out of McKinley, as the heavy rainfall sends water down the streets and around homes. Video from viewers in Hibbing shows parking lots flooded. With vehicle owners moving cars…

Fire Breaks Out At Uptown Mall In Virginia

June 13, 2024

Dan Hanger,

Credit: Northland Fire Wire VIRGINIA, Minn. – Fire broke out at the Uptown Mall in Virginia Thursday afternoon. Credit: Northland Fire Wire Pictures from the Northland Fire Wire showed dark, black smoke coming from the building. The Fire Wire reported that the flames were contained to a storage area thanks to the mall’s sprinkler system. Multiple area fire departments responded….

Severe Storms Drop Hail Across The Northland

June 12, 2024

Dan Hanger,

Severe storms dropped all types of hail down on the Northland Wednesday evening. Click the video above to check it out! Categories: Minnesota, News, News – Latest News, Public Safety, Weather in the News

Crow Wing County Reports Significant Storm Damage

June 12, 2024

Dan Hanger,

We are getting new images of significant damage in Crow Wing County from Wednesday’s severe storms. The Sheriff’s Office posted photos late Wednesday showing a camper flipped over, trees down, and pieces of debris, like a 2X4 through a home’s roof. The pictures were taken off Highway 6 just north of Crosby. This is the same area where storm chasers…

Female Exits Residence Peacefully After Crisis Team Response In Lincoln Park

June 11, 2024

Dan Hanger,

UPDATE: 10:30 p.m.: After making contact with the female, she exited the residence peacefully and was transported to a local hospital for a mental health evaluation. There were no injuries during this incident and the area is now clear. BREAKING: Officers are on scene of a welfare check in the 3000 block of Restormel Street in Duluth’s Lincoln Park that…

Esko Contamination Cleanup

June 11, 2024

Emily Halling,

ESKO, Minn.– An ongoing contamination issue in Esko is currently being fixed. Near the post office, a clean-up project is in progress. Soil contaminated with harmful chemicals will be removed and replaced around the parking lot. With this being fixed, they are preventing the spread of contamination that could ruin surrounding water sources. They are also installing a groundwater treatment…

Two South Range Residents Die in Motorcycle Crash

Sheriff says it happened Sunday evening in Douglas County.

June 10, 2024

KQDS Staff,

A man and woman from South Range both died Sunday evening when their motorcycle and a car crashed. The Douglas County Sheriff’s Office says the names of the victims are not yet being released. A press release said the man and woman were both 23 years old. It was about 7:05 p.m. when deputies responded to the report of the…

Michipicoten Emergency: U.S. Coast Guard Was Ready For ‘Worst Case Scenario’

The Coast Guard said the ship struck something underwater in Lake Superior.

June 9, 2024

Dan Hanger, Paige Hansen,

The 689-foot Michipicoten safely arrived in the harbor of Thunder Bay Saturday afternoon after the ship starting taking on water 35 miles southwest of Isle Royale Saturday morning. The U.S. Coast Guard said the ship struck something underwater just before 7 a.m. Saturday near Isle Royale Pumps were used to displace “some water entering spaces,” according to the USCG. The…

Duluth Teen Found Guilty of Murder in Shooting of Another Teen

Verdict came this week in 2022 death.

June 5, 2024

Steve Goodspeed,

Corey Devon Young Found Guilty Two years ago, a 17-year-old Duluth resident was shot and killed. Tuesday the shooter was found guilty. Corey Devon Young was found guilty of second-degree intentional murder. He is now 19 years old, but was 17 at the time of the shooting. In July of 2022, Duluth police were called to 1st Street and 16th…

K9 Gus Joins The Duluth Police Department

June 5, 2024

Emma Propp,

DULUTH, Minn. — The Duluth Police Department welcomed a furry new member to their team. K9 Gus has joined the K9 Division and Officer Nate Abbott is his handler. Both of them began school in February and graduated in May. The 2-year-old Dutch Shepard is from Poland. He specializes in narcotic detection, tracking, article searching, and apprehension. As for…

Body Of Remaining Missing Canoer Recovered In BWCA

June 3, 2024

Dan Hanger,

Jesse Haugen | Reis Grams After an exhaustive search effort or a little more than two weeks, the second body of a missing canoer was located Monday in the Boundary Waters. The St. Louis County Sheriff’s Office said the body of Reis Grams, 40, of Lino Lakes, Minnesota, was discovered around 10 a.m. by the St. Louis County Rescue Squad…

Minneapolis Mass Shooting Suspect Identified

June 2, 2024

The Associated Press,

Mustafa Ahmed Mohamed MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Minnesota law enforcement on Saturday identified the man who they believe fatally shot a Minneapolis officer in what police are calling an ambush. Minnesota Public Safety Department spokesperson Bonney Bowman named 35-year-old Mustafa Mohamed as the suspected shooter. He was later shot and killed by another responding officer. Minneapolis officer Jamal Mitchell was responding…

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Body of One of Two Missing BWCA Canoers Found

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

May 31, 2024

KQDS Staff,

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

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

May 30, 2024

Dan Hanger,

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

Roofer Dies After Being Electrocuted In Duluth

May 30, 2024

Dan Hanger,

DULUTH, Minn. – A worker was killed in Duluth Thursday after being electrocuted. The accident was reported around 10:30 a.m. in the area of North 17th Avenue East. Duluth police told FOX 21 the male roofer was climbing a ladder with a metal gutter section, which came into contact with a power line. The victim was transported to a local…

Groundbreaking Ceremony For New Public Safety Center In Virginia

May 29, 2024

Emma Propp,

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

Virginia Man Charged in Stabbing of Two

Criminal complaint says fight started outside bar.

May 29, 2024

KQDS Staff,

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

Superior Police: Speed, Alcohol Likely Factors In Fatal Rollover

May 28, 2024

Dan Hanger,

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

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

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

May 28, 2024

KQDS Staff,

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

Minnesota DNR Provides Boating Safety Tips Ahead Of Holiday Weekend

May 24, 2024

Emma Propp,

MINNESOTA — Memorial Day weekend is the traditional start of recreational boating season, and the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources wants to make sure everyone stays safe out on the water. The DNR has 5 conservation officers around the state whose role is to ensure waterways are safe. That includes one in Duluth as well. Before taking the boat out…

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

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

May 22, 2024

Dan Hanger,

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

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

May 21, 2024

KQDS Staff,

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

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

May 21, 2024

Pat Brink,

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

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

May 20, 2024

KQDS Staff,

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

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

May 19, 2024

Dan Hanger,

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

Firefighters Battle 2 Wildfires On Iron Range

May 12, 2024

Dan Hanger,

HIBBING, Minn., — Firefighters tackled two separate wildfires Sunday on the Iron Range. The biggest wildfire happened in the Kitzville area of Hibbing around 3 p.m. The Northland Fire Wire reported the Minnesota DNR was called to the scene because conditions were dangerously dry. The DNR brought in two Fireboss aircraft. The fire consumed around 1.5 acres. A cause was…

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

May 12, 2024

Dan Hanger,

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

Hermantown Firefighters Tackle ‘Significant Training Opportunity’

May 12, 2024

Dan Hanger,

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

Prescribed Burns Begin In Superior National Forest

May 12, 2024

Dan Hanger,

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