St. louis County Archives

St. Louis County Deputies Respond to Three Vehicle Accident Wednesday Night

All parties involved were wearing seatbelts.

October 14, 2020

Reece Lindquist,

MIDWAY TOWNSHIP, Minn. – St. Louis County Deputies responded to a call of a three-car accident at the intersection of Midway Road and Stark Road in Midway Township on Wednesday night around 7:30 p.m. Upon arrival, deputies found that a vehicle traveling southbound on Midway Road attempted to turn East on Stark Road in front of a northbound vehicle. The…

St. Louis County Sees Highest Daily Jump in COVID-19 Cases; Many Linked to College Students

Of Friday's 73 new cases, 19 involve college-aged individuals.

September 25, 2020

Arman Rahman,

DULUTH, Minn.- St. Louis County reported it’s highest jump in COVID-19 cases Friday, and what’s alarming health officials — much of those new cases are college students. On Friday the county reported 73 new confirmed cases; the previous highest jump was 50 just last week. With this spike, there were more cases over one day than there were over the entire…

St. Louis County Projects Budget Shortfall, No Layoffs So Far

The County is also waiving late fees for property owners who apply for an extension to July.

May 12, 2020

Arman Rahman,

DULUTH, Minn.- COVID-19 has dealt a financial blow to St. Louis County in the form of a projected budget shortall. According to County Auditor Nancy Nilsen, the budget shortfall is expected to be at least $6 million. She said her office is not looking at layoffs or furloughs, but instead plan to save money with a hiring freeze leaving about…

City of Virginia Set to Furlough Up to 28 Employees Beginning in May

"It makes me sick to my stomach," said Mayor Larry Cuffe.

April 27, 2020

Arman Rahman,

VIRGINIA, Minn.- The City of Virginia is set to furlough up to 28 employees beginning May 4th due to projected revenue losses. Mayor Larry Cuffe said a majority of the 28 employees are expected to come from Public Works, Parks and Recreation, and Golf Course staff. While they’re avoiding cutting any staff from public safety departments right now, the Mayor…

COVID-19 Outbreaks at Assisted Living in Duluth, Moose Lake Prison

Cases in St. Louis County now stand at 28, 14 in Carlton County.

April 8, 2020

Arman Rahman,

MINNESOTA,- An assisted living facility in Duluth and Moose Lake Prison in Carlton County is dealing with an outbreak of COVID-19, bringing the total number to 28 cases in St. Louis County, and 14 cases in Carlton County. On Wednesday St. Louis County saw a jump in cases of 11, a large percentage linked to St. Ann’s Residence in Duluth….

St. Louis County to Provide Hotel Rooms for Those Without Safe Isolation Space

Hotel Rooms Will Be Available in Duluth, Hibbing, Virginia, and Ely

April 8, 2020

Brett Scott,

DULUTH, Minn. – St. Louis County Public Health along with AEOA and partners such as CHUM is working to make sure those without a safe place to shelter if they were to test positive for COVID-19 can self-isolate. Four hotels would be used at various locations throughout St. Louis County – one each in Duluth, Hibbing, Virginia, and Ely. According…

Five New COVID-19 Cases in St. Louis County Confirmed in One Day

Unlike the past five cases, the way these individuals were infected is not known at this time.

March 29, 2020

Arman Rahman,

DULUTH, Minn.- St. Louis County saw a jump in COVID-19 cases over the weekend. Five new presumptive cases were confirmed, doubling the total number of cases to 10 in the county, in just one day. The newest cases include a woman in her early 60s who is being hospitalized for treatment–the first case severe enough to require hospitalization in the…

New COVID-19 Cases in St. Louis, Douglas Counties

Experts say while it's not confirmed, they are sure there is community spread.

March 23, 2020

Arman Rahman,

The cases of Coronavirus continue to climb in the Northland. A second case has been discovered in St. Louis County, along with three others in Douglas County, bringing the total there to four–with one case in Superior. There remains one confirmed case in Bayfield County The newest case in St. Louis County is a woman in her early 60s who…

St. Louis County Officials Confirm First Coronavirus Case in the County

Officials said it is a woman in her late 60s, who contracted the virus via domestic travel.

March 21, 2020

Arman Rahman,

DULUTH, Minn.- Officials have announced the first confirmed COVID-19 case in St. Louis County. Along with one in Bayfield County and one in Douglas County, the total cases in the Northland are now three. According to County officials, the patient in St. Louis County has not had contact with anyone outside her close relatives and is recovering at home. “While…

Health Officials Confirm First Case of Coronavirus in St. Louis County

Woman in her late 60s contracted the virus, linked to domestic travel. She hasn't had contact with anyone outside her family.

March 21, 2020

Arman Rahman,

ST. LOUIS COUNTY, Minn.- The Minnesota Department of Health has confirmed the first case of COVID-19 (coronavirus) in St. Louis County. The individual is a woman in her late 60s who is currently recovering at home. Her infection is linked to domestic travel, and not the result of community transmission. “At this point, there has been no request for the…

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…

St. Louis County Adds Short-Term Rental Standards

February 26, 2020

Reece Lindquist,

ST. LOUIS COUNTY, Minn. – The Saint Louis County board has officially passed a zoning ordinance allowing short term rental homes in the county. The approval allows vacation rental properties such as Airbnb’s to grow in areas of St. Louis county other than Duluth. Officials say, they made the ordinance as streamlined as possible. The zoning ordinance is also geared…

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…

Final Round of Mediation Scheduled Between Teamsters, St. Louis County

Two sides will return to negotiations next Friday.

January 5, 2020

Arman Rahman,

DULUTH, Minn.- A final round of mediation has been scheduled between the Teamsters Local 320 Union representing plow operators and St. Louis County, by the state of Minnesota. According to a document from the Minnesota Bureau of Mediation Services, the mediation will begin next Friday January 10th at 10:00 am at the St. Louis County Courthouse in Duluth. After the…

Existing Contract Ends for St. Louis County Public Works Employees, No Word on Bargaining Yet

The two sides will continue working under the same contract until a new one is reached, or until the Union decides to strike.

December 31, 2019

Arman Rahman,

DULUTH, Minn.- Tuesday is the final day of the existing contract the St. Louis County Public Works employees have with the county. According to St. Louis County Officials, they haven’t received notice of the Teamsters Local 320 Union’s intent to strike, or any interest to return to the bargaining table. Both sides will continue working under the terms of the…

Two Organizations In St. Louis County Receive Funding To Help Fight Opioid Crisis

Minnesota's state opioid response grants, worth more than $500,000, will go to two organizations to help bring more access to life-saving medications and workforce opportunities.

December 6, 2019

Nachai Taylor,

DULUTH, Minn.- The Minnesota Department of Human Services recently awarded $11 million in grant funding to state organizations to help fight the opioid epidemic. A portion of that funding will go towards the fight against opioids in St. Louis County. Minnesota’s state opioid response grants, worth more than $500,000, will go to two organizations to help bring more access to…

New Way To Eliminate Drug Epidemic

The White House has approved St. Louis County to be part of its High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area Program

September 16, 2019

Ryan Compeau,

DULUTH, Minn.- To cut back on the current drug epidemic in northeast Minnesota, the White House has announced that St. Louis County has been approved a part of the existing High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area Program. The program provides counties assistance in the coordinating efforts between federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement officials. “Investigations are becoming more and more…

Veterans Service Center Holds Open House

September 6, 2019

Reece Lindquist,

DULUTH, MN – The Veterans Service Center Office in Duluth held an open house Friday afternoon. There, vets were able to grab a free lunch, tour the office and meet veteran service officers. Organizers say, it’s all to provide an open, inviting space for members of the armed forces that served out country. “Open up a dialogue with some of…

Intersection of Stebner and Maple Grove Road Closed Monday

City to close intersection for the final time, officials say.

August 18, 2019

Arman Rahman,

HERMANTOWN, Minn.-The intersection of Stebner Road and Maple Grove Road in Hermantown will be closed for most of the day Monday. St. Louis County is paving the roads there starting at 7:30 Monday morning until about 4 p.m. The closure means you may need to plan an alternate route to get to the Hermantown Community Church, Jefferson Children’s Center, and…

Forfeited Land Auction Held in Duluth

More than 100 Northland properties went up for sale today

June 13, 2019

Ryan Compeau,

DULUTH, Minn.- More than one hundred Northland properties went up for sale today during St. Louis County tax forfeit land auction. Some of the top properties for sale included more than twenty houses, and some prime waterfront locations that had cabins. Those in attendance are thrilled to walk away with a new piece of property. “It’s hard to keep them…

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…

St. Louis County Board Approves Anti-Nepotism Policy

Board votes unanimously.

April 2, 2019

Arman Rahman,

DULUTH, Minn.- An Anti-Nepotism Policy has been unanimously approved by the St. Louis County Board. This comes after the board received backlash when longtime County Attorney Mark Rubin hired his son Tony as a prosecutor back in January. The board met about the introduction of a Nepotism Policy last month, after constituents complained the hiring was unfair or a conflict…

St. Louis County Public Works Debuts New Anti-Icing System for Treating Roads

New system can reduce salt us by up to 40%

February 1, 2019

Nachai Taylor,

DULUTH, Minn. – St. Louis County now has a new anti– icing system for roads. Officials have also purchased new equipment costing around $1.2 million to help pre–treat roads. This new anti–icing system will not only relieve the stress of icy roads this winter, but St. Louis County Public Works says it’s also more environmentally friendly. Gour brand new trucks…

Judge’s Decision on Stauber’s Emails Pushed to Next Week

Hearing Held on Lawsuit Between DFL and St. Louis County

October 26, 2018

Arman Rahman,

DULUTH, Minn.- The fate of Commissioner Pete Stauber’s emails rests in the hands of a St. Louis County Judge, who won’t make a decision about whether they should be released until next week. The Minnesota DFL is suing St. Louis County, to try and get those emails between Stauber and the National Republican Congressional Committee made public. This comes after…

St. Louis County Employee Files Complaint, Wants Investigation on Commissioner Pete Stauber

Dennis Frazier believes Stauber is using his platform as a county commissioner to run for higher office.

September 19, 2018

Haydee Clotter,

DULUTH, Minn. – A 30–year employee with St. Louis County is calling for an investigation into Commissioner Pete Stauber who is running for the 8th Congressional race on the republican side. Dennis Frazier believes Stauber is using his platform as a county commissioner to run for higher office. One example, Frazier says happened at an opioid round table in August where Stauber identified himself as a 8th District Congressional candidate….

Advocating for the Minnesota Homeless Population

Advocates are focusing on cultivating champions for a bolder Minnesota.

September 13, 2018

Lauren Leigh,

DULUTH, Minn.- Minnesota is leading the nation in reductions to Veteran homelessness but there’s still a lot to be done. Five hundred people are advocating for the homeless population in Duluth on Thursday, September 13th, at the Minnesota Coalition for the Homeless annual conference at the DECC. Advocates tell us the hot topics for Minnesota as a whole, are serving…

Pete Stauber’s Email Controversy

8th District County Commissioner Found Emailing GOP Group from County Email Address

September 7, 2018

Arman Rahman,

DULUTH, Minn.- Tension and skepticism is high as Republican Congressional Candidate and St. Louis County Commissioner Pete Stauber has been accused of violating a county policy, by emailing a GOP group using his government email address. Now, some Democrats say they want answers. “It’s clear that Pete Stauber thinks that he has one set of rules, for himself, and one set…

Coffins and Possible Human Bone Discovery In Duluth

A state archaeologist and the Minnesota Indian Affairs Council came last Friday to meet with the team from the county to review the site.

August 27, 2018

Haydee Clotter,

DULUTH, Minn. – While working on a road construction project a St. Louis County Public Works crew uncovered several wood coffins and possible human remains. Coming into this St. Louis County staff tell us they knew there was a possibility they would run into something because this particular area is close to what once was the Greenwood Cemetery. The area…

Sixth Judicial Judge Mark Munger Announces Retirement

Munger has been practicing law here in Duluth for almost 40 years

August 9, 2018

Claudia Chakamian,

DULUTH, Minn. – Longtime sixth judicial judge Mark Munger will soon be retiring after decades on the job in St. Louis county. Judge Munger has been practicing law for almost 40 years. He’s lived and worked in Duluth for his entire life. Munger served as a practitioner for 18 years and a judge for almost 20 years. “Well I think I’m…

Traveling Exhibit Highlights 18 Civil War Volunteers

The 18 volunteers were all from St. Louis County.

August 3, 2018

Haydee Clotter,

DULUTH, Minn. – A new traveling exhibit shines a spotlight on 18 men from St. Louis County who served in the Civil War. The 18 Exhibit is on display at the Depot in downtown Duluth. Visitors will go back in time and learn what life was like for the men who volunteered to serve their country. The men made an impact…

Duluth’s 4th Street Project Is Now Complete

The 4th Street Reconstruction is the single largest road project delivered by St. Louis County.

July 31, 2018

Haydee Clotter,

DULUTH, Minn. – The rebuilding of 4th Street in Duluth began as a resurfacing project, which then led to the full reconstruction of the road. Almost four years later St. Louis County has finished the project. The 4th Street reconstruction is the single largest road project delivered by St. Louis County. Taking a drive down 4th Street in Duluth will no…

Sister, Brother Sentenced in UMD Student’s Death

On Thursday, May 24, Noah Baker, 20, and Tara Baker, 23, Were Sentenced for their Connection to the 2017 Murder of UMD Student William Grahek, 22

May 24, 2018

Brett Scott,

DULUTH, Minn. – A difficult situation for two mothers, family members and friends entering the St. Louis County Courthouse in Duluth Thursday. More than 15 months after the murder of UMD student William Grahek, 22, two suspects — a brother and sister — involved in the case were sentenced for their role in the crime. Police responded to the scene…

Incorrect Tax Property Assessments Raise Concern

The phones started ringing off the hook at the Greater Downtown Council and County Commissioner's office immediately after the evaluation notices were sent out.

May 10, 2018

Lauren Leigh,

DULUTH, Minn.- After property evaluations were recently sent out by St. Louis County many local downtown Duluth businesses were shocked to see huge increases in the value of their property. Now the county assessor’s office is taking a second look at how they evaluated those properties with the possibility of changes being made. The phones started ringing off the hook at the…

Duluth Depot Seeking Bond for Building Upkeep

The Depot is asking for a $4 million inclusion in the upcoming bonding bill.

March 22, 2018

Lauren Leigh,

DULUTH, Minn.- St. Louis county is hoping to preserve the Duluth Depot with help from the state. The Depot is asking for a $4 million inclusion in the upcoming bonding bill. Officials say citizens won’t visibly notice improvements. The projects in place will prevent noticeable damage before they occur. Officials say the proposal for preventable maintenance will keep the building running…

Upcoming Topics at Capitol Days

Capitol days starts on Tuesday, March 13th.

March 12, 2018

Lauren Leigh,

DULUTH, Minn.- Tuesday is Capitol Days as Duluth and St. Louis County will head to St. Paul discussing local issues. Over 500 community members and local officials are bringing a voice for the Northland to St. Paul. The city will be asking for $10 million towards rehabilitation of the sea wall. Officials are also seeking approval for the half percent sales…

St. Louis County Addresses Drug Issue On Opioid Awareness Day

Gov. Dayton has announced a several legislative proposals to combat the opioid crisis.

March 1, 2018

Haydee Clotter,

DULUTH, Minn. – It’s Opioid Awareness Day in Minnesota. Many advocates from the Northland are at the State Capitol to have their voices heard. Last year 50 percent of child protective cases involved parents abusing drugs, which in turn cost taxpayers more than $7 million in St. Louis County. The St. Louis County Attorney’s Office is taking action by aggressively prosecuting dealers selling opioids. “We still want to…

Traveling Exhibits Offer Glance at Formation of St. Louis County

Northland Uncovered: St. Louis County Historical Society Traveling Exhibits

February 13, 2018

Natalie Froistad,

DULUTH, Minn. – The St. Louis County Historical Society is filled with stories of all the different cultures that have passed through and immigrated to the area. Now, historical society officials are hoping to share those stories with the Northland. The historical society has 16 traveling exhibits available for rent. Any organization can borrow them from schools and churches to…

St. Louis County Land Sale Auction Brings In More Than $374K

These auctions happen three times a year in Feb., June and Oct.

February 8, 2018

Haydee Clotter,

HERMANTOWN, Minn. – There are not many places around the Northland where you can buy property for as low as $200. But it could happen at a tax forfeited land sale auction. At these auctions people can bid on properties that are tax forfeitures for non-payment of taxes. “We can transact a transaction in the same day as the auction….

History Organizations in 22 Minnesota Counties Receive Grants

The Grants are Available for History and Historic Preservation Projects

January 24, 2018

Brett Scott,

DULUTH, Minn. – The Minnesota Historical Society is announcing 36 recipients of 38 Minnesota Historical and Cultural Heritage Small Grants, totaling $324,149 in 22 counties. Locally, the Duluth Art Institute will receive $10,000. This money will go toward plans for two phases of Duluth Art Institute Lincoln Park Building preservation. The grant will help the Institute hire a qualified consultant to…

Brookston Home Destroyed By Fire

One Person Escaped Without Injuries

December 17, 2017

Nikki Davidson,

A family home has been destroyed in Brookston after a fire broke out there Sunday afternoon. St. Louis County deputies and local fire departments responded a report of a fire at 4792 Stevens road in Brookston. When they arrived the house was engulfed in flames, its now been deemed a total loss. One person was at home during the fire,…

Busy Stretch of Duluth Road Reopens Following Construction

September 26, 2017

Natalie Froistad,

DULUTH, Minn. – A busy stretch of road closed for construction is now back open to drivers. The 21st Ave. E. and 4th St. intersection is back open for motorists. The intersection has been closed for a month to work on water mains, gas lines, traffic signals and retaining walls. This is all part of the 4th Street project in…

Northland 4-H Groups Prepare for Minnesota State Fair

10th Grader Landen Dahl will Travel to the 'Great Minnesota Get Togehter' to Showcase Mason Bee Research

August 23, 2017

Brett Scott,

DULUTH, Minn. – Happening now through Monday, September 4, dozens of Northland 4-H youth will make way to the Minnesota State Fair, eager to share their projects, research, and livestock with other 4-H members. In this week’s Animal Answers, Duluthian Landen Dahl visited FOX 21 Local News alongside Tim Caines, Program Coordinator for South St. Louis County 4-H. Dahl will…

Group Seeks New Purpose for Old Jail

Northland Uncovered: Old St. Louis County Jail

March 21, 2017

Natalie Froistad,

DULUTH, Minn. – The historic Zenith city has several landmarks within its borders. Some of these historic staples are quickly losing their shine. That’s why the Duluth Preservation alliance has made a list of 10 endangered properties in town. The old St. Louis County Jail is one of them. It was built in 1924 to complement the Civic Center. The…

Historical Exhibit Honors Minnesota Ballet

Costumes Displayed at St. Louis County Historical Society

February 14, 2017

Natalie Froistad,

DULUTH, Minn. – The stories of the Minnesota Ballet are on display at the St. Louis County Historical Society, along with the corresponding costume. The exhibit called, “Once upon a Ballet,” features costumes and props from Minnesota Ballet official productions of Cinderella, Sleeping Beauty and 1997-2008 The Nutcracker. The exhibit is located in the Small Fesler Gallery on the main…

St. louis County

All parties involved were wearing seatbelts.

Of Friday's 73 new cases, 19 involve college-aged individuals.

The County is also waiving late fees for property owners who apply for an extension to July.

"It makes me sick to my stomach," said Mayor Larry Cuffe.

Cases in St. Louis County now stand at 28, 14 in Carlton County.

Hotel Rooms Will Be Available in Duluth, Hibbing, Virginia, and Ely

Unlike the past five cases, the way these individuals were infected is not known at this time.

Experts say while it's not confirmed, they are sure there is community spread.

Officials said it is a woman in her late 60s, who contracted the virus via domestic travel.

Woman in her late 60s contracted the virus, linked to domestic travel. She hasn't had contact with anyone outside her family.

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

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

Two sides will return to negotiations next Friday.

The two sides will continue working under the same contract until a new one is reached, or until the Union decides to strike.

Minnesota's state opioid response grants, worth more than $500,000, will go to two organizations to help bring more access to life-saving medications and workforce opportunities.

The White House has approved St. Louis County to be part of its High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area Program

City to close intersection for the final time, officials say.

More than 100 Northland properties went up for sale today

Drivers more at risk than construction crews, experts say.

Board votes unanimously.

New system can reduce salt us by up to 40%

Hearing Held on Lawsuit Between DFL and St. Louis County

Dennis Frazier believes Stauber is using his platform as a county commissioner to run for higher office.

Advocates are focusing on cultivating champions for a bolder Minnesota.

8th District County Commissioner Found Emailing GOP Group from County Email Address

A state archaeologist and the Minnesota Indian Affairs Council came last Friday to meet with the team from the county to review the site.

Munger has been practicing law here in Duluth for almost 40 years

The 18 volunteers were all from St. Louis County.

The 4th Street Reconstruction is the single largest road project delivered by St. Louis County.

On Thursday, May 24, Noah Baker, 20, and Tara Baker, 23, Were Sentenced for their Connection to the 2017 Murder of UMD Student William Grahek, 22

The phones started ringing off the hook at the Greater Downtown Council and County Commissioner's office immediately after the evaluation notices were sent out.

The Depot is asking for a $4 million inclusion in the upcoming bonding bill.

Capitol days starts on Tuesday, March 13th.

Gov. Dayton has announced a several legislative proposals to combat the opioid crisis.

Northland Uncovered: St. Louis County Historical Society Traveling Exhibits

These auctions happen three times a year in Feb., June and Oct.

The Grants are Available for History and Historic Preservation Projects

One Person Escaped Without Injuries

10th Grader Landen Dahl will Travel to the 'Great Minnesota Get Togehter' to Showcase Mason Bee Research

Northland Uncovered: Old St. Louis County Jail

Costumes Displayed at St. Louis County Historical Society

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