The St. Louis County Board has given initial approval for the 2025 maximum property tax levy in the amount of $180,310,863. While this is a 7.23% increase in the levy compared to last year, it is slightly below the rate of growth in the county's
The St. Louis County Economic and Community Development Department distributed $1.9 million in federal grant money to communities and non-profit organizations in St. Louis County in the last year. These Community Development Block Grant funds helped cover costs for renovations at the Chisholm Kiwanis Park, Mesabi Fit Coalition, and
To be eligible to bid, a person cannot have any delinquent property taxes on property they already own in St. Louis County.
Residents and business owners in St. Louis County who experienced damage from the severe storms and floods between June 16 and July 4 can now receive in-person assistance for federal aid applications. FEMA has established a Disaster Recovery Center starting Friday, August 15, at the St. Louis County Public Works
Highland Street in West Duluth will be temporarily closed from 59th to 62nd Avenue West during the daytime on August 14-15. This is due to CN Railroad's routine inspection of the Highland Street bridge. Traffic detour signs will guide drivers to use Olney Street instead. The closure is
Residents affected by June flood encouraged to fill out online form to request visit.
St. Louis County has been awarded a federal grant totaling $1,849,228 to help address climate change impacts on the coastal region surrounding Lake Superior. The grant is from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and the Commerce Department and will be paid over four years. The funding
"The June flood was catastrophic for numerous families and business owners. We are committed to ensuring those affected receive any eligible property tax relief." -- Mary Garness, St. Louis County Director of Public Records and Property Valuation
The Rice Lake Road corridor project, which has been in the planning stage for a decade, will be moving forward thanks to significant funding from the federal and state governments. Leaders from St. Louis County, the City of Rice Lake and others gathered Thursday to announce the news. The project
St. Louis County seeks six volunteers to serve on its Local Mental Health Advisory Councils. Currently, there are five openings on the advisory council serving Duluth and surrounding communities in the southern part of the county and one opening on the advisory council serving the Iron Range and northern part
The St. Louis County Board has voted to pause the registration or operation of new cannabis businesses in the county for five months. Following a public hearing on Tuesday, the Board voted 6-1 to approve a temporary moratorium that will be effective through the end of December. Commissioner Ashley Grimm
"Julie (Marinucci) brings exceptional leadership, strategic planning, and collaboration skills and has been outstanding in every role she's served in St. Louis County." -- St. Louis County Administrator Kevin Gray
St. Louis County Environmental Services is expanding its collection services for household hazardous waste (HHW) to make it easier for residents to dispose of paints, stains and other HHW materials that often are stored in basements and garages that may have flooded. Effective now through the end of July: The
The St. Louis County Assessors Department has started touring flood-damaged homes and businesses – including nearly 200 in the Cook area this week – and wants to remind all property owners affected by the June 18 storm to complete the County's flood damage reporting form. People can access the damage
Woodland Avenue in Duluth will be closed to through traffic between St. Paul Avenue and Northfield Street from July 9 to July 30. The three-week closure allows for work on the underground storm sewer network, raised concrete medians, curb and gutter, and sidewalk. DTA buses will still be able to
To make it easier for people cleaning up following last week's storms and flooding, St. Louis Environmental Services will accept flood-related debris at no charge at 10 of its locations in the areas most impacted by flooding. The County Board unanimously approved a resolution to waive the fee.
Water levels continue to drop at various locations of concern throughout St. Louis County, one week after devastating storms led to significant flooding. To date, more than 1,500 damage points have been recorded throughout the County - including to public infrastructure and private property. As a reminder and clarification:
Progress continues repairing roads flooded by last week's storm. At the same time, St. Louis County Emergency Management is monitoring tonight's weather forecast and coordinating with local jurisdictions in the event of more dangerous weather and potential impacts. For people needing help cleaning up flooded basements,
People are encouraged to visit the County's online flood resource page at stlouiscountymn.gov/flood to find a map of current road closings, a link to file damage reports online, guidance for handling flooded septic tanks and wells, and other resources.
By Dana Kazel During an emergency meeting in Virginia, the St. Louis County Board unanimously approved a disaster declaration, which enables the St. Louis County Sheriff's Office Division of Emergency Management to apply for funding assistance from the state and FEMA on behalf of itself along with cities,
The St. Louis County Board will meet in an emergency session and is expected to declare a state of local disaster following this week’s heavy rain and flooding event. The Special Emergency Meeting will take place today, beginning at 10 a.m. in the Lake Vermilion Room, Virginia Public
Last night's heavy rainfall on already saturated ground has led to road and culvert washouts throughout the county. The northern third of the county appears to have sustained the most rain and resulting damage. Currently 43 county roads are closed, 32 of which are in the northern portion
St. Louis County Public Works will hold a public meeting on Wednesday, June 26, at 6 p.m., at Denfeld High School in the West Commons area to announce final recommendations for the intersection of Piedmont Avenue and 24th Avenue West in Duluth. The intersection of Piedmont Avenue and 24th
Construction has started to improve Woodland Avenue between Snively Road and Anoka Street in Duluth. The project includes repaving the approximately 1.5 miles of Woodland Avenue and constructing new curbs and gutters. More notably, to improve safety for all road users, Woodland Avenue will change from two lanes in
Roger Allen Beldo, 54, pleaded guilty Tuesday to two counts of Intentional Second-Degree Murder for intentionally causing the death of Clifford and Christine Johnson at their Babbitt, Minnesota residence on October 28, 2023. Following the murders, Beldo traveled to Duluth, where he ultimately placed multiple emergency calls requesting help because
Home prices continue to rise, and this is reflected in the 2024 St. Louis County Assessment Summary. The report was just completed by the St. Louis County Assessor's Department and shows the total assessed estimated market value of St. Louis County property for 2024 is $26,717,542,
The Hon. Eric L. Hylden today sentenced Brandon Capone Williams-Gillard, 25, to 480 months for his conviction of Aiding and Abetting Intentional Second-Degree Murder. Williams-Gillard received additional concurrent sentences of 71 months for his conviction of Aiding and Abetting Second Degree Assault with a Dangerous Weapon, and 132 months for
"It's always a bit humbling to see this report and see both the level of need in our county as well as the outstanding response provided by our Public Health and Human Services team." -- St. Louis County Commissioner Patrick Boyle
By Dana Kazel Last week's snowstorm put a welcome pause on the wildfire season in northeastern Minnesota. Prior to the snow, more than 20 grassfires had already been reported in St. Louis County this spring. But with snow melting quickly and drought conditions continuing, six agencies joined together
On Tuesday, the St. Louis County Board recognized two groups and two individuals for their work to improve health in our region. Honorees this year include Divine Konnections Inc., Teri Morrison, the Youth Mental Health Day Committee, and Mallory Cummings.
By Dana Kazel Nearly all of St. Louis County is experiencing moderate drought conditions. Last week's heavy snowfall provided welcome precipitation and a slight pause to the wildfire risk. However, that snow is expected to melt relatively soon and little additional precipitation is forecast. The St. Louis County
Two local agencies and two individuals will be honored with Public Health Achievement Awards for their work to improve the health of individuals and communities in St. Louis County. The awards will be presented by the St. Louis County Board and the county's Public Health Division during the
By Dana Kazel After an unseasonably dry winter, the heavy March snowstorm blanketed all of St. Louis County with snow totals ranging from nine to 24 inches. The St. Louis County Public Works team, which is responsible for maintaining 3,000 miles of roads, continues to plow and treat the
The Minnesota Sheriffs' Association (MSA) has announced its annual list of scholarship winners, and two area college students are among the 16 recipients. Andrew Shamberger of Duluth and Nils DeRemee of Ely each received a $2,000 scholarship to assist with education costs as they pursue a degree that
With 2024 St. Louis County property tax statements arriving in the mail over the next two weeks, county leaders want to highlight two state programs that could provide residents with property tax refunds. For people whose home has homestead classification, the Minnesota Department of Revenue offers two types of property
St. Louis County Public Works staff will host a public meeting to listen to community input in preparation for the reconstruction of a nearly two-mile stretch of County State Aid Highway (CSAH) 100 in Aurora. The meeting will be Tuesday, March 19, beginning at 6 p.m. at the Aurora
St. Louis County Public Works engineers have created two online surveys to gather additional public input on design options for two upcoming projects in Duluth. Both projects have already involved several public meetings. They are the 40th Avenue West Corridor Project, which includes the intersection with Grand Avenue, and the
St. Louis County has named Ryan Logan as director of its new Planning and Zoning Department. Logan has worked for the County for 10 years in various roles, including land use and GIS divisions. Most recently, he served as the County's Onsite Wastewater Planning Manager. He's
St. Luke’s Birthing Center has been named a prestigious Blue Distinction Center for Maternity Care title. Blue Cross and Blue Shield’s Blue Distinction Center’s designation signifies that St. Luke’s met nationally established criteria by demonstrating expertise in safely and effectively delivering quality specialty care. “We’re
St. Louis County Public Works has announced temporary load restrictions on four gravel roads in the southeastern portion of the county due to deteriorating conditions in this unseasonably warm weather. Restrictions will be posted effective end of day on Friday, February 23. Vehicles traveling on the following roads will be
St. Louis County has hired Carl Crawford to serve in its newly created position of Equity and Inclusion Specialist. Crawford most recently served as the Human Rights Officer for the City of Duluth. He also is serving appointment on four statewide commissions: the State Board of Public Defense, the newly
The St. Louis County Board has given preliminary approval to distribute $709,393 of state funds for seven projects that focus on preventing the introduction of Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) or limiting their spread in lakes and rivers in St. Louis County. Commissioners unanimously approved the list of projects during
The Western Lake Superior Sanitary District Finance Department has been awarded a Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting by the Government Finance Officers Association of the United States and Canada. The Certificate of Achievement is the highest form of recognition in governmental accounting and financial reporting, and its
By Dana Kazel St. Louis County Public Health is seeking nominations from the public to recognize individuals or groups who have made significant effort to improve the health of residents or communities in St. Louis County. The Public Health Achievement Awards will be presented during the St. Louis County Board
By Dana Kazel When a house catches fire in a rural community, it's not uncommon for a Sheriff's deputy working patrol to arrive before firefighters. if there are people trapped inside, it's extremely dangerous for a deputy, who lacks fire safety equipment, to try
The St. Louis County Sheriff's Office will host a ceremony to swear in new corrections officers and recognize new 911 Emergency Communications Specialists, Court Security and other staff, as well as recently promoted employees within these divisions. The event will be Wednesday at 3 p.m. at the
St. Louis County Commissioner Patrick Boyle announced his campaign for re-election to the St. Louis County Board, 2nd District. “It has been an honor to represent the citizens of eastern Duluth for the past 10 years on the St. Louis County board with the last year as chair," Boyle
Jennifer Reyes of Hibbing has been appointed by Governor Tim Walz to serve on the Minnesota Council on Latino Affairs. Reyes has worked for St. Louis County for 15 years, serving in a variety of administrative roles including the Public Health Division and the Sheriff's Office. She currently
The public has shared concerns and vision, and St. Louis County Public Works engineers have reviewed all suggestions and now are ready to present options for new traffic controls at the intersection of Piedmont Avenue and 24th Avenue West in Duluth. The meeting will be Tuesday, January 30, at 6
By Dana Kazel St. Louis County commissioners today selected their longest serving and newest serving members for key leadership roles for 2024. The Board chose Commissioner Keith Nelson to serve as County Board Chair and Commissioner Annie Harala as Vice Chair. Nelson represents the Sixth District, which covers the central
By Dana Kazel Road conditions that are more typical for April during spring thaw are happening now in December on St. Louis County roads. Excessive rain and warm temperatures are deteriorating gravel roads, and Public Works is limited in what it can do to make repairs. When the ground is
The St. Louis County Board has unanimously approved its 2024 budget at $491,590,952. The budget supports key investments to ensure delivery of the county's broad range of services across departments while also factoring in significant inflationary impacts. Among the notable points reflected in next year'
Two individuals who played critically important emergency management roles for St. Louis County during situations including the COVID-19 pandemic, construction of Line 3, multiple flooding events including the 2022 flooding in the Rainy River Basin, and other natural disasters have now been promoted. Duane "Dewey" Johnson has been
The St. Louis County Board, which is scheduled to meet near Floodwood next Tuesday, December 12, is shifting its meeting location due to an issue with the furnace in the building where the meeting had been scheduled. The new location is the Floodwood Downtown Fair Center, 107 West 7th Avenue,
The St. Louis County Veterans Service Office in Duluth has returned to its normal location in the Village Mall Office location at 4815 Burning Tree Road, Suite 100. For the last two months, Veterans Service Officers and other staff had to relocate after heavy rain in late September led to
St. Louis County Attorney Kim Maki has appointed Dr. Timothy Myles to serve as the Director of Victim/Witness and Community Outreach. In this role, Dr. Myles will oversee victim/witness staff in the four county attorney office locations and will be responsible for developing and implementing an external communications
By Dana Kazel The St. Louis County Veterans Service Office has a new director. The County Board on Tuesday approved the appointment of Nadine Wells to lead the Veterans Service Office. Wells has worked as a Veterans Service Officer for St. Louis County since 2017. She served in the United
The St. Louis County Auditor's Office has begun the process of sending out Proposed Property Tax Notices for 2024. These notices are sent in staggered batches over the next week, which means some property owners may not receive theirs until the end of the month. The notice, which
The St. Louis County Board will hold two public meetings to receive comments on its proposed operating budget and tax levy for 2024. The first meeting is Monday, Nov. 20, at 7 p.m. in the St. Louis County Courthouse in Virginia, lower-level conference room. The second meeting will be
St. Louis County Public Works is scheduled to make numerous improvements on Woodland Avenue next year between Snively Road and Anoka Street, including repaving, replacing curbs and gutters, creating a center turn lane, and adding sidewalks, bike lanes, and pedestrian crossings for improved safety. The County is working with the
ON THE ROAD TO GRANDMA'S – Kristi Schmidt was named the new board chair of Grandma’s Marathon, effective on October 1. A former staff member at Grandma’s Marathon, she currently serves as the Director of Corporate Engagement for the University of Minnesota Duluth and has more than
The end of the COVID-19 Public Health emergency earlier this year has led to challenges for people who rely on Medical Assistance (MA) for health insurance, and for the people tasked with assisting with MA renewal applications. Currently, fewer than 50% of St. Louis County residents who have needed to
The Duluth Area Chamber of Commerce will host the region’s largest and most prestigious business event and gathering of the year, the Duluth Area Chamber’s 153rd Annual Meeting & Dinner Celebration, on Thursday, November 2 at the DECC’s Lake Superior Ballroom. This year’s event will be
St. Louis County Attorney Kim Maki has promoted Jon Holets to serve as the Deputy County Attorney. In this role, he will assist in the management of four County Attorney’s Office locations and support the office’s delivery of exemplary service to the citizens of St. Louis County. Holets,
Updated: 3:16 p.m. Monday The issue with the online property tax payment system has been resolved, and citizens are again able to pay their property taxes online. Earlier today, a problem with the service, which the County contracts with an outside company to provide, prevented people from being
More than 2,500 people are scheduled to attend the 41st annual St. Louis County Health & Human Services Conference, which opens today at the Duluth Entertainment Convention Center. The annual conference is one of the largest in the state for human services professionals, and runs through Friday. This year&
The St. Louis County Sheriff's Office is offering the public a new opportunity for an inside look at how it operates through a 10-week Citizens' Academy. Classes begin November 1 and will be offered Wednesdays from 6:30-8:30 p.m. Classes will include interactive presentations and
Library services, including the opportunity to access even more books through the Duluth Public Library, are now part of the programming at the St. Louis County Jail, thanks to the vision and generosity of Gifford.
St. Louis County Sheriff Gordon Ramsay today recognized the life saving responses of citizens, volunteer firefighters, law enforcement other first responders, and 911 emergency communications specialists as he presented 911 Lifesaver Awards to the people involved in three separate incidents. Among those honored are Mike Plesha, Andrew Peyla, Danny Mackey,
If someone was having thoughts of suicide, would you be able to recognize it? And if so, would you know what to do? Most people thinking about suicide don’t actually want to die, but they need help deciding to stay alive. St. Louis County Public Health is offering free
By Dana Kazel The St. Louis County Board has given initial approval for the 2024 maximum property tax levy in the amount of $168,153,374. This is a 2.93% increase in the levy compared to last year, however continued growth in the property tax base will help offset
By Dana Kazel Jana Blomberg, a St. Louis County Public Health Program Coordinator, has been honored as one of the 40 Under 40 in Public Health in recognition of her work. The de Beaumont Foundation announced its Class of 2023 on Sept. 7, after reviewing nominations from hundreds of professionals
St. Louis County Emergency Management is working with townships, cities and electrical co-ops to compile a preliminary damage assessment to determine the possibility of requesting a disaster declaration.
Rice Lake Road in Duluth will remain closed to through traffic for an extra week between Central Entrance and Arrowhead Road. The road is now set to reopen August 26. The closure is necessary for the replacement of a culvert on Chester Creek. Working around existing utilities has taken longer
When a winter storm hits overnight, with the vast size of St. Louis County, it's not unusual to see high levels of snow in one area, possibly freezing drizzle in another area, and nothing but cloudy skies in other parts. In the past, St. Louis County Public Works
Hermantown High fall sports teams will begin 2023 regular-season play later this week and next. The Hawks girls tennis team will open Friday at 11:30 a.m. at home against nonconference Simley. On Saturday, the powerful Hermantown girls soccer team will participate in a preseason jamboree in Duluth at
As early as this fall, students in the Diesel Mechanics/Heavy Equipment program at Minnesota North College - Hibbing will have an opportunity to apply for a skilled apprenticeship position with St. Louis County Public Works. This new apprenticeship program will provide valuable real-life experience for students while also helping
David Keith Joseph Chatman, 38, of Virginia, Minnesota was sentenced yesterday after pleading guilty in October 2022 to Aiding and Abetting Third-Degree Murder in connection with the October 19, 2021, overdose death of Brooke Ann Miller. Chatman contacted his co-defendant, Torisa Sulvoris Wallace, and coordinated the drug sale between Wallace
Currently in northern St. Louis County, there are 98 households in need of emergency shelter; and 28 of those households are families with children. A new fourplex is now being built to address some of that need. Ground was broken Tuesday for Range Transitional Housing's new Family Emergency
Representatives from St. Louis County, Range Transitional Housing, IRRRB, the City of Virginia and others will join together Tuesday in Virginia for a groundbreaking for a new shelter that will serve families experiencing homelessness in northern St. Louis County. The new shelter will provide short-term housing for four families at
Rice Lake Road in Duluth will be closed to through traffic between Central Entrance and Arrowhead Road beginning Monday, August 7. The closure is necessary for the replacement of a culvert on Chester Creek. The closure and detour is expected to last through August 20. Detour signs will be posted
By Dana Kazel St. Louis County has received nearly $100,000 to work with community partners to develop the Mesabi Behavioral Health Network (MBHN). The grant is from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services through the Heath Resources and Services Administration. The MBHN is a collaborative group
Today is National HIV Testing Day, and St. Louis County is working with community partners to share the message about the importance of getting tested, as well as treatment options that can be successful for anyone who tests positive. St. Louis County - specifically Duluth and a 30-mile radius around
The plane was determined to be a 1946 Aeronca Cjamp, which can seat two occupants. At this time the cause of the crash is unknown.
Volunteers through MNResponds worked alongside Public Health staff to provide these clinical services and make it easier for people throughout the community to access tests and life-saving vaccines.
Construction of a new bridge crossing the Whiteface River near Meadowlands is complete and County State Aid Highway 133 is now open again. The previous bridge was nearly 60 years old and had a poor rating. Replacing it now prevented the need for load restrictions on this highly traveled road.
"We are very grateful to our local delegation and the entire legislature for funding provided to local jurisdictions. This was the largest increase to counties in decades, and it's coming at a much-needed time." -- St. Louis County Board Chair Patrick Boyle
3rd District Commissioner Ashley Grimm on St. Louis County leadership listening to and delivering on behalf of constituents: “People deserve to be heard. It’s important that people see that their elected representatives care and listen, that we take them seriously, and put their money where our mouth is. It
A portion of Highway 5 south of Side Lake is temporarily closed after a culvert failed causing a partial washout. Highway 5 is closed from approximately 0.8 miles south of Side Lake to about 1.5 miles north of Green Rock Road. Detour signs are being posted directing travelers
Construction on Morris Thomas Road in Duluth, along with necessary detours, is scheduled to begin Monday. This is a two-year project to reconstruct Morris Thomas Road between Haines Road and Piedmont Avenue. The $8.4 million project will include the complete reconstruction of Morris Thomas Road, replacement of watermains beneath
With the May 15 deadline nearing for property owners to pay their property taxes for the first half of the year, the St. Louis County Auditor's Office is reminding people of the variety of ways they can pay, including a no-fee online option. Property owners can pay online
The St. Louis County Assessor’s Department is reminding property owners that Local Board of Appeal and Equalization meetings are happening this month and next, and to review their 2024 Estimated Market Value (EMV) notification in case they have questions or concerns. Most residents have received their EMV notice by
In the spirit of transparency and fairness, the St. Louis County Depot is again providing opportunity for potential new tenants by issuing a Request for Proposals (RFP). Last year’s process brought about the return of the Duluth Superior Symphony Orchestra (DSSO) with their offices, library, and limited run performances.
Midway Road (County State Aid Highway 13) in Midway Township and the City of Hermantown carries approximately 6,900 vehicles per day. The road also has two railroad crossings, which each carry approximately 30 trains per day. St. Louis County Public Works engineers have identified several issues at these crossings,
Just as the work of Public Health covers a wide variety of health topics, so do the winners of this year's St. Louis County Public Health Achievement Awards. The St. Louis County Board, during its meeting today in Duluth, recognized three groups and one individual for their work
Highway 29 north of Floodwood has been closed near the Stremmel Road intersection (just east of the TH 73 intersection) due to flooding. This is a paved road and is the primary route between Floodwood and Meadowlands. It runs alongside the St. Louis River, which is overflowing its banks and