On May 8, 2024, Roger Allen Beldo, 54, pleaded guilty 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, Minnesota, where he ultimately placed multiple emergency calls requesting help because he had done some “really bad things” and wanted to go to jail. Beldo was arrested and ultimately confessed to murdering both victims. Prior to the murders, Beldo had lived with the Johnsons at their residence.

Spring load restrictions will be removed on most St. Louis County roads beginning Monday, May 6, at 12:01 a.m. Restrictions were lifted several weeks ago for roads in the North Central Zone, which includes the southwest corner of the county. This new announcement applies to roads in the North Zone, which covers the majority of St. Louis County.

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 $26,717,542,500 up from last year’s $24,687,246,900. Total growth in the 2024 estimated market value is $2,030,295,600, an 8.22% increase over 2023. The complete 2024 Assessment Summary report is available online at stlouiscountymn.gov/assessor.