On Tuesday, St. Louis County leaders honored the more than 350 people who served at COVID-19 testing events, vaccine clinics and other crucial roles that helped protect people during various stages of the pandemic. Over the course of the pandemic, St. Louis County Public Health held 550 testing events and distributed more than 13,000 test kits. Additionally, Public Health hosted more than 640 COVID-19 vaccine clinics and administered more than 48,000 doses of vaccine. 

On 06-17-23 at approximately 1112 PM, area first responders and law enforcement were dispatched to the report of a structure fire in the 8900 block of Highway 73 located southwest of Cook, MN.

It was reported that a lawnmower had caught fire inside the garage. The homeowner was transported to the Cook Hospital and later Duluth for treatment of what are believed to be non-life-threatening burns to their arms.

On June 16, 2023 at approximately 2:37 PM, area first responders and law enforcement were dispatched to the report of a motorcycle personal injury accident in the 2700 block of the Echo Trail located north of Ely. Two separate accidents occurred, both believed to caused by a foreign object in the road. A 65-year-old male was transported by ambulance with non-life-threatening injuries. A 73-year-old driver was treated and released for minor injuries on scene. 

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.

William Kalligher, the former owner of Ganucci’s Restaurant in West Duluth, was sentenced to 72 months in prison today after pleading guilty to Second Degree Criminal Sexual Conduct and Attempted First Degree Criminal Sexual Conduct involving his juvenile daughter. The defense argued for a departure with probation and sex offender treatment. Judge David M. Johnson denied the departure motion and sentenced him according to the applicable sentencing guidelines range.