Spring Load Restrictions End on MOST Lake County Highways beginning Wednesday, May 24. Load Restrictions will remain on the following roads until further notice.
– Cramer Road (County Highway 7 and County Highway 8)
– Drummond Grade (County Road 131)
– Toimi Road (all county and township roads in the Toimi area)
– Old Drummond UT10
– Westover UT34
– Moen CR 123
– Hermanson UT35
Notice of Amendments to the Vacation Rental Home Regulations in the Lake County Land Use Ordinance #12
Date: May 12, 2023
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Matt Huddleston, County Administrator
On May 9, 2023, The Lake County Board of Commissioners approved by resolution, adoption of amendments to Sec. 27.06 A, Vacation Rental Home Requirements in Lake County Land Use Ordinance #12. The amendments to the ordinance will go into effect on May 28th when Interim Ordinance No. 19-2, imposing a moratorium on Vacation Rental Homes (VRH) through interim use permits (IUP), expires.
May 29th is Memorial Day, and Lake County will be closed, therefore, Lake County will begin accepting Interim Use Applications for vacation rental homes on Tuesday May 30th at 8:00am.
Generally, the amended ordinance imposes a cap or limit to the amount of VRHs in residential zoning districts in Unorganized Territory #2, Unorganized Territory #1, Beaver Bay Township, Crystal Bay Township, Silver Creek Township, Stony River Township and Knife River. Please review all of the ordinance amendments, which will be located at www.co.lake.mn.us and contact the Lake County Environmental Services Department if you have questions.
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Lake County Veterans Services assists Veterans, their families, caregivers, and survivors with benefits related to military service. Updated laws and expanded benefits have resulted in a significant increase in requested services above the current capacity of the available resource. While working to implement a permanent solution and in order to preserve the highest level of service possible, the difficult decision has been made to temporarily limit the availability of the County Veterans Service Officer (CVSO). This will provide dedicated time to process the backlog of claims and requests.
The Veterans Services office will be temporarily closed from 05/22/2023 to 06/02/2023. In-person services will not be available, and phone and email responses will be delayed. Everyone is encouraged to continue submitting requests and questions via the Veterans Services phone number and email address. Please use the available voicemail or email to leave a message.
On 06/05/2023, the office will reopen on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays for in-person services (appointments are strongly encouraged). Services will be limited Tuesdays and Thursdays allowing the CVSO to continue processing the backlog of claims and requests. The days may vary depending on holidays or other scheduling conflicts. The temporary, modified operating days will be in effect while solutions are being put into place to continue providing the highest quality of services our Veterans have earned and expect.
Your patience and understanding are truly appreciated during this transitional and temporary period.
(218) 834-8326 or (218) 220-6273
cvso@co.lake.mn.us
The Lake County Planning Commission will conduct a public hearing on Thursday, April 27, 2023, at 6:00 PM in the Lake View Conference Center, 325 11th Avenue, Two Harbors, Minnesota, for the purpose of considering proposed amendments to Sec. 27.06 A. Vacation Rental Home requirements in Lake County Land Use Ordinance #12. Interested persons may submit written comments by 4:30 pm on Monday, April 24, 2023 via email message to Melissa.McIntyre@co.lake.mn.us or to the Lake County Environmental Services Department, 601 Third Avenue, Two Harbors, MN 55616, prior to the hearing.
Virtual attendance option available for listening purposes only.
Topic: Vacation Rental Home Public Hearing Regarding Proposed Ordinance Amendments
Time: Thursday, April 27, 2023 06:00 PM
Join Zoom Meeting
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Meeting ID: 817 4808 2332
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Lake County Active Vacation Rentals
Winter load increases end and spring load restrictions (SLR) start in north-central and north seasonal load limit zones.
More info here: Lake County Seasonal Load Restriction Maps
Property Tax due dates are May 15th and October 15th of each year. (If the 15th is a Saturday or Sunday, taxes are due on the following Monday).
Lake County has a drop-box available in front of the Law Enforcement Center Building at 613 3rd Ave. There is a sign on the drop box indicating that property tax payments are being accepted.
Taxpayers can view or print their current or delinquent tax statements at any time using the website parcelinfo.com.
Taxes can be paid in person, by mail, drop box or online.
Please see the Lake County Auditor’s webpage for details at co.lake.mn.us/auditor/.
Lake County Sheriff’s Office Press Release
North Shore State Trail / Airbase Road, Snowmobile Fatality
March 7, 2023
On 3-04-2023 at 10:58 AM, Lake County Dispatch received a call reporting a snowmobile accident on the CJ Ramstad/North Shore State Trail snowmobile trail crossing on the Airbase Road in Finland.
After being transported by ambulance and rescue to the LifeLink landing zone at the Clair Nelson Center in Finland, the victim, a 52-year old female named Kellie Brickson of Hermantown, was pronounced dead.
Responding to the scene were the Lake County Sheriff’s Office, Lake County Rescue Squad, Lake County Ambulance and LifeLink air medical
.
Lake County Sheriff’s Office Press Release
Hwy 2 / Gun Club Road, Personal Injury Accident
February 13, 2023
On 2-13-2023 at 6:07 AM, Lake County Dispatch received a call about a collision on Highway 2 at the Gun Club Road north of Two Harbors. The crash involved a semi truck and a passenger vehicle. The driver of the semi, a 71-year old male, denied medical attention. The driver of the passenger vehicle, a 54-year old female, was extricated from the vehicle by the Two Harbors Fire Department and transported to St. Luke’s by Lake County Ambulance with non-life threatening injuries. The accident is currently under investigation by the Lake County Sheriff’s Office with assistance from the MN State Highway Patrol Commercial Vehicle Inspector. The Two Harbors Fire Department, Lake County Rescue Squad, and Lake County Ambulance responded and assisted at the scene.
Lake View Hospital and Lake County Public Health partnered for Community Health Needs Assessment (CHNA) services administrated by Rural Health Innovations (RHI), a subsidiary of the National Rural Health Resource Center. In April 2022, RHI, the hospital, and public health met to discuss the objectives of a regional CHNA.
Please view the full report here:
Currently, we are looking for a couple of new members for the Lake County Extension Committee, and you’re invited to apply if interested by filling out an application:
County Extension Committee Application
What is the Extension Committee, and what do we as members of the Extension Committee do? Find out more here.
The Lake County Extension is an outreach of the University of Minnesota and assists in providing programs to Lake County, establishing budget, and working with our staff to improve the quality life, enhance the economy and environment through education, research, and other resources available through the University of Minnesota.
Send an application today to:
Lake County Extension Office
616 3rd Ave
Two Harbors, MN 55616
LEGAL NOTICE
PUBLIC NOTICE OF RESCHEDULED PUBLIC HEARING
Notice is hereby given that the Planning Commission Meeting previously scheduled for September 19, 2022 at 6 P.M. in the County Highway Department Building, 1513 Highway 2, Two Harbors, was unable to be conducted due to a lack of quorum of Commission Members. The meeting has been rescheduled for MONDAY, September 26, 2022 at 5:00 PM in the County Hwy Department Building and via Zoom: the link will be provided on the Lake County website (www.co.lake.mn.us). The rescheduled hearings will include: Short-term rental renewal application (I-22-032r) by Jin and Debra Baik (5:00 PM); Short-term rental renewal application (I-22-033r) by Mike and Angela Steenberg (5:15 PM); Request to rename private road from Kingfish Lane to Kingfisher Lane, submitted by Ojibway Summer Group Home Association (5:30 PM); Conditional Use Permit Application (C-22-009) filed by the St. Louis and Lake Counties Regional Railroad Authority and the Knife River Heritage Cultural Center for the construction of a multi-purpose community center (5:45 PM); Conditional Use Permit Application (C-22-010) filed by Sean and Jill Leary/BWCA Wolf Pack LLC for the construction of 3 ADA-compliant cabins creating a small resort in Ely, MN (6:15 PM); and an EAW Review for The Harbors Resort submitted by John Leupke/LT4, LLC (7:00 PM).
The Zoom Link for this hearing is:
Join Zoom Meeting
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Meeting ID: 860 4924 8137
Passcode: 168149
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Schedule a Free Red Cross Home Fire Safety Visit. During your home visit, you will receive:
To schedule your free Home Fire Safety Visit, click here: https://www.redcross.org/local/mn-nd-sd/about-us/our-work/home-fire-campaign/smoke-alarm-request.html
Description: Development of 23.31 acres into a 45 cabin commercial resort at 1022 E Stanley Rd, Two Harbors MN, 55616. Lake County approved Phase 1 & 2 April 19, 2021, consisting of 24 cabins, shoreland remediation associated septic, well, gravel drives, parking, paths, stormwater areas and amenities. Remediation work began in 2021 with 24 cabin construction beginning in 2022. Phase 3 consists of an additional 21 cabins.
The property is described as: that part of the W 900 ft of Gov’t Lot 2 lying Sly of the roadway line desc. in doc A194199, Section 11, Township 52, Range 11, zoned C-R/Commercial-Rural District, two-acre minimum, Unorganized Territory #2. PID: 25-5211-11085.
EAW can be reviewed at:
Only written comments can be accepted. Please mail or email by September 1, 2022 at 4:00pm to:
Tanya Feldkamp, Environmental Services Manager
Lake County Environmental Services Department, 601 3rd Avenue, Two Harbors, MN 55616
(218-834-8441) tanya.feldkamp@co.lake.mn.us
EQB Monitor Publication Date – August 2, 2022
Comment Period Ends – September 1, 2022
Lake County Sheriff’s Office Press Release
Hudson Lake/Lake Four, Boundary Waters Canoe Area, Water Emergency
May 16, 2022
At 1117 hours today, Lake County Dispatch received a call of 2 adults in a canoe paddling on Hudson Lake when their canoe capsized. Both individuals made it to shore on the portage between Hudson Lake and Lake Four. Minnesota State Patrol sent out a helicopter to assist with the rescue.
At 1509 hours, MSP helicopter transported one of the parties to the medical staging area on Snowbank Rd. At 1537 hours, MSP helicopter transported the second party to the medical staging area.
The parties are a 41-year-old male and his 64-year-old father. Names of the parties were not available at this time nor were their conditions.
Property Tax due dates are May 15th and October 15th of each year. (If the 15th is a Saturday or Sunday, taxes are due on the following Monday).
Lake County has a drop-box available in front of the Law Enforcement Center Building at 601 3rd Ave. There will be a sign on the drop box indicating that property tax payments are being accepted.
Taxpayers can now view or print their current or delinquent tax statements whenever they desire using the Parcel Info website.
Taxes can be paid “in person”, by mail, using the drop box or online.
Please see the Auditor’s office webpage for details.
A Northeastern Regional ATV Joint Powers Board Meeting will be held on December 20, 2021 at 2:00 PM
at the Saint Louis County Public Works Virginia Office 7823 Hwy 135 Virginia, MN 55792.
Some commercial property owners are seeing a large increase in their 2022 property tax bill due to fiscal disparity tax. Lake County is actively pursuing all available options to provide some relief to this situation. A public meeting will be held soon to provide additional information about the fiscal disparity program.
Contacts: Allissa Reynolds, acting wildfire prevention supervisor, 763-284-7213
To help ensure public safety and protect natural resources, the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources is activating additional burning restrictions for areas within state jurisdiction in Cook and Lake counties, beginning 12:01 a.m. Tuesday, August 10. Under the additional restrictions, all campfires and recreational fires are banned and the use of welding devices and other torches is prohibited when in proximity to combustible vegetation (unless special permission is granted). While the DNR’s restrictions do not control tribal lands, the Grand Portage Band of Lake Superior Chippewa has restricted burning on its lands.
Under these additional restrictions, the campfire and recreational fire ban in Cook and Lake counties now includes all public and private land. In the backcountry, and at campsites, only gas or propane camp stoves are allowed. Gas and charcoal grills are allowed at occupied homes, cabins and resorts. Charcoal and gas fires must be in devices designed for grilling.
All previously issued burning restrictions also remain in place for Cook and Lake counties, including:
Restrictions on open burning and campfires remain in place for more than twenty other counties in central and northern Minnesota. Some of these restrictions apply to all non-tribal lands, while others are specific to DNR-managed lands. Details are available on the DNR’s wildfire information page.
Allissa Reynolds, DNR acting wildfire prevention supervisor, says these additional burning restrictions are warranted in the Arrowhead Region due to the combination of the high risk of wildfire and landscape features that can make suppressing wildfires there extremely challenging. “This year, we’ve seen wildfires starting from campfires, as well as all types of outdoor activities, which is uncommon and dangerous,” Reynolds said, “Campfire bans on public and private lands are rare and reserved for times of intense wildfire risk, like we are experiencing now. We are implementing these restrictions to protect life and property, and following consultation with our local, tribal, and federal partners.”
Check the DNR statewide fire danger and burning restrictions map before any outdoor activity or before heading to your cabin or campsite. You can make a difference – keep safety at top of mind. People who spot a wildfire should call 911.
Visit the DNR wildland fire information webpage for more information on current restrictions.
The following items have been received by the Lake County Sheriff’s Office as lost, abandoned or safe keeping property. If you believe any items listed may be your property, you must contact the Lake County Sheriff’s Office at (218) 834-8386 by August 1, 2021 to identify and establish proof of ownership.
Due to spring thaw, some Lake County-managed forest roads were not firm enough to support vehicle traffic. All county forest roads are now open. Please check this page for a list of these roads and any further updates on their status. Thank you for your cooperation.
The Lake County Household Hazardous waste facility opens on May 12th from 12:00-5:30PM every Wednesday until fall. No early or late drop offs, contact Lake County Solid Waste at (218) 834-8303 for more information.
Pursuant to Minnesota Statutes 244.052 and and 253D, the Lake County Sheriff’s Department would like to post notice of a release of an individual convicted of criminal sexual conduct. Please view the document below for more information.
The Lake County Highway Department and Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) will post reduced legal weight limits over the Garden Lake Bridge on Fernberg Road (CSAH 18), beginning no later than March 1, 2021. The maximum vehicle weight will be set at 32 tons for truck/trailer combinations and 20 tons for single unit trucks.
The decision is a result of an updated load rating analysis, which is completed regularly to address changes in standards and regulations across the state’s roadway network. The reduced legal weight posting is necessary for the bridge to remain in service for the remainder of its planned life span. The bridge remains safe for use. Questions can be directed to the Lake County Highway Department at (218) 834-8380.
The Lake County ADA Transition Plan draft is available for public review and comment through March 2, 2021. The draft plan can be viewed online at www.co.lake.mn.us/highway/construction-projects/ Hard copies are also available for review at the Lake County Highway Department, Court House, or Health and Human Services Center.
The Lake County ADA Transition Plan includes an evaluation of the county’s pedestrian infrastructure located in the public roadway right-of-way. Infrastructure was evaluated for compliance with the guidelines of the Public Rights of Way Accessibility Guidelines (PROWAG), as adopted by MnDOT. The plan also includes schedule goals and the framework for how non-compliant facilities will be corrected to PROWAG standards.
Alternate accommodations to review and comment on the draft plan will be made available upon request. Request for accommodation can be made to Darbie Eschenbacher by calling 218-510-0649 or by email at Darbie.Eschenbacher@co.lake.mn.us
Comments on the plan can be emailed to the Lake County Highway Engineer Jason.DiPiazza@co.lake.mn.us, or mailed/delivered to the Lake County Highway Department at the address above. Comments will be reviewed by the Highway Engineer and included in the final plan. The final plan is scheduled to be reviewed by the County Board in March, 2021 for consideration and adoption.
The Lake County Board of Commissioners approved another round of Economic Grant Relief to distribute $256,250 of state funding to help small business and nonprofit organizations.
Tell us how the COVID-19 pandemic has impacted your business or nonprofit organization.
Your organization is invited to submit a grant application; download the document below to learn more about grant eligibility, procedures and guidelines.
In 2021, the Lake County Recycling Center is open Monday-Friday, 7:30AM to 5:30PM and on Saturday between 8:00AM and 12:00PM.
The Recycling Center will be closed all Sundays and the following days:
According to the Lake County Highway Department, depositing snow in any fashion onto a County Road is illegal and punishable as a misdemeanor under Minnesota Statute 160.27 and various local ordinances which prohibit plowing, shoveling, blowing or placing snow onto public roadways. Any violation will be forwarded to the Sheriff’s Department in the interest of public safety.
Lake County Highway Department also cautions that the act of placing snow onto a public roadway can subject a person to a civil liability if a road hazard, such as a slippery area, frozen rut or bump, occurs and causes a traffic accident. This civil liability can extend to both the property owner and the person who actually placed the snow onto the roadway. You also may be liable for damage to County snowplow equipment.
Lake County Highway Department asks all citizens to obey these rules which are designed to keep Minnesota’s 131,100 miles of streets, roads and highways safe during winter months. Thank you in advance for your cooperation.
Jason DiPiazza
Lake County Highway Engineer
Lake County has received $1.28 million to support the community during the COVID-19 pandemic, such as small businesses, charitable nonprofits, congregate care facilities, health services, local government expenses, and individuals in need.
“Our highest priority is to send the bulk of these funds to our small businesses and non-profits who are hardest hit financially during this crisis, along with our most vulnerable citizens and those who care for them,” according to County Administrator Matt Huddleston. “We’re pleased that up to $850,000 is available directly to our business community.”
Learn more from the documents below or at the Lake County Chamber of Commerce’s website (updated 10/22).
Lake County’s Board of Commissioners has partnered with the Lake County Chamber of Commerce to create a Small Business Relief Fund, utilizing funds from Lake County’s CARES Act allotment.
Small businesses play a crucial role in each Lake County community, and this fund will provide monetary relief to help ease the burden of hardships caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Eligible small businesses may apply for up to $10,000 in grant funds, to be used for the reimbursement of eligible expenses, as defined below.
Guidelines and application are available on Lake County Chamber of Commerce’s website
(Article originally from Lake County Chamber of Commerce).
At approximately 2132 hours on September 7, 2020, Lake County Dispatch received a report of 29 year old man from Rochester who had fallen into the Caribou River and was unresponsive. It was reported that Daniel Allman had been hiking with a friend when he fell approximately 100 feet from a cliff, landing in the water below. Allman was removed from the water by his friend. Lifesaving attempts were performed by the friend, Lake County Rescue Squad and Lake County Ambulance Service. Allman was pronounced deceased at the scene.
Responding agencies were Lake County Rescue Squad, Lake County Ambulance Service, Cook County Sheriff’s Office and Lake County Sheriff’s Office.
8/21/2020 – 2:24PM – The pilot, and only occupant, of the plane has been identified as Dr. Kyle Edlund, of Woodbury Dental Care. Dr. Edlund was flying a Lance Air 4-seater, single engine N997S.
Correction: Dr. Edlund was last at his hotel in Ely at 10:15 pm and flew out soon after.
8/21/2020 – 9:00AM – At approximately 2308 hours on 08/20/2020, Lake County Dispatch received a call reporting a possible plane crash on White Iron Lake. The pilot, and only occupant, left the Ely Airport shortly after 9:00 pm and ended up crashing into White Iron Lake. The plane was heading towards the Grand Marais/Cook County Airport from the Ely Airport.
Responders found the victim, a 58-year old male from Woodbury, MN, died on impact.
Responding to the scene were the Lake County Sheriff’s Office, St. Louis County Sheriff’s Office, Lake County Rescue Squad, Morse-Fall Lake Fire Department and Ely Ambulance.
This accident is still under investigation.
Lake County has established a Mini Grant Program with CARES Act funds to support Congregate Care facilities in Lake County. Funds may be used for planning for and responding to the COVID-19 pandemic. Learn more from the documents below.
“Lake County is pleased to see the state take leadership on this issue,” said Matthew Huddleston, Lake County Administrator. “Masks are an important way to help slow the spread of the Coronavirus and to protect ourselves, families, neighbors and businesses. Businesses need to stay open and we want to see all residents stay healthy.”
While things are reopening and folks are getting back to work, it is still important that mitigation measures are being followed to continue to stop the spread of COVID-19. The risk is still very real. To protect yourself and others, take time with your coworkers to make sure you can make distancing work in your workplace. Stay safe, stay healthy!
Visit Lake County’s Coronavirus Hub for more information.
Lake County is pleased to announce that it is now transitioning to ‘Limited Public Access’ status, allowing residents to enter county government offices by appointment. Those in need of County services are asked to contact departments directly for appointments.
