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Minnesota Class IV Burning Restrictions

August 9, 2021

Contacts: Allissa Reynolds, acting wildfire prevention supervisor, 763-284-7213

Additional burning restrictions take effect Tuesday in Cook and Lake counties

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:

  • No fireworks may be ignited on any public or private land outside city limits. Check with your local community for any additional restrictions.
  • The state will not issue burning permits for brush or yard waste. Open burning permits are restricted. Check the statewide fire danger and burning restrictions webpage for more information.

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.

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CSP 025-001-000 2026 Aggregate Stockpile Production

Project Location: Cramer Pit, Swanstrom’s Pit, Birdshot Pit
Work Type: Aggregate Stockpile Production
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Anticipated Construction Start Date: May 26, 2026
Interim Completion Date: August 29, 2026
Final Completion Date: June 5, 2027

Link to One Office Page: https://mn-co-lake.app.rtvision.com/oneoffice/planning/contract?contract=114

Weather Advisory – Friday, March 13

Lake County offices plan to remain open on Friday, March 13. Most departments will be operating with reduced staff due to the expected weather and road conditions. If you have county business to conduct, please contact the appropriate department before traveling. Residents are encouraged to delay arriving until weather conditions improve and roads have been cleared, if possible.  Thank you for your patience and understanding.

Lake County Property Notices Arriving Soon

Lake County Property Notices Arriving Soon

Lake County property notices will be arriving in your mailbox soon. What to expect: your 2026 Property Tax Statement for Taxes Payable in 2026 and your 2026 Valuation Notice for Taxes Payable in 2027. Notices are mailed together in the same envelope. Be sure to review each notice for your property.

2026 property tax payments are due May 15 and October 15 for most properties. Visit the county website or scan the QR code below to see updated payment options.

2026 Valuation Notices contain your properties classification and estimated market value for your taxes in 2027. The time to review this information is now. Contact your assessor with questions or concerns. The Notice lists meeting dates and information to discuss or appeal your value and classification.

The property tax cycle in Minnesota follows three steps:

Step 1: Valuation and Classification Notice (March). The Assessor determines the estimated market value and classification of each property for the following year’s property taxes. Property owners are provided with an opportunity to review information and attend local or county board of appeal meetings to discuss or appeal their value and classification. Assessments are final after the meetings and appeal process is complete.

Step 2: Proposed Tax Notice (November). Local taxing districts set their budgets for the following year and propose their needed tax levy. Based upon the assessment provided by the assessor and proposed levies, an estimate of next year’s tax is sent to property owners. Public budget meetings are held for residents to provide input on proposed budget and levies. Final levies are set after public meetings are held.

Step 3: Property Tax Statement (March). Property taxes are calculated using the final assessment and levies. A statement is sent to each property owner showing the amount and dates property tax is due.

State law provides the form and content of each property notice, with a box in the upper right corner indicating the notice’s step in the tax cycle.

Resources for property tax information:

Lake County Property Notices Arriving Soon.pdf

Update 1:  Lake County Emergency Alert System Update

Over the past few days, we have received several great questions and would like to share the following.

Please stay tuned here for all the latest updates and information regarding this project. 

What have we completed already:  Over the weekend, we have completed a few system configuration updates and working on many more.  Some of the most important changes include detailing system grouping/types (residential, business, etc.) and have also begun organizing personal accounts into some of those groups/types.  This effort will greatly enhance our community alerting for those most impacted by an incident. 

Why is this important!  There are thousands of individual accounts in the Lake County Emergency Alerts System, and we want to ensure that we have the right information and grouping types to ensure we are prioritizing those most impacted by an event, especially for those life safety incidents.  

What’s Next:  We will continue to review and update record type configurations (residential, business, etc), along with organizing individual accounts.  We will also be updating the portal registration directions to clarify the information we are asking for if not included in a drop box, such as home, business, cabin, property, etc.   The next step/phase after that, we will be asking everyone with an account(s) to log in to review, validate, and update their contact information.   This will include reviewing for duplicate accounts and encouraging separate “static locations” for respective residential and business purposes.  

To register or to review your current profile, you may get there from several directions.
-There is a link on the main website, just above this section,
-There is a link under the Emergency Management Department website page, or
-Cut and paste this link into your browser:  https://member.everbridge.net/453003085619442/login 

I ask those that are newly registering, once logged in to please fill in all informational blocks as there has already have been system updates; or if you already have an account, please log in to review, validate, and update any contact information that has changed, along with the new informational blocks that have been added.  

We have also received several additional questions over the last week, and I would like to take a few moments to answer a few:

  1. Lake County is and will continue to reach out to municipalizes ensuring, we as a team, are informing the citizens and businesses within our county, as appropriate, on events impacting life-safety, such as severe weather/storms, power outages, wildfires, and need for evacuations or sheltering.   Lake County will also be kicking off several additional large projects, the County Emergency Operations Plan (EOP) and Community Wildfire Prevention Plan (CWPP) updates and rewrites.  Both of these plans work hand-in-hand and will tie our county-wide communities together for support and response. 
  2. Everbridge is the same platform the county has used in the past.  We are updating the system configurations and contact information to better communicate and conduct community outreach during some of the events and incidents listed above.  This is why it is important for all of us to do our part to update and maintain your personal contact information. So, if and when that day occurs, we can send “the right message, to the right people, at the right time”. 

Thank you,
Warren LaPlante
Lake County Emergency Management, Director

Notice of Public Hearing

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING REGARDING AMENDMENTS TO THE LAKE COUNTY LAND USE ORDINANCE # 12, LAKE COUNTY CANNABIS ORDINANCE #29, & LAKE COUNTY SUBDIVISION ORDINANCE #9

Notice is hereby given that the Lake County Planning Commission will conduct a public hearing on Monday, March 16, 2026, at 5:30 PM in the Law Enforcement Center, 613 Third Avenue, Two Harbors, Minnesota, to consider proposed amendments to Lake County Land Use Ordinance #12, Lake County Cannabis Ordinance #29, and Lake County Subdivision Ordinance #9. All interested persons are invited to attend the public hearing to provide input. Interested persons may submit written comments via email message before 4:30 P.M. Thursday, March 12, 2026 to Alexandra.Campbell@co.lake.mn.us or to the Lake County Environmental Services Department, 601 Third Avenue, Two Harbors, MN 55616, prior to the hearing.

Cannabis Ordinance Changes.pdf

Land Use Ordinance Changes.pdf

Subdivision Ordinance Changes.pdf

NOTICE OF PUBLIC COMMENT PERIOD ON USE OF FEDERAL FUNDS

Notice of intended use is hereby give by Lake County to use FY2024 – 2025 Title III funds under Public Law 119-58 “Security Rural Schools and Community Self-Determination Act” (reauthorized in 2025) through FY2028 to:

  1. carry out activities under the Firewise Communities Program to increase protection of people and property from wildfires
  2. reimburse the County for search and rescue and other emergency services performed on federal lands, including firefighting and law enforcement patrols
  3. cover training costs and equipment purchase directly related to emergency services described about, and
  4. develop and carry out Lake County Community Wildfire Protection Plan.

The intended use of this funding is open for public comment for a period of 45 days from the publication notice and will be on the Lake County Board of Commissioners agenda approximately 2 weeks upon public comment period closeout.  Comments much be submitted in writing and received at the Commissioner’s Office, 616 Third Ave, Two Harbors, MN 55616 or the Emergency Management Office, 601 Third Ave, Two Harbors, MN 55616.  For information, contact Warren LaPlante, Emergency management Director at 218-510-0624 (warren.laplante@co.lake.mn.us) or Matt Huddleston, Lake County Administrator at 218-834-8320 (matthew.huddleston@co.lake.mn.us).  

Lake County Emergency Alert System Update

Lake County will be updating and verifying its emergency alert system in the coming months.  The county uses a platform called Everbridge and its moto is to provide, “the right message, at the right time, to the right people.”  When seconds count, the system delivers real-time alerts through text, phone, and/or email to provide critical information during an emergency.  This information may include:  the location of and respective emergency updates; if needed, evacuation orders and instructions; if determined, sheltering-in-place instructions; and where to stay tuned for additional information.  

The Lake County Emergency Management department will conduct a multi-phase update including system configuration improvements, notification process reviews, participant (residential/business) verification, and annual testing.   Progress updates and instructions will be shared through the county website and official social media.

Enrollment is optional but for public safety, residents and businesses are still strongly encouraged to register or update their information during this period.

Questions can be directed to Warren LaPlante, Emergency Management Director, at warren.laplante@co.lake.mn.us.

Winter Hazard Awareness Week (November 17-21)

Winter is just around the corner and are you prepared?

November 17th to the 21st is Minnesota Winter Hazard Awareness Week.  This is an opportunity to begin your and your family’s preparation for what will lie ahead: cold temperatures, windy days, icy roads, and slippery sidewalks.

Lake County Emergency Management, in partnership with Lake County’s Public Health, Sheriff’s Office, Highway Department, and the Safety Office, along with the Minnesota Department of Emergency Management and Public Safety have complied timely seasonal information to increase your awareness and preparation.  

To find out more about specific topics, please visit the Lake County Website, Department of Emergency Management:  https://www.co.lake.mn.us/emergency-management

Final Crosby Fire Update (10/15/2025)

Final Crosby Fire Update (10/15/2025/13:30):

This will be Lake County’s final situation update. 

The Crosby Fire has remained at approximately 300 acres for the last several days and approximately 95% contained.  The fire location is still primarily within the George H. Crosby Manitou State Park.   

MN DNR has determined the cause of the fire to be lighting.  

The Superior Hiking Trail will open on Thursday, 16 Oct, 08:00 am.  

On behalf of the county residents and staff, and our visitors, we would like to thank all the responders and support staff on doing a wonderful job to control the fire, protect our residents and their properties, along with our forests.

Lake County Emergency Management

Crosby Fire Update (10/13/2025)

Crosby Fire Update (10/13/2025/9:00):

The Crosby Fire is approximately 300 acres and approximately 70% contained.  The fire location is still primarily within the George H. Crosby Manitou State Park.   

MN DNR has determined the cause of the fire to be lighting.  

MN DNR remains lead agency with support from the US Forest Service. Lake County Sheriff’s Office and Emergency Management department are monitoring the situation and working with the MN DNR.

Based upon the location of the fire at this time, there are no immediate threats to residents or permanent residential structures.  

We are asking for the public to stay clear of the area allowing our responders a safe environment to suppress the fire and for your personal safety.

Portion of the Superior Hiking Trail from the Caribou Falls State Wayside Rest along Minnesota State Highway 61 to the Lake County Road 7 (Cramer Road) access points remain closed.  The remainder of the state park remains open

Please follow the situation through the Lake County website, both the Lake County and Lake County Sheriff’s Office Facebook sites, MN DNR, and the MNICs press release section.  If the situation escalates, we will send out emergency notifications as appropriate through our county alerts program.  

Lake County Emergency Management 

Photo courtesy of the MN DNR.  

Crosby Fire

Crosby Fire Update:

The Crosby Fire is approximately 50 acres within the George H. Crosby Manitou State Park. The park is a wilderness area with tough terrain.

MN DNR is lead agency with support from the US Forest Service. Lake County Sheriff’s Office and Emergency Management department are monitoring the situation and working with the MN DNR.

Based upon the location of the fire, there are no immediate threats to residents or permanent residential structures.  

We are asking for the public to stay clear of the area allowing our responders a safe environment to suppress the fire and for your personal safety.

Please follow the situation through the Lake County website, both the Lake County and Lake County Sheriff’s Office Facebook sites, MN DNR, and the MINICs press release section.  If the situation escalates, we will send out emergency notifications as appropriate through our county alerts program.  Lake County Emergency Management

Street Closures Planned for Two Harbors Beginning Monday, 9/29

Northland Constructors will close 7th Street and Waterfront Drive at 6th Avenue in Two Harbors over the next 4-6 weeks.  The tentative schedule for the closures follows:   7th Street Closure at 6th Avenue: Begin: Monday 9/29 End: Friday 10/17 Alternate Route: Waterfront Drive Waterfront Drive Closure at 6th Avenue: Begin Monday 10/20 End: Friday 10/31 Alternate Route: 7th Street & 5th Street Both streets will be closed at 6th Avenue but remain open to Local Traffic to the alleys and driveways on the north and south side of the 6th Avenue intersection.   Work to be completed includes city utilities, storm sewer, new curb, sidewalk and pavement.

September is National Preparedness Month

Preparedness Starts at Home.  September is National Preparedness Month and there is no better time than now to prepare yourself and family by taking a few steps to help your family, pets, neighbors, and communities.

The goal for preparedness begins with four key actions:
-Know the different types of emergencies you may encounter and what would be your response
-Make a family plan
-Build an emergency supply kit
-Get involved in your community by taking action to prepare for emergencies

When setting up your plan, consider any unique needs, where you live, where your family spends a lot of time (school, work, etc), do you have pets, routes of possible travel, how to evacuate from your home, do you take special medication, any other special needs.

Your plan should include:
-Family emergency plan(s) that includes important information, such as: contact information, medical providers/doctors, medications, insurance information, location to safeguard this information, communications plan
-Know where you could go before something happens, such as a meeting location(s) depending on the situation, how are you going to communicate with each other on your plan
-Have a home escape plan and meeting location in case of a home fire
-Pets are part of our family, include them in your family plan
–Build a go-kit. You kit should include enough supplies to support your family for several days: water, food, medicine, a comfort toy for your child, radio, flashlight, etc.
-When emergency strikes, have multiple ways to get alerts, include items such as a NOAA radio, National Weather Service (NWS) phone apps, local news links, the Lake County Emergency Alerts program (click here to register).

To assist you on your planning, please visit READY.GOV right now and follow the Lake County Emergency Management website (soon under re-development).

If you have any immediate questions, please contact Warren LaPlante, Lake County Emergency Management Director, email: warren.laplante@co.lake.mn.us

Lake County Property Tax Payment Reminder

Property Tax due dates are May 15 and October 15 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 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/.

Highway 2 Reopening to Traffic

Lake County Highway 2 between Forest Highway 11 (Lake County Road 15) and Minnesota Hwy 1 (MN 1) is scheduled to reopen to traffic beginning on Thursday, August 21. 

Travelers can expect reduced travel lane and shoulder widths, and rough road conditions, with sections of unpaved road, grooved pavement surfaces, and active road construction  work between the White Pine Picnic area near Upland Trail and the Greenwood Lake Public Water Access point (boat launch).  Motorcycle travel is not recommended.  During daylight hours, travelers can expect one-lane road conditions under traffic flagger control throughout the work zone.  Delays of up to 15 minutes should be expected. Work is scheduled to continue through early October.  

Please reduce speed and travel safely through the work zone and let’s make sure everyone, including our construction workers and onsite staff, gets home or to their destination safely.

Highway 2 Road Closure Update

KGM Contractors will be completing work on the new box culvert at Greenwood Creek this week and will be moving to Murphy Creek near Upland Trail beginning Monday, 7/28.  

IMPORTANT: Access to Upland Trail/Whyte Road and to all points north along Highway 2 will need to be via MN Highway 1, starting Monday, 7/28.  There will be no access across Murphy Creek, south of Upland Trail, beginning Monday 7/28.  Highway 2 will be closed at the White Pine Picnic Area.  Access across Greenwood Creek will be open.  

Notice of Amendments to SSTS Ordinance

Notice of Amendments to the Lake County Subsurface Sewage Treatment System Ordinance #11

Date: June 25, 2025
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Lake County Environmental Services Department, planningandzoning@co.lake.mn.us or 218-834-8325

On June 24, 2025, The Lake County Board of Commissioners approved by resolution, adoption of amendments to the Lake County Subsurface Sewage Treatment System Ordinance #11.  The adopted ordinance will go into effect on July 4, 2025.

Please review the County Board resolution and 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.

PRESS RELEASE

Resolution Approving Amendments to Subsurface Sewage Treatment System Ordinance #11, Section 101.A

Notice of Amendments to Land Use Ordinance

Notice of Amendments to the Lake County Comprehensive Plan and Land Use Ordinance #12

Date: June 25, 2025
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Lake County Environmental Services Department, planningandzoning@co.lake.mn.us or 218-834-8325

On June 24, 2025, The Lake County Board of Commissioners approved by resolution, adoption of amendments to the Lake County Comprehensive Plan and Land Use Ordinance #12.  The adopted ordinance will go into effect on July 4, 2025.

Please review the County Board resolution and 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.

PRESS RELEASE

Resolution Approving Amendments to Land Use Ordinance #12, including Exhibit 1

Highway 2 Closure Information

CSAH 2 Reconditioning Project

Project #: SAP 038-602-036
Highway: CSAH 2 (Highway 2)
Location: Murphy Creek (near White Pine Picnic Area) to Greenwood Lake Public Water Access
Scope: Reconditioning (replace culverts, reclaim existing pavement and resurface)
Schedule: June 23, 2025 – October 4, 2025
Traffic Impacts: Highway 2 closure with posted detour – July thru mid August. Single lane closures with travel delays in late June and mid-August thru September

UPDATES and additional information can be found at the Highway 2 Reconditioning project information page.

2025 Spring Road Load Restrictions

The Lake County Highway Department will end spring load restrictions (SLR) on Monday, May 12, 2025 at 12:01 AM EXCEPT for the following roads:

CR 131 Drummond GradeCSAH 7 (Cramer Road)CSAH 8 (Cramer Road)
CSAH 24 (Gun Club Road)CR 301 (Fors Road)CSAH 3 (Highway 3)

Ending dates for spring load restrictions are variable and based on how weather is affecting roadway strength.  The sign erected on the roadway governs the load limit in effect.

Lake County Property Tax Payment Reminder

Property Tax due dates are May 15 and October 15 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 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/.

Volunteer opportunity for Lake County Planning Commission or Board of Adjustment

The Lake County Board of Commissioners is seeking individuals interested in volunteering on the Lake County Planning Commission or Board of Adjustment. These commissions meet once per month and make decisions regarding land development and environmental issues. Applicants must reside in Lake County, but preferably outside any municipal corporate limits. Please contact the Lake County Environmental Services Department at the Lake County Courthouse, 601 Third Avenue, Two Harbors, MN 55616, email planningandzoning@co.lake.mn.us , or call 218-834-8325 for more information.

Please submit a resume or application by May 1, 2025.

APPLICATION

Notice of Public Hearing for proposed Lake County Cannabis Ordinance

Notice of Public Hearing
Lake County, Minnesota

Notice is hereby given that the Lake County Board of Commissioners will hold a Public Hearing on Tuesday, December 17, 2024, at 2:30 P.M. at the Lake County Service Center, Split Rock River Room, 616 Third Avenue, Two Harbors, Minnesota, 55616.

The purpose of the public hearing is to receive comments on a proposed Lake County Cannabis Ordinance.

Summary of the proposed Lake County Cannabis Ordinance:

  • Prohibits public use of cannabis
  • Limits registrations of cannabis retail operations
  • Prohibits cannabis businesses within certain distances from schools, day care providers, residential treatment facilities and attractions within public parks
  • Limits hours of operations
  • Provides zoning framework for cannabis businesses and hemp businesses
  • Provides regulations for cannabis events
  • Establishes requirements on sale of low potency hemp

A draft of the proposed ordinance is available at the Lake County Service Center, Office of the County Administrator, 616 Third Avenue, Two Harbors, Minnesota, 55616. All persons interested are invited to attend the Public Hearing. Written comments may be submitted to clerk.board@co.lake.mn.us or by U.S. Postal Service mail to Lake County Service Center, Office of the County Administrator, 616 Third Avenue, Two Harbors, Minnesota, 55616

Public Comment Sought for Lake County’s Hazard Mitigation Plan

Lake County has completed an updated draft of its Hazard Mitigation Plan (HMP) and is now seeking public feedback. Like all Minnesota counties, Lake County is vulnerable to a variety of natural hazards such as tornadoes, windstorms, severe winter storms, flooding, drought, and extreme temperatures, which can threaten the loss of life and property in the county. Planning for natural disasters minimizes the impact of events that can cause vast economic loss and personal hardship.

Lake County Hazard Mitigation Plan News Release

U.S. Small Business Administration Disaster Loans

The Small Business Association offers low interest loans for homeowners and businesses that have been impacted by disasters. In June, Lake County saw widespread flooding that impacted many homeowners. To apply for an SBA loan, please call or register online.

Home Loan Flyer

Business Nonprofit Flyer

EIDL Flyer

Minnesota One Sheeter

Mitigation Loan

MN Locations September 16 2024

MN Fact Sheet Sept 2024

Lake County Property Tax Payment Reminder

Property Tax due dates are May 15 and October 15 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 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/.

Federal Disaster Declaration Expansion

After Request from Governor Walz, Federal Disaster Declaration Expanded to Include Individual Assistance for Minnesotans Impacted by Flooding

Governor Tim Walz today announced that Minnesotans in 19 counties working to recover from this year’s flooding can now request individual assistance from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to help recover from losses they suffered. The declaration will provide resources to reimburse individuals and communities for debris removal, emergency protective measures, and repair and replacement of damaged infrastructure.

The individual assessment declaration is the next step in the state’s ongoing dedication to assisting affected communities.

While individual assistance cannot compensate for all losses caused by a disaster, it is a significant step in helping people meet their basic needs and supplement disaster recovery efforts. 

The following counties are currently part of the declaration: Blue Earth, Cook, Cottonwood, Faribault, Freeborn, Goodhue, Itasca, Jackson, Lake, Le Sueur, Mower, Nicollet, Nobles, Rice, Rock, St. Louis, Steele, Waseca, and Watonwan.

In the coming days, FEMA, in partnership with HSEM, will establish disaster recovery centers to assist people in navigating the process and house state agency representatives to ensure individuals and businesses understand all the programs that are available. More information on how to access these centers will be forthcoming from FEMA.

In the meantime, individuals in the declared counties are encouraged to create an application online by visiting disasterassistance.gov/. You can also call the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362. Specialists are available seven days a week from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. ET.

For Lake County residents, the disaster recovery center will most likely be in Virginia, where individuals can apply for reimbursement or funds to repair damages. The dates and times of the center will be updated when more information is available. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact Matt Pollmann, Lake County Emergency Manager, at 773-844-6449.

Press Release – Malberg Lake Rescue

Lake County Sheriff’s Office Media Release

June 7, 2024

Malberg Lake Rescue

On June 6, 2024, at 1546 hours (3:46 pm), Lake County Dispatch received a call from a female party whose husband was in the BWCA with 3 other men. She indicated that she received a call from Focus Point International stating that they had received an SOS from a locator from that group. Coordinates from the locator placed the group on Malberg Lake within the BWCA, and there was no information available as to the type of emergency that may be occurring due to the locator not having messaging capability.  

Based on the limited information, the US Forest Service was contacted to see if a Beaver could fly in with a Lake County Deputy and medical personnel to check on the group. At approximately 1747 hours, initial contact was made with the group. The group indicated that a 69-year-old member of their group was last seen at 1130 that morning when he went for a walk and had not returned.

Based on the remote location and time of day, a ground search was planned utilizing Lake County Search and Rescue personnel, which would start the following morning.

The Minnesota State Patrol was requested and with the assistance of their fixed wing aircraft were able to locate the missing party some distance away from the location of the group. The missing party was actively trying to communicate with the aircraft.

The decision was made to activate the Minnesota Aviation Rescue Team (MART) through the Minnesota State Patrol to assist in rescuing the missing party.

At approximately 2342 the missing party was rescued and transported via helicopter to the Ely airport where he was checked out by medical personnel.  

The Lake County Sheriff’s Office would like to thank the Minnesota State Patrol, US Forest Service, Minnesota Aviation Rescue Team and Ely Ambulance for their assistance.

Press Release – Basswood Lake water emergency

Lake County Sheriff’s Office Media Release

June 6, 2024

Basswood Lake, Boundary Waters Canoe Area, Water Emergency

On June 4, 2024 at 1536 hours (3:36 pm), Lake County Dispatch received a call of a Boy Scout group with an overturned canoe on Basswood Lake.  Four juveniles and one adult male had made it to an island, while four more juveniles and another adult male were on the mainland.    No injuries were reported at this point.

Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) notified Dispatch that they also had been contacted by the campers and advised them that rescue plans were in the works, and the group was advised to stay put. OPP advised that they would be on standby if their assistance was needed, but due to the weather they were unable to assist with any air assets.

Rescue units were dispatched and USFS was contacted for assistance. Due to the approaching storm front, it was decided that for the safety of all, rescue crews would go in to assist the following morning.

At 1759 hours (5:59 pm), OPP notified Dispatch that they had been in contact with the adult via Garmin and were advised that the campers had been rescued and they no longer needed assistance from law enforcement or rescue.

No additional information is available at this time.

Press Release – Bulen media release

Lake County Sheriff’s Office Media Release

June 6, 2024

A male was discovered deceased in the Baptism River on May 12th.

On May 12, 2024 at 1144 hours (11:44 am), Lake County Sheriff’s Office responded to a report of a body found in the Baptism River in Tettegouche State Park.  At 1518 hours (3:18 pm) when Lake County Deputies and Rescue had retrieved the body from the river, the decedent’s identity was unknown.

On May 13, 2024 at approximately 1800 hours (6:00 pm), some clothing and a wallet, belonging to Zachery Bulen of Finland, were located at the base of Illgen Falls north of Tettegouche State Park.  A positive identification was confirmed with fingerprints by the Minnesota BCA.

Agencies assisting the Lake County Sheriff’s Office during this incident were Lake County Rescue, Minnesota DNR, Tettegouche State Park, Silver Bay Police, and Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (BCA).

At this time, a cause of death has not been determined and the incident is still being investigated.

Press Release – White Iron Lake drowning

Lake County Sheriff’s Office Press Release

May 28, 2024

A male was discovered deceased in White Iron Lake over the weekend.

On Sunday, May 26, 2024 at 1406 hours (2:06 pm), the Lake County Sheriff’s Office received a call from a party who had seen a body floating on the water on White Iron Lake.

At approximately 1437 hours (2:37 pm), Lake County Sheriff’s Office arrived on scene.   Also responding to the scene were the U.S. Forest Service, DNR, U.S. Border Patrol, and Morse-Fall Lake Fire Dept.   Contact was made with the reporting party who stated they had seen an unoccupied boat banging on the rocks and then noticed the body floating on the water.

Initial investigation did not indicate any accident had occurred and the victim was not wearing a lifejacket at the time of the incident.

The Medical Examiner Investigator preliminarily ruled it an accidental drowning and the incident is still an active investigation pending final results.

The victim has been identified as 54 year-old Duane Kreuger from St. Louis, Missouri.

2024 Spring Road Restrictions

The Lake County Highway Department will end spring load restrictions (SLR) on Monday, May 6, 2024 at 12:01 AM EXCEPT for the following roads:

UT50 Murphy Lake RdUT51 Tikkanen RoadUT52 Kari RoadUT53 Rikala Road
UT54 Koski RoadUT55 Ahlgren RoadUT56 Etelainen/Rinne RoadUT 57 Grondahl Road
UT58 Kamarainen RoadUT59 Nelson RoadCR118 Toivonen Road 

Ending dates for spring load restrictions are variable and based on how weather is affecting roadway strength.  The sign erected on the roadway governs the load limit in effect.

Lake County Property Tax Payment Reminder

Property Tax due dates are May 15 and October 15 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 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 BWC Public Comment Notice

The Lake County Sheriff’s Office is looking to implement body worn cameras in spring/early summer of 2024.  According to Minnesota Statute 626.8473 subd.2. Public Comment, all “local law enforcement must provide for public comment before it purchases OR implements a portable recording system. At a minimum, the agency must accept public comments submitted electronically or by mail, and the governing body with jurisdiction over the budget of the law enforcement agency must provide for public comment at a regularly scheduled meeting.”

Public Comment

The written draft policy will be available for public comment starting April 1st, 2024 through April 15th,2024. If you would like to make comments, please submit them via email to sheriff@co.lake.mn.us

If you wish to submit your comments by mail, please send them to the following address:

Lake County Sheriff’s Office

613 3rd Ave

Two Harbors MN, 55616

Ref: BWC Comment

The body worn camera policy will be also available for comment at the Lake County Board of Commissioners meeting on Tuesday, April 23rd, at 2 p.m., in the Split Rock River Room on the main floor of the Lake County Service Center, 616 Third Avenue, Two Harbors, Minnesota.

The Draft BWC Policy will be made available to view on the Lake County website:  https://www.co.lake.mn.us.

Nathan Stadler

Lake County Sheriff

Lake County Sheriff BWC Public Comment Notice Letter

DRAFT – R133 PORTABLE AUDIO-VIDEO RECORDERS

Lake County Property Tax Payment Reminder

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 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/.

Press Release – Fernberg Road Vehicle Fatality

Lake County Sheriff’s Office Press Release

August 24, 2023

On Thursday, August 24, 2023 at 07:53 hours, the Lake County Sheriff’s Office received a call of a one-vehicle crash on Fernberg Road near Summer Home Road.

The deceased driver, and only occupant of the vehicle, was 62-year old Robert Oliva, who had been residing in the Ely area.   The accident is currently under investigation.

Responding to the scene were the Lake County Sheriff’s Office, Lake County Highway-Fall Lake, Ely Area Ambulance, and Morse-Fall Lake Fire Department.