The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency remains committed to protecting human health and the environment and supporting sustainable job growth in the state. The MPCA received more than 1,000 comments during the public comment period for the Keetac wastewater discharge permits. In consideration of comments related to affordability, the MPCA has requested additional information from U.S. Steel for its permits at Keetac. We continue to work with U.S. Steel to address compliance w

Dan-O had the privilege of sitting down with Coach Pelsiska and some of the Boys from the Team talking about what it is like have the schools Co-op this season. You can hear the interview in its entirety right here https://drive.google.com/file/d/1FG7Y9wb24oxRgndXj7Bsug473QLn-3ZM/view?usp=drive_link

If you didn't you have chance to catch the piece that Dan-O put together honoring Coach Spahn you can hear right here! https://drive.google.com/file/d/1iLxB_-WnNvIyrxilnf9Aa9r88zNEvrPs/view?usp=drive_link

On 2/2/2026 the St. Louis County Sheriff's Office was notified of an overnight theft of cash from an ATM on the Iron Range.  Upon viewing area security cameras, a four-door sedan was observed and believed to be occupied with two individuals.  The Sheriff's Office is requesting the public's help with any information related to this incident. One individual is seen wearing a dark colored sweatshirt with a large white logo on the back.  A second individual appears to be wearing

On January 25, 2026, Darrin John Tiessen (DOB: 04/16/1990) was booked into the St. Louis County Jail by the Sheriff’s Office for an active arrest warrant.  The warrant was issued by the Sixth Judicial District Court after Mr. Tiessen failed to appear in a previous court hearing.   On January 27, 2026, at approximately 1:05 a.m., a correctional officer conducting a welfare check found Mr. Tiessen unresponsive in a single-occupancy cell. Staff immediately initiated lifesaving m

This statement is issued to correct the record regarding the release of Inmate Michael Todd Hart from the Itasca County Jail.   While the circumstances surrounding Mr. Hart’s custody status were unusual, given his multiple cases in multiple jurisdictions and his prior escape from custody, the St. Louis County Attorney’s Office played no role in his release.   To the contrary, the St. Louis County Attorney’s Office took the following actions to ensure Mr. Hart remained in cust

The Itasca County Sheriff’s Office is issuing the following statement to clarify the circumstances surrounding the release of Michael Hart from custody.   Michael Hart escaped from the St. Louis County Northeast Regional Corrections (NERC) facility while facing multiple charges related to crimes against persons. While in St. Louis County custody, he incurred additional charges and was aware he faced a presumptive prison sentence.   After fleeing the NERC facility, Hart was lo

From Punk to Hard rock this band is making moves and they are so talented and a was a joy to hang out with. https://drive.google.com/file/d/11vJHVNuVfTUAVj2lZECNKjbjHKt0YYy1/view?usp=drive_link

Here this months Episode of the Kozy Kafe with the return of this awesome Musician and a great friend. https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Ct8y4G_USB1tgRddwfG1ACuXxFaPJH-K/view?usp=sharing

The Grace House of Itasca County Board of Directors held its’ annual meeting recently and re-elected board members Jim Crecelius and Andy Morgan to a three-year term and Mac McKinney to a two-year term. Jessi Bloom was elected to her first term filling the position held by Tom Fasteland for the past nine years. The board thanked Tom for his interest, passion and support of our mission.   Board members help to serve and guide the mission of the organization, other board member

Itasca Area Community Education is excited to announce that its latest catalog is now live and open for registration. Serving the school communities of Grand Rapids, Bigfork, Deer River, Greenway, Nashwauk-Keewatin, Hill City, and Floodwood, Itasca Area Community Education continues its mission of providing meaningful learning opportunities for learners of all ages.   Whether you are interested in learning a new skill, reconnecting with a friend, or meeting others who share y

Current   Itasca County Sheriff Joe Dasovich announced that he is seeking re-election, citing measurable progress made over the past term and a continued commitment to serving the residents of Itasca County with integrity, accountability, and a focus on public safety.   “Serving the people of Itasca County  has been one of the greatest honors of my life,” Dasovich said. “Over the past 3 years, we’ve focused on practical solutions, responsible leadership, and strong partnershi

Governor Walz announced on Monday that he would no longer seek to be re-elected as Minnesota’s governor.  Below are a few responses and reactions from local leaders.   Rep. Cal Warwas (R): “Governor Tim Walz gave a speech today, confirming that he will not seek re-election, after all. His words were disappointing, but unsurprising. My thoughts? Walz has no regrets, blames Republicans, blames Donald Trump, and blames fraudsters for the need to step aside and focus on his job.

Internal Promotions have been announced for the leadership team of Grand Rapids State Bank, according to Noah W. Wilcox, President and CEO of Grand Rapids State Bank.   Nate Lloyd has been promoted to Executive Vice President and Chief Credit Officer of Grand Rapids State Bank. Nate started at the bank in February of 2015 and has been with the bank for 10 years. He has worked in various roles during his banking career, starting as a Credit Analyst before being promoted to Com

At approximately 5AM on Thursday a St. Louis county plow truck slid off the slippery road into the ditch on Hwy 44 in Northstar Township.  There were no injuries resulting from this incident.  The Sheriff's Office would like to use this as a reminder to pay extra attention to the road conditions during our winter months. Courtesy of St. Louis County

The Minnesota Department of Health’s (MDH) Stroke Program honored Grand Itasca Clinic & Hospital for their commitment to continuous quality improvement across the stroke continuum of care.   Each year, the MDH Stroke Program accepts applications for the Stroke Quality Improvement Awards, which highlight successful, stroke-focused quality improvement projects across Minnesota. Award recipients demonstrate innovative and collaborative approaches that strengthen stroke systems o

On December 6, 2025, at approximately 5:50AM Travis Timothy White DOB 10/1/1983 was detained by members of Lake Superior Violent Offender Task Force during a traffic stop in the City of Hibbing. The vehicle White was driving was towed to the Sheriff’s Office in Hibbing pending the execution of a search warrant.   During the execution of the search warrant on White’s vehicle, approximately three pounds of methamphetamine, a digital scale and plastic baggies were located. White

In recognition of its commitment to patient safety and quality, Grand Itasca Clinic & Hospital earned an A grade from The Leapfrog Group, the highest rating awarded by the independent nonprofit that sets national standards for hospital safety. The grade reflects the organization’s strong performance in preventing medical errors, accidents, injuries, and infections. Grand Itasca is one of only eight hospitals in Minnesota to receive an A rating.   “This achievement is a direct

Grand Rapids own Mike Miller sat down with Dan-O on this episode of the Kozy Kafe, hear where and when Mike found his love for music and how he made it a career. https://drive.google.com/file/d/1vwfm7RtJHBRJ0Vx3z2nHW4DbPw9sMVuj/view?usp=drive_link

On November 26th, 2025, a jury found Michael Alvin Wesala, 43, guilty of two counts of Criminal Sexual Conduct in the Second Degree, announced St. Louis County Attorney Kim Maki. During trial, it was proven that Wesala sexually touched a 14-year-old minor child on multiple occasions in his Buhl home between September 2016 and January of 2017. The verdict was delivered following a jury trial before the Honorable Bhupesh Pattni.   The sexual assaults were first reported to the