Lake County Sheriff's Office, MN

09/01/2026

News Release
Sept. 1, 2026

Contact: Margie Nelson, D1 Public Affairs Coordinator
Cell: 218-390-4604
[email protected]
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Highway 61 tunnel work in Lake County resumes Sept. 8
DULUTH, Minn. – The Minnesota Department of Transportation will be resuming work on Highway 61 at the Silver Cliff and Lafayette Bluff tunnels north of Two Harbors in Lake County on Sept. 8. This work will finish replacing the lighting systems in each tunnel.
Motorists can expect single lane traffic through the tunnels Monday through Friday at noon controlled by a signal system. Portable barrier will be in place along the center line through the project duration. Work will take place first at Silver Cliff Tunnel then move to the Lafayette Bluff tunnel. There will be no traffic impacts on the weekends, and closures will take place at one tunnel at a time. Work is expected to last through late October.
For maps and further information, please visit the project website.
Work Zone Safety Tips:
• Obey posted speed limits. The fine for speeding in a work zone is $300.
• Drive undistracted. Avoid using cell phones, mobile devices, adjusting the radio – even eating –while in work zones.
• Move over. Give workers room to safely complete their work.
• Know before you go. Get real-time information about traffic and road conditions at www.511mn.org or get the free 511mn smartphone app at Google Play or the App Store.
• Be patient. Expect delays, especially during peak travel times.
• Do the zipper merge.
• Avoid making unnecessary lane changes.
• Never enter a road blocked with barriers or cones.
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www.mndot.gov

08/28/2026

The best way to avoid a DUI is simple. If you’re high, don't drive. Find another way home. Drive High, Get a DUI.

08/25/2026

Fall Youth ATV Safety Training

08/14/2026

Friday, August 14, 2026, 3:00 p.m. update on the Camp Fire (also known as Branch III). Update from Lake County Emergency Manager Warren LaPlante. This information can also be found on our website https://lakecountymn.gov

08/12/2026

This information can also be found on our website https://lakecountymn.gov

07/29/2026

07/28/2026

As noted on previous posts, you can also find this information on the our website Lakecountymn.gov

07/27/2026

This is Conrad. He is a university student from Estonia, who is completing a summer internship with Southwestern Advantage. Conrad is in the area selling K-12 educational products. He will be in the area for up to 4 weeks, driving a gray Chevy Blazer. If you see him, stop and say hi!

07/26/2026

Camp Fire (Branch III of the July Fire Incident) Update
Sunday, July 26, 2026

Emergency Manager- Warren LaPlante

Evacuation Status Update – Fernberg Corridor & Surrounding Lake County Areas

Effective at 7:00 p.m. on Sunday, July 26, the following evacuation status changes will take effect for the Fernberg Corridor and surrounding Lake County areas:
• Most areas currently under “GO” status will be downgraded to “SET.” Property owners may return to these areas. Because fire conditions can evolve quickly, those who return to the SET areas should still be prepared to leave immediately if conditions worsen.
• One area will remain under “GO” status: the area located adjacent to the fire area will remain evacuated.
• A road closure will be in place at the Cedar Lake Boat Access. No traffic will be allowed beyond this point.
• Areas currently under “SET” status will be downgraded to “READY.”
• The Evacuation Zone Map will not reflect these changes until 7:00 p.m.

As people return, please remember that firefighters and other emergency personnel remain actively working throughout the area. Fire suppression operations, patrols, and monitoring continue, and your patience and cooperation are essential to keeping everyone safe.

Please use caution while traveling and on your property. Property owners should be aware that hoses, sprinklers, pumps, water tanks and other firefighting equipment that was placed by firefighters to protect structures should be left in place. This equipment is needed as a precaution should fire activity increase and will be removed once fire operations are completed.

What These Evacuation Levels Mean-

SET: You may return to your property, but conditions can change quickly. Continue monitoring official information and remain prepared to evacuate immediately if conditions worsen. Keep your vehicle fueled, important belongings ready, and your evacuation plan in place.
READY: There is currently no immediate need to evacuate, but the wildfire remains active. Stay informed, review your evacuation plan, and be prepared to act if conditions change and evacuation levels increase.

As a reminder, most Superior National Forest lands both within and outside the BWCAW affected by wildfires remain temporarily closed to the public for fire suppression activities and to ensure public and firefighter safety. The forest is continually looking at opportunities to modify closure areas as conditions improve and areas are deemed safe for public recreation. Please continue to monitor the forest’s Alerts webpage and recreation webpage for open and closed areas: https://www.fs.usda.gov/r09/superior/alerts

Thank you for your continued patience and cooperation as crews work to secure the fire and protect the community.
For continued updates, please visit the Lake County website.
Lakecountymn.gov

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07/23/2026