Construction of a series of improvements at the intersection of Trunk Highway 53, Ugstad Road and Lavaque Bypass will cause road and lane closures beginning Monday, August 19. Both Ugstad Road and Lavaque Bypass will be closed at Highway 53. Additionally there will be lane closures on Highway 53. The closures are expected to last until mid-September.

"St. Louis County has lost a friend with the passing of Joe Begich. While we mourn his death, we celebrate his life and draw inspiration from his legacy of public service as a legislator, mayor and Army veteran. He was a champion for his beloved Iron Range and for our citizens, in particular miners,” said Commissioner Keith Nelson, speaking on behalf of the St. Louis County Board.”

"Two years ago, when we renamed the section of Highway 101 that passes by his home as Representative Joe Begich Highway, he told our commissioners, 'It'll be nice to finish off my life by this new road.' What a privilege it was to honor him in this way.

"We extend our sympathy to his wife, Carol, and family and all who knew and loved him. He will be missed."

St. Louis County is adding a sidewalk along Haines Road on the border of Hermantown and Duluth that will create a link from U.S. Highway 53 to Arrowhead Road and up to the County jail. Construction begins Monday , August 12, and will result in temporary shoulder closures along Haines Road.

 

Homeowners and renters are reminded that if they want to file for a Minnesota Property tax refund for 2017 the deadline to do so is Thursday, August 15. People also may file a claim for a property tax refund for 2018, however the deadline for that isn't until August 15 of next year.

Construction begins Monday to create a J-Turn at the intersection of U.S Highway 53 and Industrial Road (County State Aid Highway 7) in Twig. The work will cause lane closures at times for motorists on Highway 53, as the intersection is reconfigured.