The driver of the pickup truck safely got out of the vehicle before it went through the ice. The Ely man had been checking ice thickness which varied from 10 to 4 inches. The Sheriff's Office reminds people that ice conditions still are not safe in many locations.

The Sheriff's Office's K-9 program is back to full strength with the addition of an 18-month old German Shepherd named Wesson. K-9 Wesson is trained to detect narcotics and other evidence, as well as to apprehend suspects.

Calling 911 is still the recommended way to request help, but now it is possible to text to 911. This will help people with hearing loss, or who must remain quiet in a dangerous situation. The service is available in St. Louis County and across the state.

71-year-old Courtney Fenske was found dead in her home in Lavell Township last week. An autopsy indicates she was murdered sometime between Sunday, Nov. 26, and Monday, Nov. 27. Anyone who may have witnessed anything suspicious is asked to call 911.

County Attorney Mark Rubin is joining counterparts from around the state to discuss the growing crisis of opioid addiction. He expects to file a lawsuit against opioid pharmaceutical companies on the behalf of the county before the end of the year.