Tuesday, July 14, 2026. Lake County Board of Commissioners’ regularly scheduled meeting was called to order at 2:00 p.m. by Board Chairperson Rich Sve. Chair Sve led the recitation of the pledge of allegiance to the flag of the United States of America. Unless otherwise stated, all actions have been approved by unanimous yea vote. Lake County Board members present in the Lake County Service Center, Split Rock River Room (SRRR), 616 Third Avenue, Two Harbors, Minnesota: District 2 Commissioner Derrick “Rick” L. Goutermont, District 3 Commissioner Richard “Rick” C. Hogenson, District 4 Commissioner Jeremy M. Hurd, and District 5 Commissioner Rich Sve. Board member(s) absent: District 1 Commissioner Joe Baltich. Also present in the SRRR: County Administrator Matthew Huddleston, County Sheriff Nathan Stadler, Emergency Manager Warren LaPlante, County Auditor Ronelle “Ronni” Radle, County Highway Engineer Jason DiPiazza, Lake County Forestry Department Land Commissioner Nate Eide, and Clerk of the Board Laurel D. Buchanan.
MOTION GOUTERMONT, SECOND HURD: 01 – Approval of the agenda. Absent: Baltich
Lake County Board Chairperson Rich Sve opened the floor for public comments. No public comments were made. The North Shore Roadway Network Resiliency Study, Detour Route Update was provided by representatives from Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT), KJL Engineering LLC, and Arrowhead Regional Development Commission (ARDC) Planning Division, along with Lake County Highway Engineer Jason DiPiazza. Presenters included Erika Shepard, Principal Planner with MnDOT, Beverly Sidlo-Tolliver, Principal Planner with ARDC Planning Division, and Traffic Engineer and Project Manager Joe DeVore with KJL Engineering LLC. The presentation included an overview of the 18-month study on the North Shore Roadway Network Resiliency. This is a 125-mile study area from Two Harbors to Canada Border, Lake and Cook Counties, State and U.S. Forests and Parks, Grand Portage Reservation, and a review of the planned schedule from summer 2026 through spring 2027.
Project goals include: 1) Evaluate existing and future conditions of the Hwy 61 and Local Roadway Networks; 2) Assess climate, environmental, and infrastructure vulnerabilities to Hwy 61; 3) Identify and evaluate viable alternative routes to Hwy 61; 4) Develop targeted and prioritized investment recommendations; 5) Engage partners, stakeholders, and the public to build a shared vision. Three key steps are 1) data analysis, 2) detour screening, and 3) closure action plans. Discussion included that a key consideration with wildfire zones is to have contingency plans with detours in place. Lake County Highway Engineer Jason DiPiazza advised that in some jurisdictions, permanent signage remains in place regarding emergency alternative detour routes.
Traffic Engineer Joe DeVore discussed recent occasions that a portion or segment of Hwy 61 has been closed. Recent Hwy 61 closures or bypasses have included the following: February 18, 2026, Highway 61 closure from Duluth to border due to blizzard. May 15-19, 2026, Stewart Trail Wildfire – Two Harbors to Silver Bay. -Summer 2025 / 2026 Hovland Culvert Replacements, 12-day detour on Arrowhead Trail. Maps were shown of the Stewart Trail Fire Detours – the 511 Posted Detour, Google Maps Detours, and a map of the evaluation area. Roadway classification data from RoadAI was reviewed, showing varying road conditions, roadway width, line markings, and traffic signs. The study has identified a culvert inventory of local roadways and has identified 160 culvert locations, with various statuses such as complete, incomplete, or working. Conditions vary from road settlement, erosion, historical deficiencies, sizing or inflow, and plugged or obstructed culverts.
This is a multi-faceted study with ten (10) segments and forty (40) subsegments. Subsegment risk factor analysis for prioritization for closure risk are dams, culverts, bridges; coastal erosion; landslide risk; wildfire risk; and crash risk. Detour analysis impact includes increased travel time and distance, Hwy 61 traffic volume, distance to trauma centers (Emergency Medical Services (EMS)), and roadway technology. The biggest county road gaps are from CR 2 to CR 3, Castle Danger Road to CR4, and CR 6 to Sugarloaf Road. The shortest detours are CR 42 to CR 9, CR 9 to CR 2, CR 2 to CR 3, CR 3 to Loop Rd, and Loop Rd to Castle Danger.
MnDOT Principal Planner Erika Shepard discussed project goals and funding. Detour analysis is scheduled for Fall 2026, for viable alternative routes to Hwy 61. The study looks at culverts and gravel road solidity. A potential detour route could be a shorter travel distance, but the road could be in worse condition, and unsustainable for prolonged periods of time. A map illustrates the Hwy 61 study segment and a detour analysis area. Lake County Highway Engineer Jason DiPiazza spoke regarding lessons learned from the Stewart Trail Wildfire and challenges with Artificial Intelligence (AI) were discussed including unofficial detours and alternate routes shown on Google maps, for example. Lake County Commissioners provided feedback regarding the North Shore Roadway Network Resilience Study.
Lake County Sheriff Nathan Stadler provided a Public Information Update on the Camp Fire in the Superior National Forest, along with Lake County Emergency Manager Warren LaPlante. The Camp Fire was first reported on July 7, 2026, and initially burned approximately 1.6 acres. The initial ignition point is located approximately five (5) miles north of Winton, MN, which placed the fire about eight (8) miles north-northeast (NNE) of the Cloquet Line, near Ely, outside the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW). The cause of the fire has been determined to be lightning.
The fire has reignited, and due to increased fire activity, the Lake County Sheriff’s Office, in coordination with the U.S. Forest Service and other emergency responders, has implemented the Ready, Set, Go! notification plan. Evacuation zones have been established and updated based on current fire conditions and the potential risk to nearby areas. The U.S. Forest Service continues to monitor the Camp Fire and is working closely with the Lake County Sheriff’s Office, Emergency Management, and other responding agencies to assess fire behavior and coordinate response efforts. Residents and visitors should continue to monitor official updates for the latest information on fire conditions, evacuation zones, road closures, and public safety guidance.
The Lake County Sheriff’s Office, in coordination with the U.S. Forest Service, has issued an IMMEDIATE EVACUATION for the Fernberg Road Corridor beginning at 7:00 a.m. on Tuesday, July 14, 2026. The evacuation includes all adjoining roads, driveways, and trails from Lake One and Snowbank Lake to the Garden Lake Bridge. The evacuation status for this area has been elevated to GO. Residents and visitors should leave immediately. Before leaving, bring prescription medications, important documents, credit cards and cash, pets and necessary pet supplies. The Lake County Sheriff’s Office is conducting door-to-door notifications throughout the GO evacuation zone. Residents are urged to remain alert to changing conditions and follow all evacuation orders and instructions from local officials. A Temporary Evacuation Point opened at 8:30 a.m. at Babbitt Municipal Building 71 South Dr., Babbitt, MN 55706. The site will be staffed throughout the day. Anyone who anticipates needing overnight shelter is encouraged to check in as early as possible.
Lake County Sheriff Nathan Stadler advised that the Camp Fire, located in the Superior National Forest, grew from a 1.6 acre contained fire to a wildfire that has spread to over 2,000 acres, in hot, dry, windy conditions, with changes in wind direction, reduced visibility and dangerous air quality due to wildfire smoke. Lake County Emergency Manager Warren LaPlante advised about thermal imaging satellite and evacuation zone changes. Sheriff Stadler and Emergency Manager LaPlante departed the Lake County Board of Commissioners’ meeting at 2:54 p.m. Lake County Administrator Matthew Huddleston continued his report on several items of county business.
MOTION HOGENSON, SECOND HURD: 02 – Approve Consent Agenda, as presented:
1. Approve County Board of Commissioners’ regular meeting minutes of June 23, 2026.
2. Approve Health and Human Services claims payments in the following amounts:
a. Administrative Payments $ 28,715.89
b. ABHI Region 3 Payments $ 84,548.15
c. Arrowhead Health Alliance Payments $ 40,000.00
3. Approve the renewal of all current license holders of On-Sale, OffSale and On- and Off-Sale 3.2 Percent Malt Liquor Licenses for the calendar year 2027 contingent upon the approval of the County Attorney and Sheriff and payment of applicable fees.
4. Approve the renewal of all current liquor/wine license holders for the calendar year 2027 contingent upon the approval of the County Attorney and Sheriff and payment of applicable fees.
5. Authorize payment in the amount of $8,687.21 to Election Systems & Software LLC for annual support services (invoice #CD2154005).
6. Approve and authorize Health and Human Servies Director to sign the Agreement for the Provision of Family School Support Worker Services with the Lake Superior School District for the period of September 8, 2026, through June 10, 2027.
7. Approve and authorize the County Board Chair and Lake County Health and Human Services Director to sign the Transportation of Children and Youth in Foster Care Placement Purchase of Service Agreement with ISD #381 for the period of July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2027.
8. Approve and authorize the County Board Chair to sign the MSHO/ MSC+ Care Coordination Participation Agreement and the SNBC Case Management Participation Agreement between Lake County and Medica for periods ending December 31, 2027, with one-year auto renewals. Further authorize the County Board Chair or Health and Human Services Director Lisa Hanson to sign any subsequent amendments.
9. Authorize the Highway Engineer to sign the Special Event Permit for the Northshore Inline Marathon scheduled for September 19, 2026 and located on Scenic Hwy 61.
10. Authorize Highway Department purchase of a 2026 Chevy Silverado 3500 4×4 cab and chassis from North Country GM based on State Cooperative Purchase Venture (CPV) pricing, State Contract No. 257845, Release T-636 (5) at a cost not to exceed $47,906.64 plus any additional delivery, tax, title, or registration fees.
11. Approve a Declaration of Default of the Contractor, ACM, LLC on the Construction Contract for Project SP 038-607-015, Bridge 38J44 and Approaches and authorize the Highway Department to work with Employers Mutual Casualty Company on execution of the Surety’s responsibilities as required in the Performance Bond. Absent: Baltich
MOTION GOUTERMONT, SECOND HURD: 03 – Approve the 2026-2028 Non-Represented Board Resolution. Absent: Baltich
MOTION HOGENSON, SECOND HURD: 04 – Approve the increase in hours for Margaret Houle, Environmental Services Specialist, to 32 hours per week effective July 20, 2026. Absent: Baltich
MOTION HURD, SECOND HOGENSON: 05 – Approve the 67-day temporary appointment of Kennedy Gilbert, Laborer for Highway Department, at $18.00 per hour effective July 20, 2026. Absent: Baltich
MOTION GOUTERMONT, SECOND HURD: 06 – Approve the 67-day temporary appointment of Melissa Goutermont, Election Support Specialist for Auditor’s Office, at $20.50 per hour effective July 15, 2026. Absent: Baltich
MOTION HURD, SECOND GOUTERMONT: 07 – Approve the probationary appointment of Amy Platcek to part-time Administrative Assistant in the Recorder’s Office at the Step 3 rate of $24.19 per hour effective July 27, 2026. Absent: Baltich
MOTION HURD, SECOND GOUTERMONT: 08 – Approve the Highway Department employees’ Terms and Conditions of Employment to continue as currently established, with the following exceptions: 1) Employees shall receive the same 2026 wage increase approved for all other County employees; 2) Retirement benefits shall be adjusted to remain consistent with the retirement changes approved for all other County employees; and 3) Employees shall be allowed to use accrued vacation during probation consistent with the change for all other County employees. All other terms and conditions of employment remain unchanged. Absent: Baltich
MOTION GOUTERMONT, SECOND HOGENSON: 09 – Approve Resolution to Approve and Adopt the 2026 Amendments to the Northeast Minnesota Regional Solid Waste Management Plan. Absent: Baltich
MOTION HURD, SECOND GOUTERMONT: 10 – Approve the following as additional appointments as election judges for Unorganized Territory #2: Precinct 2: Sharon Lind. Alternate Judge: Mary Jo Brassill. Absent: Baltich
MOTION GOUTERMONT, SECOND HURD: 11 – Approve the following additional appointment to the Absentee Ballot Board: Election Judge: Melissa Goutermont. Absent: Baltich
MOTION GOUTERMONT, SECOND HURD: 12 – Set the interim County Attorney 2026 salary at $145,000. Absent: Baltich
MOTION HOGENSON, SECOND HURD: 13 – Set the interim County Auditor 2026 salary at $115,000. Absent: Baltich
MOTION GOUTERMONT, SECOND HOGENSON: 14 – Set the County Recorder 2026 salary at $100,000 and 2026 Health Care Saving Plan contribution at $2,000. Absent: Baltich
MOTION GOUTERMONT, SECOND HOGENSON: 15 – Set the County Sheriff 2026 salary at $139,000 and 2026 Health Care Saving Plan contribution at $2,000. Absent: Baltich
MOTION HURD, SECOND GOUTERMONT: 16 – Adjourn Board meeting of the Lake County Board of Commissioners’ meeting at 3:08 p.m. Absent: Baltich The Lake County Board of Commissioners will convene for the following meetings:
• Committee of the Whole at 6:00 p.m. on Tuesday, July 21, 2026, at the Toimi School Community Center (Toimi Schoolhouse), on the Superior National Forest Scenic Byway (Forest Highway 11) at its intersection with County Road 151, located at 6486 Murphy Lake Road, Brimson, Minnesota.
• Regular meeting at 2:00 p.m. on Tuesday, July 28, 2026, in the Lake County Service Center, Split Rock River Room, 616 Third Avenue, Two Harbors, Minnesota.
ATTEST:
Laurel D. Buchanan
Clerk of the Board
Rich Sve, Board Chairperson
Lake County Board of Commissioners
Northshore Journal: August 7, 2026
