BEMIDJI — The order restricting vehicle access on Upper Red Lake because of dangerous ice conditions will be lifted at sunrise Wednesday, Jan. 10.
Beltrami County Sheriff Jason Riggs announced the change after aerial observations showed the lake has iced over, leaving little room for shifting ice to move.
Numerous ice rescues on the popular ice fishing lake in December prompted the order, when shifting ice broke away from the firmer ice near shore, stranding anglers on multiple occasions.
“Lifting of this restriction does not mean that the ice on Upper Red Lake, or any area lake, is ‘safe’ or has consistent thickness and integrity. Ice can never be considered 100% safe,” stated Riggs in a news release.
An ice assessment team, including Riggs and his deputies, resort operators, Kelliher Fire and Rescue, the Red Lake Nation and the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, are monitoring ice conditions on the lake.
“Imposing restrictions on Upper Red Lake was not an easy decision, it impacted many people and their livelihoods as well as inconvenienced those who wanted to enjoy fishing on the lake,” Riggs stated.
“Since imposing the vehicle restriction, my office has not had to respond to one ice rescue on Upper Red Lake. I would like to thank everyone for their cooperation.”
The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources recommends the following ice thicknesses of new clear ice, with double that for white ice. Do not include snow or slush in your measurements.
- 4 inches – foot traffic/walking.
- 5 to 7 inches – snowmobiles and small all-terrain vehicles.
- 7 to 8 inches – side-by-side ATVs.
- 9 to 10 inches – small cars or SUVs.
- 13 to 17 inches – trucks.
- 20 inches or more – heavy duty trucks and wheelhouses.
-
Contributed/City of HibbingThe event is 3 p.m. Monday, May 19, 2025, in the second-floor conference room at city hall. This event is intended for all Hibbing residents, business owners and property owners. -
Contributed/MnDOTThe 19-mile work zone is located between Johnson Road and Highway 1, starting May 19, 2025. -
Lorie ShaullAs three large wildfires burn in St. Louis County, Leanne Langeberg of the Minnesota Interagency Fire Center provides insight into the work firefighters have been doing. -
Contributed/Adobe Stock via Minnesota News ConnectionUnder a bill poised for final passage, Minnesota would join a handful of other states in creating a Consumer Fraud Restitution Fund. -
Larissa Donovan/KAXEAfter area voters approved a nearly $40 million referendum in 2022, Cass Lake-Bena community members gathered for the new school's open house on May 15, 2025. -
Plus: State officials say proposed cuts to the federal energy assistance program will disproportionately affect Northern Minnesotan families and ratepayers; residents of an unorganized St. Louis County township voted to incorporate as a new town; and construction on Highway 87 in Hubbard County begins May 19, 2025. -
Contributed/Jimmy Emerson DVM via FlickrWith cuts to federal and state funding expected, Beltrami County is starting its annual budget a few weeks early this year, as discussed in a May 6, 2025, work session. -
Contributed/MnDOTMinnesota Department of Transportation crews plan to reconstruct Highway 87 near Hubbard, with project details including culvert replacements and new curb and gutter. -
ContributedResidents of St. Louis County's Unorganized Township 63-17 petitioned the county last year to incorporate as a town and cast ballots in a special election on May 13, 2025. -
Contributed/Minnesota News ConnectionThe Minnesota Department of Commerce warns that eliminating the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program, or LIHEAP, would especially impact Northern Minnesota families and utility ratepayers.
