EVELETH — Construction on Highway 53 for the Eveleth and Rock Ridge Transportation improvements is making progress, with the project expected to be completed in October.
Beginning Wednesday, Aug. 27, traffic will be moved back onto Highway 53 off of the detour route. Drivers can expect lane shifts and areas of head-to-head traffic.
The roundabout at Progress Parkway will also open Wednesday, providing access to the schools ahead of the start of classes.
Drivers will still be directed up and down the Highway 37 ramps as bridge work continues. A truck detour will take traffic through Gilbert via Highway 135 and Highway 37.
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And: Minnesota lawmakers debate targeting chronic speeders; and Northland wrestlers, swimmers, divers and hockey players brought home some hardware.
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Sgt. Cody Siebert of the East Range Police Department also served in the Mesabi East School District. He died Feb. 27, 2026, less than 24 hours after being diagnosed with a brain infection.
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Cody Teie, 33, died in a crash in Gentilly, east of Crookston, on Feb. 28, 2026.
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On Feb. 24, 2026, Gov. Tim Walz announced a 15-point package that includes a ban on assault-style weapons, high-capacity magazines and additional school safety measures.
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Republicans in the Minnesota House have been trying to force a vote on a bill that creates a new inspector general to oversee public programs.
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The bill would implement an intelligent speed assistance program, or ISA, installed on a repeat offender's vehicle to prohibit driving above the speed limit in a given area.
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Bemidji Area Boys and Girls Club launched an after-school site at J.W. Smith in 2023, and with the proposed closure of the school, program leaders and parents share their concerns.
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And: Walz releases anti-fraud package after Trump administration announces Minnesota Medicaid cuts; Rachel Anthony murder still unsolved after 25 years; Staples-Motley are state wrestling champs.
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The Boys and Girls Club of Bemidji Area operates a branch at J.W. Smith. Families and staff are concerned about the future of the grant-funded program if the school closes.