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State fire officials say Lutsen Lodge had 3 unresolved violations
Four code violations flagged in the fire marshal’s latest inspection were repaired. It’s unclear if the remaining three violations played any role in Tuesday’s fire.
LUTSEN, Minn. — State fire officials say there were three unresolved code violations at the Lutsen Resort Lodge when it was lost Tuesday to a devastating fire, however, they say it’s unclear if those outstanding violations played a role.
The Minnesota State Fire Marshal released its report from July 6, 2023, detailing seven total violations, including issues with the sprinkler system, fire alarm system, fire exit signs and smoke alarms. Four of the seven violations had been repaired by the owners, according to state fire officials, but three were still outstanding when the report was pulled in the hours after the fire.
The three outstanding violations involved an inspection and test of the sprinkler system, an inspection and test of the fire alarm system and a replacement emergency light near one of the rooms. In the release, fire officials said it’s too early to know whether any of the three code violations were partly to blame.
“This fire had a significant impact to the local economy and community,” said State Fire Marshal Daniel Krier in a release on Wednesday. “We are leading the investigation into the fire’s cause and appreciate the partnership of the Lutsen Fire Department.”
Fire crews responded to the fire early Tuesday morning after receiving reports of smoke coming from the lodge at around 12:30 a.m. Fire crews from Lutsen, Tofte, Grand Marais and a number of other local departments rushed to the scene and found the lodge building engulfed by flames.
All staff members made it out, and the sheriff’s department reported there were no guests on site. As of Wednesday afternoon, firefighters were still suppressing hotspots at the lodge using sprinklers.
“No two fires are alike, which means each investigation is also unique,” said Chief Deputy State Fire Marshal Amanda Swenson in a release on Wednesday. “Our investigators are highly trained to determine the origins and causes of fires across Minnesota.”
According to state statute, all hotels, motels and buildings used for lodging are inspected for fire safety at least once every three years.
“We understand the public wants answers,” said State Fire Marshal Chief Investigator Jim Iammatteo. “However, it would be irresponsible to offer any insights until the conclusion of this investigation.”
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Police say the girl was struck near the intersection of 63rd Avenue North and Boone Avenue North just before 8:45 a.m.
BROOKLYN PARK, Minn. — A 12-year-old girl was struck by a vehicle while waiting for the school bus Wednesday morning in Brooklyn Park.
Brooklyn Park Police say the girl sustained “moderate injuries” and was transported by ambulance to a nearby hospital. Officers say the vehicle fled the scene and are asking anyone with information to reach out to the department at 763-493-8222.
Authorities say the girl was struck near the intersection of 63rd Avenue North and Boone Avenue North just before 8:45 a.m. The suspect vehicle, a white Hyundai Sonata, was traveling west on 63rd from the Bass Creek neighborhood and continues towards County Road 81, according to police.
Police released this picture of the suspect vehicle, and said that the rearview mirror on the passenger’s side is missing:
Plymouth Middle School Principal Tamiko Thomas confirmed in a letter to families that the 12-year old girl is a student at the school.
“Any time a young person is hurt or involved in an accident, it is upsetting for all involved and can be especially upsetting to students,” Thomas wrote. “Our staff at PMS are available for support if your student needs to connect with them.”
Tim Walz’s remarks weren’t his first mention of the shooting, but they offered the biggest stage yet to personalize an issue that has deeply affected.
MINNEAPOLIS — When the issue of gun violence came up at the vice presidential debate, Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz had a personal story to tell: His teenage son, Gus, had been at a sports center last year when a shooting took place.
Gus Walz was at volleyball practice at the Jimmy Lee Recreation Center in St. Paul the afternoon of Jan. 18, 2023, when a 16-year-old was shot and seriously wounded outside.
It wasn’t the first time Tim Walz had spoken about his son’s brush with gun violence, and the shooting itself was widely publicized locally. But the Democrat’s remarks Tuesday night at his debate with Republican JD Vance, as the public is still getting to know both vice presidential candidates, offered the biggest stage yet to personalize an issue that has deeply affected many American families.
On Wednesday, the youth’s volleyball coach, David Albornoz, praised Gus in an interview with The Associated Press for how he helped get other kids to safety and keep them calm amid the chaotic scene.
“I was impressed by Gus and the kids in general, and how they handled it,” Albornoz said. “Gus stayed with the kids as he was supposed to do.”
The shooting came up as Walz and Vance were debating gun violence.
“Well, I think all the parents watching tonight, this is your biggest nightmare,” Walz said. “Look, I’ve got a 17-year-old and he witnessed a shooting at a community center playing volleyball. Those things don’t leave you.”
Gus didn’t actually see the shooting itself, but he did witness the aftermath, said Albornoz, who is also aquatics facilities supervisor for St. Paul Parks. Among other things, he said, Gus saw Albornoz with blood on his hands from performing first aid on the victim.
Walz briefly brought up the shooting at a campaign rally in Grand Rapids, Michigan, on Sept. 12, when he accused Vance and his running mate, former President Donald Trump, of minimizing gun violence at schools.
“My own son was in a location where someone was shot in the head. Too many of us have this,” the governor told the crowd.
Walz also mentioned it in an interview with Minnesota Public Radio in March, when he said Gus was still dealing with his feelings a year later.
“He was there with little kids, littler kids. He was kind of supervising. He shuffled them under the bleachers,” Walz told MPR.
Albornoz broadly backed up the governor’s version, although his memory was that Gus took the kids back to the pool area, where they waited behind locked doors until they got the all clear.
Gus got national attention during his father’s speech at the Democratic National Convention in August, when he was caught on camera standing up, tears streaming down his face. In a viral moment, Gus pointed to his father and exclaimed, “That’s my dad!”
After Gus got some derision for that, Albornoz posted a tribute on Facebook, saying they met when the teen sought him out to lead a volleyball team. He called Gus a “kid thrown into the fray and turmoil of our current divided and divisive political landscape, deserving of love and respect as he navigates his senior year.” He recalled how they and other kids would often go out for tacos after games.
“I also know him from when a kid got shot in the parking lot and he helped keeping everyone safe and calm, looking after the kids in the gym with us as I rushed out,” he wrote in August.
On Wednesday, Albornoz said Gus is just a regular teen who has suddenly been thrust into the national spotlight.
“He’s a normal kid in extraordinary circumstances,” the coach said.
In February, a judge sentenced Exavir Binford Jr., a rec center employee, to more than 10 years for shooting JuVaughn Turner. Binford pleaded guilty to first-degree assault in exchange for prosecutors dropping an attempted murder charge. Prosecutors say Binford shot Turner in the head during an altercation involving them and other teens. Turner’s family is now suing the city, saying he suffered permanent brain damage. They allege the city knew he had a history of violent conduct and threats to minors. The city has moved to dismiss the lawsuit, saying Binford was not acting within his official duties and had no police powers when he shot Turner.
On Tuesday night, after Walz brought up the shooting, Vance expressed his empathy.
“Tim, first of all, I didn’t know that your 17-year-old witnessed a shooting, and I’m sorry about that. Christ, have mercy. It is awful,” Vance said.
“I appreciate that,” Walz replied.
MnDOT says all eastbound lanes will be closed for 10 days from Oct. 7-16, followed by a 7-day closure of westbound lanes from Oct. 17-27.
PLYMOUTH, Minn. — If you’ve driven the stretch of Highway 55 from Plymouth to Golden Valley recently, it comes as no secret: The heavily used roadway is one of the worst in the Twin Cities metro.
That will change soon with a major resurfacing project, but there will be inconvenience in getting to the finish line. MnDOT announced Wednesday that starting at 2 a.m. Oct. 7 and running through 10 p.m. Oct. 16, all eastbound lanes of Highway 55 will be shut down from I-494 to State Highway 169.
During this 10-day closure, MnDOT suggests motorists traveling eastbound on Highway 55 detour using southbound I-494 to eastbound I-394 to northbound Highway 169.
The next phase of the project involves shutting down the westbound lanes of Highway 55 starting at 2 a.m. on Thursday, Oct. 17, and winding up at 10 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 27.
MnDOT advises drivers heading westbound on Highway 55 to use southbound I-494 to eastbound I-394 to northbound Highway 169 during this closure.
Be advised – all construction dates and work are weather-dependent and subject to change.
For more on the Highway 55 resurfacing project, visit the MnDOT website.
