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Briefly

Stuck lift bridge impedes shipping

DULUTH (AP) — Shipping traffic in Duluth’s harbor has been impeded by an aerial lift bridge that has been stuck in the down position because of heavy ice.

The Aerial Lift Bridge has been stuck since Monday, despite efforts by city crews to de-ice the structure. Workers were called off the bridge Wednesday because falling ice posed a safety hazard. City officials say a test lift was attempted, but the bridge motors are being taxed by the excessive weight.

The issue has been an inconvenience for shipping companies who must take a longer way in and out of the harbor through the Superior, Wisconsin entry point.

Lake Carriers’ Association spokesperson Eric Peace tells the Star Tribune that since that channel is also shallower, ships must carry 6,500 fewer tons at a time.

Work on clearing ice was to resume Thursday.

Driver dies in collision with train

DULUTH (AP) — A commercial truck driver has died in a collision with a freight train in northeastern Minnesota.

The St. Louis County Sheriff’s Office said Adam Newton, 40, of Grand Rapids, Minnesota, died Wednesday at the scene of the crash in McDavitt Township, northwest of Duluth.

Deputies and first responders found Newton lying in a ditch near an intersection. Emergency crews tried to revive Newton, but he was dead at the scene.

Authorities said he collided with a northbound Canadian National train. Newton was driving for Norland Environmental Services, a garbage hauler.

The crash is under investigation.

Patterson Cos. loses $33 million

ST PAUL (AP) — Patterson Cos. on Thursday reported a fiscal second-quarter loss of $33.1 million, after reporting a profit in the same period a year earlier.

On a per-share basis, the St Paul, Minnesota-based company said it had a loss of 35 cents. Earnings, adjusted for non-recurring costs and amortization costs, were 39 cents per share.

The results exceeded Wall Street expectations. The average estimate of seven analysts surveyed by Zacks Investment Research was for earnings of 35 cents per share.

The medical supplies maker posted revenue of $1.42 billion in the period, which met Street forecasts.

Patterson Cos. expects full-year earnings in the range of $1.36 to $1.46 per share.

Patterson Cos. shares have increased almost 3% since the beginning of the year, while the Standard & Poor’s 500 index has climbed 24%. The stock has dropped 18% in the last 12 months.

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