Duluth woman’s child care license revoked over stabbing allegation

A West Duluth woman’s child care license has been revoked after an investigation revealed she had stabbed a household member as children watched.

The Minnesota Department of Human Services notified Nicole Marie Ek by certified mail on Tuesday that her license has been revoked. She has the right to appeal the action.

Ek could not be reached for comment. The St. Louis County Attorney’s Office said there are no criminal charges against her.

Ek’s license had been suspended on May 31 after the commissioner of the Department of Human Services determined that the “health, safety and rights of children in your care were in imminent risk of harm,” the notice stated. That came after the St. Louis County Public Health and Human Services Department determined that “on May 27, 2012, you stabbed a household member with a knife,” the notice stated. “Minor children were present and witnessed the incident.”

As a result of the incident, the county Health Department found Ek was responsible for maltreatment (physical abuse) in a letter dated June 29, the notice said. Ek has requested a hearing on that finding, it said.

Ek had been licensed to care for up to 12 children in her home, according to the Department of Human Services website. The website showed no previous licensing violations.

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