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Jasmine Block Describes 29-Day Abduction, Escape

PAUL BLUME - FOX 9 KMSP

ALEXANDRIA, Minn. (KMSP) – Jasmine Block is barely 15 and one courageous young lady. “I was usually in a closet and I usually stayed quiet because I was scared they might hit me or do something,” said Jasmine. Jasmine was allegedly lured from her Alexandria home August 8 by family acquaintance Thomas Barker. Court documents detail a nightmarish month. The suspects restrained the…

Largest Farmers’ Market in Region Coming to Duluth this Weekend

Saturday: 24th Annual Harvest Festival

DULUTH, Minn. -Fresh produce and sustainable energy are the focus of a festival in Duluth this weekend. The 24th Annual Harvest Festival will be held in Bayfront Festival Park from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, September 9. This festival is considered one of the largest farmers’ markets in the region. In the park visitors can enjoy live music,…

New Duluth Fitness Center Features “9 Rounds”

9Round is Latest Kickboxing Gym to Open in Duluth

DULUTH, Minn. – A new fitness center has opend in Duluth. 9Round Fitness is a kickboxing gym. It features a nine round, 30 minute workout to help clients get a good workout in during a short amount of time. The workout is a for the entire body, and trainers are on hand to guide clients. The fitness center also offers…

Duluth Pack Celebrates Grand Opening After Remodel

The event included free beer and pizza

DULUTH, Minn. – Duluth Pack celebrated its grand opening today after finishing up some remodeling of their store in Canal Park. The store hosted a ribbon cutting ceremony with the Duluth Chamber of Commerce. The event included free pizza, free beer, and Duluth Pack giveaways. It was all to celebrate the company’s place in Duluth’s outdoors culture. “We are aware…

Power Companies Answer Questions About New Plant

Proposed Natural Gas Power Plant Should be Operational by 2025

SUPERIOR, Wis. – Representatives from two electricity suppliers met with residents Thursday to answer questions about the Nemadji Trail Energy Center natural gas power plant. These informal open houses gave residents a chance to learn what the plan will mean for the city. For Minnesota Power, using natural gas to create electricity is another step towards cleaner, renewable energy. In…

Local Medical School Gets Big Donation

$10 Million Given to Medical School at UMD

DULUTH, Minn.- The University of Minnesota Medical School based in Duluth has received a massive gift from an anonymous donor. The school received $10 million to establish the Native American Research Center of Excellence. Leaders of the school were surprised when they got the gift, from a wealthy donor who has some Native American Heritage. “This is the largest gift we’ve…

Twin Ports Utility Crews Head to Florida

As Hurricane Irma Inches Closer to Florida, Minnesota Power and Superior Water Light and Power Crews Head South to Help

DULUTH, Minn. – Hurricane Irma is slowly making way toward mainland Florida. Thursday evening, the storm impacted Puerto Rico. Forecasters are still uncertain which route the storm will take, but it’s not stopping local power workers from heading south to help. “It’s going to be pretty much mass devastation,” said Minnesota Power Lineman Mike Linn. The natural disaster is continuing…

Family From Hermantown Moves To Florida, Faces Hurricane Irma

DULUTH, Minn. – We’re learning about Northlanders who are riding out the storm in Florida, including the Pfingsten family of Hermantown who are hunkered down in the Ft. Lauderdale area. Gina and her husband Matt Pfingsten still own Pelican Coffee in Hermantown. They moved to Florida only three weeks ago, along with their five children. The family is staying in…

Improvements Being Made to Duluth’s DWP Trail

City Officials Hope to Open It As an Official Public Multi-Use Trail

DULUTH, Minn. – The City of Duluth is moving along with repairing the old DWP rail bed to one day open it as a public trail. A public meeting was held to discuss the improvements being made to the trail, including repairs to the bridge over Stewart Creek. The multi-use DWP trail has been designated for use by pedestrians and…

Local Red Cross Volunteers Helping With Hurricane Relief

Red Cross Officials May Soon Move Resources to Help With Irma Recovery

DULUTH, Minn. – With Hurricane Harvey and now Irma planning her destruction, the Red Cross is finding itself a little thin with volunteers. Volunteers from the Northland Chapter of the American Red Cross are in Texas now, but as Hurricane Irma blows through the Caribbean, more volunteers may soon be needed elsewhere. Those fourteen local volunteers are operating shelters, and…

Convocation Held for St. Scholastica Students

Nearly 500 Freshmen on Campus This Year

DULUTH, Minn.-New students at St. Scholastica were welcomed to campus in a convocation ceremony today. The event even included alumni who graduated at least 50 years ago. “It’s extremely important for us to know they are a part of this community, they are now Saints and we are here to make their college experience go well and they can leave…

Equifax Announces Social Security Numbers Stolen from More than 143 Million Americans

ATLANTA – Equifax says approximately 143 million U.S. consumers’ social security numbers and other information were stolen during a data breach. Unauthorized access occurred from mid-May through July 2017. The company says information stolen includes social security numbers, birth dates, addresses and, in some instances, driver’s license numbers. In addition, credit card numbers for approximately 209,000 U.S. consumers, and certain dispute documents with personal identifying information for…

Hair Stylist Giving Back to Harvey Victims

All Donations Going to Charity

DULUTH, Minn.-One local hair stylist at Vain Salon is trying to help out Hurricane Harvey victims. All of the money she makes today cutting hair is being donated to Harvey Victims through the charity Matthew 25 Ministries. She told us, that even her tips and some funds she gets from selling hair products will also be donated. “I just felt…

Superior Choice Collecting Supplies for Local Shelters

Donations Accepted at All Branches Thoughout September

SUPERIOR, Wis. – Northlanders’ response to Hurricane Harvey relief was overwhelming, but a local credit union reminds people there’s need at home as well. Throughout September, Superior Choice Credit Union is taking donations of household supplies for area emergency shelters. Each branch has shopping lists so members know what shelters need. Organizers say giving is important all year not just…

Democratic Gubernatorial Candidate in Superior

Bob Harlow was First Democrat in 2018 Governor's Race

SUPERIOR, Wis. – A Democrat hoping to be Wisconsin’s next governor visited the city Thursday. 25 year-old Bob Harlow was actually the first Democrat in the 2018 Wisconsin Gubernatorial race. His platform includes a state–run healthcare system, a high speed rail network, restoring union rights in the state, plus investment in infrastructure and education. Harlow says he’s also opposed to…

Committee Approves $76 Billion Wisconsin Budget

MADISON, Wis. (AP) – The $76 billion Wisconsin budget is headed to the state Assembly and Senate for approval. The Republican-controlled Joint Finance Committee passed the two-year spending plan Wednesday night on a party line vote, more than two months after the budget was due. Current spending levels have continued during the impasse. The spending plan sends more aid to…

Minnesota Prepares to Fight for Amazon’s 2nd Headquarters

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) – Minnesota is joining the chase to land Amazon’s second headquarters. The e-commerce behemoth based in Seattle announced Thursday it’s seeking to build a second headquarters, setting off a nationwide race. Dozens of cities and states are expected to compete. The company says it will spend $5 billion and could bring up to 50,000 jobs. Amazon already…

Wisconsin ACT Scores Hold Steady for 2nd Year in a Row

MADISON, Wis. (AP) – Scores held steady for Wisconsin’s Class of 2017 on the ACT college entrance exam. In results released Thursday, Wisconsin’s average composite score was 20.5 for the second year in a row. That’s behind the national average of 21.0. But it was the third highest among the 17 states where all graduates were tested, behind only Minnesota…

DeVos Planning to Scrap Obama Rules on Campus Sexual Assault

ARLINGTON, Va. (AP) – Education Secretary Betsy DeVos on Thursday declared that “the era of ‘rule by letter’ is over” as she announced plans to change the way colleges and university handle allegation of sexual violence on campus. She said Obama administration rules established in 2011 to guide schools as they investigate and resolve complaints of assault have failed to…

St. Luke’s Doctors Host Cancer Survivorship Lecture

Doctors Focus on Breast Cancer Survivorship

DULUTH, Minn. -St. Luke’s Hospital is continuing a cancer survivorship lecture series. This month doctors are focusing on breast cancer survivorship. Dr. Kerri Harting, a breast radiologist at St. Luke’s Breast Center, will be discussing the importance of breast imaging. She’ll focus on breast imaging tools, their use and the importance of breast imaging in screening for breast cancer. It’s…

Pita Pit Offers Healthy Option for Football Season

Cooking Connection: Pita Pit

DULUTH, Minn. – As football season begins, many Northlanders will be watching the game with friends. In place of unhealthy tailgating food, Pita Pit offers a delicious and healthy option. This morning, Indiana Molitor visited FOX 21 to chat about some tasty options. Molitor says it’s easy to order for groups, just stop in the store or give them a…

Minnesota ACT Scores Rise, Remain Among America’s Best

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) – Scores on the ACT college entrance exam rose for Minnesota’s Class of 2017 and remain among America’s best. For the second year in a row, Minnesota’s graduating class led the 17 states where all high school seniors took the test. In results released Thursday, they posted an average composite score of 21.5, compared with 21.1…

Hurricane Aid Measure Grows to $15B as Irma Bears Down

In this geocolor image captured by GOES-16 and released by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Hurricane Irma, a potentially catastrophic category 5 hurricane, moves westward, Tuesday morning, Sept. 5, 2017, in the Atlantic Ocean toward the Leeward Islands. This image was capured as daylight moves into the area, right, with nighttime features on the left side of the…

Man Charged for Fatally Stabbing Friend While Visiting St. Cloud

Robin Hanson (Stearns County Jail) ST. CLOUD, Minn. (KMSP) – A 22-year-old man has been charged with second-degree murder for stabbing his friend to death while they were visiting St. Cloud, Minnesota from Iowa. Investigators believe the suspect, Robin Hanson of Deloit, Iowa, and Andre Tirrel, 22, also of Deloit, traveled together from Iowa to stay for the weekend in St. Cloud. On…

Early Childhood Studies Program At Steve O’Neil Apartments

Allowing Kids To Start Early

DULUTH, Minn. UMD’s Early Childhood Studies Program teamed up with the Steve O’Neil apartments to get a jump start on literacy. The program is geared toward kids under the age of five at the apartment complex all in an effort to address disparities the children face. To start the program, representatives from the Duluth library, the Northland Foundation and Chum…

Northland Utility Workers to Help in Florida

30 Employees Are Traveling To Florida To Be On Standby

Minnesota Power and Superior Water Light and Power crews are headed to Florida Thursday morning to assist with expected power outages from Hurricane Irma. The crews were asked to provide mutual assistance to their utility counterpart, Florida Power and Light. The response is part of a nationwide mutual assistance network that coordinates power restoration efforts. Officials say that by traveling…

Superior Boys Gymnastics Team Prepares to Compete

First Time A Boy's Team Has Become Competitive

A group in Superior is ramping up energy to take their team to a first-time competitive level this fall. It’s an option for boy a gymnast that hasn’t been available in the past. Coach Marcy Merritt says the sport helps the confidence in her group of 9-15 years soar. “Makes you feel strong and knowing you can accomplish something,” said…

Iron Range Shines To Help Harvey Victims

VIRGINIA, Minn. – An overwhelming amount of donations on the Iron Range have poured in for Hurricane Harvey relief efforts. And now, a truck load is headed to a church in the Houston area for distribution. It was an effort in Virginia organized by Eveleth firefighter David Poderzay who simply wanted to help and give the platform for others on…

Hurricane Irma Causing Travel Worries

Airport Officials Say Travelers Should Stay in Contact with Airlines

DULUTH, Minn. – People’s travel plans and vacations are in limbo because of Hurricane Irma. But as for the Duluth International Airport, officials say flights in and out of there are not being affected and likely won’t change. Officials say travelers should pay close attention to the hurricane’s path and stay in contact with their airline. “Even if they’re traveling…

Northland Weather Could Be Impacted By Hurricane Irma

National Weather Service Officials Say Hurricane Could Make Our Weather Stagnant

DULUTH, Minn. – While Hurricane Irma is causing a lot of worry in the Caribbean and Florida, meteorologists with the National Weather Service in Duluth are also eyeing the storm. They tell us turbulent weather in the Atlantic could affect us here in the Northland. The National Weather Service in Duluth typically focus on weather in the Northland but they…

Lt. Gov. in Duluth to Talk Education

$100,000 Heading to Pre-Kindergarten Programs

DULUTH, Minn.-$100,000 is heading to the Duluth School District to expand its pre-kindergarten program. Today Lieutenant Governor Tina Smith made the rounds at Lowell Elementary to discuss what it means for the district. She believes that even though the kids are in pre-school, these early learning experiences will help them for years to come. “These kids and their families are…

Legacy Project Ribbon Cutting Held at LSC

New Projects Includes a Sidewalk and Benches

DULUTH, Minn.-A student legacy project is shaping up at Lake Superior College. Today a ribbon cutting was held to celebrate a new sidewalk and park benches, which is headed up by the school’s student senate. The hope is over the years, that other generations of students will add to the program. “They really enjoy doing it,” said Pat Johns, president…

First Witness Kicks Off ‘I Stand With Kids Month’

Child Abuse Continues to be a Problem in the Northland; Community Members Work to Make a Difference

DULUTH, Minn. – Child abuse is big problem in the Northland, and that’s why First Witness Advocacy Center in Duluth is working year round to investigate child abuse, provide services and education. Now, they’re looking to reach out even more as they kick off a monthlong campaign. Safety is something many of us take for granted, but for many children…

Parenting Again, Raising a Second Generation

Preregistration Required for the Course; If Enough Support is Gathered, Winter Classes Could be Offered

PROCTOR, Minn. – Many communities across the Northland are seeing a rise when it comes to parents abusing drugs and alcohol. Children are being taken from homes and grandparents are stepping up to care for their grandchildren. It’s why one Duluth woman has chosen to develop a new program known as parenting again. The class, specializing in raising a second…

St. Louis County Awarded $675,000 in Grant Money Target for Opioid Crisis

DULUTH, Minn. — Opioid addiction has become a national crisis, and earlier this summer President Donald Trump declared the opioid epidemic a national emergency. At a press conference earlier today, St. Louis County leaders announce a partnership across a number of agencies targeting opioid addiction and its treatment. According to local health officials, St. Louis County had the highest opioid…

Color Vibe 5K Traffic Advisory, Sept. 9

Race is set to begin at 8 a.m.

DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth Police Department has issued a traffic advisory for Saturday, Sept. 9 in the Miller Hill area of Duluth. The Color Vibe 5K Race will begin in the Miller Mall Lot and travels out onto Decker Road, to Anderson Road where runners will turn and head back in the same direction. Decker Road will be closed…

Missing Deer River Girls Located

UPDATE: The two girls have been located by local authorities and appear to be in good physical condition. The Itasca County Sheriff’s Office would like to thank the public for their assistance. INITIAL REPORT 9/5: GRAND RAPIDS, Minn. – The Itasca County Sheriff’s Office is looking for assistance from the public in locating two females from the Deer River area….

Temporary Lane Closures Along I-35 in Carlton County

SEPT. 7-11

DULUTH, Minn. – motorists traveling north and southbound on I-35 from Barnum to Scanlon may encounter some temporary single lane closures Sept 7-11, according to the Minnesota Department of Transportation. MnDOT will be working to paint stripes on the recently installed pavement along this stretch of 35. Motorists are asked to drive with caution around and in all work zones. Categories:…

911 Service Restored in Lake County

UPDATE 9/7: 911 service was restored Thursday morning for cell phone users in Lake County. LAKE COUNTY, Minn. – Lake County dispatch has announced a 911 outage for the county. All cell phones at the moment are unable to get through to dispatch. Landlines remain unaffected. Those with an emergency in the Two Harbors area are asked to dial 218-834-8385….

Football Field, Park Ready to Open at Titletown District

Photo: Fox 11 ASHWAUBENON, Wis. (AP) – A new football field created with ground up old tennis shoes will soon open in the shadow of Lambeau Field. The Green Bay Packers say the Titletown District park will open Sept. 15. Packers vice president and general counsel Ed Policy says the team partnered with Nike on the field. FOX 11 reports…

Man Catches Massive, Record-Breaking Flathead Catfish in St. Croix River

Photo: Minnesota DNR STILLWATER, Minn. – An angler from St. Anthony, Minnesota has broken the state record for flathead catfish after catching a 52.5 inch-long fish on the St. Croix River last month, the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources said Tuesday. Mark Mosby reeled in the monster on Aug. 2 on the St. Croix River near Stillwater breaking the state…

Fast Cars to Fill Garfield Avenue This Weekend

Kia of Duluth Drag Races

DULUTH, Minn. – This weekend the City of Duluth will be filled with revving engines and fast cars for the Annual Kia of Duluth Drag Races. Cars will be filling Garfield Avenue Saturday, September 9 and Sunday, September 10 for the car show and races. Preliminary races will be held Saturday, with elimination races taking place on Sunday. The car…

Hurricane Irma Slams Caribbean with Record Force

In this geocolor image captured by GOES-16 and released by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Hurricane Irma, a potentially catastrophic category 5 hurricane, moves westward, Tuesday morning, Sept. 5, 2017, in the Atlantic Ocean toward the Leeward Islands. This image was capured as daylight moves into the area, right, with nighttime features on the left side of the…

Chipotle Adds Queso to the Menu, Yes It’s Extra

DENVER (AP) – Chipotle hopes its new queso dip will satisfy its customers’ cravings — and help reinvigorate sales that have been hurt by food scares. The Mexican food chain said it will begin offering all-natural warm queso in restaurants nationwide next Tuesday. Chipotle marketing director Mark Crumpacker had said earlier this year that company research showed the top reason why…

19th Annual Cause for the Paws Fundraiser Happening Saturday

All Proceeds will Benefit the Humane Socitey of Douglas County

SUPERIOR, Wisc. – Furry friends will guide their humans along the Osaugie Trail in Superior Saturday, September 9 at 9:00 a.m. The 19th Annual Cause for the Paws Walk/Run will be raising funds to support the shelter. Money raised goes toward medical costs, food and other various expenses at the shelter. Animals are welcome to tag along for the walk/run. A…