Minnesota Archives - Fox21Online

Salvation Army Continues to Offer Resources for Homeless

With the cities low vacancy rate, and the extension of the eviction moratorium there have been few openings for housing.

May 6, 2021

Reece Lindquist,

DULUTH, Minn. — The Salvation Army is continuing to offer different resources for the homeless community in Duluth. With the cities low vacancy rate, and the extension of the eviction moratorium there have been few openings for housing. The rapid re-housing program, landlord incentive program and family transitional housing program are some of the resources the Salvation Army have been…

St. Cloud Bank Robbery, Hostage Situation Ongoing

May 6, 2021

KQDS Staff,

ST. CLOUD, Minn. (FOX 9) – St. Cloud police are responding to a reported bank robbery and hostage situation at a Wells Fargo, according to police and Wells Fargo officials. According to St. Cloud police, at 1:48 p.m. officers responded to the bank on 200 33rd Avenue South. The situation is still ongoing and law enforcement remains on the scene. The FBI…

Mayor Larson Outlines Recommended Plan for Next Steps at Spirit Mountain

May 6, 2021

Site Staff,

DULUTH, Minn. – Duluth Mayor Emily Larson announced during a Thursday press conference her recommendations for the next steps in supporting Spirit Mountain Recreational Area. The mayor’s proposed plan includes launching a $24 million capital reinvestment program funded 50% by state bonding, 25% by the City from tourism taxes, and 25% by Spirit Mountain. “Now is the time to do…

Gov. Walz Announces Plan to End COVID-19 Restrictions in Minnesota by July 1

May 6, 2021

Site Staff,

BY THEO KEITH, FOX 9 ST. PAUL, Minn.-Governor Tim Walz today announced a three-step timeline to end nearly all state COVID-19 restrictions by May 28, and end the statewide masking requirement once 70% of Minnesotans age 16 years and older get their vaccine, or by July 1. The announcement comes as more than 2.6 million Minnesotans have gotten their shot…

Duluth Police Investigating Two East Hillside Shots Fired Incidents

May 6, 2021

Site Staff,

DULUTH, Minn. – Duluth Police are investigating two shots fired incidents in the East Hillside neighborhood late Wednesday night and early Thursday morning. According to police, officers responded to the first incident of shots fired around 11:45 p.m. Wednesday on North 3rd Avenue East and East 8th Street. When officers arrived at the scene they found multiple shell casings on…

Minnesota Eases COVID-19 Rules; Mask Mandate Ends by July 1

May 6, 2021

The Associated Press, Site Staff,

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Gov. Tim Walz on Thursday announced a three-step timeline for lifting nearly all the state’s COVID-19 restrictions by May 28 and dropping the statewide masking requirement no later than July 1, or once 70% of Minnesotans age 16 and older get their first dose of vaccine. “Our nation-leading vaccination effort has put us in a strong position…

Silver Bay’s Municipal Campground Prepares for Second Season

Reservations Are Now Open for Black Beach Municipal Campground

May 5, 2021

Brett Scott,

SILVER BAY, Minn. – The City of Silver Bay along the North Shore is thrilled to be welcoming guests back to the Black Beach Municipal Campground this summer. This will be the site’s second season in business. Newly elected Mayor, Wade LeBlanc, is optimistic for a strong tourism season along the shore. He says last year proved to be beneficial…

Fishing License Sales Rise Ahead of Opener

With lack of inventory being an issue last season, owners say that this year they purchases their products in advance.

May 5, 2021

Reece Lindquist,

DULUTH, Minn. — As fishing opener approaches, anglers have been purchasing fishing licenses at increasing rate at Marine General in Duluth. The store started selling licenses back in mid September because of the early ice-out on Lake Superior and the smelting season. With lack of inventory being an issue last season, owners say that this year they purchases their products…

Timeline to End All COVID-19 Restrictions in Minnesota to Be Announced Thursday

May 5, 2021

KQDS Staff,

(FOX 9) – Gov. Tim Walz is expected to announce Thursday a timeline to end all the COVID-19 restrictions in Minnesota, his office said in a news release. Walz will give a live statewide address at noon, followed by two Q&As with reporters at 1 p.m. and 1:45 p.m. According to Walz’s office, the governor plans to wind down Minnesota’s COVID-19 restrictions…

Minnesota DNR Moving Forward With Terminating Mesabi Metallics Leases

May 5, 2021

Site Staff,

NASHWAUK, Minn. – On Wednesday, the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources announced they would be moving forward with terminating leases with Mesabi Metallics at their proposed project site in Nashwauk. The decision comes after Mesabi Metallics did not meet the terms of their agreement with the DNR to meet “critical and required benchmarks by May 1.” “Today’s announcement validates everything…

Valleyfair to Reopen May 22 With COVID-19 Safety Protocols in Place

May 5, 2021

KQDS Staff,

(courtesy: fox 9) (FOX 9) – Valleyfair will open May 22 and tickets will be on a reservation basis only. All visitors over the age of two must be wearing a face covering at all times, except when eating or drinking. Guests and staff will have to take a health screening before entering the park. As you approach the front gate, you will…

Duluth City Council to Vote Monday on Spirit Mountain Debt Forgiveness Plan

May 5, 2021

Site Staff,

DULUTH, Minn. – On Monday, the Duluth City Council will vote on a resolution to forgive up to $900,000 of Spirit Mountain’s existing debt. The proposed debt forgiveness and repayment plan is a recommendation provided by the Spirit Mountain Task Force which was created by Mayor Larson last year. The 16-member task force was appointed by Mayor Larson last June…

Amazon Creating Hundreds of Jobs in St. Cloud

May 5, 2021

The Associated Press,

ST. CLOUD, Minn. (AP) — Amazon plans to open a distribution center in St. Cloud this year and create hundreds of new jobs. St. Cloud Mayor Dave Kleis says Amazon has purchased a vacant building and land near Interstate 94 and expects to be hiring later this year. Kleis says he doesn’t know exactly how many jobs will be available,…

Canal Park Brewing Co. Reopens, Joins Businesses Anxious for Post-Pandemic Summer Tourism

After so much was canceled last summer, the businesses say with Bayfront Park's slate of events and the weather, traffic should increase.

May 5, 2021

Arman Rahman,

DULUTH, Minn.- Canal Park Brewing Company has reopened for indoor dining after six months closed, just in time for a post-pandemic summer set to be busy with Bayfront festivals and events in the Canal. “It’s been really awesome just to have the energy back in the building and beer on tap and the kitchen fired up for the first time…

St. Louis County, DTA Open Vaccine Clinic at Downtown Transit Center

Health officials hoped to bring the shots to more people, and answer questions to help stop any vaccine hesitancy.

May 5, 2021

Arman Rahman,

DULUTH, Minn.- On Tuesday and Wednesday Duluthians could not only catch a bus at the Duluth Downtown Transit Center — but also get a COVID vaccine there if they wanted. St. Louis County partnered up with the Duluth Transit Authority to open up a clinic at the DTC, the latest in their vaccine outreach efforts. Health officials say they have…

Duluth’s Tourism Tax Collections ‘Up Significantly’ For March

May 4, 2021

Dan Hanger,

DULUTH, Minn. – The city of Duluth’s tourism tax revenue for the month of March is “up significantly” compared to this month last year, according to Jennifer Carlson, the city’s finance director. Hotel, motel, food and beverage tax collection for March came in at $715,296 compared to $505,680 for March of 2020. March’s revenue is also up 10.4% from the…

St. Louis County Board Issues ‘Year of Dylan Proclamation’

There will also be a front lawn party at Bob Dylan's childhood home in Hibbing on May 24th.

May 4, 2021

Reece Lindquist,

HIBBING, Minn.-Northlanders wanted to go bigger for this year’s Dylan Festival. The plans have been in the works for a few years making it the “Year of Dylan” starting from his birthday in late May and ending on the same date in 2022. It all kicks off with the Hibbing Dylan projects monument honoring Bob Dylan followed by a proclamation…

Chauvin Moves to Have Guilty Verdicts Thrown Out, Asks for New Trial

May 4, 2021

KQDS Staff,

MINNEAPOLIS (FOX 9) – Derek Chauvin’s attorney filed a motion asking the court to throw out his guilty verdicts and schedule a new trial Tuesday. The filing, made by Attorney Eric Nelson, cites jury intimidation and a failure of the court to sequester the jury as some of the reasons he is asking for a new trial. In the filing, Nelson argues…

Drug Overdose Deaths up 27% in Minnesota in 2020

May 4, 2021

The Associated Press,

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Health officials say Minnesota saw a 27% increase in drug overdose deaths last year, with the first largest increase coinciding with the outbreak of COVID-19. According to the Minnesota Department of Health, 1,008 people died of drug overdoses in 2020. Drug-related deaths increased 64% in March 2020 compared with the previous year, then peaked at more than…

Walz to Announce Reopening Plan for Minnesota Thursday

May 4, 2021

KQDS Staff,

(FOX 9) – Gov. Tim Walz says he will announce a reopening plan for Minnesota on Thursday. Walz hinted last week that he would be easing more of the state’s COVID-19 restrictions soon. He has allowed businesses to reopen, although many still face capacity limits or curfews. Schools have reopened and athletes no longer need to wear masks when playing outdoor sports. “Thursday’s announcement should go…

Minnesota State Fair Announces 5-Day Walk-Through Event Over Memorial Day Weekend

May 4, 2021

KQDS Staff,

FALCON HEIGHTS, Minn. (FOX 9) – Missing the Great Minnesota Get-Together? You could get a preview later this month. The Minnesota State Fair announced it will host a five-day “Kickoff to Summer at the Fair” event over Memorial Day weekend. Guests will get to walk around the fairgrounds and experience many fair favorites, including popular food vendors, attractions like the Giant Slide, and…

Firefighters Tackle Garage Fire In Denfeld Neighborhood

May 3, 2021

Dan Hanger,

DULUTH, Minn. – Duluth firefighters responded to a significant garage fire Monday evening in the Denfeld neighborhood. The call for help came in around 7:25 p.m. on the 3700 block of Grand Avenue. The fire started in the interior and extended into the attic of the garage, according to a release. Fire crews were able to save a vehicle in…

Ursa Minor Unveiling Brew to Raise Funds for Brain Cancer Research

This weekend Ursa Minor will debut their "Smash for Stache" brew. $2 of every crowler will be donated to Stache Strong.

May 3, 2021

Arman Rahman,

DULUTH, Minn.- Local breweries across Minnesota are teaming up with a nonprofit to raise money and awareness for brain cancer research. Ursa Minor in Duluth’s Lincoln Park is partnering with nonprofit “Stache Strong.” they focus on supporting brain cancer researchers, survivors, and those suffering from disease. This weekend Ursa Minor will debut their “Smash for Stache” brew. $2 of every…

Bayfront Blues Festival Returns Aug. 13-15

May 3, 2021

KQDS Staff,

DULUTH, Minn. – Bayfront Blues Festival is coming back to Duluth this Aug. 13-15. This will be the 32nd year of the event after canceling last year because of the pandemic. Three-day and day-of tickets are on sale now. The number of tickets available will be lower than normal per CDC and state guidelines. Categories: Business, Entertainment, Minnesota, News, News…

Northland Florists Preparing for Mothers Day Sales

With mothers day coming this Sunday, flower shops in the area are seeing a high demand of their products.

May 3, 2021

Reece Lindquist,

DULUTH, Minn. — Florists around the Northland are preparing for one of the busiest days of the year. With Mother’s Day coming this Sunday, flower shops in the area are seeing a high demand of their products. But some businesses are now dealing with a shortage of flowers as Covid-19 has impacted staffing at their suppliers in South America. At…

Downtown Businesses Optimistic About Summer Season

As we start to see more foot traffic this summer in Duluth, downtown businesses also expect to see an increase in their staffing.

May 3, 2021

Reece Lindquist,

DULUTH, Minn. — A lot of workers had to change their usual routines because of the pandemic, but now there’s light at the end of the tunnel for when businesses can get back to normal. As we start to see more foot traffic this summer in Duluth, downtown businesses also expect to see an increase in their staffing. “About 49%…

Lester River Trail Closed Until June for Maintenance

May 3, 2021

Site Staff,

DULUTH, Minn. – The City of Duluth Parks and Recreation Department announced on Monday that portions of the Lester River Trail will be closed for maintenance beginning Tuesday, The city says the trail will remain closed until at least June 1. Amity East and Amity West multi-use trails will not be affected by this closure. Trailhead parking will remain open…

Minnesota Legislature Struggles for Compromise on Policing

May 3, 2021

The Associated Press,

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Negotiators in Minnesota’s divided Legislature have kicked off what’s sure to be a contentious debate over whether further police accountability legislation is needed in the state where George Floyd was killed. The Democratic-controlled House included several policing provisions in its public safety budget bill for the 2020 session. It’s hoping to build on a package that the…

1-Year-Old Killed in Walker Following Hit-and-Run in Driveway, Suspect Arrested

May 3, 2021

Site Staff,

WALKER, Minn. – The Cass County Sheriff’s Office says a 1-year-old girl was struck and killed in a driveway in Walker, Minnesota Sunday evening. According to the sheriff’s office, deputies responded to a call that a girl had been hit by a car on Breezy Point Circle in Shingobee Township around 4:55 p.m. When authorities arrived at the scene they…

Hibbing Motorcycle Crash Leaves One Injured, One Dead

May 3, 2021

Site Staff,

HIBBING, Minn. – A 46-year-old man was killed Saturday following a single-vehicle accident involving a motorcycle in Hibbing. According to the Hibbing Police Department, officers were called to the area of Brooklynn Drive in front of Napa Auto Parts around 3:05 p.m. Saturday on reports of a motorcycle crash. When officers arrived at the scene they found two victims, 46-year-old…

Undersheriff Phillips Hangs Up Badge After 32 Years with St. Louis County

Taking over for Phillips will be previous 9-1-1 Supervising Deputy Jason Lukovsky.

May 2, 2021

Arman Rahman,

DULUTH, Minn.- On the last day of April, Dave Phillips said goodbye to his three decade career with the St. Louis County Sheriff office. “I truly can’t believe it,” he said. “It’s like you pick a day on the calendar and it’s like, months away, and then now here I am today.” “Want to go on a short ride?” he…

Special Report: When Love Turns Deadly

The daughter of murder victim Loretta Billman speaks out to raise awareness about domestic violence.

May 2, 2021

Dan Hanger, Marcus Asmus,

SAGINAW, Minn. – Every year, more than 600 American women are shot to death by intimate partners — roughly one every 14 hours, according to Giffords.org. The senseless crime has no boundaries, and that was the case just months ago for a woman in Saginaw shot and killed by her significant other in a case of murder-suicide. In a special…

Grand Rapids Man Killed In Single-Vehicle Accident

May 2, 2021

Dan Hanger,

CASS COUNTY, Minn. – A 29-year-old Grand Rapids man is dead after a single-vehicle accident early Sunday morning. The Minnesota State Patrol said the accident happened around 1:30 a.m. on the 400 block of 44th Avenue SW in Cass County. The driver, Vincent David Kordiak, was not wearing a seatbelt when his vehicle left the roadway and into a ditch,…

Prosecutors Seek Higher Sentence For Chauvin In Floyd Death

May 2, 2021

Dan Hanger,

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) – Prosecutors are asking a judge to give Derek Chauvin a penalty that’s more severe than state guidelines call for when he is sentenced in June for George Floyd’s death. In documents filed Friday, prosecutors said many factors warrant a tougher sentence, including that Floyd was particularly vulnerable and that Chauvin abused his authority as a police officer….

Boy Unhurt After Taking Ride On Airport Conveyor Belt System

May 2, 2021

Dan Hanger,

MINNEAPOLIS – Authorities say a 9-year-old boy who found his way onto the conveyor belt baggage handling system at Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport was not injured. Airport spokesperson Pat Hogan says the incident happened early Saturday afternoon as a group of about 20 people were checking bags for a trip they were taking together. Hogan says initially no one in…

UPDATE: Crews Still Battling Wildfire North of Virginia, Homes No Longer in Danger

As of about 5:30 the fire was still not contained.

May 1, 2021

Arman Rahman,

UPDATE: The Northland FireWire reports that fire officials say the blaze has now burned 86 acres, but is close to being contained. _________________________________________________________________________ UPDATE: According to the Northland FireWire, A fire official said the blaze burned about 56 acres so far. Several homes in the immediate area were evacuated, however, the wind shifted and those homes are no longer in…

North Star Academy Students Sample Local Maple Syrup

The trees yielded about 60 gallons of sap which was boiled down to one gallon of syrup.

April 30, 2021

Reece Lindquist,

DULUTH, Minn. — Students at the North Star Charter school got a chance to sample the maple syrup they started tapping almost one month ago. The trees yielded about 60 gallons of sap which was boiled down to one gallon of syrup. On Friday, students went more in depth with the science and cultural significance of making the syrup along…

Police Arrest Minnesota Bar Owner Who Defied Virus Orders

April 30, 2021

The Associated Press,

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — A business owner in southern Minnesota who missed a court date as she faces criminal charges for defying pandemic-related restrictions was arrested Thursday in Iowa. Lisa Hanson, who owns a wine and coffee bar in Albert Lea, was arrested by police in Clear Lake, Iowa near a rental property where she had been staying, the Star Tribune reported. She…

Prosecutor in Daunte Wright’s Death Not Swayed By Critics

April 30, 2021

The Associated Press,

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — As activists in Minnesota press for murder charges against the police officer who shot Daunte Wright, the prosecutor is sticking by the manslaughter charge he filed. Wright died April 11 when the 20-year-old Black motorist was shot during a traffic stop in a Minneapolis suburb. The city’s police chief said he believed Kim Potter mixed up her…

Multiple Porta Potties Set on Fire in Enger Park Thursday Night

April 30, 2021

Site Staff,

DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth Fire Department responded to reports of multiple porta-potties being set on fire Thursday night in Enger Park. According to reports, fire crews responded to the call just after 7:30 p.m. When crews arrived at Enger Park they found four porta-potties on fire which had spread to several nearby trees and ground vegetation due to the…

Trial of Other Cops Charged in Floyd’s Death to Be Broadcast

April 30, 2021

The Associated Press,

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Derek Chauvin’s murder trial was the first Minnesota criminal trial to be broadcast live on television. It won’t be the last. Some in the Minnesota legal system were apprehensive about allowing the live broadcast of Chauvin’s trial over the killing of George Floyd, but the video feed had no major problems and bolstered the public’s understanding of…

Duluth P.D Investigating Overnight Stabbing in Hillside Neighborhood

The victim was taken to a local hospital where his condition is currently unknown.

April 30, 2021

Reece Lindquist,

DULUTH, Minn. — Duluth police continue to investigate a stabbing in the cities east hillside neighborhood. Officers responded to a call shortly before 10 p.m. at 820 east 4th street on reports of a male who had been stabbed and ran into the nearby laundromat. The suspect remains at large Friday morning. Both the victim and the suspect were known…

Party Supply Rental Stores Getting Busy

April 29, 2021

Site Staff,

DULUTH, Minn. One rental store in Duluth says they are expecting a big year for business as the pandemic slows down. Over at London Road Rental, which has the same owner as Party Express in Superior, business has been growing for those renting out tents and other supplies for parties as restrictions are loosened. Owner Jerry Kortesmaki tells us last…

Special Report Preview: When Love Turns Deadly

Story to air Sunday on FOX 21 Local News at 9

April 29, 2021

Dan Hanger, Marcus Asmus,

A special report – When Love Turns Deadly – Sunday night on FOX 21 News at 9: “This wasn’t an accident. This man knew who he was taking from us. He saw my mom and he decided that nobody else could have her,” said Kari Matthes, Loretta Billman’s daughter. The daughter of 62-year-old Loretta Billman speaks out to FOX 21’s…

Suspect Formally Charged in Piedmont Standoff

April 29, 2021

Site Staff,

DULUTH, Minn. – Duluth Police say the man arrested in connection to last week’s standoff in the Piedmont Heights neighborhood has been formally charged. According to court documents, 31-year-old Jesse Lee Fechner has been charged with felony receiving stolen property, possessing ammo/any firearm, two counts of fourth-degree assault on a police officer, and obstructing legal process with force. Last week,…

Gov. Walz Joins Bipartisan Leaders in Minnesota Legislature to Call for Action on Police Reform

April 29, 2021

Site Staff,

ST, PAUL, Minn. – On Thursday, Gov. Walz joined bipartisan leaders in the Minnesota Legislature to call for action among Minnesota Senate Republicans on police reform, following the passage of meaningful police reform legislation in the Minnesota House. “The accountability we saw last week for George Floyd is the floor – not the ceiling – of what we need to…

Business Owners On Lake Vermilion Optimistic for Much Better Summer Season

The Owners of Lake Vermilion Houseboats and Pike Bay Lodge Look Forward to Welcoming Guests Back to the Great Outdoors

April 29, 2021

Brett Scott,

LAKE VERMILION, Minn. – After a year of the unknown and countless cancellations, the summer season is looking brighter for businesses along Lake Vermilion. “This year is looking to be our best year-to-date,” said Kyle Colbert, owner of Lake Vermilion Houseboats. The scene is calm on Lake Vermilion, but many business owners are preparing for a stampede of activity as…

Sections of Downtown Duluth Streets to Close Temporarily

The closures will last from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.

April 29, 2021

Reece Lindquist,

DULUTH, Minn. — On Thursday, a part of East 1st street between north 2nd avenue east and north 1st avenue east will be closed to traffic. The closures will last from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. During that same time, north 2nd avenue east between east 1st and 2nd street will also be closed to traffic. The sidewalk will also be…

Boy, 5, Dies After 70-Foot Fall Into Virginia Mine Pit

April 28, 2021

KQDS Staff,

VIRGINIA, Minn. — The Virginia Police Department has confirmed a 5-year-old boy was found dead after falling about 70 feet over the side of a mine pit in Virginia. Chief Nicole Mattson says the call for help came in around 4 p.m. Wednesday at the Rouchleau Pit near 3rd Street North and 1st Avenue North. The incident is currently under…

Minnesota Department of Health Reports 22 more COVID-19 deaths Wednesday

April 28, 2021

Site Staff, KQDS Staff,

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Minnesota health officials reported 1,514 new cases of COVID-19 in Minnesota on Wednesday bringing the total confirmed COVID cases to 572,025 in the state. Health officials also reported 22 news deaths bringing the death total to 7,113 in Minnesota. The 22 newly reported deaths included four long-term care residents and one person in their 30s. According…

Minnesota

With the cities low vacancy rate, and the extension of the eviction moratorium there have been few openings for housing.

Reservations Are Now Open for Black Beach Municipal Campground

With lack of inventory being an issue last season, owners say that this year they purchases their products in advance.

After so much was canceled last summer, the businesses say with Bayfront Park's slate of events and the weather, traffic should increase.

Health officials hoped to bring the shots to more people, and answer questions to help stop any vaccine hesitancy.

There will also be a front lawn party at Bob Dylan's childhood home in Hibbing on May 24th.

This weekend Ursa Minor will debut their "Smash for Stache" brew. $2 of every crowler will be donated to Stache Strong.

With mothers day coming this Sunday, flower shops in the area are seeing a high demand of their products.

As we start to see more foot traffic this summer in Duluth, downtown businesses also expect to see an increase in their staffing.

Taking over for Phillips will be previous 9-1-1 Supervising Deputy Jason Lukovsky.

The daughter of murder victim Loretta Billman speaks out to raise awareness about domestic violence.

As of about 5:30 the fire was still not contained.

The trees yielded about 60 gallons of sap which was boiled down to one gallon of syrup.

The victim was taken to a local hospital where his condition is currently unknown.

Story to air Sunday on FOX 21 Local News at 9

The Owners of Lake Vermilion Houseboats and Pike Bay Lodge Look Forward to Welcoming Guests Back to the Great Outdoors

The closures will last from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.

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