Minnesota

The University of Minnesota Proposes New Academic Health Care Center in Duluth

DULUTH, Minn. – The University of Minnesota is proposing to build a new academic health care center in Duluth. According to a Thursday news release, the University is asking for $12 million as part of its 2022 legislative request to conduct the design phase of the proposed facility. The University’s Medical and Pharmacy schools offer programs on the UMD campus…

No Heat: 100+ Residents Evacuated From Apartment Buildings in Virginia

Courtesy: Northland FireWire VIRGINIA, Minn. – More than 100 residents of two apartment buildings in Virginia were evacuated Wednesday because of a boiler problem that supplies heat, according to the Northland FireWire. The Columbia and Rouchleau buildings evacuated around 150 residents. Arrowhead Transit buses were called in to transport people to the Iron Trail Motors Event Center in Virginia for…

Fitger’s Bookstore Fundraiser Provides Books With Diversity For Duluth Schools

DULUTH, Minn. – This past holiday season The Bookstore at Fitger’s held a fundraiser and collected $1,500 for new books that are now being donated to the Duluth Community Schools Collaborative. Book sellers made holiday ornaments out of old unusable books and sold them for funds toward the book donation. The collaborative represents what it calls three of Duluth’s most…

‘Winter In The West’ Returning To Celebrate Winter, West Duluth Community

The Saturday activities throughout the neighborhood will be free for families to enjoy.

DULUTH, Minn.- The West Duluth neighborhood is also celebrating the season as their Winter in the West event returns this Saturday for the 3rd year in a row. The outdoor family fun includes cross country skiing, snowshoeing, and fat-tire biking at Memorial Park on Grand Avenue. Parks and Recreation crews with the City of Duluth were at the park Friday…

Duluth Fire: Lake Superior Ice ‘a gamble’ Especially if Unprepared

Smaller inland lakes are much safer, but firefighters do have tips for anyone hoping to attempt ice fishing on the big lake.

DULUTH, Minn.- More ice is forming off the shores of Lake Superior in Duluth, but the Fire Department warns not to get too excited, as the big unpredictable lake can change with the slightest shift in winds. “Lake Superior is definitely more of a gamble so to speak than an inland lake or a smaller lake because of those currents,…

Minnesota Housing Announces Friday Deadline For ‘RentHelpMN’ Assistance

The assistance is for anyone with late rent payments because of COVID-19 related income issues.

DULUTH, Minn.- Two more days remain for renters to apply for state assistance — and prevent being evicted — as Minnesota Housing has announced the deadline for RentHelpMN is Friday at 9 p.m. The assistance is for anyone with late rent payments because of COVID-19 related income issues. It can cover rent for several months and even a month ahead….

Walz Calls for Recreational Marijuana Legalization in Minnesota

(FOX 9) – Governor Tim Walz is calling on lawmakers to pass legislation to legalize marijuana use in Minnesota, as he proposes funds from his budget plan to launch a state authority to oversee a recreational marijuana program. Speaking Wednesday, Governor Walz says his budget would set aside $25 million to create the new “Cannabis Management Office”. The office would…

Twin Metals Mineral Leases Near BWCA Canceled by Dept. Of Interior

DULUTH, Minn. (FOX 9) – The mineral leases for Twin Metals Minnesota in northeast Minnesota have been canceled, the Department of the Interior announced Wednesday. The Department says the leases held by Twin Metals were “improperly renewed” in 2019. “The Department of the Interior takes seriously our obligations to steward public lands and waters on behalf of all Americans. We…

21 People Charged in Multi-State Drug Trafficking Investigation

DULUTH, Minn. – Duluth Police say 21 people have been charged following a multi-state drug trafficking investigation that uncovered the transportation of fentanyl and heroin from Chicago to Duluth. Authorities say the criminal activity was uncovered by members of the Lake Superior Drug and Violent Crime Task Force who started conducting their investigation in June 2021. “I am very proud…

Great Outdoors: Strap on Snowshoes, Hike through History at Minnesota Discovery Center

The 3-mile trail is event specific, with snowshoes available to rent for $5.

CHISHOLM, Minn.- For those looking to beat the winter by embracing it outside, they can strap on their snowshoes and hit the trails at the Minnesota Discovery Center in Chisholm. “Northern Minnesota I mean we got to live through this snow we might as well enjoy it,” said Mara Brownlee, Sales & Events Specialist. Staff hope to get more people…

City Of Duluth Sets 2022 Legislative Priorities

DULUTH, Minn. — Duluth Mayor Emily Larson and the city council have unanimously agreed on the priorities they would like to see the Minnesota state legislature fund during budget talks in St. Paul this year. The three main priorities include continuing to receive the money the state sends to support local governments, which Duluth uses to fund up to 35…

Fund Announced To Bring MMIWg2s People Home

DULUTH, Minn. — Some organizations got together at Duluth City Hall Tuesday to promote a new reward fund to help find missing and murdered indigenous people. The city of Duluth is partnering with the Native Lives Coalition and Mending The Sacred Hoop and together they have created the “They Are Remembered Fund”, for the Sheila saint Clair case as well…

Do You Know Anyone Homeless? St. Louis County Wants To Know Thursday

St. Louis County is holding its annual homeless count this week to see how many people are living unsheltered. Those unsheltered places include cars, a park, storage unit, the woods or even people who are couch-hopping. County officials say the count is vital because it helps local, state and federal agencies understand just how big of a homeless problem we…

Gov. Walz Proposes $5.1 Billion in Additional Education, Social Program Spending

EAGAN, Minn. (FOX 9) – Gov. Tim Walz is proposing $5.1 billion over the next three years in additional spending on education and social programs. Walz released the proposals during a visit to an Inver Grove Heights elementary school. The plans go to the divided state Legislature to consider during the session that starts Monday. “The naysayers will tell us…

Virginia Man Arrested, Charged With Felony Domestic Assault

VIRGINIA, Minn. – A Virginia man arrested over the weekend for fleeing police following an alleged domestic assault incident with his girlfriend has now been formally charged. According to cour documents, 37-year-old Matthew James Jefferson has been charged with two felony counts of domestic assault, one count of domestic assault by strangulation, one count of stalking, and one count of…

Fond du Lac Tribal and Community College To End Football Program

CLOQUET, Minn. – Fond du Lac Tribal and Community College on Tuesday announced it would be ending the college’s football program. Leaders at the college say budget limitations and a lack of facilities were big factors that ultimately led to the difficult decision. “We realize the importance of activities to student engagement and how they contribute to the overall college…

Duluth Car Enthusiast With ‘Souped Up’ Mazda RX7 Eyes Next Lap: Florida Drag Race

Michael Janousek's Mazda RX7 Convertible can reach 150 mph in 9.6 seconds.

DULUTH, Minn.- A Duluth car enthusiast — and his modified car that’s perhaps more famous than he is — are taking on a drag race in Florida which will truly test their metal. Michael Janousek had his 1988 Mazda RX7 Convertible featured on the Discovery Channel back in 2017. He said he taught himself how to modify the car after…

UMD Vaccine Clinic on Wednesday

DULUTH, Minn. — UMD is offering a vaccine clinic to the campus community and beyond this week. The university has partnered with Saint Louis County Public Health for past vaccine clinics where the turnouts have exceeded expectations. This time around they will have Pfizer, Moderna, and Johnson and Johnson shots on hand, whether you want to come in for your…

School Systems Continue To Fight Staffing Shortages and Covid

As covid continues to grip the community, some schools are talking about moving to remote learning again, with some already doing it.

DULUTH/PROCTOR, Minn. — The Duluth Public Schools, and Proctor school transportation systems are few of the many impacted by covid. Aside from positive cases, the staff shortages are also playing a role in having to move things around, to keep the learning going. As covid continues to grip the community, some schools are talking about moving to remote learning again,…

Duluth Council Approves Application Process To Fill Derek Medved’s Seat

Applications will be accepted only through 4:30 p.m. February 14th, Medved's last council meeting.

DULUTH, Minn.- On Tuesday the City of Duluth will begin accepting applications to fill the At-Large Council seat soon to be left open by Derek Medved, who announced his resignation last week. Medved abstained from the vote at the council meeting Monday, making it 7 to 0. He announced he’s leaving the council to focus on his KornerStore business. The…

Lake Superior Brewing Co. Looking at Summer Re-Opening with Brewpub, Apartments

The new owners of Lake Superior Brewing are a year and a half into redeveloping the building in the Lakeside/Lester Park Neighborhood

DULUTH, Minn.- One of the oldest breweries in Minnesota is inching closer to its reopening in its new Lakeside/Lester Park building this summer. The new owners of Lake Superior Brewing are a year and a half into redeveloping the building formerly occupied by Xcel Xercise and Sun City Tanning Center on Superior Street. The Maxims are turning the building into…

Court Offers Mixed Views on Water Permit for Minnesota Mine

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) – A Minnesota appeals court has issued a mixed opinion in a complicated case contesting one of the key permits that a St. Paul-based company needs to build what would be the state’s first copper-nickel mine. The Minnesota Court of Appeals reversed a decision by regulators to issue the PolyMet Mining Corp. a water quality permit…

Minnesota Police: Poison Gas That Killed 7 Came From Furnace

MOORHEAD, Minn. (AP) – Authorities say a furnace was the source of carbon monoxide that last month killed seven members of an immigrant family from Honduras living in Minnesota. Police in Moorhead have said blood samples from the victims showed a lethal level of carbon monoxide, but further testing was needed to determine whether the source was the furnace or…

Laura MacArthur Elementary School Grades 3-5 Move To Short-Term Remote Learning

DULUTH, Minn. – Laura MacArthur Elementary School grades 3-5 will be moving to temporary remote learning beginning Tuesday. Schools officials say in a Monday press release that the decision was made due to ongoing staffing shortages. Students are expected to return to in-person learning on Monday, January 31. “We understand the significant impact remote learning will have on district families,”…

COVID-19 Patient at Center of Ventilator Fight Dies in Texas

(courtesy: Fox 9) MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — An unvaccinated COVID-19 patient flown from Minnesota to Texas during a legal battle over whether his ventilator should be turned off died Saturday, the family’s attorney said. A Minnesota judge had issued a restraining order on Jan. 13 blocking Mercy Hospital from turning off the machine that was keeping Scott Quiner alive, after his…

Trial To Begin for Cops Accused of Violating Floyd’s Rights

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) – The federal trial for three former Minneapolis police officers charged with violating George Floyd’s civil rights as Derek Chauvin pinned the Black man’s neck to the street is set to begin Monday with opening statements. J. Kueng, Thomas Lane, and Tou Thao are broadly charged with depriving Floyd of his civil rights while acting under…

Businesses Near Beargrease Starting Line in Duluth Ready for Spectators to Return

For the small Breeze Inn on the outskirts of Duluth, last year's lack of fans after a year riddled with COVID shutdowns was tough.

DULUTH, Minn.- After a year with no fans, the small community of businesses out where the Beargrease starting line is are excited and relieved to have people inside watching the race again. For the small Breeze Inn on the outskirts of Duluth, last year’s lack of fans after a year riddled with COVID shutdowns was tough. So this year they’re…

Staffing Shortage Is So Bad In Schools, Even The Duluth Superintendent Is Filling In

DULUTH, Minn. — The national staffing shortage in schools is also being felt locally, with even the Duluth schools superintendent filling in in the classroom. Superintendent John Magas says he’s stepped in as both a paraprofessional and a substitute teacher, adding that he’s never seen staffing shortages so severe in the education field before. Even the number of bus drivers…

The Family Business: Two Harbors Wallins’ Prepares For Another Beargrease Marathon

TWO HARBORS, Minn. — The John Beargrease Sled Dog Marathon is just around the corner, and while teams across the country are getting ready for the races, here in Two Harbors., it’s just another day at the office for the Wallin’s. “It’s just a real celebration of being a Minnesotan and loving the winter,” Colleen Wallin said. The Wallin’s have…

City Of Duluth Wants DNR Grant To Fight Emerald Ash Borer

DULUTH, Minn. – Duluth city councilors will also vote on a resolution to continue the city’s effort to remove and replace diseased trees from Emerald Ash Borer. The resolution authorizes the city apply for a grant from the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources’ forest program to not exceed $150,000. The money will help reimbursement for removing more than 500 infected…

Council To Vote Monday On Procedure To Fill Medved’s At-Large Seat

DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth City Council will decided how to move forward with Derek Medved’s at-large seat after he announced he’s leaving the council Feb. 14 to focus on his KornerStore business. The proposal is calling for an application process through the city’s website, which will close at 4:30 p.m. Feb. 14, which is Medved’s final council meeting. The…

Access Again An Issue At Federal Trial In Floyd’s Killing

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) – A closed hearing in the federal trial of three former Minneapolis police officers in George Floyd’s killing was canceled Friday after prosecutors and the media objected. It’s the second time in just days that access to the proceedings became an issue. U.S. District Judge Paul Magnuson scheduled the conference on the admissibility of some evidence…

EXPLAINER: Will Chauvin Testify At Trial Of 3 Other Cops?

(from left, Derek Chauvin, Tuo Thao, Thomas Lane, and J. Alexander Kueng) ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) – As the federal trial for three former Minneapolis officers charged with violating George Floyd’s civil rights is set to begin Monday, some wonder whether Derek Chauvin will take the stand. Many legal experts say they don’t anticipate the jury will hear from Chauvin,…

Minnesota Lawmakers Face $7.7B Surplus In 2022 Session

(AP Photo/Steve Karnowski) MINNEAPOLIS (AP) – The Minnesota Legislature will confront a $7.7 billion surplus when it convenes Monday, Jan. 31. And that’s bound to set up clashes in this election year over whether to spend the money on unmet needs or give it back to taxpayers. The main job for lawmakers in even-numbered years traditionally is a public works…

Freezing 5k Doesn’t Stop Northland Runners From Giving Their All

It didn't even reach 1 degree yet at Spirit Mountain Saturday morning, when some tough runners warmed up for the Wild Winter Wipeout 5k.

DULUTH, Minn. — It’s what skiers would call a blue bird day, but we’re not here at Spirit Mountain right now for skiers, we’re here for a different kind of athlete who’s come out and braved the elements to do what they love. It didn’t even reach 1 degree yet at Spirit Mountain Saturday morning, when some tough runners warmed…

Access Again an Issue at Federal Trial in Floyd’s Killing

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) – A closed hearing in the federal trial of three former Minneapolis police officers in George Floyd’s killing was canceled Friday after prosecutors and the media objected. It’s the second time in just days that access to the proceedings became an issue. U.S. District Judge Paul Magnuson scheduled the conference on the admissibility of some evidence…

Duluth Councilor Derek Medved Steps Down Early in Term, Council to Begin Interviewing Candidates to Fill Seat

According to Council President Forsman, Medved was a Councilor-At-Large, so anyone in the city can apply through the city clerk’s office.

DULUTH, Minn.- At-Large Duluth City Councilor Derek Medved has decided he will be leaving his term two years early to focus on his growing business. “It’s great to see a young entrepreneur continue to succeed locally so that’s really great. On the council front, it’s sad to see him go,” newly-appointed Council President Arik Forsman said. In a statement only…

Learn Snowkiting Basics with UMD Rec Sports Outdoor Program

Snowkiting, also called kiteboarding, involves riding the wind with a big kite pulling a skier or snowboarder along.

DULUTH, Minn.- Thrill-seekers looking for another way to get the adrenaline pumping this winter can learn to catch the steady winds that blow over frozen lakes on a snowkite. UMD’S rec sports outdoor program offered introduction-sessions Friday. Snowkiting, also called kiteboarding, involves riding the wind with a big kite pulling a skier or snowboarder along. Students will learn how to…