Minnesota Archives - Page 141 of 359

Jury Instructions Sewn up in Trial Over Daunte Wright Death

December 6, 2021

The Associated Press,

(Court TV, via AP, Pool) MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Attorneys and a judge hammered out jury instructions Monday for the trial of a white Minnesota police officer who fatally shot Black motorist Daunte Wright, with the judge denying defense requests that would have made the instructions more expansive for the former officer’s benefit. Kim Potter, 49, is charged with first-degree and second-degree manslaughter in…

Minneapolis’ First Black Police Chief, Arradondo, To Retire

December 6, 2021

The Associated Press,

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Minneapolis Police Chief Medaria Arradondo announced Monday that he won’t accept a third term as chief. It’s a blow to a department that has been reeling since four officers were charged in George Floyd’s death. The 54-year-old Arradondo said it was time for new leadership at the department. He’ll step down in January, with Mayor Jacob Frey…

Duluth Angel of Hope Vigil Canceled Due to Frigid Cold Weather

The vigil was scheduled for 7 p.m. Monday evening, on Worldwide Candle Lighting Day.

December 6, 2021

Arman Rahman,

DULUTH, Minn.- The annual vigil in Leif Erikson Park of parents remembering the lives of children they lost has been canceled due to weather, a spokesperson with the organization said. The vigil was scheduled for 7 p.m. Monday evening, on Worldwide Candle Lighting Day, to be held at the same time as other events around the 120 Angel of Hope…

Wintry Weather Causes Dangerous Travel in Some States

December 6, 2021

The Associated Press,

DULUTH, Minn. (AP) — A strong storm that created blizzard-like conditions in several Upper Midwest states left behind more than a foot of snow in some places, closed interstate and dozens of schools, and contributed to numerous accidents, including one that was fatal. High winds whipped up the snow and reduced visibility on roadways in northern Minnesota where a slick…

Two Harbors Residents Dig Out After First Major Snowstorm of Season

Over 12 inches fell over Saturday night and through the day Sunday along the whole North Shore.

December 5, 2021

Arman Rahman,

TWO HARBORS, Minn.- After the first major snowstorm of the season dumped more than a foot of snow total along the North Shore, Two Harbors residents spent much of Sunday digging out. “Felt pretty good to get the snowblower out,” said Cameron Bugge, “just a regular day in Minnesota.” Snowblowers, shovels, and plows were around every corner. “Had to get…

Wreaths Fresh from Local Fairhaven Farm

December 5, 2021

Rusty Mehlberg,

SAGINAW, Minn.- Those looking for a wreath for their holiday decorations can go local. Fairhaven Farm in Saginaw is keeping busy after the growing season. They create their own wreaths from the balsam trees on their land, combine them with cedar and boxwood, and use a foot-powered wreath machine to help assemble them. It takes 15 minutes to put together…

Duluth Winter Village Ends On a High Note

The Duluth Winter Village saw more than 20,000 people on their first day alone, where the sales and income for vendors exceeded expectations.

December 5, 2021

Natalie Noury,

DULUTH, Minn. — It was a snowy final day of the Winter Village behind the DECC, and after record-braking numbers on Saturday, it was obvious Sunday that the event was a success. The Duluth Winter Village saw more than 20,000 people on their first day alone, where the sales and income for vendors exceeded expectations. The relocation to the DECC…

US Ski and Snowboard Super Tour Takes Place at Spirit Mountain

December 5, 2021

Natalie Noury,

DULUTH, Minn. — The U.S. Ski and Snowboard Super Tour presented by the National Nordic Ski Foundation, wrapped up at Spirit Mountain on Sunday. After Saturday’s perfect conditions for the sprinting events, Sunday brought about some different weather, which didn’t stop the races from going on, as this group has their sights set on Beijing. This weekend is the first…

Julebyen Christmas Festival Brings Scandinavian Culture, Fun to North Shore

December 5, 2021

Natalie Noury,

KNIFE RIVER, Minn. — An idea brought back to the Northland by a family from Norway started this Christmas Festival Called the Julebyen Christmas market. But not only does this fest help celebrate the holidays, but it also helps give back to the community of Knife River. Since 2012, this has proven to be the largest fundraising event of the…

Winter Village Debuts Behind The DECC

December 5, 2021

Natalie Noury,

DULTUH, Minn. — Despite the cold, Duluth’s Winter Village’s new spot behind the DECC attracted thousands for opening day. The new location featured water-front views and a yule hall and ice skating rink inside the DECC”s old rink. More than 40 local vendors came from all over the Northland and were excited to share everything from apparel and art to…

Cosmic Skating at Winter Village takes Families Out of this World

December 4, 2021

Natalie Noury,

DULUTH, Minn. — One of the village’s new additions is the cosmic skating rink inside the old DECC arena. The DECC brought in a lighting company to set up the neon lights for the public to skate under, and people could lace-up skates provided for rent by the city of Duluth. Organizers say highlighting the old UMD rink as part…

Navigators Help Minnesotans Enroll in Healthcare at Duluth Public Library

Applicants should bring income information, social security numbers, and any employer health insurance info.

December 4, 2021

Arman Rahman,

DULUTH, Minn.- With open enrollment underway for Minnesota health insurance, navigators are available to help sign up at the Duluth Public Library. Starting Saturday they’re set up upstairs to visit for free with no appointment needed. Applicants should bring income information, social security numbers, and any employer health insurance info. The deadline is December 15th for coverage to start in…

Holiday Shoppers Browse Small Businesses at Zeitgeist Pop-Up Sale

The Shop Small Duluth Holiday Pop-Up will be back at Zeitgeist Sunday from 11 a.m.to 5 p.m.

December 4, 2021

Arman Rahman,

DULUTH, Minn.- More local small business options were set up at Zeitgeist Arts Café this weekend for holiday shoppers this weekend. Zeitgeist, the Greater Downtown Council, and Shop Small Duluth teamed up for the Shop Small Duluth Holiday Popup Sale. 8 different local vendors brought their handcrafted items. They say after the pandemic, they appreciate getting to share their passion…

Departments of Transportation Gearing up for First Measurable Snowfall

December 3, 2021

Natalie Noury,

TWO HARBORS, Minn. — The roads aren’t bad yet, but they might be this weekend, and the Lake County Highway Department has their plows ready to go as they await the first measurable snowfall this winter season. Preparations began months ago, but the snow hasn’t been as consistent this year making it hard to make an official plan but its…

Church Spreads Holiday Cheer to Community with Cookie Baking Day

Plates of cookies went to UMD and CSS college students, as well as shut-ins, group homes, and treatment homes.

December 3, 2021

Arman Rahman,

DULUTH, Minn.- A group of women at a local church are spreading holiday cheer in their own sweet way — with some Christmas cookies. Lakeview Covenant Church on Jean Duluth Road hosted a cookie baking day Friday. Women brought their own ready-to-bake cookie dough and pans, or they could bake at home. Plates of cookies went to UMD and CSS…

DECC’s Winter Village Prepares for Opening Day

December 3, 2021

Natalie Noury,

DULTUH, Minn. — Saturday marks the comeback of the Winter Village, but this year, it’s behind the DECC on Harbor Drive with a few new additions. This year’s Winter Village is taking full advantage of the new location in front of the aerial lift bridge. With all local craftsmanship and vendors, the event will also feature a brand new indoor…

Area Fire Departments Host Regional Testing

December 3, 2021

Reece Lindquist,

DULUTH, Minn. — For the first time, the Duluth fire department was among five fire departments participating in regional testing on Saturday for those wanting to become a firefighter. The Cloquet, Duluth, Hibbing, Virginia and Superior Fire Departments joined forces to hold the testing at the Lake Superior College Emergency Response Training Center in Gary New Duluth. The goal was…

Truckers for Tots Aims to Help Families for Christmas

December 3, 2021

Reece Lindquist,

DULUTH, Minn. — Some trucks unloaded more fun cargo for Northlanders on Friday. The Salvation Army once again partnered with Mid-State Truck services to bring Christmas cheer to families in need this holiday season. The Truckers for Tots campaign started over a decade ago in Wisconsin and came to Duluth just last year. Mid-State Truckers raised $55,000 total at all…

St. Scholastica Raising Funds for New Student Center

December 3, 2021

Reece Lindquist,

DULUTH, Minn. — The College of Saint Scholastica could soon get its first-ever brand new student center on campus. Administrators identified it as a need over a decade ago because there is currently no specific area designated for students to congregate. Although the current layout has worked for staff and students, back in 20-14 they started a silent campaign to…

City of Duluth Bringing Back ‘Snow Stompers’ Program

December 3, 2021

Site Staff,

DULUTH, Minn. – The City of Duluth Parks and Recreation division is bringing back the popular Snow Stompers program this year. The Snow Stompers program uses volunteers to pack down trails making them more accessible for users during the winter. By packing the trails, users who do not have snowshoes or need a more stable surface, are provided with more…

Forest Service To Reduce Entry Permits for Boundary Waters

December 3, 2021

The Associated Press,

DULUTH, Minn. (AP) — The U.S. Forest Service plans to reduce the number of entry permits for the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness next year, citing damage to natural resources, crowding, and congestion. The Forest Service didn’t say how many permits would be eliminated, nor which entry points into the million-acre wilderness would be impacted. Superior National Forest spokeswoman Joanna…

City of Duluth Seeking Affordable Housing Development Proposals

Deadline to Apply is Jan. 30, 2022

December 3, 2021

Brett Scott,

DULUTH, Minn. – The City of Duluth is looking to fund up to four proposals from developers across the area to build affordable, multifamily, residential structures in Duluth that are in need of financial assistance. This past July, the city received federal funds through the American Rescue Plan Act. From the $50 million received, $19.2 million has been set aside…

Omicron Variant Appears in Minnesota as Pandemic Continues Burdening Healthcare Systems

A man in Minnesota contracted the variant after attending an anime convention in New York in November.

December 2, 2021

Arman Rahman,

DULUTH, Minn.- The Omicron variant was discovered in Minnesota Thursday, contracted by a man who attended an anime convention in New York City last month — casting a shadow of concern over the already overwhelmed healthcare systems everywhere, including the Twin Ports. “This will never end until we get 100%– until we get virtually everyone vaccinated,” said Dr. Jon Pryor,…

Duluth Cider Starts Weekly Holiday Market to Keep Shopping Local

Donations will also be accepted at the holiday markets for the Safe Haven Shelter and Resource Center.

December 2, 2021

Arman Rahman,

DULUTH, Minn.- Those looking to continue shopping local for the holidays have a new weekly option at Duluth Cider. The Cidery in the Lincoln Park neighborhood is hosting a holiday market every Thursday. Live music and about 6 to 10 local vendors showcasing their goods will be on-site each week. Organizers say they wanted to provide a central location where…

DTA Driver Charged In Death Of Pedestrian At Miller Hill Mall

Charge: Criminal Vehicular Homicide - Operate Motor Vehicle in Grossly Negligent Manner

December 2, 2021

Dan Hanger,

DULUTH, Minn. – The DTA bus driver who hit and killed a man at the Miller Hill Mall in Sept. 10 is now charged with criminal vehicular homicide. According to the criminal complaint, Crystal Veronica Ball, 36, of Duluth was “grossly negligent” and “distracted” when she ran over David Weston, 64, just before 10 a.m. while going 6 mph during…

Lincoln Park Flats Now Leasing Apartment Units

December 2, 2021

Reece Lindquist,

DULUTH, Minn. — A new Duluth apartment complex called Lincoln Park Flats is scheduled to open this summer. “People have been excited about it. It’s not too often that we do have brand new housing coming into areas that are coming into areas that are so developed and in such as need,” P&R Companies Operations Manager, Megan Holsclaw says. With…

Duluth School District Proposes to Extend Upcoming Winter Break

December 2, 2021

Site Staff,

DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth School District says they are proposing to extend the upcoming Winter Break by two days to help with student and staff COVID safety as well as address staffing shortages. “With general staffing shortages, many unfilled positions, and a shortage of temporary help, every position in the district has been impacted. We need to ensure that…

Omicron Variant Case Confirmed in Minnesota

December 2, 2021

Site Staff,

UPDATE: NEW YORK (AP) — Just a day after the U.S. announced its first case of the omicron variant of the coronavirus had been detected in California, health officials announced Thursday it was found in a man who attended an anime convention in New York City in late November. The man tested positive after returning home to Minnesota, health officials…

9 of 14 Picked for Jury for Trial in Daunte Wright’s Death

December 2, 2021

The Associated Press,

(Court TV via AP, Pool) MINNEAPOLIS (AP) – Prosecutors and attorneys for the suburban Minneapolis police officer charged in Daunte Wright’s shooting death have seated nine of the 14 jurors needed for her trial, including a woman who said she owns a stun gun. Kim Potter, who is white, is charged with manslaughter in the April 11 shooting of Wright,…

Overnight Apartment Fire in Duluth Displaces Two Residents

December 2, 2021

Site Staff,

DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth Fire Department responded to a structure fire in the Endion neighborhood early Thursday morning. Crews responded to reports of an apartment fire around 3:45 a.m. on the 1900 block of Jefferson Street. Flames could be seen coming from a ground-floor window of the building. Fire crews knocked down the flames quickly and contained the fire…

Bluebird Foundation Celebrates Youth in Arts, Local Holiday Album Release

6 regional high school-aged students were awarded $5,000 in grants and scholarships for excelling in dance, music, theater, and new this year, the culinary arts.

December 1, 2021

Arman Rahman,

DULUTH, Minn.- Local high schoolers in the performing arts were celebrated while rocking out to the newest local holiday hits at the Greysolon Ballroom in Downtown Duluth. At their Fall Scholarship Ceremony, the Bluebird Foundation premiered their annual “Christmas by the Lake” album, featuring music from 14 local performers. 6 regional high school-aged students were awarded $5,000 in grants and…

First Lutheran Church Holds Swedish Meatball Dinner

It was all about the Lutefisk’s side dishes of meatballs and lefse Wednesday night, held outside the church.

December 1, 2021

Arman Rahman,

DULUTH, Minn.- It’s been more than a year since lutefisk has made its way to the gullets of the northland for the annual Lutefisk dinner, so First Lutheran Church honored it this year with the next best thing – Swedish meatballs and Lefse. It was all about the Lutefisk’s side dishes of meatballs and lefse Wednesday night, held outside the…

1 Injured In School Bus Crash In Grand Lake Township

December 1, 2021

Dan Hanger,

Courtesy: St. Louis County Rescue Squad GRAND LAKE TOWNSHIP, Minn. – The Minnesota State Patrol is investigating a school bus accident near Hermantown. The accident happened around 5:30 p.m. Tuesday at the intersection of Highway 53 and Caribou Lake Road in Grand Lake Township. The incident report said the 62-year-old man driving the school bus failed to yield while crossing…

Superior’s Christkindlemarkt Back this Weekend

December 1, 2021

Reece Lindquist,

DULUTH, Minn. — A holiday market will be taking place this weekend in Superior. The Thirsty Pagan will be hosting the 10th annual Christkindlmarkt. It is the first time they will be hosting the event. Attendees can expect several local vendors and events with german flare such as mulled wine and the Minnesota Krampus organization. Founders say, with the heavy…

Small Businesses Encouraging Shopping Local for the Holidays

According to stores in West Duluth, more people are shopping local and going more sustainable by thrifting and repurposing gifts.

December 1, 2021

Arman Rahman,

DULUTH, Minn.- As the holiday shopping season gets in full swing, small businesses in the area are seeing more customers shop local for their Christmas gifts this year. It’s the busiest time of the year for retail businesses, kicking off with Black Friday and Small Business Saturday last week. “I really believe that people come here to just fine really…

Area School Districts Facing Staffing Shortages

December 1, 2021

Reece Lindquist,

DULUTH, Minn. — As we approach the end of the 2021 school year area districts like Duluth and Hermantown are concerned about their substitute teacher staffing moving forward. Not only subs but bus drivers, paraprofessionals, custodians people behind the scenes who lift the educations system for the students. It all affects the district’s ability to keep students learning in person,…

Chester Bowl Preparing to Open for Winter Season

December 1, 2021

Reece Lindquist,

DULUTH, Minn. — Chester Bowl will start making snow soon. The ski hill hopes to start making snow this Friday with the goal of opening up by December 18th or earlier depending on the temperature. Chester bowl has also upgraded its upper lift house at the top of the hill and added a new electrical system. Staff are excited to…

Duluth Police: Three People Injured in Crash Due to Brake Failure

December 1, 2021

Site Staff,

DULUTH, Minn. – Duluth police say three people were injured in a crash Wednesday morning after a vehicle suffered a brake failure. According to police, the accident happened at the intersection of 8th Avenue East and East Superior Street around 10:40 a.m. A vehicle was driving on 8th Avenue East when the brake failure occurred. The car then crashed at…

Minnesota DOT Brings Back Popular “Name a Snowplow” Contest

December 1, 2021

Site Staff,

(courtesy: Minnesota Department of Transportation) ST. PAUL, Minn. – The Minnesota Department of Transportation is bringing back its popular “Name a Snowplow” contest. After last year’s success, the MnDOT is inviting the public to help name another eight snowplows – one snowplow for each MnDOT district. MnDOT encourages the public to get creative and submit their most witty, unique, or…

Skyline Parkway Seasonal Closure to Begin Today

December 1, 2021

Site Staff,

DULUTH, Minn. – Portions of Skyline Parkway and Seven Bridges Road will close to motorized traffic beginning today Wednesday, December 1. This is a planned, annual closure for the winter season. These roads will open to motorized traffic again next spring. The portions of roads closing for the winter include: Skyline Parkway from 0.4 miles east of Glenwood Street to…

Duluth Man Injured in Crash With School Bus

December 1, 2021

Site Staff,

DULUTH, Minn. – Authorities say a 68-year-old Duluth man was injured Tuesday in a car accident with a school bus transporting children on Highway 53. According to the Minnesota State Patrol, the driver of the bus and children were not injured in the crash. Reports state the man was driving his van south on Highway 53 approaching Caribou Lake Road…

4 Jurors Seated for Kim Potter Trial, Many More Needed

December 1, 2021

The Associated Press,

(AP Photo/Jim Mone) MINNEAPOLIS (AP) – Prosecutors and defense attorneys for the suburban Minneapolis police officer charged in Daunte Wright’s death are to resume jury selection Wednesday after seating four jurors the first day. Kim Potter sat quietly in a pink sweater Tuesday as attorneys and Judge Regina Chu probed potential jurors for what they knew about the case and…

COVID-19 Hospital Surge Further Taxes Health Care Providers

December 1, 2021

The Associated Press,

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — The number of people hospitalized for COVID-19 has surged above 1,500 in Minnesota, causing further strains on those working to care for them. Monday’s 1,532 coronavirus hospitalizations included 343 people in intensive care. Hospitals are trying to reduce non-COVID-19 admissions by delaying some non-emergency surgeries, officials said. The record 1,864 coronavirus hospitalizations on Nov. 29, 2020, combined…

Duluth Indoor Sports Complex Staying Busy During Winter Months

November 30, 2021

Reece Lindquist,

DULUTH, Minn. — The multi-sport facility on rice lake road hosts different sports from soccer, volleyball, tennis and pickleball. “We kind of adapt to the time of year. Our primary thing is tennis. We do that generally from September through May. Late May-early June,” Duluth Sports Complex Assistant Manager, Nikoli Wiens says. With being shut down most of 2020, complex…

Directors of Local Attractions Plunge into Lake Superior to Show Thanks

November 30, 2021

Natalie Noury,

DULUTH, Minn. — The CEO the Lake Superior Zoo and the Executive Director of the Great Lakes Aquarium both took a dive into Lake Superior today to celebrate surpassing their fundraising goals for the annual Minnesota ‘Give to the Max’ Campaign. The CEO’s say this plunge helps show their appreciation for the donors who opened their wallets back on November…

Vaccine Clinic for 5-11 Year Old’s Coming To Proctor

November 30, 2021

Natalie Noury,

PROCTOR, Minn. — Proctor public schools is partnering with St. Luke’s to offer additional opportunities for kids in the 5 to 11 age group to get vaccinated. There will be three separate clinics open to anyone wanting to receive a vaccine at the St. Luke’s event center in Proctor to accommodate those receiving the first and second shot. The staff of…

CSS Reveals Major Fundraising Accomplishment with Annual Lighting Ceremony

November 30, 2021

Natalie Noury,

DULUTH, Minn. — The College of Saint Scholastica held its 26th annual lighting ceremony Tuesday evening which was followed by the president’s holiday reception, where a major fundraising announcement was made. CSS held their annual advent vespers service, and lighting tradition ceremony Tuesday evening. Crowds showed up to listen to President Barbara McDonald speak along with Christmas carols sung by…

Health Officials Seeing Upward Trend in Covid-19 Vaccinations

November 30, 2021

Reece Lindquist,

DULUTH, Minn. — The vaccination rates for younger age groups are still going up in the northland. After the FDA and CDC approved the covid shots for younger kids, the vaccination rate went up in st. Louis county again. So far, about 25 percent of kids ages 5 to 11 have gotten both shots, while almost 70 percent have at…

MnDOT Crews Transitioning to Winter Construction Mode

November 30, 2021

Reece Lindquist,

DULUTH, Minn. — “We’re standing in what will be a very active construction zone in the summer. All that, we will need to get the bridge structures in place so we can do what we need to do in the summertime,” Twin Ports Interchange Construction Manager, Pete Marthaler says. The construction on the Twin Ports Interchange is now shifting into…

Unemployment Rate in Area Down, Job Openings Up

November 30, 2021

Reece Lindquist,

DULUTH, Minn. — Duluth’s unemployment rate is at the lowest percentage since 1990, but there are still a whole lot of jobs that need to be filled. The unemployment rate is sitting at about 2.8 percent throughout northeastern Minnesota. There are still 13,000 jobs openings in the area. That’s because during the pandemic some workers decided to take the early…