Minnesota

Bentleyville Adds Surveillance System to Bayfront’s “Tour of Lights”

DULUTH, Minn. –  Bentleyville will be adding video surveillance to this year’s “Tour of Lights” to help deter vandalism and theft. Today, Bentleyville founder Nathan Bentley announced that Downtown Computer has donated a campus-wide CCTV system, complete with cameras in elevated locations, recorders, surveillance management systems, and other technologies that can be remotely accessed 24/7. “Nearly every year Bentleyville experiences…

Nearly a Quarter of St. Cloud Prisoners Have COVID-19

ST. CLOUD, Minn. (AP) – The Minnesota Correctional Facility in St. Cloud has the largest outbreak of coronavirus cases in the state’s prison system in months. According to corrections officials, 242 inmates have tested positive for COVID-19. That’s nearly a quarter of the inmate population at the St. Cloud prison. The state Department of Corrections is working with the Department…

Superior Man Now Federally Charged In Twin Ports Day-Long Crime Spree

Federal charges have now been filed against a Superior man who is accused of a wild and dangerous crime spree through the Twin Ports. Cody Walker-Nelson, 30, is federally charged with attempted bank robbery and multiple gun crimes. The indictment says, in part, that Walker-Nelson attempted to rob the Associated Bank in Superior on Oct. 1 while brandishing a firearm…

Dustin Heckman Starts as Glensheen’s New Executive Director

Heckman previously served as Executive Director of the Richard I. Bong Veterans Historical Center in Superior.

DULUTH, Minn.- Someone new is at the helm of Glensheen Mansion in Duluth, and he’s a familiar face when it comes to educating people about the Northland’s history. Dustin Heckman has just started as Executive Director of Glensheen. Heckman served as Executive Director of the Richard I. Bong Veterans Historical Center in Superior since 2019. Before that, he was the…

COVID Outbreak Among Cast, Crew Cancels ‘The Octette Bridge Club’ Performances

"It's tough. It's heartbreaking,” said Merry Renn Vaughan, the production's director.

SUPERIOR, Wis. – Cases of COVID-19 have shut down a theatre production in Superior after just one live performance and weeks of rehearsals. In a story on FOX 21 last week, the cast and crew were excited about the all-alumni production of “The Octette Bridge Club” at UW-Superior Theatre. They got to perform opening night Friday, Nov. 19, but one…

‘Heaven On Earth Wellness Spa’ On Central Entrance

DULUTH, Minn. — A new modernized day spa has opened in Duluth that prides itself on using non toxic products for all. ‘Heaven on Earth Wellness Spa’ is located on the 300 block of East Central Entrance. It offers everything from Colon hydrotherapy to infrared saunas and a hyperbaric oxygen chamber. They use natural and organic ingredients in products. And…

Covid-19 Cases On The Rise In Minnesota

DULUTH, Minn. — Wednesday morning drew in some alarming news to Essentia hospitals across the Midwest. Even though Michigan is the leading state in new covid cases, Minnesota is right behind after holding the number one spot last week. This means added pressure on hospital systems like Essentia Health which saw 129 new positive covid cases on Wednesday morning across…

‘Pure Hockey’ Chain Acquires Duluth Hockey Company

The location on Maple Grove Road up by the Miller Hill Mall was bought this year, making it Pure Hockey's 8th store in Minnesota.  

DULUTH, Minn.- Longtime local store Duluth Hockey Company is now under new, corporate ownership — and they say it’s allowed them to score big in the inventory they offer to the Northland’s hockey community. Pure Hockey is the new owner of Duluth Hockey Company. The location on Maple Grove Road up by the Miller Hill Mall was bought this year,…

Duluth Arts Community Seeking Artwork for Exhibit

DULUTH, Minn. — The Duluth International Airport is looking to add more vibrant color to its property with locally-made artwork. The exhibit would rotate out pieces with one or two exhibits every year. The Duluth Public Arts Commission, which is heading up this project, says it has already received a few paintings but is open to art in any form,…

Defense Department Helping to Relieve Two Minnesota Hospitals

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) – Gov. Tim Walz says the Department of Defense will send medical teams to two major Minnesota hospitals to relieve doctors and nurses who are swamped by a growing wave of COVID-19 patients. The teams, each comprising 22 people, will arrive at Hennepin County Medical Center and St. Cloud Hospital next week and begin treating patients immediately. Walz…

Historic St. Louis County Jailhouse Sold, Being Converted Into Apartments

Gardner Builders is already at work redeveloping the building with its steel jail cells into 33 mixed-rate apartment units.

DULUTH, Minn.-The historic St. Louis County Jailhouse in Downtown Duluth is getting new life as mixed-rate apartments, after 10 years of trying to put the vacant building to use. This October, the building on West 2nd Street was sold to New Burnham, an entity composed of Meghan Elliott of New History, Jon Commers of Donjek Consulting, and Grant Carlson, the…

Surge of COVID Patients, Lack of ICU Beds Impacting Smaller Rural Hospitals

Lake View Hospital in Two Harbors and Community Memorial in Cloquet are stressing vaccinations, and patience with their overwhelmed employees.

TWO HARBORS/ CLOQUET, Minn.- Hospitals in small rural towns are echoing more intensely the issues overwhelming larger city facilities — more COVID patients filling beds, and fatigue at battling a pandemic for close to 20 months — causing them to transfer patients far away when they pride themselves at providing local care. “The emotional strain that it puts on a…

Ski Hut Prepping for Winter Season

"Typically the end of October, the beginning of November is when we start to pick up," Neustel says. 

DULUTH, Minn. — “Cross country skis, snowshoes, alpine skis and snowboards as well as all the equipment you would need to go along with those activities,” Ski Hut Owner, Dave Neustel says. “Typically the end of October, the beginning of November is when we start to pick up,” Neustel says. The owner of the Ski Hut in Duluth tells us…

Superior Chamber & Visitor Bureau Receives Large Grant

The bureau hopes to receive the funds by the end of the month.

SUPERIOR, Wisc. — Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers recently awarded $15 million in grants to local tourism organizations. The Superior-Douglas County Visitor Bureau will be receiving more than $135,000. The bureau is one of several dozen organizations recognized in the grant which puts tourism as a priority in the state as travel is a priority for many people again. “We are…

Sporting Goods Stores Gearing Up for Ice Fishing Season

Over at Marine General, they have just switched their store over to the winter season.

DULUTH, Minn. — A lot of people are ready to see the lakes freeze over, and that includes those at sporting goods stores selling ice fishing gear. Over at Marine General, they have just switched their store over to the winter season. The store ordered all of their supplies early with more inventory coming in daily from ice houses to…

Minnesota Ready To Allow COVID-19 Boosters for All Adults

MINNEAPOLIS – Health Commissioner Jan Malcolm says Minnesota officials are so alarmed about the continued surge in COVID-19 cases that they’re ready to start allowing vaccine booster shots for all adults by the end of the week if the federal government doesn’t approve them first. Other states are taking similar steps. Malcolm announced the plan on a day when Minnesota’s…

Hundreds of Minnesota Officers, Agents Getting Body Cameras

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Hundreds of state law enforcement officers in Minnesota will soon be outfitted with new body cameras to record everything from traffic stops to civil disturbances. More than 600 Minnesota State Patrol troopers, nearly 200 Department of Natural Resources conservation officers, Bureau of Criminal Apprehension agents, and other state-level law enforcement officers will soon wear the 1,100…

Duluth Fire Department Responding to “Small Structure” Fire in Woodland

DULUTH, Minn. – Fire crews are responding to a “small structure” fire in the Woodland neighborhood Tuesday morning. According to a recent Twitter post, the Duluth Fire Department responded to the fire around 9:45 a.m. on the 300 block of West Wabasha Street. Crews were able to put the fire out quickly and are now working on extinguishing hotspots. Residents…

Health Officials: Minnesota Amid Coronavirus ‘Blizzard’

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) — Minnesota health officials say the state is currently in the middle of a coronavirus “blizzard” with its rate of new infections worst in the nation over the pasts seven days. More than 95% of available inpatient hospital beds are filled across the state which has caused backups in some emergency departments, according to health care…

Walk to End Alzheimer’s Donations Exceed $169K, Surpasses Goal Earlier than Past Years

This past September's Walk to End Alzheimer's has already raised $169,000 -- $2,000 more than this year's goal.

DULUTH, Minn.- Local fundraising for Alzheimer’s treatment and research has reached nearly 170 thousand dollars just two months after several hundred people walked the Lakewalk in Duluth in support. This past September’s Walk to End Alzheimer’s has already raised $169,000 — $2,000 more than this year’s goal. Organizers say it warms their hearts to see more money being donated to…

UMD Police Officers Now Sporting Body Cameras, UWS to Follow in 2022

Both Police Chiefs say, holding officers, as well as civilians accountable, is important in even the safest of environments.

DULUTH/SUPERIOR- For the first time UMD’S Police Department has gotten body-worn cameras this year. This as the police chief across the bridge at the University of Wisconsin Superior also announced they’re set to receive body cameras in February of 2022. “It was something that we wanted to do for quite some time,” UMD Police Chief Sean Huls said. After several…

Piedmont Students Take Learning to New Heights Launching Weather Balloon to Space

The students attached science experiments to the balloon, to see how they will react in the stratosphere.

DULUTH, Minn.- Piedmont Elementary School science students are once again taking their learning up, up, and away launching a weather balloon into space today. The balloon is equipped with a high-altitude computer so the students can study the altitude, temperature, and barometric pressure here on earth. But this year, the 5th grade students wanted to do more than just go…

Lake Superior Art Glass Begins Christmas Themed Events

You can pick up your glassware three days after you made it.

DULUTH, Minn. — Lake Superior Art glass is kicking off the holiday season with its traditional snowmen and ornament-making classes. Making one of these pieces takes about 30 minutes, and you can pick out your own design and colors, along with adding certain features to these snowmen, such as scarves and hats. A glassblower works one-on-one with you to customize…

Great Lakes Aquarium Seeing Record-Setting Attendance

DULUTH, Minn. — After a year of closures and low attendance during the pandemic, the Great Lakes Aquarium is on track for its biggest year ever. The aquarium’s attendance is expected to reach more than 185,000 visitors by the end of the year. That’s 10,000 more visitors than the previous record in 2018. The aquarium’s executive director tells us more…

Spirit Mountain Starts Snowmaking

Crews fired up two dozen snow-making guns on the slopes over the weekend.

DULUTH, Minn. — Snow is falling again at Spirit Mountain — and we aren’t talking about the weather we’ve had this past weekend. Crews fired up two dozen snow-making guns on the slopes over the weekend. As long as temperatures are around 24 degrees or lower, the fake snow will be flowing 24/7. It’s all to get ready for opening…

Keith Ellison To Seek 2nd Term as Minnesota Attorney General

ST, PAUL, Minn. (AP) — Democratic Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison, who led the prosecution team that won the conviction of ex-officer Derek Chauvin in the death of George Floyd, announced Monday he will seek a second term. Ellison assembled a team of attorneys in private practice and from his office that persuaded jurors earlier this year to convict Chauvin…

Flight Makes Emergency Landing at Twin Cities Airport

MINNEAPOLIS – A Spirit Airlines flight that took off from Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport made an emergency landing after a pilot reported a possible engine fire. The flight took off about 7:30 p.m. Sunday and was headed for Orlando, but within minutes returned to the Twin Cities airport. The Federal Aviation Administration issued a statement that said the Airbus A320…

Duluth Curling Club Returns to DECC Ice with New Temporary Chiller Installed

The facility hosted curling leagues for the first time in months after construction was completed on a new temporary ice plant.

DULUTH, Minn.- Curlers were back on the ice at the Duluth Curling Club at the DECC — back in ship shape after an ammonia leak shut down the facility for a couple of days this past summer. The facility hosted curling leagues for the first time in months after construction was completed on a new temporary ice plant for the…

Local Christmas Tree Farmers Seeing Customers Deck the Halls Early

While weather issues have impacted some of their crops, two tree farmers in Duluth said they're excited to see the big crowds they saw last year.

DULUTH, Minn. – The first measurable snow of the season has got people in the mood to spruce up their homes for the holidays, shopping for locally grown Christmas trees early this year. While the weather has affected some of their growth, they’re still ready for crowds as big as they saw last year. “Happens every year,” said Bob Abrahamson…

Snow, Ice Cited In St. Louis Co. Crash That Killed 2

DULUTH, Minn. (AP) – Wintry weather carrying strong winds, snow and icy conditions may have contributed to a highway crash in northeastern Minnesota that killed a woman and an 11-year-old boy. The Minnesota State Patrol cited snow and icy roads in a fatal crash Thursday afternoon on Highway 135 in St. Louis County. A Toyota Corolla carrying four people was…

Virus Surge Sends Minnesota Hospitals Scrambling For Room

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) – Minnesota hospitals are scrambling to make room for patients as patients needing medical care for COVID-19 have hit a high for the year. Hospitals have delayed non-essential procedures, diverted less serious cases to outpatient clinics, and treated emergency room patients in hallways and ambulance bays that have been converted to urgent care centers, the St. Paul Pioneer…

Girls On The Run Celebratory 5k Held

DULUTH, Minn. — Girls on the run is a nationwide running program that teaches and develops young girls to be successful in every avenue of their lives. Saturday, that avenue was the Lakewalk as a 5k was held for these young athletes, and they showed exactly what they are capable of. The non-profit holds runs and events across the country…

First ‘Fill the Tent’ Event in West Duluth Collects Hygiene Items, Winter Clothing for Homeless

The group plans to divide what they collected up and take it all to 3 different shelters in the city.

DULUTH, Minn.- The group Guardian Angels of West Duluth held their first Fill the Tent event at Memorial Park Saturday. According to administrator Logan Reardon, they saw more donations than they expected of hygiene items like toothbrushes and toothpaste, and winter jackets, gloves, hats, and more. Cash and gift certificates from local businesses were also accepted. The group plans to…

Snow Hits Minnesota, Officials Urge Travel Caution

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) – Minnesota is readying for snow as the National Weather Service issued a winter weather advisory. Officials urged caution on the roads as ice and strong winds threatened to make driving conditions treacherous late Saturday and into Sunday. The Minnesota State Patrol has already cited snow and icy roads in a fatal crash on Thursday afternoon when a…

Minnesota Gov. Walz Departs for Europe Trade Mission

He will also be joined by over 40 executives from Minnesota businesses and organizations at various points of the trip.

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) – Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz is leaving for a six-day trip to Europe to promote the state’s businesses. The Democratic governor said says he will travel to the United Kingdom and Finland to promote trade with a focus on health care, environmental technology, agriculture, and education. Walz will spend the first three days of the tour in London,…

The Depot to Host Native American Heritage Day Celebration

DULUTH, Minn.- The St. Louis County Historical Society and American Indian Advisory Committee is organizing the Depot’s 4th annual celebration of Native American Heritage Day Saturday. The free event includes an unveiling of a new exhibit, native food, and more. Organizers will be featuring native music, history, and art, welcoming guests of all ages. The event will be held in…

Duluth Pack Hosts Puppy Adoption Event

Anyone who adopted a puppy also received an adoption gift.

DULUTH, Minn. — Duluth Pack in Canal Park helped some furry friends find new families on Friday. Partnering with Northern Lakes Rescue and Ruffwear, the dog-friendly store hosted several puppies looking for their forever home. Staff at the outdoor store say, after having success in the past, they are excited to collaborate with local organizations to find these pets new…

Glensheen Mansion Unveils Christmas Decorations

DULUTH, Minn. — It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas over at Duluth’s Glensheen Mansion. Starting Friday, the mansion is bringing back its annual self-guided Christmas tours. There are 25 decorated trees spread throughout the mansion along with 25 hidden elves. New this year, an additional 25 naughty elves are to be hunted on the full mansion tours. “There…

Duluth Fire Receives Large Donation from Affinity Plus Credit Union

DULUTH, Minn.- The Duluth Firefighters Foundation received a $10,000 donation from Affinity Plus Credit Union to put towards new fire rescue equipment. Affinity Plus Credit Union has helped the Duluth Firefighters Foundation for eight years, providing donations for needed equipment. With the donation, The fire department will be getting a MultiForce Air Lifting Bag that will make fire rescues safer…

‘Fill The Tent’ Event Aimed at Helping Homeless Community

The 'Fill the Tent' event will take place at Memorial Park on grand avenue.

DULUTH, Minn. — The organization Guardian Angels of West Duluth is hosting an event on Saturday in the neighborhood to help the homeless community. The ‘Fill the Tent’ event will take place at Memorial Park on grand avenue. After noticing an increase in the homeless population and individuals impacted by fires in homeless encampments. The organization is looking to pitch…

Muli-Car Crash on Iron Range Thursday Leaves 2 Dead, 3 Injured

Officials say the roads were covered in snow and ice at the time due to the snowstorm.

GILBERT, Minn.- During the Northland’s first snowstorm of the season Thursday, a 4-car crash took the lives of two people including a child, and injured three others on the Iron Range. The crash happened in Gilbert on Minnesota Highway 135 Thursday. According to the Minnesota State Patrol, a Toyota Corolla heading West with 4 people inside lost control. It crossed…