Minnesota

Greenwood Fire Update: Fire Remains at 14% Containment

(US Forest Service) NEAR ISABELLA, Minn. – As of Monday morning, the Greenwood fire remains at 25,991 acres and 14% containment. Fire officials say significant rainfall over the weekend helped crews improve the fireline and “mop up”, extinguishing hot embers along the fire’s edge. On Sunday, heavy equipment operators continued improvements of the Stony River Grade Road, serving as the…

1 Dead, 1 Critically Injured in Early Morning Crash in Carlton

CARLTON, Minn. – One person is dead and another is critically injured after a single-vehicle crash in Carlton early Monday morning. According to the Carlton County Sheriff’s Department, deputies responded to reports of a vehicle leaving the roadway in the 200 block of Thomson Road around 12:18 a.m. Authorities say a truck driven by an adult male traveling southbound left…

Lightning Destroys Steeple of Hope City Church, Causes Water Main to Burst

DULUTH, Minn.- Around 7:45 p.m. Saturday, lightning struck Hope City Church in Central Hillside, causing a cross made up of wood and metal to fall and even broke a water main underneath the structure. The lightning bolt destroyed one of two steeples sitting on top of the church building, with force strong enough to reach below the concrete, causing a…

Mark Wick Named Interim Head Coach of Augsburg Men’s Hockey

MINNEAPOLIS, Minn.– Hermantown native Mark Wick has been named Interim Head Coach for the Augsburg Men’s Hockey Team. He takes over for Chris Brown, who resigned on Friday, to pursue an assistant coaching job at Alaska-Fairbanks, a Division 1 Hockey School. Wick was the head coach of Men’s Hockey at Saint Scholastica for 14 years, and an Assistant Coach for…

East Hillside Apartment Catches Fire Damaging Homes, Displacing Tenants

One resident went door to door helping people get out of their apartments safely.

DULUTH, Minn.- Duluth firefighters spent hours battling an apartment fire in Duluth’s East Hillside neighborhood late Saturday into Sunday, which left multiple units damaged, and tenants displaced. At about 10:30 Saturday night, the apartment building on the 1100 Block of East 3rd Street caught on fire. Multiple fire crews responded to the scene, where five cats from three different apartments…

Goalies Inc. Returns for Skills Camp at AMSOIL Arena

DULUTH, Minn.– This weekend at AMSOIL Arena, about 40 young goaltenders not only sharpened their skates, but their skills as well, in a unique two-day goalie camp that travels through the country. Goalies Inc. based out of Marquette, Michigan is a goaltending and power skating skills camp that makes its second return to AMSOIL this year and 7th return to…

Duluth Police Struggling With Recruitment, Officer Shortage

The Duluth Police Department is about 5 officers short of being fully staffed. But up to 16 are set to retire in the next year totaling 30 retirees in the next three years.

DULUTH, Minn.- The Duluth Police Department is among the labor forces experiencing a dry spell. The number of applications this year to date is at its lowest in 3 years, as they work to overcome the growing number of retirees and some negative feelings towards police officers statewide. Right now the Duluth Police Department is about 5 officers short of…

Weather Helps Keep Greenwood Fire 14% Contained, Evacuations Lifted for Slate Lake

A weather system Sunday afternoon is expected to bring lower humidity and potentially strong wind gusts.

NEAR ISABELLA, Minn.- The Greenwood Fire continued to sit at 25,991 acres and 14% contained Sunday, with some evacuation orders lifted. Officials say dryer weather is in the forecast and drought conditions will continue. According to a spokesperson with the Superior National Forest, hand crews and heavy equipment operators took advantage of cool temperatures, high humidity, and light rain Saturday…

East Hillside Apartment Fire Damages Multiple Units, Displaces Tenant

Crews located and rescued a total of five cats in three different apartments

DULUTH, Minn.- Duluth Firefighters spent hours battling a fire at a multi-unit apartment building in Duluth’s East Hillside neighborhood late Saturday into early Sunday morning. According to a spokesperson with the Department, the call came in just after 10:30 p.m. of a structure fire at a nine-unit apartment building on the 1100 block of East 3rd Street. The reporting party…

Tribute Fest Wraps Up, Breaks Record for Advance Tickets Sold

The Duluth Vet Center was also on-site to help connect veterans to counseling and other services.

DULUTH, Minn.- Saturday’s weather took a break from the doom and gloom to give this year’s Tribute Fest at Bayfront Park a sunny sendoff. Organizers say upward of 2,000 tickets were sold in advance to the show, more than they’ve ever sold in previous years. Veterans and their families were allowed in and fed for free. All the money goes…

Lightning Damages Steeple of Hope City Church, Leaves Building Structurally Unsound

Due to the amount of debris and the building's structural concerns, streets will remained closed to vehicular traffic over Saturday night.

DULUTH, Minn.- A lightning strike damaged both a Duluth church and a nearby water main during thunderstorms Saturday night, and officials are monitoring the structure overnight. According to a spokesperson with the Duluth Fire Department, at approximately 7:45 p.m., crews responded to Hope City Church at 417 North 3rd Avenue East, after a recording party said that the church had…

Two Harbors City Union Pickets for Health Care

TWO HARBORS, Minn.- City employees in Two Harbors took up pickets today, protesting what they call unfair changes that could be made to their health insurance. Union group AFSCME local 1123 says they’re fighting to keep their current health insurance plans. The city covers 85 percent of the premium, and the remaining 15 percent is billed to the employee. They…

UMD Welcome Week is Back with Bulldog Bash

DULUTH, Minn.- The first day of school for the University of Minnesota Duluth is right around the corner, but Welcome Week is not over yet. UMD’s Kirby Student Center was flooded with new students for their annual Bulldog Bash. The welcome week event introduces new students to all things UMD. “This is a big event where we have a lot…

Edna G. the Tugboat Celebrates 125 Years

TWO HARBORS, Minn.- It is the 125th anniversary of the historic tugboat, Edna G., and people are here in two harbors to join in on the celebration. Returning for the first time in 25 years, the event brings live music, food, and games to keep people entertained for the weekend. Built in 1896, the famous tugboat is known for its…

Tornado Watch Issued for East-Central Minnesota, Northwest Wisconsin

According to National Weather Service, large hail, damaging winds, and a few tornadoes are all possible.

DULUTH, Minn.- The National Weather Service has issued a tornado watch until 4 p.m. Saturday for much of east-central Minnesota and Northwest Wisconsin. According to a post on their Facebook page, large hail, damaging winds, and a few tornadoes are all possible. Categories: Environment, Minnesota, News, News – Latest News, Weather in the News, Wisconsin Tags: Hail, national weather service,…

Hundreds of Kids Get Free Backpacks, School Supplies to Start the Year

Donations were provided by local businesses, Duluth Police Department, UMD, and other sources.

DULUTH, Minn.- As more kids get ready to head back to school, Mike Letica teamed up with Neighborhood Youth Services to give away hundreds of backpacks and school supplies Friday for families who may have a tough time paying for them. Organizers filled about a thousand backpacks with supplies like crayons, notebooks, scissors, and more. Donations were provided by local…

Boys and Girls Club Youth Test Out Firefighting Skills

72 kids put their skills to the test with a chair climb, dragging a hose and dummy through the course, and other obstacles.

DULUTH, Minn.- Some local youth from the Boys and Girls Clubs of the Northland got to see first-hand what it takes to be a firefighter at the Duluth Heritage Sports Center today. For the Youth Firefighter Combat Challenge, 72 kids put their skills to the test with a chair climb, dragging a hose and dummy through the course, and other…

National Weather Service Helps Amid Wildfire Season

The weather service continues to utilize these tools in helping alert people of unsafe air quality. 

DULUTH, Minn. —  The Greenwood fire continues to spread, and smoke from the wildfire affects air quality in surrounding areas. The National Weather Service continues playing a massive role in monitoring wildfire smoke across the state of Minnesota. By using satellite imaging and air quality sensors, the National Weather Service has been working closely with the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency…

Lakehead Harvest Returns to Esko

If you’re looking for a family fun activity for this weekend, tickets are $10 for a daily pass and free for kids 11 years old and younger.

ESKO, Minn. —  Lakehead Harvest is back with its 60th annual harvest show in Esko this weekend, showing people the history behind growing crops and harvesting. The three-day event runs through Sunday night and has a line-up of activities starting as early as 9 a.m. “Looking back and then getting recognition of our past—where we came from, what farming was…

Duluth Public Schools Push for Academic Recovery Programs Amid State Test Results

The assessments break down into three different categories, reading, math, and science.

DULUTH, Minn. — Duluth Public Schools is looking to help students academically recover after recent statewide assessment results revealed declining students meeting grade-level standards. The 2021 results show students who took the Minnesota Comprehensive Assessments and Test of Academic Skills scoring lower than previous assessments in the spring of 2019. The assessments break down into three different categories, reading, math,…

North Shore Businesses Going Strong Despite Air Quality Concerns

Resorts and campgrounds up the North Shore are continuing to feel the effects of the Greenwood fire.

SILVER BAY, Minn. — Resorts and campgrounds up the North Shore are continuing to feel the effects of the Greenwood fire. “The majority of our guests come up here to go hiking and visit the state park. Split Rock and Tettegouche being the most popular,” Cove Point Lodge Director of Operations, Kyra Bremer says. For much of the summer, business…

Superior National Forest to Close Camping Outside of Developed Campgrounds

DULUTH, Minn. – As wildfires continue to rage and much of the Northland remains in severe drought, the U.S. Forest Service says it is closing camping on Superior National Forest lands outside of developed campgrounds, effective immediately. Officials say day use is allowed and most developed campgrounds will remain open to public use. A list of open campgrounds can be…

Line 3 Protesters Removed From Minnesota Capitol Lawn

(AP Photo/Jim Mone, File) ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) — Minnesota troopers on Friday removed some demonstrators protesting Enbridge Energy’s Line 3 replacement pipeline project on the lawn of the state Capitol. Videos posted on social media showed troopers carrying protesters onto a bus as dozens of law enforcement officers surrounded a small remnant of the 1,000 or more protesters who…

Minnesota State Fair First-Day Attendance Down by Half

FALCON HEIGHTS, Minn. (AP) – First-day attendance at the Minnesota State Fair was down by roughly half as the fair returned after missing last year due to the coronavirus pandemic. With simmering concern over the delta variant, and fair officials declining to require masks or proof of vaccinations, Thursday’s attendance was 61,983. That’s less than half of the 2019 record…

Suspected Human Bones Discovered by Utility Crew in Beltrami County

BELTRAMI COUNTY, Minn. – Utility crews in Beltrami County unearthed what is believed to be human bones on Tuesday afternoon. According to the Beltrami County Sheriff’s Department, the 911 center received a call from the workers around 12:40 p.m. to report the discovery. The Beltrami County Sheriff’s Office, Leech Lake Tribal Police Department, Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension, and the…

12-State Human Trafficking Operation Nets Rescues 47 Victims

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) – Missouri Attorney General Eric Schmitt says a 12-state law enforcement operation rescued 47 victims of human trafficking and led to the arrest of more than 100 people. Schmitt said most of the arrests were made Thursday night into Friday morning. The effort, called Operation United Front, used undercover officers who arranged to meet potential human…

Greenwood Fire Remains at Nearly 26,000 Acres, Zero Percent Containment

(US Forest Service-Superior National Forest/Facebook) ISABELLA, Minn. – The U.S. Forest Service says cooler temps and higher humidity helped to slow the growth of the Greenwood fire on Thursday. Fire crews took advantage of the weather conditions to improve fire lines and use defensive operations in the west and north parts of the fire. Officials say the priority for Friday…

Albert Lea Quarantines Nearly 300 Students for COVID-19 in First Week of School

ALBERT LEA, Minn. (FOX 9) – Nearly 300 Albert Lea students have been quarantined for exposure to COVID-19 after the first week of school, prompting changes to the school district’s face mask requirements. Albert Lea Area Schools Superintendent Mike Funk shared an update with families Thursday, stating the virus has “significantly disrupted” the start of school. After five days of…

Gov. Walz Orders Flags Flown at Half-Staff to Honor Victims of the Attack in Kabul

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Governor Tim Walz has ordered all United States and Minnesota flags be flown at half-staff at all state and federal buildings in Minnesota to remember, mourn, and honor theUnited States service members and other victims that were killed or wounded in a terrorist attack carried out in Kabul, Afghanistan Thursday. The governor’s office says the order…

Greenwood Fire Won’t Be ‘Extinguished’ Until Snow Falls

The fire was estimated at 25,991 acres Thursday.

NEAR ISABELLA, Minn.,- For those who thought the incoming rain would help fight the Greenwood wildfire, officials Thursday said it’ll be snow that likely provides the moisture needed to bring the almost 26,000-acre fire down. “And this’ll be a long-term incident, of course,” Incident Commander Brian Pisarek said. “Put this out as probably snowfall as what’s gonna extinguish it, in…

Minnesota Elks Give 200 Backpacks with School Supplies to Kids in Need

Each backpack contained about $70 worth of school supplies.

DULUTH, Minn.- Hundreds of kids in need got to start their school year worry-free, with free backpacks full of school supplies. The Minnesota Elks gave out 200 backpacks full of whatever their supply lists called for. It’s the 9th year the elks have done the back to school event, and they say the joy it brings to the kids brings…

Tribute Fest Kicks Off Return to Bayfront Park

All the money goes to the Minnesota Assistance Council for Veterans, or MACV.

DULUTH, Minn.- A weekend of live music from Johnny Cash to Metallica is back in the Northland as Tribute Fest kicked off today at Bayfront Park. The event is two years in the making after being called off last year due to the pandemic. Veterans and their families can enjoy the festival free of charge while tickets for other are…

Babbitt Community Giving Back To Men and Women Battling Greenwood Fire

On Thursday, departments fighting the Greenwood Fire received a big donation courtesy of the United way and D&D distributors. 

BABBITT, Minn. — As the Greenwood Fire rages on, community members and organizations in the town of Babbitt are doing their part to help the men and women on the front lines. “A lot of evacuation and setting up sprinklers on homes and stuff like that just to get people out of the way of danger,” Babbitt EMS Worker, Mike…

Second Structure Fire Ignites at Spoons Bar & Grill

DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth Fire Department has responded to a second report of fire coming from Lincoln Park’s Spoons Bar & Grill Thursday morning. According to the fire department, crews responded to the restaurant for a second time around 11:38 a.m. When they arrived at the scene fire crews found smoke coming from the rear of the building near…

Greenwood Fire Grows to Nearly 26,000 Acres, Dozens of Homes, Outbuildings Destroyed

(Brian Peterson/Star Tribune via AP) ISABELLA, Minn. – The Greenwood wildfire has now grown to nearly 26,000 acres. Officials on Thursday updated the size of the fire to 25,991 acres and reported that 12 homes or cabins and 57 outbuildings have been destroyed in the fire. Forest officials decided to keep the popular Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness closed another…

Red Flag Warning Issued for Park Point Beaches

DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth Fire Department has issued a warning for dangerous swimming conditions at Park Point beaches effective immediately until 10:00 a.m. tomorrow. The warning means that wind and wave conditions can support rip currents, which are life-threatening to anyone entering the water. Red flags are flying along the beach to indicate dangerous swimming conditions. You are advised…

Judge Rejects Bid to Allow Guns at Minnesota State Fair

(AP Photo/Jim Mone, File) MINNEAPOLIS (AP) – A judge has rejected a request by a gun owners group for a temporary injunction to require the Minnesota State Fair to allow permit holders to carry their pistols on the fairgrounds. Judge Laura Nelson ruled Wednesday that they’re unlikely to prevail as the broader-case goes forward. The judge issued her ruling the…

Kitchen Fire at Spoon’s Bar & Grill Causes $75k in Damage

DULUTH, Minn. – An early morning kitchen fire at Spoon’s Restaurant in West Duluth caused an estimated $75,000 in damage. According to the Duluth Fire Department, fire crews responded to the restaurant around 2:27 a.m. Thursday on reports of flames showing from the building. When crews arrived at the restaurant, located at 2113 West Superior Street, they found flames coming…

Greenwood Fire Destroys Nearly 70 Structures In McDougal Lake Area

No injuries have been reported so far.

The Greenwood Fire’s devastating destruction became very real Wednesday evening as officials released how many structures were damaged or destroyed in the McDougal Lake area. According to the Superior National Forest Service, the Cook County Sheriff’s Office has counted 12 cabins and homes destroyed by fire and nearly 60 outbuildings, like sheds, also destroyed. Three other primary structures, like cabins…

Full Business Liquidation Sells off Last Parts of Ganucci’s

DULUTH, Minn.– A local family favorite restaurant since the 70’s closed its doors about a week ago here in Duluth, and Nordic Auctions went in today to sell the last parts of Ganucci’s. West Duluth’s’ Ganucci’s Italian Market and Restaurant held a full business liquidation today selling off all food stock, kitchen items, dining room furniture and other décor to…

YMCA Hosts Back to School Resource Fair

DULUTH, Minn.– The Harbor Highlands YMCA held their annual back to school fair this evening, preparing and supplying kids with the materials they might need before the year starts. There were multiple tables set up outside teaching the kids about areas of health, safety and wellness, and they were able to receive backpacks and other school supplies too. According to…

Duluth Schools In-Person: Masks on

DULUTH, Minn.– As Duluth public schools prepare for the 5-day, in-person instruction this academic year, Superintendent John Magas talks about why the mask requirements for students age 2 and older will be beneficial in the long run. Duluth School District officials confirmed the mask requirement as of last night as district officials updated ISD 709’s “Safe Learning Plan.” By doing…

American Red Cross Blood Drive at AMSOIL

DULUTH, Minn.- The American Red Cross hosts a two-day blood drive event sponsored by Bentleyville and Bent Paddle Brewing. The blood drive welcomes donors to sign-up or walks into AMSOIL Arena to give blood today and tomorrow. Donors will receive a free T-shirt from Bentleyville and a free beer from Bent Paddle Brewing. “They need to have that blood available…

University of Minnesota Duluth Welcomes Students

DULUTH, Minn.- University of Minnesota Duluth students started welcome week festivities by moving back to campus. Lines of cars full of first-year students and parents were wrapped around the campus, waiting to be checked into their new living situations. “Yeah, it’s exciting,” said first-year student Noah Peterson. “Very different than last year when we only went to school twice a…

Firefighters Continue Battling Greenwood Fire

Firefighters are also monitoring areas of concern along the border of the fire.

ISABELLA, Minn. —  On Wednesday more than 400 firefighters on the ground were busy conducting several defensive operations with the help of air resources. One of the main goals is helping to reduce burnable natural fuel near homes and the edge of the fire. “We really gotta make sure highway one is closed to the public,” Greenwood Fire Public Information…

Greenwood Fire Update: Fire Grows to Over 21,000 Acres

ISABELLA, Minn. – Officials say the Greenwood fire grew to 21,720 acres Wednesday with suppression operations expanding to the east and south. Wednesday’s weather is expected to be favorable for firing operations with lights winds, lower temperatures, and relative humidity in the high 30th percentile. Authorities say firefighters plan to conduct several defensive firing operations today to reduce the burnable…

Minnesota Supreme Court Delivers Blow to Line 3 Opponents

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) – The Minnesota Supreme Court has declined to hear an appeal by opponents of Enbridge Energy’s Line 3 oil pipeline, letting stand a key decision by independent regulators to allow construction to proceed. The state’s highest court declined Tuesday to take the case, effectively affirming a decision in June by the Minnesota Court of Appeals. And it left…

Superior National Forest Closes National Forest Lands Along Upper Gunflint Trail

DULUTH, Minn. – On Wednesday, the U.S. Forest Service announced it is closing the Superior National Forest lands along the upper portion of the Gunflint Trail due to ongoing fires and limited availability of firefighting resources. This closure includes all forest lands along Cook County 12/Gunflint Trail beginning at the Cook County 92 Intersection to the end of the Gunflint…