Minnesota Archives - Page 156 of 377

Holiday Shoppers Browse Last Makers Market at Hoops Brewing

The market featured nine different local vendors with products ranging from glasswear and jewelry, to woodworking, knit hats and scarves, and photo prints.

December 18, 2021

Arman Rahman,

DULUTH, Minn.-. It was a day full of local holiday shopping on the last weekend before Christmas as Hoops Brewing in Canal Park hosted the last of their Saturday makers markets. The market featured nine different local vendors with products ranging from glasswear and jewelry, to woodworking, knit hats and scarves, and photo prints. “Shopping with emotion, it’s like feelings,…

Leader of Planned Parenthood in Upper Midwest Stepping Down

The five-state organization provides health care to more than 100,000 patients each year.

December 18, 2021

Site Staff,

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) – The president of Planned Parenthood’s affiliate in the upper Midwest says she is stepping down from her position next year. Sarah Stoesz oversaw the organization for nearly 20 years and grew it into one of the largest Planned Parenthood affiliates in the country as it expanded from Minnesota and South Dakota to incorporate North Dakota, Iowa, and…

Sun Country Airlines Officially Takes Off

December 17, 2021

Natalie Noury,

DULUTH, Minn. — Travelers celebrated with the Duluth International Airport Friday as they held a ceremony, introducing Sun Country’s new flight service. Sun Country Airlines officially opened at the Duluth International Airport, offering direct flights from Duluth to Phoenix, or Fort Myers. This is the first time the airline has been offered in Duluth, giving people the chance to escape…

College of Saint Scholastica Prepares For Fall Graduation

December 17, 2021

Natalie Noury,

DULUTH, Minn. — Saturday is a big day for many, as it marks commencement hundreds of students at the College of Saint Scholastica. This is the second in-person commencement ceremony CSS has held since the start of the pandemic, but this is the first that they’ve held on campus since the start. There will be about 600 graduates total, but…

Duluth Officials: Mask Mandates Don’t Look To Make a Comeback

December 17, 2021

Natalie Noury,

DULUTH, Minn. — As the Omicron variant and others continue to threaten the US including the Northland, people are starting to wonder if mask mandates will make a return. Multiple states have already re-instated their indoor mask mandates like California and New York, but with cases rising, and Minnesota seeing a larger surge of the virus, the question lingers of…

UMD Students Head Home After Last Day of Last Semester of 2021

The first semester back to full operations after the pandemic forced UMD to limit the number of face-to-face classes last academic season.

December 17, 2021

Mason Kroll,

DULUTH, Minn.- UMD students wrapped up their final day of classes for the semester today. It was the first semester back to full operations after the pandemic forced UMD to limit the number of face-to-face classes last academic season. It was a quiet last day on campus, as many students wrapped up their final tests and prepared to head home…

‘Thrifters’ in Duluth Seeing Calmer Business After Busy Early Holiday Shopping Season

Thrifters opened up on East 4th Street this past summer and has a variety of jackets, boots, hats, and much more for shoppers looking for certain brand names like Under Armour.

December 17, 2021

Mason Kroll,

DULUTH, Minn.- The holiday crowds are starting to die down at one local thrift store in Duluth, which has plenty of options for those last-minute gifts. Thrifters opened up on East 4th Street this past summer and has a variety of jackets, boots, hats, and much more for shoppers looking for certain brand names like Under Armour. Staff there say…

Northland Christmas Trees in Short Supply

December 17, 2021

Reece Lindquist,

DULUTH, Minn. — If you’re still looking for a fresh Christmas tree this holiday season you may be out of luck. That’s because after starting to sell them in mid-November, Hoffbauer Tree Farm saw a large rush during the Thanksgiving holiday. Even though they sold the same amount of trees as last year, they sold out by December 11th which…

Depot Hosting ‘Great Hall’ Marketplace

December 17, 2021

Reece Lindquist,

DULUTH, Minn. — The St. Louis County Depot is preparing to host their first-ever Depot Great Hall Marketplace on Saturday. There are over 60 artists and vendors spanning three floors of the depot. Organizers hope to create a lively and festive atmosphere, all to help the local craft community who will be offering attendees a little bit of everything. “From…

Businesses Brace For Last-Minute Holiday Shoppers

December 17, 2021

Reece Lindquist,

DULUTH, Minn. — It’s the last weekend before Christmas, and businesses in Canal Park are bracing for holiday shoppers to come in for their last-minute gifts. Over at Lake Superior Art Glass, they are continuing to host their design your own snowmen and design your own ornaments sessions until the end of the month. The popular events have been bringing…

Potter Expected on Stand as Trial in Wright Death Nears End

December 17, 2021

The Associated Press,

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) – The Minnesota police officer on trial in the shooting death of Daunte Wright was expected to take the stand Friday, hoping to persuade jurors to acquit her of manslaughter charges in what she has said was a gun-Taser mixup. A compressed defense case for Kim Potter appeared likely to wrap up after just two days, with jurors…

Duluth Public Library Launches ‘Get Wrapped Up In A Good Book’

December 17, 2021

KQDS Staff,

DULUTH, Minn. – “Get Wrapped Up In A Good Book” is on display at the Duluth Public Main Library. In the spirit of the holiday season, the display features a selection of wrapped books targeted for teens, with each book giving a small description of what to expect inside. As people walk by the display, library staff encourage visitors to…

Bentleyville Reopens With Fresh Snow After Wednesday Night Storm

December 17, 2021

Site Staff,

DULUTH, Minn. — After closing yesterday due to the severe weather, Bentleyville was back open on Thursday night. Crews took down a few of the more vulnerable pieces of the Tour of Lights on Wednesday, and just as quickly put it back up the next day, allowing it to be fully operational for people to come and enjoy the Duluth…

December-Soaked Storm Thaws Rinks, Quickens Slopes

While outdoor rinks lost ice to the rain, skiers and snowboarders enjoyed faster slopes.

December 16, 2021

Arman Rahman,

DULUTH, Minn.- Wednesday night’s unprecedented December thunderstorm froze things to a halt at local outdoor hockey rinks like Duluth Heights, but proved beneficial to skiers and snowboarders. “Warm-ups and stuff like that have taken us out but not rain like that. Not rain where we’re getting thunderstorms and kids are running down in the middle of the night from the…

Babbitt Man Dead After One-Vehicle Crash; ‘Slippery Road’ Contributing Factor

December 16, 2021

Dan Hanger,

MORRIS TOWNSHIP, Minn. – A 74-year-old Babbitt man is dead after a one-vehicle accident Thursday in Morris Township, and authorities believe it was weather related. The St. Louis County Sheriff’s Office says the accident happened around 3:30 p.m. on the 1900 block of Highway 21 North. The driver, whose name was not released Thursday, died at the scene. Nobody else…

Duluth Police Hold Procession For Fallen Minnesota Officer

December 16, 2021

Brett Scott,

DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth Police Department held a procession for fallen New York Mills, Minnesota police officer Ron Smith as his body made a final trip back home. Smith, 58, died Dec. 15 after a weeks-long battle with COVID-19. Smith was admitted to Lakewood Health System in Staples on Nov. 26 and was put on a ventilator to help…

Duluth Fire Department Takes Part in Annual Toy Drive

December 16, 2021

Reece Lindquist,

DULUTH, Minn. — The Duluth Fire Department went on a little shopping spree at Target on Thursday to support The Salvation Army and Toyland Express. To make this all happen, they collect money from retired and active firefighters which allows them to help support the community. Every year they eclipse their fundraising goal. This year, they raised nearly $7,000 all…

One Roof Bringing Back Tool Library Program

December 16, 2021

Reece Lindquist,

DULUTH, Minn. — If you have a home project you’re working on, you can borrow the free tools over at One Roof Community Housing. The non-profit is now relaunching its tool lending program. First started back in 2012, one roof is now updating its tool lending library courtesy of a $5,000 grant from the Northland Foundation. The library will have…

Experts Advise Taking Preventative Measures for Winter Vehicle, Sidewalk Maintenance

December 16, 2021

Reece Lindquist,

DULUTH, Minn. — Now that we’ve apparently left spring-like weather behind us mechanics and experts in winter products are talking about ways to deal with winter as best as you can to avoid any major headaches. The crew at Ace Hardware on Superior Street in Duluth tells us when it comes to throwing down salt it’s best to get all…

ISD 709 Addresses Concern Of School Threats Stemming From Disturbing National TikTok Trend

December 16, 2021

Alexandra Burnley,

DULUTH, Minn. — The ISD 709 superintendent is addressing the issue of school threats being made over social media, causing safety concerns for students, parents, and campus staff in the city. In an email sent on Thursday, superintendent John Magas passed along the information that was sent to all school districts in Minnesota from the state’s Department of Public Safety…

Gov. Walz Announces Increased COVID Testing Through the Holidays

December 16, 2021

Site Staff,

DULUTH, Minn. – On Thursday Governor Walz announced an increase of testing capacity in the state’s COVID-19 community testing network in anticipation of increased demand before the holidays. “Holiday gatherings are right around the corner and getting tested before getting together with family is vital to protecting loved ones from COVID-19,” said Governor Walz. “In addition to expanding capacity at these…

7 Omicron Cases in Minnesota, Community Spread Suspected

December 16, 2021

KQDS Staff,

ST. PAUL, Minn. (FOX 9) – Health officials in Minnesota confirmed they have detected 7 cases of the Omicron variant to date, with evidence that community spread is occurring in the state. Of the 7 cases reported by the Minnesota Department of Health, 2 are in the same household. The other 5 are not connected to those 2 and none of the…

Bentleyville to Reopen Thursday Night

December 16, 2021

Site Staff,

DULUTH, Minn. – Bentleyville will be reopening tonight after forecasted inclement weather caused organizers to close the popular holiday lights display Wednesday night. Bentleyville will be open from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Thursday evening. Organizers are reminding visitors to bring food items and toys for the Salvation Army. There was no mention of storm damage to any of the…

Closures, Delays Due to Weather: 12/16

December 16, 2021

Site Staff,

DELAYS The Human Development Center – delayed until 12:00 p.m. All services will still be offered and held via telehealth and telephone until 12:00 p.m. Second Harvest Northern Lakes Food Bank – Mobile Food Pantry Program in Cloquet delayed until Thursday, December 23 from 10:a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Click here for a list of current school closures and delays. …

Prosecution Rests Case Against Kim Potter in Wright Death

December 16, 2021

The Associated Press,

(Court TV via AP, Pool File) MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Prosecutors on Thursday rested their case against Kim Potter, the suburban Minneapolis police officer charged in the shooting death of Daunte Wright. After a week of hearing from witnesses called by the prosecution, Potter’s attorneys will get their chance to defend the former Brooklyn Center officer, who they said will take…

Ordean East Middle School Investigates Snapchat Threat Made By Unknown Person

December 15, 2021

Alexandra Burnley,

DULUTH, Minn. — An email sent to parents from the Ordean East Middle School administration on Wednesday addressed a threat made over Snapchat reported by multiple students. According to the email, a few students said that they were sent a photo showing guns on Snapchat from a person they didn’t know. The administration said the photo didn’t have a message…

Bentleyville Crews Hunker Down for Windy Winter Storm

Volunteers were out as early as 3 p.m. battening down the Bentleyville hatches, securing signage and some lights with cement blocks so they don't blow away.

December 15, 2021

Arman Rahman,

DULUTH, Minn.- While forecasters kept their eyes to the sky Wednesday, crews at Bentleyville were hard at work on the ground, preparing the tour of lights in Bayfront Park for its second major storm of the 2021 season, closing for the precipitation and 50 mph wind gusts that are all but expected off Lake Superior. Volunteers were out as early…

Sen. Smith: Federal Funding Available to Help With Home Heating Costs

December 15, 2021

Brett Scott,

DULUTH, Minn. – With December temperatures in the upper 30s, 40s, and nearing 50, it’s hard to believe home heating costs would be such a huge issue right now. However, flash forward to the New Year, and we all know the negative numbers will be settling in. Minnesota Sen. Tina Smith has worked to include an additional $167 million in…

Cloquet Police Hope to Stuff Six Squad Cars with Gifts for Kids

After filling 5 squad cars last year, officers hoped to get five and a half or even six stuffed this year with unwrapped toys and gifts for kids ranging from infants to 17-year-olds.

December 15, 2021

Arman Rahman,

CLOQUET, Minn.- The Cloquet community banded together with law enforcement and Cloquet Salvation Army tonight to fill some squad cars with toys and hopefully some cheer for kids in need. Cloquet P.D. held their 5th annual Stuff the Squad event outside the Walmart and L and M Fleet Supply. After filling 5 squad cars last year, officers hoped to get…

Second Harvest Food Shelf Seeking Volunteers

December 15, 2021

Reece Lindquist,

DULUTH, Minn. — Second Harvest Food Bank is ramping up its food distribution for the holiday season to help more families in need. The food bank says right now, grocery stores are donating less surplus food, and the supply chain issues may be partly to blame. The organization also needs more volunteers to help with food distribution which happens year-round….

Essentia Health Hopes to Double Bentleyville Food Donations

December 15, 2021

Reece Lindquist,

DULUTH, Minn. — Essentia Health is partnering with Bentleyville in hopes of boosting food donations. Some Essentia employees will be at Bentlyville on Thursday encouraging people to donate as they walk in. The tour of lights usually collects about 300 pounds of nonperishable food items each night. Essentia Health wants to see that number double. “It’s part of our mission and…

Local Organizations Partnering for ‘Make Every Child Smile’ Toy Drive

December 15, 2021

Reece Lindquist,

DULUTH, Minn. — Preparations are underway for a big toy give-away this weekend in west Duluth. The 7th annual ‘Make Every Child Smile’ event happens this Sunday from noon until two at the “Shake It” on the 58-hundred block of grand avenue. There is no income restriction for free gifts. The toy drive is also focusing on adopting up to 25…

Bentleyville Closes Due to Inclement Weather

December 15, 2021

Site Staff,

DULUTH, Minn. – Bentleyville will be closed Wednesday due to forecasted inclement weather. According to Bentleyville’s Facebook page, the popular Tour of Lights display will reopen Thursday at 5:00 p.m. Any changes to the reopening will be posted on its Facebook page or at Bentleyvilleusa.org. Categories: Community, Minnesota, News, News – Latest News

Evictions on the Rise Months After Federal Moratorium Ends

December 15, 2021

The Associated Press,

BOSTON (AP) – Housing advocates say evictions are increasing around the country, several months after a federal moratorium was allowed to end. The rise in cases, although below pre-pandemic levels in most states and cities, shows the limits on the tens of billions of dollars in federal assistance and the impact of lax protections in some places. Data collected by…

Surgery Delays Grow at Hospitals Dealing With COVID-19

December 15, 2021

The Associated Press,

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Minnesota health care systems say surgery delays are growing as coronavirus patients crowd hospitals. Doctors say hospitals have deferred procedures to free up beds, leaving some patients in prolonged pain. Patient demand over the past month has been the highest in the 21 months of the pandemic, according to health care providers. “I’m not sure the public…

Derek Chauvin Pleads Guilty to Federal Charges in Death of George Floyd

The Guilty Plea Means Chauvin will not Face a Federal Jury Trial in January

December 15, 2021

The Associated Press,

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) – Former Minneapolis Police Officer Derek Chauvin has pleaded guilty to federal charges of violating George Floyd’s civil rights. Chauvin’s plea Wednesday means he will not face a federal trial in January, though he could end up spending more years behind bars. Chauvin, who is white, was convicted this spring of state murder and manslaughter charges…

Duluth To Host Red Bull Street Snowboarding Competition

December 14, 2021

Dan Hanger,

DULUTH, Minn. – Red Bull is bringing an elite street-snowboarding competition to Duluth’s Cascade Park Sunday, Jan. 16. The event, Heavy Metal, will feature a variety of unique obstacles using the natural rails, drops and banks of Cascade Park, and some of the best rail riders in the world are expected to be there. “This is just one way to…

Duluth Firefighters Use Unstable Ice, Open Waters For Rescue Training

December 14, 2021

Dan Hanger,

DULUTH, Minn. – The unstable ice and open waters are creating great conditions for the Duluth Fire Department to train for possible rescues this winter. Firefighters hopped in their rescue suits Tuesday to take advantage of the dicey conditions in a slip in the Duluth Port. Officials said this type of training is crucial to react fast to emergencies on…

GO: Hartley Nature Center

December 14, 2021

Reece Lindquist,

DULUTH, Minn. — The Hartley Nature Center in Duluth is gearing up for the winter season. “A lot of people have discovered the outdoors and really have embraced getting out on the trails and getting outside. It’s one of the things that are safely available to us,” Hartley Nature Center Executive Director, Tom O’Rourke says. While the center is scaling…

Free Skate With Santa Event Happening Wednesday Night At The Heritage Center

December 14, 2021

Alexandra Burnley,

DULUTH, Minn. — While Santa is busy working in the North Pole before Christmas, he will actually be here in Duluth on Wednesday night ice skating, and you can join him! “Skate With Santa” will happen from 6:30 to 8 p.m. at the Heritage Center and it’s free for all ages, along with free rentals. If you don’t want to…

Blue Santa Shop with a Cop Continues At Target

December 14, 2021

Natalie Noury,

DULUTH, Minn. — A special shopping spree happened Tuesday night, between the Duluth Police Department and a few lucky kids. The DPD continued their annual Blue Santa Shop with a Cop for its 9th year tonight at Target. A large donation from the Irving Community Club, which is a charitable gambling club, allowed the police department to give $200 Target…

Warm Spell Causing Winter Activities to Wait

December 14, 2021

Natalie Noury,

DULUTH, Minn. — As the Northland continues to experience warmer temperatures, it’s causing a few roadblocks for those who enjoy the winter activities. Minnesotans find plenty of things to keep them busy through the winter, but with the melting going on, it’s made it a bit difficult to do their favorite things like skiing or snowmobiling. “You know its Minnesota,…

Iron Ore Shipping Experiencing Bounce Back Season

December 14, 2021

Reece Lindquist,

DULUTH, Minn. The shipping industry in the twin ports has been experiencing a bounce-back year. Up nearly two percent over the five-season average, the strong season is due in part to iron ore which is up double-digit percentages. As the season winds down, the Duluth Port Authority is hoping to finish strong in the last month of the season. “Iron…

With Warm Weather, Caution Urged for Ice Fishermen

December 14, 2021

Reece Lindquist,

DULUTH, Minn. — With the temperatures warming up, ice fishermen may have to wait until the next big freeze before getting back out on the lakes. The DNR recommends 4 inches of ice for walking and 12-15 inches for driving a vehicle on it. Although the fishing conditions have been good for anglers, the warm weather could prove troublesome for…

Peace United Church of Christ Hosts Sandy Hook Vigil

December 14, 2021

Reece Lindquist,

DULUTH, Minn. — The Peace United Church of Christ in Duluth hosted a vigil Tuesday afternoon to remember the victims of the Sandy Hook school shooting. The mass shooting took place nine years ago on Tuesday. 26 people lost their lives, the majority of them were children between the ages of six and seven years old. On Thursday, two groups,…

St. Louis County Board Approves Budget, Funding for Body Cams for Deputies

December 14, 2021

Site Staff,

DULUTH, Minn. – The St. Louis County Board on Tuesday approved its 2022 budget at $463 million. The board also unanimously voted to pass a resolution approving the purchase of body cameras for its deputies. The authorization will allow the purchase of 110 body cameras with supporting accessories and equipment. The cost for the new cameras and equipment will be…

16th Annual Holiday Window and Lighting Display Contest Winners Announced

December 14, 2021

Site Staff,

DULUTH, Minn. – The winners have been announced for the Greater Downtown Council’s 16th Annual Holiday Window and Lighting Display Contest. Nineteen local businesses participated in this year’s contest. Official judging took place November 19 through November 23 and winners were chosen based on execution of theme and design presentation. The winners of the 2021 Holiday Window and Lighting Display…

Unseasonable Weather Not Wanted at Lester-Amity Chalet

December 13, 2021

Reece Lindquist,

DULUTH, Minn. — The unseasonably warm days are adding a little concern about the longevity of this winter’s ski and snowboarding season. At Lester-Amity chalet in Duluth the warmer weather can ruin ski trails. The lack of frozen ground has not let the trails develop a consistent snowpack. It’s a mixture of conditions that are making some in the skiing…

Duluth Heights Outdoor Ice Rink Fully Operated By Community

December 13, 2021

Natalie Noury,

DULUTH, Minn. — What better way to grow up as a hockey player than getting to do it outdoors, any time you want, with some of your best friends. One outdoor association continues to develop young hockey players, and show others just how fun it can be. Duluth is one of the last cities in the upper Midwest to have…

New Kenwood Plaza Building Proposal

December 13, 2021

Natalie Noury,

DULUTH, Minn. — The potential for a new building to go up in Duluth’s Kenwood Plaza is just a day away from being decided. The developer wants to build a 1,200 square foot retail or office building and potentially a new restaurant. The planning commission will meet tomorrow at five to decide if the proposal is a go. The commissions…