Minnesota

Duluth Fire Rescues 2 From Water Off Park Point After Sailboat Capsizes

They were retrieved by Marine 19 and did not need medical attention.

DULUTH, Minn.- Two people were rescued from the water by Duluth Firefighters after their sailboat capsized near the Sky Harbor Airport on Park Point. According to a spokesperson with the Duluth Fire Department, crews responded to the initial report of the capsized vessel around 8 p.m. Friday. Two were confirmed in the water, they were retrieved by Marine 19 and…

New Duluth Fire Department Recruitment Options

DULUTH, Minn.- The Duluth Fire Department is adding to its recruitment process by allowing firefighters to transfer without a written exam. Lateral firefighters transferring to the Duluth Fire Department can apply without taking the written exam, as long as they have three or more years of experience. They will also start with 100 percent of their pay compared to new…

Man Identified in Motorcycle vs. Vehicle Crash in Fond du Lac

FOND DU LAC, Minn. – Duluth Police have identified the man who died Thursday afternoon after crashing his motorcycle into another vehicle in the Fond du Lac neighborhood. According to police, 66-year-old James William Chinn, of Duluth, passed away from injuries he sustained after crashing his motorcycle into the back of another vehicle that was stopped for a school bus…

Duluth Fire Crews Responding to Structure Fire in Central Hillside Neighborhood

UPDATE: DULUTH, Minn. – According to the Duluth Fire Department, two adult dogs and six puppies died in the Central Hillside house fire Friday morning. One adult dog survived the fire and was brought to the Lake Superior Vet Hospital. “Without the lifesaving efforts of the firefighters and oxygen mask the dog wouldn’t have made it,” said City of Duluth…

Duluth Public Library Introduces Teen Advisory Board

DULUTH, Minn.– Because so many young kids are brought to libraries with their parents, the Duluth Public Library is finding ways to keep these kids coming back, especially as they get older. The library’s downtown branch held an open house today for its newest installment of a Teen Advisory Board (TAB). They’re hoping teens join this new board to give…

Duluth Public Library Celebrates National Hispanic Heritage Month

DULUTH, Minn.- It’s National Hispanic Heritage Month and the Duluth Public Library is celebrating. The downtown library has a display set up with books written by a Hispanic author or a story surrounding one of many Hispanic cultures. Some of the books recognize historical people like Frida Kahlo, who is known for her famous paintings. “It is really important that…

DFD Special Confined Space Training

DULUTH, Minn.- The Duluth Fire Department conducts confined space rescue training on the William A. Irvin ship in Canal Park this week. Crew members are put in a scenario to rescue a person stuck in a small tunnel, needing medical attention. The training teaches firefighters how to handle unique situations properly. “Over the week, we have three sites, each of…

Twin Ports Back to School COVID Update

TWIN PORTS- It has been a couple of weeks since students returned to the classroom, and schools across the Northland are continuing their efforts to battle COVID within campuses. School faculty members enjoy seeing campuses full of students again. After an increased number of positive COVID cases moved kindergarten through 3rd-grade classes at a Chisholm elementary school to distanced learning…

Minnesota DNR Order Enbridge to $3.32M For Failure to Follow Environmental Laws

(AP Photo/Jim Mone, File) DULUTH, Minn. – The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources has ordered Enbridge to pay $3.32 million for failing to follow environmental laws. “Enbridge breached the confining layer of an artesian aquifer, resulting in an unauthorized groundwater appropriation during the construction of the Line 3 replacement project near Enbridge’s Clearbrook Terminal,” Minnesota DNR officials said in a…

One Dead in Motorcycle vs. Vehicle Crash in Fond du Lac

FOND DU LAC, Minn. – Duluth Police say one person has died from injuries they sustained after crashing their motorcycle into the back of another vehicle in the Fond du Lac neighborhood. According to reports, officers responded to Highway 23 and 121st Avenue West around 3:35 p.m. on reports of a motorcycle versus motor vehicle crash. When authorities arrived at…

Man Arrested in Fatal Shootings of 4 Found in Wisconsin SUV

MENOMONIE, Wis. (AP) — Police have arrested one suspect and are seeking another in connection with the fatal shootings of four people found in an abandoned SUV in western Wisconsin, sheriff’s officials said Thursday. Darren Lee McWright, 56, from St. Paul, Minnesota, who also uses the alias last name of Osborne, was arrested on a warrant from Dunn County and…

Cloquet Man Charged With First Degree Manslaughter

CLOQUET, Minn. – A 58-year-old Cloquet man has been formally charged with first-degree manslaughter after another man was found dead in his apartment following a physical altercation. According to the criminal complaint, Fond du Lac Tribal Police responded to the apartment of Joel Jay Ammesmaki, 58, at the Veteran’s Housing Complex after he reported that he got into a fight…

Duluth Lions Club 2021 Pancake Day Canceled

DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth Lions Club has once again canceled its annual pancake day due to COVID-19 concerns. The event was scheduled to be held on September 30 in Pioneer Hall at the Duluth Entertainment Convention Center. The popular event is traditionally held every year on the first Thursday of May but was canceled last year due to the…

Chauvin To Be Arraigned for Alleged Civil Rights Violation

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) – A former Minneapolis police officer convicted of murder in George Floyd’s death is scheduled to be arraigned Thursday for allegedly violating a teenager’s civil rights in a separate case that involved a restraint similar to the one used on Floyd. Derek Chauvin was convicted this year on state charges of murder and manslaughter in Floyd’s 2020 death….

Duluth Waterfront Expecting Thousands for Packed Weekend of Events

DULUTH, Minn. — The Inline Marathon celebrates its 25th anniversary this weekend, while Oktoberfest returns to Bayfront Festival Park for its 2nd year. But combined, Duluth might see close to 10,000 people between events, and through the weekend. The Inline Marathon kicks off on Friday with an expo starting at noon at the DECC where racers are able to receive…

Local Direct Service Provider Recognized for Quality Care

DULUTH, Minn.– It is Direct Support Professional Recognition Week and Trillium Services in Duluth is honoring those who work with patients who have may have physical and-or intellectual disabilities. Trillium Services held a gathering Wednesday to highlight DSP appreciation week and to present one of their own with an award from the Association of Residential Resources in Minnesota. Steve Halvorson…

COVID Concerns Forcing Chisholm’s K-3rd Graders Back To Distance Learning

CHISHOLM, Minn. – An “increasing” number of COVID cases is forcing some elementary grades in the Chisholm School District to learn from home for at least the next two weeks. The changes are affecting K-3rd graders at Vaughan Steffensrud Elementary School, according to Adrian Norman, the district’s superintendent. Norman confirms St. Louis County health officials raised the alarm about the…

Everyday is National Double Cheeseburger Day for Big Daddy’s Burgers

DULUTH, Minn.- It’s National Double Cheeseburger Day, and local Northland burger shops are crowded. Big Daddy’s Burgers on Piedmont Avenue was packed with people getting their burger fix. They are also known for their Belly Buster challenge, including a one-pound double cheeseburger and a large portion of fries. And if you finish the entire dish, the burger spot will hang…

Hermantown Superfund Site is Now Clean

HERMANTOWN, Minn.- The United States Environmental Protection Agency announced Tuesday, Hermantown’s 10-acre Arrowhead Refinery Superfund site is no longer on the Superfund National Priorities List. According to the EPA, the refinery frequently dumped metal-laced sludge into a two-acre lagoon located on the property from 1945 to 1977. The site first landed its spot on the list in 1984. “Used to…

Superior Fuel Opens New Rail Terminal

TWIN PORTS, Minn.- Superior Fuel celebrated the grand opening of a new rail terminal with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Wednesday, bringing more propane to the Northland. The multimillion-dollar investment will provide propane in the Twin Ports and surrounding areas. The new terminal will hold nearly one million gallons of propane on-site, providing service to thousands of residents. “It’s an investment…

Lawyer Asks Judge To Toss New Charge in Daunte Wright Case

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) – Attorneys are asking a judge to dismiss a new manslaughter charge against the former suburban Minneapolis police officer who shot and killed Daunte Wright. Former Brooklyn Center Officer Kim Potter says she mistakenly drew her gun instead of her stun gun as Wright was trying to drive away from officers. Prosecutors charged her with second-degree manslaughter. The…

Minnesota Supreme Court Reverses 3rd-Degree Murder Conviction of Former Minneapolis Police Officer

MINNEAPOLIS (FOX 9) – The Minnesota Supreme Court ruled to overturn the third-degree murder conviction of former Minneapolis police officer Mohamed Noor in the deadly 2017 shooting of Justine Ruszczyk Damond. During his trial Noor testified he feared an ambush when Damond walked up to the squad car and shot across his partner, killing the 40-year-old Australian woman. She had…

Duluth Art Institute to Mandate COVID-9 Vaccine

DULUTH, Minn. – Beginning Friday, the Duluth Art Institute will mandate COVID-19 vaccination for all students, event attendees, renting artists, teaching artists, and staff who enter any DAI spaces. “For the wellbeing of our community, it is necessary to do everything we can to preserve the health of all individuals who utilize our facilities, and setting a mandated standard is…

Shortage on ICU Beds in Twin Cities Has Ripple Effect on Rural Minnesota

(FOX 9) – As more hospital ICU beds fill up in the metro, it’s having a ripple effect on patient care in rural hospitals. Rural healthcare staff says they are scrambling to get patients in critical care the help they need fast enough because the resources are just not there. “Rural hospitals are designed for primary care and general surgery….

House Democrats Oust Embattled Lawmaker From Caucus

(courtesy: Fox 9) ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) – Minnesota House Democrats have voted to expel Rep. John Thompson from their caucus following allegations of domestic violence and questions about his residency. House leaders Tuesday night issued a statement saying that “Thompson’s actions, credible reports of abuse and misconduct, and his failure to take responsibility remain unacceptable for a member of…

Oktoberfest Setting Up in Bayfront Park As Volunteers Needed

According to organizers, they are now short about 20 volunteers each day.

DULUTH, Minn.- As setup gets underway at Bayfront Park for this weekend’s Duluth Oktoberfestival or Oktoberfest, event organizers say they’re in desperate need of volunteers. Organizer Ryan Kern says a group had to withdraw today due to an unexpected conflict. They are now short about 20 volunteers each day. Shifts are available during the day and evening and are only…

Pumpkin Patches are Popping up Across the Northland

DULUTH, Minn.- Pumpkins ga-lourd DC’s best produce has set up pumpkin stands across the Northland with a variety of pumpkins. Each stand includes a display of haystacks, fall decorations, and other seasonal vegetables to give people the full pumpkin patch experience. “Everybody absolutely loves it,” said produce seller Jack Pearodin. “We got so many different types of pumpkins, and squash…

Community Members Remember DTA Bus Crash Victim

DULUTH, Minn.- Sixty-four-year-old David Weston was well known for his daily visits to the mall and receiving services from the employment assistance organization CHOICE, Unlimited for nearly 20 years. David spent his time at the organization making friends through art. “He loved people, and he was an incredibly friendly person,” said Executive Director of CHOICE, Unlimited Kristie Buchman. “When I…

Duluth City Council Approves Funding to Help Downtown Duluth’s Disadvantaged

DULUTH, Minn.- After Monday night’s meeting, the Duluth City Council approved $300,000 in funding for the Greater Downtown Council to hire a social worker, who will help tackle homelessness and the mental health crisis in Downtown Duluth. Downtown Duluth has a large population of people facing drug addictions and mental health illnesses. Local businesses have noticed the physical and emotional…

Cloquet Police Investigating ‘Suspicious Death,’ Adult Male in Custody

CLOQUET, Minn. – The Cloquet Police Department says it is investigating the death of a man in an apartment complex for veterans on the Fond Du Lac Reservation that has been deemed “suspicious in nature.” According to police, officers with the Cloquet Police Department and Fond du Lac Police Department responded to reports of an unwanted person in an apartment…

Gunflint Trail Campgrounds, Recreation Areas in Superior National Forest To Reopen

DULUTH, Minn. – The Superior National Forest says it is lifting the remaining closures along the upper Gunflint Trail beginning Wednesday. This includes Blankenburg Boat Launch, Trails End Campground, Iron Lake Campground, and all associated facilities including Trails End Boat Launch parking lot and Iron Lake canoe carry down. Additionally, all National Forest System lands and roads along the upper…

Ex-Cops Accused of Violating Floyd’s Rights Plead Not Guilty

(Hennepin County Sheriff’s Office via AP) MINNEAPOLIS (AP) – Four former Minneapolis police officers charged with violating George Floyd’s civil rights have pleaded not guilty to the federal charges against them. A federal grand jury indicted Derek Chauvin, Thomas Lane, J. Kueng, and Tou Thao in May for allegedly depriving Floyd of his rights while acting under government authority. Tuesday’s…

Driver Identified in Dump Truck Fatality

CLINTON TOWNSHIP, Minn. – A Grand Rapids man was killed Monday afternoon after the dump truck he was driving went off the road and rolled in Clinton Township. According to the St. Louis County Sheriff’s Office, deputies responded to the crash on Spirit Lake Road near the Virta Road West intersection around 1:28 p.m. Authorities say the driver, identified as…

Duluth Mayor Emily Larson Proposes 2022 Budget with 6% Property Tax Levy Increase

Larson brought her proposed general fund budget of $97.1 million dollars for next year before council.

DULUTH, Minn.- Duluth Mayor Emily Larson brought her proposed general fund budget of $97.1 million for next year before council Monday evening. “I have always believed that budgets are moral documents. Every single Duluthian needs to know that, in some way that is meaningful to them, we are in their corner,” Mayor Larson said. “There is no more important way…

Duluth Amateur Hockey Association Hosts Open Skate, Free Equipment to Kickoff Season

Organizers hope it helps eliminate obstacles for any kids who want to get on the ice and play.

DULUTH, Minn.- Some young hockey players got to skate with the best of them: some UMD Bulldogs, as they helped kick off the Duluth Amateur Hockey Association’s season at the Duluth Heritage Sports Center. New and returning families enjoyed open skating with the members of UMD Men’s and Women’s Bulldogs hockey teams. Over the past week, the hockey association also…

Driver Killed After Dump Truck Rolls On Iron Range

A 38-year-old man was killed Monday afternoon after the dump truck he was driving rolled in Clinton Township on the Iron Range. The single-vehicle accident happened around 1:30 p.m. on Spirit Lake Road near the Virta Road West intersection, according to the St. Louis County Sheriff’s Office. Officials say the dump truck went off the road before it rolled. The…

New Silver Bay Mini Golf Course Opens Up

SILVER BAY, Minn.- If you’re looking for a tee-rific activity to do with your friends and family, a new 18-hole mini-golf course is now open in Silver Bay. Silver Bay couple, Ashley and David Klemmer opened Black Beach Mini Golf last month, hoping to bring a new family-fun space to the community. “The whole family can come and do it,…

It’s Time to Prepare Your Yards for Colder Weather

DULUTH, Minn.- Trees are changing colors in the Northland as we move into the fall season, and managing your plants may be a little different this year with the arid conditions. Local hardware store, Marshall Hardware, says they are keeping busy with customers coming in, preparing their yards for the colder months. Since the Northland experienced an abnormally dry summer,…

Potential Lakewalk Surgery Center Expansion

DULUTH, Minn.- The Lakewalk Surgery Center on London Road is looking to expand with more nearby facilities. The Northland medical center bought a neighboring building in 2020 where Valentini’s Italian restaurant once was. They are now working out a deal to buy London Road Car Wash. The city’s long-term goal is to make London Road a medical institution hotspot, making…

Gordy’s Hi-Hat Closes for 2021 Season

CLOQUET, Minn. – Gordy’s Hi-Hat has closed for the 2021 season. Gordy’s made the official announcement on its Facebook page Monday morning. This was the popular fast-food restaurant’s 61st season. Gordy’s will open again when the weather gets a little warmer in Spring 2022. Categories: Minnesota, News, News – Latest News

City Crews Responding to Two Water Main Breaks in Congdon Park, Lakeside

DULUTH, Minn. – City of Duluth Utility Operations crews are responding to two water main breaks in Duluth’s Congdon Park and Lakeside neighborhoods. The breaks were reported just before 11:30 a.m. Monday. The first break is located on the 3700 block of East 3rd Street. Water is off on 3rd Street between Rockridge Circle and Misquah Road. The second break…