Minnesota

Sled Dog Racing Community Helps Evacuate Almost 250 Dogs From Path Of Greenwood Fire

ISABELLA, Minn. — As the Greenwood Fire grows to 4,750 acres, members of the sled dog racing community rushed to help others who love the sport evacuate their sled dogs this week. Dr. Jen Freking, a veterinarian and Beargrease competitor who has trained and raised sled dogs for more than 30 years, knew that there wasn’t much time to evacuate…

No Planned Water Restrictions for Duluth

DULUTH, Minn.- Severe drought conditions throughout Minnesota have led to water restrictions for several Minnesota cities. The city of Duluth, however, does not have any planned water restrictions. Lake Superior is the primary water source for Duluth, Proctor, Hermantown, and other surrounding areas in St. Louis County. “So what we are trying to help and tell the public and our…

Kids, Cops, and Cars is Back for the Community

DULUTH, Minn.- The Duluth Police Department is back with their annual Kids, Cops, and Cars event at Bayfront Festival Park. The Thursday afternoon event was free to kids and families, showcasing various first responder vehicles for kids to play in. “Jaden is obsessed with cop cars and fire trucks, and he has lots of books about them, so we thought…

Highway 53 Bridge Dedicated to Late State Rep. Tom Rukavina

On Thursday, the bridge he fought so hard to build back in 2017 was officially dedicated to him.

VIRGINIA, Minn. — “He often urged people to buy American-made products. In fact, he would tell you even his underwear was made in the U.S.A by union workers. If you didn’t believe him, he would volunteer to prove it to you,” District 6 Senator, David Tomassoni says. Former Minnesota House Representative Tom Rukavina passed away two years ago after a…

Line 3 Protesters Prevent Lift Bridge From Functioning for Short Time Thursday

  DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth Police Department says officers responded to the Aerial Lift Bridge Thursday afternoon due to protesters on the bridge that were preventing the bridge from functioning. Authorities were pulled from the Kids, Cops, and Cars event to help respond to the incident which lasted about 30 minutes. Officers were able to speak with the protesters…

Proctor Middle School Teacher Charged With Criminal Sexual Conduct of Former Student

PROCTOR, Minn. – A Proctor Middle School teacher has been charged with felony criminal sexual conduct after he allegedly sexually abused a former student multiple times over the course of a year. On Thursday, 51-year-old Todd Robert Clark was charged with one count of first-degree criminal sexual conduct, one count of third-degree criminal sexual conduct, and one count of first-degree…

City Crews Responding to a Water Main Break in Lincoln Park Neighborhood

DULUTH, Minn. – City of Duluth Utility Operations crews are responding to a water main break in the Lincoln Park neighborhood. The break was reported around 11:20 a.m. Thursday and is located on the 3000 block of Devonshire Street. City officials say water has been shut off from Devonshire Street and Pacific Avenue to where Devonshire becomes a dead end….

Northeastern Minnesota Wildfire Grows to 6 1/4 Square Miles

ISABELLA, Minn.  — A wildfire in the Superior National Forest of northeastern Minnesota that crews have been fighting since the weekend has grown to 6 1/4 square miles, but U.S. Forest Service officials said Thursday morning that it grew little overnight. The fire near Greenwood Lake, about 25 miles southwest of Isabella, was first spotted Sunday. It grew from 5…

Cooking Connection: Cheese Curds, In Bread, On a Stick at Duluth’s Best Bread!

Stop by Duluth's Best Bread for their Unofficial State Fair, August 24–28 and August 31–September 4.

DULUTH, Minn.- In this week’s Cooking Connection, we take you to Duluth’s Best Bread as they are back with their State Fair event. After the Minnesota State Fair was canceled last year, Duluth’s Best Bread decided to do their own with special state fair-themed treats, and it was their biggest event ever. So August 24–28 and August 31–September 4, they’re…

State Imposes Water Restrictions as Drought Worsens

MINNEAPOLIS – The drought in Minnesota continues to get worse, exposing rocks, riverbeds, and islands in the St. Croix and Minnesota river drying up entire channels in the mighty Mississippi. The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources has imposed water restrictions for much of the state. Utilities are to limit water use to no more than 25% above January levels. The…

Workers Hold Rally Against Potential Vaccine Mandates

HIBBING, Minn.– Hundreds of people gathered in Bennett Park in Hibbing on Wednesday to hold a rally asking for a choice when it comes to vaccinations in the workplace. Cleveland Cliffs Inc. is the second largest steelmaker in America with 25,000 employees. According to Bloomberg, Cleveland Cliffs promised a $1500 bonus to employees who get vaccinated, and they could get…

Annual Hoghead Festival Continues in Proctor

One of the bigger events of the festival is the classic car show where they are expecting almost 400 classic cars.

PROCTOR, Minn. — The 46th annual Hoghead Festival is underway in Proctor. One of the bigger events of the festival is the classic car show where they are expecting almost 400 classic cars. Organizers are also preparing for class reunions and street dances later on in the week all while celebrating the rich train history of Proctor with the title…

Duluth School Superintendent Given More Power Over District Regulations

This comes after the school board voted last night following a recommendation from the Minnesota School Board Association.

DULUTH, Minn. — Duluth School Superintendent John Magas will continue to have executive power over the Duluth School Board during the 2021-2022 school year when it comes to the safety of students related to Covid-19. This comes after the school board voted last night following a recommendation from the Minnesota School Board Association. Magas says, he is looking to maximize…

American Red Cross Helps Greenwood Fire Shelters

LAKE COUNTY- The American Red Cross is staffing the Greenwood Fire temporary evacuation point, located at the Finland Community Center. The site is set up to help residents who are evacuating near the greenwood fire. Volunteers are supplying food, water, and medical help for people being temporarily displaced from their homes. As of today, nearly 80 homes and campsites have…

Firefighters on Scene of New Fire Detected Near Britt

BRITT, Minn. – A new fire was detected near Britt Wednesday afternoon and was estimated to be nearly 25 acres in size. The fire, named the Moose Lake fire, is located in the Lake Leander area, according to the U.S. Forest Service-Superior National Forest Facebook page. Seven aircraft, heavy equipment, and engines were previously on the scene to help contain…

Minnesota Issues Plan to Treat Water Marred by 3M Chemicals

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) – Minnesota pollution control and natural resources officials have released a $700 million plan to improve the drinking water for 14 Twin Cities communities whose groundwater was contaminated due to decades-long chemical disposal by 3M Co. The long-term plan aims to build or improve six water treatment plants and treat 33 municipal wells. It will also connect nearly…

Proctor Middle School Teacher Arrested for Alleged Criminal Sexual Conduct

PROCTOR, Minn. – A 51-year-old teacher at a Proctor middle school was arrested Tuesday afternoon on pending charges of first-degree criminal sexual conduct. According to the Duluth Police Department, the teacher was booked in the St. Louis County Jail and is awaiting formal charges. According to Proctor Schools Superintendent John Engelking, the teacher “is employed by the school district, but…

Minnesota State Fair Not Requiring Masks Inside Most Buildings

FALCON HEIGHTS, Minn. (FOX 9) – Minnesota State Fair attendees will not be required to wear masks inside buildings on the fairgrounds during this year’s Great Minnesota Get-Together. Fair organizers were considering mandating masks indoors, however, the latest guidance released Wednesday says masks are recommended inside most buildings, but not required. They are also recommending people wear masks outdoors in…

US Health Officials Call for Booster Shots Against COVID-19

NEW YORK – U.S. health officials are recommending all Americans get COVID-19 booster shots. The plan, as outlined by the director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and other top health authorities, calls for booster doses eight months after people get their second shot of the Pfizer or Moderna vaccine. The booster doses could begin the week of…

Three People Rescued After Boats Gets Stuck in Beaver River

FREDENBERG TOWNSHIP, Minn. – Three people were rescued Tuesday evening after their boats became stuck in the mud and heavy vegetation in Beaver River, according to the St. Louis County Sheriff’s Office. Around 8:36 p.m. first responders and law enforcement responded to reports of two boaters getting stuck while boating on the river in Fredenberg Township. While waiting for authorities…

City Unveils Design Concepts For Waterfront Property Behind DECC

DULUTH, Minn.– The city of Duluth gave a first look Tuesday at what could soon be a new multi-million dollar overhaul of an experience behind the DECC, which has one of the city’s most pristine views of the waterfront and arguably one of the least invested. The new vision between the Great Lakes Aquarium and Minnesota Slip Bridge involves the…

Essentia Offering 3rd COVID Vaccine to Immunocompromised Patients

DULUTH, Minn.– A third COVID vaccine dose was approved by the FDA at this time for patients who are moderately to severely immunocompromised. Essentia Health announced today that they will be taking part in providing this third dose to those who are immunocompromised, and suggest receiving a dose of the same vaccine product patients received earlier, 8 months after their…

New Apartments to Help Homeless with Mental Health Issues

DULUTH, Minn.– People in Duluth who are homeless and battling mental health issues now have a new supportive housing development as an option to improve their lives. It’s called the Birchwood apartments located on Burning Tree Road in Duluth. The 30-unit one bedroom apartments are mostly furnished, and roughly 100 person have already inquired to live there. The $7 million…

Local Agencies Discuss Coast Guard’s Maritime Security Plan

This year's scenario went over the coast guard's plan of handling a bomb going off on a cruise ship.

DULUTH, Minn. — 37 organizations and agencies met in Duluth on Tuesday to go over what their roles would be in a mass disaster situation. This year’s scenario went over the Coast Guard’s plan of handling a bomb going off on a cruise ship. Each agency, such as police, fire, the sheriff’s office, and more went over how roles would…

Extreme Dry Conditions Following Greenwood Fire

DULUTH, Minn.- Fires in the Northland continue to pose a threat, bringing a risk of dry conditions to surrounding areas of the greenwood fire. As of Tuesday afternoon, the Greenwood fire continues to cover around 2000 acres. The number of evacuated residents in the area is growing while first responders work to contain the fire. Local fire officials are concerned…

Authorities Attack Minnesota Wildfire From Air and Ground

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) – Authorities are fighting a northeastern Minnesota wildfire from the air and on the ground following the evacuation of about 75 residences in the Superior National Forest. The fire was first spotted Sunday near Greenwood Lake. It has expanded to about 3.1 square miles. The Minnesota National Guard is assisting in the firefighting efforts; warm weather and gusty…

Full Business Liquidation Auction Planned for Gannucci’s

DULUTH, Minn. -West Duluth’s Gannucci’s Italian Market & Restaurant is holding a full business liquidation next week. According to a Facebook post by Nordic Auction, a full business liquidation auction will be held on Wednesday, August 25 at 301 North Central Avenue beginning at 4:00 p.m. Gannucci’s, originally named Conito’s Italian Village, was established in 1976 and was renamed Ganucci’s…

Mark Pavelich Rememberance Golf Scramble

BIWABIK, Minn.– Today at Giants Ridge Golf Course in Biwabik Minnesota, members of Minnesota college hockey teams, current and former NHL players, and teammates of the 1980 Olympic gold medal team came together in memory of Mark Pavelich, who passed earlier this year after a battle to mental illness. “Mark was just a special guy, and he was a great…

Fill the Boot Campaign Returns

DULUTH, Minn.– With boots in hand, the Duluth Fire Department took the streets of the city today for the annual fill the boot campaign. The department is raising money for the Muscular Dystrophy Association this year after the event was canceled last year. The ‘Fill the Boot’ program has gone on for 67 years where the International Association of Fire…

Council Approves Outsourcing Duluth’s $1.8M Tourism Marketing Contract

Councilors also voted to table a $400K contract offer to Visit Duluth to handle the city's convention sales and visitor center.

DULUTH, Minn. –  The city council made a historic vote Monday evening to approve a new $1.8 million tourism marketing contract to a firm in Minneapolis – Bellmont Partners and its partner Lawrence & Schiller — instead of Visit Duluth, which has held the job since 1935. Councilor Joel Sipress voted against the contract resolution.  Councilor Zack Filipovich abstained because…

Third Suspect Charged In St. Paul Man’s Murder After Body Found At Bottom Of Lake

COOK COUNTY, Minn. — A third person has been charged in connection to the murder of a St. Paul man whose body was found dismembered at the bottom of Lake Superior this summer. Jacob Colt Johnson, a 35-year-old from Superior, was charged with intentional but not premeditated second-degree murder in the Cook County district court on Monday. Two other suspects…

Lake County Search and Rescue Helps First Responders in Greenwood Fire

LAKE COUNTY- Among the many first responders at the Greenwood fire staging area was the Lake County Search and Rescue squad. The medically trained volunteers were preparing their station with medical supplies, food, and water for all of the firefighters tackling the flames. Squad member Bob Norlen, a search and rescue volunteer for 46 years, is setting up for any…

Ex-Wisconsin Teacher to Pleads Guilty to Filming Students

MADISON, Wis. (AP) – A former Wisconsin high school teacher accused of secretly videotaping undressed students during field trips in Wisconsin and Minnesota pleaded guilty in federal court Monday, under a plea deal with prosecutors. Thirty-nine-year-old David M. Kruchten faces six to 20 years in prison, after pleading guilty to two federal charges. Sentencing has been set for Oct. 22….

Wildfire in Northeastern Minnesota Grows to 1,500 Acres

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) – A rapidly growing wildfire in northeastern Minnesota has expanded to at least 1,500 acres and prompted some evacuations. The fire was spotted around 3 p.m. Sunday near Greenwood Lake, about 15 miles southwest of Isabella, in the Superior National Forest. Officials say the cause has not been determined. Authorities ordered cabin and property owners in the area…

Body of Missing Roseville Man Recovered on Sand Lake

SAND LAKE TOWNSHIP, Minn. – Authorities say they located and recovered the body of a Roseville man that had been missing since Thursday on Sand Lake. According to the St. Louis County Sheriff’s Office, 21-year-old Philip Poulose and a friend were canoeing on the lake when water started to flood their canoe due to high winds. According to reports, Philip…

Minnesota Extends $100 Vaccine Incentives for Another Week

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) – Minnesota has extended its $100 reward program for people who get their COVID-19 vaccinations by another week. Any Minnesotan age 12 or older who gets their first shot through Sunday can claim a $100 Visa gift card at mn.gov/covid19/100. Gov. Tim Walz announced the extension Sunday night, calling the incentive program a success. According to…

Gov. Walz Authorizes Minnesota National Guard to Assist in Minnesota Wildfire Response

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Governor Tim Walz has authorized the Minnesota National Guard to help assist in wildfire response in Northern Minnesota. The governor’s office announced on Sunday that the authorization is made through Emergency Executive Order 21-29. “This summer, Minnesota has experienced abnormally high temperatures and a historic drought resulting in dry conditions conducive to wildfires. I am grateful…

‘Power Play Paddle Fundraiser’ Rents Paddleboards to Raise Money for Youth Hockey

The event raised roughly $500, enough to pay one hockey player’s fees for a whole year.

DULUTH, Minn.- While hockey and stand-up paddle boarding may not have a lot in common, the two banded together for the first ever Power Play Paddle Fundraiser to raise money for the Duluth Heights Hockey Association on Park Point Beach Sunday. “Duluth is so fun in the summer, and there’s so much to do and obviously this is not during…

Council To Vote Monday On Mayor’s Plan To Outsource Duluth’s Tourism Marketing

Monday’s Council meeting will remain virtual, according to Forsman, due to the county's recent spike in COVID cases.

DULUTH, Minn.- At their Monday meeting Duluth City Council is set to discuss Mayor Emily Larson’s plan to put Duluth’s next marketing contract out for bid for the first time since Visit Duluth got the job in 1935, and why the winner went to Minneapolis-based Bellmont Partners — not a local firm. Mayor Larson says she believes Bellmont Partners is…