Minnesota

Reggae Fest Returns to Bayfront Festival Park

DULUTH, Minn.– Thousands of people came from all over the country today to celebrate the 15th annual Reggae Fest here at Bayfront Festival Park Reggae Fest is a celebration of world music that spreads positive messages and unifies people from all backgrounds. For the performers, being able to join the community again, and share their passion for music and celebration…

UMD Land Lab Offering Summer Day Camps

DULUTH, Minn.– Summer camps are in full swing, and the UMD Land Lab is sponsoring a unique and free summer day camp opportunity for Duluth area high school students. This camp will allow high schoolers a hands on experience with harvesting vegetables, learning sustainable living skills, working with honeybees, and visiting the UMD campus for a sustainability tour. Through the…

Community Olympic Day for Kids

DULUTH, Minn.- It was a day of dodgeball, tug of war, and food eating contests as kids competed in Community Olympic Day here in Duluth. Neighborhood Youth Services, Boys and Girls Club, and Valley Youth Center teamed up to bring kids ages 6 to 18 together to participate in a miniature series of Olympic games at Denfeld High School. “There’s…

Local Group Heroes Helping Heroes Come Together

DULUTH, Minn.- Heroes Helping Heroes is a local group of Minnesota first responders, and they got together for a fishing trip to cope with mental illnesses they may face. Many first responders say they experience a high amount of stress while on the job. Founder Chris Steward is a former police officer who was diagnosed with PTSD. “At the very…

Camp Siegle Main Lodge a “Total Loss” After Friday Afternoon Fire

BIWABIK TOWNSHIP, Minn. – A fire has destroyed the main lodge at Camp Siegel according to reports from the Northland FireWire. Multiple fire crews responded to the fire at Camp Siegel around 12:45 p.m. Friday which is located near Biwabik. According to a Northland FireWire Facebook post, the lodge is a total loss. The Minnesota DNR and a wildland firefighting crew…

Minnesota Leaders Seek Drought Aid for Livestock Producers

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) – Gov. Tim Walz has asked U.S. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack to come to the aid of Minnesota livestock producers amid the worsening drought by easing grazing restrictions. Walz asked Vilsack in a letter released Thursday to allow emergency haying and grazing on eligible Conservation Reserve Program acres in Minnesota counties experiencing severe to extreme drought…

Fully Vaccinated Americans Can Enter Canada as of Mid-August

(AP Photo/Toby Talbot,File) TORONTO (AP) – Prime Minister Justin Trudeau says Canada could start allowing fully vaccinated Americans into Canada as of mid-August for non-essential travel and should be in a position to welcome fully vaccinated travelers from all countries by early September. Trudeau spoke with leaders of Canada’s provinces on Thursday and released a readout of the call. The…

New Restrictions in Boundary Waters Due to Canadian Fires

ELY, Minn. (AP) — The Forest Service has announced new temporary travel restrictions in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness over concerns that large wildfires burning in Canada could spread across the border. The new closures include travel, campsites, and portages along and near Iron and Crooked lakes along the Canadian border north of Ely, as well as some smaller…

UPDATE: Investigators Determine Man Accidentally Shot Self, Duluth Police Say

Efforts are underway to recover the firearm. There is no danger to the public.

DULUTH, Minn.- Duluth Police have determined it was an accidental self-inflicted gunshot wound that sent a man to the hospital Thursday evening. According to a post on the Department Facebook page at 10:50 p.m., investigators determined that the 35-year-old male victim was traveling in a vehicle when the discharge of the firearm occurred. They learned the gunshot wound was accidentally…

Car Seat Clinics Push for Proper Installation, Usage

Organizers say 3 out of 4 car seats are not used or installed correctly, which can result in injuries to a child if an accident were to occur.

DULUTH, Minn.- The Duluth Fire Department and St. Luke’s Hospital are teaming up over the next few months to educate parents on car seat safety. Car seat clinics will be going on at different fire stations throughout Duluth. Organizers say 3 out of 4 car seats are not used or installed correctly, which can result in injuries to a child…

Animal Allies’ Walk for Animals Fundraiser Brings Paws for a Good Cause Back to Lakewalk

250 people and their four-legged friends signed up for the two-mile walk.

DULUTH, Minn.- The Lakewalk went to the dogs Thursday, as hundreds signed up for Animal Allies’ Walk For Animals fundraiser, which returned after being canceled last year. “It’s just awesome to see them all dressed up and kind of walking in a big group down the boardwalk,” said Nicole Facciotto, Humane Education Manager for Animal Allies. And after a rough…

Summer Brings Roadside Produce Back

Vendors say they've already been busy with people stocking up on fresh watermelon, cucumbers, tomatoes, and more.

DULUTH, Minn.- When summer returns, so do roadside produce stands from local farms. DC’s Best Produce Farms opened up their stand on Central Entrance this week. Vendors say they’ve already been busy with people stocking up on fresh watermelon, cucumbers, tomatoes, and more. And standing outside in the hot sun is no big deal, when you get to see all…

Duluth Kennel Club Dog Show Kicks off at DECC

More than 150 breeds of dogs competed for best in show.

DULUTH, Minn.- The largest dog sporting event in Northern Minnesota and Northern Wisconsin has officially kicked off at the DECC. The Duluth Kennel Club All-Breed Dog Show features more than 150 breeds of dogs competing for best in show. Dog owners come from all over the country. While there are plenty of professionals ready to show off their dog to…

Duluth Man Pleads Guilty to COVID Fraud

DULUTH, Minn. – The United States Attorney’s Office says a Duluth man pleaded guilty on Wednesday to “mail fraud, wire fraud, and aggravated identity theft in connection to a COVID-19 relief fraud scheme.” According to reports, between the months of April and August, 2020 34-year-old Jared John Fiege admitted to stealing the names, birth dates, and social security numbers of…

Minnesota Gov. Walz to Ban Conversion Therapy, Bypassing Legislature

(FOX News) – Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz will sign an executive order Thursday bypassing the state legislature and banning the controversial practice of “gay conversion therapy.” Walz is expected to sign the order alongside Lt. Governor Peggy Flanagan on Thursday morning in defiance of the Republican-held state senate, which doesn’t support the move, according to local media. “Our kids deserve…

Visit Duluth, DECC Among Finalists For City’s 2022 Destination Marketing Contract

DULUTH, Minn. – The city of Duluth’s main tourism marketing arm since 1935, known as Visit Duluth, is a finalist for next year’s one-year contract, as Mayor Emily Larson looks to possibly go a different direction with a mission to “elevate the brand of Duluth,” according to the Request for Qualifications document put out by the city. The Mayor’s Office…

Flagship Brings Back Screen Printer

It also allows them to create more of their products in-house. 

DULUTH, Minn. — The popular clothing store ‘Flagship’ in canal park has brought back their screen printing machine. First opening back up on memorial day, the live printing process continues to gain popularity. With several different designs, staff say bringing the printing machine back helps show customers how each shirt is made by hand. It also allows them to create…

Grand Rapids Business Owners Experiencing Positive Economic Rebound

Crowds are Coming in Droves to Many Locally Owned Businesses in the City of Grand Rapids

GRAND RAPIDS, Minn. – Small business owners on the Iron Range are continuing to witness more customers coming back through their doors as COVID-19 restrictions ease, and more people become vaccinated. Staff at Thousand Lakes Sporting Goods in Grand Rapids are seeing droves of people coming in to purchase clothing, footwear, bait, and fishing gear. With the continued closure of…

Downtown Virginia Rebuilding After Structure Fire, Cause Still Unknown

Nine area fire departments and more than 30 first responders worked the fire.  

VIRGINIA, Minn.- The community of downtown Virginia is rebuilding after a fire destroyed multiple businesses there last Friday — the cause still unknown. According to Virginia Fire officials, the fire stated above the Rocks the Jewelers store on the 300 Block of Chestnut Street. Other businesses that suffered damages include a nearby bakery and florist. After the small town came…

DECC Ammonia Leak Highlights Building’s Aging Equipment

Duluth Fire officials said their brand new Hazmat 31 rig and its state-of-the-art tech was integral in their response.

DULUTH, Minn.- The DECC’s public spaces were clear of ammonia and safe to enter Wednesday, after a major leak overnight. DECC officials say it’s the result of the convention center’s aging infrastructure that needs serious investment. “Went through the lion’s share of the building with a reader to see if any of the ammonia smell was around anymore and the…

Historic St. Louis County Jail Could Become Apartments

The building could be converted into 33 apartment units with a portion demolished for parking space.

DULUTH, Minn.- A Historic Downtown Duluth building that has been empty for decades and once housed some of the Northland’s toughest criminals could soon serve a new purpose. The Historic St. Louis County Jailhouse on Second Street behind the courthouse was built back in 1923 and decommissioned in 1995. It has sat unused since. Now it could be converted into…

National Blood Shortage Continues

DULUTH, Minn.- Due to a national shortage Northland blood donation centers are facing a lack of inventory for local hospitals. Not only did the pandemic cause a decrease in blood donations but schools and colleges that are out for summer break have also taken a dip into the donor pool that blood centers rely on. “I think that what we’re…

Drought Conditions and Air Quality Worsens

DULUTH, Minn.- Wildfires and the lack of rain is causing drought and poor air quality here in the Northland. Normally, June is when Duluth gets most of its rainfall but this June was the third driest on record. “With the drought conditions that have happened, we’ve seen a rapid increase in our fire season,” said National Weather Service Meteorologist Joe…

Line 3 Pipeline Opponents Appeal to Minnesota Supreme Court

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) – Tribal and environmental groups opposed to Enbridge Energy’s Line 3 oil pipeline have asked the Minnesota Supreme Court to overturn a lower court decision affirming the approvals of the project. The state Commerce Department, which was part of the earlier appeal, is not joining in the appeal this time. The legal move comes as protests continue along…

Audit Finds No Overpayments by Minnesota for COVID-19 Tests

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) – The Office of the Legislative Auditor says it found no evidence that the state of Minnesota overpaid two companies it hired to conduct COVID-19 saliva testing. Instead, the auditor’s report says, managed care organizations. acting on behalf of the state, scrutinized the claims submitted by the two companies, and paid just a fraction of the…

Update: Harbor Drive Reopens Following DECC Ammonia Leak

DULUTH, Minn. – Harbor Drive has re-opened to vehicular traffic following an ammonia leak at the DECC that caused an evacuation of the building Tuesday night. According to city officials, the Minnesota Slip Bridge is also now re-opened to pedestrian traffic. DECC officials also say the majority of the DECC has reopened Wednesday morning as well. Duluth Fire crews remained…

Over 100 Minnesota Breweries, Cideries Prepare for All Pints North Brew Fest

All Pints North Brew Festival is Happening Saturday, July 31 at Bayfront Festival Park in Duluth

DULUTH, Minn. – Good beer, beautiful sights, and fun sounds will return to Bayfront Festival Park on Saturday, July 31 for the annual All Pints North Brew Festival. After a cancellation in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, more than 100 Minnesota breweries and cideries are thrilled to be taking part in this year’s event. Organizers expect this year to…

Condo Inspections Left to Property Owners in Minnesota

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Some local building inspectors in Minnesota are fielding questions from residents worried about the safety of their condo buildings following the collapse of a tower in Surfside, Florida last month. In Minnesota, there is no state requirement for regular inspections of condo buildings. But, state officials say Minnesota doesn’t face the same risks as Florida and has…

GO: Honeyberry Picking

First planted in 2016, the first and only commercial honeyberry orchard in the united states is just a short drive from the twin ports in Wrenshall.

WRENSHALL, Minn. — First planted in 2016, the first and only commercial honeyberry orchard in the united states is just a short drive from the twin ports in Wrenshall. “So if you can envision a blueberry that kind of fell in love with a pack of sweet tarts. Some are sweet. Some are sour and some are tart. Every variety…

‘Let’s Taco ‘Bout a Job’ Fair at Bayshore Residence and Rehabilitation Center

DULUTH, Minn.– The Bayshore Residence and Rehabilitation center hosted “Let’s Taco ‘Bout a Job” Tuesday on Saint Louis Avenue of Park Point, from 12:00 noon to 4:00 PM, which is a job fair to recruit new employees for the center. Healthcare professionals have predicted a “burnout period” for current workers in the industry who have been working hard through the…

‘Raise Our Standards Tour’ Held on Park Point with Community Resistance

DULUTH, Minn.– Tuesday evening on Park Point, The Center of the American Experiment held an event at the Lafayette Park Community Center, after being denied at four Duluth locations in one month because of pressure from some in the community. The is the 17th stop in Minnesota for the “Raise Our Standards Tour” focusing on the state’s draft social studies…

Majority Of Duluth’s Central High School Sold To Property Developer

DULUTH, Minn. — The Duluth School Board approved the sale of Central High School to Saturday Central Heights, LLC on Tuesday for $7.4 million. During a special meeting, the board unanimously signed off of selling 52 or more acres to the developer. The school district has been trying to sell the property for the past 11 years after the school…

Man Charged For Shooting At Stabbing Suspect In Babbitt

BABBITT, Minn. — A Babbitt man has been charged with three felonies after he was accused of shooting at a stabbing suspect last Saturday. 38-year-old Joel Earl Vandervest had a court appearance on Tuesday morning for second-degree assault, intentional discharge of a firearm that endangers safety, and reckless discharge of a firearm. According to the criminal complaint, he shot at…

Suspect Charged, New Details Revealed In Superior Drive-By Shooting

Surveillance images of Raeqwon Hawkins released by Superior Police Department before the arrest. SUPERIOR, Wis. – We’re learning more about what all went down involving a June drive-by shooting in downtown Superior. Raeqwon Jay Hawkins Raeqwon Jay Hawkins, 24, of Superior is now charged as being the shooter in the drive-by. The crime happened around 10:40 p.m. June 17 in…

Maritime Visitor Center’s Lake Superior Day Celebration

DULUTH, Minn.- The Maritime Visitor Center is celebrating “Lake Superior Day” all weekend long, starting this Friday. The center is teaming up with local experts for a lineup of family-friendly activities. Friday and Saturday’s events are followed by a book reading of Sunken: Shipwrecks of Lake Superior by Kathy Groth. “We’re excited about hosting this and about seeing the crowds…

Governor Walz and Lieutenant Governor Flanagan Come to Duluth

DULUTH, Minn.- Governor Walz and Lieutenant Governor Flanagan among other community leaders are celebrating new educational investments in Minnesota’s COVID recovery budget. The historic investments are designed to help schools and students across the state get back on track post pandemic. Minnesota’s COVID-19 budget includes $1.2 billion to be put towards education over the next four years. “Schools are the…

American Rescue Plan Funding Helps Duluth Public Schools

DULUTH, Minn.- A portion of Minnesota’s American Rescue Plan fund helped create more programs, provide transportation, and nearly double school attendance this summer. These additional programs offer more credit recovery classes for students. And with more funding coming in, Duluth Public Schools are able to expand their resources for summer learning programs. “But really what it’s allowing us to do…

City Crews Responding to 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 Tuesday morning and is located at the intersection of Vernon Street and Grand Forks Avenue. City officials say the areas impacted are Vernon Street from West 1st Street to Chestnut Street, West 1st Street from…

Unwanted Pets: Giant Goldfish Turn up in Minnesota Waterways

(courtesy: Twitter/City of Burnsville) BURNSVILLE, Minn. (AP) – Officials in Minnesota say they’re finding more giant goldfish in waterways, prompting a plea to citizens to stop illegally dumping their unwanted fish into ponds and lakes. The goldfish, which can grow to the size of a football, compete with native species for food and increase algae in lakes. Burnsville officials found…