Minnesota

Wildfires Near Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness

SUPERIOR NATIONAL FOREST-  The Delta Lake fire is active now in the boundary waters. It covers 62 acres and currently at 35 percent containment. Multiple entry points to the Superior National Forest are also closed, in addition to fire bans remaining in place throughout Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness. “It’s a very dynamic situation that we’re in right now because…

Duluth Police Investigating “Deceased Individual” Found Near the Rose Garden

UPDATE: DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth Police Department says officers responded to the Lakewalk in Lief Erickson Park just before 10:00 a.m. Tuesday on reports that a deceased individual was found near the train tracks by a North Shore Scenic Railroad employee. Authorities have identified the individual as a 50-year-old male. The identity of the male will not be released…

Mesabi Metallics Acquires Land in Itasca County

NASHWAUK, Minn. – Mesabi Metallics announced Tuesday it has bought 3,200 acres of land from Butlertac Holdings LLC. According to a company press release, the acquired land interests include both mineral and surface leases as well as a combination of undivided and whole-fee interests, all lying within the Biwabik Iron Formation in the vicinity of the former Butler mine corridor…

Duluth Fire Department Warns of Dangerous Swimming Conditions

DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth Fire Department has issued a warning for dangerous swimming conditions due to a high risk of rip currents today. The warning is effective immediately and is in place until 10:00 a.m. tomorrow. This warning means that wind and wave conditions can support strong rip currents. Rip currents develop randomly along the entire Park Point beachfront….

Pilot of Crop-Dusting Helicopter Killed in Minnesota Crash

(courtesy: Fox 9) ELGIN, Minn. – Sheriff’s officials say the pilot of a helicopter has died in a crash in southeastern Minnesota. Authorities say 40-year-old Corey James Adcock from Victoria County, Texas was crop dusting Monday afternoon when the helicopter blades got caught in some power lines near Elgin and the chopper crashed and caught fire. Adcock, the only one…

One Man Drowns in BWCA Water Emergency on Monday

It happened at 11:41 in the morning at Handberg's Marine on Crane Lake in East Loon Bay Lake. 

BWCA, Minn. — On Monday the St. Louis County Rescue Squad, St. Louis County Sheriffs Office and other organizations responded to a water emergency on the BWCA. It happened at 11:41 in the morning at Handberg’s Marine on Crane Lake in East Loon Bay Lake. Dispatch received a call from Canoe Country Outfitters in Ely advising that a canoe had…

Dogs and Drinks Event Hosted by Northern Lakes Rescue

DULUTH, Minn.– Northern Lakes Rescue have been doing pop events where they’re bringing their dogs, like Yetti, out into the community to hopefully find their forever home. Northern Lakes Rescue is a foster home- based rescue for dogs, who are saved from a variety of situations, whether they are in kill shelters, chained and abandoned, or strays on the streets….

Lake Superior College Offering Firefighting Course

DULUTH, Minn.– Lake Superior College is offering a firefighting education course this fall that includes all of the requirements needed to become a full-time firefighter. 22 people are needed to fill the course, so the college is looking for at least 6 more to sign up. The class offers everything needed to pursue a firefighting career, like learning how to…

Construction Employment Opportunities on the Rise

DULUTH, Minn.– Although certain construction projects were put on hold throughout the country, Duluth has continued on, in full-force, and is looking for more employees to help continue growing the city. From Vision Northland to the “can of worms”, there is no shortage of construction projects around town. The Director of Planning and Economic Development with the city, says that…

Federal Infrastructure Potential Impacts on Duluth

DULUTH, Minn.– Leaders representing towns and cities across Minnesota, got together to talk about the federal infrastructure bill in Congress. Mayor Emily Larson spoke at the news conference, outlining the ways Duluth can benefit from the federal funding. She would like to see some of it go to the Duluth Port which brings in close to $1.4 billion dollars in…

North American Railcar Operators Association Comes to Duluth

DULUTH, Minn.- The North American Railcar Operators Association made a short stop in Duluth with their personal railcars today. Members from all over the nation began their railroad journey in Two Harbors and stopped by Lake Superior Railroad Museum in the lightweight vehicles, including one special car called a “Putt-Putt.” It’s called a Putt-Putt because of the unique sound it…

Fires Continue to Pose a Threat in the Northland

DULUTH/SUPERIOR- The combination of dry conditions, high temperatures and wind speeds is putting the Northland at a greater risk of more fires. Canadian wildfires continue to burn, causing smoke to move southeast into the Northland. Campfires and fireworks are not permitted around Northern Minnesota because of the extremely dry conditions. “I think common sense goes a long way and that’s…

Invasive Weed Starry Stonewort Confirmed in Leech Lake

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) – An invasive weed that can choke out native plants and fish habitat has been found in one of Minnesota’s largest and most popular walleye lakes. The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources on Monday confirmed the discovery of starry stonewort in Leech Lake, located in northwestern Minnesota. The DNR says the bright green microalgae plant has…

Minnesota Court Sends PolyMet Air Permit Case Back to Agency

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) – The proposed PolyMet copper-nickel mine in northern Minnesota has encountered a setback; the state Court of Appeals has ordered regulators to revisit a critical air emissions permit given to the project. The court ruled Monday that the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency hadn’t sufficiently justified granting the permit after opponents raised allegations that PolyMet was planning a much…

St. Paul Man Found Dead of ‘Homicidal Violence’ in Lake Superior

The St. Paul Police Reported Balsimo Missing Last Tuesday

GRAND PORTAGE, Minn. (FOX 9) – A St. Paul, Minnesota man’s dismembered body was found in a tote and a bucket in Lake Superior over the weekend, according to charges filed last week. Dive teams working with investigators located the remains of Richard Balsimo, 34, in the lake off the coast of Grand Portage last Thursday and Friday, the Minnesota…

Duluth Police Searching for Kwik Trip Robbery Suspect

(courtesy: Facebook/Duluth Police Department) DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth Police Department is asking for the public’s help identifying a man they say is allegedly involved in a robbery with a weapon at a Kwik Trip store in the Lincoln Park neighborhood. According to a Monday Facebook post on the Duluth Police Department page, the robbery happened on July 14, at…

Essentia Health to Launch Courtesy Shuttle for Patients, Visitors as Phase 2 Construction Begins

DULUTH, Minn. – Essentia Health is launching a courtesy shuttle for patients and visitors as the hospital enters Phase 2 of its Vision Northland project. Phase 2 of Second Street closures is set to begin on July 21 at which time Second Street will reopen from Fourth Avenue East to the Intersection with Fifth Avenue East, which will be closed….

Senate President Pro Tem Says He Has Lou Gehrig’s Disease

(courtesy: Fox 9) ST. PAUL, Minn. – Longtime state Sen. David Tomassoni has informed his constituents that he has Lou Gehring’s disease, also known as ALS. The motor neuron disease is a progressive, degenerative disease that destroys the nerve cells that control voluntary muscle movement. The 68-year-old senator from Chisholm says he was diagnosed a while ago and felt the…

Main Lodge Of Camp Burns Down In Fire

LAKE ESQUAGAMA, Minn. — The main lodge of a camp on Lake Esquagama has been wiped out by a fire. According to the Northland FireWire, the blaze happened on Friday afternoon shortly before 1 p.m. at Camp Sigel, which offers Bible study camps. When firefighters got to the scene, the lodge was already fully engulfed, with the flames spreading to…

HotRods 4 HotWheels Looking to Promote Relationships with Law Enforcement

HERMANTOWN, Minn.– A Duluth man is finding a way to thank police and fire departments after surviving a car accident 9 years ago, and was helped by first responders. HotRods 4 HotWheels makes its debut this year, as a cruise that starts in Hermantown, to raise money for hot wheels to give to local fire and police departments in Carlton…

Biker Crashes on Trail in Duluth

DULUTH, Minn.– The Duluth Fire Department responded to a 54 year-old female that had fallen from her bike, on a steep trail in the 40th Avenue West and Skyline Parkway area. The patient was brought to safety and was conscious upon transportation to a local hospital for examination. Duluth firefighters add to always remain cautious on the trails and to…

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…