Minnesota Archives - Page 168 of 359

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.

July 14, 2021

Arman Rahman,

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.

July 14, 2021

Arman Rahman,

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

July 14, 2021

Lauren Akabori,

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

July 14, 2021

Lauren Akabori,

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

July 14, 2021

The Associated Press,

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

July 14, 2021

The Associated Press,

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…

City Crews Responding to Water Main Break in North Shore Neighborhood

July 14, 2021

Site Staff,

DULUTH, Minn. – City of Duluth Utility Operations crews are responding to a water main break in the North Shore Neighborhood. The break was reported around 12:35 p.m. Wednesday and is located on the 9500 block of Congdon Boulevard. City officials say water has been shut off from 9525 Congdon Boulevard to the end of the line near Mc Quade…

Update: Harbor Drive Reopens Following DECC Ammonia Leak

July 14, 2021

Site Staff,

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

July 14, 2021

Brett Scott,

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…

City Crews Responding to Water Main Break in Lincoln Park Neighborhood

July 14, 2021

Site Staff,

DULUTH, Minn. – City of Duluth Utility Operations crews are responding to a water main break in the Lincoln Park neighborhood. The break was reported Wednesday morning and is located at 30th Avenue West andWest 1st Street. City officials say the areas impacted are Truck Center Drive from 30th Avenue West to the end of the line past 30 1/2…

Condo Inspections Left to Property Owners in Minnesota

July 14, 2021

The Associated Press,

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.

July 14, 2021

Reece Lindquist,

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

July 13, 2021

Natalie Noury,

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

July 13, 2021

Natalie Noury,

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…

Ammonia Leak Forces Evacuation Of DECC, Curling Club

July 13, 2021

Dan Hanger,

DULUTH, Minn. – An ammonia leak forced an evacuation Tuesday evening at the DECC, according to Duluth Fire Chief Shawn Krizay. The fire department got the call for help around 7 p.m. Tuesday for the leak at the Curling Club. Crews confirmed the leak and began evacuating the Curling Club, DECC and Pioneer Hall. Hazmat crews were called in to…

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

July 13, 2021

Alexandra Burnley,

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

July 13, 2021

Alexandra Burnley,

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

July 13, 2021

KQDS Staff,

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

July 13, 2021

Lauren Akabori,

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

July 13, 2021

Lauren Akabori,

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

July 13, 2021

Lauren Akabori,

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…

Minnesota Officials Looking Into Line 3 Drilling Fluid Spill

July 13, 2021

The Associated Press,

BRAINERD, Minn. (AP) — The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency says it’s investigating a spill of drilling fluid into the Willow River in Aitkin County last week during construction on the Enbridge Energy Line 3 oil pipeline. About 80 to 100 gallons of drilling fluid, or mud, were inadvertently released on July 6 at a construction site near the town of…

City Crews Responding to Water Main Break in Lincoln Park Neighborhood

July 13, 2021

Site Staff,

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

July 13, 2021

The Associated Press,

(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…

Minnesota TSA Employee Facing Charges After Taking Photos of Female Travelers

July 13, 2021

KQDS Staff,

(FOX 9) – A Transportation Security Administration employee at Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport is facing charges after taking photos of female travelers. Court documents allege the 37-year-old had 42 photos of female travelers on his personal phone. The employee allegedly snapping the photos off the airport’s closed-circuit camera system over the course of a year. Charging documents say the photos…

Lake Superior Day Returns This Weekend

The event is geared towards educating the public on the lake with interactive kids activities.

July 12, 2021

Reece Lindquist,

SUPERIOR, Wis. — The annual Lake Superior Day on Barkers Island is back in action this coming weekend. It’s held every third weekend in July. The event is geared toward educating the public on the lake with interactive activities for kids. Organizations that work on Lake Superior hope people can come and learn more about the largest of the Great…

Ruth’s Local Greens Makes a Nutritional Impact in the Twin Ports

Two Students from UMD started a business only 5 months ago, and are making an impact already through the Twin Ports.

July 12, 2021

Natalie Noury,

DULUTH, Minn.– Two UMD students came together earlier this year to figure out how to bring a little more green to the Twin Ports in a local and sustainable way. Wanting to explore ways to provide nutritious food to the Northland led them to find a creative and year-round way to provide these healthy products. “We always had an interest…

Spirit Mountain Offering Events Through the Summer

July 12, 2021

Natalie Noury,

DULUTH, Minn.– Back in May, Mayor Larson proposed a $24 million dollar plan to help bring Spirit Mountain back to its full potential. The $24 million dollar proposed plan would be funded 50% by state bonding, 25% by Duluth tourism tax revenue, and 25% by Spirit Mountain. By doing so, Mayor Larson says hundreds of new jobs would be made,…

Fire at AmericInn Hotel Still Under Investigation

July 12, 2021

Natalie Noury,

PROCTOR, Minn.– An investigation is underway in Proctor after fire broke out this morning at a hotel in town. Crews responded to the AmericInn Hotel around 10:45 AM on Monday morning along US highway 2, near Blackwoods. The hotel was fully booked at the time, but everyone was evacuated safely with no injuries. The flames were limited to the exterior…

Employee Stabbed ‘Multiple Times’ In Babbitt, 2 Arrested

"The victim and the suspect were acquainted," according to Police Chief Mike McGregor.

July 12, 2021

Dan Hanger,

BABBITT, Minn. – Police in Babbitt have arrested two men after a woman was stabbed multiple times Saturday evening inside a local business. Police Chief Mike McGregor says the call for help came in around 7:45 p.m. Saturday. While officers were responding to the scene, a shooting was reported in the same area. McGregor said nobody was shot and both…

First Concert for Recovery Held at the DECC

July 12, 2021

Lauren Akabori,

DULUTH, Minn.- Members of the Northland Music and Recovery community is teaming up with the DECC and the Duluth Bethel to throw the Northland’s first concert for recovery. The Duluth Bethel Treatment Center invites Northlanders to celebrate National Recovery Month. Four bands will gather on the East side of the DECC for a performance on Saturday September 25, supporting substance…

Nail Salons are Back After a Hard Year

July 12, 2021

Lauren Akabori,

DULUTH, Minn.- Nail salons are among many businesses returning to normal after being forced to close during the pandemic. VP Nails and Hair off of Central Entrance is excited to see its clients return. The nail salon closed for a few months in March of 2020, and is seeing business pick up as COVID restrictions loosen. “Having regular clients like…

Duluth YMCA Participates in National Summer Learning Week

July 12, 2021

Lauren Akabori,

DULUTH, Minn.- Duluth’s Area Family YMCA participates in this week’s National Summer Learning event. This week’s programs dedicates to keeping kids engaged and healthy through STEM, reading and art programs. “And these full day summer care kind of gives us a chance to get to know the kids in a different way, and as you get to know their interests…

Minnesota DNR Expands Burning Restrictions

July 12, 2021

Site Staff,

(courtesy: Minnesota DNR) DULUTH, Minn. – The Minnesota DNR announced on Monday that it is activating additional burning restrictions effective Tuesday. The additional burning restrictions are for the eastern portion of Roseau County and all of Beltrami, Cook, Koochiching, Lake, Lake of the Woods, and St. Louis counties, within state jurisdiction. Burning restrictions remain in effect for Cass, Crow…

Minnesota COVID-19 Audit Sought by Lawmakers Looks Doubtful

July 12, 2021

The Associated Press,

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) – Minnesota’s independent legislative auditor says he doesn’t have the resources to satisfy a request by lawmakers for a comprehensive study of the state’s COVID-19 response. Legislative Auditor Jim Nobles tells Minnesota Public Radio he’s ready to hear lawmakers out. But he says the scope of the request, combined with other projects his office is already…

Scientists: Pup Births Hopeful Sign for Isle Royale Wolves

July 12, 2021

The Associated Press,

TRAVERSE CITY, Mich. (AP) – Scientists say wolf pups have been spotted again at Isle Royale National Park. And that’s a hopeful sign for efforts to rebuild a gray wolf population that had nearly died out. Crews brought wolves from Minnesota, Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, and the Canadian province of Ontario to the Lake Superior park several years ago. It’s unknown…

‘A mass of flame’: Lake Vermillion Resort Owners Will Rebuild After Fire Destroys 4 Buildings

Resort owners the Gillson family say the fire started in the gazebo's enclosed fireplace, spreading to the bait house, resort store, and game room.

July 11, 2021

Arman Rahman,

BUYCK, Minn.- An early Sunday morning scare at Life of Riley Resort on Lake Vermillion — fire ripping through a gazebo, and two other buildings, leaving charred ashes behind. “I tell ya dude, I came over the hill and it’s like ‘oh man.’ I was in the Twilight Zone,” said Life of Riley owner Rock Gillson. “It reminded me, first…

Zeitgeist Café Hosts First-Ever Drag Brunch

Guests got to sip some mimosas while watching the drag performers dance to top 40 hits.

July 11, 2021

Arman Rahman,

DULUTH, Minn.- Zeitgeist Arts Café played host to some live brunch entertainment normally seen in places like the Twin Cities Sunday. Zeitgeist hosted its first ever drag brunch featuring performers from the Twin Ports’ Zenith City Horror and some from Minneapolis. Guests got to sip some mimosas while watching the drag performers dance to top 40 hits. “Fun songs, y’know…

Man Arrested After ‘Shots Fired’ Incident In Virginia

July 11, 2021

Dan Hanger,

VIRGINIA, Minn. – A man is under arrest after a “shots fired” incident in the city of Virginia over the weekend. The shooting was reported around 4:20 p.m. Saturday on the 1200 block of 5th Avenue North. When officers arrives, they were informed by witnesses that the shooter left the scene and went into a residence on the 500 block…

40th Annual Heritage Days Wraps Up Successful Weekend

The popular festival will continue next year with even more vendors.

July 11, 2021

Reece Lindquist,

TWO HARBORS, Minn. — The annual festival and class reunion in Two Harbors came roaring back this weekend. “It’s the largest festival in Two Harbors that is a city sanctioned event,” Heritage Days Chairman, Cheryl Sundstrom says. Complete with a parade, fireworks and 42 vendors throughout the weekend. “We didn’t know what to expect but it’s been phenomenal. We’ve got…

Hibbing Police K9 Ready For A&E’s ‘America’s Top Dog’

July 11, 2021

Dan Hanger,

HIBBING, Minn. (FOX 9) – Chase, a police K9 from Hibbing, Minnesota is one of 16 Police K9s selected to compete in this season of A&E’s competition show “America’s Top Dog.” Chase was selected out of thousands of dogs after his handler, Hibbing Police Officer Joey Burns, put in an application after watching an episode of the show. “I was sitting there…

Superior Fuel Company Adds Four 80,000 Gallon Fuel Tanks to Rail Terminal Site

The tanks should be up and running within the next two months.

July 11, 2021

Reece Lindquist,

DULUTH, Minn. — Superior Fuel have added four 80,000 gallon propane tanks at their rail terminal site in West Duluth. The 2.5 million dollar project is expected to help heat more homes during the winter season. With each tank able to provide fuel refills to over three-hundred homes. Throughout the next few weeks the tanks will be gearing up to…

Blow-Up Movie Screen On Irvin, Projection Art Just A Few Ideas From New DECC Exec. Dir.

July 11, 2021

Dan Hanger,

DULUTH, Minn. – Duluth Entertainment Convention Center’s newly hired executive director, Dan Hartman, says he’s ready to rebrand the venue inside and out to become truly the central hub of Duluth. Hartman say his leadership team at the DECC is mostly made up of 20-plus-year employees. They’ve been brainstorming on ways to bring new life to the DECC, like creating…

Haze Blows Into Duluth Skies from Canada Wildfires

The haze was potentially problematic for those suffering from sensitive breathing.

July 11, 2021

Arman Rahman,

DULUTH, Minn.- The skies above the Twin Ports getting getting choked by heavy smoke this weekend from wildfires in Canada making air quality poor. The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency and the National Weather Service issued an air quality warning for all of this. It started Friday and ended Sunday morning. The haze was potentially problematic for those suffering from sensitive…

Campfires Banned in Boundary Waters, Fire Danger High

July 11, 2021

Dan Hanger,

Delta Fire ELY, Minn. (AP) – Forest Service officials have temporarily banned campfires in the Superior National Forest, including the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, and closed some lakes and access points because of four wildfires burning in the area. The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources is reporting high or very high wildfire danger across most of northern Minnesota. The…

Minnesota To Close All But One Mass Vaccination Sites

July 11, 2021

Dan Hanger,

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) – Minnesota is planning to close all but one of its COVID-19 mass vaccination sites by Aug. 7. A statement from Gov. Tim Walz says the state will focus on the several hundred smaller vaccination sites around the state, at pharmacies and health care providers. The state’s COVID-19 vaccination rate has been stagnant in recent weeks, at about…

Fire Destroys Gazebo, Two Buildings at Resort on Lake Vermillion

July 11, 2021

Arman Rahman,

Life Of Riley Resort ST. LOUIS COUNTY, Minn.- A structure fire Sunday at a resort on Lake Vermillion destroyed two buildings, according to the St. Louis County Sheriff’s Office. Life of Riley Resort The Sheriff’s Office responded to a structure fire at the Life of Riley Resort around 1:17 a.m. Sunday. According to authorities, the fire started in a resort…

First-Ever Bienvenue Coffee Fest Brews Excitement, Crowds at Depot

The next big event coming to the depot will be the Duluth Art Institute's member show next month.

July 10, 2021

Arman Rahman,

DULUTH, Minn.- The debut of a new festival at Duluth’s St. Louis County Depot *brewed* up excitement and big crowds today. It was the first ever “Bienvenue” Coffee Fest at the Depot. Hundreds of coffee roasters and enthusiasts poured in to talk beans and check out local vendors civil war re-enactors talking the importance of coffee in the war, and…

AICHO Holds First Indigenous Food, Art Market in Hillside

More than a dozen vendors showcased fresh locally farmed food or handmade goods and artwork.

July 10, 2021

Arman Rahman,

DULUTH, Minn.- People in Duluth’s Central Hillside neighborhood could browse food art and other products from local diverse sources at the American Indian Community Housing Organization or “AICHO’S” Indigenous Food and Art market. More than a dozen vendors showcased fresh locally farmed food or handmade goods and artwork. SNAP and EBT food stamps were also accepted. It was one of…

Cloquet Police: Armed Suspect Threatens Residents of Home, Shoots Himself Following Standoff with Officers

No officers on scene were injured, nor did they discharge their firearms.

July 10, 2021

Arman Rahman,

CLOQUET, Minn.- After an hours long standoff with police Saturday, an man who entered a home and threatened residents with a gun in Cloquet shot himself, according to the Cloquet Police Department. Officers responded to a home on Ridge Road in Cloquet around 10:19 a.m. Saturday, on a report of a 20-year-old man armed with a gun who entered the…