Minnesota

AICHO Holds Blessing of the Gardens Ceremony

DULUTH, Minn.– There was a ‘Blessing of the Gardens’ ceremony today held by the American Indian Community Housing Organization (AICHO), that honored and gave appreciation to the plants for what they give to us and the community around us. Hope Flanagan of Seneca Nation, and of the Turtle Clan, is the Community Outreach and Cultural Teacher for Dream of Wild…

Chauvin to be Sentenced Friday Afternoon

Judge Peter Cahill is Expected to Announce Chauvin's Sentence at 1:30 p.m. Friday

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) – Former Minneapolis police Officer Derek Chauvin is set to learn his fate as a Minnesota judge sentences him for murder in the death of George Floyd. The 45-year-old Chauvin faces decades in prison, with several legal experts predicting a sentence of 20 to 25 years. He still faces a federal trial on civil rights charges in Floyd’s…

Crews Respond to Overnight Duluth Heights Neighborhood Fire

The damage to the home is estimated at $75,000. 

DULUTH, Minn. — The Duluth Fire Department responded to a house fire around midnight on Friday morning at 6 West Linden Street in the Duluth Heights neighborhood. When crews arrived, they found a large amount of fire on the porch of the home. Two residents were able to escape and taken to a local hospital for treatment. Two cats were…

Kids Raise Money for Police with Lemonade Stand

DULUTH, Minn.- Kids in the Woodland neighborhood set up a lemonade stand, offering pink and yellow lemonade for sale. The money raised will be donated to the Duluth Police Foundation, which creates partnerships supporting community safety. “We wanted to help the police foundation on helping them get their stuff, on helping them get more stuff for them to help get…

Lake Superior College Welding Students Create Aerial Lift Bridge Replica

DULUTH, Minn.– Visit Duluth and Lake Superior College partnered up in 2018 and planned to have students design and weld a lift bridge replica that is 95″ wide, and 82″ tall. Finally today, the pieces were put together. Visit Duluth was able to purchase and supply the materials while the students of Lake Superior College put their heads together and…

Summer Program Guide Released

DULUTH, Minn.– Yesterday Duluth’s Parks and Recreation division announced the return of some senior programs, but today, the full summer program guide for all ages was released. Duluth hopes this will encourage people to sign up, to help promote more community activities that allow people to get out and be active again. “Pretty much whatever your interest is we offer…

Law Enforcement Reminds Public to Celebrate 4th of July Safely

DULUTH, Minn.– There are all kinds of precautions that should be taken into consideration as the public prepares to celebrate this Fourth of July, but today, law enforcement wanted to remind us that if you want to celebrate safely this year, leave the fireworks to the professionals. From 2019 to 2020, calls due to firework disturbances and injuries have tripled,…

Minnesota Weighs More Cameras in Courts After Chauvin Case

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) – Minnesota’s court system could allow expanded camera coverage of criminal proceedings following the trial of a former Minneapolis police officer in George Floyd’s death. Chief Justice Lorie Gildea says it’s time to consider amending the current rules to accommodate broader public access. Gildea’s order doesn’t specifically cite Derek Chauvin’s trial, which was Minnesota’s first criminal case in…

Increased Water Pumping Worries Line 3 Pipeline Opponents

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Opponents of Enbridge Energy’s Line 3 oil pipeline project are worried about the potential impact of the company’s plan to temporarily pump as much as 10 times more groundwater out of the construction area than once planned. Enbridge has encountered more groundwater than anticipated as it digs trenches for the replacement pipeline across northern Minnesota. Earlier…

What to Know as Chauvin Sentenced in Floyd Death Friday

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Former Minneapolis police Officer Derek Chauvin faces sentencing Friday in the death of George Floyd, with a judge weighing a prison term experts say could be as much as 30 years. Chauvin, 45, was convicted in April of second-degree unintentional murder, third-degree murder, and second-degree manslaughter for pressing his knee against Floyd’s neck for about 9 1/2…

Level 3 Predatory Offender Relocates to Duluth

DULUTH, Minn. – Authorities in Duluth say a level 3 predatory offender was released on Tuesday and has relocated to the Duluth region. According to police, Royce Drift, 34, has a history of physically assaulting and holding a known adult female against her will. Force and a weapon were used to gain compliance. He also had a juvenile history of…

The Hills’ Community Programs Now Closing Down Friday

DULUTH, Minn. – The Hills Youth and Family Services in Duluth is now closing down its community programs sooner than expected this Friday instead of July 2. This comes after the organization’s more than 100 years of mental health services to children and juveniles in the justice system. Last week, the president and CEO, Leslie Chaplin, explained that the pandemic,…

STARBASE Instructor Flies with the Blue Angels

HERMANTOWN, Minn.– One lucky STARBASE instructor was nominated by members of the Duluth Airshow committee to fly with the Blue Angels today. The nomination was for a STEM educator who has made a positive impact on the community through their passion for educational outreach and today, she was so excited to put some science in motion. “The application of knowledge…

Renegade Theatre Programs Reopen to Public

The Zinema at Zeitgeist is currently open for community rentals. 

DULUTH, Minn. —  Programs at the Zeitgeist Renegade Theatre are now back open. The Renegade Improv group has been performing in the atrium for the past two weeks on Fridays and is working towards getting back into the theatre. Meanwhile the first Zeitgeist and Renegade produced musical will be back in the theater in August. The Zinema at Zeitgeist is…

Duluth Parks and Recreation Brings Back Their Senior Programs

DULUTH, Minn.- As COVID restrictions continue to loosen up many Senior Programs around the Northland are back. The Duluth Parks and Recreation Center is one of the places now staying busy. Duluth Parks and Recreation kicked off their Senior Programming with a summer celebration at Morgan Park Community Center. Seniors in the community reunited for snacks, drinks, and conversation. They…

Minnesota House Passes $7 Billion Transportation Budget Bill

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) – Another piece of Minnesota’s budget picture fell into place when the House passed a $7 billion transportation funding bill. The bill includes money for two new bus rapid transit lines for the Twin Cities. It preserves the Northstar commuter rail line. It includes money for a second daily Amtrak train between St. Paul and Chicago….

Update: Duluth Police Asking for Public’s Help Identifying Suspect in Smoke Shop Robbery

DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth Police Department is asking for the public’s help in identifying the suspect from the Tuesday morning Sadi’s Smoke Shop robbery. Video surveillance from the smoke shop was recovered by investigators with the Duluth Police DepartmentsViolent Crimes Unit. According to police, officers responded to a hold-up alarm at the smoke shop located on the 1600 block…

Boys and Girls Club of the Northland Celebrates 50 Years

Organizers say what better way to celebrate 50 years in the Northland than by offering job resources and opportunities to the community they've been a part of all that time.

DULUTH, Minn.- This year marks the 50th anniversary of the Boys and Girls Club of the Northland, and it’s kicking off Boys and Girls Club Week with a career fair that was open to the public Tuesday. Free food, activities for kids, and different career opportunities like the 49ers Union and the Association of General Contractors came by the Lincoln…

Reggae Fest Jamming on in Duluth Next Month

Preps have begun for this year's Reggae World Music Festival in Bayfront Festival Park next month, happening in-person this year.

DULUTH, Minn.- Preps have begun for this year’s Reggae World Music Festival in Bayfront Festival Park next month, happening in-person this year. Last year Reggae Fest took a pause due to the COVID-19 restrictions at the time. Organizers say plans were underway to hold it differently this year until restrictions were lifted in May. “We are so happy and relieved…

Duluth Man Charged with Second-Degree Murder of St. Cloud State Professor

Investigators say 45-year-old Jason Beckman might have had issues with substance abuse and mental health.

DULUTH, Minn.- A 45-year-old Duluth man is behind bars in St. Cloud for randomly shooting and killing a longtime St. Cloud State Professor with ties to Duluth. Now more is coming out on Jason Beckman’s criminal past, why he was in St. Cloud, and what brought him to pull the trigger. A Stearns County judge is examining the mental competency…

New Coffee Bar Opens up at Glensheen Mansion

DULUTH, Minn.– At the Glensheen Mansion, another addition launched this morning that sells coffee from the Duluth Coffee Company, and doughnuts from Johnson’s Bakery. These items are being served out of the newly re-decorated carriage house garage space, and Glensheen is excited to see what it adds to the experience. “We really enjoy working with local businesses, Chester and Clara…

Lead Testing Results Revealed in Press Conference at City Hall

DULUTH, Minn.- In April, more than 100 single-family homes built before 1930 had their water lines tested for lead and today Duluth leaders released those results to the public. Although results showed higher traces than expected, no commonalities were found in neighborhoods. However, homes on dead-end streets did have higher traces of lead. “There’s no safe level of lead in…

Bay View Elementary Offers Summer School Programs

DULUTH, Minn.– Today the students of Bay View Elementary School’s summer program learned about bike safety from the Duluth Police Department, and got to ride with Hank and Henry. For the Duluth Police Department, it’s not only important to educate kids on how to ride their bikes safely but also to be more engaging with the public. “It is so…

Big Bottle Liquor Store Closing After 50 Years

DULUTH, Minn.– After 50 years of operation, another small family business is closing it’s doors. In Lincoln Park, the Big Bottle Liquor Store’s building has been sold, and they are discounting their remaining inventory in preparation for their official last day, July 24th. The owner shared his appreciation for the customers over the years saying, “I’m sure there will be…

Fireworks Stands and Fireworks Safety in the Northland

DULUTH, Minn.- Fireworks stands around the Northland are opening up with limited products to pick from this year, but the potential danger of using fireworks incorrectly remains. The Independence Day weekend is around the corner and people are getting a head start on their 4th of July festivities. Fire department officials know safety is important while using sparklers and firecrackers…

Suspect in St. Cloud Shooting Formally Charged

ST. CLOUD, Minn. – The 45-year-old Duluth man arrested for the murder of 68-year-old Ed Ward has been formally charged. On Tuesday, Jason Robert Beckman was charged with three felony counts including second-degree murder with intent-not premeditated. According to the criminal complaint, St. Cloud police responded to reports of a shooting at a residence around 6:16 a.m. Sunday where officers…

St. Cloud Homicide Suspect, Victim Have Ties to Duluth

Formal charges are still pending for the Duluth man police say randomly shot and killed Ed Ward in a doorway in St. Cloud.

DULUTH, Minn.- A weekend homicide in St. Cloud now has two close connections to Duluth. The alleged suspect lives here, as well as the daughter of the victim who was a longtime college professor. Photo: Amy Jones 68-year-old Ed Ward’s daughter says her family is grieving the loss of her father — a kind and compassionate man. Formal charges are…

Lake Superior Art Glass Offering Monthly Themed Classes

DULUTH, Minn.– Lake Superior Art Glass is continuing their monthly classes, as June offered a make-your-own drinkware segment that also honored Fathers Day. In a 30 minute window, people are able to come in to design their piece while watching the glass blowers create it. Although the class also offered a Fathers Day element, anyone is allowed to take the…

Final Suspect In Duluth Homicide Turns Himself Into Police

DULUTH, Minn. – The fifth and final suspect wanted in connection to Duluth’s first homicide of the year turned himself into police Monday evening. Homicide victim Juamada Anderson Jr., 22, of Duluth. A city spokesperson said Markus Seville Morris, 31, a well-known boxer from Duluth, made contact with the Duluth Police Department around 5:20 p.m. An arrest warrant was issued…

Northern Waters Smokehaus Opening Order Windows

DULUTH, Minn.– Northern Waters Smokehaus in Canal Park has decided not to re-open their store front in the DeWitt-Seitz building due to efficiency concerns and overcrowding and instead have installed new outdoor-ordering windows. They hope to cut wait times down whether it is a large or smaller order as they also look to continue great customer service and are eager…

City Hosts Duluth City Flag Raising Ceremony

DULUTH, Minn.- The City of Duluth invited the community for their new flag raising ceremony at City Hall earlier today. The Duluth fire and police departments’ honor guard presented and installed the new flag. City officials and members of the community were in attendance; those attending say they are proud of the new flag and what it represents. “I think…

Warrior Brewing Company Kicks off Production

  DULUTH, Minn.- For two veterans ideas were brewing up for the past seven months. Warrior Brewing Company in Duluth held their first canning of three unique beers. Local owners, Matt Caple and Ben Gipson met in the brewing industry while raising funds for veteran organizations. They came together with a plan seven months ago and are ready for distribution….

Police From Minneapolis, UM to Step up Patrols in Dinkytown

MINNEAPOLIS – Officers from the Minneapolis Police Department and the University of Minnesota will begin patrolling the Dinkytown area near the university in an effort to curb violent crime. Dinkytown has been a popular spot for students over the years and is home to numerous restaurants, bars, entertainment venues, and apartments. Crime near campus has surged recently, much of it…

Duluth Police Identify Victim in Downtown Shooting

DULUTH, Minn. – Duluth Police have identified the victim injured in a shooting that took place Sunday night in downtown Duluth. Police say 41-year-old William David Urrutia was struck by gunfire on the 100 block of East 3rd Street around 9:15 p.m. Urrutia was transported to a local hospital for his injuries but has since been released. Authorities say Urrutia…

St. Cloud State Professor Identified as Victim of ‘Random’ Deadly Shooting

(photo credit: Family of Ed Ward) ST. CLOUD, Minn. (FOX 9) – The man shot and killed in what police say was a “random” incident Sunday morning in St. Cloud has been identified as a 68-year-old St. Cloud State University professor. The Midwest Medical Examiner’s Office said the victim was Dr. Edward Anthony Ward. The University confirmed the news Monday,…

Iron Range Board Approves Funding for Manufacturing Mill

COHASSET, Minn. – Governor Tim Walz announced Monday the Iron Range Resources & Rehabilitation Board approved $15 million to construct a new wood products manufacturing facility in Cohasset. The mill was expected to bring about 150 jobs to the region that have a median hourly wage of $31 plus benefits. “Something like this, the once in a 40-year deal that…

More Rain Needed to Make up for Current Deficit in Minnesota

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Sunday’s rain in Minnesota will help ease drought conditions and elevated fire danger, but experts say it’s not nearly enough to make up for the current rainfall deficit. The entire state is classified as abnormally dry and more than half of Minnesota is experiencing drought. The St. Croix River at Stillwater and the Minnesota River at Henderson…