Minnesota

Governor Walz Appoints Shawn Pearson to Fill Sixth Judicial District Vacancy

ST. PAUL, Minn. – On Friday, Governor Tim Walz and Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flanagan announced the appointment of Shawn Pearson as District Court Judge in Minnesota’s Sixth Judicial District. “I am proud to appoint Shawn Pearson to the Sixth Judicial District bench,” said Governor Walz. “Mr. Pearson brings a wealth and depth of experience and steadfast leadership to the bench. I have…

Superior Armed Robbery, Shoplifting Suspect Formally Charged

SUPERIOR, Wis. – Authorities say the male suspect arrested in Duluth Wednesday in connection to an armed robbery and shoplifting incident in Superior has been formally charged. Norman Wayne Cutbank, 25, of Duluth is charged with one count of armed robbery with use of force, one count of attempted armed robbery with threat of force, and one count of attempting…

One Injured in Virginia House Fire

(courtesy: Facebook/Northland FireWire) VIRGINIA, Minn. – One person was hospitalized after a house fire in Virginia Thursday evening. According to reports from the Northland FireWire, the fire was reported around 7:30 p.m. on the 300 block of First Street North. The fire was contained in the kitchen and living room of the house. The sole woman occupant was taken to…

Groundbreaking Held for Ely Schools Renovation Project

ELY, Minn. – On Thursday, the groundbreaking was held for the $20 million expansion project for Ely Public Schools. The project will include a new structure that connects the elementary and high schools, and renovations of the existing school buildings which will include building a new gym, cafeteria, media center, and classrooms. Renovations are expected to be completed by the…

Enbridge’s Line 3 Oil Pipeline Enters Critical Month in June

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — June will be a critical month for Enbridge Energy’s Line 3 crude oil pipeline as the company resumes construction and opponents mobilize for large-scale protests and civil disobedience. Winona LaDuke of Honor the Earth says she expects thousands of people from across the country to join the protests in northern Minnesota. Both sides are also waiting for…

Minnesota State Patrol Pleads with Drivers to Use Caution as Summer Travel Begins

As of May 27, 2021, 149 Traffic Fatalities Have Been Reported on Minnesota Roads

DULUTH, Minn. – Minnesota State Patrol is out with alarming new numbers as the Memorial Day weekend approached, just five months into the new year. The Department of Public Safety says 149 lives have been lost on Minnesota roads in 2021. That’s in comparison to 107 lives lost at this time in 2020. Troopers are reporting a 96 percent rise…

Food Giveaway Held in Hermantown

HERMANTOWN, Minn.– As the pandemic continues, the AEOA in Hermantown sponsored a food distribution site which is part of a program from the USDA. They started out with 1300 boxes, handing out 300 in the first half-hour. “This is extremely important to everybody, to the entire economy, both those farmers, and those who really need it, just to put food…

Red Flag Warning Issued for Park Point Beaches

DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth Fire Department has issued a warning for dangerous swimming conditions at Park Point beaches effective immediately until 10:00 a.m. tomorrow. The warning means that wind and wave conditions can support rip currents, which are life-threatening to anyone entering the water. There are no lifeguards on Park Point and red flags are flying along the beach…

Governor Walz Launches ‘Your Shot to Summer’ Campaign to Encourage COVID-19 Vaccinations

ST. PAUL, Minn. – On Thursday, Governor Walz announced a vaccine incentive campaign called “Your Shot to Summer” to encourage Minnesotans to get their COVID-19 vaccine by July 1. The governor’s office said in a Thursday news release, “The first 100,000 Minnesotans who get their first shot between May 27 and June 30 will be able to choose the reward…

Superior Armed Robbery Suspect Arrested in Duluth

SUPERIOR, Wis. – Superior police say the suspect in a Wednesday evening armed robbery and shoplifting incident was located and arrested in Duluth following a short pursuit from Superior. Authorities say officers responded to a CVS located at North 28th Street and Tower Avenue around 5:45 p.m. on reports of an armed robbery. Police say the suspect had robbed the…

Essentia Health Eases Visitor Restrictions

DULUTH, Minn. – Essentia Health announced Thursday morning that it is moving to ease visitation guidelines as COVID-19 positivity rates decrease in the community. Starting today, two adult visitors per patient will be allowed in Essentia clinic and hospital settings, including emergency departments. Some surgical and procedural spaces may have special instructions that will be communicated to patients prior to…

St. Louis County Continues Vaccine Clinic, Information at Duluth Transportation Center

Public health officials say they've vaccinated about 80 people over their three visits there.

DULUTH, Minn.- St. Louis County is continuing to find success with its vaccine clinic at the Duluth Transportation Center downtown. Public health officials say they’ve vaccinated about 80 people over their three visits there. They add people coming in have been a variety of different ages and living situations. It’s been  a mix of people who may have trouble scheduling…

Duluth Library to Open with Masks, City Hall to Open Without

The Duluth Public Safety Building and Comfort Systems is also opening back up to the public Tuesday.

DULUTH, Minn.- The City Of Duluth has announced most of their public buildings will reopen to the public on June 1st, and while most things will be business as usual, don’t expect to ditch your masks at the library. The doors to the main Duluth Public Library will open again to the public one June 7th after finishing construction, and…

Forest Service Offers Tips on How To Prevent Wildfires

DULUTH, Minn.– The Superior National Forest is reminding the public of the near-critical fire conditions in the Northland as the amount of rain we’ve seen is low, and showers have been spotty. As some areas experience droughts, the foliage is extra dry this spring. Wildfires are a huge concern this time of year, and prevention is a priority, “we just…

St. Lukes Continues Vaccinations of International Sailors

Another international vessel will soon arrive in the Twin Ports with crew members planning on receiving their vaccinations once they dock.

DULUTH, Minn. — St. Luke’s continued their vaccinations of international sailors in the Twin Ports Wednesday morning. About 20 sailors from India aboard the Federal Champlain received the Johnson & Johnson vaccination. Because of the pandemic, these sailors haven’t been able to go to shore as they faced local regulations from each country they visit. “There families are going to be…

Duluth’s Environmental Initiative Recognized for Carbon Reductions

The steam plant provides heating services to 160 buildings in downtown Duluth and Canal Park. 

DULUTH, Minn. — The city of Duluth was recognized today for their efforts on going green. The city was announced as the winners of the the Environmental Initiative Energy and Climate award for their work on the steam plant. Back in 2018 the city of Duluth and their partners replaced sixteen blocks of aging steam pipe on Superior Street with…

Walz Orders Flags at Half-Staff In Honor of Conservation Officer Grell

ST. PAUL, Minn. – On Wednesday, Governor Tim Walz ordered all U.S. flags and Minnesota flags to be flown at half-staff at all State and Federal buildings in Minnesota on Friday in honor of Conservation Officer Sarah Grell. “Sarah Grell was an outstanding Conservation Officer, who was highly regarded and respected by her colleagues and her community, serving the people…

Minnesota Researchers Develop Wafer as Potential New Vaccine Delivery Method

(courtesy: Polymeric Biomaterials Lab, University of Minnesota via Fox9) (FOX 9) – Researchers believe a newly developed wafer could be the vaccine-delivery device of the future. A University of Minnesota professor and a Mayo Clinic professor were part of the team of researchers that created a polymer wafer that can deliver and preserve vaccines when placed under the tongue. In a release…

Many COVID-19 Restrictions Ending, Not Eviction Moratorium

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) — Minnesota housing officials are urging state legislators to proceed carefully in negotiating an end to a moratorium on rental property evictions. While other coronavirus restrictions are being lifted, lawmakers have failed to reach a compromise on ending the eviction moratorium. Housing commissioner Jennifer Ho said the anxiety of both owners and renters is real. “Why…

Duluth Police Arrest Second Suspect in Fatal Downtown Shooting

DULUTH, Minn. – Duluth Police announced Wednesday morning that a second suspect wanted in Saturday’s fatal downtown shooting has been arrested. According to police, Laurel Ladd, 25, was arrested around 1:30 a.m. Wednesday after investigators identified an address on East Village View Drive in the Harbor Highlands as a possible location for Ladd. Ladd was located at the address and…

St. Louis County Offices to Reopen June 1st

County officials say many services will continue to  be offered online by email and over the phone.

DULUTH, Minn.- Starting next week st. Louis county offices will start re-opening for in-person services after county buildings were closed for the past 15 months. Officials say the reopening will be slow with only some employees returning at first and hopefully a full staff back by mid June. Masks won’t be required in the building but those not fully vaccinated…

George Floyd Remembered At Clayton Jackson McGhie Memorial One Year After Death

A black lives matter group met in front of the Clayton Jackson McGhie Memorial on First Street, before going on a silent march through downtown.

DULUTH, Minn.- It’s been one year since George Floyd was murdered in Minneapolis by ex-cop Derek Chauvin. Across the country and in Duluth, groups gathered to remember him. A black lives matter group met in front of the Clayton Jackson McGhie Memorial on First Street, before going on a silent march through downtown. Organizers say after Chauvin was convicted of…

Duluth Boxer Among 2 Additional Suspects Charged with Gunfire After Fatal Shooting

The homicide victim has also been identified as Juamada Anderson Jr., 22, of Duluth.

DULUTH, Minn.- The search is on for two suspects Tuesday – one a well-known Duluth boxer — who police say were involved in return gunfire following this past weekend’s fatal shooting downtown. Homicide Victim 22-year-old Juamada Anderson “There was a shooting and the tragic death of Juamada,” said Duluth Police Chief Mike Tusken. “And then as the suspect is fleeing…

Bentleyville Building “World’s Largest Lit-Up Iron Snowman” For 2021 Season

DULUTH, Minn. — On Tuesday, the founder of Bentleyville announced that the organization and its partners are building the “world’s largest lit-up iron snowman” that will be a part of the 2021 Bentleyville Tour Of Lights. Founder Nathan Bentley says the lighted snowman will stand at 120-feet-tall with a 50-foot diameter. Bentleyville is partnering with LHB, Braun Intertech, and the…

Duluth Boxer Among 2 Additional Suspects Charged in Connection with Fatal Shooting

Arrests warrants were issued Tuesday for boxer Markus Morris and Laurel Ladd Jr.

DULUTH — Two additional suspects have now been charged in connection to a weekend shooting in Duluth that left one man dead, and one of the suspects is a well-known professional boxer from Duluth. Patrick Battess Jr., 17, charged in the shooting death of Jaumada Anderson Jr., 22. Markus Morris, 31, of Duluth is charged in St. Louis County Court…

U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary Reminds Boaters to Stay Safe

DULUTH, Minn. — Memorial Day is coming up and Duluth is preparing for a traffic-filled weekend on the lake. Last year, boat sales increased due to the pandemic, but because of those increased sales, boating accidents also rose by 20%. With the holiday weekend and summer weather approaching, it is important to remember how to boat safely. Steve Daniel, a…

Cloquet Salvation Army Continues Drive Thru Food Shelf

They just recently expanded their food shelf hours to help anyone in Carlton County in need.

CLOQUET, Minn. — The Cloquet Salvation Army continued their weekly drive-thru food shelf Tuesday morning. The Salvation Army typically gives away 12,000 pounds of food a week to roughly 20-40 households, including during the drive-thru that runs from 8:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. every Tuesday. They just recently expanded their food shelf hours to help anyone in Carlton County. “Just this week…

Gunshots Heard Near Floyd Square on Anniversary of Death

(Elizabeth Flores/Star Tribune via AP) MINNEAPOLIS (AP) – The Minneapolis intersection where George Floyd died has been disrupted by gunfire, just hours before a family-friendly street festival marking the anniversary of his death at the hands of police. Associated Press video from the scene Tuesday morning shows people running for cover as shots ring out. Police say one person later…

Conservation Officer Killed While on Duty Is Identified

GRAND RAPIDS, Minn. (AP) — Authorities have identified the state conservation officer who died while on duty when a semi struck her pickup truck in Itasca County. Sarah Grell, 39, of Cohasset, was killed Monday morning while driving north of Grand Rapids, according to the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. The patrol says Grell’s pickup was hit broadside by the…

Man Falls 35 Feet Into Duluth’s Chester Creek

DULUTH, Minn. –  A man was rescued by Duluth firefighters Monday after falling into Chester Creek. Officials say the 21-year-old man fell 35 feet into the creek after a branch he was leaning on snapped. The incident happened around 7 p.m. “Fire crews had to use a basket to reach the man and pull him out of the ravine,” according…

Northland Celebrates Bob Dylan’s Birthday

DULUTH, Minn.- Duluth native Bob Dylan’s birthday is being celebrated in the Northland today as part of Duluth’s Dylan Fest. Above, check out Fox 21 photojournalist Adam Jagunich’s story from Bob Dylan’s birth home. For a complete list of events for the festival, click here. Categories: Minnesota, News, News – Latest News

‘Giant Addition’ Coming To Bentleyville Tour of Lights

The walk-thru experience will also be returning.

DULUTH, Minn. – Bentleyville Tour of Lights will return this winter with its traditional walk-thru experience, and a big announcement is expected Tuesday. This comes after last winter’s first-ever drive-thru Bentleyville experience. As for the big announcement, owner Nathan Bentley says he will be “announcing a partnership project with LHB Engineering, Ironworkers Local 512, and Braun Intertec Corporation on a…

European Sailors Receive COVID-19 Vaccinations at St. Lukes

DULUTH, Minn. — St. Luke’s opened its doors to European sailors from the ship MV Isolda, to receive the Johnson and Johnson COVID-19 vaccine. A Bulgarian sailor who has been in the business for 27 years, received his shot today and spoke of its importance. He said as the crew sails internationally, getting the vaccine was a priority as they’ve…

The Grumpy Goose: A New Vegan Food Truck Rolling Through Duluth

DULUTH, Minn. — A new vegan food truck just opened in Duluth, offering comfort food so those with plant-based diets don’t have to miss out. It’s called The Grumpy Goose, and it’s run by owner Josh Gosar and his family. “Through the pandemic, I spent a lot of time sitting at home, working through recipes and things to make,” Gosar…

Duluth Council Forgives Spirit Mountain’s $900K Debt As Part Of Larger Plan

DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth city council voted Monday to forgive $900,000 of Spirt Mountain’s $1.2 million line of credit after tabling the vote weeks ago. Councilors Derek Medved and Joel Sipress voted against the resolution. Mayor Emily Larson has previously said she agrees with the outside consultant’s recommendation to forgive most of Spirit Mountain’s debt to really move forward…

Duluth City Councilors Officially Lift Mask Mandate; City Hall Closure Update Wednesday

DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth city council unanimously voted Monday to officially end the city’s mask mandate. Councilor Terese Tomanek was absent. The vote comes after Gov. Tim Walz announced earlier this month the statewide mandate was lifted per guidance from the CDC. The city of Duluth followed up by saying it would not enforce the ordinance any longer. Councilors…

Duluth’s Authentic Art Deco West Theatre Adding More Concerts, Blockbuster Movies This Summer

DULUTH, Minn. — The West Theatre in Duluth is welcoming back more musical acts this summer. The restored Art Deco theatre from the 1930s, which underwent a $1.5 million renovation in recent years, shut down for awhile during the pandemic, but then re-opened with movies and concerts. This Thursday, a John Denver cover band will be playing there, and then…

Home Improvement Businesses Working to Stay Stocked in the Twin Ports

TWIN PORTS — Home improvement season is among us, and hardware stores are having trouble keeping their shelves stocked. There is a nation-wide shortage on paint, and the price of lumber has sky-rocketed over the last year. Currently more people are working on home improvement projects across the country driving up demand on lumber, which is also being impacted by…

17-Year-Old Charged in Fatal Downtown Duluth Shooting

UPDATE: DULUTH, Minn. – Patrick Battees Jr., the 17-year-old male charged with second-degree murder for the fatal shooting of a 22-year-old male Saturday night in downtown Duluth, is said to have been involved in a fight prior to the shooting. Court documents say officers reviewed surveillance footage from the night of the shooting which showed the teen pulling a gun…

Brevator Township Man Sentenced to 7 Years in Fond du Lac Reservation Fatal Shooting

CLOQUET, Minn. – The Brevator Township man charged with murder for shooting his friend at his home in November 2019 has been sentenced 86 months in prison. Thomas Allen Micklewrigh, 45, pleaded guilty in March to fatally shooting his friend 65-year-old James Arthur Couture at his home located at the 3500 block of Brevator Road. When police arrived on the…