Minnesota Archives - Page 174 of 356

Minnesota DNR Officer Dies in Crash Near Grand Rapids

May 24, 2021

KQDS Staff,

(FOX 9) – A conservation officer with the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources died in a crash near Grand Rapids, Minnesota Monday morning. The Minnesota DNR says the officer’s name will not be released until their family is notified. “The DNR has expressed its deepest condolences to the officer’s family for this tragic loss, and our staff are mourning the loss of…

Minnesota Reports 469 New COVID-19 Cases, 0 More Deaths Monday

May 24, 2021

KQDS Staff,

(FOX 9) – The Minnesota Department of Health reported 469 new COVID-19 cases and zero more deaths Monday. According to officials, the state has seen 599,234 cases and 7,370 deaths since the start of the pandemic. Hospitalizations for COVID-19 have continued to fall, with 100 patients in the ICU and 278 in the hospital but not the ICU, as of Monday. Meanwhile,…

Wildcat Sanctuary Rescues Tigers, Lions Seized From Oklahoma Tiger King Park

May 24, 2021

Site Staff,

SANDSTONE, Minn. – On Monday the Wildcat Sanctuary announced they had accepted several tigers, lions, and hybrid big cats that were seized last week by the U.S Department of Justice from the Tiger King Park. During a large-scale rescue effort, 69 protected lions, tigers, lion-tiger hybrids, and a jaguar were seized from the park after it was found that the…

Poll: Over 1 Billion People Worldwide Unwilling to Get COVID-19 Vaccine, Global Herd Immunity at Risk

May 24, 2021

Site Staff,

WASHINGTON – A recent Gallup poll estimated that more than 1 billion people across the globe were unwilling to get the COVID-19 vaccine during the first year of the pandemic, making it harder for the world to reach herd immunity. Researchers surveyed 116 countries and calculated only 68% of adults were willing to get inoculated, still below the 70-90% scientists believe is needed to…

Joe Macor Joins Race for Duluth City Council At-Large

May 24, 2021

Site Staff,

DULUTH, Minn. – On Monday morning, business owner and Duluth resident Joe Macor,38, announced he is running for Duluth City Council-At-Large. “Public Safety, streets and infrastructure, housing and taxes, and family-supporting jobs are priorities that I feel need our undivided attention as a community,” said Macor. “We need to address these issues head-on. I have seen and experienced the challenges…

Pace of COVID-19 Vaccinations Picks up in Minnesota

May 24, 2021

The Associated Press,

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) — Minnesota’s coronavirus vaccination rate has accelerated after several weeks of sluggish inoculation numbers. The state pace remained above 40,000 shots a day on Sunday, a level not previously seen for more than two weeks. Data shows a big increase in first vaccine doses which now average nearly 18,000 a day, up from about 10,000 a…

Weekend Shooting in Duluth Now City’s First Homicide of 2021

The suspected shooter is a 17-year-old male from Duluth.

May 23, 2021

Dan Hanger,

DULUTH, Minn. – A man who was seriously injured during a shooting in Duluth Saturday has died, making his death the city’s first homicide of 2021. A spokesperson for the city said the victim is a 22-year-old male from Duluth. His name was not released Sunday pending notification of family members. The suspected shooter is a 17-year-old male from Duluth…

BWCA Fire Now Down To 782 Acres

May 23, 2021

Alexandra Burnley,

BWCA – Firefighters are making progress controlling the raging flames in the BWCA, saying that while it’s not out yet, it’s “100% contained.” Right now, firefighters on the ground and in aircrafts are working to fight back the edges of the fire, and bringing down the pockets of heat to cooler temperatures. The headway is showing with the number of…

Floyd Killing Prompts Some States to Limit or Ban Chokeholds

May 23, 2021

Dan Hanger,

(AP) – At least 17 states have prohibited or severely limited the use of chokeholds and neck restraints by police officers in the year since George Floyd was killed in Minneapolis after being pinned under an officer’s knee. Data provided to The Associated Press by the National Conference of State Legislatures shows most of the actions were taken in states…

PCA Paper Mill in I-Falls Catches Fire

May 23, 2021

Dan Hanger,

INTERNATIONAL FALLS, Minn. – The PCA Paper Mill in International Falls caught on fire Sunday around the same time the city experienced a city wide power outage. The mill is located on the 400 block of 2nd Street. According to Mayor Harley Droba, the power outage happened right before the fire started at the mill. Power was restored to the…

‘Raise the Roof for Life House Duluth’ Event Brings Local Vendors Together

A portion of those proceeds from BLUSH Music Venue went towards Life House.

May 22, 2021

Reece Lindquist,

DULUTH, Minn. – Life house Duluth, blush music venue, and peace of mind bath products got together to hold a block party this afternoon showcasing local vendors. The event called “Raise the Roof for Life House Duluth” puts a focus on the newly opened boutique store, Legitimate Hustle. A portion of those proceeds from BLUSH Music Venue went towards Life…

Duluth Heritage Sports Center Hosts 5th Annual Rummage Sale

About 45 vendors filled with over 90 booths filled the arena.

May 22, 2021

Reece Lindquist,

DULUTH, Minn. – The 5th annual arena rummage sale took place this afternoon at the Duluth Heritage sports center… About 45 vendors filled with over 90 booths filled the arena. Typically, the rummage sale is one of the first events of the spring bringing shoppers out for the summer. Now, even with numbers down from years past, owners have seen…

Bob Dylan Tour Kicks off Dylan Fest in Duluth

Even with those limited in-person events the virtual ones helps the festival reach a wider audience.

May 22, 2021

Reece Lindquist,

DULUTH, Minn. – Folks from around the state stopped by Duluth’s Armory which was the start of a weeks worth of events. “We are doing some limited in-person opportunities. But a lot of virtual events on zoom and Facebook live,” Dylan Fest Committee Member, Zane Bail says. Even with those limited in-person events the virtual ones helps the festival reach…

Biden to Host Floyd Family at The White House Tuesday

The Meeting Comes as the Floyd Family Marks One Year Since George Floyd Lost His Life in Minneapolis

May 22, 2021

The Associated Press,

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden will host George Floyd’s family at the White House Tuesday to mark the first anniversary of his death at the hands of a white Minneapolis police officer. White House press secretary Jen Psaki said Friday the president would mark the anniversary of Floyd’s death, but offered no further details on his plans. Floyd died…

2 Dead, 8 Wounded in Downtown Minneapolis Shooting

The Shooting Happened Early Saturday Morning in Downtown Minneapolis

May 22, 2021

The Associated Press,

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — A shooting in downtown Minneapolis killed two people and wounded eight others, police said early Saturday. The 10 people shot included five men and five women, the police department said in a series of tweets. Two of the men died and another man was at a hospital in critical condition, police said. The other seven wounded people…

Portions of West Superior Street to Close Temporarily Due to Construction

May 21, 2021

Site Staff,

DULUTH, Minn. – The City of Duluth says portions of West Superior Street in Lincoln Park will close beginning Monday, May 24, due to construction. A contractor will be installing pavement markings for the Cross City Trail relocation which will provide a safe alternate route for bicyclists while the existing trail is closed due to the Twin Ports Interchange project….

AG Ellison to Take Over Prosecution in Daunte Wright Shooting Death

May 21, 2021

KQDS Staff,

BROOKLYN CENTER, Minn. (FOX 9) – Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison is taking over the prosecution of former Brooklyn Center police officer Kim Potter for the fatal shooting of Daunte Wright, FOX 9 has confirmed. Ellison’s handling of the case will include a review of the criminal charges. There is no word yet if the charges will be enhanced to murder. Sources…

Jobs Recovery Slows, Yet Hiring Picks up in Minnesota

May 21, 2021

The Associated Press,

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) — Minnesota’s jobs agency is trying to direct unemployed individuals to businesses that are having difficulty filling positions. Each week, the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development is calling thousands of Minnesotans who are out of work to help them with their job search and point them to businesses that are ramping up hiring as…

Four Structures Destroyed by Bezhik Wildfire Thursday

May 21, 2021

Site Staff,

SUPERIOR NATIONAL FOREST, Minn. – Superior National Forest officials say the Bezhik wildfire that has burned roughly 950 acres since Monday has now destroyed four structures. Officials say one cabin and three outbuildings were destroyed Thursday afternoon when the blaze exited the Wilderness near the Moose Loop Road. Clouds and rainy weather conditions helped keep fire activity to a minimum…

Fishing Tournament Fighting For ALS Patients: “We don’t believe that enough progress has been made”

May 20, 2021

Alexandra Burnley,

DULUTH, Minn. — If you want to go fishing while supporting a great cause, you can head out to Island Lake on the first weekend of June. Kolar Toyota is hosting its 26th annual ALS Fishing Tournament on June 5th. For the past 25 years, this tournament alone has raised more than $3.5 million to fight for those diagnosed by…

Duluth’s Tourism Tax Revenue Continues Rebound Ahead of Pre-Pandemic 2019

May 20, 2021

Dan Hanger,

DULUTH, Minn. – Signs of a strong tourism comeback are continuing for Duluth. The city’s tourism tax revenue just in for the month of March is up nearly $290,000 or 27 percent compared to March of last year at $1.3 million. And that number is even more than pre-pandemic March of 2019 at $1.1 million. As for the year-to-date, the…

Fishing Tournament Fighting For Those With ALS: “We don’t believe that enough progress has been made”

May 20, 2021

Alexandra Burnley,

DULUTH, Minn. — If you want to go fishing while supporting a great cause, you can head out to Island Lake on the first weekend of June. Kolar Toyota is hosting its 26th annual ALS Fishing Tournament on June 5th. For the past 25 years, this tournament alone has raised more than $3.5 million to fight for those diagnosed by…

Grandma’s Sports Garden Now ‘The Garden’ Wedding & Event Center

May 20, 2021

Dan Hanger,

DULUTH, Minn. – Grandma’s Sports Garden in Canal Park is officially no more and has transformed into the business of love and fun. The venue’s Facebook page has changed to its new name — The Garden. The 20,000-square foot building is now a wedding and event center for all types of occasions big or small, including reunions, private parties and…

Bezhik Wildfire Exits BWCA Impacting Private Property

May 20, 2021

Site Staff,

SUPERIOR NATIONAL FOREST, Minn. – The U.S. Forest Service says the Bezhik wildfire has moved out of the Boundary Waters Canoe Wilderness and is encroaching on private property in the area. The fire, which is believed to have been started on Sunday by a lightning strike, has burned roughly 950 acres. On Wednesday, the Superior National Forest ordered a Minnesota…

Tornado Confirmed Near Northfield During Severe Weather Wednesday Night

May 20, 2021

Site Staff,

(FOX 9) – A damaging tornado was reported on the ground in Webster, Minnesota Wednesday night, which is about six miles west of Northfield. Rice County Sheriff Troy Dunn told FOX 9 he saw a possible tornado touchdown, however, he has not seen any damage. Though, with it getting dark, he said crews will likely have to return in the morning for…

William A. Irvin to Open Friday for 2021 Season

May 20, 2021

Site Staff,

DULUTH, Minn. – The SS William A. Irvin is opening for the 2021 season this Friday, according to DECC officials. Beginning Friday, station to station tours will be held on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday with additional days possibly being added as the summer progresses. According to a Thursday press release, this will mark the first full season for the Irvin…

Appeals Court Hears Case of 3 Ex-Cops Charged in Floyd Death

May 20, 2021

The Associated Press,

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Attorneys for the state and for three former Minneapolis police officers charged in the death of George Floyd are making oral arguments Thursday before the Minnesota Court of Appeals. Prosecutors will seek to add an additional charge of aiding and abetting third-degree murder to the case. Thomas Lane, J. Kueng, and Tou Thao are already charged with…

City of Duluth Employees Still Mandated to Wear Masks, City Hall’s Reopening Date Not Clear

May 19, 2021

Dan Hanger,

DULUTH, Minn. – It’s been nearly a week since the city of Duluth said it would no longer enforce the citywide mask mandate following Governor Tim Walz’s announcement to do the same across the state. But that doesn’t mean Duluth city employees have been allowed to ditch their masks while on the job. Chief Administrative Officer Noah Schuchman released a…

Ground Is Broken For Lincoln Park Flats

May 19, 2021

Alexandra Burnley,

DULUTH, Minn. — The ground was broken on the development site for a new apartment complex in Lincoln Park on Wednesday. P&R Properties kicked off construction at the site on West Superior Street. Lincoln Park Flats will have 74 units with studios, one-bedrooms, and two-bedroom rentals. The complex is designed to be four stories tall, and the first level will…

Pro-Palestine Demonstrators March Through Downtown Duluth Amid Middle East Violence

May 19, 2021

Dan Hanger,

DULUTH, Minn. – Roughly 100 pro-Palestine demonstrators marched through downtown Duluth Wednesday to make their voices heart involving the bloody Israeli-Palestinian conflict in the Middle East. The Duluth march comes as Hamas officials are hoping for a ceasefire soon as world leaders dial up pressure on both sides to end the fighting. And what’s happening thousands of miles away is…

Two Harbors’ Burlington Station to Open Soon

More additions will be coming to the model train room throughout the summer.

May 19, 2021

Reece Lindquist,

TWO HARBORS, Minn. — A new attraction will soon be opening in Two Harbors. The Burlington Station is currently still under construction with plans of having a gift shop, a gourmet candy store and a train room showcasing the communities rich railroad history. More additions will be coming to the model train room throughout the summer. “Which will have 5,000…

Two Rescued After Boat Takes on Water Near Blatnik Bridge

May 19, 2021

Site Staff,

DULUTH, Minn. – According to the U.S. Coast Guard, two adults were rescued Wednesday afternoon when their sailboat began taking on water underneath the Blatnik Bridge The Coast Guard says they responded to the incident around 2:30 p.m. Neither party was injured in the incident. According to reports, the individuals did not end up in the water and both adults…

Gilbert Man Arrested, Charged for Exposing Himself to Children

May 19, 2021

Site Staff,

VIRGINIA, Minn. – Police say a 27-year-old Gilbert man was arrested Monday after exposing his genitals to multiple children and hitting a woman on the buttocks as she mowed her lawn in Virginia. According to the criminal complaint, Logan Andrew Smitherman has been charged with fifth-degree non-consensual sexual contact and two charges of fifth-degree lewd exhibition with children under 16…

Duluth School Board Approves Sconiers Settlement Agreement

May 19, 2021

Site Staff,

DULUTH, Minn. – On Tuesday, the Duluth School Board approved a settlement agreement with former Denfeld high school principal Tonya Sconiers. According to the settlement agreement, Sconiers will receive $329,000 in exchange for a release of all claims. Duluth Public Schools and its insurance company will pay $229,411.33 to Sconiers with the remaining $99,588.67 going to her attorneys. Additionally, the…

Update: BWCA Wildfire Estimated at 950 Acres

May 19, 2021

Site Staff,

SUPERIOR NATIONAL FOREST, Minn. – Officials with the Superior National Forest say the wildfire burning at the BWCA is currently estimated to be between 920 to 950 acres in size Wednesday morning. Weather conditions have moderated the fire which officials say did come out of the BWCA and reached the southwest edge of the Moose Loop Forest Road. A Minnesota…

Smokable Medical Marijuana in Minnesota Expected to Cut Cost

May 19, 2021

The Associated Press,

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) — Those enrolled in Minnesota’s medical marijuana program are expected to have a more affordable option to the liquid, oil, and pills currently allowed under one of the nation’s most restrictive medical cannabis laws. Democratic Gov. Tim Walz was expected to sign the bill that passed the House and Senate this week to relax the program by including…

NorthlandAlert Used For First Time To Alert Public Of Loose NERCC Inmate

May 18, 2021

Alexandra Burnley,

ST. LOUIS CO., Minn. — If you ever want to be aware of emergency situations unfolding in St. Louis County as they happen, you can sign up for NorthlandAlert. It’s a free warning service you can subscribe to and get alerts through emails, texts, and phone calls. It covers many types of emergency situations in the county, and was used…

BWCAW Wildfire Grows To 1,500-Plus Acres

May 18, 2021

Dan Hanger,

Photo is from Monday when the fire started SUPERIOR NATIONAL FOREST, Minn. – A wildfire continued to burn Tuesday night in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness. Forestry officials believe a lighting strike ignited the fire Monday evening. The fire has grown from 10 acres Monday to more than 1,500 acres and was located about 16 miles north of Tower….

Allergies Bring Obstacle for Northland Summer Season

As the summer goes on, ragweed and outdoor molds will become a factor.

May 18, 2021

Reece Lindquist,

DULUTH, Minn. — Allergy season is upon us and as Northlanders make their way outside there are some things you should be aware of. Experts say, May is usually a tough month for allergies as there is an overlap between tree and grass pollen. As the summer goes on, ragweed and outdoor molds will become a factor. Doctors recommend starting…

Electric Fetus to Permanently Close Duluth Location

May 18, 2021

Site Staff,

(courtesy: Facebook/ElectricFetusDuluth) DULUTH, Minn. – Electric Fetus says they will be closing their Duluth location permanently after 33 years in business. The business says they made the difficult decision after having been closed since the beginning of the pandemic last March. “It’s been incredible to be a part of the very special Duluth community and music scene, and we have…

Duluth Man on Parole for Murder, Now Charged in Kidnapping, Rape

May 18, 2021

Site Staff,

DULUTH, Minn. – A 62-year-old Duluth man currently out on parole for first-degree murder has been charged for the kidnapping and rape of a woman over the weekend in St. Louis County. Reports state that Dennis John Hannuksela has been charged with two counts of first-degree criminal sexual conduct and one count of kidnapping. According to the criminal complaint, the…

Fence Surrounding Minnesota State Capitol to Come Down on June 1

May 18, 2021

KQDS Staff,

(courtesy: Fox 9) ST. PAUL, Minn. (FOX 9) – The fence surrounding the Minnesota State Capitol is scheduled to come down June 1, according to a spokesperson for the state Department of Administration. Removing the fence will take several days, but it will likely be down by the time lawmakers return to the Capitol for the June special session. It is not clear yet…

Fond du Lac Man Sentenced to 110 Months for 2019 Funeral Shooting

May 18, 2021

Site Staff,

MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. – The 29-year-old Minneapolis man accused of shooting a man during a funeral on the Fond du Lac reservation last October has been sentenced to 110 months in prison and three years of supervised release. In October 2019 Shelby Gene Boswell, 29, entered a funeral service at the Fond du Lac Head Start building gymnasium and shot his…

10 Acre Wildfire Started by Lightning Strike in BWCA

May 18, 2021

Site Staff,

UPDATE: Forestry officials say the fire has grown to more than 1,600 acres as of Tuesday evening. The fire is about 16 miles north of Tower, Minn., and moving northward. SUPERIOR NATIONAL FOREST, Minn. – The U.S. Forest Service says a wildfire started by a lightning strike has been detected on the LaCroix Ranger District of the Superior National…

One Injured in Cass County Motorcycle Crash

May 18, 2021

Site Staff,

CASS COUNTY, Minn. – A 47-year-old Hill City man was injured Sunday afternoon in a Cass County motorcycle crash. According to the Cass County Sheriff’s Office says they received a report of a motorcycle crash on County Road #155 in Crooked Lake Township just before 1:00 p.m. When responders arrived on the scene they found a 2017 Harley Davidson motorcycle…

City of Duluth Begins Installing ‘Snow Emergency Route’ Signs

May 17, 2021

Dan Hanger,

DULUTH, Minn. — It may be warm out, but the city of Duluth is already getting prepared for snow emergencies. City crews are right now installing 2,300 snow emergency signs along 120 miles of streets that are considered critical to keep clear of snow during a big weather event. The signage means whenever the city declares a snow emergency by…

Lake Superior Zoo Now Accepting Summer Preschool Scholarship Applications

The zoo preschool opened last year and currently has ten families registered.

May 17, 2021

Reece Lindquist,

DULUTH, Minn.– The Lake Superior Zoo’s nature-based preschool is now accepting needs-based scholarship applications for their summer programs. The grant, courtesy of the Northland Foundation, gives families a chance for kids to learn about conservation, animals and further develop those skills as they move into kindergarten. Classes are Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays starting June 21 and ending Aug. 27. The…

People Taking Advantage of Nice Duluth Day

Enger tower is also a popular spot for the Twin ports express food truck.

May 17, 2021

Reece Lindquist,

DULUTH, Minn. — The weather eclipsed seventy degrees today meaning a lot more people were able to experience all the Northland has to offer. Enger tower was packed this afternoon with people experiencing the views, the zen garden and of course the tallest point in Duluth. Whether it’s your first time there or you’re a Duluth parks veteran, there’s something…

Ronald McDonald House Northland Receives Pop Tab, Food Donations

Since they opened, the charity has been accepting pop cap donations which all goes towards helping families in need.

May 17, 2021

Reece Lindquist,

DULUTH, Minn. — The Ronald McDonald House Northland is continuing to see donations pouring in. Since its opening back in mid-February, the northand chapter has been able to host 21 families while staying at the max occupancy due to Covid-19. While partnering with Essentia Health, the Ronald McDonald House provides a place to stay for families traveling as they get…

As Beachgoers Hit The Water, Duluth Fire Officials Urge Caution

May 17, 2021

CJ Baumgartner,

DULUTH, Minn.– As the school year winds down and temperatures go up, beach enthusiasts are out enjoying the nice weather. The Park Point Beach was packed Monday afternoon on one of the warmest days of the spring so far. “The weather was nice so we said, ‘Yeah why not?’ and it’s amazing to see all of these people outside,” said…