Minnesota Archives - Page 176 of 356

UMD Students Create Robot to Climb Walls, Deploy Items in Hostile Territory

The students designed the rover for this year's U.S. Air Force Research Lab Challenge.

May 10, 2021

Arman Rahman,

DULUTH, Minn.- From the minds of UMD Students comes a robot that can climb walls, carry and drop off items — their entry in this year’s Air Force Research Lab Challenge. The challenge was to design a remote controlled, autonomous robot that could climb walls and deploy sensors or cameras in hostile territory. UMD’S rover is outfitted with a moveable…

New Therapy Center for Children with Autism Opens in Hermantown

The center is filled with brightly colored, sensory-friendly spaces where therapists will work with kids on skills, relationships and confidence building.

May 10, 2021

Arman Rahman,

HERMANTOWN, Minn.- The ribbon was cut Monday for a new therapy center in Hermantown for children on the autism spectrum. Caravel Autism Health celebrated its grand opening. The center is filled with brightly colored, sensory-friendly spaces where therapists will work with kids on skills, relationships and confidence building. According to specialists, Caravel staff will also work with families to continue…

Duluth Council Tables Vote on Spirit Mountain Debt Forgiveness Plan

Councilors heard the Mayor's plan the same night as the council meeting, and many said it was too short notice to vote on it just yet.

May 10, 2021

Arman Rahman,

DULUTH, Minn.- The Duluth City Council Monday unanimously tabled a vote on Mayor Emily Larson’s plan to forgive $900,000 of Spirit Mountain’s $1.2 million line of credit it received from the city, to take up again at the next meeting May 24th. Councilors heard the Mayor’s plan in a Committee of the Whole meeting before Monday’s council, and many of…

Duluth City Council Approves Funds, Tax Breaks For Company Looking To Buy Verso Paper Mill

May 10, 2021

Site Staff,

DULUTH, Minn. — On Monday night, the Duluth City Council voted to approve tax abatements for the company interested in buying the shuttered Verso Paper Mill in the city. Under the new agreement, the city will provide up to $600,000 in tax breaks for ST Paper, while also providing $240,000 to the company in the form of a loan, so…

Stabbing In Eveleth Sends 20-Year-Old Man To Hospital

May 10, 2021

Alexandra Burnley,

EVELETH, Minn. — A 20-year-old man is recovering in the hospital after he was stabbed in Eveleth on Monday morning. According to the Eveleth Police Department, officers were sent to the incident just after 4 a.m. over on the 300-block of 15th Avenue West in the city. That’s where they found the man with several stab wounds. The extent of…

Minnesota to Get $200M More Than Expected in Federal Aid

May 10, 2021

The Associated Press,

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Minnesota’s state government will get about $200 million more than it was expecting under President Joe Biden’s coronavirus relief package, and Democratic Gov. Tim Walz expressed hope Monday that new guidelines over how states can spend the aid might help speed up the slow pace of negotiations over the state’s next budget. The legislative session is due to adjourn next Monday,…

Minnesota Reports 1,191 New COVID-19 Cases, 0 Deaths Monday

May 10, 2021

KQDS Staff,

(FOX 9) – Minnesota reported 1,191 new COVID-19 cases and no deaths Monday. According to the Minnesota Department of Health, the state has now seen a total of 588,952 COVID-19 cases and 7,231 deaths since the start of the pandemic. The state hit 60 percent of its eligible population getting at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine, which amounts to more than 2.6…

Two Injured in Pequot Lakes ATV Crash

May 10, 2021

Site Staff,

PEQUOT LAKES, Minn. – Authorities say two were injured, one seriously, in a Saturday night ATV accident in rural Pequot Lakes. According to the Cass County Sheriff’s Office, deputies responded to a report around 7:34 p.m. Saturday of a serious ATV crash near 17th Avenue Southwest. When officers arrived at the scene they learned that a 58-year-old female had been…

Business at Engwall’s in Full Bloom on Mother’s Day

Floral designers at Engwall's say they have had more than 800 orders in the last four days.

May 9, 2021

Arman Rahman,

DULUTH, Minn.- Of course it wouldn’t be mother’s day without a bouquet of flower’s for mom, making local florists like Engwall’s in Duluth busy. Floral designers at Engwall’s say they have had more than 800 orders in the last four days, with plenty of people coming in the store to pick something up today too. They say the most popular…

Fitger’s Brewhouse Busy for Mother’s Day Lunch and Dinner

Staff say many of the customers were excited not only to celebrate mom, but do so with a fun "dining out" experience again.

May 9, 2021

Arman Rahman,

DULUTH, Minn.- After a the pandemic put a damper on Mother’s Day activities last year, many restaurants were packed again with families treating their moms to a meal. While Fitger’s Brewhouse doesn’t serve the traditional mother’s day breakfast or lunch, it was still busy for lunch and dinner. Staff say many of the customers were excited not only to celebrate…

Families Get Out, Do More to Celebrate First Mother’s Day Out of Pandemic

The Duluth Children's Museum Pop-Up Play Place and the Lake Superior Zoo were busy with families.

May 9, 2021

Arman Rahman,

DULUTH, Minn.- The Northland was busy this Mother’s Day, coming out the tail-end of the pandemic. After more traditional brunches, some families who reunited for the day decided this year was more special and spent time doing other activities. “We went out to lunch, and then we’re coming here to play with their friends,” said Stacy Cozzi at the Duluth…

Lack of Staff Impacting Local Business Owners Along the North Shore

Staff Shortages Prompting Many Small Businesses to Make Adjustments to Menus, Hours of Operation Along the North Shore

May 9, 2021

Brett Scott,

GRAND MARAIS, Minn. – It’s a serious, seasonal problem along the North Shore of Lake Superior. The struggle to find employees at often overflowing businesses. Frustration is high among business owners as the peak summer season is now just weeks away. “We’ve tried every possible avenue to attract staff,” said Abby Tofte, owner of The Fisherman’s Daughter. It’s a common…

Railroad Museum Celebrates National Train Day

May 9, 2021

CJ Baumgartner,

DULUTH, Minn.– It was National Train Day on Saturday and plenty of families celebrated all things choo-choo over at the Lake Superior Railroad Museum in Duluth. The event honored the completion of the trans-continental railway, which connected the east and west coasts of the U.S. 150 years ago. Kids could take speeder rides, get tours of a locomotive engine, and…

UMD 2021 Graduates Make Most of Virtual Commencement

May 9, 2021

CJ Baumgartner,

DULUTH, Minn.– University of Minnesota graduates were sent off into the world Saturday celebrating their years of hard work. More than 2,300 students will be graduating this year from UMD. Like the year before, the UMD class of 2021 commencement took place virtually due to the pandemic. School chancellors say to ensure everyone could stay safe. One of the students…

Gary New Duluth Rec Center Looking for Donations to Match Pledge

May 7, 2021

Ken Slama,

DULUTH, Minn.- The Gary New Duluth Community Center and Recreation Area recently received a pledge to match up to ten thousand dollars in donations. The center, with operates through volunteer work and donations, is in the process of expanding their facilities with the construction of a skate park, small pavilion, and parking lot. While the money will help go towards…

Premier Mini Golf Course Coming to Proctor

The course called Rogue Eagle Mini Golf is designed by a New Jersey based Harris Miniature Golf.

May 7, 2021

Reece Lindquist,

PROCTOR, Minn. — A new mini golf course is coming to Proctor this summer. After a conditional use permit was approved, a mother and son team found the ideal spot on Boundary Avenue on Waterview drive. The course called Rogue Eagle Mini Golf is designed by a New Jersey based Harris Miniature Golf. With the addition of a club house…

New Movie Being Filmed Along the North Shore

May 7, 2021

Natalie Noury,

TWO HARBORS, Minn.– The North Shore is seeing some action this week as Saint Paul native, Maximilliam Selim, and his crew are filming and producing a new movie called “Abroad”. The movie is a psychological thriller being filmed all the way up to Grand Marais, but today, a portion of the story was shot in Two Harbors. “It’s been just…

Animal Allies Offering Discount Adoption Fees

Because of an influx of dogs, the shelter is offering $50 off adoption fees for dogs and puppies from today going through Sunday.

May 7, 2021

Reece Lindquist,

DULUTH, Minn. — Animal Allies Human Society is giving a little extra incentive to adopt this weekend. Because of an influx of dogs, the shelter is offering $50 off adoption fees for dogs and puppies from today going through Sunday. Although staff say it’s rare that they offer this type of discount, they hope it gives these pets a chance…

Brazil Variant Found in Itasca County

May 7, 2021

Site Staff,

ITASCA COUNTY, Minn. – A fourth variant of the COVID-19 virus was found in Itasca County earlier this week. Itasca County health officials say the P.1 variant which originated in Brazil was identified through genetic sequencing. “Virus mutations are possible when and where a virus spreads from person to person, which is why getting to widespread immunity is so critical…

Minnesota Community Vaccination Sites Now Taking Walk-Ins

May 7, 2021

The Associated Press,

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) — Vaccine-eligible Minnesotans can walk in for a COVID-19 shot without an appointment at the state’s Community Vaccination Program locations effective immediately, the governor’s office announced Friday. “We want Minnesotans to pile in the car, walk into a state site and get the whole family vaccinated,” Gov. Tim Walz said in a statement. Walk-ins for Minnesotans…

Charges Imminent In Minnesota Bank Hostage Case

May 7, 2021

The Associated Press,

(Stearns County Sheriff’s Office via AP) ST. CLOUD, Minn. (AP) — Charges are expected to be filed against a man accused of holding five employees hostage during a standoff at a St. Cloud, Minnesota, bank that lasted more than eight hours. The Star Tribune reports that Stearns County Attorney Janelle Kendall said a criminal complaint against the 35-year-old suspect was…

1 Year Old Dies in Remer Duplex Fire

May 7, 2021

Site Staff,

CASS COUNTY, Minn. – The Cass County Sheriff’s Office says deputies responded early Friday morning to reports of a house fire in rural Remer. According to reports, deputies arrived at the scene around 1:46 a.m. in the area of Ghe We Zance Lane Northeast in Boy Lake Township and found a duplex engulfed in flames. Deputies located and safely removed…

Big Minnesota Lottery Winners Will Get to Keep Names Private

May 7, 2021

The Associated Press,

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) — Big winners in the Minnesota Lottery will be able to keep their names confidential under a bill signed by Gov. Tim Walz this week. The new law, which takes effect Sept. 1, makes the names of winners of cash prizes bigger than $10,000 private data unless they give written consent to the Minnesota Lottery to…

Minnesota Legislature Faces Tough Budget Talks in Week Ahead

May 7, 2021

The Associated Press,

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — As the Minnesota Legislature enters the last full week of its 2021 session, lawmakers face tough negotiations for a balanced budget by next Monday’s mandatory adjournment date. And given the Legislature’s partisan split, the final package is expected to make only incremental changes instead of sweeping overhauls. There are deep disagreements over what should be in the…

Derek Chauvin Indictment Details: Boy, 14, Held by Throat, Hit With Flashlight in 2017

May 7, 2021

KQDS Staff,

MINNEAPOLIS (FOX 9) – Derek Chauvin has been indicted on federal civil rights charges for a 2017 incident in which he’s accused of holding a 14-year-old boy down by the throat and striking the child multiple times in the head with a flashlight. These federal charges come at the same time as a separate indictment charging Chauvin and three other former Minneapolis police…

4 Ex-Cops Indicted on US Civil Rights Charges in Floyd Death

May 7, 2021

The Associated Press,

(from left, Derek Chauvin, Tuo Thao, Thomas Lane, and J. Alexander Kueng) MINNEAPOLIS (AP) – A federal grand jury has indicted the four former Minneapolis police officers involved in George Floyd’s arrest and death, accusing them of violating the Black man’s constitutional rights as he was restrained face-down on the pavement and gasping for air. Indictments unsealed Friday name Derek…

St. Cloud Hostage Situation Ends with Man in Custody

any people had run out of the bank by the time officers arrived, but five employees were held hostage.

May 7, 2021

Reece Lindquist,

ST. CLOUD, Minn. (AP) – Police in Minnesota say a man accused of holding five employees hostage at a bank has been captured after an hours-long standoff. St. Cloud police Chief Blair Anderson says the suspect, 35-year-old Ray Reco McNeary, has a long criminal history. Police say McNeary was involved in a dispute at the bank Thursday afternoon and the…

Mayor Larson’s Plan: $24 Million For Duluth’s Spirit Mountain

Larson touts new jobs, more visitors and a larger economic impact from the investment.

May 6, 2021

Dan Hanger,

DULUTH, Minn. – A historic shift in support for Spirit Mountain’s future was announced Thursday. Duluth Mayor Emily Larson said a proposed $24 million capital investment plan will take the city-owned attraction to its true potential, which includes adding hundreds of new jobs, six times the number of visitors and increasing the economic impact of more than $10 million. “We…

Salvation Army Continues to Offer Resources for Homeless

With the cities low vacancy rate, and the extension of the eviction moratorium there have been few openings for housing.

May 6, 2021

Reece Lindquist,

DULUTH, Minn. — The Salvation Army is continuing to offer different resources for the homeless community in Duluth. With the cities low vacancy rate, and the extension of the eviction moratorium there have been few openings for housing. The rapid re-housing program, landlord incentive program and family transitional housing program are some of the resources the Salvation Army have been…

St. Cloud Bank Robbery, Hostage Situation Ongoing

May 6, 2021

KQDS Staff,

ST. CLOUD, Minn. (FOX 9) – St. Cloud police are responding to a reported bank robbery and hostage situation at a Wells Fargo, according to police and Wells Fargo officials. According to St. Cloud police, at 1:48 p.m. officers responded to the bank on 200 33rd Avenue South. The situation is still ongoing and law enforcement remains on the scene. The FBI…

Mayor Larson Outlines Recommended Plan for Next Steps at Spirit Mountain

May 6, 2021

Site Staff,

DULUTH, Minn. – Duluth Mayor Emily Larson announced during a Thursday press conference her recommendations for the next steps in supporting Spirit Mountain Recreational Area. The mayor’s proposed plan includes launching a $24 million capital reinvestment program funded 50% by state bonding, 25% by the City from tourism taxes, and 25% by Spirit Mountain. “Now is the time to do…

Gov. Walz Announces Plan to End COVID-19 Restrictions in Minnesota by July 1

May 6, 2021

Site Staff,

BY THEO KEITH, FOX 9 ST. PAUL, Minn.-Governor Tim Walz today announced a three-step timeline to end nearly all state COVID-19 restrictions by May 28, and end the statewide masking requirement once 70% of Minnesotans age 16 years and older get their vaccine, or by July 1. The announcement comes as more than 2.6 million Minnesotans have gotten their shot…

Duluth Police Investigating Two East Hillside Shots Fired Incidents

May 6, 2021

Site Staff,

DULUTH, Minn. – Duluth Police are investigating two shots fired incidents in the East Hillside neighborhood late Wednesday night and early Thursday morning. According to police, officers responded to the first incident of shots fired around 11:45 p.m. Wednesday on North 3rd Avenue East and East 8th Street. When officers arrived at the scene they found multiple shell casings on…

Minnesota Eases COVID-19 Rules; Mask Mandate Ends by July 1

May 6, 2021

The Associated Press, Site Staff,

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Gov. Tim Walz on Thursday announced a three-step timeline for lifting nearly all the state’s COVID-19 restrictions by May 28 and dropping the statewide masking requirement no later than July 1, or once 70% of Minnesotans age 16 and older get their first dose of vaccine. “Our nation-leading vaccination effort has put us in a strong position…

Silver Bay’s Municipal Campground Prepares for Second Season

Reservations Are Now Open for Black Beach Municipal Campground

May 5, 2021

Brett Scott,

SILVER BAY, Minn. – The City of Silver Bay along the North Shore is thrilled to be welcoming guests back to the Black Beach Municipal Campground this summer. This will be the site’s second season in business. Newly elected Mayor, Wade LeBlanc, is optimistic for a strong tourism season along the shore. He says last year proved to be beneficial…

Fishing License Sales Rise Ahead of Opener

With lack of inventory being an issue last season, owners say that this year they purchases their products in advance.

May 5, 2021

Reece Lindquist,

DULUTH, Minn. — As fishing opener approaches, anglers have been purchasing fishing licenses at increasing rate at Marine General in Duluth. The store started selling licenses back in mid September because of the early ice-out on Lake Superior and the smelting season. With lack of inventory being an issue last season, owners say that this year they purchases their products…

Timeline to End All COVID-19 Restrictions in Minnesota to Be Announced Thursday

May 5, 2021

KQDS Staff,

(FOX 9) – Gov. Tim Walz is expected to announce Thursday a timeline to end all the COVID-19 restrictions in Minnesota, his office said in a news release. Walz will give a live statewide address at noon, followed by two Q&As with reporters at 1 p.m. and 1:45 p.m. According to Walz’s office, the governor plans to wind down Minnesota’s COVID-19 restrictions…

Minnesota DNR Moving Forward With Terminating Mesabi Metallics Leases

May 5, 2021

Site Staff,

NASHWAUK, Minn. – On Wednesday, the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources announced they would be moving forward with terminating leases with Mesabi Metallics at their proposed project site in Nashwauk. The decision comes after Mesabi Metallics did not meet the terms of their agreement with the DNR to meet “critical and required benchmarks by May 1.” “Today’s announcement validates everything…

Valleyfair to Reopen May 22 With COVID-19 Safety Protocols in Place

May 5, 2021

KQDS Staff,

(courtesy: fox 9) (FOX 9) – Valleyfair will open May 22 and tickets will be on a reservation basis only. All visitors over the age of two must be wearing a face covering at all times, except when eating or drinking. Guests and staff will have to take a health screening before entering the park. As you approach the front gate, you will…

Duluth City Council to Vote Monday on Spirit Mountain Debt Forgiveness Plan

May 5, 2021

Site Staff,

DULUTH, Minn. – On Monday, the Duluth City Council will vote on a resolution to forgive up to $900,000 of Spirit Mountain’s existing debt. The proposed debt forgiveness and repayment plan is a recommendation provided by the Spirit Mountain Task Force which was created by Mayor Larson last year. The 16-member task force was appointed by Mayor Larson last June…

Amazon Creating Hundreds of Jobs in St. Cloud

May 5, 2021

The Associated Press,

ST. CLOUD, Minn. (AP) — Amazon plans to open a distribution center in St. Cloud this year and create hundreds of new jobs. St. Cloud Mayor Dave Kleis says Amazon has purchased a vacant building and land near Interstate 94 and expects to be hiring later this year. Kleis says he doesn’t know exactly how many jobs will be available,…

Canal Park Brewing Co. Reopens, Joins Businesses Anxious for Post-Pandemic Summer Tourism

After so much was canceled last summer, the businesses say with Bayfront Park's slate of events and the weather, traffic should increase.

May 5, 2021

Arman Rahman,

DULUTH, Minn.- Canal Park Brewing Company has reopened for indoor dining after six months closed, just in time for a post-pandemic summer set to be busy with Bayfront festivals and events in the Canal. “It’s been really awesome just to have the energy back in the building and beer on tap and the kitchen fired up for the first time…

St. Louis County, DTA Open Vaccine Clinic at Downtown Transit Center

Health officials hoped to bring the shots to more people, and answer questions to help stop any vaccine hesitancy.

May 5, 2021

Arman Rahman,

DULUTH, Minn.- On Tuesday and Wednesday Duluthians could not only catch a bus at the Duluth Downtown Transit Center — but also get a COVID vaccine there if they wanted. St. Louis County partnered up with the Duluth Transit Authority to open up a clinic at the DTC, the latest in their vaccine outreach efforts. Health officials say they have…

Duluth’s Tourism Tax Collections ‘Up Significantly’ For March

May 4, 2021

Dan Hanger,

DULUTH, Minn. – The city of Duluth’s tourism tax revenue for the month of March is “up significantly” compared to this month last year, according to Jennifer Carlson, the city’s finance director. Hotel, motel, food and beverage tax collection for March came in at $715,296 compared to $505,680 for March of 2020. March’s revenue is also up 10.4% from the…

St. Louis County Board Issues ‘Year of Dylan Proclamation’

There will also be a front lawn party at Bob Dylan's childhood home in Hibbing on May 24th.

May 4, 2021

Reece Lindquist,

HIBBING, Minn.-Northlanders wanted to go bigger for this year’s Dylan Festival. The plans have been in the works for a few years making it the “Year of Dylan” starting from his birthday in late May and ending on the same date in 2022. It all kicks off with the Hibbing Dylan projects monument honoring Bob Dylan followed by a proclamation…

Chauvin Moves to Have Guilty Verdicts Thrown Out, Asks for New Trial

May 4, 2021

KQDS Staff,

MINNEAPOLIS (FOX 9) – Derek Chauvin’s attorney filed a motion asking the court to throw out his guilty verdicts and schedule a new trial Tuesday. The filing, made by Attorney Eric Nelson, cites jury intimidation and a failure of the court to sequester the jury as some of the reasons he is asking for a new trial. In the filing, Nelson argues…

Drug Overdose Deaths up 27% in Minnesota in 2020

May 4, 2021

The Associated Press,

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Health officials say Minnesota saw a 27% increase in drug overdose deaths last year, with the first largest increase coinciding with the outbreak of COVID-19. According to the Minnesota Department of Health, 1,008 people died of drug overdoses in 2020. Drug-related deaths increased 64% in March 2020 compared with the previous year, then peaked at more than…

Walz to Announce Reopening Plan for Minnesota Thursday

May 4, 2021

KQDS Staff,

(FOX 9) – Gov. Tim Walz says he will announce a reopening plan for Minnesota on Thursday. Walz hinted last week that he would be easing more of the state’s COVID-19 restrictions soon. He has allowed businesses to reopen, although many still face capacity limits or curfews. Schools have reopened and athletes no longer need to wear masks when playing outdoor sports. “Thursday’s announcement should go…

Minnesota State Fair Announces 5-Day Walk-Through Event Over Memorial Day Weekend

May 4, 2021

KQDS Staff,

FALCON HEIGHTS, Minn. (FOX 9) – Missing the Great Minnesota Get-Together? You could get a preview later this month. The Minnesota State Fair announced it will host a five-day “Kickoff to Summer at the Fair” event over Memorial Day weekend. Guests will get to walk around the fairgrounds and experience many fair favorites, including popular food vendors, attractions like the Giant Slide, and…

Firefighters Tackle Garage Fire In Denfeld Neighborhood

May 3, 2021

Dan Hanger,

DULUTH, Minn. – Duluth firefighters responded to a significant garage fire Monday evening in the Denfeld neighborhood. The call for help came in around 7:25 p.m. on the 3700 block of Grand Avenue. The fire started in the interior and extended into the attic of the garage, according to a release. Fire crews were able to save a vehicle in…

Minnesota

The students designed the rover for this year's U.S. Air Force Research Lab Challenge.

The center is filled with brightly colored, sensory-friendly spaces where therapists will work with kids on skills, relationships and confidence building.

Councilors heard the Mayor's plan the same night as the council meeting, and many said it was too short notice to vote on it just yet.

Floral designers at Engwall's say they have had more than 800 orders in the last four days.

Staff say many of the customers were excited not only to celebrate mom, but do so with a fun "dining out" experience again.

The Duluth Children's Museum Pop-Up Play Place and the Lake Superior Zoo were busy with families.

Staff Shortages Prompting Many Small Businesses to Make Adjustments to Menus, Hours of Operation Along the North Shore

The course called Rogue Eagle Mini Golf is designed by a New Jersey based Harris Miniature Golf.

Because of an influx of dogs, the shelter is offering $50 off adoption fees for dogs and puppies from today going through Sunday.

any people had run out of the bank by the time officers arrived, but five employees were held hostage.

Larson touts new jobs, more visitors and a larger economic impact from the investment.

With the cities low vacancy rate, and the extension of the eviction moratorium there have been few openings for housing.

Reservations Are Now Open for Black Beach Municipal Campground

With lack of inventory being an issue last season, owners say that this year they purchases their products in advance.

After so much was canceled last summer, the businesses say with Bayfront Park's slate of events and the weather, traffic should increase.

Health officials hoped to bring the shots to more people, and answer questions to help stop any vaccine hesitancy.

There will also be a front lawn party at Bob Dylan's childhood home in Hibbing on May 24th.

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