Minnesota Archives - Page 180 of 356

Expert: Lack of Oxygen Killed George Floyd, Not Drugs

April 9, 2021

The Associated Press,

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — A forensic pathologist says George Floyd died from a lack of oxygen that damaged his brain and caused his heart to stop, bolstering prior testimony by other experts. Lindsey Thomas is a former Hennepin County medical examiner. Her testimony Friday also rejected the defense theory that Floyd’s drug use and underlying health problems killed him. Her testimony…

North Shore Businesses Optimistic for Strong Summer Tourism Season

From New Recreations Offerings, to Great Burgers and Brews, Two North Shore Businesses Optimistic Ahead of the Summer Season

April 8, 2021

Brett Scott,

TWO HARBORS, Minn. – Each year, hundreds of thousands of visitors venture up Minnesota’s North Shore, stopping along the way to help stimulate the various local economies in smaller communities. Two area businesses are optimistic for a better year ahead, as the COVID-19 pandemic hopefully reaches a more controllable level. “It’s probably one of the most beautiful places. You can…

Barnum Elementary School Celebrates National Unicorn Day :)

April 8, 2021

Dan Hanger,

BARNUM, Minn. – It was a magical day at Barnum Elementary School Thursday. Teacher Mindy MacDonald got dressed up in a big unicorn outfit to celebrate National Unicorn Day. The actual holiday is on Friday but the kids are out of school Friday, so the celebration happened Thursday instead. “Ms. Mindy MacDonald is our lovable resident unicorn :),” said Nikki…

Salvation Army Seeking Donations as FoodShare Month Continues

The final day for monetary donations for the extended foodshare month is Sunday April 11th.

April 8, 2021

Reece Lindquist,

DULUTH, Minn. – Minnesota’s FoodShare month in March has been extended. The Duluth Salvation Army is taking advantage of the extension with the last day to match donations in-person being on Friday. The organization is hopeful they can reach their goals which will be matched by the Minnesota FoodShare March campaign. “We have a goal locally of $9,000 and 8,000…

UMD Hosts Bulldog-Themed Blood Drive

Organizers say all 41 donation slots were filled.

April 8, 2021

Reece Lindquist,

DULUTH, Minn. – The American Red Cross and the UMD pre-med club hosted a Bulldog-themed blood drive at the University of Minnesota Duluth. Organizers say all 41 donation slots were filled. Although there is always a need for blood donations, this drive in particular is also geared towards promoting student engagement and volunteering on campus. Organizers also hope it helps…

Minnesota Eclipses 2,500 New Single-Day Virus Cases

April 8, 2021

The Associated Press,

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Minnesota health officials reported 2,500 new infections on Thursday as more infectious variants of the coronavirus drive case growth across the state. The new cases mark the highest single-day total since January as the state was coming down from the surge in infection cases late last year. The Minnesota Department of Health reported 14 more people have…

Expert Says Floyd Died From a Lack of Oxygen

April 8, 2021

The Associated Press,

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — A medical expert says George Floyd died from a lack of oxygen, which damaged his brain and caused his heart to stop. Dr. Martin Tobin is a lung and critical care specialist from Chicago. He testified Thursday at former Officer Derek Chauvin’s murder trial that Floyd’s breathing was too shallow to take in enough oxygen while he…

Levi LaVallee Releases Duluth Snowmobile Stunt Video

April 7, 2021

Dan Hanger,

DULUTH, Minn. — After months of preparation and a week of filming, pro snowmobiler Levi LaVallee released his Red Bull video of stunts in Duluth Wednesday. LaVallee performed all over Duluth — from jumps at Spirit Mountain to flips over North Shore Scenic Railroad cars before landing in the Fitger’s parking lot. LaVallee is a native of Longville, Minnesota. His professional…

New Hotel Opens in Duluth

With 82 rooms, staff say that they are excited to host people coming up to Duluth for the upcoming summer events and beyond.

April 7, 2021

Reece Lindquist,

DULUTH, Minn. — A new hotel has opened in Duluth. The Fairfield Inn and Suites on Maple Grove Road across the street from the Miller Hill Mall opened on March 25th. With 82 rooms, staff say that they are excited to host people coming up to Duluth for the upcoming summer events and beyond. “Knowing that we are the brand…

CHUM’s Warming Center Saw Record Number Of Winter Visitors

April 7, 2021

Reece Lindquist,

DULUTH, Minn. — Duluth’s newly located Warming Center is officially closed for the season, and the number of homeless who used the shelter this winter is something homeless advocates have never seen before. This past winter a record number of people — nearly 600 — passed through the shelter for a safe and warm place to stay overnight in what’s…

CHUM Announces New Executive Director

April 7, 2021

Site Staff,

DULUTH, Minn. – CHUM has named a new Executive Director. In a recent press release, CHUM announced that John Cole will replace Lee Stuart as Executive Director. After eight years as the Executive Director Stuart will be retiring from the position effective June 30, 2021. Cole, who is currently the interim Director at Align Minneapolis, will begin with CHUM on…

Duluth Fire Department Identifies Person Killed in Easter Fire

April 7, 2021

Site Staff,

DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth Fire Department has identified the man killed in the Easter Sunday apartment fire as 49-year-old Matthew William Hurt. Fire crews responded to the fire located on the 600 block of East 3rd Street in the East Hillside neighborhood around 1:oo p.m. April 4. Upon arrival, crews found fire in a bedroom of a first-floor apartment,…

Demolition Begins at Site of Future Lincoln Park Flats Complex

April 7, 2021

Site Staff,

DULUTH, Minn. – Demolition has started in Lincoln Park at the site of the future Lincoln Park Flats complex. P&R Companies new development will be at the former Robert’s Home Furnishings building located at 2104 West Superior Street. The company says Lincoln Park Flats will be a four-story complex that will house 74 residential apartment units including studio, one and…

Minnesota DNR Reminds Homeowners to be Mindful of Bears

There are Three Important Things to Remember if You're Looking to Avoid Bear on Your Property

April 7, 2021

Brett Scott,

DULUTH, Minn. – It’s the most wonderful time of the year for many residents in the Northland — Spring. It’s a time for new adventures when you can finally get outdoors more, and maybe even open up the cabin a little early. With the excitement, the local division of the Minnesota DNR is reminding folks to be on the lookout…

Surfers Enjoy Waves on Lake Superior

On Park Point, the waves and the sand are more forgiving than the rockier terrain as you head north.

April 7, 2021

Reece Lindquist,

DULUTH, Minn. – It’s not just the forces of Nature that call Lake Superior home. “Whenever there is a storm I definitely chase after it,” UMD RSOP Coordinator, Randy Carlson says. One of the largest bodies of fresh water in the world, It’s hard not to notice the growing Lake Superior surfing community. “We have a North Shore Minnesota Chapter…

Minnesota Hospitalizations Climb As Virus Cases Trend Upward

April 7, 2021

The Associated Press,

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Minnesota health officials say nearly 500 Minnesotans are currently hospitalized due to the coronavirus as case numbers continue to rise despite the state’s vaccination campaign. About 497 Minnesotans are hospitalized Tuesday, including 114 in intensive care. Health Commissioner Jan Malcolm says the state’s efforts to prioritize vaccinations in populations most vulnerable to the virus could prevent a…

Felton Named Duluth Diocese Bishop

April 7, 2021

Site Staff,

DULUTH, Minn. – The Very Rev. Daniel Felton, of the Diocese of Green Bay, has been named the tenth bishop of the Diocese of Duluth. His episcopal ordination and installation have been set for May 20. Bishop-elect Felton, 65, was ordained a priest in June of 1981 and has since had parish assignments at Holy Innocents in Manitowoc, St. Raphael…

Democratic-Backed Underly Elected Wisconsin Schools Chief

April 6, 2021

Dan Hanger,

MADISON, Wis. (AP) – Jill Underly rode support from the state teachers’ union and an overwhelming financial advantage to win election as Wisconsin superintendent of schools. Underly defeated Republican-backed Deb Kerr in Tuesday’s election. Underly is superintendent of the rural Pecatonica school district and formerly worked for the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction, which she will now lead. Kerr is…

Red Bull Snowmobile Rider Levi LaVallee Thrilled to Debut New Duluth Stunt Video

LaVallee Filmed Stunts in Duluth in Late February into Early March

April 6, 2021

Brett Scott,

DULUTH, Minn. – It’s something you don’t see every day in the City of Duluth – a man so full of adrenaline and excitement that he wants to jump his snowmobile over a moving train, or on a busy road such as Lake Avenue. Red Bull professional snowmobile rider Levi LaVallee isn’t thrilled unless boundaries are pushed to the max….

Lake Superior College Opens In-Person Registration for Fall Semester

LSC will continue to enforce social distancing and mask wearing next semester.

April 6, 2021

Reece Lindquist,

DULUTH, Minn. — Lake Superior College has announced that school will resume all in-person courses for the upcoming fall semester. Current students began registering for courses on Monday while incoming students can get their first crack at registering Wednesday. Faculty at the campus say, students have been excited to get back on campus, especially for the courses that deal with…

Minnesota 10-Year-Old Drives Family Minivan to Get Cheerios

April 6, 2021

The Associated Press,

STILLWATER, Minn. (AP) – A 10-year-old Stillwater boy who led police on a chase in his parents’ minivan says he was headed to the store to buy Cheerios. The St. Paul Pioneer Press reported Tuesday that a police officer spotted the boy driving the van around 9:30 p.m. Sunday and knew immediately he was either 10 or 11 years old. The…

Minnesota Debuts Vaccine Outreach Campaign Aimed at Workers

April 6, 2021

The Associated Press,

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Gov. Tim Walz on Tuesday launched an outreach campaign aimed at vaccinating Minnesota workers in frontline industries in the coming weeks. The outreach effort, which is part of a broader statewide “Roll Up Your Sleeves, MN” campaign, aims to connect workers in industries like food service with opportunities to get vaccinated at state-run community vaccination sites. The…

Furniture Mart USA Buys Former Duluth ShopKo

April 6, 2021

Site Staff,

DULUTH, Minn. – Furniture Mart USA has bought the former Shopko building in Duluth. According to public records the company bought the building and land for $3 million. The building, located in the Stone Ridge Shopping Center on West Central Entrance, was home to Shopko until 2019. In late August 2020, Spirit Halloween opened at the location for the Halloween…

K9 Deputy Wesson Loses Battle With Cancer

April 6, 2021

Site Staff,

ST. LOUIS COUNTY, Minn. – The St. Louis County Sheriff’s Office is mourning the loss of one of its K-9 deputies. In a Facebook post by the Northland K9 Foundation, K9 deputy Wesson lost his battle with cancer Monday morning, just a week shy of his 5th birthday. According to the post, K9 Wesson was diagnosed in January with an…

3M Will Pay Bemidji $12.5 Million to Help Treat Water

April 6, 2021

The Associated Press,

BEMIDJI, Minn. (AP) — The city of Bemidji has reached a settlement with 3M to help pay for treating contamination in the community’s water supply. 3M will pay $12.5 million toward building and operating a new treatment facility to remove chemicals known as PFAS, which the company manufactured for use as firefighting foam. The city found elevated levels of PFAS…

Police Chief: Fired Cop Broke Policy in Pinning Floyd

April 6, 2021

The Associated Press,

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — The Minneapolis police chief who called George Floyd’s death “murder” soon after it happened testified that Officer Derek Chauvin had clearly violated department policy when he pinned Floyd’s neck beneath his knee for more than 9 minutes. Chief Medaria Arradondo took the stand on Day Six of Chauvin’s trial in the death of the 46-year-old Black man…

Mayor Larson’s ‘State Of The City’ Core Principles: Equity, Sustainability, Community

April 5, 2021

Dan Hanger,

DULUTH, Minn. – Duluth Mayor Emily Larson held a virtual State of the City address Monday night acknowledging last year’s painful struggles through the pandemic and social justice issues surrounding George Floyd’s death — while praising the city’s determination to come together peacefully with a focus on being a stronger, more equitable community. “None of this will be easy. Last…

Easter Sunday Fatal Duluth Apartment Fire Believed To Be Accidental

An accidental fatal fire in the same building less than a year ago is not related, according to officials.

April 5, 2021

Dan Hanger,

DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth Fire Marshal’s Office is calling its investigation into a fatal apartment fire on Easter Sunday as accidental. The call for help came in around 1 p.m. Sunday on the 600 block of East 3rd Street in the city’s East Hillside neighborhood. Upon arrival, crews found fire in a bedroom of a first-floor apartment, which is…

‘Northern Lights Express’ Supporters Hopeful For Federal Funding

April 5, 2021

Reece Lindquist,

DULUTH, Minn. — Backers of high-speed rail service from Duluth to Minneapolis are hopeful President Joe Biden’s new infrastructure proposal could make the rail project finally happen. The Northern Lights Express project has stalled for years because of a lack of funding. It’ll cost $500 to $600 million to complete, and supporters hope $80 billion in funding for rail projects…

MnDOT Road Construction Ramps Up For Interchange Project

April 5, 2021

Reece Lindquist,

DULUTH, Minn. — Construction season is upon us and that means added congestion on some Northland roadways. One of the biggest construction projects is the Twin Ports Interchange. Southbound traffic on I-35 will be limited to one lane from 21st Avenue West to 27th Avenue West through Duluth during the current phase. MnDOT project managers are advising drivers to add…

Watch: Duluth Mayor Larson Delivers ‘State of the City’ Address

April 5, 2021

Site Staff,

Categories: Community, Minnesota, News, News – Latest News

Death of ‘Miracle on Ice’ Standout Pavelich Ruled Suicide

April 5, 2021

The Associated Press,

ANOKA, Minn. (AP) — Last month’s death of “Miracle on Ice” Olympic hockey standout Mark Pavelich was ruled a suicide, a Minnesota medical examiner said Monday. The Midwest Medical Examiner’s Office in Anoka County said in a news release that the 63-year-old Pavelich died of asphyxia. His body was found on March 3 at the Eagle’s Healing Nest in Sauk…

Minnesota State Fairgrounds to Serve as COVID-19 Vaccination Site

April 5, 2021

KQDS Staff,

FALCON HEIGHTS, Minn. (FOX 9) – The Minnesota State Fairgrounds will serve as a federally-supported COVID-19 mass vaccination site, state and federal officials announced Monday. The site will administer a combination of 168,000 Pfizer and Johnson & Johnson doses of the vaccine over eight weeks, which will result in over 100,000 total people being vaccinated, according to a news release from Gov….

Trial in Floyd’s Death Expected to Turn to Ex-Cop’s Training

April 5, 2021

The Associated Press,

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — The trial of a former Minneapolis police officer in George Floyd’s death is expected Monday to turn toward the fired officer’s training after a first week dominated by emotional testimony from eyewitnesses and a devastating video of his arrest. Derek Chauvin is charged with murder and manslaughter in the May 25 death of Floyd. Chauvin, who is…

Congregants Worship In-Person Again for Easter Sunday Services

While the first in-person Easter service in a year looks different, church leaders said it's still a breath of fresh spring air

April 4, 2021

Arman Rahman,

DULUTH, Minn.- Churches and other Christian-centered community groups got together to celebrate Easter Sunday in-person again, after last year’s were pushed online due to pandemic-related shutdowns. Minnesota Governor Tim Walz allowed places of worship to reopen at limited capacity last May, but that was after Easter of 2020. So for many area congregations, this Easter was the first they’ve been…

Northlanders Pack Restaurants for Easter Brunch Again After Pandemic Shutdowns

At Sara's Table Chester Creek Café in the Chester Park neighborhood was packed for their Easter brunch indoors and on the patio.

April 4, 2021

Arman Rahman,

DULUTH, Minn.- Easter Sunday was a busy day for restaurants in the Northland offering Easter meals or brunch. At Sara’s Table Chester Creek Café in the Chester Park neighborhood was packed for their Easter brunch indoors and on the patio. Management says after a year of unknowns being closed through much of the pandemic last year it’s refreshing to have…

Glensheen Mansion Celebrates Easter with Hunt for 14 Hidden Eggs

It was the last day to find the Easter Eggs hidden throughout the Mansion.

April 4, 2021

Arman Rahman,

DULUTH, Minn.- It was the final day to go hunting for Easter eggs hidden throughout the Glensheen Mansion in Duluth. It was more of an I-Spy activity, you couldn’t keep the eggs you spotted, and there was no candy inside, but everybody still had a fun time. “We don’t want you to pick them up and bring them anywhere,” said…

One Person Found Dead After Apartment Fire In Duluth

April 4, 2021

Dan Hanger,

DULUTH, Minn. — The Duluth Fire Marshal’s Office is investigating its first fatal fire of the year. The call for help came in around 1 p.m. Sunday at an apartment building on the 600 block of East 3rd Street. “Upon arrival at the two-story eight-plex, crews found a fire in the bedroom of a first-floor apartment,” according to Duluth…

Mayor Larson Presses Army Corps On Beach Erosion

April 4, 2021

Dan Hanger,

DULUTH, Minn. (AP) – Duluth Mayor Emily Larson is pressing the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to investigate whether the agency is responsible for erosion along a six-mile stretch of Lake Superior beach. The Minneapolis Star Tribune reported that Larson sent a letter March 12 to the corps to investigate whether its maintenance work on shipping channels has caused erosion…

Minnesota Reports Record Daily Vaccines, Over 2,000 Cases

April 4, 2021

Dan Hanger,

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) – Minnesota reported over 2,000 virus cases in a single day on Saturday for the first time since January, but also reported a daily record number of vaccinations administered. Over the past two weeks, the rolling average number of daily new cases has increased nearly 58%, a worrying trend as Gov. Tim Walz pushes for widespread vaccinations. Health…

UPDATE: Firefighters Investigating Cause, Watching for Hotspots on Highway 61 After Multiple Fires Saturday

The multiple fires have burned an estimated 45 acres, according to the the Minnesota Interagency Fire Center.

April 4, 2021

Arman Rahman,

GRAND RAPIDS, Minn.- Hotspots along Highway 61 North of Silver Bay are still being monitored Sunday by fire crews from six different area fire departments, Minnesota DNR Fire and Air assets, and Lake County Rescue squad, among other responders. The cause remains under investigation. The multiple fires have burned an estimated 45 acres, according to the the Minnesota Interagency…

Highway 61 Reopens After Numerous Grass Fires, Silver Bay Police Say

Authorities say "numerous grass fires" forced the closure of Highway 61 north of Silver Bay, which is an area near the Tettegouche State Park.

April 3, 2021

Arman Rahman,

SILVER BAY, Minn.- A portion of Highway 61 has reopened in Silver Bay, Minnesota, after grass fires were burning near the road. According to a Facebook Post on the Silver Bay Police Department Page, “numerous grass fires” forced the closure of Highway 61 north of Silver Bay, which is an area near the Tettegouche State Park. Around 8:00 p.m. authorities…

Congdon Park Elementary Students Syrup Making Process

Each of the different stations has its own subject looking at the stages of syrup.

April 2, 2021

Reece Lindquist,

DULUTH, Minn. — Today Congdon park elementary students learned what it takes to make maple syrup. The instructional course took up the entire day and involved grades K-5. Each of the different stations has its own subject looking at the stages of syrup. As students rotated through each of the stations, they recorded their reactions with teachers hoping they have…

Lieutenant: Kneeling on Floyd’s Neck ‘Totally Unnecessary’

April 2, 2021

The Associated Press,

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — The head of the Minneapolis Police Department’s homicide division has testified that kneeling on the neck of someone who is handcuffed and lying on his stomach is top-tier, deadly force, and “totally unnecessary.” Lt. Richard Zimmerman testified Friday at the trial of former Officer Derek Chauvin, who is charged with killing George Floyd last year. His testimony…

MDH: Minnesotans Can Leave Long-Term Care Facilities for Easter, Other Celebrations

April 2, 2021

KQDS Staff,

(FOX 9) – Minnesota long-term care facility residents can now leave their facilities for less than 24 hours without having to quarantine when they return, giving many Minnesotans the opportunity to visit family and friends ahead of the Easter holiday weekend. The Department of Health announced the updated guidance Thursday, allowing for one-day outings for holidays such as Easter, Passover, and other…

Essentia Health Expands Vaccine Eligibility in Wisconsin

April 2, 2021

Site Staff,

DULUTH, Minn. – Essentia Health announced on Friday that it is expanding its vaccine efforts to increase accessibility following Gov. Evers’ announcement that anyone aged 16 and older will be eligible for a vaccine starting Monday. Essentia says they are now vaccinating people 16 and older in Minnesota, Wisconsin, and North Dakota. Appointments can be scheduled through Essentia’s online portal…

Itasca County Residents Reflect on Gratitude One Year Since Pandemic Began

41 Percent of Itasca County's Population Has Started Vaccination Efforts

April 1, 2021

Brett Scott,

GRAND RAPIDS, Minn. – In Itasca County, the COVID-19 case rate per 10,000 people continues to increase steadily, however, there is light at the end of the tunnel. 41 percent of the county’s population has begun their vaccination efforts. Over 45,000 residents live in the county, and health officials report nearly 10,000 have completed both doses of the COVID-19 vaccine….

Temporary Vaccine Clinic Held at Black Bear Casino

The next round of vaccines will take place in 28 days at the same venue in the casino.

April 1, 2021

Reece Lindquist,

CARLTON, Minn. — “The first word that comes to mind is excitement,” Public Health Nurse, Casey Johnson says. It was a joint effort to make the Moderna vaccine available for Carlton County residents. For the first time the vaccine was available to Fond Du Lac community members in a public setting. “It’s definitely part of our plan and our mitigation…

Over 113k Minnesotans Still Need to Renew Driver’s License, ID After COVID-19 Extension Ends

April 1, 2021

KQDS Staff,

ST. PAUL, Minn. (FOX 9) – Thousands of Minnesotans still need to renew their driver’s licenses or identification cards after the COVID-19 extension for expired identification ended on March 31, according to the state’s Department of Public Safety. About 113,814 Minnesotans now have invalid driver’s licenses, instruction permits, or ID cards, DPS said Thursday. The legislation had extended the expiration…

Minnesota Tops 2,000 Daily Cases for First Time in Months

April 1, 2021

The Associated Press,

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Minnesota exceeded more than 2,000 daily cases of the coronavirus on Thursday for the first time in months as cases in recent weeks continue to trend upward. The Minnesota Department of Health reported 2,140 new cases and 12 more people have died due to the coronavirus, putting the state’s totals at 521,667 cases and 6,860 deaths since…