Minnesota

Ramsey Stops Enforcing Coronavirus Mask Mandate

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — City leaders in Ramsey have voted to stop enforcing Gov. Tim Walz’s coronavirus mask mandate with proponents arguing it infringes on an individual’s constitutional rights. It was not immediately clear what liability the city might face as a result of the 4-3 City Council vote Tuesday night which was discouraged by city attorney Joe Langel. He warned…

St. Luke’s Board of Directors Names New Co-Presidents, CEO’s

DULUTH, Minn. – St. Luke’s Board of Directors has named the hospital’s new President and CEO. On Wednesday, St. Luke’s announced that the board of directors has selected Chief Financial Officer Eric Lohn and St. Luke’s Chief Medical Officer Nick Van Deelen, MD, to serve as Co-Presidents/CEOs of the health care system. “Beyond proving this dual leadership model is excellent…

Attorneys Sift Strong Opinions, Anxiety Among Chauvin Jurors

(Court TV, via AP, Pool) MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Jury selection opens its second day Wednesday in the trial of a former Minneapolis police officer charged in George Floyd’s death last May. Derek Chauvin faces second-degree murder and manslaughter charges. Several potential jurors were dismissed Tuesday, including some who said they wouldn’t be able to set aside their strong views about…

Colon Cancer Survivor Hopes Lighting Enger Tower Blue Encourages Early Screenings

Anna Dahlgren was screened earlier than the recommended age, catching the disease in her early 30s.

DULUTH, Minn.-Enger Tower in Duluth was lit up blue Tuesday in honor of Colon Cancer Awareness Month. It’s an initiative led by the city, and Colorectal Cancer survivor Anna Dahlgren. Dahlgren was screened earlier than the recommended age, catching the disease in her early 30s. Doctors say if she had waited until the typical screening age of 45 — it…

Tree Clearing for Bats, Soil Processing Last Steps Before Mission Creek Restoration Work in August

Crews start tree clearing Wednesday, and expect soil processing to finish by the end of July.

DULUTH, Minn.- Reconstruction work is finally set to begin this summer on the Mission Creek burial site in Duluth’s Fond Du Lac neighborhood, three years after MnDOT crews accidentally tore it up working to replace the Highway 23 Bridge there. Before they can get started, they have to finish some prep work which includes a plan to keep the area’s…

Hunters Park Residents Enjoying Final Days of ‘Snowhenge’ Fort

"By the end of the week I suspect it will be pretty much gone," Boucher says. 

DULUTH, Minn. – Spring is beginning to take shape. “Unless we get a lot of snow I don’t anticipate rebuilding it again this year,” Hunters Park Resident, Norman Boucher says. This spells bad news for the hunters park neighborhood creation “Snowhenge.” “By the end of the week I suspect it will be pretty much gone,” Boucher says. During a winter…

A Criminology Expert Weighs In On Chauvin Trial Jury Selection

It's expected to take several weeks to decide a final jury as the process includes checking backgrounds.

DULUTH, Minn. – As the proceedings continue in the George Floyd case, we caught up with a local jury selection expert who helped explain more about the process. UMD Adjunct Criminology Professor Fred Friedman says it’s all about finding out what biases people have, which are determined by attorneys asking a variety of questions. The hope is to have an…

Superior City Council Approves To Pay Off $2.5 Million Debt From Kestrel Aircraft Deal

SUPERIOR, Wis. – The City of Superior is no longer carrying the burden of more than $2 million in debt caused by the Kestrel Aircraft Company project deal. The Superior City Council recently approved to pay off the debt a year early. In 2012, the company had plans to build a manufacturing plant for its aircrafts, which would have brought…

Watch: Derek Chauvin Trial Jury Selection

MINNEAPOLIS (FOX 9) – Jury selection in the trial of Derek Chauvin, the former Minneapolis police officer charged in the death of George Floyd, will resume Tuesday after it was delayed a day while the court waits for more direction from the Minnesota Court of Appeals. Judge Peter Cahill was ready to start jury selection on Monday, but state prosecutors filed a request with…

More Minnesotans Eligible for Coronavirus Vaccine

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Gov. Tim Walz says Minnesota is expanding eligibility for the coronavirus vaccine after reaching its goal of inoculating at least 70% of people 65 and older. The state will expand eligibility to the next two phases of Minnesotans at once. Walz said Tuesday the next two priority groups include people with underlying health conditions and those at…

Spirit Mountain Task Force Comes Out with Findings on Financial Stability

The 250-page report included recommendations to Spirit and to the City.

DULUTH, Minn.- After nine months of work, the Spirit Mountain Task Force has released its findings involving the ski resort’s financial stability. The task force appointed by Mayor Larson found that for every one dollar in tourism tax Spirit Mountain produced an $18 economic impact return to the city. The 250-page report included eight business improvement strategies. The task force…

BLM Protesters March Through Streets of Duluth on First Day of Derek Chauvin Trial

Then the group started marching through downtown, over the I-35 bridge, through Canal Park -- stopping traffic along the way.

DULUTH, Minn.- Dozens of protesters marched throughout the City of Duluth Monday, even stopping traffic, to express their views and demands of justice for George Floyd. The main organizer, Veronica “Vee” Davis, was not able to speak in person at the march. But she released the following statement to FOX21:  “We were marching tonight in honor of George Floyd. We…

KYN: Frame Up

The owners of the shop are thankful for these artists allowing them to stay busy in these difficult times.

DULUTH, Minn. – A local frame up shop in Grand Rapids has been thriving during the pandemic with owner Eric Mann taking it over nearly three years ago. “The majority of our work is custom framing. So people bring in their own artwork and pick out mats, pick out frames and make it look good,” Frame Up Owner, Eric Mann…

Enbridge Line 3 Replacement Project Creates Concern for Indigenous Community

Enrbidge Reports All of the Workers on the Line 3 Replacement Project Have Gone Through Extensive Human Trafficking Awareness Training

CARLTON COUNTY, Minn. – After six years of work to acquire the proper permitting, ground broke on the highly controversial Enbridge Line 3 Replacement Project in Dec. of 2020. Of the total 1,100 miles, a stretch roughly 340 miles long will run through Minnesota. Enbridge has conducted many hours of training with more than 5,000 workers on the project, but…

Some Iron Range Schools See A Drop In Enrollment

Many remain hesitant about sending their kids back to in-person instruction during the pandemic.

AURORA, Minn. – Multiple Iron Range public school districts are still being impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Some are reporting a decline in enrollment because of the ongoing health crisis. It’s not uncommon for some Northland school districts to see a slight drop in student enrollment from year to year, but the coronavirus pandemic is causing an even greater decline…

Duluth YMCA Give Thanks To Local AmeriCorps Members

Currently, there are about 100 AmeriCorps members stationed in the Duluth area that work in many different fields, including helping in local schools.

DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth Area Family YMCA is giving a special thank you to AmeriCorps members that have dedicated their time helping make a difference in the Duluth community. This week is National AmeriCorps week. Local chapter members and their families will get a chance to enjoy free entry to the YMCA all week. Currently, there are about 100…

Dylan Fest Returns To Duluth For The 11th Year

The festivities will mainly be virtual with some in-person events hosted at Earth Rider Brewery in Superior.

DULUTH, Minn – The Duluth Dylan Fest is coming back this year despite the pandemic. This year will be the 11th year the event has been held and will commemorate Bob Dylan’s 80th birthday. The festivities will mainly be virtual with some in-person events hosted at Earth Rider Brewery in Superior. This year, there will also be a songwriter contest…

Duluth Students Near Full In-Person Learning

Other grades will be transitioned in next following week as part of the hybrid learning model. 

DULUTH, Minn. –  6th, 9th, and 12th graders were in attendance today at Duluth area schools on Monday. Other grades will be transitioned in next following week as part of the hybrid learning model. During the week, the freshman are getting tours and used to their surroundings while the seniors received help with classes they may have been struggling with…

Watch: Derek Chauvin Trial Live Stream, Updates

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) – The judge overseeing the trial of a former Minneapolis police officer accused in the death of George Floyd has paused jury selection while an appeal proceeds over the possible reinstatement of a third-degree murder charge. Judge Peter Cahill agreed Monday that he does not have jurisdiction to rule on whether the third-degree murder charge should be reinstated…

2021 Duluth Dylan Fest to Feature New Songwriting Contest

DULUTH, Minn. – To commemorate Bob Dylan’s 80th birthday this yea,r Duluth Dylan Fest has partnered with Song From the North Country to add a twist to the annual songwriter contest. “We are excited about the new twist on the songwriter contest this year,” said committee member Mark Poirier. “The pandemic has inspired our committee to think creatively and provide…

Derek Chauvin Trial Begins in Death of George Floyd

MINNEAPOLIS (FOX 9) – Hennepin County Judge Peter Cahill has ruled jury selection in the Derek Chauvin trial for the death of George Floyd can move forward Monday morning despite the unresolved issue of a third-degree murder charge in the case. Chauvin’s attorney, Eric Nelson, told the court he intends to file a petition for the Minnesota Supreme Court to review the Court of Appeals opinion…

Jury Selection Is 1st Battleground at Trial in Floyd’s Death

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — The fate of a former Minneapolis police officer who pressed his knee into George Floyd’s neck as the man said he couldn’t breathe will be decided by 12 residents of Hennepin County who will be picked after extensive grilling about their views. Jury selection begins Monday in the trial of Derek Chauvin, who is charged with second-degree…

Tickets Selling Fast for Thomas the Tank Engine’s Return to Duluth in August

Organizers say Preseason Thomas ticket sales are running about 300% ahead of 2020 and 2019.

DULUTH, Minn.- The second year of the pandemic is not keeping Thomas the Tank Engine down; he’s making a trip back up to Duluth this summer. Thomas and his green friend Percy will be back at the North Shore Scenic Railroad the first two weekends of August. This year the event is almost entirely outside this year with social distancing…

Unseasonable Warmth Brings Welcomed Boost for Duluth Breweries During Pandemic Winter

Staff at Ursa Minor and Blacklist Brewing say the warm weather is bringing many customers to sit outside, and inside.

DULUTH, Minn.- Small breweries across Duluth say the unseasonably warm temperatures — pushing 50 degrees in some places Sunday — has brought their businesses closer to normal than they’ve ever felt in the past year. “It has been nice to do things back to, quote-unquote, ‘normal,’” said Niki McArthur, Bartender and Pizza Oven Tender at Ursa Minor Brewing. It looked…

Construction Prompting Continued Backlash for Enbridge Line 3 Replacement Project

Ground Broke for the Final, Minnesota Portion of the Project in December of 2020

CARLTON COUNTY, Minn. – A project six years in the making has officially broken ground. It was back on Oct. 24, 2014, when Enbridge Energy filed its notice plan with the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission to begin moving forward on a massive 2.9 billion dollar replacement project of its Line 3 pipeline responsible for transporting crude oil. Ground broke on…

Cohasset City Leaders Look to Expand Industrial Park

Cohasset city officials announced they've received over $4 million in funding

COHASSET, Minn. – The city of Cohasset will soon be building a brand new manufacturing facility with the hope of attracting new businesses. Last week Cohasset city officials announced they’ve received over $4 million in funding courtesy of a multi-million dollar grant from the economic development administration and other funds from the city of Cohasset economic development. “We’ve known we…

2 Boys Injured In UTV Accident

GNESEN TOWNSHIP, Minn. – Two boys were injured Sunday when their side-by-side utility terrain vehicle flipped on the frozen Boulder Lake in Gnesen Township. The St. Louis County Sheriff’s Office says a 12-year-old boy was transported to St. Luke’s Hospital by LifeLink III with a broken femur.  A 6-year-old boy suffered a head laceration and was taken by Mayor Ambulance…

Floyd’s Cause Of Death, Ex-Cop’s Force Will Be Keys At Trial

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) – Legal experts say the murder case against the Minneapolis police officer who pressed his knee on George Floyd’s neck is no slam dunk, despite powerful bystander video from the scene. Jury selection begins Monday in Derek Chauvin’s trial on second-degree murder and manslaughter charges. The outcome of the trial is expected to come down to two key…

Key Players In Trial Of Ex-Officer Charged In Floyd’s Death

George Floyd MINNEAPOLIS (AP) – Jury selection begins Monday for a former Minneapolis police officer charged with murder and manslaughter in George Floyd’s death. Derek Chauvin’s trial, which is expected to last weeks, will be overseen by an experienced, no-nonsense judge and argued by skilled attorneys on both sides. Outside issues such as the COVID-19 pandemic and a global outcry…

Gov. Walz: 1 Million Vaccinated in Minnesota, on Anniversary of State’s First COVID-19 Case

Additionally, he announced that nearly 55% of Minnesota’s educators, school staff, and child care providers have gotten a shot.

DULUTH, Minn.- The State of Minnesota reached a new milestone in vaccinations, as Governor Tim Walz announced one million Minnesotans have been vaccinated Saturday, the one-year anniversary of the first case of COVID-19 appearing in the state. Gov. Walz shared the news on his Facebook page Saturday. Today, exactly one year after Minnesota’s first confirmed case of COVID-19, we reached…

Duluth Police Dept. Names Steve Stracek to Fill Third Deputy Chief Position

His seleciton is part a department restructuring to focus on better policies and community engagement.

DULUTH, Minn.- The Duluth Police Department this week announced the selection of Steve Stracek to serve as Deputy Chief, as part of an ordinance change by Duluth City Council allowing the department to hire a third, tasked with leading the department to be more accountable. Stracek joined the department in 1993, and over 23 years served as commander of the…

‘Miracle on Ice’ Star Mark Pavelich Dies at Treatment Home

The medical examiner says cause of death is pending at this time.

SAUK CENTRE, Minn.- A member of the 1980 ‘Miracle on Ice’ Olympic Hockey Team and Eveleth native Mark Pavelich died Friday morning. According to the Midwest Medical Examiner’s Office Pavelich was found dead at the Eagle’s Nest treatment facility in Sauk Centre, Minnesota. He was undergoing treatment as part of a civil commitment for assaulting his neighbor in 2019. A…

Motorhead Madness Expected To Be Returning Next Year

"We hate to see it end. It's been a lot of fun. We've all been going to it forever since we were kids," Mike Podgornik, an organizer of the new event.

DULUTH, Minn. – It’s been a year since Motorhead Madness ended and now a trio of car enthusiasts are hoping to bring the half-a-century old car show back to help the community relive some memories. The Motorhead Madness car show is one event car lovers could show off their pride and joy every year. “You’re proud of having them and…

A New Soul Food Restaurant To Open In Downtown Duluth

Doc Witherspoon's Soul Food Shack is expected to open on April 6th.

DULUTH, Minn. – A new soul food restaurant is opening soon in downtown Duluth. Former NAACP President Stephan Witherspoon will be opening Doc Witherspoon’s Soul Food Shack. Customers will get to enjoy a family dining experience that serves food like fried catfish and mac & cheese. Witherspoon says he’s excited to continue sharing the African American food culture with the…

Lake Superior Zoo Welcomes A New Black Bear

Syke is an 11-year-old black bear and weighs over 400 pounds.

DULUTH, Minn. – The Lake Superior Zoo is welcoming a new member to its family. A black bear named Syke is now home at one of the zoo’s newly renovated bear dens. Syke is 11 years old and weighs over 400 pounds. He comes from the Minnesota Zoo, where he previously lived with his siblings. Most bears typically live alone…

City Crews Responding to Water Main Break in the Piedmont Neighborhood

DULUTH, Minn. – Duluth Utility Operations crews are responding to a broken water main located in the Piedmont neighborhood. The break was reported at 12:43 p.m. and is located on Hillcrest Drive just off of Piedmont Avenue. Water has been shut off in the following locations: Hillcrest Drive from Piedmont Avenue to Allegheny Street, Allegheny Street from Hillcrest Drive to…

3rd-Degree Murder Count Could Be Reinstated in Floyd’s Death

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — The Minnesota Court of Appeals on Friday ordered a judge to reconsider adding a third-degree murder charge against a former Minneapolis police officer charged in George Floyd’s death, handing a potential victory to prosecutors. A three-judge panel said Hennepin County District Judge Peter Cahill erred when he rejected a prosecution motion to reinstate the third-degree murder charge…

St. Louis County Public Health Launches Phone Line to Help Seniors Register for COVID Vaccination Appointments

ST. LOUIS COUNTY, Minn. – St. Louis County Public Health announced Friday the launch of a new phone line to assist St. Louis County residents over the age of 65 with scheduling vaccination appointments. The phone line was launched to ensure no seniors are being overlooked to receive a vaccination due to an inability to register online. Anyone over the…

Duluth and St. Louis County Day at the Capitol Continues

This was the 24th annual Duluth and St. Louis County Day at the Capitol event.

DULUTH, Minn. – Northland leaders gathered Thursday morning for a virtual event to discuss this years legislative session. The event hosted by the Duluth Chamber of Commerce was geared towards showing support for Northland projects in the 2021 legislative session. One of the focuses being on providing broadband internet access to all Minnesotans with many schools having more virtual options…

Young People Stand Together To Help Bring An End To Gun Violence

"I just want to spread awareness for my brother and make a stand towards gun violence. It's not only taking our native youth, but our youth in general," said Aaliyah Peterson, the sister of 16-year-old Joesph Peterson.

DULUTH, Minn. – Young Northland community members are spreading the message that they are no longer staying silent and are proudly saying no to gun violence. The man charged in the shooting death of a 16-year-old on the Fond Du Lac Reservation back in December was in court on Thursday. The real action happened outside the St. Louis County Courthouse,…

Gun Permits Spike in Minnesota

According to the Bureau of Criminal Apprehension nearly 100,000 permits were issued last year.

CLOQUET, Minn- A record number of Minnesotans received permits to carry a firearm according to the Bureau of Criminal Apprehension with nearly 100,000 issued. The owner of Dead on Arms in Cloquet says he’s also seen an increase in the number of people wanting to learn how to use a firearm. He said people are more nervous and want to…

Prosecutors: Officer Was on Floyd’s Neck for About 9 Minutes

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — As the trial approaches for a Minneapolis police officer charged with murder in George Floyd’s death, prosecutors are putting the time Derek Chauvin’s knee was on Floyd’s neck at about nine minutes. The time has fluctuated before. It was given as 8 minutes, 46 seconds in an initial criminal complaint, a figure that became symbolic to many…

More Minnesotans Have Received COVID-19 Vaccine Than Have Tested Positive

(FOX 9) – More Minnesotans have now been fully vaccinated against coronavirus than having tested positive in the state. New data from the Minnesota Department of Health says more than 500,000 Minnesotans (500,188) have been fully vaccinated. A total of 487,374 Minnesotans have tested positive to date. Officials warn, however, that there were many COVID-19 cases that went undiagnosed early on because…

Duluth Police Chief Releases Statement on Last Week’s Fatal Standoff

On Thursday, Duluth Police Chief Mike Tusken posted a statement on his Facebook page about last week’s nearly 20-hour long police standoff in the Lincoln Park neighborhood. You can read his full statement below: In the past days, our department, community and partner agencies have experienced a multitude of emotions in trying to make sense of the tragedy that happened…

‘Change Is Coming’ To Grandma’s Sports Garden

DULUTH, Minn. — Grandma’s Sports Garden in Canal Park is officially changing its business model — saying goodbye to the college nightclub weekend vibe that the pandemic sidelined and saying hello to a unique, rentable space for all types of special events. Brian Daugherty, president of Grandma’s Restaurant Company Pictures were posted on The Sports Garden’s social media Wednesday with…

Students Take Learning Science To A New Level

"They all grew up in and around Minnesota, so they know how to sled, but they never really thought about it from a physical perspective," said UMD Physics Professor Margaret Elmer-Dixon.

DULUTH, Minn. – A group of UMD students used Chester Bowl Ski Hill as their classroom for the day to learn more about science. Physics is a subject most people learn about in a classroom or lab but a University of Minnesota Duluth professor is taking a new approach. “They all grew up in and around Minnesota, so they know…