Minnesota

College of St. Scholastica Planning To Return To In-Person Learning This Fall

DULUTH, Minn. – The College of St. Scholastica announced on Wednesday that it is planning for a more “normal semester” for fall 2021. The college says it is making plans to return to full in-person learning and has appointed a Planning Task Force to develop plans for a safe return to the campus. The Task Force, comprised of faculty and…

Walz: Minnesota Ranks First in the Nation in Vaccines Administered

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Gov. Tim Walz announced today that Minnesota currently ranks number one in the country for the highest percentage of vaccine dosages administered. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Minnesota has administered 88.55% of the vaccine dosages received. “I am so proud of all the hard work done in our state to make Minnesota…

Jury Set for Ex-Cop’s Trial in Floyd Death; Starts Monday

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — A jury has been seated for the trial of a former Minneapolis police officer in George Floyd’s death, with opening statements set for Monday. The final juror was chosen Tuesday, more than two weeks after the process began. Attorneys and the judge worked through more than 100 people, dismissing most because they acknowledged strong views about an…

Two Women Killed in Carlton County Crash

CLEAR CREEK, Minn. (AP) — Two women have died in a crash in northeastern Minnesota, according to the State Patrol. The two died Tuesday evening in a single-vehicle crash that shut down a portion of Highway 23 in Carlton County, the patrol said. The victims have been identified as 35-year-old Angela Severson, of Pierre, South Dakota, and 36-year-old Jennifer Bokusky,…

Canal Bark Recovering After Tough Pandemic Year

Before the pandemic, about 50 to 70 dogs would board at Canal Bark per night, now owners said they're improving at 10-15 per night.

DULUTH, Minn.- As people are slowly starting to travel again, doggy daycare facilities like Canal Bark are beginning to see the light at the end of the tunnel after a quiet year. Before the pandemic, about 50 to 70 dogs would board at Canal Bark per night. But last year, there were no more than 5 at a time throughout…

‘Tacos Tacos Tacos’ Brings Mexican Flavor to Downtown Duluth

The owner says opening up during the pandemic came with challenges, like securing equipment, importing ingredients, and hiring.

DULUTH, Minn.- A slice of authentic Mexican cuisine opened up downtown in the old Coney Island space on East Superior Street. The joint is called Tacos Tacos Tacos. They serve a variety of authentic Mexican taqueria favorites most notably Al Pastor style: pork rotating on a spit cooked over a low flame. The owner says opening up during the pandemic…

First Photo to Close Doors After 28 Years in Business

Printing at First Photo will be available through the end of this month, with the business closing in late April.

DULUTH, Minn.- A longtime photo printing and photography store in Duluth is closing its doors after more than 28 years in business. The owner of First Photo on Central Entrance Road says it wasn’t necessarily just the pandemic. He says demand for high quality photo orders and prints has dropped over the years as more people took to sharing photos…

Duluth Man Arrested in Lincoln Park Home Invasion, Assault

A felony warrant was also issued to the victim for violating his supervised release for a separate criminal court case -- days before this latest crime.

  DULUTH, Minn. – A Duluth man was arrested on Saturday after breaking into a home in the Lincoln Park neighborhood and assaulting the 92-year-old female resident. According to the criminal complaint, officers responded to a burglary in the 700 block of North 20th Avenue West around 4:00 p.m. Saturday. When officers arrived at the residence they learned that the…

Local Breeder Sees Career Best Litter

"Usually we expect to have eight to ten puppies per litter."

  DULUTH, Minn. – The local kennel Wolfe Den Retrievers is celebrating its most recent litter of American pointing lab puppies. “Usually we expect to have eight to ten puppies per litter,” Wolfe Den Retrievers Owner, Colette Wolfe Dickmeyer says. Lucy, the first-time mom, surprised her owners with sixteen. “This is a first for me. The biggest litter I ever…

Need for Disputed Pipeline Argued in Minnesota Appeals Court

(AP Photo/Jim Mone, File) MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — The Minnesota Court of Appeals has heard arguments over Enbridge Energy’s Line 3 replacement project in northern Minnesota, which opponents are calling unnecessary due to an eventual decline in the demand for oil. The Minnesota Department of Commerce, along with the Red Lake Band of Chippewa, the White Earth Band of Ojibwe, and…

Jury Set for Ex-Cop’s Trial in Floyd Death; Starts March 29

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — A jury has been seated for the trial of a former Minneapolis police officer in George Floyd’s death, with opening statements set for March 29. The final juror was chosen Tuesday,  more than two weeks after the process began. Attorneys and the judge worked through more than 100 people, dismissing most because they acknowledged strong views about…

9-Year-Old Minnesota Boy Survives Shark Attack in Miami

(FOX 9) – A Minnesota boy vacationing in Florida with his family survived a shark attack Sunday in Miami Beach. Nine-year-old Jay Weiskopf was rushed to the hospital where he received treatment for injuries to his right shoulder, including surgery. He received more than 100 stitches on his side and shoulder. The family was waiting for their hotel room to be available…

Essentia Health Donates To CHUM Food Shelf’s Produce Partnership With Local Farmers

DULUTH, Minn. — Essentia Health donated $7,500 to the CHUM Food Shelf in Duluth on Monday. CHUM partners with the Community-Supported Agriculture Guild by buying fresh produce from local farmers, which is then distributed to people in need through the food shelf. Essentia’s donation will go toward that program, with the locally-grown fruits and vegetables adding more nutritional value to…

Planning Moves Forward For 2022 Seawall Reconstruction, Walkway Redesign Behind DECC 

Duluth Council gave the go-ahead to begin looking at designs for reconstructing the aging seawall and the surrounding greenspace from the Slip to Bayfront.

DULUTH, Minn.- Duluth City Council passed two resolutions for pre-design and pre-engineering work for Phase II  of seawall construction and rehabilitating the pedestrian walkway along Harbor Drive between Canal Park and Bayfront. Councilors say they expect construction to begin on the seawall in 2022. They plan to use some of the $13 million in state bonding bill money the city…

Health Department Assists Rural Minnesota Town with Covid-19 Testing Site

East Range Communities and the city of Aurora are doing their part to stop the spread of COVID-19.

AURORA, Minn. – A temporary COVID testing site is now open at the Aurora Community and Senior Center. Due to the recent spike in cases in the area, the Minnesota Department of Health got the go-ahead to open up a facility in the East Range Area. “What we noticed over the last few weeks specifically in town here and kind…

4th Of July Fireworks To Return To Duluth’s Bayfront Park

DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth City Council has approved up to $50,000 to bring back the annual 4th of July fireworks display down at Bayfront Park. The city and DECC will work together to adapt the event within Bayfront Park as new state and federal guidelines are released involving COVID. “We would encourage people to come up, we would encourage…

Prison Death Investigated as a Homicide, Inmate in Custody

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) — The death of an inmate at the Rush City prison is being investigated as a homicide, according to the Minnesota Department of Corrections. Officers were doing regular rounds at the Minnesota Correctional Facility and found James Francis Howard with face and head injuries in his cell about 11:30 p.m. Sunday, correction officials said Monday. Staff…

14th Juror Seated for Ex-Officer’s Trial in Floyd’s Death

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — A 14th juror has been seated for the trial of a former Minneapolis police officer charged in George Floyd’s death. At least one more juror is needed before opening statements next week. Derek Chauvin is charged with murder and manslaughter. The juror chosen Monday is a social worker who says she has talked with friends about police…

One Person Injured in Eveleth Garage Explosion, Fire

EVELETH, Minn. – One person was transported by ambulance to a local hospital for burns following an explosion and fire that engulfed a garage in Eveleth Monday morning. According to the Northland FireWire, the explosion happened just after 7:30 a.m. on the 600 block of 17th Avenue West. Fire crews from Eveleth, Fayal Township, Mountain Iron, and Virginia were dispatched…

After Virtual Hiatus, Nearly Naked Ruck March Bounces Back in 2021

The Nearly Naked Ruck March is Happening Saturday, Mar. 27, 2021

DULUTH, Minn. – Northland residents are invited and encouraged to march for a great cause on Saturday, Mar. 27 starting at 10 a.m. along Skyline Parkway near Enger Tower. After a virtual hiatus caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, 23rd Veteran is proud to be bringing back the in-person version of the Nearly Naked Ruck March. The march is a way…

Minnesota Tops 505,000 Virus Cases Since Start of Pandemic

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Minnesota health officials on Sunday confirmed 956 new COVID-19 cases, raising the total number of infections to more than 505,000 since the start of the pandemic. The update showed five deaths in the last day due to complications from the coronavirus, for a total of 6,782 fatalities statewide. The ranking for the number of cases in comparison…

Jury Selection in 3rd Week for Ex-Cop’s Trial in Floyd Death

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Jury selection enters its third week Monday for a former Minneapolis police officer charged in George Floyd’s death. Thirteen jurors have been seated for Derek Chauvin’s trial on murder and manslaughter charges, with the judge saying two more will be seated ahead of opening statements expected March 29. Only 12 will deliberate; the others will be alternates….

Two Harbors Dealing With February Natural Gas Price Surge, But Not The Only City With Problem

TWO HARBORS, Minn. — Back in mid-February, many natural gas customers across America were slammed with surging prices as southern states like Texas and Oklahoma were hit with a historic winter storm. That temporary surge in natural gas demand just became clear to residents in Two Harbors opening their utility bills this month. It’s also happening to other natural gas…

Skiers, Snowboarders Fill Spirit Mountain on Last Day of Season; Officials Excited for Summer Activities

After a much warmer winter coupled with financial hardships worsened by the pandemic, officials say Spirit has fared the roller coaster of a season well.

DULUTH, Minn.- Despite Sunday’s spring-like temperatures, many headed to the Northland’s slice of winter for Spirit Mountain’s last day of the season for skiers and snowboarders — one officials there called a roller-coaster. “We’ve got sunshine, we’ve got warm temps, we have smiling faces, families that are having a blast,” said Co-Director of Resort Services Jon Regenold. The last day…

Minnesota Officials Link Variant To Recent Rise In Cases

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Minnesota health officials suspect that a coronavirus variant is driving a recent increase in the state’s case rate. Infectious Disease Director Kris Ehresmann said during a media briefing Friday that more than 300 cases of the B117 variant first detected in the United Kingdom have been found in Minnesota. Cases have been detected in various parts of…

UMD Continues STEM Discovery Day with Take-Home Experiment Kits

Participants could drive up and pick up kits like owl pellet dissection learning biology, or marshmallow catapults for engineering and physics.

DULUTH, Minn- UMD’s STEM Discovery Day, their annual student-led day of middle and high schoolers exploring the world of Science, Technology, Engineering and Math continued this year — a little differently. Swenson College of Engineering students offered free STEM Discovery Day home experiment kits. Participants could drive up and pick up kits like owl pellet dissection learning biology, or marshmallow…

Regulators Suspend PolyMet’s Wetlands Permit for Mine

The suspension means five major permits for the $1 billion PolyMet project are now stayed or under review.

  MINNEAPOLIS (AP) – A federal regulator has suspended the PolyMet Mining Corp.’s permit to dredge more than 900 acres of wetland for Minnesota’s first copper mine. The ruling is a victory for the Fond du Lac Band of Lake Superior Chippewa which attempted to protect Indigenous water quality standards as a “downstream state” under the Clean Water Act. The…

Officials Want Public to Stay Safe During Spring Fire Season

The National Weather Service has issued a fire weather watch for parts of northeastern Minnesota including in St. Louis and Carlton counties as gusty winds and low humidity means fires can spread quickly.

DULUTH, Minn. – The National Weather Service has issued a fire weather watch for parts of northeastern Minnesota including in St. Louis and Carlton counties as gusty winds and low humidity means fires can spread quickly. Minnesota traditionally has two active fire seasons – once in the fall and once in the spring. The spring fire season starts as soon…

Minnesota Man Charged in Connection With Capitol Siege

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Federal prosecutors have charged a Minnesota man in connection with the U.S. Capitol siege. The U.S. attorney’s office tweeted Friday that 31-year-old Jordan K. Stotts with trespassing in connection with the Jan. 6 incident. FBI agents took him into custody Friday. He was set to make his initial court appearance in Bemidji later Friday afternoon. The tweet…

CDC Changes School Guidance, Allowing Desks To Be Closer

NEW YORK (AP) — U.S. health officials are relaxing social distancing recommendations for schools, now saying students can sit as close as 3 feet to each other in classrooms. The new Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines, announced Friday, signal the agency’s turn away from the 6-foot distancing recommendation that had forced some schools to remove desks, stagger scheduling…

Fire Weather Watch Issued for Parts of Northeastern Minnesota

(FOX 9) – The National Weather Service issued a fire weather watch for parts of northeast Minnesota, according to the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. This watch impacts Aitkin, Carlton, St. Louis, and Pine counties. Gusty winds and low humidity are expected Saturday afternoon, creating “critical fire weather conditions,” according to the DNR. Fires would likely spread quickly. The DNR is discouraging…

One Arrested in Connection With Shooting Incident in Lincoln Park

DULUTH, Minn. – One man was arrested Thursday evening in connection to a shots fired incident in the Lincoln Park neighborhood. According to police, officers responded to the 2000 block of West 2nd Street around 8:20 p.m. Thursday on reports of shots fired. Officers were told two vehicles had already left the scene quickly. When officers arrived at the location…

Judge Refuses To Delay, Move Trial of Ex-Cop in Floyd Death

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — A judge on Friday denied a defense request to delay or move the trial of a former Minneapolis police officer charged in George Floyd’s death after a $27 million settlement for Floyd’s family raised concern about a tainted jury. Jury selection was halfway complete last week in former officer Derek Chauvin’s trial when the city of Minneapolis…

Ely Business Owners Optimistic for Brighter Days Ahead

From Taprooms to Outfitters, Ely Businesses Remain Optimistic as Summer Tourism Season Inches Closer

ELY, Minn. – As the pandemic continues, there’s no doubt about it, many of us are counting down the days until summer finally sets in, allowing for more time outdoors, and the perfect setting to safely visit with friends and family. “All the campsites are at least 1/8 mile apart, so I guess social distancing is just perfect. You can’t…

Itasca County Health Officials Urge Caution as More Residents Receive Vaccine

Health Officials Also Report a Decline in the Number of Domestic, Sexual Abuse Cases as the COVID-19 Pandemic Continues

GRAND RAPIDS, Minn. – The vaccine rollout continues to be strong in Itasca County. The county has a population of over 45,000 residents. So far, just over 20,000 have received at least one shot of the COVID-19 vaccine. As of Thursday, Mar. 18, 12,382 residents have received at least one shot, while 7,752 residents are fully vaccinated. Health officials report…

COVID Cases Force Ely’s 6-12th Graders Back To Distance Learning

ELY, Minn. — A rise in COVID cases within the Ely School District is forcing officials to hit the reset button and send students back to full distance learning. The change starts March 19 for junior high and high school students, grades 6-12. This comes after seven positive cases popped up in the past three days. In-person learning will return…

10th Juror Picked, Lawyers Clash Over Expert in Floyd Trial

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Prosecutors at the trial of former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin in George Floyd’s death want a judge to allow expert testimony about how people react to traumatic events. A prosecutor said Thursday that a forensic psychiatrist should be able to testify that Floyd’s actions when he struggled with officers trying to put him in a squad…

Duluth City Councilor Sipress Will Not Seek Re-Election

DULUTH, Minn. – Duluth City Councilor Joel Sipress announced Thursday that he will not seek re-election. Sipress has served two terms representing Duluth’s 2nd District. “Serving the people of Duluth’s Second District as their representative in city government has been a tremendous privilege,” Sipress said. “It was never my plan to pursue a career in politics, and after eight years…

Advocates Push for Changes to Minnesota’s Predatory Registry

MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. (AP) — Advocates in Minnesota are pushing the legislators to remove most juveniles from the state’s predatory registry, arguing that it makes it difficult for young people to overcome societal barriers. The state’s Predatory Offender Registry has more than 18,000 names. Patty Wetterling helped create the registry in 1991 after her 11-year-old son was kidnapped and killed. She…

Chauvin Jury Grows Despite $27M Settlement to Floyd Family

(Court TV, via AP, Pool) MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — The jury being seated for former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin’s trial in George Floyd’s death is growing despite concerns about publicity from a $27 million payout to Floyd’s family to settle their civil lawsuit. The city of Minneapolis agreed to the settlement last week in the midst of jury selection. That…

Family-Owned Business Expanding To Former Shopko Location In Two Harbors

TWO HARBORS, Minn. — A family-owned Two Harbors business is opening a new location in the city’s former Shopko building, which has been sitting empty since the summer of 2019. The husband-and-wife owners of Seagren’s True Value in downtown Two Harbors will transform the old Shopko into Seagren’s Home, Hardware, and Outdoors. They say they’re going to offer virtually all…

Sidewalk Days Among Events Set to Return to Downtown Duluth

The Greater Downtown Council is planning to put on Eat Downtown week next month, while Sidewalk Days and Movies in the Park will return.

DULUTH, Minn.- The streets of Downtown Duluth will be busy with entertainment this summer. The Greater Downtown Council is planning on putting on Eat Downtown week next month while Sidewalk Days and Movies in the Park will return in June and July. President Kristi Stokes says after months planning before the governor eased restrictions it’s nice to know those events…

Juror Dropped From Chauvin Trial After $27m Settlement

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — A judge on Wednesday dismissed a juror who had been seated for the trial of a former Minneapolis police officer in George Floyd’s death over fears that the juror had been tainted by the city’s announcement last week of a $27 million settlement to Floyd’s family. Hennepin County Judge Peter Cahill recalled seven jurors and was questioning…

Teens Fueling Slight Increase in COVID-19 Cases in Minnesota

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Health officials say teenagers are behind a slight increase in coronavirus activity in Minnesota. The state Department of Health reported 6,818 additional COVID-19 cases in the week ending Tuesday. About 10% involved teenagers 15 to 19 years old. The risk for that age group increased when in-person instruction and sports activities resumed earlier this year. State Health…

Bayfront Park to Host Summer Entertainment Again After Dark Pandemic Year

Fourth Fest, Reggae and World Music Festival and more are set to return this summer.

DULUTH, Minn.- Entertainment is on its way back to Bayfront Festival Park this summer, a true sign the pandemic is being pushed farther behind us to allow the City of Duluth to showcase its water front view, full of concerts and even Fourth Fest. “It will be busy, we’ll see cars and we’ll see bodies down in Bayfront Park this…

Some Duluth Bike Shops Get Busy As Spring Nears

Stewart's Bikes, Sports and Trophies is seeing an uptick in bike tune-ups, and customers looking for electric bikes

DULUTH, Minn.- With spring in the air Bike Shops are getting busier. The owner of Stewart’s Bikes, Sports and Trophies in Duluth’s Lincoln Park says business was pretty steady last year with more people wanting to get outside during the pandemic. As for right now, he’s seeing an uptick in bike tune-ups, and customers looking for electric bikes. “They’re ready…

Locals Enjoy the Dog Days of Winter at Pine Valley Ski Area

In This Week's Great Outdoors, Local Ski Enthusiasts Share Experience, Passion as the Season Winds Down

CLOQUET, Minn. – The dog days of winter are coming to a close, but that’s not stopping energetic Northland residents from getting in the final few weeks of cross-country skiing. One popular place for cross country skiing in the Northland is Pine Valley Ski Area in Cloquet. “Boy what a nice day,” said John Bankson, a resident of Duluth. “It’s…