Minnesota

U of M Medical School Researchers May Have Found A Way To Detect Ovarian Cancer Early

If ovarian cancer is not detected early, there is about a 25% survival rate.

DULUTH, Minn. – The American Cancer Society estimates more than 13,000 women will die from ovarian cancer this year. Researchers at the University of Minnesota Medical School may have found a way to help detect disease earlier. A new study shows the possibility of detecting the disease using a pap test, which is a process already being used to diagnose…

Moose Lake Businesses Adapting During Pandemic

Managers are thankful that they don't have to rely on just dine-in during these times.

MOOSE LAKE, Minn. – Dee Jirovec  and her husband have owned Gampers in Moose Lake for eight years and are grateful to be back open following a second shut down. “It’s wonderful to be open again and have the customers come in to be able and talk and have a good time with them,” Gampers Owner, Dee Jirovec says. And…

Government Investigating Massive Counterfeit N95 Mask Scam

WASHINGTON (AP) — Federal authorities are investigating a massive counterfeit N95 mask operation in which fake 3M masks were sold in at least five states to hospitals, medical facilities, and government agencies. The foreign-made knockoffs are becoming increasingly difficult to spot and could put health care workers at grave risk for the coronavirus. A federal official says these masks are…

Update From City: No Water Main Break in Denfeld Neighborhood

Update: DULUTH, Minn. – City officials issued a correction Wednesday afternoon stating: “*Correction-The City received bad information in regards to a water main break noted below. There is no break at this location.” DULUTH, Minn. – City crews responded to a water main break in the Denfeld neighborhood just before 9:00 a.m. Wednesday. The City of Duluth Utility Operation crews…

Update: 1 Dead, 4 Hurt in Minnesota Health Clinic Shooting; Man Held

BUFFALO, Minn. (AP) — Authorities say one person is dead and four others are wounded in a shooting at a Minnesota health clinic. A 67-year-old local man said to have been angry with the care he received was arrested. The five people were taken to hospitals after Tuesday’s attack at the Allina clinic in Buffalo, a community of about 15,000…

DECC, Range Recreation Civic Center Among Minnesota Convention Centers Receiving State Grants

The DECC was given $500,000 and the RRCC, $105,000.

DULUTH, Minn.- Convention Centers and Theaters across Minnesota received their own share of $13 million in grants from the state Monday, and two convention centers in the Northland say it is a much needed relief from the effects of the pandemic. The DECC was a recipient of the highest grant amount allowed by the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic…

More Ice Cover Good for Lake Superior, Experts Say

Experts at the Minnesota Sea Grant say more ice cover on the lake means cooler water in the summer months.

DULUTH, Minn.- While ice on the lake proved almost disastrous for those anglers Tuesday, local experts say even though it’s coming in slowly, the appearance of ice cover is good news for the health of Lake Superior. Experts at the Minnesota Sea Grant say more ice cover on the lake means cooler water in the summer months. “A two degree…

Workers On Two Ends Of The Spectrum Speak About Working On Chilly Days

"Even if you don't think it's going to be cold, be prepared," said Gordon Eggen, a junk removal specialist for Twin Ports Trailer Trash.

DULUTH, Minn. – A blustery cold day with below zero temperatures in the Northland can make indoor work much more appealing. “I am really lucky to work inside here at Vitta,” said Logan Conley, the assistant general manager for Vitta Pizza. Those with outdoor jobs know they need to be prepared for the elements. For many in this area, facing…

Multiple Anglers Rescued from Lake Superior After Ice Breaks Free

Angler Jack Norquist Tells FOX 21 Ice Was Roughly 8 - 10 Inches Thick at the Time of the Incident

DULUTH, Minn. – The Northland is a playground for many winter enthusiasts, especially for anglers when temps dip well below zero. On Tuesday, entertainment turned into an extreme rescue operation as roughly 30 anglers had to be brought back to land after ice on Lake Superior broke free. “We were out fishing and heard a big loud boom,” said angler…

Update: 5 Wounded in Minnesota Clinic Attack; Local Man Arrested

BUFFALO, Minn. (AP) –Authorities say five people were shot and wounded in an attack at a Minnesota health clinic and that they arrested a 67-year-old local man. The five people were taken to hospitals after Tuesday’s attack at the Allina clinic in Buffalo, a community of about 15,000 people roughly 40 miles northwest of Minneapolis. Kelly Spratt, the president of…

Additional Cold Front Event Postponements Announced Due to Cold Temps

(courtesy: Facebook/DuluthParksMN) DULUTH, Minn. – Cold Front activities are being postponed once again due to extremely cold weather. According to a Tuesday press release from the city, the revised schedule of events is as follows: Yeti Hunt: Saturday/Sunday, Feb. 20-21 and Saturday/Sunday, Feb. 27-28. Clues released hourly on Facebook and Instagram (@DuluthParksMN) at 10 a.m Luminary Walk: Thursday, February 18:…

Judge Blocks Another Bid to Shut Down Line 3 Construction

(AP Photo/Jim Mone, File) MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — A federal judge has rejected another attempt by opponents to shut down construction on Enbridge Energy’s replacement for its aging Line 3 crude oil pipeline across northern Minnesota. U.S. District Judge Colleen Kollar-Kotelly says tribal and environmental groups failed to prove any permanent harm would result from allowing the work to proceed or…

DECC, Local Theaters Land Thousands in State COVID Relief Grants

It's part of more than $13 million in COVID relief grants, being spread out to convention centers and movie theaters across the state.

DULUTH, Minn.- The Duluth Entertainment Convention Center — hit hard by the pandemic — has finally landed some relief from the state in the amount of $500,000. The grant is coming from the Minnesota Department Of Employment And Economic Development (DEED). It’s part of more than $13 million in COVID relief grants from DEED, being spread out to convention centers…

Yellow Bike Coffee Cafe Expands To Lake Superior College

DULUTH, Minn. – Yellow Bike Coffee Cafe officially opened its new permanent location at Lake Superior College. The café offers a variety of beverages and food options made to order for students to grab while on campus. Yellow Bike Coffee Cafe has a flagship store in Hermantown. The general manager believes opening a location on LSC’s campus reminds people the…

St. Louis County Sees 900 Small Businesses Apply for Phase 3 Grants

The total amount of aid requested comes out to $16.4 million. The county has $3.8 million dollars in grant funding from the state to distribute.

DULUTH, Minn.- 900 businesses in St. Louis County have sought relief through Phase 3 of the county’s small business relief grants. The total amount of aid requested comes out to $16.4 million. The county has $3.8 million dollars in grant funding from the state to distribute. So 200 “first tier” businesses forced to close back in November that received no…

Extreme Cold Frightful for Humans, Delightful for Animals at Zoo

According to Lake Superior Zookeepers, their animals are no strangers to climates like this.

DULUTH, Minn.- While humans have to take extra safety measures in this extreme cold, many animals at the Lake Superior Zoo love to be outside – but with windchills this low, things like frostbite are a still a danger, regardless of species. “Most all of the animals that we have here if they’re outside this is gonna be similar to…

Recent Cold Temperatures Serve As Good Reminder To Check On Older Adults

"Just be mindful. If you have a neighbor that you know is elderly, it doesn't hurt to go check on them to make sure they have everything that they need," said Mary Bovee, the executive director for Age Well Arrowhead.

DULUTH, Minn. – The freezing cold hitting the Northland, this week, can be a strong reminder to check up on older individuals. Elderly adults are among the most vulnerable to extreme temperatures and cold conditions. Recently Duluth Police dispatched a community service officer to help a 79-year-old woman, who called 911 to get assistance shoveling herself out of her home…

An Ice Sauna Is Opening In Canal Park

It stands eight feet tall with about 100 ice bricks weighing in at nearly 200 pounds each.

DULUTH, Minn. – Frigid temperatures are sticking around in Northland, this week, and a local sauna company is helping people embrace the cold. Cedar and Stone Nordic Sauna has built a sauna made completely out of ice. It took roughly five days to create and stands eight feet tall with about 100 ice bricks weighing in at nearly 200 pounds…

Minnesota DEED Awards $13 Million in COVID Relief Grants to Theaters, Convention Centers

DULUTH, Minn. – On Monday, the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development awarded over $13 million in COVID relief grants to various convention centers and movie theaters across the state. One of the grant recipients listed is the Duluth Entertainment Convention Center which is to be awarded $500,000. The grants include $4.6 million for 15 convention centers and $8.54…

St. Louis County Attorney: Use of Deadly Force Justified in Mt. Iron Officer-Involved Shooting

MT. IRON, Minn. – The St. Louis County Attorney’s Office has ruled that the use of deadly force was justified in a December officer-involved shooting in Mt. Iron. The ruling is in connection to a December 5, 2020 incident, when Deputy Ryan Smith and Deputy Matt Tomsich were involved in a shooting that killed 19-year-old Estavon Dominick Elioff. According to…

Essentia Health Eases Visitor Restrictions

DULUTH, Minn. – Essentia Health is making updates to its visitor policy as cases of COVID-19 in the area have started to slow down. According to a Monday press release, beginning Tuesday the hospital will allow one adult visitor per patient per day in all clinics and hospitals. The hospital says this update will also include emergency departments. The changes…

House GOP Calls for Lifting Business Restrictions by May 1

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Minnesota House Republicans laid out a roadmap Monday for lifting the state’s coronavirus restrictions on businesses with a goal of letting them return to full operations by May 1. Rep. Dave Baker, of Willmar, said at a news conference that businesses such as restaurants, hotels, event centers, and gyms need to be able to make reopening plans…

Duluth City Crews Tackle 5 Water Main Breaks In Less Than 72 Hours

DULUTH, Minn. – Officials with the city of Duluth said crews have dealt with five water main breaks in less than 72 hours. The most recent break happened Sunday evening on the 2800-block of Hagberg Street in the Piedmont neighborhood. As of around 9:30 p.m., a city spokesperson said “crews have shut off the water and are in the process…

Duluth Firefighters Battle 2 Fires During Deep Freeze

DULUTH, Minn. – Duluth firefighters battled two fires within 24 hours – and during the city’s coldest air of the year. The first fire happened around 12:15 a.m. Sunday on the 2200-block of West 2nd Street. A garage caught on fire. Officials believe the fire was caused by leaking propane near a heat source. Nobody was injured. Lakeside fire. The…

Sport and Recreational Vehicle Sales Growing

"They just wanted a place of their own where they could get away wherever they decided to go," Yost says. 

HERMANTOWN, Minn. – As winter continues, recreational vehicle dealers in the Northland are seeing a lot of people eager to hit the road for new adventures. It has been a wild year for RV dealers, like Bullyans in Hermantown as most of their inventory keeps selling out. “We’re just starting to get it trickled back in. After we sold it…

Cloquet Public Library Reopens For In-Person Visitors

The library is open 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday through Friday and 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday.

CLOQUET, Minn. – The Cloquet Public Library is back open for business. The library had closed down for the second time during the pandemic on November 19th to only offer curbside pickup. Although programs like Movie Nights have been cancelled, the library is facilitating educational projects like make-and-take crafts. Library staff hope that everyone can follow the proper guidelines. “Now…

Gov. Walz Deploys Guard For Chauvin Trial Security

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) – Gov. Tim Walz has authorized the Minnesota National Guard to deploy in preparation for potential civil unrest during the upcoming trials of four ex-Minneapolis police officers charged in the killing of George Floyd last summer. The Democratic governor’s executive order authorizes the deployment of an unspecified number of troops in Minneapolis and St. Paul. They would serve…

Hospitals Criticize Minnesota COVID-19 Vaccine Distribution

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) – Minnesota hospitals are criticizing the state’s coronavirus vaccine distribution system as inequitable, leaving some clinics and hospitals without doses for older, vulnerable patients. The Minnesota Hospital Association, in a letter to state health officials, says some clinics haven’t received vaccine doses in days. In January, the state opened up vaccinations to people 65 and older…

Essentia Health Continues To See Lack Of Patients Going For A Check-Up

DULUTH, Minn- Essentia Health is continuing to see a lack of patients coming in for a check-up. They are instead waiting until it’s too late, which is creating an uptick in emergency room visits. Now that restrictions have loosened, Health experts believe many people may have become used to being home… or still do not want to visit a hospital…

Day Out With Thomas to Return to Duluth in August

According to the Railroad's Facebook page, Day out with Thomas is set for August 6-8 and 13-15. 

DULUTH, Minn. – The North Shore Scenic Railroad announced Thomas the Tank Engine will be returning to the Northland this summer. According to the Railroad’s Facebook page, Day Out with Thomas is set for August 6-8 and 13-15. Families can enjoy a ride with Thomas and his friend Percy, along with live music and other activities. Tickets are on-sale now,…

Two Arrested After Friday Night Shooting in Duluth’s Lincoln Park

Two males in their 20s were arrested, no injuries were reported and all parties were known to each other.

  DULUTH, Minn.- Duluth Police officers arrested two suspects, responding to a shooting at an apartment in Duluth’s Lincoln Park neighborhood Friday, and according to authorities those suspects are previous violent offenders. According to a spokesperson with the department, officers responded to a report of shots fired at an apartment in the 2400 Block of West 3rd Street around 7:45…

U Of M Medical School Sees Increase In Student Applications

This year there were nearly 3,500 applicants wanting to attend the school.

DULUTH, Minn. – More people are filling out applications to attend the University of Minnesota Medical School campuses including in Duluth. There are many factors that may play into the increase of applicants, but U of M Medical School officials say it is impressive knowing so many people are willing to dedicate to a career in healthcare. In a typical…

MN Power Crews Head To NY To Help With Power Outages

The Northland crew is expected to return in about two weeks.

DULUTH, Minn. – Minnesota Power is helping battle power outages in New York, which were caused by the recent NorEaster that left behind about a foot of snow. On Thursday, a five-member crew loaded up and headed for the Big Apple to help restore power for hundreds of New York residents. Minnesota Power leadership says lending a hand is about…

State to Open Community Vaccination Site at DECC Next Week

DULUTH, Minn. – Starting Monday, the Duluth Entertainment Convention Center will be the host to a large-scale COVID-19 vaccination site. According to a Friday press release, it’s one of multiple permanent COVID-19 Community Vaccination Program sites being launched – there will also be one in Minneapolis. “Of the approximately 6,000 vaccines initially allotted to the CVP for adults 65 years…

Walz Signs Executive Order Calling up National Guard to Minneapolis for Chauvin Trial

ST. PAUL, Minn. (FOX 9) – Gov. Tim Walz has signed an executive order calling up the Minnesota National Guard to Minneapolis ahead of the March trial of Derek Chauvin, the ex-police officer charged with murder in the death of George Floyd. The Guard deployment will be “significant” and soldiers could be on the ground in about two weeks, a Walz spokesman said ahead…

Nearly 500K Minnesota Adults Have Received at Least 1st COVID-19 Vaccine Dose

(FOX 9) – Minnesota health officials reported Friday 497,843 Minnesotans have now received at least the first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine, or 11.6% of the state’s adult population, although the state’s data lags by a few days. A total of 138,212 Minnesotans are fully inoculated, or 3.2% of the adult population, according to the latest state Department of Health data. So…

Duluth Police Investigating Wednesday Drive-By Shooting Incident

DULUTH, Minn. – Duluth police say they are investigating a Wednesday morning drive-by shooting incident. The incident happened around 9:52 a.m. at the intersection of Highway 53 and Piedmont Avenue. According to police, after speaking with the reporting party of the incident officers learned that a gray passenger car traveling up Highway 53 fired three shots at another gray passenger…

Duluth Public Schools Announces Plan For Secondary In-Person Learning

DULUTH, Minn. – Duluth Public Schools has announced some in-person classes will return next month for middle and high school students. Supt. John Magas says the update comes at the approval of the state health and education departments. “We learned a lot over the past nearly six months, from our own experience with elementary in-person and from other districts,” Magas…

Laura MacArthur Elementary Receives P.E. Grant

The grant, worth over $1,000, allowed the school to purchase snowpup cross country skis from the local continental ski shop.

DULUTH, Minn. – Back in the fall, Laura MacArthur Elementary in Duluth received a grant allowing the school to purchase skis for their Phys Ed class. On Thursday morning, 20 second graders got the chance to take their brand new skis out for the first time. The grant, worth over $1,000, allowed the school to purchase snowpup cross country skis from…

End Of Year Tourism Taxes Made A Strong Turnaround

2020 ended with tourism in Duluth being down by about 30%.

DULUTH, Minn. – Tourism tax revenue in duluth took a hit over the past year as some bars, restaurants, and hotels were forced to close to protect public health during the pandemic, but Duluth’s estimated tourism tax drop ended up lower than expected. Based on trends shown throughout the pandemic, the City of Duluth projected a significant decrease in tourism…

Itasca County Health Dept. Urges Patience, Caution as Vaccine Rollout Continues

Residents Will Be Notified When It's Their Turn to be Vaccinated

GRAND RAPIDS, Minn. – COVID vaccinations continue to roll out for residents in Itasca County. Public health officials say they are currently in the process of inoculating those working in schools and childcare facilities, as well as residents who are 65 and older. In the past seven days, 35 new cases of the virus have been confirmed in Itasca County….

Minnesota Prosecutors Ask to Reinstate Charge in Floyd Death

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Minnesota prosecutors are asking a judge to reinstate one count that had been previously dismissed against the former Minneapolis officer charged with killing George Floyd — saying an appellate court decision from earlier this week shows the count can apply. Derek Chauvin faces trial in March on one count of second-degree murder and one count of manslaughter….

Judge Approves Divorce for Ex-Cop Charged in Floyd’s Death

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — A Minnesota judge has approved a divorce settlement between the former Minneapolis police officer who placed his knee on George Floyd’s neck and his wife. The divorce of Derek Chauvin and Kellie Chauvin was finalized Tuesday and redacted documents were made public Thursday. The approval comes months after Washington County District Judge Juanita Freeman rejected a prior…

MNsure Will Open 3-Month Special Enrollment Period Feb. 16

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) — Minnesota’s state-run health insurance exchange said Wednesday it will open a three-month special enrollment period to help uninsured and other Minnesotans obtain coverage. MNsure said the open enrollment will begin Feb. 16 and run through May 17. The announcement follows a nationwide special enrollment period ordered by President Joe Biden last week for states that participate in…