Minnesota Archives - Page 192 of 363

Watch: Derek Chauvin Trial Live Stream, Updates

March 8, 2021

Site Staff,

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

March 8, 2021

Site Staff,

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

March 8, 2021

KQDS Staff,

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…

Split Rock Lighthouse State Park to Add New Campground

March 8, 2021

The Associated Press,

BEAVER BAY, Minn. (AP) — One of Minnesota’s more popular state parks is getting a new campground. Work continues this year on a project to add Split Rock Lighthouse State Park’s first drive-in camping option. The Shipwreck Creek campground is tentatively planned to open in the fall, with 46 sites with electric service and a modern shower and bathroom facility….

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

March 8, 2021

The Associated Press,

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.

March 7, 2021

Arman Rahman,

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.

March 7, 2021

Arman Rahman,

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

March 7, 2021

Brett Scott,

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

March 7, 2021

Reece Lindquist,

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

March 7, 2021

Dan Hanger,

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

March 7, 2021

KQDS Staff,

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

March 7, 2021

KQDS Staff,

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.

March 6, 2021

Arman Rahman,

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.

March 6, 2021

Arman Rahman,

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.

March 5, 2021

Arman Rahman,

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.

March 5, 2021

Nachai Taylor,

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.

March 5, 2021

Nachai Taylor,

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.

March 5, 2021

Nachai Taylor,

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

March 5, 2021

Site Staff,

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

March 5, 2021

The Associated Press,

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…

Minnesota Reports 320 Wasted COVID-19 Doses Since Vaccinations Began

March 5, 2021

Site Staff,

(FOX 9) – Despite the impressive number of people being vaccinated in Minnesota, some doses are going to waste. According to state records, 320 vaccines have been thrown out. Officials say some of that is due to human error while some is a result of providers being unable to find an eligible candidate to give the shot to in time. “I figured…

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

March 5, 2021

Site Staff,

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.

March 4, 2021

Reece Lindquist,

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.

March 4, 2021

Nachai Taylor,

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.

March 4, 2021

Nachai Taylor,

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

March 4, 2021

The Associated Press,

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…

High School Tournament Spectators Limited to 250 People

March 4, 2021

The Associated Press,

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Crowds at most high school tournament games and events this month and next will be limited to 250 people, according to the Minnesota State High School League. League Executive Director Erich Martens says it’s hoped that one, maybe two, family members of each athlete can attend. Each team will receive a limited number of tickets. The general…

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

March 4, 2021

Site Staff,

(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

March 4, 2021

Site Staff,

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

March 3, 2021

Dan Hanger,

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.

March 3, 2021

Nachai Taylor,

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…

Grandma’s Marathon Hires A Crowd Scientist To Help Safely Host 2021 Race

Instead of a mob of runners starting the race at all once, this year they will be released onto the course five at a time.

March 3, 2021

Nachai Taylor,

DULUTH, Minn. – Organizers of Grandma’s Marathon has enlisted the services of a crowd scientist… to help provide a COVID safe event this summer. Through the partnership with the crowd scientist, the organization was able to gather a computer simulation of previous races to help create a plan to safely carry out this year’s event. Some changes would include transporting…

CHUM Looking to Capitalize on Minnesota’s Annual FoodShare Month

The organizations are partnering with the greater Minnesota Council of Churches to match the donations coming through their doors.

March 3, 2021

Reece Lindquist,

DULUTH, Minn. – CHUM is looking to capitalize on Minnesota’s annual FoodShare month. Because it is typically a slow time for the CHUM food shelf and over 300 other food shelves across the state, the organizations are partnering with the greater Minnesota Council of Churches to match the donations coming through their doors. They are also partnering with local farms…

Woman Accused of Threatening Neighbors With Machete

March 3, 2021

The Associated Press,

EAGAN, Minn. (AP) — An Eagan woman is accused of threatening neighbors with a machete and cutting wires inside a utility box last week, leaving dozens without phone or internet service. A criminal complaint filed in Dakota County charges 32-year-old Kathryn Joyce with threatening violence and first-degree criminal damage to property, which are felonies. According to the complaint, officers were…

BCA: Duluth Standoff Suspect Who Killed K9 Luna Incited 2 Shootouts With Police

David Conwell, 37, was shot and killed by St. Louis County deputies when he pointed his gun at them from the house's porch after prior gunfire, according to the BCA.

March 3, 2021

Dan Hanger,

DULUTH, Minn. – New details were released Tuesday involving what went down during last week’s fatal 20-hour standoff in Duluth that ended with the shooting deaths of police K9 Luna and the suspect. David Conwell | K9 Luna The Bureau of Criminal Apprehension says David Conwell, 37, of Duluth shot at Duluth police two separate times before his third attempt…

Levi LaVallee’s Snowmobile Recovered From Duluth Harbor After Stunt Mishap

City spokesperson could not confirm Tuesday if scheduled stunts for the week are still happening for LaVallee's next video release.

March 2, 2021

Dan Hanger,

DULUTH, Minn. – It was unclear Tuesday if professional snowmobile stuntman Levi LaVallee is continuing production in Duluth this week after a stunt went bad in the Duluth Harbor Monday. www.facebook.com/LeviLaValleeFanPage/ LaVallee was jumping off the old Railroad Interstate Bridge and onto a barge on Rice’s Point when he somehow landed in the water. Firefighters on standby for the stunt…

Some Cloquet Bar Owners Want Liquor License Relief for When Pandemic Dried Sales

While they're seeking a prorated or discounted fee, the City says reducing the liquor license fee would have other repercussions.

March 2, 2021

Arman Rahman,

CLOQUET, Minn.- After months of pandemic-related shutdowns and restrictions where some or all of their establishments sat unused, some bar and restaurant owners in Cloquet are asking the City Administration for a break in liquor license fees. “Quite honestly at this point we’re just asking them to help us with something. Whether it be prorated by day, prorated by month,…

GO: Pop-Up Snowshoeing

- As part of last months cold front festival, the City of Duluth began offering pop-up snow shoeing as one of many outdoor activities.

March 2, 2021

Reece Lindquist,

DULUTH, Minn. – As part of last months cold front festival, the City of Duluth began offering pop-up snow shoeing as one of many outdoor activities. “It’s basically a couple hours where people can take some snowshoes and get out and about in their communities,” Recreation Instructor, Julianna Langlois says. Providing a great way to get outside, with social distancing…

Duluth School Board Hears Public Comment on Historic Old Central Sale

As the district nears the end of the sale process, on Tuesday they say they wanted to hear the public's thoughts related to the sale.

March 2, 2021

Arman Rahman,

DULUTH, Minn.- The Duluth School Board heard public comment on the future sale and relocation of the Historic Old Central High School downtown. Last October the district entered into a purchasing agreement with “Saturday Properties” to redevelop the building into a mixed-income apartment building. As the district nears the end of the sale process, on Tuesday they say they wanted…

Plans Move Forward In 15-Story Mixed-Use Building Project

Construction is scheduled to begin this fall on the project, which is expected to cost at least $75 million.

March 2, 2021

Nachai Taylor,

DULUTH, Minn. – Plans to construct a 15-story mixed-use building in downtown Duluth is moving forward after the project suffered several delays. The project was expected to begin construction back in December 2019, but was pushed back due to impacts caused by the coronavirus pandemic and the “uncertain financial market.” The building will stand on the site of the former…

Minnesota BCA Provides More Details in Fatal Duluth Standoff

March 2, 2021

Site Staff,

DULUTH, Minn. – On Tuesday, The Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension provided more updates on the nearly 20-hour standoff that took place last week in Duluth including the identities of law enforcement personnel who used force in the incident. According to the Minnesota BCA, Duluth police officers responded to a call from a third party about a possible physical domestic…

George Floyd’s Family Only Allowed 1 Member in Courtroom During Chauvin Trial, Judge Rules

March 2, 2021

KQDS Staff,

MINNEAPOLIS (FOX 9) – The families of both George Floyd and Derek Chauvin will only get one seat each in the courtroom for the murder trial, a Hennepin County Judge ruled this week. Hennepin County District Court Judge Peter Cahill issued a trial management order Monday detailing the schedule, decorum and other procedures for Chauvin’s trial, which is scheduled to begin next week. Only…

38th Annual First Ship Contest Now Open

March 2, 2021

Site Staff,

DULUTH, Minn. – Visit Duluth and the Duluth Seaway Port Authority have teamed up once again for the 38th Annual First Ship Contest. To submit your guess for the exact date and time the season’s first “saltie” passes under the Aerial Lift Bridge, head to visitduluth.com/firstship or click here. The contest closes at midnight on March 24. This year, the…

Record Number of Gun Permits Issues in Minnesota in 2020

March 2, 2021

The Associated Press,

(AP Photo/Alan Diaz, File) MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — A record number of permits to carry handguns were issued in 2020, a surge attributed to a rise in violent crime in the Twin Cities and the civil unrest that followed the death of George Floyd. A report from the Minnesota Department of Public Safety Bureau of Criminal Apprehension shows that more than…

Duluth International Airport Receives $1.6M in Federal Grant Money

It’s part of $4 million in federal dollars Congress awarded to help maintain a clean and safe environment for airport employees and travelers.

March 1, 2021

Arman Rahman,

DULUTH, Minn.- The Duluth International Airport has just received $1.6 million as part of grant money from Congress given to airports across Minnesota’s Eighth Congressional District. It’s part of $4 million in federal dollars Congress awarded to help maintain a clean and safe environment for airport employees and travelers. Leadership at DLH say the money will go toward maintenance safety…

Historic J.B. Ford Freighter Catches Fire in Duluth Scrapyard

Firefighters were able to knock down the flames within an hour, and no one was injured.

March 1, 2021

Arman Rahman,

DULUTH, Minn.- A busy day for the Duluth Fire Department brought them to a fire aboard the century-old J.B. Ford freighter in the Duluth port Monday — and age seemed to work against the ship, its old bones proving to be easily flammable. The J.B. Ford is the oldest intact lake freighter still floating, launching in 1903 in Ohio. It…

Lyric Kitchen Bar Remaining Closed One Year into Pandemic

Growing cases, coupled with Superior Street Reconstruction, kept management from opening back up.

March 1, 2021

Arman Rahman,

DULUTH, Minn.- While many restaurants have re-opened for limited indoor service after Minnesota’s last shutdown, one restaurant has remained closed since the pandemic began last march. Management at Lyric Kitchen Bar in Downtown Duluth’s Holiday Center says when businesses were first closed in response to coronavirus spreading they thought it would just be for a few weeks. But the cases…

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Snowmobile Stunt Rider Levi LaVallee Rescued in Duluth Harbor During Filming

March 1, 2021

Dan Hanger,

Facebook: @LeviLaValleeFanPage DULUTH, Minn. — Professional snowmobile stunt rider Levi LaVallee had to be rescued from the waters of the Duluth Harbor Monday during a filming shoot for an upcoming video. The water emergency happened at 4:35 p.m. off Rice’s Point. “The Duluth Fire Department was on scene as a precautionary measure and was able to retrieve Levi in under…

Duluth Fire Crews Responding to Ship Fire

March 1, 2021

Site Staff,

DULUTH, Minn. – Duluth fire crews responded to a fire Monday on the J.B. Ford that’s being scrapped at Azcon Metals on Rice’s Point. The fire broke out just after 3 p.m. A city spokesperson said no one was injured. Crews were scrapping parts of the ship when two pieces of metal created a spark, which started wood on fire,…

Needed Upgrades At Wrenshall School Finishes, More Still To Come

The first stage cost more than $9 million and included adding a new HVAC system.

March 1, 2021

Nachai Taylor,

DULUTH, Minn. – The Wrenshall School has been getting some much-needed upgrades and now the first phase of the project is complete. The pandemic forced students to learn from home for the last year. Wrenshall school leaders took advantage of having an empty building to make the necessary changes. The first stage cost more than $9 million and included adding…