Minnesota Archives - Page 193 of 356

Birkie Drops Enbridge Energy Sponsorship, Says Relationship Doesn’t Align with Race’s Values

The dissolving of this agreement comes months after Enbridge started its controversial Line 3 Pipeline replacement project.

January 9, 2021

Arman Rahman,

HAYWARD, Wis.- The largest cross-country ski race in the country, the American Birkebeiner or “Birkie” is taking a stand against what they see as environmental concerns with Enbridge Energy — dropping the corporation as a sponsor for this year’s race. According to a letter on the Birkie website, they are dissolving their previous agreement, after “we heard from some in…

Sporting Good Stores Anticipate Rise in Business With Youth Sports Returning

With youth sports returning the expectations are for stores to get even busier.

January 9, 2021

Reece Lindquist,

DULUTH, Minn. – Sporting good stores have seen a rise in business lately. At Play It Again sports located in the Kenwood Shopping Center, managers have seen up to a 45 minute wait to get your skates sharpened on the busiest days. Although that hasn’t stopped customers from coming in during the pandemic, with youth sports returning the expectations are…

Washington Center Gym Reopened for Rental Use

The Washington Center Gym is reopened for rental use after the governor’s most recent orders.

January 9, 2021

Jane Kim,

DULUTH, Minn. – The Washington Center Gym is reopened for rental use after the governor’s most recent orders. Some rules will be enforced if you decide to use it. Face coverings must be worn at all times including during play by all participants in the gym. Practices will be allowed but social gatherings will not be. Participants should arrive and…

Small Crowd of Trump Supporters Gather at Minnesota Capitol

The rally comes as tensions are high following Wednesday’s storming of the U.S. Capitol by a mob of pro-Trump rioters.

January 9, 2021

Arman Rahman,

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) – State Patrol officers guarded the steps of the Minnesota Capitol on Saturday, as roughly 100 supporters of President Donald Trump gathered to protest the results of the 2020 election. The rally comes as tensions are high following Wednesday’s storming of the U.S. Capitol by a mob of pro-Trump rioters. Several people in Saturday’s crowd held…

Boomtown Delays Duluth Restaurant Opening

The Duluth restaurant is expected to open in the old Sunset Bar and Grill on Martin Road.

January 8, 2021

Nachai Taylor,

DULUTH, Minn. – Diners will have to wait a little longer before they can enjoy food at the new Boomtown Woodfire Bar & Grill location, which was slated to open this month. The grand opening is now being pushed back until the spring. Boomtown currently has two other locations gearing up to reopen now that Governor Tim Walz is allowing…

Essentia Health, Common Spirit Health Sign Letter of Intent

January 8, 2021

Site Staff,

DULUTH, Minn. – Essentia leaders say negotiations are moving forward for CommonSpirit Health owned facilities in North Dakota and Minnesota to join Essentia Health. In a Friday afternoon announcement, the hospital says Essentia Health and Commonspirit Health have signed a letter of intent for the facilities, operating under the CHI brand. The facilities include CHI St. Alexius Medical Center in…

No Immediate Ruling in Request to Delay Trial in Floyd Case

January 8, 2021

The Associated Press,

(from left, Derek Chauvin, Tuo Thao, Thomas Lane, and J. Alexander Kueng) MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — A Minnesota judge overseeing the case against four former Minneapolis police officers charged in the death of George Floyd says he will take under advisement a prosecution request to delay the trial due to COVID-19. The trial is currently scheduled for March 8, but prosecutors…

Suspect in Fond du Lac Shooting Charged With Manslaughter

January 8, 2021

Site Staff,

CLOQUET, Minn. – The suspect arrested for the fatal shooting of 16-year-old Joseph James Peterson on December 28 on the Fond du Lac reservation has been formally charged. Authorities say 18-year-old Joseph James Fohrenkam has been charged with second-degree manslaughter. According to the criminal complaint, St. Louis County Sheriff’s Deputies and Fond du Lac Officers responded to reports of a…

Updated COVID-19 Numbers: Friday, January 8

January 8, 2021

Site Staff,

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Minnesota health officials reported 2,387 new cases of COVID-19 in Minnesota on Friday morning bringing the total confirmed COVID cases to 431,944 in the state. Health officials also reported 48 news deaths bringing the death total to 5,620 in Minnesota. According to the Minnesota Department of Health website, 5,852,830 tests have been completed to date. There…

Duluth Fire Marshall Investigating Friday Morning Fire

Initial damage to the building is estimated at $35,000.

January 8, 2021

Reece Lindquist,

DULUTH, Minn. – At 12:28 a.m. Friday morning the Duluth Fire Department responded to a structure fire at 1801 East 2nd Street. All of the residents made it out of the building safely and no injuries were reported. Initial damage to the building is estimated at $35,000. The fire is currently under investigation by the Duluth Fire Marshalls office. Categories:…

‘Skyline Social & Games’ Ready To Reopen With Loosened State Guidelines

January 7, 2021

Reece Lindquist,

HERMANTOWN, Minn. – One of the bigger entertainment venues in Hermantown is gearing up to reopen when state COVID-19 guidelines are loosened again next week. Skyline Social & Games will be opening its restaurant at 50 percent capacity, and the bowling alley/arcade at 25 percent beginning Monday. Managers say reopening for a second time during the pandemic will be challenging…

Entertainment Venues Will Take Time To Reopen

Minnesota Governor Tim Walz is now allowing these businesses to reopen at 25% capacity.

January 7, 2021

Nachai Taylor,

DULUTH, Minn – Minnesota Governor Tim Walz has now given the green light, but many of those running Northland entertainment venues and tourist attractions say its going to take some time to reopen. Like many other entertainment settings in the Northland, Zeitgeist Arts Café and Zinema in Duluth has been strongly impacted by the pandemic. “It’s been really difficult. It’s…

Rapid COVID Testing Available At St. Luke’s Hospital

According to the CDC, the most reliable COVID-19 tests are still PCR nasal tests as antigen tests are less trustworthy to catch asymptomatic cases.

January 7, 2021

Nachai Taylor,

DULUTH, Minn. – Patients of St. Luke’s Hospital can now get a rapid COVID-19 antigen test that can return same-day results. The testing is available for patients of the respiratory clinic in Hermantown or those utilizing the drive-thru testing garage located on the 900 block of East First Street. People of all ages can have access to the testing, but…

Hauling Company Helps Community Get Rid Of Christmas Trees

The free service ended on Thursday, but Twin Ports Trailer Trash will haul away any trees you still have for just $25.

January 7, 2021

Nachai Taylor,

DULUTH, Minn. – A local hauling company is lending a hand by helping families get rid of their Christmas trees for free. In the last couple of days, Twin Ports Trailer Trash picked about 175 trees from residents in the area. This is the second year the company has offered this free service. It started as a way for the…

Life 97.3 Hosts Third Annual Northland’s Largest Baby Shower

Donations are being collected all month.

January 7, 2021

Nachai Taylor,

DULUTH, Minn. – A local radio station is once again working to help families in need. Life 97.3 is partnering with St. Luke’s hospital for the third annual Northland’s Largest Baby Shower. The goal is to collect typical baby shower items such as diapers, wipes, and clothing from local community donors. Life 97.3’s station manager says during these tough times…

St. Luke’s Respiratory Clinic, Drive- Thru Garage Now Offering Rapid COVID Testing

January 7, 2021

Site Staff,

DULUTH, Minn. – St. Luke’s Respiratory Clinic and Drive-Thru garage is now offering patients rapid antigen testing. The hospital says patients who are showing symptoms and have had symptoms for five days or less are eligible for testing at the Respiratory Clinic while individuals with a provider’s order can get the rapid test at the Drive-Thru garage. Rapid tests are…

Updated COVID-19 Numbers: Thursday, January 7

January 7, 2021

Site Staff,

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Minnesota health officials reported 2,004 new cases of COVID-19 in Minnesota on Thursday morning bringing the total confirmed COVID cases to 429,570 in the state. Health officials also reported 44 news deaths bringing the death total to 5,572 in Minnesota. According to the Minnesota Department of Health website, 5,803,829 tests have been completed to date. There…

Rep. Pete Stauber Reacts To U.S. Capitol Violence While On Lockdown In Office

January 6, 2021

Alexandra Burnley,

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Pete Stauber, Minnesota’s 8th district representative, talked to FOX21 while he was lockdown in his office near the U.S. Capitol while it was under siege by Trump supporters on Wednesday afternoon. Rep. Stauber was not on the House floor when the violence and chaos first broke out. He had left with some other lawmakers after objections…

Experts Warn Of Changes In Child Behavior As They Prepare To Head Back To School

January 6, 2021

Nachai Taylor,

DULUTH, Minn. – As COVID-19 restrictions are starting to loosen, many students in the Northland will soon be heading back-to-school. Unfortunately, changing from remote learning to in-person instruction means some kids may show bad behavior. Mental health experts say to help prevent this kids need to get back into a routine to prepare them for school. This includes getting them…

Local Elks Lodge Donates To Five Area Schools

The Elks typically host a back-to-school carnival every year, which provides kids in the area backpacks filled with school supplies.

January 6, 2021

Nachai Taylor,

DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth Elks Lodge is giving back by awarding five area schools $1,100 each. The Elks typically host a back-to-school carnival every year, which provides kids in the area backpacks filled with school supplies. Due to the pandemic, the event was canceled. Instead, the organization applied for a $5,500 grant to help schools stock up on necessary…

Bar And Restaurant Owners React To Loosened Restrictions on Indoor Dining

"I cannot wait. I am elated. Literally, I cannot wait for people to come into this beautiful restaurant to enjoy what we enjoy, which is beautiful food," said Solomon Witherspoon, the owner of Spoons Bar and Grill.

January 6, 2021

Nachai Taylor,

DULUTH, Minn. – Minnesota Governor Walz announced on Wednesday that he is loosening restrictions on indoor dining. Minnesota bar and restaurant owners are happy about the governor’s decision to allow inside dining for the first time since late November. “I cannot wait. I am elated. Literally, I cannot wait for people to come into this beautiful restaurant to enjoy what…

UPDATE: Suspect in Fond du Lac Shooting Located, Arrested

January 6, 2021

Site Staff,

CLOQUET, Minn. – Authorities say the suspect responsible for the fatal shooting of 16-year-old Joseph James Peterson on the Fond du Lac Reservation last week has been arrested. According to the St. Louis County Sheriff’s Office, Joseph Fohrenkam was located at an apartment complex on the White Earth Reservation in Mahnomen County on Wednesday. Authorities say Fohrenkam’s mother, Littlefawn Fohrenkam,…

The Latest: 1,100 DC National Guard Members Being Mobilized

January 6, 2021

The Associated Press,

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Pentagon says about 1,100 D.C. National Guard members are being mobilized to help support law enforcement as violent supporters of President Donald Trump breached the U.S. Capitol. Pentagon spokesperson Jonathan Hoffman said Wednesday afternoon that defense leaders have been in contact with the city and congressional leadership. A defense official said all 1,100 of the D.C. Guard…

Walz Loosens Virus Rules for Bars, Restaurants, Other Venues

January 6, 2021

The Associated Press, Site Staff,

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) – Gov. Tim Walz will allow bars and restaurants to resume limited indoor service starting Monday as he also loosens up Minnesota’s coronavirus restrictions on youth sports, gyms, entertainment venues and churches. The dialing back returns bars and restaurants about to where they were before the governor imposed a “pause” in response to soaring cases in November. “The…

Updated COVID-19 Numbers: Wednesday, January 6

January 6, 2021

Site Staff,

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Minnesota health officials reported 2,346 new cases of COVID-19 in Minnesota on Wednesday morning bringing the total confirmed COVID cases to 427,587 in the state. Health officials also reported 67 news deaths bringing the death total to 5,528 in Minnesota. According to the Minnesota Department of Health website, 5,762,307 tests have been completed to date. There…

Walz Eases Restrictions on Indoor Dining, Entertainment Venues

January 6, 2021

Site Staff,

(Scott Takushi/Pioneer Press via AP, Pool) ST. PAUL, Minn. (FOX 9) – Gov. Tim Walz is ending his ban on indoor dining and will allow indoor entertainment venues to reopen starting Monday as coronavirus infection rates improve in Minnesota. Walz will announce the changes in a live address at 2 p.m., after which he will take questions from reporters. You can watch Walz’s speech…

Duluth Fire Department Names New Deputy Chief

January 6, 2021

Site Staff,

DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth Fire Department has selected a new Deputy Chief. Jon Otis, a twenty-year veteran of the fire department and now-former Deputy Fire Marshal, will serve as the new Deputy Chief of Life Safety. Otis will be filling the position last held by Marnie Grondahl who retired in May. “Jon will make a great addition to the…

Fire Deaths Increased in Minnesota Last Year

January 6, 2021

The Associated Press,

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Health officials say careless smoking was the leading cause of fatal fires in Minnesota in 2020. Fifty-three people died in fires last year, a 13% increase over 2019. Seven deaths last year were attributed to careless smoking, the fifth consecutive year it led to fatal fires, according to the Minnesota Department of Public Safety. Six victims died…

Part Stolen From Humane Society Transport Vehicle, Community Rallies in Support

According to staff, their one transport van had its catalytic converter stolen sometime over the weekend.

January 6, 2021

Reece Lindquist,

SUPERIOR, Wis. – The Douglas County Humane Society is in a bit of a jam. According to staff, their one transport van had its catalytic converter stolen sometime over the weekend. The converter’s main function is to burn out emissions before they are released into the atmosphere. The van is used to take animals to and from appointments among other things….

Boys and Girls Clubs of Northland Gets Big Donation to Start New Year

Since August the RSM Office in Duluth hosted fundraising events like a Cutest Puppy Contest and Dine with Chipotle Event.

January 6, 2021

Arman Rahman,

DULUTH, Minn.- A local consulting firm has raised more than $11,000 to support the Boys and Girls Clubs of the Northland for this new year. Since August the RSM Office in Duluth hosted fundraising events like a Cutest Puppy Contest and Dine with Chipotle Event. The crew at RSM said they hope the extra money will help during these tougher…

Duluth Businesses Start Planning for Gov. Walz to Loosen Dining Restrictions Wednesday

Some bar and restaurant owners wait to see if restrictions loosen enough to make reopening profitable.

January 6, 2021

Arman Rahman,

DULUTH, Minn.- As Minnesota Governor Tim Walz is expected Wednesday to loosen some restrictions for businesses such as restaurants, some in Duluth wait to see if restrictions loosen enough to make reopening profitable. “Now what loosening means is still to be determined but let’s be honest, something is better than what we’re doing now,” said Jason Vincent, restaurant owner and Vice…

The Homegrown Music Festival Will Be Virtual For 2021

"Homegrown is the anchor that keeps all these bands in the Twin Ports coming together," said Matthew Sjelin, a member of the Trash Cats Band.

January 5, 2021

Nachai Taylor,

DULUTH, Minn. – The Coronavirus pandemic is already causing organizers of many entertainment events to make difficult decisions about their upcoming scheduling plans in the new year. It has now been announced the Duluth Homegrown Music Festival is going virtual for 2021. The music festival has been a big staple in the community for more than 20 years. “Our planning…

Minnesota Lawmakers Start 2021 Session Dominated by COVID-19 Pandemic

January 5, 2021

Site Staff,

ST. PAUL, Minn. (FOX 9) – Minnesota lawmakers will kick off their 2021 session on Tuesday, a session that will be influenced in every way by the coronavirus pandemic. The differences will be on display for Tuesday afternoon’s inauguration. Instead of House and Senate galleries packed with proud family members, the ceremony will be muted. Most lawmakers will be sworn in using…

Three Arrested in Tuesday Morning Central Hillside Drug Bust

January 5, 2021

Site Staff,

DULUTH, Minn. – Duluth Police say three individuals were arrested during an early morning drug bust in the Central Hillside neighborhood. The Duluth Police Department Tactical Response Team conducted a high-risk search warrant in the 400 block of East 6th Street around 5:30 a.m. Tuesday after they received information regarding drug dealing activity and the presence of firearms at a…

Two People Charged in Central Hillside Shooting

January 5, 2021

Site Staff,

DULUTH, Minn. – Authorities say two people have been charged in connection to last week’s shooting in Central Hillside that left one victim in critical condition. Alexia Cutbank, 19, has been charged with first degree premeditated attempted murder and felon in possession of a firearm in connection to the shooting. Seneca Steeprock, 39, has been charged with first-degree aiding and…

Updated COVID-19 Numbers: Tuesday, January 5

January 5, 2021

Site Staff,

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Minnesota health officials reported 1,612 new cases of COVID-19 in Minnesota on Tuesday morning bringing the total confirmed COVID cases to 425,261 in the state. Health officials also reported 18 news deaths bringing the death total to 5,461 in Minnesota. According to the Minnesota Department of Health website, 5,738,715 tests have been completed to date. There…

Duluth Homegrown Music Festival to be Held Virtually

January 5, 2021

Site Staff,

DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth Homegrown Music Festival will be going virtual for 2021. The festival made the announcement Monday on their Facebook page saying, “In response to the Center for Disease Control COVID-19 mitigation recommendations to limit large gatherings, and in the interest of public health and safety, Homegrown Music Festival made the decision that any Festival programming will…

Vikre Distillery Offers Toasty ‘Winter Wunderbar’ Outdoor Seating

The "Winter Wunderbar" consists of six fire pits and sets of warmed benches.

January 5, 2021

Arman Rahman,

DULUTH, Minn.- Vikre Distillery in Canal Park is joining the list of local bars and restaurants with warm places to sit outside for some food and drink while indoor dining is restricted statewide. Vikre constructed their outdoor seating area: the “Winter Wunderbar,” consisting of six fire pits and sets of warmed benches. Management hopes customers keep toasty while enjoying hand-crafted…

Local Videogame, Book Stores Busy as More Crave At-Home Entertainment

Games Then and Now and The Bookstore at Fitger's are experiencing boosts in sales recently.

January 4, 2021

Arman Rahman,

DULUTH/SUPERIOR- With so many still schooling and working from home, entertainment has also had to happen at home — so local businesses offering activities like videogames and books are seeing an influx in customers. “As you can see when you guys came in it was constant people in and out of here,” said Jason Matic. co-owner of Games Then and…

KYN: Weeping Willow Heartfelt Gifts

Starting next week Weeping Willow Heartfelt Gifts will be open from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday-Friday and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturdays.

January 4, 2021

Reece Lindquist,

DULUTH, Minn. – After opening less than one month ago, Weeping Willow Heartfelt gifts has had a steady flow of customers who want something local and unique. “Especially with the holidays and everything that is going on people are really trying to go for the shop local. And just the response has been really awesome,” Weeping Willow Heartfelt Gifts Manager,…

Northland Public Health Officials Worry For Another COVID-19 Spike

"We probably will be seeing effects or see trends in our case count in the next couple of weeks. It's still really too early to tell if there was an impact from holiday gatherings yet," said Westbrook."We probably will be seeing effects or see trends in our case count in the next couple of weeks. It's still really too early to tell if there was an impact from holiday gatherings yet," said Westbrook.

January 4, 2021

Nachai Taylor,

NORTHLAND – Now that the holidays are over, public health officials in the Northland are bracing for the potential for another spike in COVID-19 cases. The pandemic has already had a deep impact on the Northland. Health experts strongly advised people to avoid holiday gatherings to help keep new COVID-19 case numbers down. “Our numbers have been going in the…

Some People Enjoy Sledding At Proctor Golf Course

"It's just what the doctor ordered," said Sandra Benney, a parent with her kids visiting the sledding hill at Proctor Golf Course.

January 4, 2021

Nachai Taylor,

PROCTOR, Minn. – Some folks were making the most of a Minnesota winter while spending time at the sledding hill on the Proctor Golf Course. One family, with sleds in tow, made a trip to the hill to find a little excitement. Sandra Benney says this is a weekly activity for her family as a way to make up for…

Local Organizations Host Virtual Opening Ceremony For Human Trafficking Prevention Month

January 4, 2021

Nachai Taylor,

DULUTH, Minn. – January is Human Trafficking Prevention Month. Local community organizations kicked off the month with the annual opening ceremony to shed light on this ongoing issue. This is the first year the event had to be held virtually due to the pandemic. Traditions such as the ceremonial indigenous prayer and the dancing women in red shawls continued through…

Gov. Walz To Provide Update Wednesday About COVID-19 Restrictions

January 4, 2021

Dan Hanger,

DULUTH, Minn. – Governor Tim Walz will be holding a press call on Wednesday to discuss the next steps in the state’s response to COVID-19, including an update on restrictions for indoor dining. In a media advisory Monday evening, the Governor’s Office said, “As COVID-19 numbers improve following the pause on activities around the holidays, Governor Tim Walz will hold…

Duluth Fire Crews Battle Fire at West Duluth Abandoned Apartment Building

January 4, 2021

Site Staff,

DULUTH, Minn. – Duluth firefighters responded to reports of a structure fire around 11:16 a.m. Monday morning in West Duluth. When fire crews arrived on the scene at 1927 West 3rd Street they found smoke coming from the second floor of a two-story abandoned apartment building. Crews were able to gain access to attack the fire by removing security boards…

MN Sex Offender Program Announces Third COVID Related Death at Moose Lake Facility

January 4, 2021

Site Staff,

MOOSE LAKE, Minn. – Another client has died at the Minnesota Sex Offender Program in Moose Lake of COVID-19, according to the Minnesota Department of Corrections. The client passed away on Friday, January 1. This is the third client that has died from COVID-19 among the MSOP facilities. Prior COVID-related deaths occurred on December 2 and December 9, 2020….

Minnesota to Ramp up Vaccinations Amid Questions of Pace

January 4, 2021

The Associated Press,

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Minnesota officials are aiming to ramp up vaccination efforts as the pace to administer doses to healthcare workers and long-term care residents and staff move slower than expected. The Minnesota Department of Health reported on Monday that providers across the state have administered 78,402 doses of their nearly 300,000 doses of Pfizer and Moderna vaccines — less…

Some Minnesota COVID-19 Restrictions Relax Monday, Sports Resume

January 4, 2021

Site Staff,

(FOX 9) – Some of Minnesota’s COVID-19 restrictions are being relaxed Monday. Gov. Tim Walz’s most recent executive order eased some of his coronavirus-related restrictions, allowing a limited restart for youth and adult sports and group fitness classes in January. The governor’s ban on indoor dining at bars and restaurants, however, remains in place for at least another week. Walz is expected to announce…

Updated COVID-19 Numbers: Monday, January 4

January 4, 2021

Site Staff,

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Minnesota health officials reported 3,148 new cases of COVID-19 in Minnesota on Monday morning bringing the total confirmed COVID cases to 423,688 in the state. Health officials also reported 13 news deaths bringing the death total to 5,443 in Minnesota. According to the Minnesota Department of Health website, 5,723,166 tests have been completed to date. There…

One Injured in Shooting Sunday Night in Eveleth

January 4, 2021

Site Staff,

EVELETH, Minn. – Eveleth Police say they are investigating a shooting incident after receiving reports of a 21-year-old male being shot in the leg Sunday night. According to police, they received a 911 call around 7:47 p.m. Sunday that a male had been shot in the 200 block of Fayal Road. When police arrived at the scene they found a…