Minnesota

Duluth School Dist. Plans For Full Elementary In-Person Learning By Feb. 8

DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth School District is moving forward with plans to bring back elementary students for in-person learning next year. The Duluth School Board will discuss those plans at their committee of the whole meeting Monday night. The plans include full in-person learning for kindergarten through second grade to begin Monday, Jan. 25. Grades three through five will…

Congress Seals Agreement on COVID Relief, Government Funding

WASHINGTON (AP) – Top negotiators in Congress have sealed a deal on an almost $1 trillion COVID-19 economic relief package. Lawmakers announced the agreement Sunday after days of negotiations, and passage by Congress is expected Monday. The agreement would establish a temporary $300 per week supplemental jobless benefits and $600 direct stimulus payments to most Americans, along with a fresh…

Video Allowed In Trial Of Officers Charged In Floyd Killing

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) – A judge has upheld his decision to livestream the trial of four former Minneapolis police officers charged in the death of George Floyd. Judge Peter Cahill says in his order Friday that he’s allowing video coverage due to immense global interest in the case and limited courthouse space. Cahill dismissed concerns by state prosecutors. They argued last…

Minnesota State Lawmaker Dies of Coronavirus Complications

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) – A state senator from St. Cloud has died of complications related to COVID-19. The Star Tribune reports 76-year-old Jerry Relph was the first Minnesota lawmaker to succumb to the virus. Relph was among a number of Republican legislators who contracted COVID-19 after contact with colleagues in mid-November. At the time, Rachel Aplikowski, the Senate GOP spokeswoman, said…

Christmas City Express Goes Full Steam Ahead as Virtual Webcast This Year

About two thousand people were signed up to watch the webcast according to the Lake Superior Railroad Museum.

DULUTH, Minn.- The Christmas City Express in Duluth still went on full steam ahead this year, just as a different experience. The Lake Superior Railroad Museum’s annual holiday event went virtual with a webcast, completely free. About two thousand people were signed up according to the Museum’s Executive Director, to watch the performance of the Christmas City Express book done…

Sir Ben’s Welcomes Back Customers for Outdoor Dining with Fire Pit Tables

The new toasty furniture makes it easier for customers to come and follow Gov. Walz's updated orders.

DULUTH, Minn.- Sir Benedict’s Tavern on the Lake in Duluth’s Central Hillside got creative to welcome customers back outside, per Governor Tim Walz’s updated restrictions on Minnesota businesses which went into effect Saturday. New fire pit tables powered by propane tanks replaced most of their patio furniture, giving customers a toasty way to enjoy a beverage and food. On Wednesday…

Estate Planning Increases During Pandemic

DULUTH, Minn.– As the pandemic continues into its ninth month, local lawyers say more people have begun the process of getting your affairs in order. Dahlberg Law Office has seen an increase in estate planning during the pandemic. The head of Dahlberg says estate planning makes up most of his business. And that it takes a crisis event like Coronavirus…

Duluth Police Investigate Two Separate Shootings in One Night

One shooting left a female with three gunshot wounds, the other with no reported injuries.

DULUTH, Minn.- The Duluth Police Department responded to two separate shootings Friday night — bringing the city’s total this year to 40. One of Friday’s shootings left a female with three non-life threatening gunshot wounds. In the first, according to a department spokesperson, shortly after 10 p.m. officers responded to a report of the sound of gunshots at a residence…

FDA Authorizes Second COVID-19 Vaccine from Moderna

The Food and Drug Administration authorized emergency use Friday of the vaccine developed by Moderna and the National Institutes of Health.

WASHINGTON (AP) – The U.S. is adding a second COVID-19 vaccine to its arsenal. The Food and Drug Administration authorized emergency use Friday of the vaccine developed by Moderna and the National Institutes of Health. The decision comes days after health workers and nursing home residents began getting a similar coronavirus shot from Pfizer and BioNTech. Extra doses from a…

Cloquet Business Partners Up with Fire Department for Toy Donation

Patients in need of a new retainer would donate a toy in exchange for a new retainer. 

CLOQUET, Minn. –  Carlson Orthodonics and the Cloquet Fire Department paired up to help families in need over the holidays. For many years, Carlson Orthodonics has been collecting toys up until the holiday season. Patients in need of a new retainer would donate a toy in exchange for a new retainer. In all, just under 200 toys were collected this…

Duluth Boy’s Death Ruled Homicide, Mother’s Then-Fiance Arrested

Formal charges of 2nd-degree murder are pending with the St. Louis County Attorney's Office.

DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth Police Department has confirmed a man is under arrest involving the death of a child, which is the city’s first homicide of 2020. Homicide suspect Jordan William Carter, 30. Jordan William Carter, 30, who was the fiancé to the child’s mother during the death, was taken into custody Thursday on preliminary charges of 2nd-degree murder…

Duluth Photographer Captures ‘Once-In-A-Lifetime’ Bobcat Experience

DULUTH, Minn. — Mike Mayou, of Mike Mayou MM Photography, captured some amazing drone video of a family of bobcats hanging out along the St. Louis River Wednesday. “I stumbled upon a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Down by the St. Louis River, I noticed a few creatures moving across the ice. After flying a drone over to investigate, I discovered that there…

Duluth Officer ‘Off Duty Indefinitely’ After Internal Review Of Shooting

2015 photo on City of Rosemount’s website congratulating Officer Tyler Leibfried on his new job with the Duluth Police Department. DULUTH, Minn. (AP) – The Duluth Police Department says the actions of an officer charged in a September shooting that left a man with a bullet lodged in his shoulder went against department policies and training regarding the use of…

Minnesota Power Installs Wind Turbine Blade Outside Duluth Headquarters

DULUTH, Minn. – It was quite the scene Wednesday outside Minnesota Power in downtown Duluth as a giant wind turbine blade was lifted into place on the building. Two cranes were called in to lift the 82-foot, 6,000-pound blade. Allete said the blade symbolizes the company’s focus on sustainability as Minnesota Power is on the cusp of reaching 50 percent…

Duluth Man Needing Living Kidney Donor Brings Back Epic Christmas Displays

DULUTH, Minn. — A Duluth man known in his neighborhood for his bright Christmas lights and decorations is bringing back the tradition again after stopping for a few years, while also searching for a living kidney donor. Pat Stojevich has more than 20,000 Christmas lights strung around his property and counting. “I figure by the time we’re done we’ll be…

Duluth Police Department Receives Funding To Help Support Opioid Recovery Efforts

There have been 200 overdoses in the area this year as reported by the Duluth Police.

DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth Police Department has received some major funding to help fight opioid addictions and start the recovery process for some people in the Northland. The department received a grant for almost $900,000. which will fund the Lake Superior Diversion and Substance Abuse Response team over the next three years. The funding will be used to expand…

City Council Approves Tourism Tax Funding For Glensheen Mansion And Duluth Children’s Museum

Nearly 60% of the tourism tax budget will help fund many of the city's debt obligations.

DULUTH, Minn- The tax money generated from hotels, food, and beverage sales in the city of Duluth, is down by nearly 30% due to the financial impacts of the pandemic. This loss of revenue is forcing the city to tighten the belt on the distribution of money collected from tourism. Nearly 60% of the tourism tax budget will help fund…

Iron Range Restaurant Owners React to Second Shutdown Order

Restaurant Owners on the Iron Range are Feeling the Financial and Emotional Strain From Minnesota's Second Shutdown Amid the COVID-19 Pandemic

EVELETH, Minn. – Hundreds who work in the service industry continue to be impacted by the second COVID-19 shutdown in Minnesota. As Christmas comes quickly, the financial strain is not only impacting restaurant owners but the many employees who rely on tips to make ends meet. “It’s upbeat, it’s fun, there are people everywhere,” said Jessica Lietz, owner of Boomtown…

Toy Drive Expecting Large Turnout, Still in Need of Monetary Donations

The toy drive will be held on Sunday at 2 p.m.

DULUTH, Minn. – The Make Every Child Toy drive is still happening this year, but it will look a bit different. After previously holding the toy drive in other buildings, organizer Mike Letica almost called it quits this year until he reached out to the owner of Shake It. Letica was told he could use their facility in West Duluth across…

Charges: Mother Who Left 6-Year-Old on Northern Minnesota Highway Said God Told Her to Do It

GRAND PORTAGE, Minn. (FOX 9) – A 39-year-old mother has been charged after she told Cook County, Minnesota deputies she left her 6-year-old daughter shoeless on the side of the road because God told her to. Jaydin Pankow, 39, of Waupaca, Wisconsin, was arrested the night of Dec. 10 after two good Samaritans found her daughter on the side of Hwy. 61 in Grand…

Defense Contractor Loses Bid to Bring F-16 Maintenance Work to Duluth

DULUTH, Minn. – Defense contractor Borsight Inc says its plans to bring up to 100 jobs to the Duluth area with an Air Force F-16 maintenance contract have been dashed. Duluth Economic Development Authority approved a lease agreement with Borsight in September to use space inside a Duluth International Airport Hangar previously occupied by AAR to service F-16 aircraft, contingent…

Brainerd Man Pleads Guilty in Precinct Fire at Floyd Protest

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — A Brainerd man pleaded guilty Tuesday for his role in helping to set fire to a Minneapolis police station during civil unrest in the days following the death of George Floyd. A federal complaint accuses Dylan Shakespeare Robinson, 23, of lighting a Molotov cocktail that another person threw toward the Third Precinct headquarters on May 28. Robinson…

Minnesota Man Charged with Second Degree Homicide

PINE COUNTY, Minn. – A 42-year-old Braham Minnesota man was charged on Tuesday with second-degree homicide according to the Pine County Sheriff’s Office. Authorities say 42-year-old David Daryl Pangerl was arrested on Friday in connection to the March homicide of Scott Ness. Police found Ness deceased in a camper trailer in Royalton Township on March 2. Investigators from the Pine…

Duluth Warming Center Open Week of December 14

DULUTH, Minn. – The City of Duluth along with CHUM and Loaves and Fishes announced on Tuesday that the Duluth Warming Center will be open to those in need every night the week of December 14. The Warming Center is activated when overnight temperatures are expected to be at or below 32 degrees. The Center is located in the Duluth…

Updated COVID-19 Numbers: Tuesday, December 15

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Minnesota health officials reported 2,340 new cases of COVID-19 in Minnesota Monday morning bringing the total confirmed COVID cases to 384,164 in the state. Health officials also reported 21 news deaths bringing the death total to 4,483 in Minnesota. According to the Minnesota Department of Health website, 4,965,904 tests have been completed to date. There are…

Walz to Make ‘Changes’ to COVID-19 Restrictions, but No Immediate Return to Normal

MINNEAPOLIS (FOX 9) – Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz said he will make changes to the COVID-19 restrictions that are set to end Friday night, but there will be no immediate return to normal. “It appears like Minnesotans did an awful lot of things right around Thanksgiving,” he said Tuesday. He’s planning to make an announcement on Wednesday. Walz said he will sign the economic relief bill overwhelmingly…

Workers Descend on Northern Minnesota to Build Pipeline

PALISADE, Minn. (AP) — More than 4,000 workers are expected in northern Minnesota over the next couple weeks to build the contentious Line 3 oil pipeline replacement. Opponents of the pipeline have escalated their efforts to block construction, while local law enforcement is focused on keeping the peace. Construction has ramped up quickly on Line 3 since Enbridge Energy received…

Duluth Salvation Army Encouraging Final Donations to Help Rescue Christmas

Monetary Donations Are Being Matched as Toy Distribution Begins for Families in Need

DULUTH, Minn. – With Christmas just over one week away, the Duluth Salvation Army is making a final push for toy and monetary donations to help Northland families in need this holiday season. On Monday, the Salvation Army in Duluth began their food distribution which will continue throughout the rest of the week with toy distribution as well. Dan Williamson,…

VA Hospital Nurse Is First to Receive COVID-19 Shot in MN

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — A nurse on the front lines of the coronavirus pandemic at the Minneapolis VA Medical Center was the first in Minnesota to receive a COVID-19 vaccine Tuesday. Thera Witte, who works in a coronavirus unit at the hospital, said she feels honored to be the first and did not hesitate to volunteer. “I’m feeling hopeful that this…

Minnesota Legislature Passes Virus Aid for Businesses, Workers

The Bill Now Moves to the Governor's Desk for Final Approval

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) – The Minnesota Legislature has voted to pass a package of coronavirus relief measures aimed at businesses and workers who took the biggest hit from a four-week “pause” ordered by Gov. Tim Walz last month. The Senate voted 62-4 to approve the bill and send it to the House, which was passed it 117-13 late Monday night and…

Duluth Council Talks Commission to Focus On Concerns of LGBTQ+ Community

Council read an ordinance which would establish the Duluth LGBTQ+ Commission. 

DULUTH, Minn.- A new commission focused on the concerns of Duluth’s LGBTQ+ community was on the docket of Monday nights Duluth City Council meeting. Council read an ordinance by President Gary Anderson which would establish the Duluth Nonbinary, Queer, Trans, Two Spirit, Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Intersex and Asexual Commission. It would advise city administration and council on issues impacting that…

Duluth Council Amends Mayor Larson’s 2021 Tourism Tax Revenue Distribution

The Council's unanimous decision is the ultimate say beyond the Mayor's recommendations for the money allocations.

DULUTH, Minn.- At their second to last meeting of the year Duluth City Council voted on, among other things, next year’s distribution of a smaller pot of Tourism Tax Revenue due to the effects of the pandemic. Last year, about $12 million in Tourism Tax — or Hotel, Motel, Food and Beverage Tax — Revenue was collected for Duluth tourism-related…

Gift Card Sales Are Increasing For Local Businesses

"It's going to get better. This will keep us going," said Dawn Moen, the store manager at Frost River.

DULUTH, Minn. – With fewer people not wanting to spend much time shopping in person due to the pandemic, gift card sales have been on the rise at some local retail outlets. Staff at Frost River in Lincoln Park says gift cards are very popular during this time. The store manager says increased gift card sales can really give a…

Duluth Business Sells Spruce Tops As Small and Sustainable Christmas Trees

DULUTH, Minn. — A new company in Duluth that sells small, sustainable Christmas trees created from black spruce tops is taking off this holiday season. It’s called “Little C Tree,” created by Duluth residents Benjy Christensen, Nola Wilson, and Wilson’s brother. These trees can fit into smaller spaces, such as apartments, and can even be mailed to loved ones you…

Families at Steve O’Neil Apartments Pick Out Gifts Donated From The Northland Foundation

About 80 kids will be able to wake up on Christmas day with a special gift under their tree.

DULUTH, Minn.- This past weekend, The Northland Foundation dropped of donations of gifts for kids at the Steve O’Neil Apartments. On Monday, families got a chance to pick out some of their favorite gifts. A variety of toys were up for grabs. About 80 kids will be able to wake up on Christmas day with a special gift under their…

Safety Concerns Increase After A Man Was Assaulted At Tri-Towers

Staff at the Housing and Redevelopment Authority say this is the first incident of this kind happening since the opening of the Rainbow Center's warming shelter.

DULUTH, Minn. – A 73-year-old man is recovering from his injuries after being attacked at Tri-Towers by someone staying at the Rainbow Center’s warming shelter Terry Schnepp, a Tri-Towers resident, says he is still feeling the pain from his injuries after being attacked last week. “I’ve been living here for 10 years and never had anything like this happen,” said…

Minnesota Formally Casts Its 10 Electoral Votes for Biden

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Minnesota’s electors on Monday formally cast the state’s 10 electoral votes for Democratic President-elect Joe Biden. It took under 25 minutes for the 10 electors to affirm Biden’s victory in Minnesota and just 40 minutes to complete all the paperwork and adjourn without incident. The 10 electors, all wearing masks, gathered at the Capitol in St. Paul…

Updated COVID-19 Numbers: Monday, December 14

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Minnesota health officials reported 3,026 new cases of COVID-19 in Minnesota Monday morning bringing the total confirmed COVID cases to 381,841 in the state. Health officials also reported 18 news deaths bringing the death total to 4,462 in Minnesota. According to the Minnesota Department of Health website, 4,933,794 tests have been completed to date. There are…

VA Hospital in Minnesota Gets State’s 1st Vaccine Shipment

MINNEAPOLIS – The Minneapolis VA Medical Center has received Minnesota’s first shipment of the COVID-19 vaccine, though it wasn’t immediately clear when vaccinations would begin. Gov. Tim Walz was at the hospital when the shipment arrived Monday and said it’s a day everyone has been waiting. Other Minnesota hospital systems expect to receive their initial shipments in the next day…

Minnesota Lawmakers Strike Deal on Unemployment Benefits, COVID-19 Business Relief

(AP Photo/Steve Karnowski) ST. PAUL, Minn. (FOX 9) – As they gavel in for a special session, Minnesota lawmakers have a deal to send $216 million in cash relief to businesses and give a 13-week extension of unemployment benefits to ease the financial strain of the COVID-19 pandemic. “We’re going to pass a bill today,” said state Rep. Dave Baker, R-Willmar, one of…

Bar That Defied Shut-Down Order Has Lost Its Liquor License

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — A Minnesota restaurant that continued to host dine-in service in defiance of Gov. Tim Walz’s coronavirus order has temporarily lost its liquor license. State officials suspended the license Sunday for the Boardwalk Bar & Grill in East Grand Forks. The suspension comes just days after a Polk County court closed the bar and restaurant to in-person dining,…

Bentleyville Founder Urges Weekday Visits as Saturday Nights Get Busy

The attraction started closing to new vehicles at 5:30 Saturday, and ended up turning people away through the rest of the night. 

DULUTH, Minn.- Bentleyville Tour of Lights is coming off another busy Saturday night. Ahead of the coming holiday weekend, founder Nathan Bentley is again asking future attendees to seriously consider coming during the week. The attraction started closing to new vehicles at 5:30 Saturday, and ended up turning people away through the rest of the night. Bentley has asked attendees…

Duluth, St. Louis Co. Leaders ‘Dismayed’ by Rep. Stauber’s Backing of Lawsuit to Overturn Biden Win

DULUTH, Minn. – Elected leaders in Duluth and St. Louis County are calling out Republican Congressman Pete Stauber, who represents Minnesota’s 8th District, for his backing of a recent lawsuit to invalidate President-Elect Joe Biden’s wins in Wisconsin, Michigan, Georgia and Pennsylvania. Letter to Congressman Stauber The lawsuit was thrown out by the U.S. Supreme Court Friday. Duluth Mayor Emily…

UPDATE: Bentleyville Line Fills Up, Guests Turned Away Hours Early Saturday

Guests were asked to come back during the week for shorter wait times.

DULUTH, Minn.- Bentleyville Tour of Lights completely closed to new vehicles Saturday night, after reaching capacity early in the evening according to their website. Around 5:30 Saturday evening the attraction posted on their Facebook page that to “alleviate the number of vehicles on the roadways,” they would close the line until 7:30. But when 7:30 rolled around, that post changed…

Bentleyville Backed Up, Line Closes for Two Hours Saturday

The line for the Tour of Lights was at capacity, closing from 5:30-7:30 p.m.

DULUTH, Minn.- Traffic at Bentleyville once again backed up Saturday, forcing the line for the drive-thru attraction to close for part of the evening. According to a post on their Facebook page, the line was at capacity around 5:30 p.m. Saturday. They closed the line for two hours until 7:30 p.m., and asked guests to return after that to alleviate…

Essentia Health Hiring Healthcare Workers

"It's been an unbelievable amount of stress on our staff. We're used to taking care of people who are very sick and used to seeing people die, but not in these numbers," said Jon Pryor, president of Essentia Health.

DULUTH, Minn. – Demand for healthcare workers is becoming critical in the Northland. Essentia Health is now hiring, hoping to find skilled healthcare employees to fill the gaps brought on by the coronavirus pandemic. A shortage of frontline workers such as nurses is already creating a strain for hospitals in the region. Many hospital officials are getting concerned for the…

Families With Students At ISD 709 Says Learning During The Pandemic Is Challenging

A survey found about 75% of students and families have said they are having challenges.

DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth Public School District recently conducted a survey to learn the impacts of educating during the pandemic has had on families of students. The survey found about 75% of students and families have said they are having challenges. School district officials say the pandemic has changed the concept of what used to be the standards for…

Aging Population Could Create A “Silver Tsunami”

It is believed as people get older they are at higher risk of having chronic diseases.

DULUTH, Minn. – Recent research from the University of Minnesota Medical School shows the number of people over the age of 65 in the state is expected to double. The rapidly aging population has health professionals worried this could have major impacts. Clinical experts are calling it the “Silver Tsunami.” It is believed as people get older they are at…