Minnesota

Red Cross Seeking Blood Donors, Anticipate Drop in Winter Donations

With their added push for blood donations in this critical time period, the Red Cross is also testing blood for Covid-19 antibodies.

DULUTH, Minn- It’s National Blood Donor Month and the Red Cross is continuing to look for extra support as they typically see a drop in donations around the winter months. With their added push for blood donations in this critical time period, the Red Cross is also testing blood for Covid-19 antibodies. They started doing this back in June and…

Gov. Walz Visiting Duluth On Thursday To Call For Civility After U.S. Capitol Riot

DULUTH, Minn. — Governor Tim Walz will be in Duluth on Thursday “to call for reflection, civility, and peace” after the riot at the U.S. Capitol last week, according to a press release from his office. The FBI has warned the country to plan for “armed protests” at all 50 state capitols and Washington, D.C. ahead of President-elect Joe Biden’s…

Opening Week At Great Lakes Aquarium Brings Strong Turnout

The aquarium is open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily.

DULUTH, Minn. – The Great Lakes Aquarium reopened to the public this week after being shutdown due to state guidelines to prevent the spread of the COVID-19. During the shutdown, aquarium staff have been polishing up exhibits and making sure safety protocols were up to date in order to prepare for the reopening. Just in the last few days of…

Animal Allies Needs Help Paying For Heart Surgeries For Two Young Pups

The surgeries are estimated to cost $8,000.

DULUTH, Minn. – Animal Allies in Duluth is asking for some community support. A pair of recently rescued pups both need a pricey operation to help save their lives. Animal Allies is looking for donations to pay for the surgeries. Gus and Precious are two dogs waiting to have a life-saving procedure. Animal Allies is hoping community members can help…

A New Pop-Up Restaurant Set To Open At Zeitgeist

Hotbox Duluth is expected to open for takeout on January 27th.

DULUTH, Minn. – Hotbox Duluth has called Zeitgeist a home since January 27th. “Right now we’ll just to to-goes and try to give people a good time,” HotBox Duluth Owner, Rob Abrahamson says. The restaurant has a nostalgic, throwback feel. “We’re going to elevate the food a little bit. Like the term that we came up with at home is…

Walz Activates National Guard for Minnesota Capitol Security

(Courtesy: Twitter/MN National Guard) MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Gov. Tim Walz has activated the Minnesota National Guard to protect the state Capitol amid rising fears of violence ahead of President-elect Joe Biden’s inauguration. The activation comes amid growing concern about potential attacks at state capitols across the country following last week’s insurrection at the U.S. Capitol. A recent memo from the…

St. Luke’s Updates Its Visitor Policy

DULUTH, Minn. – St. Luke’s announced on Wednesday that it has updated its visitor policy due to the arrival of the highly transmittable variant of COVID-19 in the state. Under the updated inpatient visitor policy, no visitors are allowed at St. Luke’s Hospital. Limited exceptions will be made. Visitor exceptions include: Pediatric patients will be allowed one parent/guardian All other…

Walz Extends Minnesota’s Coronavirus State of Emergency

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Gov. Tim Walz has extended Minnesota’s peacetime state of emergency by another 30 days so he can continue to use executive orders to direct the state’s response to the coronavirus pandemic. With the Legislature in session, the governor no longer needs to call special sessions to give lawmakers a chance to rescind those extensions. Health Commissioner Jan…

Updated COVID-19 Numbers: Wednesday, January 13

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Minnesota health officials reported 1,504 new cases of COVID-19 in Minnesota on Wednesday morning bringing the total confirmed COVID cases to 440,354 in the state. Health officials also reported 50 news deaths bringing the death total to 5,774 in Minnesota. According to the Minnesota Department of Health website, 6,006,711 tests have been completed to date. There…

Minnesota Dept. of Health Launches COVID-19 Vaccine Dashboard

The website shows more than 144,000 people have received at least one dose of the vaccine as of Saturday, and more than 7,000 who already got the second dose.

MINNESOTA- The Minnesota Department of Health has launched an online dashboard, to stay up to date on the state’s vaccination rollout. The website shows more than 144,000 people have received at least one dose of the vaccine as of Saturday, and more than 7,000 who already got the second dose. It will be updated daily. “It provides Minnesotans with confidence…

Gov. Walz Calls On National Guard To Handle Threats Of Violence At State Capitol

ST. PAUL, Minn. (FOX 9) – Gov. Tim Walz said Tuesday he will call up the Minnesota National Guard to deal with threats of violence at the state Capitol. The Guard will be called up for several days, he said, likely through President-elect Joe Biden’s inauguration. The official announcement will happen Wednesday. The FBI has warned that the Minnesota State…

Renee Van Nett Becomes Duluth’s First Indigenous Council President

DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth City Council is making history by electing the first Indigenous woman to serve as council president. Councilor Renee Van Nett was unanimously elected during Monday’s meeting. She says this achievement shows young girls of color that anything is possible. “I didn’t believe that native people, women especially, belonged in society like this because I never…

Carlton County Public Health Works To Keep Up With Challenges During Vaccination Process

Public health officials are being spread thin while trying to get the vaccines distributed to the priority groups.

CARLTON COUNTY, Minn. – The COVID-19 vaccine has been going into arms around the Northland for a few weeks now. Over in Carlton County, public health officials are being spread thin while trying to get the vaccines distributed to the priority groups. Vaccine administration continues to be a top priority across the state and in the region, but getting the…

Minnesota Discovery Center Reopens With Optimism for Brighter Year Ahead

MDC Will Be Open 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday, and 10 a.m. - 8 p.m. Thursdays

CHISHOLM, Minn. – The doors are officially back open for business at the Minnesota Discovery Center (MDC) in Chisholm. Staff was thrilled to welcome back guests to their campus which features more than 650 acres of space to explore. The center is kicking things off with five-dollar snowshoe rentals and encourages visitors to use the Redhead Mountain Bike Park which…

MN Power Pushes To Provide More Clean Energy

Minnesota Power has set a goal to reduce carbon emission by 80% by 2035 and be 100% carbon-free by 2050.

DULUTH, Minn. – Minnesota Power plans to provide more clean energy in the future for the region. The energy company is looking to go carbon-free. The plans include adding about 400 megawatts of wind and solar energy resources. They will also be transitioning from using coal at one of its energy centers. “We hit a key milestone. We hit 50%…

1-94th Cavalry, 148th Fighter Wing to Support the Presidential Inauguration

DULUTH, Minn. – Soldiers from the 1-94th Cavalry Squadron and Airmen from the 148th Fighter Wing will be reporting to Washington D.C. next week to support presidential inauguration activities. According to a recent press release, more than 130 soldiers and airmen will be assisting for the inauguration. “Every four years National Guardsmen from throughout the country are called to assist…

No More Puny Prizes: Mega Millions, Powerball Jackpots Soar

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — After a long stretch of relatively paltry prizes, U.S. lottery players now have a choice of jackpots that offer combined prizes of more than $1 billion. The jackpot for Mega Millions’ Tuesday night drawing has climbed to $615 million, and the top prize in the Powerball game has reached $550 million ahead of Wednesday’s drawing….

Gov. Walz to Call National Guard to Assist With Threats of Violence at State Capitol

(courtesy: Fox 9) ST. PAUL, Minn. (FOX 9) – Gov. Tim Walz said Tuesday he will call up the Minnesota National Guard to deal with threats of violence at the state Capitol. The Guard will be activated for days, he said. There will be a full announcement on Wednesday morning regarding the Guard activation. Walz said he spoke with Michigan Gov. Gretchen…

Updated COVID-19 Numbers: Tuesday, January 12

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Minnesota health officials reported 1,335 new cases of COVID-19 in Minnesota on Tuesday morning bringing the total confirmed COVID cases to 438,867 in the state. Health officials also reported 13 news deaths bringing the death total to 5,724 in Minnesota. According to the Minnesota Department of Health website, 5,982,456 tests have been completed to date. There…

Minnesota Department of Health Launches Online Dashboard to Track COVID Vaccine

(FOX 9) – The Minnesota Department of Health has launched a new online dashboard for tracking COVID-19 vaccine distribution in the state. The dashboard shows the number of doses of the vaccine that have been administered as well as the number of doses that have been shipped to Minnesota. MDH says the dashboard will be updated daily at 11 a.m. The dashboard shows 144,503…

Minnesota Power Shares Vision for 100% Carbon-Free Future by 2050

DULUTH, Minn. – Minnesota Power, an ALLETE company, announced in a Tuesday press release its vision to provide 100 percent carbon-free energy to its customers by 2050. The company says the vision is a continuation of its recent achievement of providing 50 percent renewable energy to its customers and its commitment to climate, customers, and communities. The company will be…

Officer With Knee to George Floyd’s Neck to Be Tried Alone

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — A former Minneapolis police officer who held his knee to the neck of George Floyd for several minutes will be tried separately from three other former officers accused of his death. Court documents filed Tuesday show Derek Chauvin will stand trial alone in March while the others will be tried together in the summer. The judge wrote…

Eased Restrictions Allow Duluth Bars, Indoor Entertainment to Welcome People Back In

The Caddy Shack in Lincoln Park and Incline Station Downtown said they're excited to reopen for the first time since November.

DULUTH, Minn.- As Minnesota bars and restaurants are allowed to open with a limited indoor capacity, businesses with entertainment features said they’re looking forward to have people inside again safely. “Being able to open the bar is equal parts exciting and, I think we’re a bit wary,” said Katherine LaFleur of the Caddy Shack Indoor Golf and Pub. The Caddy…

Bent Paddle Reopens Indoor Seating While Unveiling Heated Outdoor ‘Patio Camp’

In addition to the roughly 120 people they can safely have inside the brewery, management said the patio is a big help for those who not be ready to sit indoors yet.

DULUTH, Minn.- While reopening their indoor seating per Gov. Tim Walz’s loosened restrictions Monday, Bent Paddle Brewing in Duluth’s Lincoln Park neighborhood also unveiled their new patio seating. “Patio Camp” as they call it is a pet-friendly, heated patio covered in a tent from Frost River down the street. Heat lamps warm the 20-24 people that can sit socially distanced….

Northland Restaurants Open Back Up For Indoor Dining With Some Restrictions

"We're very glad to have customers dine and get us back to a sense of normalcy," said Alina Oswald, the general manager at Vitta Pizza in Duluth.

DULUTH, Minn. – Minnesota restaurants now can reopen for indoor dining at 50 percent capacity. The change comes after Governor Tim Walz announced his plans to scale back some COVID-19 restrictions last week. “We’re very glad to have customers dine and get us back to a sense of normalcy,” said Alina Oswald, the general manager at Vitta Pizza in Duluth….

A New Housing Option Planned For Central Hillside Neighborhood Helps Homeless Youth

The project is slated to begin construction in the fall.

DULUTH, Minn. – A new housing option is being planned for the Central Hillside neighborhood. Brewery Creek Apartments is expected to be developed on site of the former Mobil lube station and the Last Chance Liquor store at the corner of Sixth Avenue East and Fourth Street. The new facility will have 52 apartments. About 10 apartments will be set…

Minnesota Virus Deaths Continue Decline as Businesses Reopen

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Minnesota bars and restaurants may resume indoor service with limits on capacity as COVID-19 cases and deaths across the state continue to fall. The eased restrictions on Monday return bars and restaurants about to where they were before Gov. Tim Walz imposed a “pause” in response to soaring cases in November. They can resume indoor service at…

Popeyes Eyeing Possible New Duluth Location

DULUTH, Minn. – The popular fast-food chain Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen is settings its sights on a possible new Duluth location. The City of Duluth has confirmed that Popeyes reached out to the city for inquiries about a potential location going into a new development site which will be located on the corner of Central Entrance and Anderson Road. The city…

Walz Denounces Minnesota GOP Leaders for Hedging on Vote

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Gov. Tim Walz denounced Minnesota Republican leaders Monday for refusing to clearly state that the presidential election was free and fair. The Democratic governor also disclosed that state troopers had to take his crying 14-year-old son to safety last Wednesday during a protest dubbed “Storm the Capitol” at the state Capitol, which later shifted to the official…

Updated COVID-19 Numbers: Monday, January 11

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Minnesota health officials reported 980 new cases of COVID-19 in Minnesota on Monday morning bringing the total confirmed COVID cases to 437,552 in the state. Health officials also reported 4 news deaths bringing the death total to 5,711 in Minnesota. According to the Minnesota Department of Health website, 5,953,863 tests have been completed to date. There…

Authorities: Four Arrested in Two Separate Pine River Drug Busts

PINE RIVER, Minn. – The Cass County Sheriff’s Office says four individuals have been arrested in two separate Pine River drug busts over the last month. According to reports, Investigators executed a search warrant as a residence in Barclay Township on December 29 as a part of an ongoing drug investigation. During the search police located a large amount of…

Indoor Service for Bars, Restaurants Resumes in Minnesota

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Minnesota bars and restaurants may resume indoor service with limits starting Monday, as COVID-19 cases have been declining. The eased restrictions return bars and restaurants about to where they were before Gov. Tim Walz imposed a “pause” in response to soaring cases in November. They can resume indoor service at 50% capacity but with 10 p.m. curfews…

8 Arrested in Minnesota Protest Over Line 3 Pipeline Project

(AP Photo/Jim Mone, File) HILL CITY, Minn. (AP) — Eight people were arrested in a protest to oppose the construction of the Enbridge Energy Line 3 oil pipeline replacement in northern Minnesota, authorities said. More than 150 people gathered in Aitken County on Saturday to protest the project, the Northern Lights Task Force said in a news release. They blocked…

Brighton Beach to Close for Trail Construction

Work is expected to be completed by Monday, January 25.

DULUTH, Minn. – Starting on Monday, Brighton Beach will be closed for the next two weeks. Crews will begin clearing and grubbing the area in preparation for trail construction taking place this spring. The park will be closed to vehicular traffic, in addition to parking lots in the park will also be closed. Traffic control will be set up at…

Formalities, Election of New Officers for First Duluth City Council of 2021 Monday

Councilor Renee Van Nett is set to be elected the first indigenous woman Council President.

DULUTH, Minn.- After 2020 brought more resolutions and ordinances for relief and safety to Duluth City Council’s docket, councilors say they are starting 2021 on a quieter note. The first council meeting Monday, according to Councilor Joel Sipress, will be focused on beginning-of-the-year formalities. Still, after a year of passing ordinances like the mask mandate and COVID-19 related relief to…

Duluth Six-Year-Old Gets Big-Rig Birthday Parade with Fire, Tow Trucks

The Duluth Fire Department as well as local tow trucks lined the streets in front of Fenix's house.

DULUTH, Minn.- One young boy in Duluth got a special surprise his birthday Sunday — a parade full of trucks. The Duluth Fire Department as well as local tow trucks lined the streets in front of young Fenix’s house on Second Street and 18th Avenue West in the Endion Neighborhood. Due to COVID-19 restrictions on gatherings, Fenix couldn’t have a…

CHUM Food Shelf Sees Record Demand in 2020, Year Ahead Looks No Better

The food shelf served more than 16,000 people in 2020, and staff expects the need to go up as much as 20% in 2021.

DULUTH, Minn.- The effects of the Coronavirus pandemic left more than 15,000 people in the Twin Ports to rely on CHUM’s Food Shelf to put food on the table — an increased demand they haven’t seen in more than a decade. “In my tenure it was a pretty big record setting year on my terms,” Distributive Services Director Scott Van…

More Contagious Virus Variant Discovered In Twin Cities Area

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Minnesota health officials have confirmed five cases of a more contagious variant of the coronavirus in the Twin Cities area. The variant, which was first detected late last year in the United Kingdom, was identified in specimens from residents in four Minnesota counties. Although officials aren’t surprised by the discovery and don’t believe it will lead to…

Seats Open on Many City of Duluth Boards, Commissions

Those needing seats filled include the Duluth Human Rights Commission, Parks and Recreation Commission and Civil Service Board.

DULUTH, Minn.- The City of Duluth has openings for citizens to be a part of decision-making on many of their boards and commissions this year. More than a dozen of the City’s boards and commissions have open seats such as the Duluth Human Rights Commission, Parks and Recreation Commission, Civil Service Board and more. According to City officials, it’s a…

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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

(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

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

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. 

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

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…