Minnesota

Drive-By Shooting in Central Hillside Has Neighbors On Edge; It’s Duluth’s 37th Shooting This Year

Shooting data provided by the Duluth Police Department includes all criminally discharged gunfire where evidence is obtained.

DULUTH, Minn. – Neighbors are speaking out after and early morning drive-by shooting Wednesday in Duluth’s Central Hillside neighborhood.  This is the city’s record-breaking 37th shooting so far this year compared to 23 last year, according to Duluth Police Department data.  And the neighbors, who are parents, say they can’t believe it’s happening in their own backyard and they hope…

Doc Witherspoon’s Soul Kitchen Finds A Permanent Home

Doc Witherspoon's Soul Kitchen is currently open for curbside Thursday through Saturday from 4-6 p.m.

DULUTH, Minn. – Doc Witherspoon’s Soul Kitchen has finally found its permanent home. The restaurant is now taking over Mitch’s Bar and Grill in Lincoln Park. The new space includes both a dining and bar area. Customers can expect to enjoy some of the most popular dishes like fried chicken, cornbread, and much more. The Witherspoon family has been raising…

Wind Cargo Import Creates Record For Duluth-Superior Port

The wind cargo brought into the region this year topped the previous record by more than 200,000 tons.

DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth-Superior port has had a record-breaking shipping season when it comes to wind energy cargo. This year, in the midst of the pandemic, imports for that type of cargo nearly doubled the previous record set in 2019. Like many other industries, shipping has been hit hard by the pandemic. This record-setting achievement is highlighting the strong…

More Than 230,000 Minnesotans Have Downloaded COVIDaware App

ST. PAUL, Minn. (FOX 9) – More than 230,000 Minnesotans have downloaded COVIDaware, the COVID-19 exposure app, which launched just over a week ago, according to Governor Tim Walz. Two days after the app launched, it became the third most popular utility app in the iPhone App Store, according to a press release from the governor’s office. State officials expect more downloads of…

Fairview Range CEO Stepping Down

(courtesy: Fairview Range) HIBBING, Minn. – Fairview Range President and CEO Patrick Sharp announced on Wednesday that he will be stepping down from his role effective January 4. Sharp says he will be leaving the organization for an opportunity in Colorado. Sharp has served as CEO at Fairview Range since 2018 and worked at the organization in other roles since…

St. Luke’s CEO, President Steps Down

Nokels Has Been With the Hospital Since Last August

DULUTH, Minn. – Kevin Nokels has stepped down as St. Luke’s Hospital’s president and CEO. St. Luke’s Board of Directors named Nokels as their new chief executive officer last June and he officially began his role with the health care system last August. Prior to taking the president and CEO role at St. Luke’s Nokels served as President of CHI…

Updated COVID-19 Numbers: Wednesday, December 2

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Minnesota health officials reported 5,192 new cases of COVID-19 in Minnesota Wednesday morning bringing the total confirmed COVID cases to 327,477 in the state. Health officials also reported 77 news deaths bringing the death total to 3,692 in Minnesota. According to the Minnesota Department of Health website, 4,326,347 tests have been completed to date. There are…

Special Report: Inside Duluth’s 2020 Surge In Gun Violence

One-one-ones with police Chief Mike Tusken, the head of Duluth's Major Crimes Bureau, the medical director at St. Luke's ER and Mayor Emily Larson

DULUTH, Minn. –  We’re in the final month of a pandemic-ridden 2020 that’s created a lot of pain, unknowns and problems of all types for so many in the Northland. For the Duluth Police Department, the challenge has not only been navigating the virus but facing a record number of shootings — 36 of them this year alone — something…

Local Christmas Tree Farms See Boost in Sales As Big Box Retailers See Shortage

Retail Christmas tree sellers are experiencing a shortage, though that's not a problem for small, local farmers who have their own natural inventory, they said.

DULUTH, Minn.- As the holidays draw closer, owners of Christmas Tree Farms in the Northland are seeing a boost in business this year, as a shortage at bigger box retailers is drawing people to shop local farms for their trees and wreaths. “I probably have a million trees and about half of my farm is, I would say 100-120 acres…

Floerke Leaves Bench To Become President Of The Duluth Superior Area Community Foundation

The judge is expected to start his new role on January 11th.

DULUTH, Minn. – A Duluth judge is leaving the bench to take on a new role as the President of the Duluth Superior Area Community Foundation. The organization’s board of trustees announced Tuesday Six District Court Judge Shaun Floerke will take on the role. Floerke replaces former President Holly Sampson, who retired back in June after holding the position for…

Lake Superior Zoo Animals Are Missing Visitor Interactions

"You guys as visitors are the main sources of entertainment for the animals at the zoo," said Lizzy Larson, the head carnivore zookeeper.

DULUTH, Minn. – The Lake Superior Zoo is one of the many tourist attractions in the state now shut down as part of new safety guidelines from Governor Tim Walz. The closure is taking away all the attention the animals would normally be getting from zoo visitors. “You guys as visitors are the main sources of entertainment for the animals…

Enbridge Starts Construction on Line 3 in Minnesota

(AP Photo/Jim Mone, File) MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Enbridge Energy began construction on its Line 3 crude oil pipeline replacement in Minnesota on Tuesday, a day after state regulators approved the final permit for the $2.6 billion projects amid legal challenges from local activists and Indigenous groups. Spokeswoman Juli Kellner said Enbridge began construction in several locations around the state in…

Longtime Duluth Judge Named President,CEO of Duluth Superior Area Community Foundation

DULUTH, Minn. – On Tuesday, the Duluth Superior Area Community Foundation Board of Trustees announced a long time Duluth judge Shaun Floerke as their next president and CEO. Floerke, 55, takes over after Holly Sampson retired after 30 years from the organization in June. David Montgomery has been acting as interim CEO since July while the organization searched for a…

Updated COVID-19 Numbers: Tuesday, December 1

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Minnesota health officials reported 3,570 new cases of COVID-19 in Minnesota Tuesday morning bringing the total confirmed COVID cases to 322,312 in the state. Health officials also reported 22 news deaths bringing the death total to 3,615 in Minnesota. According to the Minnesota Department of Health website, 4,284,823 tests have been completed to date. There are…

Deficit Gone: Minnesota Projects $641m Budget Surplus Through June

(AP Photo/Steve Karnowski) ST. PAUL, Minn. (FOX 9) – So much for a giant deficit. Minnesota budget officials said Tuesday they expect a $641 million surplus between now and June, reversing their earlier prediction of a $2.4 billion shortfall from the May report. A $1.3 billion shortfall is likely for the two-year period that starts July 1, budget officials said. But that number is…

Update: Authorities Identify Man, Woman Found Dead in Grand Lake Township

SAGINAW, Minn. – The St. Louis County Sheriff’s Office has identified the two people found dead in their home in Grand Lake Township Monday morning. The deceased individuals have been identified as 55-year-old Robert Kerr and 62-year-old Loretta Billman. Kerr and Billman lived together and were found dead in their home on Elisson Road in Saginaw by relatives and coworkers…

Hunter Fatally Shot in Northern Minnesota

PUPOSKY, Minn. (AP) — A hunter has fatally shot another hunter in northern Minnesota after mistaking him for a deer, according to authorities. The two men were not hunting together and the victim was not wearing blaze orange, according to the Beltrami County Sheriff’s Office. Officials said Monday the shooting happened Wednesday near Puposky at dusk. The victim is identified…

Duluth Police Officer Charged In Shooting; Victim’s Atty. Wants Attempted Murder Charge

"It's obviously a grave charge that I’m referencing, but that's the fact here, that's what happened,” according to Andrew Poole, attorney for victim Jared Fyle, 23.

DULUTH, Minn. – Duluth Attorney Andrew Poole spoke out Monday about felony charges filed against Duluth Police Officer Tyler Leibfried, 28, who shot his unarmed client, Jared Fyle, 23, through his apartment door during a domestic assault call on Sept. 12. “The facts are this is a case where Mr. Fyle was in his own home behind a closed locked…

Online Traffic Helps Ivy Moon Clothing Store through Black Friday, Cyber Monday

Staff said they have seen more online traffic over Black Friday and Cyber Monday.

DULUTH, Minn.- A clothing business in Duluth’s Hillside neighborhood is seeing more online business going into its only second holiday season open. Staff at women’s clothing boutique Ivy Moon over on Superior Street said they have seen more online traffic over Black Friday and Cyber Monday. While their entire inventory isn’t online just yet, the popularity of the items they…

Caution Again Advised for Christmas; Vaccine on Horizon for Public in 2021 Gov. Walz Says

After a surge in cases over Thanksgiving, the Governor said guidance will likely remain for Christmas, and public access to the vaccine in 2021.

ST. PAUL, Minn.- Governor Tim Walz and State Health leaders spoke out in a COVID-19 briefing Monday after a Thanksgiving weekend like no other. They stressed continued mitigation efforts by Minnesotans, with the horizon of a vaccine in the distance — in 2021. “Minnesotans did a pretty good job staying home, but there’s some data on movement especially the airport…

A Local Church Gives Out Advent-In-A-Box Kits

Peace in Christ Lutheran Church in Hermantown assembled 300 kits.

DULUTH, Minn. – A local Hermantown church is helping families in the community prepare to celebrate the birth of Jesus during the Advent season. Peace in Christ Lutheran Church in Hermantown assembled 300 Advent-in-a-box kits. Each box contains devotional materials and hands-on activities like art projects and science experiments to be done during each week of Advent. These boxes are…

Local Businesses Are Taking Advantage Of Cyber Monday

This year's nearly $13 billion projection for Cyber Monday is up by about 35% compared to 2019.

DULUTH, Minn. – Experts predict consumers will spend nearly $13-billion on Cyber Monday online purchases. This would make it the biggest online shopping day in history for the United States. Many Northland businesses are taking advantage of the financial boost the shopping day could bring. Cyber Monday deals can be a motivator for people to spend their money and the…

Holiday Lights Are Selling Fast

DULUTH, Minn. – It’s that time of the season many families are beginning to decorate for Christmas. Some local hardware stores are seeing more people coming in purchasing Christmas lights. Staff at Denny’s Hardware store say holiday lights have been flying off the shelves. The most popular type of lights being purchased is LED, which can be brighter and are…

Skyline Parkway Seasonal Closure to Begin Tomorrow

DULUTH, Minn. – Portions of Skyline Parkway and Seven Bridges Road will close to motorized traffic beginning on Tuesday, December 1. This is a planned, annual closure for the winter season. These roads will open to motorized traffic again next spring. The portions of roads closing for the winter include: Skyline Parkway from 0.4 miles east of Glenwood Street to…

Authorities Investigating Death of Two Individuals in Grand Lake Township

  SAGINAW, Minn. – The St. Louis County Sheriff’s Office says they are investigating the suspicious deaths of two people found dead in their home in Grand Lake Township Monday morning. According to authorities, a 55-year-old man and a 62-year-old woman were found dead in their home on Elisson Road in Saginaw just after 8:30 a.m. by relatives and coworkers…

Virus Forces Gophers to Cancel Game vs. No. 16 Northwestern

(AP) – Minnesota has called off Saturday’s game against 16th-ranked Northwestern, the second straight cancellation for the Gophers due to a spike in COVID-19 cases within the program. University officials made the decision in consultation with the Big Ten after seven additional positive cases were confirmed. The Wildcats lead the West Division at 5-1. Since Nov. 19, Minnesota has turned…

Minnesota Gives Final Green Light to Enbridge Energy Line 3 Replacement Project

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Minnesota regulators approved the final permit Monday for Enbridge Energy’s Line 3 crude oil pipeline replacement across northern Minnesota, giving the company the green light to begin construction on the $2.6 billion projects. The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency granted a construction stormwater permit for the project, which was the last hurdle that Calgary, Alberta-based Enbridge needed to…

Updated COVID-19 Numbers: Monday, November 30

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Minnesota health officials reported 5,801 new cases of COVID-19 in Minnesota Monday morning bringing the total confirmed COVID cases to 318,763 in the state. Health officials also reported 15 news deaths bringing the death total to 3,593 in Minnesota. According to the Minnesota Department of Health website, 4,262,806 tests have been completed to date. There are…

OMC Cookbook Brings Smokehouse Recipes to Customers, Help to Lincoln Park Businesses

Staff at OMC said last year they raised about $67,000 from book sales for an IndieGoGo campaign supporting Lincoln Park businesses.

DULUTH, Minn.- For a second year in a row you can now make recipes of Duluth’s Lincoln Park Craft District restaurant OMC Smokehouse at home, while also helping out local businesses in the area. The OMC Smokehouse Cookbook is out again this year with money going toward Lifting Lincoln Park, an IndieGoGo campaign aimed at helping businesses in the neighborhood….

Skiers, Snowboarders Excited to Hit the Reopened Spirit Mountain Slopes

After a summer spent closed, Spirit Mountain reopened Thanksgiving weekend and was filled with excited guests.

DULUTH, Minn- Spirit Mountain reopened Friday after months closed due to financial woes caused by both the coronavirus pandemic and past financial struggles, and Northland winter sport lovers couldn’t wait to get back on the slopes. “We get this every winter,” Co-Director of Resort Services Jon Regenold said. “This is normal every winter, skiers and boarders are ready to get…

Police Investigate 35th Shooting in Duluth of 2020, This Time in Gary-New Duluth

There were no injuries reported at the shooting in the 1200 Block of 104th Ave W.  

DULUTH, Minn.- No one was injured in a reported shooting in Duluth’s Gary-New Duluth neighborhood Saturday evening. According to a Duluth Police Department spokesperson, at 6:30 p.m. Saturday officers responded to the report of shots fired on the 1200 Block of 104th Ave West. Investigating officers learned that the victim, who was not injured, found a hole in a window…

Late Duluth Hobby Shop Owner’s Private Train Collection Auctioned to Enthusiasts

Bids flew for hundreds of parts of Jack Carr's collection at Nordic Auction on Courtland Street Near 27th Avenue West. 

DULUTH, Minn,- The passion of one local model train collector who past away back in May lived on as more of Jack Carr’s private train collection was auctioned off to friends and fellow enthusiasts. Bids flew for hundreds of parts of Carr’s collection at Nordic Auction on Courtland Street Near 27th Avenue West. Everything from trains and tracks to trees…

Spirit Mountain Starts Season Busy After Being Closed During Summer

The chalet is only open for restrooms and tickets while people are encouraged to warm up in their cars and no food or beverage is allowed on the snow. 

DULUTH, Minn.- After months being closed due to financial woes caused by the Coronavirus pandemic, the slopes at Spirit Mountain were alive again as they reopened this weekend. Spirit Mountain reopened to season pass holders Friday. Like other businesses it looks different due to the pandemic. The chalet is only open for restrooms and tickets while people are encouraged to…

New Textile Store Brings Swedish Touch to Duluth’s Lincoln Park Neighborhood

Kirsten Aune opened Kirsten Aune Textiles on 21st Ave W

DULUTH, Minn.- On Small Business Saturday in Duluth, a new shop specializing in Scandinavian-inspired fabric items opened in the Lincoln Park Craft District. Kirsten Aune opened Kirsten Aune Textiles on 21st Ave W. She handcrafts all the clothes, home goods, Swedish dolls and more out of organic cotton and screen-prints the designs. Aune said she hopes she can bring a…

Make Your Own Organic Lotion at Mix Cosmetiques

Along with their 30 plus varieties of classes offered, you can now learn how to make your own handmade organic lotion. 

DULUTH, Minn.- Mix Cosmetiques on Woodland Avenue is offering another DIY idea for holiday gifts: lotion. Along with their 30 plus varieties of classes offered, you can now learn how to make your own handmade organic lotion. Owner Lanae Rhoads said she has seen a spike in people wanting to know what goes into — and onto — their body…

Vikre Distillery Puts Together Cocktail Kits for Holiday Season

Some bars in Duluth are using creative means to weather the impacts of Minnesota Governor Tim Walz's recent executive orders.

DULUTH, Minn. – Some bars in Duluth are getting creative to weather the impacts of Minnesota Governor Tim Walz’s recent executive orders. Vikre Distillery in Canal Park is putting together holiday cocktail kits for people to order. Some of the cocktails include Hot Cedar Gin & Spiced Cider, Gin and Tonic, and the Minnesota Mule, which includes Lake Superior vodka,…

Minnesota Exceeds 100 Single-Day Virus Deaths for First Time

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — The Minnesota Department of Health reported 101 more deaths due to COVID-19 on Friday, the first time the state has topped 100 single-day deaths since the start of the pandemic. The state health department reported 5,704 new cases on Friday, putting the state at 3,476 deaths and 295,001 cases due to the virus since March. More than…

Updated COVID-19 Numbers: Friday, November 27

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Minnesota health officials reported 5,704 new cases of COVID-19 in Minnesota Friday morning bringing the total confirmed COVID cases to 295,001 in the state. Health officials also reported 101 news deaths bringing the death total to 3,476 in Minnesota. According to the Minnesota Department of Health website, 4,012,524 tests have been completed to date. There are…

U of M Football Announces 10 More Virus Cases

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — The University of Minnesota football program announced late Wednesday that ten more people within the team have tested positive for the coronavirus. An outbreak among athletes and staff prompted the team to halt all activities on Tuesday, including canceling its game against rival Wisconsin for the first time in 118 years. Minnesota said seven more staff members and three…

Minnesota Tribes File to Halt Pipeline Approval Due to Virus

(Garret Ellison | MLive) ST. PAUL, Minn (AP) — Two Native American tribes in northern Minnesota are asking state regulators to stop the imminent construction of Enbridge Energy’s Line 3 crude oil pipeline replacement, saying it would increase the risk of coronavirus infections spreading. The Red Lake and White Earth Bands of Chippewa filed a motion late Wednesday asking the…

Cloquet VFW Delivers Thanksgiving Meals to Community Members

Dozens of community members took the time to cook, distribute, and deliver these meals.

CLOQUET, Minn. – Volunteers for the Cloquet VFW began preparing Thanksgiving meals in the early hours of Thursday morning. Dozens of community members took the time to cook, distribute, and deliver these meals. On a day when Thanksgiving will be different for some, they are doing their part to make sure everyone has something to be thankful for. Check out…

DLH Airport Staying Ahead Of The Trend

Last month, U.S. passenger bookings were down by nearly 60% whereas the DLH Airport only reported a decline of more than 30%.

DULUTH, Minn. – More than 900,000 Americans traveled through airports across the nation, this week. Compared to last year that number was just over 2 million. Locally, the Duluth International Airport is staying busy this year for the thanksgiving holiday. Airport officials say they are continuing to stay ahead of the trend Last month, U.S. passenger bookings were down by…

Carlton County Law Enforcement Agencies Receive Drone Donation

CLOQUET, Minn. – The Carlton County Sheriff’s Office received a big donation Wednesday that’ll get some digital eyes in the sky. Frandsen Bank and Trust, along with Maverick Drone Systems came together to donate the drone. It will be shared with other agencies, like the Cloquet Police Department, allowing them to be prepared for all types of  scenarios. “Not just…

Bridgeman’s Gives Proceeds From Thanksgiving To-Go Special To Workers

DULUTH, Minn. – Bridgeman’s Restaurant in Duluth is helping to make the holiday special for everyone with its thanksgiving to-go meals. On Wednesday, restaurant staff packed up about 500 meals pre-ordered for Thanksgiving. Each individual-sized platter comes with turkey, mashed potatoes, stuffing, and much more Of course, the best part is the pumpkin bars for dessert. Bridgman’s is also making…

Local Frontline Workers Give A Special Thank You To Other Frontline Workers

"I hope they feel recognized. I hope they feel they are part of the team," Duluth Fire Chief Shawn Krizaj.

DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth Police and Fire Departments are sharing their appreciation for the other emergency teams that sometimes are not recognized nearly enough for their efforts. A fleet of emergency vehicles from both departments flooded the streets outside St. Luke’s Hospital to help show appreciation for other frontline workers. “It’s a beautiful thing to see the frontline heroes…