Minnesota

New Details Released in Downtown Duluth Officer-Involved Shooting

DULUTH, Minn. –  The Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (BCA) has identified the Duluth police officer who shot a man during a domestic assault call in downtown Duluth Saturday, Sept. 12. Officer Tyler Leibfried, a five-year veteran of the Duluth Police Department, is on standard administrative leave pending the outcome of the investigation after discharging his weapon and hitting the…

DTA Buses Collecting Fares Again in October, Plexiglass Barriers Added

Service has been free since March, DTA officials said, because drivers lacked the protection needed to collect fares at the front door. 

DULUTH, Minn.- Starting October 1st, it’ll now cost you to ride DTA buses again. Fare collection is resuming as new plexiglass barriers have been installed to protect drivers. Service has been free since March, DTA officials said, because drivers lacked the protection needed to collect fares at the front door. “We started looking for a way to go back to…

New Black Male Group at UMD Hosting ‘Peaceful Protest and March’

DULUTH, Minn. – A new UMD student organization called Black Men Serving Excellence is calling on faculty, staff, students and Duluthians to attend what they are calling a “peaceful protest and march.” The event is happening at 5 p.m. Wednesday at UMD’s Malosky Stadium. The goal is to raise awareness of black students on campus and encourage social activism within…

COVID-19 Cases Confirmed at Three Duluth Schools in First Week Open

So far all that have been confirmed is at least one positive case each at Lincoln Park Middle School, Denfeld High School, and Lowell Elementary. 

DULUTH, Minn.- With just one week into the school year, at least three cases of coronavirus have been confirmed within the Duluth School District. So far all that have been confirmed is at least one positive case each at Lincoln Park Middle School, Denfeld High School, and Lowell Elementary. We reached out to ISD 709 Tuesday for a total count…

Pick Your Own Cream of the Crop at Farmer Doug’s Pumpkin Patch

The Hoffbauer Farm is located at 3361 Lindahl Road in Duluth

DULUTH, Minn. – Farmers battled against a dry growing season in the Northland, but it didn’t stop one local farm from producing a good quality yield of pumpkins this fall. “We know that sooner or later the frost is going to come for keeps,” said Doug Hoffbauer, owner of Hoffbauer Tree Farm. At Farmer Doug’s farm, Mother Nature gets the…

Wild State Cider Needs Your Backyard Apples For The “Duluth People’s Cider”

DULUTH, Minn. – Wild state cider is bringing back its “Duluth People’s Cider” and they want your help with creating this year’s batch. The cidery is asking community members to donate their backyard apples and a specialty “Duluth” flavored cider will be produced. This is the second time Wild State has created the “Duluth People’s Cider.” Staff believes this year…

Northland Catering Businesses Feeling Impacts Of Covid-19

DULUTH, Minn. – Many Northland catering companies are experiencing big impacts as the covid-19 pandemic continues. Midcoast Catering in Duluth is holding on strong in the midst of the global pandemic, but the business continues to face a lot of uncertainty. The ongoing health crisis has forced many area companies into having their employees work from home. With many more…

Trillium Services Celebrates Employees During Direct Support Professional Recognition Week

DULUTH, Minn. — An organization in Duluth called Trillium Services is taking part in Direct Support Professional Recognition Week, which shows appreciation for those who work with people who have intellectual and/or physical disabilities. Trillium Services has a staff of direct support professionals who help those who are disabled in the Duluth area connect to resources and live more independent…

Churchill Elementary in Cloquet Confirms One Case of COVID-19

CLOQUET, Minn. – Five days into the school year, families and staff at Churchill Elementary in Cloquet have been notified of a confirmed case of COVID-19. “Our school leaders worked with the Minnesota Department of Health and our Regional Support Team to ensure an appropriate response to the situation,” said Cloquet Schools Superintendent Michael Cary. The school district confirmed that the…

Health Officials Conducting Statewide COVID-19 Survey of Minnesota Households, Includes Free Testing

(FOX 9) – The Minnesota Department of Health is conducting a voluntary statewide survey over the next two weeks to help officials better understand the prevalence of COVID-19 in the state. The survey will include free COVID-19 testing for all members of participating households. Through Sept. 30, teams of public health professionals will be visiting randomly selected households in 180 preselected sites across…

Former Congressman Rick Nolans’s Daughter Dies of Cancer at Age 46

(courtesy: Facebook/Former Congressman Rick Nolan) ROSEVILLE, Minn. – The daughter of former Congressman Rick Nolan died on Tuesday after a five year battle with non-small cell lung cancer. Nolan, D-Minn., of Crosby, shared a Facebook post on Tuesday announcing his daughter’s passing at the age of 46. According to Nolan’s post, his daughter, Katherine Alicia Bensen,  passed away Tuesday at…

DTA to Return to Traditional Fare Collection Next Month

DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth Transit Authority announced on Tuesday that they will return to standard fare collection next month. After installing Plexiglass driver-protection barriers on the fleet, the DTA says they will begin standard fare collection on Thursday, October 1. DTA General Manager Phil Pumphrey noted: “We were very pleased to procure and install these barriers across our fleet…

Updated COVID-19 Numbers: Tuesday, September 15

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Minnesota health officials reported 85,351 confirmed COVID-19 cases in the state Tuesday morning and 5 new deaths bringing the death total to 1,927 in Minnesota. According to the Minnesota Department of Health website, 1,733,292 tests have been completed to date. There are 78,953 patients who no longer require isolation. So far, 6,979 patients have required hospitalization…

Man Shot in Edina Hospital Parking Ramp

EDINA, Minn. (AP) — A suburban Twin Cities hospital was locked down as police searched for the person who shot a man in its parking ramp. Police were called to M Health Fairview Southdale hospital in Edina about 9 p.m. Monday. Investigators say the shooting was the result of an attempted robbery. M Health Fairview Southdale Hospital, 6401 France Ave….

Roger Reinert Selected by Gov. Walz for Minnesota 9/11 Anniversary Taskforce

Reinert and the taskforce will gather stories from service members and civilians about their experience on September 11th, 2001, and the years after.

DULUTH, Minn.- A veteran who’s been active in Duluth’s political world and is currently at the helm of the DECC — Roger Reinert — has been selected to help commemorate the 20th Anniversary of 9/11 next year. Reinert was chosen by Governor Tim Walz to serve on a taskforce to remember and record the Minnesota experience since that fateful day…

COVID-19 Case Confirmed at Lincoln Park Middle School

DULUTH, Minn. – The principal of Lincoln Park Middle School informed faculty and staff Monday of a confirmed COVID-19 case involving a “member” of the school’s community. Principal Brian Kazmierczak said the infected person was last in the school Sept. 11. “We have worked with the MDH to identify those who had close contact with the case, and have communicated…

UMD Students Return to Campus on First Day of In-Person Classes

The halls were considerably bear on the first day of in-person classes with many students learning partially or completely online this year.

DULUTH, Minn.- After a two-week pause to work on safely welcoming students back, the University of Minnesota Duluth campus opened back up to students Monday. However, many instructors still have their classes completely online, leaving the few students present to seek out the campus as a place to study, and escape. “It’s been a little weird walking in and seeing…

Updated COVID-19 Numbers: Monday, September 14

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Minnesota health officials reported 84,949 confirmed COVID-19 cases in the state Monday morning and 3 new deaths bringing the death total to 1,922 in Minnesota. According to the Minnesota Department of Health website, 1,724,779 tests have been completed to date. There are 78,238 patients who no longer require isolation. So far, 6,954 patients have required hospitalization…

Faculty Senate Considers Dropping Spring Break at UW-Madison

MADISON, Wis. (AP) — The University of Wisconsin-Madison is thinking about eliminating spring break next semester to curb the spread of the coronavirus. The university’s Faculty Senate is expected to vote on revising the 2021 spring calendar at a meeting Monday. Officials say dropping spring break would discourage students and staff from traveling long distances and bringing COVID-19 back to…

Crews Search Mississippi River for Overdue Plane

GREY CLOUD ISLAND TOWNSHIP, Minn. (AP) — Crews are searching the Mississippi River in Washington County for a plane that’s overdue at a South St. Paul airport. The search Sunday night was focused near Grey Cloud Island, which is southwest of St. Paul Park and Cottage Grove. Dakota County and Washington County personnel were involved in the search, KARE-TV reported. The plane…

Duluth’s First Street To Covert To Two-Way Traffic Monday

DULUTH, Minn. – Starting Monday, First Street traffic in Duluth will officially be converted to two-way traffic. It’s happening from Mesaba Avenue through downtown to 24th Avenue East. Traffic flow has not been consistent on First Street — with some sections two-way and others one-way. The city says the change will help cut down on confusion for drivers and improve…

Duluth Police Shoot Suspect During Domestic Assault Call

  DULUTH, Minn. — A Duluth police officer shot a suspect during a domestic assault call on Saturday night, according to a spokesperson with the Duluth Police Department. Officers were called to the 100-block of W. 1st Street in downtown Duluth shortly before 9:30 p.m to respond to “a report of a physical domestic.” During the call, one of the…

Vikings, Packers Start NFL Season With Border Battle, Northland Fans Excited

Fans were excited to get back to the gridiron after a canceled preseason.

DULUTH, Minn.- Football fans in Minnesota and Wisconsin were pumped up for the first Football Sunday of the 2020 NFL season — a border battle between the Vikings and the Packers. The Reef Bar in Duluth was filled with purple and yellow for the first time since last year. Fans were excited to get back to the gridiron after a…

City of Duluth Proclaims ‘Ann Redelfs Day’ to Honor Late Community Advocate

Redelfs served as an educator at UMD, worked with neighborhoods and police, and more before she died suddenly in April. 

DULUTH, Minn.- A longtime member of the Duluth community, the late Ann Redelfs was honored at Glensheen Sunday for her contributions to the environmental, social, and political landscape of the city. Throughout her life Redelfs lived Oklahoma, Houston, Ithaca, New York, and San Diego before moving to Duluth in 2004. She served as an educator at UMD, organized regular meetings…

Deputies Find Body Inside Vehicle They Believe Went Airborne on Jean Duluth Road

LAKEWOOD TOWNSHIP, Minn. — On Sunday morning, deputies with the St. Louis County Sheriff’s Office discovered a body inside a vehicle they believe went airborne before landing in a ditch on Jean Duluth Road in Lakewood Township. According to a press release from the sheriff’s office, deputies arrived on the 5400-block of Jean Duluth Road around 9:30 a.m. after learning…

Socially Distant Walk to End Alzheimer’s

Instead of walking in large numbers down the Lakewalk, participants were encouraged to do their own version of the walk at home.

DULUTH, Minn.– Over 120,000 Americans died from Alzheimer’s in 2018 and today a popular annual event in Duluth helping raise awareness for the disease was still able to go on in a unique way during the pandemic. Walking to raise money and awareness for Alzheimer’s this year is more important now than ever. Those effected say with the added stress…

Walz Extends COVID-19 Peacetime Emergency

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Gov. Tim Walz signed an Executive Order Friday extending the COVID-19 peacetime emergency through at least October 12. The peacetime emergency gives the state flexibility in responding to evolving issues stemming from COVID-19. “My top priority remains the health and safety of Minnesotans,” said Governor Walz. “The COVID-19 pandemic is not over, and the next stages…

Prosecutors: Similar Charges Warrant 1 Trial in Floyd Death

(Hennepin County Sheriff’s Office via AP) MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Prosecutors in the case of four former Minneapolis officers charged in the death of George Floyd say the men should face trial together because the evidence and charges against them are similar. But defense attorneys have argued for separate trials, saying they are likely to offer “antagonistic” defenses. The former officers…

Updated COVID-19 Numbers: Friday, September 11

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Minnesota health officials reported 82,716 confirmed COVID-19 cases in the state Friday morning and 13 new deaths bringing the death total to 1,897 in Minnesota. According to the Minnesota Department of Health website, 1,665,328 tests have been completed to date. There are 75,757 patients who no longer require isolation. So far, 6,863 patients have required hospitalization…

Resort Owners in Ely Accused of Illegally Catching Prized Bait

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Three family members who run a northern Minnesota resort are accused of illegally catching and selling a prized baitfish which generated thousands of dollars in profits over the years. Robert LaTourell Jr., 50, Melinda LaTourell, and Melissa LaTourell, both 45, are charged with violating the Lacey Act, a law that bans illegal trafficking in wildlife. The U.S….

Ex-Cops Blame One Another, Seek Own Trials in Floyd’s Death

(from left, Derek Chauvin, Tuo Thao, Thomas Lane, and J. Alexander Kueng) MINNEAPOLIS (AP) –Attorneys for four former Minneapolis officers charged in the death of George Floyd say that each client should get his own trial, as the officers try to diminish their roles in the Black man’s arrest by pointing fingers at one another. A hearing is scheduled for…

Duluth’s 2020 Projected Budget Shortfall Falls To $12 Million; 2021 Deficit Projection Announced

DULUTH, Minn. – There is some good news for the city of Duluth’s budget crisis related to millions of dollars in lost revenue this year because of the pandemic. The projected 2020 budget shortfall that was once nearly $40 million in April and was decreased in June to $25 million is now projected to land around $11.88 million. Duluth Mayor…

A New Education Co-op Fills Needs for Families During Pandemic

Any student from the region in K-12 can attend the program.

DULUTH, Minn. – The Eastridge Community Church in Duluth is making an effort to support families facing childcare and education needs during the global pandemic. The church has launched its new education co-op. The program is a consistent option for kids in area schools to learn and socialize together. Volunteers and tutors will be on hand to help fill this…

The Beargrease Sled Dog Marathon Will Happen Without Spectators

DULUTH, Minn. – The Beargrease Marathon is one of the most anticipated winter events in the Northland. While the marathon is scheduled to take place this coming January, it will happen without any spectators. This year, onlookers will have to view the live race from home. Minnesota guidelines only allow for a 250 person capacity for the event. Most of…

Former Hermantown Teacher, Coach Pleads Guilty to Sexual Misconduct

HERMANTOWN, Minn. – A former Hermantown Middle School teacher and volleyball coach accused of sexually assaulting a student pleaded guilty Tuesday to charges of fourth-degree criminal sexual conduct. Madeleine Schmaltz, 29, of Saginaw, Minnesota is accused of having a sexual relationship with a 16-year-old high school student while tutoring the student in her home last year. According to the criminal…

Joe Biden to campaign in Minnesota Sept. 18

DULUTH, Minn. (Fox 9/Fox 21) – Joe Biden will be visiting Minnesota next week according to a recent press release from his campaign. Biden will be in Minnesota on Friday, September 18 however specific details about the visit have not yet been released. This will be the first time he has visited Minnesota for his Presidential campaign. President Donald Trump…

College Hockey Delayed Due to COVID-19

(FOX 9) – The start of the 2020-21 college hockey season is being delayed due to concerns over the COVID-19 pandemic. The Hockey Commissioners Association, which represents the 11 Division I men’s and women’s hockey conferences, announced the delay Thursday. The HCA says each conference will announce details on game schedules, including the start dates, individually. “The 11 Division I men’s and…

Home on Lake Vermilion Destroyed by Fire

(courtesy: Facebook/Northland FireWire) COOK, Minn. – A home near Cook on the west end of Lake Vermilion was destroyed by a fire Wednesday night, according to the Northland FireWire. Fire crews from the Cook Fire Department responded to the 2400 block of Red Sunset Road around 9:55 p.m. According to reports the fire started in the chimney and spread to…

Updated COVID-19 Numbers: Thursday, September 10

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Minnesota health officials reported 82,249 confirmed COVID-19 cases in the state Thursday morning and 15 new deaths bringing the death total to 1,884 in Minnesota. According to the Minnesota Department of Health website, 1,646,961 tests have been completed to date. There are 75,425 patients who no longer require isolation. So far, 6,830 patients have required hospitalization…

Waters of Superior in Canal Park Closing its Doors for Good

(courtesy: Waters of Superior) DULUTH, Minn. – Waters of Superior in Canal Park is closing its doors for good. The business made the announcement on Thursday saying that the store will close on October 25. “While the store has been profitable, COVID-19 has reduced sales dramatically, and projections showed it would have been impossible to make it through the winter…

About Half of Bars, Restaurants Inspected in Minnesota in COVID-19 Compliance

(William Glasheen/The Post-Crescent via AP) MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — State and local inspections of dozens of bars and restaurants for compliance to coronavirus requirements found about half were following the rules in Minnesota. Inspections were done at 167 establishments outside the Twin Cities metro. During a recent visit to Minnesota, Dr. Deborah Birx, the White House coronavirus response coordinator, said rural…

Donald Trump Jr. Makes Pitch for Father on Duluth Stage

"They say we can't win Minnesota. I disagree, what about you?" he said at the podium at the DECC.

DULUTH, Minn.- To a DECC ballroom of 250 Trump supporters, Donald Trump Jr. used his “Make America Great Again” event to bolster his father’s first term in office while bashing his Democratic opponent Joe Biden. “They say we can’t win Minnesota. I disagree, what about you?” he said at the podium to an eruption of cheers. The eldest Trump son…

UMD Students Move-in After The University’s Two-Week Pause Ends

In-person classes are scheduled to begin Monday, while some students have already started many of their courses remotely.

DULUTH, Minn.- The University of Minnesota Duluth took a two-week pause to come up with better strategies to safely welcome students after similar universities across the nation were experiencing surges in coronavirus cases. The brief pause has since expired and UMD students have been given the green light to move on campus. Hundreds of students unpacked their cars filled to…

Bentleyville Tour Of Lights Will Look Different This year

The event is the country's largest walk-through lighting display.

DULUTH, Minn. – Thousands of people make the Bentleyville Tour of Lights part of their holiday season each year, but this year is going to be unlike any other with the pandemic still causing concern. “We made the decision as the board of the Bentleyville to offer something rather than nothing at all,” said Nathan Bentley, executive director for Bentleyville….

Watch: Donald Trump Jr. Hosts ‘Make America Great Again’ Event at DECC

DULUTH, Minn. – Donald Trump Jr. hosts a “Make America Great Again” event on Wednesday at 5 p.m. at the Duluth Entertainment Convention Center. The rally will mark the Trump campaign’s second visit to Duluth in a matter of weeks. Vice President Mike Pence visited Duluth two weeks ago. Before that, President Trump also made a stop in Mankato as…

Bentleyville Tour of Lights Will be a Drive-Thru Experience in 2020

DULUTH, Minn. – The 2020 Bentleyville Tour of Lights display will be reimagined as a drive-thru experience this year to accommodate COVID-19 restrictions. Bentleyville organizers and Duluth city leaders made the announcement during a Wednesday afternoon press conference at Bayfront Festival Park. According to Bentleyville owner Nathan Bentley while many aspects of the beloved annual lights display will stay the…