Minnesota

Healthpartners Suspends Recruiting in COVID-19 Vaccine Trial

BLOOMINGTON, Minn. (AP) — A Minnesota health care provider has suspended its successful recruitment of participants in a coronavirus vaccine trial while its maker investigates whether a recipient’s “potentially unexplained” illness is a side effect of the shot. The trial led by AstraZeneca and Oxford University was suspended while a review is underway of a participant in the United Kingdom…

COVID-19 Case Confirmed At Esko High School

ESKO, Minn. – Esko High School’s first day of in-person classes has come with a positive case of COVID-19. In an email to parents Tuesday afternoon, the district said a person with a positive test was in Esko High School Tuesday, Sept. 8. The district said it will clean and disinfect the school to control the spread of the virus,…

DECC Stage Set for Donald Trump Jr.’s Visit — With COVID-19 Restrictions

The Trump Campaign and Secret Service conducted a site visit and agreed to all rules in place.

DULUTH, Minn.- The stage is set in Duluth to welcome Donald Trump Jr. to the DECC Wednesday for a “Make America Great Again” event. In the ballroom where the President’s son will speak, a maximum of 250 people are allowed inside including campaign staff per Governor Tim Walz’s order during the pandemic. Seats are six feet apart, masks are required,…

Health Officials Stress Importance of Influenza Vaccine as Flu Season Looms Ahead

The CDC says they have developed a test that will check for seasonal flu viruses, and the virus that causes COVID-19. 

DULUTH, Minn.- While the COVID-19 pandemic has been the most prominent public health concern since march, each winter brings a new flu season. Which is why officials are urging people to get vaccinated. “Now is the time to get it,” stressed Diane Seiloff, Adult Services Coordinator for St. Louis County Public Health. Generally, flu symptoms include a fever, cough, sore…

A COVID-19 Inspired Exhibit Headed For UMD’s Tweed Museum of Art

The exhibition will showcase the art of more than a half dozen local artists.

DULUTH, Minn. – A COVID-19 pandemic inspired exhibit is coming to UMD’s Tweed Museum of Art. The exhibition is titled “Creating Apart.” It will showcase the art of more than a half dozen local artists. Each piece of artwork will also tell the artists stories and how the pandemic has impacted them differently. By sharing this artwork the exhibit’s curator…

The EPA Awards Funding To Restore Environmental Areas Of Concern In Twin Ports

"When you clean up the water, remove the contamination, and restore the habitat, it is an immediate benefit for the environment and the community," said Kurt Thiede, Regional Administrator for the EPA.

SUPERIOR, Wis. – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced it will be providing nearly $14 million in funding to help rehabilitate environmental areas of concern along the St. Louis River and the Great Lakes. The financial support is part of the EPA’s five-year plan to restore environments within the great lakes. The St. Louis River in the Twin Ports has…

Winona State University Self-Quarantines Campus for 2 Weeks

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Winona State University quarantined itself for two weeks starting Tuesday amid the increasing spread of the coronavirus on the southeastern Minnesota campus. “The university is not currently aware of any serious illness related to COVID-19 within the WSU community,” the school’s president, Scott R. Olson, said in a statement. “However, we are seeing an increase in asymptomatic…

Priest Tapped as Duluth Bishop Resigns Amid Sexual Abuse Allegation

DULUTH, Minn. (AP) — A priest recently tapped by Pope Francis to become a bishop for a northern Minnesota diocese has resigned after an allegation of sexual abuse of a minor surfaced before he could take up his post. The Vatican announced without details on Monday that Francis had accepted the resignation of Bishop-elect Michel Mulloy, who was named by…

Essentia Health: Hermantown Urgent Care Closed Until Further Notice

HERMANTOWN, Minn. – Essentia Health announced on Tuesday that the Hermantown Urgent Care has closed until further notice. The Essentia Health – Hermantown Clinic remains open and is available for walk-in care. Essentia did not specify the reason for the sudden closure, but we will continue to update this story as more information becomes available.   Categories: Minnesota, News, News…

Updated COVID-19 Numbers: Tuesday, September 8

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Minnesota health officials reported 81,608 confirmed COVID-19 cases in the state Tuesday morning and 2 new deaths bringing the death total to 1,862 in Minnesota. According to the Minnesota Department of Health website, 1,616,738 tests have been completed to date. There are 74,235 patients who no longer require isolation. So far, 6,760 patients have required hospitalization…

Nominate a Northland Family in Need for This Year’s ‘Best Christmas Ever’ Giveaway

'Best Christmas Ever' Nominations Will Remain Open Through Nov. 15, 2020

DULUTH, Minn. – Best Christmas Ever is a non-profit organization working to partner with business leaders and communities across the country to lift up families who have fallen on difficult times due to health conditions and other life challenges. The vision of Best Christmas Ever started when Co-Founder Don Liimatainen began battling Ulcerative Colitis in 2010. It was Christmas Eve,…

Gun Sales Up, Ammunition Supplies Limited in Minnesota

(AP Photo/Alan Diaz, File) MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Gun dealers in Minnesota attribute a surge in firearms sales to anxiety over the coronavirus, civil unrest, and the uncertainties involving the presidential race. The National Shooting Sports Foundation says there were about 21,900 background checks for gun purchases in Minnesota in August of 2019. This year, there were nearly 35,000 in the…

Bishop-Elect Resigns Amid Sexual Abuse Allegation

A priest recently tapped by Pope Francis to be made a bishop for a Minnesota diocese has resigned after an allegation of sexual abuse of a minor surfaced before he could take up his post.

VATICAN CITY (AP) — A priest recently tapped by Pope Francis to be made a bishop for a Minnesota diocese has resigned after an allegation of sexual abuse of a minor surfaced before he could take up his post. The Vatican announced without giving details on Monday that Francis had accepted the resignation of the Bishop-elect Michel Mulloy, who was…

ATV Passenger Dies After Collision with Car

CARLTON COUNTY, Minn. — A 31-year-old woman has died in a hospital after she was involved in a crash between an ATV and a car on Saturday. According to the Carlton County Sherriff’s Office, the collision happened around 3 p.m. east of Moose Lake. The ATV was riding along the Soo Trail when it traveled into the trail’s intersection with…

OMC Smokehouse Shuts Doors Temporarily After Employee Tests Positive for COVID-19

The restaurant says they will be identifying anyone who may have been in contact with the employee and encourage them to get tested.

  DULUTH, Minn. — A popular restaurant in Duluth’s Lincoln Park Neighborhood, OMC Smokehouse is closing temporarily due to an employee testing positive for COVID-19 Sunday. “We are just working on trying to understand this and trying to do it the right way,” said owner Tom Hanson. In a post on their Facebook page Sunday, OMC Smokehouse said they will…

Duluth Police Arrest 24-Year-Old Male in Friday Night Shooting, Victim Condition Unknown

DULUTH, Minn.- According to the Duluth Police Department, on Friday night officers responded to a shooting in the area of the 200 Block of 70th Ave. W, adding to the 14 shootings in Duluth in the past two months that have resulted in injuries. Authorities say officers responded to a call at 10:25 p.m. Upon arrival they learned two males,…

Iron Range Community Honors 15-Year-Old Alaric Lamke

A Celebration of Life is Happening Saturday, Sept. 5 at Miners Memorial Building in Virginia

VIRGINIA, Minn. – The Iron Range community is mourning the loss of one of their own as they prepare to say a final farewell Saturday, Sept. 5. On Saturday, Aug. 29, in the blink of an eye, 15-year-old Alaric Lamke of Britt, Minnesota, lost his life after an accident involving a skid steer. Now Alaric’s family and friends are looking…

Labor Day Gas Prices May Hit Lowest Since 2004

The lowest price per gallon since 2004 was $1.82 according to Gas Buddy.

DULUTH, Minn. – Gas prices may be the lowest they’ve been in over a decade just in time for those Labor Day travelers. According to Gas Buddy, fuel prices during Labor Day are expected to be the lowest since 2004. Experts are predicting the national price per gallon for gas to hit $2.19. This is down by nearly 40% from…

Health Officials Reminding Folks Of The Potential COVID-19 Risks During Labor Day

DULUTH, Minn. — Although celebrating the Labor Day holiday is often a way to take a break and say goodbye to summer, St. Louis County health officials are urging folks to use caution when participating in holiday gatherings. Labor day is typically a holiday where people celebrate with barbecues and other social events., but attending these types of gatherings can…

Labor Day Travelers Still Find A Way To Celebrate

DULUTH, Minn. – Labor day may feel a little different this year, but many travelers across the Northland are looking to celebrate the best way they know how. I’m going to hang out with some family and friends. Possibly do some four-wheeling,’  said Andre Jackson. Pequot Lakes resident Sarah Dawdy said “we have visitors here from central Illinois. They have…

Minnesota Starts Paying $300 a Week Unemployment Boost

ST. PAUL, Minn. (FOX 9) – Minnesota started paying the $300 a week boost in unemployment benefits to laid-off workers Friday. The payments are backdated, meaning people who were laid off from late July through late August will get up to five separate payments of $300 apiece over the next week. Minnesotans who lost work because of the coronavirus pandemic do not…

Updated COVID-19 Numbers: Friday, September 4

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Minnesota health officials reported 78,966 confirmed COVID-19 cases in the state Friday morning and 10 new deaths bringing the death total to 1,847 in Minnesota. According to the Minnesota Department of Health website, 1,558,831 tests have been completed to date. There are 70,537 patients who no longer require isolation. So far, 6,635 patients have required hospitalization…

Court Finds That Polymet’s Water Permit Issued With Proper Procedures

  ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) — A judge ruled the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency did not deviate from most of its procedures when it issued a key water quality permit for the proposed PolyMet mine project. The ruling is a victory for supporters of the state’s first copper-nickel mine and the agency, which mine opponents accused of “procedural irregularities” in…

Denfeld High School Teachers Bring A New Meaning To Welcoming Students

This year, Denfeld will be welcoming nearly 300 incoming freshmen.

DULUTH, Minn. – The class of 2024 at Denfeld High School received a welcoming like no other from their teachers. It might be the key to helping incoming freshmen feel at ease as they look forward to embracing a new normal. The 2020-2021 school year is going to look a lot different for many students in Duluth. Freshmen at Denfeld…

City Unveils Artwork At Sister Cities Park in Duluth

The art is being displayed at the Sister Cities Park until the end of next month.

DULUTH, Minn. – The City of Duluth and the city’s Public Arts Commission gathered to celebrate the unveiling of new art now being displayed in the Sister Cities Park. The piece, which is entitled the “Unweaving” took nearly a year to create. It was inspired by the suppressed stories of the artist’s maternal grandmother who is of Finnish descent. It…

Former Hermantown Teacher, Coach Accused Of Sexually Assaulting Student

A former Hermantown Middle School science teacher and junior high volleyball coach is accused of sexually assaulting a student she used to teach. Madeleine Schmaltz, 29, of Saginaw, Minnesota is charged with fourth-degree criminal sexual conduct as a “current or recent position of authority over the victim,” which is a felony. According to the criminal complaint filed in St. Louis…

Passing Of Movie Star Chadwick Boseman Sparks The Importance Of Getting Checked For Colon Cancer

more than 50,000 are expected to die from the disease in 2020.

DULUTH, Minn. – Studies from the National Cancer Institute show colon cancer is the fourth most common cancer in the U.S. and is responsible for more deaths than any other cancer besides lung cancer. Health professionals are stressing the importance of getting screened to uncover the illness in its early stages. Its been nearly a week since the passing of…

Watch Live: Duluth Police Department to Hold Press Conference Regarding Recent Shootings

DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth Police Department is holding a press conference Thursday afternoon at the Public Safety Building to discuss a string of shootings that have taken place in the area in July and August. We will also be live-streaming the 3:30 p.m. press conference on our Fox 21 Facebook page. Categories: Minnesota, News, News – Latest News

Pilot Killed in Leech Lake Plane Crash

WALKER, Minn. – Authorities say the pilot of a small plane was killed after his plane crashed in Leech Lake Tuesday evening. According to the Natchez Democrat Newspaper, 62-year-old Thomas Borum, of Mississippi, was traveling from Missouri to Bemidji for a new job. He was grounded for a short time in St. Cloud due to bad weather. The plane left…

Updated COVID-19 Numbers: Thursday, September 3

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Minnesota health officials reported 78,123 confirmed COVID-19 cases in the state Thursday morning and 7 new deaths bringing the death total to 1,837 in Minnesota. According to the Minnesota Department of Health website, 1,540,107 tests have been completed to date. There are 70,175 patients who no longer require isolation. So far, 6,592 patients have required hospitalization…

Free Water Maps Get Northlanders Out on St. Louis River Water Trail

The maps detail the St. Louis River National Water Trail.

DULUTH, Minn.- Throughout the month of September, the St. Louis River Alliance (SLRA) is helping Northlanders get out on local water trails with new full color water maps. The maps detail the St. Louis River National Water Trail, a multi-use waterway with 11 loop trails for paddlers of all skill levels and other watercraft. On Wednesday the SLRA was at…

Learn Outer-Space Sword Fighting From Earth in Duluth

Seven Dragons Martial Arts teaches South Korean Sword Fighting with lightsaber-esque equipment.

DULUTH, Minn.- Wanna-be Jedis can now travel to a galaxy far far away right in Duluth, at the Sci-Fi Battle Arena class at Seven Dragons Martial Arts. “I never thought something like this would be in Duluth so that’s why I was so excited about it,” said first-time student CJ Luke. Fitness-friendly costumes are encouraged at the class, which started…

35th Annual Duluth Rotary Rose Sale Starts Sept. 3

DULUTH, Minn. – The 35th annual Rose Sale kicks off Sept. 3 to benefit the Duluth Rotary Club’s mission of improving the lives of people in our communities. You can purchase a dozen roses for $25 through Oct. 6, which will include a coupon book for local businesses. All you have to do is call 348-ROSE or log on to…

Life House In Duluth Needs Donations

The shelter provides housing for about six to ten teens at any given time.

DULUTH, Minn. – Life House in Duluth wants your help with restocking items for its shelter. They are looking for donations of bedding and sheet sets to provide to the youth they serve. The shelter provides housing for about six to ten teens at any given time. When youth spend time at the shelter, they each get their own set…

Organizations Shed Light On National Recovery Month

The month was started to bring awareness and celebrate those in recovery from substance abuse.

DULUTH, Minn. – September is National Recovery Month. Recovery is real from many people who have dealt with substance abuse and the Thunderbird Wren Halfway House and Recovery Alliance Duluth are making sure that the journey doesn’t go unrecognized. The halfway house has been a safe haven for native and indigenous people battling with their dependence on drugs and alcohol….

COVID-19 Death Tied to Sturgis Rally Reported in Minnesota

(Amy Harris/Invision/AP) SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (AP) — A Minnesota man who attended the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally in South Dakota last month has died from COVID-19, Minnesota health officials reported on Wednesday. The death is the first reported from the biker rally that drew hundreds of thousands of people. Infections linked to the event have been reported among people in states…

Updated COVID-19 Numbers: Wednesday, September 2

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Minnesota health officials reported 77,085 confirmed COVID-19 cases in the state Wednesday morning and 7 new deaths bringing the death total to 1,830 in Minnesota. According to the Minnesota Department of Health website, 1,525,555 tests have been completed to date. There are 69,521 patients who no longer require isolation. So far, 6,566 patients have required hospitalization…

Hermantown Man Charged in Lino Lakes Homicide

LINO LAKES, Minn. (FOX 9) – A 43-year-old Hermantown, Minnesota man has been charged in a deadly shooting at a Lino Lakes home, according to the Anoka County Sheriff’s Office. Nicholas Walter Zielinski is charged with second-degree murder for the death of 22-year-old Karl Mitchell Henderson. According to the criminal complaint, on Thursday around 2:35 p.m., Lino Lakes police officers responded to a reported…

Check Your Mailbox! Bridge to Health Survey Sent to 27,000 Northland Residents

The Survey is Sent to Residents in Northeastern Minnesota and Douglas County Once Every Five Years

DULUTH, Minn. – 27,000 Northland residents will soon receive a survey in the mail from Generations Health Care Initiatives. Known as the ‘Bridge to Health Survey,’ this document helps provide vital information regarding resident’s access to healthcare throughout Northeastern Minnesota and Douglas County, Wisconsin. The comprehensive regional health status survey asks residents about health conditions, access to mental health, dental,…

Inaugural Ann Redelfs Bird Count Honors a Life Lost Too Soon

The Ann Redelfs Bird Count is Happening Sept. 1 - 10 on the Grounds of Glensheen Mansion in Duluth

DULUTH, Minn – This year’s fall bird migration comes with a special meaning for one group of avid bird counters in the Northland. Dozens will be turning their eyes to the sky with a special message for a friend who impacted so many and was taken too soon. “It’s not the best day for birding, but they will come with…

Judge Dismisses Challenge to Governor’s COVID-19 Orders

(John Autey/Pioneer Press via AP,Pool) ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) — A Ramsey County judge has dismissed a lawsuit challenging Gov. Tim Walz’s executive orders during the coronavirus pandemic. Thirteen Republican legislators and a group of businesses contended the Democratic governor abused his power and interfered with the legislative process when he limited closed schools, issued a mask mandate, and limited…

“Pilgrim” Tall Ship Attracts Many for Free Tours, Stories of Three-Year Journey

In three years the four-person crew made their way across the Atlantic and then through the Great Lakes to Duluth.

DULUTH, Minn.- The Pilgrim tall ship that arrived to Duluth Monday on a three-year journey from Russia was full of Northlanders Tuesday touring the ship, getting a taste of the sea. The Pilgrim was built in Duluth’s Sister City of Petrozavodsk, Russia in 2015. It made its way across the Atlantic and then through the Great Lakes to Duluth with…

K-9 Haas Memorial Vandalized

Scrapes were recently noticed on the plaque showing a photo of the K-9 officer.

DULUTH, Minn. – A plaque honoring K-9 Haas has been vandalized in Gary New Duluth. The memorial was placed outside the Gary New Duluth Rec Center in June of 2019 Scrapes were recently noticed on the plaque showing a photo of the K-9 officer. Members of the Gary New Duluth Board say, that although the incident is sad, Haas will…

Downtown Farmers Market Continues with Season Dwindling

The leftover produce gets donated to local food shelves.

DULUTH, Minn. – Customers were able to pick their fresh local produce grown from farmers around the area today at the downtown Duluth Farmers Market. Some vendors say, that because of the pandemic they are keeping their booths up longer through the fall to help make a profit. The leftover produce gets donated to local food shelves. “I pay for…