Minnesota

Olmsted County Resident Crowned ‘Princess Kay of the Milky Way’

19-year-old Brenna Connelly, a college student from Byron Minnesota has been crowned the 67th Princess Kay of the Milky Way.  

Photo credit: Matt Addington. BYRON, Minnesota. – Despite this year’s cancellation of the Minnesota State Fair, there’s a new princess in the land of 10,000 lakes. 19-year-old Brenna Connelly, a college student from Byron Minnesota has been crowned the 67th Princess Kay of the Milky Way. Connelly represents Minnesota’s Olmsted County. The crowning took place on Wednesday night during a…

New Scenic Cafe Hitting the Road with ‘Scenic 61’ Food Truck

Restaurant owner adds food truck to methods of staying afloat while dine-in restaurant remains closed.

DULUTH, Minn.- After months shut down due to the pandemic, food is available at New Scenic Cafe on Highway 61 again — this time on wheels, as the Scenic 61 food truck opened Wednesday. Originally set up to carry food down to the now canceled Minnesota State Fair, Scenic 61 is now carrying the business through the summer as its…

Mayor Larson: 29-Percent Voter Turnout In Duluth For Primary Election

DULUTH, Minn. – Duluth Mayor Emily Larson says Tuesday’s primary election brought out a larger number of voters than a typical primary. Larson took to Facebook Wednesday to post a video saying more than 16,000 ballots were cast in Duluth, which is a 29-percent turnout from registered voters. She says a typical primary in Duluth usually sees between a 9…

Governor Walz Extends Peacetime Emergency Powers for Another 30 Days

ST. PAUL, Minn.– Earlier today, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz announced an extension of his emergency powers that he has held since the beginning of the pandemic in March. This comes as lawmakers are in St. Paul for a third special legislative session. The governor is extending his emergency powers through September 11, streamlining the handling of the pandemic through the…

New Guidelines For Long Term Care Facilities Released By MN Dept. Of Health

DULUTH, Minn. – The Minnesota Department of Health recently released new COVID-19 guidelines for longterm care facilities in the state. Long term care centers can be in either level one or level two. Each facility must factor in if they have had a case within the last 28 days before restrictions for visitation can be relaxed. Other factors such as…

State Files Motion to Join All Four Cases in George Floyd Killing

(Hennepin County Sheriff’s Office via AP) MINNEAPOLIS (FOX 9) – The State of Minnesota filed a motion Wednesday to join the cases of the four Minneapolis police officers charged in the police killing of George Floyd into one prosecution. The move means there would be one trial for all the officers, rather than four separate trials. Floyd died on May 25 while being…

Duluth Police Respond to Shots Fired Incident in Duluth’s Central Hillside

  DULUTH, Minn. – Duluth police say officers responded to a shots fired incident Wednesday afternoon in the Central Hillside neighborhood. Police responded to the 100 Block of the West #4 alley around 12:00 p.m. and found evidence consistent with reports of shots fired in the area. According to police, one person was taken to the Essentia ER with a…

Walz Names New Budget Chief With State Facing $4.7b Deficit

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) — Gov. Tim Walz named Jim Schowalter as his new commissioner of management and budget Wednesday to replace Myron Frans, who left his administration for a senior post at the University of Minnesota. Schowalter is returning to an agency he led in Gov. Mark Dayton’s administration. He also served as budget director under Gov. Tim Pawlenty….

Updated COVID-19 Numbers: Wednesday, August 12

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Minnesota health officials reported 62,303 confirmed COVID-19 cases in the state Wednesday morning and 12 new deaths bringing the death total to 1,678 in Minnesota. According to the Minnesota Department of Health website, 1,188,288 tests have been completed to date. There are 55,855 patients who no longer require isolation. So far, 5,711 patients have required hospitalization…

Proctor Golf Course Clubhouse Temporarily Closed After Employee Tests Positive for COVID

PROCTOR, Minn. – The Proctor Golf Course has temporarily closed its clubhouse after an employee tested positive for COVID-19. The golf course made the announcement on its Facebook page Wednesday morning saying that the employee worked on August 5 from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. According to the post, the employee was asymptomatic and is “doing well.” Check-ins will be…

ATF: Fire that Destroyed St. Paul Hotel Project was Arson

(Scott Takushi/Pioneer Press via AP) ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) — A massive blaze that destroyed a hotel project under construction in downtown St. Paul was arson, authorities said. The federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives announced that determination Tuesday, along with the St. Paul Fire Department, St. Paul Police Department and Minnesota state fire marshal’s division. Investigators concluded the…

Republican Candidates Rally Supporters in Hinckley

Rep. Pete Stauber, Jason Lewis among Republican candidates to speak at rally

HINCKLEY, Minn. – Republican candidates spoke to voters at a rally in Hinckley Tuesday. Rep. Pete Stauber and senate candidate Jason Lewis were among Republicans rallying supporters to vote in the upcoming general election. Despite recent statewide races having been won by Democrats, Minnesota Republicans believe they have the momentum needed to turn the state red this fall. Rep. Pete…

Static Clean Duluth Gives Back To Non-Profits

The company is planning to offer its services to the Damiano Center next month.

DULUTH, Minn. – Static Clean Duluth is giving back to local non-profits in the area to help them stay safe during the pandemic. The company uses electrostatic technology to disinfect surfaces in establishments like bars and restaurants. Each month static clean will choose one organization to receive its service free of charge. Chester Creek Academy in Duluth is the lucky…

A 36-Year-Old Man Dies In Fire In Hillside Neighborhood

"He is going to be sadly missed. I just can't believe it. It's not real to me. It just doesn't seem real," said Amy Granholm, friend of the victim.

DULUTH, Minn. – A 36-year-old Duluth man has died after an overnight fire at an apartment building in the East Hillside neighborhood. The man has been identified as Michael Simone. Fire crews responded to the fire early Tuesday morning. They found smoke coming from the first and second floors of the apartment building where the victim lived. Before the fire…

Big Ten Postpones Fall Sports Season due to COVID-19

(AP) – The Big Ten won’t play football this fall because of concerns about COVID-19, becoming the first of college sports’ power conferences to yield to the pandemic. The move announced Tuesday comes six days after the conference that includes historic programs such as Ohio State, Michigan, Nebraska, and Penn State had released a revised conference-only schedule that it hoped…

MN Department of Health Issues Beach Advisory Alert

TWO HARBORS, Minn. – Lake advisories have been put in place today by the MN Department of Health for two Two Harbors beaches. According to the advisory, the Agate Bay Beach and Burlington Bay Beach have a ‘water contact not recommended’ alert in place until further notice. The advisory was put into place due to elevated E.coli bacteria that were…

Minnesota to Open Nursing Home Visitation During Pandemic

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) — Long-term care facilities in Minnesota soon will be allowed to open up more to visitors during the coronavirus pandemic but will have to follow the state’s strict guidance. The Minnesota Department of Health on Monday outlined the new visitation guidelines, which take effect Aug. 29. The guidance includes several factors, such as the latest COVID-19…

Updated COVID-19 Numbers: Tuesday, August 11

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Minnesota health officials reported 61,839 confirmed COVID-19 cases in the state Tuesday morning and 6 new deaths bringing the death total to 1,666 in Minnesota. According to the Minnesota Department of Health website, 1,177,935 tests have been completed to date. There are 55,151 patients who no longer require isolation. So far, 5,661 patients have required hospitalization…

Morning Update 8-11-20

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Tuesday, August 11, 2020

Join FOX 21’s Arman Rahman and Meteorologist William Seay for a local look at news and weather making headlines Tuesday, August 11, 2020. Have a great day! Categories: Community, Minnesota, News, News – Latest News

City of Duluth, DECC Cancel Labor Day Weekend Fireworks

DULUTH, Minn. – The City of Duluth, in partnership with the DECC, announced on Tuesday that the Labor Day weekend fireworks display has been canceled. In May, the city announced that the annual Fourth of July fireworks at Bayfront Park would be postponed until Labor Day due to COVID-19 concerns. “When we postponed the Independence Day fireworks earlier this year,…

Early Morning Duluth Fire Leaves One Man Dead

DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth Fire Department says one man is dead after an early morning fire in the Duluth East Hillside neighborhood. Fire crews responded to a fire at an eight-unit apartment building on East 3rd Street just after 2:30 a.m. Tuesday. When crews arrived on the scene they found smoke coming from the first and second floors of…

Virtual Roundtable Gives Insight On Joe Biden’s Plans For Manufacturing Industry

DULUTH, Minn. – Democratic Senators Amy Klobuchar and Tammy Baldwin for Minnesota and Wisconsin hosted a virtual roundtable discussion to speak on presidential candidate Joe Biden’s “Build Back Better” initiative. It is a plan to help revitalize manufacturing in Wisconsin, Minnesota, and across the nation. In the discussion, both senators explained how this is Biden’s effort to create millions of new…

Youth Singing Camp Gives Hope

DULUTH, Minn. – Several kids in Duluth learned how to make beautiful sounds with their voices during the Lake Superior Youth Chorus’ “Summer Sing” camp. Youth singers learned basic music concepts and movement-based activities to help them develop their voices. This year students were required to wear face masks and to social distance. The theme for this week’s group of…

Safety Protocols Put In Place For Primary Elections

DULUTH, Minn. – In the midst of the uncertain times of the pandemic, the primary elections in Minnesota and Wisconsin must carry on. On Tuesday, voters will be heading to the polls for these elections. Duluth city officials are spreading the word on what to look out for as this year’s primary might look a little different. The city has…

Spirit Mountain Executive Director, General Manager Resign

DULUTH, Minn. – Spirit Mountain’s Executive Director and General Manager have resigned. The Spirit Mountain Recreation Area Authority made the announcement on Monday that Executive Director Brandy Ream and her husband General Manager Jody Ream have resigned but will complete their employment through the end of August. “On behalf of the board, we would like to thank the Ream’s for…

Duluth Fall Wedding Show Postponed due to COVID-19

DULUTH, Minn. – The Lundeen Group announced on Monday afternoon that the Duluth Fall Wedding Show has been postponed due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. The show, originally scheduled to take place on September 20, has now been moved to September 19, 2021. “We have reviewed the latest State of Minnesota guidelines regarding the COVID-19 pandemic and, as it stands…

Esko Woman Charged With Felony Assault After Attacking Mom With Hammer

ESKO, Minn. – An Esko woman is facing felony assault charges after attacking her mother with a hammer last week. According to the criminal complaint, while being arrested in Minneapolis on Thursday 35-year-old Amber Rae Stonemark told arresting officers that she had attacked her mother with a hammer at her home the night before. The Carlton County Sheriff’s Office and…

Updated COVID-19 Numbers: Monday, August 10

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Minnesota health officials reported 61,516 confirmed COVID-19 cases in the state Monday morning and 3 new deaths bringing the death total to 1,660 in Minnesota. According to the Minnesota Department of Health website, 1,172,118 tests have been completed to date. There are 54,364 patients who no longer require isolation. So far, 5,606 patients have required hospitalization…

Back-to-Back Deployments for Minnesota National Guard Unit

STILLWATER, Minn. (AP) – One of the first Minnesota National Guard units to respond to unrest following George Floyd’s death in Minneapolis is headed out on a new mission. The Stillwater-based 34th Military Police Company is deploying on a yearlong mission to provide security at Guantanamo Bay Naval Base. A send-off ceremony Sunday at the Stillwater armory was scaled back…

Morning Update 8-10-20

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Monday, August 10, 2020

Join FOX 21’s Arman Rahman and Meteorologist William Seay for a local look at news and weather making headlines Monday, August 10, 2020. Have a great day! Categories: Community, Minnesota, News, News – Latest News

Douglas County Humane Society Seeking Donations

The Douglas County Humane Society has received even more Saint Bernard lab mix puppies

SUPERIOR, Wisc. –  The Douglas County Humane Society has received even more Saint Bernard lab mix puppies. This litter of nine, fourteen week old puppies are part of the same batch that came from a Douglas County Residence due to not spaying or neutering. In total, the humane society will receive 30 dogs from the residence. Even though some of…

Cofounder of Grandma’s Restaurant in Canal Park Dies

Mick Paulucci 2019 (Facebook) DULUTH, Minn. – The co-founder of Grandma’s Saloon & Grill in Canal Park died over the weekend. Michael Paulucci, who was known to many as Mick, died Saturday morning. He had underlying health issues and was fighting COVID-19, according to Grandma’s Restaurant Company President Brian Daugherty. Paulucci, who is the son of the late Duluth businessman…

Two children injured after fall at Gooseberry Falls

Life Link flew in two helicopters to Gooseberry Falls in Lake County Saturday afternoon after two children got injured during a fall. The Lake County Sheriff’s Office says the accident happened around 3 p.m. Officials say the children fell into the Gooseberry River and then over the falls. They were transported to a hospital in Duluth. The conditions and ages…

New Boat, Minnesota-Themed Retail Store Opens in Duluth’s Lincoln Park

DULUTH, Minn.- A new retail store held its grand opening in Duluth’s Lincoln Park neighborhood Saturday. The blast of a real ship’s foghorn signaled the opening of Boathouse Treats and Treasures. The store is packed with vintage books and home goods, along with some nautical and Minnesota-themed knick knacks. Owner Beth Petrowske, a former public affairs official for MnDOT, said…

Boy Scouts Build Bat Houses To Help Declining Bat Population in Northern Minnesota

Bats are a crucial part of the Northern Minnesota ecosystem.

HERMANTOWN, Minn.- Boy Scouts at the Voyageurs Area Council partnered with the Sustainable Forestry Initiative and Minnesota Power to start making 70 houses for a different type of resident in need — bats. “It’s kind of a little condo for bats,” said Michael Jenkins, Scout Executive. The sound of machines cutting wood and the smell of fresh wet paint are…

Governor Tim Walz Sheds Light On Making Masks Available Across The State

Second Harvest will be distributing hundreds of faces masks to more than 30 food shelves in northern Minnesota.

DULUTH, Minn. – Minnesota Governor Tim Walz visited the Second Harvest Food Bank in Duluth on Friday to shed light on how the state is using food distribution organizations to get thousands of reusable masks into the hands of Minnesotans in need. Mask wearing is widely considered to be one of the keys to slowing the spread of the Coronavirus….

Real Estate Company Makes Donation To Help Fight Food Insecurities

DULUTH, Minn. – Food insecurity is becoming one of the biggest disparities impacting the Northland. A local real estate agency is taking the initiative to help fight the growing number of people missing out on their next meal. today… Real Living Messina and Associates in Duluth presented the Damiano Center with a check to help its continued effort to feed…

Essentia Health Center for Personal Fitness to Require Masks Full-Time

(courtesy: Essentia Health) DULUTH, Minn. – Effective Saturday Essentia Health will begin requiring masks at the Center for Personal Fitness at the Miller Hill Health Plaza. Essentia says they will require masks to be worn by members and staff at all times at the facility. “Two of the most effective ways of keeping people healthy are to wear masks and…

Protesters sue Minneapolis Over ‘Unreasonable and Excessive’ Use of Force

MINNEAPOLIS (FOX 9) – A group of protesters is filing a class-action lawsuit against the City of Minneapolis for the use of “unreasonable and excessive shows of force” during peaceful demonstrations in the days following George Floyd’s death. The lawsuit, which was filed in federal court Thursday also names Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey and Minneapolis Police Chief Medaria Arradondo as defendants. According to the…

Updated COVID-19 Numbers: Friday, August 7

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Minnesota health officials reported 59,185 confirmed COVID-19 cases in the state Friday morning and 4 new deaths bringing the death total to 1,640 in Minnesota. According to the Minnesota Department of Health website, 1,121,299 tests have been completed to date. There are 51,940 patients who no longer require isolation. So far, 5,458 patients have required hospitalization…

“Black Is Beautiful” Beer Debuts At Bent Paddle

The new beer flavor is being shared to shed light on injustice impacting people of color.

DULUTH, Minn. – Bent Paddle Brewing Company in Duluth is bringing awareness to injustices impacting people of color. The brewery is collaborating with more than 1,000 other breweries in the nation by creating their own version of a beer called “Black is Beautiful.” The beer is an imperial stout with hints of chocolate and roasted coffee. The original recipe was…

30 Family Members in Minnesota Contract COVID-19 Following Funeral

LAKE PARK, Minn. (AP) — Thirty grieving members of a family in a small northwestern Minnesota town have contracted the coronavirus after attending a funeral for a loved one. The family of 78-year-old Francis Perreault gathered at the Catholic church in the Becker County community of Lake Park in mid-July to celebrate his life. Yet despite wearing masks and taking…

Suspect Arrested in Carlton County Assault

The victim and the suspect had known each other. 

CARLTON, Minn. – On Thursday night just before one o’clock, State Patrol Officers and the Carlton County Sheriff’s Office responded to a welfare check at a Thompson Township residence. A seriously injured adult female was located at the address. It was determined that she was the victim of an assault. Multiple fire departments and Life Link Air Ambulance were involved in…

‘Fill The Boot’ Fundraiser Going Virtual

With the fundraiser normally taking place on the sidewalks throughout Duluth, they will now be doing it virtually.

DULUTH, Minn. – Local fire departments participating in their annual ‘fill the boot’ campaign will be doing things a bit differently this year. Because of Covid-19, the Duluth Fire department couldn’t find a way to space people out. With the fundraiser normally taking place on the sidewalks throughout Duluth, they will now be doing it virtually. With all of the…