Minnesota

Duluth Police Chief: Several Fourth of July Incidents Involving Guns

DULUTH, Minn. — Duluth police responded to three incidents involving guns on the Fourth of July, according to Chief Mike Tusken. In one incident, police responded to shots fired in Lincoln Park. Officers found the address where it happened, and negotiated with the suspect to surrender for over an hour. They took the suspect into custody, and also executed a…

Wildfires in Superior National Forest, BWCA on Fourth of July

MINNESOTA — According to the U.S. Fire Service, multiple wildfires burned in the Superior National Forest and BWCA on the Fourth of July. In the Superior National Forest, four wildfires were reported in the west area. Three wildfires were reported in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness within St. Louis County, as well as another fire outside of the Boundary…

Campgrounds Are Helping People Escape Impacts Of The Pandemic

"We're very pleasantly pleased and surprised that people are coming from so many places," said Penmarallter Campground's Owner Pennie Burton.

TWO HARBORS, Minn. – The Covid-19 crisis may still have a grip on the entire world, but campgrounds like Penmarallter in Two Harbors is giving people a chance to escape that reality. Tucked away behind a busy highway, you can find Penmarallter Campground. “This campground is absolutely beautiful and we enjoy it,” said Kit Hautamaki. It’s quiet and quaint, which…

Park Point Residents Host Rummage Sale

DULUTH, Minn. – A 20 family rummage sale is being held during the 4th of July weekend. It offers the chance for people to shop while still maintaining good social distancing practices. While shoppers are required to wear a mask, organizers say Northlanders are showing their appreciation for having the sale. “They all miss going to garage sales. They miss…

Veterinarians Talk Pet Safety During 4th of July Weekend

A high percentage of pets face anxiety from the noise associated with fireworks every Independence Day.

SUPERIOR, Wis. – The 4th of July may not be your pets favorite holiday. A high percentage of pets face anxiety from the noise associated with fireworks every Independence Day. For those who don’t have a plan in place for the day, veterinarians say the best thing pet owners can do is provide some love and toys to keep them…

Essentia, St. Lukes Speak Out in Favor of Duluth’s Proposed Mask Ordinance

DULUTH, Minn. – Both Essentia Health and St. Luke’s are speaking out in favor of Duluth’s proposed ordinance that would require masks to be worn in many public indoor spaces. St. Luke’s sent a letter to the Duluth City Council. It reads in part: “Many people are weary of COVID-19 and all the changes that have come with it. It’s…

Two People Injured in Jet Ski Accident

FRENCH TOWNSHIP, Minn. – Two people were injured in a jet ski accident Friday afternoon on Little Sturgeon Lake in French Township. According to the St. Louis County Sheriff’s Office, a 38-year-old man and a 34-year-old woman from Hibbing were riding on a jet ski traveling eastbound on the lake. A second jet ski driven by a 37-year-old Chisholm man…

Walz Asks Trump for ‘Major Disaster’ Aid Following Unrest

Estimates of the total damage exceed $500 million.

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) – Gov. Tim Walz has requested federal money to help Minnesota rebuild and repair fire damage from the unrest that followed George Floyd’s death. Walz asked President Donald Trump to declare a “major disaster” because of extensive damage to public infrastructure following the death of Floyd on May 25 after a white Minneapolis police officer pressed…

Lifeguards Return To Park Point Beach

Lifeguards will only staff Park Point Beach from July 10th through Labor Day.

DULUTH, Minn. – Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the city had to put a pause on the use of lifeguards at park point beach. Now the city is partnering with the Duluth Area YMCA to bring those lifeguards back. Starting from July 10 until Labor Day the lifeguards will return to Park Point Beach. The Duluth Area YMCA is in…

Homeless Rate Goes Up In St. Louis County

Last year more than 500 people in the county said they were experiencing homelessness, but this year, it's up to 600 people.

DULUTH, Minn. – A study completed by St. Louis County in January uncovered an increase in the number of people dealing with homelessness The County conducts what it calls the “Point in Time” survey every year. This year, surveyors found that homeless people living in shelters or on the streets jumped by nearly 20% compared to last year. The study…

Blasting Off for the Fourth with Delicious Desserts by Sweet Exchange

Cooking Connection: Sweet Exchange Fourth of July Cupcakes

DULUTH, Minn. – Independence Day is right around the corner, and you can’t forget dessert on the picnic table! In this week’s Cooking Connection, Lisa Quarles, pastry chef and owner of Sweet Exchange, teaches FOX 21’s Brett Scott how to make and decorate the company’s mouthwatering cupcakes. They’re red velvet with chocolate frosting, topped with a swirl of Sweet Exchange…

Local Musician, Disability Rights Advocate Writes to Duluth Council in Favor of Mask Mandate

Gaelynn Lea says she feels requiring masks indoors is a logical first step for Duluth.

DULUTH, Minn.- A local musician and outspoken advocate for people with disabilities is voicing her support of the City Council approving a mask-mandate in public buildings. Gaelynn Lea recently wrote to Mayor Emily Larson and also the City Council urging them to require mask-wearing in the city. She said people who don’t wear a mask in public create a serious…

Lake Avenue Restaurant and Bar Voluntarily Closes After Staff Member Tests Positive for COVID-19

DULUTH, Minn.– Lake Avenue Restaurant and Bar in Duluth announced Wednesday they are voluntarily closing, explaining that staff has been exposed to a person with COVID-19. It’s also located in Canal Park, where the popular tourist destination has been seeing bigger crowds over the last few weeks. After a number of bars and restaurants in Superior closed yesterday due to…

Duluth Authorities Search for Suspected Naked Man in Sewers

DULUTH, Minn.– A suspected naked man led authorities on a search effort in the downtown Duluth sewer system Wednesday. The Duluth Fire Department got the call for help at 12:17 p.m. about a man who reportedly was crawling into a sewer near the DTA Transit Center at 3rd Avenue West. Multiple agencies responded, looking through pipes and manholes. A remote…

Wild State Cider Expands

Patrons are welcome into the taproom during the process.

DULUTH, Minn. – It’s been more than a year since Wild State Cider in Duluth opened its doors for the first time. Now it’s expanding. The popular cidery is extending its existing space to make room for six new tanks. A new canning line has already been added and some other building upgrades are taking place. Wild State distributes its…

Emergency Ordinance Proposal Could Require Everyone To Wear Masks Indoors

As an effort to ensure mass compliance with this proposed ordinance Essentia Health has offered to donate 20,000 masks to the public.

DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth City Council is proposing an emergency ordinance to require everyone to wear masks while indoors From a statistical standpoint, many health officials believe wearing masks is a no brainer. As the number of Covid-19 cases keeps fluctuating daily around the nation, it can be difficult to see an end to the pandemic. Health experts believe…

Lake Avenue Restaurant and Bar Temporarily Closing After Employee Tests Positive for COVID-19

(photo courtesy: Facebook/Lake Avenue Restaurant and Bar) DULUTH, Minn. – Lake Avenue Restaurant and Bar announced on Wednesday they will be closing temporarily due to an employee testing positive for COVID-19. In a recent Facebook post, the restaurant wrote, “We are focusing right now on ensuring that the rest of our employees get tested. We continue to follow the cleaning…

Authorities Respond to Reports of Man in Duluth Sewer System, No one Located in Search

DULUTH, Minn. – Authorities in Duluth say they have ended their search for a person that allegedly crawled into the sewer system near the downtown area Wednesday afternoon. A city spokesperson says the Duluth Fire Department received a call around 12:17 p.m. reporting a man that was seen crawling into a sewer pipe around South 3rd Avenue West and I-35….

Pharmaceutical Industry Sues to Block Minnesota Insulin Law

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) — The drug industry is suing to overturn a Minnesota law that took effect Wednesday that requires them to provide emergency and longer-term insulin supplies to diabetics who can’t afford them. The Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America, also known as PhRMA, filed a lawsuit in federal court in Minnesota late Tuesday, just hours before the…

Updated COVID-19 Numbers: Wednesday, July 1

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Minnesota health officials reported 36,716 confirmed COVID-19 cases in the state Wednesday morning and 4 new deaths bringing the death total to 1,445 in Minnesota. According to the Minnesota Department of Health website, 617,107 tests have been completed to date. There are 31,947 patients who no longer require isolation. So far, 4,081 patients have required hospitalization…

Trial Date Set for Former Minneapolis Officers Charged in George Floyd’s Death

(from left, Derek Chauvin, Tuo Thao, Thomas Lane, and J. Alexander Kueng) MINNEAPOLIS (FOX 9) – A Hennepin County District Court Judge Peter Cahill has set the date for the first trial of the four former Minneapolis police officers charged in the death of George Floyd as well as other deadlines in the case. The first trial will commence on March 8, 2021, at…

Lake Superior Zoo Launches Phase Two of Reopening, Membership Drive Extended

Starting Thursday, July 2, Lake Superior Zoo will Welcome Back Visitors to Indoor Exhibits

DULUTH, Minn. – The call of the wild is calling Northlanders back to the Lake Superior Zoo amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Starting Thursday, July 2, the zoo will begin phase two in the reopening process. This will allow visitors to once again check out indoor exhibits, just in time for the Fourth of July holiday weekend. “We’re just really excited…

University of Minnesota: 7 Students Test COVID-19 Positive

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — The University of Minnesota said Tuesday that seven athletes from “multiple sports” have tested positive for the coronavirus. The Gopher Athletics Department conducted 170 COVID-19 tests during June, and seven athletes tested positive. The school said students who test positive are entered into a protocol and asked to self-isolate. Those students will have access to all necessary…

Former Hermantown Police Chief, Sons Among Injured In Hit-And-Run; Suspect Charged

Complaint: Suspect Rodney Scandin Jr. of Two Harbors drank two beers and got distracted before crash.

DULUTH, Minn. – A Two Harbors man was charged in St. Louis County Court Tuesday after a hit-and-run in Midway Township Friday that seriously injured five people — one of them critically. Suspect Rodney Scandin Rodney Scandin Jr., 35, of Two Harbors is charged with five felonies and a misdemeanor, including Criminal Vehicular Operation leading to bodily harm while also leaving…

Longview Tennis Club Resumes Operations

"I think tennis is for everybody. You don't have to be a professional at it."

DULUTH, Minn. – “I think tennis is for everybody. You don’t have to be a professional at it,” Longview Tennis Manager, Kirk Summers says. Whether you’re an ammeter or an expert, there’s no questioning how good it feels to get back outside. “We know we don’t have many days like this which is nice to come down and play outdoors,”…

Tutors Wanted For Duluth Area Schools

The deadline to apply is July 29th.

DULUTH, Minn. – As the Covid-19 crisis has already thrown a curveball in the way students receive their education there is a growing need to help students struggling with math are reading. The Math and Reading Corp of Minnesota is hoping to help fill those gaps. The organization is looking to hire nearly 2,000 tutors across the state and about…

Propane Prices Are Beginning To Go Up

In the last few months, the cost of propane has jumped by 30 cents.

DULUTH, Minn. – At the start of the pandemic, the cost for fuel and other energy resources dropped drastically. But as the world inches closer to an economic recovery those prices are steadily climbing. Fuel companies like Superior Fuel in Duluth are now urging their customers to take advantage of the low pricing while it lasts. In recent weeks, the…

ER Visits For Heart Attack, Stroke, And Diabetic Issues Drop During Pandemic

A national study found that visits for heart attack or stroke were down by at least 20% between March and May.

DULUTH, Minn. – Hospitals around the nation are experiencing declines in emergency room visits that are not Covid-19 related, but is a direct impact of the pandemic. A study conducted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is showing a noticeable drop in emergency room visits for people suffering from heart attacks, strokes, and those living with uncontrolled diabetes….

North Shore Scenic Railroad Poised to Reopen

DULUTH, Minn. – The North Shore Scenic Railroad and Lake Superior Railroad Museum are set to reopen on Wednesday. The two will open together after being shut down for several months allowing directors to take a look at other attractions open around the country to see what was working for them. Now, with an increased emphasis in safety and touchless…

University of Minnesota, Edina, Rochester Adopt Face Mask Requirements

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — The University of Minnesota as well as the cities of Edina and Rochester have new requirements on wearing face masks in public places as the number of coronavirus cases and deaths continue to climb in Minnesota. University officials sent an e-mail to students Monday announcing that beginning Wednesday, all faculty, students, and visitors to the campuses will…

Two Harbors Man Charged With Hit-and-Run

TWO HARBORS, Minn. – A Two Harbors man has been charged with five felonies and a misdemeanor stemming from a Friday hit-and-run accident at an intersection in Midway Township. 35-year-old Rodney Drake Scandin, Jr. is charged with two counts of criminal vehicular operation causing great bodily harm – driver who causes collision leaves scene, three counts of criminal vehicular operation…

Updated COVID-19 Numbers: Tuesday, June 30

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Minnesota health officials reported 36,303 confirmed COVID-19 cases in the state Tuesday morning and 6 new deaths bringing the death total to 1,441 in Minnesota. According to the Minnesota Department of Health website, 605,316 tests have been completed to date. There are 31,601 patients who no longer require isolation. So far, 4,054 patients have required hospitalization…

Stokke’s Liquor Expands to Lakeside Neighborhood

Stokke's Liquor Store in Lakeside is located at 5631 East Superior Street. 

DULUTH, Minn. – After decades of being a dry neighborhood, there’s now an additional liquor store in Duluth’s Lakeside neighborhood. “I know that for a really long time, Lakeside didn’t have a liquor store. So it’s kind of cool to open in a certain period of time,” assistant manager of Stokke’s Liquor Store Destanie Michelizzi said. Stokke’s Liquor Store expanded…

New Owner of Greysolon Plaza Says Much Will Remain the Same

Historic downtown building sold for $17.45 Million.

DULUTH, Minn. – The Greysolon Plaza located in downtown Duluth has been sold to Orbach Affordable Housing Solutions for a reported $17.45 million. JLL Capital Markets announced the sale on Monday between Sherman Associates and Orbach Affordable Housing Solutions, based out of New Jersey. The Plaza currently offers 150 one-bedroom affordable housing apartments, along with the Greysolon Ballroom and Black…

UMD To Require Masks On Campus While Indoors Starting July 1

DULUTH, Minn. – The University of Minnesota announced Monday that starting July 1, it will require all students, staff and visitors to wear a mask while in any indoor or enclosed space on campus. In an email sent to staff and students, officials wrote that “We now know that wearing a face covering provides valuable, albeit imperfect, protection against the spread…

Fireworks Disturbances Creating Need To Warn About The Dangers

Duluth Police officers have answered nearly one hundred fireworks-related calls since June 1st.

DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth Police Department is seeing an uptick in calls for fireworks disturbances. As those calls increase, the Duluth Fire Department is looking to remind fireworks users about the potential dangers and the importance of safety. As the Fourth of July inches closer, the use of illegal fireworks around Duluth has increased drastically compared to the same…

Virtual Driver’s Education Courses Helps Get Teens Prepared For The Road

Young drivers are required to take 30 hours of classroom instruction, but the pandemic has put limitations on in-person classes.

DULUTH, Minn. – Many teens hoping to begin the process of getting their driver’s license, may have thought they lost their chance this year, as the Covid-19 pandemic continues. Fortunately, a local driving school is offering virtual driver’s education courses, so those teens get that opportunity. Northern Lights Driver Education is accepting sign-ups for its upcoming virtual class. The course…

Judge Warns of Possible Move of Trial in George Floyd Death

(Hennepin County Sheriff’s Office via AP) MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — A Minnesota judge on Monday warned that he’s likely to move the trials of four police officers charged in George Floyd’s death out of Minneapolis if public officials and attorneys don’t stop talking about the case. Hennepin County Judge Peter Cahill stopped short of issuing a gag order on attorneys, but…

Updated COVID-19 Numbers: Monday, June 29

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Minnesota health officials reported 35,861 confirmed COVID-19 cases in the state Monday morning and 10 new deaths bringing the death total to 1,435 in Minnesota. According to the Minnesota Department of Health website, 592,955 tests have been completed to date. There are 31,225 patients who no longer require isolation. So far, 4,031 patients have required hospitalization…

Four Ex-Officers due Back in Court in George Floyd’s Death

(from left, Derek Chauvin, Tuo Thao, Thomas Lane, and J. Alexander Kueng) MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — The four former Minneapolis police officers charged in the death of George Floyd are due in court Monday for a hearing that could deal with bail amounts and other issues. It’s the second pretrial hearing for the men, who were fired after Floyd’s May 25…