Minnesota

Duluth Firefighter Cited in Woman’s Assault Placed on Paid Leave

  DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth firefighter cited for assaulting a woman on a Duluth trail last week has been placed on paid administrative leave. Assault victim According to Duluth Fire Chief Shawn Krizaj, Conrad Sunde, 48, was put on paid leave on Monday, July 13 pending the results of an internal investigation. According to police reports, the incident happened…

Watch Live: Floyd Family Sues Minneapolis Officers Charged in his Death

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Attorneys for George Floyd’s family have filed a lawsuit against the city of Minneapolis and the four police officers charged in his death. The lawsuit filed Wednesday in U.S. District Court in Minnesota alleges that the officers violated Floyd’s rights when they restrained him and that the city allowed a culture of excessive force, racism and impunity…

Updated COVID-19 Numbers: Wednesday, July 15

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Minnesota health officials reported 43,742 confirmed COVID-19 cases in the state Wednesday morning and 8 new deaths bringing the death total to 1,518 in Minnesota. According to the Minnesota Department of Health website, 790,497 tests have been completed to date. There are 38,179 patients who no longer require isolation. So far, 4,495 patients have required hospitalization…

Black Bear Casino Now Smoke Free

(courtesy: Facebook/The Official Black Bear Casino Resort) CLOQUET, Minn. – Black Bear Casino says they are now 100 percent smoke-free. The casino announced in a Facebook post on Tuesday that beginning July 15 at 10:00 a.m. they “will no longer allow smoking inside of the building.” Guests will still be allowed to smoke outside of the building. Black Bear Casino…

Two Seriously Injured in Silver Township House Explosion, Fire

SILVER TOWNSHIP, Minn. – The Carlton County Sheriff’s Office says two women were seriously injured in a home explosion and fire in Silver Township Tuesday evening. The incident happened around 8:53 p.m. at 4080 Korhonen Road. Authorities say initial reports indicated that a 75-year-old woman had been injured and another 52-year-old woman was trapped in the basement. The 52-year-old woman…

MPCA Warns of Blue-Green Algae Dangers for Dogs

Two Dogs Have Died in Minnesota This Summer After Coming into Contact with Blue-Green Algae

DULUTH, Minn. – A toxic form of algae continues to take over area lakes, rivers, and ponds. Just this summer, two dogs in Minnesota have died after swimming in water tainted by blue-green algae. As we reach the dog days of summer, officials who research the growth often are looking to alert pet owners of potential danger. “You can’t identify…

Floyd Attorneys to Announce Lawsuit Against City of Minneapolis, Officers Involved in Death

Attorney Ben Crump planned a late-morning news conference in Minneapolis to detail the lawsuit.

Credit: Fox 9 KMSP-TV MINNEAPOLIS (AP) – Attorneys for George Floyd’s family are set to announce a civil lawsuit Wednesday against the city of Minneapolis and the police officers involved in his death. Attorney Ben Crump planned a late-morning news conference in Minneapolis to detail the lawsuit. Floyd, a Black man who was handcuffed, died May 25 after Derek Chauvin,…

Adult Day Centers Reopen in Minnesota

DULUTH, Minn. – Adult day centers in Minnesota have now been given the green light to reopen. and return to servicing those with disabilities. Many of those utilizing those services have not been able to participate since March due to the pandemic. Choice Unlimited, in Duluth, is a community-based day program for people with disabilities. The organization provides a variety…

Former St. Louis County Social Worker Charged With Sexual Assault Sentenced

DULUTH, Minn. – A former St. Louis County social worker convicted of criminal sexual conduct was sentenced Monday to 57 months in prison for demanding sex from a female client, but that was stayed for seven years of probation. According to the criminal complaint, Michael Bryant, 47, forced his female client to strip naked, get down on her knees, and…

Duluth School District Provides Families, Staff With Fall Planning Survey

DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth School District is asking families with children in Duluth Public Schools, as well as staff, to take part in a planning survey as they continue to weigh options for fall. “While we’re working with three scenarios provided by the state, it’s also important for us to understand the needs of our families and staff,” said…

4 More States Added to NY’s Coronavirus Quarantine List

ALBANY, N.Y. (AP) — New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo added four more states to New York’s quarantine list on Tuesday as he sought to contain the spread of COVID-19 from regions of the country where infection rates are growing. The addition of Minnesota, New Mexico, Ohio, and Wisconsin means that travelers from 22 states will be required to quarantine for…

Updated COVID-19 Numbers: Tuesday, July 14

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Minnesota health officials reported 43,170 confirmed COVID-19 cases in the state Tuesday morning and 6 new deaths bringing the death total to 1,510 in Minnesota. According to the Minnesota Department of Health website, 777,614 tests have been completed to date. There are 37,749 patients who no longer require isolation. So far, 4,452 patients have required hospitalization…

Two Arrested Following Stolen Vehicle Pursuit in Hermantown

HERMANTOWN, Minn. – Two male suspects were arrested Monday night after crashing a stolen vehicle near the intersection of Maple Grove Road and Steber Road. According to the Hermantown Police Department, officers responded to the Hermantown Walmart on reports of a male shoplifter around 6:15 p.m. When officers arrived on the scene they learned that the male shoplifter left Walmart…

Lightning Strikes Home Overnight

The fire resulted in smoke damage, heavy water damage, and a portion of the roof was burned. 

DULUTH, Minn. – A lightning strike is to blame for a three-story home fire on the 5000 block of Lakeview Drive in Lakewood Township. Residents reported the house was struck by lightning around 1:20 a.m. The fire resulted in smoke damage, heavy water damage, and a portion of the roof was burned. All residents were able to exit the house…

Mayor Larson Drops ‘Chief’ From CFO Title, Renames Position To Be Less Offensive

Chief Administrative Officer title can't be changed without unanimous council vote because it's in the city charter.

DULUTH — Mayor Emily Larson has dropped the word “chief” from one of the city’s top positions — calling that word “offensive” to the indigenous community. The “Chief Financial Officer” title is now known as the “Finance Director.” Mayor Larson was able to make that change on her own because the position is not listed in the city’s charter, which…

Duluth Becomes First City in Northland to Approve Mask Mandate for Indoor Public Places

Duluth City Council voted unanimously to require masks indoors in public, with penalties for businesses and individuals that don't comply.

DULUTH, Minn.- Duluth is now the first city in the Northland to require masks in all public indoor spaces to stop the spread of the Coronavirus, after City Council voted unanimously to pass the historic ordinance Monday night, effective immediately. Face coverings will now be required in such places as retail spaces, DTA buses, the Skywalk, and in apartment building…

A New CBD Store Opens In Canal Park

The Superior Cannabis Company also has store in southern Minnesota.

DULUTH, Minn. –  A new CBD is store is now open in Canal Park. Superior Cannabis Company, which also has a flagship store in southern Minnesota sells a wide range of products used mainly for health and wellness. This includes CBD infused creams for body ailments and pet health products. The co-owner says opening in the middle of a pandemic…

Face Coverings Now Required For Customers At ‘Super One Foods’

Super One Foods and its liquor store locations in the Northland will now require face coverings for all customers starting Tuesday, July 14, including children “old enough to walk.” The announcement was made Monday evening before the city council’s mask mandate ordinance was unanimously passed. The Hermantown-based company says face coverings must cover the nose and mouth while in-store. Single-use…

Duluth City Council Unanimously Passes Ordinance Requiring Masks Indoors Citywide

DULUTH, Minn.- The Duluth City Council has unanimously passed a resolution requiring masks in indoor public places in the city, effective immediately, to slow the spread of COVID-19. Face coverings will now be required in such places as retail spaces, DTA buses, the Skywalk, at restaurants and bars when not eating or drinking, and in apartment building common areas such…

A Morgan Park Woman Is Being Displaced After Fire Takes Her Home

The fired caused an estimated $200,000.

DULUTH, Minn. – A Morgan Park woman is without a home after an electrical fire sparked an explosion causing her home to burn. Charred debris is what remains after the fire took over the home. The owner  says she is grateful to be alive after neighbors jumped into action to save her.” “It’s unbelievable. I am still in shock. I…

Dip in Daily Cases as Walz Weighs Statewide Mask Order

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Minnesota reported 499 newly confirmed cases of coronavirus on Monday, with a dip in the positivity rate, as Gov. Tim Walz continues weighing whether to impose a statewide mask requirement. Monday’s total came after Minnesota reported more than 800 cases on Saturday — its highest case count since May — and 715 on Sunday. Monday’s numbers often…

No Injuries Reported in Morgan Park Multi-Unit Fire

DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth Fire Department says multiple fire crews responded to a structure fire Monday morning just before 10:00 a.m. in the Morgan Park neighborhood. According to reports, the caller stated there was an explosion and people were possibly trapped inside the multi-residential building. When fire crews arrived on the scene, at 917 N. 88th Avenue West, a…

Updated COVID-19 Numbers: Monday, July 13

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Minnesota health officials reported 42,772 confirmed COVID-19 cases in the state Monday morning and 2 new deaths bringing the death total to 1,504 in Minnesota. According to the Minnesota Department of Health website, 768,989 tests have been completed to date. There are 37,199 patients who no longer require isolation. So far, 4,424 patients have required hospitalization…

MN Senate GOP Leader Says Deal Close on Bonding, tax Bills

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Legislative leaders have agreed on most details of a public construction package and a tax bill, the Minnesota Senate’s top Republican said Monday, while discussions are continuing on whether a compromise is possible on police accountability in response to the death of George Floyd. Senate Majority Leader Paul Gazelka said at a news conference that his chamber…

2020 Park Point 5-Miler Includes Several Options for Runners

Park Point 5-Miler In-Person Race Happening Thursday, July 16

DULUTH, Minn. – This year’s Park Point 5-Miler will go forward with multiple options for runners amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Grandma’s Marathon has been working for weeks with guidance from the City of Duluth and the Grandma’s Marathon Medical Director to come up with a safe way to host the annual event. The plan allows the event to move forward…

Lester River Rendezvous Canceled For First Time in Over 20 Years

Annual event gathers about 10,000 people every year.

DULUTH, Minn.- For the first time in more than 20 years, the Lester River Rendezvous is canceled this September due to the coronavirus pandemic. According to organizers, the weekend event gathers about 10,000 people every year. One of their more popular events is the Voyageur Village, which re-enacts an 18th-19th century fur trade village. Coordinator Don Mendoza said while he’ll…

Woman Killed, Boy Injured In Rollover Accident

A 36-year-old woman from Duluth is dead and a 16-year-old boy is injured after a rollover crash early Saturday near Cromwell. The Minnesota State Patrol said the driver, Patricia Mylonas, was traveling west on Highway 210 at Markusen Rd shortly after midnight Saturday when she overcorrected her GMC Envoy. Officials say Mylonas was not wearing a seatbelt. The 16-year-old was…

Duluth Police Investigate Two Weekend Shootings

Police Chief Mike Tusken: "...we have guns in the hands of people who shouldn’t have them..."

  DULUTH, Minn.- Duluth Police are searching for suspects in two shootings hours apart Saturday night, including one downtown that sent a person to the hospital — and according to Chief Mike Tusken, guns owned by people who shouldn’t are to blame. The first shooting happened downtown in the 100 block of E. # 3 alley around 7 p.m. where…

Mayor Emily Larson Responds After Duluth Firefighter Accused Of Assaulting Woman

"I share the community outrage at this behavior. It's horrifying and causes the public to question the character of our staff," said Mayor Larson.

DULUTH, Minn. – Duluth Mayor Emily Larson is responding after a city firefighter is accused of assaulting a 65-year-old woman. The attack happened Friday morning during a dispute about the firefighter’s unleashed dogs while both were at the Traverse Trail near 84th Avenue. Authorities say Duluth firefighter Conrad Sunde, 48, a nearly 20-year veteran of the department, struck the victim…

DECC Opens Up For Dance Competition

Ovation Dance Challenge is the DECC's first event since the pandemic started.

DULUTH, Minn.- On Saturday the DECC in Duluth held its first event since the pandemic started. The Ovation Dance Challenge took place in Symphony Hall. About 200 dancers participated between Friday and Saturday and were watched by no more than 250 people, as per state guidelines. Masks were required and the stage and other areas were routinely sanitized. Organizers say dancers…

Two Harbors Lighthouse Beacon Replaced After 20 Years

The Lake County Historical Society is raising funds for a permanent replacement.

TWO HARBORS, Minn.- The Two Harbors Lighthouse which has stood for over a century overlooking Agate Bay now has a new beacon after 20 years. “We just removed the old beacon this morning, lowered it down from the tower,” said Sam Gangi, Board President for the Lake Superior Historical Society. On Saturday the beacon was belayed down by rope by…

Chisholm Man Dies In Dirt Bike Accident

Authorities believe victim may have been under the influence of alcohol.

CHISHOLM, Minn. – A 29-year-old man dead has died after suffering injuries from a dirt bike accident in Chisholm, Saturday morning. The accident happened around 2 a.m. near the intersection of Lake Street and First Avenue. Authorities say the driver was ejected from his bike after hitting a curb while riding. Chisholm police discovered the young man was not wearing…

City Wants To Help Get People Back Into The Workforce

DULUTH, Minn. – Only 15 days remain until the $600 bonus now being added to weekly unemployment checks is scheduled to end. This is why the city of Duluth’ s Workforce Development Department wants to connect people who are unemployed with available opportunities. For many of those people out of a job, the weekly unemployment bonus has helped give them…

Nearly $7,000 Worth of Restaurant Vouchers Donated to E.M.S, Police Officers and Firefighters

These vouchers can be used at a number of locations in the Twin Ports area. 

DULUTH, Minn. – Members of Duluth’s E.M.S workers, firefighters and police officers received a big donation today in the form of more than 300 “Strong Northland” vouchers. Combined, the vouchers are worth almost $7,000. These vouchers can be used at a number of locations in the Twin Ports area. With this donation, both local businesses and people on the front…

Duluth Public Schools Welcomes Newest Assistant Superintendent

Anthony Bonds is expected to start his new position on July 27

DULUTH, Minn. – Duluth Public Schools will soon welcome its newest assistant superintendent. Anthony Bonds comes to Duluth from the Anniston School District in Alabama. During his time there, he served as executive director of curriculum and instruction, where he was responsible for overseeing teaching and learning practices while in that role. Bonds is also a former assistant superintendent for…

Nursing Homes Can Designate ‘Essential Caregivers’ to Visit

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Minnesotans will be allowed to visit family members in senior living centers under new guidance Friday from state health officials that loosen restrictions in place for months due to the coronavirus pandemic. The Minnesota Department of Health said long-term care facilities will be able to designate family members or others as essential caregivers for residents of such…

Duluth Police Searching for Assault Suspect

UPDATE: Duluth Police say the suspect has been identified. DULUTH, Minn. – Duluth Police say they are searching for a suspect in connection to a Friday morning assault on the Traverse Trail. Authorities say officers responded to the 300 block of 84th Avenue West around 8:00 a.m. on reports of a 65-year-old woman who was assaulted on the trail. Officers…

Updated COVID-19 Numbers: Friday, July 10

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Minnesota health officials reported 40,767 confirmed COVID-19 cases in the state Friday morning and 5 new deaths bringing the death total to 1,495 in Minnesota. According to the Minnesota Department of Health website, 725,825 tests have been completed to date. There are 35,442 patients who no longer require isolation. So far, 4,329 patients have required hospitalization…

Portion of Michigan Street to Close Friday

DULUTH, Minn. -A section of Michigan Street at 2nd Avenue West will be closed for critical utility tie-in work. The work will be done on the water main. The closure will start at 7 p.m. Crews will work for a full 24 hours and reopen the street on Saturday, July 11th. Categories: Business, Community, Minnesota, News Tags: closures, duluth, traffic

‘Tavern On The Hill’ Voluntarily Closes After Employee Tests Positive for COVID-19

DULUTH, Minn. – Another establishment in the Twin Ports has voluntarily closed temporarily for a deep cleaning over COVID-19 concerns. Tavern on the Hill announced Thursday that an employee tested positive for the virus after being in a social setting outside of the restaurant. The employee worked between June 30 and July 2. Management said the worker showed no symptoms…

Hills Youth And Family Services Is In Need Of Masks

The group is hoping for a donation of 100 masks.

DULUTH, Minn. – Hills Youth and Family Services in Duluth is looking for the community’s help. The organization is still in need of masks to give to the children they serve. Hills Youth is hoping to receive a donation of at least 100 of the protective wear. Each one will go to protect children and their families visiting the Neighborhood…

Sen. Simonson Previews Upcoming Special Legislative Session

Bonding bill among proposals state lawmakers could vote on

DULUTH, Minn. – Minnesota lawmakers will return for another special legislative session starting on Monday, June 13. Sen. Erik Simonson (DFL-Duluth) tells us one likely focus of the session will be on a state bonding bill. The proposed bill includes millions of dollars in funding for Duluth seawall reconstruction, renovations at the Duluth Depot, and many other projects across the…

Itasca County Healthcare Providers Encourage Wearing Face Masks in Public

Itasca County has 68 confirmed COVID-19 cases and 12 deaths

ITASCA COUNTY, Minn. – Healthcare providers are encouraging everybody to wear face masks in public to help limit the spread of the coronavirus. According to Dr. Dan Soular, a primary care physician at Grand Itasca Clinic and Hospital in Grand Rapids, masks allow air to flow through them and stop viruses from passing out of a person’s mouth and nose…