Minnesota

Bayfront Country Jam Postponed Until 2021

DULUTH, Minn. – Bayfront Country Jam announced on Thursday that the event has been postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Bayfront Country Jam, originally scheduled for July 2, 2020, at the Bayfront Festival Park, will now take place on July 2, 2021. “It is with deep regret that we have to make the difficult decision to postpone, but it’s the…

Updated COVID-19 Numbers: Thursday, May 28

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Minnesota health officials reported 22,947 confirmed COVID-19 cases in the state Thursday morning and 35 new deaths bringing the death total to 967 in Minnesota. According to the Minnesota Department of Health website, 225,208 tests have been completed to date. There are 16,655 patients who no longer require isolation. So far, 2,880 patients have required hospitalization…

FBI, U.S. Attorney’s Office Making George Floyd Death Investigation a ‘Top Priority’

MINNEAPOLIS (FOX 9) – The FBI and the U.S. Attorney’s Office say they are making their investigation into the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis police custody a top priority. The two organizations released a joint statement Thursday morning saying, “The Department of Justice has made the investigation a top priority and assigned experienced prosecutors and FBI criminal investigators to the matter.” Minneapolis Police…

Overnight Protests in Minneapolis Turn Violent

The protests began outside the police precinct in the part of the city where 46-year-old George Floyd died on Memorial Day.

Credit: Carlos Gonzalez/ Star Tribune via AP MINNEAPOLIS (AP) – Protests rocked Minneapolis for the second straight night after a man’s death in police custody. One person was killed Wednesday night in what police were investigating as a homicide amidst violence that included looting and setting fires that continued to burn Thursday morning. The protests began outside the police precinct…

State Patrol: Sharp Increase in Speed Citations on Minnesota Roads

Since Stay-at-Home Restrictions Were Put in Place in March, 232 Drivers Have Received Speed Citations in Excess of 100mph

DULUTH, Minn. – The Minnesota State Patrol is warning of an alarming increase in speed-related citations since mid-March when COVID-19 restrictions were put in place. Since then, more than 230 drivers in the state have been pulled over for speeding in excess of 100mph. Officials believe the increase points to less traffic on roadways. Officers say a common misconception right…

Rummage Sale Hosted At The Former Wendy’s On London Road

Another rummage sale is expected next week at the former Cloquet Wendy’s.

DULUTH, Minn- Duluth may have said so long to the former Wendy’s on London Road. But some folks got a chance to take a piece of the old restaurant home with them. A rummage sale hosted at the former restaurant was used to sell off items remaining after it closed in September. Within the first hour of the rummage sale…

Bar Owners Speak Out Against Ongoing State Restrictions During Shutdown

Many business owners want indoor service to open at 50 percent capacity or more

PROCTOR, Minn. – Minnesota bar owners are speaking out against the state not allowing them to open for indoor service. Many Minnesota bars have been closed for more than two months to comply with the state’s Stay-at-Home and Stay Safe MN orders. While bars can reopen outdoors on June 1, the owners are frustrated as they have no idea as…

Fitger’s Brewhouse Prepares For Outdoor Seating

Although not required, Fitger's Brewhouse recommends all patrons also wear masks when dining at the restaurant.

DULUTH, Minn. – Fitgers Brewhouse in Duluth is one of many restaurants getting their outdoor seating prepared to welcome customers starting June 1st, under the guidelines of the safe Minnesota executive order. To prepare for the safe return of customers the restaurant staff is taking on some new safety protocols. the restaurant is expanding its patio seating across the front…

City Officials Plans Slow Reopening Of City Hall

City leaders anticipate reopening the building to staff and the public starting next week.

DULUTH, Minn – Duluth City Hall has been closed to the public for about two months to help slow the spread of the coronavirus. The City of Duluth is looking into a phased plan to slowly begin reopening city hall to staff and the public. But there are going to be a few guidelines to follow to help keep the…

Duluth News Tribune to Print Twice a Week Beginning in July

DULUTH, Minn. – According to a recent online Duluth News Tribune column by Rick Lubbers, the DNT newspaper will only print twice-a-week beginning in July. Starting July 8, the paper will only be printed on Wednesdays and Saturdays and will be delivered by mail instead of carriers. “Print advertising and subscriptions have been declining for years, all while digital readership…

Duluth Man Charged With Felony Arson

GRAND LAKE TOWNSHIP, Minn. – A Duluth man has been charged with two counts of first-degree arson after he set fire to two structures in Grand Lake Township on Monday. Authorities say 53-year-old James Phillip Shelton set a camper and a trailer home on fire around 6:15 a.m. on the 6400 block of Beckman Road. According to the criminal complaint,…

Updated COVID-19 Numbers: Wednesday, May 27

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Minnesota health officials reported 22,464 confirmed COVID-19 cases in the state Wednesday morning and 33 new deaths bringing the death total to 932 in Minnesota. According to the Minnesota Department of Health website, 216,532 tests have been completed to date. There are 16,314 patients who no longer require isolation. So far, 2,796 patients have required hospitalization…

Animal Allies Moves Forward With Reduced Summer Camp Class Sizes

Summer Camps Will Begin in June With Reduced Class Sizes Due to COVID-19

DULUTH, Minn. – Amid the COVID-19 pandemic, many summer events are canceled, but Animal Allies Humane Society in Duluth has figured out a way to still host educational summer camps with restrictions in place. “We worked really hard collaborating with other humane societies to see what we could offer our community after a stressful period of sheltering in place and…

“Land of 10,000 Masks” Campaign Sees Success, More Masks Still Needed

1,399 masks were donated in the first week. That number jumped to 3,354 masks in the second week, and 5,230 masks in the third week. 

DULUTH, Minn. – Weeks after the campaign launch, community members have donated more than 10,000 face masks. These homemade masks will help limit the spread of Covid-19. They are worn by staff, patients, and visitors to St. Lukes and Essentia Health facilities. 1,399 masks were donated in the first week. That number jumped to 3,354 masks in the second week,…

Duluth Council Approves Spirit Mountain Summer Closure; Extra $350K Still Needed for Winter Reopening

The adventure park's financial request comes while the city is facing a potential $38 million budget shortfall.

DULUTH, Minn.- The Duluth City Council unanimously passed Spirit Mountain’s annual multi-million dollar budget Tuesday evening, which is also calling for extra funding later this year to get the park reopened for the winter season after being shut down for the rest of the summer. Councilors just approved the adventure park’s $4 million operating budget for the 2020-2021 season, but…

Duluthians Speak Out After Deadly Use of Force Incident in Minneapolis

Duluth NAACP, local protesters, and St. Louis County Attorney weigh in on use of force incidents

DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth branch NAACP president calls it a “recurring nightmare.” Duluth protesters say deadly use of force incidents can happen anywhere, so people in every community need to take a stand against it. “Silence is compliance and we cannot stand for actions like this,” said protester Kathryne Ford. She and others organized a small protest at the…

City Council Set To Discuss Proposal To Approve Funding For Lakewalk Reconstruction Project

If approved, the Lakewalk Reconstruction Project could reconvene within the next several weeks.

DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth City Council is expected vote on a proposal to approve two contracts amounting to $10 million to continue the Lakewalk Reconstruction project. The contracts will cover the cost to reconstruct more 2,000 feet of the Canal Park Lakewalk and the area’s shoreline, including adding wider trails and replacing stone along the shoreline. Nearly $8 million…

Duluth Proposes To Reduce Liquor Licensing Fees For Local Bars And Restaurants

The 20% reduction could mean some financial relief for bars and restaurants trying to recover from the recent economic blow.

DULUTH, Minn. – A lot of bars and restaurants are still dealing with the financial impacts of Covid-19. But many of them in Duluth could get some relief as city officials are proposing a plan to reduce liquor licensing fees. The owners of many of those businesses say every little bit of help the city is offering can bring them…

Lake Superior Dragon Boat Festival Canceled

SUPERIOR, Wis. – The 19th Annual Lake Superior Dragon Boat Festival has been canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The festival was scheduled to take place on August 21-22. “Each dragon boat contains 20 people in very close proximity to each other,” explains Patricia Finney, Co-Chair of the Lake Superior Dragon Boat Festival. “Since we don’t know where things will…

Four Minneapolis Police Officers Fired Following Death of George Floyd

(Elizabeth Flores/Star Tribune via AP) MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. (AP) – According to Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey, the four responding officers involved in the death of George Floyd have been fired. Frey announced the update on Twitter Tuesday afternoon saying that “This is the right call.” Four responding MPD officers involved in the death of George Floyd have been terminated. This is…

2020 Bayfront Blues Festival Canceled

DULUTH, Minn. – The Annual Bayfront Blues Festival has been canceled for 2020. According to event organizers, the festival has been postponed until August 13-15, 20201 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. According to the blues fest website, all tickets and VIP cash refund requests are currently suspended until June 1, 2021. At that time ticket holders will have until July…

Man Dies After Being Detained by Minneapolis Police, FBI Investigating

(Warning: Disturbing Video. The FBI has joined in the investigation after a man died after being detained by Minneapolis police officers. Video credit Darnella Frazier via Storyful) MINNEAPOLIS (FOX 9) – A man died Monday night after pleading with Minneapolis police officers that he could not breathe while he was being detained. The FBI and the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension are…

Updated COVID-19 Numbers: Tuesday, May 26

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Minnesota health officials reported 21,960 confirmed COVID-19 cases in the state Tuesday morning and 18 new deaths bringing the death total to 899 in Minnesota. According to the Minnesota Department of Health website, 209,898 tests have been completed to date. There are 15,523 patients who no longer require isolation. So far, 2,709 patients have required hospitalization…

1 Arrested For Arson After 2 Structures Go Up In Flames

GRAND LAKE TOWNSHIP, Minn. – A 53-year-old Duluth man is in jail and accused of arson after two structures went up in flames Monday in Grand Lake Township. The fires broke out around 6:30 a.m. on the 6400 block of Beckman Road. A travel trailer and mobile home were destroyed. No one was inside either structure and nobody was injured….

No Decision Made Yet On Status of 2020 Bentleyville Tour of Lights

DULUTH, Minn. – It’s not a yes or a no for the 17th annual Bentleyville Tour of Lights at Bayfront Park this winter amid coronavirus concerns. Owner Nathan Bentley says it’s simply too early to know if or how the popular attraction will go on. So right now, year-long preparations continue. New fire pits are being constructed, and a new…

Retired Duluth Teacher Plays ‘Taps’ For Neighborhood

DULUTH, Minn. – Memorial Day was celebrated in a musical way for a neighborhood in Duluth Monday. Larry Danielson, 72, a retired Duluth public schools teacher, played “Taps” as his neighbors gathered in the street and sidewalks — social distancing — while honoring the military members who have died while serving in the United States armed forces. Larry’s father, Raymond, was…

Recent Attempted Break-Ins And Burglaries Impact Local Businesses

"We're very disappointed that someone would do this and give us a big headache. We are getting very tired," said Smoke Shop Owner Mike Wazwaz.

DULUTH, Minn. – Duluth and Hermantown Police are searching for whoever is responsible for a string of attempted burglaries and break-ins at area businesses. As more people are staying home, recent statistics are showing most crimes in the area are decreasing. But break-ins and burglaries at local businesses are holding steady. Within the last 24 hours Duluth police responded to…

Hotels Get A Boost Over Memorial Day Weekend

"There are definitely people out and about looking for things to do. There are tourists around town, which is great to see again," said Pier B General Manager John Driscoll.

DULUTH, Minn. – This Memorial Day weekend is giving hotels in Duluth a bit of a boost in business. Hundreds of tourists and locals spent Memorial Day weekend exploring Canal Park, while others took a moment to honor fallen soldiers. Memorial Day weekend is normally one of the busiest for hotels in Duluth such as Pier B. But this year,…

745 New Cases, 12 New Deaths Reported in Minnesota Monday Tied to COVID-19

Of the 12 New Deaths, 10 Were Residents of Long-Term Care Facilities

ST. PAUL, Minn. (FOX 9) – The Minnesota Department of Health reported 745 newly confirmed COVID-19 cases and 12 new deaths Monday, bringing the total number of positive cases the state has seen so far to 21,315 and the death toll to 881. Of the 12 deaths, 10 were residents of long-term care facilities. Residents of long-term care facilities now…

Gary New Duluth Veterans Memorial Ceremony Adapts During COVID-19 Pandemic

Typically, a Large Crowd Would Have Gathered at the Gary New Duluth Veterans Memorial to Commemorate Memorial Day

DULUTH, Minn. – The Gary New Duluth community prides itself on being extremely supportive of the men and women of our military. However, this year’s Memorial Day ceremony had to be conducted virtually due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. Due to the virus, residents were unable to host their annual ceremony at the Gary New Duluth Veterans Memorial, as they…

City of Duluth Works to Make Outdoor Seating, Liquor Licenses Easier for Bars and Restaurants

Some businesses are taking advantage of waived permit fees, while others must continue relying on takeout and curbside.

DULUTH, Minn.- Duluth city officials are making changes to policies and processes to allow greater flexibility for bars and restaurants who may not be outfitted to continue operating without dine-in customers. “Just like the city is struggling with the financial impact of this public health emergency, we know that our local businesses are struggling with this public health emergency,” said…

Shutdown ‘Devastating’ for Local Theatres

Duluth Playhouse has been hit hard by pandemic

DULUTH, Minn. – The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted more than just businesses across the Northland. Non-profit organizations have also been hit hard. Audiences can’t fill theatre seats. That means organizations like the Duluth Playhouse haven’t had their primary revenue source for the last two months. “When we had projected $1.2 million in ticket sales, it’s apparent that’s about $600,000 in…

Virtual Jazz Concert at Carlton’s Oldenburg House Raises Thousands for Area Hospitals

Donations from the livestream were distributed equally to four Northland Hospitals.

CARLTON, Minn.-  A popular music venue in Carlton decided to take their annual jazz concerts online, to help out healthcare workers in the Northland. While normally crooning through the estate of the Oldenburg house, songs like “Make Someone Happy” were livestreamed from one room Friday and Saturday night. The “Cookin’ at the O” Benefit Concert raised over $7,500 over the…

Gov. Walz Allows Places of Worship to Open Doors to Limited Capacity May 27th

The Governor and the Catholic Archdiocese came to a deal to gather more than 10 worshipers together at a time.

DULUTH, Minn.- Minnesota Governor Tim Walz and the Catholic Archdiocese of Minnesota came to a deal Saturday to allow places of worship in the state to open May 27th to groups larger than 10 people. This announcement comes on the day when the state is reporting a record number of COVID-19 cases. The Governor’s order states that places of worship,…

Cloquet Students Bid Farewell to Teachers

Organizers say, although this wasn't the end of the year they wanted teachers are getting the send-off they deserve.

CLOQUET, Minn. – Washington Elementary in Cloquet held their second “reverse parade” allowing students to be driven around the school to wish their teachers well. Organizers say, although this wasn’t the end of the year they wanted teachers are getting the send-off they deserve. “Today would have been our field day and we wanted to do something to celebrate for…

Local Cemeteries Prepare For Memorial Day

DULUTH, Minn. – Staff at Forest Hill Cemetery in Duluth spent the day preparing for Memorial Day to help honor veterans. Baskets full of flowers were laid out for veterans and civilians. Flags were placed on the grave-sites of those fallen soldiers. Family members were also given flags to give them the opportunity to pay their respects for their loved…

Memorial Day Ceremonies Canceled At Local Veteran Cemeteries

"It was a very difficult decision to make," said Minnesota Veteran's State Cemetery Administrator Cory Johnson.

SAGINAW, Minn. – Memorial day is this coming Monday. Thanks to the Covid-19 Pandemic… plans for large public celebrations have been canceled. The Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery in Saginaw is the final resting place for hundreds of soldiers who have sacrificed their lives protecting this country. Memorial Day is the day to commemorate those soldiers, but this year it won’t…

Minnesota to Offer Free COVID-19 Testing This Weekend

DULUTH, Minn. – Six National Guard Armory locations throughout Minnesota will offer free COVID-19 during the Memorial Day holiday weekend. Minnesota National Guard members will be able to collect roughly 2,000 samples per day across the six sites. “Testing, tracing, and isolating are the best tools we have to understand the impact of the pandemic on our communities and to…

St. Scholastica to Reopen Campuses in the Fall

DULUTH, Minn. – St. Scholastica President Barbara McDonald announced Friday that the college plans on reopening its Duluth and extended campuses this fall. The reopening includes residence halls for the fall semester. Classes will begin for the fall semester on September 8 and will be taught using a mixture of in-person and virtual methods, according to McDonald. “In making this…

Updated COVID-19 Numbers: Friday, May 22

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Minnesota health officials reported 19,005 confirmed COVID-19 cases in the state Friday morning and 33 new deaths bringing the death total to 842 in Minnesota. According to the Minnesota Department of Health website, 180,971 tests have been completed to date. There are 12,696 patients who no longer require isolation. So far, 2,432 patients have required hospitalization…

YMCA’s Camp Miller Announces They Will Be Open for Summer Season

Camp Miller, With Permission from Governor Tim Walz, Will Be Allowed to Host Family Camps Only

  STURGEON LAKE, Minn. – The YMCA’s Camp Miller in Sturgeon Lake, Minnesota, is celebrating its 122nd summer season this year amid the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Leadership learned earlier this week from Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, they will be allowed to open this summer for family camps only, with restrictions in place to prevent further spread of coronavirus. “We want…

Fatal Motorcycle Crash in Koochiching County

KOOCHICHING COUNTY, Minn. – The Minnesota State Patrol reports that a Baudette man is dead after a motorcycle accident on Highway 11 at County Road 4 in Koochiching County. Authorities say the crash happened around 2:26 p.m. Thursday. The driver, identified as 53-year-old Steven Million, was driving westbound on Highway 11 when the motorcycle went off the road into the…