Minnesota

Duluth Fire Department Battle Early Morning Fires

DULUTH, Minn. – Shortly after 1 a.m. Monday morning Duluth firefighters responded to a duplex apartment fire at 313 N. 59th Avenue West. Flames could be seen from the back of the building. Two cats were rescued from the building but one is still missing. All five residents were able to escape the apartment and there were no injuries reported….

Duluth Police, Fire Hold Surprise Easter Parade in Harbor Highlands

Kids ran out to wave as the firetrucks and police cars drove past.

DULUTH, Minn.- The sounds of sirens, some very excited kids, filled the Harbor Highlands neighborhood Sunday. Members of the Duluth Police and Fire Departments pulled together a surprise Easter Parade for everyone there. “Break up the monotony for all the ids up here, probably have had their routines with what they’re used to doing: playing with their friends, going to…

Boating, Biking, Even Dancing in Sunshine at Leif Erikson Park

Two dancers turned the stage in the center of the park into their own dance floor.

DULUTH, Minn.- Saturday’s above average temperatures brought tons of people out to Leif Erikson Park to enjoy the sunshine. The park was alive with people taking advantage of the nice day in their own way–boating in the lake, biking and jogging along the walkways. Now, a new outdoor park activity: dancing on the stage in the center of the grass….

OMC Smokehouse Opens Back Up For Online Pre-Orders

On the first day open, the restaurant received 200 online orders.

DULUTH, Minn.- Amid the many local restaurants forced to close under Governor Tim Walz’s Executive Order, OMC Smokehouse in Lincoln Park decided to get cooking again, doing takeout in an unconventional way for them. The restaurant opened up to online pre-orders only on Saturday, with food prepped and ready 5-10 mins before scheduled pickup. “I’ve been doing this 40 years,…

Seven New COVID-19 Deaths Reported in Minnesota Saturday

ST. PAUL, Minn. – The Minnesota Department of Health reports 64 people have died from COVID-19 statewide as of Saturday, April 11th. That’s seven more deaths than were reported Friday, April 10th. 1,427 Minnesotans have now tested positive for the virus, 91 more than on Friday. Of the people who tested positive, 793 are no longer needing isolation. As of…

Gov. Walz Issues Executive Order to Help First Responders

The Order Provides COVID-19 Information from Minnesota Department of Health to First Responders

DULUTH, Minn. – Local first responders continue to risk not only their own but the lives of family and loved ones as we continue to live in this new era surrounding COVID-19. Congressman Pete Stauber (R-MN) is now making sure they can continue to work safely with peace of mind. Area police, fire, and various other first responders have been…

Two Local Artists Use Art To Cope With The Impacts Of Covid-19

"For me, the main thing is my mental health. Sitting at home all day and not being able to be creative is hard for me," said Tattoo Artist Kevin Pendleton.

DULUTH, Minn. – The pandemic may be creating hardships for many, but some are using art to deal with the impacts. At the corner of 8th Avenue East and Third Street in Duluth stands a colorfully creative mural inspired by the impacts of Covid-19. “I think it is a really awesome piece of art to have in the community. I…

Minnesota Officials Project 22,000 COVID-19 Deaths, July 13 Hospitalization Peak

(Glen Stubbe/Star Tribune via AP, Pool) ST. PAUL, Minn. (FOX 9) – Minnesota public health officials revealed some details Friday about their modeling projections for the coronavirus pandemic here, predicting that 22,000 Minnesotans would die despite social distancing measures that have been put in place. The modeling, which has been kept under wraps until now, was revealed to reporters and legislative leaders in separate briefings after…

Three More COVID-19 Related Deaths Reported in St. Louis County

ST. PAUL, Minn. – The Minnesota Department of Health is reporting four COVID-19 related deaths in St. Louis County as of Friday morning. On Thursday, leaders at St. Ann’s Residence in Duluth confirmed that three deaths at the facility were related to the novel coronavirus, but had not yet been reported by the Minnesota Department of Health. The assisted living…

Minnesota Prison Releases Could Begin Next Week

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Minnesota Department of Corrections Commissioner Paul Schnell says the release of some state prisoners because of the coronavirus could happen as early as next week. Civil rights advocates have called on state officials to release some medically at-risk and nonviolent inmates to help limit the spread of COVID-19 and save lives. Schnell said on Minnesota Public Radio that releasing…

Great Lakes get Extra Funds for Cleanups, Invasive Species

TRAVERSE CITY, Mich. (AP) — Additional funds provided by Congress for Great Lakes environmental improvements will be used to hasten cleanups of highly toxic sites and step up work on other longstanding forms of pollution, federal officials said Thursday. Lawmakers last fall put $320 million into the 2020 budget for the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative, a multiyear program that focuses on…

Johnson Resigns as Duluth City Attorney, Calls Investigative Report Against Him ‘Inconclusive at Best’

DULUTH, Minn. – After nearly 12 years as the city of Duluth’s top attorney, Gunnar Johnson has decided to resign amid complaints filed against him by employees in the attorney’s office. Johnson was placed on administrative suspension two months ago. FOX 21’s Dan Hanger takes a look at the findings from an investigative report into those complaints, what Johnson is…

Greenhouses Can Now Open During Governor Walz’s Stay-At-Home Order

Rice Lake Gardens plans to open for the season on Mother's Day.

DULUTH, Minn. – Minnesota garden centers and greenhouses are now exempt from Governor Tim Walz’s executive order, which requested non-essential businesses to close. Under the revision, greenhouses can be open, but have to follow certain guidelines. They must implement social distancing by limiting the number of customers inside at a time. Also, garden centers must follow recommendations from the Center…

Minnesota Launches Free Program to Help People Quit Smoking, Vaping, and Chewing Tobacco

MINNESOTA – The Minnesota Department of Health just launched a new program to help people who are interested in quitting smoking, vaping, or chewing tobacco. The program, called Quit Partner, offers free, personal counseling over the phone and online, plus it sends free lozenges, gum, and patches to help your body wean itself off of nicotine. There are an estimated…

A Cloquet Church Helps Parishioners Celebrate Easter At Home

Each package comes with a blessed palm and Easter communion for individuals and families.

CLOQUET, Minn. – Most people may not be able to celebrate Easter the old fashion way due to Covid-19. But a local church is making sure you have everything you need to celebrate at home. Our Savior’s Lutheran Church in Cloquet is giving away easter packages. Each one comes with a blessed palm and Easter communion for individuals and families….

Educators Are Adding A New Meaning To Social Distancing And Working From Home

“I think the connection part is really important," said DCSC's Youth Development Director Cortnie Bain.

DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth Community School Collaborative staff are thinking outside the box when it comes to working remotely. These employees have been working from home since schools were forced to shut down to help prevent the spread of the Coronavirus. Staff at the Duluth Community School Collaborative have been conducting staff meetings virtually every since. But being stuck…

Two Duluth Landmarks Will #LightItBlue Tonight for Healthcare, Essential Workers

(courtesy: MN Department of Transportation) DULUTH, Minn. – Two Duluth landmarks will be lit up with blue lights tonight in an effort to recognize healthcare providers and essential workers. According to a press release from the City of Duluth, the Aerial Lift Bridge and Enger Tower will be lit up in blue lights, along with other landmarks throughout Minnesota and…

National Weather Service Issues First Ever Snow “Squall” Warning

DULUTH, Minn. –  This morning, some of you may have received a “squall” warning issued by the National Weather Service in Duluth. A squall is an intense short-lived burst of heavy snowfall usually accompanied by gusts of winds and low visibility. Members of the National Weather Service say, that although these events are rare, they are usually associated with a…

Longtime Duluth City Attorney Gunnar Johnson Resigns

DULUTH, Minn. – Duluth City Attorney Gunnar Johnson has resigned from his position effective immediately. According to a Thursday press release from the city, Johnson has resigned “to explore other career opportunities.” “We are grateful for Mr. Johnson’s many years of service to this city and for his many contributions in helping to guide the city through a variety of…

COVID-19 Outbreaks at Assisted Living in Duluth, Moose Lake Prison

Cases in St. Louis County now stand at 28, 14 in Carlton County.

MINNESOTA,- An assisted living facility in Duluth and Moose Lake Prison in Carlton County is dealing with an outbreak of COVID-19, bringing the total number to 28 cases in St. Louis County, and 14 cases in Carlton County. On Wednesday St. Louis County saw a jump in cases of 11, a large percentage linked to St. Ann’s Residence in Duluth….

Gordy’s Hi-Hat Opens For 60th Season

At 92, Gordy has no plans to retire.

After delaying for about three weeks, opening day for Gordy’s Hi-Hat in Cloquet has finally arrived. As COVID-19 continues to be a concern, Gordy’s is going back to their roots. Customers can now enjoy those good old fashion burgers, onion rings, and fries through car-hop service by pulling up to one of more than 20 spots. Servers will take orders…

Pandemic Forces Duluth News Tribune’s Parent Company To Make Cuts

DULUTH, Minn. — During a time when so many people are turning to television and newspapers for the latest on this historic pandemic, media companies are experiencing a drastic loss of advertising revenue from businesses facing their own uncertainties. And the Duluth News Tribune’s parent company – Forum Communications Co. out of Fargo, North Dakota — is one of those…

Live: Gov. Walz Extends Stay Home Order Until May 4

ST. PAUL, Minn. -To continue Minnesota’s success in slowing the spread of COVID-19 across the state, Governor Tim Walz today extended the Stay Home Order until May 4. “What we are doing is working, Minnesota,” said Governor Walz. “We are taking this seriously, and we are staying home. While Minnesota is showing lower rates of infections than our peers across the country,…

Walz to Announce Extension of Minnesota’s Stay-at-Home Order

(Glen Stubbe/Star Tribune via AP, Pool) MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz is preparing to announce an extension to his stay-at-home order, which is aimed at slowing the spread of COVID-19. The governor told reporters Tuesday the extension would likely include some refinements, reflecting new data and modeling on how the outbreak is likely to develop but didn’t give…

St. Louis County to Provide Hotel Rooms for Those Without Safe Isolation Space

Hotel Rooms Will Be Available in Duluth, Hibbing, Virginia, and Ely

DULUTH, Minn. – St. Louis County Public Health along with AEOA and partners such as CHUM is working to make sure those without a safe place to shelter if they were to test positive for COVID-19 can self-isolate. Four hotels would be used at various locations throughout St. Louis County – one each in Duluth, Hibbing, Virginia, and Ely. According…

St. Louis Co. Jumps to 28 Confirmed COVID-19 Cases, 1,154 Total Cases in Minnesota, Includes 632 Recoveries

The total number of cases includes 632 recoveries

DULUTH, Minn. – According to the Minnesota Department of Health, St. Louis County now has 28 confirmed cases of COVID-19, up from 17 cases the day before. As of Wednesday morning, the MDH website reported 1,154 total cases in the state and 39 deaths. The total number of cases includes 632 recoveries. (courtesy: Minnesota Department of Health) Of those confirmed…

Guard Members Activated to Help With Spring Flooding

(Glen Stubbe/Star Tribune via AP) ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) — Gov. Tim Walz has activated the Minnesota National Guard to help communities deal with spring flooding. Walz said COVID-19 is not the only emergency for which first responders are preparing. Guard members will support municipalities that are dealing with safety and public infrastructure challenges due to flooding, he said. “While…

Worst-Case U of M Forecast Calls for $315M Loss From Virus

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — University of Minnesota administrators are bracing for a loss of as much as $315 million in expected revenue from a $3.8 billion budget because of the COVID-19 outbreak, according to the most severe forecast presented Tuesday to the Board of Regents. The virus forced the university to close the campus and switch indefinitely to online instruction, a…

Local Liquor Stores Taking Extreme Measures to Keep Customers Social Distancing, Avoid Closing

If customers crowd liquor stores as time goes on, they could be forced to close.

Many people stuck at home in both Minnesota and Wisconsin are heading to liquor stores. But when those stores become crowded, business owners have to choose between serving customers, an following the law of public health by maintaining social distance. One sign in front of Shanty Bottle Shop in Duluth’s Hillside neighborhood says it best: “Do not rush into the…

Home Healthcare Service Accepting More Patients to Decrease Need for Hospitalization

Recover Health hopes to eliminate patients' need to go back to the hospital.

DULUTH, Minn.- A home health service in Duluth is doing its part to treat more people at home, while also lifting the burden off of local hospitals. Recover Health on Grand Avenue in Denfeld is currently accepting new patients at about 8 beds a week. They offer services such as physical therapy, occupational therapy, and help with medications. The service…

Local Addiction Help During Quarantine

During this time of quarantine, people with addiction issues may have a harder time dealing with self-isolation. 

DULUTH, Minn. – During this time of quarantine, people with addiction issues may have a harder time dealing with self-isolation. According to the co-founder of Recovery Alliance Duluth, technology has been a good resource with helping with recovery. Face-to-face contact has been replaced with a virtual world where clients are receiving counseling and outreach. Among the topics discussed with patients,…

President Trump Approves Minnesota Disaster Declaration

(FOX 9) – President Donald Trump has approved a disaster declaration in Minnesota due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This declaration allows for federal funding to aid the state, tribal and eligible local governments and certain nonprofits in areas impacted by coronavirus.  Earlier this week, the Minnesota Congressional Delegation urged Trump’s administration to approve Minnesota’s request for a major declaration. “The coronavirus pandemic…

St. Louis County Working to Provide Temporary Housing to the Homeless Amid Coronavirus Pandemic

ST. LOUIS COUNTY, Minn. – St. Louis County says they are in the process of finalizing contracts with several hotels to provide temporary housing to individuals experiencing homelessness who do not have a safe place to quarantine. “Providing shelter to a person in isolation or quarantine is among the essential services that St. Louis County Public Health is mandated to…

Minnesota House Passes New Protection for Front-Line Workers

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Minnesota’s coronavirus infection count surpassed 1,000 Tuesday, as lawmakers moved closer to passing legislation to ensure first responders and health care workers on the front lines of the battle against COVID-19 qualify for workers compensation, even if they can’t prove they caught the virus at work. A surreal scene played out on the House floor as representatives…

Windows Filled With Teddy Bears Brings Positivity To Local Neighborhoods

"I think teddy bears are like comfort food. They're cozy," said Therese Gurba.

DULUTH, Minn. – It’s been a “beary” sight to see the community getting creative and connecting during this uncertain time as Covid-19 continues. The Duluth Public Library is inviting more residents to spread positivity as they live out a real life neighborhood bear hunt inspired by a popular children’s book. Many people are tucking away teddy bears of all shapes,…

Researchers Needs Help With Collecting Data From Local Streams

There are more than 15 water depth rulers in nearly 10 streams in the Northland.

DULUTH, Minn – Northland researchers are looking for volunteers to help them collect data to monitor spring water flow in area streams. This is the time when researchers would be out getting their own data, but Covid-19 is preventing them from doing their research. Fortunately, a citizen crowd-sourcing program was set up along local streams several years ago to allow…

U of Minnesota Summer Classes to be Online Only

MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. – The University of Minnesota has announced that summer classes will be online only because of concerns about the coronavirus outbreak. University President Joan Gabel made the announcement in a system-wide email Monday. “While we manage through the immediate concerns and challenges presented by COVID-19, my leadership team and I are also considering plans for the intermediate and long-term future,”…