Minnesota

Morning Update 10-10-19

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Thursday, October 10, 2019

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Brittney Merlot for a local look at news and weather making headlines Thursday, October 10, 2019. Categories: Community, Minnesota, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, brittney merlot, community, Local News, morning update

Last “Summer Day” in the Northland

Sunny and 70 degrees brought everyone out to Canal Park's boardwalk Wednesday

DULUTH, Minn.- With nasty weather on the way, and today being so nice, people were out enjoying the weather. Those of all ages enjoyed the boardwalk on Canal Park one final time in the 2019 calendar year. Folks were getting ice cream, feeding the birds, or just enjoying themselves on the beautiful day. People filled the park, and one visitor…

Ordinance Moves to Ban Smoking in Parks

The Parks and Recreation commission passed the ordinance Wednesday night, and will now head to the Superior City Council

SUPERIOR, Wis.- Some Superior city leaders are looking to ban smoking and vaping near playgrounds at parks in Superior. The Parks and Rec Commission called a special meeting Wednesday night and passed the ordinance that originally would have banned smoking in Superior parks, but now could just ban it near playgrounds. The ban would include lighted cigars, cigarettes, pipes, vape…

New Apartments Being Developed in Downtown Duluth

The cost for units will range between $700 and $1,500.

DULUTH, Minn. – New apartments are being developed in two historic buildings in the heart of downtown Duluth. The 47–unit complex called the “First Street Lofts” is under construction at the corner of Lake Avenue and East First Street inside the old “Builders Exchange” and “Interstate Auto” buildings. The properties are owned by former Duluth Mayor Gary Doty, who is…

St. Luke’s Celebrates Launch Of Their Comprehensive Breast Program

DULUTH, Minn. -St. Luke’s Hospital is celebrating the launch of their comprehensive Breast Program. They held a ribbon cutting to commemorate this achievement. The program will speed up the process to care, by helping patients get answers to their concerns and information for treatment at a shorter time frame. It isn’t just for patients with breast cancer. Patients with any…

11th Annual Suicide Awareness Memorial Walk Happening Saturday

The Suicide Awareness Memorial Walk is Happening Saturday, October 12 at Carlton High School

CARLTON, Minn. – The 11th Annual Suicide Awareness Memorial Walk is happening Saturday, October 12, 2019, from 9:30 – 11:30 a.m. at Carlton High School. In 2018, over 200 walkers, from around the region and state participated in this free community event. There will be a short walk followed by refreshments and a short message of hope from Sandy Raisanen…

Tricks and Treats Taking Over Lake Superior Zoo

Boo at the Zoo is Happening Saturday, October 12, and Saturday, October 19

DULUTH, Minn. – Boo at the Zoo is back once again for another season of tricking and collecting treats. The event is happening Saturday, October 12 and 19 from 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. Families are encouraged to dress in costume, but not too scary! More than 40 trick-or-treating stations will be available. Henna tattoos, a magic show, straw maze…

Missing Indiana Man’s Pickup Truck Found Near Two Harbors

Public Asked To Keep An Eye Out For James Runkle And His Missing Kayak

LAKE COUNTY, Minn. – Authorities are asking for the public’s help after a missing Indiana man’s truck was found just north of Two Harbors. James Runkle, 56, went missing from North Judson, Indiana, Sept. 20. He told his wife he planned to go fishing locally before going to a doctor’s appointment and then coming home. Lake County Sheriff Carey Johnson…

Great Outdoors: Birkie Training Begins Without Snow

The American Birkebeiner is four and a half months away, but the intense training for some is beginning

DULUTH, Minn.- The American Birkebeiner is four and a half months away. But preparation is intensifying for a group of skiers ready to take on North America’s largest cross-country ski marathon. Snow may not be falling just yet, but that isn’t stopping a group of skiers from some intense conditioning for the 50 kilometer race from Cable to Hayward Wisconsin….

Tips Out on the Water for Fly Fishing

Excited anglers for the fall season all gathered Tuesday night

DULUTH, Minn.- Meanwhile, even though snow is in the forecast, anglers are all about the fall fishing season. Tuesday night at UMD, people learned about local fisheries, where they can go to fish or fly fish, and learn what type of fish they can catch. A member of the Gitche Gumme Trout Unlimited tells us it’s also about anglers keeping…

Twin Ports College Students Connect with Business Mentors

Mentor Connection program helps students establish connections with the Twin Ports Business Community.

DULUTH, Minn.- Northland College students got to rub elbows with Twin Ports business leaders who work in the field they’re studying. The career-finding organization Northforce put on the event at Great Lakes Aquarium. It’s part of the launch of their Mentor Connect program, which matches students from the College of St. Scholastica, Lake Superior College, University of Wisconsin-Superior, and UMD…

Phase One of St. Luke’s Expansion Almost Complete

Phase Two and Three expected to be done in 5-7 years.

DULUTH, Minn.- As Essentia Hospital starts their $800 million Vision Northland expansion project, St. Luke’s is moving into the next phase of their campus redevelopment. Phase One involved the construction of Building A in 2012 and expanding surgery into that building. Now that’s wrapping up, consolidating more services into that one main building. The completion of Phase One in August…

Duluth Fire Department Talks Kitchen Fire Prevention

DULUTH, Minn. – As part of fire prevention week here in the Northland, the local Duluth fire department put on a demonstration and gave some tips on the best ways to prevent kitchen fires. Officials say, the main cause of kitchen fires is lack of attention. “People who are cooking something and then they get distracted for whatever reason. Whether…

Golfer’s Take Advantage of Warm Weather

Nemadji Golf Course in Superior was filled with golfers getting one last round in

SUPERIOR, Wis.- The other big story Tuesday was the weather. With snow in the forecast for this weekend, golfers took advantage of the warm and sunny day Tuesday. People of all ages filled Nemadji Golf Course in Superior, thankful for possibly one last time to hit the green. “Oh it’s really nice like I said, when you get this kind…

St. Louis County Hosts Open House to Find Foster Families

More than 500 kids are in need of a foster home.

St. Louis County Public health division held an open house at the Government Center in Duluth for “Finding Foster Families Day.” In St. Louis county there is more than 500 kids that have been displaced and are in need of a foster home. The open house was an opportunity for to help anyone interested learn more about the process required…

UMD’s Women’s Hockey Team Give Thanks to Service Members

Team signed cards to be distributed to service member and veterans in December

DULUTH, Minn. – The University of Minnesota Duluth’s Women’s hockey team is embracing the chance to show appreciation to the men and women serving in the military by partnering with the American Red Cross. After getting in tons of practice on the ice, the women’s hockey team headed back to the locker room to fill out the holiday cards for…

Third Candidate Enters 8th Congressional District Race

HIBBING, Minn. – Another Democratic candidate has entered the race for Minnesota’s 8th Congressional District. Iron Range native Marjorie (Marje) Holmstrom-Sabo announced on Tuesday that she is running to challenge GOP Rep. Pete Stauber. According to a recent press release her background includes careers in software engineering and education. Diabetes activist Quinn Nystrom, 33, entered the congresstional race on Thursday…

 Trump Campaign Says Minneapolis Rally is Set

The Company Says it was Prepared to Sue

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) – President Donald Trump’s re-election campaign says his Minneapolis rally will go ahead as scheduled Thursday after a brief dispute over security costs. The campaign says the city of Minneapolis presented the operator of Target Center a $530,000 bill for security costs, and the arena operator had sought help from the campaign. The campaign says it was prepared…

Water Main Break Restored on Park Point

The Connection was Restored Around Noon

DULUTH, Minn. – A water mean break on Park Point has been restored accosting to the City of Duluth. The city says they were notified of a large amount of water at 2634 Minnesota Avenue earlier Tuesday morning. Crews responded at 10:30 a.m. and restored the connection for residents living from 23rd and Minnesota Avenue and South Lake Avenue to…

Wisconsin Senate Passes Sexual Assault Kit Protocols

The Proposals Have Broad Bipartisan Support

MADISON, Wis. (AP) – The Wisconsin Senate has overwhelmingly approved two bills that would establish protocols for handling sexual assault evidence kits. A backlog of untested kits has been an issue in Wisconsin and across the country for years. The proposals have broad bipartisan support. The measures were developed by lawmakers, victims’ rights advocates, law enforcement representatives and others. Under…

MSP Terminal 1 Checkpoints Return to Normal Tuesday Morning

The Renovation was Expected to Last Into December

MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. (FOX 9) – Starting Tuesday, the security checkpoints at MSP International Airport will start to look a bit more normal. Previously, checkpoints were changed during a construction project that was expected to go until December, but it’s wrapping up just in time for MEA week. As Fox 9 reports, whether you head south or north inside Terminal One…

Twin Cities Film Fest Features Multiple Minnesota Connections

Twin Cities Film Festival is Happening October 16 - 26

MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. – Northland movie lovers, now is your chance to get a glimpse of this year’s greatest films — some even have a connection to Minnesota. Twin Cities Film Fest organizers Jatin Setia and Bill Cooper stopped by FOX 21 Local News to chat about this year’s Minnesota connections to the festival. Films with Minnesota Roots: International Falls It…

Central Minnesota Grapples With Disposing CWD-Positive Deer

Legislators Have set Asider $50,000 for Dumpsters in Disease Areas

BRAINERD, Minn. (AP) – Wildlife officials in central Minnesota are discovering it’s not easy to get rid of deer carcasses infected with chronic wasting disease. The disease was discovered in a wild deer in Crow Wing County earlier this year, the first confirmed case in the state outside of southeastern Minnesota. Legislators have set aside $50,000 to set up dumpsters…

Trump Campaign Threatens to Sue Minneapolis Over Security Costs

Trump's Campaign Says the City is Trying to Force it to Pay $530,000

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) – President Donald Trump’s campaign has threatened to sue Minneapolis for trying to force it to pay $530,000 in security costs for this week’s rally in the city. Trump’s campaign, in a statement late Monday night, said Mayor Jacob Frey is abusing the power of his office by “conjuring a phony and outlandish bill for security” at Thursday’s…

Rural Fire Departments Train to Combat Car and Structure Fires

Two volunteer rural departments and the Duluth Fire Department train in Lakewood.

LAKEWOOD, Minn.- Two rural Fire Departments and the Duluth Fire Department teamed up for training, to work on their response to car and structure fires. The two rural departments, Lakewood and Normanna, are volunteer run, with the training taking place at Lakewood Fire Hall. Crews burned a test car supplied by the State Fire Marshall, to simulate the high flames…

Judge: Former Kozy Building at ‘the end of the line’

Historic Building gets green light from court to be demolished.

DULUTH, Minn.- A Saint Louis County judge has ruled the condemned Kozy building on East First Street in downtown Duluth should be torn down. The building has been in the middle of court battles for three years, with the City of Duluth wanting to tear it down and open the property to developers. “You can see the trees growing out…

Judge Rules Former Kozy Building Could Come Down

The Decision was Made Monday

DULUTH, Minn. – A St. Louis County judge has decided the former Kozy Bar building can be torn down. The decision was made Monday by Judge Eric Hylden who said there is “no feasible and prudent option for historic renovation” for the building. Former Kozy owner Eric Ringsred sued the city last April claiming the city did not do enough…

Police: Man Shows Gun After Political Bumper Sticker Dispute

The West Fargo Man is Due in Court on Tuesday

MOORHEAD, Minn. (AP) — A North Dakota man faces charges after police say he displayed a handgun after a dispute over political bumper stickers with another driver in Minnesota. Moorhead police say a woman reported she was driving Monday when the 27-year-old West Fargo man pulled up and began yelling about her sticker supporting Democratic presidential hopeful Elizabeth Warren. Authorities…

Democrat Amy Klobuchar Raises $4.8M for Presidential Bid

Klobuchar Says She Feels Good About the Number

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) – Democrat Amy Klobuchar says she raised $4.8 million in the third quarter for her 2020 presidential campaign. The total announced Monday places the Minnesota senator in the middle of the field in fundraising for the third straight quarter. Klobuchar has raised more than some rivals but less than top-tier candidates such as Sen. Bernie Sanders, who raised…

Three Charged After Minnesota Man’s Remains Found in WVa

The Women Were Charged With Concealment of a Deceased Human Body

WELCH, W.Va. (AP) – West Virginia State Police have charged three people after the remains of a Minnesota man were found. The Bluefield Daily Telegraph reports McDowell County Magistrate Court records show the body found in the Skygusty area was identified as John Thomas McGuire. Sgt. C.K. McKenzie in Welch says 31-year-old Amanda Michelle Naylor McClure of Chisago City, Minnesota,…

St. Luke’s to Host Women’s Health Night

Women's Health Night is Happening Wednesday, October 9 from 6:00 - 8:00 p.m.

DULUTH, Minn. – St. Luke’s is looking to start a community conversation regarding women’s health, and being proactive. The event comes as the nation recognizes Breast Cancer Awareness Month throughout October. Women’s Health Night is open to women of all ages. It’s happening Wednesday, October 9 in the St. Luke’s Auditorium, 2 Center located at 915 East First Street in…

Pedestrian Standing on Interstate Dies When Struck by 2 Cars

The Man Appeared to be Under the Influence

WYOMING, Minn. (AP) – Authorities say a 19-year-old man who was standing in the middle of Interstate 35 in Wyoming, Minnesota was struck and killed by two cars. The Star Tribune reports that the incident happened shortly after 10 p.m. Saturday. The Minnesota State Patrol says in its report the man was standing on the stripe dividing the two southbound…

Construction Resumes at Sky Harbor Airport

The airport's runway is being relocated.

DULUTH, Minn- Construction is underway at Sky Harbor Airport in Park Point. It’s the final phase of the runway relocation project which would help smooth out the new runway. Construction will continue for the next few months, with the goal of it being completed in May of 2020. Categories: Business, Minnesota, News Tags: construction, Sky Harbor Airport

10-Year-Old Puts Together Winter Clothing Drive

Cold weather is settling in here in the Northland, and with it comes the need for additional warmer clothes

DULUTH, Minn.- Cold weather is settling in here in the Northland, and snow has already fallen in some parts of the region. In honor of winter on the way, a Duluth clothing drive was held to make sure people are staying warm during the frigid season. About a month ago, 10 year old Chloe Carr told her mom she wanted…

Superior Street Reopens Following Lester River Bridge Reconstruction Project

DULUTH, Minn. – The $2 million reconstruction project of Lester River bridge is now complete. Residents will no longer have to endure traffic detours after a portion of Superior Street was shut down to handle those repairs. This is the first major restoration of the bridge since it was built in 1973. The reconstruction included repairing elevation issues impacting the…

Lester Park’s Pedestrian Bridge Reopens

DULUTH, Minn. – After closing down for almost a year Lester Park’s pedestrian bridge overlooking amity creek has finally reopened. Cracks in the support beam and other structural damage caused much concern for the safety of those visiting the trail. And last November, the city of Duluth’s Parks and Recreaction barricaded the bridge after deeming it unstable. Over the summer,…

Update: Fourth Suspect Charged in Fatal West Duluth Shooting

DULUTH, Minn. – Authorities say they have charged a fourth suspect in connection to a shooting in West Duluth last month that left 33-year-old Timothy Jon Nelson dead. Investigators say they charged 27-year-old Taylor Fredrickson on Thursday with one count of aiding an offender. According to the criminal complaint, Fredrickson told police that she was with one of the suspects…

Trampled By Turtles to Sing National Anthem at Twins Playoff Game

MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. – Trampled by Turtles will be singing the National Anthem at the Twins playoff game on Monday. The band made the announcement on their Twitter page Friday afternoon. We’re singing the National Anthem before the @Twins play the @Yankees for ALDS Playoff Game 3 this Monday Oct 7th. Tune in and Go Twins! pic.twitter.com/Qth29ju9NG — Trampled by Turtles…

Duluth Man Charged in Duluth Cider Burglary

Carl Was in Possession of Stolen Property When Arrested

DULUTH, Minn. – A Duluth man arrested Wednesday afternoon in connection to a burglary at Duluth Cider in the Lincoln Park Business District has been charged. According to the Duluth Police, 25-year-old Kyle Carl was charged on Friday with third degree burglary. At the time of his arrest, Carl was on supervised pre-trial release for four other burglaries earlier this…

Hollywood Invasion Coming to Duluth

The Catalyst Content Festival is Happening October 9 - 13 in Duluth, Minnesota

DULUTH, Minn. – A festival years in the making will present it’s Duluth debut on Wednesday, October 9. The Catalyst Content Festival, originally ITVFest, first began in Los Angeles in 2006. Flash forward to today, and the Festival has survived, thrived, and grown through two states. It now resides in Minnesota. Philip Gilpin Jr. is the Executive Director of Catalyst, but…

Former UMD Coaches File Petition to the Minnesota Supreme Court

The Court has 60 Days to Decide if it Will Take the Case

DULUTH, Minn. – Three former UMD Coaches have filed a petition to the Minnesota Supreme Court. Former University of Minnesota Duluth women’s hockey coach Shannon Miller, former softball coach Jen Banford and former women’s basketball coach Annette Wiles are asking the court to review the decision of the Minnesota Court of Appeals that dismissed their lawsuit against UMD citing discrimination…

Picking the Perfect Pumpkin In a Sea of Gourds

DC's Best Produce Farms is Expected to Keep Their Patches Open Through Halloween

DULUTH, Minn. – There’s a sea of pumpkins, gourds and vegetable for sale on the corner of Arlington Avenue and Central Entrance in Duluth. In this week’s Active Adventures, Meteorologist Brittney Merlot swings by the temporary produce stand set up for the Halloween season. For more than 20 years, DC’s Best Produce Farms has set up shop at the busy…

Setup Underway for Bentleyville Tour of Lights

DULUTH, Minn. – Volunteers have been hard at work setting up tunnels and lights over at Bayfront Festival Park. Although there’s still a long way to go, organizers are excited to bring new displays this year, especially along the fire pit area. “For the first time in ten years, we’re getting rid of all of our snowflakes on the panels….

Salvation Army Searching for Bell Ringers

DULUTH, Minn. -The Salvation Army is on the hunt for bell ringers to participate in their Red Kettle fundraiser. They began looking for volunteers at the beginning of the month. For the Salvation Army, bell ringing season is their number one fundraiser campaign raising over $200,000 alone last year.  All of the proceeds stay local. “Every cent that goes into…

Chisholm Man Suffers Life-Threatening Injuries in Hibbing Crash

Both Drivers Were Wearing Their Seatbelts

HIBBING, Minn. – A Chisholm man suffered life threatening injuries in a Thursday morning crash on Highway 169 in Hibbing. According to the Minnesota State Patrol, a Ford Escape driving on E 31 Street was crossing Highway 169 when it was hit on the passenger side by a Ford Taurus travelling south on Highway 169. The 71-year-old male driving the…

19 Students Facing Riot Charges Following Massive Brawl at St. Cloud School

Three Staff Members Suffered Minor Injuries

ST. CLOUD, Minn.. (FOX 9) – After a massive fight at Tech High School in St. Cloud last week, 19 students have been charged. Most of the students are facing riot charges related to the brawl on Wednesday, September 25. One 16-year-old boy however is also facing charges for terroristic threats and possession of a dangerous weapon on school property….