Minnesota

DEA Opens new Office in Duluth to Combat Drug Trafficking

The New Office was Announced Wednesday by City Leaders

DULUTH, Minn. (AP) — The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration is opening an office in Duluth in an effort to bring more federal resources to investigate drug crimes in northeastern Minnesota and western Wisconsin. The new office was announced Wednesday by city leaders and Richard Salter, the special agent in charge of the DEA’s Omaha division, which oversees DEA operations in…

MNsure Announces 7-Week Enrollment Period for 2020 Coverage

Minnesotans Will Have From November 1 to December 23

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) — Minnesota’s state-run health insurance exchange has announced a seven-week enrollment period for 2020 coverage. MNsure said Wednesday that Minnesotans will have from Nov. 1, 2019, to Dec. 23, 2019, to shop for 2020 health coverage. Minnesota’s enrollment period is eight days longer than the federal open enrollment period that runs from Nov. 1 to Dec….

Suspect in Fatal Hibbing Shooting Charged With First Degree Murder

He is Scheduled to Appear in Court on September 12

HIBBING, Minn. – The suspect connected to a Hibbing murder last Christmas has now been indicted on a first degree murder charge. According to court records, 30-year-old Jerome Diante Spann has already pleaded not guilty to a second degree murder charge and second-degree assault charge on June 5. Spann is accused of shooting two victims last December in the 2400…

Boy Thrown From Mall of America Balcony Returns Home

Landon was Thrown Nearly 40 Feet to the Ground by a Stranger in April

(courtesy: Fox 9) MINNEAPOLIS (AP) – A 5-year-old boy has returned home nearly five months after he was thrown from a third-floor balcony at the Mall of America in Minnesota. The boy’s family said Tuesday on a gofundme.com site that their son has completed inpatient treatment and has returned home. KSTP-TV reports the boy, identified only as Landen, will continue…

Duluth Rotary Rose Sale Begins Thursday

Rotary Rose Sale Tickets are Available for Purchase Through Friday, October 4; Pickup October 11, 12

DULUTH, Minn. – Roses are red, and starting Thursday, September 5, you’re purchase of a dozen can help make a big impact in the Northland. The Duluth Rotary Club is hosting its 34th Annual Rose Sale, September 5 through October 4. Roses will be sold throughout the Duluth and Superior region for only $25 a dozen. Bouquets will be available…

Woman Killed by Black Bear on Island North of Minnesota

Experts say an Attack by a Black Bear is 'Extremely Rare'

INTERNATIONAL FALLS, Minn. (AP) – Authorities say a Minnesota woman has been killed by a black bear on an island in Canadian waters. Ontario Provincial Police say 62-year-old Catherine Sweatt-Mueller, of Maple Plain, was staying with her parents in a remote cabin on Red Pine Island in Rainy Lake when she was killed. The Star Tribune reports that police Constable…

Piedmont Elementary Students Greeted by Denfeld Upperclassmen

DULUTH, Minn. – Denfeld students helped welcome Piedmont Elementary students to their first day of school Tuesday. After looking at school data, faculty wanted to stress the need for getting students to class. Staff now have the help of a new attendance committee, and has enlisted upperclassmen in an initiative called: “Present panthers, are you in the game?” “We want…

Search Is On For Missing UMD Student

Jacob Lavoie went missing Saturday night after a night out with friends

DULUTH, Minn.- Duluth Police are searching for missing 21 year-old UMD student Jacob Lavoie who vanished after a night out with friends at Grandma’s Sports Garden in Canal Park. Duluth Police describe Lavoie as a white male, 5 feet 10 inches tall weighing around 150 pounds. He has strawberry blonde hair, blue eyes and was last seen wearing jeans, a…

Red Cross Seeks Northland Volunteers to Help with Dorian

Five volunteers sent already, more is always needed.

DULUTH, Minn.- As Dorian continues to threaten landfall on the east coast, the American Red Cross Serving Northern Minnesota is already sending volunteers down south to help with recovery efforts. The Northland Chapter of the Red Cross will have sent 5 volunteers by Wednesday, spread out between Florida, Georgia and the Carolinas. They will help with medical and mental health…

Court of Appeals Rules Duluth Officer Fired for Misuse of Force Be Reinstated

Officer Adam Huot closer to returning to force after being fired back in May 2017.

DULUTH, Minn.- The Duluth Police Officer who was fired after dragging a handcuffed man through the skywalk system and hitting his head on a doorway back in May of 2017 could be reinstated. On Tuesday the Minnesota Court of Appeals affirmed an earlier ruling that an arbitrator’s decision to reinstate Officer Adam Huot does not violate public policy. The fate…

Minnesota State Fair Sets Attendance Record of 2.1M

This Year's State Fair Saw Six Daily Record Attendance Days

FALCON HEIGHTS, Minn. (AP) – The Minnesota State Fair has wrapped up another year with another attendance record. Fair officials say the 2019 edition of the Great Minnesota Get-Together finished Monday with a 12-day total attendance of more than 2.1 million, thanks to a record Labor Day turnout of 184,740. That beats the previous overall attendance record of more than…

Missing Person: Jacob Michael Lavioe, 21

DULUTH, Minn. – Duluth Police are asking for the public’s help locating 21-year-old Jacob Michael Lavoie. Authorities say Lavoie was last seen at Grandma’s Sports Garden in Canal Park on Saturday around midnight and early morning September 1. Lavoie is described as a white male, 5’10”, weighing approximately 150 pounds with strawberry blonde hair and blue eyes. He was last…

Ex-Duluth Cop Who Dragged Man is Closer to Getting Job Back

Huot was Fired After the May 2017 Incident

DULUTH, Minn. (AP) – A former Duluth police officer who was fired after he dragged a handcuffed man through a city skyway system is a step closer to getting his job back. Adam Huot was fired after the May 2017 incident. Video shows the man’s head hit a steel door frame as he was being dragged. The Minnesota Court of…

Minnesota Court of Appeals Upholds Dismissal of Lawsuit by Former UMD Coaches

DULUTH, Minn. – The Minnesota Court of Appeals upheld the dismissal of a lawsuit filed by three former coaches against the University of Minnesota Duluth citing discrimination based on sexual orientation. Former University of Minnesota Duluth women’s hockey coach Shannon Miller, former softball coach Jen Banford and former women’s basketball coach Annette Wiles appealed a judge’s decision to dismiss their…

Contaminated Water Leads to Beach Closures in Minneapolis

Officials Said Goose Droppings Contaminated the Water at Some Beaches

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) – Minneapolis park officials say contaminated water led to a record number of beach closures in this summer. Half of the city’s 12 beaches were not safe to swim in at various times during the summer. That’s the most since Minneapolis started a water sampling program in 2003, Minnesota Public Radio reported. Park officials say heavy rainfall was…

Ethnic Festival Happening Saturday in Gary New Duluth

The GND Development Alliance is Thrilled to be Hosting the Ethnic Festival on Saturday, September 7, 2019

DULUTH, Minn. – The community is encouraged to check out the annual Ethnic Festival taking place Saturday, September 7 in Gary New Duluth. The event is taking place from 12:00 – 5:00 p.m. The festival will feature music from the Alps to the Adriatic featuring the Singing Slovenes and special guest Kerry Christensen. Festival goers will also be able to…

Red Flag Warning Issued for Park Point Beaches

The Warning is in Effect Until Wednesday Morning

DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth Fire Department has issued a warning for dangerous swimming conditions for Park Point beaches effective immediately. The warning will continue until 10:00 a.m. Wednesday. The department says that the warning means that wind and wave conditions can support life-threatening rip currents to anyone entering the water. They recommend staying out of the water regardless of…

Pedestrian Struck, 3 Wounded by Gunfire Outside State Fair

One Victime is in Critical Condition at Regions Hospital

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) – St. Paul police say it was a chaotic close to the Minnesota State Fair as a pedestrian was struck by a car and three men were wounded by gunfire. Authorities say an altercation broke out about 10:20 p.m. Monday outside a fair gate and a woman was hit by a vehicle. She’s in critical condition…

Superior Businesses Put Out Purple for Alzheimer’s Awareness

All this week businesses have special events before the Walk to End Alzheimer's in Duluth.

SUPERIOR, Wis.- September is Alzheimer’s Awareness month and in the Twin Ports, it’s recognized with the yearly Walk to End Alzheimer’s this Saturday in Duluth. But the awareness campaign is already kicking off today with businesses across the bridge in Superior that are getting involved for the first time. “I don’t think there’s anybody in our community that has not…

Families Pack Veterans Park for 100th Labor Day Carnival

Attractions included a petting zoo, beer garden, and more.

CLOQUET, Minn.- A variety of activities were buzzing in Veterans Park for Carlton County’s 100th Labor Day Celebration. The Carnival featured face painting, maypole dancing, a beer garden, and even a petting zoo for all ages to enjoy. One family at the event said it’s become a tradition for them to come to the Labor Day celebration, fitting in some…

Area Runners Participate in Charity Adventure Run

CLOQUET, Minn – The third annual Lost Forester Adventure Run took place Monday morning at the Pine Valley Recreational Center in Cloquet. There was also a 5.5k and 11k runs, but the grueling eight mile race expands all over the Pine Valley area. Racers must find orange ribbons, and other landmarks to get to their next destination. All of the…

Red Flag Warning in Effect for Park Point Beaches

Conditions Have Been Deeemed Dangerous Through 10:00 a.m. Tuesday, September 3

DULUTH, Minn. – Due to the High Risk of Rip Currents today, the Duluth Fire Department has issued a warning for dangerous effective immediately and continuing until 10:00 a.m. Tuesday, September 3. The warning means wind and wave conditions are unsafe to anyone entering the water. Duluth fire officials advise you to stay out of the water regardless of your…

Set Sail with the St. Louis River Alliance this Thursday

The SLRA is Hosting the annual Vista Boat Tour Thursday, September 5 from 5:00 - 7:00 p.m.

DULUTH, Minn. – The St. Louis River Alliance (SLRA) is setting sail Thursday, September 5 from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. aboard the Vista Fleet in Duluth. The SLRA is excited to be hosting the Vista Star Boat Tour for yet another year. Boarding will begin at 5:00 p.m. Departure at 5:30 p.m. Arrival back to docks by 7:00 p.m. Light…

Blood Donations Encouraged During Childhood Cancer Awareness Month

The American Red Cross is Hosting a Blood Drive at Walmart in Superior Tuesday, September 3, 2019

DULUTH, Minn. – The National Cancer Institute estimates more than 15,000 children and teens in the United States were diagnoses with cancer in 2018. With the diagnosis often comes continued blood and/or platelet transfusions. Throughout the month of September, Northlanders are encouraged to help the American Red Cross by signing up to donate blood or host a blood drive in…

Minnesota House Democrats Plan 15 Cannabis Conversations

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) – Minnesota House Democrats are hitting the road for a series of town halls on how the state should go about legalizing recreational marijuana. House Majority Leader Ryan Winkler says his chamber will pass a legalization bill in the 2020 session, so it’s vitally important that Minnesotans weigh in. The first three of 15 community conversations…

Possible Cougar Roaming Eden Prairie

Not the First Cougar Sighting Reported in Eden Prairie This Summer

(courtesy: Eden Prairie PD) EDEN PRAIRIE, Minn. (AP) – Police in a Twin Cities suburb say they’re working with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to determine whether a cougar is roaming the city. Authorities tweeted a photo Thursday night of what appears to be a cougar taken by a resident in Eden Prairie this week near Purgatory Creek. It’s…

Traffic Deaths up 6% in 2018

381 People Died in Crashes in 2018

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) – State officials say traffic deaths in Minnesota increased 6% last year. The Department of Public Safety says 381 people died in crashes in 2018 with speed being the main factor in about a third of the fatalities. The agency’s Office of Traffic Safety says failing to wear seat belts resulted in 96 deaths, while 84…

UMinn Freshmen Class Likely Largest in 50 Years

Official Enrollment Numbers Will be Published This Fall

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) – Preliminary numbers show the freshmen class at the University of Minnesota could be the largest in decades. Vice Provost and Dean Robert McMaster says the 6,200 freshman students this year eclipses the 2017 class as the largest in 50 years. Although, the official enrollment number won’t be published until later this fall. McMaster tells KARE-TV the university…

Minnesota Math Scores Continue to Decline in Latest Tests

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) – Student math test scores continue to decline in Minnesota. During the most recent school year, the number of Minnesota students considered proficient in math dropped for the fourth consecutive year. Only 53.9 percent of students met or exceeded state standards for math proficiency in 2019. In 2016, nearly 60 percent of Minnesota students met or…

Body of a Minnesota Man Who Fell to Death Recovered From Montana Peak

Authorities Have not yet Identified the 65-Year-Old Victim

  (photo: Twitter/GallatinNF) BILLINGS, Mont. (AP) – An emergency crew has recovered the body of climber who died on Montana’s highest peak. The Billings Gazette reports a helicopter retrieved a man’s body from the south side of Granite Peak Tuesday. Authorities have not yet identified the 65-year-old victim from Minnesota. Park County Sheriff Brad Bichler says the man fell Saturday…

Zeitgeist to Host Pride Art Exhibit

The Exhibit is on Display at Zeitgeist Arts Cafe in Downtown Duluth

DULUTH, Minn. – Pride events kick off Thursday, August 29 with the Mayor’s Reception at the Duluth Depot. Duluth Mayor Emily Larson, Superior Mayor Jim Paine, as well as officials from surrounding communities will welcome visitors and residents alike to the Depot for the opener of the Labor Day Weekend 2019 Pride Celebration. The Mayor’s reception is happening from 5:00…

Cooking Connection: Fresh French Fries at the Minnesota State Fair

The Great Minnesota Get-Together Wraps up on Monday, September 2, 2019

FALCON HEIGHTS, Minn. – The Great Minnesota Get-Together continues through Labor Day in Falcon Heights. This year there are dozens of new foods available to try, but the staples keep customers and fairgoers coming back. FOX 21 Local News stopped by Fresh French Fries in this week’s Cooking Connection. FOX 21’s Andrew Kirov learns how staff keep up with demand…

Legitimate Hustle Pale Ale Proceeds to Benefit Life House in Duluth

A Release Party for the New Brew is Happening Friday, August 30 at Fitger's in Duluth

DULUTH, Minn. – Fitger’s Brewhouse Brewery and Grille and The Duluth Experience are teaming up with Life House to collaborate on a special brew, the Legitimate Hustle Pale Ale, to help raise money for the new Legitimate Hustle Program. A project of Life House’s Futures Education and Employment Program, the Legitimate Hustle Program gives youth an opportunity to safely earn…

Remembering Duluth Business Owner, Community Advocate Rick Boo

Co-owner of Carmody locations dies at 60.

DULUTH, Minn.- Longtime Duluth business owner, son of a former mayor, and longtime LGBTQ community supporter Rick Boo has died. No cause of death has been released at this time. Carmody Irish Pub and Brewery was packed Wednesday with people reminiscing about his life. “He’s touched a lot of lives in this town, and helped a lot of deadbeat musicians…

Kids Tap Dance Summer Away at Shooting Stars Dance

Tap Dancing Day of summer camp teaches kids the basics.

CLOQUET, Minn.- In Cloquet a few kids had happy feet as they learned to tap dance at camp. Shooting Stars Dance in Cloquet is hosting its last camp of the summer this week. Dance instructors said dancing is a great activity to get kids moving. “Bringing kids into dance at a young age is really good for them to meet…

AICHO Workshop Helps Grow Indigenous Economy

Series focuses on Indigenous Economy and Indigenous Entrepreneurs.

DULUTH, Minn.- The American Indian Community Housing Organization or AICHO is hosting a forum that gives the indigenous community the tools to build the Indigenous economy. The first of the three part series Indigenous Economy, Indigenous Entrepreneurs was held Wednesday. A business owner shared his story and how native people in Duluth can start their own businesses that can help…

Gonvick Woman Charged With Criminal Vehicular Homicide

GONVICK, Minn. – A 47-year-old Gonvick woman has been charged with criminal vehicular homicide after authorities say she backed over and killed her boyfriend with her vehicle after a night of drinking. Authorities say Beth Rose Windus has been charged with two counts of criminal vehicular homicide in the death of her boyfriend Jonathon Sundquist, 51, of Proctor. According to…

Duluth YMCA to “Light Up With Pride” Starting Thursday

Officials with the City of Duluth and YMCA will help Kick off Duluth-Superior Pride Weekend Thursday Evening

DULUTH, Minn. – Tis’ the season to celebrate the history of the LGBTAQI community in the Northland. The Duluth Area Family YMCA, in collaboration with the Duluth Superior PRIDE committee is proud to host the inaugural Light Up With Pride event Thursday, August 29 at 9:00 p.m. at the Downtown branch of the YMCA. From 9:00 – 9:30 p.m., participants…

Great Minnesota Get-Together Teaches Sheep Shearing

This Week's Animal Answers Takes us to the Minnesota State Fair

DULUTH, Minn. – When you’re at the State Fair, you can’t forget about all the animal exhibits available. In this week’s Animal Answers, we’re taking you to the sheep barn to meet a couple who walks us through the process of shearing sheep. “My parents fit sheep for a living and I’ve been showing sheep my whole life,” said sheep…

3rd Annual Grand Slam Fundraiser Moves to Heritage Center, Still Draws Crowds

Fundraiser expected to raise $8,000-$10,000

DULUTH, Minn.- The Essentia Duluth Heritage Sports Center was packed for the Salvation Army’s Third Annual Grand Slam Festival Fundraiser. It was supposed to be held Wade Stadium like it has been before, but the rain changed those plans. The fundraiser raised money for the Salvation Army’s food program which organizers said served about 81,000 last year. It featured different…

Anderson Furniture To Close In Lincoln Park

The Store Has Been Open For More than 100 Years

DULUTH, Minn.- Another longtime furniture store in Lincoln Park has announced it’s closing. Anderson Furniture will close its doors in the next couple of months after more than 100 years in business, according to a store employee. There’s no word on how many employees will be affected. The Anderson Furniture store in Virginia will stay open. In terms of the…

Proctor Businesses React to Construction

Proctor, MN – Construction in Proctor is continuing to buzz along. Stop light repairs and accessibility to county road eleven are taking up the bulk of the work. The construction, which started August 7th, is on the main drag of town on highway two. One local business owner says, crossing the street and taking new delivers has been difficult. “The…

Major Grant Will Help Fix Area Bridges

DULUTH, MN – Congressman Pete Stauber announced today that Saint Louis County will receive $10,252,000 from the Department of Transportation towards bridge repairs. There are more than six-hundred bridges in Saint Louis County. The grant would allow the public works team to accelerate their plan for bridge maintenance. An additional fifteen or more bridges with weight restrictions could be replaced….

Summer Hockey Camp Shows Kids New Techniques

DULUTH, MN – Hockey players gathered at the Duluth Heritage Center for the three day Control the Ice Clinic. In the camp, kids learn new techniques to find their edge control, balance and coordination. The biggest thing instructors can teach, is that readiness makes all the difference. “The players who are great or the ones who are just good are…

Anderson Furniture Closing its Doors

DULUTH, Minn. – After 109 years in business Anderson Furniture says they are closing their doors. The business, located in Lincoln Park, does not yet have a date set for when they will close, but says they are in the process of a store closing sale. The Virginia location will remain open. There is no word on how many employees…

Suspect in Lakeside Home Invasion Charged With Felony Robbery

DULUTH, Minn. – Authorities say the suspect in a home invasion and robbery in Lakeside last week has now been formally charged. According to the criminal complaint, 32-year-old Brandon Edward Kall has been charged with first-degree robbery, second-degree aggravated robbery and felony theft. Authorities say police responded to the 5200 Block of Colorado Street on Thursday just before 10:00 p.m….

Agency Moves to Curb Chronic Wasting Among Minnesota’s Deer

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) – Minnesota wildlife officials are taking steps to curb a fatal brain disease among the state’s wild deer. The Department of Natural Resources on Tuesday announced 2019 deer season regulations aimed at limiting the spread of chronic wasting disease. The agency plans to expand hunting opportunities and bag limits in areas where the disease has been…