Minnesota Archives - Page 353 of 355

St. Louis County Commissioner Announces Bid for US Congress

Has served on the Duluth Police Department for 22 years

July 10, 2017

Melissa Lentz,

DULUTH, Minn. – Duluth Police Lieutenant and St. Louis County Commissioner, Pete Stauber has announced that he will be running for U.S. Congress from Minnesota’s 8th Congressional District. Stauber, a Republican, will be seeking the seat currently occupied by Democratic Representative Rick Nolan. Pete Stauber Stauber was elected to the St. Louis County Board of Commissioners in 2012, representing the…

Deer Crashes into Motorcycle

Driver was Taken to Hospital with Minor Injuries

July 8, 2017

Greg Chandler,

HIBBING, Minn. – A Missouri man was taken to the hospital after a deer hit his motorcycle. According to the Minnesota State Patrol, the crash happened around 3:30 p.m. Saturday. 53 year old Troy McMahon of Kansas City was riding his motorcycle on Highway 73 near Sand Lake, when a deer ran into traffic and made contact with his bike….

Minnesota DNR Upgrading Electronic Licensing System in 2020

New System Will Lead to More Profeciency

July 7, 2017

The Associated Press,

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) –Minnesota hunters and anglers can expect a more modern electronic licensing system with some new bells and whistles. The Department of Natural Resources is looking for a vendor to upgrade the system when its current vendor contract expires in 2020. DNR licensing program director Steve Michaels says it’s still too early to say exactly what…

Fire Deaths Up 36 Percent from 2016

July 7, 2017

Site Staff,

MINNESOTA – The Minnesota State Fire Marshal reports that fire deaths are up 36-percent compared to this time last year, according to preliminary numbers. According to the preliminary data, 30 people have died in fires in 2017, and by July last year, 22 people had died. The most recent fatality was reported just last week on July 28, when John…

New Deal: Blue Cross Blue Shield to Keep Children’s Minnesota In-Network

July 7, 2017

Site Staff,

(KMSP) – Children’s Minnesota and major health insurance company Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota have reached an agreement that would keep Children’s Minnesota as an in-network provider for Blue Cross patients. Minnesota Attorney General Lori Swanson helped broker the new deal between the two parties. According to her office, she acted as the mediator after Children’s and Blue Cross failed to meet the…

Summer Camps Beginning at Spirit Mountain

July 7, 2017

Natalie Froistad,

DULUTH, Minn. – Several parents throughout the Northland are looking for ways to keep their kids busy while they’re off from school for the summer. Spirit Mountain in Duluth is hosting several camps to encourage kids to stay moving and try new activities. The following is a sample of the camp programs offered in July at Spirit Mountain, based on…

Fees to Enter Minnesota State Parks Increase

July 6, 2017

William Seay,

CLOQUET, Minn. — For the first time in about a decade, the fees to visit Minnesota’s state parks have increased. Daily park passes have increased from five dollars to seven, and yearly passes for passenger vehicles have increased from 25 to 35 dollars. The changes began at the beginning of July. Lisa Angelos, Park Manager at Jay Cooke State Park,…

Over 300 Agencies to Crack Down on Speeding

The Minnesota State Patrol is Partnering with Local Agencies from July 7-23

July 6, 2017

Brett Scott,

DULUTH, Minn. – Starting Friday, July 7, the Minnesota State Patrol will be joining forces with 300 local agencies across the state to crack down on speeding. The partnership comes as Minnesotans drive through the 100 deadliest days of summer on Minnesota roadways. According to the State Patrol, 92 people lost their lives last year on Minnesota roads due to…

MNsure Assistance Offered at Duluth Public Library

Every Thursday, a MNsure Navigator Answers Questions and Helps Fill Out Applications

July 6, 2017

Andrew Kirov,

DULUTH, Minn. – Anybody with questions about MNsure can get some help at the Duluth Public Library. A certified MNsure navigator is stationed on the Downtown Library’s second floor every Thursday from 10:30 a.m. until 6:00 p.m. for anyone with questions about health coverage, or who needs assistance filling out a MNsure application. “People don’t think about or have insurance until…

Minneapolis Leaders May Restrict Menthol Sales

July 6, 2017

The Associated Press,

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) – The sale of menthol cigarettes in Minneapolis may soon be restricted to adult-only tobacco shops. The Star Tribune reports that the city has an ordinance that limits other flavored tobacco products to adult-only tobacco shops. Council Member Cam Gordon says restricting menthols is the next step. Anti-smoking advocates say a mint-flavored compound in the cigarettes creates a…

Gov. Dayton Urges New Police Training Fund to be Named after Philando Castile

Dayton also appoints Castile's uncle to the Peace Office Standards Training Board

July 6, 2017

Melissa Lentz,

Joined by family of Philando Castile, Governor Dayton recommends new law enforcement training fund be named in memory of Philando Castile. ST. PAUL, Minn. – Governor Mark Dayton today issued a letter to the Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) Board, requesting that its members name a new law enforcement training fund in memory of Philando Castile, who was tragically…

Local Musician, Todd Eckart, Performs on FOX 21

Summer Concert Series Begins Tonight at Fond du Lac Tribal and Community College

July 6, 2017

Natalie Froistad,

CLOQUET, Minn. – Starting tonight, music will be filling Fond du Lac Tribal and Community College’s Ampitheater Stage. The 2017 Hot Summer Nights Concert Series will be held from 7:00 – 9:00 p.m. every Thursday night in July. The first performer of the series, Todd Eckart, visited FOX 21 to chat about the series, his new album and to play…

Applebee’s: Big and Bold for the Summer

Cooking Connection: Grilling Favorites with Applebee's

July 6, 2017

Natalie Froistad,

DULUTH, Minn. – The Northland is beginning to feel the heat of Summer and many people are also heating up their grills. Applebee’s is doing just that as well. The restaurant has introduced its new Big and Bold Grill Combos at its locations throughout Minnesota and Wisconsin. The New Big and Bold Grill Combos include: Grilled Shrimp Skewer with lemon…

Judge in Castile Case Supports Verdict

Officer Yanez was Acquitted of All Charges

July 5, 2017

The Associated Press,

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) – The judge who presided over the manslaughter trial of a Minnesota police officer tells the jurors who acquitted him in the fatal shooting of black motorist Philando Castile that he supports them despite widespread public criticism of the verdict. Ramsey County District Judge William Leary III says in a letter to jurors that the criticism…

Poland Moves Toward Extraditing US Man in Nazi Case

98-Year-Old Claims He Wasn't Involved

July 5, 2017

The Associated Press,

WARSAW, Poland (AP) – Poland’s special prosecutors say they have taken steps toward seeking the extradition from the U.S. of a Minnesota man they accuse of participating in a World War II massacre. The Associated Press had previously identified the man as 98–year–old Michael Karkoc, an ex–commander in an SS–led Nazi unit that burned Polish villages and killed civilians –including…

Minnesota Officials Warn of Effects of GOP Health Care Bill

July 5, 2017

The Associated Press,

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) – State officials are warning that Republicans’ latest health care bill in Congress could have dire effects in Minnesota. The fate of the GOP’s effort to repeal and replace President Barack Obama’s health care law is still up in the air. The Senate left for recess without voting on a bill after the Congressional Budget Office…

DNR: Mille Lacs Walleye Fishing Closed from July 7-28

For other species only artificial baits and lures are allowed in possession, unless anglers are targeting pike or muskie

July 5, 2017

Melissa Lentz,

ST. PAUL, Minn. – The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources is reminding anglers that walleye fishing will be closed on Mille Lacs Lake for 20 days. According to the DNR, walleye fishing will be closed from July 7-27. Fishing fall all other species, including bass will remain open. With a ban on night fishing already in place for the season,…

Dayton Announces 10 Meetings to Discuss Water Quality in Minnesota

July 5, 2017

Melissa Lentz,

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Governor Mark Dayton announced locations Wednesday, for a series of Water Quality Town Hall meetings beginning in late July. Ten town halls will offer Minnesotans an opportunity to discuss water quality challenges facing their communities and our state, as well as hear from experts and engage with policymakers. The meetings build on the momentum from Dayton’s…

Minnesota Man Faces 10th Drunken Driving Offense

He was arrested by the Wisconsin State Patrol

July 5, 2017

The Associated Press,

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) – The Wisconsin State Patrol arrested a 47-year-old Minnesota man for drunken driving, which would be his 10th offense, if convicted. The Star Tribune reports that a trooper stopped Lawrence LaPole, of Rosemount, around 10:07 p.m. Tuesday in Elk Mound, Wisconsin. He was charged with drunken driving, failure to install an ignition interlock device, operating a motor vehicle…

Children’s Minnesota Now Out-of-Network for Blue Cross Patients

FOX 9 - KMSP

July 5, 2017

Site Staff,

MINNEAPOLIS (KMSP) – Children’s Minnesota and major health insurance company Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota have failed to meet a deadline for a new contract, which could spike rates of an estimated 66,000 patients. With the July 5 deadline now passed, Children’s Minnesota is now an out-of-network provider for Blue Cross patients. Patients could still go to Children’s…

Hilstrom Announces AG Bid

Anoka Co. Prosecutor has been in State Legislature Since 2000

July 4, 2017

Greg Chandler,

BROOKLYN CENTER, Minn. – Nine term DFL Representative and Anoka County prosecutor Debra hilstrom announced her bid to become Minnesota’s next Attorney General. Hilstrom is one of three Democrats running to replace Lori Swanson. But only if Swanson, the current Attorney General, runs for Governor. Hilstrom, who was first elected to the state house in 2000, ran an unsuccesful campaign…

Nolan Bill Would Force Completion of PolyMet Mine Land Swap

July 3, 2017

The Associated Press,

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) – U.S. Representative Rick Nolan has introduced a bill to force completion of a land swap needed for the proposed PolyMet copper-nickel mine in northeastern Minnesota. PolyMet is welcoming the move, saying the transaction hasn’t been moving forward as fast as it could. But it’s being criticized by environmental groups, which say the deal undervalues the land and…

Longtime Racer Dies in Crash at Brainerd International Raceway

FOX 9 - KMSP

July 3, 2017

Site Staff,

Mel Shaw. Photo provided by Breathless Performance Racing. BRAINERD, Minn. (KMSP) – A longtime racer was killed in a crash during a race at the Brainerd International Raceway in Brainerd, Minnesota Sunday afternoon. Mel Shaw, 70, a Trans Am Series driver from New Jersey, was racing in the Sports Car Club of America (SCCA) GT-2 race when he ran off the track…

Minneapolis Airport Fails 95 Percent of Security Tests, Sources Say

JACK HIGHBERGER - FOX 9

July 3, 2017

Site Staff,

MINNEAPOLIS (KMSP) – When put to the test, Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport failed 95-percent of security tests conducted at the airport last week, according to Fox 9 sources. Last Thursday, what’s referred to as the “Red Team” in town from Washington D.C., posed as passengers and attempted to sneak items through security that should easily be caught. In most cases,…

Son With Disability Inspires Family To Run Their Best

July 2, 2017

Dan Hanger,

For a lot of people, the 4th of July holiday is about spending time with the family. And for one family on the Iron Range, it’s all about taking fitness to the next level. But as FOX 21’s Nikki Davidson reports, the drive to get fit comes from an unlikely source of inspiration. Categories: Minnesota, News, News – Latest News

Sunday Liquor Sales Start in Minnesota — Except City of Duluth

July 2, 2017

Lena Takada,

RICE LAKE, Minn.- It was a sight seen for the first time — customers walking in and out of the Sunset Bottle Shoppe in the city of Rice Lake. “I think a lot of them are coming in because they can come in on Sunday,” said Kathy Strand, the Operations Consultant of Sunset Bottle Shoppe. The bottle shop is on…

Minnesota Asked for Voter Data in Nationwide Fraud Investigation

Minnesota is Hesitant to Give Up the Data

June 30, 2017

The Associated Press,

ST. PAUL, Minn.–Secretary of State Steve Simon says he’s not sure whether he will turn over data on Minnesota voters to a White House panel studying voter fraud. The commission was established by President Donald Trump in May. Vice chairman Kris Kobach wrote to states this week with a request that includes voter names, addresses, dates of birth, recent voting…

Woman Found Deceased in Bemidji Woods

Police are Continuing to Investigate

June 30, 2017

Site Staff,

BEMIDJI, Minn.-A deceased woman was found in the woods of Bemidji Township at 9 a.m. today, according to the Beltrami County Sheriff’s Office. She has been identified as 26-year-old Chelsea Batchelder of Bemidji. She had previously been reported missing by a family member who last had contact with her June 19 at her residence in Bemidji Township. The woman was seen…

Minnesota Town Preparing to End Policing from Castile-Connected Police Force

Earlier this Month Officer was Acquitted in Philando Castile Case

June 30, 2017

The Associated Press,

ST. PAUL, Minn.-The Minnesota city that employed the police officer who fatally shot a black motorist is preparing to end its patrols of the nearby town where the shooting happened last year. St. Anthony initially intended to negotiate a new contract with Falcon Heights. But the new terms included a request to shift all liability to Falcon Heights for St….

Grants Aimed at Improving Courthouse Security in Minnesota

June 29, 2017

The Associated Press,

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) – The Minnesota Supreme Court is providing $1 million to improve security at 57 county courthouses across the state. The grant money will help counties with a wide range of improvements, including security screening stations, bullet resistant glass at public service counters and security training for courthouse officials and staff. Grant awards ranged from $514 to…

Environmentalists Criticize Changes to PolyMet Mine Design

June 29, 2017

The Associated Press,

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) – An environmental group says the design for the proposed PolyMet copper-nickel mine in northeastern Minnesota has changed in significant ways that require regulators to take a fresh look. WaterLegacy cities changes in the mine’s tailings basin and wastewater treatment facilities, and a new disclosure of how much water would be pumped from the mine, in requesting a…

Mille Lacs Named Best Bass Fishing Lake in the Country by Bassmaster Magazine

June 29, 2017

Melissa Lentz,

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Bassmaster Magazine has released its top 12 Best Bass Lakes of 2017 and has named Mille Lacs number one thanks to its abundance of smallmouth bass. The magazine states it was selected for its hearty bass, as winners of several fishing championships wrangled in basses weighing in over 20 pounds and some measuring longer than 17…

Making a Shake with Cold Fusion

Cooking Connection: Cold Fusion and Fit Lab

June 29, 2017

Natalie Froistad,

DULUTH, Minn. – A local nutrition club is keeping folks healthy downtown. The owner of Cold Fusion, Annie Call, tells us the goal of the business is to bring a healthy, active lifestyle to the community. Call described the business as “healthy fast food.” While there customers get a shot of aloe to help with disgestion, a 16 oz. energy…

New 5K to Take Place in Duluth Friday

First Annual Chester Park Trail Race

June 29, 2017

Natalie Froistad,

DULUTH, Minn. – A new 5K is taking place in Duluth on Friday, June 30. The Chester Park Trail Race, starting at 6:30 p.m., was created to encourage beginners to start trail running. The course is almost entirely off-road, including ski trails, the new Duluth Traverse Chester Rim mountain bike trail, Superior Hiking Trail and Dan Proctor Hiking Trail. Registration…

Duluth Pack Crafts Leather Backpack for Ed Sheeran

DULUTH PACK TEAMS UP WITH XCEL ENERGY CENTER

June 29, 2017

Melissa Lentz,

DULUTH, Minn. – Duluth Pack has announced that they are teaming up with Xcel Energy to create a hand-crafted bag for singer Ed Sheeran. Photo: Duluth Pack The company has selected its most popular backpack style, the Leather Standard Backpack. To customize it for Sheeran’s style they have used a pebbled leather material, along with the traditional features including leather…

Theatre Company Plans “Fences” Production

Organizers Seek African-American Actors to Fill Cast

June 28, 2017

Greg Chandler,

DULUTH, Minn. – The Lake Superior Community Theatre is planning a production of August Wilson’s Pulitzer Prize and Tony Award winning play, “Fences”. “Fences” is the story of the Maxsons, an African-American family in 1950’s Pittsburgh. The director, Paul Deaner, wants the production to be as authentic as possible, which means he needs an african american cast to fill the…

Duluth Celebrates Swedish Midsommer

Swedish Culutral Society Hosts Annual Celebration

June 28, 2017

Greg Chandler,

DULUTH, Minn. – Duluth’s Lakeside neighborhood hosted a celebration of Swedish culture Wednesday. The Swedish Cultural Society of Duluth hosted its annual Midsommer celebration. Swedes traditionally celebrate midsommer on the Friday closest to the Summer Solstice as a way to get outside after a long dark Winter. Organizers say it’s important to them to keep these traditions alive. “We take…

DRCC Among State’s Best Employers

Duluth Firm Ranked Second in Survey by Star-Tribune

June 28, 2017

Greg Chandler,

DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth Regional Care Center was recently recognized as one of the top places to work in Minnesota. DRCC ranked 2nd among the state’s largest employer when it comes to what workers think about their jobs. DRCC helps people with disabilities get the most out of life and runs several group homes and apartment programs across the…

Local Governments Get MnDOT Grant Information

Roughly $22 Million is Available Through the DOT and DEED

June 28, 2017

Greg Chandler,

DULUTH, Minn. – Representatives from Northland city and county governments were in Duluth Wednesday, to find out how they can get some of the more than $22 million in grant money the Minnesota Department of Transportation and the Department of Employment and Economic Development are handing out this year. This money is awarded every two years through the state’s Transportation…

Lawsuit Filed to Release Wetterling Information

Judge Will Look Into Documents to See if There's Any Private Family Information in it

June 28, 2017

The Associated Press,

ST. CLOUD, Minn.-Several Minnesota journalism groups want to intervene to release documents from the 1989 abduction and killing of Jacob Wetterling. The request was filed Tuesday by the Minnesota Newspaper Association, the Minnesota Broadcasters Association and other media organizations. A judge this month blocked the scheduled release of the documents at the request of Jacob’s parents. Patty and Jerry Wetterling…

Complaint: Woman Blames Video Stunt for Boyfriend’s Death

June 28, 2017

The Associated Press,

Mona Lisa Perez HALSTAD, Minn. (AP) – A Minnesota woman charged in the fatal shooting of her boyfriend told authorities it was a video stunt gone wrong. Monalisa Perez, of Halstad, was charged Wednesday with second-degree manslaughter in the death of Pedro Ruiz III. According to the criminal complaint, the 19-year-old Perez told authorities Ruiz wanted to make a YouTube…

Citizens Call for St. Anthony Mayor to Resign

June 28, 2017

The Associated Press,

St. Anthony Mayor Jerry Faust left and Police Chief Jon Mangseth packed up after listing to community members speak about racial profiling Tuesday. (Jerry Holt – Star Tribune) ST. ANTHONY, Minn. (AP) – Residents of a Minnesota city that employed the police officer who fatally shot a black motorist during a traffic stop are calling for the mayor’s resignation. Citizens…

Island Lake Gearing Up For Big Holiday Weekend

This Weeks Great Outdoors

June 27, 2017

Joey Norton,

ISLAND LAKE, Minn. – In this week’s Great Outdoors we head to Island Lake where they’re gearing up for a busy 4th of July weekend. Summer is officially here so a few things come to mind like cabins, lakes, your grill, family and friends and of course your favorite beverages. Island Lake sits just 20 miles north of Duluth. With…

Boundary Ave. Property Won’t Be Re-Zoned

Kwik Trip Eyed Location Near Proctor Border

June 27, 2017

Greg Chandler,

DULUTH, Minn. – On Monday, City Councilors voted 5–3 in favor of re–zoning a property on Boundary Avenue along the border with Proctor as mixed use residential and commercial. However, re–zoning requires a super majority of six votes. “The ordinance as it is, is done and we can’t pass it in the form it was shot down,” said At-Large Councilor…

UMD Testing Police Cameras

Officers are Wearing Body Cameras During Two Month Test

June 27, 2017

Greg Chandler,

DULUTH, Minn. – The University of Minnesota is taking steps to make campuses safer. The three campuses with police forces; Twin Cities, Morris and here in Duluth are testing body cameras. Two UMD police officers have been wearing cameras for a couple weeks, and will continue to wear them for a two month trial period. If all goes well, all…

Battle Continues Over Legislative Funding in Minnesota

October Court Decision Could Decide Fate of Case

June 27, 2017

The Associated Press,

ST. PAUL, Minn.-A Minnesota judge is considering whether Gov. Mark Dayton’s veto of the Legislature’s funding was unconstitutional. The bitter legal dispute between the Democratic governor and Republican-controlled Legislature had its first hearing in Ramsey County court. Chief Judge John Guthmann is also consider an agreement between the two sides to temporarily fund the Legislature through October while the case…

Universal Presses Bid to Void Music Deal with Prince Estate

June 27, 2017

The Associated Press,

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) – Lawyers for Universal Music Group have renewed their request that a Minnesota judge cancel the company’s music rights deal with prince’s estate, saying UMG will otherwise have to sue in litigation that could keep fans from hearing new music from Prince’s vault for years. In a court filing made public Tuesday, Comerica Bank & Trust, which serves…

St. Louis County Board Allows Sunday Liquor Sales

June 27, 2017

Melissa Lentz,

ST. LOUIS COUNTY, Minn. – The St. Louis County Commissioners voted to amend the County’s liquor license ordinance to allow Sunday liquor sales beginning on Sunday, July 2. The vote allows for the sale of off-sale liquor between 11 a.m. and 6 p.m. at businesses licensed by St. Louis County. The change follows legislation from the state, which allows for…

Three-Week Blatnik Bridge Inspection to begin July 10

Project is expected to run July 10-27 - weather permitting

June 27, 2017

Melissa Lentz,

DULUTH, Minn. – Beginning on Monday July 10, a three-week long bridge inspection project will begin on the Blatnik Bridge, according to the Minnesota Department of Transportation. Superior-bound traffic will be restricted to one lane from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. daily July 10 to approximately Tuesday, July 18. Duluth-bound traffic will be restricted to one lane from 9 a.m….

52-Year Sentence in Homicide, Kidnapping, and Sexual Assault Case

June 27, 2017

The Associated Press,

BEMIDJI, Minn. (AP) – The man accused of killing a woman in Bemidji and kidnapping and sexually assaulting a 5-year-old girl in her care has been sentenced to 52 Jacob Kinn years in prison. Thirty-three-year-old Jacob Kinn earlier pleaded guilty to second-degree unintentional murder, kidnapping, and first-degree criminal sexual conduct. Kinn testified he strangled Melissa Norby with a belt at…