Minnesota

I-35 Road Construction Update In Barnum

Pictures taken from MnDOT’s website. BARNUM, Minn. — Those of you traveling near Barnum may want an update on the I-35 road construction. Starting Monday night, the Minnesota Department of Transportation said traffic will return back to separate north and southbound lanes. The off ramp for the Barnum exit will remain closed due to unexpected delays. A detour is in…

Minnesota Prepares For A Cool Down, Just As Heating Costs Are Expected To Skyrocket

(FOX 9) – Heating costs are expected to skyrocket this winter, just as extra federal relief dollars expire and inflation continues. Minnesota heating assistance programs are preparing for an influx of applications, as the cost of natural gas is expected to skyrocket for the second year in a row. Some estimates have natural gas prices rising around 35 percent this winter. “This…

Minnesota Webfest Highlights Short Form Content Creators During Duluth Superior Film Festival

DULUTH, Minn.–The Minnesota Webfest kicked off today as part of the Duluth Superior Film Festival. The Webfest focuses on the shortest type of film content on the internet. For example, it highlights podcasts, Tik Tok videos, and Instagram reels. Really any type of film content that’s on a smaller scale than typical movies. And its convenient to access that ultra-short…

Hospitals in St. Louis County to Continue Masking

DULUTH, Minn. — The CDC announced that some hospitals and healthcare facilities no longer need to require universal masking, so how will that affect hospitals in St. Louis County? Since early on in the pandemic, the agency had urged everyone to wear face masks while in healthcare settings. Now, the CDC says facilities in just over a quarter of counties,…

Flu Vaccine Now Available at Twin Port Hospitals

DULUTH, Minn. — Each year, about one in five people get the flu and more than 200 thousand people are hospitalized, in part of flu-related complications. Both St. Luke’s and Essentia Health are now offering vaccines for the flu season, in hopes of reducing potential outbreaks and its effects. St. Luke’s Dr. Andrew Thompson said, in part of masking and…

Threats Close Three Richfield Schools, Following Shooting At Football Game

RICHFIELD, Minn. (FOX 9) – Following a shooting at their homecoming game, three schools in Richfield, Minnesota are closed today after receiving threats, the district announced. The district has not released the nature of the online threats or how creditable they believe they are, but after Friday when two people were shot, they decided to close three schools: Richfield High School, Richfield Middle School, and…

Hawk Ridge Bird Observatory Celebrates 50 Years

DULUTH, Minn. — Despite the hazy day, bird watchers flew over to Hawk Ridge to celebrate 50 years of the observatory. Every fall, a staggering amount of nearly 100 thousand birds funnel through Duluth for their yearly migration. Hawk Ridge Bird Observatory has kept its eyes to the sky since 1972, collecting data and information on what flies over the…

Lester Park holds 23rd Annual Lester River Rendezvous

DULUTH, Minn. — On Saturday, Lester Park was swarming with folk lovers for the 23rd annual Lester River Rendezvous. The event is a voyageur reenactment and educational festival. More than 50 food and craft vendors were up for grabs, along with the sound of musical talent. Reenactors were also onsite, dressed-up to portray life in the voyageur village amidst early…

Marshall School Celebrates Opening Their Forest School Geared for Younger Students

DULUTH, Minn.–Having been in session for a few weeks already, officials at Marshall School got outside to celebrate their new Forest School for their youngest students yet. Marshall School historically has taught middle school and high school aged kids, but were lacking a spot for elementary students. They decided to get creative and emphasize the need for nature based learning….

Corrections Center Opens New Meat Processing Facility

SAGINAW, Minn. — On Friday, the Northeast Regional Corrections Center, or NERCC, held a ribbon cutting ceremony for its brand new meat processing facility, which will serve as trade work for inmates. NERCC is Minnesota’s only correctional work farm. Meaning those onsite are required to perform daily work tasks. Corrections leaders say the intent is to increase job opportunities and…

3 Things To Know: Early Voting In Minnesota Started Friday

(FOX 9) – It’s election season in Minnesota. Early voting started Friday, 46 days before the Nov. 8 midterm election. This year, all four statewide offices, 201 seats in the state Legislature, and eight congressional districts are up for grabs. Voters who had already made up their minds trickled into election offices across the state to fill in ballots. Whether you plan to vote…

AICHO Galleries Hosts ‘Group Art Exhibition’ Opening Reception Sept. 24

DULUTH, Minn. — The American Indian Community Housing Organization (AICHO) is hosting a Group Art Exhibition made up of two dozen artists. The show is unique because 13 Indigenous authors/writers/poets have written poems/prose reflecting some of the artwork. The opening reception is Saturday, Sept. 24 from 6 pm – 8 pm. It’s free to attend, but at $10 donation is…

Old Central High School To Become Apartment Complex With Historical Elements

DULUTH, Minn. — The Historic Old Central High School of Duluth is under restoration and the once classrooms will become into 122 apartment units. The building was originally built in the 1890’s and has since undergone multiple renovations. Now for the first time, it will be an apartment complex — and so much more. “It is being completely gutted, but…

Coffee Conversation: ‘PUP Crawl’ At Hoops Brewing In Canal Park Sunday

DULUTH, Minn. — Calling all dog lovers, it’s time to come out to the 2022 PUP Crawl in Canal Park on Sunday. The crawl starts at Hoops Brewing’s tent in Canal Park Sunday (Sept. 25) between 1 p.m. and 5 p.m. It’s an event put on by DogApproved.biz. There will be prizes, giveaways and surprises. Check out the video above…

‘Tacos Tacos Tacos’ To Host Taco Eating Contest Friday At Blacklist

DULUTH, Minn. — Duluth restaurant Tacos Tacos Tacos is inviting taco lovers to come out to Blacklist Brewing Company this Friday for a taco-eating contest. It’s happening at 7 p.m. at the brewery at 206 E. Superior Street, which is next to the upcoming location for Tacos Tacos Tacos. For more information on all the fun, watch the video above…

Swatting Calls At Minnesota Schools Came From Same Person, Officials Say

MINNEAPOLIS (FOX 9) – The swatting calls at more than a dozen Minnesota schools on Wednesday appeared to come from the same person, according to authorities on Thursday. There were at least 14 schools in Minnesota targeted with fake active shooting reports, and there could be more, the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension said on Wednesday. This came after a rash of swatting calls across the…

Bell Bank Hosts Trail Bike Ride and Fundraiser for Duluth DEVO

DULUTH, Minn.–Forty mountain bikers took to the trails with hopes to raise funds that will support younger riders. Bell Bank hosted a group of biking enthusiasts to support Duluth DEVO, a local non-profit with a mission to help kids build strong minds and bodies through the sport of biking. Throughout the year they engage in the community through bike trail…

Bentleyville Prepares for 5 Million Light Village

DULUTH, Minn. — Bentleyville is gearing up for the holidays and preparations are taking place at Bayfront Festival Park. 17 semi trailers currently fill the lot, holding lights and display pieces that will make the 5 million light show come to life in just a few short months. Bentleyville draws in thousands of people from all over and has a…

Bus Driver Shortage Reaches Northland Schools

DULUTH, Minn. — Millions of parents count on the yellow bus to get their kids to and from school everyday. So what happens when there are not enough drivers to match the demand? Some bigger school districts in the northland, like Duluth and Superior, say they’re fully staffed behind the wheel. Meanwhile, other schools are struggling to recruit and retain…

Multiple Fake School Shooting Reports At Minnesota Schools

(FOX 9) – There have been multiple incidents this week of people reporting active shooters at schools across Minnesota, with authorities calling these “swatting” incidents. The Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (BCA) says it is aware of “multiple swatting incidents involving active shooter events or mass casualties at schools across Minnesota.” Local law enforcement are responding to these reports, but no incidents…

Ex-Cop Lane Gets 3 Years In Plea Deal For Aiding Floyd Death

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — A former Minneapolis police officer who pleaded guilty to a state charge of aiding and abetting second-degree manslaughter in the killing of George Floyd was sentenced Wednesday to three years. Thomas Lane is already serving a 2 1/2-year federal sentence for violating Floyd’s civil rights. When it comes to the state’s case, prosecutors and Lane’s attorneys had…

EXPLAINER: How Alleged Plot Exploited Pandemic To Net $250M

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — The Department of Justice has charged 48 people in Minnesota in what prosecutors have called a $250 million scheme to defraud a federal meals program. Prosecutors said just a fraction of the money went toward feeding kids, with the rest laundered through shell companies and spent on property, luxury cars and travel. Here’s a look at how the alleged…

City Of Duluth Celebrates Tree City USA Status With Arbor Day Event

DULUTH, Minn. — Tuesday, City of Duluth staff held an Arbor Day event to recognize Duluth’s Tree City USA status. Arbor Day 2022 took place at the Wheeler Athletic Complex Tuesday afternoon where attendees learned about the role of trees in the city, upcoming forestry projects, and more about Duluth’s Climate Action Work Plan. Duluth has been receiving Tree City…

Duluth Airport Temporarily Offering TSA PreCheck Options

DULUTH, Minn. — If you have ever envied those at the airport that get to skip the security line, now’s your chance at our local airport. Duluth International Airport is inviting passengers to enroll in the TSA PreCheck, expedited screening program. A program present at over 200 airports nationwide. Now through September 23, those interested in the expedited screening option…

Feds: Minnesota Food Scheme Stole $250M; 47 People Charged

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Federal authorities charged 47 people in Minnesota with conspiracy and other counts on Tuesday in what they said was a massive scheme that took advantage of the COVID-19 pandemic to steal $250 million from a federal program that provides meals to low-income children. Prosecutors say the defendants created companies that claimed to be offering food to tens…

Wildcat Sanctuary In Sandstone Welcomes Home New Tiger Cub

SANDSTONE, Minn. — The Wildcat Sanctuary in Sandstone rescued a brand new furry friend last week. Her name is Nova and she is a spunky tiger cub. She came to the Sanctuary through their “Tiger Amnesty Program.” A program allowing owners or authorities to surrender a wildcat without making their background public. This encourages owners who have made a mistake…

Seawall Work Behind DECC Delayed, Vehicle-Free Harbor Plaza No More

Downsized plans behind the DECC with Harbor Drive DULUTH, Minn. – The city of Duluth’s dream to transform Harbor Drive behind the DECC into a vehicle-free public plaza is no more. And rising construction costs are being blamed. The original plan for Harbor Plaza included zero traffic, all land, walking and bike paths, places for food trucks and a large…

Cirrus To Turn Duluth Maintenance Facility Into ‘Innovation Center’

DULUTH, Minn. – Duluth-based Cirrus Aircraft said Monday it’s expanding its recently purchased maintenance base at the Duluth Airport. The company says it will hire an additional 80 engineers over the next three years to support the current team of 300 engineers, scientists and technicians. The maintenance base is the former AAR and Northwest Airlines facility. Cirrus says the 189,000-square-foot…

Governor Walz And Lieutenant Flanagan Unveil New Climate Plan

MINNESOTA — Minnesota Governor Tim Walz and Lieutenant Peggy Flanagan have announced 6 goals as part of a new climate action framework unveiled Friday. Some of the goals include building out the electric vehicle infrastructure such as more charging stations, enhancing use of wind and solar energy, and strategies to build carbon storage in the forests and soils. They are…

Northshore Inline Marathon and Skate Fest Weekend

DULUTH, Minn. — Skaters are rolling in to the northland for this weekends 26th annual Northshore Inline Marathon and Skate Fest. It’s known as the nations largest skating race, with over 2,000 people competing in the many rollerblading, roller skiing, and running events. The full-marathon race is more than a glide, racers will straight-line 26.2 miles by the end of…

Farmer Doug’s Pumpkin Patch Opens for Fall

DULUTH, Minn. — How do you fix a broken pumpkin? With a pumpkin patch. Despite the rainy weather, Farmer Doug’s Pumpkin Patch officially opened for picking. From short and round to tall and lean, there is a pumpkin for everyone in the greens. In addition, you can also find smaller, decorative pumpkins, winter squash, and even some veggies. So whether…

UPDATE: Duluth Police Investigating Shooting At Speedway Gas Station, Suspect Found

The Speedway gas station shooter has been found and is in custody.

UPDATE (September 16, 3:30 p.m.) — The search for the Speedway gas station shooter has ended and the vehicle in question has been found. Friday, 31 year-old Joseph Butler was taken into custody in Bloomington in connection with the Sunday shooting that occurred at the Speedway gas station on East Fourth Street and 6th Avenue East, next to the Whole…

Minnesota High Court To Hear Debate On Cameras In Courtroom

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) — The Minnesota Supreme Court will arguments on whether to permanently allow cameras in the courtroom, following trials by ex-police officers Derek Chauvin and Kim Potter that were watched by millions of people around the world. An advisory committee made up of Minnesota judges, attorneys and court personnel is recommending the court continue its routine of…

Oliver Bridge In Gary New Duluth To Close For Inspection

The bridge will be closed September 21-23, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

DULUTH, Minn. — A heads up for people who use the Oliver Bridge in Gary New Duluth. It will be closing for inspection September 21 for a few days. The bridge is located above the St. Louis River at the junction of Highway 39 and Wisconsin Highway 105. It will be closed daily from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. There…