Minnesota Archives - Page 115 of 360

‘Her love for everyone, it was always so equal’: Family Remembers Renee Van Nett as Services Continue at DECC

Sunday started the 4 days of wakes and ceremonies, all beside the water of Lake Superior at the DECC.

June 6, 2022

Arman Rahman,

DULUTH, Minn.- While Duluth lost a city leader in Renee Van Nett this week, Frankie Graves lost a sister to whom he owes so much. “Her love for everyone, it was always so equal. Always so equal. And never with any conditions, it was just, here I am, there you are, let’s work together,” he said. An adopted one, a…

Northland Gears Up for Juneteenth Celebrations

Organizers say knowing that the whole country is celebrating what many African Heritage people call their independence day makes it more special this year.

June 6, 2022

Arman Rahman,

DULUTH, Minn.- Juneteenth is just about 2 weeks away, and the Twin Ports and the Iron Range are planning celebrations that recognize when the last slaves in America learned they were free in 1865. President Biden made June 19th a federal holiday last year. Events are commemorating the day across the Northland: Thursday, June 16th- Mayor Emily will read a…

Sen. Klobuchar, Lawmakers Working to Get Federal Disaster Relief to Flooded International Falls Area

Sen. Klobuchar said her and fellow Senator Tina Smith will make the case to President Biden to declare it a federal disaster area.

June 6, 2022

Arman Rahman,

INTERNATIONAL FALLS, Minn.- U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) said she’s working with Sen. Tina Smith (D-MN) to get federal aid dollars to help the home and business owners struggling to stay afloat in the flood-submerged International Falls Area. The Senators joined Gov. Tim Walz in touring the area Saturday, seeing firsthand the damages to homes and businesses, and the thousands…

Volunteer Opportunities and Happy Hours in Downtown Duluth

June 6, 2022

Maria Vollom,

DULUTH, MINN. — This Tuesday, downtown Duluth is kicking off June with flower planting and a new event called the Happy Hour Makers Market. Volunteers can lend a hand to planting and end the evening with a local drink or bite to eat. The 19th annual “Dig-In for the Downtown Waterfront,” tradition is set to begin at 10am Tuesday on…

Historic Flooding Continues to Affect Residents Across the Minnesota/Canada Water Basin

June 6, 2022

Maria Vollom,

INT’L FALLS/KABETOGAMA, MINN. –“Mother nature has not been kind to us this year so far at all. So every week it’s like it could come up another foot, every week it could come up another foot, and it has.” Northern Minnesota residents who border Canada continue to battle historic flooding. It has devastated the area and hindered the beginning of…

59-Year-Old Eveleth Man Transported To Duluth Hospital After Stabbing

June 6, 2022

Site Staff,

EVELETH, Minn. — The Eveleth Police Department is investigating a stabbing that happened in Eveleth occurring around 5 a.m. Sunday. Officers located a 59-year-old male victim on the 200 block of Cleveland Street. The victim had multiple stab wounds and was immediately taken to Essentia Health in Virginia, but later taken to a Duluth hospital where he is now being…

Eveleth Man Charged After Selling Fentanyl To A Man Who Died From Overdose

June 6, 2022

Site Staff,

EVELETH, Minn. — A 24 year-old man from Eveleth was charged for selling fentanyl to a man who died from an overdose back in March. On March 5, the East Range Police Department responded to a report of a 28 year-old man who was not breathing. The victim was found dead at the scene with possible signs of drug use…

Reconditioning Project On 21st Avenue East Starting June 20

June 6, 2022

Emma Propp,

DULUTH, Minn. — The City of Duluth announced the reconditioning project for 21st East Avenue will begin June 20. They will put up signs and notifications to let people know on the June 7. The project will start on 21st Avenue East from London Road to Woodland Avenue. It will have a second phase to extend the project further up…

United Way On Van Nett’s Death: She’s ‘Irreplaceable’

June 6, 2022

Emma Propp,

DULUTH, Minn. — Head of the Lakes United Way released a statement on Monday about the death of Duluth City Councilor Renee Van Nett. Twin Ports—Our organization is saddened to share the recent passing of Head of the Lakes United Way Impact Director Renee Van Nett, who passed away on Friday, June 3, 2022 after a fierce battle with cancer….

Man Convicted Of Murder In Minnesota Clinic Attack

June 6, 2022

The Associated Press,

BUFFALO, Minn. (AP) — A jury found a man guilty of murder and other counts Thursday in a shooting at a Minnesota medical clinic last year that killed one staff member and wounded four others. Jurors began deliberating Thursday afternoon, following testimony by the defendant, Gregory Ulrich, and short closing arguments by each side, KARE-TV reported. Ulrich was the only witness for the…

Gas Prices In Minnesota Jump 35 Cents In A Week

June 6, 2022

Site Staff,

(FOX 9) – Prices at the pump in Minnesota saw the largest hike in nearly a decade this week as gas prices continue to push above record highs. The average gas price increased 35 cents since week-to-week, one of the highest increases in the country. The average cost for regular gas in Minnesota is now $4.58 per gallon. Compared to just a…

Judge Delays Trial Of 2 Ex-Cops In Floyd Killing Until 2023

June 6, 2022

The Associated Press,

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — The judge overseeing the remaining case of two former Minneapolis police officers charged in George Floyd’s killing ordered Monday that the trial be delayed until January to improve prospects for a fair trial. Tou Thao and J. Alexander Kueng had been due to go on trial next Monday on charges of aiding and abetting second-degree murder and second-degree manslaughter…

Gov. Walz, Senators Tour International Falls Flood Damage Saturday

The lawmakers toured the Emergency Operations Center, sandbagging sites, and various areas of flood damage.

June 5, 2022

Arman Rahman,

INTERNATIONAL FALLS, Minn.- On Saturday Governor Tim Walz and U.S. senators Amy Klobuchar and Tina Smith got a first-hand look at the damage historic flooding has caused in International Falls. The lawmakers toured the Emergency Operations Center, sandbagging sites, and various areas of flood damage. Back in April the governor authorized the national guard to support emergency flood operations in…

Batters Swing for Fences, Funds for Miracle League at Home Run Derby

Organizers hoped to raise around $6,000 at this year's derby.

June 5, 2022

Arman Rahman,

DULUTH, Minn.- Sunday felt like summer’s finally starting, and that means the start of baseball season. And no one knows that better than the players on the Twin Ports Miracle League, kicking off the season with a home run derby at Harrison Park in West Duluth. There was only one thing on the minds of batters like Bailey Williams Sunday: “Smack…

Services for Duluth Councilor Renee Van Nett Begin Sunday Evening

June 5, 2022

Arman Rahman,

DULUTH, Minn.- Friends and family posted on social media Sunday that services for the late city councilor Renee Van Nett began Sunday evening. According to a tweet on the Councilor’s page, a wake took place Sunday at 6 p.m. followed by a feast at 7 p.m. On Monday there will be a wake at 6 p.m., with a ceremony and…

Hundreds Cast Their Lines For ALS

June 4, 2022

Cara Kopp,

“I am very fortunate to be put here today to fish for people. To step up and donate towards the cause. To be able to help others that are fighting this horrible disease,” Fisherman, Dan Peterson, said. More than 100 anglers participated in the 27th annual Kolar Toyota ALS Fishing Tournament and Fundraiser Saturday. Organizers wished to raise 250 thousand…

Gitchee Gumee Agate Festival Rocks on in Lincoln Park

It was the vendors' 2nd year in a row showcasing how their art rocks.

June 4, 2022

Cara Kopp,

DULUTH, Minn.– Well there was one Duluth summer market Saturday that you didn’t want to take for granite. Especially since it’s all about another rock, agates! The Gitchee Gumee Agate Festival highlighted Agate vendors and artisans at Duluth MakerSpace and Ursa Minor Brewing in Lincoln Park. Food trucks, vendors, and Ursa Minor’s new Agate Hunter Sour beer were all featured…

Spring Into Summer at Duluth Studio’s Lakeside Market

Different activities were open to everyone of all ages like face painting, and a "build your own succulent plant" station.

June 4, 2022

Cara Kopp,

DULUTH, Minn.– Duluth Studio Market in the Lakeside neighborhood hosted dozens of local artists and foodies for their second annual “Spring into Summer” outdoor artisan market. Different activities were open to everyone of all ages like face painting, and a “build your own succulent plant” station. The event displayed a creative shopping experience for the community. The Owner of Duluth…

Volunteers Rush To Save Items, Structures as Rainy Lake Waters Flood Mallard Island

June 4, 2022

Arman Rahman,

Photo: Michael Reid, Mallard Island Board Treasurer. KOOCHICHING COUNTY, Minn.- The historic flooding of the Rainy River Basin near International Falls is soaking and filling buildings on Mallard Island, one of the 5 review islands used for wildlife research, education, and advocacy in Rainy Lake. According to posts on the Mallard Island Facebook Page, volunteers have been working the past…

Duluth City Leaders Mourn Passing of City Councilor Renee Van Nett

Longtime Duluth City Councilor Renee Van Nett lost her battle to cancer Friday morning, at 52.

June 3, 2022

Arman Rahman,

DULUTH, Minn,- Longtime Duluth City Councilor Renee Van Nett lost her battle with cancer Friday morning, at 52. “The passion to help people ran deep within her,” City Council President Arik Forsman said. “And so yeah she’s an irreplaceable leader as far as the city council and that sort of thing goes, just really an irreplaceable friend.” Irreplaceable was just…

Protestors in Duluth Wear Orange Demanding Rep. Stauber Votes for Gun Reform

About 30 activists organized by the group the Northland Brady Chapter demanded Congressman Stauber vote yes on the Protecting Our Kids Act.

June 3, 2022

Arman Rahman,

DULUTH, Minn.- Enough is enough – that was the message from protestors near Representative Pete Stauber’s (R MN-08) office in Duluth Friday, sporting the color orange for Wear Orange, or National Gun Violence Awareness Day. They join the growing calls for gun reform across the nation. Signs protestors waved included “protect kids, not guns” and quotes from the parents of…

Sun Country Airlines Seasonal Flights out of Duluth International Returning this Year

June 3, 2022

Arman Rahman,

DULUTH, Minn.- Sun Country Airlines will continue flying local travelers out of the Duluth International Airport during the winter and spring later this year. According to a spokesperson with DLH, beginning December 16th, 2022 through April 17th, 2023, Sun Country will once again offer seasonal air service direct from Duluth to Phoenix, Arizona and Fort Myers, Florida. Flights will operate…

Wrenshall Man Returns Home After 214 Days Hospitalized from Covid-19

June 3, 2022

Maria Vollom,

WRENSHALL, Minn. — A 38-year-old Wrenshall man returned home for the first time after spending the last 214 days in the hospital battling covid-19. Steve Kilby was a healthy man before Covid, according to his friends and family. He worked out, played hockey, and took care of himself, but after getting the virus, Steve became extremely ill. He was told…

Coffee Conversation: FOX 21 Sports Director Sam Ali Bids Farewell To Station

June 3, 2022

Dan Hanger, Sam Ali,

DULUTH, Minn. — FOX 21 Sports Director Sam Ali is leaving the station after four years to take a new opportunity closer to his family in Michigan. Sam stopped by the morning show Friday on his last day to talk to his best friend Dan Hanger about his time at FOX 21, look at embarrassing childhood photos of himself, and…

Duluth City Councilor Renee Van Nett Dies At Age 52

June 3, 2022

Emma Propp,

DULUTH, Minn. — The City of Duluth shared the heartbreaking news Friday that Fourth District City Councilor Renee Van Nett passed away peacefully during the morning hours after fighting a terminal illness. Van Nett was surrounded by her family and friends in Duluth. She was 52 years old. Mayor Emily Larson released the following statement: “Renee Van Nett was an incredibly powerful woman who lived…

Where Minnesota’s Federal Lawmakers Stand On President Biden’s Proposed Gun Restrictions

June 3, 2022

Site Staff,

(AP Photo/Steve Karnowski)(FOX 9) – Ahead of President Joe Biden’s primetime speech on addressing gun violence, FOX 9 asked all nine of Minnesota’s members of Congress for interviews on what they would like to see done. Only one federal lawmaker, Democratic Rep. Ilhan Omar, agreed to an interview Thursday. “There are just so many solutions out there, and we can’t continue to…

UWNEMN Looking For Volunteers To Sign Up For “Sandbag Bus”

June 2, 2022

Emma Propp,

CHISHOLM, Minn. — United Way of Northeastern Minnesota (UWNEMN) is hoping to send four buses full of volunteers and sandbags to and from International Falls in June. The UWNEMN has been donating food and beverages to volunteers as they are almost four weeks into filling sandbags in the International Falls/Kabetogama area. “After speaking with county officials, it was clear volunteers…

Grand Rapids Student In Custody After Firearm Found In Vehicle

June 2, 2022

Site Staff,

GRAND RAPIDS, Minn. — On Thursday afternoon a student from Grand Rapids High School was taken into custody after a search of their vehicle. The search was originally to find a vaping device, but the vehicle search by the Grand Rapids Police Department found a firearm and ammunition inside. After finding the firearm and ammunition the search was immediately isolated…

Reconstruction Project On East First Street Starting June 6

June 2, 2022

Emma Propp,

DULUTH, Minn. — The City of Duluth will begin a reconstruction project on East First Street starting June 6. This big project will include replacing the retaining wall along the south side of East First Street, replacing the sidewalk, replacing the curb and gutter, up-sizing the water main, and providing a new driving surface. This project will also close Sixth…

Coffee Conversation: Steve-O Talks XXX-Rated ‘Bucket List Tour’ At DECC, Sobriety, Life’s Lessons

June 2, 2022

Dan Hanger, Bret Holland, Jeff Schwarten,

Part 1: The Bucket List Tour: What to expect! DULUTH, Minn. – Steve-O is well known for his wild and crazy ride on MTV’s reality comedy series known as “Jackass” in the early 2000s followed by “Jackass” movies. See Dan’s chat with Steve-O in Part 1 above and Part 2 below. But since then, Steve-O has become much more with…

War Forces Zoo To Scrap Sending Wild Horses To Russia

June 2, 2022

The Associated Press,

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — The Minnesota Zoo has scrapped plans to send a group of Asian wild horses back to their native Russia in light of the war in Ukraine. The Minneapolis Star Tribune reported Wednesday that eight of the endangered horses, known as takhis or Przewalksi’s horses, were supposed to return to a nature reserve in Russia this fall following delays…

Production Crew Begins Filming New Movie In Duluth

June 1, 2022

Maria Vollom,

DULUTH, Minn. — Production began this week on a new movie called “Merry Kisscam,” where scenes are filming all over Duluth. Producer Mandy June Turpin originally became intrigued with Duluth while visiting the Catalyst Story Institute’s Content Festival four years ago. She met many community members and visited different local places, and she says that she knew they would be…

St. Louis County Encourages Residents To Apply For HomeHelpMN Assistance

The deadline to apply is June 17 at 5:00p.m.

June 1, 2022

Emma Propp,

ST. LOUIS COUNTY, Minn. — Residents of St. Louis County are being encouraged to apply for HomeHelpMN assistance if they need help with past due mortgage payments or other housing expenses due to the pandemic. If you would like to apply you need to own and live in a home in Minnesota and meet certain income requirements. St. Louis County…

Jury Finds Cloquet Man Guilty Of Murdering Pregnant Girlfriend, Her Son

June 1, 2022

Dan Hanger,

CLOQUET, Minn. – A Cloquet man has been found guilty on all eight counts for murdering his pregnant girlfriend and her 20-month-old son. Sheldon Thompson, 35, will get a mandatory sentence of life without release for the first-degree premediated murder conviction, according to the Carlton County Attorney’s Office. It was in 2020 when Thompson killed Jackie Defoe, 27, her unborn…

Minnesota Students Walk Out To Demand Gun Changes

June 1, 2022

The Associated Press,

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Hundreds of students walked out of class Tuesday and gathered in downtown Minneapolis to demand state legislators adopt tougher gun laws in the wake of last week’s mass shooting at Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, Texas. The Star Tribune reported the students walked out around 12:30 p.m. and gathered in Gold Medal Park. They demanded officials create a statewide…

Councilor Renee Van Nett Hospitalized With Terminal Illness; Leaders Share Her Impact on Duluth

Friends of Van Nett have started a GoFundMe to help her daughters and raise money for her expenses.

May 31, 2022

Arman Rahman,

DULUTH, Minn.- People in Duluth and across the State of Minnesota are sending their thoughts, prayers, and support to Renee Van Nett and her family after it was announced she is in the hospital for a terminal illness. Now some of those community members are looking back at the impact she has made in her time as a public servant….

Builders and Backers Launching To Help Accelerate Duluth Entrepreneurs’ Ideas

May 31, 2022

Arman Rahman,

DULUTH, Minn.- A new online program will be starting in Duluth to give aspiring entrepreneurs a place to share and build their ideas, and the deadline for an application is this week. In partnership with the city, Duluth Area Chamber Of Commerce, and Heartland Forward, Builders and Backers will launch their new Idea Accelerator program this summer. “We don’t want…

Local Travel Agency Guides Cruise Ship Guests Through Duluth

May 31, 2022

Maria Vollom,

DULUTH, Minn. — A local company called Jaybee Travel teamed up with Viking Cruises to provide passengers with local experiences on Duluth land. On May 30, 2022, the Viking Oasis became the first cruise ship to sail into the city since 2013. Cutting through heavy fog and rainy conditions, the cruise landed and guests departed to shore where the Duluth…

Grandma’s Marathon Organizer Reacts to Races Selling Out for the First Time in Seven Years

May 31, 2022

Maria Vollom,

DULUTH, Minn. — The 1977 tradition of Grandma’s Marathon will resume in full-capacity June of 2022. With all three races selling-out for the first time since 2016, the marathon organization, community members, and runners are excited to get back for this years event. In an interview with Zach Schneider, a member of Grandma’s Board of Directors, he stated that, “People…

2 New Lawsuits Allege Excessive Force, Discrimination By Derek Chauvin

May 31, 2022

Site Staff,

MINNEAPOLIS (FOX 9) – Two new lawsuits were filed Tuesday against the City of Minneapolis for alleged cases of police brutality committed by former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin before he murdered George Floyd. The lawsuits, filed on behalf of Minneapolis residents John Pope and Zoya Code, allege police misconduct, use of excessive force, and racial discrimination from incidents that occurred in 2017 in…

Cass County: 3 ATV Crashes Over Holiday Weekend Resulting In Serious Injuries

May 31, 2022

Emma Propp,

CASS COUNTY, Minn. — The Cass County Sheriff’s Office reported 3 separate ATV crashes that occurred over Memorial Day weekend, all resulting in serious injuries. On Saturday, May 28, at 10:09 a.m., a 15 year old male was driving an ATV in rural Boy River, MN. He lost control and struck into nearby trees. The juvenile male was wearing a…

Severe Storms, Tornadoes Rip Through Western Minnesota

May 31, 2022

The Associated Press,

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) – Thousands of people in Minnesota and South Dakota are without electrical power as the region recovered from storms and tornadoes that left damaged buildings, trees and roadways. The National Weather Service says in a preliminary report there were four tornadoes on Monday in western Minnesota, along with wind gusts and large hail. More than 37,000 people were…

Duluth City Councilor Renee Van Nett Battling Terminal Illness

May 30, 2022

Alexandra Burnley,

DULUTH, Minn. — Duluth city councilor Renee Van Nett is battling a terminal illness. A GoFundMe has launched to help cover the costs, with a goal of raising $30,000. The fundraising page reads, “Renee Van Nett is currently in the hospital in Duluth, battling a terminal illness. Renee’s courage and bravery have inspired many, and it’s time to have her…

Viking Octantis Cruise Cuts through Fog to Deliver Visitors New to Duluth

7-9 ships will stop in Duluth monthly.

May 30, 2022

Arman Rahman,

DULUTH, Minn.- Despite the fog making it a little hard to see early Monday morning, passengers on the first cruise ship to sail into Duluth since 2013 made landfall, ready for their daylong excursions throughout the city. The horn of the Viking Octantis was more of a signal of its arrival than anything else, as it moved through Monday’s murky…

Duluth Businesses Excited for Added Steady Cruise Ship Tourism

The Lake Superior Railroad Museum and North Shore Scenic Railroad is the tour attracting the most passengers each month.

May 30, 2022

Arman Rahman,

DULUTH, Minn.- Passengers who arrived off the Viking Ostantis Cruise for the first time Monday wasted no time hitting up Duluth’s local businesses and attractions. The Lake Superior Railroad Museum and North Shore Scenic Railroad is the tour attracting the most passengers each month — about 185 according to Executive Director Ken Buehler. He said it also helps that railroad…

30 Years Honoring the Fallen at Northland Vietnam Veterans Memorial

It started with one name in 1992, and grew to 136 fallen soldiers from across the Northland.

May 30, 2022

Arman Rahman,

DULUTH, Minn.- This year marked a very special Memorial Day for the Northland Vietnam Veteran’s Association (NVVA). On Memorial Day 30 years ago, they dedicated the memorial along the lakewalk. It started with one name in 1992 and grew to include those of 136 fallen soldiers from across the Northland. This year Mark and Tony Rubin performed songs including the…

Grandma’s Marathon Weekend Sells Out For First Time Since 2016

May 30, 2022

Alexandra Burnley,

DULUTH, Minn. — Grandma’s Marathon organizers said on Monday that all three of its June races have sold out for the first time since 2016. In total, there are more than 20,000 people signed up to participate. The sell-out is a healthy sign that the demand for the races never went away, after Grandma’s Marathon was cancelled because of the…

Viking Cruise Ship Arrives In The Duluth Harbor

May 30, 2022

KQDS Staff,

DULUTH, Minn. – Early Monday morning the Duluth Harbor welcomed its first cruise ship in 10 years. Viking Cruise’s first expedition vessel, the 700-foot Viking Octantis, traveled under the Lift Bridge shortly after 6 a.m. Tender boats later transported the 400 guests and 200 crew members off the boat to the Customs Facility in the DECC. This unloading process is…

Failed Search For UMD Chancellor Cost $166,000

May 30, 2022

The Associated Press,

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) – The failed search for a new University of Minnesota-Duluth chancellor cost $166,000. The Minneapolis Star Tribune reported Thursday that University of Minnesota President Joan Gabel announced on Monday that none of the three finalists invited for interviews got the job. The university began a national search for a new Duluth chancellor in November after Lendley Black announced…

1st Cruise Ship in 10 Years Pulling into Duluth Harbor Monday Morning

Tender boats will be transporting the 400 guests off the boat to the Customs Facility in the DECC.

May 30, 2022

Arman Rahman,

DULUTH, Minn.- Early Monday the Duluth Harbor will welcome its first cruise ship in 10 years. Viking Cruise’s first expedition vessel, the 700-foot Viking Octantis, will travel under the Lift Bridge as it arrives between 6 and 7 in the morning. Tender boats will be transporting the 400 guests off the boat to the Customs Facility in the DECC. It’s…