Minnesota

U of M Systems Announces Temporary Proof of Vaccination Policy at Indoor Events

DULUTH, Minn. – The University of Minnesota on Friday announced a new temporary proof of vaccination policy for all indoor events on any of its University campuses. According to a Friday message from University President Joan Gabel, this policy will be in effect from Wednesday, January 26 through at least Wednesday, February 9. The policy includes all University events of…

St. Luke’s Updates Visitor Policy

DULUTH, Minn. – St. Luke’s is updating its visitor policy once again due to the high community spread of COVID-19. Effective Monday, the hospital will be requiring visitors of inpatients, surgical/procedural care, and the Emergency Department to show proof of vaccination or a negative PCR test within 72 hours of their visit. To view the current visitor policy, click here….

Heavy Snow in Midwest Slows Travel, Closes Scores of Schools

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) – Heavy snow spread across a large swath of the Midwest, where travel conditions deteriorated and scores of schools closed or moved to online instruction. The National Weather Service issued a winter storm warning for parts of Minnesota, the Dakotas, Iowa, and Illinois, where forecasters were expecting up to 10 inches of fresh snow. The weather service tweeted…

Duluth City Councilors Join Mayor Larson For Inauguration

DULUTH, Minn. – Four Duluth city councilors were sworn in Thursday through a virtual ceremony with Mayor Emily Larson. Therese Tomaneck, Azrin Awal and Mike Mayou were all inaugurated as the newest members of the council. Tomanek has already served on the council after winning a special election previously. Awal is the first Asian-American to join the council. And Mayou…

Acting St. Louis Co. Atty. Kimberly Maki Running For Official Office This Nov.

DULUTH, Minn. – Acting St. Louis County Attorney Kimberly Maki, who recently took over for Mark Rubin who retired after more than 40 years of service, has announced she’s running to keep that seat in the next election. Maki announced her campaign Thursday outside the Virginia County Courthouse where she says her interest in law began nearly 30 years ago…

Mayor Larson Announces 30-Day Duluth Mask Mandate; Restaurant Assoc. Not Thrilled

DULUTH, Minn. — Just days after the Duluth City Council was unable to unanimously vote to pass a new city-wide mask mandate, and after councilors agreed Mayor Emily Larson should take the lead on emergency orders of that kind, Larson stepped to the podium Thursday afternoon announcing just that — a new mask mandate for the next 30 days effective…

St. Louis County’s Size, Local Governments Within County Make It Unlikely For Mask Mandate

The only mask mandate within the county has been inside county buildings.

DULUTH, Minn. — St. Louis County’s Public Health Director, Amy Westbrook, spoke in support of Duluth’s mask mandate Thursday, and the county released a statement on its take on a possible county wide mask mandate. Westbrook, along with Essentia’s Chief Medical Officer, pointed to growing concerns over hospitalization rates.  Out of the 342 hospital beds at Essentia in Duluth, 58…

Eveleth Celebrating 100th Anniversary Of Hippodrome On Saturday

EVELETH, Minn. – The 100th anniversary of the Hippodrome opening in Eveleth will be celebrated this weekend. For the past century, it’s been the venue where quite a few famous hockey stars have graced the ice, and it’s now somewhat of a mecca for Iron Range hockey history. It was also home to many basketball games, fundraisers, and even concerts…

Aerial Lift Bridge Temporarily Shut Down After Person Climbs To Top

DULUTH, Minn. –   The Aerial Lift Bridge was temporarily shut down Thursday evening after authorities said someone climbed to the very top of the structure. The city alerted people to stay away from the area around 7 p.m. “We are asking the public to stay away from Lake Avenue and Morse Street while we provide assistance to the individual. The…

Mayor Larson Announces 30-Day Mask Mandate

DULUTH, Minn. – Duluth Mayor Emily Larson on Thursday announced at a City Hall press conference that she is putting a 30-day mask mandate in place effective Friday at 5:00 p.m. The mask mandate will last through 5:00 p.m. on February 12. “The City has spent the last two days rewriting this proclamation and declaration,” Mayor Emily Larson said. “I…

Mining Ban Near Boundary Waters Once Again on the Table

DULUTH, Minn. (AP) – The ongoing tug-of-war over whether mining should be allowed near the pristine Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness has been resurrected with strong opinions on both sides of the issue. Federal officials once again gathered feedback from the public in a virtual meeting Wednesday that comes more than five years after a 20-year mining ban was first…

BWCA Quota Permit Reservations Available at End of Month

DULUTH, Minn. – Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness quota permit reservations will be available starting January 26 at 9:00 a.m. for the 2022 season. Visitors are encouraged to book their reservations for May 1 through September 20 online at www.recreation.gov or by calling 1-877-444-6777. A permit is required for visitors taking an overnight paddle, motor or hiking trip, or a…

Minneapolis Schools Move Instruction Online as Virus Surges

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) – Minneapolis Public Schools will pivot to online instruction for two weeks because the coronavirus has significantly reduced the number of school staff available for in-person learning. Virtual education will begin Friday with students returning to the classroom on Jan. 31. Minneapolis joins a growing list of school districts planning to move to distance learning, including Osseo, Prior…

Red Cross Blood Crisis Continues in the Northland

DULUTH, Minn. — As the blood shortage crisis continues throughout the country, the Northland Red Cross chapter is doing what they can to keep donation numbers up. Since the pandemic, donation levels have decreased by 10%. And while getting donors has been a challenge, finding volunteers to work drives has also been hard. But now the Red Cross is promoting…

Cloquet Gets Funding For Expanding Broadband, Asks Residents To Take Survey

CLOQUET, Minn. – A foundation is recognizing Cloquet as an area of rural Minnesota that could use some help boosting its access to broadband internet. The Blandin Foundation offers $75,000 matching grants to help advance technology goals for communities that apply to be a part of the program, and Cloquet is one of the newest cities to receive funding from…

Grand Rapids Attorney Arrested, Arraigned on Charges of Sexual Criminal Conduct

DULUTH, Minn. – A Grand Rapids attorney charged with five counts of criminal sexual conduct was arrested and arraigned today on five counts of criminal sexual conduct. According to court records, Jesse Powell, 32, missed his initial court appearance on Monday resulting in a warrant being issued for his arrest. An email from the judge filed with the case states,…

Minneapolis, St. Paul Requiring Proof of COVID Vaccination for Restaurants, Bars

MINNEAPOLIS (FOX 9) – Minneapolis and St. Paul officials provided an update on each cities’ response to addressing the recent increase in COVID-19 cases during a virtual press conference Wednesday, Mayors Jacob Frey and Melvin Carter announced their respective cities would institute a proof of vaccination of negative test taken within 72 hours for “customers at all places people eat or drink”…

Judge Agrees To Delay State Trial for 3 Cops in Floyd Death

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) – A Minnesota judge has agreed to delay a state court trial for three former Minneapolis police officers charged in George Floyd’s death, though he didn’t immediately set a date. Hennepin County Judge Peter Cahill told attorneys to agree on a new date that’s within one year. They must inform the court by Sunday. Cahill said if they…

Marquardt Joins House Members Who Won’t Seek Reelection

(AP Photo/Steve Karnowski) ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) – The number of Minnesota state lawmakers who don’t plan to seek reelection continues to grow. Longtime Rep. Paul Marquart joined the list Wednesday. The Democrat was first elected to the House 22 years ago after serving as Dilworth’s mayor for 11 years. Marquardt says that at age 65 it’s time to try…

Mayor Larson’s Office Responds To Council’s Mask Mandate Failure

DULUTH, Minn. – Duluth Mayor Emily Larson and her administration released a statement Tuesday in response to the city council’s failure to pass a new mask mandate Monday night and after the council agreed the mayor’s office has full power and resources to lead the way on emergency orders like a mask mandate if that office so chooses, instead of…

Black Water Lounge Is Back Open In Downtown Duluth

DULUTH, Minn. – Downtown Duluth’s premiere martini bar, Black Water Lounge, is finally back open after three years in the dark. If you liked the atmosphere before, you’ll be happy to know that vibe remains the same with the popular band Maxi Childs Trio back at it on Tuesday and Thursday evening. The signature cocktails and apps are also back,…

Hit the Dance Floor at New North Shore Ballroom Studio in Duluth

They offer classes for beginners in both private lessons and group classes as well as advanced classes.

DULUTH, Minn.- For anyone looking to try something new this New Year there’s a new ballroom dance studio in Duluth looking for people who want to try moving and grooving into 2022. The North Shore Ballroom Studio just opened in the Kenwood neighborhood this past June. They offer classes for beginners in both private lessons and group classes as well…

Businesses Reopen after Condemned Esmond Building Fire Monday

Caddyshack Indoor Golf and Pub is just a few blocks down from the building which was engulfed in smoke and flames for seven hours Monday.

DULUTH, Minn.- Some businesses in Lincoln Park opened back up Tuesday after Monday’s intense fire at the condemned Esmond Building, which once housed the Seaway Hotel. Caddy Shack Indoor Golf and Pub is just a few blocks down from the building which was engulfed in smoke and flames for seven hours Monday. The owner tells Fox 21 her biggest concern…

Governor Walz Launches ‘Kids Deserve a Shot’ Vaccine Incentive Program for Kids 5-11

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Governor Walz on Tuesday announced the launch of the next phase of the ‘Kids Deserve a Shot’ vaccine incentive program to encourage Minnesota families to get their kids 5- to 11-years-old fully vaccinated against COVID-19. In a press release from the governor’s office, the Walz-Flanagan Administration said it is committed to providing the resources necessary to…

City Crews Responding to Water Main Break in Duluth Heights Neighborhood

DULUTH, Minn. – City of Duluth Utility Operations crews are responding to a water main break in the Duluth Heights neighborhood. The break was reported Tuesday morning and is located on the 4300 block of West Arrowhead Road. City officials say water has been turned off on West Arrowhead Road from Haines Road to the 4300 block of West Arrowhead…

Emergency Mask Mandate Fails to Pass with Unanimous Vote By Duluth City Council

The Council voted 7-2 on the mandate, with Councilors Roz Randorf and Derek Medved voting against it. 

DULUTH, Minn.- There will be no indoor mask mandate in the City of Duluth, as the emergency ordinance failed to garner the unanimous vote needed by City Council Monday night. The discussion about a mask mandate turned into a discussion about the council’s powers and whether or not it is their job to manage how the city navigates the pandemic….

Nearby Residents, Business Owners React To Esmond Building Fire

They said the frequent fires show it's time the building comes down.

DULUTH, Minn.- The frigid firefight at the condemned Esmond building Monday required all hands on deck from not just firefighters but business owners and community members in Lincoln Park. Staff at the All-American Club just across the corner on Michigan Street provided hot coffee, muffins, and sandwiches for crews taking a break. They say they witnessed the last two fires…

Duluth Fire Crews Extinguish Third Fire at Condemned Esmond Building this Winter

According to the Fire Chief, no one was found inside the building when crews arrived on-scene, though they have had reports of individuals inside seeking warmth recently.

DULUTH, Minn.- A massive fire took over the former Seaway Hotel now known as the condemned Esmond Building in the Lincoln Park Craft District Monday, challenging firefighters with its fast spread in sub-arctic temperatures. Crews responded to the fire around 7:30 Monday morning. Just minutes later, three crews were pulled out of the building due to unsafe conditions and fire…

Hospitals Talk About Reasoning Behind Endorsing Now-Failed Duluth Mask Mandate

DULUTH, Minn. — Essentia Health and St. Luke’s had a united front when it came to endorsing the now-failed mask mandate proposal that went up for a vote on Monday during Duluth city council’s meeting. One Essentia doctor who works in the emergency department says she knows a new possible mask mandate seems sudden, but explained that hospital beds are…

Ryan Redington Sled Dog Team Allegedly Struck, Injured by Snowmobiler

BAYFIELD, Wis. – 2020 Breagrease Sled Dog Marathon winner Ryan Redington says he and his dog sledding team were involved in an alleged hit-and-run snowmobile accident on Saturday. According to a Facebook post by Redington on the Bayfield County Snowmobile Alliance page, the accident happened on the Tri-counties corridor where a snowmobiler hit the dog team,  seriously injuring the dog…

Minnesota Sees Declining COVID-19 Intensive Care Rate

MINNEAPOLIS – Minnesota health officials looking for a silver lining in the spread of the coronavirus omicron variant say they hope it can be found in declining intensive care hospitalizations for COVID-19. That number fell from 374 in mid-December to 255 on Friday. The decline temporarily eases pressure on hospitals as they brace for the wave of omicron infections. Despite…

Man Who Bought Gun for Kyle Rittenhouse Pleads No Contest

MADISON, Wis. (AP) – The man who bought an AR-15-style rifle for Kyle Rittenhouse has pleaded no contest to a reduced charge of contributing to the delinquency of a minor in a deal with prosecutors to avoid prison. A Wisconsin judge accepted Dominick Black’s plea on Monday. Prosecutors dropped two felony counts of intent to deliver a dangerous weapon to…

Council to Vote on New Emergency Mask Mandate Monday

DULUTH, Minn. — A second city wide Duluth mask mandate will be front and center for a vote at Monday night’s first city council meeting of 2022, with a hot topic to start the new year for sure. If Thursday night’s tense agenda session says anything about the mask mandate topic, this proposed emergency declaration isn’t going to be a…