Minnesota

New Scenic Café Reopens In-Person Dining Services

DULUTH, Minn. — The New Scenic Cafe on highway 61 is back open for in-person dining bringing back some normalcy to the popular eatery. While this is exciting there are still staffing issues causing hours of operation to be limited. The owner tells Fox 21 it’s just another piece of their road to recovery. This after the restaurant was forced…

Wild State Cider Offering Outdoor Curling

DULUTH, Minn. — Wild State Cider in Duluth’s Lincoln Park Neighborhood has started installing a new outdoor curling rink. After seeing the success of bars in the Twin Cities doing this same type of operation, the cidery is freezing its own rink. They have a goal of hosting an eight-week outdoor curling league along with lane rentals on the weekends….

Annual Sock Drive Brings Thousands of Socks to Northlanders in Need

DULUTH, Minn. — The Salvation Army is partnering with the Fond-Du-Luth Casino to give thousands of socks to northlanders in need. The 12th annual sock drive began with the Fond-Du-Luth Casino collecting socks in early October. They since have amassed nearly four thousand pairs and recently dropped them off at the Salvation Army community center. Socks are typically not donated…

State Commission Recommends Spirit Mountain for $1.2M Grant

DULUTH, Minn. – The Greater Minnesota Regional Parks and Trails Commission has recommended Duluth’s Spirit Mountain for a $1.2 million Parks and Trails Legacy Fund grant. The $1,254,471 Spirit Mountain grant would be part of the $12.2 million recommended by the commission for 20 parks and trails around the state. Spirit Mountain says the grant would allow Spirit Mountain to…

Tribes in 3 States to Link 120 Electric Charging Stations

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Tribal communities in South Dakota, North Dakota, and Minnesota are working together on a project that would reduce reliance on fossil fuels. Minneapolis-based Native Sun Community Power Development plans to collaborate with Standing Rock Renewable Energy Authority and two dozen other partners to create a network of electric vehicle charging stations. The Upper Midwest Inter-Tribal Electric Vehicle…

Public Input Requested As St. Louis County Sheriff’s Office Plans For Body Cameras

DULUTH, Minn. – The St. Louis County Sheriff’s Office is looking for the public’s input as it plans to purchase body worn cameras for its deputies. The St. Louis County Board is scheduled to vote Dec. 14 on the purchase of 110 cameras and supporting equipment at a cost of $790,000. “The Sheriff’s Office has experienced an increase in deadly…

LSC Art Show Includes 300-Plus Pieces From Students

DULUTH, Minn. – If you like supporting art in the community, Lake Superior College is the place to be Wednesday. More than 300 pieces of artwork are on display from students there. They include jewelry, digital drawing, digital photography, digital graphic designs, ceramics, and painting. Some students are even putting their artwork up for sale. “I came to the art…

Snow Stompers Needed To Even Out Duluth Trails

The  City of Duluth is looking for volunteer snow-stompers for 7 trail systems as far west as Ely's Peak to as far east as Jean Duluth Road.

DULUTH, Minn.- You can help the City of Duluth “stomp out” any problems on snow-covered trails, by literally volunteering to stomp. The  City of Duluth is looking for volunteer snow-stompers for 7 trail systems as far west as Ely’s Peak to as far east as Jean Duluth Road. They will provide snowshoes for stompers to rent for the season. The…

Superior Police Increasing Traffic Enforcement After Spike in Crashes this Year

Traffic crashes are up 25% this year in Superior and 18% nationwide in the first half of 2021.

SUPERIOR, Wis.-  The Superior Police Department is upping its officers on the streets in hopes of curbing a rise in traffic crashes this year. Traffic crashes are up 25% this year in Superior and 18% nationwide in the first half of 2021 — the largest 6-month increase that’s ever been tracked by the federal government. According to the department’s Public…

How Northlanders Keep their Runners’ High when Temperatures Get Low

Dressing in layers, and like it's 20 degrees warmer than the actual temperature, is key according to experts.

DULUTH, Minn.- Even though winter has chilled the great outdoors out, Northland runners sure have not, mostly unfazed by the change in temps. “Once you start running outside you realize that it’s something that you can do once you have the right equipment,” said Clint Agar, Manager at the Duluth Running Company. According to Agar, it all comes from staying…

COVID Concerns, Staffing Shortages Extend Winter Break For Duluth Public Schools

DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth School Board approved an extended winter break of an additional two days during a special meeting Tuesday evening. The two days include Wednesday, Dec. 22 and Monday, Jan. 3, which is district-wide. District officials say the extended break will help deal with staffing shortages and student safety involving COVID. “With general staffing shortages, many unfilled…

DECC Looking to Improve Aging Infrastructure

DULUTH, Minn. — The Duluth Entertainment Convention Center is looking to improve some of its aging infrastructures. This comes after the DECC experienced an ammonia leak over the summer prompting officials to look more closely at the other structural issues the DECC has been having over the years. This has led executive Director, Dan Hartman, to propose $8 million in…

Benedictine Living Community-Duluth To Acquire Hearthstone Home Care

DULUTH, Minn. – Benedictine Living Community-Duluth will acquire Hearthstone Home Care in Duluth effective December 1. “Hearthstone Home Care has been providing quality home care services to area seniors for many years. For the past seven years, Benedictine Living Community-Duluth has partnered with Hearthstone with Benedictine Duluth’s professionals providing in-home physical, occupational, and speech therapy to Hearthstone clients,” said Barb…

Minnesota Projects Record $7.7 Billion Surplus

(AP Photo/Steve Karnowski) ST. PAUL, Minn. (FOX 9) – Minnesota has a record-shattering $7.7 billion surplus, state budget officials project, setting the stage for lawmakers to debate how to spend it in 2022. The Minnesota Department of Management and Budget released the projection Tuesday morning, basing it on strong growth in income, consumer spending, and corporate profits that have driven…

State: 98% Occupancy Rate in Hospital Intensive Care Units

MINNEAPOLIS – The number of people hospitalized in intensive care in Minnesota has reached the highest level yet during the coronavirus pandemic. The state is reporting a 98% occupancy rate in adult ICU beds when COVID-19 and non-COVID-19 patients are included. Nearly 350 people are receiving intensive care. M Health Fairview doctor, Andrew Olson, is urging people to get vaccinated…

Mail Room Under New Ownership, Seeing Boost in Business

DULUTH, Minn. — The new owners of The Mail Room on London Road in Duluth are getting busier for the holiday season. After taking over November 1st, Pack and Mail now has three locations including stores in both Cloquet and west Duluth. They offer a variety of services including faxing, copying, and more. Extra employees have been added to be…

Residents Dig Out of First Big Snowstorm

DULUTH, Minn. — It’s one of the coldest days of the year so far and the wind didn’t help as residents were digging themselves out of the first big snowstorm of the season. With the city blanketed with anywhere from four to eight inches of snow, residents spent the Monday shoveling and snow blowing their driveways and sidewalks. We caught…

CHUM Receives Large Donation of Blankets, Socks

DULUTH, Minn. —  Just in time for the temperature drop, CHUM received a large donation of blankets and socks from Miller Hill Subaru on Monday. Hundreds of blankets and socks will be distributed to people at the chum drop-off center in downtown Duluth. Whatever is left over will go to the warming center. With much colder weather now happening in…

Warming Center Continues to Remain at Capacity

DULUTH, Minn. — The warming center in Duluth that is operated by CHUM has remained at capacity this winter season. After opening up on November first, it has seen a large number of people stopping in on a daily basis. Right now, the center is still in need of hand warmers and gloves for those going back outside in the…

Walz Names Long-Term Care Sites To Get Guard Staffing Help

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz on Monday sent the first three Minnesota National Guard skilled nursing teams to care facilities statewide on Monday as part of an effort to fix staffing woes amid the current wave of COVID-19 infections. Fifty Guard members were to begin providing care Tuesday at facilities in New Hope, Onamia, and Fergus Falls. Walz…

Jury Instructions Sewn up in Trial Over Daunte Wright Death

(Court TV, via AP, Pool) MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Attorneys and a judge hammered out jury instructions Monday for the trial of a white Minnesota police officer who fatally shot Black motorist Daunte Wright, with the judge denying defense requests that would have made the instructions more expansive for the former officer’s benefit. Kim Potter, 49, is charged with first-degree and second-degree manslaughter in…

Minneapolis’ First Black Police Chief, Arradondo, To Retire

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Minneapolis Police Chief Medaria Arradondo announced Monday that he won’t accept a third term as chief. It’s a blow to a department that has been reeling since four officers were charged in George Floyd’s death. The 54-year-old Arradondo said it was time for new leadership at the department. He’ll step down in January, with Mayor Jacob Frey…

Duluth Angel of Hope Vigil Canceled Due to Frigid Cold Weather

The vigil was scheduled for 7 p.m. Monday evening, on Worldwide Candle Lighting Day.

DULUTH, Minn.- The annual vigil in Leif Erikson Park of parents remembering the lives of children they lost has been canceled due to weather, a spokesperson with the organization said. The vigil was scheduled for 7 p.m. Monday evening, on Worldwide Candle Lighting Day, to be held at the same time as other events around the 120 Angel of Hope…

Wintry Weather Causes Dangerous Travel in Some States

DULUTH, Minn. (AP) — A strong storm that created blizzard-like conditions in several Upper Midwest states left behind more than a foot of snow in some places, closed interstate and dozens of schools, and contributed to numerous accidents, including one that was fatal. High winds whipped up the snow and reduced visibility on roadways in northern Minnesota where a slick…

Two Harbors Residents Dig Out After First Major Snowstorm of Season

Over 12 inches fell over Saturday night and through the day Sunday along the whole North Shore.

TWO HARBORS, Minn.- After the first major snowstorm of the season dumped more than a foot of snow total along the North Shore, Two Harbors residents spent much of Sunday digging out. “Felt pretty good to get the snowblower out,” said Cameron Bugge, “just a regular day in Minnesota.” Snowblowers, shovels, and plows were around every corner. “Had to get…

Duluth Winter Village Ends On a High Note

The Duluth Winter Village saw more than 20,000 people on their first day alone, where the sales and income for vendors exceeded expectations.

DULUTH, Minn. — It was a snowy final day of the Winter Village behind the DECC, and after record-braking numbers on Saturday, it was obvious Sunday that the event was a success. The Duluth Winter Village saw more than 20,000 people on their first day alone, where the sales and income for vendors exceeded expectations. The relocation to the DECC…

US Ski and Snowboard Super Tour Takes Place at Spirit Mountain

DULUTH, Minn. — The U.S. Ski and Snowboard Super Tour presented by the National Nordic Ski Foundation, wrapped up at Spirit Mountain on Sunday. After Saturday’s perfect conditions for the sprinting events, Sunday brought about some different weather, which didn’t stop the races from going on, as this group has their sights set on Beijing. This weekend is the first…

Julebyen Christmas Festival Brings Scandinavian Culture, Fun to North Shore

KNIFE RIVER, Minn. — An idea brought back to the Northland by a family from Norway started this Christmas Festival Called the Julebyen Christmas market. But not only does this fest help celebrate the holidays, but it also helps give back to the community of Knife River. Since 2012, this has proven to be the largest fundraising event of the…

Winter Village Debuts Behind The DECC

DULTUH, Minn. — Despite the cold, Duluth’s Winter Village’s new spot behind the DECC attracted thousands for opening day. The new location featured water-front views and a yule hall and ice skating rink inside the DECC”s old rink. More than 40 local vendors came from all over the Northland and were excited to share everything from apparel and art to…

Navigators Help Minnesotans Enroll in Healthcare at Duluth Public Library

Applicants should bring income information, social security numbers, and any employer health insurance info.

DULUTH, Minn.- With open enrollment underway for Minnesota health insurance, navigators are available to help sign up at the Duluth Public Library. Starting Saturday they’re set up upstairs to visit for free with no appointment needed. Applicants should bring income information, social security numbers, and any employer health insurance info. The deadline is December 15th for coverage to start in…

Holiday Shoppers Browse Small Businesses at Zeitgeist Pop-Up Sale

The Shop Small Duluth Holiday Pop-Up will be back at Zeitgeist Sunday from 11 a.m.to 5 p.m.

DULUTH, Minn.- More local small business options were set up at Zeitgeist Arts Café this weekend for holiday shoppers this weekend. Zeitgeist, the Greater Downtown Council, and Shop Small Duluth teamed up for the Shop Small Duluth Holiday Popup Sale. 8 different local vendors brought their handcrafted items. They say after the pandemic, they appreciate getting to share their passion…

Departments of Transportation Gearing up for First Measurable Snowfall

TWO HARBORS, Minn. — The roads aren’t bad yet, but they might be this weekend, and the Lake County Highway Department has their plows ready to go as they await the first measurable snowfall this winter season. Preparations began months ago, but the snow hasn’t been as consistent this year making it hard to make an official plan but its…

Church Spreads Holiday Cheer to Community with Cookie Baking Day

Plates of cookies went to UMD and CSS college students, as well as shut-ins, group homes, and treatment homes.

DULUTH, Minn.- A group of women at a local church are spreading holiday cheer in their own sweet way — with some Christmas cookies. Lakeview Covenant Church on Jean Duluth Road hosted a cookie baking day Friday. Women brought their own ready-to-bake cookie dough and pans, or they could bake at home. Plates of cookies went to UMD and CSS…

Area Fire Departments Host Regional Testing

DULUTH, Minn. — For the first time, the Duluth fire department was among five fire departments participating in regional testing on Saturday for those wanting to become a firefighter. The Cloquet, Duluth, Hibbing, Virginia and Superior Fire Departments joined forces to hold the testing at the Lake Superior College Emergency Response Training Center in Gary New Duluth. The goal was…

Truckers for Tots Aims to Help Families for Christmas

DULUTH, Minn. — Some trucks unloaded more fun cargo for Northlanders on Friday. The Salvation Army once again partnered with Mid-State Truck services to bring Christmas cheer to families in need this holiday season. The Truckers for Tots campaign started over a decade ago in Wisconsin and came to Duluth just last year. Mid-State Truckers raised $55,000 total at all…

St. Scholastica Raising Funds for New Student Center

DULUTH, Minn. — The College of Saint Scholastica could soon get its first-ever brand new student center on campus. Administrators identified it as a need over a decade ago because there is currently no specific area designated for students to congregate. Although the current layout has worked for staff and students, back in 20-14 they started a silent campaign to…

Forest Service To Reduce Entry Permits for Boundary Waters

DULUTH, Minn. (AP) — The U.S. Forest Service plans to reduce the number of entry permits for the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness next year, citing damage to natural resources, crowding, and congestion. The Forest Service didn’t say how many permits would be eliminated, nor which entry points into the million-acre wilderness would be impacted. Superior National Forest spokeswoman Joanna…

City of Duluth Seeking Affordable Housing Development Proposals

Deadline to Apply is Jan. 30, 2022

DULUTH, Minn. – The City of Duluth is looking to fund up to four proposals from developers across the area to build affordable, multifamily, residential structures in Duluth that are in need of financial assistance. This past July, the city received federal funds through the American Rescue Plan Act. From the $50 million received, $19.2 million has been set aside…