Minnesota

Leadership Duluth Excited to Return to In-Person Sessions

DULUTH, Minn.– A local leadership program is happy to be back to meeting in-person this week. Leadership Duluth, which is a development and networking program for emerging leaders in the community, went on their first in-person session since last October during a class at the Underground Theater at The Depot. We spoke to Director, Martha Bremer, earlier today to talk…

Harbortown Rotary Helps Clean Up Vandalized GND Park

Members of the club say, they are always looking for different ways to have a positive impact on the community.

DULUTH, Minn. — Volunteers came together this morning to help clean up the Gary-New Duluth Recreational Area after it was vandalized almost a month ago. Several members of the Harbortown Rotary Club stopped by Memorial Park in Gary-New Duluth to help clean up the grounds, fill holes in the dog park and also install a new backboard on the basketball…

Sen. Klobuchar’s Father, Columnist Jim Klobuchar, Dies at 93

(Klobuchar Press Office via Fox 9) MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Jim Klobuchar, longtime Minnesota newspaper reporter and columnist and father of U.S. Sen. Amy Klobuchar, has died after a long battle with Alzheimer’s disease. Klobuchar died Wednesday at the Emerald Crest care facility in Burnsville, a Twin Cities suburb, according to the Minneapolis Star Tribune. He was 93. Amy Klobuchar, the Minnesota…

Update: Suspect in Fatal Stabbing Located in Virginia

UPDATE: Authorities say the Virginia Police Department, Minnesota BCA, and the Saint Louis County Sheriff’s Office located Malevich in a room at the Quality Inn Suites in Virginia around 9:08 a.m. Malevich is being held on second-degree murder charges at the Saint Louis County Virginia Jail. The MN BCA and the Virginia Police Department are actively investigating the homicide. UPDATE:…

Essentia Health to Begin Vaccinating Children Aged 12-15

(courtesy: Essentia Health) DULUTH, Minn. – Essentia Health says it will soon begin vaccinating 12-15-year-olds with the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine. This follows the announcement on Monday that the Food and Drug Administration cleared the expanded use of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine citing evidence that the shot worked well in that age range. Essentia Health officials say shots are expected to begin…

Ruling Paves Way for Longer Sentence in George Floyd’s Death

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — A Minnesota judge has found aggravating factors in the death of George Floyd. The ruling made public Wednesday paves the way for a longer sentence for former Minneapolis Officer Derek Chauvin. He was convicted in April on murder and manslaughter counts. He’s scheduled to be sentenced June 25. Under Minnesota sentencing guidelines, he would have faced a…

Groome Transportation to Resume Shuttles from Duluth to MSP Airport

Masks will be required, middle seats will be vacant for social distancing, and  buses will be sprayed with a hospital grade disinfectant between uses.

DULUTH, Minn.- As more people start taking trips again after the pandemic another shuttle is resuming service from Duluth to the Minneapolis-St. Paul Airport. Groome Transportation will restart its route on June 1st. Masks will be required, middle seats will be vacant for social distancing, and  buses will be sprayed with a hospital grade disinfectant between uses. After pausing operations…

Tortoise and Hare Footwear Gears Up For Grandma’s Marathon in June

As the buzz around Grandma's is growing, many more are coming in for running shoes and gear.

DULUTH, Minn.- Some local shoe stores are feeling the runner’s high from Grandma’s Marathon weekend approaching next month. Owners of Tortoise and Hare Footwear in Duluth’s Denfeld neighborhood say it’s been a pretty busy spring with many coming in for hiking shoes and boots to get out to places like the Superior Hiking Trail. But as the buzz around Grandma’s…

Bait Shops Anticipating Busy Opener

With the earlier ice out, the expectations are for anglers to have some nice catches this opener.

DULUTH, Minn. — Bait shops are looking to capitalize on the busy fishing opener this weekend. With the earlier ice out, the expectations are for anglers to have some nice catches this opener. Bait shops are advising to get your license early to avoid the hassle of waiting in line during the opener on Saturday. “We’ll have a express line…

Judge Denies Media Requests for Cameras at Potter Hearing

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — A Minnesota judge on Tuesday denied media requests to allow cameras at an upcoming hearing for a suburban Minneapolis police officer charged in Daunte Wright’s death. Kim Potter, 48, is charged with manslaughter in Wright’s death during a traffic stop April 11 in Brooklyn Center. The city’s police chief at the time said he believed Potter, who is white, mixed…

Grandma’s Marathon Post-Race Celebration, Spectators Back On for 2021 Race

DULUTH, Minn. – Following Governor Tim Walz’s announcement last week to end restrictions on outdoor limits and indoor activities by the end of May, Grandma’s Marathon announced Tuesday that they will now be allowing spectators and a post-race celebration for the 2021 race. “Those things were crossed off pretty early in our planning process based on the previous guidelines, and…

UMD Students Create Robot to Climb Walls, Deploy Items in Hostile Territory

The students designed the rover for this year's U.S. Air Force Research Lab Challenge.

DULUTH, Minn.- From the minds of UMD Students comes a robot that can climb walls, carry and drop off items — their entry in this year’s Air Force Research Lab Challenge. The challenge was to design a remote controlled, autonomous robot that could climb walls and deploy sensors or cameras in hostile territory. UMD’S rover is outfitted with a moveable…

New Therapy Center for Children with Autism Opens in Hermantown

The center is filled with brightly colored, sensory-friendly spaces where therapists will work with kids on skills, relationships and confidence building.

HERMANTOWN, Minn.- The ribbon was cut Monday for a new therapy center in Hermantown for children on the autism spectrum. Caravel Autism Health celebrated its grand opening. The center is filled with brightly colored, sensory-friendly spaces where therapists will work with kids on skills, relationships and confidence building. According to specialists, Caravel staff will also work with families to continue…

Duluth Council Tables Vote on Spirit Mountain Debt Forgiveness Plan

Councilors heard the Mayor's plan the same night as the council meeting, and many said it was too short notice to vote on it just yet.

DULUTH, Minn.- The Duluth City Council Monday unanimously tabled a vote on Mayor Emily Larson’s plan to forgive $900,000 of Spirit Mountain’s $1.2 million line of credit it received from the city, to take up again at the next meeting May 24th. Councilors heard the Mayor’s plan in a Committee of the Whole meeting before Monday’s council, and many of…

Minnesota to Get $200M More Than Expected in Federal Aid

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Minnesota’s state government will get about $200 million more than it was expecting under President Joe Biden’s coronavirus relief package, and Democratic Gov. Tim Walz expressed hope Monday that new guidelines over how states can spend the aid might help speed up the slow pace of negotiations over the state’s next budget. The legislative session is due to adjourn next Monday,…

Minnesota Reports 1,191 New COVID-19 Cases, 0 Deaths Monday

(FOX 9) – Minnesota reported 1,191 new COVID-19 cases and no deaths Monday. According to the Minnesota Department of Health, the state has now seen a total of 588,952 COVID-19 cases and 7,231 deaths since the start of the pandemic. The state hit 60 percent of its eligible population getting at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine, which amounts to more than 2.6…

Two Injured in Pequot Lakes ATV Crash

PEQUOT LAKES, Minn. – Authorities say two were injured, one seriously, in a Saturday night ATV accident in rural Pequot Lakes. According to the Cass County Sheriff’s Office, deputies responded to a report around 7:34 p.m. Saturday of a serious ATV crash near 17th Avenue Southwest. When officers arrived at the scene they learned that a 58-year-old female had been…

Business at Engwall’s in Full Bloom on Mother’s Day

Floral designers at Engwall's say they have had more than 800 orders in the last four days.

DULUTH, Minn.- Of course it wouldn’t be mother’s day without a bouquet of flower’s for mom, making local florists like Engwall’s in Duluth busy. Floral designers at Engwall’s say they have had more than 800 orders in the last four days, with plenty of people coming in the store to pick something up today too. They say the most popular…

Fitger’s Brewhouse Busy for Mother’s Day Lunch and Dinner

Staff say many of the customers were excited not only to celebrate mom, but do so with a fun "dining out" experience again.

DULUTH, Minn.- After a the pandemic put a damper on Mother’s Day activities last year, many restaurants were packed again with families treating their moms to a meal. While Fitger’s Brewhouse doesn’t serve the traditional mother’s day breakfast or lunch, it was still busy for lunch and dinner. Staff say many of the customers were excited not only to celebrate…

Families Get Out, Do More to Celebrate First Mother’s Day Out of Pandemic

The Duluth Children's Museum Pop-Up Play Place and the Lake Superior Zoo were busy with families.

DULUTH, Minn.- The Northland was busy this Mother’s Day, coming out the tail-end of the pandemic. After more traditional brunches, some families who reunited for the day decided this year was more special and spent time doing other activities. “We went out to lunch, and then we’re coming here to play with their friends,” said Stacy Cozzi at the Duluth…

Lack of Staff Impacting Local Business Owners Along the North Shore

Staff Shortages Prompting Many Small Businesses to Make Adjustments to Menus, Hours of Operation Along the North Shore

GRAND MARAIS, Minn. – It’s a serious, seasonal problem along the North Shore of Lake Superior. The struggle to find employees at often overflowing businesses. Frustration is high among business owners as the peak summer season is now just weeks away. “We’ve tried every possible avenue to attract staff,” said Abby Tofte, owner of The Fisherman’s Daughter. It’s a common…

Railroad Museum Celebrates National Train Day

DULUTH, Minn.– It was National Train Day on Saturday and plenty of families celebrated all things choo-choo over at the Lake Superior Railroad Museum in Duluth. The event honored the completion of the trans-continental railway, which connected the east and west coasts of the U.S. 150 years ago. Kids could take speeder rides, get tours of a locomotive engine, and…

UMD 2021 Graduates Make Most of Virtual Commencement

DULUTH, Minn.– University of Minnesota graduates were sent off into the world Saturday celebrating their years of hard work. More than 2,300 students will be graduating this year from UMD. Like the year before, the UMD class of 2021 commencement took place virtually due to the pandemic. School chancellors say to ensure everyone could stay safe. One of the students…

Gary New Duluth Rec Center Looking for Donations to Match Pledge

DULUTH, Minn.- The Gary New Duluth Community Center and Recreation Area recently received a pledge to match up to ten thousand dollars in donations. The center, with operates through volunteer work and donations, is in the process of expanding their facilities with the construction of a skate park, small pavilion, and parking lot.  While the money will help go towards…

Premier Mini Golf Course Coming to Proctor

The course called Rogue Eagle Mini Golf is designed by a New Jersey based Harris Miniature Golf.

PROCTOR, Minn. — A new mini golf course is coming to Proctor this summer. After a conditional use permit was approved, a mother and son team found the ideal spot on Boundary Avenue on Waterview drive. The course called Rogue Eagle Mini Golf is designed by a New Jersey based Harris Miniature Golf. With the addition of a club house…

Animal Allies Offering Discount Adoption Fees

Because of an influx of dogs, the shelter is offering $50 off adoption fees for dogs and puppies from today going through Sunday.

DULUTH, Minn. —  Animal Allies Human Society is giving a little extra incentive to adopt this weekend. Because of an influx of dogs, the shelter is offering $50 off adoption fees for dogs and puppies from today going through Sunday. Although staff say it’s rare that they offer this type of discount, they hope it gives these pets a chance…

Brazil Variant Found in Itasca County

ITASCA COUNTY, Minn. – A fourth variant of the COVID-19 virus was found in Itasca County earlier this week. Itasca County health officials say the P.1 variant which originated in Brazil was identified through genetic sequencing. “Virus mutations are possible when and where a virus spreads from person to person, which is why getting to widespread immunity is so critical…

Minnesota Community Vaccination Sites Now Taking Walk-Ins

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) — Vaccine-eligible Minnesotans can walk in for a COVID-19 shot without an appointment at the state’s Community Vaccination Program locations effective immediately, the governor’s office announced Friday. “We want Minnesotans to pile in the car, walk into a state site and get the whole family vaccinated,” Gov. Tim Walz said in a statement. Walk-ins for Minnesotans…

Charges Imminent In Minnesota Bank Hostage Case

(Stearns County Sheriff’s Office via AP) ST. CLOUD, Minn. (AP) — Charges are expected to be filed against a man accused of holding five employees hostage during a standoff at a St. Cloud, Minnesota, bank that lasted more than eight hours. The Star Tribune reports that Stearns County Attorney Janelle Kendall said a criminal complaint against the 35-year-old suspect was…

1 Year Old Dies in Remer Duplex Fire

CASS COUNTY, Minn. – The Cass County Sheriff’s Office says deputies responded early Friday morning to reports of a house fire in rural Remer. According to reports, deputies arrived at the scene around 1:46 a.m. in the area of Ghe We Zance Lane Northeast in Boy Lake Township and found a duplex engulfed in flames. Deputies located and safely removed…

Minnesota Legislature Faces Tough Budget Talks in Week Ahead

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — As the Minnesota Legislature enters the last full week of its 2021 session, lawmakers face tough negotiations for a balanced budget by next Monday’s mandatory adjournment date. And given the Legislature’s partisan split, the final package is expected to make only incremental changes instead of sweeping overhauls. There are deep disagreements over what should be in the…

Derek Chauvin Indictment Details: Boy, 14, Held by Throat, Hit With Flashlight in 2017

MINNEAPOLIS (FOX 9) – Derek Chauvin has been indicted on federal civil rights charges for a 2017 incident in which he’s accused of holding a 14-year-old boy down by the throat and striking the child multiple times in the head with a flashlight. These federal charges come at the same time as a separate indictment charging Chauvin and three other former Minneapolis police…

4 Ex-Cops Indicted on US Civil Rights Charges in Floyd Death

(from left, Derek Chauvin, Tuo Thao, Thomas Lane, and J. Alexander Kueng) MINNEAPOLIS (AP) – A federal grand jury has indicted the four former Minneapolis police officers involved in George Floyd’s arrest and death, accusing them of violating the Black man’s constitutional rights as he was restrained face-down on the pavement and gasping for air. Indictments unsealed Friday name Derek…

St. Cloud Hostage Situation Ends with Man in Custody

any people had run out of the bank by the time officers arrived, but five employees were held hostage.

ST. CLOUD, Minn. (AP) – Police in Minnesota say a man accused of holding five employees hostage at a bank has been captured after an hours-long standoff. St. Cloud police Chief Blair Anderson says the suspect, 35-year-old Ray Reco McNeary, has a long criminal history. Police say McNeary was involved in a dispute at the bank Thursday afternoon and the…

Mayor Larson’s Plan: $24 Million For Duluth’s Spirit Mountain

Larson touts new jobs, more visitors and a larger economic impact from the investment.

DULUTH, Minn. – A historic shift in support for Spirit Mountain’s future was announced Thursday. Duluth Mayor Emily Larson said a proposed $24 million capital investment plan will take the city-owned attraction to its true potential, which includes adding hundreds of new jobs, six times the number of visitors and increasing the economic impact of more than $10 million. “We…

Salvation Army Continues to Offer Resources for Homeless

With the cities low vacancy rate, and the extension of the eviction moratorium there have been few openings for housing.

DULUTH, Minn. — The Salvation Army is continuing to offer different resources for the homeless community in Duluth. With the cities low vacancy rate, and the extension of the eviction moratorium there have been few openings for housing. The rapid re-housing program, landlord incentive program and family transitional housing program are some of the resources the Salvation Army have been…

St. Cloud Bank Robbery, Hostage Situation Ongoing

ST. CLOUD, Minn. (FOX 9) – St. Cloud police are responding to a reported bank robbery and hostage situation at a Wells Fargo, according to police and Wells Fargo officials. According to St. Cloud police, at 1:48 p.m. officers responded to the bank on 200 33rd Avenue South. The situation is still ongoing and law enforcement remains on the scene. The FBI…

Mayor Larson Outlines Recommended Plan for Next Steps at Spirit Mountain

DULUTH, Minn. – Duluth Mayor Emily Larson announced during a Thursday press conference her recommendations for the next steps in supporting Spirit Mountain Recreational Area. The mayor’s proposed plan includes launching a $24 million capital reinvestment program funded 50% by state bonding, 25% by the City from tourism taxes, and 25% by Spirit Mountain. “Now is the time to do…

Gov. Walz Announces Plan to End COVID-19 Restrictions in Minnesota by July 1

BY THEO KEITH, FOX 9 ST. PAUL, Minn.-Governor Tim Walz today announced a three-step timeline to end nearly all state COVID-19 restrictions by May 28, and end the statewide masking requirement once 70% of Minnesotans age 16 years and older get their vaccine, or by July 1. The announcement comes as more than 2.6 million Minnesotans have gotten their shot…

Duluth Police Investigating Two East Hillside Shots Fired Incidents

DULUTH, Minn. – Duluth Police are investigating two shots fired incidents in the East Hillside neighborhood late Wednesday night and early Thursday morning. According to police, officers responded to the first incident of shots fired around 11:45 p.m. Wednesday on North 3rd Avenue East and East 8th Street. When officers arrived at the scene they found multiple shell casings on…

Minnesota Eases COVID-19 Rules; Mask Mandate Ends by July 1

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Gov. Tim Walz on Thursday announced a three-step timeline for lifting nearly all the state’s COVID-19 restrictions by May 28 and dropping the statewide masking requirement no later than July 1, or once 70% of Minnesotans age 16 and older get their first dose of vaccine. “Our nation-leading vaccination effort has put us in a strong position…

Silver Bay’s Municipal Campground Prepares for Second Season

Reservations Are Now Open for Black Beach Municipal Campground

SILVER BAY, Minn. – The City of Silver Bay along the North Shore is thrilled to be welcoming guests back to the Black Beach Municipal Campground this summer. This will be the site’s second season in business. Newly elected Mayor, Wade LeBlanc, is optimistic for a strong tourism season along the shore. He says last year proved to be beneficial…

Fishing License Sales Rise Ahead of Opener

With lack of inventory being an issue last season, owners say that this year they purchases their products in advance.

DULUTH, Minn. — As fishing opener approaches, anglers have been purchasing fishing licenses at increasing rate at Marine General in Duluth. The store started selling licenses back in mid September because of the early ice-out on Lake Superior and the smelting season. With lack of inventory being an issue last season, owners say that this year they purchases their products…

Timeline to End All COVID-19 Restrictions in Minnesota to Be Announced Thursday

(FOX 9) – Gov. Tim Walz is expected to announce Thursday a timeline to end all the COVID-19 restrictions in Minnesota, his office said in a news release. Walz will give a live statewide address at noon, followed by two Q&As with reporters at 1 p.m. and 1:45 p.m. According to Walz’s office, the governor plans to wind down Minnesota’s COVID-19 restrictions…