Minnesota Archives - Page 184 of 356

Duluth, St. Louis County to Receive Funding From Federal COVID Relief Bill

March 11, 2021

Site Staff,

DULUTH, Minn. – The City of Duluth along with St. Louis County are set to receive nearly $114 million in funding from the Federal COVID Relief Bill. According to the Mayor’s office, the city will receive about $60 million as part of the American Rescue Plan. The $350 billion from the plan was allocated for government entities. Duluth Mayor Emily…

South African Virus Variant Found in Minnesota for 1st Time

March 11, 2021

The Associated Press,

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Minnesota health officials have confirmed the state’s first known case of a coronavirus variant that was originally identified in South Africa. The Minnesota Department of Health said Thursday the person is a Twin Cities-area resident in their 40s who became ill on Jan. 24 and was tested on Jan. 29. The person had no recent travel history…

Gov. Walz to Announce More COVID Rollbacks on Friday

March 11, 2021

KQDS Staff,

(FOX 9) – Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz says he will announce a rollback of the state’s COVID-related restrictions on businesses and gatherings on Friday morning that will be “the biggest turn yet.” The announcement comes as Minnesota expanded vaccine eligibility to 1.8 million more people this week after surpassing its goal of getting 70% of seniors vaccinated. “I think you’ll start to see the…

Line 3 Replacement Project Nearing Major Milestones

March 11, 2021

Site Staff,

DULUTH, Minn. – Enbridge Energy says the Line 3 Replacement Project is nearing a major milestone of having 50% of construction completed on the project and is on track for completion in late 2021. Beginning April 1 work on the Line 3 Replacement Project will pause for roughly 2 months due to seasonal restrictions. “Winter construction has gone very well,…

Looking Through the Lens of the Lighthouse Keeper

Split Rock Lighthouse Site Manager, Hayes Scriven, Has Passion for Capturing Nature's Beauty On The Job

March 11, 2021

Brett Scott,

TWO HARBORS, Minn. – They say a picture is worth a thousand words. The statement holds ever so true for one lucky photographer living along the North Shore of Lake Superior. “Photography and Split Rock go together like peanut butter and jelly, they’re just delicious together,” said Hayes Scriven, site manager at Split Rock Lighthouse. You could say the COVID-19…

COVID-Positive Duluth Musher Removed From Iditarod Race

March 11, 2021

The Associated Press,

ANCHORAGE, Alaska (AP) — A veteran Iditarod musher was removed from the race Wednesday after he tested positive for the coronavirus, organizers said. Gunnar Johnson, 52, of Duluth, Minnesota, was withdrawn from the event at the McGrath, Alaska, checkpoint, the organizers said in a news release. Iditarod Race Marshal Mark Nordman, working with epidemiologist Dr. Jodie Guest, made the decision…

Snow, Heavy Rain, Hail, Tornado Warnings in Minnesota

March 11, 2021

The Associated Press,

DULUTH, Minn. (AP) — Heavy snow and high winds in northeastern Minnesota left hundreds without power and caused hazardous travel conditions while the southeastern region of the state experienced rain, large hail and tornado warnings. The St. Louis County Sheriff’s Office said slippery conditions likely contributed to the death of a 57-year-old driver who was killed about 6 p.m. Wednesday…

Watch: Judge Reinstates 3rd-Degree Murder Charge in Chauvin Trial

March 11, 2021

Site Staff,

MINNEAPOLIS (FOX 9) – The trial judge ruled the third-degree murder charge will be reinstated in the trial of Derek Chauvin, the former Minneapolis police officer who is charged with the death of George Floyd. Court proceedings started at 8 a.m. Thursday with a hearing on preliminary motions, before moving on to jury selection at 9 a.m. Five jurors have been seated…

Easter Bunny Is Back At The Miller Hill Mall — With Distance

March 10, 2021

KQDS Staff,

DULUTH, Minn. – The Easter Bunny is coming back to the Miller Hill Mall – with a little distance. Families will be able to meet the bunny and get a socially distanced photo experience. The fun starts this Thursday and runs through Saturday, April 3. You are strongly encouraged to make a reservation online before stopping by. The “Bunny…

Man Dead After Rollover Accident In Duluth

March 10, 2021

KQDS Staff,

DULUTH, Minn. – A 57-year-old man died Wednesday after his vehicle left the roadway during snowy conditions and rolled over into a ditch in Duluth. The accident was reported around 5:50 p.m. on the 3800 block of Conosia Road. “Poor weather and road conditions likely contributed to the crash,” according to Sgt. Erik Peterson of the St. Louis County Sheriff’s…

Alder Begins Ice Breaking in Duluth Harbor

It's all to prepare Duluth and the surrounding waters for the upcoming shipping season.

March 10, 2021

Reece Lindquist,

DULUTH, Minn. – The U.S Coast Guard began ice-breaking this morning in the Duluth Harbor. With the Sault-Ste. Marie Locks set to open March 25th, the Alder is gearing up to break more ice with roughly 31% more ice coverage this year than last year. It’s all to prepare Duluth and the surrounding waters for the upcoming shipping season. “The…

Grandma’s Kicking off Summer Racing Season with Saint Fennessy 4K

Right now, more than 500 people are already signed up with around 100 of them electing to run the race virtually.

March 10, 2021

Reece Lindquist,

HERMANTOWN, Minn. – Grandma’s is officially kicking off the summer racing season with the Saint Fennessy 4K this Saturday at the Hermantown High School. Right now, more than 500 people are already signed up with around 100 of them electing to run the race virtually. Although the St. Patrick’s Day-themed event will not have the same after party as years…

Deputy Chief Jesse Linde Named as New Eveleth Police Chief

March 10, 2021

Site Staff,

EVELETH, Minn. – On Wednesday morning, the City of Eveleth unanimously voted to name a new Chief of Police. After serving with the Eveleth Police Department for the last 15 years, Deputy Chief Jesse Linde was appointed to the position of Chief of Police. Linde served the last six of those years of Deputy Chief. In a Wednesday press release,…

Ruling Could Put 3rd-Degree Murder Charge in Play for Ex-Cop

March 10, 2021

The Associated Press,

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — The Minnesota Supreme Court has declined to hear the appeal of a former Minneapolis police officer who is trying to block a third-degree murder charge from being reinstated in George Floyd’s death. At issue is whether the conviction of another former police officer in an unrelated case established a precedent for prosecutors to restore a third-degree murder…

Ramsey Stops Enforcing Coronavirus Mask Mandate

March 10, 2021

The Associated Press,

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — City leaders in Ramsey have voted to stop enforcing Gov. Tim Walz’s coronavirus mask mandate with proponents arguing it infringes on an individual’s constitutional rights. It was not immediately clear what liability the city might face as a result of the 4-3 City Council vote Tuesday night which was discouraged by city attorney Joe Langel. He warned…

St. Luke’s Board of Directors Names New Co-Presidents, CEO’s

March 10, 2021

Site Staff,

DULUTH, Minn. – St. Luke’s Board of Directors has named the hospital’s new President and CEO. On Wednesday, St. Luke’s announced that the board of directors has selected Chief Financial Officer Eric Lohn and St. Luke’s Chief Medical Officer Nick Van Deelen, MD, to serve as Co-Presidents/CEOs of the health care system. “Beyond proving this dual leadership model is excellent…

Attorneys Sift Strong Opinions, Anxiety Among Chauvin Jurors

March 10, 2021

The Associated Press,

(Court TV, via AP, Pool) MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Jury selection opens its second day Wednesday in the trial of a former Minneapolis police officer charged in George Floyd’s death last May. Derek Chauvin faces second-degree murder and manslaughter charges. Several potential jurors were dismissed Tuesday, including some who said they wouldn’t be able to set aside their strong views about…

Watch Live: Derek Chauvin Trial Resumes, Day 2

March 10, 2021

Site Staff,

Categories: Crime, Minnesota, News, News – Latest News

Colon Cancer Survivor Hopes Lighting Enger Tower Blue Encourages Early Screenings

Anna Dahlgren was screened earlier than the recommended age, catching the disease in her early 30s.

March 9, 2021

Arman Rahman,

DULUTH, Minn.-Enger Tower in Duluth was lit up blue Tuesday in honor of Colon Cancer Awareness Month. It’s an initiative led by the city, and Colorectal Cancer survivor Anna Dahlgren. Dahlgren was screened earlier than the recommended age, catching the disease in her early 30s. Doctors say if she had waited until the typical screening age of 45 — it…

Tree Clearing for Bats, Soil Processing Last Steps Before Mission Creek Restoration Work in August

Crews start tree clearing Wednesday, and expect soil processing to finish by the end of July.

March 9, 2021

Arman Rahman,

DULUTH, Minn.- Reconstruction work is finally set to begin this summer on the Mission Creek burial site in Duluth’s Fond Du Lac neighborhood, three years after MnDOT crews accidentally tore it up working to replace the Highway 23 Bridge there. Before they can get started, they have to finish some prep work which includes a plan to keep the area’s…

Hunters Park Residents Enjoying Final Days of ‘Snowhenge’ Fort

"By the end of the week I suspect it will be pretty much gone," Boucher says.

March 9, 2021

Reece Lindquist,

DULUTH, Minn. – Spring is beginning to take shape. “Unless we get a lot of snow I don’t anticipate rebuilding it again this year,” Hunters Park Resident, Norman Boucher says. This spells bad news for the hunters park neighborhood creation “Snowhenge.” “By the end of the week I suspect it will be pretty much gone,” Boucher says. During a winter…

A Criminology Expert Weighs In On Chauvin Trial Jury Selection

It's expected to take several weeks to decide a final jury as the process includes checking backgrounds.

March 9, 2021

Nachai Taylor,

DULUTH, Minn. – As the proceedings continue in the George Floyd case, we caught up with a local jury selection expert who helped explain more about the process. UMD Adjunct Criminology Professor Fred Friedman says it’s all about finding out what biases people have, which are determined by attorneys asking a variety of questions. The hope is to have an…

Superior City Council Approves To Pay Off $2.5 Million Debt From Kestrel Aircraft Deal

March 9, 2021

Nachai Taylor,

SUPERIOR, Wis. – The City of Superior is no longer carrying the burden of more than $2 million in debt caused by the Kestrel Aircraft Company project deal. The Superior City Council recently approved to pay off the debt a year early. In 2012, the company had plans to build a manufacturing plant for its aircrafts, which would have brought…

Watch: Derek Chauvin Trial Jury Selection

March 9, 2021

Site Staff,

MINNEAPOLIS (FOX 9) – Jury selection in the trial of Derek Chauvin, the former Minneapolis police officer charged in the death of George Floyd, will resume Tuesday after it was delayed a day while the court waits for more direction from the Minnesota Court of Appeals. Judge Peter Cahill was ready to start jury selection on Monday, but state prosecutors filed a request with…

More Minnesotans Eligible for Coronavirus Vaccine

March 9, 2021

The Associated Press,

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Gov. Tim Walz says Minnesota is expanding eligibility for the coronavirus vaccine after reaching its goal of inoculating at least 70% of people 65 and older. The state will expand eligibility to the next two phases of Minnesotans at once. Walz said Tuesday the next two priority groups include people with underlying health conditions and those at…

Spirit Mountain Task Force Comes Out with Findings on Financial Stability

The 250-page report included recommendations to Spirit and to the City.

March 8, 2021

Arman Rahman,

DULUTH, Minn.- After nine months of work, the Spirit Mountain Task Force has released its findings involving the ski resort’s financial stability. The task force appointed by Mayor Larson found that for every one dollar in tourism tax Spirit Mountain produced an $18 economic impact return to the city. The 250-page report included eight business improvement strategies. The task force…

BLM Protesters March Through Streets of Duluth on First Day of Derek Chauvin Trial

Then the group started marching through downtown, over the I-35 bridge, through Canal Park -- stopping traffic along the way.

March 8, 2021

Arman Rahman,

DULUTH, Minn.- Dozens of protesters marched throughout the City of Duluth Monday, even stopping traffic, to express their views and demands of justice for George Floyd. The main organizer, Veronica “Vee” Davis, was not able to speak in person at the march. But she released the following statement to FOX21: “We were marching tonight in honor of George Floyd. We…

KYN: Frame Up

The owners of the shop are thankful for these artists allowing them to stay busy in these difficult times.

March 8, 2021

Reece Lindquist,

DULUTH, Minn. – A local frame up shop in Grand Rapids has been thriving during the pandemic with owner Eric Mann taking it over nearly three years ago. “The majority of our work is custom framing. So people bring in their own artwork and pick out mats, pick out frames and make it look good,” Frame Up Owner, Eric Mann…

Enbridge Line 3 Replacement Project Creates Concern for Indigenous Community

Enrbidge Reports All of the Workers on the Line 3 Replacement Project Have Gone Through Extensive Human Trafficking Awareness Training

March 8, 2021

Brett Scott,

CARLTON COUNTY, Minn. – After six years of work to acquire the proper permitting, ground broke on the highly controversial Enbridge Line 3 Replacement Project in Dec. of 2020. Of the total 1,100 miles, a stretch roughly 340 miles long will run through Minnesota. Enbridge has conducted many hours of training with more than 5,000 workers on the project, but…

Some Iron Range Schools See A Drop In Enrollment

Many remain hesitant about sending their kids back to in-person instruction during the pandemic.

March 8, 2021

Nachai Taylor,

AURORA, Minn. – Multiple Iron Range public school districts are still being impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Some are reporting a decline in enrollment because of the ongoing health crisis. It’s not uncommon for some Northland school districts to see a slight drop in student enrollment from year to year, but the coronavirus pandemic is causing an even greater decline…

Duluth YMCA Give Thanks To Local AmeriCorps Members

Currently, there are about 100 AmeriCorps members stationed in the Duluth area that work in many different fields, including helping in local schools.

March 8, 2021

Nachai Taylor,

DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth Area Family YMCA is giving a special thank you to AmeriCorps members that have dedicated their time helping make a difference in the Duluth community. This week is National AmeriCorps week. Local chapter members and their families will get a chance to enjoy free entry to the YMCA all week. Currently, there are about 100…

Dylan Fest Returns To Duluth For The 11th Year

The festivities will mainly be virtual with some in-person events hosted at Earth Rider Brewery in Superior.

March 8, 2021

Nachai Taylor,

DULUTH, Minn – The Duluth Dylan Fest is coming back this year despite the pandemic. This year will be the 11th year the event has been held and will commemorate Bob Dylan’s 80th birthday. The festivities will mainly be virtual with some in-person events hosted at Earth Rider Brewery in Superior. This year, there will also be a songwriter contest…

Duluth Students Near Full In-Person Learning

Other grades will be transitioned in next following week as part of the hybrid learning model.

March 8, 2021

Reece Lindquist,

DULUTH, Minn. – 6th, 9th, and 12th graders were in attendance today at Duluth area schools on Monday. Other grades will be transitioned in next following week as part of the hybrid learning model. During the week, the freshman are getting tours and used to their surroundings while the seniors received help with classes they may have been struggling with…

Watch: Derek Chauvin Trial Live Stream, Updates

March 8, 2021

Site Staff,

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) – The judge overseeing the trial of a former Minneapolis police officer accused in the death of George Floyd has paused jury selection while an appeal proceeds over the possible reinstatement of a third-degree murder charge. Judge Peter Cahill agreed Monday that he does not have jurisdiction to rule on whether the third-degree murder charge should be reinstated…

2021 Duluth Dylan Fest to Feature New Songwriting Contest

March 8, 2021

Site Staff,

DULUTH, Minn. – To commemorate Bob Dylan’s 80th birthday this yea,r Duluth Dylan Fest has partnered with Song From the North Country to add a twist to the annual songwriter contest. “We are excited about the new twist on the songwriter contest this year,” said committee member Mark Poirier. “The pandemic has inspired our committee to think creatively and provide…

Derek Chauvin Trial Begins in Death of George Floyd

March 8, 2021

KQDS Staff,

MINNEAPOLIS (FOX 9) – Hennepin County Judge Peter Cahill has ruled jury selection in the Derek Chauvin trial for the death of George Floyd can move forward Monday morning despite the unresolved issue of a third-degree murder charge in the case. Chauvin’s attorney, Eric Nelson, told the court he intends to file a petition for the Minnesota Supreme Court to review the Court of Appeals opinion…

Split Rock Lighthouse State Park to Add New Campground

March 8, 2021

The Associated Press,

BEAVER BAY, Minn. (AP) — One of Minnesota’s more popular state parks is getting a new campground. Work continues this year on a project to add Split Rock Lighthouse State Park’s first drive-in camping option. The Shipwreck Creek campground is tentatively planned to open in the fall, with 46 sites with electric service and a modern shower and bathroom facility….

Jury Selection Is 1st Battleground at Trial in Floyd’s Death

March 8, 2021

The Associated Press,

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — The fate of a former Minneapolis police officer who pressed his knee into George Floyd’s neck as the man said he couldn’t breathe will be decided by 12 residents of Hennepin County who will be picked after extensive grilling about their views. Jury selection begins Monday in the trial of Derek Chauvin, who is charged with second-degree…

Tickets Selling Fast for Thomas the Tank Engine’s Return to Duluth in August

Organizers say Preseason Thomas ticket sales are running about 300% ahead of 2020 and 2019.

March 7, 2021

Arman Rahman,

DULUTH, Minn.- The second year of the pandemic is not keeping Thomas the Tank Engine down; he’s making a trip back up to Duluth this summer. Thomas and his green friend Percy will be back at the North Shore Scenic Railroad the first two weekends of August. This year the event is almost entirely outside this year with social distancing…

Unseasonable Warmth Brings Welcomed Boost for Duluth Breweries During Pandemic Winter

Staff at Ursa Minor and Blacklist Brewing say the warm weather is bringing many customers to sit outside, and inside.

March 7, 2021

Arman Rahman,

DULUTH, Minn.- Small breweries across Duluth say the unseasonably warm temperatures — pushing 50 degrees in some places Sunday — has brought their businesses closer to normal than they’ve ever felt in the past year. “It has been nice to do things back to, quote-unquote, ‘normal,’” said Niki McArthur, Bartender and Pizza Oven Tender at Ursa Minor Brewing. It looked…

Construction Prompting Continued Backlash for Enbridge Line 3 Replacement Project

Ground Broke for the Final, Minnesota Portion of the Project in December of 2020

March 7, 2021

Brett Scott,

CARLTON COUNTY, Minn. – A project six years in the making has officially broken ground. It was back on Oct. 24, 2014, when Enbridge Energy filed its notice plan with the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission to begin moving forward on a massive 2.9 billion dollar replacement project of its Line 3 pipeline responsible for transporting crude oil. Ground broke on…

Cohasset City Leaders Look to Expand Industrial Park

Cohasset city officials announced they've received over $4 million in funding

March 7, 2021

Reece Lindquist,

COHASSET, Minn. – The city of Cohasset will soon be building a brand new manufacturing facility with the hope of attracting new businesses. Last week Cohasset city officials announced they’ve received over $4 million in funding courtesy of a multi-million dollar grant from the economic development administration and other funds from the city of Cohasset economic development. “We’ve known we…

2 Boys Injured In UTV Accident

March 7, 2021

Dan Hanger,

GNESEN TOWNSHIP, Minn. – Two boys were injured Sunday when their side-by-side utility terrain vehicle flipped on the frozen Boulder Lake in Gnesen Township. The St. Louis County Sheriff’s Office says a 12-year-old boy was transported to St. Luke’s Hospital by LifeLink III with a broken femur. A 6-year-old boy suffered a head laceration and was taken by Mayor Ambulance…

Floyd’s Cause Of Death, Ex-Cop’s Force Will Be Keys At Trial

March 7, 2021

KQDS Staff,

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) – Legal experts say the murder case against the Minneapolis police officer who pressed his knee on George Floyd’s neck is no slam dunk, despite powerful bystander video from the scene. Jury selection begins Monday in Derek Chauvin’s trial on second-degree murder and manslaughter charges. The outcome of the trial is expected to come down to two key…

Key Players In Trial Of Ex-Officer Charged In Floyd’s Death

March 7, 2021

KQDS Staff,

George Floyd MINNEAPOLIS (AP) – Jury selection begins Monday for a former Minneapolis police officer charged with murder and manslaughter in George Floyd’s death. Derek Chauvin’s trial, which is expected to last weeks, will be overseen by an experienced, no-nonsense judge and argued by skilled attorneys on both sides. Outside issues such as the COVID-19 pandemic and a global outcry…

Gov. Walz: 1 Million Vaccinated in Minnesota, on Anniversary of State’s First COVID-19 Case

Additionally, he announced that nearly 55% of Minnesota’s educators, school staff, and child care providers have gotten a shot.

March 6, 2021

Arman Rahman,

DULUTH, Minn.- The State of Minnesota reached a new milestone in vaccinations, as Governor Tim Walz announced one million Minnesotans have been vaccinated Saturday, the one-year anniversary of the first case of COVID-19 appearing in the state. Gov. Walz shared the news on his Facebook page Saturday. Today, exactly one year after Minnesota’s first confirmed case of COVID-19, we reached…

Duluth Police Dept. Names Steve Stracek to Fill Third Deputy Chief Position

His seleciton is part a department restructuring to focus on better policies and community engagement.

March 6, 2021

Arman Rahman,

DULUTH, Minn.- The Duluth Police Department this week announced the selection of Steve Stracek to serve as Deputy Chief, as part of an ordinance change by Duluth City Council allowing the department to hire a third, tasked with leading the department to be more accountable. Stracek joined the department in 1993, and over 23 years served as commander of the…

‘Miracle on Ice’ Star Mark Pavelich Dies at Treatment Home

The medical examiner says cause of death is pending at this time.

March 5, 2021

Arman Rahman,

SAUK CENTRE, Minn.- A member of the 1980 ‘Miracle on Ice’ Olympic Hockey Team and Eveleth native Mark Pavelich died Friday morning. According to the Midwest Medical Examiner’s Office Pavelich was found dead at the Eagle’s Nest treatment facility in Sauk Centre, Minnesota. He was undergoing treatment as part of a civil commitment for assaulting his neighbor in 2019. A…

Motorhead Madness Expected To Be Returning Next Year

"We hate to see it end. It's been a lot of fun. We've all been going to it forever since we were kids," Mike Podgornik, an organizer of the new event.

March 5, 2021

Nachai Taylor,

DULUTH, Minn. – It’s been a year since Motorhead Madness ended and now a trio of car enthusiasts are hoping to bring the half-a-century old car show back to help the community relive some memories. The Motorhead Madness car show is one event car lovers could show off their pride and joy every year. “You’re proud of having them and…

A New Soul Food Restaurant To Open In Downtown Duluth

Doc Witherspoon's Soul Food Shack is expected to open on April 6th.

March 5, 2021

Nachai Taylor,

DULUTH, Minn. – A new soul food restaurant is opening soon in downtown Duluth. Former NAACP President Stephan Witherspoon will be opening Doc Witherspoon’s Soul Food Shack. Customers will get to enjoy a family dining experience that serves food like fried catfish and mac & cheese. Witherspoon says he’s excited to continue sharing the African American food culture with the…