Minnesota Archives - Page 185 of 363

Suspect Formally Charged in Piedmont Standoff

April 29, 2021

Site Staff,

DULUTH, Minn. – Duluth Police say the man arrested in connection to last week’s standoff in the Piedmont Heights neighborhood has been formally charged. According to court documents, 31-year-old Jesse Lee Fechner has been charged with felony receiving stolen property, possessing ammo/any firearm, two counts of fourth-degree assault on a police officer, and obstructing legal process with force. Last week,…

Gov. Walz Joins Bipartisan Leaders in Minnesota Legislature to Call for Action on Police Reform

April 29, 2021

Site Staff,

ST, PAUL, Minn. – On Thursday, Gov. Walz joined bipartisan leaders in the Minnesota Legislature to call for action among Minnesota Senate Republicans on police reform, following the passage of meaningful police reform legislation in the Minnesota House. “The accountability we saw last week for George Floyd is the floor – not the ceiling – of what we need to…

Business Owners On Lake Vermilion Optimistic for Much Better Summer Season

The Owners of Lake Vermilion Houseboats and Pike Bay Lodge Look Forward to Welcoming Guests Back to the Great Outdoors

April 29, 2021

Brett Scott,

LAKE VERMILION, Minn. – After a year of the unknown and countless cancellations, the summer season is looking brighter for businesses along Lake Vermilion. “This year is looking to be our best year-to-date,” said Kyle Colbert, owner of Lake Vermilion Houseboats. The scene is calm on Lake Vermilion, but many business owners are preparing for a stampede of activity as…

Sections of Downtown Duluth Streets to Close Temporarily

The closures will last from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.

April 29, 2021

Reece Lindquist,

DULUTH, Minn. — On Thursday, a part of East 1st street between north 2nd avenue east and north 1st avenue east will be closed to traffic. The closures will last from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. During that same time, north 2nd avenue east between east 1st and 2nd street will also be closed to traffic. The sidewalk will also be…

Boy, 5, Dies After 70-Foot Fall Into Virginia Mine Pit

April 28, 2021

KQDS Staff,

VIRGINIA, Minn. — The Virginia Police Department has confirmed a 5-year-old boy was found dead after falling about 70 feet over the side of a mine pit in Virginia. Chief Nicole Mattson says the call for help came in around 4 p.m. Wednesday at the Rouchleau Pit near 3rd Street North and 1st Avenue North. The incident is currently under…

Minnesota Department of Health Reports 22 more COVID-19 deaths Wednesday

April 28, 2021

Site Staff, KQDS Staff,

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Minnesota health officials reported 1,514 new cases of COVID-19 in Minnesota on Wednesday bringing the total confirmed COVID cases to 572,025 in the state. Health officials also reported 22 news deaths bringing the death total to 7,113 in Minnesota. The 22 newly reported deaths included four long-term care residents and one person in their 30s. According…

Supreme Court Orders New Hearing In PolyMet Mine Dispute

April 28, 2021

The Associated Press,

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) – The Minnesota Supreme Court has given a victory to environmentalists in the long-running battle over the proposed PolyMet copper-nickel mine in northeastern Minnesota. The court on Wednesday sent the dispute back to the state Department of Natural Resources for further proceedings on whether the mine’s waste pond would effectively keep pollution contained. The Supreme Court also affirmed…

Chauvin Juror Says Guilty Verdicts Could Have Come Quicker

April 28, 2021

The Associated Press,

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — A juror who cast one of the unanimous votes to convict a white former Minneapolis police officer of killing George Floyd said deliberations were primarily spent trying to convince one person who was uncertain about part of the jury instructions. Brandon Mitchell is the first juror that deliberated in Derek Chauvin’s trial to talk publicly about his…

New Pet Grooming Service Open in Superior

Purr-fectly Superior Grooming opened in June of 2020 but has taken off as of late with more people opting for a more personal grooming style.

April 28, 2021

Reece Lindquist,

SUPERIOR, Wisc. – A new mobile grooming service is now open in Superior. Purr-fectly Superior Grooming opened in June of 2020 but has taken off as of late with more people opting for a more personal grooming style. Owner Amy Laessig says, along with bringing her unique services to your home she also helps educate the owners about pet maintenance…

Direct Flights to Arizona, Florida Coming to Duluth International Airport this Winter

According to airport management, it’s a growth in service that will hopefully revitalize Duluth as a travel hub in the region.

April 27, 2021

Arman Rahman,

DULUTH, Minn.- This winter, travelers will be able to fly directly to the southwest and the southeast from the Duluth International Airport, with non-stop flights to Phoenix, Arizona and Fort Myers, Florida coming from the twin cities based airline Sun Country. “To have an airline partner that’s in growth mode and offer a new and exciting product that’s leisure-focused will…

Duluth Flower Farm Gearing Up for Summer

April 27, 2021

Reece Lindquist,

DULUTH, Minn. — The Duluth Flower Farm is hoping to keep its momentum going after a strong 2020 season that saw them get creative by adding a new online ordering forum for their customers. The Duluth Flower Farm is gearing up for the summer season with plenty to be excited about. “All hands on deck and we’ve got everyone out…

Landline to Increase Rides from Duluth International to MSP to Five Times a Day

This is an upgrade, from their previous schedule of just two times daily.

April 27, 2021

Arman Rahman,

DULUTH, Minn.- The Landline bus service has announced it’s expanding the number of trips between the Duluth International Airport and the Minneapolis- St. Paul Airport. Starting on May 15th Landline will offer five daily round trips between the two spots on their flagship 35-seat motor coach service with free Wi-Fi and on-board movies. This is an upgrade, from their previous…

Enbridge Line 3 Halfway Done, on Pause Until May

Since April, work is currently on an environmentally mandated "Spring Break" pause.

April 27, 2021

Arman Rahman,

DULUTH, Minn.- Enbridge’s Line-3 Pipeline Replacement Project is 50% complete. During a virtual open house Tuesday, construction officials said 200 miles of the pipeline is welded, coded, in the ground and back-filled — leaving roughly 140 more miles left. Since April, work is currently on an environmentally mandated “Spring Break” pause. “We are paused and the reason for that pause…

Update: One Person Shot in Downtown Duluth Tuesday Morning

April 27, 2021

Site Staff,

UPDATE: Authorities have provided additional information in connection to Tuesday morning’s downtown Duluth shooting incident. Police say they received reports of hearing multiple gunshots just before 8:00 a.m. and that a male had been shot. When officers arrived at the scene on the 200 block of East 3rd Street they did not locate a victim but found multiple casings as…

US ‘Real ID’ Deadline Is Now May 2023 Because of COVID-19

April 27, 2021

The Associated Press,

WASHINGTON (AP) — Americans will have more time to get the Real ID that they will need to board a flight or enter federal facilities. The Department of Homeland Security on Tuesday extended the Real ID deadline until May 3, 2023. The deadline had been Oct. 1, 2021, but it was becoming clear that many people wouldn’t make it,…

Walz to Announce Additional Easing Of Some COVID-19 Restrictions Within the Next Week

April 27, 2021

KQDS Staff,

RICHFIELD, Minn. (FOX 9) – Gov. Tim Walz hinted Tuesday that he may be easing more of Minnesota’s COVID-19 restrictions soon as the state appears to be coming down from a spring surge in infections and hospitalizations. He told reporters to expect an announcement later this week or early next week. When it comes to dialing back restrictions, the state’s next move…

Derek Chauvin’s Sentencing Pushed Back to June 25

April 27, 2021

KQDS Staff,

MINNEAPOLIS (FOX 9) – Derek Chauvin, the former Minneapolis police officer found guilty of murder in George Floyd’s death, will now be sentenced on June 25. Online court records show Chauvin’s sentencing has been pushed back from June 16 to June 25. The change was made due to the availability of the parties, sources told FOX 9. Chauvin, 45, was convicted of second-degree murder, third-degree…

Sun Country Airlines Announces Flights to Fort Myers, Phoenix From Duluth

April 27, 2021

Site Staff,

DULUTH, Minn. – On Tuesday Sun Country Airlines announced the addition of 18 new nonstop routes, including two nonstop routes from the Duluth International Airport. “With more and more people excited to resume traveling, we’re thrilled to be able to offer them the opportunity to visit these incredible vacation destinations this winter,” said Sun Country Airlines Chief Revenue Officer Grant…

First-Grader in Southwestern Minnesota Dies of COVID-19

April 27, 2021

The Associated Press,

MARSHALL, Minn. (AP) – State health officials say a young child from southwestern Minnesota has died of COVID-19 complications. Marshall Public Schools Superintendent Jeremy Williams says the child, who died Sunday, was a first-grader at Park Side Elementary. Williams says crisis team members will be on hand at the school to support those in need. According to the school district,…

One Arrested in Backus Drug Investigation

April 27, 2021

Site Staff,

BACKUS, Minn. – According to the Cass County Sheriff’s Office, a 56-year-old Backus man was arrested Monday following an ongoing drug investigation related to the sale of methamphetamine. The Cass County Sheriff’s Office says a search warrant was conducted at a residence in the City of Backus where 62 grams of suspected methamphetamine was found along with other drug paraphernalia…

Duluth Police Investigating Tuesday Morning Downtown Shooting

April 27, 2021

Site Staff,

DULUTH, Minn. – Duluth Police are investigating a shooting that took place in the downtown area of Duluth Tuesday morning. According to police, officers responded to reports of a shooting around 8:00 a.m. in the location of 2nd Avenue East and 3rd Street. Authorities are still on the scene and say this is an active investigation. No additional information was…

WLSSD Recognized For Clean Water Performance In 2020

April 26, 2021

Alexandra Burnley,

DULUTH, Minn. — The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency gave WLSSD an award for outstanding clean water performance in 2020. WLSSD was in 100% compliance with its permits for treating wastewater that goes into the bay of the St. Louis River, which feeds into Lake Superior. One of the managers of the facility says the job of treating wastewater is a…

Duluth Hiring Registered Nurse To Help Police During Mental Health And Substance Abuse Calls

The RN will help with calls, evaluations, and interventions, while also following up on cases of those who may need help.

April 26, 2021

Site Staff,

DULUTH, Minn. — On Monday night, the Duluth city council voted unanimously to add a registered nurse position with the Duluth Police Department that will help with mental health and substance abuse calls. The job calls for a registered nurse from the Human Development Center, a nonprofit, who will embed themselves within the department. The department first launched its mental…

Duluth’s Labor Union Honor Workers Memorial Day

According to OSHA, over 5,000 people died while on the job in 2019.

April 26, 2021

Reece Lindquist,

DULUTH, Minn. — Members of Duluth’s Labor Union held their annual memorial breakfast and tree planting ceremony this morning. Several organizations in Duluth’s labor union community were in attendance. According to OSHA, over 5,000 people died while on the job in 2019. As workers safety continues to be a top priority in the trade, today was about honoring and remembering…

Oasis Del Norte Food Truck Hits the Street Tomorrow

April 26, 2021

Ken Slama,

DULUTH, Minn-Good news for those who enjoy Mexican food. The Oasis Del Norte food truck returns to the streets tomorrow. They have been a staple in the Twin Ports for a few years now and are ready to bring back all of your favorites, along with some new options to try. “That was my main goal six years ago when…

Duluth Police Receive Fifty Blankets from Project Linus

April 26, 2021

Ken Slama,

DULUTH, Minn-The Duluth Police Department received a donation of 50 blankets from Project Linus earlier today. Blankets and quilts that are handmade by local volunteers are distributed by Project Linus to community organizations such as the hospitals, fire departments, and the new Ronald McDonald House. “We have fleece blankets and quilts, we often have knitted and crocheted blankets and we…

UMN Medical Student Researchers Find Long Term Effects Of Tear Gas

They recommend more regulation of tear gas usage -- and if possible, other options entirely.

April 26, 2021

Arman Rahman,

MINNEAPOLIS, Minn.- Some University of Minnesota Medical School students have complied research that suggests tear gas can have long-lasting health impacts. The short-term reactions to tear gas such as breathing problems and skin and eye irritation are well-known already. So, the PHD Graduate Neuroscience students analyzed other studies on the longer-term health consequences, and summarized those findings. They found one…

Minnesota Narrowly Misses Losing US House Seat; Keeps All 8

April 26, 2021

The Associated Press,

(AP) – Minnesota has narrowly avoided losing a seat in Congress even though population growth in the state didn’t keep up with that of some other states. Minnesota’s growth rate of 7.4% was slightly better than the nationwide rate of 7.1%, helping Minnesota keep all eight of the U.S. House seats it has had since the 1960s. Minnesota may have…

Essentia Vision Northland Project 35 Percent Complete, On Track for 2023 Opening

The $900 Million Project Remains On Budget as Crews Work to Enclose the New Inpatient, Outpatient Facilities

April 26, 2021

Brett Scott,

DULUTH, Minn. – A multi-million dollar development is changing the skyline of Duluth’s downtown district. Ground broke on Essentia’s Vision Northland Project in 2019, and if you’ve recently driven by, you’ve noticed a large amount of progress has been made on the exterior of the new structure. What started as a vision in 2017 is now becoming an impressive reality….

Shots Fired at Plymouth Middle School, ‘All Students Safe’

April 26, 2021

KQDS Staff,

(courtesy: Fox9) PLYMOUTH, Minn. (FOX 9) – Plymouth Middle School in Plymouth, Minnesota is in lockdown due to a shots fired incident Monday morning, Plymouth police confirmed. Robbinsdale Area Schools says all students are safe. No injuries have been reported. One person is in custody and police said the scene is “contained” and officers are not looking for any additional suspects. Plymouth police…

Police Investigating Hate Messages at Fargo-Moorhead Mosque

April 26, 2021

The Associated Press,

MOORHEAD, Minn. (AP) — Police are investigating hate messages that were found spray-painted on the outside of a mosque in the Fargo, North Dakota, and Moorhead, Minnesota metropolitan area. Officers were dispatched to the Moorhead Fargo Islamic Community Center, which is located in Moorhead, about 5:20 a.m. Sunday. Police said the graffiti was found in several areas on and around…

Duluth’s 2nd Street Construction Starts Monday

April 25, 2021

Dan Hanger,

DULUTH, Minn – A busy section of 2nd Street in Duluth is about to get busier with new construction starting Monday. A roadway overhaul is happening between 4th and 9th avenues east to update utilities, storm sewer and heating system. “This work will connect the steam plant and St. Luke’s Building A, providing them with hot water,” said Duncan Schwensohn,…

Duluth International Airport To Announce ‘New Air Service’

April 25, 2021

Dan Hanger,

DULUTH, Minn — A big announcement is about to be made at the Duluth International Airport in just days involving a “new air service.” The announcement will be made this Tuesday during a press conference at 11 a.m. about a “new air service coming to the region,” according to Natalie Peterson, the Duluth Airport Authority’s director of communications and marketing. …

DNR: More Fishing Tournaments Using Immediate Release

April 25, 2021

Dan Hanger,

MADISON, Wis. (AP) – Wisconsin fishery officials say more tournaments are abandoning their traditional catch-hold-release formats. The Department of Natural Resources says the number of bass and walleye tournaments that have eschewed the traditional catch-hold-release format for catch-photo-release rules has increased from an average of six annually between 2010 and 2015 to more than 30 per year from 2015…

Minnesota Health Officials Report 1,805 New COVID Cases

April 25, 2021

Dan Hanger,

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) – The number of COVID-19 infections in Minnesota continues to rise. State health officials reported 1,805 newly confirmed cases on Saturday. Eight more people died. The state has now seen 529,353 confirmed cases since the pandemic began in March. The state’s death toll stood at 6,685 as of Saturday. Nearly 30,000 people have been hospitalized. As…

Duluth P.D, Mayor Talk Transparency

Back in March, the Duluth chapter of the NAACP called for more engagement between police and the public.

April 23, 2021

Reece Lindquist,

DULUTH, Minn. — On Friday, city leaders provided an update on how area law enforcement will provide more transparency in several areas of their department. Back in March, the Duluth chapter of the NAACP called for more engagement between police and the public. They asked for bi-annual reports on traffic stops, use of force, and arrest rates more proportionate to…

Most of Duluth’s Natural Surface Trails Reopen After Closing Due to Wet Conditions

City staff ask trail users to observe proper trail etiquette and stewardship by respecting individual trail closures and avoiding any wet/muddy trails.

April 23, 2021

Arman Rahman,

DULUTH, Minn.- The majority of natural surface trails in Duluth are now open and ready for public use, according to the City’s Parks and Recreation Division. City staff ask trail users to observe proper trail etiquette and stewardship by respecting individual trail closures and avoiding any wet/muddy trails. If you notice that you are leaving a footprint or bicycle tire…

St. Louis County Rescue Squad Responds to Man in Overturned Canoe in Elbow Lake

April 23, 2021

Arman Rahman,

COOK, Minn.-. St. Louis County Rescue Squad and several other rescue agencies made a water rescue at Elbow Lake near Cook, where a Duluth man was found at an overturned canoe Thursday evening. At approximately 4:41 p.m. Thursday, the St. Louis County Sheriff’s Office along with the Cook Ambulance Service, St. Louis County Rescue Squad, U.S. Forest Service, and Virginia…

Standoff In Duluth’s Piedmont Neighborhood Ends Safely With Arrest

April 22, 2021

Dan Hanger,

DULUTH, Minn. – A nearly eight-hour police standoff in Duluth’s Piedmont neighborhood Thursday ended peacefully with the suspect in custody. The standoff started around 1 p.m. in a home on the 2200 block of Nanticoke Street involving a 30-year-old man wanted on “significant charges,” according to a city spokesperson, Kate Van Daele. “Our officers exhausted every option to have this…

Docks Back at Minnesota Slip

The docks will stay in the slip until early October.

April 22, 2021

Reece Lindquist,

DULUTH, Minn. – Docks began going back into the Minnesota Slip this morning. About ten docks with twenty boat spaces went in within four hours. The other half of the marina being owned by Grandma’s Corporation. Managers of the marina say, Because of the warmer temps, the docks were able to be placed back into the slip a week earlier…

More Rental Assistance Available for Minnesotans Impacted by Pandemic

This is all through the help of the federal Covid-19 emergency rental assistance program.

April 22, 2021

Reece Lindquist,

DULUTH, Minn. — Minnesotans now have more help for rental assistance. Tenants who have been impacted by the pandemic financially and haven’t been able to pay rent dating back to March of last year will have more assistance catching up with their payments. This is all through the help of the federal Covid-19 emergency rental assistance program. Since applications opened…

Cooking Connection: Cozy Hen’s Lemon Cheesecake

April 22, 2021

Arman Rahman, Ken Slama,

DULUTH, Minn.- In this week’s Cooking Connection, Meteorologist Ken Slama knows what to do when life gives him lemons — whip up a lemon cheesecake with the owner of The Cozy Hen cheesecakes! Categories: Business, Community, Cooking Connection, Minnesota, News, News – Latest News Tags: cheesecake, Cozy Hen, Heather Birong, lemon cheesecake

National Volunteer Week: St. Luke’s Happy To Welcome Back Volunteers

April 21, 2021

Alexandra Burnley,

DULUTH, Minn. – It’s National Volunteer Week, and one healthcare clinic is happy it has its volunteers back in action. St. Luke’s Hospital had to say goodbye to its volunteers who work in the hospital for almost a year after the pandemic hit, but now they’re allowed to return. Volunteers are placed in areas they may want to work. They…

Kirby Student Board Hosts ‘Kirby Commencement’

Students had the opportunity to take photos with their dean, professors, college banners, and solo photos with their diploma jackets.

April 21, 2021

Reece Lindquist,

DULUTH, Minn. – For the second year in a row, the commencement at the University of Minnesota Duluth will be virtual. Students have the opportunity to take photos with their dean, professors, college banners, and solo photos with their diploma jackets. Organizers say, adding more end of the year activities for students gives them a little more of an experience…

Minnesota Reports 1,611 New COVID-19 Cases, 13 More Deaths Wednesday

April 21, 2021

KQDS Staff,

(FOX 9) – Minnesota health officials reported 1,611 new COVID-19 cases and 13 more deaths Wednesday. The state has now seen 560,450 COVID-19 cases and 7,044 deaths since the start of the pandemic, according to the Minnesota Department of Health. Of the newly reported deaths, two people were residents in long-term care facilities. The ages of those who died ranged…

Mayor Larson, Police Chief Tusken, Human Rights Office Crawford Release Statements on the Chauvin Verdict

April 21, 2021

Site Staff,

DULUTH, Minn. – Duluth Mayor Emily Larson, Police Chief Mike Tusken, and Human Rights Officer Carl Crawford have each released statements following the verdict of the Chauvin trial and the next steps for the community. You can read each statement in full below: Statement from Mayor Emily Larson: “Yesterday, Carl (Crawford) and I listened to the verdict come in together….

Prince Fans Headed to Paisley Park Five Years After Death

April 21, 2021

The Associated Press,

CHANHASSEN, Minn. (AP) — Paisley Park will welcome back a select 1,400 fans on Wednesday to mark the fifth anniversary of Prince’s death from inside his creative sanctuary in suburban Minneapolis. The sprawling studio’s atrium will be opened to those who rushed for one of the free reservations. Those who can’t go inside are invited to leave flowers and mementos…

DOJ to Announce Minneapolis Police Probe

April 21, 2021

The Associated Press,

WASHINGTON (AP) — Attorney General Merrick Garland is expected to announce that the Justice Department is opening a sweeping investigation into policing practices in Minneapolis after the guilty verdict in George Floyd’s death, a person familiar with the matter told The Associated Press on Wednesday. The announcement comes a day after former officer Derek Chauvin was found guilty of murder and manslaughter…

‘The Back Alley’ Provides Surfing Goods for Growing Northland Sport

Within the last two years, the back alley was made a reality.

April 21, 2021

Reece Lindquist,

DULUTH, Minn. — “Just in the last five years it’s really starting to spike up,” Back Alley Owner, Jerome Fischer says. That growth led Jerome Fischer and his family to purchase this building in Lincoln Park “For the last eight to ten years we’ve kind of been doing pop-ups and different events for the community,” Fischer says. Within the last…

Rambler Food Truck Reopens for Season

Staff say the warmer months couldn’t have come soon enough as they love seeing all their customers once again.

April 21, 2021

Site Staff,

DULUTH, Minn.-The Rambler food truck has opened for its 2021 season. The truck was spotted outside the Rose Garden earlier Tuesday where they dish up everything from teriyaki pulled pork to Mahi tacos. Staff say the warmer months couldn’t have come soon enough as they love seeing all their customers once again. “We’re all super excited for the season,” said…