Minnesota

Duluth Police Begin Vaccinations, Mourn Colleague Who Died Of COVID-19

DULUTH, Minn. — Members of the Duluth Police Department have begun getting their COVID-19 vaccinations as they mourn one of the colleagues who recently died of the virus. Some of the department’s employees started getting their shots this past weekend. Shelly Meixsel A spokesperson said while the department is not requiring employees to get vaccinated or report when they do,…

Second Harvest North Central Food Bank Hosting Virtual Fundraiser

The Food Bank Hopes to Raise $50,000 During the Virtual Event

GRAND RAPIDS, Minn. – The Second Harvest North Central Food Bank in Grand Rapids is looking for your generous support Thursday, Jan. 21, at 6:30 p.m. Due to the COVID pandemic, the organization will host its first-ever virtual Chef’s Gala. The event typically takes place at the Timberlake Lodge and serves as the Food Bank’s largest fundraiser of the year….

Sen. Amy Klobuchar To Speak At Presidential Inauguration She Helped Plan

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Senator Amy Klobuchar will play a big role in Wednesday’s presidential inauguration. The senator from Minnesota is on the Senate Rules Committee as the lead Democrat, and a member of the Joint Congressional Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies. She will be joining President-elect Joe Biden and Vice President-elect Kamala Harris at a small church service in the morning,…

Lack of Snow Leaving Many Northland Snowmobile Trails in Poor Condition

According to the Minnesota DNR, many of the trails around Duluth are labeled "poor."

DULUTH, Minn.- It would seem Mother Nature is not keeping up with the pandemic-fueled demand to get outside and try new winter activities, as a winter lacking in snow has made an ugly scene and poor conditions on Northland ski and snowmobile trails. “We’ve been a little short on snow,” said Rob Waksdahl, Groomer Operator with the Duluth Drift Toppers….

Organizations Helping Veterans Are Facing Their Own Hardships

Staff say they have challenges with outreach as many of the in-person events that help connect veterans to services have been canceled.

DULUTH, Minn. – Organizations that help veterans are facing their own hardships because of the pandemic. The Duluth Veterans Center helps combat soldiers adjust back into civilian life and provides other resources as well. The pandemic has forced the organization to change the way they help those who served, including switching counseling sessions to virtual platforms. “For some of our…

City Wants Public Feedback for The Enger Redevelopment Project

The full 10 acres planned for reconstruction runs through a portion of the Enger Park Golf Course.

DULUTH, Minn. – The City of Duluth has selected a developer to help repurpose 10 acres of land in the area of Enger Park Golf Course. Before moving forward both the city and the developer are asking for public input on the best ways to use the site. City officials say this particular site is a prime location with endless…

Some Minnesota Elementary Students Head Back in School

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) – Many Minnesota schools are welcoming back some of their youngest students for in-person instruction, with more elementary schools expected to follow in the coming weeks. Some school districts opened for kindergarten, first- and second-grade students on Tuesday and plan to bring back older elementary students next month. Others will begin their reopening process later this month or…

Fire Crews Respond to Structure Fire in Lincoln Park

DULUTH, Minn. – On Tuesday afternoon fire crews responded to a structure fire at the former Robert’s Home Furnishings building in Lincoln Park. Heavy smoke could be seen coming from the building around 1:00 p.m. Traffic was closed around the building, located at 2102 West Superior Street, while firefighters worked to contain the fire. We will continue to update this…

Minnesota’s COVID-19 Vaccine Online Appointment Portal Opens Tuesday Afternoon

(FOX 9) – Starting Tuesday at noon, some eligible Minnesotans will be able to sign up online for an appointment to receive the COVID-19 vaccine at one of the nine pilot vaccination sites that are opening across the state. Minnesota is expanding its COVID-19 vaccination program to include people 65 years old and above, teachers, and child care workers, but health officials say initial…

Updated COVID-19 Numbers: Tuesday, January 19

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Minnesota health officials reported 922 new cases of COVID-19 in Minnesota on Tuesday morning bringing the total confirmed COVID cases to 448,268 in the state. Health officials also reported 6 news deaths bringing the death total to 5,945 in Minnesota. According to the Minnesota Department of Health website, 6,188,091 tests have been completed to date. There…

UMD Political Science Professor Discusses Incoming Biden-Harris Administration

Dr. Cindy Rugeley Discusses Transitional Tradition, Unification, and Historical Significance as Biden-Harris Prepare to be Sworn In

DULUTH, Minn. – The United States is one day away from the swearing-in of our nation’s 46th President in Washington, D.C. The inauguration will no doubt look different than in years past, with COVID-19, recent civil unrest, and an outgoing President breaking transitional tradition. Dr. Cindy Rugeley, associate professor and department head of political science at UMD, weighed in on…

MyPillow CEO: Kohl’s, Bed Bath and Beyond, Wayfair Dropping MyPillow

CHASKA, Minn. (FOX 9) – Some retailers are dropping MyPillow products from their stores, MyPillow CEO Mike Lindell told FOX 9. This comes following the CEO’s repeated claims of fraud in the 2020 presidential election. Lindell told FOX 9 Bed Bath and Beyond, Kohl’s, Wayfair, and HEB have all dropped MyPillow because of public pressure on social media he claims is being…

First Responders Advise Caution As Sledding Injuries Increase

Duluth Firefighters say be careful before sledding as recent warming and freezing cycles have made snow extra slick. 

DULUTH, Minn.-Many people are pent up at home and want to get outside and enjoy the winter, but our fluffy snow has gotten a little slick and hard, causing some kids and adults to get hurt while sledding around Duluth. According to officials with the City of Duluth, emergency personnel have responded to more than a dozen sledding injuries recently,…

Duluth, Proctor Superintendents Disappointed in Slow Federal Vaccine Rollout

Duluth School District is only getting 32 vaccines to start, and Proctor is only getting 10.

DULUTH/PROCTOR, Minn.- While Gov. Tim Walz announced Monday the state will open up vaccines to the elderly, education and child care workers in the coming weeks, Northland school leaders said they feel disheartened that the vaccines they’re getting to start barely scratch the surface. “Quite honestly I was really hopeful that it would be broader,” said Duluth Schools Superintendent John…

KYN: Sew with Me

Zoom courses are held four to five times a week. 

DULUTH, Minn. – The Sew with Me brand name has been around for almost 10 years. “We started in Stillwater and expanded from there to meet the needs of sewers throughout the state,” said Laura Maki, owner of Sew with Me. Although the Piedmont neighborhood location has been open for several years, owners say fabric right now is a hot…

Minnesota Governor Hosts Virtual MLK Day Celebration

It was the 35th annual MLK celebration event.

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz hosted a virtual Martin Luther King Jr celebration on his Youtube channel kicking off the 35th annual event. The governor spoke about the pandemic, George Floyd’s death and other racial injustices throughout the country. He says, those highlighted events marked an already urgent need for meaningful change in our community and country….

Judge Orders Company to Take 3M’s Trademarks off N95 Masks

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — A federal judge has ordered a Florida company accused of selling counterfeit N95 face masks with 3M’s name on them to stop using the Minnesota company’s trademarks and representing itself as a distributor or authorized retailer for 3M. 3M sued Nationwide Source Inc. in late December, accusing the company of selling more than 10,000 of the counterfeit…

Walz Announces Vaccine Pilot Program Amid Supply Concerns

MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. – Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz says the state will open nine community sites this week to vaccinate adults over 65, pre-kindergarten through 12th-grade educators, school staff, and child care workers. The program announced Monday expands the rollout beyond the first high-priority group that includes healthcare workers and long-term care residents and staff, who began receiving doses last month….

148th Fighter Wing to Deploy to Washington D.C.

There are about 850 troops and airmen from both the Minnesota National Guard and the 148th fighter wing will be in D.C on Wednesday. 

  DULUTH, Minn. – Members of the Minnesota National Guard, and personnel in the 148th Fighter Wing are being deployed to Washington D.C. in support of the 59th Presidential Inauguration. There are about 850 troops and airmen from both the Minnesota National Guard and the 148th fighter wing will be in D.C on Wednesday. They will be providing communications, security…

Updated COVID-19 Numbers: Monday, January 18

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Minnesota health officials reported 980 new cases of COVID-19 in Minnesota on Monday morning bringing the total confirmed COVID cases to 447,349 in the state. Health officials also reported 12 news deaths bringing the death total to 5,939 in Minnesota. According to the Minnesota Department of Health website, 6,173,664 tests have been completed to date. There…

850 MN Guard Members Among Soldiers Securing Inauguration

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — About 850 members of the Minnesota National Guard are among 25,000 soldiers streaming into Washington from across the country for Wednesday’s presidential inauguration. The number of guard members is at least two and a half times the number for previous inaugurals. Before this year, states rotated sending National Guard soldiers to inaugurations. Fewer than 10 from Minnesota…

One Dead, One Injured in Fatal Itasca County Crash

GREENWAY TOWNSHIP, Minn. – Minnesota State Patrol says one man is dead and another suffered life-threatening injuries in a Sunday night vehicle crash in Greenway Township. According to reports, Matthew Jesse Kirkpatrick, 38, was driving a Ford Explorer eastbound on Highway 169 when he crossed the center line and hit a Dodge Ram head-on. The driver of the Dodge Ram…

Facebook Group “Duluth Does Veganuary!” Challenges Locals To Try Plant-Based Diets

DULUTH, Minn. — A Facebook group called “Duluth Does Veganuary!” is challenging Northlanders to try giving up meat and dairy for the month of January. The group, now in its second year, has more than 650 members and encourages everyone to try going vegan for the full month, but also helps motivate those who are curious about the diet, and…

Pandemic Forces ‘Art in the Alley’ to Leave Downtown Duluth, Focus on Miller Hill Mall

The owner says the pandemic is pushing more people to the mall, and therefore her business.

DULUTH, Minn.- A longtime retailer in Duluth, Art in the Alley was forced out of their location on East Superior Street by the pandemic. The owner, now focusing her attention on sales at the Miller Hill Mall — where she says business is booming. “The thing about being a small business owner, 13 years in may we’ve been through a…

Officials: Extremist Threat To Minnesota Capitol Has Faded

Credit: KMSP/FOX9 MINNEAPOLIS (AP) – Minnesota’s public safety commissioner says authorities now believe there is no credible, immediate threat from extremists to Minnesota in the runup to President-elect Joe Biden’s inauguration. But Commissioner John Harrington says law enforcement agencies won’t be taking any chances. The FBI this week warned of potential attacks at state capitols following the insurrection at the…

Minneapolis Council To Try Again With Plan To Replace Police

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) – Some Minneapolis City Council members are preparing a new plan that seeks to replace the city’s police department in the wake of George Floyd’s death. Phillipe Cunningham, Steve Fletcher and Jeremy Schroeder are working on a proposal to create a new public safety department that removes the police department as a standalone department from the city charter….

Minnesota Lists 1,364 New Virus Cases, 40 Additional Deaths

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) – Minnesota health officials are confirming 1,364 new cases of COVID-19 and 40 additional deaths due to complications from the virus. The COVID Tracking Project reports that the state’s death count is the 22nd highest in the country overall and the 28th highest per capita at about 107 deaths per 100,000 people. State officials said 24 of the…

Furniture Sales High in Demand During Pandemic

The local furniture market seems to be doing well during the pandemic.

DULUTH, Minn. – The local furniture market seems to be doing well during the pandemic. Over at Hom Furniture in Hermantown, demand has surged. 2020 was a very busy year and because of COVID-19, people have been purchasing more items for the home office and upholstery furniture for those stuck at home Netflixing. “You know, you want to come home…

Officials Prepare for Martin Luther King Jr. Day Events

With Martin Luther King Jr. Day coming up Monday, there are local and statewide events happening, commemorating him and his legacy.

DULUTH, Minn. – With Martin Luther King Jr. Day coming up Monday, there are local and statewide events happening, commemorating him and his legacy. One of the major ones being planned is a virtual Twin Ports MLK rally hosted by the NAACP. Duluth Human Rights Officer tells FOX 21 that these types of rallies are important, especially during chaotic times…

U Of M Medical School Survey Looks To Address Healthcare Disparities For The Deaf Community

Its believed these gaps are brought on by the communication barrier between the patient and the healthcare provider.

DULUTH, Minn. – A national survey conducted by a student at the University of Minnesota Medical School in Duluth is being used to help further pinpoint areas of healthcare that may be lacking for deaf and hearing-impaired patients. Research over the last few decades shows deaf individuals battle disparities including lower rates of prenatal care and higher rates of mental…

High Temps Bring Many to the Slopes at Spirit Mountain

DULUTH, Minn.– Meanwhile Spirit Mountain has been making snow since before Christmas and the warmer temps are now bringing lots of skiers and snowboarders out to the slopes. Officials say all the hills and the Nordic Center are now 100 percent open. This winter has been an interesting winter weather wise we started off with those November temps fairly warm….

U Of M Medical School Participating In Novavax Phase 3 Trials

The study for Phase 3 is to determine if the vaccine actually prevents a COVID-19 infection.

DULUTH, Minn. – Clinical trials for Phase 3 of the Novavax COVID-19 vaccine are starting soon. The University of Minnesota Medical School is one of a hundred institutions participating in the study. Medical researchers say after undergoing the first two stages of clinical trials, Novavax vaccine shows promise. Infectious disease professionals across the nation and internationally, including the U of…

A Cloquet Woman Ensures No Kids In Community Goes Without A Birthday Cake

The goal is to give out up to 20 birthday boxes a month.

DULUTH, Minn. –  A Cloquet woman is making sure no child is left without a cake for their birthday this year. Now she is looking for donations to help keep the train running. Project Birthday Box helps provide items for families to make their own birthday treat including cake mix and icing. The boxes are being donated to local food…

Officials: Extremist Threat to Minnesota Capitol Has Faded

(AP Photo/Steve Karnowski) MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Authorities now believe there is no credible, immediate threat from extremists to Minnesota in the runup to President-elect Joe Biden’s inauguration, Public Safety Commissioner John Harrington said Friday, but he said law enforcement agencies won’t be taking any chances. The FBI this week warned of potential attacks at state capitols following the insurrection at…

Minnesota Lawmakers Introduce Anti-Copper Mining Legislation

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Minnesota lawmakers are ramping up efforts to prevent mining companies from gaining a foothold in Minnesota with legislation that aims to slow or ban copper-nickel mining in the state’s northeastern Iron Range. Legislation proposed by U.S. Rep. Betty McCollum and a companion state bill seeks to ban copper mining on federal lands in the Rainy River watershed….

Updated COVID-19 Numbers: Friday, January 15

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Minnesota health officials reported 1,640 new cases of COVID-19 in Minnesota on Friday morning bringing the total confirmed COVID cases to 443,562 in the state. Health officials also reported 33 news deaths bringing the death total to 5,850 in Minnesota. According to the Minnesota Department of Health website, 6,090,114 tests have been completed to date. There…

Winter Storm Creating Blizzard Conditions, Closing Roads

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — A slow-moving winter storm with gusty winds is whipping up blizzard conditions and causing hazardous travel in southwestern Minnesota and northeastern South Dakota. The National Weather Service issued a blizzard warning for the region until 6 p.m. Friday. Winds of 30 mph and gusting as high as 60 mph were creating whiteout conditions on area roadways. Forecasters…

St. Luke’s Urging People Not To Delay Care During The Pandemic

"An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. All of these preventative steps we can make can impact somebody's life way more than what we can do once somebody is sick," said Internal Medicine Physician Rachel Gordon.

DULUTH, Minn. – The emergency department at St. Luke’s Hospital is continuing to fill up with patients being admitted for medical conditions other than to be treated for the coronavirus. Health professionals at the hospital are urging everyone to get help as soon as possible instead of delaying care. Its believed many people fear going into hospitals as there is…

Fear Of Needles Could Impact People’s Choice To Get The COVID-19 Vaccine

The phobia typically starts during childhood.

DULUTH, Minn. – Needle phobia can be very common among many people, but this fear is bringing up concerns as those individuals may choose not to take the COVID-19 vaccine. Health experts say identifying individuals with a fear of needles and finding ways to help them overcome the challenge can help increase the chances of them wanting to get the…

Glensheen Mansion Reopens For “Never-Ending” Christmas

Holiday displays are available for viewing through March.

DULUTH, Minn. – Glensheen Mansion is reopening to the public this weekend and the popular tourist attraction is bringing back Christmas. Minnesota Governor Tim Walz gave the green light last week allowing museums and other attractions to reopen. And in anticipation, Glensheen left all holiday decorations up. Starting on Saturday, guests can take a self-guided tour through the “never-ending” Christmas…

Essentia Plans for Public Vaccination as Minnesota Health Officials Expand Vaccine Eligibility

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — The Minnesota Department of Health has told hospitals, health care systems, and other vaccination providers that they can now provide coronavirus shots to a broader group of the population, including Minnesotans 65 and older. Health Commissioner Jan Malcolm said in a statement that the move is meant to free providers to use all available doses as quickly…

Authorities Investigating Lincoln Park Stabbing

DULUTH, Minn. – Duluth police are investigating a stabbing in the Lincoln Park neighborhood Wednesday evening. According to reports, officers responded to the 200 block of South 27th Avenue West just before 8:30 p.m. Wednesday on reports of a woman who had been stabbed. When officers arrived on the scene they found a 33-year-old woman with non-life-threatening wounds. One suspect…

Line 3 Protesters Chain Themselves Together in Piece of Pipe

BACKUS, Minn. (AP) — Two people accused of chaining themselves together inside a piece of pipe to protest the construction of the Enbridge Energy Line 3 oil pipeline replacement in northern Minnesota were arrested Thursday morning, authorities said. Cass County Sheriff Tom Burch said the incident took place about 10:30 a.m. in McKinley Township, west of the town of Backus….

Updated COVID-19 Numbers: Thursday, January 14

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Minnesota health officials reported 1,598 new cases of COVID-19 in Minnesota on Thursday morning bringing the total confirmed COVID cases to 441,935 in the state. Health officials also reported 43 news deaths bringing the death total to 5,817 in Minnesota. According to the Minnesota Department of Health website, 6,043,802 tests have been completed to date. There…

Grandma’s Marathon Weekend Participants Capped at Half Capacity

There will be around 10,000 race participants for Grandma's Marathon weekend. 

DULUTH, Minn. – Grandma’s Marathon announced Thursday morning that in-person capacity for the 2021 race weekend will not be increased due to public health concerns surrounding the Covid-19 pandemic. Officials with the race have capped the event for in-person runners at half capacity. In October when registration opened, there was hope that the guidelines would improve allowing for more participants…

Sheriff Litman Ready For Any Threat To St. Louis County Amid FBI’s Inauguration Warning

DULUTH, Minn. – St. Louis County Sheriff Ross Litman says he’s confident his office is prepared to handle any potential violence against county government buildings, amid an FBI warming of “armed protests” at all 50 state capitols before, during or even after President-elect Joe Biden’s inauguration. Litman told FOX 21’s Dan Hanger Wednesday that his deputies are on a “heightened…

Red Cross Seeking Blood Donors, Anticipate Drop in Winter Donations

With their added push for blood donations in this critical time period, the Red Cross is also testing blood for Covid-19 antibodies.

DULUTH, Minn- It’s National Blood Donor Month and the Red Cross is continuing to look for extra support as they typically see a drop in donations around the winter months. With their added push for blood donations in this critical time period, the Red Cross is also testing blood for Covid-19 antibodies. They started doing this back in June and…

Gov. Walz Visiting Duluth On Thursday To Call For Civility After U.S. Capitol Riot

DULUTH, Minn. — Governor Tim Walz will be in Duluth on Thursday “to call for reflection, civility, and peace” after the riot at the U.S. Capitol last week, according to a press release from his office. The FBI has warned the country to plan for “armed protests” at all 50 state capitols and Washington, D.C. ahead of President-elect Joe Biden’s…

Opening Week At Great Lakes Aquarium Brings Strong Turnout

The aquarium is open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily.

DULUTH, Minn. – The Great Lakes Aquarium reopened to the public this week after being shutdown due to state guidelines to prevent the spread of the COVID-19. During the shutdown, aquarium staff have been polishing up exhibits and making sure safety protocols were up to date in order to prepare for the reopening. Just in the last few days of…

Animal Allies Needs Help Paying For Heart Surgeries For Two Young Pups

The surgeries are estimated to cost $8,000.

DULUTH, Minn. – Animal Allies in Duluth is asking for some community support. A pair of recently rescued pups both need a pricey operation to help save their lives. Animal Allies is looking for donations to pay for the surgeries. Gus and Precious are two dogs waiting to have a life-saving procedure. Animal Allies is hoping community members can help…