Minnesota

Updated COVID-19 Numbers: Wednesday, December 30

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Minnesota health officials reported 2,019 new cases of COVID-19 in Minnesota on Wednesday morning bringing the total confirmed COVID cases to 413,107 in the state. Health officials also reported 66 news deaths bringing the death total to 5,262 in Minnesota. According to the Minnesota Department of Health website, 5,527,037 tests have been completed to date. There…

Over 200 Crashes, 1 Death on Minnesota Roads Amid Winter Weather

(FOX 9) – The Minnesota State Patrol responded to over 200 crashes and over 230 spinouts as Tuesday’s winter weather left roads snow-covered and slippery. The State Patrol said 212 crashes were reported on Minnesota roads between noon Tuesday and 8 a.m. Wednesday. Twelve of those crashes involved injuries, including one crash that led to a fatality in Faribault County. There were 236…

Man Suspected of Abusing Wife Fatally Shot by Sister-in-Law

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — A Bemidji woman is accused of fatally shooting her brother-in-law on Christmas Day at his home, allegedly for mistreating her sister. The Star Tribune reports Janelle L. Johnson was charged Tuesday with second-degree intentional murder in connection with the death of 48-year-old Jesse Farris at his house near Bemidji. Johnson remains jailed in lieu of $500,000 bail ahead…

Silver Bay Veterans Home to Administer Covid-19 Vaccine to Residents and Staff

The Minnesota Veterans Homes are using the Moderna vaccine. 

SILVER BAY, Minn. – On Wednesday, the Minnesota Veterans Home in Silver Bay will begin to administer the COVID-19 vaccine to Residents and staff. The Minnesota Veterans Homes are using the Moderna vaccine. The vaccine is being administered by clinical leaders at each location. Other veterans homes across the state will begin their vaccinations this week. The vaccinations come after…

Minnesota Discovery Center Looks Ahead to Jan. 12 Reopening

Due to Current COVID-19 Restrictions in Minnesota, Minnesota Discovery Center Remains Closed to the Public

CHISHOLM, Minn. – Creativity is on overdrive at the Minnesota Discovery Center in Chisolm as staff work to navigate through the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Aside from the center’s gift shop, the facility remains closed due to restrictions put in place by Minnesota Governor Tim Walz. However, there is a light at the end of the tunnel. The Center will be…

Duluth Police Investigate 41st Shooting of 2020; Victim Shot Multiple Times

DULUTH, Minn. — Duluth police are investigating a shooting that injured a person in the Central Hillside neighborhood Tuesday afternoon. The shooting was reported around 2:40 p.m. in an apartment on the corner of Lake Avenue and West 4th Street. “Upon arrival officers located one victim with multiple gunshot wounds,” according to Ingrid Hornibrook, police information officer. The condition, age…

Superior Bars Prepare For More Customers For New Year’s Eve

"We're going to have extra staff on hand," said Brittney Young, a bartender at Top Hat Tavern in Superior.

SUPERIOR, Wis. – Superior bars are gearing up for what could be a busy New Year’s Eve. Bars and restaurants in Minnesota won’t get to enjoy the excitement of New Year’s Eve crowds as they can only open for takeout. “I do feel really bad. I work at another bar in Minnesota,” said Jessica Horn, a bartender and server at…

Carlton County Public Health Hosts Drive-thru Vaccine Clinic

100 doses of the Moderna vaccine was received for Tuesday's clinic.

CARLTON, Minn. – Carlton County’s Public Health and Human Services Division held its first drive-thru COVID-19 vaccination clinic. The county distributed its first shipment of the Moderna vaccine. The clinic was not open to the public. The vaccinations were only for emergency medical services workers and others helping to do community COVID-19 testing. One first responder says getting the vaccine…

Authorities Search for Suspect in Fatal Shooting of Fond du Lac Teen, Issue Arrest Warrant

Joseph Fohrenkam FOND DU LAC RESERVATION, Minn. – Authorities have issued an arrest warrant for the suspect believed to be responsible for the shooting death of a 16-year-old male on the Fond du Lac Reservation early Monday morning. The St. Louis County Sheriff’s Office says they have not yet located the suspect, identified as Joseph James Fohrenkam, 18. According to…

Central Hillside Building Blocked Off By Duluth Police Tape

DULUTH, Minn. —  Duluth police released new details around 4:30 p.m. Tuesday involving a shooting that injured a person in the Central Hillside neighborhood. The shooting was reported around 2:40 p.m. in an apartment on the corner of Lake Avenue and West 4th Street. “Upon arrival officers located one victim with multiple gunshot wounds,” according to Ingrid Hornibrook, police information…

Minnesota Reports 36 Deaths as Testing Dwindles Over Holiday

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) – The Minnesota Department of Health on Tuesday reported 36 more people have died due to COVID-19, and 988 new infections on a lower-than-normal testing volume. It was the first time since October that daily new cases fell below 1,000. Testing volume has fallen due to testing sites closing during the Christmas holiday. State health officials reported 7,742…

Updated COVID-19 Numbers: Tuesday, December 29

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Minnesota health officials reported 988 new cases of COVID-19 in Minnesota Tuesday morning bringing the total confirmed COVID cases to 411,110 in the state. Health officials also reported 36 news deaths bringing the death total to 5,196 in Minnesota. According to the Minnesota Department of Health website, 5,501,277 tests have been completed to date. There are…

Line 3 Pipeline Opponents Sue To Shut Down Minnesota Construction

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) – Opponents of a pipeline project that crosses three states have asked a federal court to halt construction in Minnesota on allegations that U.S. Army Corps of Engineers failed to address several environmental issues when it approved a water quality permit. Two Minnesota Ojibwe bands and two environmental groups filed a lawsuit Thursday that asks for a preliminary…

KYN: McQuade’s Pub And Grill

"Before the shutdown, we were slamming busy," said Frank McQuade, the owner of McQuades Pub and Grill.

TWO HARBORS, Minn. – McQuade’s Pub and Grill is continuing to adjust to new normals while settling into its new digs. This popular restaurant was once nestled in the heart of Two Harbors. In November it relocated taking over the building of the former Carmody 61. “We expanded our kitchen size a lot. That was a big thing for us,…

Benedictine Health Center Gets First Shipment of Vaccine

"It's the big first step towards the final end of this pandemic," said Brian Pattock, the administrator for Benedictine Health Center.

DULUTH, Minn. – COVID-19 vaccinations have started at long-term care facilities in Minnesota, including here in the Northland. Benedictine Health Center in Duluth received and distributed doses of the Moderna vaccine to its residents and staff. BHC, like many other long-term care facilities, has been greatly impacted by the coronavirus pandemic. “We’ve had a couple of outbreaks within our community….

St. Louis County Public Health Get Doses Of Moderna Vaccine

As of Monday, 150 people have been vaccinated.

ST. LOUIS COUNTY, Minn. – St. Louis Public Health has received its first shipment of the Moderna vaccine. The public health department held a vaccination clinic on Christmas Eve to distribute some of the 500 doses received. As of Monday, 150 people have been vaccinated. Priority is being given to public health nurses and local emergency medical response workers such…

Authorities Investigating Death of 16-Year-Old on Fond du Lac Reservation

  FOND DU LAC RESERVATION, Minn. – Authorities say they are investigating the shooting death of a 16-year-old male early Monday morning on the Fond du Lac Reservation. According to police, St. Louis County Sheriff’s Deputies and Fond du Lac Police Officers responded to Giiniw Road on reports of someone being shot around 1:19 a.m. Monday. When authorities arrived on…

Pipeline Opponents Sue to Shut Down Minnesota Construction

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Opponents of a pipeline project that crosses three states have asked a federal court to halt construction in Minnesota on allegations that the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers failed to address several environmental issues when it approved a water quality permit. Two Minnesota Ojibwe bands and two environmental groups filed a lawsuit in U.S. District Court for…

Minnesota Nursing Homes See Large-Scale Vaccination Effort

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Pharmacy chains CVS Health and Walgreens launched a large-scale effort on Monday to help vaccinate residents and staff of Minnesota long-term care facilities for coronavirus. CVS Health plans to vaccinate more than 63,000 residents and staff of nearly 600 skilled nursing and assisted living facilities across Minnesota during a 12-week effort that began in several states last…

Updated COVID-19 Numbers: Monday, December 28

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Minnesota health officials reported 1,087 new cases of COVID-19 in Minnesota Monday morning bringing the total confirmed COVID cases to 410,138 in the state. Health officials also reported 13 news deaths bringing the death total to 5,160 in Minnesota. According to the Minnesota Department of Health website, 5,493,773 tests have been completed to date. There are…

Exhibition Drive Holiday Sound & Light Show Features Songs From Movies

DULUTH, Minn. – The Exhibition Drive Holiday Sound & Light Show is now featuring songs from movies. Between now and Dec. 31, people can drive through the neighborhood on Exhibition Drive to see lights synchronized to music from “Star Wars,” “Frozen,” “Polar Express” and “The Greatest Showman.” The show kicks off each night at 5 p.m. and runs through 10…

Trump Signs Measure Funding Government, COVID Relief

(AP) – The massive, year-end catchall bill that President Donald Trump has signed into law combines $900 billion in COVID-19 aid with a $1.4 trillion spending bill and reams of other unfinished legislation on taxes, energy, education and health care. In one highlight, the package revives supplemental federal pandemic unemployment benefits but at $300 per week – through March 14…

MN COVID-19 Cases As Of Sunday

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) – Minnesota health officials are reporting 2,534 positive COVID-19 cases and 40 deaths from data recorded over the past two days. The update that combined Friday and Saturday confirmations increased the total of number of cases since the start of the pandemic to 409,061. The cumulative amount of fatalities stands at 5,147, of which 3,332 were in long-term…

Local Churches Host Drive-By Nativity Scenes

DULUTH, Minn. – This holiday season, Northlanders can travel through nativity scenes set up at Duluth area churches. Families can drive to five different scenes of this Christmas story. There they can view an online video that provides a guided tour of the scenes, bible readings, and reflection from the artists, who helped create this nativity experience. Some of the…

More COVID-19 Deaths Reported in St. Louis County

Total deaths are now up to 189.

ST. LOUIS COUNTY, Minn. – Three more people in St. Louis County have now died from COVID-19. On Saturday, 98 new cases have also been reported in the county, creating a total of more than twelve thousand for the northland. Total deaths are now up to 189. The Minnesota Department of Health is also reporting there are 2,170 new cases…

Baby Yoda Snow Sculpture Makes Holiday Debut

The family snow sculpture tradition began back in 1987.

DULUTH, Minn. –  If you’ve traveled up 21st Avenue in Duluth, chances are you’ve spotted a different snow sculpture every year. This year, The Child or Baby Yoda is the subject of the sculpture. The character originated from the popular Disney Plus show “The Mandalorian” which is part of the Star Wars universe. The family snow sculpture tradition began back…

Firefighters Respond to West Duluth Duplex Fire

DULUTH, Minn. – Duluth firefighters responded to a duplex fire in West Duluth around 5:30 p.m. Thursday on the 600 block of North 59th Avenue West. Two renters inside the duplex got out just fine after one of them hosed down the fire to keep it at bay until firefighters arrived within minutes. Asst. Fire Chief Dennis Edwards said the…

Eastridge Community Church Takes Christmas Eve Services Outside

DULUTH, Minn. – Members of the Eastridge Community Church bundled up and came together outside for Christmas Eve worship services. Bonfires were set up, along with candle light and a message of hope and renewal. Senior Pastor Thomas Asbury said Christmas services are some of the biggest events of the year for the church, so they decided COVID and the…

Duluth Library Foundation Receives Big Donation

The anonymous donor gave a generous gift of $30,000 in support of the library.

DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth Library Foundation received a big donation today just in time for the holidays. The anonymous donor gave a generous gift of $30,000 in support of the library. The funds will be put into the foundation’s endowment, ensuring a bright future for the library’s events and programs. “It will guarantee that next year and all the…

Spirit Mountain to Remain Closed Until Saturday

The slopes will be back open on December 26th at 9 a.m.

DULUTH, Minn. – Spirit mountain will remain closed through the holidays after shutting down Wednesday night due to the blizzard-like conditions. According to their website, because of the strong winds safely maintaining the lifts and the hill will be difficult. The slopes will be back open on December 26th at 9 a.m. Categories: Community, Minnesota, News Tags: Closure, duluth, Spirit…

Local Restaurant Donates Gift Card Proceeds To Employees

Gift cards can be purchased for any dollar amount.

DULUTH, Minn. – Gift cards can be great last-minute gifts this holiday season, and a local restaurant is taking some of the proceeds from gift card sales to give back to its employees. Maya Family Mexican Restaurant in Hermantown will give 20% of the money raised from gift cards to more than 15 employees. Governor Tim Walz recently extended his…

B&B Market Food Train Success Chugging Into Holiday Season

So far, the Market has received over $150,000 for their food train since March when the pandemic hit.

CLOQUET, Minn. – The B&B Market in Cloquet is continuing their food train for the holidays. On Wednesday, members of the Fond Du Lac Reservation wanted to thank the market for helping out people in there community. So far, the Market has received over $150,000 for their food train, which started in March when the pandemic set in. “There’s a…

Twin Ports Trailer Trash Offering Free Christmas Tree Pickup

Anyone who wants a free pickup will have to place a call to Twin Ports Trailer Trash before December 31st.

DULUTH, Minn. –  If you’re already thinking ahead to 2021 you may also be thinking about how to dispose of your Christmas Tree. After a successful program last year, Twin Ports Trailer will once again be offering free curbside pick up of Christmas trees on January 6th and 7th as people start to take down their decorations. “A lot of…

Blizzard Causes ‘Extensive Damage’ At Bentleyville; Clean-Up Volunteers Needed

Volunteers can start showing up at Bentleyville at 9:30 a.m. Thursday.

DULUTH — The drive-thru version of Bentleyville Tour of Lights suffered “extensive damage” during Wednesday’s blizzard in Duluth, according to a post on the Bentleyville Facebook page late Wednesday. “We are asking any and all people that are able to assist Bentleyville, starting at 9:30 am on Thursday. We are in GREAT NEED of help to be able to try…

DTA to Activate Emergency Mainline Service Tonight

DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth Transit Authority is activating their Emergency Mainline Service at 6:00 p.m. due to unsafe travel conditions. The DTA says limited routes will continue to run where possible. Christmas Eve service is anticipated to return tomorrow and can be found by clicking here. For more information on the Emergency Mainline Service click here. Categories: Minnesota, News,…

Fond du Lac Reservation Receives 700 Doses of Moderna COVID Vaccine

CLOQUET, Minn. – On Wednesday, the Fond du Lac Reservation received 700 doses of the Moderna COVID vaccine. According to a recent press release, FDL Medical Director Dr. Charity Reynolds was the first healthcare worker to get the vaccination. “I am humbled to the first person from the medical team to receive the COVID-19 vaccine. It has been a tough…

Minnesota State Patrol Responds to 251 Crashes, 129 Vehicles off Road

(courtesy: MN State Patrol via Fox 9) MONTICELLO, Minn. (FOX 9) – The Minnesota State Patrol says it has responded to 251 crashes, 129 vehicles that ran off the road, and 19 jackknifed semis Wednesday during blizzard conditions. 41 of those crashes involved injuries, none of which were life-threatening. These statistics were the totals as of 4 p.m. The State Patrol says…

City of Duluth Issues ‘No Travel Advisory’ During Blizzard Warning

DULUTH, Minn. (Press Release) – Starting immediately, the City of Duluth in coordination with the National Weather Service in Duluth are issuing a no travel advisory until further notice. The National Weather Service of Duluth recently issued a blizzard warning for Duluth, and thus the City is asking residents not to travel unless it is an emergency. The City will…