Minnesota

Judge Recognized for Helping Those in Court System Battling Drug and Alcohol Addictions

DULUTH, Minn. — On Wednesday, a judge in Duluth received an award for his work helping those in the court system who are grappling with addictions and facing crimes related to drug and alcohol abuse. 6th District Court Judge Shaun Floerke was given the Gary P. Olson Visionary Award from the Center for Alcohol and Drug Treatment over Zoom. Judge…

Hogwarts Halloween Provides Safe Alternative

The event goes from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Halloween.

DULUTH, Minn. – The Pilgrim Church in Duluth is putting on a unique drive-by event for Halloween inspired by Harry Potter. The theme is Hogwarts. There will be plenty of fun wizard-inspired activities, such as a potions table and a wand giveaway. A flying car will also be set up for Halloween-goers to take a ride and of course plenty…

Ammunition Shortage Not Good For Deer Season

A recent survey showed ammunition sales increased by nearly 140% in the first half of this year compared to 2019.

DULUTH, Minn. – The nation has seen dramatic supply shortages for certain goods throughout the course of the pandemic. As deer season approaches, there is a strong decline in the amount of available ammunition. At the beginning of the pandemic, many gun shops started seeing ammunition shortages. Reasons for this included panic buying by gun owners and the lack of…

Group Asks Regulators to Check Enbridge’s Pipeline Capacity

(AP Photo/Jim Mone, File) ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) — An environmental group is asking Minnesota utility regulators to investigate Enbridge’s additions to its existing oil pipeline capacity which could make the company’s controversial new $2.6 billion pipeline unnecessary. A filing by the Indigenous organization Honor the Earth with the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission says Enbridge made no mention of its…

Updated COVID-19 Numbers: Wednesday, October 28

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Minnesota health officials reported 139,444 confirmed COVID-19 cases in the state Wednesday morning and 19 new deaths bringing the death total to 2,387 in Minnesota. According to the Minnesota Department of Health website, 2,739,997 tests have been completed to date. There are 123,529 patients who no longer require isolation. So far, 9,855 patients have required hospitalization…

Feds Announce Indictments in Phony Magazine Elder Fraud Case

(FOX 9) – The U.S. Attorney’s Office in Minnesota announced the indictment of 60 people accused of defrauding tens of thousands of mostly elderly victims out of $200 million in fraudulent magazine subscriptions. According to court documents obtained by FOX 9, the nationwide telemarketing fraud scheme targeted tens of thousands of elderly and other vulnerable people across the country. It was thwarted…

Great Outdoors: UMD Land Farm

The farm typically produces 20 to 30 thousand pounds of food during an average year.

DULUTH, Minn. – From the classroom to the farm UMD’s land lab is wrapping up its season. The project originally started in 2009, and although this year has been different for faculty and students it provided them with some unique opportunities for growth. Just off of Jean Duluth Road you’ll find UMD’s lab farm. It’s an outdoor classroom providing students…

Supreme Court Rejects Delay of Minnesota Congressional Vote

WASHINGTON (AP) — A Minnesota Republican candidate’s bid to delay voting in his congressional race to February after the death of a third-party candidate was rejected Tuesday at the Supreme Court. Justice Neil Gorsuch, who handles emergency requests from the federal appeals court that oversees Minnesota, denied the request from Tyler Kistner. Kistner is running against Democrat Angie Craig, the…

Patio Heater Shortage May Prevent The Extension Of Outdoor Seating For Some Restaurants

DULUTH, Minn. – The pandemic is continuing to put a strain on restaurant capacities, but low temperatures across the northland are making it harder to offer outdoor seating. As a result, the demand for patio heaters and fire pits has drastically increased. Restaurant owners are doing the most they can to overcome the hurdle of limited indoor capacities. Patio seating…

Court to Hear Challenge to Minnesota Mailed Ballot Extension

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Republicans who oppose Minnesota’s seven-day extension for counting absentee ballots beyond Election Day say that unless it is blocked, thousands of people whose ballots arrive after Nov. 3 will risk having their votes disqualified. But attorneys for Democratic Secretary of State Steve Simon argue that it’s too close to Election Day to make changes. Nearly 2 million…

Updated COVID-19 Numbers: Tuesday, October 27

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Minnesota health officials reported 137,536 confirmed COVID-19 cases in the state Tuesday morning and 15 new deaths bringing the death total to 2,368 in Minnesota. According to the Minnesota Department of Health website, 2,724,320 tests have been completed to date. There are 122,100 patients who no longer require isolation. So far, 9,729 patients have required hospitalization…

Early Cold, Snow Gets Deer Hunters Excited to Gear Up for Firearm Season

The owner of Chalstrom's Bait and Tackle on Rice Lake Road in Duluth said there's been a 20% increase in sales already compared to this time last year.

DULUTH, Minn.- The early blasts of cold and snow have had deer hunters in the Northland gearing up for the upcoming rifle season. The owner of Chalstrom’s Bait and Tackle on Rice Lake Road in Duluth said there’s been a 20% increase in sales already compared to this time last year. Fishing and archery season have been busy, but now…

First Solar Garden in Duluth’s Lincoln Park Sustainably Powering Neighborhood

Non-profit Ecolibrium 3 made the unveiling Saturday on Michigan Street right along I-35.

DULUTH, Minn.- The Lincoln Park Neighborhood’s only solar garden is now officially in operation. Non-profit Ecolibrium 3 made the unveiling Saturday on Michigan Street right along I-35. The sustainable energy garden is powering the Duluth Veterans Place, which is a transitional housing project by the Minnesota Assistance Council for Veterans (MAC-V). Duluth Veterans Place planned to have solar panels themselves,…

Advocates Pitch Tents Outside Duluth City Hall to Call Action to Homelessness

Local organizations gathered the crowd to raise awareness of the growing number of people sleeping on the streets.

DULUTH, Minn.- A different type of rally Monday filled the lawns outside Duluth City Hall with tents symbolizing the homeless population, which advocates hope speak louder than words or signs. “I want city council and the mayor and all of city government to look at these tents out here and realize that these tents represent just a fraction of the…

Vice President Mike Pence Holds a Rally in Hibbing

HIBBING, Minn. (AP) – Vice President Mike Pence has met a few hundred supporters on an airport tarmac for a campaign rally in northern Minnesota’s Iron Range. Most in the crowd on Monday were not wearing masks or social distancing as the vice president gave his remarks in the freezing weather. The vice president made the campaign stop in Minnesota…

Update: Surgery Successful for GOP US Senate Candidate Jason Lewis

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — The campaign of Republican U.S. Senate candidate Jason Lewis of Minnesota said Monday that his emergency surgery for a severe internal hernia was a success. The campaign had said the condition could have been life-threatening if not treated quickly, But campaign manager Tom Szymanski said in a statement that his surgery was “successful and minimally invasive.” He…

GOP US Senate Candidate Jason Lewis Rushed Into Surgery

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) – Minnesota Republican U.S. Senate candidate Jason Lewis has been rushed into emergency surgery for a severe internal hernia. The Lewis campaign said in a statement Monday that the condition is life-threatening if not treated quickly. Campaign manager Tom Szymanski said in the statement that Lewis experienced severe abdominal pain early Monday morning and was taken to an…

Updated COVID-19 Numbers: Monday, October 26

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Minnesota health officials reported 135,372 confirmed COVID-19 cases in the state Monday morning and 4 new deaths bringing the death total to 2,353 in Minnesota. According to the Minnesota Department of Health website, 2,710,177 tests have been completed to date. There are 120,421 patients who no longer require isolation. So far, 9,588 patients have required hospitalization…

Pence Tests Negative for Coronavirus Ahead of Hibbing Rally

WASHINGTON (AP) — Vice President Mike Pence plans to maintain an aggressive campaign schedule this week despite an apparent outbreak of the coronavirus among his senior aides, the White House says. Pence’s chief of staff, Marc Short, and “a couple of key staff surrounding the vice president” have tested positive for the virus, White House chief of staff Mark Meadows…

Pitbull Awareness Month Wrapped Up with Fundraiser at 7 West Miller Hill

Every year during the month of October the restaurant raises money for the Minnesota Pitbull Rescue.

DULUTH, Minn.- October is Pitbull Awareness Month, and on Sunday 7 West Taphouse on Miller Hill hosted a party to wrap up its month-long fundraiser. Every year during the month of October the restaurant raises money for the Minnesota Pitbull Rescue offering t-shirts and different pitbull-themed gifts. $10 from every event ticket went to the organization. The General Manager of…

Hundreds Gear Up at 49th Annual Ski Swap at Spirit Mountain

By Sunday only a few skis, snowboards and boots sat in the room at the Spirit Mountain Chalet.

DULUTH, Minn.- Hundreds of experienced and novice skiers and snowboarders got their gear at the 49th Annual Team Duluth Ski Swap at Spirit Mountain over the weekend, keeping a nearly 50-year tradition alive. By Sunday only a few skis, snowboards and boots sat in the room at the Spirit Mountain Chalet. According to the staff of active Team Duluth skiers…

Marinas Begin Prepping Vessels For Winter

The process usually takes under two hours depending on the size of the boat.

DULUTH, Minn. – Marinas in the area have begun winterizing boats. The process usually takes under two hours depending on the size of the boat. Although experts say it’s a bit earlier than they are used to, it doesn’t make it any less important when getting your boat ready for winter. “The process is basically draining out the water that…

Duluth Police Department Helping Setup Bentleyville

Bentleyville is set to open November 21st and run through December 27th. 

DULUTH, Minn. – Several members of the Duluth Police Department were out helping setup Bentleyville Friday afternoon. It’s a yearly tradition where members of the command staff take time out of their days to come down and help set up some of the larger displays for the tour of lights. The chief of the department says engaging like this with…

Minnesota Reports 13 More Deaths, More Than 1,700 Cases

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Minnesota health officials reported 1,721 new cases of the coronavirus and 13 deaths on Friday as the state is swept along in a surge of cases across the Upper Midwest and Plains. Friday’s tally brought the state’s totals since the pandemic began to 129,863 cases and 2,314 deaths. The updated numbers mark two straight weeks of more…

Duluth Firefighter Cited for Assaulting Woman in July now Formally Charged

DULUTH, Minn. – A Duluth firefighter placed on a 30-day unpaid suspension this summer after being accused of assaulting a 65-year-old woman on a West Duluth trail, has now been formally charged with multiple felonies – he was previously facing a misdemeanor assault citation for the incident. Conrad Sunde, 49, was charged this week with first-degree aggravated robbery and third-degree…

Duluth School District to Keep Athletics and Activities Open

DULUTH, Minn. – On Thursday, Duluth Superintendent John Magas announced his decision to keep athletics and activities open while continuing to keep an eye on the safety of students. This week St. Louis County reported a Duluth COVID-19 case rate of 32.7. A slight decrease from the previously reported 35.2. Last week, the district stated that it would consider pausing…

Updated COVID-19 Numbers: Friday, October 23

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Minnesota health officials reported 129,863 confirmed COVID-19 cases in the state Friday morning and 13 new deaths bringing the death total to 2,314 in Minnesota. According to the Minnesota Department of Health website, 2,614,124 tests have been completed to date. There are 114,679 patients who no longer require isolation. So far, 9,338 patients have required hospitalization…

Aclu: Minnesota Failing to Protect Inmates From COVID-19

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — The American Civil Liberties Union of Minnesota is suing the state, alleging prison officials have not taken adequate precautions to protect inmates from COVID-19. The ACLU-MN filed a petition Thursday asking a court to force the state to keep people in custody safe. The Department of Corrections said it was reviewing the lawsuit. “We acknowledge the health…

Spirit Mountain Preparing For Ski Swap Event

Preparations for the 48th Annual Ski Swap are underway.

DULUTH, Minn. – Spirit Mountain is preparing for the 48th annual ski swap event. The resort will have hundreds of new and used equipment at the swap starting Friday and running through Sunday. The goal is to help people get excited for the winter season. “Helping kids get out in the snow. Skiing and snowboarding. Enjoying spirit mountain in the…

A New App Is Providing Easy Access To Help For Police Officers Dealing With Stress

DULUTH, Minn. – Working in law enforcement can be stressful for officers in the line of duty. Hoping to combat potential mental health concerns, the Duluth Police Department is testing out a new app called Peer Connect to help provide additional support for officers dealing with stressful situations. “Everybody in this organization, because of the type of work we do,…

A Large Drug Trafficking Ring Dismantled By Duluth Police & Other Law Enforcement Agencies

Nearly 50 people are now being charged after a year-long investigation focused in Duluth, Rochester, and on the Iron Range brought down this drug operation.

DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth Police Department and a string of other law enforcement agencies including the Lake Superior Drug and Violent Crime Taskforce have shut down a significant drug trafficking ring that extended throughout Greater Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Iowa. Duluth police say this is the largest drug bust in history for the region. Nearly 50 people are now being…

2021 Duluth Boat Show Canceled

DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth Boat, Sports, Travel, & RV Show scheduled for February 2021 has been canceled. The announcement was made on the Duluth Boat Show’s Facebook page Wednesday afternoon. The show was set to take place February 18-21, 2021 at the Duluth Entertainment Convention Center, but has been canceled due to COVID-19 concerns. “The safety of our attendees,…

Walz Activates Minnesota National Guard Following Developments in Floyd Case

(Courtesy: Twitter/MN National Guard) MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. – On Thursday Gov. Tim Walz announced he has activated the Minnesota National Guard to assist local law enforcement in public safety efforts in the Twin Cities area following today’s court rulings in the George Floyd case. “In light of developments in the George Floyd case, we’ve taken the precautionary step of asking the…

Trucker Who Drove Through George Floyd Protesters Is Charged

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — A truck driver who drove into a large crowd of protesters on a bridge in Minneapolis following the killing of George Floyd was charged Thursday with two criminal counts. Hennepin County prosecutors charged Bogdan Vechirko, of Otsego, with making threats of violence, a felony, and criminal vehicular operation, a gross misdemeanor, the Star Tribune reported. Prosecutors allege that he…

Eveleth Shooting Suspect Charged With Felony Assault

EVELETH, Minn. – A Duluth man arrested for shooting at one individual and assaulting another in an Eveleth Subway parking lot earlier this week has been formally charged. Authorities say 29-year-old Jamar Maurice Smith has been charged with felony second-degree assault, felony domestic assault, felon in possession of ammunition or a firearm, and fifth-degree possession of methamphetamine. According to the…

Updated COVID-19 Numbers: Thursday, October 22

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Minnesota health officials reported 128,152 confirmed COVID-19 cases in the state Thursday morning and 20 new deaths bringing the death total to 2,301 in Minnesota. According to the Minnesota Department of Health website, 2,587,268 tests have been completed to date. There are 113,976 patients who no longer require isolation. So far, 9,226 patients have required hospitalization…

Judge Dismisses 3rd-Degree Murder Charge Against Derek Chauvin, Other Charges Remain

(Hennepin County Sheriff’s Office via AP) MINNEAPOLIS (FOX 9) – A Hennepin County judge has dismissed the third-degree murder charge against former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin but denied the defense’s motions to dismiss the other charges against him. Chauvin remains charged with second-degree murder and manslaughter in the death of George Floyd. Judge Peter A. Cahill issued several critical rulings Thursday….

Harbortown Rotary Club of Duluth Helps Bentleyville Crews Deck the Halls

The Rotary Club members' job: putting up the "5th Avenue Tunnel" lights.

DULUTH, Minn.- Snow’s not the only thing getting Duluth in the winter spirit –setup is continuing at the Bentleyville Tour of Lights, and they are continuing to receive help from the community. About 15 volunteers from the Harbortown Rotary Club of Duluth came ready to deck the halls at Bayfront Park. Normally they help out with other parts of the…

Ministry Group Raises Money for Hurricane Relief Down South

Jesus is Life Ministries will be in the Hobby Lobby parking lot until Sunday raising money to bring supplies to Florida and Alabama.

DULUTH, Minn.- A Duluth church is once again collecting donations to give aid and supplies to those impacted by the hurricanes that have decimated the Southern United States. Every year Jesus is Life Ministries raises money in parking lots of various stores on Miller Hill. They will be in the Hobby Lobby parking lot until Sunday when they go to…

Duluth Police Advise Slow, Cautious Driving Ahead of More Snow

Police also remind drivers to leave room behind other to provide enough distance to brake in slippery conditions.

DULUTH, Minn.- As the Northland prepares for another blast of snow officials with the Duluth Police Department want to remind people that driving is going to have to change with the road conditions. They say that when there’s snow, drive slow. Many road accidents can be avoided just by doing that, they say, especially with Duluth’s hilly terrain. Police also…

Churches Collaborate To Offer Safe Halloween Alternative

DULUTH, Minn. – Trick or treating this Halloween, may not be the safest activity as the pandemic continues to cause health concerns. Several places of worship in the Twin Ports, including Coppertop Church and First Lutheran Church in Duluth, are partnering to provide a safer alternative for Halloween. Each church will host its own drive-thru event at the same time…

Flu Shots Available At Essentia Health Vaccination Clinic At Miller Hill

DULUTH, Minn. – Essentia Health is now offering a flu shot clinic at the Miller Hill Mall, to help accommodate the need for more people to be vaccinated. Patient volumes for Essentia Health’s walk-in vaccination clinic at the mall have been a little slower than anticipated so far. Health officials are expecting a surge to start soon. The pandemic poses…

St. Louis County Sheriff’s K9 Diesel Passes Away

St. LOUIS COUNTY, Minn. – According to a Tuesday Facebook post by the Northland K9 Foundation, the St. Louis County Sheriff’s Office is mourning the loss of a second K-9 Officer within a week. K-9 Diesel passed away Tuesday morning after being off duty for several months due to a degenerative spinal issue. The post said Diesel had almost reached…

Bars, Restaurants Can Host Sports Leagues Under New Guidance

(FOX 9) – Bars and restaurants in Minnesota are allowed to host leagues for sports like darts, pool, or beanbags amid the COVID-19 pandemic, according to new guidance released Wednesday. The Minnesota Department of Health updated its guidance for bars and restaurants amid the COVID-19 pandemic to allow bars and restaurants to host leagues under certain conditions. Under the new guidelines, bars and restaurants must…

Updated COVID-19 Numbers: Wednesday, October 21

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Minnesota health officials reported 126,591 confirmed COVID-19 cases in the state Wednesday morning and 35 new deaths bringing the death total to 2,281 in Minnesota. According to the Minnesota Department of Health website, 2,560,520 tests have been completed to date. There are 113,158 patients who no longer require isolation. So far, 9,147 patients have required hospitalization…