Minnesota

Joe Biden to campaign in Minnesota Sept. 18

DULUTH, Minn. (Fox 9/Fox 21) – Joe Biden will be visiting Minnesota next week according to a recent press release from his campaign. Biden will be in Minnesota on Friday, September 18 however specific details about the visit have not yet been released. This will be the first time he has visited Minnesota for his Presidential campaign. President Donald Trump…

College Hockey Delayed Due to COVID-19

(FOX 9) – The start of the 2020-21 college hockey season is being delayed due to concerns over the COVID-19 pandemic. The Hockey Commissioners Association, which represents the 11 Division I men’s and women’s hockey conferences, announced the delay Thursday. The HCA says each conference will announce details on game schedules, including the start dates, individually. “The 11 Division I men’s and…

Home on Lake Vermilion Destroyed by Fire

(courtesy: Facebook/Northland FireWire) COOK, Minn. – A home near Cook on the west end of Lake Vermilion was destroyed by a fire Wednesday night, according to the Northland FireWire. Fire crews from the Cook Fire Department responded to the 2400 block of Red Sunset Road around 9:55 p.m. According to reports the fire started in the chimney and spread to…

Updated COVID-19 Numbers: Thursday, September 10

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Minnesota health officials reported 82,249 confirmed COVID-19 cases in the state Thursday morning and 15 new deaths bringing the death total to 1,884 in Minnesota. According to the Minnesota Department of Health website, 1,646,961 tests have been completed to date. There are 75,425 patients who no longer require isolation. So far, 6,830 patients have required hospitalization…

Waters of Superior in Canal Park Closing its Doors for Good

(courtesy: Waters of Superior) DULUTH, Minn. – Waters of Superior in Canal Park is closing its doors for good. The business made the announcement on Thursday saying that the store will close on October 25. “While the store has been profitable, COVID-19 has reduced sales dramatically, and projections showed it would have been impossible to make it through the winter…

About Half of Bars, Restaurants Inspected in Minnesota in COVID-19 Compliance

(William Glasheen/The Post-Crescent via AP) MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — State and local inspections of dozens of bars and restaurants for compliance to coronavirus requirements found about half were following the rules in Minnesota. Inspections were done at 167 establishments outside the Twin Cities metro. During a recent visit to Minnesota, Dr. Deborah Birx, the White House coronavirus response coordinator, said rural…

Donald Trump Jr. Makes Pitch for Father on Duluth Stage

"They say we can't win Minnesota. I disagree, what about you?" he said at the podium at the DECC.

DULUTH, Minn.- To a DECC ballroom of 250 Trump supporters, Donald Trump Jr. used his “Make America Great Again” event to bolster his father’s first term in office while bashing his Democratic opponent Joe Biden. “They say we can’t win Minnesota. I disagree, what about you?” he said at the podium to an eruption of cheers. The eldest Trump son…

UMD Students Move-in After The University’s Two-Week Pause Ends

In-person classes are scheduled to begin Monday, while some students have already started many of their courses remotely.

DULUTH, Minn.- The University of Minnesota Duluth took a two-week pause to come up with better strategies to safely welcome students after similar universities across the nation were experiencing surges in coronavirus cases. The brief pause has since expired and UMD students have been given the green light to move on campus. Hundreds of students unpacked their cars filled to…

Bentleyville Tour Of Lights Will Look Different This year

The event is the country's largest walk-through lighting display.

DULUTH, Minn. – Thousands of people make the Bentleyville Tour of Lights part of their holiday season each year, but this year is going to be unlike any other with the pandemic still causing concern. “We made the decision as the board of the Bentleyville to offer something rather than nothing at all,” said Nathan Bentley, executive director for Bentleyville….

Watch: Donald Trump Jr. Hosts ‘Make America Great Again’ Event at DECC

DULUTH, Minn. – Donald Trump Jr. hosts a “Make America Great Again” event on Wednesday at 5 p.m. at the Duluth Entertainment Convention Center. The rally will mark the Trump campaign’s second visit to Duluth in a matter of weeks. Vice President Mike Pence visited Duluth two weeks ago. Before that, President Trump also made a stop in Mankato as…

Bentleyville Tour of Lights Will be a Drive-Thru Experience in 2020

DULUTH, Minn. – The 2020 Bentleyville Tour of Lights display will be reimagined as a drive-thru experience this year to accommodate COVID-19 restrictions. Bentleyville organizers and Duluth city leaders made the announcement during a Wednesday afternoon press conference at Bayfront Festival Park. According to Bentleyville owner Nathan Bentley while many aspects of the beloved annual lights display will stay the…

Watch Live: Bentleyville Organizers to Hold Afternoon Press Conference

DULUTH, Minn. – Bentleyville Tour of Lights organizers are scheduled to hold a press conference Wednesday afternoon. The press conference will take place at 1:30 p.m. at the Bayfront Festival Park. Last month, Bentleyville owner Nathan Bentley said his team was discussing a variety of possible options for the massive lights display to return for another season. Fox 21 will…

Updated COVID-19 Numbers: Wednesday, September 9

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Minnesota health officials reported 81,868 confirmed COVID-19 cases in the state Wednesday morning and 7 new deaths bringing the death total to 1,869 in Minnesota. According to the Minnesota Department of Health website, 1,621,174 tests have been completed to date. There are 75,055 patients who no longer require isolation. So far, 6,792 patients have required hospitalization…

Grandma’s Marathon Minnesota Mile Traffic Advisory

DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth Police Department has issued a traffic advisory ahead of the 14th annual Grandma’s Marathon Minnesota Mile being held on Friday. Beginning at 3:00 p.m. Friday West Skyline Parkway around Enger Tower and Hank Jensen Drive will be closed to traffic. Traffic will not be allowed in or out of the Enger Tower/Enger Park parking lot…

Healthpartners Suspends Recruiting in COVID-19 Vaccine Trial

BLOOMINGTON, Minn. (AP) — A Minnesota health care provider has suspended its successful recruitment of participants in a coronavirus vaccine trial while its maker investigates whether a recipient’s “potentially unexplained” illness is a side effect of the shot. The trial led by AstraZeneca and Oxford University was suspended while a review is underway of a participant in the United Kingdom…

COVID-19 Case Confirmed At Esko High School

ESKO, Minn. – Esko High School’s first day of in-person classes has come with a positive case of COVID-19. In an email to parents Tuesday afternoon, the district said a person with a positive test was in Esko High School Tuesday, Sept. 8. The district said it will clean and disinfect the school to control the spread of the virus,…

DECC Stage Set for Donald Trump Jr.’s Visit — With COVID-19 Restrictions

The Trump Campaign and Secret Service conducted a site visit and agreed to all rules in place.

DULUTH, Minn.- The stage is set in Duluth to welcome Donald Trump Jr. to the DECC Wednesday for a “Make America Great Again” event. In the ballroom where the President’s son will speak, a maximum of 250 people are allowed inside including campaign staff per Governor Tim Walz’s order during the pandemic. Seats are six feet apart, masks are required,…

Health Officials Stress Importance of Influenza Vaccine as Flu Season Looms Ahead

The CDC says they have developed a test that will check for seasonal flu viruses, and the virus that causes COVID-19. 

DULUTH, Minn.- While the COVID-19 pandemic has been the most prominent public health concern since march, each winter brings a new flu season. Which is why officials are urging people to get vaccinated. “Now is the time to get it,” stressed Diane Seiloff, Adult Services Coordinator for St. Louis County Public Health. Generally, flu symptoms include a fever, cough, sore…

A COVID-19 Inspired Exhibit Headed For UMD’s Tweed Museum of Art

The exhibition will showcase the art of more than a half dozen local artists.

DULUTH, Minn. – A COVID-19 pandemic inspired exhibit is coming to UMD’s Tweed Museum of Art. The exhibition is titled “Creating Apart.” It will showcase the art of more than a half dozen local artists. Each piece of artwork will also tell the artists stories and how the pandemic has impacted them differently. By sharing this artwork the exhibit’s curator…

The EPA Awards Funding To Restore Environmental Areas Of Concern In Twin Ports

"When you clean up the water, remove the contamination, and restore the habitat, it is an immediate benefit for the environment and the community," said Kurt Thiede, Regional Administrator for the EPA.

SUPERIOR, Wis. – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced it will be providing nearly $14 million in funding to help rehabilitate environmental areas of concern along the St. Louis River and the Great Lakes. The financial support is part of the EPA’s five-year plan to restore environments within the great lakes. The St. Louis River in the Twin Ports has…

Winona State University Self-Quarantines Campus for 2 Weeks

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Winona State University quarantined itself for two weeks starting Tuesday amid the increasing spread of the coronavirus on the southeastern Minnesota campus. “The university is not currently aware of any serious illness related to COVID-19 within the WSU community,” the school’s president, Scott R. Olson, said in a statement. “However, we are seeing an increase in asymptomatic…

Priest Tapped as Duluth Bishop Resigns Amid Sexual Abuse Allegation

DULUTH, Minn. (AP) — A priest recently tapped by Pope Francis to become a bishop for a northern Minnesota diocese has resigned after an allegation of sexual abuse of a minor surfaced before he could take up his post. The Vatican announced without details on Monday that Francis had accepted the resignation of Bishop-elect Michel Mulloy, who was named by…

Essentia Health: Hermantown Urgent Care Closed Until Further Notice

HERMANTOWN, Minn. – Essentia Health announced on Tuesday that the Hermantown Urgent Care has closed until further notice. The Essentia Health – Hermantown Clinic remains open and is available for walk-in care. Essentia did not specify the reason for the sudden closure, but we will continue to update this story as more information becomes available.   Categories: Minnesota, News, News…

Updated COVID-19 Numbers: Tuesday, September 8

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Minnesota health officials reported 81,608 confirmed COVID-19 cases in the state Tuesday morning and 2 new deaths bringing the death total to 1,862 in Minnesota. According to the Minnesota Department of Health website, 1,616,738 tests have been completed to date. There are 74,235 patients who no longer require isolation. So far, 6,760 patients have required hospitalization…

Nominate a Northland Family in Need for This Year’s ‘Best Christmas Ever’ Giveaway

'Best Christmas Ever' Nominations Will Remain Open Through Nov. 15, 2020

DULUTH, Minn. – Best Christmas Ever is a non-profit organization working to partner with business leaders and communities across the country to lift up families who have fallen on difficult times due to health conditions and other life challenges. The vision of Best Christmas Ever started when Co-Founder Don Liimatainen began battling Ulcerative Colitis in 2010. It was Christmas Eve,…

Gun Sales Up, Ammunition Supplies Limited in Minnesota

(AP Photo/Alan Diaz, File) MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Gun dealers in Minnesota attribute a surge in firearms sales to anxiety over the coronavirus, civil unrest, and the uncertainties involving the presidential race. The National Shooting Sports Foundation says there were about 21,900 background checks for gun purchases in Minnesota in August of 2019. This year, there were nearly 35,000 in the…

Bishop-Elect Resigns Amid Sexual Abuse Allegation

A priest recently tapped by Pope Francis to be made a bishop for a Minnesota diocese has resigned after an allegation of sexual abuse of a minor surfaced before he could take up his post.

VATICAN CITY (AP) — A priest recently tapped by Pope Francis to be made a bishop for a Minnesota diocese has resigned after an allegation of sexual abuse of a minor surfaced before he could take up his post. The Vatican announced without giving details on Monday that Francis had accepted the resignation of the Bishop-elect Michel Mulloy, who was…

ATV Passenger Dies After Collision with Car

CARLTON COUNTY, Minn. — A 31-year-old woman has died in a hospital after she was involved in a crash between an ATV and a car on Saturday. According to the Carlton County Sherriff’s Office, the collision happened around 3 p.m. east of Moose Lake. The ATV was riding along the Soo Trail when it traveled into the trail’s intersection with…

OMC Smokehouse Shuts Doors Temporarily After Employee Tests Positive for COVID-19

The restaurant says they will be identifying anyone who may have been in contact with the employee and encourage them to get tested.

  DULUTH, Minn. — A popular restaurant in Duluth’s Lincoln Park Neighborhood, OMC Smokehouse is closing temporarily due to an employee testing positive for COVID-19 Sunday. “We are just working on trying to understand this and trying to do it the right way,” said owner Tom Hanson. In a post on their Facebook page Sunday, OMC Smokehouse said they will…

Duluth Police Arrest 24-Year-Old Male in Friday Night Shooting, Victim Condition Unknown

DULUTH, Minn.- According to the Duluth Police Department, on Friday night officers responded to a shooting in the area of the 200 Block of 70th Ave. W, adding to the 14 shootings in Duluth in the past two months that have resulted in injuries. Authorities say officers responded to a call at 10:25 p.m. Upon arrival they learned two males,…

Iron Range Community Honors 15-Year-Old Alaric Lamke

A Celebration of Life is Happening Saturday, Sept. 5 at Miners Memorial Building in Virginia

VIRGINIA, Minn. – The Iron Range community is mourning the loss of one of their own as they prepare to say a final farewell Saturday, Sept. 5. On Saturday, Aug. 29, in the blink of an eye, 15-year-old Alaric Lamke of Britt, Minnesota, lost his life after an accident involving a skid steer. Now Alaric’s family and friends are looking…

Labor Day Gas Prices May Hit Lowest Since 2004

The lowest price per gallon since 2004 was $1.82 according to Gas Buddy.

DULUTH, Minn. – Gas prices may be the lowest they’ve been in over a decade just in time for those Labor Day travelers. According to Gas Buddy, fuel prices during Labor Day are expected to be the lowest since 2004. Experts are predicting the national price per gallon for gas to hit $2.19. This is down by nearly 40% from…

Health Officials Reminding Folks Of The Potential COVID-19 Risks During Labor Day

DULUTH, Minn. — Although celebrating the Labor Day holiday is often a way to take a break and say goodbye to summer, St. Louis County health officials are urging folks to use caution when participating in holiday gatherings. Labor day is typically a holiday where people celebrate with barbecues and other social events., but attending these types of gatherings can…

Labor Day Travelers Still Find A Way To Celebrate

DULUTH, Minn. – Labor day may feel a little different this year, but many travelers across the Northland are looking to celebrate the best way they know how. I’m going to hang out with some family and friends. Possibly do some four-wheeling,’  said Andre Jackson. Pequot Lakes resident Sarah Dawdy said “we have visitors here from central Illinois. They have…

Minnesota Starts Paying $300 a Week Unemployment Boost

ST. PAUL, Minn. (FOX 9) – Minnesota started paying the $300 a week boost in unemployment benefits to laid-off workers Friday. The payments are backdated, meaning people who were laid off from late July through late August will get up to five separate payments of $300 apiece over the next week. Minnesotans who lost work because of the coronavirus pandemic do not…

Updated COVID-19 Numbers: Friday, September 4

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Minnesota health officials reported 78,966 confirmed COVID-19 cases in the state Friday morning and 10 new deaths bringing the death total to 1,847 in Minnesota. According to the Minnesota Department of Health website, 1,558,831 tests have been completed to date. There are 70,537 patients who no longer require isolation. So far, 6,635 patients have required hospitalization…

Court Finds That Polymet’s Water Permit Issued With Proper Procedures

  ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) — A judge ruled the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency did not deviate from most of its procedures when it issued a key water quality permit for the proposed PolyMet mine project. The ruling is a victory for supporters of the state’s first copper-nickel mine and the agency, which mine opponents accused of “procedural irregularities” in…

Denfeld High School Teachers Bring A New Meaning To Welcoming Students

This year, Denfeld will be welcoming nearly 300 incoming freshmen.

DULUTH, Minn. – The class of 2024 at Denfeld High School received a welcoming like no other from their teachers. It might be the key to helping incoming freshmen feel at ease as they look forward to embracing a new normal. The 2020-2021 school year is going to look a lot different for many students in Duluth. Freshmen at Denfeld…

City Unveils Artwork At Sister Cities Park in Duluth

The art is being displayed at the Sister Cities Park until the end of next month.

DULUTH, Minn. – The City of Duluth and the city’s Public Arts Commission gathered to celebrate the unveiling of new art now being displayed in the Sister Cities Park. The piece, which is entitled the “Unweaving” took nearly a year to create. It was inspired by the suppressed stories of the artist’s maternal grandmother who is of Finnish descent. It…

Former Hermantown Teacher, Coach Accused Of Sexually Assaulting Student

A former Hermantown Middle School science teacher and junior high volleyball coach is accused of sexually assaulting a student she used to teach. Madeleine Schmaltz, 29, of Saginaw, Minnesota is charged with fourth-degree criminal sexual conduct as a “current or recent position of authority over the victim,” which is a felony. According to the criminal complaint filed in St. Louis…

Passing Of Movie Star Chadwick Boseman Sparks The Importance Of Getting Checked For Colon Cancer

more than 50,000 are expected to die from the disease in 2020.

DULUTH, Minn. – Studies from the National Cancer Institute show colon cancer is the fourth most common cancer in the U.S. and is responsible for more deaths than any other cancer besides lung cancer. Health professionals are stressing the importance of getting screened to uncover the illness in its early stages. Its been nearly a week since the passing of…

Watch Live: Duluth Police Department to Hold Press Conference Regarding Recent Shootings

DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth Police Department is holding a press conference Thursday afternoon at the Public Safety Building to discuss a string of shootings that have taken place in the area in July and August. We will also be live-streaming the 3:30 p.m. press conference on our Fox 21 Facebook page. Categories: Minnesota, News, News – Latest News

Pilot Killed in Leech Lake Plane Crash

WALKER, Minn. – Authorities say the pilot of a small plane was killed after his plane crashed in Leech Lake Tuesday evening. According to the Natchez Democrat Newspaper, 62-year-old Thomas Borum, of Mississippi, was traveling from Missouri to Bemidji for a new job. He was grounded for a short time in St. Cloud due to bad weather. The plane left…

Updated COVID-19 Numbers: Thursday, September 3

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Minnesota health officials reported 78,123 confirmed COVID-19 cases in the state Thursday morning and 7 new deaths bringing the death total to 1,837 in Minnesota. According to the Minnesota Department of Health website, 1,540,107 tests have been completed to date. There are 70,175 patients who no longer require isolation. So far, 6,592 patients have required hospitalization…