Minnesota

Minnesota Officials Warn Against Gatherings Amid Case Growth

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Minnesota health officials warned against social gatherings ahead of the Labor Day weekend as case growth accelerates statewide. White House COVID-19 adviser Deborah Birx met with state officials Sunday as part of a series of nationwide visits to assess pandemic response. Health Commissioner Jan Malcolm told reporters Monday that Birx cited the state’s case growth and community…

Sports Card Sales Going Up Throughout Pandemic

Record setting sales of high-profile sports cards illustrates the high demand.

DULUTH, Minn.- Just this month LA Angels center fielder Mike Trout’s rookie baseball card sold for a record $3 million at auction. That’s on trend with a growing demand for sports cards according to local card shops. The manager at Collector’s Connection by the Miller Hill Mall in Duluth said Minnesota Twins and Vikings Players cards have typically been popular….

Rep. Pete Stauber Announces Iron Workers Local 512 Endorsement

Union members stood beside Stauber as the spoke about his support for the Line 3 pipeline project and mining in the Northland.

HERMANTOWN, Minn.-U.S. Rep. Pete Stauber announced he is being endorsed by the Iron Workers Local 512. Union members stood beside Stauber as he spoke about his support for the Line 3 pipeline project and mining in the Northland. He vowed to bring more jobs to the area if he continues to serve the 8th district. “We’re a mineral rich natural…

Next Stages For Can Of Worms Project Could Begin In October

DULUTH, Minn. -Tthe next phases of construction on the “Can of Worms” could start this fall. One of the goals for this round of construction is to enhance safety by eliminating merging lanes that create blind spots. The project would replace aging infrastructure such as the 27th Avenue West overpass. The Minnesota Department of Transportation plans to improve freight mobility…

Iron Range Mayors Endorse U.S. Senate Candidate Jason Lewis

"Mining is the engine that runs our economy. We don't have a lot of adversity in the city of Virginia," said Larry Cuffe Jr., mayor of Virginia.

EVELETH, Minn. – More than five Iron Range mayors endorsed President Trump for re-election during Vice President Mike Pence’s visit on Friday. Some of those politicians sat down for a round table discussion with republican U. S. Senate candidate Jason Lewis to talk about key issues impacting the area. The Iron Range can be mostly known for its mining industry….

Rebuild Duluth Program Accepting Applications To Fill Housing Needs

DULUTH, Minn. – The City of Duluth’s Planning and Economic Development Department is going for round two of its Rebuild Duluth program. The program was started to help reduce the cost of building new housing within existing residential areas. Applications are currently being accepted from individuals and organizations. More than a half dozen vacant lots that are capable of being…

Zeitgeist Arts Cafe Announces Temporary Closure

DULUTH, Minn. – The Zeitgeist Arts Cafe announced Monday that it will be temporarily closing due to the financial implications of the COVID-19 pandemic. In a recent press release, Zeitgeist leadership wrote, “We’re going to use this time as an opportunity to build on the successes our staff has worked so hard to realize to and to reimagine a restaurant…

Minnesota Court of Appeals Reverses Kozy Demolition Order

DULUTH, Minn. – The Minnesota Court of Appeals has reversed an order for the demolition of the former Kozy Bar building in downtown Duluth. On Monday, the court determined that the district court’s justification for the DEDA’s rejection of the Pastoret, LLC and OCH/Hoeft proposals were solely economic in nature. According to the Minnesota Court of Appeals, “The court, therefore,…

Minnesota Sees Lowest Single-Day Death Total Since April

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Minnesota health officials reported one new death due to the coronavirus on Monday, marking the lowest single-day total statewide since April. The Minnesota Department of Health reported 679 new cases and the death of a patient between 70 and 74 years old in southern Minnesota, raising the statewide totals to 75,864 cases and 1,817 deaths since the…

Updated COVID-19 Numbers: Monday, August 31

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Minnesota health officials reported 75,864 confirmed COVID-19 cases in the state Monday morning and 1 new death bringing the death total to 1,817 in Minnesota. According to the Minnesota Department of Health website, 1,489,726 tests have been completed to date. There are 67,656 patients who no longer require isolation. So far, 6,480 patients have required hospitalization…

Rebuild Duluth Announces Second Round of Programming

DULUTH, Minn. – On Monday, the City of Duluth’s Planning and Economic Development Division announced a second round of the Rebuild Duluth Program. Rebuild Duluth was developed with the intent of identifying and reducing the costs of construction of infill housing within the city. Vacant, developable lots will be given at no cost to individuals or organizations that can provide…

Lake Superior Maritime Museum Gift Shop Drops Anchor Outside

Since July the gift shop has been right outside the museum on the sidewalk, as there are no plans to reopen the museum yet.

DULUTH, Minn.- As the Lake Superior Maritime Museum remains closed in Canal Park due to the pandemic, the gift shop is still finding a way to get little pieces of Duluth memories out to customers. Since July the gift shop has been right outside the museum on the sidewalk. The manager says while transitioning to an outdoor tent setting has…

One Year After Fatal Hit-and-Run, Nashwauk Remembers Toddler Logan Klennert by Planting Trees

Police say 39-year-old Jake Place was under the influence when he killed Logan and injured his aunt, his sentencing is set for October.

NASHWAUK, Minn.- It’s been one year since a fatal hit-and-run in Nashwauk by a driver under the influence took the life of 2-year-old Logan Klennert and injured his 16-year-old aunt. On Sunday, the community honored Logan while spreading the message to drive sober. Meanwhile, the man charged in the hit-and-run is set to be sentenced this Fall. “It’s been a…

Duluth Sees More Gun Violence Over Weekend; Police Chief Responds

DULUTH, Minn. — Two more incidents involving guns occurred over the weekend from Saturday night into Sunday morning in Duluth, ending a week that the police chief said has seen a high rate of gun violence Around 8:15 on Saturday night, Duluth police responded to a call of several shots fired on West 1st Street between the 2400 to 2600…

Chief Tusken Responds to Duluth Police Officer’s Viral Facebook Post About Downtown Shooting Incident

In the post the Sergeant recounts the events, and his own thoughts, surrounding a call he responded to Wednesday, where he "almost shot an 'unarmed black man,'."

DULUTH, Minn.- A Duluth Police officer’s recent Facebook post has gone viral, along with Duluth Police Chief Mike Tusken’s subsequent response after sharing the post, regarding a call Police responded to Wednesday. Both are included below, and can be found on FOX 21’s Facebook Page.  The officer originally wrote on the Duluth Police Local 807 Facebook Page Thursday, signing as…

Vice President Mike Pence Makes A Stop In Duluth

"We got a clear vision for our second term, more jobs, and better wages," said Vice President Mike Pence.

DULUTH, Minn. – One day after ending the Republican National Convention, Vice President Mike Pence makes his first appearance back on the campaign trail in Duluth. He is hoping to gain the support of Minnesotans as the administration makes an effort to build a stronger economy. Hundreds of supporters rallied together at the Clure Public Marine Terminal in Duluth, to…

Minnesota DFL Leaders, Residents Respond to Vice President Pence Visit

Vice President Mike Pence Spoke in Duluth Friday at Clure Public Marine Terminal

DULUTH, Minn. – The visit to the Northland by Vice President Mike Pence drew sharp criticism from DFL leaders across Minnesota including Duluth Mayor Emily Larson and many residents. Members of the DFL party in Minnesota seem to agree the Trump administration has lacked leadership, allowing the COVID-19 pandemic to spiral out of control across the United States, while leaders…

541 Food Service Employees at Xcel Energy Center Laid-off Amid COVID-19

ST. PAUL, Minn. (FOX 9) – Hundreds of food service employees, who worked at Xcel Energy Center, were laid off at the beginning of August following COVID-19 restrictions, which caused events to be canceled or prohibited fan attendance, according to the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development. In June, Levy Premium Foodservice notified DEED 541 employees based out of the Xcel Energy Center would be…

Duluth Police Respond to Two Separate Shootings on Thursday

DULUTH, Minn. – Duluth Police say officers responded to two separate shooting incidents on Thursday. According to police, around 2:20 a.m. Thursday an officer witnessed multiple shots fired from two vehicles in the downtown Duluth area. Police say the shooting took place in an alley on 2nd Avenue East and both vehicles fled the vicinity. One of the vehicles involved…

Updated COVID-19 Numbers: Friday, August 28

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Minnesota health officials reported 73,240 confirmed COVID-19 cases in the state Friday morning and 4 new deaths bringing the death total to 1,810 in Minnesota. According to the Minnesota Department of Health website, 1,443,344 tests have been completed to date. There are 65,204 patients who no longer require isolation. So far, 6,357 patients have required hospitalization…

Duluth Lions Club 63rd Annual Pancake Day Canceled Due to COVID-19

DULUTH, Minn. – The 63rd Annual Duluth Lions Club Pancake Day has been canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. According to a recent press release, Duluth Lions Club Pancake Day Committee Chair, Lion PDG Larry Winner made the announcement Thursday that the club would be following Minnesota Department of Health guidelines which state that events with 250 or more people…

UMD Staff Member Creates Unique Signs for Social Distancing

The goal is to help ease students transitioning back to campus

DULUTH, Minn. – When walking through the halls of UMD this year you may notice certain areas look a bit different. “This is the first year we’ve had to put a ton of signage up. So that kind of threw us for a loop,” Kirby Student Center, Mat Gilderman says. Out of the hundreds of signs across the campus, Mat…

Bremer Bank Opens In Downtown Duluth

The branch is open Monday through Friday.

DULUTH, Minn. – Bremer Bank has opened its newest location in downtown Duluth. The new branch, which is located in the Holiday Center, is a full-service banking institution. It offers traditional banking products and services such as checking and savings accounts. The branch was originally scheduled to open in march but the COVID-19 outbreak caused a delay. “We are opening…

Pride Fest Still Happening Virtually For Labor Day Weekend

The virtual festival runs through next Sunday.

DULUTH, Minn. – Some Labor Day fun may have already been canceled, but the Duluth-Superior Pride Festival will go on virtually. Starting next Thursday, everyone can participate in the festivities from the comfort of their homes. There are a wide array of fun activities on the schedule including a virtual parade, a drag show, and movie screenings. While the pandemic…

St. Louis County Launches Mask Up, COVID Down Campaign

The county enlisted the help from 25 local celebrities like Charlie Parr.

DULUTH, Minn. – St. Louis County has launched a new campaign called “Mask Up, Covid Down” to highlight the reasons why people are wearing face coverings other than being required and scientific justification behind it. The county enlisted the help of 25 local celebrities like Charlie Parr and UMD’s mascot Champ to share their individual purpose for wearing a mask….

Jury Trials Are Slowly Starting To Return Across The State

TWO HARBORS, Minn. – The global pandemic put a pause on jury trials and in-person court proceedings in Minnesota. These trials are slowly beginning to resume across the state including in the Northland, as courts are taking precautions to ensure everyone’s safety. The last time there was an in-person hearing with a jury at the Lake County Courthouse was back…

National Guard Activated After Downtown Minneapolis Unrest

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) – The governor of Minnesota activated the National Guard on Wednesday night to help quell unrest that broke out in downtown Minneapolis following what authorities said was misinformation about the suicide death of a Black homicide suspect. Gov. Tim Walz declared a peacetime emergency in Minneapolis and said he was mobilizing the Minnesota National Guard but did not…

Updated COVID-19 Numbers: Thursday, August 27

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Minnesota health officials reported 72,390 confirmed COVID-19 cases in the state Thursday morning and 13 new deaths bringing the death total to 1,806 in Minnesota. According to the Minnesota Department of Health website, 1,427,347 tests have been completed to date. There are 64,876 patients who no longer require isolation. So far, 6,326 patients have required hospitalization…

DECC Interim Exec. Dir. Roger Reinert Wants To Innovate Venue’s Use During Pandemic

Bringing a local brewery's outside beer garden inside the DECC is just one idea Reinert is looking into.

DULUTH, Minn. — Roger Reinert — known in the world of politics in Duluth and St. Paul after stints as a city councilor, state senator and representative — is the new interim executive director of the Duluth Entertainment Convention Center – replacing Chelly Townsend whose contract was not renewed for reason not disclosed by the board. Reinert is not new…

Drive-Thru Experience, No Experience Among Options For 2020 ‘Bentleyville Tour of Lights’

DULUTH, Minn.  — The DECC is hopeful Bentleyville Tour of Lights will return again this year but Bentleyville’s owner told FOX 21 Wednesday that nothing is for sure at this point. One idea being thrown around is a drive-thru version of Bentleyville at its usual location at Bayfront Park. Owner Nathan Bentley says his team is discussing a variety of…

Northland Red Cross Sends Volunteers to Help with Hurricane Laura Relief, Seeking More

Officials with the Northland Chapter of the Red Cross in Duluth say so far more volunteers are needed for medical, logistics, and other roles.

DULUTH, Minn.- As Hurricane Laura nears landfall on the Gulf Coast, the American Red Cross is gearing up to dispatch their response teams to the hardest hit areas ready to pick up the pieces from what is projected to be a devastating hurricane. One nurse from International Falls just landed in Houston Wednesday, and four more volunteers from the Northland…

DTA Announces Upcoming Service Changes

DULUTH, Minn. – The DTA announced upcoming services changes on Wednesday which includes pausing two routes to Park Point and West Duluth. On Wednesday, the DTA said they would be pausing routes #4 and #15 until further notice due to “current staffing realities, and the operational approach required to deliver a safe and reliable service level to the public.” Dial-a-ride…

Fatal Duluth Hillside Apartment Fire Deemed Accidental

DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth Fire Marshal’s Office says a fatal fire that broke out earlier this month in Duluth’s East Hillside neighborhood has been deemed accidental. In the early morning hours of August 11, Duluth fire crews responded to reports of an apartment building fire. When crews arrived on the scene they found smoke coming from the first and…

Updated COVID-19 Numbers: Wednesday, August 26

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Minnesota health officials reported 71,236 confirmed COVID-19 cases in the state Wednesday morning and 14 new deaths bringing the death total to 1,793 in Minnesota. According to the Minnesota Department of Health website, 1,406,007 tests have been completed to date. There are 64,374 patients who no longer require isolation. So far, 6,274 patients have required hospitalization…

Former State Senator, Duluth City Councilor Named as DECC Interim Executive Director

DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth Entertainment Convention Center board has formally nominated former state Senator and Duluth City Councilor Roger Reinert as the Interim Executive Director. The decision was made during a Wednesday morning virtual meeting about the DECC’s status and plan for the remainder of the year. Reinert has acted as the interim liaison for the last two months…

DEED Commissioner Steve Grove Visits Duluth

DULUTH, Minn. – Small businesses in the Northland have been taking huge financial hits due to the global pandemic. The Department of Employment and Economic Development Commissioner visited Duluth on Wednesday to hear first-hand stories from some of those business owners and how grant funding has helped them rebuild. India Palace in Duluth has been serving traditional Indian cuisine to…

Mentors Needed To Help Support Students During The School Year

DULUTH, Minn.- A local non-profit is searching for mentors to help provide additional support to families as they navigate through the upcoming school year. Mentor North in Duluth is a one on one community based mentoring program. The organization is launching its new academic mentoring program to be a positive re-enforcement as many students and their families may be facing…

Northland School Districts Switch Plans To Safely Resume Academic Year

The first day of class is September 8th for both Duluth and Proctor Public Schools.

NORTHLAND – COVID-19 cases are continuing to spike across the northland. Now several schools in the region are making adjustments to plans originally put in place for the start of the academic year. Minnesota schools were given three options to choose from to safely resume the 20-21 school year. Many Northland school districts had planned on implementing a hybrid model,…

DECC Board Parts Ways With Executive Director, No. 2 Leader To Retire

Chelly Townsend DULUTH, Minn. – A major shake-up is underway at the Duluth Entertainment Convention Center as the DECC’s board is parting ways with its executive director, and the No. 2 person under her has decided to retire. All of this comes as the DECC is virtually empty and facing a serious financial challenge during the pandemic. Chelly Townsend told…

Firefighters Battle Hours-Long Fire at Historic Downtown Hibbing Building

The cause of the Moose Event Center fire is still unknown and under investigation.

HIBBING, Minn.- No one was injured fighting an inferno Tuesday that collapsed the roof of the Moose Event Center on Howard Street in Hibbing, according to fire officials. But what does hurt to the small town, is the loss of a building that houses many businesses and memories. “As I stood outside and watched it just kept, no matter how…

Minnesota Plans Sharp Boost in Coronavirus Testing Capacity

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) – Minnesota plans to more than double its coronavirus testing capacity by partnering with a national distributor of a rapid saliva test and establishing a new lab to process the results. The governor’s office says the state is finalizing a $14.7 million deal with Rutgers University-based RUCDR Infinite Biologics, which offers the country’s first saliva COVID-19 test, and…

Red Flag Warning Issued Due to Dangerous Swimming Conditions on Park Point

DULUTH, Minn.- The Duluth Fire Department has issued a warning for dangerous swimming conditions at Park Point beaches until 10:00 a.m. tomorrow. The warning means that wind and wave conditions can support rip currents, which are life-threatening to anyone entering the water. There are no lifeguards on Park Point and red flags are flying along the beach to indicate the…

Fire Crews Battle Blaze in Downtown Hibbing

HIBBING, Minn. – According to the Northland FireWire, multiple fire departments are continuing to battle a fire in downtown Hibbing. The fire broke out at the Moose Event Center around 10:30 a.m. Tuesday. The Northland FireWire reported around 11:30 a.m. that crews were battling a “defensive fire” and firefighters were out of the building. It is not yet known if…

Updated COVID-19 Numbers: Tuesday, August 25

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Minnesota health officials reported 70,707 confirmed COVID-19 cases in the state Tuesday morning and 8 new deaths bringing the death total to 1,779 in Minnesota. According to the Minnesota Department of Health website, 1,394,986 tests have been completed to date. There are 63,725 patients who no longer require isolation. So far, 6,238 patients have required hospitalization…