Minnesota

City on the Hill Music Festival Postponed

DULUTH, Minn. – DULUTH, Minn. – The City on the Hill Music Festival has been postponed until 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Event organizers announced Friday that the music festival will now take place on August 6-7, 2021. City on the Hill President and Co-Founder Walt Aplin says the decision was made due to health and safety concerns, “It…

Minnesota Couple Charged With Murder

ANOKA, Minn. – The two suspects arrested Thursday afternoon in connection to the murder of a Makinen man have been formally charged. Authorities say 53-year-old J. Nicholas Cramer and 46-year-old Michelle L. Cramer have been charged with second-degree murder in the death of 47-year-old Frank Gerald Meyer. Meyer’s body was found in his garage on October 8, 209 by police…

City of Duluth Updates Parks and Recreation Policies

DULUTH, Minn. – After Minnesota Governor Tim Walz loosened more restrictions on recreational actives this past week, the city of Duluth has re-opened many of their parks to the public. In all, there are 38 playgrounds and close to 130 parks in Duluth. Management says, because crews won’t be sanitizing the equipment, people should come prepared. “Folks should remember to…

Updated COVID-19 Numbers: Friday, June 12

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Minnesota health officials reported 29,795 confirmed COVID-19 cases in the state Friday morning and 25 new deaths bringing the death total to 1,274 in Minnesota. According to the Minnesota Department of Health website, 395,202 tests have been completed to date. There are 25,028 patients who no longer require isolation. So far, 3,557 patients have required hospitalization…

Minnesota Board Grants Historic Posthumous Pardon for Black Man Wrongly Convicted in 1920 Duluth Rape

DULUTH, Minn. (FOX 9) – The Minnesota Board of Pardons posthumously pardoned a man who was convicted in a 1920 rape case, which sparked the Duluth lynchings. The three-person pardon board, which includes Attorney General Keith Ellison and Gov. Tim Walz, voted unanimously Friday to pardon Max Mason. Mason was one of six black circus workers arrested for the alleged rape of a…

Regents Endorse University’s Fall Reopening Plan

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — University of Minnesota leaders have mapped out a plan to reopen classrooms, dormitories, and other common spaces this fall amid the coronavirus outbreak. The Board of Regents endorsed the plan Thursday and is expected to vote on it in July. The reopening plan includes some physical distancing, COVID-19 monitoring, testing, and isolation. The Star Tribune reports each of the…

St. Louis Co. Atty. Mark Rubin Supports Pardon Of Man Convicted In 1920 Duluth Rape Case Connected To Lynchings

DULUTH, Minn. – St. Louis County Attorney Mark Rubin says he is fully supportive of pardoning a now-dead former circus worker Max Mason who was one of six black men accused of raping a woman in Duluth, which ultimately lead to three historic lynchings downtown of Isaac McGhie, Elmer Jackson and Elias Clayton. On Friday, the Minnesota Board of Pardons…

Fond-du-Luth, Black Bear Casinos To Reopen With Restrictions June 15

DULUTH, Minn. – Excitement is building at Fond-du-Luth and Black Bear casinos as the official reopening date is set for Monday, June 15 at 10 a.m. Casino officials tell us there will be some noticeable changes, however, to balance entertainment with safety. Specifically at the Fond-du-Luth, all guests will get a non-contact temperature check at the door and everybody will…

New Businesses Open In Lincoln Park During Uncertainty Of The Pandemic

DULUTH, Minn. – Opening a new business during a pandemic can definitely be a challenge, but some business owners are willing to take that leap of faith. The up and coming Lincoln Park neighborhood is home to a variety of businesses. Many have been hit hard by financial setbacks caused by Covid-19. With the pandemic curve starting to slightly flatten,…

King Of Creams Deploys Ice Cream Truck For Summer

Ice cream truck has a GPS for community access to find its location when riding around town.

DULUTH, Minn. – King of Creams in Duluth has deployed its ice cream truck for the summer. The truck has been serving up ice cream throughout neighborhoods in Duluth and Superior since 2008. The truck offers novelty bars and hand scooped ice cream. King of Creams typically lauches its ice cream truck in early April, but the pandemic put a…

Two Arrested in Anoka in Connection to Makinen Murder

ANOKA, Minn. — Two suspects were arrested Thursday afternoon on suspicion of aiding and abetting second-degree murder in the death of a Makinen man. FOX21 cannot name the suspects at this time because they have not been formally charged. St. Louis County Sheriff’s Office investigators and special agents with the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension arrested a 53-year-old man and…

Lake Superior College to Resume On-Campus Courses for Fall

DULUTH, Minn. – Lake Superior College announced on Thursday that it will be resuming on-campus classes for the fall semester. LSC says they will continue online, blend/hybrid courses, and on-campus courses this upcoming fall semester which will begin on August 24. “Schools within the Minnesota State system, including LSC, were officially informed on Tuesday that we can resume on-campus courses…

Updated COVID-19 Numbers: Thursday, June 11

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Minnesota health officials reported 29,316 confirmed COVID-19 cases in the state Thursday morning and 13 new deaths bringing the death total to 1,249 in Minnesota. According to the Minnesota Department of Health website, 381,841 tests have been completed to date. There are 24,870 patients who no longer require isolation. So far, 3,522 patients have required hospitalization…

Black Bear Casino Resort Reopening Next Week

CARLTON, Minn. – Black Bear Casino Resort announced Thursday that it will be reopening next week. According to Black Bear’s website, they will be re-opening at 10:00 a.m. Monday, June 15. During Phase 1 of reopening the new hours of operation will be 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 a.m. every day. Some changes that have been implemented for reopening include new…

Minnesota Protesters Pull Down Columbus Statue at Capitol

(Leila Navidi/Star Tribune via AP) ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) — Protesters in Minnesota on Wednesday pulled down a statue of Christopher Columbus outside the state Capitol amid continuing anger over the death of George Floyd. The protesters threw a rope around the 10-foot bronze statue Wednesday afternoon and pulled it off its stone pedestal. The protesters, including Dakota and Ojibwe…

Duluth Police Chief Releases Video Of Recent Use-Of-Force Arrest

"The force used in this incident is consistent with the Duluth Police Department’s policies and training."

DULUTH, Minn. – Duluth Police Chief Mike Tusken is addressing a use-of-force arrest that was captured on video Tuesday and shared on social media. The 28-year-old suspect in the video was wanted on felony warrants for domestic assault in Cloquet and Carlton County. Chief Tusken says officers approached the man and asked him to stop before he ran from police….

Fond-du-Luth to Reopen Next Week

DULUTH, Minn. – Fond-du-Luth Casino announced Wednesday that they will be reopening next week. The casino said in a recent press release that they will open their doors once again at 10:00 a.m. on Monday, June 15. Face masks will be made available to guests on opening day while supplies last. Casino staff says some temporary adjustments have been made…

Mall of America Reopens After Nearly 3 Months of Being Shut Down

BLOOMINGTON, Minn. (AP) — The Mall of America was back in business on Wednesday, nearly three months after the Minnesota tourist attraction shut down because of the coronavirus. About 150 of the 500 stores in the Minneapolis suburb of Bloomington reopened their doors to a new shopping experience that included signs encouraging social distancing, reduced seating, touchless hand sanitizer stations,…

Itasca County Board Approves Plan for new Jail

ITASCA COUNTY, Minn. – On Tuesday, the Itasca County Board approved in a 3-2 vote one of the plans for a new jail facility. According to the Itasca County Sheriff, the plan calls for taking over three downtown Grand Rapids businesses for expansion which include North Print, Northland Flooring, and Vanity Cleaners. Earlier this year a special jail task force…

Updated COVID-19 Numbers: Wednesday, June 10

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Minnesota health officials reported 28,869 confirmed COVID-19 cases in the state Wednesday morning and 19 new deaths bringing the death total to 1,236 in Minnesota. According to the Minnesota Department of Health website, 369,795 tests have been completed to date. There are 24,675 patients who no longer require isolation. So far, 3,482 patients have required hospitalization…

Minneapolis Police Chief Announces Withdrawal From Contract Negotiations With Police Union

MINNEAPOLIS (FOX 9) – Minneapolis Police Chief Medaria Arradondo announced Wednesday he is withdrawing from contract negotiations on the unfinished contract with the police union and restarting an effort to identify troubled officers through early warning signs. The chief held a news conference Wednesday morning to discuss structural and policy changes he is planning for the police department in the wake of the death…

Lake Superior Zoo Plans ‘A Walk on the Wild Side’ Reopening

Indoor Exhibits Will Remain Closed as the Zoo Takes a Phased Approach to Reopening

DULUTH, Minn. – Under the latest phase of Minnesota’s ‘Stay Safe’ executive order, many public facilitates are allowed to reopen with health restrictions in place. On the list to reopen is the Lake Superior Zoo. Staff is breathing a sigh of relief after losing roughly $500,000 in earned revenue since being forced to close doors almost three months ago. Before…

Duluth YMCA to Reopen Next Week

DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth Area Family YMCA announced Wednesday that they will be reopening the facility next week. According to a recent press release, the YMCA will open for members on June 15. “While many of the things you love about the Y will be the same, you will notice some changes as well,” said Duluth Area Family YMCA…

St. Louis Co. Commissioner Nelson Exited Moment of Silence For George Floyd Because He Felt Sick, He Says

Vice Chair Beth Olson: “He had other chances to speak to this issue and to express his support and express his respect for Mr. Floyd's life. He did not take those opportunities.”

VIRGINIA, Minn. – Gov. Tm Walz issued a proclamation for George Floyd Tuesday morning calling on Minnesotans to observe a moment of silence at the start of Floyd’s funeral for 8 minutes and 46 seconds, which is the amount of time a Minneapolis police officer was filmed with his knee to Floyd’s neck before he died. One example of this…

Verso Corporations Shutting Down Operations At Duluth Paper Mill

The pandemic has caused many industries to move to a digital platform creating a big drop in demand for paper.

DULUTH, Minn. – One of the leading producers in the paper industry is falling victim to the financial strains of the Covid-19 Pandemic. Ohio-based Verso Corporation announced it is stopping production at its mills in both Duluth and Wisconsin Rapids, indefinitely. Verso Corporation’s decision to cease production in both Duluth and Wisconsin Rapids is due to the growing decline in…

Bridgman’s Restaurant Adds A New Patio

The new patio is expected to open within a week.

DULUTH, Minn. – Bridgeman’s in Duluth is adding a new feature to its restaurant, just in time for summer. Coming soon, the popular restaurant will have a brand new patio. It will give customers a chance to take part in outdoor dining or have a quick sit down to enjoy some of Bridgeman’s delicious ice cream. Adding a patio was…

Skyline Lanes Prepares for Re-Opening

Skyline lanes will re-open tomorrow at 11 a.m.

HERMANTOWN, Minn. – Skyline Lanes is ready to re-open after over 70 days of being shut down. Customers will soon be back in the newly renovated facility, but there have been some big changes made to ensure the safety of all customers. Bowling will now be every other lane, and the arcade will now have games separated to ensure six…

FDL Band Member Tests Positive for COVID-19

CLOQUET, Minn. – Minnesota health officials announced on Tuesday that a Fond du Lac Band member has tested positive for COVID-19. The Fond du Lac Human Services Division says they were notified late afternoon on Monday and that the member lives at Mino-Bimaadizi Waakaa’igan in Minneapolis. The Minnesota Department of Health says they will be working with the Human Services…

Updated COVID-19 Numbers: Tuesday, June 9

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Minnesota health officials reported 28,523 confirmed COVID-19 cases in the state Tuesday morning and 20 new deaths bringing the death total to 1,217 in Minnesota. According to the Minnesota Department of Health website, 360,991 tests have been completed to date. There are 24,221 patients who no longer require isolation. So far, 3,441 patients have required hospitalization…

Verso to Idle Duluth Paper Mill, Cites Market Decline

DULUTH, Minn. – The Verso Corporation today announced that it is taking immediate actions to offset unprecedented market decline due to the COVID-19 pandemic and to reposition the company for future success. Verso will indefinitely idle paper mills in Duluth and Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin. At this time, the company will explore viable and sustainable alternatives for both mills, including restarting if market…

Terese Tomanek To Serve Remainder Of Barb Russ’ Duluth City Council Seat

DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth City Council voted Monday on who will serve the remainder of Barb Russ’ at-large council seat after she recently resigned for health reasons. In a unanimous vote, councilors chose Terese Tomanek. Tomanek lives in the Congdon neighborhood and works as an on-call chaplain at Essentia Health. Some of Tomanek’s top priorities include a focus on…

Spirit Bay Trading Company Shutting Its Doors After More Than 20 Years

"I guess I'm getting up there where I want to spend time just to enjoy life," said Owner Terry Smith.

DULUTH, Minn. – The growing number of business owners choosing not to reopen as the pandemic is becoming more of a reality in the Northland. Spirit Bay Trading Company in Duluth is shutting its doors. For nearly a quarter of a century, Spirit Bay has been one of the only retail businesses in Duluth specializing in spreading the Native American…

Pier B Expands For A More Fun-filled Experience

"We just added another amenity. It's just another reason to stay in Duluth and at Pier B," said General Manager Jon Driscoll."

DULUTH, Minn. – Pier B Resort Hotel in Duluth is expanding to help give guests a more fun-filled experience during their stay. Pier B has now added a new sports court. The 5,00 square foot space will offer guests the chance to take part in activities such as corn hole or pickleball. The space also offers a courtside bar and…

Bond Raised to $1M for Officer Charged in Floyd’s Death

UPDATE: (Fox 9) – The judge set Chauvin’s bail at $1.25 million with no conditions and $1 million with conditions that include no police or law enforcement work, no firearms, and no contact with Floyd’s family. MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — A judge on Monday set $1 million bail for an ex-Minneapolis police officer charged with second-degree murder in George Floyd’s death….

Authorities: Tree Intentionally Cut to Block Traffic to Cook County

COOK COUNTY, Minn. – The Cook County Sheriff’s Office believes someone intentionally cut down a tree to block both lanes of traffic on Highway 61. According to a recent post on the Cook County Sheriff’s Office Facebook page, deputies responded to reports of a large tree blocking the highway around 1:52 a.m. Monday. The Sheriff’s Office believes the tree was…

Updated COVID-19 Numbers: Monday, June 8

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Minnesota health officials reported 28,224 confirmed COVID-19 cases in the state Monday morning and 11 new deaths bringing the death total to 1,197 in Minnesota. According to the Minnesota Department of Health website, 354,226 tests have been completed to date. There are 23,657 patients who no longer require isolation. So far, 3,401 patients have required hospitalization…

‘Taste of Duluth’ Event Postponed

DULUTH, Minn. – The ‘Taste of Duluth’ event has been postponed, according to a recent press release from event organizers. In a joint statement, Tracy Lundeen of Lundeen Productions and Walt Aplin of Twin Ports Entertainment said, “This decision has been made due to the Governors continuing restrictions being placed on large gatherings due to COVID-19.” The event was originally…

Officer Charged in Floyd’s Death has 1st Court Appearance

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — The former Minneapolis police officer charged with second-degree murder in George Floyd’s death is scheduled to make his first court appearance Monday. Derek Chauvin, 44, is charged with third-degree murder and second-degree manslaughter in Floyd’s May 25 death. Floyd, a handcuffed black man, died after the white police officer pressed his knee into his neck for several minutes…

Defunding the Minneapolis Police Department Would Likely Require Public Vote

MINNEAPOLIS (FOX 9) – Sunday, nine Minneapolis City Councilmembers joined a call for the city to defund and dismantle the Minneapolis Police Department. Speaking during a rally, which was hosted by two groups that promote community-led policing, nine councilmembers put their backing behind the major change that has been pushed in the days following the death of George Floyd while in the…

Amble For Anders: A Fundraiser Aiming To Continue Boy’s Journey

"He actually spends a lot of time making us feel better just because of his nature of being happy and positive in finding the good in things."

DULUTH, Minn. – At 12-years-old…. “I’ve been in the school spelling Bee every year since fourth Grade.” In a way, Anders Breidenbach has experienced more than most Adults have in their lifetimes. “He was diagnosed at age nine months and through treatment until he was two,” Anders Mother, Gini Breidenbach says. And after that diagnosis of a rare form of…

Duluth Rip Current Warning in Effect until 10 a.m. Monday

  DULUTH, Minn. — The Duluth Fire Department issued a rip current warning on Sunday, meaning it is too dangerous for swimming. The warning will expire at 10 a.m. tomorrow unless dangerous conditions continue. The warning is in place because of strong wind and wave conditions. Getting caught in a rip current can be deadly for even strong swimmers, and…

Events Remembering Clayton, Jackson, and McGhie Moved Partially Online

DULUTH, Minn. — The organization that educates the community about the Isaac McGhie, Elmer Jackson and Elias Clayton Memorial in Duluth has announced that the 100-year commemoration of the wrongful lynchings of the three men will be moved partially online because of the pandemic. The organization said that the original plan included hosting 10,000 people on June 15th of this…

OMC Smokehouse Expanding into Next-Door Noble Pour; Now Called ‘OMC Whiskey Bar’

A hole in the wall now connects the restaurant to the bar, increasing seating.

DULUTH, Minn.- Governor Walz announcing that bars, restaurants and other business can open at 50% capacity Wednesday is a relief for many restaurant owners. But for one in Lincoln Park, that meant scrapping a newly opened business to give new life to an existing favorite. “We’re kind of calling an audible on every play that we’ve made in the last…