Minnesota

Nursing Homes Can Designate ‘Essential Caregivers’ to Visit

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Minnesotans will be allowed to visit family members in senior living centers under new guidance Friday from state health officials that loosen restrictions in place for months due to the coronavirus pandemic. The Minnesota Department of Health said long-term care facilities will be able to designate family members or others as essential caregivers for residents of such…

Duluth Police Searching for Assault Suspect

UPDATE: Duluth Police say the suspect has been identified. DULUTH, Minn. – Duluth Police say they are searching for a suspect in connection to a Friday morning assault on the Traverse Trail. Authorities say officers responded to the 300 block of 84th Avenue West around 8:00 a.m. on reports of a 65-year-old woman who was assaulted on the trail. Officers…

Updated COVID-19 Numbers: Friday, July 10

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Minnesota health officials reported 40,767 confirmed COVID-19 cases in the state Friday morning and 5 new deaths bringing the death total to 1,495 in Minnesota. According to the Minnesota Department of Health website, 725,825 tests have been completed to date. There are 35,442 patients who no longer require isolation. So far, 4,329 patients have required hospitalization…

Portion of Michigan Street to Close Friday

DULUTH, Minn. -A section of Michigan Street at 2nd Avenue West will be closed for critical utility tie-in work. The work will be done on the water main. The closure will start at 7 p.m. Crews will work for a full 24 hours and reopen the street on Saturday, July 11th. Categories: Business, Community, Minnesota, News Tags: closures, duluth, traffic

‘Tavern On The Hill’ Voluntarily Closes After Employee Tests Positive for COVID-19

DULUTH, Minn. – Another establishment in the Twin Ports has voluntarily closed temporarily for a deep cleaning over COVID-19 concerns. Tavern on the Hill announced Thursday that an employee tested positive for the virus after being in a social setting outside of the restaurant. The employee worked between June 30 and July 2. Management said the worker showed no symptoms…

Hills Youth And Family Services Is In Need Of Masks

The group is hoping for a donation of 100 masks.

DULUTH, Minn. – Hills Youth and Family Services in Duluth is looking for the community’s help. The organization is still in need of masks to give to the children they serve. Hills Youth is hoping to receive a donation of at least 100 of the protective wear. Each one will go to protect children and their families visiting the Neighborhood…

Sen. Simonson Previews Upcoming Special Legislative Session

Bonding bill among proposals state lawmakers could vote on

DULUTH, Minn. – Minnesota lawmakers will return for another special legislative session starting on Monday, June 13. Sen. Erik Simonson (DFL-Duluth) tells us one likely focus of the session will be on a state bonding bill. The proposed bill includes millions of dollars in funding for Duluth seawall reconstruction, renovations at the Duluth Depot, and many other projects across the…

Itasca County Healthcare Providers Encourage Wearing Face Masks in Public

Itasca County has 68 confirmed COVID-19 cases and 12 deaths

ITASCA COUNTY, Minn. – Healthcare providers are encouraging everybody to wear face masks in public to help limit the spread of the coronavirus. According to Dr. Dan Soular, a primary care physician at Grand Itasca Clinic and Hospital in Grand Rapids, masks allow air to flow through them and stop viruses from passing out of a person’s mouth and nose…

Judge Issues Gag Order in Cases Against 4 Former Minneapolis Police Officers

(Hennepin County Sheriff’s Office via AP) MINNEAPOLIS (FOX 9) – A Hennepin County judge presiding over the cases against the four former Minneapolis police officers charged in the killing of George Floyd has issued a gag order after at least two of the attorneys talked to the media Wednesday. The order comes weeks after Judge Peter Cahill warned the attorneys and those connected to…

Updated COVID-19 Numbers: Thursday, July 9

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Minnesota health officials reported 40,163 confirmed COVID-19 cases in the state Thursday morning and 5 new deaths bringing the death total to 1,490 in Minnesota. According to the Minnesota Department of Health website, 705,440 tests have been completed to date. There are 35,193 patients who no longer require isolation. So far, 4,305 patients have required hospitalization…

Split Rock Lighthouse to Reopen Next Week

TWO HARBORS, Minn. – Split Rock Lighthouse announced Wednesday that they plan to reopen next week. According to the Split Rock website, beginning July 15 all tours of the grounds will be self-guided with staff members available to share information and answer questions. Due to social distancing concerns, the interior of the lighthouse and the Keeper’s House will remain temporarily…

Tornado in Western Minnesota Leaves One Dead, Several Structures Flattened

The Tornado Struck at 5:30 p.m. Wednesday Near Dalton, Minnesota

DALTON, Minn. (AP) – Authorities say a powerful tornado damaged farms and left one person dead in western Minnesota as severe storms moved across parts of the Midwest. The National Weather Service says the tornado struck at 5:30 p.m. Wednesday near Dalton. Three farmsteads were hit, and one of those farmhouses was flattened. Otter Tail County says two people were…

Dance Competition to be First Event at DECC Since Start of Pandemic

While DECC is excited to open back up, the dance community is excited that they might be getting platforms to perform again.

DULUTH, Minn.- For the first time since March, the DECC in Duluth will play host to an event once again this weekend. The event is called the Ovation Dance Challenge, and capacity will be limited at the state guidelines of 250 people, with only family of the dancers allowed inside, and a livestream provided for anyone else who wants to…

Endion Station Inn Seeing Steady Business

Since it opened the inn has encountered both a pandemic, and now construction resuming on the Lakewalk.

DULUTH, Minn. – Earlier this year, the historic Endion Station in Canal Park transitioned into a new boutique hotel. Since it opened the inn has encountered both a pandemic, and now construction resuming on the Lakewalk. Despite these obstacles, Owner Rod Raymond says his business is doing fine and has some words of wisdom for anyone who has to drastically…

William A. Irvin to Resume Onboard Tours for 2020 Season

DULUTH, Minn. – Officials with the Duluth Entertainment Convention Center announced Wednesday afternoon that the William A. Irvin will resume onboard tours on Friday. Station to station tours will continue every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. through September. This marks the first time since 2017 that onboard tours have been conducted after the ship was…

CHUM Holds Annual Backpack Drive

Since 2006, CHUM has provided more than 10,000 backpacks to students in need.

DULUTH, Min. – CHUM is once again partnering with Duluth Public Schools for their annual backpack drive. Since 2006, CHUM has provided more than 10,000 backpacks to students in need. This year the goal is to give away about 1,00 bags filled with school supplies, which will go to students in kindergarten through 12th grade. The upcoming academic year could…

One Former Officer Charged in George Floyd Death Seeks Case Dismissal

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — An attorney for one of four Minneapolis police officers charged in the death of George Floyd is asking to have his client’s case dismissed, saying there isn’t probable cause to charge him based on all of the evidence in the case and the law. In court filings made public Wednesday, Thomas Lane’s attorney, Earl Gray, painted an…

Updated COVID-19 Numbers: Wednesday, July 8

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Minnesota health officials reported 39,589 confirmed COVID-19 cases in the state Wednesday morning and 8 new deaths bringing the death total to 1,485 in Minnesota. According to the Minnesota Department of Health website, 692,970 tests have been completed to date. There are 34,902 patients who no longer require isolation. So far, 4,272 patients have required hospitalization…

University of Minnesota to Help International Students Comply With ICE Directive

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — The University of Minnesota is reviewing its fall semester plans to make sure that international students aren’t forced to leave the country under new guidance from federal immigration authorities. The guidelines Monday from the U.S. Immigration and Customers Enforcement say international students must leave the U.S. or transfer to another college if their schools plan to offer classes…

3 Great Lakes Ships Go Idle Amid Pandemic, Dozens of Jobs Lost in Duluth

DULUTH, Minn. – Nearly 100 shipping workers have been laid off in Duluth as the pandemic forces three Great Lakes ships to go idle for the rest of the season. According to the Star Tribune, the 94 employees out of a job are from Duluth-based Key Lakes. Some shipboard employees could return to work later this year. A company spokesperson…

Duluth Bars Extra Cautious as Gov. Walz Threatens Statewide Bar Shutdown

Bar owners in Duluth say a second closure could prove disastrous.

DULUTH, Minn.- As COVID-19 cases grow nationwide, many states are already turning back to restrictions on business. Now states like Minnesota may be considering the same, as Governor Tim Walz warns that mass gatherings without masks in bars will cause numbers to rise faster. “The bars right now are not safe,” said the Governor at a press conference last week,…

Covid-19 Cases Spike in St. Louis County

More than half of the 15 people that tested positive are under the age of 30.

DULUTH, Minn. – 15 more people have tested positive for Covid-19 in St. Louis County. Officials are reporting this is the largest single-day increase, so far, in the county. St. Louis County officials say it is not surprising to see a jump in Covid-19 cases, but it is also not good news for a potential end to the pandemic. The…

DLH Airport Sets Safety Plan As Passenger Numbers Go Up

DULUTH, Minn. – More people are choosing to fly this summer as the pandemic continues. Officials from the Duluth International Airport say the number of passengers traveling through is on the rise. Due to the increase in passengers, the airport is now implementing a plan to protect everyone. That plan includes requiring all employees to wear masks and the continuous…

Chester Bowl Summer Camp Opens

DULUTH, Minn. – Chester Bowl welcomed nearly fifty kids back to summer camp this week. With the Covid-19 crisis continuing to create health concerns, this year’s summer camp program looks a little different. Campers are split up into three groups to minimize the risk of spreading the virus throughout the entire camp. When indoors everyone is required to wear masks….

City of Duluth, St. Louis County to Consider $2 Million in Tax Abatements for Proposed Costco Store

DULUTH, Minn. – Costco may move forward with a new store in Duluth if the retailer gets tax abatement money from local government. This news comes after the international chain had ended a previous agreement to build a store at the same site because of high project bids. The site, located at the intersection of West Arrowhead Road and Haines Road,…

Duluth Police: Suspect Arrested in Connection to Tuesday Hit-and-Run Incident

DULUTH, Minn. – Duluth Police say they have located and arrested a suspect in connection to a Tuesday hit-and-run incident. Authorities say police were dispatched to the 200 Block of West 4th Street around 11:17 a.m. on reports of an assault. While responding to the call police learned that one of the individuals involved in the assault had run over…

DECC to Hold First Event Since March

DULUTH, Minn. –  The Duluth Entertainment Convention Center announced on Tuesday that it will have its first event since March due to COVID-19 concerns. The Ovation Dance Challenge event will be a live-streamed dance competition from Symphony Hall July 10-11. “This is exciting news as it is the first event to take place since Manions held its Wholesale Spring Buying…

Minnesota Headed for Another Special Session Next Week

(AP Photo/Steve Karnowski) ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) — Gov. Tim Walz is prepared to call Minnesota lawmakers into a special session that would begin Monday. The session is triggered by an extension of the peacetime authority that Walz has used to manage the coronavirus in Minnesota, Minnesota Public Radio News reported. The first special session this summer came soon after the…

Level 3 Predatory Offender to be Released in Duluth

DULUTH, Minn. – Authorities say a level 3 predatory offender will be released on Monday and plans to reside in the vicinity of Mesaba Avenue and West 1st Street in Duluth. According to police, David Michael Schmidt, 46, has a history of possessing child pornography and has also engaged in sexual contact with a known male teenager. Schmidt is described…

City: Infrastructure Improvements Needed at Proposed Duluth Costco Site to Continue Project

DULUTH, Minn. – The City of Duluth says public infrastructure improvements are needed at the proposed site for the Costco Wholesale development project for the project to move forward. According to recent documents submitted to the St. Louis County Board, the City of Duluth has “requested to establish a public hearing for input on proposed tax abatement financing for the…

Updated COVID-19 Numbers: Tuesday, July 7

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Minnesota health officials reported 39,133 confirmed COVID-19 cases in the state Tuesday morning and 3 new deaths bringing the death total to 1,477 in Minnesota. According to the Minnesota Department of Health website, 685,247 tests have been completed to date. There are 34,377 patients who no longer require isolation. So far, 4,252 patients have required hospitalization…

Monetary Donations Matched to Feed Hungry in Duluth Throughout July

Monetary Donations Can Be Made in Person or By Mail at the Duluth Salvation Army, 215 South 27th Avenue West

DULUTH, Minn. – Monetary donations to the Duluth Salvation Army will go much further throughout the month of July thanks to a generous partnership. Thanks to a match of up to $5,000 from Open Your Heart to the Hungry and Homeless, the more you donate this month, the bigger impact you’ll have on those facing hunger in the community. “There…

Sailboat Heavily Damaged in Fire at Duluth Marina

DULUTH, Minn. – A sailboat caught fire in a Duluth marina Monday afternoon causing an estimated $40,000 damage, according to the Duluth Fire Department. The incident happened around 4:15 p.m. Monday at the Harbor Cove Marina. Fire crews arriving first on the scene found a 40-foot sailboat tied to the dock with heavy smoke and flames coming from the boat….

Blatnik Bridge Maintenance Begins

Motorists can expect delays with lane closures and speed reductions while on the bridge during this work. 

DULUTH, Minn. – Routine inspections of the Blatnik Bridge began on Monday morning. MNDot workers plan to do these inspections every Monday-Thursday from 9 a.m. until 3:30 p.m. for the next few weeks. Crews are checking to make sure the structural integrity of the bridge is intact. Motorists can expect delays with lane closures and speed reductions while on the…

Updated COVID-19 Numbers: Monday, July 6

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Minnesota health officials reported 38,569 confirmed COVID-19 cases in the state Monday morning and 3 new deaths bringing the death total to 1,474 in Minnesota. According to the Minnesota Department of Health website, 679,693 tests have been completed to date. There are 33,907 patients who no longer require isolation. So far, 4,219 patients have required hospitalization…

Third Minneapolis Police Officer Charged in Death of George Floyd Released on Bail

MINNESOTA (A.P.)- A former Minneapolis police officer charged in the death of George Floyd has been released from jail. The Minneapolis Star-Tribune reports that Tou Thao posted $750,000 bond on Saturday. All four officers on the scene of Floyd’s death have been fired and face criminal charges. Thao is scheduled to appear in court on September 11 on charges of…

Minnesota Senator Investigated by State Board Over COVID-19 Comments

(Scott Jensen/Facebook) ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) — State Sen. Scott Jensen said he’s being investigated by the Minnesota State Board of Medical Practice for some public comments he made as a doctor about the coronavirus. In a video released Sunday, the Chaska Republican said the investigation related to his earlier criticism of the Minnesota Department of Health for following federal…

Great Harvest Bread Co. Closes After Employee Tests Positive for Coronavirus

DULUTH, Minn. – Great Harvest Bread Co. in Duluth says they are temporarily closing after one of their employees tested positive for COVID-19. The bakery announced in a Facebook post on Monday that an employee tested positive for coronavirus over the weekend and was able to confirm that they contracted the virus from a social gathering outside of work. Great…

Update: Three People Rescued From Burning House in Virginia

VIRGINIA, Minn. — Two adults and a toddler were rescued from a house fire by a Virginia police officer on Sunday, according to the Virginia Fire Department. Firefighters received a call about a house fire on the 700-block of 11th Street North shortly before 11:30 a.m. Before firefighters arrived, a Virginia police officer grabbed a neighbor’s ladder and climbed up…

Fatal ATV Crash in Holyoke Township

HOLYOKE TOWNSHIP, Minn. — A 48-year-old man died on Saturday after an ATV accident, according to a press release from the Carlton County Sheriff’s Office. Authorities received a call around 8:30 p.m. that an ATV had crashed in the Holyoke Township off of Golf Course Road. The Carlton County Sheriff’s Office said it appeared that the man was going downhill…

Experts Share Tips on Keeping Family, Pets Safe in Intense Summer Heat

Duluth Fire Officials and experts from Animal Allies weigh in on keeping pets and people hydrated and protected.

DULUTH, Minn.- Summer heat doesn’t last long in the Northland. While you enjoy it for the short time it’s here, experts say it’s important to do so safely. The first few weeks of summer have been scorchers in the Northland, with temperatures this past week reaching 90 degrees for the first time since August 2018 and temps nearing 90 Fourth…

Duluth Police Chief: Several Fourth of July Incidents Involving Guns

DULUTH, Minn. — Duluth police responded to three incidents involving guns on the Fourth of July, according to Chief Mike Tusken. In one incident, police responded to shots fired in Lincoln Park. Officers found the address where it happened, and negotiated with the suspect to surrender for over an hour. They took the suspect into custody, and also executed a…

Wildfires in Superior National Forest, BWCA on Fourth of July

MINNESOTA — According to the U.S. Fire Service, multiple wildfires burned in the Superior National Forest and BWCA on the Fourth of July. In the Superior National Forest, four wildfires were reported in the west area. Three wildfires were reported in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness within St. Louis County, as well as another fire outside of the Boundary…