Minnesota

Spirit Mountain Will Not Reopen Until Fall

DULUTH, Minn. – Spirit Mountain announced Wednesday that they will be postponing their reopening until fall due to their current financial situation. Spirit Mountain officials say the only way to open back up this winter is if the cash-strapped city of Duluth hands over $350,000 before winter revenue at the Mountain starts rolling in again. This information comes from a…

Updated COVID-19 Numbers: Wednesday, May 20

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Minnesota health officials reported 17,670 confirmed COVID-19 cases in the state Wednesday morning and 29 new deaths bringing the death total to 777 in Minnesota. According to the Minnesota Department of Health website, 167,338 tests have been completed to date. There are 12,227 patients who no longer require isolation. So far, 2,308 patients have required hospitalization…

2020 All Pints North Festival Canceled

The Minnesota Craft Brewers Guild Board of Directors Released the Details Wednesday Morning

DULUTH, Minn. – Wednesday morning the Minnesota Craft Brewers Guild (MNCBG) Board of Directors announced the difficult decision to cancel the 2020 All Pints North Festival scheduled for August 1, 2020, at Bayfront Festival Park in Duluth. The decision comes amid many other summer cancellations due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. “The health and safety of craft beer fans, brewery…

Experience Shearing Day at Frosty Ridge Alpaca Farm

Frosty Ridge Alpacas Will Soon Be Open to the Public for Free Farm Tours

DULUTH, Minn. – Can you imagine shearing more than 50 alpaca all in a matter of six hours? It happened Tuesday morning at Frosty Ridge Alpaca Farm located along Maple Grove Road in Duluth. “Believe it or not we sell more socks in the winter than the summer,” said Loni Blumerich, owner of Frosty Ridge Alpaca Farm. The process only…

Duluth Airshow Canceled Due to COVID-19 Concerns

DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth Airshow scheduled for July 2020 has been canceled. The announcement was made Wednesday morning citing the COVID-19 pandemic as the reason for the cancelation. Duluth Airshow President Ryan Kern said, “The Duluth Airshow routinely draws upwards of 50,000 spectators over the weekend from across the Midwest.  The Airshow places a high priority on the safety…

Eveleth Bar Owner: ‘June 1st is Really the End of the Wire’

Owners of bars, restaurants, and other businesses met in Eveleth to discuss opening strategies, and share frustrations with the state's handling of things.

EVELETH, Minn.- Businesses across Minnesota are anxiously awaiting the Governor’s announcement Wednesday authorizing them to open June 1st, including up on the range in the small town of Eveleth that has a population of 3,596. “Walz opening up on the first at a capacity of 25%? That’s. Not. Enough,” said one business owner. Bar and restaurant owners in Eveleth said…

Spirit Mountain Could Stay Closed Through Summer; More Cash Needed To Reopen In Winter

DULUTH, Minn. – The financially strapped Spirit Mountain could very well remain closed through the summer because of the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.  And Spirit Mountain officials say the only way to open back up this winter is if the cash-strapped city of Duluth hands over $350,000 before winter revenue at the Mountain starts rolling in again. This information…

Stella Maris Academy Hosts Mini-Pilgrimage

Duluth catholic schools offer socially-distanced religious experience

DULUTH, Minn. – Churches across the Northland haven’t gathered for traditional services since the shutdown began. Religious schools have also been shut down during the COVID-19 pandemic. A May Crowning traditionally happens as part of a catholic church service during the month of May in honor of the Virgin Mary. Because in-person services are not allowed right now, Duluth’s Stella…

A New Voucher Program Is Helping To Give Restaurants A Financial Boost

Vouchers can be used at any of the 40 participating restaurants. They expire on August 31st.

DULUTH, Minn. – Restaurants in the Northland are still feeling financial setbacks from the Coronavirus Pandemic. That’s why a new voucher program has now launched to help boost the local economy as businesses are still trying to rebuild operations, while they wait to reopen indoor dining to the public. Strong Northland is a collaborative effort to help economically restore local…

Miller Hill Mall Businesses React to Reopening

The Miller Hill Mall opened back up on Monday after being shut down for over two months. 

DULUTH, Minn.-The Miller Hill Mall opened back up on Monday after being shut down for over two months. “It was kind of sporadic. I think a lot of people were kind of seeing what’s open, who’s here and what’s going on,” Apricot Lane Duluth Owner, Wendy Meyers says. For local businesses like Apricot Lane Duluth, it was a breath of…

Suspect Arrested in Connection to Grand Rapids Shooting

GRAND RAPIDS, Minn. – Grand Rapids Police say a 36-year-old male suspect has been arrested in connection to the shooting of a Grand Rapids woman on May 8. According to police, the suspect was arrested around 9:50 p.m. on Highway 57 just south of Floodwood on Monday. Police reports indicate that the male suspect allegedly shot the 22-year-old woman in…

Walz to Announce ‘Phased Plans’ for Reopening Bars, Restaurants Wednesday

ST. PAUL, Minn. (FOX 9) – The Walz administration will announce “phased plans” for reopening bars, restaurants, and other places of accommodation Wednesday, the state’s economic development commissioner said. Commissioner Steve Grove said in a tweet that state officials would use key public health factors as guideposts for reopening decisions, including: How close you are to another person  How long you are in close proximity to…

Canada, US Extend Border Closure to Non-Essential Travel

(AP Photo/Toby Talbot, File) TORONTO (AP) — Canada and the US have agreed to extend their agreement to keep the border closed to non-essential travel to June 21 during the coronavirus pandemic. Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said Tuesday the border is a source of vulnerability, so the agreement will be extended by another 30 days. The restrictions were announced…

Updated COVID-19 Numbers: Tuesday, May 19

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Minnesota health officials reported 17,029 confirmed COVID-19 cases in the state Tuesday morning and 17 new deaths bringing the death total to 748 in Minnesota. According to the Minnesota Department of Health website, 161,835 tests have been completed to date. There are 11,540 patients who no longer require isolation. So far, 2,221 patients have required hospitalization…

Judge Blocks Minnesota Bar From Reopening; Other Rules Ease

(Brian Peterson/Star Tribune via AP) MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — A judge blocked a Minnesota tavern owner from reopening his chain of six establishments Monday in violation of a state order that bars and restaurants must remain closed to sit-down customers for now to slow the spread of the coronavirus. Stearns County Judge William Cashman issued the temporary restraining order at the…

Boating Businesses Ready to Set Sail with Modifications for Safety

Vista Star and Pontoons out of Pier B are changing their operations to ensure passengers have a safe nautical experience.

DULUTH, Minn.- As summer gets closer, Duluth begins to shine as a waterfront destination again. After looking at summer with uncertainty, boating rental and tour services are excited to say they can provide people that gateway to the big blue lake. The Vista Fleet is missing the big Memorial Day opening, but owner Justin Steinbach expects to be open by…

Skywalk Re-Opens after Two-Month Closure, Businesses Hope for Foot Traffic Again

Frame Corner and Gallery looks to recover as long as people come in to shop.

DULUTH, Minn.- Downtown Duluth is reconnected once again with the Skywalk back open after a two-month closure due to COVID-19. The Skywalk was noticibly emptier than usual, but that didn’t stop businesses from swinging their doors open. Frame Corner and Gallery in the Holiday Center has been selling custom frames through curbside pickup but owner Sara Sarvella said she’s looking…

Lakewood Elementary Teachers, Staff Say ‘Thank You’ Before Summer Vibes Sink In

Teachers, Staff Organize Drive-By Parade to Wish Students Well as the School Year Comes to a Close

DULUTH, Minn. – Hundreds of smiling faces drove past Lakewood Elementary School in Duluth Monday. The teachers and staff recently coming up with an idea to safely see their students and say ‘thank you’ for a great year even though it didn’t get to end as planned. “I miss my teachers all I can,” said Wyatt, a first-grade student at…

Organization Starts Campaign To Recognize Duluth Educators

The community is encouraged to recognize educators using the hashtag #Applause4DuluthTeachers.

DULUTH, Minn. – Teachers, staff, and other educational employees have been stepping up to meet the needs of Duluth Public School children as they transitioned to distance learning. And that big change has certainly included some struggles and challenges. But the Education Equity Alliance wants to make sure all the hard work of teachers and staff doesn’t go unnoticed. The…

A Local Nursery School Is Offering A Summer Camp For School-Aged Children

The program is expected to begin this Wednesday and will run through the end of the summer.

DULUTH, Minn. – Many summer camps around the Northland are already choosing not open for the season to prevent the potential spread of the coronavirus. Fortunately, University Nursery School isn’t one of them canceling summer programming. University Nursery School’s location, in the Harbor Highlands community, has been transformed to offer a full-time summer program. It can accommodate up to 30…

Suspects in Hibbing Shot Fired Incident Formally Charged

HIBBING, Minn. – Two men arrested last week in connection to a shot fired incident in Hibbing have been formally charged. One of the suspects, Nicholas Ray Champa, 22, has been charged with second-degree felony assault, felon in possession of a firearm, receiving stolen property, and intentionally pointing a gun at another. The other suspect, Levi Jean Jacobson, 24, has…

Grand Casino Announces Phased Approach to Reopening

HINCKLEY, Minn. – Grand Casino announced on Monday that while they have not yet set a date for their reopening, they have developed a health and safety plan so they can open as safely as possible. Grand Casino says guests will notice several procedural and physical changes due to a multi-phase reopening strategy they are implementing. “We looked at every…

Updated COVID-19 Numbers: Monday, May 18

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Minnesota health officials reported 16,372 confirmed COVID-19 cases in the state Monday morning and 9 new deaths bringing the death total to 731 in Minnesota. According to the Minnesota Department of Health website, 156,606 tests have been completed to date. There are 10,764 patients who no longer require isolation. So far, 2,128 patients have required hospitalization…

Miller Hill Mall Reopens

DULUTH, Minn. – Miller Hill Mall announced Monday morning that they are reopening. According to a recent press release, the mall will reopen today at 11:00 a.m. “The health, safety, and well-being of the community we serve will always be our highest priority, and we have developed a thorough and detailed set of protocols highlighting the exceptional measures we’ve implemented…

Session Deadline Comes Without Infrastructure Bill Passage

(AP Photo/Steve Karnowski) ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) — Minnesota lawmakers were unable to break an impasse over a major public construction borrowing package as the legislative session ground to a halt ahead of Monday’s adjournment. The bonding bill and other issues that could not be resolved by Sunday night could be addressed in a special session in June when legislators…

People Rescued After Canoe Capsized On Cloquet River

Some people had to be rescued Sunday after their canoe capsized on the Cloquet River. It happened around 3:30 p.m. in New Independence Township. The St. Louis County Sheriff’s Office says the canoe hit some rocks, got severely damaged and then capsized. The five people on board made it to shore safely. They weren’t injured. The St. Louis County Rescue…

Minnesota Power Plaza to Be Renovated This Summer

Plans include added seating, gardens, and solar lighting.

SUPERIOR, Wis.- More changes could be coming to Downtown Duluth this summer as the Allete Company is working to renovate Minnesota Power Plaza at the corner of Lake Avenue and Superior Street. Staff with Allete said the plaza will include increased accessibility including a sidewalk into Canal Park. They’re also looking to put in more seating, shading, gardens, and solar…

Portland Malt Shoppe Open for the Season

Customers say they're excited to taste summer again.

DULUTH, Minn.- A sign that summer is just around the corner–the popular Portland Malt Shoppe in Duluth re-opened Friday. People can once again stop in for sundaes, malts, and more frozen treats while walking the lakewalk by Fitger’s. “It’s nice to be able to support local businesses when we can. Just nice to be able to help out the community,”…

Duluth Police Union Caps Off Police Week With Video Featuring Paul Harvey’s “Policeman” Narration

DULUTH, Minn. – Duluth Police Local 807, the union representing the department’s officers, investigators and sergeants has started its own Facebook page to help connect with the community better by showcasing the work officers are doing on a daily basis. And just this weekend to cap off Police Week, the page featured a video featuring Paul Harvey’s “Policeman” narration.  Click…

14 Year-Old Gets Personal Birthday Parade

Traffic on Arrowhead Road honked to wish Haley a Happy Birthday.

DULUTH, Minn.- On Saturday a Duluth teenager got her own personal birthday parade to help her celebrate another milestone. Much of the traffic on Arrowhead Road honked to celebrate Haley Kovach-Hubert turning 14. The birthday girl also got a special parade organized by her family. Haley says despite not having a party, this birthday was one to remember. “I feel…

Virtual UMD Commencement Still One to Remember, Graduates Say

2300 graduated online, with video speeches and a slideshow.

DULUTH, Minn.- About 2,300 seniors graduated from UMD this year, but they’re listening to pomp and circumstance in their own homes, virtually. “Being a family of five we just try and make it as special as we can,”  said Music Education major Hunter Hamby. “We know we can’t emulate the big celebration sort of thing.” That big celebration would normally…

$2 Billion Bonding Bill Fails in Minnesota House of Representatives

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) – A $2 billion bonding measure failed in the DFL-controlled Minnesota House after Republicans said the bill was too massive to pass while the state is dealing with money woes due to the coronavirus. The long-mired public construction borrowing bill needed to meet a three-fifths margin required to pass bonding legislation that authorizes long-term debt. Saturday’s…

Zeitgeist Zinema Hosts Virtual Short Film Festival

"Twin Ports Shorts" is a collection of nearly ten short films from local filmmakers, which can all be streamed from the comfort of your home.

DULUTH, Minn – Zeitgeist Zinema in Duluth is taking the virtual route to showcase films for its annual local film festival. “Twin Ports Shorts” is a collection of nearly ten short films from local filmmakers, which can all be streamed from the comfort of your home. Genres range from dramas to thrillers to comedies. Filmmakers will also give introductions to…

Payroll Protection Loan Program Helps Small Businesses Continue To Thrive

Bremer has already approved nearly 7,000 applications from small businesses amounting to more than $1 billion.

DULUTH, Minn. – As part of the CARES Act, the Payroll Protection Loan program was developed to help small businesses keep their workforce employed during the pandemic. Minnesota-based Bremer Bank is one of many bank institutions authorized to issue those loans. Bank-wide, including branches in Duluth, Wisconsin, and North Dakota, Bremer has already approved nearly 7,000 applications from small businesses…

An Assisted Living Facility Recognizes Volunteers

Nearly 50 people usually volunteer their time at the Villa Vista Senior Living facility in Cromwell every month.

CROMWELL, Minn. – A local assisted living facility is showing their appreciation for their volunteers that have been helping out on a regular basis to keep the facility running. As the coronavirus pandemic continues residents and staff are getting creative with how they are showing that appreciation by hosting a drive-thru gift pick up. Nearly 50 people usually volunteer their…

Itasca County Health Officials Urge Active Living, Healthy Eating Amid COVID-19

GRAND RAPIDS, Minn. – As of Friday, health officials in Itasca County confirm three additional COVID-19 related deaths bringing the total to five. Three of the deceased were males in their 80s, one was a male in his 90s, and details surrounding the fifth death remain unknown at this time. Itasca County reported 42 cases of coronavirus as of Friday…

City to Reopen Skywalks on Monday

DULUTH, Minn. – The City of Duluth announced on Friday that they will reopen the skywalk system on Monday at 7:00 a.m. The city says the skywalk will be open during the hours of 7:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. Reminders will be placed throughout the skywalk system reminding people of proper social distancing and CDC recommendations. To help limit touching,…

Walz Picks Worthington Judge Gordon Moore for Supreme Court

(Evan Frost/Minnesota Public Radio via AP) MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Gov. Tom Walz used his first appointment to the Minnesota Supreme Court on Friday to elevate Gordon Moore, a district judge from southwestern Minnesota, to replace the retiring Associate Justice David Lillehaug. Moore, 57, currently serves in Worthington, which is in Nobles County and where he has lived for about 25…

BWCA to Reopen for Day and Overnight Use

DULUTH, Minn. – According to a Friday press release, the Superior National Forest will reopen the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness for both day and overnight use starting May 18. “We are happy to be fully allowing visitors into the BWCAW,” says Connie Cummins, Forest Supervisor. “We ask that visitors please continue to follow local, state, and federal guidelines on…

Updated COVID-19 Numbers: Friday, May 15, Three Additional Deaths Reported in Itasca County

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Minnesota health officials reported 14,240 confirmed COVID-19 cases in the state Friday morning and 20 new deaths bringing the death total to 683 in Minnesota. According to the Minnesota Department of Health website, 134,669 tests have been completed to date. There are 9,503 patients who no longer require isolation. So far, 1,985 patients have required hospitalization…

Two Arrested in Hibbing Shots Fired Incident

HIBBING, Minn. – The Hibbing Police Department says two males were arrested Thursday night in relation to shots fired incident. According to Hibbing Police, officers were dispatched to the 2500 Block of 4th Avenue East around 10:53 a.m. on reports of a single gunshot. When officers arrived on the scene they learned that a fight had broken out and a…

CHUM Food Shelf Seeking Donations For New Vehicle

The organization is looking for donations to upgrade their pickup vehicle to meet demand.

DULUTH, Minn. –  CHUM food shelf continues to stay open for anyone with food insecurities. Since the pandemic started, the organization began doing a curbside system where people can pick up pre-made boxes of food. Now, with the food shelf receiving close to sixty-thousand pounds of items over the last two months. The organization is looking for donations to upgrade…

Memorial Blood Centers Have Increased Need For Donors

Healthy individuals that have been free from cold or flu-like symptoms for up to three days can schedule an appointment.

DULUTH, Minn. – With hospitals now able to do more elective surgeries blood donations are in a critical need. Healthy individuals that have been free from cold or flu-like symptoms for up to three days can schedule an appointment. There are new protocols in place at each Memorial Blood Center site. “We are practicing social distancing. Right now, most of…

Maurices Lays Off 39 Employees

DULUTH, Minn. — Maurices has had to make cuts on the corporate level due to the pandemic. On April 27th, the company let go of 39 employees who worked in the Duluth office, the Design Center team in New York, and the field leadership team. A spokesperson with the company added that all employees who were laid off were offered…