Minnesota Archives - Page 237 of 376

What You Need to Know for Minnesota’s Primary Election on Tuesday

August 6, 2020

Site Staff,

ST. PAUL, Minn. (FOX 9) – Minnesota election officials have been scrambling for weeks to hold Tuesday’s primary election in the middle of the coronavirus pandemic. From relaxed rules on absentee voting to changes on election night to new procedures at polling places, here’s what you need to know. HOW MANY VOTERS HAVE CHOSEN ABSENTEE BALLOTS? As of Friday, 545,259 Minnesotans had…

Schools in Itasca County Provide Update on Fall Learning Plans

School Leaders in Itasca County Provide Update on District Plans for Back-to-School Learning Amid COVID-19

August 6, 2020

Brett Scott,

ITASCA COUNTY, Minn. – On Thursday, Superintendents from multiple school districts in Itasca County provided an update on back-to-school plans amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Minnesota Governor Tim Walz recently announced a statewide decision to leave reopening plans up to district officials based on current COVID-19 data per county. Independent School District 318 (Bigfork and Grand Rapids) Based on current COVID-19…

Updated COVID-19 Numbers: Thursday, August 6

August 6, 2020

Site Staff,

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Minnesota health officials reported 58,640 confirmed COVID-19 cases in the state Thursday morning and 7 new deaths bringing the death total to 1,636 in Minnesota. According to the Minnesota Department of Health website, 1,105,094 tests have been completed to date. There are 51,604 patients who no longer require isolation. So far, 5,421 patients have required hospitalization…

St. Louis County Fastest Growing County for Coronavirus Cases

August 6, 2020

The Associated Press,

DULUTH, Minn. (AP) — St. Louis County in northeastern Minnesota this week has added new coronavirus cases faster than any other county in the state, according to health officials. Of the 475 cases in St. Louis County as of Wednesday, more than half were confirmed in July. The virus has been detected throughout the state’s geographically largest county, but about…

Essentia Health Bills Approximately 1,000 Uninsured Patients For COVID-19 Tests

August 5, 2020

Alexandra Burnley,

DULUTH, Minn. — A representative with Essentia Health in Duluth has admitted that the health care provider charged approximately 1,000 uninsured patients for COVID-19 tests, which are free under the federal CARES Act. The issue came to light after one patient told FOX21 he received a $171 bill for his COVID-19 test in July. That patient, Superior resident Nick Dalbec,…

St. Louis County Wants To Help Fund Initiatives To Fight Major Community Disparities

Community-based groups can apply for between $20,000 to $100,000 to help contribute to their initiatives.

August 5, 2020

Nachai Taylor,

DULUTH, Minn. – The St. Louis County Public Health Department is looking to help financially support the efforts of local organizations as they work to address key issues affecting the community. A community health assessment conducted in St. Louis County found mental health, youth substance abuse, and food insecurities are among some of the key disparities impacting the area. The county…

The College Of St. Scholastica Offers Tuition Discount

The COVID-19 Saints Succeed award is a type of financial aid that will provide those new students with a 15% tuition discount for the upcoming academic year.

August 5, 2020

Nachai Taylor,

DULUTH, Minn. – The College of St. Scholastica is offering tuition help to new students, who may have lost their job as a result of the global pandemic. The COVID-19 Saints Succeed award is a type of financial aid that will provide those new students with a 15% tuition discount for the upcoming academic year. New graduate, non-traditional undergraduate, and…

Crooked Pint Invites Fantasy Football Groups To Restaurant

August 5, 2020

Nachai Taylor,

DULUTH, Minn. – Crooked Pint in Duluth is inviting patrons to host their fantasy football parties at the restaurant. Guests of up to 12 people can enjoy food and drink specials while doing a little trash talking. This is the third year the restaurant has opened its doors to fantasy football fans. This year may be different due to the…

MN Supreme Court Upholds Life Sentence, Conviction in UMD Student Murder Case

August 5, 2020

Site Staff,

ST. PAUL, Minn. – The Minnesota Supreme Court has upheld the conviction and sentencing of a Duluth man found guilty of first-degree murder for the fatal shooting of a UMD student in 2017. Last month, 24-year-old Deandre Davenport, appealed his conviction and sentencing saying that the court failed to provide the jury with proper instructions regarding a testimony provided by…

Updated COVID-19 Numbers: Wednesday, August 5

August 5, 2020

Site Staff,

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Minnesota health officials reported 57,779 confirmed COVID-19 cases in the state Wednesday morning and 9 new deaths bringing the death total to 1,629 in Minnesota. According to the Minnesota Department of Health website, 1,090,303 tests have been completed to date. There are 51,223 patients who no longer require isolation. So far, 5,373 patients have required hospitalization…

Minnesota Bigfoot Research Team Hosting Inaugural Conference

The Minnesota Bigfoot Conference is Happening Friday, August 7 - Sunday, August 9

August 5, 2020

Brett Scott,

GRAND RAPIDS, Minn. – Over the past 20 years, Minnesota Bigfoot Research Team has grown as an organization, and now the founder is looking to celebrate in a big way. Founder Abe Del Rio is thrilled to host the first-ever Minnesota Bigfoot Conference beginning Friday, August 7, running through Sunday, August 9. The home base for the event is at…

Spirit Halloween to Open in Former Duluth Shopko Location Later This Month

August 5, 2020

Site Staff,

DULUTH, Minn. – A new Halloween store is opening in Duluth later this month. Spirit Halloween says they plan to be open August 27 at the former Shopko located at 801 West Central Entrance. The store will be offering “a wide variety of Halloween costumes and decor including animatronics and accessories that are perfect for trick-or-treating or throwing a Halloween…

Recent Incident Sparks Plea from Wildwoods: “Stop Littering”

The Canadian Goose Caught in String Was Cut Free, Then Transferred For Further Medical Care

August 5, 2020

Brett Scott,

DULUTH, Minn. – Millions of animals are injured or even killed annually due to the careless actions of human beings. Littering – whether it be cans, containers, string, or fishing line, these materials don’t mix well when coming into contact with animals. Wildwoods Wildlife Rehab Center in Duluth is speaking out regarding a recent incident that could have taken the…

Duluth Grill Temporarily Closes due to Employee Testing Positive for COVID-19

August 5, 2020

Site Staff,

DULUTH, Minn. – Duluth Grill announced on Tuesday that it will be closing temporarily due to an employee testing positive for COVID-19. The restaurant made the announcement on its Facebook page saying the employee worked in the ‘back of house’ and had little to no contact with guests. Duluth Grill says the staff member has not worked at the restaurant…

Voters Sue Walz to Block Face Masks at Minnesota Polls

August 5, 2020

The Associated Press,

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — A group of voters sued Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz and other officials on Tuesday to try to block a requirement that voters wear face masks at the polling place to help stop the spread of the coronavirus. Members of the Minnesota Voters Alliance, backed by Republican lawmakers, argue that Walz’s mask mandate conflicts with a 1963 state law making…

Duluth Superintendent Recommends In-Person Learning for Elementary, Hybrid for Secondary

Recommendation subject to change before school year begins September 8th

August 4, 2020

Andrew Kirov,

DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth School District’s new superintendent, John Magas, has presented his education strategy for the fall. In his plan, elementary students would return in-person and middle and high school students would return in a hybrid manner, with each student walking through school doors for in-person classes one day per week. “Making this more safe quite often means…

Hands-Free Law One Year Later

During the first eleven months of hands-free law, officials have cited over 19,000 drivers for in Minnesota for violating the law.

August 4, 2020

Reece Lindquist,

DULUTH, Minn. – August 1st marked the one-year anniversary of the hands-free driving law taking affect in Minnesota. During the first eleven months of hands-free law, officials have cited over 19,000 drivers for in Minnesota for violating the law. Because of this, over 300 law enforcement agencies across the state will be participating in an extra enforcement campaign. “Drive smart. Park…

Valleyfair to Remain Closed for the Rest of 2020

August 4, 2020

Site Staff,

(courtesy: fox 9) SHAKOPEE, Minn. – Valleyfair announced on Tuesday that they will remain closed for the rest of the year due to the COVID-19 pandemic. “We are disappointed that we are unable to welcome our guests back to the park this season,” said Raul Rehnborg, Valleyfair’s General Manager and Vice President in a press release. “The safety of our…

MSHSL Votes to Push High School Football, Volleyball to Spring of 2021 Amid Pandemic

August 4, 2020

Site Staff,

MINNEAPOLIS (Fox 9) – The Minnesota State High School League met Tuesday morning to determine what the options are for the high school fall sports season amid the Covid-19 pandemic. Thousands of high school athletes are awaiting word on their futures after hundreds of seniors across the state had their 2020 spring seasons canceled due to the global health pandemic….

Routine Bridge Inspections in Duluth Scheduled Next Week

August 4, 2020

Site Staff,

DULUTH, Minn. – The Minnesota Department of Transportation says motorists in Duluth should plan for temporary closures and detours next week while crews conduct routine bridge inspections. Upcoming closures and detours include: Monday, August 10 through Tuesday, August 11 Right lane closures on northbound I-35 over Grand Avenue/Highway 23 Wednesday, August 12 The entrance ramp from Grand Avenue/Highway 23 to…

Updated COVID-19 Numbers: Tuesday, August 4

August 4, 2020

Site Staff,

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Minnesota health officials reported 57,162 confirmed COVID-19 cases in the state Tuesday morning and 4 new deaths bringing the death total to 1,620 in Minnesota. According to the Minnesota Department of Health website, 1,078,695 tests have been completed to date. There are 50,426 patients who no longer require isolation. So far, 5,346 patients have required hospitalization…

Keetac Mine to Remain Indefinitely Idled

August 4, 2020

Site Staff,

KEEWATIN, Minn. – U.S. Steel’s Keetac mine remains indefinitely idled amid the coronavirus pandemic. In April, it was announced that layoffs would begin for employees who have been at the mine for three years or less. Of the roughly 380 workers that have been laid off since May, about 40 of them are still able to work on special projects…

Walz Again Requests Federal Help to Rebuild After Unrest

August 4, 2020

The Associated Press,

(AP Photo/Jim Mone) ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) — Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz is again asking for federal help to rebuild from the unrest that followed George Floyd’s death. Walz said Monday he has requested a U.S. Small Business Administration disaster declaration that would free up low-interest loans to help property owners rebuild. “We remain committed to working with the impacted…

Judge Extends Minnesota Vote-by-Mail Changes to November

August 4, 2020

The Associated Press,

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) — A judge on Monday extended changes in Minnesota’s absentee ballot rules to the November general election. Ramsey County Judge Sara Grewing approved the agreement allowing Minnesota voters to submit their mail-in or absentee ballots in the Nov. 3 general election without witness signatures, the Star Tribune reported. Election officials also will count ballots that arrive within seven…

Nurses Picket for New Contract at Essentia Health-Virginia

Nurses say they've been without a contract for more than a year, they're asking for safety language in contracts and 'safe staffing levels.'

August 3, 2020

Andrew Kirov,

VIRGINIA, Minn. – Nurses who work for Essentia Health’s hospital in Virginia aren’t on strike, but they picketed outside the healthcare facility Monday. Nurses say they want to get a deal done now after working there without a contract for more than a year. 103 Minnesota Nurses Association (MNA) nurses work at Essentia Health-Virginia. The union is asking the healthcare…

Semi Tanker Truck Catches Fire on Highway 53

August 3, 2020

Site Staff,

COTTON, Minn. – A semi tanker truck caught fire early Monday afternoon on Highway 53 near Cotton causing the northbound lane to remain closed for over an hour, according to the Northland FireWire. A Facebook post on the Northland FireWire page says multiple St. Louis County fire departments responded to reports of the fire around 1:00 p.m. The fire was…

Nickelodeon Universe to Reopen in Mall of America Next Week

August 3, 2020

Site Staff,

BLOOMINGTON, Minn. (FOX 9) – Nickelodeon Universe is reopening at the Mall of America on Aug. 10. The indoor amusement park says it is doing a phased reopening, with only a select number of rides open. A maximum of 250 guests will be allowed in the park at a time. To enter the park, guests are required to purchase either a two-hour…

Minnesota Department of Corrections: Two State Prisons to Close Due to ‘Budget Crisis’

August 3, 2020

Site Staff,

TOGO, Minn. – The Minnesota Department of Corrections announced on Monday that it plans to close prison facilities in Togo and Willow River due to a “substantial budget crisis.” The Minnesota DOC says it is closing the state’s two smallest prisons as it is facing a $14 million budget deficit for the current fiscal year. The combined budget for the…

Updated COVID-19 Numbers: Monday, August 3

August 3, 2020

Site Staff,

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Minnesota health officials reported 56,560 confirmed COVID-19 cases in the state Monday morning and 2 new deaths bringing the death total to 1,616 in Minnesota. According to the Minnesota Department of Health website, 1,070,925 tests have been completed to date. There are 49,565 patients who no longer require isolation. So far, 5,298 patients have required hospitalization…

Duluth Superior Pride Festival Going Virtual Amid COVID-19 Pandemic

Duluth Superior Pride Virtual Festival Begins Thursday, September 3, 2020

August 3, 2020

Brett Scott,

DULUTH, Minn. – The 34th annual Duluth Superior Pride Festival will go on virtually this year amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Event organizers say after months of discussion, it simply wasn’t responsible to move forward with an in-person celebration as in year’s past. “I think it’s extremely important to host a virtual celebration. Pride is based on community and taking a…

Man Missing From Hermantown Senior Living Facility

August 3, 2020

Reece Lindquist,

(courtesy: Hermantown Police Department) UPDATE: According to the Hermantown Police Department, the 80-year-old male missing from the Golden Oaks Senior Living Facility has been safely located. The police department provided the update on their Facebook page Monday morning. HERMANTOWN, Minn. – Just after two o’clock Monday morning, Hermantown Police Officers Responded to Golden Oaks Senior Living Facility in Hermantown. Staff…

250 Riders Speed Around Annual Dirt Bike Hare scramble

Riders spent around two hours doing laps around the nearly 9-mile course at Echo Valley Motocross Park in Brookston.

August 2, 2020

Katharine Huntley,

BROOKSTON, Minn. – Despite cancelations of events all over the Northland due to COVID-19 the annual hare scramble forged ahead for dirt bikers. 250 riders of all ages came out to participate in the Echo Valley Range Riders Harescramble, a dirt bike race that speeds through wood off-road terrain. Riders spent around two hours doing laps around the nearly 9-mile…

Blacksmiths Forge Interest in Metalworking at Glensheen Mansion

August 1, 2020

Arman Rahman,

DULUTH, Minn.- Visitors at Glensheen Mansion Saturday got to learn about an old-fashioned trade — being a blacksmith. Forging Community’s blacksmiths were on the mansion grounds demonstrating metal working and smithing. Glensheen staff say they appreciate having them every year and they are an even more valuable attraction during the pandemic. “For the public it’s always kind of fun to…

Minnesota Faces Potential $4.7 Billion Budget Deficit

August 1, 2020

The Associated Press,

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) – Minnesota faces a potential $4.7 billion deficit in its next two-year budget due to economic fallout from the coronavirus pandemic. The Minnesota Management and Budget office said Friday that the pandemic has made economic conditions “extremely volatile” as a new planning estimate shows a continued deterioration of state finances. Minnesota has received more than $2…

Produce Stand on Central Entrance in Duluth Busy During Pandemic

DC's Best Produce Farms has been selling their fresh-picked tomatoes, cucumbers, and watermelon there for years.

July 31, 2020

Arman Rahman,

DULUTH, Minn.- Fresh produce is in full bloom throughout the Northland, including at a stand on Central Entrance Road. DC’s Best Produce Farms in Esko has been selling their fresh-picked tomatoes, cucumbers, and watermelon there for years. They say during the pandemic, they’ve seen more people stopping by for some locally-grown goodies. “It’s coming straight from the farm to here…

Duluth City Crews Clear Heavy Chunks of Metal Culvert from Lester River

Crews said they were pieces of culverts washed out from the 2012 flood.

July 31, 2020

Arman Rahman,

DULUTH, Minn.- Among the swimmers in the river and hikers on the trail, some may have spotted city crews at Lester Park clearing metal debris out of the river. Public works responded to a citizen report of chunks of metal floating downstream. Crews said they were pieces of culverts washed out from the 2012 flood. Some of those pieces weiged…

Trampoline Park Re-Opens Under New Name

After opening back up in 2017, the tramponline park has been undergoing some changes including its name.

July 31, 2020

Reece Lindquist,

DULUTH, Minn. – The entertainment venue known as Planet 3 is no more. After opening in 2017, the trampoline park has been undergoing some changes including its name after reopening in mid-June. “Anywhere hands can touch is being sanitized. We’re spraying down all the trampolines, pads. All of the hard surfaces are being wiped down every half an hour or…

Effie Rodeo Attendee Tests Positive for COVID-19, Others Urged to Watch for Symptoms

July 31, 2020

Site Staff,

EFFIE, Minn. – State health officials are urging people that attended the North Star Stampede in Effie to watch for symptoms of COVID-19 after it was determined that an attendee from a neighboring county was infectious at the event. The Minnesota Department of Health says the person developed symptoms and tested positive for COVID-19 on July 27. Health officials confirm…

Man Shot in Duluth’s Harbor Highlands Neighborhood

July 31, 2020

Site Staff,

DULUTH, Minn. – Duluth Police say one person was injured in a shooting Friday morning in the Harbor Highlands neighborhood. According to authorities, officers responded to the area on reports of a shooting around 11:53 a.m. After arriving at the scene police learned that a male sustained two gunshot wounds. The male was transported to a local area hospital for…

Lake Superior Art Glass Hosts Terrarium Design Class

Organizers say, that the designer classes have become more accessible then ever.

July 31, 2020

Reece Lindquist,

DULUTH, Minn. – Lake Superior Art Glass has been hosting new designer events since October, one of those being for designing your own terrarium. The program is one of several put on by the shop, allowing anyone to design the globe which would then house a plant. Organizers say that the designer classes have become more accessible then ever. “For…

Updated COVID-19 Numbers: Friday, July 31

July 31, 2020

Site Staff,

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Minnesota health officials reported 54,463 confirmed COVID-19 cases in the state Friday morning and 6 new deaths bringing the death total to 1,600 in Minnesota. According to the Minnesota Department of Health website, 1,024,916 tests have been completed to date. There are 47,289 patients who no longer require isolation. So far, 5,155 patients have required hospitalization…

Hibbing Police Seize Nearly 177 Grams of Meth This Week in Two Drug Arrests

July 31, 2020

Site Staff,

HIBBING, Minn. – The Hibbing Police department reported on Friday that officers have seized almost 177 grams of suspected methamphetamine and 2.5 grams of suspected heroin in two separate drug arrests this week. On Monday, officers responded to a report of a single-vehicle accident on Mitchell Bridge. Authorities say the reporting party noted that the male driver took a backpack…

Chisholm Community Reacts to Arrest, Charge of Suspect in Nancy Daugherty Cold Case

Michael Carbo Jr., 52, was charged with second-degree murder Thursday thanks to DNA analysis.

July 30, 2020

Arman Rahman,

CHISHOLM, Minn.- The people of Chisholm peeled back one of the city’s darkest days — the murder and rape of 38-year-old Nancy Daugherty in her own home — as a man from their very city is now charged with her murder. That man is Michael Carbo Jr., 52, a longtime resident of Chisholm, who was charged with second-degree murder Thursday….

How Parabon NanoLabs Helped Chisholm Police Identify A Cold Case Murder Suspect

July 30, 2020

Alexandra Burnley,

CHISHOLM, Minn. — The company that helped Chisholm Police pinpoint suspect Michael Carbo Jr. in the cold case murder of Nancy Daughtery is called Parabon NanoLabs, which specializes in investigative genetic genealogy. Parabon has access to some DNA databases from companies such as GEDmatch and Family Tree DNA, which people send their DNA samples to when they want to learn…

Annual Car Show Returns in New Location, Pays Tribute to Local Drivers

Smalley-Moen Memorial Car Show brings hundreds of car lovers to Buffalo House

July 30, 2020

Andrew Kirov,

MIDWAY TOWNSHIP, Minn. – Every year, a memorial car show honors a local car racing legend. Kyle Smalley is usually celebrated at Spirit Valley Days, an event he helped organize. That gathering is canceled this year, so friends, family, and car lovers came together outside the Buffalo House restaurant and bar to honor Smalley’s life. Car people love talking about…

Governor Walz Announces Localized Return-to-School Plan with Option for Families to Keep Students Home

July 30, 2020

Site Staff, The Associated Press,

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Minnesota state officials on Thursday unveiled a plan to reopen schools this fall that gives districts some flexibility to toggle between in-person and online learning, but reserves the right for the state to step in if the coronavirus gets out of control. Gov. Tim Walz acknowledged the importance of schools and the value of in-person learning but…

Suspect in Chisholm Cold Case Murder Formally Charged

July 30, 2020

Site Staff,

CHISHOLM, Minn.-A Chisholm man has now been charged after being arrested yesterday in a 1986 cold case murder. Michael Allan Carbo Jr., 52, was formally charged with second-degree murder for the murder of Nancy Daugherty. Carbo was arrested Wednesday and booked into the St. Louis County Jail in Virginia after BCA lab results determined Carbo was a match to DNA…

Updated COVID-19 Numbers: Thursday, July 30

July 30, 2020

Site Staff,

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Minnesota health officials reported 53,692 confirmed COVID-19 cases in the state Thursday morning and 5 new deaths bringing the death total to 1,594 in Minnesota. According to the Minnesota Department of Health website, 1,007,882 tests have been completed to date. There are 46,965 patients who no longer require isolation. So far, 5,112 patients have required hospitalization…

Minnesota Governor to Announce Reopening Guidance on Schools

July 30, 2020

The Associated Press,

(courtesy: Fox 9) MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Gov. Tim Walz is set Thursday to announce guidance for school districts to reopen in the fall as the coronavirus has accelerated statewide in recent weeks. State health and education officials last month asked school districts to prepare for three scenarios: in-person learning for all students, distance learning as in the spring, or a…

Minneapolis Panel Rejects Proposal to Remove Police Minimum

July 30, 2020

The Associated Press,

(Jerry Holt/Star Tribune via AP, File) MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — The Minneapolis Charter Commission on Wednesday rejected sending voters a referendum on eliminating a minimum staffing requirement in the city police department. The 15-member commission voted 8-6 against putting the proposal on the November ballot, with one member absent. The proposal was an alternative to a more aggressive change in the…