Minnesota

Lawmakers Hold Community Conversation on Cannabis

Duluth is the first stop of 15 communities to give feedback.

DULUTH, Minn.- Duluth was the first stop on a list of 15 communities lawmakers are planning on visiting to get feedback from community members as they craft a marijuana legalization bill to present to the house when they reconvene in February. In a town hall format the five lawmakers heard thoughts and concerns about legalizing cannabis. From whether or not…

St. Luke’s Management, Nurses Reach Tentative Contract Agreement

Strike vote withdrawn Monday, nurses to vote on the contract Wednesday.

DULUTH, Minn.- In the early hours of Saturday morning, nurses at St. Luke’s reached a tentative contract agreement with hospital management. The nurses’ negotiating team is recommending a “yes” vote to ratify. This comes after the nurses voted to strike last Monday. The nurses will withdraw the strike notice this Monday. The new contract addresses the staffing shortage at the…

Hundreds of Health Professionals Address Problems in Medicine at MN Medical Association Conference

DULUTH, Minn. – Hundreds of health professionals filled the DECC in Duluth for the annual Minnesota Medical Association conference. Attendees participated in open forums. Multiple health vendors were available to share information on different services. Every year, the conference is a way for doctors and other health professionals to get together to discuss problems in medicine. One major issue is…

Trump Proposal Could cut off Food Stamps to 35K in Minnesota

(AP Photo/Evan Vucci) MINNEAPOLIS (AP) – Minnesota food pantry officials are opposing a federal proposal that could take away food stamp benefits from more than 35,000 state residents. The Trump administration in July proposed closing what it calls “a loophole” that that enables people receiving only minimal benefits from the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families program to be eligible automatically…

Get Lost In A Corn Maze

ACTIVE ADVENTURES: Ru-Ridge Corn Maze Family Fun

ACTIVE ADVENTURES: Get lost in a corn maze with Fox 21’s Meteorologist Brittney Merlot and Brett Scott. We timed their adventure to see how long it took to get out!  Ru-Ridge is a 400 acre farm with 8 acres of corn maze and family activities including a straw bale maze, ninja course, petting zoo, pumpkin painting, games, corn piles, photo…

International Falls Mayor Bob Anderson Passes Away at Age 77

INTERNATIONAL FALLS, Wis. – International Falls Mayor Bob Anderson has passed away. City officials confirmed that Mayor Anderson’s family notified the city of his passing early Friday morning. Anderson, 77, had been serving as mayor since 2013. His current term was up in 2020. Anderson had also served as mayor in International Falls in the 1980s. Categories: Minnesota, News, News…

Enjoy Ciders for a Cause Tuesday at Wild State Cider

Ciders for a Cause will Help Support Transportation, Community Development Efforts

DULUTH, Minn. – You’re invited to drink ciders for a cause! Zeitgeist is teaming up with Wild State Cider to celebrate and raise funds for active transportation in Duluth. On Tuesday, September 24 from 5:00 – 9:00 p.m., one dollar of every cider purchased at Wild State will go towards Zeitgeist’s active transportation and community development efforts. The family-friendly event…

Send-Off Set for 700 Minnesota National Guard Members

Friday's Ceremony is Being Held at Grace Church in Eden Prairie

EDEN PRAIRIE, Minn. (AP) – A ceremonial send-off is being held for 700 Minnesota National Guard members headed for Western Asia. The St. Paul-based 34th Expeditionary Combat Aviation Brigade will provide Army helicopter, airplane and drone support to U.S. and coalition forces. The unit flies Black Hawk, Chinook and Apache helicopters and twin-engine turboprops for reconnaissance, transportation and medical evacuations….

29 Chilis Compete at Virginia-Quad Cities Cook-off

Event brings close to a thousand Iron Rangers together at the Miner's Memorial Building in Virginia

VIRGINIA, Minn. – At the Virginia-Quad Cities Chili Cook-off, twenty-nine chilis are competing for the top prize. Now in its tenth year, the cook-off brings close to a thousand people together from across the Iron Range to the Miner’s Memorial Building in Virginia. “And everyone thinks they make the best chili, so why not have a cook-off and get some…

Maurices Employees Hold ‘Best Day Ever’

Maurices shut down their headquarters in downtown Duluth to give back to the community

DULUTH, Minn.- Maurices employees shut down their headquarters in downtown Duluth for the day, to take time giving back to local non-profits. It’s part of the company’s “Best Day Ever”. Life House for homeless and street youth was one of the non-profits employees volunteered at today. Associates rolled in a boutique of Maurices clothing and jewelry for the young people…

Minnesota Senate GOP Unveils Insulin Affordability Bill

Senate GOP Leaders Unveiled the Plan Thursday

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) – Minnesota Senate Republicans want to require drug makers to provide free insulin to qualifying residents who can’t afford the high cost of the life-saving medication. Senate GOP leaders unveiled the plan Thursday, a week ahead of when House Democrats plan to announce their own proposal. The clock ran out on the 2019 session before the…

Age Well Arrowhead Hosting Inaugural “The Art of Aging” Fundraiser

The Fundraiser is Happening Thursday, September 26 at Northland Country Club in Duluth

DULUTH, Minn. – Age Well Arrowhead’s first annual The Art of Aging fundraising event is taking place September 26, at Northland Country Club in Duluth. The fundraiser begins at 5:00 p.m. The event includes live and silent auctions, art demonstrations, opportunities to meet local artists and a chance to take home amazing pieces of art and other prizes. All of…

Court Suspends Two Polymet Permits

On Wednesday afternoon, the Minnesota Court of Appeals suspended Polymet’s permit to mine and dam safety permits for its proposed $1 billion copper-nickel mine near Babbitt. The permits will be discussed at an Oct. 23 hearing.  That’s when the “DNR shall be prepared to advise the court on the status of post-permit developments, including its evaluation of the Brumadinho dam…

Zoomobile Stops At University of Wisconsin-Superior

DULUTH, Minn. – The Lake Superior Zoomobile made a stop today at the University of Wisconsin- Superior Library. A tortoise, a tarantula, and a few other animals went along for the ride. Visitors had the opportunity to pet and interact with the animals. Zoo staff were also available to give the visitors a lesson about the wildlife ambassadors. “We can…

Complaint: Man High on Meth Kills Passenger While Driving Through Kettle River

43-year-old charged with two counts of criminal vehicular homicide

DULUTH, Minn.- A Willow River man is facing two counts of vehicular homicide after driving through a river while on meth, killing one of his passengers, according to the complaint. Two formal charges of criminal vehicular homicide have been filed against him, one for operating a vehicle with any amount of a controlled substance in his body. No bail has…

New Senior Housing Expected for London Road

Construction is expected to be completed by Sepetember 2020.

DULUTH, Minn. – Housing continues to be a big issue in Duluth, but a new  housing option is on the way for seniors on London Road next to the Ecumen Lake Shore Community. And today Developers broke ground on the new property. Zvago Lake Superior is a cooperative housing unit where residents can still have ownership, but not the usual…

Sky Harbor Airport Receives $1 Million Grant for Runway Reconstruction

Construction for phase three of the project begins on Monday.

DULUTH, Minn. – Sky Harbor Airport in Park Point will receive a nearly $1 million grant from the Department of Transportation to finish phase three of the runway reconstruction project. Congressman Pete Stauber recently announced funding was also allocated for Falls International Airport, which will receive more than $15 million for runway reconstruction. Sky Harbor’s runway has been undergoing a…

Minneapolis Man Charged, Allegedly Set Girlfriend on Fire

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) – A Minneapolis man is charged with attempted murder and assault after he allegedly strangled his girlfriend and set her on fire. The criminal complaint says the woman escaped and drove herself to the hospital while her hair and body were still smoldering. She’s now in a medically induced coma after Monday’s attack. Prosecutors charged 46-year-old Richard Bullock…

Recovery of a Native American Burial Site Halted

DULUTH, Minn. – The ongoing project to recover remains in the Fond du Lac neighborhood in Duluth at a Native American burial site has been halted. A spokesperson with the Minnesota Department of Transportation says only the burial recovery portion of the $6 million project has been delayed. For two years crews have been working to restore the native burial…

Willow River Man Charged With Criminal Vehicular Homicide

Prokasky is Due Back in Court September 24

WILLOW RIVER, Minn. – The 43-year-old man who drove his vehicle into Kettle River on Monday has been charged with two counts of criminal vehicular homicide. Authorities received reports on Monday around 3:48 p.m. of a vehicle in the river and people in the water. When officers arrived on scene they learned that the driver, Preston Prokasky, and the backseat…

Minnesota Opioid Task Force to Hold First Meeting Next Week

The Money will go for Grants to Fund Prevention Strategies

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) – Minnesota’s new task force on the opioid crisis will hold its first meeting next week on how best to spend $20 million from new licensing fees on the pharmaceutical industry. The Department of Human Services on Wednesday announced the 19 members of the Opioid Epidemic Response Advisory Council. They include legislative and tribal leaders; health…

Man Dies After Falling From Roof in Eagles Nest Township

Foul Play is not Suspected

ST. LOUIS COUNTY, Minn. – A 55-year-old male has died after he fell from a roof trying to remove a downed tree. According to the St. Louis County Sheriff’s Office, deputies were dispatched to 1415 Walsh Road for a medical emergency around 3:00 p.m. on Tuesday. Authorities say 55-year-old Hans Christopher Smith had been on the roof of a residence…

Art Exhibit Opening Saturday Inside Free Range Film Festival Barn

The Exhibit, Featuring Two Local Artists, is Opening Saturday, September 21 in Wrenshall

WRENSHALL, Minn. – As autumn approaches the Northland, a new art exhibit is set to open and be on display for the next two weekends in Wrenshall. The visual arts exhibition features the work of Catherine Meier and Kristina Estall. Field Trials II allows for artistic experimentation and exploration inside a century old barn. Both artists work in partnership with…

Minnesota Health Experts Urge Flu Shots as Soon as Possible

Experts Say People are Better off With the Vaccine Than Without it

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) – Health officials are urging Minnesotans to get flu shots as soon as possible. Jennifer Heath of the Minnesota Department of Health tells Minnesota Public Radio the flu season could begin anytime. Only about half of the people eligible get the flu vaccine. If more people got immunized, she says, fewer people would get sick –…

Thousands of Bird Watchers Flock to Witness Fall Migration at Hawk Ridge

Hawk Ridge Bird Observatory is Hosting Fall Festival Weekend September 20 - 22 in Duluth

DULUTH, Minn. – As of September 1, Hawk Ridge Bird Observatory in Duluth is celebrating its 48th season of documenting the great fall migration. This natural phenomenon is attracting hundreds, if not thousands, of bird watchers from local areas, and internationally as the seasons change. Mother Nature is guiding birds of prey such as raptors toward warmer weather as they…

One Dead in Pine County House Fire

The Fire Remains Under Investigation

PINE COUNTY, Minn. – Authorities say a 62-year-old woman was found deceased in her home Tuesday night after a house fire broke out around 7:53 p.m. on Highway 23 near Brook Park. Pine County dispatch received a call from the male homeowner who reported his house on fire. When fire crews arrived on scene they found the home fully engulfed…

UMD Students Simulate How to Immigrate for Constitution Day

"Immigration Simulation" takes kids through the struggles of our country's immigration process.

DULUTH, Minn.- September 17th is federally recognized as Constitution and Citzenship Day. Tuesday at UMD, some students had an experience that shows what it’s like when you’re trying to get into the United States as an immigrant. “A Mile in their Shoes, an Immigration Simulation” allowed students to mimic going through the immigration process both legally and illegally. Stations included…

OMC Owner Opening New Cocktail Lounge

What initially was an OMC expansion is now a separate business.

DULUTH, Minn.- The owner of Lincoln Park businesses OMC Smokehouse, Duluth Grill, Corktown Deli and Taco Arcada is opening up a new business right next door to OMC. “Noble Pour”, as it will be called, will be a craft cocktail lounge on West Superior Street featuring local craft beverages and beverages made in house. Owner Tom Hanson says the idea…

Duluth Airport Seeks Public Input on Vision 2040 Master Plan

Investments into Airport improvements through 2030 estimated at $70 million.

DULUTH, Minn.- The Duluth International Airport has kicked off the first phase of its Vision 2040 Master Plan, and officials want the public’s feedback on what the plan should address. They held an open house meeting at the airport on Tuesday, inviting members of the public, business leaders, government officials, and aviation workers to hear and share about the plan….

Great Outdoors: A Community Coming Together To Plant Trees

Those in the community rallied together to plant trees in the Lakeside neighborhood Tuesday

DULUTH, Minn.- It’s often said that it takes a village to make a city and that was the case Tuesday as Duluth City workers and volunteers planted trees for a good cause. People of all ages grabbed their shovels and gloves, to replace trees taken down by Emerald Ash Borer. Arbor Day is typically celebrated in April, but weather here…

People Work to ‘Unmask’ Traumatic Brain Injuries in Minnesota

Survivors and family members paint masks depicting their journeys with traumatic brain injuries

DULUTH, Minn. – About 2.5 million people sustain a traumatic brain injury every year in the United States. On Tuesday, people made masks at St. Luke’s Hospital in Duluth, depicting how they’ve been impacted by brain injuries. Over the last four years, 1,400 Minnesotans have made their own, unique masks. They communicate in a way words can’t about how traumatic…

Minnesota Supreme Court Rejects Line 3 Pipeline Challenges

The Court Rejected the Requests in a One-Page Order Tuesday

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) – The Minnesota Supreme Court has declined to take up challenges by tribal and conservation groups to the environmental review of Enbridge Energy’s proposal for replacing its aging Line 3 crude oil pipeline across northern Minnesota. The court rejected the requests in a one-page order Tuesday. The project could have faced a long delay if the…

State Health Officials Investigate State Fair E. coli Outbreak, 11 People Sick

Six of the Ill People Were Hospitalized

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) – Health officials say at least 11 people got sick with E. coli infections after visiting the Minnesota State Fair this summer. The Minnesota Department of Health says six of the ill people were hospitalized, and one developed a potentially fatal complication. One person is still hospitalized. Cases range in age from 2 to 43 years…

Duluth, Cloquet Wendy’s Closes Its Doors

The Miller Hill Mall Wendy's Will Remain Open

DULUTH, Minn. – The Wendy’s fast food restaurants located on London Road in Duluth and in Cloquet have permanently closed their doors. According to the Wendy’s manager at the London Road restaurant, a local Burger King franchisee has purchased both of the locations. Employees at both locations will have the opportunity to work at the new Burger King fast food…

University Developing Faster Test for Fatal Deer Disease

The U of M Hopes to Develop the Test in Two Years

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) – With Minnesota’s archery deer season underway, hunters in the state’s hot zones for chronic wasting disease are figuring out where to drop off the heads of their deer for testing. The science for detecting the fatal brain disease is making progress. But tissue samples must be sent out of state, and results take a few…

Violent Robbery Videos Go Viral Amid Police Shortage in Minneapolis

Police say There Were 23 Robberies Over the Course of One Week in August Alone

MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. (CNN) – Cameras caught a violent robbery committed in broad daylight in downtown Minneapolis. Authorities say it’s part of a pattern of increased crime in the city that many say should be a wake-up call. According to the Hennepin County Attorney’s Office one victim was jumped on and run over with a bike in the aftermath of a…

UPDATE: Threat Evacuates Some University of St. Thomas Buildings

Classes are Cancelled Until 1:00 p.m. Tuesday

UPDATE: ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) – The University of St. Thomas has given the all clear after several buildings were evacuated on its St. Paul campus following a bomb threat. The university tweeted the four buildings evacuated have been search and cleared, including the John Roach Center, the Anderson Student Center, the O’Shaughnessy Science Center and the Facilities Design Center….

Spicy or Mild? Head of the Lakes United Way Hosting Annual Chili Cook-Off

The Head of the Lakes United Way Chili Cook-Off is Happening Thursday, September 19 from 5 - 7 p.m.

DULUTH, Minn. – Head of the Lakes United Way is happy to be spilling the beans on the 28th annual Chili Cook-Off happening Thursday, September 19 from 5 – 7 p.m. at the DECC Arena. This year four newcomers will be entered into the competition, vying to win one of eleven trophies up for grabs. Local organizations will be providing…

One Dead, One Arrested After Car Went Into Kettle River

The Driver Was Arrested and Booked

WILLOW RIVER, Minn – A 47-year-old male from the Pine County area died after the car he was a passenger in went into Kettle River near Willow River on Monday. Authorities say they received reports of a vehicle in the Kettle River around 3:48 p.m. The caller told dispatch people were in the water and that they believed someone was…

Service Center Provides One Stop Shop For Veterans

DULUTH, Minn. – “For the Vietnam veterans and those that lived through the draft, they answered the call,” Virginia Veteran Service Officer, Tyler Behnke says. There are just under 18,000 veterans in St. Louis County alone. Some of them may have variety of questions, and the service center has answers. “We’re just kind of like a clearing house or google…

Getting Eclectic about Electric Vehicles at Duluth’s First Show and Tell Event

Event showcased different electric vehicles.

DULUTH, Minn.- Duluth’s first ever Electric Vehicle Show and Tell was held at the electric car charging lot near Endion Station. The event showcased a range of electric vehicles, including Teslas, Chevy Volts, electric motorcycles and more. Experts were on hand to help answer questions about electric vehicles. They say some people still have their doubts about this newer driving…

St. Luke’s Nurses Vote to Strike, Hospital Says Could Cause Reduced Services

Strike set for October 8th.

DULUTH, Minn.- Nurses with St. Luke’s Hospital in Duluth have voted to strike after months of failed negotiations with hospital administration. The strike is set for October 3rd, and in the meantime a contract can still be reached between the two sides, as they are still set to return to the negotiating table this Friday. The nurses have been calling…

Homeless Man Charged in Adas Israel Synagogue Fire

Charges do not include arson, still no evidence of it being a hate crime.

DULUTH, Minn.- A 36–year–old Duluth homeless man, is now charged with starting the fire that destroyed the historic Adas Israel Synagogue in downtown Duluth one week ago. The charges don’t involve arson as Duluth Police recommended. Matthew Amiot had his first court appearance on Monday, charged with one count of negligent fires, and one count of negligent fires resulting in…

State Patrol: Driver Passes Out From Drug Use, Crosses Into Opposite Lane

ITASCA CO., Minn — A 19 year-old man passed out while driving after using drugs on Monday afternoon, according to the Minnesota State Patrol. He was driving north on Highway 38 in the Deer Lake Unorganized Territory. After the man passed out while driving, his car went over the centerline and into a ditch. It then hit a retaining wall…

UMD Students Get Opportunity To Meet With Future Employers

Freshmen to seniors, students filled the Kirby Ballroom to meet local employers

DULUTH, Minn.- It’s been a big day fro UMD students looking to make some professional connections. They got the chance to meet with employers about possible internships and job opportunities. Everyone from freshmen to soon to be graduating seniors were invited to this special job fair. The students filled the Kirby Ballroom meeting with employers from both Minnesota and Wisconsin….

New Way To Eliminate Drug Epidemic

The White House has approved St. Louis County to be part of its High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area Program

DULUTH, Minn.- To cut back on the current drug epidemic in northeast Minnesota, the White House has announced that St. Louis County has been approved a part of the existing High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area Program. The program provides counties assistance in the coordinating efforts between federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement officials. “Investigations are becoming more and more…

St. Luke’s Nurses File Notice to Strike

Nurses Will Try Again to Reach an Agreement on September 20

DULUTH, Minn. – Nurses at St. Luke’s Hospital have filed a 10-day notice that they intend to hold a one-day strike on October 3, according to the Minnesota Nurses Association. The nurses will try again to reach an agreement on a new three-year contract with the hospital on September 20. MNA says if an agreement is not reached by 7:00…