Minnesota Archives - Page 345 of 368

Harassment Training, Reporting Under Scrutiny in State of Minnesota

Lawmakers May Tighten Legislation on Harassment Training

January 11, 2018

The Associated Press,

ST. PAUL, Minn.-Minnesota lawmakers are moving to tighten the Legislature’s sexual harassment training and policies. The nationwide reckoning with the issue came to St. Paul late last year. Two male lawmakers, Democratic Sen. Dan Schoen and GOP Rep. Tony Cornish, resigned over sexual harassment allegations. House and Senate policies only require sexual harassment training every five years after legislators are…

Leah Phifer Minnesota’s 8th Congressional Candidate visits Northlanders

Leah Phifer will be holding more open meetings with the public.

January 10, 2018

Lauren Leigh,

DULUTH, Minn.- Leah Phifer is a candidate for Minnesota’s 8th Congressional District and took a visit to the Northland on Wednesday. Phifer is running against Rick Nolan, in Minnesota’s 8th Congressional District. She previously worked for the FBI and homeland security for 10 years. On Wednesday she spoke with locals at Perk Place in Duluth explaining the importance of national security,…

Governor Mark Dayton Visits the Iron Range

Community Leaders Discussed Important Regional Projects with the Governor

January 10, 2018

Andrew Kirov,

MOUNTAIN IRON, Minn. – Minnesota Governor Mark Dayton was on the Iron Range Wednesday. The Governor met with community leaders about issues important to Northern Minnesota. Increasing local government aid, funding various bonding projects, and moving the Polymet project forward were some of the important issues discussed with Governor Dayton. The Range Association for Municipalities and Schools, or RAMS, held…

Team Heads to Puerto Rico for Power Restoration

Volunteer Workers from Minnesota Power and SWLP will Leave Late Next Week, Spending at Least One Month in Puerto Rico

January 10, 2018

Brett Scott,

DULUTH, Minn. – It was back on September 7th when a group of Minnesota Power and Superior Water Light and Power workers chose to volunteer their time to head south, aiding in power restoration efforts in Florida after Hurricane Irma left millions without electricity. Nearly five months after Hurricane Maria slammed into the island of Puerto Rico, recovery and restoration…

Ecolibrium3 Making Moves To A Possible New Location

January 10, 2018

Haydee Clotter,

DULUTH, Minn. -Lincoln Park’s Ecolibrium three may soon be moving into a new building. The Duluth City Council approved the sale of the old Lincoln Park Sub Station on West Superior Street for the new location. A second reading of the ordinance is still needed to make it all final. The move would allow the organization that runs Duluth’s energy…

Mine Supporters Sue to Void Dayton’s Order Against Twin Metals

January 10, 2018

The Associated Press,

VIRGINIA, Minn. (AP) _ A pro-mining group is suing to overturn an order by Minnesota Gov. Mark Dayton that dealt a blow to the proposed Twin Metals copper-nickel mine near Ely. Dayton last March directed the Department of Natural Resources not to enter into any new access or lease agreements for mining operations on state-owned lands near the Boundary Waters…

“Calendar Girls” Tickets Going Fast at The Underground

Production Follows Friends through Fame and Friendship

January 10, 2018

Natalie Froistad,

DULUTH, Minn. – The latest production at The Underground is opening Thursday evening. The show follows two friends on a journey for good. “Calendar Girls” is based on a true story of middle-aged friends who decide to raise money for a sofa after the sudden death of a husband. The calendar they create gets them a big amount of attention,…

MnDOT Urging Motorists to be Cautious Around Snow Plows

January 10, 2018

Melissa Lentz,

ST. PAUL, Minn. – With significant snow totals around the state, the Minnesota Department of Transportation is urging motorists to use extra caution during plowing and snow removal operations. According to MnDOT, there have been 22 crashes so far this season involving vehicles and snowplows. A total of 58 were reported last year. “Inattentive drivers, motorists driving too close to…

The Duluth Salvation Army Wraps Up Its 2017 Red Kettle Campaign

The Red Kettle total was almost the same as last year at $256,018.

January 9, 2018

Haydee Clotter,

DULUTH, Minn. -The Duluth Salvation Army’s 2017 Red Kettle campaign has wrapped up and the results are in. The goal was to raise $300,000 over the holidays. Although the salvation army ended up 15 percent short of that number, the staff tells us it was still a busy season. “The Salvation Army has been in the Duluth area for 125 years…

Duluth Teachers Nominated for Minnesota Teacher of the Year

Three Teachers from ISD 709 Were Nominated for the Statewide Award

January 9, 2018

Andrew Kirov,

DULUTH, Minn. – Three teachers from the Duluth School District have been nominated for the Minnesota Teacher of the Year Award. Holly Bowen Bailey, Beth Kersting-Peterson, and Cindy Upton were nominated by a committee from the district. They join many other teachers nominated from across the state. The winner of the Minnesota Teacher of the Year will be entered for…

Lake Superior Zoo Working on New Projects

Zoo Has Begun Its Revitalization Following the 2012 Flood

January 9, 2018

Andrew Kirov,

DULUTH, Minn. – The Lake Superior Zoo is looking ahead to some exciting new developments in 2018. The zoo is starting their revitalization. Since the flood of 2012, changes were needed. Now the zoo is moving forward with some needed projects. Their goal for this year is to raise enough money to build a new bear country exhibit where the…

The Northland Prepares For Looming Winter Storm

The public is advised to be careful when snow plows are on the roads.

January 9, 2018

Haydee Clotter,

DULUTH, Minn. – For the most part, the St. Louis County Public Works Department is ready as early as fall for handling winter storms. Whenever a storm is in the forecast crews go through all of the equipment to make sure everything is cleaned and greased. They also check the plow edges for wear and tear. “This garage, we have…

Minnesota Human Services Chief to Fight Release of Serial Rapist

January 9, 2018

The Associated Press,

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) – Human Services Commissioner Emily Piper says she’ll appeal a judicial panel’s approval of the conditional release of a serial rapist from the Minnesota Sex Offender Program. Thomas R. Duvall has spent the past 30 years locked up for the violent rapes of teenage girls in the 1970s and 1980s. The Star Tribune reports that a three-judge panel…

UMD Production Honored at Regional Festival

"Antigone" Encore Performances in Duluth this Weekend

January 9, 2018

Natalie Froistad,

DULUTH, Minn. – A University of Minnesota-Duluth Theatre production is being honored in a big way. The department has been invited to perform “Antigone” at the Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival in Des Moines, IA. This is one of only seven productions selected to perform in the festival. The play was chosen from hundreds around the region. UMD Theatre…

Walz, Coleman Release Fundraising Totals in Governor’s Race

January 9, 2018

The Associated Press,

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) – The rush for cash is on in the crowded race for Minnesota governor. Democratic candidate and Rep. Tim Walz said Monday his campaign had raised more than $1.1 million in 2017. Fellow Democrat and former St. Paul Mayor Chris Coleman said he’d raised more than $800,000. It highlights the expensive race for the open governor’s…

Plymouth Police Investigating Death

January 9, 2018

The Associated Press,

PLYMOUTH, Minn. (AP) – Police are investigating a death in a Twin Cities suburb. Authorities say someone at the Stoneleigh at the Reserve apartment complex in Plymouth called 911 shortly after midnight Tuesday. When officers arrived they found one person dead. Police did not say if the victim was a man or a woman. Plymouth Police Chief Mike Goldstein says…

New Tours, Events, Launch Glensheen Mansion to Record-Breaking Numbers

Northland Uncovered: More than 140,000 Visited Glensheen in 2017

January 9, 2018

Natalie Froistad,

DULUTH, Minn. – Officials are counting record numbers at Glensheen Mansion as they look into the attendance for 2017. This is a trend that’s been on the rise over the last few years. “Which is really something to say because in 1981 the murder was on the press all the time,” explained Director Dan Hartman. Hartman tells FOX 21 this…

Duluth Kicks Off Trafficking Prevention Month

The sixth annual gathering honored victims and survivors.

January 8, 2018

Haydee Clotter,

DULUTH, Minn. – Jan. is National Human Trafficking Prevention Month and Duluth is honoring both victims and survivors. Organizers of today’s gathering say when you have people willing to purchase other people and there are potential victims who are vulnerable then human trafficking can exist. A performance by women draped in red shawls helped kick off trafficking prevention month in Duluth….

Sex Trafficking Vigil Held in Two Harbors

Lake County Sex Trafficking Task Force Aims to Stop Trafficking Before It Starts

January 8, 2018

Andrew Kirov,

TWO HARBORS, Minn. – January is Human Trafficking and Sex Trafficking Awareness Month. Monday, in Two Harbors, a vigil was held honoring the victims of sex trafficking. The Lake County Sex Trafficking Task Force held their annual vigil in memory of those who lost their lives to sex exploitation and in solidarity with those who continue to be victimized. The…

Duluth City Councilors Sworn In

Newcomer is Renee Van Nett, the First Female Native American Councilor

January 8, 2018

Andrew Kirov,

DULUTH, Minn. – Duluth City Councilors were sworn in Monday at a ceremony at City Hall. Renee Van Nett is the one newcomer to the council. She was elected to represent the fourth district, which includes the Lincoln Park neighborhood and mall area. Van Nett is the first female Native American elected to the council. “Because our culture’s holistic, it’s…

Historic Saint John’s Bible On Display In Duluth

Staff told us if there a mistake when writing the bible a piece of art was drawn over it instead of starting over.

January 8, 2018

Haydee Clotter,

DULUTH, Minn. – The first handwritten bible commissioned by a Benedictine monastery has made its way to the Northland. The historic Saint John’s Bible is on display at the Benedictine Living community of Duluth. The chapel was full with guests who were there for a blessing event. The bible tour also celebrates the 125th anniversary of the sisters of St….

Warmer Weather Sends People Outdoors

The sunny day was a welcoming sight.

January 8, 2018

Haydee Clotter,

DULUTH, Minn.- With temperatures around 50 degrees warmer than the recent deep freeze people were out soaking in the sunshine especially on the Lakewalk in Duluth. “Taking the walk along the lakeshore here was just a little indulgence that i decided to do because i was going to get back in my car and drive up to the range,” said M’lou Brubaker of Goodland, Minnesota. “But…

$50,000 Lottery Ticket Sold at ICO in Canal Park

January 8, 2018

Melissa Lentz,

DULUTH, Minn. – Someone who purchased a Powerball in Duluth is about to get a little richer. The Minnesota Lottery has announced that a winning lottery ticket of $50,000 for the latest Powerball drawing on Jan. 6 was sold at the Inner City Oil location at 307 Canal Drive in Duluth. Two other winning tickets were sold at Kwik Trip…

Duluth Wedding Show Celebrates 30 Years with Biggest Show Yet

Nearly 150 Exhibitors Expected for Annual Event

January 8, 2018

Natalie Froistad,

DULUTH, Minn. – Planning a wedding can be stressful and difficult, but luckily there’s a resource in town to help local brides and grooms prepare for their special day. The 30th Annual Duluth Wedding Show is Saturday, January 13th at the DECC. Nearly 150 exhibitors will fill six rooms of the Duluth Entertainment Convention Center. These will feature the latest…

Northern Lights Foundation Calls for “More Cowbell”

Annual Fundraiser Takes Place Thursday Night

January 8, 2018

Natalie Froistad,

DULUTH, Minn. – A night of music, dinner, and drinks is supporting a worthy cause this week. The 9th Annual More Cowbell fundraiser is taking place on Thursday, January 11. The event is once against supporting the Northern Lights Foundation. The foundation gives grants to families who have children with life-threatening illnesses. Several groups will perform on stage with The…

Osmek Says His Governor Campaign is Over

January 8, 2018

The Associated Press,

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) – Republican David Osmek says he’s ending his campaign for governor. Osmek, a state senator from Mound, says he decided to drop out after discussing prospects with family and supporters over the holidays. Osmek finished fifth of seven candidates in a straw poll at the party’s State Central Committee meeting in December. He said he’ll support…

Skating with the UMD Bulldogs

Little Northlanders skated at AMS Oil Arena with the UMD Women's Hockey team

January 7, 2018

Lauren Leigh,

DULUTH, Minn.-Sunday AMS Oil Arena was full of little hockey players. It’s a great day to be a UMD Bulldog, the UMD Women’s Hockey team hosted an open skate Sunday afternoon. The ladies said it was a perfect way to spend their Sunday. “A lot of them come to the games and I think just getting that one on one…

Norshor Theatre Wrapping Up Renovations

The historic Nor Shor Theatre will open up the first of February.

January 7, 2018

Lauren Leigh,

DULUTH, Minn.– The countdown is on for the revival of downtown Duluth’s historic Norshor Theatre. In less than a month the stage will be lit and the arts and entertainment will begin. The Duluth Play House will be turning on the Norshor Theatre marquee lights on February 1st. Many helping hands are ensuring the curtain will open. “It’s a historic…

Suds for Shelter Hosts Final Fundraiser

The oldest brewery in Duluth held the final fundraiser for Habitat for Humanity.

January 6, 2018

Lauren Leigh,

DULUTH, Minn.– This winter season breweries around the Northland are teaming up to raise money for Habitat for Humanity during Suds for Shelter. The last fundraiser is at Minnesota’s oldest brewery the Lake Superior Brewing Company. During the Suds for Shelter for every beer purchased $1 is donated to the Western Lake Superior Habitat for Humanity. “It’s kind of a neat…

Banff Film Festive Shown in Duluth

The festival highlights adventures from around the world.

January 6, 2018

Lauren Leigh,

DULUTH, Minn.- The Banff Mountain Film Festival kicked-off night at the DECC in Duluth, but it’s not too late to catch the films. The film festival highlights short films of expeditions and outdoor adventures from around the globe. The Banff Mountain Film Festival travels around the world. Thanks to the Duluth Cross Country Club the films are shown in the…

Saturday Morning at the Races Kicks-off

The races give kids an opportunity to exercise away from the cold weather.

January 6, 2018

Lauren Leigh,

DULUTH, Minn.– Friday was a day for the races over at the college of St. Scholastica. Kids of all ages took part in the first Saturday Morning at the Races of this winter. Around 400 kids had a chance to exercise and take part in a friendly competition at the St. Scholastica gym. The races vary from 1/8 of a mile…

Spirit Mountain Hosts USSA Race

Kids of all ages competed in the family fun event.

January 6, 2018

Lauren Leigh,

DULUTH, Minn.- The sun was shining at Spirit Mountain as the USSA held the Minnesota/Planet Cup on Saturday. Around 360 racers headed down the slopes participating in timed and un-timed races. The competition included six different USSA teams one team is from Duluth, participating on their home slope. “It’s a unique event that you can be out on the hill, involved…

Ordinance May Restrict Flavored Tobacco Products In Duluth Convenience Stores

The Ordinance Would Amend Chapter 11 of the Duluth City Code

January 5, 2018

Haydee Clotter,

Management from both smaller local convenience stores and big names like Kwik Trip are speaking out against the proposed ban. Gary Milk House Owner Derek Medved carries a variety of flavored tobacco products. But the store owner does not want young people buying them. “We’re here to work with the city on that to prevent of course selling to minors,”…

Flu Season Affecting Many in the Northland

Doctors say if you have flu like symptoms, stay home to avoid affecting others.

January 5, 2018

Lauren Leigh,

DULUTH, Minn.- Have you been feeling under the weather lately? Doctors say this flu season could be shaping out to be worse than last years. Medical professionals say you don’t need to visit the doctor if you have the flu stay home and rest. But the flu can affect some worse than others. “You may have influenza, you may not…

Senator Tina Smith Visits the Northland

Senator Tina Smith made her first public appearance since being sworn in.

January 5, 2018

Lauren Leigh,

DULUTH, Minn.- Friday night Senator Tina Smith made her first big public appearance, meeting Northlanders in Duluth. Senator Smith spoke with Northlanders at Hoops Brewery, on what she hopes to tackle while in Washington. “I wanted to come to Duluth and the north country right away because I love this part of the state so much,” Sen. Tina Smith said. …

Mother of Murdered Girls Confronts Suspected Killer on His Death Bed

FOX 9 KMSP

January 5, 2018

Site Staff,

ST. CLOUD, Minn. (KMSP) – A mother from St. Cloud whose two daughters were mysteriously murdered in 1974 now believes she knows who killed them. The two girls, 15-year-old Mary Reker and her 12-year-old sister Susie, disappeared while out shopping for school supplies on Labor Day in 1974, their bodies discovered riddled with stab wounds in a quarry outside St. Cloud. Despite the efforts of…

Ely Winter Festival Looks for Talented Sculptors

The Ely Winter Festival is Celebrating a 25th Anniversary This Year

January 5, 2018

Brett Scott,

ELY, Minn. – Those of you looking to brave the cold and create a stunning piece of art have a few more hours to apply if you’d like to do so in this year’s Ely Winter Festival. The search for sculptors ends Friday evening at 11:45 p.m. The festival is a chance for artists to make snow sculptures from large…

Minnesota Releases Critical Draft Permit for PolyMet

January 5, 2018

The Associated Press,

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) – A contentious copper-nickel mine in northeastern Minnesota has taken another step forward with state regulators releasing a crucial draft permit for public comment. PolyMet Executive Vice President Brad Moore calls Friday’s release “a major milestone for the project” after more than 10 years of environmental review and permitting. The draft “permit to mine” includes a requirement that…

Fat Tire Biking Trails Expand in Cook County Ahead of Annual Race

Active Adventures: 2nd Annual Norpine Fat Tire Bike Classic

January 5, 2018

Natalie Froistad,

COOK COUNTY, Minn. – Cold temperatures and snow covering the ground in the Northland means fat tire bike enthusiasts are hitting the trails. The second annual Norpine Fat Bike Classic is being held Saturday, January 6. Approximately 200 cyclists are expected from across the United States and Canada. Racers can compete in a 24-mile race or 16-mile race. Racing begins…

Cold Temperatures Causing Shipping Delays

January 4, 2018

Haydee Clotter,

DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth Port normally sees cold temperatures like these in January, but officials say it’s the most ice on the lake at this time of year since about 2001. The freeze is happening so early it’s starting to hamper some of the ship movement, particularly in Lake Erie, which is much shallower than Lake Superior. Ships that would…

Sen. Tina Smith To Speak In Duluth Friday

January 4, 2018

Dan Hanger,

DULUTH, Minn. – Former Minnesota lieutenant governor and now U.S. Sen. Tina Smith is coming to Duluth Friday to meet the public. The reception is being hosted by Mayor Emily Larson at Hoops Brewing in Canal Park from 5:30 p.m. until 7 p.m. It’s a free event. This will be Sen. Smith’s first public gathering in Minnesota since taking over…

Working in Winter Conditions

Many Northlanders face the cold everyday, are you doing what you can to avoid frostbite?

January 4, 2018

Lauren Leigh,

DULUTH, Minn.– This winter has been extremely cold so far in the Northland. While some are bundling up avoiding the outdoors others braving chilly temperatures at work. “It’s a battle but we’ve been through it before,” Krause Anderson Construction Mark Burdick said. Many workers around the Northland clock in, spending their workday outside in freezing temperatures. One construction worker told…

More People Dropping Off Electronic Waste After Holidays

January 4, 2018

Haydee Clotter,

DULUTH, Minn. – Out with the old and in with the new. If you are among those who received or bought a new flat screen TV during the holiday season, what do you do with the old TV box set? Demolicious in Duluth is one of many facilities around town that will take it off of your hands. Workers here are…

Duluth Designated Baby Friendly City

Duluth earned the recognition on Dec. 14. from the Healthy Northland.

January 4, 2018

Haydee Clotter,

DULUTH, Minn. – Duluth has been named the fittest city and the least stressful city in the past and now one more title can be added to that list. Mayor Emily Larson was presented with an award recognizing Duluth as a baby friendly city at City Hall. Duluth was chosen because of its commitment to make breastfeeding easier and more accessible…

Great Lakes Aquarium Breaks Attendance Record

The newest exhibit, Unsalted Seas, features the largest sturgeon tank in North America.

January 4, 2018

Haydee Clotter,

DULUTH, Minn. – “If you’ve gone on a visit to the Great Lakes Aquarium in 2017, you”ve helped set a 15 year attendance record. A total of 162, 676 people made the Aquarium 2017’s number one paid attraction in Duluth. Attendance grew almost 14 percent, which is the greatest one year growth in the Aquarium’s history. Aquarium staff say memberships for…

MNLARS MESS: Troubled Vehicle Registration System Goes Back Under Microscope

January 4, 2018

Site Staff,

ST. PAUL, Minn. (KMSP) – Minnesota lawmakers are getting an update on efforts to fix the troubled MNLARS vehicle registration system, scarred by a failed rollout and a backlog of title transfers. Now, many are hoping a change in leadership could make a difference. The state spent 10 years and $90 million planning for the transition to MNLARS, and lawmakers are…

Crafting a Cocktail with a Nordic Twist

Cooking Connection: Swedish Sour

January 4, 2018

Natalie Froistad,

DULUTH, Minn. – For this week’s Cooking Connection we’re starting the year off with a Nordic-inspired cocktail. FOX 21 Meteorologist William Seay was behind the bar to learn the steps necessary for this specialty drink. JJ Astor Food and Beverage Manager Kai Soderberg showed William how to make Hot Buttered Rum. Swedish Sour: One egg white Juice of 1/2 of…

UPDATE: Northbound Lanes on Blatnik Bridge Now Open

The Accident Occured Shortly After 6:20 a.m. Thursday

January 4, 2018

Brett Scott,

SUPERIOR, Wisc. – A crash happened at 6:22 a.m. on the John A. Blatnik Bridge connecting Superior and Duluth. At this time, all northbound lanes are open once again on I-535. The Superior Police Department says they were already handling two separate crashes involving a total of four vehicles. The Douglas County Sheriff’s Department is responded to the accident. Stay…

Northland School District Shortened School Week Is Cost Effective

With a four day school week Lake Superior School District has managed to save programs like Calculus, Advanced Biology and Physics.

January 3, 2018

Haydee Clotter,

TWO HARBORS, Minn. – It’s now been eight years since one Northland school district made a major change to its schedule. The Lake Superior School District, which includes the schools in Two Harbors and Silver Bay, started using a four day school week back in 2009. The district remains one of only a few in the state sticking with a shortened week….

Life House has a new addition

The homeless youth advocacy organization has purchased a neighboring building

January 3, 2018

Graham Hakala,

DULUTH, Minn. – The homeless youth advocates at Life House in Duluth are celebrating their newest property. Life House has officially acquired a building right behind its location. The building will be used to expand the education efforts for homeless youth there. “We have an in–house, paid, job training program for the homeless and street youth that we work with….