Minnesota Archives - Page 237 of 380

Duluth Sees More Gun Violence Over Weekend; Police Chief Responds

August 30, 2020

Alexandra Burnley,

DULUTH, Minn. — Two more incidents involving guns occurred over the weekend from Saturday night into Sunday morning in Duluth, ending a week that the police chief said has seen a high rate of gun violence Around 8:15 on Saturday night, Duluth police responded to a call of several shots fired on West 1st Street between the 2400 to 2600…

Chief Tusken Responds to Duluth Police Officer’s Viral Facebook Post About Downtown Shooting Incident

In the post the Sergeant recounts the events, and his own thoughts, surrounding a call he responded to Wednesday, where he "almost shot an 'unarmed black man,'."

August 29, 2020

Arman Rahman,

DULUTH, Minn.- A Duluth Police officer’s recent Facebook post has gone viral, along with Duluth Police Chief Mike Tusken’s subsequent response after sharing the post, regarding a call Police responded to Wednesday. Both are included below, and can be found on FOX 21’s Facebook Page. The officer originally wrote on the Duluth Police Local 807 Facebook Page Thursday, signing as…

Vice President Mike Pence Makes A Stop In Duluth

"We got a clear vision for our second term, more jobs, and better wages," said Vice President Mike Pence.

August 28, 2020

Nachai Taylor,

DULUTH, Minn. – One day after ending the Republican National Convention, Vice President Mike Pence makes his first appearance back on the campaign trail in Duluth. He is hoping to gain the support of Minnesotans as the administration makes an effort to build a stronger economy. Hundreds of supporters rallied together at the Clure Public Marine Terminal in Duluth, to…

Minnesota DFL Leaders, Residents Respond to Vice President Pence Visit

Vice President Mike Pence Spoke in Duluth Friday at Clure Public Marine Terminal

August 28, 2020

Brett Scott,

DULUTH, Minn. – The visit to the Northland by Vice President Mike Pence drew sharp criticism from DFL leaders across Minnesota including Duluth Mayor Emily Larson and many residents. Members of the DFL party in Minnesota seem to agree the Trump administration has lacked leadership, allowing the COVID-19 pandemic to spiral out of control across the United States, while leaders…

White House Coronavirus Response Coordinator Visits Fond du Lac

August 28, 2020

Site Staff,

CLOQUET, Minn. – Whitehouse Coronavirus Response Coordinator Dr. Deborah Birx visited the Fond du Lac Band of Lake Superior Chippewa on Friday to discuss the impact COVID-19 has had on the area. Chairman Kevin Dupuis, Sr. stated: “Fond du Lac has been focused fighting this virus for nearly eight months and the visit from Dr. Birx was a good time…

541 Food Service Employees at Xcel Energy Center Laid-off Amid COVID-19

August 28, 2020

Site Staff,

ST. PAUL, Minn. (FOX 9) – Hundreds of food service employees, who worked at Xcel Energy Center, were laid off at the beginning of August following COVID-19 restrictions, which caused events to be canceled or prohibited fan attendance, according to the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development. In June, Levy Premium Foodservice notified DEED 541 employees based out of the Xcel Energy Center would be…

Duluth Police Respond to Two Separate Shootings on Thursday

August 28, 2020

Site Staff,

DULUTH, Minn. – Duluth Police say officers responded to two separate shooting incidents on Thursday. According to police, around 2:20 a.m. Thursday an officer witnessed multiple shots fired from two vehicles in the downtown Duluth area. Police say the shooting took place in an alley on 2nd Avenue East and both vehicles fled the vicinity. One of the vehicles involved…

Live: Vice President Mike Pence Speaks at Clure Public Marine Terminal

August 28, 2020

Site Staff,

DULUTH, Minn. – Vice President Mike Pence is scheduled to speak to a small group on Friday afternoon at the Clure Public Marine Terminal. Pence will be promoting President Trump’s America First Agenda. Categories: Minnesota, News, News – Latest News, Political

Updated COVID-19 Numbers: Friday, August 28

August 28, 2020

Site Staff,

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Minnesota health officials reported 73,240 confirmed COVID-19 cases in the state Friday morning and 4 new deaths bringing the death total to 1,810 in Minnesota. According to the Minnesota Department of Health website, 1,443,344 tests have been completed to date. There are 65,204 patients who no longer require isolation. So far, 6,357 patients have required hospitalization…

Man Charged With Threatening to Kill Gov. Walz

August 28, 2020

The Associated Press,

(Glen Stubbe/Star Tribune via AP) ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) — A man accused of threatening to kill Gov. Tim Walz over his endorsement of Rep. Ilhan Omar for Congress has been charged in Ramsey County District Court. A criminal complaint filed Thursday says 51-year-old Shawn Simonson, of Blaine, left a message on the governor’s public State Capitol line Aug. 2…

Duluth Lions Club 63rd Annual Pancake Day Canceled Due to COVID-19

August 28, 2020

Site Staff,

DULUTH, Minn. – The 63rd Annual Duluth Lions Club Pancake Day has been canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. According to a recent press release, Duluth Lions Club Pancake Day Committee Chair, Lion PDG Larry Winner made the announcement Thursday that the club would be following Minnesota Department of Health guidelines which state that events with 250 or more people…

UMD Staff Member Creates Unique Signs for Social Distancing

The goal is to help ease students transitioning back to campus

August 27, 2020

Reece Lindquist,

DULUTH, Minn. – When walking through the halls of UMD this year you may notice certain areas look a bit different. “This is the first year we’ve had to put a ton of signage up. So that kind of threw us for a loop,” Kirby Student Center, Mat Gilderman says. Out of the hundreds of signs across the campus, Mat…

Bremer Bank Opens In Downtown Duluth

The branch is open Monday through Friday.

August 27, 2020

Nachai Taylor,

DULUTH, Minn. – Bremer Bank has opened its newest location in downtown Duluth. The new branch, which is located in the Holiday Center, is a full-service banking institution. It offers traditional banking products and services such as checking and savings accounts. The branch was originally scheduled to open in march but the COVID-19 outbreak caused a delay. “We are opening…

Pride Fest Still Happening Virtually For Labor Day Weekend

The virtual festival runs through next Sunday.

August 27, 2020

Nachai Taylor,

DULUTH, Minn. – Some Labor Day fun may have already been canceled, but the Duluth-Superior Pride Festival will go on virtually. Starting next Thursday, everyone can participate in the festivities from the comfort of their homes. There are a wide array of fun activities on the schedule including a virtual parade, a drag show, and movie screenings. While the pandemic…

St. Louis County Launches Mask Up, COVID Down Campaign

The county enlisted the help from 25 local celebrities like Charlie Parr.

August 27, 2020

Nachai Taylor,

DULUTH, Minn. – St. Louis County has launched a new campaign called “Mask Up, Covid Down” to highlight the reasons why people are wearing face coverings other than being required and scientific justification behind it. The county enlisted the help of 25 local celebrities like Charlie Parr and UMD’s mascot Champ to share their individual purpose for wearing a mask….

Jury Trials Are Slowly Starting To Return Across The State

August 27, 2020

Nachai Taylor,

TWO HARBORS, Minn. – The global pandemic put a pause on jury trials and in-person court proceedings in Minnesota. These trials are slowly beginning to resume across the state including in the Northland, as courts are taking precautions to ensure everyone’s safety. The last time there was an in-person hearing with a jury at the Lake County Courthouse was back…

National Guard Activated After Downtown Minneapolis Unrest

August 27, 2020

The Associated Press,

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) – The governor of Minnesota activated the National Guard on Wednesday night to help quell unrest that broke out in downtown Minneapolis following what authorities said was misinformation about the suicide death of a Black homicide suspect. Gov. Tim Walz declared a peacetime emergency in Minneapolis and said he was mobilizing the Minnesota National Guard but did not…

Updated COVID-19 Numbers: Thursday, August 27

August 27, 2020

Site Staff,

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Minnesota health officials reported 72,390 confirmed COVID-19 cases in the state Thursday morning and 13 new deaths bringing the death total to 1,806 in Minnesota. According to the Minnesota Department of Health website, 1,427,347 tests have been completed to date. There are 64,876 patients who no longer require isolation. So far, 6,326 patients have required hospitalization…

DECC Interim Exec. Dir. Roger Reinert Wants To Innovate Venue’s Use During Pandemic

Bringing a local brewery's outside beer garden inside the DECC is just one idea Reinert is looking into.

August 27, 2020

Dan Hanger,

DULUTH, Minn. — Roger Reinert — known in the world of politics in Duluth and St. Paul after stints as a city councilor, state senator and representative — is the new interim executive director of the Duluth Entertainment Convention Center – replacing Chelly Townsend whose contract was not renewed for reason not disclosed by the board. Reinert is not new…

Drive-Thru Experience, No Experience Among Options For 2020 ‘Bentleyville Tour of Lights’

August 26, 2020

Dan Hanger,

DULUTH, Minn. — The DECC is hopeful Bentleyville Tour of Lights will return again this year but Bentleyville’s owner told FOX 21 Wednesday that nothing is for sure at this point. One idea being thrown around is a drive-thru version of Bentleyville at its usual location at Bayfront Park. Owner Nathan Bentley says his team is discussing a variety of…

Northland Red Cross Sends Volunteers to Help with Hurricane Laura Relief, Seeking More

Officials with the Northland Chapter of the Red Cross in Duluth say so far more volunteers are needed for medical, logistics, and other roles.

August 26, 2020

Arman Rahman,

DULUTH, Minn.- As Hurricane Laura nears landfall on the Gulf Coast, the American Red Cross is gearing up to dispatch their response teams to the hardest hit areas ready to pick up the pieces from what is projected to be a devastating hurricane. One nurse from International Falls just landed in Houston Wednesday, and four more volunteers from the Northland…

DTA Announces Upcoming Service Changes

August 26, 2020

Site Staff,

DULUTH, Minn. – The DTA announced upcoming services changes on Wednesday which includes pausing two routes to Park Point and West Duluth. On Wednesday, the DTA said they would be pausing routes #4 and #15 until further notice due to “current staffing realities, and the operational approach required to deliver a safe and reliable service level to the public.” Dial-a-ride…

Former Minnesota Gov. Dayton Recovering From Surgery After Fall

August 26, 2020

Site Staff,

(FOX 9) – Former Minnesota Gov. Mark Dayton says he is recovering after a fall in his home earlier this month. Dayton wrote on Facebook that, on Aug. 4, he fell in his kitchen and hit his head. After consulting with a doctor, he was taken to the hospital for surgery to relieve pressure from internal bleeding. “Thank goodness we live in a state…

Fatal Duluth Hillside Apartment Fire Deemed Accidental

August 26, 2020

Site Staff,

DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth Fire Marshal’s Office says a fatal fire that broke out earlier this month in Duluth’s East Hillside neighborhood has been deemed accidental. In the early morning hours of August 11, Duluth fire crews responded to reports of an apartment building fire. When crews arrived on the scene they found smoke coming from the first and…

Updated COVID-19 Numbers: Wednesday, August 26

August 26, 2020

Site Staff,

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Minnesota health officials reported 71,236 confirmed COVID-19 cases in the state Wednesday morning and 14 new deaths bringing the death total to 1,793 in Minnesota. According to the Minnesota Department of Health website, 1,406,007 tests have been completed to date. There are 64,374 patients who no longer require isolation. So far, 6,274 patients have required hospitalization…

Former State Senator, Duluth City Councilor Named as DECC Interim Executive Director

August 26, 2020

Site Staff,

DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth Entertainment Convention Center board has formally nominated former state Senator and Duluth City Councilor Roger Reinert as the Interim Executive Director. The decision was made during a Wednesday morning virtual meeting about the DECC’s status and plan for the remainder of the year. Reinert has acted as the interim liaison for the last two months…

National Dog Day Celebrated In The Northland

August 26, 2020

Nachai Taylor,

DULUTH, Minn. – National Dog Day might be the perfect day to show your dog a little extra love. The honorary day pays homage to all breeds and encourages dog ownership. One place you might be able to find the perfect treat to celebrate is at Matilda’s Dog Bakery and Boutique. The owner believes national dog day is a little…

DEED Commissioner Steve Grove Visits Duluth

August 26, 2020

Nachai Taylor,

DULUTH, Minn. – Small businesses in the Northland have been taking huge financial hits due to the global pandemic. The Department of Employment and Economic Development Commissioner visited Duluth on Wednesday to hear first-hand stories from some of those business owners and how grant funding has helped them rebuild. India Palace in Duluth has been serving traditional Indian cuisine to…

Mentors Needed To Help Support Students During The School Year

August 25, 2020

Nachai Taylor,

DULUTH, Minn.- A local non-profit is searching for mentors to help provide additional support to families as they navigate through the upcoming school year. Mentor North in Duluth is a one on one community based mentoring program. The organization is launching its new academic mentoring program to be a positive re-enforcement as many students and their families may be facing…

Northland School Districts Switch Plans To Safely Resume Academic Year

The first day of class is September 8th for both Duluth and Proctor Public Schools.

August 25, 2020

Nachai Taylor,

NORTHLAND – COVID-19 cases are continuing to spike across the northland. Now several schools in the region are making adjustments to plans originally put in place for the start of the academic year. Minnesota schools were given three options to choose from to safely resume the 20-21 school year. Many Northland school districts had planned on implementing a hybrid model,…

DECC Board Parts Ways With Executive Director, No. 2 Leader To Retire

August 25, 2020

Dan Hanger,

Chelly Townsend DULUTH, Minn. – A major shake-up is underway at the Duluth Entertainment Convention Center as the DECC’s board is parting ways with its executive director, and the No. 2 person under her has decided to retire. All of this comes as the DECC is virtually empty and facing a serious financial challenge during the pandemic. Chelly Townsend told…

Firefighters Battle Hours-Long Fire at Historic Downtown Hibbing Building

The cause of the Moose Event Center fire is still unknown and under investigation.

August 25, 2020

Arman Rahman,

HIBBING, Minn.- No one was injured fighting an inferno Tuesday that collapsed the roof of the Moose Event Center on Howard Street in Hibbing, according to fire officials. But what does hurt to the small town, is the loss of a building that houses many businesses and memories. “As I stood outside and watched it just kept, no matter how…

Minnesota Plans Sharp Boost in Coronavirus Testing Capacity

August 25, 2020

The Associated Press,

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) – Minnesota plans to more than double its coronavirus testing capacity by partnering with a national distributor of a rapid saliva test and establishing a new lab to process the results. The governor’s office says the state is finalizing a $14.7 million deal with Rutgers University-based RUCDR Infinite Biologics, which offers the country’s first saliva COVID-19 test, and…

Red Flag Warning Issued Due to Dangerous Swimming Conditions on Park Point

August 25, 2020

Site Staff,

DULUTH, Minn.- The Duluth Fire Department has issued a warning for dangerous swimming conditions at Park Point beaches until 10:00 a.m. tomorrow. The warning means that wind and wave conditions can support rip currents, which are life-threatening to anyone entering the water. There are no lifeguards on Park Point and red flags are flying along the beach to indicate the…

Fire Crews Battle Blaze in Downtown Hibbing

August 25, 2020

Site Staff,

HIBBING, Minn. – According to the Northland FireWire, multiple fire departments are continuing to battle a fire in downtown Hibbing. The fire broke out at the Moose Event Center around 10:30 a.m. Tuesday. The Northland FireWire reported around 11:30 a.m. that crews were battling a “defensive fire” and firefighters were out of the building. It is not yet known if…

Updated COVID-19 Numbers: Tuesday, August 25

August 25, 2020

Site Staff,

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Minnesota health officials reported 70,707 confirmed COVID-19 cases in the state Tuesday morning and 8 new deaths bringing the death total to 1,779 in Minnesota. According to the Minnesota Department of Health website, 1,394,986 tests have been completed to date. There are 63,725 patients who no longer require isolation. So far, 6,238 patients have required hospitalization…

No Fans in Stadium for First 2 Vikings Games

August 25, 2020

The Associated Press,

(AP) – The Minnesota Vikings will play at least their first two home games without fans in attendance. With the current Minnesota Department of Health guidelines specifying an indoor venue capacity of 250 people, officials from the Vikings, the state, U.S. Bank Stadium, the NFL, and the city of Minneapolis were unable to establish a prudent way to open the…

Early Morning Crash Leaves Passenger With Significant Injuries

A 2016 Honda Odyssey was traveling eastbound at a high rate of speed when it lost control at 42nd avenue east.

August 25, 2020

Reece Lindquist,

DULUTH, Minn. – Just before 3:30 Tuesday morning, Duluth Police officers responded to a single-vehicle rollover on the 4200 block of London Road. A 2016 Honda Odyssey was traveling eastbound at a high rate of speed when it lost control at 42nd avenue east. A 16-year-old female passenger was taken to the hospital with significant injuries. She was in stable…

Iron Range Communities, Officials Rally in Nashwauk to Keep Togo Prison Open

They say if the Governor needs to make cuts to address the state's budget, a big source of jobs and criminal reform on the Range isn't the place to do it.

August 24, 2020

Arman Rahman,

DULUTH, Minn.- A packed crowd in Nashwauk rallied around keeping the Minnesota Correctional Facilities in Togo and Willow River open. “Keep the program that is actually putting people, taking people out of prisons and putting them to work,” said District 6 Senator David Tomassoni. Hundreds from both sides of the political aisle packed the Nashwauk Area Veterans Memorial Park, including…

Duluth Police Take A Deeper Look At Types Of People They Want To Hire

August 24, 2020

Nachai Taylor,

DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth Police Department has been scouting to potentially fill openings for officers. In the wake of such tragedies like the death of George Floyd, the department has had to a deeper look into the types of people they are looking to hire. The department is focusing more on finding people with a strong character, extensive critical…

First Quarter of School Year Now Distance Learning for Duluth Middle, H.S. Students

August 24, 2020

Dan Hanger,

DULUTH — The Duluth School District announced Monday that middle and high school students will fully use a distance learning model for the first quarter of the school year. Supt. John Magas said the change through Nov. 6 will allow the district to safely handle state-mandated childcare service for around 1,000 kids who have at least one parent who is…

Thrift Stores Are Busy Helping Those In Need

August 24, 2020

Nachai Taylor,

SUPERIOR, Wis. – Thrift stores in the Twin Ports are staying busy as people are continuing to deal with the financial struggle of the COVID-19 pandemic. The Salvation Army Thrift Store in Superior has seen an increase in sales in the last several weeks. The most popular items being purchased are clothing and household items. “Some people aren’t working and…

Students At UMD Will Have To Wait To Return To Campus

"Despite extensive preparation research planning and advice, the landscape is shifting yet again and we need to reevaluate our fall plans," said U of M system President Joan Gabel.

August 24, 2020

Nachai Taylor,

DULUTH, Minn. – The University of Minnesota’s Board of %egents voted in favor of a proposal to pump the brakes on the start of the fall semester as a way to further evaluate the potential impacts the global pandemic could have on students if they return to campus. 18- 24-year-olds are among the fastest-growing age group testing positive for COVID-19….

Duluth’s City Council Approves Funding for Storm-Damaged Lakewalk, Brighton Beach

August 24, 2020

Katharine Huntley,

DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth City Council voted unanimously Monday to approve up to $4.5 million in bond money to finish the $20-million Lakewalk reconstruction project. Most of the project is being funded through storm relief from the federal government. A city spokesperson says the city’s obligation of up to $4.5 million is best paid by a bond right now…

U of M Board of Regents Approves Starting Semester With Online Classes

August 24, 2020

Site Staff,

DULUTH, Minn. – The University of Minnesota Board of Regents voted on Monday to push back move-in dates and to begin the semester with online classes for students at the Twin Cities, Rochester, and Duluth campuses. The University of Minnesota System President Joan Gabel proposed the changes on Friday which was presented to the Board Monday morning for a vote….

Man Arrested After Boating Collision Leaves 1 Person Dead

August 24, 2020

The Associated Press,

OTTERTAIL, Minn. (AP) — Authorities say a 73-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of criminal vehicular homicide after a boating collision on Otter Tail Lake in northwestern Minnesota resulted in the death of another man. The crash happened at about 3:30 p.m. Saturday. The Otter Tail County Sheriff’s Office said Neil Baker, 52, of Elysian, had just returned to…

Updated COVID-19 Numbers: Monday, August 24

August 24, 2020

Site Staff,

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Minnesota health officials reported 70,298 confirmed COVID-19 cases in the state Monday morning and 4 new deaths bringing the death total to 1,771 in Minnesota. According to the Minnesota Department of Health website, 1,386,513 tests have been completed to date. There are 63,059 patients who no longer require isolation. So far, 6,195 patients have required hospitalization…

‘Strong Northland’ Restaurant Voucher Campaign Nearing End

Participants Are Encouraged to Use Strong Northland Vouchers by Monday, August 31

August 24, 2020

Brett Scott,

DULUTH, Minn. – In early spring, the Greater Downtown Council in Duluth, along with the support of multiple sponsors, kicked off the Strong Northland Campaign. The campaign is meant to help support area restaurants and boost the local economy during a time when business is down due to COVID-19. Council President Kristi Stokes is reminding those participating in the program to…

Families Hit the Ice at Duluth Parks and Rec Open Skate

Families must pre-register on the Parks and Rec website for the time slot Sunday. Only 25 people at a time are allowed inside the arena.

August 23, 2020

Arman Rahman,

DULUTH, Minn.-The rink at the Essentia Health Duluth Heritage Sports Center was alive with ice skaters at Duluth Parks and Recreation’s open skate Sunday. Families must pre-register on the Parks and Rec website for the time slot Sunday. Only 25 people at a time are allowed inside the arena. At the door they are required to fill out a COVID-19…

UMD, UWS, LSC Students Gear Up for Academic Year Full of Changes as School Starts

All schools are taking precautions such as increased signage for social distancing, hand sanitizing stations throughout campus, and extra staff to sanitize spaces and classrooms routinely.

August 23, 2020

Arman Rahman,

DULUTH, Minn.- Online v.s. in-person class settings, class sizes, and even semester start dates are all being changed at Northland colleges and universities this year, as students gear up for an academic year like no other. The August 31st starting date at UMD hangs in uncertainty as the Board of Regents is set to vote Monday on whether or not…