Minnesota

North Shore Scenic Railroad Thinking Ahead To Fall and Christmas Season

Right now, the North Shore Scenic Railroad is one of the only railways operating in the Midwest during the pandemic. 

DULUTH, Minn. – The North Shore Scenic Railroad in Duluth has been open since July 1st. They are currently operating at 50% capacity and about 70% of those tickets have been selling. Railroad management is unsure if trains will be departing this Fall and Christmas season. “An older group comes for fall colors. Whether or not those people travel, is…

Lake Superior & Mississippi Railroad Officially Shuts Down, Optimistic About 2021 Season

The Lake Superior and Mississippi Railroad has been in operation since 1985. 

DULUTH, Minn. – Covid-19 is officially derailing the Lake Superior and Mississippi Railroad’s Season. Organizers say, they simply can’t operate safely during the pandemic in part because of a volunteer staff which are all considered in the high-risk category. The railroad’s president says the closure is a disappointment. “Because our people enjoy doing this. We enjoy sharing the ride with…

Watch Live: Trump Counters Biden With Law and Order Message in Minnesota

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Declaring it’s “crunch time” for the upcoming election, President Donald Trump zeroed in on Midwest battleground states on Monday with a tough, law and order message to counterprogram former Vice President Joe Biden’s show at the Democrats’ convention. Trump is in Minnesota and is headed later in the day to Wisconsin, the official host state for the…

Trump on the Road as Biden Prepares for Convention Show

WASHINGTON (AP) – Trump was visiting Minnesota and Wisconsin on Monday to launch a week of travel and political events aiming to blunt the customary polling “bounce” that a candidate gets during their convention week. The president trails in both public and private surveys less than three months before Election Day. On Tuesday, Trump will take on Biden over his immigration…

Updated COVID-19 Numbers: Monday, August 17

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Minnesota health officials reported 65,716 confirmed COVID-19 cases in the state Monday morning and 6 new deaths bringing the death total to 1,712 in Minnesota. According to the Minnesota Department of Health website, 1,266,561 tests have been completed to date. There are 58,859 patients who no longer require isolation. So far, 5,886 patients have required hospitalization…

Weather Service Confirms at Least 6 Tornadoes in Minnesota

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — The National Weather Service has confirmed that Friday’s storms spawned at least six tornadoes in Minnesota. Survey crews determined the strongest tornado was an EF1 in McLeod County packing winds estimated at up to 95 mph (153 kph). That tornado tracked for just over two miles (three kilometers) between Biscay and Glencoe and damaged trees and outbuildings….

DECC Chef Brings Barbecue to Hillside with Pop-Up ‘Howard’s Q’ to Stay Afloat Without Work

Howard's Q is serving fresh ribs, rib tips, Jerk Chicken and more right next to the Shanty Bottle Shop on 4th Street on weekends. 

DULUTH, Minn.- A local cook is bringing barbecue to the East Hillside Neighborhood in Duluth while making the most of being out of work during the pandemic. Howard’s Q is serving fresh ribs, rib tips, Jerk Chicken and more right next to the Shanty Bottle Shop on 4th Street on weekends. The cook, Howard Ross, was a Sous Chef at…

Storm Damage in Duluth Not as Bad as Past Storms, City Officials Say

While officials said they were prepared for storms as severe as those in the past, city officials said all in all, Duluth got out of the mix relatively unscathed. 

DULUTH, Minn.- Following a Friday night of turbulent storms, Duluth city officials said that the city had not taken much heavy damage, compared to nearby localities. On Friday the Duluth Fire Department responded to over a dozen calls of trees down on houses, cars, and power lines causing sparks. Meanwhile, the Public Works Department responded to about six calls of…

Someone Drove Through Turf At GND Rec Center Causing Damage

The cost to fix the damage is estimated in the thousands.

DULUTH, Minn.- The Gary New Duluth Recreational Center, which serves a safe space for the community in that neighborhood, was recently vandalized. Someone drove their car through the turf near the center causing some damage. The Gary New Duluth Development Alliance has spent tons of money and resources revitalizing the area. A board member of the organization says it is…

A New Ice Cream Shop Opens in Lincoln Park

Camp Creemee is open daily.

DULUTH, Minn. – In the midst of the global pandemic ice cream just might make life a little bit sweeter. A new ice cream shop in Lincoln Park helping to add that extra sugar to life. Camp Creemee, which resides inside wild state cider in Duluth, officially opened for business. The Vermont-style soft serve offers a creamier texture than most…

Remaining 2020 Duluth City Council Meetings to be Held Virtually

DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth City Council announced on Friday that all remaining City Council meetings in 2020 will be held virtually. “This decision was made with all of my Council colleagues,” Council President Gary Anderson said. “As leaders, the Council wants to set a good example for our community. To continue to hold our meetings virtually, we feel is…

Update: Eagle That Attacked Woman Along the North Shore Transported to Wildwoods

LUTSEN, Minn. – The Bald Eagle that attacked a woman along the North Shore Thursday afternoon has been safely captured. According to a spokesperson with the U.S. Forest Service, a wildlife biologist along with a biological science technician from the Superior National Forest captured the bird Friday to be transported to rehabilitation at Wildwoods in Duluth. “The bird flew towards…

Updated COVID-19 Numbers: Friday, August 14

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Minnesota health officials reported 63,723 confirmed COVID-19 cases in the state Friday morning and 8 new deaths bringing the death total to 1,693 in Minnesota. According to the Minnesota Department of Health website, 1,219,816 tests have been completed to date. There are 56,659 patients who no longer require isolation. So far, 5,783 patients have required hospitalization…

North Shore School Districts Release Fall Learning Plans

Cook County, Silver Bay, and Two Harbors Release Back-to-School Plans Amid COVID-19 Pandemic

COOK COUNTY, Minn. – The Cook County School Board voted Thursday evening to begin the academic year for ISD 166 on a distance learning model for all students grades K – 12. Superintendent Bill Crandall says the School Board not only took into consideration the current COVID-19 case numbers in Cook County, but what health experts are predicting could happen…

Hibbing Woman Charged in Iron Range Murder Sentenced

HIBBING, Minn. – A Hibbing woman charged in connection to the January 2019 murder of 33-year-old Joshua LaValley has been sentenced. Bailey French, 18, was sentenced on Thursday to almost 37 years in prison after pleading guilty to second-degree murder and aiding and abetting kidnapping. According to court reports, LaValley’s body was found on the Mesabi Trail near Kerr with…

Trump Plans Campaign Stops Monday in Minnesota, Wisconsin

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — President Donald Trump’s campaign on Friday announced details of his visits on Monday to Minnesota and Wisconsin. The campaign says Trump will highlight “Joe Biden’s failures on jobs and the economy” during his two airport events. Trump will stop at North Star Aviation in Mankato, Minnesota, at 2 p.m. Monday, followed by Basler Flight Service in Oshkosh,…

More Us Churches Sue to Challenge COVID-19 Restrictions

(AP) – Churches in California and Minnesota are challenging state pandemic restrictions in court, contending that they are violations of religious liberty. They’re the latest in a series of lawsuits, many in California, arguing that houses of worship should be exempt from certain limits on public gatherings. Most have been rebuffed; some have succeeded. In Minnesota, a federal lawsuit challenges…

Bald Eagle Attacks Woman Along North Shore: ‘It Was Terrifying’

“He had both of his claws in her. He was trying to get at her with its beak," said Bernie Banks, the man who rescued the woman.

LUTSEN, Minn. — A scary attack between a young bald eagle and a woman took place along Lake Superior Thursday – and it was all caught on video, as FOX 21’s Dan Hanger reports. The aggressive bald eagle was seen attacking the woman Thursday morning just 100 yards away from the Cascade Lodge and Restaurant along Highway 61 in Lutsen….

Apartment Where 36-Year-Old Man Dies In Fire Gets Burglarized

The items needed are hygiene products and clothing.

DULUTH, Minn. – More than a half dozen residents displaced by a fire that killed a 36-year-old man are now dealing with yet another difficulty. Duluth police confirmed to fox 21 that they responded to a burglary at that housing unit. Some of those without a home are asking for help. A friend to one of the residents posted on…

Fruit Truck Stops In Duluth

The semi-truck full of fresh fruit from farms and orchards all across the upper Midwest.

Duluth, Minn. –  The fruit truck made a stop in West Duluth on Thursday. The semi-truck full of fresh fruit from farms and orchards all across the upper Midwest. Today, the hot ticket items were plums, peaches and nectarines all of which are sold in bulk. “It’s for canning or freezing. Nothing like something you’d buy a little bit of…

Local Insurance Company Says Thank You To Customers

DULUTH, Minn. – a local insurance company gave thanks to its loyal customers. The Patrick Shelton Insurance Agency hosted a customer appreciation event to show how much they value those they serve. The first 15 customers at the event received free lunch from Tig’s Smok’n Pig BBQ. There were also tons of giveaways and prize drawings. “You have to show…

Local Preschool Looking For Help To Raise $50,000

More than $2,000 has already been raised through a Go Fund Me page.

DULUTH, Minn. – A Northland preschool is hoping to remain open to stay a reliable resource for parents as the need for childcare in the area continues to grow. The school is now looking for help from the community to raise money to purchase the building they now use. Lakeside Early Learning in Duluth hopes to raise $50,000 for a…

Community Rallies Against Proposed Closure of Willow River DOC Facility

Willow River facility is minimum security boot camp program for non-violent offenders

MOOSE LAKE, Minn. – People rallied in Moose Lake Thursday protesting the closure of the Department of Corrections facility in Willow River. This comes after it was announced both the Willow River and Togo facilities would close by the end of the year because of a Department of Corrections budget shortfall caused by the pandemic. The Willow River facility is…

Coon Rapids Man Dies in Sawyer County Semi-Tractor Trailer Crash

SAWYER COUNTY, Wis. – The Sawyer County Sheriff’s Department says a Coon Rapids man died on Wednesday in a single-vehicle accident in the Town of Draper. Authorities say Sawyer County Dispatch received a call about a semi-tractor trailer crash around 10:22 a.m. on State Highway 70 east of Loretta/Draper. When deputies arrived on the scene an eyewitness to the crash…

Minnesota Supreme Court Fast-Tracks Absentee Ballot Case

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) — The Minnesota Supreme Court has agreed to fast-track a challenge to absentee ballot rules for the November general election that were liberalized due to the coronavirus pandemic. The Trump’s campaign, Minnesota Republican Party and other GOP groups are appealing a lower court ruling. Chief Justice Lorie Gildea informed the parties Wednesday that the high court…

Updated COVID-19 Numbers: Thursday, August 13

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Minnesota health officials reported 62,993 confirmed COVID-19 cases in the state Thursday morning and 7 new deaths bringing the death total to 1,685 in Minnesota. According to the Minnesota Department of Health website, 1,203,559 tests have been completed to date. There are 56,346 patients who no longer require isolation. So far, 5,742 patients have required hospitalization…

Update: Victim Sustained Non-Life Threatening Gunshot Wound From Central Hillside Shots Fired Incident

DULUTH, Minn. – Duluth Police confirmed Thursday morning that the victim taken to the Essentia ER on Wednesday with a gunshot wound to the abdomen was shot in connection to the shots fired incident on Wednesday. Officers responded to a shots fired incident Wednesday afternoon in the Central Hillside neighborhood. Police responded to the 100 Block of the West #4…

Olmsted County Resident Crowned ‘Princess Kay of the Milky Way’

19-year-old Brenna Connelly, a college student from Byron Minnesota has been crowned the 67th Princess Kay of the Milky Way.  

Photo credit: Matt Addington. BYRON, Minnesota. – Despite this year’s cancellation of the Minnesota State Fair, there’s a new princess in the land of 10,000 lakes. 19-year-old Brenna Connelly, a college student from Byron Minnesota has been crowned the 67th Princess Kay of the Milky Way. Connelly represents Minnesota’s Olmsted County. The crowning took place on Wednesday night during a…

New Scenic Cafe Hitting the Road with ‘Scenic 61’ Food Truck

Restaurant owner adds food truck to methods of staying afloat while dine-in restaurant remains closed.

DULUTH, Minn.- After months shut down due to the pandemic, food is available at New Scenic Cafe on Highway 61 again — this time on wheels, as the Scenic 61 food truck opened Wednesday. Originally set up to carry food down to the now canceled Minnesota State Fair, Scenic 61 is now carrying the business through the summer as its…

Mayor Larson: 29-Percent Voter Turnout In Duluth For Primary Election

DULUTH, Minn. – Duluth Mayor Emily Larson says Tuesday’s primary election brought out a larger number of voters than a typical primary. Larson took to Facebook Wednesday to post a video saying more than 16,000 ballots were cast in Duluth, which is a 29-percent turnout from registered voters. She says a typical primary in Duluth usually sees between a 9…

Governor Walz Extends Peacetime Emergency Powers for Another 30 Days

ST. PAUL, Minn.– Earlier today, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz announced an extension of his emergency powers that he has held since the beginning of the pandemic in March. This comes as lawmakers are in St. Paul for a third special legislative session. The governor is extending his emergency powers through September 11, streamlining the handling of the pandemic through the…

New Guidelines For Long Term Care Facilities Released By MN Dept. Of Health

DULUTH, Minn. – The Minnesota Department of Health recently released new COVID-19 guidelines for longterm care facilities in the state. Long term care centers can be in either level one or level two. Each facility must factor in if they have had a case within the last 28 days before restrictions for visitation can be relaxed. Other factors such as…

State Files Motion to Join All Four Cases in George Floyd Killing

(Hennepin County Sheriff’s Office via AP) MINNEAPOLIS (FOX 9) – The State of Minnesota filed a motion Wednesday to join the cases of the four Minneapolis police officers charged in the police killing of George Floyd into one prosecution. The move means there would be one trial for all the officers, rather than four separate trials. Floyd died on May 25 while being…

Duluth Police Respond to Shots Fired Incident in Duluth’s Central Hillside

  DULUTH, Minn. – Duluth police say officers responded to a shots fired incident Wednesday afternoon in the Central Hillside neighborhood. Police responded to the 100 Block of the West #4 alley around 12:00 p.m. and found evidence consistent with reports of shots fired in the area. According to police, one person was taken to the Essentia ER with a…

Walz Names New Budget Chief With State Facing $4.7b Deficit

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) — Gov. Tim Walz named Jim Schowalter as his new commissioner of management and budget Wednesday to replace Myron Frans, who left his administration for a senior post at the University of Minnesota. Schowalter is returning to an agency he led in Gov. Mark Dayton’s administration. He also served as budget director under Gov. Tim Pawlenty….

Updated COVID-19 Numbers: Wednesday, August 12

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Minnesota health officials reported 62,303 confirmed COVID-19 cases in the state Wednesday morning and 12 new deaths bringing the death total to 1,678 in Minnesota. According to the Minnesota Department of Health website, 1,188,288 tests have been completed to date. There are 55,855 patients who no longer require isolation. So far, 5,711 patients have required hospitalization…

Proctor Golf Course Clubhouse Temporarily Closed After Employee Tests Positive for COVID

PROCTOR, Minn. – The Proctor Golf Course has temporarily closed its clubhouse after an employee tested positive for COVID-19. The golf course made the announcement on its Facebook page Wednesday morning saying that the employee worked on August 5 from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. According to the post, the employee was asymptomatic and is “doing well.” Check-ins will be…

ATF: Fire that Destroyed St. Paul Hotel Project was Arson

(Scott Takushi/Pioneer Press via AP) ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) — A massive blaze that destroyed a hotel project under construction in downtown St. Paul was arson, authorities said. The federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives announced that determination Tuesday, along with the St. Paul Fire Department, St. Paul Police Department and Minnesota state fire marshal’s division. Investigators concluded the…

Republican Candidates Rally Supporters in Hinckley

Rep. Pete Stauber, Jason Lewis among Republican candidates to speak at rally

HINCKLEY, Minn. – Republican candidates spoke to voters at a rally in Hinckley Tuesday. Rep. Pete Stauber and senate candidate Jason Lewis were among Republicans rallying supporters to vote in the upcoming general election. Despite recent statewide races having been won by Democrats, Minnesota Republicans believe they have the momentum needed to turn the state red this fall. Rep. Pete…

Static Clean Duluth Gives Back To Non-Profits

The company is planning to offer its services to the Damiano Center next month.

DULUTH, Minn. – Static Clean Duluth is giving back to local non-profits in the area to help them stay safe during the pandemic. The company uses electrostatic technology to disinfect surfaces in establishments like bars and restaurants. Each month static clean will choose one organization to receive its service free of charge. Chester Creek Academy in Duluth is the lucky…

A 36-Year-Old Man Dies In Fire In Hillside Neighborhood

"He is going to be sadly missed. I just can't believe it. It's not real to me. It just doesn't seem real," said Amy Granholm, friend of the victim.

DULUTH, Minn. – A 36-year-old Duluth man has died after an overnight fire at an apartment building in the East Hillside neighborhood. The man has been identified as Michael Simone. Fire crews responded to the fire early Tuesday morning. They found smoke coming from the first and second floors of the apartment building where the victim lived. Before the fire…

Big Ten Postpones Fall Sports Season due to COVID-19

(AP) – The Big Ten won’t play football this fall because of concerns about COVID-19, becoming the first of college sports’ power conferences to yield to the pandemic. The move announced Tuesday comes six days after the conference that includes historic programs such as Ohio State, Michigan, Nebraska, and Penn State had released a revised conference-only schedule that it hoped…

MN Department of Health Issues Beach Advisory Alert

TWO HARBORS, Minn. – Lake advisories have been put in place today by the MN Department of Health for two Two Harbors beaches. According to the advisory, the Agate Bay Beach and Burlington Bay Beach have a ‘water contact not recommended’ alert in place until further notice. The advisory was put into place due to elevated E.coli bacteria that were…