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Morning Update 12-20-21

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Monday, December 20, 2021

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Ken Slama for a local look at news and weather making headlines Monday, December 20, 2021. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Ken Slama, Local News, morning update, News, weather

‘Make Every Child Smile Toy Drive’ Makes Sure Hundreds Have Presents to Open on Christmas

500 gifts went to families in the Twin Ports who may have been experiencing hardships before and because of the pandemic.

DULUTH, Minn.- T’ was the weekend before Christmas, and all through Shake It juice shop were hundreds of toys, and just outside sat a line of rides for the Make Every Child Smile Toy Drive. “I think holidays are hard for everybody and especially the last 2 years with COVID and hardships,” said Tara Aase, volunteering for her second year…

Live Outdoor Nativity Returns to St. Paul’s Episcopal Church

People were invited to watch on the sidewalk or in their cars, with hot cocoa and donuts available inside

DULUTH, Minn.- Sunday’s cold weather didn’t stop one Duluth church from bringing their live nativity scene back outside. St. Paul’s Episcopal Church on East Superior Street held their live nativity scene outside for the second year in a row to keep things COVID-safe. People were invited to watch on the sidewalk or in their cars, with hot cocoa and donuts…

Gordy’s Gift and Garden Center Goes All Out For Holiday Shopping

DULUTH, Minn. — It’s always a busy time of year around the holidays especially for local businesses who provide just what people are looking for. Gordy’s Gift and Garden on Miller Trunk Highway in Duluth offer an array of products like thousands of house plants, local and regionally made gifts and Christmas trees too. They go all out during Christmas,…

4 Adults, 3 Children Found Dead Inside Moorhead Home, Police Say

MOORHEAD, Minn. (FOX 9) – Police say that seven people were found dead inside a northwestern Minnesota home Saturday night. According to police, family members were conducting a welfare check when they found the individuals and called 911. The Moorhead Police Department and Moorhead Fire arrived around 7:50 p.m. Saturday at the 4400 block of 13 Street South, and first responders confirmed…

Manchin Can’t Support Dems’ $2T bill, Potentially Dooming It

(AP Photo/Pablo Martinez Monsivais) WASHINGTON (AP) – Sen. Joe Manchin says he can’t back his party’s signature $2 trillion social and environment bill. That would deal a seemingly fatal blow to President Joe Biden’s leading domestic initiative heading into an election year when Democrats’ narrow hold on Congress was already in peril. The West Virginia senator said on “Fox News…

Educational Event Held About Missing & Murdered Indigenous Women, Domestic Violence

DULUTH, Minn. — An event was held Saturday evening at the Radisson Hotel to continue the conversation of missing and murdered Indigenous women, and to educate the public about the domestic violence that many of them face. “There are quite a few people in our city that have gone missing or have been murdered, my cousin being one of them…

Grad Walk Ceremony Celebrates UWS Fall Graduates

Around 50 students participated in the grad walk at the Yellowjacket Union.

SUPERIOR, Wis. — Saturday, dozens of UWS Yellowjackets walked in their cap and gowns to receive their diplomas in person for their fall graduation ceremony. 327 students graduated Saturday and even though the university is not back to traditional ceremonies just yet, they still wanted to recognize students in some way for their accomplishments. Around 50 students participated in the…

First Great Hall Marketplace Held at The Depot

Just over 60 local and regional vendors set up their craft goods in the Great Hall and other areas.

DULUTH, Minn. — The first-ever Great Hall Marketplace was held Saturday at the Depot, covering three different floors, and welcoming hundreds of people through its halls. Just over 60 local and regional vendors set up their craft goods in the Great Hall and other areas. Since starting at 10 AM Saturday morning, hundreds went through doing some last-minute holiday shopping,…

Holiday Shoppers Browse Last Makers Market at Hoops Brewing

The market featured nine different local vendors with products ranging from glasswear and jewelry, to woodworking, knit hats and scarves, and photo prints.

DULUTH, Minn.-. It was a day full of local holiday shopping on the last weekend before Christmas as Hoops Brewing in Canal Park hosted the last of their Saturday makers markets. The market featured nine different local vendors with products ranging from glasswear and jewelry, to woodworking, knit hats and scarves, and photo prints. “Shopping with emotion, it’s like feelings,…

OSHA Vaccine Mandate Penalties to Start Jan. 10

The federal agency separately says there will be no citations of companies regarding its testing requirements before Feb. 9.

UNDATED (AP)- The Occupational Health and Safety Administration says it will not issue citations tied to its coronavirus vaccination mandate before Jan. 10. This will give companies time to adjust to and implement the requirements. The federal agency separately says there will be no citations of companies regarding its testing requirements before Feb. 9. Saturday’s announcement came after the U.S….

Leader of Planned Parenthood in Upper Midwest Stepping Down

The five-state organization provides health care to more than 100,000 patients each year.

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) – The president of Planned Parenthood’s affiliate in the upper Midwest says she is stepping down from her position next year. Sarah Stoesz oversaw the organization for nearly 20 years and grew it into one of the largest Planned Parenthood affiliates in the country as it expanded from Minnesota and South Dakota to incorporate North Dakota, Iowa, and…

Sun Country Airlines Officially Takes Off

DULUTH, Minn. — Travelers celebrated with the Duluth International Airport Friday as they held a ceremony, introducing Sun Country’s new flight service. Sun Country Airlines officially opened at the Duluth International Airport, offering direct flights from Duluth to Phoenix, or Fort Myers. This is the first time the airline has been offered in Duluth, giving people the chance to escape…

Duluth Officials: Mask Mandates Don’t Look To Make a Comeback

DULUTH, Minn. — As the Omicron variant and others continue to threaten the US including the Northland, people are starting to wonder if mask mandates will make a return. Multiple states have already re-instated their indoor mask mandates like California and New York, but with cases rising, and Minnesota seeing a larger surge of the virus, the question lingers of…

UMD Students Head Home After Last Day of Last Semester of 2021

The first semester back to full operations after the pandemic forced UMD to limit the number of face-to-face classes last academic season.

DULUTH, Minn.- UMD students wrapped up their final day of classes for the semester today. It was the first semester back to full operations after the pandemic forced UMD to limit the number of face-to-face classes last academic season. It was a quiet last day on campus, as many students wrapped up their final tests and prepared to head home…

‘Thrifters’ in Duluth Seeing Calmer Business After Busy Early Holiday Shopping Season

Thrifters opened up on East 4th Street this past summer and has a variety of jackets, boots, hats, and much more for shoppers looking for certain brand names like Under Armour.

DULUTH, Minn.- The holiday crowds are starting to die down at one local thrift store in Duluth, which has plenty of options for those last-minute gifts. Thrifters opened up on East 4th Street this past summer and has a variety of jackets, boots, hats, and much more for shoppers looking for certain brand names like Under Armour. Staff there say…

Midday Update 12-17-21

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Friday, December 17, 2021

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Ken Slama for a local look at news and weather making headlines Friday, Dec. 17, 2021. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Ken Slama, Local News, midday update, News, weather

74-Year-Old Babbitt Man Dies in Morse Township Accident

74-Year-Old George Amitrano Was Pronounced Dead on the Scene

MORSE TOWNSHIP, Minn. – The St. Louis County Sheriff’s Office reports 74-year-old George J. Amitrano of Babbitt died Thursday, Dec. 16 shortly before 3:30 p.m. after a single-vehicle accident. First responders and law enforcement responded to reports of the crash in the 1900 block of Highway 21 North in Morse Township. When crews arrived, they determined the vehicle contained only…

Morning Update 12-17-21

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Friday, December 17, 2021

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Ken Slama for a local look at news and weather making headlines Friday, Dec. 17, 2021. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Ken Slama, Local News, morning update, News, weather

New Owner, New Vision: Three Downtown Duluth Businesses Forced Out

The City of Duluth Has Not Received Any Applications from Hall Equities

DULUTH, Minn. – During what’s supposed to be the most wonderful time of the year, heartbreak this evening from three business owners in downtown Duluth. Chinese Dragon is now set to close. Hucklebeary and Old Town Antiques and Books, forced to relocate. All this news comes within less than two months. “It’s like a family,” said Carol Jouppi, owner of…

Duluth Public Library Launches ‘Get Wrapped Up In A Good Book’

DULUTH, Minn. – “Get Wrapped Up In A Good Book” is on display at the Duluth Public Main Library. In the spirit of the holiday season, the display features a selection of wrapped books targeted for teens, with each book giving a small description of what to expect inside. As people walk by the display, library staff encourage visitors to…

December-Soaked Storm Thaws Rinks, Quickens Slopes

While outdoor rinks lost ice to the rain, skiers and snowboarders enjoyed faster slopes.

DULUTH, Minn.- Wednesday night’s unprecedented December thunderstorm froze things to a halt at local outdoor hockey rinks like Duluth Heights, but proved beneficial to skiers and snowboarders. “Warm-ups and stuff like that have taken us out but not rain like that. Not rain where we’re getting thunderstorms and kids are running down in the middle of the night from the…

Babbitt Man Dead After One-Vehicle Crash; ‘Slippery Road’ Contributing Factor

MORRIS TOWNSHIP, Minn. – A 74-year-old Babbitt man is dead after a one-vehicle accident Thursday in Morris Township, and authorities believe it was weather related. The St. Louis County Sheriff’s Office says the accident happened around 3:30 p.m. on the 1900 block of Highway 21 North. The driver, whose name was not released Thursday, died at the scene.   Nobody else…

New Recording Studio Opens In Duluth

DULUTH, Minn. – There’s a new place for musicians to record in the Twin Ports. Spoon’s Studio recently opened near Lake Superior Zoo. It’s named after the owner Solomon Witherspoon, who says he has always wanted one.  He’s hoping to make the space a place where the city can come together and welcome everyone. “Regardless of who you are, where you…

ISD 709 Addresses Concern Of School Threats Stemming From Disturbing National TikTok Trend

DULUTH, Minn. — The ISD 709 superintendent is addressing the issue of school threats being made over social media, causing safety concerns for students, parents, and campus staff in the city. In an email sent on Thursday, superintendent John Magas passed along the information that was sent to all school districts in Minnesota from the state’s Department of Public Safety…

Gov. Walz Announces Increased COVID Testing Through the Holidays

DULUTH, Minn. – On Thursday Governor Walz announced an increase of testing capacity in the state’s COVID-19 community testing network in anticipation of increased demand before the holidays. “Holiday gatherings are right around the corner and getting tested before getting together with family is vital to protecting loved ones from COVID-19,” said Governor Walz. “In addition to expanding capacity at these…

Wisconsin Unemployment Ties Monthly Low of 3%

MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Wisconsin’s unemployment rate tied a record low of 3% in November, a number last hit exactly three years ago, the state Department of Workforce Development reported Thursday. The state rate is below the national unemployment rate of 4.2% for November. The state rate was down from 3.2% in October. Wisconsin gained 12,300 private-sector jobs over the…

Midday Update 12-16-21

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Thursday, December 16, 2021

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Rusty Mehlberg for a local look at news and weather making headlines Thursday, Dec. 16, 2021. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Local News, midday update, News, Rusty Mehlberg, weather

Bentleyville to Reopen Thursday Night

DULUTH, Minn. – Bentleyville will be reopening tonight after forecasted inclement weather caused organizers to close the popular holiday lights display Wednesday night. Bentleyville will be open from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Thursday evening. Organizers are reminding visitors to bring food items and toys for the Salvation Army. There was no mention of storm damage to any of the…

Morning Update 12-16-21

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Thursday, December 16, 2021

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Rusty Mehlberg for a local look at news and weather making headlines Thursday, Dec. 16, 2021. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Ken Slama, Local News, morning update, News, weather

Closures, Delays Due to Weather: 12/16

DELAYS The Human Development Center – delayed until 12:00 p.m. All services will still be offered and held via telehealth and telephone until 12:00 p.m. Second Harvest Northern Lakes Food Bank – Mobile Food Pantry Program in Cloquet delayed until Thursday, December 23 from 10:a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Click here for a list of current school closures and delays.  …

Prosecution Rests Case Against Kim Potter in Wright Death

(Court TV via AP, Pool File) MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Prosecutors on Thursday rested their case against Kim Potter, the suburban Minneapolis police officer charged in the shooting death of Daunte Wright. After a week of hearing from witnesses called by the prosecution, Potter’s attorneys will get their chance to defend the former Brooklyn Center officer, who they said will take…

School Closings, Delays for Thursday, Dec. 16, 2021

Closed:  Duluth Public Schools – Closed Duluth Edison Charter Schools – Closed Hermantown Public School District – Closed Marshall School – Closed Proctor Public Schools – Closed Stella Maris Academy – Closed Opening 2 Hours Late:  Cloquet Public School District – 2-hour delay Esko Public Schools – 2-hour delay Lake Superior School District – 2-hour delay Categories: Community, News, News…

Ordean East Middle School Investigates Snapchat Threat Made By Unknown Person

DULUTH, Minn. — An email sent to parents from the Ordean East Middle School administration on Wednesday addressed a threat made over Snapchat reported by multiple students. According to the email, a few students said that they were sent a photo showing guns on Snapchat from a person they didn’t know. The administration said the photo didn’t have a message…

Bentleyville Crews Hunker Down for Windy Winter Storm

Volunteers were out as early as 3 p.m. battening down the Bentleyville hatches, securing signage and some lights with cement blocks so they don't blow away.

DULUTH, Minn.- While forecasters kept their eyes to the sky Wednesday, crews at Bentleyville were hard at work on the ground, preparing the tour of lights in Bayfront Park for its second major storm of the 2021 season, closing for the precipitation and 50 mph wind gusts that are all but expected off Lake Superior. Volunteers were out as early…

Preparing for Icy Road Conditions

DULUTH, Minn. – With roads expected to become icy Thursday morning, Minnesota’s DOT is preparing to take on the challenge. District One Public Affairs Coordinator Margie Nelson says the recent warm weather will prevent them from being able to get to roads until either the rain turns to snow or temperatures near freezing.  So drivers will be getting updates on weather…

Cloquet Police Hope to Stuff Six Squad Cars with Gifts for Kids

After filling 5 squad cars last year, officers hoped to get five and a half or even six stuffed this year with unwrapped toys and gifts for kids ranging from infants to 17-year-olds.

CLOQUET, Minn.- The Cloquet community banded together with law enforcement and Cloquet Salvation Army tonight to fill some squad cars with toys and hopefully some cheer for kids in need. Cloquet P.D. held their 5th annual Stuff the Squad event outside the Walmart and L and M Fleet Supply. After filling 5 squad cars last year, officers hoped to get…

Strong Winds in Midwest Whip up Dust, Blow Over Semitrailers

(Travis Heying/The Wichita Eagle via AP) OMAHA, Neb. (AP) – A powerful storm system blew through the Great Plains and Midwest, combining with unusually warm temperatures to close highways and prompt numerous tornado warnings. The winds gusting up to 80 mph hit parts of Nebraska, Kansas, and Iowa. The strong winds whipped up dust that reduced visibility to zero west…

UWS Vaccine Clinic to Move to Northwood Technical College

SUPERIOR, Wis. – The COVID community-based vaccine clinic currently being held at UW-Superior will soon be moving to the conference center at Northwood Technical College’s Superior Campus, formerly WITC. “We are proud to have had our campus serve as the site for these services,” said University of Wisconsin-Superior Chancellor Renée Wachter. “Since the clinic opened on April 13, there have…

Bentleyville Closes Due to Inclement Weather

DULUTH, Minn. – Bentleyville will be closed Wednesday due to forecasted inclement weather. According to Bentleyville’s Facebook page, the popular Tour of Lights display will reopen Thursday at 5:00 p.m. Any changes to the reopening will be posted on its Facebook page or at Bentleyvilleusa.org. Categories: Community, Minnesota, News, News – Latest News

Midday Update 12-15-21

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Wednesday, December 15, 2021

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Rusty Mehlberg for a local look at news and weather making headlines Wednesday, Dec. 15, 2021. Have a great day! Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Local News, midday update, News, Rusty Mehlberg, weather