News – Latest News

School Closings, Delays for Wednesday, Jan. 5, 2022

Closed:  Bayfield Schools – Closed Bessemer Area School District – Closed Maple Schools – Closed Northwood School District – Closed Solon Springs School – Closed South Shore School District – Closed Superior School District – Closed Opening 2 Hours Late:  Lake Superior School District – 2-hour delay Early Dismissal: Ashland School District – Elementary released at 1 p.m., Middle and…

Local Animal Shelters Taking Part in Viral #BettyWhiteChallenge

Participants Can Donate on or Before Jan. 17 -- What Would Have Been White's 100th Birthday

SUPERIOR, Wis. – The late Betty White is being honored with a new social media challenge. The idea says that on Jan. 17 — which would have been white’s 100th birthday, people should pick a local rescue or animal shelter in their area and donate $5 in White’s name. White was a lifelong animal lover and wrote an animal book…

Morning Update 1-5-22

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Wednesday, January 5, 2022

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Rusty Mehlberg for a look at local news and weather making headlines Wednesday, January 5, 2022. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Local News, morning update, News, Rusty Mehlberg, weather

Wisconsin Tax Burden Rises for First Time in Decade

MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Wisconsin’s state tax burden increased slightly last year for the first time in a decade due largely to a pandemic-related economic surge, according to a report released Wednesday. The nonpartisan Wisconsin Policy Forum’s study found total state and local taxes in Wisconsin grew to $34 billion last year, up 7.1% from 2020. Overall, combined state and…

Winter Freezing Fish Lake Energizes Anglers, Local Businesses

When the fish start biting, anglers start biting at the products and services of local businesses.

DULUTH, Minn.- For residents and businesses around smaller bodies of water like Fish Lake in Duluth, winter with its frozen water and snowy trails bring back anglers, snowmobilers, and a much-needed boost to local business and life.   “Especially when we get snow on the ground, we get more snowmobilers that want to stay and the trails just right up…

Preparing Christmas Trees for Proper Disposal

DULUTH, Minn. – The end of the Christmas holiday season means people with live trees will need a place to properly dispose of them. The Western Lake Superior Sanitary District is reminding people that they cannot be part of curbside pickup.  They will need to be dropped off at one of 11 locations in Duluth and Carlton County. Environmental Program Coordinator…

Superior School District Ends Mask Mandate For 4K-6th Grade Classrooms

SUPERIOR, Wis. — Masks are no longer required in the Superior school district. The mandate, which was only in place for students in 4k through sixth grade and the staff and visitors who were around them, was lifted on Monday when the holiday break ended. The superintendent, Amy Starzecki, said that there has been a decline in cases within the…

Sen. Klobuchar Meeting with Capitol Police Chief to Discuss Safety Improvements Since Jan. 6 Insurrection

The U.S. Capitol Was Invaded January 6, 2021 Ahead of the Certification of Electoral Votes

WASHINGTON, D.C. – One year after a mob of disgruntled protesters invaded the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C., Minnesota Sen. Amy Klobuchar is preparing to meet with the new Capitol Police Chief Wednesday regarding progress made on policies and security measures moving forward. Sen. Klobuchar also serves as the Chairwoman of the Senate Rules Committee, which oversees the Capitol Police….

Push Continues to Get Children, Teens Vaccinated for COVID

DULUTH, Minn. – The FDA’s recent approval for COVID vaccine booster shots for kids ages 12 through 15 has local healthcare providers encouraged that parents will take their kids to get them. Sherry Johnson, a Certified Nurse Practitioner in Infectious Disease at St Luke’s says they have seen a steady demand for kids’ vaccine shots during the recent winter break.  She hopes…

Walz Announces More COVID-19 Testing Sites as Omicron Surges

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) – Gov. Tim Walz has announced plans to open three more community testing sites for COVID-19 as the rapid spread of the omicron variant puts new strains on Minnesota’s testing capacity. According to updated figures Tuesday, Minnesota is coming off its deadliest month of the pandemic for 2021, with 874 deaths in December. The state’s seven-day test positivity…

Early Morning Duluth House Fire Causes $70K in Damages

(photo: Twitter/Duluth Fire) DULUTH, Minn. – Duluth firefighters say a condemned house in the Observation Hill neighborhood sustained $70,000 in damages after a fire broke out early Tuesday morning. Fire crews responded to the 700 block of West 2nd Street around 6:15 a.m. on reports of a fire at the home. When fire crews arrived at the scene they found…

Midday Update 1-4-22

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Tuesday, January 4, 2022

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Rusty Mehlberg for a local look at news and weather making headlines Tuesday, January 4, 2022. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Local News, midday update, News, Rusty Mehlberg, weather

CDC Signs off on Pfizer Extra Dose Measures

NEW YORK (AP) — The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has signed off on two measures to increase access to additional doses of the Pfizer coronavirus vaccine. The CDC on Tuesday recommended shortening the recommended interval of time between when people who had an initial series of Pfizer vaccinations and when they receive a Pfizer booster shot, from six…

Morning Update 1-4-22

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Tuesday, January 4, 2022

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Rusty Mehlberg for a local look at news and weather making headlines Tuesday, January 4, 2022. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Local News, morning update, News, Rusty Mehlberg, weather

Trial Opens for Wisconsin Man Accused of Killing Parents

(Dane County Sheriff’s Office via AP) MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Opening statements were scheduled for Tuesday in the trial of a 23-year-old Wisconsin man charged with killing and dismembering his parents. A jury was selected Monday in Dane County Circuit Court to hear the case against Chandler Halderson, who faces charges of first-degree intentional homicide and mutilating and hiding a…

Minnesota’s Blood Bank Donations Are at a 10-Year Low

MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. – Officials say Minnesota’s blood bank donations are at a 10-year low. Red Cross spokeswoman Tonia Teasley says many people are not donating because they are worried about their own health during the coronavirus pandemic. Teasley says across the region blood donations are down 10 percent. Sen. Amy Klobuchar hosted a virtual roundtable discussion on the issue Monday…

Downtown Duluth YMCA Seeing More Taking Steps Toward Healthier 2022

Staff at the facility on First Street said they've seen a steady increase of people signing up the past few days.

DULUTH,  Minn.- With the New Year comes New Year’s resolutions for many and the Downtown Duluth YMCA has seen more people hoping to start 2022 on a healthier note. Staff at the facility on First Street said they’ve seen a steady increase of people signing up the past few days. They say having a variety of programs like group exercise,…

Firefighter Cancer Awareness Month Continues Education, Prevention

Over time officials say measures like breathing apparatuses and washing gear and skin immediately after calls have become more common.

DULUTH, Minn.- January is Firefighter Cancer Awareness Month as fire crews across the nation work to educate more people about job-related cancer, the leading cause of death among firefighters. Duluth crews hope more people in and out of the firehouse can learn about the toxic carcinogens such as smoke, char, and newer building materials like plastics and technology which firefighters…

Hermantown Night Riders Hosting Dinner to Raise Money for Trail Grooming

The club helps maintain trails in the greater Proctor, Duluth, and Hermantown areas

PROCTOR, Minn.- All this snow is bringing snowmobilers out to area trails and one club is hoping to get more members to help maintain those trails for everyone to enjoy. Hermantown Night Riders snowmobile club will host a dinner fundraiser next Thursday at Blackwoods Grill and Bar in Proctor. The club helps maintain trails in the greater Proctor, Duluth, and…

Vitta Pizza Uses Mostly Wood-Burning Stove, Not Thermostat, To Heat Business

DULUTH, Minn. — Heating bills can get high in the winter, unless you have a business that generates its own warmth. Vitta Pizza in Canal Park barely has to touch the thermostat, as its wood-burning pizza oven helps heat up the restaurant. The oven can heat up to 900 degrees, cooking pizzas in just 90 seconds. While the heating bill…

Ursa Minor Welcomes Guests To Covered Patio For Outdoor Beers

DULUTH, Minn. — One business taking advantage of how hardy Minnesotans can be when the temperatures drop is Ursa Minor Brewing, which is going into its first winter season with an added roof on its patio. The roof was first added back in August. The brewery’s founder tells us even before the patio became a little more sheltered from the…

Duluth Schools Superintendent on Returning to School In-Person Amid Post-Holidays COVID Surge

According to the superintendent, the mask requirement on campuses that started at the beginning of the school year will remain in effect.

DULUTH, Minn.- As the omicron variant fuels a surge of COVID cases nationwide the day kids return to schools after the holidays, Duluth ISD 709 superintendent John Magas said the plan is to continue in-person learning with a heavy dose of caution. “We certainly need to take it very seriously we’re doing everything possible to make sure we’re ensuring safety…

Walz Expects COVID-19 Case Spike as Minnesota Schools Reopen

Walz told Minnesota Public Radio on Monday that school administrators across the state are right to be concerned.

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) – Gov. Tim Walz says coronavirus cases due to the fast-spreading omicron variant will most likely race through Minnesota’s public schools in the next few weeks now that students are back in class. Walz told Minnesota Public Radio on Monday that school administrators across the state are right to be concerned. He noted that modeling by the Mayo…

FDA Expands Pfizer Boosters for More Teens as Omicron Surges

UNDATED (AP) -The U.S. is expanding COVID-19 boosters as it confronts the omicron surge. The Food and Drug Administration on Monday allowed extra Pfizer shots for children as young as 12. Boosters already are recommended for everyone 16 and older, and the FDA says they’re also warranted for 12- to 15-year-olds. The FDA also said everyone eligible for a Pfizer…

Milwaukee Schools Going Virtual Due to Staff COVID-19 Cases

MILWAUKEE (AP) – Wisconsin’s largest school district will transition to virtual instruction beginning Tuesday because of an increase in staff testing positive for COVID-19. Milwaukee public schools were scheduled to resume in-person learning Tuesday, but because of an influx of reported positive COVID-19 cases among district staff, the emergency safety measure is being implemented. The district says its goal is…

Trump, Ivanka, Don Jr Subpoenaed by NY Attorney General

Trump has sued attempting to end the probe, which he says is politically motivated.

NEW YORK (AP) – New York’s attorney general recently issued subpoenas to former President Donald Trump and his two eldest children in connection with an ongoing civil investigation into the family’s business practices. Attorney General Letitia James’ office said in a court filing Monday that it is seeking testimony and documents from Trump, Donald Trump Jr. and Ivanka Trump “in…

Mushers, Fans Kick Off Beargrease Marathon Month with Bent Paddle Beer Release

Organizers say 26 mushers will take on the journey, some coming from as far as Alaska and Canada.

DULUTH, Minn.- January has begun which means the John Beargrease Sled Dog Marathon is just on the horizon. And race month kicked off at Bent Paddle Brewery Sunday. The pour of Bent Paddle’s special Beargrease British Pale Ale marked that the race is ready to run. Signup for the full marathon race of 300 miles from Duluth to Grand Portage,…

Focus on Fitness, Mental Health for New Year’s Resolutions at Svalja Yoga

The yoga studio offers a diverse array of weekly classes including strength-based workouts, cardio-based classes like piyo, and stress relief programs.

DULUTH, Minn.- It’s time to kick off those new years resolutions, and for those who have yoga on your list, Svalja is the place to start. The yoga studio in Duluth offers a diverse array of weekly classes including strength-based workouts, cardio-based classes like piyo, and stress relief programs. The in-depth training and workshops provided are intended to assist people…

Douglas Co. Sheriff Tom Dalbec Announces 2023 Retirement 

He started his career in law enforcement more than 30 years ago with the Superior Police Department and was elected sheriff of the county back in 2003.

DOUGLAS CO., Wis. — Douglas County Sheriff Tom Dalbec has announced that he’s retiring next year. Sheriff Dalbec wrote on Facebook that this will be his last year serving Douglas County. He started his career in law enforcement more than 30 years ago with the Superior Police Department and was elected sheriff of the county back in 2003. Dalbec thanked…

Duluth Man Arrested For DWI, Hitting Almost A Dozen Cars

When police caught up to the driver, the 41-year-old suspect ditched his car and ran near Redeemer Lutheran Church.

DULUTH, Minn. — Duluth police arrested a man on Sunday who was suspected of hitting almost a dozen cars while driving under the influence of a controlled substance. Police say they arrived on-scene at 9:15 a.m. on the 9400-block of Grand Avenue after multiple people called in about a man driving recklessly and hitting several cars. When police caught up…

Apartment House Fire Displaces Two in Eveleth

One resident was treated for smoke inhalation. No other injuries were reported and five cats were located but uninjured.

EVELETH, Minn.- An apartment house that caught on fire in Eveleth Sunday morning has left two residents displaced. According to Friends of the Northland FireWire, the fire was reported around 8:40 a.m. in the 500 block of Jackson St. It was contained to the basement area of the duplex, although smoke filled the entire structure. One resident was treated for…

L & M Radiator in Hibbing Damaged by Fire in Paint Booth

HIBBING, Minn.- L&M Radiator in Hibbing was damaged by a fire and subsequent smoke late Friday. According to the Northland FireWire, the Hibbing, Chisholm, Keewatin, and Virginia fire departments were dispatched to a fire alarm at L & M Radiator on 37th Street in Hibbing. The alarm was reported around 7:30 p.m. Arriving Hibbing firefighters discovered a fire in a…

New Year, New Life: Duluth’s First Baby of 2022 Born at St. Luke’s

Jennifer and Peter Paananen welcomed little Roberta Margaret into the world at 1:30 this morning at St. Luke's as the Northland's first newborn of the year.

DULUTH, Minn.- Two lucky parents today celebrated the beginning of the New Year with the beginning of a new life — giving birth to the first baby of 2022, who just happens to be their first baby ever. Jennifer and Peter Paananen welcomed little Roberta Margaret into the world at 1:30 this morning at St. Luke’s as the Northland’s first…

New Years Day Barely Organized Hartley Run

An annual run meant for fun and starting the new year off right, runners, skiers, and snowshoers showed up to break in 2022 getting some exercise outside.

DULUTH, Minn.- Despite today’s frigid cold temps, some Northlanders wanted to start 2022 surrounded by the Great Outdoors of Hartley Park in Duluth for The Barely Organized New Years Day Trail Run. An annual run meant for fun and starting the new year off right, runners, skiers, and snowshoers showed up to break in 2022 getting some exercise outside. The…

Sledding Fun at Bagely Nature Area

Despite the frigid cold, families still took advantage of all the snow and went sledding at Bagely Nature Area Saturday.

DULUTH, Minn.- Despite the frigid cold, families still took advantage of all the snow and went sledding at Bagely Nature Area Saturday. We caught up with one little girl who says she loves doing things like building a snowman or making snow angels in the snow. But today, tubing was the activity of choice, and she loves the thrill of…

Superior Ballroom Dance Studio Starting New Year with New Full Staff

Owners say they're ready to get back to spreading joy and happiness through the medium of dance.

SUPERIOR, Wis.- The Superior Ballroom Dance Studio held an open house to introduce their two newest teachers and 2022 programs Saturday. The studio was hit hard during the pandemic losing most of their staff, but now in the New Year, they’re armed with two new instructors. Among those new programs are College Outreach, Business Outreach, and First Free Wednesdays. Owners…

68-Year-Old Twin Brothers Found Dead in Fire-Damaged Duluth Home

It was determined a fire inside the home in the past few days caused "considerable heat and smoke damages" before apparently going out on its own. 

DULUTH, Minn.- Two brothers were found dead Saturday in a home authorities with the St. Louis County Sheriff’s Office said burnt down recently. According to the Sheriff’s Office, authorities were responding to a possible structure fire at 5728 Industrial Road in Canosia Township Saturday. The person calling 911 stated they stopped at the address to check the welfare of friends,…

Soaking in Sights and Sounds of Amnicon Falls Before Years’ End

SOUTH RANGE, Wis.- Some folks didn’t mind the cold, and decided t spend the last day of 2021 admiring and capturing the natural beauty available 365 days a year at Amnicon Falls State Park. FOX 21 Photojournalist Marcus Asmus takes us there. Categories: Entertainment, News, News – Latest News, Wisconsin Tags: Amnicon Falls, Linda Miller, RJ Miller