News – Latest News

Minnesota Judge Rejects Attempt To Force School Mask Mandate

ST. PAUL, Minn. – A Minnesota judge has rejected a request by concerned parents to force a statewide mask mandate in all schools. Judge Thomas Gilligan said the court was “gravely concerned” about COVID-19 risks for children, but that the court lacks the legal authority to order Gov. Tim Walz to issue the directive that the parents sought. Minnesota Public…

Duluth Art Institute to Mandate COVID-9 Vaccine

DULUTH, Minn. – Beginning Friday, the Duluth Art Institute will mandate COVID-19 vaccination for all students, event attendees, renting artists, teaching artists, and staff who enter any DAI spaces. “For the wellbeing of our community, it is necessary to do everything we can to preserve the health of all individuals who utilize our facilities, and setting a mandated standard is…

Visitors Flock to See Fall Migration at Duluth’s Hawk Ridge Bird Observatory

Hawk Weekend Festival is Happening Friday, Sept. 17 - Sunday, Sept. 19

DULUTH, Minn. – Each fall, millions of birds flock south, migrating to warmer climates for the winter months. Happening now, the natural phenomenon is attracting repeat visitors, and new watchers to Hawk Ridge Bird Observatory for the great fall migration. “Would you like to see 10,000 hawks in one day come right over your head?” If you ask the average…

Morning Update 9-15-21

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

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Chief Meteorologist Sam Gabrielli for a local look at news and weather making headlines Wednesday, September 15, 2021. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, morning update, News, Sam Gabrielli, weather

Shortage on ICU Beds in Twin Cities Has Ripple Effect on Rural Minnesota

(FOX 9) – As more hospital ICU beds fill up in the metro, it’s having a ripple effect on patient care in rural hospitals. Rural healthcare staff says they are scrambling to get patients in critical care the help they need fast enough because the resources are just not there. “Rural hospitals are designed for primary care and general surgery….

House Democrats Oust Embattled Lawmaker From Caucus

(courtesy: Fox 9) ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) – Minnesota House Democrats have voted to expel Rep. John Thompson from their caucus following allegations of domestic violence and questions about his residency. House leaders Tuesday night issued a statement saying that “Thompson’s actions, credible reports of abuse and misconduct, and his failure to take responsibility remain unacceptable for a member of…

Council Bypasses ‘Travel Superior’ For Commission to Handle Future Tourism Tax Distribution

An amendment was also approved stating that anything requiring $25,000 or more of tourism revenue would have to go out for bid to other entities, then approved by council.

SUPERIOR, Wis.- The Superior City Council decided to shake up the way they allocate tourism tax dollars, voting in favor of establishing a commission put forward by Mayor Jim Paine to handle the city’s tourism revenue, a role currently held by Travel Superior. According to the Mayor, this does not cut out Travel Superior from the equation but opens the…

Oktoberfest Setting Up in Bayfront Park As Volunteers Needed

According to organizers, they are now short about 20 volunteers each day.

DULUTH, Minn.- As setup gets underway at Bayfront Park for this weekend’s Duluth Oktoberfestival or Oktoberfest, event organizers say they’re in desperate need of volunteers. Organizer Ryan Kern says a group had to withdraw today due to an unexpected conflict. They are now short about 20 volunteers each day. Shifts are available during the day and evening and are only…

Wide Variety of Pumpkins to Pick From at Farmer Doug’s Patch

Farmer Doug's Pumpkin Patch is Located at 3361 Lindahl Road in Duluth

DULUTH, Minn. – Autumn is the perfect time of year to promote the significance of agriculture. That’s exactly what one local farmer and his family continue to do this year as they welcome hundreds to pick their own pumpkins. “It’s getting cold so I’m feeling the fall vibes so we decided to come to pick pumpkins,” said Sabrina Fosness, visiting…

Proctor Schools Superintendent Announces His Retirement

PROCTOR, Minn.-Proctor Schools Superintendent John Engelking has announced his retirement from that position at the end of this week. Last night, the school board accepted his letter of retirement, after serving in the role for the last 12 years. Engelking says today that he plans to stay on with the district as the interim superintendent, until they find a replacement,…

Pumpkin Patches are Popping up Across the Northland

DULUTH, Minn.- Pumpkins ga-lourd DC’s best produce has set up pumpkin stands across the Northland with a variety of pumpkins. Each stand includes a display of haystacks, fall decorations, and other seasonal vegetables to give people the full pumpkin patch experience. “Everybody absolutely loves it,” said produce seller Jack Pearodin. “We got so many different types of pumpkins, and squash…

Community Members Remember DTA Bus Crash Victim

DULUTH, Minn.- Sixty-four-year-old David Weston was well known for his daily visits to the mall and receiving services from the employment assistance organization CHOICE, Unlimited for nearly 20 years. David spent his time at the organization making friends through art. “He loved people, and he was an incredibly friendly person,” said Executive Director of CHOICE, Unlimited Kristie Buchman. “When I…

Duluth City Council Approves Funding to Help Downtown Duluth’s Disadvantaged

DULUTH, Minn.- After Monday night’s meeting, the Duluth City Council approved $300,000 in funding for the Greater Downtown Council to hire a social worker, who will help tackle homelessness and the mental health crisis in Downtown Duluth. Downtown Duluth has a large population of people facing drug addictions and mental health illnesses. Local businesses have noticed the physical and emotional…

Cloquet Police Investigating ‘Suspicious Death,’ Adult Male in Custody

CLOQUET, Minn. – The Cloquet Police Department says it is investigating the death of a man in an apartment complex for veterans on the Fond Du Lac Reservation that has been deemed “suspicious in nature.” According to police, officers with the Cloquet Police Department and Fond du Lac Police Department responded to reports of an unwanted person in an apartment…

Authorities: 4 Found Slain in SUV in Wisconsin Cornfield

MENOMONIE, Wis. (AP) — Four people found slain in an abandoned SUV in a western Wisconsin cornfield had been shot and were all from Minnesota, authorities said Tuesday. Preliminary results of autopsies performed Monday by the Ramsey County Medical Examiner’s Office showed the two men and two women all died of gunshot wounds, the Dunn County Sheriff’s Office said. The…

Gunflint Trail Campgrounds, Recreation Areas in Superior National Forest To Reopen

DULUTH, Minn. – The Superior National Forest says it is lifting the remaining closures along the upper Gunflint Trail beginning Wednesday. This includes Blankenburg Boat Launch, Trails End Campground, Iron Lake Campground, and all associated facilities including Trails End Boat Launch parking lot and Iron Lake canoe carry down. Additionally, all National Forest System lands and roads along the upper…

‘SNL’ Alum Norm Macdonald Dead at 61

(Fox News) (FOX NEWS) – Norm Macdonald, known for his time on “Saturday Night Live,” has died, Fox News can confirm. He was 61 years old. According to Deadline, the comedian had been battling cancer for nine years. Macdonald’s longtime producing partner and friend Lori Jo Hoekstra was reportedly at his side when he passed. “He was most proud of…

Powerball Jackpot Grows to $432M After No One Wins Monday Drawing

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (Fox 9) – Feeling lucky? The Powerball jackpot has grown to an estimated $432 million after no lucky winner claimed Monday night’s drawing. The winner, who must match numbers on five white balls (1-69) and the red Powerball (1-26), also has the option to claim a one-time lump sum payment of an estimated $313.5 million. The next drawing…

Evers Announces COVID Testing Requirement for State Workers

MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Gov. Tony Evers’ administration issued an order Tuesday requiring all executive branch workers who haven’t submitted their COVID-19 vaccination status to their supervisors or aren’t fully vaccinated to undergo weekly testing. The mandate will go into effect on Oct. 18 and apply to all executive branch employees, interns, and contractors. Nearly 70% of the executive branch’s…

Midday Update 9-14-21

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Tuesday, September 14, 2021

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Ken Slama for a look at local news and weather making headlines Tuesday, September 14, 2021. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Ken Slama, Local News, midday update, News, weather

Ex-Cops Accused of Violating Floyd’s Rights Plead Not Guilty

(Hennepin County Sheriff’s Office via AP) MINNEAPOLIS (AP) – Four former Minneapolis police officers charged with violating George Floyd’s civil rights have pleaded not guilty to the federal charges against them. A federal grand jury indicted Derek Chauvin, Thomas Lane, J. Kueng, and Tou Thao in May for allegedly depriving Floyd of his rights while acting under government authority. Tuesday’s…

September is Childhood Cancer Awareness Month

Dr. Ross Perko, a Pediatric Oncologist with Essentia Health, Discusses Topics Related to Childhood Cancer

DULUTH, Minn. – Childhood Cancer Awareness Month (CCAM) is recognized every September by childhood cancer organizations around the world. With a goal to increase awareness and raise funds for those affected by childhood cancer, the American Childhood Cancer Organization encourages everyone to Go Gold® during September in honor and in memory of kids with cancer. Click here to learn more from…

Morning Update 9-14-21

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Tuesday, September 14, 2021

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Ken Slama for a look at local news and weather making headlines Tuesday, September 14, 2021. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Ken Slama, Local News, morning update, News, weather

Driver Identified in Dump Truck Fatality

CLINTON TOWNSHIP, Minn. – A Grand Rapids man was killed Monday afternoon after the dump truck he was driving went off the road and rolled in Clinton Township. According to the St. Louis County Sheriff’s Office, deputies responded to the crash on Spirit Lake Road near the Virta Road West intersection around 1:28 p.m. Authorities say the driver, identified as…

Duluth Mayor Emily Larson Proposes 2022 Budget with 6% Property Tax Levy Increase

Larson brought her proposed general fund budget of $97.1 million dollars for next year before council.

DULUTH, Minn.- Duluth Mayor Emily Larson brought her proposed general fund budget of $97.1 million for next year before council Monday evening. “I have always believed that budgets are moral documents. Every single Duluthian needs to know that, in some way that is meaningful to them, we are in their corner,” Mayor Larson said. “There is no more important way…

Duluth Amateur Hockey Association Hosts Open Skate, Free Equipment to Kickoff Season

Organizers hope it helps eliminate obstacles for any kids who want to get on the ice and play.

DULUTH, Minn.- Some young hockey players got to skate with the best of them: some UMD Bulldogs, as they helped kick off the Duluth Amateur Hockey Association’s season at the Duluth Heritage Sports Center. New and returning families enjoyed open skating with the members of UMD Men’s and Women’s Bulldogs hockey teams. Over the past week, the hockey association also…

Solar Module Production Facility Taking Shape in Mountain Iron

The Sun is Shining Brighter in the Community of Mountain Iron as a New Solar Project Gets Underway

MOUNTAIN IRON, Minn. – Aside from the vibrant mining industry, one Iron Range community is now helping to diversify the workforce, becoming a new leader in solar energy. “We wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t for him,” said Martin Pochtaruk, President and CEO of Heliene. With the help of a dedicated state senator, solar energy will soon be shining brighter…

Driver Killed After Dump Truck Rolls On Iron Range

A 38-year-old man was killed Monday afternoon after the dump truck he was driving rolled in Clinton Township on the Iron Range. The single-vehicle accident happened around 1:30 p.m. on Spirit Lake Road near the Virta Road West intersection, according to the St. Louis County Sheriff’s Office. Officials say the dump truck went off the road before it rolled. The…

New Silver Bay Mini Golf Course Opens Up

SILVER BAY, Minn.- If you’re looking for a tee-rific activity to do with your friends and family, a new 18-hole mini-golf course is now open in Silver Bay. Silver Bay couple, Ashley and David Klemmer opened Black Beach Mini Golf last month, hoping to bring a new family-fun space to the community. “The whole family can come and do it,…

It’s Time to Prepare Your Yards for Colder Weather

DULUTH, Minn.- Trees are changing colors in the Northland as we move into the fall season, and managing your plants may be a little different this year with the arid conditions. Local hardware store, Marshall Hardware, says they are keeping busy with customers coming in, preparing their yards for the colder months. Since the Northland experienced an abnormally dry summer,…

Potential Lakewalk Surgery Center Expansion

DULUTH, Minn.- The Lakewalk Surgery Center on London Road is looking to expand with more nearby facilities. The Northland medical center bought a neighboring building in 2020 where Valentini’s Italian restaurant once was. They are now working out a deal to buy London Road Car Wash. The city’s long-term goal is to make London Road a medical institution hotspot, making…

Wisconsin Governor Wants To Intervene in Redistricting Case

(AP Photo/Jose Luis Magana, file) MADISON, Wis. (AP) – Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers is asking a federal court to allow him to intervene in a lawsuit filed by fellow Democrats that seeks to have federal courts draw new boundary lines if the governor and Republican-controlled Legislature can’t reach an agreement. The court has already allowed the Legislature to intervene. Republicans…

Gordy’s Hi-Hat Closes for 2021 Season

CLOQUET, Minn. – Gordy’s Hi-Hat has closed for the 2021 season. Gordy’s made the official announcement on its Facebook page Monday morning. This was the popular fast-food restaurant’s 61st season. Gordy’s will open again when the weather gets a little warmer in Spring 2022. Categories: Minnesota, News, News – Latest News

City Crews Responding to Two Water Main Breaks in Congdon Park, Lakeside

DULUTH, Minn. – City of Duluth Utility Operations crews are responding to two water main breaks in Duluth’s Congdon Park and Lakeside neighborhoods. The breaks were reported just before 11:30 a.m. Monday. The first break is located on the 3700 block of East 3rd Street. Water is off on 3rd Street between Rockridge Circle and Misquah Road. The second break…

Midday Update 9-13-21

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Monday, September 13, 2021

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Ken Slama for a local look at news and weather making headlines Monday, September 13, 2021. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Ken Slama, Local News, midday update, News, weather

Taco Bell Wants Customers To Return Used Sauce Packets for Recycling

IRVINE, Calif. (Fox TV/Fox 9) – Taco Bell has an ambitious, potentially industry-altering idea, but they need help to pull it off. The restaurant chain is partnering with TerraCycle to launch a recycling program for its used sauce packets. Customers are asked to sign up for a TerraCycle account, completely fill a cardboard box or any recyclable container, download and…

Duluth Oktoberfestival Returning to Bayfront Park

Duluth Oktoberfestival is Happening Sept. 17, 18, 19 at Bayfront Festival Park

DULUTH, Minn. – Grab your stein and dig out the lederhosen! Duluth Oktoberfestival makes a return to Bayfront Festival Park on Sept. 17, 18, and 19. This is the second time the event is taking place. COVID-19 sidelined the festival back in 2020. The family fun begins Friday, Sept. 17 at 4 p.m. Duluth Oktoberfestival 2021 will feature the largest…

Morning Update 9-13-21

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Monday, September 13, 2021

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Ken Slama for a local look at news and weather making headlines Monday, September 13, 2021. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Ken Slama, Local News, morning update, News, weather

One Injured in ‘Serious Crash’ in Cass County

CASS COUNTY, Minn. – A 54-year-old Loretto man was seriously injured Saturday afternoon after the dirt bike he was driving crashed on the Sno-Way 1 Recreation Trail in rural Pine River. According to the Cass County Sheriff’s Office, deputies responded to reports of a serious dirt bike crash with injuries around 12:39 p.m. When authorities arrived at the scene they…

Duluth Police Department Honor Lives Lost on 9/11 at Ceremony

DULUTH, Minn.– After the firefighters annual stair climb, fire officials gathered with the Duluth Police Department, along with Mayor Emily Larson and other community leadership at the DECC to hold a ceremony acknowledging those who lost their lives 20 years ago. Police Chief Mike Tusken says its important to pause and reflect on this day, but also to move forward together….

Earth Rider Brewery Celebrates 4th Anniversary

SUPERIOR, Wisc.– Earth Rider Brewery in Superior celebrated its 4th anniversary on Saturday with their annual Earth Rider Fest. Earth Riders outdoor space had a lineup full of artists performing on stage, joined by local vendors, games, and some rare beer releases. The day full of celebration honored the businesses anniversary, but the Director of Brands at the brewery says…

Mayor Paine Proposes 2022 Budget, No Tax Increase for Superior Citizens

SUPERIOR, Wisc.– Superior Mayor Jim Paine is touting his 2022 budget proposal as one that won’t increase taxes or fees. He says it eliminates $3 million in debt, improves areas of public transit, invests nearly a million dollars into public art and community grants, and fully funds the street maintenance program in 2022, and for the next 5 years. “Citizens…

Superior Fire, Police Remember Lives Lost, First Responders’ Ultimate Sacrifice on 9/11

343 New York firefighters were among those who perished. On Saturday in front of Superior Fire's headquarters, 343 flags waved in the wind at the cars passing by.

  SUPERIOR, Wis.- On the 20th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks on the World Trade Center, first responders in Superior gathered to honor the lives lost, and ensure future generations never forget the ultimate sacrifice of the law enforcement and firefighters. At the sound of the bugle, the flag at U.W.S. lowers to half-staff. Members of the Superior Fire and…

Local Street Artists Beautify Downtown Duluth Alley with Block-Long Mural

They used about 25 gallons of paint to fill the alley walls with colorful symbols of the Twin Ports like the Lift Bridge.

DULUTH, Minn.- Downtown Duluth just got a little more vibrant, as an alley around popular nightlife spots has been painted with a mural. The Duluth Street Art Initiative teamed up with upward of 80 local artists, to paint the alley behind Dubh-Linn Brew Pub — a city-block long. They used about 25 gallons of paint to fill the alley walls…

‘On Golden Pond’ Opens at Fitger’s Historic Spirit of North Theatre

It's the first show by Boat Club Productions, headed by Boat Club Restaurant owner Jason Vincent.

DULUTH, Minn.- The stage of the historic Spirit of the North Theater in the Fitger’s Complex came alive again this weekend, as the play On Golden Pond opened there. The romantic, family fun show is written by Ernest Thompson. It was adapted into a movie in the ’80s, starring Katherine Hepburn and Jane Fonda. It’s the first show by Boat…