News – Latest News

Morning Update 9-16-21

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

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

Chauvin To Be Arraigned for Alleged Civil Rights Violation

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) – A former Minneapolis police officer convicted of murder in George Floyd’s death is scheduled to be arraigned Thursday for allegedly violating a teenager’s civil rights in a separate case that involved a restraint similar to the one used on Floyd. Derek Chauvin was convicted this year on state charges of murder and manslaughter in Floyd’s 2020 death….

Duluth Waterfront Expecting Thousands for Packed Weekend of Events

DULUTH, Minn. — The Inline Marathon celebrates its 25th anniversary this weekend, while Oktoberfest returns to Bayfront Festival Park for its 2nd year. But combined, Duluth might see close to 10,000 people between events, and through the weekend. The Inline Marathon kicks off on Friday with an expo starting at noon at the DECC where racers are able to receive…

Local Direct Service Provider Recognized for Quality Care

DULUTH, Minn.– It is Direct Support Professional Recognition Week and Trillium Services in Duluth is honoring those who work with patients who have may have physical and-or intellectual disabilities. Trillium Services held a gathering Wednesday to highlight DSP appreciation week and to present one of their own with an award from the Association of Residential Resources in Minnesota. Steve Halvorson…

COVID Concerns Forcing Chisholm’s K-3rd Graders Back To Distance Learning

CHISHOLM, Minn. – An “increasing” number of COVID cases is forcing some elementary grades in the Chisholm School District to learn from home for at least the next two weeks. The changes are affecting K-3rd graders at Vaughan Steffensrud Elementary School, according to Adrian Norman, the district’s superintendent. Norman confirms St. Louis County health officials raised the alarm about the…

Vaccine Clinic Held in Cloquet

CLOQUET, Minn.-As COVID-19 concerns grow, more people are being urged to get vaccinated. Earlier today a vaccine clinic was held at the Carlton County Community Services building for anyone 12 and older. The health department says nearly 70 percent of its vaccine eligible population have received at least one shot. “I really think it’s about protecting our community and so…

Apple Collections Begin Again for People’s Cider

DULUTH, Minn.-Wild State Cider has begun collecting apples to make the People’s Cider once again. Every Friday this month, you can drop off your backyard apples which will be turned into cider. “Last year’s cider is going to taste very different than this year’s cider because people are bringing different apples,” said Madison Sabol, the assistant cider maker. Wild State…

Everyday is National Double Cheeseburger Day for Big Daddy’s Burgers

DULUTH, Minn.- It’s National Double Cheeseburger Day, and local Northland burger shops are crowded. Big Daddy’s Burgers on Piedmont Avenue was packed with people getting their burger fix. They are also known for their Belly Buster challenge, including a one-pound double cheeseburger and a large portion of fries. And if you finish the entire dish, the burger spot will hang…

Hermantown Superfund Site is Now Clean

HERMANTOWN, Minn.- The United States Environmental Protection Agency announced Tuesday, Hermantown’s 10-acre Arrowhead Refinery Superfund site is no longer on the Superfund National Priorities List. According to the EPA, the refinery frequently dumped metal-laced sludge into a two-acre lagoon located on the property from 1945 to 1977. The site first landed its spot on the list in 1984. “Used to…

Superior Fuel Opens New Rail Terminal

TWIN PORTS, Minn.- Superior Fuel celebrated the grand opening of a new rail terminal with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Wednesday, bringing more propane to the Northland. The multimillion-dollar investment will provide propane in the Twin Ports and surrounding areas. The new terminal will hold nearly one million gallons of propane on-site, providing service to thousands of residents. “It’s an investment…

US: Wolves May Need Protections After States Expand Hunting

BILLINGS, Mont. (AP) – The Biden administration says federal protections may need to be restored for gray wolves in the western U.S. after Republican-led states made it much easier to kill the predators. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service said Wednesday that the region’s wolves face new potential perils after a decades-long restoration was capped by their return to state…

Lawyer Asks Judge To Toss New Charge in Daunte Wright Case

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) – Attorneys are asking a judge to dismiss a new manslaughter charge against the former suburban Minneapolis police officer who shot and killed Daunte Wright. Former Brooklyn Center Officer Kim Potter says she mistakenly drew her gun instead of her stun gun as Wright was trying to drive away from officers. Prosecutors charged her with second-degree manslaughter. The…

Midday 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, Ken Slama, Local News, midday update, News, weather

Fall Fest Returns to Duluth’s Chester Bowl This Saturday

Fall Fest Was Canceled in 2020 Due to the COVID-19 Pandemic

DULUTH, Minn. – The 36th annual Chester Bowl Fall Fest is happening Saturday, Sept. 18 at Chester Bowl in Duluth from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. This year’s festival will feature over 130 vendors selling locally and hand-made items, a farmers market, live music, nearly a dozen food vendors, and activities for families and children. The Chester Bowl Improvement Club…

Minnesota Supreme Court Reverses 3rd-Degree Murder Conviction of Former Minneapolis Police Officer

MINNEAPOLIS (FOX 9) – The Minnesota Supreme Court ruled to overturn the third-degree murder conviction of former Minneapolis police officer Mohamed Noor in the deadly 2017 shooting of Justine Ruszczyk Damond. During his trial Noor testified he feared an ambush when Damond walked up to the squad car and shot across his partner, killing the 40-year-old Australian woman. She had…

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…