News – Latest News

St. Louis County Public Health Launches Phone Line to Help Seniors Register for COVID Vaccination Appointments

ST. LOUIS COUNTY, Minn. – St. Louis County Public Health announced Friday the launch of a new phone line to assist St. Louis County residents over the age of 65 with scheduling vaccination appointments. The phone line was launched to ensure no seniors are being overlooked to receive a vaccination due to an inability to register online. Anyone over the…

Morning Update 3-5-21

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Friday, Mar. 5, 2021

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Ken Slama for a local look at news and weather making headlines Friday, Mar. 5, 2021. Have a great day! Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Ken Slama, Local News, News

Wisconsin Health Officials: ‘Couple Months’ to Other Side of Pandemic

MADISON, Wis. (AP) – Wisconsin health officials have detected more coronavirus variants in the state but predict every adult who wants a vaccine shot will get one by mid-summer. Department of Health Services Deputy Secretary Julie Willems Van Dijk said Thursday that sequencing has now detected 19 cases of the coronavirus variant first detected in the United Kingdom in Wisconsin….

Spirit of the Lights Returns to Glensheen Mansion Friday

DULUTH, Minn.– As the Glensheen Mansion continues to leave their Christmas decorations up into March, they’ve also brought back another Christmastime tradition. The mansion’s self-guided Christmas candlelight tours and the outdoor light display spirit of the lights on Friday. “The never ending Christmas experience continues with these new night time experiences,” said Jane Pederson Jandl, marketing manager for the Glensheen…

West Duluth Dairy Queen Opens for 71st Season

DULUTH, Minn.– It’s starting to feel a little more like spring here, and that means a long-time west Duluth establishment is opening their windows. The Dairy Queen on Grand Avenue next to Denfeld High School reopened for the season on Wednesday. People wasted no time getting their hands on some sweet treats. The location is the last of the original…

Itasca County Receives Johnson & Johnson Vaccine

Itasca County has also received the Johnson & Johnson single dose vaccine this week.

ITASCA COUNTY – Itasca County has also received the Johnson & Johnson single-dose vaccine this week. Grand Itasca Clinic and Hospital was the recipient of the vaccines and the shots are available for those who are 65 years of age and older. Health leaders say this new vaccine will push the community closer to being healthy. “And we’re so thankful…

Young People Stand Together To Help Bring An End To Gun Violence

"I just want to spread awareness for my brother and make a stand towards gun violence. It's not only taking our native youth, but our youth in general," said Aaliyah Peterson, the sister of 16-year-old Joesph Peterson.

DULUTH, Minn. – Young Northland community members are spreading the message that they are no longer staying silent and are proudly saying no to gun violence. The man charged in the shooting death of a 16-year-old on the Fond Du Lac Reservation back in December was in court on Thursday. The real action happened outside the St. Louis County Courthouse,…

Gun Permits Spike in Minnesota

According to the Bureau of Criminal Apprehension nearly 100,000 permits were issued last year.

CLOQUET, Minn- A record number of Minnesotans received permits to carry a firearm according to the Bureau of Criminal Apprehension with nearly 100,000 issued. The owner of Dead on Arms in Cloquet says he’s also seen an increase in the number of people wanting to learn how to use a firearm. He said people are more nervous and want to…

Food Boxes Distributed to Northland People in Need

Apples, onions, potatoes, and chicken. Cars lined up to receive boxes filled to the brim with different foods.

HERMANTOWN, Minn. – The Duluth YMCA with the Boys and Girls Club of the Northland to help those struggling their families during the pandemic. Apples, onions, potatoes, and chicken. Cars lined up to receive boxes filled to the brim with different foods. About 1,300 boxes with over 30,000 pounds of food were at the Essentia Wellness Center in Hermantown or…

St. Louis County Public Health Prepares for Johnson & Johnson Vaccine

St. Louis County Public Health is preparing to receive the Johnson & Johnson one shot vaccine after St. Luke's and Essentia received theirs yesterday.

ST. LOUIS COUNTY – St. Louis County Public Health is preparing to receive the Johnson & Johnson one-shot vaccine after St. Luke’s and Essentia received theirs yesterday. The county hasn’t received confirmation on when they will be getting it or how many doses they’ll be receiving. As multiple systems are getting out and receiving more vaccines in general, the issue…

Wessman Arena Vaccine Site to be Operational in April

The Wessman Arena in Superior will host a vaccine site near the end of April.

SUPERIOR, Wis. – The Wessman Arena in Superior will host a vaccine site near the end of April. According to Douglas County Health officials, they expect to offer later evening hours along with weekends. This is a regional site to increase capacity in the Northwest region of Wisconsin. To find out how to register for the vaccine, click here. Categories:…

UPDATE: One Person Taken Into Custody After Standoff in Superior

Woman seen jumping out window at seen on 1900 block of Banks Avenue.

    UPDATE: More information has been released by the Superior Police Department concerning the standoff earlier today. At approximately 6:25 a.m. officers were requested to respond to the 1900 block of Banks Avenue to investigate a neighbor dispute. Officers learned that the upstairs tenant of the duplex had allegedly threatened the downstairs tenant with a hammer and later, with…

Prosecutors: Officer Was on Floyd’s Neck for About 9 Minutes

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — As the trial approaches for a Minneapolis police officer charged with murder in George Floyd’s death, prosecutors are putting the time Derek Chauvin’s knee was on Floyd’s neck at about nine minutes. The time has fluctuated before. It was given as 8 minutes, 46 seconds in an initial criminal complaint, a figure that became symbolic to many…

More Minnesotans Have Received COVID-19 Vaccine Than Have Tested Positive

(FOX 9) – More Minnesotans have now been fully vaccinated against coronavirus than having tested positive in the state. New data from the Minnesota Department of Health says more than 500,000 Minnesotans (500,188) have been fully vaccinated. A total of 487,374 Minnesotans have tested positive to date. Officials warn, however, that there were many COVID-19 cases that went undiagnosed early on because…

Police Request 60-Day Extension of Guard at US Capitol

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Associated Press has learned that the Capitol Police have requested that members of the National Guard continue to provide security at the U.S. Capitol for another two months. And defense officials say the proposal is being reviewed by the Pentagon. The request underscores the continuing concerns about security and the potential for violence at the Capitol,…

Midday Update 3-4-21

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Thursday, Mar. 4, 2021

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Ken Slama for a local look at news and weather making headlines Thursday, Mar. 4, 2021. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Ken Slama, Local News, midday update, News, weather

Duluth Police Chief Releases Statement on Last Week’s Fatal Standoff

On Thursday, Duluth Police Chief Mike Tusken posted a statement on his Facebook page about last week’s nearly 20-hour long police standoff in the Lincoln Park neighborhood. You can read his full statement below: In the past days, our department, community and partner agencies have experienced a multitude of emotions in trying to make sense of the tragedy that happened…

MidCoast Catering Shares Easy, Delicious Recipe for Coconut Crusted Chicken with Sweet Rice

Chef Jonathan Reznick Owns MidCoast Catering and The Rambler Food Truck

DULUTH, Minn. – In this week’s Cooking Connection, Chef Jonathan Reznick, owner of MidCoast Catering and The Rambler food truck, shares a delicious recipe for Coconut Crusted Chicken with Sweet Rice. MidCoast Catering is located 315 North Central Avenue in Duluth’s West End. Reznick and his team specialize in putting together creative menu options for any occasion or event. Reznick…

Northland Newborns 3-4-21

FOX 21 and Essentia Health Team Up to Showcase Newborn Bundles of Joy Across the Northland

Every Thursday morning on FOX 21 Local News from 7 – 9 a.m., we’re teaming up with Essentia Health to showcase Northland Newborns. Calling all proud parents, grandparents, aunts, and uncles! Email a picture and date of birth to fox21morningcrew@kqdsfox21.tv for a chance to see your little one on the big screen. Click here for more information.  Categories: Community, News,…

Morning Update 3-4-21

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Thursday, Mar. 4, 2021

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Ken Slama for a local look at news and weather making headlines Thursday, Mar. 4, 2021. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Ken Slama, Local News, morning update, News

Law Enforcement on Alert After Plot Warning at US Capitol

WASHINGTON (AP) — Law enforcement is on high alert around the U.S. Capitol after intelligence uncovered a “possible plot” by a militia group to storm the iconic building yet again. The threat appears to be connected to a far-right conspiracy theory, mainly promoted by supporters of QAnon, that Donald Trump will rise again to power on March 4, the original…

US Jobless Claims Tick up to 745,000 as Layoffs Remain High

WASHINGTON (AP) — The number of Americans applying for unemployment benefits edged higher last week to 745,000, a sign that many employers continue to cut jobs despite a drop in confirmed viral infections and evidence that the overall economy is improving. Thursday’s report from the Labor Department showed that jobless claims rose by 9,000 from the previous week. Though the…

‘Change Is Coming’ To Grandma’s Sports Garden

DULUTH, Minn. — Grandma’s Sports Garden in Canal Park is officially changing its business model — saying goodbye to the college nightclub weekend vibe that the pandemic sidelined and saying hello to a unique, rentable space for all types of special events. Brian Daugherty, president of Grandma’s Restaurant Company Pictures were posted on The Sports Garden’s social media Wednesday with…

Northland Organization Gives Energy Saving Tips

Leadership from Ecolibrium3 says to make sure to turn off your lights when they're not in use, especially since people are at home more because of the pandemic.

DULUTH, Minn. – One local organization is working to promote more energy efficiency during all seasons. Leadership from Ecolibrium3 says to make sure to turn off your lights when they’re not in use, especially since people are at home more because of the pandemic. The thermostats should be set at 68 in the winter and 72 in the summer, and…

Lift Bridge Operators Donate to Local Food Bank

DULUTH, Minn.– Financial impacts from the pandemic have made it hard for some Northlanders to put food on the table. But help is coming in from all over the place, including from those who work at Duluth’s iconic bridge. The lift bridge operators donated around $170 to Second Harvest Northern Lakes Food Bank. Operators say that while they’ve been working,…

30th Anniversary of Big Enbridge Spill Sparks Protest Over Line 3 Replacement Project

GRAND RAPIDS, Minn.– Wednesday marked the 30th anniversary of the largest inland oil spill in U.S. history that happened right here in the Northland. Enbridge’s Line 3 pipeline ruptured on March 3rd, 1991 near Grand Rapids. 1.7 million gallons of crude oil got loose, including into the Prairie River, which leads into the Mississippi River. On Wednesday, more than 75…

Students Take Learning Science To A New Level

"They all grew up in and around Minnesota, so they know how to sled, but they never really thought about it from a physical perspective," said UMD Physics Professor Margaret Elmer-Dixon.

DULUTH, Minn. – A group of UMD students used Chester Bowl Ski Hill as their classroom for the day to learn more about science. Physics is a subject most people learn about in a classroom or lab but a University of Minnesota Duluth professor is taking a new approach. “They all grew up in and around Minnesota, so they know…

Grandma’s Marathon Hires A Crowd Scientist To Help Safely Host 2021 Race

Instead of a mob of runners starting the race at all once, this year they will be released onto the course five at a time.

DULUTH, Minn. – Organizers of Grandma’s Marathon has enlisted the services of a crowd scientist… to help provide a COVID safe event this summer. Through the partnership with the crowd scientist, the organization was able to gather a computer simulation of previous races to help create a plan to safely carry out this year’s event. Some changes would include transporting…

Douglas County Increases Vaccine Efforts

Beginning this week, Wisconsin has expanded on who can get the vaccine.

DOUGLAS COUNTY – Beginning this week, Wisconsin has expanded on who can get the vaccine. Previously, first responders, police and the elderly could get the vaccine but now it’s opened up more including for those working in the childcare and education fields. For schools, Essentia will be focusing on other public schools, private schools, and rural schools. There are close…

Women’s Workforce Hit Hard By the Pandemic

Job losses in the healthcare and hospitality industry have hit the women's workforce the hardest in Northeast Minnesota since the pandemic began.

MINNESOTA – The pandemic continues to have long-lasting impacts on employment in the Northland, including hitting the women’s workforce hard. Job losses in the healthcare and hospitality industry have hit the women’s workforce the hardest in Northeast Minnesota since the pandemic began. According to local workforce experts, several factors impeded the ability of women to stay and hold jobs. These…

Wisconsin Launches Vaccine Registry With Just 1 County

MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Wisconsin launched an online registry Wednesday where people can sign up to receive the coronavirus vaccine if they are eligible and appointments are available near where they live, but so far only one health department is participating. The registry was supposed to launch on March 1 but was delayed as those testing the system worked to fix problems and migrate…

Official: Dems OK Tighter Income Limits for COVID-19 Relief

WASHINGTON (AP) — A Democratic official says President Joe Biden and Senate Democrats have agreed to tighten the upper-income limits at which people could qualify for stimulus checks in the party’s $1.9 trillion coronavirus relief bill. That’s a major concession to moderates as party leaders prepared to move their legislation through the Senate. As part of Democrats’ legislative thrust on…

Lawmakers Can’t Cite Local Examples of Trans Girls in Sports

(AP Photo/Rick Bowmer) (AP) – Legislators in more than 20 states have introduced bills this year that would ban transgender girls from competing on girls’ sports teams in public high schools. Yet in almost every case, sponsors are unable to cite an instance in their own state or region where such participation has caused problems. Asked about actual cases with…

Midday Update 3-3-21

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Wednesday, Mar. 3, 2021

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Ken Slama for a local look at news and weather making headlines Wednesday, Mar. 3, 2021. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Ken Slama, Local News, midday update, News

Police Uncover ‘Possible Plot’ by Militia to Breach Capitol on Thursday

  WASHINGTON (AP) — The U.S. Capitol Police say they have intelligence showing there is a “possible plot” by a militia group to breach the U.S. Capitol on Thursday. The revelation was detailed in a statement from the Capitol Police. The threat appears to be connected to a far-right conspiracy theory, mainly promoted by supporters of QAnon, that Trump will…

Michigan Loosens Virus Limits for Businesses, Nursing Homes

LANSING, Mich. (AP) – Gov. Gretchen Whitmer has announced the further loosening of Michigan’s coronavirus restrictions, easing capacity limits in restaurants and a host of other businesses while also allowing for larger indoor and outdoor gatherings. The revised state order takes effect Friday. The Democratic governor says families will be able to visit nursing homes after being tested for COVID-19….

Local Vet Witnessing Importance of In-Person Visits as Pandemic Continues

Many Pet Owners Prefer to be With Their Pet During Routine or Emergency Examinations

SUPERIOR, Wis. – If you’ve made an appointment for your pet in the past year, chances are you weren’t allowed inside the building as the animal receives medical attention. COVID-19 is to blame for the new protocols at many vet clinics in the northland, but it can be a frustration for those who prefer to be with their pet during…

Morning Update 3-3-21

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Wednesday, Mar. 3, 2021

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Ken Slama for a local look at news and weather making headlines Wednesday, Mar. 3, 2021. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Ken Slama, Local News, morning update, News

Woman Accused of Threatening Neighbors With Machete

EAGAN, Minn. (AP) — An Eagan woman is accused of threatening neighbors with a machete and cutting wires inside a utility box last week, leaving dozens without phone or internet service. A criminal complaint filed in Dakota County charges 32-year-old Kathryn Joyce with threatening violence and first-degree criminal damage to property, which are felonies. According to the complaint, officers were…

BCA: Duluth Standoff Suspect Who Killed K9 Luna Incited 2 Shootouts With Police

David Conwell, 37, was shot and killed by St. Louis County deputies when he pointed his gun at them from the house's porch after prior gunfire, according to the BCA.

DULUTH, Minn. – New details were released Tuesday involving what went down during last week’s fatal 20-hour standoff in Duluth that ended with the shooting deaths of police K9 Luna and the suspect. David Conwell | K9 Luna The Bureau of Criminal Apprehension says David Conwell, 37, of Duluth shot at Duluth police two separate times before his third attempt…

Levi LaVallee’s Snowmobile Recovered From Duluth Harbor After Stunt Mishap

City spokesperson could not confirm Tuesday if scheduled stunts for the week are still happening for LaVallee's next video release.

DULUTH, Minn. – It was unclear Tuesday if professional snowmobile stuntman Levi LaVallee is continuing production in Duluth this week after a stunt went bad in the Duluth Harbor Monday. www.facebook.com/LeviLaValleeFanPage/ LaVallee was jumping off the old Railroad Interstate Bridge and onto a barge on Rice’s Point when he somehow landed in the water. Firefighters on standby for the stunt…

NRRI Receives $2.1 Million Grant for Iron Production Research

The Natural Resources Research Institute has received a $2.1 million grant to work on tech that is more efficient in using a type of iron pellet.

HERMANTOWN, Minn. – The Natural Resources Research Institute has received a $2.1 million grant to work on tech that is more efficient in using a type of iron pellet. Direct reduced iron pellets are items that are wanted for the electric arc furnace steel industry, which makes up 70% of the market. The funding is directed towards advancing production of…

Some Cloquet Bar Owners Want Liquor License Relief for When Pandemic Dried Sales

While they're seeking a prorated or discounted fee, the City says reducing the liquor license fee would have other repercussions.

CLOQUET, Minn.- After months of pandemic-related shutdowns and restrictions where some or all of their establishments sat unused, some bar and restaurant owners in Cloquet are asking the City Administration for a break in liquor license fees. “Quite honestly at this point we’re just asking them to help us with something. Whether it be prorated by day, prorated by month,…

Duluth School Board Hears Public Comment on Historic Old Central Sale

As the district nears the end of the sale process, on Tuesday they say they wanted to hear the public's thoughts related to the sale.

DULUTH, Minn.- The Duluth School Board heard public comment on the future sale and relocation of the Historic Old Central High School downtown. Last October the district entered into a purchasing agreement with “Saturday Properties” to redevelop the building into a mixed-income apartment building. As the district nears the end of the sale process, on Tuesday they say they wanted…

Northland Teen & Jr. Iditarod Winner Gets A Big Welcome Home

Martens walked away with a $6,000 scholarship and a new dog sled for winning the race.

SUPERIOR, Wis. – The Northland teenager who won the Junior Iditarod returned from Alaska on Tuesday and a group of local community members gave him a big welcome home. Finishing first in the Junior Iditarod is no easy task, but 14-year-old Morgan Martens from Brule brought home the trophy. Martens returned to the Northland to a crowd of supporters cheering…