News – Latest News

Minnesota Supreme Court Rejects Appeal in Snowmobile Death

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — The Minnesota Supreme Court on Wednesday affirmed the conviction in the case of a snowmobiler sentenced to more than 12 years in prison for crashing into an 8-year-old boy on Chisago Lake and killing him. Eric Coleman, of Chisago City, was sentenced in February 2019 for the January 2018 death of second-grader Alan Geisenkoetter Jr. The boy’s…

Minnesota Hospitalizations Due to Virus Exceed 400

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Minnesota cases and hospitalizations driven by coronavirus variants in recent weeks continue to steadily climb, even as officials make progress on the state’s vaccination efforts. Just over 400 patients are hospitalized due to complications from COVID-19 as of Tuesday, including 102 in intensive care — the most since late January, according to the state’s dashboard. While hospitalizations…

Gov. Walz, Great Lakes Governors Call on President Biden to Support Critical Water Infrastructure

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Gov. Walz joined three other Great Lakes governors on Wednesday calling on President Joe Biden to prioritize federal investments in long-neglected water infrastructure. In a letter to the Biden Administration, lauded the American Rescue Plan Act’s $360 billion in direct aid to state and local governments and the inclusion of water and sewer infrastructure as acceptable…

Midday Update 3-31-21

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Wednesday, Mar. 31, 2021

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Ken Slama for a local look at news and weather making headlines Wednesday, Mar. 31, 2021. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Ken Slama, Local News, midday update, News, weather

Spring Animal Concerns: Ticks are Back, Lilies are Toxic

Dr. Robert McClellan Reminds Pet Owners That Easter Lilies Are Toxic for Cats

SUPERIOR, Wis. – Spring is an exciting time for many Northland residents, however, with the excitement and adventures comes concern for our four-legged friends. Dr. Bob McClellan with Superior Animal Hospital says it’s important to be proactive, and on the lookout as the weather starts to warm, especially with the Easter holiday weekend coming up. “Probably our best sentinels for…

Morning Update 3-31-21

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Wednesday, Mar. 31, 2021

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Ken Slama for a local look at news and weather making headlines Wednesday, Mar. 31, 2021. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Ken Slama, Local News, morning update, News, weather

Wisconsin Supreme Court Strikes Down Statewide Mask Mandate

MADISON, Wis. (AP) – The Wisconsin Supreme Court has struck down Gov. Tony Evers’ statewide mask mandate, ruling that the Democratic governor exceeded his authority by issuing the order. The 4-3 ruling Wednesday by the conservative-controlled court is the latest legal blow to attempts by Evers to control the coronavirus. It comes after Republicans in the Legislature voted to repeal…

Firefighter Blocked From Helping Floyd Returns to Stand

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — A Minneapolis firefighter who wept as she recounted how a police officer prevented her from helping George Floyd is resuming testimony Wednesday in the trial of the fired police officer charged in Floyd’s death. Genevieve Hansen said Tuesday that she came upon Derek Chauvin restraining Floyd while out on a walk last Memorial Day. Hansen says she…

Pfizer Says Its COVID-19 Vaccine Protects Younger Teens

(Richard Chung via AP) (AP) – Pfizer says its COVID-19 vaccine is safe and strongly protective in kids as young as 12. The announcement Wednesday marks a step toward possibly beginning shots in this age group before the next school year. Most COVID-19 vaccines being rolled out worldwide are for adults, who are at higher risk from the coronavirus. Pfizer’s…

Douglas County Health Officer Breaks Down Vaccine Efforts As Eligibility Expands Next Week

Douglas County Health Officials look to add to the more than 19,000 people in the county who’ve already gotten one dose.

SUPERIOR, Wis.- Starting next Monday, Wisconsinites 16 and older will be eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine. Now Douglas County Health Officials look to add to the more than 19,000 people in the county who’ve already gotten one dose. “With eligibility opening up to Wisconites next week, especially with the holiday weekend upon us, we need folks to be as diligent…

Port Authority: Suez Canal Blockage Shouldn’t Have Big Impact on Twin Ports Shipping

Officials say the incident may have a small impact here and is much to blame for container shortages and delays of other shipments across the country.

DULUTH, Minn.- Officials with the Duluth Seaway Port Authority say they’re not expecting much of an impact in the twin ports after the Suez Canal got blocked by a ship for almost a week. The ship called “Ever Given” was dislodged Monday. Port Authority officials say vessels that come through Duluth-Superior don’t typically use the Suez. But they do use…

‘Unattended Candle’ To Blame For Duluth House Fire

DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth Fire Department responded to a fire at a single-family home around 8:30 p.m. Tuesday on the 2600 block of East 5th Street. Officials say the fire started in an upstairs office. “The homeowner had attempted to extinguish the fire, but the large amount of smoke made the attempt unsuccessful,” said Assistant Chief Brent Consie. Damage…

Back in Business as the Brule Reopens for Trout Season

Trout Season on the Brule River Opened Saturday, Mar. 27

BRULE, Wis. – Fly fishing is now the name of the game on the Brule River in Wisconsin. This past Saturday, the trout season officially opened, and many avid anglers are thrilled to be back out doing what they love. “Anything you need in the fly fishing world, I can provide it,” said John Fehnel, owner of Great Lakes Fly…

Easter Lilies a Hot Seller in Northland

DULUTH, Minn.-If you are in need of an Easter lily, Engwall’s has them in stock. They usually sell between 80 and 100 and management says this year is no different as people continue to buy the flowers that help brighten up Easter celebrations. “We’ve been getting a lot of phone calls this week and it’s been one of the hot…

Chocolate Shops Busy With Customers

At Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory in Canal Park, workers say business has doubled sales for some days over the last few weeks compared to two years before the pandemic.

DULUTH, Minn. – Chocolate shops are busy with people visiting their stores for the upcoming holiday. At Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory in Canal Park, workers say business has doubled sales for some days over the last few weeks compared to two years before the pandemic. “The Easter holiday is a celebration of life and sometimes a little chocolate just helps…

Authorities Find Body of Missing Odanah Man in River

The body of 32 year old Kevin Rosin was found in The White River around 1:45 Tuesday afternoon.

ASHLAND, Wis.- A missing Odanah man has been found dead after an extensive search by multiple agencies since Friday. The Ashland County Sheriff’s Office says the body of 32-year-old Kevin Rosin was found in The White River around 1:45 Tuesday afternoon. Police K-9s helped to end the search. Rosin went missing after a single-vehicle rollover crash Friday morning south of…

Churches Prepare for Easter Weekend During the Pandemic

Churches throughout the Northland are preparing for the upcoming Easter weekend. We talked to church leaders about how they’ve adjusted during the pandemic.

DULUTH, Minn. – Churches throughout the Northland are preparing for the upcoming Easter weekend and church leaders talk about how they’ve adjusted during the pandemic. With Easter approaching, churches in the area are doing their best to get ready as the pandemic continues. Minnesota churches are now allowed to be open without capacity limits but Northland churches continue using a…

RECOVER Study with St. Luke’s Continues

Data collected through the RECOVER study showed that by 14 days after the second dose of the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines, they are 90% protective against symptomatic and asymptomatic infection.

DULUTH, Minn. – The results are in for a national COVID study St. Luke’s hospital was involved in. Data collected through the RECOVER study showed that by 14 days after the second dose of the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines, they are 90% protective against symptomatic and asymptomatic infection. Previous studies showed that the vaccine was effective against symptomatic infection but…

Governors Walz, Pawlenty Receive COVID-19 Vaccine on First Day All Minnesotans Eligible

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Governor Walz and former Republican governor Tim Pawlenty received the single-shot Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine Tuesday at the Vikings’ Twin Cities Orthopedics Performance Center in Eagan. Today is the first day all Minnesotans 16-years-of-age and older are eligible to receive the vaccine. “I was excited to receive the Johnson & Johnson vaccine today, alongside my…

Suspect in Fond du Lac Reservation Shooting Pleads Guilty to Manslaughter

CLOQUET, Minn. – The Brevator Township man charged with murder for shooting his friend at his home in November 2019 has pleaded guilty to manslaughter. According to court records, 45-year-old Thomas Allen Micklewright shot 65-year-old James Arthur Couture at his home located at the 3500 block of Brevator Road. When police arrived on the scene they found Couture dead in…

Wisconsin To Open Vaccinations To General Public Monday

  MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Wisconsin will make everyone in the state who is 16 and older eligible for COVID-19 vaccinations starting next week, Gov. Tony Evers said Tuesday. Evers, a Democrat, announced the change in a tweet. BREAKING: Wisconsin leads the nation in getting available shots in arms, and today we’re announcing everyone 16 and older will be eligible…

1 Million Minnesotans Now Fully Vaccinated Against COVID-19

(FOX 9) – Gov. Tim Walz announced Tuesday that 1,003,316 Minnesotans have completed the vaccination process against COVID-19. About 1,637,771 Minnesotans have received at least one dose of the vaccine. The news comes as vaccine eligibility expanded on March 30, allowing Minnesotans 16 years of age and older to get the COVID-19 vaccine. Minnesota health officials reported more than 70,000 vaccines administered on Saturday and…

More Pharmacy Chains To Offer COVID-19 Vaccine in Wisconsin

MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Seven more pharmacy chains are set to offer COVID-19 vaccine shots in Wisconsin, state health officials said Tuesday. The state Department of Health Services announced that seven new chains will receive the vaccine this week as part of the federal retail pharmacy program, including Costco; CVS; Hy-Vee; Good Neighbor and AmerisourceBergen Drug Corporation; Health Mart; Medicine…

Midday Update 3-30-21

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Tuesday, Mar. 30, 2021

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Ken Slama for a local look at news and weather making headlines Tuesday, Mar. 30, 2021. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Ken Slama, Local News, midday update, weather

Morning Update 3-30-21

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Tuesday, Mar. 30, 2021

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Ken Slama for a local look at news and weather making headlines Tuesday, Mar. 30, 2021. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Ken Slama, Local News, morning update, News, weather

Tents Needed for Homeless

CHUM is in need of tents to provide for those who are homeless.

DULUTH, Minn. – CHUM is in need of tents to provide for those who are homeless. The warming shelter will be closing on March 31st and while the shelter may be open in April due to possible cold weather, the shelter is seasonal. Those from the street outreach team at CHUM are looking for tents so people don’t have to…

Vaccine Eligibility Expands, Health Systems and Officials Prepare

All Minnesotans over age 16 become eligible for COVID vaccines tomorrow and now preparations are underway for what's expected to be a big influx of appointments.

ST. LOUIS COUNTY – All Minnesotans over age 16 become eligible for COVID vaccines tomorrow and now preparations are underway for what’s expected to be a big influx of appointments. So far, around 38% of St. Louis County residents have received at least one vaccine dose while 23% have been fully vaccinated. The supply of available vaccines will not be…

Can of Worms Project Construction Underway

Construction on the Twin Ports Interchange, also nicknamed the "Can of Worms," is proceeding.

DULUTH, Minn. – Construction on the Twin Ports Interchange, also nicknamed the “Can of Worms,” is proceeding. The I-35 and Highway 53 Interchange Project is budgeted to be about $343 million. Girders have been set on the 27th avenue west bridge and work is currently underway for forming and pouring the barrier wall. There has also been selective construction beginning…

Knowing Your Neighbors: ‘Tacos Tacos Tacos’ Aims to Bring Authentic Mexican Flavor to Northland

The slice of authentic Mexican cuisine opened up downtown in the old Coney Island space on East Superior Street.

DULUTH, Minn.- A slice of authentic Mexican cuisine opened up downtown in the old Coney Island space on East Superior Street last week – Tacos Tacos Tacos. “It is totally different than a lot of American style tacos you find,” said owner Robert Giuliani. Tacos Tacos Tacos was born out of owner and chef Robert Giuliani’s Mexican heritage and recent…

Start Prepping Your Lawn Mower for Spring

DULUTH, Minn.- Local lawn mower repair shops are offering up some advice to make sure your mower is in tip-top shape as temps warm. Experts at Denny’s Lawn and Garden Center say waiting until the last minute to get it fixed is never a good idea, because repair shops can get very busy during the summer. “The best thing is…

Marinas Getting Prepared for Summer

SUPERIOR, Wis.-As the temperatures warm up, local marinas are getting busy preparing boats. Over at Barker’s Island in Superior, they expect to be launching boats in a few weeks, as the ice is almost out of the harbor. Management says this is always a fun time of the year as it means summer will be here soon. “It’s always really…

Hermantown Boys Hockey Varsity Team in Quarantine, JV Squad to Play in State Quarterfinals

The vast majority of the varsity team will not take part in the game, but members of the junior varsity squad will made eligible to play.

HERMANTOWN, Minn. – The Hermantown boys hockey team will be shorthanded for Tuesday’s Class A state quarterfinals game against Dodge County due to exposure to COVID-19. The vast majority of the varsity team will not take part in the game, but members of the junior varsity squad will made eligible to play. Here’s the official statement from athletic director Beth…

One Killed in Semi vs. Truck Crash North of Two Harbors

TWO HARBORS, Minn.-A pickup truck crashed head-on with a semi/logging truck on County Highway 2 north of Two Harbors, leading to a fatality. It happened just after 11 a.m. The driver of the pickup truck, 67-year-old Carl Schuller of Brimson, died as a result of the accident. The driver of the semi, a 54-year-old man from International Falls, did not…

Duluth Police: Minnesota State Patrol Vehicle Shot At With BB Gun During Traffic Stop

DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth Police Department says officers responded Monday afternoon to reports of shots fired at a Minnesota State Patrol Trooper’s vehicle during a traffic stop. The incident happened around 10:21 a.m. in the area of Central Avenue and 7th Street. Duluth police say the State Patrol’s squad was struck twice with what appears to be ‘projectiles consistent…

Ban on Renter Evictions During COVID-19 Pandemic Is Extended

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Biden administration is extending a federal moratorium on evictions of tenants who’ve fallen behind on rent during the coronavirus pandemic. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Monday moved to continue the pandemic-related protection, which had been scheduled to expire on Wednesday. The moratorium is now extended through the end of June. The moratorium initially was…

Biden Admin Working to Develop Vax ‘Passports’

CNN – The Biden administration is working on a system for people to prove they’ve been vaccinated against coronavirus. The so-called “vax pass” or vaccine passport could be used by individuals in the workplace, in school, or traveling internationally. According to a senior white house official, multiple agencies are involved in the planning. Potentially, the vaccine credentials could play a…

Fond du Lac, Carlton County Partnering to Vaccinate Public Against COVID-19

CARLTON COUNTY, Minn. – The Fond du Lac Band of Lake Superior Chippewa is partnering with Carlton County to provide COVID-19 vaccinations to 500 residents in Carlton County on Thursday. The clinic will be held at Black Bear Casino from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. and pre-registration is necessary. The clinic will be open to those eligible for their first…

Jurors Shown Video at Ex-Officer’s Trial in Floyd’s Death

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Shocking video footage of George Floyd gasping for breath was front and center Monday as the former Minneapolis police officer who pressed his knee into the Black man’s neck went on trial Monday on charges of murder and manslaughter. Prosecutors played the video that shows Derek Chauvin kneeling on George Floyd’s neck for 9 minutes, 29 seconds…

Evers Vetoes Legislative Oversight of COVID Funds

MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Gov. Tony Evers killed a bill Monday that would have given Republican legislators oversight of Wisconsin’s share of billions of dollars in federal COVID-19 relief funds, instead announcing his own plan for distributing the money. Evers, a Democrat, took the unusual step of vetoing the bill during a news conference at a Milwaukee cafe, holding up…

Former Staff at Duluth Jail Sues After Guard Attacked Her

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — A former member of the medical staff at the St. Louis County Jail in Duluth, Minnesota has sued the county over an alleged 2016 incident in which a correctional officer attacked the medical technician and claimed it was an impromptu training exercise. Natalina Slaughter said in a lawsuit she had recently started working at the jail when…

Search Efforts Continue for Missing Odanah Man

ASHLAND, Wis. – Search efforts continue for a 32-year-old Odanah man who allegedly left his vehicle after a rollover crash early Friday morning just south of Ashland. The Ashland County Sheriff’s Office says teams of ground searchers, K9 search crews, and aircraft have been out searching for the man identified as Kevin Rosin. To ensure the safety of community members…

Walz Says ‘Normalcy Is on the Horizon’ in State Address

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz has delivered his third State of the State address from his former high school classroom and said that “brighter days are here” as a substantial portion of the population is being vaccinated against the coronavirus and businesses start to fully reopen. The first-term Democrat gave the speech Sunday from his old social studies…

Floyd Family, Leaders Hold Prayer Service On Eve Of Trial

Courtesy: KMSP/FOX9 MINNEAPOLIS (AP) – National civil rights leaders appeared alongside several family members of George Floyd at a prayer service, hours before opening statements were set to begin in the murder trial of the former Minneapolis police officer charged in Floyd’s death. Several dozen attendees gathered in the benches at Greater Friendship Missionary Church on Sunday night, where preachers…