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Morning Update 1-13-21

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Wednesday, Jan. 13, 2021

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

UMD Men’s Hockey Series Against Miami Postponed

The series is now re-scheduled for January 29th and 30th in Oxford.

DULUTH, Minn. – The UMD men’s hockey team announced Wednesday that their upcoming road series at Miami (OH) has been postponed. According to a press release, the decision was made due to a combination of positive COVID-19 tests, contact tracing and subsequent quarantining of players within the program. The series is now re-scheduled for January 29th and 30th in Oxford….

State of State: Evers Targets Broadband, Fixing Unemployment

(Amber Arnold/Wisconsin State Journal via AP) MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Gov. Tony Evers in his State of the State speech is calling on the Legislature to update Wisconsin’s antiquated unemployment payment system and spend nearly $200 million to expand broadband access. Those were both problem areas that the coronavirus pandemic laid bare last year. Evers pre-recorded the speech, which was…

Mega Millions Jackpot Rises to $750 Million After No Winner

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — Lottery players will have a shot Friday night at the fifth-largest jackpot in U.S. history after no tickets matched all the numbers in the latest Mega Millions drawing. The jackpot for Tuesday night’s Mega Millions was $625 million and lottery officials say it’s rising to an estimated $750 million. The Mega Millions of numbers drawn…

Trump on Verge of 2nd Impeachment After Capitol Siege

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump is on the verge of being impeached for a second time. He faces a single charge, “incitement of insurrection,” after telling a mob of loyalists to, as he put it, “fight like hell” against election results. The subsequent attack on the U.S. Capitol turned deadly and delayed finalizing Democrat Joe Biden’s election victory. While…

Superior Councilor Raises Ethical Concerns Over Marriage of Mayor Paine, Councilor Van Sickle 

In a letter to City Attorney Frog Prell, Sutherland worried votes by Van Sickle could inappropriately benefit Mayor Paine. 

SUPERIOR, Wis.- Superior City Councilor Craig Sutherland is raising conflict-of-interest concerns with the City Attorney’s office over the recent marriage between Mayor Jim Paine and Councilor Jenny Van Sickle. Letter from Councilor Craig Sutherland to City Attorney Frog Prell “I strongly believe we need some guidance on what to do moving forward,” Councilor Sutherland said. In a letter to City…

Wis. Gov. Tony Evers Promises $200M for Broadband Access in State of the State Speech

After the pandemic was "unrelenting" in 2020 according to the Governor, he said to the people of Wisconsin "we aren't defeated." 

MADISON, Wis.- In his virtual State of the State address Tuesday, Gov. Tony Evers called on an increased focus on expanding broadband access statewide in the next biennial budget. After the pandemic was “unrelenting” in 2020 according to the Governor, he said to the people of Wisconsin “we aren’t defeated.” However he did highlight how, for distance learning, doctor tele-health…

Wisconsin Authorizes State National Guard, Boards Up Capitol Building

MADISON, Wis. – Windows of the Wisconsin Capitol are now boarded up as the FBI continues its warning to lawmakers around the country about the threat of armed protests and violence directed at government buildings this week and next week. There’s also been more capitol police in the area since Wednesday’s violence in Washington, D.C. The Wisconsin National Guard has also…

Minnesota Dept. of Health Launches COVID-19 Vaccine Dashboard

The website shows more than 144,000 people have received at least one dose of the vaccine as of Saturday, and more than 7,000 who already got the second dose.

MINNESOTA- The Minnesota Department of Health has launched an online dashboard, to stay up to date on the state’s vaccination rollout. The website shows more than 144,000 people have received at least one dose of the vaccine as of Saturday, and more than 7,000 who already got the second dose. It will be updated daily. “It provides Minnesotans with confidence…

Gov. Walz Calls On National Guard To Handle Threats Of Violence At State Capitol

ST. PAUL, Minn. (FOX 9) – Gov. Tim Walz said Tuesday he will call up the Minnesota National Guard to deal with threats of violence at the state Capitol. The Guard will be called up for several days, he said, likely through President-elect Joe Biden’s inauguration. The official announcement will happen Wednesday. The FBI has warned that the Minnesota State…

Renee Van Nett Becomes Duluth’s First Indigenous Council President

DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth City Council is making history by electing the first Indigenous woman to serve as council president. Councilor Renee Van Nett was unanimously elected during Monday’s meeting. She says this achievement shows young girls of color that anything is possible. “I didn’t believe that native people, women especially, belonged in society like this because I never…

Antique Stores Experience Growth in Traffic During Pandemic

Antique stores throughout the Northland are experiencing an increase in demand.

SUPERIOR, Wis. – Antique stores throughout the Northland are experiencing an increase in demand. At Allouez Antiques in Superior, management says they’ve had their best sales in more than five years. They believe it’s because people want to get rekindled more with their past especially during the pandemic. “Nice to just kind of walk through and reminisce,” said Curtis Zamzow,…

Families Enjoy Warmer Winter on Proctor Sledding Hill

During winter, the Proctor Golf Course becomes a popular spot for families to go sledding down.

PROCTOR, Minn. – There’s nothing quite like hopping on a sled and going down a big hill. “It’s great, it’s just what the doctor ordered,” Sandra Benney and her family said. Many families have decided to hit the Proctor sledding hill to enjoy some time outside. “With the kids distance learning, we call this gym class, physical education. We come…

Carlton County Public Health Works To Keep Up With Challenges During Vaccination Process

Public health officials are being spread thin while trying to get the vaccines distributed to the priority groups.

CARLTON COUNTY, Minn. – The COVID-19 vaccine has been going into arms around the Northland for a few weeks now. Over in Carlton County, public health officials are being spread thin while trying to get the vaccines distributed to the priority groups. Vaccine administration continues to be a top priority across the state and in the region, but getting the…

Minnesota Discovery Center Reopens With Optimism for Brighter Year Ahead

MDC Will Be Open 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday, and 10 a.m. - 8 p.m. Thursdays

CHISHOLM, Minn. – The doors are officially back open for business at the Minnesota Discovery Center (MDC) in Chisholm. Staff was thrilled to welcome back guests to their campus which features more than 650 acres of space to explore. The center is kicking things off with five-dollar snowshoe rentals and encourages visitors to use the Redhead Mountain Bike Park which…

MN Power Pushes To Provide More Clean Energy

Minnesota Power has set a goal to reduce carbon emission by 80% by 2035 and be 100% carbon-free by 2050.

DULUTH, Minn. – Minnesota Power plans to provide more clean energy in the future for the region. The energy company is looking to go carbon-free. The plans include adding about 400 megawatts of wind and solar energy resources. They will also be transitioning from using coal at one of its energy centers. “We hit a key milestone. We hit 50%…

Minnesota Movie Theatres Reopen Per Governor’s Orders

Attention movie buffs: Minnesota theaters are now reopened as the governor has loosened restrictions.

DULUTH, Minn. – Attention movie buffs: Minnesota theaters are now reopened as the governor has loosened restrictions. Whether it’s Wonder Woman or Tom Hanks’ new film, Marcus Theatres in Duluth is ready to bring both action and drama to the big screen for its patrons. “We’re back!” said Shawn Fennessey, general manager at Marcus Theatres Duluth cinema. “It’s been a…

Northforce Launches Student Connect Program

A job recruiting initiative called Northforce has launched a program to connect students with employers and organizations who want to invest more in the community.

NORTHLAND – A job recruiting initiative called Northforce has launched a program to connect students with employers and organizations who want to invest more in the community. A dozen colleges from around the area are involved with the goal of retaining talent that could otherwise move out of the area. Organizers say it’s all about making students feel welcome while…

Wisconsin Man Arrested After Being Part of Capitol Riot

MADISON, Wis. (AP) — A Wisconsin man who posted on Facebook that he was among those wanted for illegally entering the U.S. Capitol during last week’s riot has been arrested in Eau Claire and charged with a pair of misdemeanors in federal court. Kevin Daniel Loftus is scheduled to make an initial appearance Tuesday after being arrested for illegally entering…

1-94th Cavalry, 148th Fighter Wing to Support the Presidential Inauguration

DULUTH, Minn. – Soldiers from the 1-94th Cavalry Squadron and Airmen from the 148th Fighter Wing will be reporting to Washington D.C. next week to support presidential inauguration activities. According to a recent press release, more than 130 soldiers and airmen will be assisting for the inauguration. “Every four years National Guardsmen from throughout the country are called to assist…

No More Puny Prizes: Mega Millions, Powerball Jackpots Soar

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — After a long stretch of relatively paltry prizes, U.S. lottery players now have a choice of jackpots that offer combined prizes of more than $1 billion. The jackpot for Mega Millions’ Tuesday night drawing has climbed to $615 million, and the top prize in the Powerball game has reached $550 million ahead of Wednesday’s drawing….

Gov. Walz to Call National Guard to Assist With Threats of Violence at State Capitol

(courtesy: Fox 9) ST. PAUL, Minn. (FOX 9) – Gov. Tim Walz said Tuesday he will call up the Minnesota National Guard to deal with threats of violence at the state Capitol. The Guard will be activated for days, he said. There will be a full announcement on Wednesday morning regarding the Guard activation. Walz said he spoke with Michigan Gov. Gretchen…

Midday Update 1-12-21

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Tuesday, Jan. 12, 2021

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Ken Slama for a local look at news and weather making headlines Tuesday, Jan. 12, 2021. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Ken Slama, Local News, midday update, News

Updated COVID-19 Numbers: Tuesday, January 12

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Minnesota health officials reported 1,335 new cases of COVID-19 in Minnesota on Tuesday morning bringing the total confirmed COVID cases to 438,867 in the state. Health officials also reported 13 news deaths bringing the death total to 5,724 in Minnesota. According to the Minnesota Department of Health website, 5,982,456 tests have been completed to date. There…

Minnesota Department of Health Launches Online Dashboard to Track COVID Vaccine

(FOX 9) – The Minnesota Department of Health has launched a new online dashboard for tracking COVID-19 vaccine distribution in the state. The dashboard shows the number of doses of the vaccine that have been administered as well as the number of doses that have been shipped to Minnesota. MDH says the dashboard will be updated daily at 11 a.m. The dashboard shows 144,503…

Wisconsin Senate Poised to Pass COVID-19 Relief Package

MADISON, Wis. (AP) — The Wisconsin Senate is set to pass a pared-down COVID-19 relief package. Democratic Gov. Tony Evers and Republican legislative leaders have been trying to hammer out a compromise package for weeks to no avail. Assembly Republicans passed a bill last week, but Evers opposes it. Senate Republicans scaled the measure back. They removed provisions that would…

Minnesota Power Shares Vision for 100% Carbon-Free Future by 2050

DULUTH, Minn. – Minnesota Power, an ALLETE company, announced in a Tuesday press release its vision to provide 100 percent carbon-free energy to its customers by 2050. The company says the vision is a continuation of its recent achievement of providing 50 percent renewable energy to its customers and its commitment to climate, customers, and communities. The company will be…

Northland Entrepreneur Develops Crud Cloth for Outdoor Enthusiasts

Crud Cloth was Developed Two Years Ago by Hermantown Resident Tim White

HERMANTOWN, Minn. – If you ever feel the need to freshen up after a long day outdoors or a muddy trip down the bike trail, Northland entrepreneur Tim White is here to help. White developed the Crud Cloth after having dealt with his own messy outdoor adventures. “As a resident of Duluth and enjoyer of the activities here, I developed…

Morning Update 1-12-21

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Tuesday, Jan. 12, 2021

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Ken Slama for a local look at news and weather making headlines Tuesday, Jan. 12, 2021. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Ken Slama, Local News, morning update, News

Officer With Knee to George Floyd’s Neck to Be Tried Alone

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — A former Minneapolis police officer who held his knee to the neck of George Floyd for several minutes will be tried separately from three other former officers accused of his death. Court documents filed Tuesday show Derek Chauvin will stand trial alone in March while the others will be tried together in the summer. The judge wrote…

US Asking States to Speed Vaccine, Not Hold Back 2nd Dose

WASHINGTON (AP) – The Trump administration is asking states to speed delivery of COVID-19 vaccines to people older than 65 and others at high risk by no longer holding back the second dose of the two-dose shots, The Associated Press has learned. The Trump administration is expected to recommend opening up vaccines to everyone older than 65 and to get…

Eased Restrictions Allow Duluth Bars, Indoor Entertainment to Welcome People Back In

The Caddy Shack in Lincoln Park and Incline Station Downtown said they're excited to reopen for the first time since November.

DULUTH, Minn.- As Minnesota bars and restaurants are allowed to open with a limited indoor capacity, businesses with entertainment features said they’re looking forward to have people inside again safely. “Being able to open the bar is equal parts exciting and, I think we’re a bit wary,” said Katherine LaFleur of the Caddy Shack Indoor Golf and Pub. The Caddy…

Bent Paddle Reopens Indoor Seating While Unveiling Heated Outdoor ‘Patio Camp’

In addition to the roughly 120 people they can safely have inside the brewery, management said the patio is a big help for those who not be ready to sit indoors yet.

DULUTH, Minn.- While reopening their indoor seating per Gov. Tim Walz’s loosened restrictions Monday, Bent Paddle Brewing in Duluth’s Lincoln Park neighborhood also unveiled their new patio seating. “Patio Camp” as they call it is a pet-friendly, heated patio covered in a tent from Frost River down the street. Heat lamps warm the 20-24 people that can sit socially distanced….

Duluth Indoor Sports Center Continues to Welcome Those Looking to Get Active

The DISC includes an indoor tennis facility, pickleball courts, a fitness center and space for other recreational sports.

DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth Indoor Sports Center has been in the community since the 1970s and continues to be popular for anyone looking to get active. “It’s great that we can play pickleball here all year round, otherwise I’d have to find other things to do with my time,” pickleball player Ben Strege said. The DISC includes an indoor…

Northland Restaurants Open Back Up For Indoor Dining With Some Restrictions

"We're very glad to have customers dine and get us back to a sense of normalcy," said Alina Oswald, the general manager at Vitta Pizza in Duluth.

DULUTH, Minn. – Minnesota restaurants now can reopen for indoor dining at 50 percent capacity. The change comes after Governor Tim Walz announced his plans to scale back some COVID-19 restrictions last week. “We’re very glad to have customers dine and get us back to a sense of normalcy,” said Alina Oswald, the general manager at Vitta Pizza in Duluth….

A New Housing Option Planned For Central Hillside Neighborhood Helps Homeless Youth

The project is slated to begin construction in the fall.

DULUTH, Minn. – A new housing option is being planned for the Central Hillside neighborhood. Brewery Creek Apartments is expected to be developed on site of the former Mobil lube station and the Last Chance Liquor store at the corner of Sixth Avenue East and Fourth Street. The new facility will have 52 apartments. About 10 apartments will be set…

Businesses Excited to See College Students Back in the Area

As the spring semester begins at colleges, businesses are glad to see students back in the area.

DULUTH, Minn. – As the spring semester begins at colleges, businesses are glad to see students back in the area. The owner of Duluth Vanilla Bean says he couldn’t be happier to see the students as they make up 60 to 70% of his customers. “It’s always good to have that energy from our college students,” said Jason Vincent, the…

Spring Semester Underway, Northland Colleges Prep for Incoming Students

As the pandemic continued through the fall, local colleges had to adapt rapidly to the changing situation and now with the spring semester beginning, educational leadership continues to work to keep their students safe during these unique times.

DULUTH, Minn. – As the pandemic continued through the fall, local colleges had to adapt rapidly to the changing situation and now with the spring semester beginning, educational leadership continues to work to keep their students safe during these unique times. With the spring semester underway, college leaders are taking steps to ensure a safe experience for both students and…

Minnesota Virus Deaths Continue Decline as Businesses Reopen

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Minnesota bars and restaurants may resume indoor service with limits on capacity as COVID-19 cases and deaths across the state continue to fall. The eased restrictions on Monday return bars and restaurants about to where they were before Gov. Tim Walz imposed a “pause” in response to soaring cases in November. They can resume indoor service at…

Police, Firefighters to get Vaccine Next in Wisconsin

MADISON, Wis. (AP) — State health officials say police and firefighters in Wisconsin will be eligible to receive the coronavirus vaccine starting Jan. 18. Gov. Tony Evers estimates in a letter made public on Monday that members of the general public won’t be vaccinated until June. Evers renewed his call for faster distribution of the vaccine from the federal government…

Popeyes Eyeing Possible New Duluth Location

DULUTH, Minn. – The popular fast-food chain Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen is settings its sights on a possible new Duluth location. The City of Duluth has confirmed that Popeyes reached out to the city for inquiries about a potential location going into a new development site which will be located on the corner of Central Entrance and Anderson Road. The city…

House Will Consider Trump Impeachment Wednesday

WASHINGTON (AP) — Democrats say the House will consider the impeachment of President Donald Trump on Wednesday, one week after an angry mob of his supporters invaded the Capitol. House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer told Democrats on a call Monday that members should plan to return to Washington on Tuesday evening to consider a House resolution calling on Vice President Mike…

Evers Estimates Public Won’t See Vaccine Until June

(Steve Apps/Wisconsin State Journal via AP, File) MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Members of the general public in Wisconsin likely won’t be vaccinated for the coronavirus until June, Gov. Tony Evers said in a letter made public Monday as he renewed his call for faster distribution of the vaccine from the federal government and state Republicans introduced a new response bill….

Walz Denounces Minnesota GOP Leaders for Hedging on Vote

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Gov. Tim Walz denounced Minnesota Republican leaders Monday for refusing to clearly state that the presidential election was free and fair. The Democratic governor also disclosed that state troopers had to take his crying 14-year-old son to safety last Wednesday during a protest dubbed “Storm the Capitol” at the state Capitol, which later shifted to the official…

Midday Update 1-11-21

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Monday, Jan. 11, 2021

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Ken Slama for a local look at news and weather making headlines Monday, Jan. 11, 2021. Have a great day! Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Ken Slama, Local News, midday update, News

Updated COVID-19 Numbers: Monday, January 11

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Minnesota health officials reported 980 new cases of COVID-19 in Minnesota on Monday morning bringing the total confirmed COVID cases to 437,552 in the state. Health officials also reported 4 news deaths bringing the death total to 5,711 in Minnesota. According to the Minnesota Department of Health website, 5,953,863 tests have been completed to date. There…

Republicans Block Measure Calling for Quick Removal of Trump

WASHINGTON (AP) — A House resolution calling on Vice President Mike Pence to invoke constitutional authority to remove President Donald Trump from office was blocked Monday by Republicans. Trump would face a single charge — “incitement of insurrection” — over the riot at the U.S. Capitol, according to a draft of the articles obtained by The Associated Press. The four-page…

Authorities: Four Arrested in Two Separate Pine River Drug Busts

PINE RIVER, Minn. – The Cass County Sheriff’s Office says four individuals have been arrested in two separate Pine River drug busts over the last month. According to reports, Investigators executed a search warrant as a residence in Barclay Township on December 29 as a part of an ongoing drug investigation. During the search police located a large amount of…