News – Latest News

Activity Donations Needed for St. Luke’s Patients

DULUTH, Minn.– With visitations sidelined during the pandemic, St. Luke’s is asking for some help to keep their patients busy. Their foundation is asking for donations to try and entertain patients. Items needed include magazines, novels, puzzle books, and anything that someone can do individually. Donated items can be for all ages but they are looking more at activities for…

COVID-19 Vaccinations Begin at St. Luke’s

DULUTH, Minn.– After getting their shipment of the COVID-19 vaccine earlier this week, St. Luke’s has now begun vaccinating their staff. The first one to receive one of the 850 doses at St. Luke’s was ICU nurse Samantha Moder. She has consistently been on the front lines treating patients with Coronavirus. On a day where the hospital is also honoring…

Denfeld Hoops Club Donates Over 40 Basketballs to Local Families

Throughout this month, the Denfeld hoops club raised enough money to purchase 41 basketballs from the local store Play It Again Sports. 

DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth Denfeld hoops club handed out basketballs on Friday to those who needed them. Throughout this month, the club raised enough money to purchase 41 basketballs, which equals how many players are on the Denfeld basketball rosters, and bought them from the local store Play It Again Sports. On Friday, members of the Hunters basketball team…

Zoo Will Reopen as Outdoor Entertainment Venue Restrictions Are Lifted

With Governor Walz lifting some restrictions across the state beginning Saturday, some outdoor entertainment venues are reopening, including the Lake Superior Zoo.

DULUTH, Minn. – With Governor Walz lifting some restrictions across the state beginning Saturday, some outdoor entertainment venues are reopening, including the Lake Superior Zoo. During the past four weeks, there was little guest activity at the Lake Superior Zoo, as it was closed because of the governor’s orders but now with new restrictions, the zoo is able to open…

Wildlife Spotted: Duluth Resident Captures Drone Footage of Bobcats

A local Duluth resident captured a once-in-a-lifetime scene with three bobcats while he was getting drone footage at the St. Louis River.

DULUTH, Minn. – A local Duluth resident captured a once-in-a-lifetime scene with three bobcats while he was getting drone footage at the St. Louis River. Mike Mayou was operating a drone on the river when he captured the scene. He says he has never encountered a situation like this, adding that Duluth is a great place to explore nature because…

Medical Care Offered at Warming Center

Beginning Monday, the Lake Superior Community Health Center will offer free on-site preventive care at the Tri-Towers warming center whenever it’s open.

DULUTH, Minn. – Beginning Monday, the Lake Superior Community Health Center will offer free on-site preventive care at the Tri-Towers warming center whenever it’s open. The services provided will include checking blood pressures or taking a look at a wound or frostbite. COVID-19 testing will also be made available. Nurse practitioners say it’s important to meet people where they’re at…

FDA Authorizes Second COVID-19 Vaccine from Moderna

The Food and Drug Administration authorized emergency use Friday of the vaccine developed by Moderna and the National Institutes of Health.

WASHINGTON (AP) – The U.S. is adding a second COVID-19 vaccine to its arsenal. The Food and Drug Administration authorized emergency use Friday of the vaccine developed by Moderna and the National Institutes of Health. The decision comes days after health workers and nursing home residents began getting a similar coronavirus shot from Pfizer and BioNTech. Extra doses from a…

Enbridge Reports Fatal Accident Involving Contractor in Hill City

HILL CITY, Minn.-Enbridge Energy has reported a contractor was killed in a fatal accident at a construction yard this morning in Hill City. Construction work in the area has been paused. “Safety standards and protocols were reinforced today as work paused across the project for a safety stand down,” said Juli Kellner, a spokesperson for Enbridge. Grief counseling is currently…

Duluth Man Charged With Second-Degree Murder in Death of 3-Year-Old

  DULUTH, Minn.-A 30-year-old Duluth man was charged today with second-degree murder in the death of his then fiance’s three-year-old son, marking the first homicide in Duluth in 2020. Jordan William Carter was taken into custody Thursday for an incident that occurred Sept. 4. According to the criminal complaint, the medical examiner’s office has ruled the death of Cameron Gordon,…

Additional Minnesota Bar Defies COVID-19 Restrictions

MINNEAPOLIS-Minnesota public safety officials have issued another liquor license suspension notice as more businesses are defying Gov. Tim Walz’s executive order barring indoor service at restaurants and bars to mitigate the spread of COVID-19. Mission Tavern in Merrifield faces a 60-day suspension of its liquor license pending a hearing before a judge, and could have its license revoked for five…

Michigan Lets High Schools, Entertainment Venues Reopen

LANSING, Mich.-Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s administration is lifting a prohibition on in-person instruction at Michigan high schools and says entertainment venues such as movie theaters can reopen with capacity restrictions following a decline in coronavirus cases. Universities and colleges can let students return to campus next month, with a voluntary commitment to wait until Jan. 18 to restart face-to-face classes. Indoor…

Midday Update 12-18-20

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Friday, Dec. 18, 2020

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Ken Slama for a local look at news and weather making headlines Friday, Dec. 18, 2020. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Ken Slama, Local News, midday update, News

Vice President Pence Receives COVID-19 Vaccine

It's Still Unclear When President Trump Will Receive the Shot

WASHINGTON (AP) – Vice President Mike Pence has received the coronavirus vaccine during a White House event aimed at convincing skeptical Americans that the vaccines are safe. Pence’s wife, Karen, and Surgeon General Jerome Adams also got the vaccine on Friday during the event that was televised. In remarks after his shot, Pence called the speed with which the vaccine…

New App to Launch in Wisconsin Letting Residents Know of COVID-19 Exposure

Residents Will Receive a Push Notification Before the App Goes Live

MADISON, Wis. (AP) – A new mobile app will launch next week in Wisconsin that will let people know if they have been in close contact with someone who tested positive for COVID-19. Gov. Tony Ever announced the new app on Thursday. The app, which launches Wednesday, is meant to bolster the state’s contact tracing efforts. The app is voluntary…

Interim President and CEO Named for Fairview Range

GRAND RAPIDS, Minn.-Jean MacDonell, president and CEO of Grand Itasca Clinic & Hospital in Grand Rapids, has been named interim president and CEO of Fairview Range in Hibbing. Effective Jan. 4, she will assume the dual leadership position in addition to her role at Grand Itasca. She has 22 years of experience in health care, 13 of which have been…

Morning Update 12-18-20

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Friday, Dec. 18, 2020

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Ken Slama for a local look at news and weather making headlines Friday, Dec. 18, 2020. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Ken Slama, Local News, morning update, News

Duluth Boy’s Death Ruled Homicide, Mother’s Then-Fiance Arrested

Formal charges of 2nd-degree murder are pending with the St. Louis County Attorney's Office.

DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth Police Department has confirmed a man is under arrest involving the death of a child, which is the city’s first homicide of 2020. Homicide suspect Jordan William Carter, 30. Jordan William Carter, 30, who was the fiancé to the child’s mother during the death, was taken into custody Thursday on preliminary charges of 2nd-degree murder…

Gingerbread Kits Handed Out to Kindergarten Students

Two Kindergarten teachers brought the Christmas spirit to their students by dressing up and passing out gingerbread house kits to families.

DULUTH, Minn. – Two Kindergarten teachers brought the Christmas spirit to their students by dressing up and passing out gingerbread house kits to families. Students at Piedmont Elementary received sweet treats like graham crackers, icing, candy, sprinkles, and even a toothbrush! Usually, they have a gingerbread unit of study in school but with virtual learning, they wanted to add some…

Shopping Hours Expand for Select Businesses in Superior

Multiple businesses in Superior have announced they are extending their hours with the aim of making it safer and easier for last-minute shoppers.

SUPERIOR, Wis. – Multiple businesses in Superior have announced they are extending their hours with the aim of making it safer and easier for last-minute shoppers. Angie’s Closet in Superior is one business that is extending its hours. Ownership there says that supporting local during these unique times is essential. “We are just really excited,” said Angie Kaminski, the owner…

Duluth Photographer Captures ‘Once-In-A-Lifetime’ Bobcat Experience

DULUTH, Minn. — Mike Mayou, of Mike Mayou MM Photography, captured some amazing drone video of a family of bobcats hanging out along the St. Louis River Wednesday. “I stumbled upon a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Down by the St. Louis River, I noticed a few creatures moving across the ice. After flying a drone over to investigate, I discovered that there…

Duluth Organizations Awarded State Housing Funds

DULUTH, Minn.– Governor Walz has announced $195 million to create and preserve thousands of homes across the state including here in Duluth. The city announced five projects that will receive funding including a 5-story, 52 unit building project led by OneRoof Community Housing that’s at the corner of 6th Avenue East and 4th Street. Another project is a rehab of…

COVID-19 Vaccine Rollout Begins in Wisconsin

MADISON, Wis.– Wisconsin has been distributing Pfizer’s Coronavirus vaccine across the state. It’s being sent to 8 regional hubs. Health officials have been in contact with healthcare providers to make sure they are ready to roll out the vaccine. “We are working to get the COVID-19 vaccine out to folks who need it quickly, safely and equitably. And it’s going…

MN AG Ellison Cracks Down on Indoor Dining Amid Extended Restrictions

BEAVER BAY, Minn.– Some Minnesota bars and restaurants did ignore Governor Tim Walz’s restrictions on indoor dining. None reported so far in northern Minnesota but one owner planned to defy the order, before Minnesota’s attorney general stepped in. “You want us to close down, you want us to limit what we do, I’ve said it before, bills don’t stop,” said…

Mayor Larson to Present Legislative Priorities

Mayor Larson will be presenting the legislative priorities of the city to the Duluth City Council tonight.

DULUTH, Minn. – Mayor Larson will be presenting the legislative priorities of the city to the Duluth City Council tonight. There’s now $94 million set aside for the general fund in 2021 along with more than $30 million in local government aid. Larson says one of her main aims is to increase the amount of LGA they get from legislators…

Gyms Reopen Under Governor’s New Orders

Governor Walz announced some adjustments to restrictions to a variety of businesses yesterday including gyms as they are now allowed to reopen Saturday with some strict rules in place. 

DULUTH, Minn. – Governor Walz announced some adjustments to restrictions to a variety of businesses yesterday including gyms as they are now allowed to reopen Saturday with some strict rules in place. With the new order in effect, gyms are now able to open Saturday at 25% capacity with a maximum of 100 people as masks must be worn at…

Essentia Health Administers First COVID-19 Vaccines in Duluth

DULUTH, Minn.-Essentia has announced they have begun vaccinating some of their staff in Duluth for COVID-19. About 120 of our front-line workers, those directly involved in caring for COVID-positive patients, will be vaccinated today. The Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine, which received emergency-use authorization from the Food and Drug Administration on Dec. 10, requires two doses 21 days apart to be fully effective….

Walz Announces Nearly $200 Million to Increase Access to Affordable Housing

ST. PAUL, Minn.-Gov. Tim Walz administration has announced the Minnesota Housing board of directors approved staff recommendations of $195 million to create and preserve 2,387 homes throughout the state, including rental units and single-family homes. Full details on all of the selected and advancing developments, including maps and videos, are available online at www.mnhousing.gov/sites/np/2020selections.  The announcement outlined 73 developments that…

City of Duluth Continues to Look for Business to Takeover Abandoned Verso Site

DULUTH, Minn.-The search continues for a business to takeover the abandoned Verso paper mill site in West Duluth. The Duluth Economic Development Authority has approved spending $40,000 more to Baker Tilly Municipal Advisors, which is helping find incentives for another paper mill to come to the facility. That funding is on top of the $60,000 the group could receive already….

Gov. Walz Extends Certain COVID-19 Restrictions Into January

ST. PAUL, Minn.– Minnesota Governor Tim Walz addressed the state today to extend the lockdown he installed last month as hospital beds filled up with COVID-19 cases. These new restrictions in the state regarding schools, businesses, gatherings, and more are slightly more flexible, but still strict. Governor Walz said last week he needed more time to look at the numbers…

Duluth Officer ‘Off Duty Indefinitely’ After Internal Review Of Shooting

2015 photo on City of Rosemount’s website congratulating Officer Tyler Leibfried on his new job with the Duluth Police Department. DULUTH, Minn. (AP) – The Duluth Police Department says the actions of an officer charged in a September shooting that left a man with a bullet lodged in his shoulder went against department policies and training regarding the use of…

Duluth Man Needing Living Kidney Donor Brings Back Epic Christmas Displays

DULUTH, Minn. — A Duluth man known in his neighborhood for his bright Christmas lights and decorations is bringing back the tradition again after stopping for a few years, while also searching for a living kidney donor. Pat Stojevich has more than 20,000 Christmas lights strung around his property and counting. “I figure by the time we’re done we’ll be…

Film Incentive Program Approved in St. Louis County

The St. Louis County board voted to install a film production incentive program for the county to help bring Hollywood to the Northland.

ST. LOUIS COUNTY – The St. Louis County board voted to install a film production incentive program for the county to help bring Hollywood to the Northland. The program allows for those who have productions filmed in the county to be reimbursed up to 25% spent locally on expenses, including local labor, food, supplies, and lodging. County Commissioner Frank Jewell…

St. Luke’s Leadership Says Vaccines Will Go to Workers First

St. Luke’s leadership has not said when they will get their vaccines but said the first vaccinations they will get will go to workers.

DULUTH, Minn. – St. Luke’s leadership has not said when they will get their vaccines but said the first vaccinations they will get will go to workers. Even though workers wear much personal protective equipment, they are still at risk of exposure, especially when people are significantly ill. “It’s kind of hard to predict now when things will feel normal…

Poinsettia Sales Rise in the Northland

Poinsettia sales have been on a steady increase as Christmas is fast approaching.

DULUTH, Minn. – Poinsettia sales have been on a steady increase as Christmas is fast approaching. Management at Engwall’s says they have sold more than 300 poinsettias so far. Even during the pandemic, people are sending the plants near and far to relatives and friends that they can’t see during these times. “It’s a tradition that families have done for,…

Bars and Restaurants Adjust Again to Governor’s New Restrictions

Bars and restaurants in the Northland are having to adjust yet again to the governor’s new restrictions on dining, this coming after prior restrictions earlier this year that put them in some tough situations.

DULUTH, Minn. – Bars and restaurants in the Northland are having to adjust yet again to the governor’s new restrictions on dining, this coming after prior restrictions earlier this year that put them in some tough situations. Over at At Sara’s Table in Duluth, management says they are understanding of the governor’s orders to help slow the spread of the…

Boys & Girls Clubs of the Northland Receive Dozens of Toy Donations

FOX 21 Partnered With the Organization to Host the Annual Gifts for Teens Toy Drive Throughout December

DULUTH, Minn. – It’s the most wonderful time of the year for the Boys and Girls Clubs of the Northland. The FOX 21 Morning Crew wrapped up their annual Gifts for Teens Toy Drive Wednesday morning. This year, dozens of toys were collected throughout four locations in the Twin Ports. Each year, the organization provides gifts for up to 300…

Vehicle Crashes into Tri Towers Leading to Gas Leak

DULUTH, Minn.-Just after 1 p.m. Duluth police officers responded to the report of a single vehicle crash into the Tri Towers on the corner of Second Avenue East and Second Street. Upon arrival, officers learned the two occupants of the vehicle left the scene on foot. The crash resulted in a gas leak, which required residents to evacuate. After a…

Great Outdoors: Mont du Lac

Skiing season has begun in the Northland and many hills are now open despite the recent warm temperatures.

SUPERIOR, Wis. – Skiing season has begun in the Northland and many hills are now open despite the recent warm temperatures. It has been a little bit warmer weather-wise so it’s fantastic weather to get out on the hill. Over at Mont du Lac, staff has been working hard making snow trying to make the slopes perfect. “Mother nature worked…

Duluth Schools React to Gov. Walz School Reopening Announcement

DULUTH, Minn.-Today Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz announced updates to Minnesota’s Safe Learning Plan for the 20-21 School Year that help prioritize and support in-person learning for elementary students.    “District and school administrators will review the new guidelines and begin to incorporate them into our planning,” said John Magas, Superintendent for Duluth Public Schools. “We’ll work to share preliminary plans…

Walz to Reopen Minnesota Elementary Schools Amid Shutdown

ST. PAUL, Minn.-Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz announced plans on Wednesday to get children back into elementary schools as well as ease some restrictions on fitness centers and other businesses that were shuttered last month. The governor updated the state’s Safe Learning Plan used by schools across the state on Wednesday to allow all elementary schools to operate in-person starting Jan….

LATEST: Gov. Walz Provides Update on Business Restrictions

Governor also signs into law $216 million in direct support for small businesses and 13-week extension of unemployment benefits.

ST. PAUL, Minn.-As hospitals remain concerned about capacity, Gov. Tim Walz announced a plan to continue battling the surge in COVID-19 cases, announcing the latest restrictions in the state. Here are the latest updates on restrictions in Minnesota. Social Gatherings: Indoor gatherings are not recommended, but Minnesotans may gather inside with one other household up to 10 people. If outside,…

Midday Update 12-16-20

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Wednesday, Dec. 16, 2020

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Ken Slama for a local look at news and weather making headlines Wednesday, Dec. 16, 2020. Have a great day! Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Ken Slama, Local News, midday update, News

Lake Superior Zoo Debuts New Children’s Book Just in Time for the Holidays

Donate Today to Receive Your Copy of "New Friends Arrive at the Lake Superior Zoo"

DULUTH, Minn. – A new book is bringing the education and entertainment of the Lake Superior Zoo into your home this holiday season. The book “New Friends Arrive at the Lake Superior Zoo” was written by local author and artist Joe Klander. It’s all about the arrival of the Zoo’s new bears, Tundra and Banks, and how the other animals plan…

UPDATE: Walz Keeps Indoor Dining Ban; Gyms, Sports Get Limited Restart

ST. PAUL, Minn. (FOX 9)-Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz is extending his ban on indoor dining while putting strict limits on the restart of gyms and youth sports, drawing a quick backlash from opponents as coronavirus cases decline. Walz’s new executive order will take effect Friday night, replacing one that’s been in place since Nov. 21 and set to expire Friday. The governor is scheduled…

Essentia Health in Duluth Receives First Doses of COVID-19 Vaccine

DULUTH, Minn.-Essentia Health in Duluth has announced they have received their first allocation of COVID-19 vaccines. A spokesperson for the group tells us they have received almost 1,000 doses of the Pfizer vaccine, with more expected to come later this week. The current plans are to begin vaccinating employees Thursday. Essentia leadership says they hope to get more shipments of…

Duluth Cider Receives Gold Medal at 2020 US Open Cider Championship

Duluth Cider is Also Giving Back to the Community by Donating $1 of Every Cider Sold to the Children's Museum

DULUTH, Minn. – Despite all of the negative news in 2020, Duluth Cider is ending the year on a positive note, and they’re also helping give back to our community. Jake Scott, owner of Duluth Cider, says their Greenstone Hopped Semi-Dry Cider has won a Gold Medal at the 2020 US Open Cider Championship. This is the second US Open…