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Updated COVID-19 Numbers: Monday, December 14

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Minnesota health officials reported 3,026 new cases of COVID-19 in Minnesota Monday morning bringing the total confirmed COVID cases to 381,841 in the state. Health officials also reported 18 news deaths bringing the death total to 4,462 in Minnesota. According to the Minnesota Department of Health website, 4,933,794 tests have been completed to date. There are…

VA Hospital in Minnesota Gets State’s 1st Vaccine Shipment

MINNEAPOLIS – The Minneapolis VA Medical Center has received Minnesota’s first shipment of the COVID-19 vaccine, though it wasn’t immediately clear when vaccinations would begin. Gov. Tim Walz was at the hospital when the shipment arrived Monday and said it’s a day everyone has been waiting. Other Minnesota hospital systems expect to receive their initial shipments in the next day…

Minnesota Lawmakers Strike Deal on Unemployment Benefits, COVID-19 Business Relief

(AP Photo/Steve Karnowski) ST. PAUL, Minn. (FOX 9) – As they gavel in for a special session, Minnesota lawmakers have a deal to send $216 million in cash relief to businesses and give a 13-week extension of unemployment benefits to ease the financial strain of the COVID-19 pandemic. “We’re going to pass a bill today,” said state Rep. Dave Baker, R-Willmar, one of…

Midday Update 12-14-20

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Monday, Dec. 14, 2020

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Ken Slama for a local look at news and weather making headlines Monday, Dec. 14, 2020. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Ken Slama, Local News, midday update, News

Visit Cook County Announces Upcoming Winter Activities

From Skiing to Snowboarding, Fat Tire Biking, and Shopping Local, There's Something For Everyone to Enjoy When They Visit Cook County

GRAND MARAIS, Minn. – If you look around, you’ll quickly notice a lack of snow across the Northland this December, however, that’s not stopping the crew at Visit Cook County from promoting upcoming winter activities in the region. Linda Jurek, executive director of Visit Cook County says there’s plenty of outdoor recreation for everyone to enjoy this season. While there’s…

Bar That Defied Shut-Down Order Has Lost Its Liquor License

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — A Minnesota restaurant that continued to host dine-in service in defiance of Gov. Tim Walz’s coronavirus order has temporarily lost its liquor license. State officials suspended the license Sunday for the Boardwalk Bar & Grill in East Grand Forks. The suspension comes just days after a Polk County court closed the bar and restaurant to in-person dining,…

Morning Update 12-14-20

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Monday, Dec. 14, 2020

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Ken Slama for a local look at news and weather making headlines Monday, Dec. 14, 2020. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Ken Slama, Local News, morning update, News

Electors Meeting to Formally Choose Biden as Next President

WASHINGTON (AP) — Presidential electors are meeting across the United States to formally choose Joe Biden as the nation’s next president. Monday is the day set by law for the meeting of the Electoral College. In reality, electors meet in all 50 states and the District of Columbia to cast their ballots. The results will be sent to Washington and…

COVID-19 Vaccine Shipments Begin in Historic US Effort

PORTAGE, Mich. (AP) — The first of many COVID-19 vaccine doses are making their way to distribution sites across the United States, as the nation’s pandemic deaths approach the horrifying new milestone of 300,000. The rollout Sunday of the Pfizer vaccine, the first to be approved by the FDA, ushers in the biggest vaccination effort in U.S. history — one…

Bentleyville Founder Urges Weekday Visits as Saturday Nights Get Busy

The attraction started closing to new vehicles at 5:30 Saturday, and ended up turning people away through the rest of the night. 

DULUTH, Minn.- Bentleyville Tour of Lights is coming off another busy Saturday night. Ahead of the coming holiday weekend, founder Nathan Bentley is again asking future attendees to seriously consider coming during the week. The attraction started closing to new vehicles at 5:30 Saturday, and ended up turning people away through the rest of the night. Bentley has asked attendees…

UWS Student, Professor Track Waste of Disposable Masks, PPE in Superior

So far of the 200 pieces of data collected, most are concentrated in the East End and on the University Campus.

SUPERIOR, Wis.-Researchers at the University of Wisconsin Superior are tracking a different kind of waste that is newer in the city this year — personal protective equipment like masks and gloves. Those researchers said so far without the pandemic, the amount of plastics in the oceans is set to surpass the amount of fish by the year 2050. Now the…

Duluth, St. Louis Co. Leaders ‘Dismayed’ by Rep. Stauber’s Backing of Lawsuit to Overturn Biden Win

DULUTH, Minn. – Elected leaders in Duluth and St. Louis County are calling out Republican Congressman Pete Stauber, who represents Minnesota’s 8th District, for his backing of a recent lawsuit to invalidate President-Elect Joe Biden’s wins in Wisconsin, Michigan, Georgia and Pennsylvania. Letter to Congressman Stauber The lawsuit was thrown out by the U.S. Supreme Court Friday. Duluth Mayor Emily…

Superior Toys for Tots Goes Drive-Thru in 2020

SUPERIOR, Wis.– This weekend in Superior, hundreds of families were able to get a helping hand and help put some presents under the tree this Christmas. And do it in a way never done before. The Superior Fire Department has helped give out toys to kids in the area for over 100 years. While it may look different this time…

COVID-19 Vaccine Coming Soon to Northland Healthcare Workers

St. Louis County Public Health officials are anticipating shipments of the vaccine to come to the county before the end of the year, possibly as early as next week.

DULUTH, Minn.– The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has cleared Pfizer’s COVID-19 vaccine for use in the United States and it could be getting to the Northland soon. St. Louis County Public Health officials are anticipating shipments of the vaccine to come to the county before the end of the year, possibly as early as next week. The first shipments…

Wisconsin’s First Wolf Hunting Season Since 2014 Set for Nov. 2021

MADISON, Wis.– Wisconsin’s wolf hunting season will take place November 2021 after being sidelined since the last hunt in 2014. This comes after the US Fish and Wildlife Service announced in October that it would take grey wolves off of the endangered species list. The Wisconsin DNR says framework for the new season will include public input and consultation with…

Bayfield Foods Unveils ‘Holiday Boxes’ Full of Local Goods

BAYFIELD, Wis.– Over in Bayfield, Wisconsin, one local business is offering a new kind of gift for Christmas. After the success of their apple boxes, Bayfield Foods Co-Op is offering holiday boxes this Christmas. They are offering 10 different kinds of boxes filled of meat, cheeses, and other Bayfield-made goods. Including the best of Bayfield Appetizer box. Bayfield Foods says…

Winter West Market Continues to Encourage Local Shopping

DULUTH, Minn.– Over in west Duluth, the Winter West Market continues highlighting local businesses for a third year in a row. Area shops are all offering deals to encourage shopping local. Little Neechers, a store that sells baby goods, toddler toys, and other natural and organic toys saw a steady flow of customers today. The store is offering 15 percent…

UPDATE: Bentleyville Line Fills Up, Guests Turned Away Hours Early Saturday

Guests were asked to come back during the week for shorter wait times.

DULUTH, Minn.- Bentleyville Tour of Lights completely closed to new vehicles Saturday night, after reaching capacity early in the evening according to their website. Around 5:30 Saturday evening the attraction posted on their Facebook page that to “alleviate the number of vehicles on the roadways,” they would close the line until 7:30. But when 7:30 rolled around, that post changed…

Bentleyville Backed Up, Line Closes for Two Hours Saturday

The line for the Tour of Lights was at capacity, closing from 5:30-7:30 p.m.

DULUTH, Minn.- Traffic at Bentleyville once again backed up Saturday, forcing the line for the drive-thru attraction to close for part of the evening. According to a post on their Facebook page, the line was at capacity around 5:30 p.m. Saturday. They closed the line for two hours until 7:30 p.m., and asked guests to return after that to alleviate…

Superior Police Investigate Shooting in Fight Outside Tower Ave Businesses

One person had non-gunfire injuries after the fight, another was injured when some suspects crashed their vehicle fleeing.

  SUPERIOR, Wis.- The Superior Police Department is investigating a report of shots fired in an altercation Saturday morning resulting in two injuries and a car crash on the Blatnik Bridge. According to a department spokesperson, around 12:32 a.m. Saturday officers responded to a report of gunfire in the vicinity of 628 Tower Avenue and 702 Tower Avenue, the locations…

Essentia Health Hiring Healthcare Workers

"It's been an unbelievable amount of stress on our staff. We're used to taking care of people who are very sick and used to seeing people die, but not in these numbers," said Jon Pryor, president of Essentia Health.

DULUTH, Minn. – Demand for healthcare workers is becoming critical in the Northland. Essentia Health is now hiring, hoping to find skilled healthcare employees to fill the gaps brought on by the coronavirus pandemic. A shortage of frontline workers such as nurses is already creating a strain for hospitals in the region. Many hospital officials are getting concerned for the…

Families With Students At ISD 709 Says Learning During The Pandemic Is Challenging

A survey found about 75% of students and families have said they are having challenges.

DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth Public School District recently conducted a survey to learn the impacts of educating during the pandemic has had on families of students. The survey found about 75% of students and families have said they are having challenges. School district officials say the pandemic has changed the concept of what used to be the standards for…

Aging Population Could Create A “Silver Tsunami”

It is believed as people get older they are at higher risk of having chronic diseases.

DULUTH, Minn. – Recent research from the University of Minnesota Medical School shows the number of people over the age of 65 in the state is expected to double. The rapidly aging population has health professionals worried this could have major impacts. Clinical experts are calling it the “Silver Tsunami.” It is believed as people get older they are at…

Zeitgeist Cafe to Rent Out Their Kitchen Space

DULUTH, Minn.– One restaurant in Duluth is opening up their space to businesses that want to try bringing some of their cooking to the area. Zeitgeist Arts Cafe in downtown Duluth is looking for some partners to use their commercial kitchen space while their cafe is closed during the pandemic. It would be shared with other people renting out the…

US allows emergency COVID-19 vaccine in bid to end pandemic

The U.S. has given the final go-ahead to the nation’s first COVID-19 vaccine, launching emergency vaccinations in a bid to end the pandemic. Shots will begin in a few days after Friday's decision by the Food and Drug Administration.

WASHINGTON (AP) – The U.S. has given the final go-ahead to the nation’s first COVID-19 vaccine, launching emergency vaccinations in a bid to end the pandemic. Shots will begin in a few days after Friday’s decision by the Food and Drug Administration. The FDA called the vaccine from Pfizer and its German partner BioNTech safe and strongly protective. But initial…

Supreme Court Rejects Republican Attack on Biden Victory

The Electoral College meets Monday to formally elect Biden as the next president.  

  (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster) WASHINGTON (AP) – The Supreme Court has rejected a lawsuit backed by President Donald Trump to overturn Joe Biden’s election victory, ending a desperate attempt to get legal issues rejected by state and federal judges before the nation’s highest court. Trump had called the lawsuit filed by Texas against Georgia, Michigan, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin “the big…

People Can Borrow Winter Equipment From City of Duluth Parks and Rec

The City of Duluth Parks and Rec. Department is letting people borrow winter equipment with the hopes that they will get outside and enjoy the outdoors.

DULUTH, Minn. – The City of Duluth Parks and Rec. Department is letting people borrow winter equipment with the hopes that they will get outside and enjoy the outdoors. Some of the equipment for rent include snowshoes, ice skates, sleds, and trekking poles. There are a couple of options with borrowing – the items can be rented for a long…

Duluth Seaway Port Authority Acquires Duluth Lake Port Dock

The Duluth Seaway Port Authority has made a major acquisition of a port dock off Rice’s Point for nearly a million dollars.

DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth Seaway Port Authority has made a major acquisition of a port dock off Rice’s Point for nearly a million dollars. The Duluth Seaway Port Authority announced this week it has acquired the Duluth Lake Port Dock off Rice’s Point for $950,000. The Port Authority acquired the dock from private investors and includes the land, structures,…

Winter West Market Taking Place This Weekend

This weekend, the annual Winter West Market will be held throughout west Duluth.

DULUTH, Minn. – This weekend, the annual Winter West Market will be held throughout west Duluth. The third annual event is aimed at supporting small businesses as many in the area will be offering up discounts. Owners at Wussow’s Café say it’s important to be supporting your local business for the market, especially during these times. “I think it’s easy…

Wisconsin Air National Guard Unit Grounds Jets After Crash

(courtesy: CNN) MADISON, Wis. (AP) — A Wisconsin Air National Guard unit has grounded its pilots while the fatal crash of an F-16 fighter jet is being investigated, and authorities on Friday identified the pilot who died as a decorated combat veteran who had flown in three tours of duty. The Madison-based 115th Fighter Wing said Air Force Capt. Durwood…

Keetac Mine Restarts Production

KEEWATIN, Minn. – Operations have restarted at the Keetac mine, according to Union Rep. Dan Pierce. A company spokesperson says plans are currently in the works to bring back about 400 employees. The site had been idle since May of this year due to the coronavirus pandemic. U.S. Steel owned Minntac reopened production lines 6 and 7 at the end…

MN DOC Reports Two More COVID-19 Deaths From Moose Lake, Faribault Correctional Facilities

MOOSE LAKE, Minn. – The Minnesota Department of Corrections announced on Friday two more COVID-19 related deaths from the Minnesota Correctional Facility in Moose Lake and Faribault. One of the deceased from a 66-year-old man incarcerated at MCF-Fairbault and the other was a 63-year-old man from MCF-Moose Lake. Both men died at Abbot Northwestern Hospital in Minneapolis. The MN DOC…

Emmer, Stauber, Hagedorn Ask High Court to Void Biden Win

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) – Republican U.S. Reps. Tom Emmer, Pete Stauber, and Jim Hagedorn of Minnesota have signed on to a last-gasp bid to get the U.S. Supreme Court to overturn the presidential election. The three are among more than 100 House Republicans who joined an amicus brief in support of a lawsuit by Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton. Emmer’s name…

Midday Update 12-11-20

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Friday, Dec. 11, 2020

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Ken Slama for a local look at news and weather making headlines Friday, Dec. 11, 2020. Have a great weekend! Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Ken Slama, Local News, midday update, News

FDA Head Expects Vaccine Emergency Use Soon

(AP) – The head of the FDA says his agency has told Pfizer it “will rapidly work” to grant emergency use of its COVID-19 vaccine following a positive recommendation by government advisers. Many FDA observers predict action by Saturday ahead of a Sunday meeting by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Federal officials plan to allocate the first 6.4…

Updated COVID-19 Numbers: Friday, December 11

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Minnesota health officials reported 3,773 new cases of COVID-19 in Minnesota Friday morning bringing the total confirmed COVID cases to 370,968 in the state. Health officials also reported 94 news deaths bringing the death total to 4,292 in Minnesota. According to the Minnesota Department of Health website, 4,789,829 tests have been completed to date. There are…

Driver in Fatal Hibbing Crash Charged With Criminal Vehicular Homicide

HIBBING, Minn. – The driver in a fatal head-on crash in Hibbing last month has been charged with one count of criminal vehicular homicide – operating a motor vehicle in a grossly negligent manner and one count of criminal vehicular homicide – operating a vehicle while under the influence of a controlled substance, according to the Hibbing Police Department. According…

Wisconsin State Court Judge Rules Against Trump Lawsuit

MADISON, Wis. (AP) –A judge in Wisconsin has ruled against President Donald Trump’s lawsuit seeking to overturn Democrat Joe Biden’s win in the state, another in a string of defeats in the president’s extraordinary attempts to undo his loss. Reserve Judge Stephen Simanek ruled following a virtual hearing on Friday. Trump’s federal lawsuit remains alive. Trump has been urging lower…

Zup’s to Purchase Ely Northland Market

(courtesy: Zup’s Food Market) ELY, Minn. – Zup’s Food Market announced on Wednesday its plans to purchase Ely Northland Market in the early part of 2021. The two major grocers in Ely say the partnership will result in one large grocery store located in the now vacant Shopko building. According to a recent press release, both stores will continue to…

Handmade in the Northland: Northern Exposure Art & Sjofn’s Musings

FOX 21 Local News is Highlighting Local Makers in the Northland Ahead of the Holiday Season

DULUTH, Minn. – Throughout the week of Dec. 7 – 11, FOX 21 Local News from 7:00 – 9:00 a.m. will be highlighting local makers in the Northland ahead of the gift-giving season. Throughout the season, many folks are working to pick out unique, locally made gifts for friends and loved ones while supporting local businesses amid a year of many…

Essentia Doctor Details COVID Reality in the Northland, Vaccine Progress

Dr. Melissa Simonson Encourages All Northland Residents to Receive the COVID Vaccine When Available

DULUTH, Minn.  – At Essentia Health in Duluth, capacity is stretched thin with both COVID patients and the normal patient population. Dr. Melissa Simonson, section chair of hospitalist services at Essentia Health, says over the last two weeks they have seen a slight improvement in the number of COVID patients. Right now,  20-25 percent of regular medical patients are COVID…

Morning Update 12-11-20

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Friday, Dec. 11, 2020

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Ken Slama for a local look at news and weather making headlines Friday, Dec. 11, 2020. Have a great weekend! Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Ken Slama, Local News, morning update, News

Parents Sue Walz to Lift ‘Pause’ on Youth Sports Over Virus

(Elizabeth Flores/Star Tribune via AP) MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — A group of parents has sued Gov. Tim Walz, seeking to throw out his order that put high school sports on hold as part of efforts to slow the spread of the coronavirus. But lawmakers agreed Thursday on $216 million in grants for businesses hurt by the four-week “pause” that Walz imposed…

Big Menorah Lit for First Day of Hanukkah

DULUTH, Minn.– On this first day of Hanukkah, a small group of Jewish people got together to celebrate the holiday. The first candle of the menorah was lit today in front of the Duluth Civic Center. Normally, the celebration is a big event for the local Jewish community but due to the pandemic, it was a livestream for people to…

‘Gingerbread City’ Turns Into Downtown Walker Tour

DULUTH, Minn.– The annual “Duluth Gingerbread City” display that’s normally housed inside the Nordic center is being spread out for the first time for a COVID-friendly walking tour in multiple storefronts downtown. Decorated gingerbread houses will be all it up starting this Saturday in the windows of not only the Nordic Center but places like the Zeitgeist Arts Building and…

Gov. Evers Encouraging More COVID-19 Testing as Hospitals Continue to Surge

MADISON, Wis.– Wisconsin is still clocking in with a high number of COVID-19 cases each day, but the cases are slightly dropping. However, the strain on hospitals and healthcare workers is still as bad as ever. Governor Tony Evers says the state continues to be a ‘national hotspot’ for COVID-19 with thousands of new cases coming in again today. Wisconsin…

A Portion Of Lincoln Park Drive Closes For Pedestrian-Only Access

The road will be closed starting from the bridge on Lincoln Park Drive up to 10th street.

DULUTH, Minn. – A portion of Lincoln Park Drive will close on Friday to be used as a pedestrian-only trail for the winter. The road will be closed starting from the bridge on Lincoln Park Drive up to 10th street. Vehicle access will also be restricted at 6th street. This is the second time the city closed down a portion…