News – Latest News

Loll Designs Acquired, Keeps 85 Jobs in Duluth

Loll designs has been sold but it will continue to stick around Duluth, providing jobs for 85 people.

DULUTH, Minn. – Loll designs has been sold but it will continue to stick around Duluth, providing jobs for 85 people. The company was acquired by Landscape Forms, which is headquartered in Michigan. In the past, Landscape Forms collaborated on products with Loll designs and CEO Greg Benson says it’s going to be a great cultural fit to be working…

Superior Schools Will Move to Hybrid Learning Model Next Month

After moving to distance learning in early November, Superior schools have announced they’re switching back to a hybrid model next month.

SUPERIOR, Wis. – After moving to distance learning in early November, Superior schools have announced they ’re switching back to a hybrid model next month. Starting January 11th, all students at Superior schools from early childhood to 12th grade will resume some onsite learning as the district switches back to a hybrid learning model. Elementary students will be attending schools…

Duluth Schools To Make Announcement For Distance Learning Model

Duluth schools are expected to announce changes to their distance learning model tonight.

DULUTH, Minn. – Duluth schools are expected to announce changes to their distance learning model tonight. The superintendent says they want to make sure they have a plan for kids to not fall through the cracks when it comes to academic performance. “What are we doing when we are able to bring everybody back for face to face and hybrid,…

Charges: Mother Who Left 6-Year-Old on Northern Minnesota Highway Said God Told Her to Do It

GRAND PORTAGE, Minn. (FOX 9) – A 39-year-old mother has been charged after she told Cook County, Minnesota deputies she left her 6-year-old daughter shoeless on the side of the road because God told her to. Jaydin Pankow, 39, of Waupaca, Wisconsin, was arrested the night of Dec. 10 after two good Samaritans found her daughter on the side of Hwy. 61 in Grand…

Defense Contractor Loses Bid to Bring F-16 Maintenance Work to Duluth

DULUTH, Minn. – Defense contractor Borsight Inc says its plans to bring up to 100 jobs to the Duluth area with an Air Force F-16 maintenance contract have been dashed. Duluth Economic Development Authority approved a lease agreement with Borsight in September to use space inside a Duluth International Airport Hangar previously occupied by AAR to service F-16 aircraft, contingent…

Brainerd Man Pleads Guilty in Precinct Fire at Floyd Protest

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — A Brainerd man pleaded guilty Tuesday for his role in helping to set fire to a Minneapolis police station during civil unrest in the days following the death of George Floyd. A federal complaint accuses Dylan Shakespeare Robinson, 23, of lighting a Molotov cocktail that another person threw toward the Third Precinct headquarters on May 28. Robinson…

Minnesota Man Charged with Second Degree Homicide

PINE COUNTY, Minn. – A 42-year-old Braham Minnesota man was charged on Tuesday with second-degree homicide according to the Pine County Sheriff’s Office. Authorities say 42-year-old David Daryl Pangerl was arrested on Friday in connection to the March homicide of Scott Ness. Police found Ness deceased in a camper trailer in Royalton Township on March 2. Investigators from the Pine…

Duluth Warming Center Open Week of December 14

DULUTH, Minn. – The City of Duluth along with CHUM and Loaves and Fishes announced on Tuesday that the Duluth Warming Center will be open to those in need every night the week of December 14. The Warming Center is activated when overnight temperatures are expected to be at or below 32 degrees. The Center is located in the Duluth…

Updated COVID-19 Numbers: Tuesday, December 15

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Minnesota health officials reported 2,340 new cases of COVID-19 in Minnesota Monday morning bringing the total confirmed COVID cases to 384,164 in the state. Health officials also reported 21 news deaths bringing the death total to 4,483 in Minnesota. According to the Minnesota Department of Health website, 4,965,904 tests have been completed to date. There are…

Walz to Make ‘Changes’ to COVID-19 Restrictions, but No Immediate Return to Normal

MINNEAPOLIS (FOX 9) – Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz said he will make changes to the COVID-19 restrictions that are set to end Friday night, but there will be no immediate return to normal. “It appears like Minnesotans did an awful lot of things right around Thanksgiving,” he said Tuesday. He’s planning to make an announcement on Wednesday. Walz said he will sign the economic relief bill overwhelmingly…

Midday Update 12-15-20

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Tuesday, Dec. 15, 2020

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Ken Slama for a local look at news and weather making headlines Tuesday, Dec. 15, 2020. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Ken Slama, Local News, midday update, News

Workers Descend on Northern Minnesota to Build Pipeline

PALISADE, Minn. (AP) — More than 4,000 workers are expected in northern Minnesota over the next couple weeks to build the contentious Line 3 oil pipeline replacement. Opponents of the pipeline have escalated their efforts to block construction, while local law enforcement is focused on keeping the peace. Construction has ramped up quickly on Line 3 since Enbridge Energy received…

Duluth Salvation Army Encouraging Final Donations to Help Rescue Christmas

Monetary Donations Are Being Matched as Toy Distribution Begins for Families in Need

DULUTH, Minn. – With Christmas just over one week away, the Duluth Salvation Army is making a final push for toy and monetary donations to help Northland families in need this holiday season. On Monday, the Salvation Army in Duluth began their food distribution which will continue throughout the rest of the week with toy distribution as well. Dan Williamson,…

VA Hospital Nurse Is First to Receive COVID-19 Shot in MN

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — A nurse on the front lines of the coronavirus pandemic at the Minneapolis VA Medical Center was the first in Minnesota to receive a COVID-19 vaccine Tuesday. Thera Witte, who works in a coronavirus unit at the hospital, said she feels honored to be the first and did not hesitate to volunteer. “I’m feeling hopeful that this…

Superior Schools to Resume In-Person Hybrid Learning Model in January

SUPERIOR, Wis. – The Superior School District announced on Tuesday that they will be resuming on-site learning with COVID-19 prevention strategies in place next month. In a letter from District Administrator Amy Starzecki, the details of the district’s COVID-19 Response Plan include: Starting January 11, students will resume on-site learning with the hybrid model. This will allow for at least…

Morning Update 12-15-20

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Tuesday, Dec. 15, 2020

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Ken Slama for a local look at news and weather making headlines Tuesday, Dec. 15, 2020. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Ken Slama, Local News, morning update, News

Minnesota Legislature Passes Virus Aid for Businesses, Workers

The Bill Now Moves to the Governor's Desk for Final Approval

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) – The Minnesota Legislature has voted to pass a package of coronavirus relief measures aimed at businesses and workers who took the biggest hit from a four-week “pause” ordered by Gov. Tim Walz last month. The Senate voted 62-4 to approve the bill and send it to the House, which was passed it 117-13 late Monday night and…

Duluth Council Talks Commission to Focus On Concerns of LGBTQ+ Community

Council read an ordinance which would establish the Duluth LGBTQ+ Commission. 

DULUTH, Minn.- A new commission focused on the concerns of Duluth’s LGBTQ+ community was on the docket of Monday nights Duluth City Council meeting. Council read an ordinance by President Gary Anderson which would establish the Duluth Nonbinary, Queer, Trans, Two Spirit, Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Intersex and Asexual Commission. It would advise city administration and council on issues impacting that…

Wisconsin Health Leaders Explain Vaccine Distribution as State Gets First Shipment

Meanwhile, the spread of the virus isn't slowing down in the state. 

MADISON, Wis.- Wisconsin received 10,000 doses of the COVID-19 vaccine Monday, with about 35,000 more doses expected by the end of the week. The first rounds are going to frontline healthcare workers and to nursing home residents in a couple weeks. The general public will not have access to the vaccine for months as the state deploys this historic rollout…

Duluth Council Amends Mayor Larson’s 2021 Tourism Tax Revenue Distribution

The Council's unanimous decision is the ultimate say beyond the Mayor's recommendations for the money allocations.

DULUTH, Minn.- At their second to last meeting of the year Duluth City Council voted on, among other things, next year’s distribution of a smaller pot of Tourism Tax Revenue due to the effects of the pandemic. Last year, about $12 million in Tourism Tax — or Hotel, Motel, Food and Beverage Tax — Revenue was collected for Duluth tourism-related…

Duluth Harbor Mission Seeking Holiday Donations

The Duluth Harbor Mission is continuing to collect donations during this holiday season to help those in need.

DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth Harbor Mission is continuing to collect donations during this holiday season to help those in need. The organization is still accepting stocking caps and warm gloves along with nonperishable food items. Management at the mission says it’s important to be serving the community in this capacity, especially during the pandemic. “I think people are concerned,”…

Gift Card Sales Are Increasing For Local Businesses

"It's going to get better. This will keep us going," said Dawn Moen, the store manager at Frost River.

DULUTH, Minn. – With fewer people not wanting to spend much time shopping in person due to the pandemic, gift card sales have been on the rise at some local retail outlets. Staff at Frost River in Lincoln Park says gift cards are very popular during this time. The store manager says increased gift card sales can really give a…

Duluth Business Sells Spruce Tops As Small and Sustainable Christmas Trees

DULUTH, Minn. — A new company in Duluth that sells small, sustainable Christmas trees created from black spruce tops is taking off this holiday season. It’s called “Little C Tree,” created by Duluth residents Benjy Christensen, Nola Wilson, and Wilson’s brother. These trees can fit into smaller spaces, such as apartments, and can even be mailed to loved ones you…

Up North Sundries Provides Customers With Variety of Unique Items

Located on Tower Ave. in Superior, Up North Sundries has been a local business operating in the Northland for nearly two decades. 

SUPERIOR, Wis. – With  more people aiming to shop local this holiday season, Up North Sundries is an option for finding unique items. Located on Tower Ave. in Superior, it has been a local business operating in the Northland for nearly two decades. “The business itself was founded by my husband’s family. His mom had the store in Chisholm, Minnesota…

Families at Steve O’Neil Apartments Pick Out Gifts Donated From The Northland Foundation

About 80 kids will be able to wake up on Christmas day with a special gift under their tree.

DULUTH, Minn.- This past weekend, The Northland Foundation dropped of donations of gifts for kids at the Steve O’Neil Apartments. On Monday, families got a chance to pick out some of their favorite gifts. A variety of toys were up for grabs. About 80 kids will be able to wake up on Christmas day with a special gift under their…

Safety Concerns Increase After A Man Was Assaulted At Tri-Towers

Staff at the Housing and Redevelopment Authority say this is the first incident of this kind happening since the opening of the Rainbow Center's warming shelter.

DULUTH, Minn. – A 73-year-old man is recovering from his injuries after being attacked at Tri-Towers by someone staying at the Rainbow Center’s warming shelter Terry Schnepp, a Tri-Towers resident, says he is still feeling the pain from his injuries after being attacked last week. “I’ve been living here for 10 years and never had anything like this happen,” said…

Duluth Fire Department Buys Toys for Kids in Need

Members of the Duluth Fire Department were at Target today buying up toys making sure teens in the community have a Merry Christmas for the last 21 years.

DULUTH, Minn. – Members of the Duluth Fire Department were at Target today buying up toys making sure teens in the community have a Merry Christmas for the last 21 years. The department has raised money every Christmas for the cause with the toys being donated to the Salvation Army. This year was no different as they raised more than…

Caution is Encouraged While Skating During Winter Season

People have been taking advantage of the frosty temperatures by going out to skate on area lakes. However, there are precautions that need to be taken as people go out on the ice.

DULUTH, Minn. – People have been taking advantage of the frosty temperatures by going out to skate on area lakes. However, there are precautions that need to be taken as people go out on the ice. According to experts, the ice quality has been really good because of cold temperatures as there hasn’t been much precipitation. However, even with these…

Trump Says Barr Resigning, Will Leave Before Christmas

WASHINGTON (AP) — Attorney General William Barr, one of President Donald Trump’s staunchest allies, is resigning amid lingering tension with the president over the president’s baseless claims of election fraud and the investigation into President-elect Joe Biden’s son. Barr went to the White House on Monday, where Trump said he submitted his letter of resignation. Trump has publicly expressed his…

Biden Clears 270-Vote Mark as Electors Affirm His Victory

(courtesy: Facebook/Biden) WASHINGTON (AP) – The Electoral College has formally validated Joe Biden’s victory in the 2020 presidential election. Biden cleared the 270-vote threshold on Monday after California’s electors cast their votes for the Democrat. When all of the states finish voting, Biden is expected to lead President Donald Trump 306-232. The Electoral College vote is normally a procedural step…

Minnesota Formally Casts Its 10 Electoral Votes for Biden

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Minnesota’s electors on Monday formally cast the state’s 10 electoral votes for Democratic President-elect Joe Biden. It took under 25 minutes for the 10 electors to affirm Biden’s victory in Minnesota and just 40 minutes to complete all the paperwork and adjourn without incident. The 10 electors, all wearing masks, gathered at the Capitol in St. Paul…

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. Today 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. Wisconsin’s electors meet at noon Monday. The results…

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…