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State, Medical Company to Provide Free at-Home COVID Tests in Wisconsin

MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Gov. Tony Evers announced Tuesday that his administration has partnered with a medical testing company to provide free at-home COVID-19 tests. The governor said his administration has struck a deal with Vault Medical Services to provide free at-home COVID-19 saliva tests. Anyone interested in a test can order one through the state Department of Health Services website starting…

Evers Sets Spring Election to Fill Fitzgerald’s Seat

MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Gov. Tony Evers has scheduled a special election this spring to fill outgoing Senate Majority Leader Scott Fitzgerald’s seat. Evers issued an executive order Tuesday scheduling the election for April 6 in southeastern Wisconsin’s 13th Senate District. The election will coincide with the state’s spring election. A primary for Fitzgerald’s seat will be held on Feb….

Midday Update 12-22-20

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Tuesday, Dec. 22, 2020

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Ken Slama for a local look at news and weather making headlines Tuesday, Dec. 22, 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

Updated COVID-19 Numbers: Tuesday, December 22

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Minnesota health officials reported 1,714 new cases of COVID-19 in Minnesota Tuesday morning bringing the total confirmed COVID cases to 401,011 in the state. Health officials also reported 24 news deaths bringing the death total to 4,896  in Minnesota. According to the Minnesota Department of Health website, 5,264,561 tests have been completed to date. There are…

Biden to Address COVID Bill, Holiday Pandemic Precautions

WILMINGTON, Del. (AP) — President-elect Joe Biden will speak Tuesday as the nation deals with a COVID-19 surge that’s casting a shadow over the Christmas holiday this week. Biden will deliver remarks in Wilmington, Delaware on Tuesday afternoon, where he’s expected to speak on the $900 billion coronavirus aid bill passed by Congress on Monday. It’s a package he supports…

Coast Guard Begins Ice Breaking Operations in Duluth, Superior

DULUTH, Minn. – On Tuesday, the U.S. Coast Guard announced that U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Biscayne Bay has started icebreaking in the Duluth and Superior areas. Biscayne Bay was assigned to the Twin Ports region to begin icebreaking before ice impedes commercial navigation. According to a recent press release, more ice breakers will join the operation as ice growth expands…

Morning Update 12-22-20

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Tuesday, Dec. 22, 2020

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Ken Slama for a local look at news and weather making headlines Tuesday, Dec. 22, 2020. Have a great day! Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Ken Slama, Local News, morning update, News

Walz to Provide Update on Vaccine Distribution in Minnesota

(Scott Takushi/Pioneer Press via AP, Pool) ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) — Gov. Tim Walz and Department of Health officials are planning to provide an update Tuesday on how COVID-19 vaccinations are being distributed in Minnesota. Minnesota began giving the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine to healthcare workers last week after it received emergency approval earlier this month. The state’s initial shipment last week…

Knowing Your Neighbors: Redneck ‘Meats’ BBQ

After 14 years of running the well-known Arts Café in Moose Lake, management sold the café to new owners, who transformed it into a barbecue restaurant.

MOOSE LAKE, Minn. – After 14 years of running the well-known Arts Café in Moose Lake, management sold the café to new owners who transformed it into a barbecue restaurant known as Redneck ‘Meats’ BBQ. Dinel and Lance Hollarbach have been in the barbecue business for almost 19 years, and now they have branched out, opening their own restaurant in…

Some Residents Look On The Bright Side Of Things After Recent Snowfall

"We're happy to see the snow and enjoy it," said Richard Gurske, a resident of Hermantown.

DULUTH, Minn. – After several inches of snow fell overnight in the Northland, a lot of people spent their day digging out. “We’re happy to see the snow and enjoy it,” said Richard Gurske, a resident of Hermantown. And the recent snowfall is spreading a little bit of cheer for the holidays. “It’s a sign of a white Christmas you…

Itasca County Students Call for Schools, Sports to Reopen

GREENWAY, Minn.– As elementary students prepare to come back to the classroom next month, some high schoolers in Itasca County are making their case to come back to the classroom sooner than later. A group of high school seniors from surrounding Itasca area schools, along with a state representative-elect made their case to the return classroom, along with sports and…

Outdoor Rinks in Superior to Open Christmas Eve

SUPERIOR, Wis.– With the extra snow and winter break ahead, the city of Superior is getting their ice rinks going again this week. The city of Superior is opening their outdoor ice rinks and warming houses. Rinks will open on Christmas Eve at Wade Bowl, Pattison, Carl Gullo, and South End parks. Masks are encouraged when on the ice and…

Mental Health Experts Concerned About Loneliness This Holiday Season

Health experts say it's common for many people not to recognize they are feeling lonely.

MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. – The pandemic is preventing many people from spending time with their loved ones during the holidays. Mental health experts are now concerned this holiday season may be rough for some people. A national survey found that out of the 20,000 people surveyed, more than half reported they sometimes or always feel alone. Adding the impacts of the…

Two Essentia Health Employees Had Allergic Reactions To COVID-19 Vaccine

Some of the symptoms that brought concern for health experts included hives, swelling of the lips or mouth, and shortness of breath.

DULUTH, Minn. – About 2,500 doses of the COVID-19 vaccine have already been given to frontline workers at Essentia Health. So far, only two employees had allergic reactions to the vaccine. Essentia Health officials say the reactions weren’t severe, but out of caution each worker was treated and evaluated. It is believed the reactions to the COVID-19 vaccine may be…

Eveleth Man Charged With Attempted Murder Sentenced to 10 Years in Prison

VIRGINIA, Minn. – An Eveleth man charged with attempted murder in July 2019 for his involvement in a shooting and stabbing in Virginia has been sentenced. According to court records, Luke Erkkila, 31, was sentenced to 10 years in prison on Monday. Erkkila pleaded guilty to first-degree assault causing great bodily harm on September 14. According to the criminal complaint,…

Biden Gets COVID-19 Vaccine, Says ‘Nothing to Worry About’

(Via Fox 9/Photo by ALEX EDELMAN/AFP via Getty Images) NEWARK, Del. (AP) — President-elect Joe Biden received his first dose of the coronavirus vaccine on live television as part of a growing effort to convince the American public the inoculations are safe. The president-elect took a dose of Pfizer vaccine on Monday at a hospital not far from his Delaware…

CVS Health to Vaccinate 63,000 Minnesotans After Christmas

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Pharmacy chain CVS Health announced on Monday that the company will begin vaccinating more than 63,000 long-term care residents and workers across Minnesota next week. CVS Health announced that it began vaccinating long-term care residents and staff in 12 states on Monday and expects to begin administering the shot in 36 more states, including Minnesota, on Dec….

Congress Oks 5-Year Extension of Great Lakes Cleanup Program

TRAVERSE CITY, Mich. (AP) — Congress has approved a five-year extension of a program designed to deal with long-term environmental injuries to the Great Lakes. The U.S. Senate voted unanimously Sunday to continue the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative, as the House did earlier this year. The bill requires President Donald Trump’s signature to take effect. It calls for gradually boosting…

Midday Update 12-21-20

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Monday, Dec. 21, 2020

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Ken Slama for a local look at news and weather making headlines Monday, Dec. 21, 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

Updated COVID-19 Numbers: Monday, December 21

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Minnesota health officials reported 1,998 new cases of COVID-19 in Minnesota Monday morning bringing the total confirmed COVID cases to 399,311 in the state. Health officials also reported 22 news deaths bringing the death total to 4,872 in Minnesota. According to the Minnesota Department of Health website, 5,232,347 tests have been completed to date. There are…

Rubber Chicken Theater Looks to Make You Laugh This Christmas Eve

Rubber Chicken Theater is Hosting a Virtual Holiday Show, Streaming LIVE on Facebook Christmas Eve

DULUTH, Minn. – Duluth’s very own Rubber Chicken Theater is about to do their first and only production of 2020 due to circumstances brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic. This Christmas Eve you’re invited to laugh and sing carols with the crew at Rubber Chicken. “Here We Come A-Quarantining, or, We’ll Be Home For Christmas is a short, virtual production…

Morning Update 12-21-20

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Monday, Dec. 21, 2020

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

Contractor at Enbridge Line 3 Pipeline Site Dies in Accident

(AP Photo/Jim Mone, File) HILL CITY, Minn. (AP) — A contractor working on the Enbridge Energy Line 3 pipeline project in northern Minnesota has died in a fatal accident. Enbridge Energy spokeswoman Juli Kellner said the accident happened Friday at a construction yard in Hill City. Kellner said work in the area was stopped Friday and safety standards and protocols…

Cut off: Britain Hit With Travel Bans Over New Virus Strain

LONDON (AP) — Trucks waiting to get out of Britain are backing up for miles and people are stranded at airports as many countries impose stringent travel restrictions over concerns about a new strain of the coronavirus that authorities say may spread more easily. A growing number of countries are halting air travel from the U.K., while France has banned…

Congress Seals Agreement on $900 Billion COVID Relief Bill

WASHINGTON (AP) — A new COVID-19 relief bill shaping up in Congress includes individual payments reaching $600 for most Americans and an extra $300 a week in unemployment benefits. Votes on the bill in the House and Senate are expected Monday. The COVID bill would pump $900 billion into relief efforts. Among those getting help are hard-hit businesses, schools, health…

Young Duluth Native Singer’s Christmas Music Video Gets Thousands of Views

He hopes it reminds people of the little things to be thankful for during the holidays. 

DULUTH, Minn.- A young, up-and-coming singer originally from Duluth decided to make a fun Christmas song and music video which is starting to gain popularity on Youtube. Tanner Zahn moved to Los Angeles with his family to pursue a career in music. “We normally come back even during Christmas. So this year because of COVID it’s been really weird being…

Chester Bowl Ski Hill Packed for Opening Weekend

This year they started the season with a check donation of $25,000 from local design company Loll Designs. 

DULUTH, Minn.- The weather was perfect for opening weekend at Chester Bowl’s ski hill, the ski lifts and slopes alive for another season. Greg Benson of Loll Designs skis down the hill with their donation. New COVID-19 protocols involve masks being required in certain areas, and letting only members of the same household to ride ski lifts together. This year…

Santa Makes Social Distanced Stops in Duluth, Two Harbors

A Duluth couple and the city of Two Harbors got creative with drive-thru's to have Santa safely spread cheer.

TWO HARBORS/DULUTH, Minn.- While the traditional ways to see Santa Claus are paused this year due to the pandemic, Santa always finds a way — with a little help from a Duluth couple and the city of Two Harbors. “Big smiles. We like big smiles. Parents are happy, kids are happy, what more can you ask for at Christmas?” said…

Duluth School Dist. Plans For Full Elementary In-Person Learning By Feb. 8

DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth School District is moving forward with plans to bring back elementary students for in-person learning next year. The Duluth School Board will discuss those plans at their committee of the whole meeting Monday night. The plans include full in-person learning for kindergarten through second grade to begin Monday, Jan. 25. Grades three through five will…

Outdoor Living Nativity Scene Held at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church

DULUTH, Minn.– While they aren’t holding services in-person due to the pandemic, one Duluth church found a way to continue their Christmas traditions. St. Paul’s Episcopal Church on east Superior Street in Duluth held a living nativity outside their front doors. Kids were out there dressed up as shepherds, wise men, and all of the other characters in the Christmas…

Congress Seals Agreement on COVID Relief, Government Funding

WASHINGTON (AP) – Top negotiators in Congress have sealed a deal on an almost $1 trillion COVID-19 economic relief package. Lawmakers announced the agreement Sunday after days of negotiations, and passage by Congress is expected Monday. The agreement would establish a temporary $300 per week supplemental jobless benefits and $600 direct stimulus payments to most Americans, along with a fresh…

Longtime Wisconsin Supreme Court Justice Abrahamson Dies

MADISON, Wis. (AP) – Shirley Abrahamson, the longest-serving Wisconsin Supreme Court justice in state history and the first woman to serve on the high court, has died. She was 87. Abrahamson’s son Dan told The Associated Press that his mom died Saturday after being diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. Long recognized as a top legal scholar nationally and a leader among…

Video Allowed In Trial Of Officers Charged In Floyd Killing

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) – A judge has upheld his decision to livestream the trial of four former Minneapolis police officers charged in the death of George Floyd. Judge Peter Cahill says in his order Friday that he’s allowing video coverage due to immense global interest in the case and limited courthouse space. Cahill dismissed concerns by state prosecutors. They argued last…

Minnesota State Lawmaker Dies of Coronavirus Complications

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) – A state senator from St. Cloud has died of complications related to COVID-19. The Star Tribune reports 76-year-old Jerry Relph was the first Minnesota lawmaker to succumb to the virus. Relph was among a number of Republican legislators who contracted COVID-19 after contact with colleagues in mid-November. At the time, Rachel Aplikowski, the Senate GOP spokeswoman, said…

Christmas City Express Goes Full Steam Ahead as Virtual Webcast This Year

About two thousand people were signed up to watch the webcast according to the Lake Superior Railroad Museum.

DULUTH, Minn.- The Christmas City Express in Duluth still went on full steam ahead this year, just as a different experience. The Lake Superior Railroad Museum’s annual holiday event went virtual with a webcast, completely free. About two thousand people were signed up according to the Museum’s Executive Director, to watch the performance of the Christmas City Express book done…

Sir Ben’s Welcomes Back Customers for Outdoor Dining with Fire Pit Tables

The new toasty furniture makes it easier for customers to come and follow Gov. Walz's updated orders.

DULUTH, Minn.- Sir Benedict’s Tavern on the Lake in Duluth’s Central Hillside got creative to welcome customers back outside, per Governor Tim Walz’s updated restrictions on Minnesota businesses which went into effect Saturday. New fire pit tables powered by propane tanks replaced most of their patio furniture, giving customers a toasty way to enjoy a beverage and food. On Wednesday…

Lake Superior Zoo Reopens Outdoor Venues

DULUTH, Minn.– The Lake Superior Zoo opened back up Saturday, being among the outdoor venues allowed to open in Minnesota under the governor’s updated COVID-19 guidelines. Guests walked the grounds of the zoo again after it was closed since last month. One group visiting from hours away says they were checking out Bentleyville last night and when they heard the…

Estate Planning Increases During Pandemic

DULUTH, Minn.– As the pandemic continues into its ninth month, local lawyers say more people have begun the process of getting your affairs in order. Dahlberg Law Office has seen an increase in estate planning during the pandemic. The head of Dahlberg says estate planning makes up most of his business. And that it takes a crisis event like Coronavirus…

Carlton Students Hold Food and Mask Drive

CARLTON, Minn.– As Christmas gets closer, some high school students in Carlton are helping get food and other important items to those in need. The Carlton High School National Honor Society held a food and mask drive the last two Saturdays. Proceeds from the drive will go to the reach mentoring program which matches mentors to kids who live in…

Duluth Police Investigate Two Separate Shootings in One Night

One shooting left a female with three gunshot wounds, the other with no reported injuries.

DULUTH, Minn.- The Duluth Police Department responded to two separate shootings Friday night — bringing the city’s total this year to 40. One of Friday’s shootings left a female with three non-life threatening gunshot wounds. In the first, according to a department spokesperson, shortly after 10 p.m. officers responded to a report of the sound of gunshots at a residence…

Ashland Residents, Businesses Deck the Halls for Decorating Contest

57 homes and businesses in the city limits of Ashland joined up to see which is the most festive in the area.

ASHLAND, Wis.- The city of Ashland won’t behaving their long-standing Garland City of the North Parade this year because of the pandemic. Instead, it was replaced by a Christmas decorating contest. 57 homes and businesses in the city limits of Ashland joined up to see which is the most festive in the area, with the winners receiving a prize package….

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…