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Midday Update 9-15-20

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

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Ken Slama for a local look at news and weather making headlines Tuesday, Sept. 15, 2020. 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, September 15

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Minnesota health officials reported 85,351 confirmed COVID-19 cases in the state Tuesday morning and 5 new deaths bringing the death total to 1,927 in Minnesota. According to the Minnesota Department of Health website, 1,733,292 tests have been completed to date. There are 78,953 patients who no longer require isolation. So far, 6,979 patients have required hospitalization…

Morning Update 9-15-20

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

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

Man Shot in Edina Hospital Parking Ramp

EDINA, Minn. (AP) — A suburban Twin Cities hospital was locked down as police searched for the person who shot a man in its parking ramp. Police were called to M Health Fairview Southdale hospital in Edina about 9 p.m. Monday. Investigators say the shooting was the result of an attempted robbery. M Health Fairview Southdale Hospital, 6401 France Ave….

Duluth City Council Passes Resolution to Hire Firm to Look at Spirit Mountain’s Finances

The resolution calls for spending $74,000 to hire the firm SE Group to do the analysis.

DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth City Council unanimously passed a resolution to hire a consulting firm to look deeper into the finances of Spirit Mountain on Monday. The resolution calls for spending $74,000 to hire the firm SE Group to do the analysis. That work is aimed at helping the recently formed Spirit Mountain Task Force which is determining the…

UW-Superior Small Business Development Center Wins Statewide Award

It honors how hard the center has worked to help businesses through the pandemic and the associate state director says businesses that are struggling can look to the small business development center for free resources to get help.

SUPERIOR, Wis. – The Small Business Development Center at UW-Superior was given a statewide award for excellence and innovation on Monday. The award was presented to the center’s director Andy Donahue. It honors how hard the center has worked to help businesses through the pandemic and the associate state director says businesses that are struggling can look to the small…

Roger Reinert Selected by Gov. Walz for Minnesota 9/11 Anniversary Taskforce

Reinert and the taskforce will gather stories from service members and civilians about their experience on September 11th, 2001, and the years after.

DULUTH, Minn.- A veteran who’s been active in Duluth’s political world and is currently at the helm of the DECC — Roger Reinert — has been selected to help commemorate the 20th Anniversary of 9/11 next year. Reinert was chosen by Governor Tim Walz to serve on a taskforce to remember and record the Minnesota experience since that fateful day…

COVID-19 Case Confirmed at Lincoln Park Middle School

DULUTH, Minn. – The principal of Lincoln Park Middle School informed faculty and staff Monday of a confirmed COVID-19 case involving a “member” of the school’s community. Principal Brian Kazmierczak said the infected person was last in the school Sept. 11. “We have worked with the MDH to identify those who had close contact with the case, and have communicated…

UMD Students Return to Campus on First Day of In-Person Classes

The halls were considerably bear on the first day of in-person classes with many students learning partially or completely online this year.

DULUTH, Minn.- After a two-week pause to work on safely welcoming students back, the University of Minnesota Duluth campus opened back up to students Monday. However, many instructors still have their classes completely online, leaving the few students present to seek out the campus as a place to study, and escape. “It’s been a little weird walking in and seeing…

Finding Jewelry and Other Antiques at Superior Vintage

Superior Vintage, located on Belknap Street, has been open for three years but has been a dream in the making for nearly two decades. 

SUPERIOR, Wis. – Superior Vintage, located on Belknap Street, has been open for three years but has been a dream in the making for nearly two decades. “She always liked jewelry and and antique stuff that she had been collecting, we have a ton of them so she started about 3 years ago,” Pov’s husband Daniel Phu said. The owner…

Winter Gear Selling Well as Summer Ends

DULUTH, Minn.– Minnesota weather has been keeping Northlanders on their heels the last few weeks as people in the area get ready for the winter season. Winter items like snow blowers, snowmobiles, winter tracks for ATVs, and more are starting to sell already here in September. While snow isn’t expected for a little bit longer, Northlanders say it’s never too…

Duluth Library Foundation to Celebrate Duluth’s 150th Anniversary through Virtual Tour

DULUTH, Minn.– As the city of Duluth reaches its 150th anniversary, one Duluth organization is planning a special way to remember the city’s past. The Duluth Library Foundation is hosting a virtual history tour from September 19-30. It will showcase two local authors, Tom Peacock and Tony Dierckins telling the story of Duluth’s founding from the perspective of the first…

Twin Ports Health Officials Expect Spike in Covid-19 Cases as School Begins

DULUTH, Minn.– As students across the Northland continue starting the new school year, concerns about COVID-19 are definitely still a part of daily life.  Schools are taking plenty of precautions to focus on safety but area health experts are still worried about the uncertainty that comes with classes being back in session. Students from elementary to high school to college…

Changes Could Be Coming to Chester Park Trail

DULUTH, Minn.– The Duluth City Council is expected to take up a resolution involving one of the city’s most popular trails. The council is considering making the Chester Creek Trail ski-only during the winter months. Both pedestrians and cross country skiers have shared the trail over the years. But some city parks officials say the steep trail, blind corners, and…

MDH Releases New Guidelines for When to Keep Kids Home From School, Childcare

(FOX 9) – The Minnesota Department of Health has issued new guidance for parents advising them to keep their children home from school or child care if they are sick, being tested for COVID-19 or have been exposed to the disease. Medical professionals say following the guidance is the key to keeping schools open this fall. The COVID-19 Attendance Guide for Parents and Families lays…

Trump, Biden Face off on West Coast Wildfire, Climate Change

SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) — With the smell of California wildfires in the air, President Donald Trump on Monday ignored the scientific consensus that climate change is playing a central role. He reiterated his unfounded claim that poor forest management is to blame for the fires roaring up-and-down the West Coast. The fires are threatening to become another front in Trump’s…

Slow-Moving Hurricane Sally Carrying a Deluge to Gulf Coast

NEW ORLEANS (AP) — Storm-weary residents of the U.S. Gulf Coast are preparing for a new weather onslaught as Hurricane Sally churns toward them. Forecasters from the National Hurricane Center in Miami say Sally is expected to reach the shore by early Tuesday, bringing flooding and other dangerous weather conditions to a region stretching from the western Florida Panhandle to…

Pence Highlights Law and Order During Wisconsin Visit

MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Vice President Mike Pence is emphasizing President Donald Trump’s commitment to “law and order” during a campaign stop in swing-state Wisconsin on Monday. Pence spoke Monday at a hotel in Janesville, about 70 miles from Kenosha where sometimes violent protests erupted following the police shooting of Jacob Blake. Pence credited Trump with stopping the violence in…

Relocated Isle Royale Wolves Form Groups, Reduce Moose Herd

(Rolf Peterson/Michigan Technological University via AP) TRAVERSE CITY, Mich. (AP) — Scientists say gray wolves that were taken to Michigan’s Isle Royale National Park to rebuild its nearly extinct population are forming social groups, staking out territory, and apparently mating. They’re also reducing the overgrown moose herd. Michigan Technological University researchers released their annual report from the Lake Superior park…

Midday Update 9-14-20

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

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Ken Slama for a local look at news and weather making headlines Monday, Sept. 14, 2020. 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, September 14

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Minnesota health officials reported 84,949 confirmed COVID-19 cases in the state Monday morning and 3 new deaths bringing the death total to 1,922 in Minnesota. According to the Minnesota Department of Health website, 1,724,779 tests have been completed to date. There are 78,238 patients who no longer require isolation. So far, 6,954 patients have required hospitalization…

Faculty Senate Considers Dropping Spring Break at UW-Madison

MADISON, Wis. (AP) — The University of Wisconsin-Madison is thinking about eliminating spring break next semester to curb the spread of the coronavirus. The university’s Faculty Senate is expected to vote on revising the 2021 spring calendar at a meeting Monday. Officials say dropping spring break would discourage students and staff from traveling long distances and bringing COVID-19 back to…

Award-Winning Author Discusses New Book, “Wisconsin’s Best Autumn Hikes”

As Fall Approaches, Author Rob Bignell Helps Leaf-Lookers Explore Best Hiking Spots in Wisconsin

DOUGLAS COUNTY, Wis. – With autumn-like temperatures blanketing much of the Northland, soon fall colors will pop throughout the many forests in northeastern Minnesota and northwestern Wisconsin. It can be daunting to know where the best trails are when on the search for fall foliage, but one Wisconsin author is looking to help. Award-winning author and editor Rob Bignell spent…

Morning Update 9-14-20

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

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

Crews Search Mississippi River for Overdue Plane

GREY CLOUD ISLAND TOWNSHIP, Minn. (AP) — Crews are searching the Mississippi River in Washington County for a plane that’s overdue at a South St. Paul airport. The search Sunday night was focused near Grey Cloud Island, which is southwest of St. Paul Park and Cottage Grove. Dakota County and Washington County personnel were involved in the search, KARE-TV reported. The plane…

Pumpkin Patch Opens at Miller Hill Mall

DC's Best Produce's pumpkin patch opened this past weekend and hundreds of gourds are on sale.

DULUTH, Minn. – People in the Twin Ports can now get their fall decorations like mums, squash, and pumpkins up at Miller Hill Mall. DC’s Best Produce’s pumpkin patch opened this past weekend and hundreds of gourds are on sale. This year, the business is asking people who are sick to stay home and have a mask on hand when…

Spirit Mountain, Enger Park Development, Chester Park Trail Changes Among Agenda Items for Monday’s Council Meeting

Duluth City Council will vote on Monday, September 14.

DULUTH, Minn. – Duluth’s city councilors are getting ready to vote on several resolutions at Monday’s meeting dealing with parks and trails. The aging seawall behind the DECC has been prone to flooding over the past few years during storms. The city council will be voting on a resolution to seek a $3.5 million federal grant to help pay for…

Duluth’s First Street To Covert To Two-Way Traffic Monday

DULUTH, Minn. – Starting Monday, First Street traffic in Duluth will officially be converted to two-way traffic. It’s happening from Mesaba Avenue through downtown to 24th Avenue East. Traffic flow has not been consistent on First Street — with some sections two-way and others one-way. The city says the change will help cut down on confusion for drivers and improve…

EPA Officials Visit Duluth, Tour Revitalized Sites

DULUTH, Minn.– Officials from the Environmental Protection Agency were in Duluth earlier this week, touring past and potential new sites that are eligible for funding from the federal agency. The money not only helps create more business in the area but also helps keep natural resources around the community clean. The EPA has given out over $287 million over the…

Duluth Police Shoot Suspect During Domestic Assault Call

  DULUTH, Minn. — A Duluth police officer shot a suspect during a domestic assault call on Saturday night, according to a spokesperson with the Duluth Police Department. Officers were called to the 100-block of W. 1st Street in downtown Duluth shortly before 9:30 p.m to respond to “a report of a physical domestic.” During the call, one of the…

Vikings, Packers Start NFL Season With Border Battle, Northland Fans Excited

Fans were excited to get back to the gridiron after a canceled preseason.

DULUTH, Minn.- Football fans in Minnesota and Wisconsin were pumped up for the first Football Sunday of the 2020 NFL season — a border battle between the Vikings and the Packers. The Reef Bar in Duluth was filled with purple and yellow for the first time since last year. Fans were excited to get back to the gridiron after a…

City of Duluth Proclaims ‘Ann Redelfs Day’ to Honor Late Community Advocate

Redelfs served as an educator at UMD, worked with neighborhoods and police, and more before she died suddenly in April. 

DULUTH, Minn.- A longtime member of the Duluth community, the late Ann Redelfs was honored at Glensheen Sunday for her contributions to the environmental, social, and political landscape of the city. Throughout her life Redelfs lived Oklahoma, Houston, Ithaca, New York, and San Diego before moving to Duluth in 2004. She served as an educator at UMD, organized regular meetings…

Deputies Find Body Inside Vehicle They Believe Went Airborne on Jean Duluth Road

LAKEWOOD TOWNSHIP, Minn. — On Sunday morning, deputies with the St. Louis County Sheriff’s Office discovered a body inside a vehicle they believe went airborne before landing in a ditch on Jean Duluth Road in Lakewood Township. According to a press release from the sheriff’s office, deputies arrived on the 5400-block of Jean Duluth Road around 9:30 a.m. after learning…

Duluth Parks and Recreation Launches New Program Called Afternoon Adventures

The program invites first through fifth graders to Grant Park to come together, play, learn, and have time to interact with each other in a safe way.

DULUTH, Minn. – A new program called Afternoon Adventures is being launched this fall by the city of Duluth Parks and Recreation. The program invites first through fifth graders to Grant Park to come together, play, learn, and have time to interact with each other in a safe way. They hope to have kids enjoy outdoor activities and will even…

People Demonstrate in Support of Police

The supporters held signs and flew flags in support of the police department.

SUPERIOR, Wis. – Several people gathered in downtown Superior to show off their support for the police. The supporters held signs and flew flags in support of the police department. Saturday’s demonstration came together through several Facebook groups, one of which gained 3000 members in just two weeks. They say they represent Minnesota and Wisconsin and came out on Saturday…

Fitger’s Brewhouse Reaches 25th Anniversary Milestone

The business was started back in 1995 and to celebrate the milestone birthday they are offering a cherry batch ale and sour.

DULUTH, Minn. – Fitger’s Brewhouse has officially turned 25 years old. The business was started back in 1995 and to celebrate the milestone birthday they are offering a cherry batch ale and sour. It all started when two guys had an idea while sitting in their dorm room in college more than two decades ago. Just last year, Fitger’s Brewhouse…

Socially Distant Walk to End Alzheimer’s

Instead of walking in large numbers down the Lakewalk, participants were encouraged to do their own version of the walk at home.

DULUTH, Minn.– Over 120,000 Americans died from Alzheimer’s in 2018 and today a popular annual event in Duluth helping raise awareness for the disease was still able to go on in a unique way during the pandemic. Walking to raise money and awareness for Alzheimer’s this year is more important now than ever. Those effected say with the added stress…

After Postponement Fitgers 5K Rings Starting Bell

The event looked a bit different this year, but runners were still able to cross the finish line nonetheless.

DULUTH, Minn. – More than 400 runners raced through Duluth for the annual Fitgers 5K which was postponed from April due to the pandemic. The event looked a bit different this year, but runners were still able to cross the finish line nonetheless. After COVID-19 postponed the Fitgers 5K in April, runners finally got a chance to get out and…

Former Carlton County Attorney Thom Pertler Disbarred

The Office of Lawyers Professional Responsibility filed the petition alleging Pertler committed professional misconduct warranting public discipline.

CARLTON COUNTY, Minn. – The Minnesota Supreme Court has disbarred former Carlton County Attorney Thom Pertler. The Office of Lawyers Professional Responsibility filed the petition alleging Pertler committed professional misconduct warranting public discipline. The Office allegedly says Pertler failed to disclose known police misconduct to those who needed the information, failed to implement a Brady policy, and failed to train…

Denfeld Day Treatment Center Reopens

One local treatment center has reopened for the benefit of students.

DULUTH, Minn. – One local treatment center has reopened for the benefit of students. The Denfeld Day Treatment Center, located on Grand Avenue across the street from Denfeld High School, has seven open spots for students to participate in, specifically for those struggling with mental health. Sessions include two hours of social skills where students learn about things like confidence,…

Grandma’s Marathon Holds In-Person Minnesota Mile

The race had two time blocks with 10 waves of up to 25 people in each block to maintain social distancing.

DULUTH, Minn. – On Friday night, runners took off for the in-person Minnesota Mile. The race had two time blocks with 10 waves of up to 25 people in each block to maintain social distancing. Grandma’s Marathon held an in-person Park Point 5-Miler back in July and followed a similar format for this race. “The feedback we got, even from…

Centricity Credit Union Members Celebrate New Hermantown Turf Field

Centricity Credit Union donated $1 million to Hermantown schools to help them build a new turf field, which was completed in late August.

HERMANTOWN, Minn. – On Friday, members of the Centricity Credit Union visited the new Hermantown turf field for the first time. Centricity Credit Union donated $1 million to Hermantown schools to help them build a new turf field. The field was completed in late August and the first game was played on Thursday night, so Hermantown invited members over on…

Local Firefighters Honor 9/11 Heroes

DULUTH, Minn.– On the 19th anniversary of 9/11, a group of Duluth firefighters spent the day paying tribute to those who lost their lives, including the first responders who jumped into action. More than 3,000 people were killed on that fateful day back in 2001, including 343 firefighters. To honor the sacrifices made by first responders, members of the Duluth…

Dumpster Turns Into Art

One local organization has turned an ordinary street item into a piece of art.

DULUTH, Minn. – One local organization has turned an ordinary street item into a piece of art. The Duluth Street Art Initiative has painted on Canal Park dumpster into a black and red Buffalo Plaid. The dumpster is located behind Duluth Pack on Canal Park Drive. The purpose of the project is to bring art into more public spaces. “It’s…

One Local Group Opposes Duluth School District’s Current Plans

With the first week of school coming to a close in Duluth, one local group of parents and students is advocating for a different model of learning, and is pushing back against the district's current standards. 

DULUTH, Minn. – With the first week of school coming to a close in Duluth, one local group of parents and students is advocating for a different model of learning, and is pushing back against the district’s current standards. With over 800 members, Kids FIRST! 709 is made up of both parents and students who are asking the district to…