Midday Update 12-28-17
Local News and Weather Headlines for Wednesday, December 28, 2017
Categories: Minnesota, News, News – Latest News, News Update
News – Latest News
Affordable Care Act Sign Up Tally Dips Slightly to 8.7M
WASHINGTON (AP) — The government says more than 8.7 million people have signed up for coverage next year under the Obama-era health care law, exceeding expectations for a program that President Donald Trump has unsuccessfully tried to repeal. The final tally released Thursday for the 39 HealthCare.gov states showed about 80,000 fewer sign-ups than an initial count provided last week….
Judge Pushes Back Timeline for Enbridge Line 3
(Garret Ellison | MLive)MINNEAPOLIS (AP) – An administrative law judge delayed approval of a divisive oil pipeline in northern Minnesota so the environmental impact statement can be revised. The decision from Judge Ann O’Reilly last week is a response to a Public Utilities Commission’s finding that the project’s impact statement was “inadequate.” The PUC on Dec. 7 gave the Department…
Jay Cooke State Park Has Activities to Keep You Busy This Holiday Season
DULUTH, Minn. – Jay Cooke State Park will be offering several free naturalist programs during the upcoming holiday time period. All programs are free, but a Minnesota State Park vehicle permit is needed to enter the park. They can be purchased upon arrival. $7/day or $35/annual. Attached is our program flier for the winter, but here are the highlights for…
Cooking Connection: Silos Lamb Chops
Silos Heats Things Up
For this week’s Cooking Connection, Meteorologist William Seay went into the kitchen to make savory lamb chops. Categories: Community, Cooking Connection, Minnesota, News, News – Latest News
Sea Smoke Appears Over Lake Superior
TWO HARBORS, Minn. – Mother Nature is putting on a show in Minnesota. Sea smoke was seen rising over Lake Superior on Christmas Day. Sea smoke, also called steam fog or frost smoke, appears when really cold air slides over a warmer expanse of water. Lake Superior’s temperature was about 35 degrees and the air temperature was 9 below zero…
Morning Update 12-28-17
Local News and Weather Headlines for Wednesday, December 28, 2017
Categories: Community, Minnesota, News, News – Latest News, News Update
Northland Man Share His Story Of His Very Own Christmas Miracle
Michael Sylvester was adopted and plans to have genetic testing to see if he carries the gene.
DULUTH, Minn. – After nearly 14 years on the job with the U.S. Postal Service Michael Sylvester is what some may call a walking Christmas miracle. It’s a far cry from where he was back on Dec. 16, 2016. “I noticed I was having some chest pain,” said Sylvester. “I thought it was indigestion.” Michael then did something that isn’t…
Cold Temperatures Keep Tow Truck Drivers Busy
If your vehicle has had problems starting this week, you’re not alone. Custom Auto Towing out of Superior says they’ve been busy recently. Many people are having problems with dead batteries, no starts and iced fuel lines. Stranded customers have to wait about an hour to get a tow truck out to them. It’s no surprise to the Custom Auto…
FOX 21 Year in Review 2017 Part 2
Categories: News, News – Latest News, Special Reports
Kids Get Outside During Winter Break with Positive Energy Outdoors
Categories: Education, Environment, News, News – Latest News
Superior Police Looking For Robbery Suspect
SUPERIOR, Wis. – Superior Police are investigating a robbery that took place in the early morning hours of Saturday, December 24 around 3:45 a.m at the Holiday gas station at 21st and Tower Avenue. According to police, officers were dispatched to a silent alarm Holiday. The clerk told police he was mopping the floor when the suspect entered. The pointed…
Northland Food Bank Needs More Volunteers
Volunteers started with brand flakes and scooped two and half pounds into every bag.
DULUTH, Minn. – The Second Harvest Northern Lakes Food Bank in Duluth was busy with volunteers at a repacking event. The people volunteering equal to six full time positions at the Food Bank. They are important in making sure the Food Bank runs smoothly. “So we’re just asking folks to come in and volunteer and help us get this food…
Bentleyville Starts the Teardown Process
Volunteers can show up between 8:30 a.m. – 4 p.m. from Tuesday through Sunday this week, at Bayfront Park to assist with teardown.
DULUTH, Minn. – After several weeks of entertainment it’s now time for the Bentleyville Tour of Lights to come to an end. Organizers say it’s time to dig in and get to work with the teardown process. Many volunteers have been helping out since Sept. so now they can get back to their normal lives. When it comes to setting…
UPDATE: Victims Identified in Fatal Hibbing Fire, Another Life Claimed from Injuries
The Fire Broke Out Tuesday, December 26, 2017 Shortly After 1:00 a.m.
UPDATE: Authorities have identified the victims as 63-year-old Patricia Lynn Gillitzer, 67-year-old Steven Jon Gillitzer, and their grandson 9-year-old Todd Gillizter Jr., their 3-year-old grandson Isaiah was being treated for injuries at HCMC has reportedly died from his injuries. According to a press release from the Hibbing Fire Department, Steven Gillitzer was a retired Hibbing Fire Captain and served on…
Structure Fire North of Chisholm
6894 Hwy 73
BALKAN TOWNSHIP, Minn. – The St. Louis County Sheriff’s Office responded to the report of a structure fire in the 6800 block of Highway 73 in Balkan Township around 4:30 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 26. According to authorities, first responders arrived on scene to heavy smoke and flames coming out of the residence. Three adult residents were able to safely evacuate…
Minnesota Lawmaker: Vaccine Opt-Out Should Require Education
ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) – A Minnesota state lawmaker wants parents who are opposed to vaccinating their children to see a physician before opting out of the state’s immunization schedule. Democratic-Farmer-Labor Rep. Mike Freiberg says legislation he’s sponsoring preserves parental choice, but argues a measles outbreak in the summer showed that parents need to “have the knowledge and information that…
FOX 21 Year in Review 2017 Part 1
A look back at the top stories from 2017
Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, Special Reports
Celebrating with CASDA this New Year’s Eve
CASDA Wants to Celebrate this New Year's Eve With You by Supporting Services to Victims and Survivors of Violence
SUPERIOR, Wisc. – The Center Against Sexual and Domestic Abuse (CASDA) is excited to announce the 9th Annual New Year’s Eve Celebration, “Behind the Mask,” will take place Sunday, December 31st. CASDA will also be celebrating the kickoff to their 30th anniversary of serving the Twin Ports. Tickets are $50 per person in advance, or $60 at the door. Advance…
Keeping the Pack Taken Care Of
Packare was Founded Nearly Five Years Ago by Duluthian Alicia Skjoelsvold
DULUTH, Minn. – Everything but lions, tigers and bears help keep Alicia Skjoelsvold’s business alive. “Kitties, pocket pets, sugar gliders, guinea pigs, rabbits, bearded dragons,” said Skjoelsvold. “We do pet sitting and dog walking.” The native Duluthian decided five years ago to leave her dream job; reality had set in and routine became a bore. “This time of year we…
Great Outdoors: Bentleyville Tour of Lights 2017 Finale
Attraction Saw Bigger Crowds Than 2016
Exciting news for Bentleyville Tour of Lights 2017, attendance was way up compared to last year. Nathan Bentley tells us that in 2016, 292,000 people visited Bentleyville in Duluth’s Bayfront Park. In 2017, that number is about 330,000 people. Bentley says it takes a lot of people to make the holiday attraction come together each year, and they are now…
How to Safely Heat your Home
Officials say space heaters are a safe option, but should be treated like a candle.
DULUTH, Minn.- It’s time for many Northlanders to bundle up outside and at home. Many locals are cranking up space heaters but officials want to remind us to warm up safely. This chilly time of year fire departments receive many of house calls. Space heaters are flying off the shelves at local shops, which are a common way to heat a…
How to Keep Vehicles Running Smooth in Freezing Temps
Drivers typically notice car battery problems in extreme temperatures.
DULUTH, Minn.- Its below freezing is the Northland, the chilling temperatures might make you want to bundle up inside. This cold of weather can also make your vehicle not want to move either. Auto repair shops are receiving many calls today from Northlanders struggling starting up their vehicles. The Automedics in Duluth is offering up some tips to help ensure…
Taking Shelter at Safe Haven
Experts say women in abusive situations tend to not leave this time of year.
DULUTH, Minn.- According to the National Resource of Domestic Violence Center calls of domestic abuse decline during the holidays. Advocates with Safe Haven Shelter and Resource Center say many reasons play a factor into victims staying in unhealthy relationships during the holidays. This year the safe haven shelter has serviced over 540 families, but a woman’s advocate says if children…
Celebrate New Years Eve at the Duluth Depot
The New Years Eve Celebration Starts at 8:00 p.m. at the Duluth Depot
DULUTH, Minn. – Ring in 2018 by joining your friends and neighbors at the New Year’s’ Eve Party at Duluth’s Historic Union Depot. Ken Buehler, Executive Director of the North Shore Scenic Railroad says this is the biggest New Year’s Eve Party in the Twin Ports. The party takes over the whole Duluth Depot complex. Doors open for happy hour at…
Northland Uncovered: Duluth Bethel Receives Historical Grant
Duluth Bethel Has New Hope For Preserving the Past
DULUTH, Minn. – Historical buildings aren’t too hard to come by in the Northland. But one in Duluth is also home to an organization that’s been around for nearly 150 years, and now, Duluth Bethel has new hope for preserving their past. The story begins in 1912 when the notable Duluth building was built. Duluth Bethel still stands tall on the hill,…
Christmas Movie Trivia Night
Silos Restaurant Guests Competed for Prizes by Answering Movie Questions
DULUTH, Minn. – Silos Restaurant at Pier B Resort hosted a Christmas movie trivia night for all their guests. While competing in the game, players were asked multiple choice questions about classic Christmas movies. They wrote their answers on score cards and competed for prizes. “In the movie ‘A Christmas Story’ did the mother of Ralphie give Ralphie’s dad a…
Open Restaurants Are Busy on Christmas
Cloud 9 Asian Bistro Says It's One of Their Busiest Days
DULUTH, Minn. – There aren’t very many businesses open on Christmas day, but some of the restaurants that are open say they have been very busy on the holiday. Cloud 9 Asian Bistro in Canal Park is serving up sushi, hibachi, and other specials all day. They say Christmas is one of their busiest nights of the year. “The last…
Duluth Firefighters Celebrate Christmas at Their Station
They Made a Holiday Meal and Ate Together as a Family
DULUTH, Minn. – A lot of people in the Northland were working this Christmas including police and fire departments across the region. Duluth firefighters say Christmas is just another day on the job for them. They still have work to do and calls to respond to, but that didn’t stop them from sitting down together to eat Christmas dinner. At…
Music Therapy Providing Care to Hospice Patients
If you stopped into one of Natalie's sessions it would look like; just two friends and a guitar, catching up during a shared love of songs.
DULUTH, Minn.- Music brings many people together especially in hospice care. Music therapists play many roles in soothing and caring for patients. Experts say the songs can also help patient’s family members. Natalie Hest is a certified music therapist working for Essentia Health at the Solvay Hospice House. “As a music therapist I say I have the gift of time and…
Tips for Recycling Old Tech Devices
Responsible Ways to Recycle Old Electronic Devices with the Help of Best Buy
DULUTH, Minn. – Best Buy Mobile Expert Zach Creger offers a few tips for those looking to get rid of your old, out-of-date electronics. Best Buy will recycle or even trade in old electronics. Devices with heating elements will not be accepted. With TVs and monitors, a $25 dollar fee is charged for the item to be recycled. If folks are getting…
Opioid Crisis Hits Hard During the Holidays
Overdoses Spike During Holiday Season
The holiday season can be one of the best or one of the worst times for families. As the Northland struggles to battle a opioid crisis, it hits families especially hard during this time as this is the time of year overdoses spike. It’s also the time of the year that people who have lost ones to overdose can’t avoid…
Nikki’s Notebook: Duluth School Budget and UWS Controversy
Nikki's Notebook: Duluth School Budget and UWS Controversy
Categories: News, News – Latest News, This Week in Education
Last-minute shoppers pick out presents for pets
A Place for Fido was the place to be for dog-lovers this christmas
DULUTH, Minn. – People in Duluth were out in search of that one last thing on their list this Christmas Eve. A Place for Fido in the Fitger’s complex had folks coming in and picking up gifts for that special member of the family…the dogs! Co-owner Jamie Parent says pets always appreciate a good gift, and it can give them…
Grinch Snow Sculpture on 21st Avenue East in Duluth
Sculpture Is At The Home of School Board Member Harry Welty
DULUTH, Minn. – A snow sculpture of the Grinch and his dog Max can be seen at the corner of 21st Avenue East and East Fourth Street in Duluth. There is also a sign that says “Keep Whoville Great Again.” The creation is at the house of outgoing Duluth School Board member Harry Welty. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest…
VFW Christmas Dinner Spreads Holiday Cheer
Dinner Provides Event For People Who Can't Be With Family on the Holiday
DULUTH, Minn. – Across the Northland, families are spending time together to celebrate Christmas Eve, but some families can’t be together on the holiday. The VFW in Duluth’s Lincoln Park neighborhood provided a free Christmas Eve dinner, open to everyone who would otherwise be alone on the holiday. For more than three decades, the VFW Post 137 has served Christmas…
UWS Faculty Passes Vote of No Confidence in Administration
Faculty Members Want the University to Include More Voices in Decision Making Process
SUPERIOR, Wis. – Friday night, the University of Wisconsin-Superior faculty passed a vote of no confidence in the University’s administration. About fifty-nine percent of the faculty voted for the no confidence resolution. The vote was taken in response to the administration’s October decision to suspend twenty-five academic programs. Faculty voting for the resolution hope it encourages administrators to re-visit their…
Adventure North MN Has Pop-Up Shop That Gives Back To the Environment
Adventure North has funded organizations $1,000
DULUTH, Minn. – Adventure North MN usually operates out of a enclosed trailer kind of like a food truck, but since it’s cold… they opened a pop–up shop outside Bent Paddle Brewing in Duluth. The clothing brand launched in June 2016 and 10 percent of sales goes back to different organizations in Minnesota that protect the environment. They’re currently working with Friends…
Trailfitters Shares The Best Clothing To Stay Warm
Trailfitters says people are mostly looking for winter down jackets.
DULUTH, Minn. – Staying warm in the Northland can come down to the right clothing. Trailfitters in Duluth says that layers are essential to hold the warm air in. The type of material you buy can also determine if you’ll stay warm and dry. Cotton will keep you cold if it gets wet. While wool and synthetics won’t. “We get a…
CHUM Community Vigil Remembers Those Affected By Homelessness
CHUM's Street Outreach works with about 150-200 people a year.
DULUTH, Minn. – Nearly 100 people showed up at the steps of City Hall in Duluth for a memorial vigil. It was to honor people who’ve been homeless or who were homeless and died in 2017. “First off, they are people and they’re human beings and families. They’re part of our family. second, many of these folks are forgotten by…
Person Who Died in Gilbert Shooting Identified
Jeffrey John Golnick, 40, of Chaska, died of gunshot injuries
GILBERT, Minn. – The Midwest Medical Examiner’s Office has identified the person who died during an officer involved shooting incident on Friday, December 22, in the city of Gilbert. Jeffrey John Golnick, 40, of Chaska, died of gunshot injuries. Additional information, including the names of officers who discharged their weapons, will be available once initial interviews with the officers and any…
Grocery Stores Busy Before Christmas
Shoppers Make Sure to Get Their Shopping Lists Filled Before the Holiday
Categories: Business, Community, Features, News, News – Latest News
Santa Hands Out Gifts at Benedictine Health Center
Residents and Pre-Schoolers Received the Presents
DULUTH, Minn. – Santa Claus was in town today giving out presents at the Benedictine Health Center. Santa’s presents went to the residents of the center and a class of pre-school kids there. While he’s in Duluth, Santa said that Mrs. Claus is in charge of the North Pole as the elves work on packing his sleigh for Christmas. “You…
Christmas Lighting Challenge Winners Announced
Duluth, Superior, Two Harbors, and Cloquet All Had a "Best Home" and "Best Business" Winners
DULUTH, Minn. – The winners were announced at Bentleyville for the Christmas Lighting Challenge Contest. Duluth, Superior, Cloquet, and Two Harbors each had a “Best Home” and “Best Business” winner. Families voted online for their favorite display after using a map to find more than eighty registered properties. The contest was a lot of fun for Christmas lovers to compete…
Northlanders Have An Option To Prepay 2018 Property Taxes
The St. Louis County Auditor's Office was busy with people calling wanting to pay their taxes early.
DULUTH, Minn. – Here in the Northland taxpayers are able to pay their 2018 taxes based on their truth and taxation that was mailed out in Nov. By paying these taxes early one can deduct that from their income tax that is filed in April 2018. Officials recommend that all taxpayers speak to an accountant to determine best option. “As…
Local Homeless Shelters Packed Because of Cold Temperatures
Homeless Vigil in Duluth Tomorrow
DULUTH, Minn.-With frigid temperatures due to hit the Northland this weekend, that means local homeless shelters will be packed. One of the leaders of CHUM said they are always busy, but especially this time of the year. That group has also been trying to work with the city to form a community plan to house the homeless in public buildings…
Deputy Shot, Suspect Killed, in Shooting in Gilbert
Investigation is Continuing at This Hour
GILBERT, Minn.-One person was killed today in an officer-involved shooting in Gilbert, while the deputy chasing after them is in the hospital with a gunshot wound. At about 1:15 p.m., a St. Louis County Sheriff’s Deputy and a Gilbert police officer were attempting to locate an individual on a warrant on the 100 block of Michigan Avenue West. The subject…
Superior Police Give Insight on having a Safe Holiday Season
DULUTH, Minn. – The holiday season is a busy time of year. Many Northlanders will be heading out of town to visit family. Capt. John Kiel with the Superior Police Department stopped by FOX 21 to give some tips for having a safe holiday season. Capt. Kiel says you should let your neighbors know you’re leaving so they can keep…
Update in Ashland Officer-Involved Shooting
District Attorney Looking into Case
ASHLAND, Wis.-New details have emerged in an October officer-involved shooting in Ashland. According to authorities there, two officers confronted a 28-year-old man with what appeared to be a gun in his waistband. Police said they ordered him to raise his hands and not go for the gun. Instead, police say he reached for the gun, which caused the officers to shoot…
FIT4MOM Twin Ports Demonstrates Quick Workout for Busy Moms
Active Adventures: FIT4MOM Twin Ports
DULUTH, Minn. – The holiday season is extremely busy for families and sometimes it can be easy to pass on a regular workout routine. One Northland mom, Lisa Filzen, says there are ways to work something no matter how busy you may be. Filzen is the Owner of FIT4MOM Twin Ports. She says they offer a wide range of classes,…
