News

Morning Update 2-1-22

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Tuesday, February 1, 2022

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Ken Slama for a local look at news and weather making headlines Tuesday, February 1, 2022. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Ken Slama, Local News, morning update, News, weather

Defending Champ Letzring Among 10 Scratched Beargrease Teams, More Drops Possible Officials Say

Temperatures this year are too warm and the "punchy" snow is making it harder for the dogs to run. 

Courtesy: Marcus Asmus MINNESOTA- The Beargrease Marathon’s 300-mile trail was about 10 mushers lighter Tuesday morning, with defending champion Erin Letzring among those who scratched, due to warmth and snow conditions. According to Monica Hendrickson, spokesperson for the marathon, it’s possible more will drop as the race nears its end. Temperatures this year are too warm, Hendrickson said, and the…

Tom Brady Announces Retirement After 22 Seasons, 7 Super Bowl Wins

  View this post on Instagram   A post shared by Tom Brady (@tombrady) TAMPA, Fla. (AP) — Tom Brady, the greatest quarterback in NFL history, has retired after winning seven Super Bowls and setting numerous passing records in an unprecedented 22-year-career. “This is difficult for me to write, but here it goes: I am not going to make that…

Affordable Housing for Seniors Planned For Harbor Highlands In Duluth

The project, called Skyridge Flats, will provide 70 units rented to residents age 55 or older at or below 50 percent median income.

DULUTH, Minn.- More affordable housing is planned for senior residents in Duluth’s Harbor Highlands neighborhood off Central Entrance. The project, called Skyridge Flats, will provide 70 units rented to residents age 55 or older at or below 50 percent median income. 7 units will be reserved for qualifying homeless veterans. The $17.5 million project would be funded with a $13.9…

‘Blinking Lights for Safety’ At Proctor School Dist.

PROCTOR, Minn.- Students in Proctor will soon sport a flashy new keychain on their backpacks that helps keep them safe. The school district is partnering with St. Luke’s to attach LED blinking lights on the kids’ backpacks. With flashing strobe settings. With many students coming from more rural towns the lights help them stay safe if walking home from the…

Cove Apartments Planning to Open Phase 2 Building in Downtown Duluth this Fall

Construction is already underway on the corner of Lake Avenue and First Street.

DULUTH, Minn.- Phase 2 of the Cove Apartments looking to open this Fall, as officials hope it provides a big boost to Downtown Duluth. Phase 1 of the Cove Apartments saw almost all of its 48 units filled before doors even opened back in late 2020. “So the goal with these historic rehabs is to try to be able to…

Ryan Redington Withdraws from John Beargrease Marathon 

6 dogs have to be standing in harness on the trail, according to race officials. So Redington “scratched” or withdrew from the race.

DULUTH, Minn.- For one veteran musher the Beargrease Marathon was unfortunately cut short Monday, as two-time champion Ryan Redington dropped out after holding a strong lead. Redington was among the top mushers most of the day and entered the trail center checkpoint with about 9 dogs out of 12. He left with only 6. But then he turned around about…

Military Mom Returns From Deployment, Surprises Daughter At Daycare

SUPERIOR, Wis. –  A military mother gave her 4-year-old daughter a big surprise at daycare Monday. Kaylie Gustum surprised her daughter, Natalie, after serving a nine-month deployment in Kuwait and Syria. Kaylie decided to make her return a secret after seeing reunion videos online. “It’s definitely overwhelming and it’s going to be very fun learning her again. It’s been a…

KYN: The Local Bar and Grille in Ashland is Open for Business

ASHLAND, Wis. – “We are really excited to be a part of the community here,” The Local Bar and Grille co-owner, Bradley Moullet says. A new restaurant in Ashland, Wisconsin is open for business. The Local Bar and Grille opened in December and has taken over a building known for hosting events in the community. “It has a lot of…

Warm Weather Brings People to the Dog Park

DULUTH, Minn.-On Monday, it was a beautiful day to get outside for both people and their pets. Jean Duluth Dog Park found along Jean Duluth Road offers a 3.5-acre fenced in space for people and their dogs to roam and enjoy the fresh air. Greta Borgeson and her dog Remi decided it was a good time to break the routine…

Minnesota Nice Dog Company: Duluth Themed Shirts

DULUTH, Minn. – A local pet-sitting business has started a new venture that’ll also support animals in return. The owner of Twin Ports Pet Sitters has started ‘Minnesota Nice Dog Company.’ It’s an online T-shirt company that gives 5 percent of its profits to animal charities and groups in the Duluth area. The shirts have animal-themed sayings like “Minnesota… Land…

Moderna’s COVID-19 Vaccine Gets Full FDA Approval

(AP) – Moderna’s COVID-19 vaccine has been given full approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, a shot that has been administered to millions of Americans throughout the course of the pandemic. The approval for those aged 18 and up came after the agency reviewed more data on the safety and effectiveness of the Moderna’s shot, marketed as “Spikevax.”…

Midday Update 1-31-22

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Monday, January 31, 2022

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Ken Slama for a local look at news and weather making headlines Monday, January 31, 2022. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Ken Slama, Local News, midday update, News, weather

Rita Wehseler Wins 2022 Beargrease 120

Courtesy: Marcus Asmus FINLAND, Minn. – Rita Wehseler took first place Monday in the 2022 Beargrease 120 race. Wehseler arrived at the finish line at 3:59 a.m. Monday morning with a total race time of 17 hours, 7 minutes, and 8 seconds. Second place went to Michael Bestgen with an arrival time of 4:11 a.m. Joanna Oberg came in third…

Kickstart American Heart Month with Mindful Nutrition

February is American Heart Month

DULUTH, Minn. – February is known as American Heart Month. It’s a time when people of all ages are encouraged to focus on their cardiovascular health. The Division for Heart Disease and Stroke Prevention is shining a light on hypertension (high blood pressure), a leading risk factor for heart disease and stroke. The Division is committed to addressing barriers to…

Former Washington County Judge Tad Jude Announces for AG

(courtesy: judgetadjude.com) MINNEAPOLIS (AP) – Former Washington County Judge Tad Jude on Monday became the latest Republican hoping to unseat Democratic Attorney General Keith Ellison. Jude was a state lawmaker for nearly two decades and also served as a Hennepin County commissioner before being elected to the bench in 2010. He spent 10 years as a judge. Jude said in…

Morning Update 1-31-22

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Monday, January 31, 2022

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Ken Slama for a local look at news and weather making headlines Monday, January 31, 2022. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Ken Slama, Local News, morning update, News, weather

Mayor Larson, Fire Officials: Stop Running Over Hose Lines

DULUTH, Minn. –  Duluth Mayor Emily Larson and firefighters are pleading with drivers to stop running over their hoses at fire scenes before someone gets hurt or even killed. The latest incident happened Friday during a massive fire of a vacant building on East First Street. According to fire officials, when a vehicle drives over a hose line, water pressure…

38th Annual Beargrease Sees Larger Crowds than Normal

You could say crowds were larger than normal, upon their return to the sidelines, but the most surprising part is how many came to watch for their first time.

DULUTH, Minn. — Who is more excited to be here, the dogs or the fans? Spectators excited to return to the start line after a quiet year due to the pandemic. You could say crowds were larger than normal, upon their return to the sidelines, but the most surprising part is how many came to watch for their first time….

Mushers Sent Off to ‘Hike!’ on Beargrease Marathon’s 300-Mile Trail

"It feels like Beargrease, and what makes Beargrease so special," Redington said.

DULUTH, Minn.- Just follow the howls of the excited dogs Sunday and you’d find the Beargrease Marathon mushers and their fans excited to see them tackle the longest sled dog race in the lower 48 states. “The energy of the dogs, the energy of the fans, it’s just surreal that we’re at this point already,” said Monica Hendrickson, Marketing and…

Fans at Beargrease Starting Line Pack Surrounding Businesses Again

Breeze Inn opened early Sunday morning, and it was busy from the get-go.

DULUTH, Minn.- The Marathon always provides a much-needed boost to businesses by the starting line on the outskirts of Duluth. Breeze Inn opened early Sunday morning, and it was busy from the get-go. This year they offered breakfast sandwiches mimosas and Bloody Mary’s and a fire pit with hay bales to enjoy the race outside. After a year with no…

Damaged Duluth Gas Main Fixed, Residents No Longer Need To Turn Down Heat

Without residents' cooperation, neighborhoods were at risk of a full shutoff.

DULUTH, Minn.- The City of Duluth says home and business owners east of Lake Avenue no longer have to keep their thermostats low as crews have assessed and repaired a massive gas main that was damaged last week. According to the City the natural gas main was struck within the ‘can of worms’ construction site on Thursday. It’s the City’s…

Longest Sled Dog Race In Lower 48 States Is Off And Running

Courtesy: Marcus Asmus DULUTH, Minn. (AP) – Mushers and teams in the longest sled dog race in the contiguous United States have hit the trail. Courtesy: Marcus Asmus The 300-mile John Beargrease Sled Dog Marathon kicked off Sunday morning from Billy’s Bar in Duluth. The teams are headed to Grand Portage in far northeastern Minnesota. There are three other races…

Judge Upholds Minneapolis Vaccine-Or-Test Rule For Eateries

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) – A Hennepin County judge has upheld Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey’s vaccine-or-test mandate for bar and restaurant customers after several business owners asked for a temporary restraining order against the initiative. The mandate that took effect this month requires customers to show proof of COVID-19 vaccination or a negative virus test within three days to dine at restaurants…

Vets Check Every Paw One Day Before Beargrease Sled Dog Marathon Start

22 veterinarians and vet techs combed through every paw of upward of 500 dogs at the South St. Louis County Fair Grounds in Proctor Saturday.

DULUTH, Minn.- Before watching the top-of-the-line canines takeoff for Sunday’s John Beargrease Sled Dog Marathon fans got a chance to see them get checkups before race day. 22 veterinarians and vet techs combed through every paw of upward of 500 dogs at the South St. Louis County Fair Grounds in Proctor Saturday. Each dog’s exam results go into the vet’s…

Enjoying Winter Wonders at Lake Superior Ice Festival

Hundreds were out enjoying the professional hand-carved ice sculptures, snow slide, and new this year the ice carousel.

DULUTH, Minn.- It was the perfect winter weather to enjoy all the season has to offer in Superior at the Lake Superior ice festival at Barker’s Island. “We came out today to enjoy this beautiful event and what an incredible turnout it has been for the Superior community! But this is our first time here and it is quite amazing,”…

Tiny Dogs Pull Tiny Sleds at Earth Rider’s Mini Sled Dog Races

There were two heats of races: 12 pounds and under then 12 to 22-pound pint-sized pups.

SUPERIOR, Wis.- Before watching those elite dogs tear down the trail, people got to watch some tiny dogs pull some tiny sleds on Saturday! Earth Rider Brewery in Superior hosted the Mini Sled Dog Race fundraiser for Beargrease. There were two heats of races: 12 pounds and under then 12 to 22-pound pint-sized pups. Competitors and spectators came from as…

Spirit Room Debuts Ice Bar for Annual Ice Festival

SUPERIOR, Wis. — Superior businesses also decked themselves up for ice festival weekend. The Spirit Room on Broadway Street always showcases their penguin ice sculpture out front, and after expanding this past summer to have an outdoor patio, they also added an ice bar this weekend. Manager Lindsey Graskey tells us she hoped it add even more to their annual…

UPDATE: Standoff with Armed Person at Kwik Trip Ends Peacefully, Duluth Police Say

The Tactical Response Team and the Crisis Negotiation Team responded to provide resources to resolve the incident quickly and safely.

DULUTH, Minn.- After nearly two hours of police surrounding the evacuated Kwik Trip on 27th Ave. W, an armed individual was arrested without incident outside the store Saturday. According to a spokesperson with the Duluth Police Department, Officers responded to an armed individual at the Kwik Trip. They blocked off Michigan Street and evacuated the store. The Tactical Response Team…

AP Sources: Despite Reports, Tom Brady hasn’t Made up Mind

Brady’s company posted a tweet indicating he’s retiring, but the tweet was later deleted, and Brady’s agent says the 44-year-old quarterback would be the only person to accurately express his future.

TAMPA, Fla. (AP) – Despite reports that he is retiring, Tom Brady has told the Tampa Bay Buccaneers he hasn’t made up his mind, two people familiar with the details told The Associated Press. ESPN first reported Brady’s retirement, citing unidentified sources. Brady’s company posted a tweet indicating he’s retiring, and reaction came from around the world congratulating Brady on…

Duluth Natural Gas Residents Asked to Keep Thermostats Low Through Weekend After Gas Main Break Thursday

DULUTH, Minn.- All natural gas residents east of Lake Avenue are asked to maintain 62 degrees inside homes and businesses through the weekend, as City of Duluth crews continue repairing a large gas main that was damaged within the Can of Worms construction going on near Michigan street and 19th Avenue West Thursday. “Crews have been working hard to repair the…

Gas Line Break has Thousands of Duluth Homes Turning Thermostats Down

The City asked residents to turn their thermostats down to 62 degrees to lessen the pressure on the systems, and avoid the possibility of a neighborhood-by-neighborhood shutdown of gas.

DULUTH, Minn. — On Friday, the city of Duluth asked thousands of residents to turn down their thermostats potentially through Saturday in hopes of avoiding a shutdown of heat during bitterly cold air, after a massive gas pipe break within the can of worms project in Lincoln park. City officials say Thursday afternoon a contractor drove through a piling, hitting…

Hoops Brewing Company Open Again after Pipe Burst Earlier this Month

DULUTH, MN – Back on January 6, a pipe burst forced the temporary closure of Hoops Brewing Company in Canal Park, flooding part of the building.  After a cleanup effort that took a couple of weeks, there are only a few noticeable differences, but mostly they are grateful to the community for helping them during the ordeal. “We have some…

Downtown Duluth Fire Destroys Building, City Orders Demolition

DULUTH, Minn. — A structure fire that broke out around 2:05 Friday morning on East First Street of downtown Duluth was reported to be out at around 8:30 but crews are still trying to find out how it started. The Duluth Fire Department was on site responding within minutes officials report surrounding buildings were not visibly damaged, and are assessing…

Milwaukee School Board OKs Spending $63m in COVID Dollars

MILWAUKEE (AP) – The Milwaukee school board has approved spending $63 million in federal COVID-19 relief dollars on dozens of renovation projects. The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reported the board signed off on the spending Thursday. The board also approved allowing each school to spend $100,000 out of a separate $13.6 million pot of federal COVID-19 aid to hire staff and…

Update: All Natural Gas Customers East of Lake Avenue Asked to Reduce Thermostats to 62 Degrees

DULUTH, Minn. – The City of Duluth is asking all natural gas customers whose business or home is East of Lake Avenue to reduce their thermostats to 62 degrees until further notice. City officials say making this change will help the City reduce the overall load on the system and avoid the possibility of a neighborhood-by-neighborhood shutdown of gas. Last…

‘Tiger King’ Joe Exotic Resentenced to 21 Years in Prison

(AP Photo/Sue Ogrocki, File) OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) — A federal judge resentenced “Tiger King” Joe Exotic to 21 years in prison on Friday, reducing his punishment by just a year after an appeals court ordered a new sentence. Joe Exotic — whose real name is Joseph Maldonado-Passage — was convicted in a murder-for-hire case involving animal welfare activist Carole Baskin….