News Archives - Page 251 of 874

Team Shuster’s Chris Plys Talks Family Charity “Project Joy”

The goal of the organization is to end childhood hunger around the Northland through local fundraisers.

December 17, 2021

Sam Ali,

DULUTH, Minn. – Chris Plys will be pulling double duty next month at the 2022 Winter Olympics as he will compete for Team USA in mixed doubles and team curling. In the meantime, he’ll be spreading the word about his family’s charity called “Project Joy”. The goal of the organization is to end childhood hunger around the Northland through local…

December-Soaked Storm Thaws Rinks, Quickens Slopes

While outdoor rinks lost ice to the rain, skiers and snowboarders enjoyed faster slopes.

December 16, 2021

Arman Rahman,

DULUTH, Minn.- Wednesday night’s unprecedented December thunderstorm froze things to a halt at local outdoor hockey rinks like Duluth Heights, but proved beneficial to skiers and snowboarders. “Warm-ups and stuff like that have taken us out but not rain like that. Not rain where we’re getting thunderstorms and kids are running down in the middle of the night from the…

Babbitt Man Dead After One-Vehicle Crash; ‘Slippery Road’ Contributing Factor

December 16, 2021

Dan Hanger,

MORRIS TOWNSHIP, Minn. – A 74-year-old Babbitt man is dead after a one-vehicle accident Thursday in Morris Township, and authorities believe it was weather related. The St. Louis County Sheriff’s Office says the accident happened around 3:30 p.m. on the 1900 block of Highway 21 North. The driver, whose name was not released Thursday, died at the scene. Nobody else…

New Recording Studio Opens In Duluth

December 16, 2021

Rusty Mehlberg,

DULUTH, Minn. – There’s a new place for musicians to record in the Twin Ports. Spoon’s Studio recently opened near Lake Superior Zoo. It’s named after the owner Solomon Witherspoon, who says he has always wanted one. He’s hoping to make the space a place where the city can come together and welcome everyone. “Regardless of who you are, where you…

Duluth Police Hold Procession For Fallen Minnesota Officer

December 16, 2021

Brett Scott,

DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth Police Department held a procession for fallen New York Mills, Minnesota police officer Ron Smith as his body made a final trip back home. Smith, 58, died Dec. 15 after a weeks-long battle with COVID-19. Smith was admitted to Lakewood Health System in Staples on Nov. 26 and was put on a ventilator to help…

Duluth Fire Department Takes Part in Annual Toy Drive

December 16, 2021

Reece Lindquist,

DULUTH, Minn. — The Duluth Fire Department went on a little shopping spree at Target on Thursday to support The Salvation Army and Toyland Express. To make this all happen, they collect money from retired and active firefighters which allows them to help support the community. Every year they eclipse their fundraising goal. This year, they raised nearly $7,000 all…

One Roof Bringing Back Tool Library Program

December 16, 2021

Reece Lindquist,

DULUTH, Minn. — If you have a home project you’re working on, you can borrow the free tools over at One Roof Community Housing. The non-profit is now relaunching its tool lending program. First started back in 2012, one roof is now updating its tool lending library courtesy of a $5,000 grant from the Northland Foundation. The library will have…

Experts Advise Taking Preventative Measures for Winter Vehicle, Sidewalk Maintenance

December 16, 2021

Reece Lindquist,

DULUTH, Minn. — Now that we’ve apparently left spring-like weather behind us mechanics and experts in winter products are talking about ways to deal with winter as best as you can to avoid any major headaches. The crew at Ace Hardware on Superior Street in Duluth tells us when it comes to throwing down salt it’s best to get all…

ISD 709 Addresses Concern Of School Threats Stemming From Disturbing National TikTok Trend

December 16, 2021

Alexandra Burnley,

DULUTH, Minn. — The ISD 709 superintendent is addressing the issue of school threats being made over social media, causing safety concerns for students, parents, and campus staff in the city. In an email sent on Thursday, superintendent John Magas passed along the information that was sent to all school districts in Minnesota from the state’s Department of Public Safety…

Gov. Walz Announces Increased COVID Testing Through the Holidays

December 16, 2021

Site Staff,

DULUTH, Minn. – On Thursday Governor Walz announced an increase of testing capacity in the state’s COVID-19 community testing network in anticipation of increased demand before the holidays. “Holiday gatherings are right around the corner and getting tested before getting together with family is vital to protecting loved ones from COVID-19,” said Governor Walz. “In addition to expanding capacity at these…

7 Omicron Cases in Minnesota, Community Spread Suspected

December 16, 2021

KQDS Staff,

ST. PAUL, Minn. (FOX 9) – Health officials in Minnesota confirmed they have detected 7 cases of the Omicron variant to date, with evidence that community spread is occurring in the state. Of the 7 cases reported by the Minnesota Department of Health, 2 are in the same household. The other 5 are not connected to those 2 and none of the…

Wisconsin Unemployment Ties Monthly Low of 3%

December 16, 2021

The Associated Press,

MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Wisconsin’s unemployment rate tied a record low of 3% in November, a number last hit exactly three years ago, the state Department of Workforce Development reported Thursday. The state rate is below the national unemployment rate of 4.2% for November. The state rate was down from 3.2% in October. Wisconsin gained 12,300 private-sector jobs over the…

Midday Update 12-16-21

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Thursday, December 16, 2021

December 16, 2021

Brett Scott,

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Rusty Mehlberg for a local look at news and weather making headlines Thursday, Dec. 16, 2021. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Local News, midday update, News, Rusty Mehlberg, weather

Bentleyville to Reopen Thursday Night

December 16, 2021

Site Staff,

DULUTH, Minn. – Bentleyville will be reopening tonight after forecasted inclement weather caused organizers to close the popular holiday lights display Wednesday night. Bentleyville will be open from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Thursday evening. Organizers are reminding visitors to bring food items and toys for the Salvation Army. There was no mention of storm damage to any of the…

Morning Update 12-16-21

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Thursday, December 16, 2021

December 16, 2021

Brett Scott,

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Rusty Mehlberg for a local look at news and weather making headlines Thursday, Dec. 16, 2021. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Ken Slama, Local News, morning update, News, weather

Closures, Delays Due to Weather: 12/16

December 16, 2021

Site Staff,

DELAYS The Human Development Center – delayed until 12:00 p.m. All services will still be offered and held via telehealth and telephone until 12:00 p.m. Second Harvest Northern Lakes Food Bank – Mobile Food Pantry Program in Cloquet delayed until Thursday, December 23 from 10:a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Click here for a list of current school closures and delays. …

Prosecution Rests Case Against Kim Potter in Wright Death

December 16, 2021

The Associated Press,

(Court TV via AP, Pool File) MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Prosecutors on Thursday rested their case against Kim Potter, the suburban Minneapolis police officer charged in the shooting death of Daunte Wright. After a week of hearing from witnesses called by the prosecution, Potter’s attorneys will get their chance to defend the former Brooklyn Center officer, who they said will take…

School Closings, Delays for Thursday, Dec. 16, 2021

December 16, 2021

Brett Scott,

Closed: Duluth Public Schools – Closed Duluth Edison Charter Schools – Closed Hermantown Public School District – Closed Marshall School – Closed Proctor Public Schools – Closed Stella Maris Academy – Closed Opening 2 Hours Late: Cloquet Public School District – 2-hour delay Esko Public Schools – 2-hour delay Lake Superior School District – 2-hour delay Categories: Community, News, News…

Ordean East Middle School Investigates Snapchat Threat Made By Unknown Person

December 15, 2021

Alexandra Burnley,

DULUTH, Minn. — An email sent to parents from the Ordean East Middle School administration on Wednesday addressed a threat made over Snapchat reported by multiple students. According to the email, a few students said that they were sent a photo showing guns on Snapchat from a person they didn’t know. The administration said the photo didn’t have a message…

Bentleyville Crews Hunker Down for Windy Winter Storm

Volunteers were out as early as 3 p.m. battening down the Bentleyville hatches, securing signage and some lights with cement blocks so they don't blow away.

December 15, 2021

Arman Rahman,

DULUTH, Minn.- While forecasters kept their eyes to the sky Wednesday, crews at Bentleyville were hard at work on the ground, preparing the tour of lights in Bayfront Park for its second major storm of the 2021 season, closing for the precipitation and 50 mph wind gusts that are all but expected off Lake Superior. Volunteers were out as early…

Preparing for Icy Road Conditions

December 15, 2021

Rusty Mehlberg,

DULUTH, Minn. – With roads expected to become icy Thursday morning, Minnesota’s DOT is preparing to take on the challenge. District One Public Affairs Coordinator Margie Nelson says the recent warm weather will prevent them from being able to get to roads until either the rain turns to snow or temperatures near freezing. So drivers will be getting updates on weather…

Latest Winter Storm Could be Historic

December 15, 2021

Rusty Mehlberg,

DULUTH, Minn. – One of the many eyes that will be to the skies during this unusual winter storm will be the National Weather Service office in Duluth. Based on barometric pressure measurements, they say it is likely to be one of the strongest systems ever recorded during the month of December. The current record was set back in 1948…

Sen. Smith: Federal Funding Available to Help With Home Heating Costs

December 15, 2021

Brett Scott,

DULUTH, Minn. – With December temperatures in the upper 30s, 40s, and nearing 50, it’s hard to believe home heating costs would be such a huge issue right now. However, flash forward to the New Year, and we all know the negative numbers will be settling in. Minnesota Sen. Tina Smith has worked to include an additional $167 million in…

Company Donates Hams To First Responders For Holidays

December 15, 2021

Alexandra Burnley,

DULUTH/SUPERIOR — Firefighters can ham it up for the holidays thanks to a big donation from a local company on Wednesday. FeraDyne Outdoors, which is headquartered in Superior, donated 41 hams to the Superior Fire Department for all the first responders to take home. Then the company donated 24 hams to all of Duluth’s fire stations so each shift can…

Cloquet Police Hope to Stuff Six Squad Cars with Gifts for Kids

After filling 5 squad cars last year, officers hoped to get five and a half or even six stuffed this year with unwrapped toys and gifts for kids ranging from infants to 17-year-olds.

December 15, 2021

Arman Rahman,

CLOQUET, Minn.- The Cloquet community banded together with law enforcement and Cloquet Salvation Army tonight to fill some squad cars with toys and hopefully some cheer for kids in need. Cloquet P.D. held their 5th annual Stuff the Squad event outside the Walmart and L and M Fleet Supply. After filling 5 squad cars last year, officers hoped to get…

Second Harvest Food Shelf Seeking Volunteers

December 15, 2021

Reece Lindquist,

DULUTH, Minn. — Second Harvest Food Bank is ramping up its food distribution for the holiday season to help more families in need. The food bank says right now, grocery stores are donating less surplus food, and the supply chain issues may be partly to blame. The organization also needs more volunteers to help with food distribution which happens year-round….

Essentia Health Hopes to Double Bentleyville Food Donations

December 15, 2021

Reece Lindquist,

DULUTH, Minn. — Essentia Health is partnering with Bentleyville in hopes of boosting food donations. Some Essentia employees will be at Bentlyville on Thursday encouraging people to donate as they walk in. The tour of lights usually collects about 300 pounds of nonperishable food items each night. Essentia Health wants to see that number double. “It’s part of our mission and…

Local Organizations Partnering for ‘Make Every Child Smile’ Toy Drive

December 15, 2021

Reece Lindquist,

DULUTH, Minn. — Preparations are underway for a big toy give-away this weekend in west Duluth. The 7th annual ‘Make Every Child Smile’ event happens this Sunday from noon until two at the “Shake It” on the 58-hundred block of grand avenue. There is no income restriction for free gifts. The toy drive is also focusing on adopting up to 25…

Strong Winds in Midwest Whip up Dust, Blow Over Semitrailers

December 15, 2021

The Associated Press,

(Travis Heying/The Wichita Eagle via AP) OMAHA, Neb. (AP) – A powerful storm system blew through the Great Plains and Midwest, combining with unusually warm temperatures to close highways and prompt numerous tornado warnings. The winds gusting up to 80 mph hit parts of Nebraska, Kansas, and Iowa. The strong winds whipped up dust that reduced visibility to zero west…

UWS Vaccine Clinic to Move to Northwood Technical College

December 15, 2021

Site Staff,

SUPERIOR, Wis. – The COVID community-based vaccine clinic currently being held at UW-Superior will soon be moving to the conference center at Northwood Technical College’s Superior Campus, formerly WITC. “We are proud to have had our campus serve as the site for these services,” said University of Wisconsin-Superior Chancellor Renée Wachter. “Since the clinic opened on April 13, there have…

Bentleyville Closes Due to Inclement Weather

December 15, 2021

Site Staff,

DULUTH, Minn. – Bentleyville will be closed Wednesday due to forecasted inclement weather. According to Bentleyville’s Facebook page, the popular Tour of Lights display will reopen Thursday at 5:00 p.m. Any changes to the reopening will be posted on its Facebook page or at Bentleyvilleusa.org. Categories: Community, Minnesota, News, News – Latest News

Midday Update 12-15-21

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Wednesday, December 15, 2021

December 15, 2021

Brett Scott,

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Rusty Mehlberg for a local look at news and weather making headlines Wednesday, Dec. 15, 2021. Have a great day! Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Local News, midday update, News, Rusty Mehlberg, weather

Evictions on the Rise Months After Federal Moratorium Ends

December 15, 2021

The Associated Press,

BOSTON (AP) – Housing advocates say evictions are increasing around the country, several months after a federal moratorium was allowed to end. The rise in cases, although below pre-pandemic levels in most states and cities, shows the limits on the tens of billions of dollars in federal assistance and the impact of lax protections in some places. Data collected by…

Surgery Delays Grow at Hospitals Dealing With COVID-19

December 15, 2021

The Associated Press,

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Minnesota health care systems say surgery delays are growing as coronavirus patients crowd hospitals. Doctors say hospitals have deferred procedures to free up beds, leaving some patients in prolonged pain. Patient demand over the past month has been the highest in the 21 months of the pandemic, according to health care providers. “I’m not sure the public…

Tips For Keeping Fido Fairly Calm Over the Holidays

Animal Allies Humane Society Reminds Potential Owners to Think Twice Before Adopting this Holiday Season

December 15, 2021

Brett Scott,

DULUTH, Minn. – We’re all loading up on holiday anticipation, excitement, presents, and home parties — but it’s important to make sure it doesn’t put your animals into overload. The American Kennel Club says Christmas activities can put stress on your dog. Situations like loud noises, lots of new visitors, and new environments could cause fear in your pet. If…

Derek Chauvin Pleads Guilty to Federal Charges in Death of George Floyd

The Guilty Plea Means Chauvin will not Face a Federal Jury Trial in January

December 15, 2021

The Associated Press,

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) – Former Minneapolis Police Officer Derek Chauvin has pleaded guilty to federal charges of violating George Floyd’s civil rights. Chauvin’s plea Wednesday means he will not face a federal trial in January, though he could end up spending more years behind bars. Chauvin, who is white, was convicted this spring of state murder and manslaughter charges…

Morning Update 12-15-21

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Wednesday, December 15, 2021

December 15, 2021

Brett Scott,

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Rusty Mehlberg for a local look at news and weather making headlines Wednesday, Dec. 15, 2021. Have a great day! Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Local News, morning update, News, Rusty Mehlberg, weather

US COVID Death Toll Hits 800,000, a Year Into Vaccine Drive

December 15, 2021

The Associated Press,

(AP) – The U.S. death toll from COVID-19 has topped 800,000. That is according to the count kept by Johns Hopkins University. The once-unimaginable milestone was hit Tuesday. It’s seen as doubly tragic, given that more than 200,000 of those lives were lost after the vaccine became available practically for the asking last spring. The death toll is about equal…

Salvation Army Still Needs Bell Ringers, Volunteers

December 14, 2021

Rusty Mehlberg,

DULUTH, Minn. – The Salvation Army is hoping for more volunteers as they continue their Red Kettle fundraising drive. Even with the annual Miner’s Match underway, donations are down 12-percent compared to where they want to be in order to meet their 220-thousand dollar goal. With 864 hours of open volunteer times available at their 18 kettle locations through Christmas Eve,…

Duluth To Host Red Bull Street Snowboarding Competition

December 14, 2021

Dan Hanger,

DULUTH, Minn. – Red Bull is bringing an elite street-snowboarding competition to Duluth’s Cascade Park Sunday, Jan. 16. The event, Heavy Metal, will feature a variety of unique obstacles using the natural rails, drops and banks of Cascade Park, and some of the best rail riders in the world are expected to be there. “This is just one way to…

Duluth Firefighters Use Unstable Ice, Open Waters For Rescue Training

December 14, 2021

Dan Hanger,

DULUTH, Minn. – The unstable ice and open waters are creating great conditions for the Duluth Fire Department to train for possible rescues this winter. Firefighters hopped in their rescue suits Tuesday to take advantage of the dicey conditions in a slip in the Duluth Port. Officials said this type of training is crucial to react fast to emergencies on…

Downtown Duluth Announce Holiday Window, Lights Display Winners

December 14, 2021

Rusty Mehlberg,

DULUTH, Minn. – Several downtown Duluth businesses have been recognized for their way of showing the holiday spirit. 19 locations took part in the Greater Downtown Council’s 16th annual Holiday Window and Lighting Display contest. For Hucklebeary, they were once again one of the people’s choice winners, along with earning the most original display by a retailer. “It feels great,” says…

GO: Hartley Nature Center

December 14, 2021

Reece Lindquist,

DULUTH, Minn. — The Hartley Nature Center in Duluth is gearing up for the winter season. “A lot of people have discovered the outdoors and really have embraced getting out on the trails and getting outside. It’s one of the things that are safely available to us,” Hartley Nature Center Executive Director, Tom O’Rourke says. While the center is scaling…

Free Skate With Santa Event Happening Wednesday Night At The Heritage Center

December 14, 2021

Alexandra Burnley,

DULUTH, Minn. — While Santa is busy working in the North Pole before Christmas, he will actually be here in Duluth on Wednesday night ice skating, and you can join him! “Skate With Santa” will happen from 6:30 to 8 p.m. at the Heritage Center and it’s free for all ages, along with free rentals. If you don’t want to…

Blue Santa Shop with a Cop Continues At Target

December 14, 2021

Natalie Noury,

DULUTH, Minn. — A special shopping spree happened Tuesday night, between the Duluth Police Department and a few lucky kids. The DPD continued their annual Blue Santa Shop with a Cop for its 9th year tonight at Target. A large donation from the Irving Community Club, which is a charitable gambling club, allowed the police department to give $200 Target…

Warm Spell Causing Winter Activities to Wait

December 14, 2021

Natalie Noury,

DULUTH, Minn. — As the Northland continues to experience warmer temperatures, it’s causing a few roadblocks for those who enjoy the winter activities. Minnesotans find plenty of things to keep them busy through the winter, but with the melting going on, it’s made it a bit difficult to do their favorite things like skiing or snowmobiling. “You know its Minnesota,…

Iron Ore Shipping Experiencing Bounce Back Season

December 14, 2021

Reece Lindquist,

DULUTH, Minn. The shipping industry in the twin ports has been experiencing a bounce-back year. Up nearly two percent over the five-season average, the strong season is due in part to iron ore which is up double-digit percentages. As the season winds down, the Duluth Port Authority is hoping to finish strong in the last month of the season. “Iron…

With Warm Weather, Caution Urged for Ice Fishermen

December 14, 2021

Reece Lindquist,

DULUTH, Minn. — With the temperatures warming up, ice fishermen may have to wait until the next big freeze before getting back out on the lakes. The DNR recommends 4 inches of ice for walking and 12-15 inches for driving a vehicle on it. Although the fishing conditions have been good for anglers, the warm weather could prove troublesome for…

Peace United Church of Christ Hosts Sandy Hook Vigil

December 14, 2021

Reece Lindquist,

DULUTH, Minn. — The Peace United Church of Christ in Duluth hosted a vigil Tuesday afternoon to remember the victims of the Sandy Hook school shooting. The mass shooting took place nine years ago on Tuesday. 26 people lost their lives, the majority of them were children between the ages of six and seven years old. On Thursday, two groups,…

St. Louis County Board Approves Budget, Funding for Body Cams for Deputies

December 14, 2021

Site Staff,

DULUTH, Minn. – The St. Louis County Board on Tuesday approved its 2022 budget at $463 million. The board also unanimously voted to pass a resolution approving the purchase of body cameras for its deputies. The authorization will allow the purchase of 110 body cameras with supporting accessories and equipment. The cost for the new cameras and equipment will be…