News

Spirit Mountain Looking To Hire As One Of Many Businesses Hit By Staffing Shortage

DULUTH, Minn. – Ideal weather conditions have plenty of people going to Spirit Mountain to enjoy some outdoor fun.  The attraction is doing its best to keep everything open despite having staffing issues with fewer people employed and the impact of COVID-19 when staff has to quarantine. Interim Executive Director Ann Glumac says they are doing their best with the staffing…

Larsmont Cottages hosts Chinese New Year Meal

TWO HARBORS, Minn. – It’s officially the year of the Tiger as Tuesday kicked off the Chinese New Year, also known as the Lunar New Year. The Ledge Rock Grille at the Larsmont Cottages in Two Harbors held a festive meal today in honor of the holiday. Classic Chinese dishes were served up such as pork spring rolls and general…

Shipping Up In the Northland

DULUTH, Minn. — Well the numbers are in, the shipping season bounced back this past year after the pandemic dragged it down in 2020, with almost 30 percent more tons of product coming through the port. The product that topped the charts once again was iron ore which continues to be the king cargo for the Duluth port. Iron ore…

New Business in Superior Sells Vehicle Audio Equipment, Accessories

SUPERIOR, Wis. – A new business in Superior is available to help people get the best sound from their vehicles, whether it’s their car, truck, SUV, UTV, ATV, motorcycle or boat. Soundtronics offers a variety of audio products, ranging from speakers to subwoofers to batteries.  They also sell accessories such as light bars, wheels, and tires. “We offer all kinds of…

Congdon Elementary 1st Graders Enjoy Own Version of John Beargrease Race

DULUTH, Minn. – As the John Beargrease race comes to an end, students at Congdon Elementary in Duluth took part in their own version of the race Tuesday. Participants were first graders in Alaina Pilates’ class.  They were broken up into teams of four, with each taking turns either being one of the dogs pulling a sled or the musher who…

Hibbing Police Department Taking Nominations to Name Newest K9

HIBBING, Minn. – The Hibbing Police Department is asking for the public’s help in naming its new K9. On Tuesday the department introduced its new electronic detection K9, a two-year-old female black Labrador Retriever. The department’s newest addition is currently housed with Jordan Detection K9 in Greenfield, Indiana. Name nominations will be taken until February 6 and the winning name…

Wisconsin Senate’s Top Democrat Won’t Seek Reelection

MADISON, Wis. (AP) — The Wisconsin state Senate’s top Democrat said Tuesday that she won’t seek reelection this fall. Minority Leader Janet Bewley said she wants to spend more time with her recently retired husband and grandchildren. She said it’s time for her to make room for a new generation of “progressive and pragmatic leaders.” “Serving the people of Northern…

UPDATE: 2 Students Shot Outside Minnesota School; 1 Dead, 1 in Critical Condition

(courtesy: Fox 9) RICHFIELD, Minn. (AP) — Two students were shot, one fatally, outside a suburban Minneapolis school on Tuesday, police said. Richfield Police Chief Jay Henthorne said the students were shot about 12:07 p.m. outside South Education Center. The surviving student was in critical condition at a local hospital. Henthorne said suspects fled and police searched the area. “This…

State Seeks Long Sentence for Cop Convicted in Wright Death

(Minnesota Department of Corrections via AP) ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) – Prosecutors say the former suburban Minneapolis police officer who was convicted of manslaughter in the killing of Daunte Wright should face a sentence above the state’s guidelines. But defense attorneys for Kim Potter say she should get a lower sentence – or even probation. Potter is the former white…

City Crews Responding to Multiple Water Main Breaks in Morgan Park

DULUTH, Minn. – City of Duluth Utility Operations crews are responding to multiple water main breaks in Morgan Park. The first break was reported around 8:30 a.m. Tuesday morning near 91st Avenue West. This break put additional pressure on other pipes causing an additional break and water outages in the surrounding area. City officials say water has been turned off…

Midday 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, midday update, News, weather

Former Sheriff, Cop, Legislator Stanek Joins GOP Gov Field

(courtesy: Fox 9) ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) – Former Hennepin County Sheriff Rich Stanek has joined the Republican field for governor. In a campaign video posted Tuesday, Stanek touted his experience in law enforcement and attacked Democrats for “letting lawlessness run rampant.” Stanek is a former Minneapolis police officer, Republican state legislator, and public safety commissioner. He lost a close…

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…