News

Senator Klobuchar Positive About Border Opening For Trade With Canada

MINNESOTA — Senator Amy Klobuchar tells us she’s thrilled to see the Canadian border opening back up and says the financial impact goes far beyond tourism. Klobuchar says Canada is the best trading partner in Minnesota, so it’s important to keep communication and relationships open with them to do business. Nationally, about $1.4 billion worth of goods goes back and…

Tonight At 9: Now-Former Proctor Football Coach Speaks Out Amid Criminal Investigation Into Some Players

PROCTOR, Minn. – In his first sit-down TV interview, former Proctor football coach Derek Parendo speaks out to FOX 21 Sports Director Sam Ali about what led him to resign his position amid the ongoing criminal misconduct investigation involving players of the Rails football team.  The video above is a preview from the 5:30 p.m. newscast.  See the full story…

Agriculture Committee Gives Drought Update

We are now hearing the impact of farmers as about 90% of the state was under severe drought conditions this past summer. 

ST. PAUL, Minn. — Minnesota leaders in agriculture gathered Tuesday morning to talk about the recent droughts regions across the state have experienced. We are now hearing the impact of farmers as about 90% of the state was under severe drought conditions this past summer. Back in September, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz announced a ten million dollar drought relief package…

Parks Department Releases ‘Essential Spaces Plan’

The parks levy was passed in 2011 allocating 2.6 million dollars each year to the department.

DULUTH, Minn. — The Duluth Parks and Recreation Department started a ten-year planning process this summer. Now they are asking for the public’s feedback. The plan, called the essential spaces plan, is geared toward shaping the future of the parks for the next ten years. It also includes a survey for the public asking what they would like to see in…

UMD Introduces Robots to Assist in Nursing Homes

The robotic handy helpers are expected to be delivered to Monarch's facilities by the end of the year.

DULUTH, Minn. — UMD’s robotics program is helping nursing homes in the area get the quality care they need while also helping facilities experiencing staffing shortages. Monarch healthcare bought these robots to help staff in several of their local nursing homes. They can help patients with daily physical and cognitive skills. For those patients who may not be receiving regular…

Minnesota Zoo searches for lost owl

(courtesy: MN Zoo via Twitter) APPLE VALLEY, Minn. (AP) — The Minnesota Zoo is searching for a lost owl. KFGO reported Wednesday that Gladys, the zoo’s Eurasian eagle owl, flew off during a routine exercise and training session earlier this month and didn’t return. Zoo staff believes Gladys is probably still within the zoo’s 485-acre, heavily forested grounds. They’re asking…

Plow Drivers Gear Up for Winter Season

It's annual plow training time for street maintenance workers in Duluth featuring both classroom work and hands-on training.

DULUTH, Minn. — The winter season is getting closer. That’s why a group of maintenance operations workers in Duluth spent Tuesday getting some special training to help make sure they are ready for action when the first snowfall hits. It’s annual plow training time for street maintenance workers in Duluth featuring both classroom work and hands-on training. “Once we do…

Minnesota Court: Workers’ Comp Can’t Cover Medical Marijuana

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) – The Minnesota Supreme Court says workers’ compensation for injured employees doesn’t cover medical marijuana because the drug remains illegal under federal law. The high court issued a pair of rulings Wednesday that overturned lower court orders for employers to pay for medical marijuana to treat work-related injuries. Federal law prohibits the prescribing and possession of marijuana regardless…

UWS Hosting Best High School Musicians for Tri-State Jazz Festival

Aside from the Tri-State Jazz Festival, the Tri-State Band Festival is Also Happening Oct. 21 at UW-Superior

SUPERIOR, Wis. – The University of Wisconsin-Superior is preparing to host some of the best high school jazz musicians from throughout the Northland for the Tri-State Jazz Festival. The event is happening on Thursday, Oct. 14. “It’s a really fun event, and it’s not just me saying that,” said Greg Kehl Moore, professor of music and jazz program director. “Everyone…

Midday Update 10-13-21

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Wednesday, October 13, 2021

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Ken Slama for a local look at news and weather making headlines Wednesday, October 13, 2021. Have a great day! Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Ken Slama, Local News, midday update

Animal Allies to Host Virtual ‘Fur Ball Fundraiser’ Beginning Friday

Animal Allies Virtual Fur Ball Fundraiser is Happening Oct. 15 - 17

DULUTH, Minn. – Animal Allies Humane Society is preparing to host a virtual fundraiser with the goal of raising more than $100,000 to help support their mission of finding pets new homes in the Northland. The virtual ‘Fur Ball Fundraiser’ will begin with an auction kicking off at 12 p.m. Friday, Oct. 15. The auction will end on Sunday, Oct….

Judge Won’t Block Vaccine Mandate for Minnesota Workers

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) — A federal judge won’t block a COVID-19 vaccine mandate for scores of Minnesota health care workers, at least for now. Nearly 200 Minnesota health care workers filed a lawsuit in September challenging the requirement from President Joe Biden’s administration that all workers in most health settings get vaccinated or lose their jobs. The workers argued…

Morning Update 10-13-21

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Wednesday, October 13, 2021

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Ken Slama for a local look at news and weather making headlines Wednesday, October 13, 2021. Have a great day! Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Ken Slama, Local News, News, weather

Social Security COLA Largest in Decades as Inflation Jumps

WASHINGTON (AP) – Millions of retirees on Social Security will get a 5.9% boost in benefits for 2022. The biggest cost-of-living adjustment in 39 years follows a burst in inflation as the economy struggles to shake off the drag of the coronavirus pandemic. The COLA increase amounts to $92 a month for the average retired worker, according to estimates released…

US To Reopen Land Borders in November for Fully Vaccinated

WASHINGTON (AP) – The Biden administration says the U.S. will reopen its land borders to nonessential travel next month, ending a 19-month freeze due to the COVID-19 pandemic. International visitors will need to be vaccinated against the coronavirus. Vehicle, rail, and ferry travel between the U.S. and Canada, and Mexico has been largely restricted to essential travel, such as trade,…

Beds, Staff at Duluth Hospitals Stretched Thin Under St. Louis County’s COVID Surge

COVID patients take up 59 of the hospital beds at Essentia St. Mary's Medical Center -- the highest they've seen since last winter. At St. Luke's, 25% of the ICU beds are filled with COVID patients.

DULUTH, Minn.- St. Louis County continues to see an uptick of COVID-19 cases, while the country overall is seeing a dip. The surge is continuing to fatigue health systems according to experts, as they urge more to get vaccinated and mask up. “Now, while much of the country experiences a decrease in COVID transmission following the latest peak, there’s some…

Lake County Ambulance Service Provides Update on Supplies, Staff

Right now, Shepersky said they're not facing a critical shortage of workers, but losing even one employee could impact services.

TWO HARBORS, Minn.- Lake County Ambulance service, covering Two Harbors and Silver Bay is seeing higher demand for services. According to Executive Director Julia Shepersky, ambulance medical supplies PPE, and certain medications are all in high demand, making them harder to get at times. Right now, Shepersky said they’re not facing a critical shortage of workers, but losing even one…

Volunteers ‘Desperately’ Needed For Bentleyville Setup

DULUTH, Minn. – America’s largest free walk-thru Christmas light display, Bentleyville Tour of Lights, is facing a serious lack of volunteers to get everything set up. Owner Nathan Bentley said volunteers are “desperately” needed every weekend before opening in November. He’s averaging 10 volunteers on Saturdays and Sundays, which is 90 people short of what’s needed to put up millions…

It’s Time for Furnace Preparations

SUPERIOR, Wis.- Temperatures are dropping in the Northland, meaning more people will be using their furnaces to heat their homes and businesses. Advantage Air Heating and Cooling is seeing an uptick in clients looking to repair, clean, or install heating systems as we move into the colder seasons. Experts from Advantage Air recommend people begin changing thermostat batteries and furnace…

Mighty Mississippi Exhibit Attracting New Visitors to Itasca County Historical Society

The Historical Society is Celebrating the Opening of a New Exhibit Showcasing the Mississippi River in Itasca County

GRAND RAPIDS, Minn. – According to Explore Minnesota and the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development, annually, tourism brings nearly $76 million and over 1,500 jobs to Itasca County. Now one new attraction featuring the mighty Mississippi River is attracting tourists to the region. “Our advertising is a turtle named Patty, and a snapper named Sandy,” said Lilah Crowe,…

Heritage Center, Clyde Iron Works to be Connected

Clyde Iron Works is also preparing to open its own brewery called 'Clyde Brewing.'

DULUTH, Minn. — Food and sports are getting closer to being connected at Lincoln Parks biggest entertainment venue. Crews are preparing to link the heritage sports center to the nearby Clyde Iron Works restaurant with an enclosed walkway. This will help all hockey players, their parents, and friends don’t have to truck it outside in Duluth’s winter weather to get…

Local Ski Shop is Selling Out Fast

DULUTH, Minn.- Northlanders have been preparing for winter in more ways than one, and it seems several people got a head start during the summer. Since the pandemic led to more people picking up outdoor activities, sporting goods stores keep busy with customers. Ski Hut in Duluth has been continuously selling out of skis all summer long, and the sales…

Minnesota Wild Return to Duluth for Practice Session at Amsoil Arena

Nearly 1,000 fans packed Amsoil Arena to watch their favorite Wild players on the ice.

DULUTH, Minn. – Tuesday, the UMD Bulldogs hosted a very special guest at Amsoil Arena. The Minnesota Wild were in town for a practice session that was open to the public to allow fans to come and watch their favorite players. It was a day Northland hockey fans had circled on their calendar since it was announced last month as…

Sporting Goods Preparations for Winter Athletic Gear

DULUTH, Minn.- More sporting goods stores are preparing for winter by restocking shelves and organizing their shops. Customers are coming in to Play It Again Sports for skates, hockey sticks, and more. Like other sports supply stores, Play It Again is experiencing high demand in products and a supply shortage. The sports shop regularly orders products throughout the year but…

Knights of Columbus Collects Coats for Kids

DULUTH, Minn.- This year, the Minnesota Knights of Columbus collected more coats than expected to distribute to kids in the Northland. The council has participated in Coats for Kids for nearly six years now, and after not being able to do it last year due to the pandemic, the group can provide 96 children with a warm winter coat. The…

Northland Film School Offers New Film Courses

DULUTH, Minn.- More opportunities are underway for filmmakers, editors, and writers, with three different courses offered through the Northland Film School. “Wherever you go, I think in Northern Minnesota, there’s such a rich kind of history and strong identity,” said filmmaker Matthew Koshmrl. “And I thought this would be a really great place to facilitate film school.” Northland Film School…

Minnesota COVID-19 Positivity Rate Hits Vaccine-era High

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) – Minnesota’s COVID-19 test positivity rate has soared to 8.3%, the highest mark since the vaccines first rolled out late last year. The seven-day rolling average for the state’s positivity rate continues to climb toward the high-risk category. The state draws that line at 10%. Meanwhile, COVID-19 hospitalizations in Minnesota reached 960 as of Monday and…

Coroner: Gabby Petito Strangled, Died 3-4 Weeks Before Found

JACKSON, Wyo. (AP) – A coroner in Wyoming says slain cross-country traveler Gabby Petito died as a result of strangulation. The 22-year-old woman’s body was found last month near an undeveloped camping area in remote northern Wyoming along the border of Grand Teton National Park. Teton County Coroner Dr. Brent Blue said in a news conference Tuesday he was prevented…

Amazon Distribution Center Coming to Twin Cities Suburb

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) — An Amazon distribution center is coming to a Twin Cities suburb. The St. Paul Pioneer Press reported Monday that the 517,000-square-foot facility will open in Woodbury late next summer. The center is expected to generate 500 jobs and may add another 500 during the holiday season. The building will be Amazon’s third large-scale facility in…

Lake Dedicated to Veteran Fishing Trips Receives Large Donation

Legacy Lake was Born Back in 2009 After the Land was Purchased by Local Businessman Larry Schanno

FINLAND, Minn. – This October marks 30 years since the Minnesota Veterans Home in Silver Bay first opened its doors. Since then, hundreds of residents have resided there, experiencing events and opportunities with the close community inside. One summer activity takes the cake, year after year. “Got a big one! Oh, I lost him,” said Frank Stella, a retired U.S….

Midday Update 10-12-21

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Tuesday, October 12, 2021

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Chief Meteorologist Sam Gabrielli for a local look at news and weather making headlines Tuesday, October 12, 2021. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Local News, midday update, News, Sam Gabrielli, weather

Eviction Protections Ending for Minnesota Renters

(FOX 9) – When millions of Americans were unable to work because of the COVID-19 shutdown, a ban on evictions went into effect to help those behind on their rent. In Minnesota, those protections end Tuesday. The only exception is for renters who have already applied for rental assistance through the state. Tenants with pending rental assistance claims will have protection…

Morning Update 10-12-21

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Tuesday, October 12, 2021

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Chief Meteorologist Sam Gabrielli for a local look at news and weather making headlines Tuesday, October 12, 2021. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Local News, morning update, News, Sam Gabrielli, weather

Next on FDA’s Agenda: Booster Shots of Moderna, J&J Vaccines

WASHINGTON (AP) – With many Americans who got Pfizer vaccinations already rolling up their sleeves for a booster shot, millions of others who received the Moderna or Johnson & Johnson vaccine wait anxiously to learn when it’s their turn. Federal regulators begin tackling that question this week. On Thursday and Friday, the Food and Drug Administration convenes its independent advisers…

UWS Celebrates Indigenous Peoples’ Day at Medicine Wheel

The ceremony featured a performance from the Woodland Sky Native American Dance Group on the Medicine Wheel outside Yellowjacket Unio

SUPERIOR, Wis.- The University Of Wisconsin Superior celebrated Indigenous Peoples’ Day in person again this year by showcasing native culture on the campus’s Medicine Wheel and community gathering space. The ceremony featured a performance from the Woodland Sky Native American Dance Group on the Medicine Wheel outside Yellowjacket Union. Officials say the wheel, an Ojibwe tradition, is also a symbol…

Nursing Shortage Affecting St. Ann’s, Lake Superior College’s CNA Program

60 people are employed at St. Ann's Residence, when 70 is what is considered full staff.

DULUTH, Minn.- While there’s been much about pandemic-fueled stress on Minnesota hospitals, the state’s long-term care industry is now facing a workforce shortage like no other. Now schools like Lake Superior College are struggling to graduate students into more entry-level healthcare positions to fill the void. “There is a huge need locally, regionally, across the state as well as nationally…

Vino with a View: Inside Lutsen’s North Shore Winery

North Shore Winery and Sawtooth Mountain Cider House Opened Back in 2016

LUTSEN, Minn. – When it comes to the birthplace of a good chardonnay or merlot, chances are Minnesota doesn’t come to mind. One business located in Lutsen, however, is looking to change that perception. “Just trying new things is very important. You don’t know what you like until you try it,” said Jayden Corliss, general manager at North Shore Winery….

Derek Parendo Resigns as Head Coach of Proctor Football Team

The resignation, which includes his teaching position at Proctor High School, will officially go into effect at the end of the 2021-2022 school year.

PROCTOR, Minn. – Last week, Derek Parendo submitted his letter of resignation as head coach of the Proctor football team. And Monday night, the Proctor School Board accepted that resignation at their monthly meeting. Parendo has spent nearly 30 years as a coach, including the last 14 as head coach of the Rails football team. He was named Section Coach…

St. Louis County Depot Hosting Haunted History Tours

 Masks are required in the depot for all events. 

DULUTH, Minn. — The St. Louis County Depot has some brand new activities for the Halloween season. For the first time, the depot will host haunted history tours throughout the month of October ending with a free family event on October 30th. Organizers say the goal is to indulge people in historical areas of the depot that aren’t always talked…

Politicians and Community Leaders Discuss Affordable Child Care

DULUTH, Minn.- Both community and political leaders gathered for a roundtable discussion in Duluth today regarding affordable child care for Northeastern Minnesota. U.S. Senator Tina Smith and Mayor Emily Larson attended the roundtable held at the Duluth Public Library to hear from child care providers and their needs. In the past year, Senator Smith secured $50 billion for Minnesota child…

American Red Cross Experiencing Blood Shortage

This has left certain blood types with only a day's worth of supply when the red cross usually has around a five-day supply.

DULUTH, Minn. —  The American Red Cross Continues to see a blood shortage. Even though they typically see a rebound in the fall season following a slow summer this year there has been a lack of high school and college blood drives throughout the Northland. This has left certain blood types with only a day’s worth of supply when the…