News

Midday Update 9-28-21

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Tuesday, September 28, 2021

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Ken Slama for a local look at news and weather making headlines Tuesday, September 28, 2021. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Ken Slama, Local News, midday update, News, weather

Wisconsin Assembly to Vote on $100 Million for Mental Health

MADISON, Wis. (AP) — The Wisconsin Assembly is scheduled to vote on a Republican-authored bill that would require Democratic Gov. Tony Evers to spend $100 million in COVID-19 relief funding on mental health programs in schools. The measure up for approval Tuesday faces a nearly certain veto from Evers. He has already vetoed two similar bills that would direct how…

Morning Update 9-28-21

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Tuesday, September 28, 2021

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Ken Slama for a local look at news and weather making headlines Tuesday, September 28, 2021. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Ken Slama, Local News, morning update, News, weather

Skunk Named ‘Snacks’ Unexpectedly Dies At Great Lakes Aquarium

DULUTH, Minn. — There are heavy hearts at the Great Lakes Aquarium in Duluth after one of their animals died over the weekend from heart failure. Snacks, a 4-year-old striped skunk, began to rapidly get sick Sunday afternoon, which led to the difficult decision to humanely euthanize him. Care workers said heart failure in animals can happen at any time…

No Update Provided From Proctor School Board On Misconduct Allegations Regarding Football Team

Superintendent John Engelking confirmed that Derek Parendo is still employed as head coach of the football team, but did not comment on if anyone on the team has been expelled from school.

PROCTOR, Minn. – Monday night, the Proctor School Board met for the first time since allegations of student misconduct were brought forward against members of the Rails football team. And if you were hoping for an update on the situation, you didn’t get one. Less than a dozen people attended Monday night’s meeting, which did not include in the agenda…

New Iron Range Coffee Shop Helping to Support Mental Health Wellness

Loonies Coffee Shop is Donating 10 Percent of Profits to Mental Health Wellness

VIRGINIA, Minn. – As we head into the colder months, a cup of coffee is wonderful at any time of the day. When you pair it with compassion and empathy, the customers just keep coming back. “The coffee’s good, but the pizza is even better,” said Aaron Bialke, a customer from Grand Rapids. It’s hard to pinpoint a favorite part…

St. Luke’s Employees Booster Up; Eligible Public Starts Tuesday

People over 65, adults with certain underlying medical health conditions, and those who work in environments with increased risk of COVID-19 are eligible for booster shots.

DULUTH, Minn.- Pfizer booster shots have begun going into the arms of healthcare workers in the Northland, as eligible members of the public start getting those shots Tuesday. “I think it’s really a great step, it’s gonna help with everything that’s coming this winter and it’s just gonna help keep our community that much safer,” said Kelly Zapp, St. Luke’s…

Federal Reserve Bank Of Minneapolis Meets With Diverse Group Of Business Owners In Duluth

DULUTH, Minn. –For the first time in Duluth, the Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis held a roundtable on Monday to learn about how businesses owners who are women and/or people of color are doing during the pandemic. The Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis is a part of America’s central banking system, which oversees financial institutions and creates economic policies. The…

Sections of East Side of Lakewalk to Temporarily Close for Phase 5 Reconstruction Planning

That phase will involve redoing the remaining east side of the Lakewalk with boardwalk and new asphalt.

DULUTH, Minn.- A portion of the East side of the Lakewalk will be closed for the next four days. Starting Tuesday sections of the Lakewalk will be closed from below the Gitchi-Ode’ Akiing Park, to Water Street near the Beacon Pointe Condominiums. According to a spokesperson with the City of Duluth, contractors will analyze the soil, bedrock, and other features…

UMD Professor and Master Naturalists Observe Local Trees

DULUTH, Minn.- Biologist and University of Minnesota Duluth Assistant Professor Jessica Savage lead a phenology walk with local Master Naturalists. Around a dozen people gathered for a walk through the Bagley Nature Area on UMD’s campus, taking in the different trees and shrubs in the Northland. The nature walk aims to educate the Master Naturalists about greenery and how they…

Hope City Church Opens Door Again

DULUTH, Minn.- Not even one month ago, Hope City Church in Central Hillside was struck by lightning, damaging its steeple and the street it sits on, but churchgoers were back inside the building for Sunday morning service. “There’s no way that we would be so positive, so optimistic that we’d still be going if we just looked at what we…

Minnesota Expands Eligibility for Home Heating Aid Program

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) — Minnesota is taking advantage of federal funding to expand the number of households that qualify for its Energy Assistance Program, the state Department of Commerce announced Monday. The changes will make over 600,000 Minnesota households income-eligible for the program, the department said. During the previous program year, which ends Friday, about 116,000 Minnesota households applied…

Duluth Police Identify Man Killed in Downtown Single-Vehicle Crash

DULUTH, Minn. – Authorities have identified the man who died from injuries sustained in a Saturday night single-vehicle crash in downtown Duluth as 53-year-old Brian Keith Jackson. According to a spokesperson with the Duluth Police Department, officers responded to the area of S 1st Ave E at E Michigan Street on a report of a single-vehicle crash. Earlier reports indicated…

Midday Update 9-27-21

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Monday, September 27, 2021

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Ken Slama for a local look at news and weather making headlines Monday, September 27, 2021. Have a great day! Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Ken Slama, Local News, midday update, News, weather

Morning Update 9-27-21

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Monday, September 27, 2021

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Ken Slama for a local look at news and weather making headlines Monday, September 27, 2021. Have a great day! Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Ken Slama, Local News, morning update, News, weather

Two People Seriously Injured in Cass County Single Vehicle Crash

CASS COUNTY, Minn. – Authorities in Cass County say two people were seriously injured in a single-vehicle crash Sunday evening. According to the Cass County Sheriff’s Office, deputies responded to reports around 4:37 p.m. Sunday of a motor vehicle crash with injuries on County Road 5 in Birch Lake Township in rural Hackensack. When deputies and first responders arrived at…

Facebook Puts Instagram for Kids on Hold After Pushback

(AP) – Instagram is putting a hold on the development of Instagram kids, geared towards children under 13, so it can address concerns about the vulnerability of younger users. Adam Mosseri, the head of Instagram, wrote in a blog post on Monday that a delay will give the company time to “work with parents, experts, policymakers and regulators, to listen…

St. Luke’s To Offer COVID-19 Vaccine Booster Doses to Those Eligible

DULUTH, Minn. – St. Luke’s will start offering COVID-19 vaccine booster doses for those eligible beginning next week. The hospital says the vaccines will be given at the St. Luke’s COVID-19 Clinic by appointment only. Appointments are available to schedule via the myCare patient portal or by calling the Vaccine Clinic at 218-249-4200. The CDC’s recent recommendations for COVID-19 boosters…

Texas Law Limits Medication Abortions as Near-Ban Remains

AUSTIN, Texas (AP) — Texas Gov. Greg Abbott on Friday lauded another new abortion law that tightens limits on abortion-inducing medications, creating an additional layer of restrictions after a near-total ban on abortion in the state began this month. The new restrictions, which take effect in December, shrinks the window when doctors and clinics in Texas can give abortion-inducing medication…

Minnesota Firefighters Who Gave Ultimate Sacrifice Remembered on Fallen Firefighters Memorial Day

Crews say it’s also important to raise awareness of the biggest cause of job-related deaths among firefighters -- cancer and other health issues.

DULUTH, Minn.- Across the state of Minnesota Sunday, firefighters who lost their lives in the line of duty or due to job-related causes were honored for their service on Minnesota Fallen Firefighters Memorial Day. In Duluth, 19 firefighters from as far back as the 1800s to 2010 were remembered for paying the ultimate sacrifice. “It’s not always what you see…

Residents in ISD #381 to Vote on Two-Question Referendum Nov. 2

Question One Wouldn't Increase Taxes for Residents, Question Two Would

SILVER BAY, Minn. – This fall, leadership from Lake Superior School District is hoping residents will vote yes on two big referendum questions. “This school is the center of this community,” said Joe Nicklay, principal at William Kelley Schools in Silver Bay. Nicklay knows how important his building is when it comes to developing the future. “We have teachers who…

Family Remembers St. Paul Man Found Dismembered in Lake Superior, Advocates for Other Missing and Murdered Indigenous People

On Sunday, family and friends of Ricky Balsimo and community members gathered to honor him with cultural performances and a healing walk on the Lakewalk.

DULUTH, Minn.- A murdered indigenous man from St. Paul whose body was found dismembered in Lake Superior over the summer was remembered at a rally and walk in Canal Park Sunday, as organizers also hoped to bring attention to the cases of other missing and murdered indigenous people. “The main purpose for today is to show Ricky’s spirit that we…

Police: Wisconsin Woman Made Frantic Phone Call Before Going Missing

(FOX 9) – A western Wisconsin woman, who has been missing for more than a week, made a frantic phone to a friend before vanishing. In an alert sent out by Wisconsin state authorities on Friday, police said 43-year-old Hailey Anderson was last seen on September 16 in Turtle Lake, Wisconsin leaving the casino around 7:53 p.m. On that day, police say…

Duluth Bethel’s First Concert for Recovery Takes Over Harbor Drive

Members of the Northland Music and Recovery community, the Duluth Bethel Treatment Center, and the DECC hope to make this an annual event.

DULUTH, Minn.- September is National Recovery Month, and community organizers teamed up for the Northland’s first Concert for Recovery, taking place on Harbor Drive behind the DECC, Saturday night. Members of the Northland Music and Recovery community, the Duluth Bethel Treatment Center, and the DECC hope to make this an annual event, supporting substance abuse treatment and mental health services….

City of Duluth, Ecolibrium3 Host Chalkfest to Draw Attention to Local Waterways

At the fall party, Ecolibrium3 showcased an assortment of watershed demonstrations, a free harvest soup lunch as a part of their Stone Soup Project, and several other activities.

DULUTH, Minn.- In collaboration with the City of Duluth, Ecolibrium3 hosted a Lake Superior Stormwater Chalkfest fall party, including family-friendly activities. At the fall party, Ecolibrium3 showcased an assortment of watershed demonstrations, a free harvest soup lunch as a part of their Stone Soup Project, and several other activities. They also invited the community to stop by and show off…

Setup Begins for Bentleyville Tour of Lights

Around 55 high school students from the College of St. Scholastica's Upward Bound program came out to help set up the famous holiday attraction.

DULUTH, Minn.- The Bentleyville “Tour of Lights” setup at Bayfront Festival Park has officially begun. Bentleyville staff and volunteers started their Saturday early at 8 a.m., testing lights, unloading trucks, and putting together holiday displays. Around 55 high school students from the College of St. Scholastica’s Upward Bound program came out to help set up the famous holiday attraction. “This…

Lester River Rendezvous Takes Lakeside Back in Time

If cannons and blacksmiths weren't your thing, there were also 30 vendors selling more modern handcrafted goods.

DULUTH, Minn.- A blast of a party and a blast from the past was back at Lester Park in Duluth with the return of the Lester River Rendezvous. The event was back for its 22nd year with the Voyageur Village, taking folks back in time to check out the lifestyles and folkways of early settlers in Minnesota and Wisconsin history….

Duluth Preservation Alliance Announces City’s 10 Most Endangered Places for 2021

The 10 locations on the list include the Esmond Building (known to many as the former Seaway Hotel), the Pastoret Terrace or Kozy Bar and Apartments, and the St. Regis Apartments.

DULUTH, Minn.– The Duluth Preservation Alliance announced its 2021 ten most endangered places list, they said to demand the City of Duluth take historic preservation into account in its long-term comprehensive planning, and encourage private property owners to take responsibility for historic places. The list is organized from west to east. Each place falls under one of three categories: Impending…

One Man Dead in Single-Vehicle Crash in Downtown Duluth

DULUTH, Minn.- One man is dead following a single-vehicle crash in downtown Duluth Saturday night. According to a spokesperson with the Duluth Police Department, officers responded to the area of S 1st Ave E at E Michigan Street on a report of a single-vehicle crash. The sole occupant of the vehicle, a 52-year-old male, was ejected and died from injuries…

Gun Show Returns to Superior with a Bang

SUPERIOR, Wisc. — The Superior Gun Show makes its return this weekend for two days at the Head of the Lakes Fairgrounds. Vendors gathered to showcase some of their best items from the early 1900’s to modern day pieces. They say being able to share them with people who are just as passionate as they are makes these types of…

Ammo Shortage Adding Stress This Hunting Season

SUPERIOR, Wic. — It’s prime time of year to go hunting, but a shortage in ammunition is making a normally exciting time of year for those who participate a bit of stressful. Supply shop owners did not think the shortage would be going on for the two years it has. They say it’s due to many different reasons like panic-buying, shipment…

GND Rec Center Hosts Rummage Sale

Organizers say it's a great way to help support the community.

DULUTH, Minn. — The Gary New Duluth Rec Center is having its semi-annual rummage sale to support the final phase of their recreational area. Hosted every September, the proceeds from the rummage sale go right back into the rec center with a minimal cost associated with a variety of items from clothes, crafts and board games. Organizers say it’s a…

Public Health Officials Concerned with New Covid-19 Cases in St. Louis County.

On Friday, both St. Luke's and Essentia Health announced northland residents can make appointments to receive the booster shot next week.

DULUTH, Minn. — Last week alone, 600 new cases of Covid-19 were detected in St. Louis County a trend that is all too familiar for public health officials. “We are really hoping that we don’t see the increase that we did following September last year. We had a big spike in October and going through November and December,” St. Louis County…

Winter Attire Needed at the Damiano Center

DULUTH, Minn.- The seasons are changing, meaning more people need winter attire. And the Damiano Center in Duluth is asking for help. The Damiano Center is hosting its annual Community Connect event, inviting people looking for winter clothing and additional resources. “It’s housed here at the Damiano center, but it is a community-wide planned event, and so it’ll be from…

Hillside Makers Market is Back

DULUTH, Minn.- The Hillside Makers Market is back today and tomorrow, offering various goods. The once-a-month pop-up market showcases jewelry, clothing, and baked goods, all made by local artisans. You can even find accessories for your four-legged friends. “So we have all sorts of fantastic artists this weekend for Friday and Saturday, and there’s everything from floral arrangement to jewelry…

Costco’s Grand Opening is Near

DULUTH, Minn.- Costco’s official grand opening is October 28th, making their famous Kirkland brand products available to Northlanders in just one month. If you’re not looking for groceries, the membership-based store offers various hot foods, electronics, household items, and clothing. “Costco offers quality goods and services at the lowest possible price,” said general manager John Kuzas. “In this location, we…

Minnesota DNR Launches New Hearing Process for PolyMet Mine

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP)-Minnesota regulators have launched a court-ordered process for assessing the risks to clean water from waste from the proposed PolyMet copper-nickel mine in northeastern Minnesota. The Department of Natural Resources announced plans for a trial-like proceeding known as a contested case hearing, which was ordered by the Minnesota Supreme Court in April. The hearing will be confined…

Minnesota to Begin Administering Pfizer COVID-19 Booster Shots

ST. PAUL, Minn.-Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz has announced that Minnesota will begin administering Pfizer COVID-19 booster shots to residents who are eligible to receive one. Minnesotans who got the Pfizer vaccine can receive a booster shot at least six months after their initial series based on CDC guidance: people 65 years and older and residents in long-term care settings should…

Midday Update 9-24-21

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Friday, September 24, 2021

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Ken Slama for a local look at news and weather making headlines Friday, September 24, 2021. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Ken Slama, Local News, midday update, News, weather

Explore the Beauty of Bagley Nature Area as Fall Foliage Starts to Pop

Active Adventures: Autumn Adventures at Bagley Nature Area

DULUTH, Minn. – This week’s Active Adventures takes FOX 21’s Brett Scott to Bagley Nature Area on the campus of UMD. This 59-acre forest, pond, and open area are located in the northwest part of the campus. Tim Bates, Associate Director, Environmental Education Coordinator, says Bagley is a great place for running, cross-country skiing, walking, or any other quiet outdoor…