News

Morning Update 11-10-21

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Wednesday, November 10, 2021

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Ken Slama for a local look at news and weather making headlines Wednesday, November 10, 2021. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Ken Slama, Local News, morning update, News, weather

US Consumer Prices Soared 6.2% In Past Year, Most Since 1990

(AP Photo/Damian Dovarganes) WASHINGTON (AP) – Prices for U.S. consumers jumped 6.2% in October compared with a year earlier as surging costs for food, gas and housing left Americans grappling with the highest inflation rate since 1990. The year-over-year increase in the consumer price index exceeded the 5.4% rise in September. From September to October, prices jumped 0.9%, the highest…

Structure of Essentia’s Vision Northland Project Marked Complete with Topping Out Ceremony

According to hospital and construction officials, the project is ahead of schedule at 53% complete.

DULUTH, Minn.- Essentia Health, city and state officials celebrated a big milestone in the multimillion-dollar Vision Northland project — the end of structural construction. The “topping out” ceremony was held Tuesday. For the construction tradition, the beam is adorned with an American flag and a small tree.“They all symbolize positive things,” said Jeff Dzurik, Executive Vice President of McGough Construction….

New Duluth Boutique Hotel in Old City Hall Brings Hope for Struggling Downtown

The Inn is named after famous Duluth architect, Oliver Traphagen, responsible for many of Duluth’s buildings still used today.

DULUTH, Minn.- As downtown businesses continue to pull themselves up through labor shortages and safety issues, officials say the arrival of a new boutique hotel, the Oliver Inn, is a light on the horizon. The Old City Hall building on East Superior Street is getting a new look and new life as the Oliver Inn. “I think each experience that…

Family Donates $63K From 5K To Fund Addiction Recovery For Those Who Can’t Afford It

DULUTH, Minn. — The Minnesota Adult & Teen Challenge received a tremendous donation for its Northland location on Tuesday, coming from a family that started a 5K fundraiser years ago. A couple named Stevie and Sandy Paulson, along with their children, dropped off a check for more than $63,000 to the organization, which helps people start their recovery from substance…

Essentia Health Hosting Free Skin Cancer Screening Clinic

The Free Event is Happening at 330 North 8th Avenue East in Duluth on Thursday, Nov. 11 from 8:30 a.m. - 4 p.m.

DULUTH, Minn. – If you’re concerned about the risk of skin cancer, a free event on Thursday, Nov. 11 might help put your mind at ease. Essentia Health is hosting the event. Skin cancer is one of the most common cancers in the United States, with one in five Americans developing it by age 70. Health officials say the elderly…

Duluth Fire Department Participating in ‘Movember’

Captain Black said the driver of his rig usually wins the competition every year.

DULUTH, Minn. — Members of the Duluth Fire Department can spend a little less time getting ready in the morning this month, as they’re growing out mustaches for a good cause. The goal is to see who can grow the best mustache within department grooming standards. It’s also to pass on the importance of getting screened early for cancers and…

Salvation Army is Looking for Bell Ringers

DULUTH, Minn.- As we near the holidays, Salvation Army is looking for bell ringers to work their 18 fund-ringing locations. The nonprofit organization is looking for people to fill more than 5,000 bell ringer hours throughout the holidays. Each shift can be from 2 to 4 hours, ringing bells outside and inside establishments to raise money for various food programs….

Superior School District on New FDA Vaccine Approval

SUPERIOR, Wis.- Although the FDA recently approved Pfizer vaccines for children ages 5 to 11, no COVID-19 protocols are changing just yet for the Superior School District. The school district will not require eligible students at the elementary level to get vaccinated until mandated by the state of Wisconsin. However, they will continue to practice safe social distancing protocols, including…

Applications Now Accepted as City Increases Vacation Rental Units

With up to ten additional units every year until an ultimate cap is reached of 120 units down the road. 

DULUTH, Minn. — The city of Duluth is accepting applications for more vacation and short-term rentals. This as the city increases the number of units allowed around town. This comes as the city council recently passed a modified ordinance increasing the vacation dwellings cap from 60 to 70 units. With up to ten additional units every year until an ultimate…

Heating Supply Stores Nearing Busy Season

DULUTH, Minn. — The Duluth Stove and Fireplace business has moved to a new location to expand their product inventory. The business held on strong through the pandemic with home construction and renovations continuing to fuel their demand. As they approach what they call their ‘burn season” they needed an expanded building to showcase a growing product line in gas…

CO2 Leak Forces Evacuation Of Red Lobster In Canal Park

UPDATE: According to the Duluth Fire Department the Red Lobster in Canal Park has fully reopened following a carbon dioxide leak reported Tuesday afternoon. Fire crews arrived at the restaurant around 12:00 p.m. and spoke with the manager who said she had shut off the carbon dioxide cylinder and evacuated the restaurant before crews got to the scene. Crews evaluated…

Pfizer Asks FDA to OK COVID-19 Booster Shots for All Adults

(AP) – Pfizer is asking U.S. regulators to allow boosters of its COVID-19 vaccine for anyone 18 or older. Older Americans and other groups particularly vulnerable to the virus have had access to a third dose of the Pfizer and BioNTech vaccine since September. But the Food and Drug Administration has said it would move quickly to expand boosters to…

Midday Update 11-9-21

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Tuesday, November 9, 2021

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Ken Slama for a local look at news and weather making headlines Tuesday, November 9, 2021. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Ken Slama, Local News, midday update, News, weather

Minnesota Lets Public Weigh In on Adequacy of Mining Rules

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) – Minnesota regulators are accepting public comments on whether the state’s regulation of nonferrous mining would provide sufficient protection against environmental damage to the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness. The comment period runs through Dec. 8. The Department of Natural Resources has established a dedicated webpage for its court-ordered review, which stems from a lawsuit that seeks to…

Morning Update 11-9-21

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Tuesday, November 9, 2021

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Ken Slama for a local look at news and weather making headlines Tuesday, November 9, 2021. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, Headlines, Ken Slama, morning update, News, weather

Hospital Sued by Employees Fired for Refusing Vaccine

NORTHFIELD, Minn. (AP) — Some medical professionals are suing a city-owned hospital in southeastern Minnesota after they were terminated for refusing to receive the coronavirus vaccine. The 20 plaintiffs, which include a doctor, registered nurses, and other medical staff, filed their lawsuit in U.S. District Court Monday alleging they were fired without just cause. They claim Northfield Hospital and Clinics…

Klobuchar, MN Business Owner Celebrate Border Reopening, But New Requirements for Canadians Dampen Full Economic Rebound Stateside

Canadians visiting must complete a negative covid-19 test, regardless of their vaccination status to return home, and they have to pay for the test themselves here in the states.

DULUTH, Minn.- The U.S. has fully reopened its borders with Canada, after almost 20 months closed due to the pandemic. But some border businesses in Minnesota are still feeling like the door isn’t fully open as some Canadians are still hesitant to travel — knowing they face testing requirements to return home. “Our biggest trading partner, one of our best…

Duluth Council Approves DEDA’s Help in Paying Rising Cost of Historic Old Central Redevelopment

Supply chain issues and the rising cost of materials have brought the project cost up an additional $4.3 million.

DULUTH, Minn,- Supply chain issues and the rising cost of materials have affected the redevelopment of Duluth’s Historic Old Central High School into housing units. According to Councilor Zack Filipovich, the project cost has gone up an additional $4.3 million dollars due to those issues. With the developer covering about $2.7 million of that, Duluth City Council voted unanimously Monday…

Burrito Union Unveils First-Ever Disinfecting Robot Server

Owner Rod Raymond assures it's not there to replace human servers but make their jobs easier.

DULUTH, Minn.- Stopping by Burrito Union for some food can now be like taking a trip to the future, as the restaurant is unveiling its first-ever robot server. Owner Rod Raymond tells us, “Rasputin” is the first robot in the world to both serve food and disinfect with U-V rays that even kill the coronavirus and other viruses at night…

Duluth Police Raise $2,853 For American Cancer Society

DULUTH, Minn. — The Duluth Police Department raised $2,853 for the American Cancer Society through its “Pink Patch Project” last month. The DPD sold pink versions of its traditional police patches during October, which is nationally recognized as breast cancer awareness month. Chief Mike Tusken said it’s important to find a cure for all types of cancer, as many people…

KYN: Port City Nutrition

That's why she decided to bring Herbalife products such as proteins and herbal teas to downtown Two Harbors along with a positive environment.

TWO HARBORS, Minn. — “I like being in a place that people can go to get nutrition and to get coaching and get into an active lifestyle and a healthy lifestyle,” Port City Nutrition Owner, Quinn Kasell says. After moving from Grand Rapids to Two Harbors with her family, owner Quinn Kasell knew she had to bring her drive for…

St. Louis County Dispatch Center is Hiring

DULUTH, Minn.- Like several other businesses, the St. Louis County 911 Dispatch Center is looking for employees. The dispatch center is currently training five newly hired dispatchers but is looking to hire more in December. With a complete 12 member team, the dispatch center will have 6-9 dispatchers working each shift. “I think a lot of people don’t remember what…

Ashland Police Department Nearly Moved Into Renovated Police Headquarters

"It's very crowded. There's not a lot of room," Morland says.

ASHLAND, Wisc. — After nearly 50 years of conducting their operations in the basement of city hall, the Ashland police department finally has a new station. “This used to flood. So we would be conducting interviews with suspects or sexual assault victims and we would be sitting in water,” Ashland Police Department Lieutenant, Scott Morland says. For nearly five decades…

Local Fire Departments Talk National Crash Responder Safety Week

TWIN PORTS – Today kicks off National Crash Responder Safety week, and local fire departments are spreading awareness as there is a growing number of fatalities involving roadside first responders. A first responder is killed almost every week while trying to clear a roadway crash incident in the United States. 51 traffic and crash responders have been killed by ongoing…

Minnesota Pollution Officials Update Impaired Waters List

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) – Minnesota pollution officials have released the state’s proposed impaired waters list for 2022. Fifteen water bodies in the northeast and central Minnesota were added where fish have been contaminated with a family of chemicals known as “forever chemicals” due to their inability to break down. It’s the first time water bodies outside the Minneapolis-St. Paul area has…

Houston Concert Deaths Spur Calls for Independent Review

HOUSTON (AP) – The Houston police and fire departments were deeply involved in safety measures for the music festival where a surging crowd killed eight people. Now the city’s police department is leading the criminal investigation into how the deadly chaos erupted during a performance by rapper Travis Scott. A prominent local official is calling for a separate, independent review…

Eagan Fire Department Welcomes First All-Female Crew

(courtesy: Fox 9) EAGAN, Minn. (FOX 9) – The Eagan Fire Department has an all-female crew for the first time in the department’s 58-year history. Captain Jessica Hoffman, Firefighter Danielle Fasching, and Firefighter Natalie Holter make up the team that will crew Eagan Engine 2. According to a release from the fire department, the National Fire Protection Association reported that…

Chester Bowl Skis, Suds, & Slices Fundraiser Happening This Week

The Virtual Auction Begins Wednesday, Nov. 10

DULUTH, Minn. – Chester Bowl is proud to present its annual Skis, Suds, & Slices fundraiser beginning Wednesday, Nov. 10, and wrapping up Friday, Nov. 12 at 8:30 p.m. “At Chester Bowl, we believe that every family should be able to learn to ski or snowboard and attend summer camp regardless of their family income,” said Dave Schaeffer, executive director…

Midday Update 11-8-21

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Monday, November 8, 2021

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Ken Slama for a local look at news and weather making headlines Monday, November 8, 2021. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Ken Slama, Local News, midday update

Morning Update 11-8-21

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Monday, November 8, 2021

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Ken Slama for a local look at news and weather making headlines Monday, November 8, 2021. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Ken Slama, Local News, morning update, News, weather

Minnesota Highway Signs Mark Boundaries of 1854 Treaty

(courtesy: Twitter/MAKMinnesota) ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) — Transportation crews are installing 12 highway signs in northeastern Minnesota that have significant, historic meaning. The signs, more than a decade in the making, mark the boundaries of a treaty signed in 1854 by the federal government and three Ojibwe tribes — the Grand Portage Band of Lake Superior Chippewa, Bois Forte Band…

Rivet Run 5k Helps Support Pattison State Park

SUPERIOR, Wis. — More than 50 people came together for the Rivet Run/Walk 5k at Pattinson State Park, which is home to Wisconsin’s tallest free standing waterfall. Proceeds raised by the runners and organizers is helping give back to maintain the place they love so much. Pattison State Park was established in 1920, and features almost 1,500 acres of woods…

Willie Kruger Competition Celebrates One Last Dance

John D'Auria started the show to honor his cousin and Twin Ports breakdancing pioneer, Willie Kruger, who died in 2010.

DULUTH- Minn.- A decade of dance comes to an end in the Twin Ports, as the Willie Kruger Dance Competition brought the community together for one last dance in honor of the local breakdancing pioneer. “10 years with a competition that in the beginning that nobody thought that I could even get past one year by mixing all styles of…

Hundreds of Furry Friends Find New Families at Subaru ‘Love a Pet’ Adoption Event

106 animals total -- 76 cats and 30 dogs -- were adopted out.

DULUTH, Minn.- Hundreds of pets went home with new loving families this weekend at Miller Hill Subaru’s “Love a Pet” adoption event. 106 animals total — 76 cats and 30 dogs — were adopted out. People were in and out the door Saturday and Sunday with new furry family members of all ages. Five different humane organizations from across the…

Walz Takes To Field For Deer Opener; Visits CWD Testing Site

PINE CITY, Minn. (AP) – Gov. Tim Walz was among the thousands of hunters who took to the field for Minnesota’s firearms deer hunting season opener. Walz hunted on private property in Pine County on Saturday.   Here’s a video message from his stand. The owners permanently protected the land by donating a conservation easement to the Minnesota Land Trust. The…

Official Deer Hunting Season Opener  

DULUTH, Minn. — Hunters started rolling into Chalstrom’s around 10 am Saturday morning, and the wave hasn’t let up yet as they’re dropping off their kills for processing on opening day of deer hunting season. But while many have been doing this for years, others are getting to experience the thrill for the first time. “Everyone looks forward to the…

Boy Scout Christmas Wreaths for Sale

DULUTH, Minn. — Winter’s around the corner, and that means so is Christmas, and Duluth’s Troop 9 Boy Scouts were back with their annual Christmas wreath sale outside of the Mount Royal Market. Offering three different sizes and various designs, these wreaths prove to be a hit with the community and is the scouts’ biggest fundraiser. The proceeds help fund…

Vehicle Slams into Duluth Car Wash Injuring Driver, Killing Dog

According to a spokesperson with the Duluth Police Department, a 46-year-old woman experienced a medical condition while driving on Maple Grove Road and lost control.

DULUTH, Minn.- A scary afternoon at the Miller Mall Car Wash in Duluth as they’re left with a literal gaping hole after a vehicle crashed into their building at a high rate of speed. According to a spokesperson with the Duluth Police Department, a 46-year-old woman experienced a medical condition while driving on Maple Grove Road away from the Target….