News

Morning Update 8-26-21

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Thursday, August 26, 2021

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Ken Slama for a local look at news and weather making headlines Thursday, August 26, 2021. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Ken Slama, Local News, morning update, News, weather

Judge Rejects Bid to Allow Guns at Minnesota State Fair

(AP Photo/Jim Mone, File) MINNEAPOLIS (AP) – A judge has rejected a request by a gun owners group for a temporary injunction to require the Minnesota State Fair to allow permit holders to carry their pistols on the fairgrounds. Judge Laura Nelson ruled Wednesday that they’re unlikely to prevail as the broader-case goes forward. The judge issued her ruling the…

Kitchen Fire at Spoon’s Bar & Grill Causes $75k in Damage

DULUTH, Minn. – An early morning kitchen fire at Spoon’s Restaurant in West Duluth caused an estimated $75,000 in damage. According to the Duluth Fire Department, fire crews responded to the restaurant around 2:27 a.m. Thursday on reports of flames showing from the building. When crews arrived at the restaurant, located at 2113 West Superior Street, they found flames coming…

Greenwood Fire Destroys Nearly 70 Structures In McDougal Lake Area

No injuries have been reported so far.

The Greenwood Fire’s devastating destruction became very real Wednesday evening as officials released how many structures were damaged or destroyed in the McDougal Lake area. According to the Superior National Forest Service, the Cook County Sheriff’s Office has counted 12 cabins and homes destroyed by fire and nearly 60 outbuildings, like sheds, also destroyed. Three other primary structures, like cabins…

Full Business Liquidation Sells off Last Parts of Ganucci’s

DULUTH, Minn.– A local family favorite restaurant since the 70’s closed its doors about a week ago here in Duluth, and Nordic Auctions went in today to sell the last parts of Ganucci’s. West Duluth’s’ Ganucci’s Italian Market and Restaurant held a full business liquidation today selling off all food stock, kitchen items, dining room furniture and other décor to…

YMCA Hosts Back to School Resource Fair

DULUTH, Minn.– The Harbor Highlands YMCA held their annual back to school fair this evening, preparing and supplying kids with the materials they might need before the year starts. There were multiple tables set up outside teaching the kids about areas of health, safety and wellness, and they were able to receive backpacks and other school supplies too. According to…

Duluth Schools In-Person: Masks on

DULUTH, Minn.– As Duluth public schools prepare for the 5-day, in-person instruction this academic year, Superintendent John Magas talks about why the mask requirements for students age 2 and older will be beneficial in the long run. Duluth School District officials confirmed the mask requirement as of last night as district officials updated ISD 709’s “Safe Learning Plan.” By doing…

U.S. Forest Service: BWCA Closure Extended Through Friday, Sept. 3

All Permits and Reservations Have Been Canceled, Refunded

ELY, Minn. – the U.S. Forest Service is extending its closure of the BWCA through at least Friday, September 3rd. All permits and reservations have been canceled and refunded. According to the Forest Service, on Tuesday, at least four smaller fires ignited from the main Greenwood fire that’s now expanded to over 21-thousand acres just 15 miles from Isabella. With…

Facebook Page Created to Help Displaced Pets from Fires in Northeastern Minnesota

The Page 'Greenwood Fire Displaced Pets' is Receiving Countless Inquiries From People Looking to Help Displaced Pets, Animals

DULUTH, Minn. – Pets, and livestock are also living in the path of the Greenwood fire and others burning in Northeastern Minnesota. Now a group of local animal lovers and veterinarians is looking to help out where they can. The group is calling themselves, ‘Greenwood Fire Displaced Animals’ on Facebook. Currently, more than two dozen people have reached out, offering…

American Red Cross Blood Drive at AMSOIL

DULUTH, Minn.- The American Red Cross hosts a two-day blood drive event sponsored by Bentleyville and Bent Paddle Brewing. The blood drive welcomes donors to sign-up or walks into AMSOIL Arena to give blood today and tomorrow. Donors will receive a free T-shirt from Bentleyville and a free beer from Bent Paddle Brewing. “They need to have that blood available…

University of Minnesota Duluth Welcomes Students

DULUTH, Minn.- University of Minnesota Duluth students started welcome week festivities by moving back to campus. Lines of cars full of first-year students and parents were wrapped around the campus, waiting to be checked into their new living situations. “Yeah, it’s exciting,” said first-year student Noah Peterson. “Very different than last year when we only went to school twice a…

Firefighters Continue Battling Greenwood Fire

Firefighters are also monitoring areas of concern along the border of the fire.

ISABELLA, Minn. —  On Wednesday more than 400 firefighters on the ground were busy conducting several defensive operations with the help of air resources. One of the main goals is helping to reduce burnable natural fuel near homes and the edge of the fire. “We really gotta make sure highway one is closed to the public,” Greenwood Fire Public Information…

Fire on Michigan’s Remote Isle Royale 15 Percent Contained

ISLE ROYAL, Mich. (AP) – An official says a wildfire on Michigan’s remote Isle Royale has been about 15% percent contained and crews have saved some historic cabins from encroaching flames. The fire began Aug. 10, apparently sparked by a lightning strike on the drought-stricken wilderness island. Liz Valencia, a spokeswoman for Isle Royale National Park, says the wildfire has…

Wisconsin Man Charged in Parents’ Killing and Dismemberment

MADISON, Wis. (AP) – A Wisconsin man accused of killing and dismembering his father has been charged with committing the same crimes against his mother. The new charges brought Wednesday against 23-year-old Chandler Halderson means he now faces two counts each of first-degree intentional homicide, mutilating a corpse, hiding a corpse, and providing false information on kidnapped or missing persons…

Delta Will Charge Unvaccinated Employees $200 per Month

(AP Photo/David Goldman) (AP) -Delta Air Lines will charge employees on the company health plan $200 a month if they fail to get vaccinated against COVID-19, a policy the airline’s top executive says is necessary because the average hospital stay for the virus costs the airline $40,000. CEO Ed Bastian said that all employees who have been hospitalized for the…

Midday Update 8-25-21

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Wednesday, August 25, 2021

FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Ken Slama provide an update on news and weather making headlines Wednesday, August 25, 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

Greenwood Fire Update: Fire Grows to Over 21,000 Acres

ISABELLA, Minn. – Officials say the Greenwood fire grew to 21,720 acres Wednesday with suppression operations expanding to the east and south. Wednesday’s weather is expected to be favorable for firing operations with lights winds, lower temperatures, and relative humidity in the high 30th percentile. Authorities say firefighters plan to conduct several defensive firing operations today to reduce the burnable…

Morning Update 8-25-21

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Wednesday, August 25, 2021

FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Ken Slama provide an update on news and weather making headlines Wednesday, August 25, 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

Minnesota Supreme Court Delivers Blow to Line 3 Opponents

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) – The Minnesota Supreme Court has declined to hear an appeal by opponents of Enbridge Energy’s Line 3 oil pipeline, letting stand a key decision by independent regulators to allow construction to proceed. The state’s highest court declined Tuesday to take the case, effectively affirming a decision in June by the Minnesota Court of Appeals. And it left…

Superior National Forest Closes National Forest Lands Along Upper Gunflint Trail

DULUTH, Minn. – On Wednesday, the U.S. Forest Service announced it is closing the Superior National Forest lands along the upper portion of the Gunflint Trail due to ongoing fires and limited availability of firefighting resources. This closure includes all forest lands along Cook County 12/Gunflint Trail beginning at the Cook County 92 Intersection to the end of the Gunflint…

Closure of Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness Extended Because of Fires

(Sarah Shapiro/USDA Forest Service via AP) DULUTH, Minn. (AP) – U.S. Forest Service officials have extended the closure of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness as Minnesota’s largest wildfire doubled in size. The Greenwood fire burning in the Superior National Forest in northeastern Minnesota grew to about 30 square miles Monday, and four new smaller fires started within the BWCA….

Glensheen’s ‘Concerts on the Pier’ Providing Much Needed Relaxation for Visitors

The Final Concert on the Pier for 2021 will be Wednesday, Aug. 25

DULUTH, Minn. – It’s a midweek break loved and enjoyed by many locals and visitors in the Northland. Concerts on the Pier at Glensheen Mansion have hundreds enjoying the great outdoors this summer. It’s an audio attraction that was forced to be muted back in 2020. “It’s strange because you’re playing to the water, you’re playing to the shore, you’re…

Gannucci’s Liquidation Auction Wednesday

DULUTH, Minn.-The famous Gannucci’s Italian Market and Restaurant will be hosting a full business liquidation sale Wednesday. The auction includes everything from food to coolers, and even items from the old Jade Fountain which is in the adjoining building. We caught up with the auctioneer for the event, who has been a longtime customer, saying the business is an institution…

Wildfires Continue to Destroy Forest, Evacuation Sites Prepare for those Escaping

BABBITT, Minn.– The Greenwood fire is still burning through the Northland, and shows no signs of stopping any time soon as dry weather conditions continue. The Red Cross evacuation site in Finland packed up yesterday, and relocated to Babbitt, about an hour and a half North West to respond to the demand of resources needed there. What was formerly going…

Duluth School Dist. To Mask Up For Full In-Person Learning

DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth School District confirmed its back-to-school plans Tuesday evening that include students learning in-person five days a week and students 2 and older wearing masks. The mask requirement also includes all school employees and guests. The confirmation came as district officials updated the ISD 709 Safe Learning Plan. Supt. John Magas said he’s following the guidance…

Essentia Vision Northland Project Celebrating Well-Balanced Workforce

Underrepresented Workers Vital to Essentia's Vision Northland Project

DULUTH, Minn. – The Essentia Health Vision Northland Project is celebrating two milestones. The new, $900 million state-of-the-art facility is now approximately 40 percent complete. Another accomplishment resides within the workforce behind the project. According to Essentia Health, the operation is proud to have a workforce in which nearly 17 percent of the crew members are from groups traditionally underrepresented…

Army Corps Begin Vessel Yard Pier Repairs

The army corps will then continue repairs in the spring of 2022.

DULUTH, Minn. — The Army Corps of Engineers began the repair of a portion of their Piers at the southern vessel yard Tuesday morning. Crews were mobilizing equipment to replace one of the old concrete walls built in THE 1940s which is worn down due to age. It will be replaced with steel sheet pile. People working on the project…

City of Duluth Hosts Back to School Event

There was also more than 1,400 backpacks handed out for free through Chum

DULUTH, Minn. — More than 500 people stopped by the DECC for a city-sponsored back-to-school event and community resource fair. The free event was all about getting community resources into the hands of kids and their families including different forms on transportation, housing and more. There was also more than 1,400 backpacks handed out for free through Chum, but the…

Babbitt Evacuation Point Turned Into Overnight Shelter

(courtesy: U.S. Forest Service/Facebook) BABBITT, Minn. – The American Red Cross says they are turning the Temporary Evacuation Point in Babbitt into an overnight shelter to help those displaced by the Greenwood fires. The shelter will provide by providing safe shelter, food, emergency relief supplies, emotional support, health services, current disaster information, and other resources. People are encouraged to bring…

Thompson Won’t Give Lawmakers Control of UW’S COVID Policies

MADISON, Wis. (AP) – University of Wisconsin System President Tommy Thompson is pushing back against Republican lawmakers who claim campuses need their permission to implement COVID-19 policies. System schools implemented a range of protocols this month heading into the fall semester, including mask and testing mandates. Republican lawmakers responded by voting to block the system from implementing any COVID-19 policies…

Rolling Stones Drummer Charlie Watts Dies at Age 80

LONDON (AP) – Rolling Stones drummer Charlie Watts has died at the age of 80. Publicist Bernard Doherty said Tuesday that Watts “passed away peacefully in a London hospital earlier today surrounded by his family.” The self-effacing and unshakeable drummer helped anchor one of rock’s greatest rhythm sections for more than half a century and used his “day job” to…

Virus Fears Lead Some Vendors to Skip Minnesota State Fair

(AP Photo/Jim Mone,File) FALCON HEIGHTS, Minn. – Around 150 vendors will be missing when the Minnesota State Fair returns Thursday from a one-year layoff due to the pandemic. Many pulled out due to COVID-19 fears, staffing shortages, and supply chain issues. The St. Paul Pioneer Press reports that’s double the number of vendors that usually drop out. Several state agencies…

Midday Update 8-24-21

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Tuesday, August 24, 2021

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

Greenwood Fire Grows to Over 19,000 Acres Tuesday

ISABELLA, Minn.  – The Greenwood fire has grown to approximately 19,493 acres, according to the National Wildfire Coordinating Group. As of Monday evening, the fire was zero percent contained and was expected to jump over Highway 1 causing new evacuation orders for those in the fire’s path. The fire had also broken out in two new areas, one on the…

Duluth Fire Department: “Residents Should Keep Windows Closed” Due to Smoke

  DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth Fire Department issued an advisement early Tuesday morning due to heavy smoke in the area. According to a Tuesday news release, “The Duluth Fire Department is issuing an advisement that early this morning around 0420, a wind switch from the approaching weather front has brought smoke from the wildfires north of Duluth to our…

Morning Update 8-24-21

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Tuesday, August 24, 2021

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

‘Get Ready’ Notifications Issued For Portion Of Gunflint Trail As Wildfires Grow

BWCAW –  The Cook County Sheriff’s Office and Gunflint fire personnel are alerting people along a northern portion of the Gunflint Trail to “get ready” for potential evacuations because of growing wildfires in the BWCAW. The pre-evacuation alert is for property owners from Seagull Lake to the south end of Loon Lake. Sheriff Pat Eliasen posted on social media Monday…

Knowing Your Neighbors: UpDawg Switching Up the Traditional Hotdog

Owners welcome creativity and unique flavors when customers craft their hotdogs. 

DULUTH, Minn.- A new food truck in the Twin Ports is pushing the boundaries of what goes on the hotdog.  “Hotdogs are fun. You can just put anything on a hotdog,” said Cory Netland. “We just have a book full of recipes and ideas.”  So, what’s UpDawg?  It’s the newest food truck in the Twin Ports launched by Netland and…

Finland Evacuation Site Moves to Babbitt as Wildfire Shifts

FINLAND, Minn.– The Red Cross’ evacuation site at the Finland Community Center relocated today to Babbitt, as demand for services has shifted with the greenwood fire. Forest Service officials tell us the weather patterns today were volatile, pushing the fire to move more North West. The new evacuation site in Babbitt is providing food and water, medical help, and in…

Ely Businesses Impacted by BWCA Closure

The recent closure of the boundary waters is bad news for some of the outfitters in Ely who equip campers with everything they need for the BWCA. 

ELY, Minn. — “We’re at a point right now where it’s just incendiary so we had to take this drastic action for the first time in almost 50 years,” Piragis Northwoods Company Owner, Steve Piragis says. The recent closure of the boundary waters is bad news for some of the outfitters in Ely who equip campers with everything they need…

Mouth of Lester River Dries Up

DULUTH, Minn.-The mouth of the Lester River heading into Lake Superior has dried up. The recent drought conditions are causing the unusual sight. Some tourists are seeing the bright side to all of this, however, as it makes for easier agate picking. “It’s strange, my little agate hunter here was hoping to find some agates in the stream since it…

Fall Semester Begins at Multiple Northland Colleges

DULUTH, Minn.-The fall semester has begun at Lake Superior College and it includes in-person classes. Currently masks are required on campus to help reduce the amount of COVID cases. One student we caught up with says he’s happy to be back for the fall semester, as he works to get his associate of arts degree. “I just want to make…

Authorities Find Body in Missing Fire Chief’s Truck

HAYWARD, Wis. (AP) – Authorities have discovered a body in a missing fire chief’s truck. The Eau Claire Leader-Telegram reports that Arcadia-Glencoe Fire Chief Jeff Halvorsen and his vehicle were reported missing on Friday. The Sawyer County Sheriff’s Office found the truck on Sunday in a remote wooded area near Hayward. The sheriff’s office said a body was inside the…

University of Minnesota Mandates COVID-19 Vaccinations

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — The University of Minnesota will require all students to get vaccinated against COVID-19. President Joan Gabel and Jakub Tolar, dean of the university medical school, issued a news release Monday hours after the U.S. Food and Drug Administration fully approved the Pfizer version of the vaccine saying shots will be mandatory and students will receive an email…

New Evacuation Orders Issued Due to Greenwood Fire

FINLAND, Minn. – New evacuation orders were issued Monday afternoon due to the growing Greenwood fire. The U.S. Forest Service posted on their Facebook page Monday, “The Greenwood Fire is expected to cross State Highway 1 near the intersection of Lake County Highway 2. It has also moved to the northeast into the vicinity of McDougal Lake, requiring fire and…