News

Essentia Health to Require COVID Vaccine as Condition of Employment

DULUTH, Minn. – Essentia Health announced Wednesday that it will require all staff to be vaccinated against COVID as a condition of their employment. “Employees must receive their first dose of vaccine by Oct. 1 and their second dose in a two-dose series by Nov. 1,” the hospital wrote in a statement. Additionally, vaccination will be also be required to…

Midday Update 8-4-21

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Wednesday, August 4, 2021

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Ken Slama for a local look at news and weather making headlines Wednesday, August 4, 2021. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Ken Slama, Local News, midday update, News, weather

After Seven-Night Rendezvous, Michigan Trucker Reunites With Missing Four-Legged Friend

Booker Bolted From His Dad's Big Rig During a Stop for Work in Cloquet

CLOQUET, Minn. – In this week’s Animal Answers, we’re sharing a lost and found story that might just have you reaching for the tissue box. It was nearly a week ago when Booker the one-and-a-half-year-old Jack Russell Terrier mix bolted from his owner’s big rig during a stop in Cloquet. “Ever since I started driving over the road he’s been…

Morning Update 8-4-21

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Wednesday, August 4, 2021

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Ken Slama for a local look at news and weather making headlines Wednesday, August 4, 2021. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Ken Slama, Local News, morning update, News, weather

Target to Offer Debt-Free Education to Front-Line Workers

NEW YORK (AP) – Target Corp. is joining a growing list of retailers and restaurant chains offering educational assistance at select online institutions for its front-line workers amid a fiercely competitive labor market. The Minneapolis-based discounter said Wednesday that it plans to spend $200 million over the next four years to offer its workers free undergraduate and associate degree programs…

Minnesota Prosecutor Charged With Sexually Assaulting Child

FOLEY, Minn. (AP) — The top prosecutor in a Minnesota county is facing three felonies for allegedly sexually assaulting a child under 16. Benton County Attorney Philip Miller, of Rice, was charged last week with second-degree criminal sexual conduct with a victim younger than 16 and two counts of fourth-degree criminal sexual conduct with a victim between the ages of…

Cooling Off: Visitors Embrace the Natural Beauty of Amnicon Falls State Park

Amnicon Falls State Park is Located in South Range, Wisconsin

SOUTH RANGE, Wis. – It’s hard to come by from the sky this summer, so folks are flocking to any source of water they can to catch some relief from the heat. “Oh, we love it! If you haven’t been here, check it out,” said Tatiana Patterson, visiting Amnicon Falls State Park from New Berlin, Wisconsin. With over 40 waterfalls…

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to Begin 2021 Harbor Dredging

The Army Corps of Engineers will be dredging 40 thousand cubic yards of sediment from the harbor.

DULUTH, Minn.- Some portions of beach along Park Point will close for about a month starting this week for The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to begin 2021 dredging in the harbor. While the dredging won’t affect traffic the beach from 7th Street to 12th Street will be closed for about a month and a half. The Army Corps of…

City of Duluth to Require Masks in Public City Buildings, Fire Stations Close to Public

While the city plans to keep its buildings open to everyone, Duluth Fire stations are the exception. They are now closed to the public again, just days after reopening.

DULUTH, Minn.- The City Of Duluth is bringing back its mask mandate for all city employees and the public inside all city-owned buildings — regardless of a person’s vaccination status. “Personally it is frustrating to be at this point,” Duluth Mayor Emily Larson said. “I know that many of us would like this to be over.” “Last week I didn’t…

National Night Out Brings Neighborhoods, Police Back Together After COVID

The Piedmont neighborhood was full of music and the smell of food as everyone celebrated what they call the return to events bringing the neighborhood together.

DULUTH, Minn.- National Night Out was celebrated once again across the Northland Tuesday, serving as a way to bring people together while also promoting police and community partnerships. The Piedmont neighborhood was full of music and the smell of food as everyone celebrated what they call the return to events bringing the neighborhood together. Organizers at Piedmont Dental said they’re…

Forgotten Oil And Gas Wells Linger, Leaking Toxic Chemicals

CRANE, Texas (AP) — Rusted pipes litter the sandy fields of Ashley Williams Watt’s cattle ranch in windswept West Texas. The corroded skeletons are all that remain of hundreds of abandoned oil wells that were drilled long before her family owned the land. The wells, unable to produce any useful amounts of oil or gas, were plugged with cement decades…

Local Restaurants Encourage Mask Recommendations to Customers

DULUTH, Minn.– With the mask recommendation in effect, local restaurants also encourage face coverings when indoors. This adds another challenge to the way businesses are operating this summer aside from staffing shortages and altered hours of operation due to the shortages. But the President of the Duluth Local Restaurant Association feels like our restaurants are up to the challenge. “People…

Businesses Respond to Mask Recommendations

DULUTH, Minn.– County health officials are recommending masks to be worn inside, despite vaccination status, due to a spike in the number of cases throughout Saint Louis County. “We’re just recommending, like the county is recommending, and my staff same thing, their choice at this point, and hopefully it wont get any worse than that, but you know its mainly…

Ex-Cops Charged in Floyd Death Want Separation From Chauvin

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) – Three former Minneapolis police officers charged with violating George Floyd’s civil rights are asking that their federal trials be separated from the trial of Derek Chauvin, who has already been convicted on state murder charges. Attorneys for J. Kueng and Tou Thao said in court filings Tuesday that their clients would be unfairly prejudiced if they went…

Biden to Announce New Eviction Ban Due to COVID Spread

WASHINGTON (AP) – The Biden administration will announce a new 60-day eviction moratorium that would protect areas where 90% of the U.S. population lives. That’s according to three people familiar with the plans who insisted on anonymity to discuss the forthcoming announcement. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has identified a legal authority for a new and different moratorium…

Legislative Committee: UW System Virus Moves Need Our OK

MADISON, Wis. (AP) – A Republican-controlled legislative committee has blocked the University of Wisconsin System from taking several steps to fight coronavirus without its approval. The Wisconsin State Journal reports the committee’s move comes as university officials in Madison are weighing a campuswide mask mandate and expanded testing requirements for people who haven’t been vaccinated. It also comes as the…

Lake Superior College to Require Masks Beginning Wednesday

DULUTH, Minn. – Lake Superior College will once again be requiring masks or facial coverings to be worn in public indoor settings on all four campus locations beginning Wednesday. Lake Superior College President Patricia Rogers wrote in a memo on Tuesday, “The health and safety of our campus community remain among our absolute highest priorities. As we prepare for the…

City of Duluth to Require Masks in City Facilities Beginning Wednesday

DULUTH, Minn. – The City of Duluth says starting Wednesday masks will be required for staff and the public in all city facilities. “Earlier today, an email was sent to staff alerting them of this change,” Chief Administrative Officer Noah Schuchman said. “This is not a decision that we make lightly and is a short-term step which we feel is…

Officer Dead After Burst of Violence Outside Pentagon

(AP Photo/Andrew Harnik) UPDATE: WASHINGTON (AP) — An officer died after being stabbed Tuesday during a burst of violence at a transit station outside the Pentagon, law enforcement officials said. A shooting resulted in the Pentagon being locked down for more than an hour. A Pentagon officer who was stabbed later died, according to officials who were not authorized to…

Hibbing Man Arrested After Allegedly Stealing St. Louis County Sheriff’s Patrol Squad Car

VIRGINIA, Minn. – A 21-year-old Hibbing man was arrested Tuesday after he allegedly stole a St. Louis County Sheriff’s patrol squad and then led authorities on a vehicle pursuit towards Tower. According to police, the incident happened around 10:20 p.m. when a deputy parked the squad car outside of the County Courthouse complex in Virginia, which he believed to be…

Midday Update 8-3-21

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Tuesday, August 3, 2021

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Ken Slama for a local look at news and weather making headlines Tuesday, August 3, 2021. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Ken Slama, Local News, midday update, News, weather

Pentagon on Lockdown After Gunshots Fired Near Metro

WASHINGTON (AP) — Gunshots were fired Tuesday morning near the entrance of the Pentagon, resulting in multiple injuries. The facility, the headquarters of the U.S. military, was placed on lockdown. The Arlington County Fire Department reported “multiple patients,” but it wasn’t immediately clear if they had been shot or the extent of the injuries. The incident occurred on a Metro…

Gov. Cuomo Sexually Harassed Multiple Women, Probe Finds

NEW YORK (AP) – An investigation into New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo has found that he sexually harassed multiple current and former state government employees. State Attorney General Letitia James announced the findings Tuesday. The investigation, conducted by two outside lawyers, found that the Cuomo administration was a “hostile work environment” and that it was “rife with fear and intimidation.”…

NYC Will Require Vaccination Proof for Indoor Dining, Gyms

(AP Photo/Kathy Willens,File) NEW YORK (AP) — New York City will soon require proof of COVID-19 vaccinations for anyone who wants to dine indoors at a restaurant, see a performance or go to the gym, Mayor Bill de Blasio announced Tuesday, making it the first big city in the U.S. to impose such restrictions. The new requirement, which will be…

Minnesota Discovery Center Optimistic for Strong Future Ahead

The COVID-19 Pandemic Provided Staff at the Minnesota Discovery Center Time to Rethink Their Mission & Impact on Visitors

CHISHOLM, Minn. – Staff at a museum on the Iron Range is thankful, and making a big impact as they work to come out of the pandemic stronger than ever before. They say the silver lining is shining bright at the Minnesota Discovery Center in Chisholm. “I think they’re excited to explore and run around, ride the trolley, and play…

Morning Update 8-3-21

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Tuesday, August 3, 2021

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Ken Slama for a local look at news and weather making headlines Tuesday, August 3, 2021. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Ken Slama, Local News, morning update, News, weather

Duluth Police Department Rolls out New Community Engagement Bus

(courtesy: Duluth Police Department) DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth Police Department is rolling out a new community engagement bus just in time for National Night Out. The police department says the bus was donated by the Duluth Transit Authority and was provided through the JAG Grant, which focuses on community policing initiatives. “Since it’s a community engagement bus, we opened…

Boats, Beverages, BBQ Coming to DECC’S Harborside Deck

Meanwhile the DECC hopes to add more turf and even hammocks and solar sails to what they call an under-used space.

DULUTH, Minn.- A new way to enjoy the view of the Duluth harbor is opening up this Wednesday as the DECC starts a weekly barbecue event on its harborside patio deck. Boats, Beverages and Barbecue will feature barbecue from Lincoln Park’s “Howard’s Que” and drinks, all while enjoying the ships and boats passing through, including the sailboats that go out…

St. Louis County Recommends Masks Indoors Again, Blames Unvaccinated for COVID Spike

Meanwhile UMD is requiring masks for all indoor buildings.

DULUTH, Minn.- Masks are making a comeback, with some Northland businesses and even UMD requiring them in their buildings. Now St. Louis County Public Health leaders are recommending everyone mask up indoors vaccinated or not — pointing to those who still haven’t gotten the COVID shot for the surge in community spread. “It’s frustrating. It’s unfortunate,” said Amy Westbrook, Public…

Blue Arrow Boutique Expansion ‘SPACES’ Holds Grand Opening

SPACES will also have a gathering area in the back of the store available for rent in the next few weeks.

SUPERIOR, Wis. — A new gift shop in Superior held its grand opening late July on Tower Avenue. While the Blue Arrow Boutique primarily sells women’s clothing and accessories, SPACES is a one-stop shop. “If you have a gift that you need for your sister or your mom or your friend and there’s just not something you like to find…

Kids Learning to Sail in Summer Camp

DULUTH, Minn.- More summer camps are underway in the Northland. The Duluth-Superior Sailing Association kicked off its youth sailing camp today on Park Point. The week-long camp teaches kid’s age’s seven to twelve how to set up equipment and sail. “The kids are becoming members. So we’re teaching them how to rig their own boats and sail them safely,” said…

New Can of Worms Ramp Closures Stacking Up

DULUTH, Minn.- As of today, Twin Ports Interchange ramp closures are underway. Detour signs and traffic barrels are now set up, blocking I-35 south to Highway 53 north, I-535 north to Highway 53 north, and the on ramp to I-35 south from West Superior Street. The three closures are in place through fall of 2023. “So from a traffic impact…

Highs and Lows of Lincoln Park Businesses

DULUTH, Minn.- Different businesses in Lincoln Park are experiencing the highs and lows of business due to construction in the area. Bike lane construction on West Superior Street impacted the up and coming area in several ways. Less parking and street closures caused at least one business, Lee’s Pizza to temporarily close. “We do a lot of delivery and pick…

University of St. Thomas to Require COVID Vaccine for All Students, Staff for Fall Semester

(courtesy: Fox 9)   ST. PAUL, Minn. (FOX 9) – The University of St. Thomas announced it will require students, faculty, and staff to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 before returning to campus this fall. According to the university, the decision was made due to the spread of the delta variant. Additionally, following recent CDC guidance, the university will still…

St. Louis County Recommending Masks in Indoor, Public Places

ST. LOUIS COUNTY, Minn. – St. Louis County public health officials say they are recommending face masks be worn in indoor, public places regardless of vaccination status due to substantial transmission of COVID-19 throughout the county. “We are as frustrated as anyone, but more than that, we are concerned by this growth in cases,” said Amy Westbrook, St. Louis County…

Graham 1st Vaccinated Senator to Test Positive for COVID-19

COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) – Sen. Lindsey Graham has tested positive for the coronavirus. The South Carolina Republican is the first senator to disclose a breakthrough infection after being vaccinated. Graham said in a statement Monday afternoon that he “started having flu-like symptoms Saturday night” and went to the doctor Monday morning. Graham said he would quarantine for 10 days and…

Target Requiring Employees to Mask up in Areas With High COVID-19 Infection Rates

MINNEAPOLIS (FOX 9) – Beginning Tuesday, Target says it will require employees who work in stores in certain areas to mask up again. The Minneapolis-based retailer will require masks for employees at stores in areas with a substantial or high risk of transmission of COVID-19, as defined by the CDC, according to a statement. Currently, over 40 Minnesota counties are…

Midday Update 8-2-21

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Monday, August 2, 2021

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Ken Slama for a local look at news and weather making headlines Monday, August 2, 2021. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Ken Slama, Local News, midday update, News, weather

University of Minnesota Reimposes Indoor Mask Mandate

MINNEAPOLIS (FOX 9) – The University of Minnesota is reinstituting its indoor mask mandate for everyone on campus, regardless of vaccination status, starting Tuesday. University President Joan Gabel sent an email to students, faculty, and staff on Monday informing them of the change. Gabel said the decision comes after the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention announced new guidance on…

‘Best Christmas Ever’ Aims to Set New World Record During City on the Hill Music Festival

The City on the Hill Music Festival is Happening Aug. 6 & 7

DULUTH, Minn. – The excitement is building to see how many candy canes can be hung on the giant Christmas tree erected at Bayfront Park between August 5 – 7 during the City on the Hill Music Festival. The goal is to reach 8,000 candy canes to get Duluth, Minnesota in the record books. Community members can get involved by…

Morning Update 8-2-21

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Monday, August 2, 2021

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Ken Slama for a local look at news and weather making headlines Monday, August 2, 2021. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Ken Slama, Local News, morning update, News, weather