News

Spirit Mountain, Duluth Traverse Land $1M+ For Nordic, Snowmobile, Mountain Biking

DULUTH, Minn. – Spirit Mountain and the Duluth Traverse have landed more than $1 million combined to increase outdoor recreation. Starting with Spirit Mountain, it’s getting roughly $1.2 million to expand its Nordic, snowmobile and mountain bike trails. The state grant will allow Spirit to complete the third loop for its Grand Avenue Nordic Center, build connector trails up to…

New Scenic Café Reopens In-Person Dining Services

DULUTH, Minn. — The New Scenic Cafe on highway 61 is back open for in-person dining bringing back some normalcy to the popular eatery. While this is exciting there are still staffing issues causing hours of operation to be limited. The owner tells Fox 21 it’s just another piece of their road to recovery. This after the restaurant was forced…

Wild State Cider Offering Outdoor Curling

DULUTH, Minn. — Wild State Cider in Duluth’s Lincoln Park Neighborhood has started installing a new outdoor curling rink. After seeing the success of bars in the Twin Cities doing this same type of operation, the cidery is freezing its own rink. They have a goal of hosting an eight-week outdoor curling league along with lane rentals on the weekends….

Celebrating Minnesota Pint Day

DULUTH, Minn. – Dozens of craft breweries and brewpubs across Minnesota are taking part in Minnesota Pint Day. Bent Paddle Brewing Company is one of the Minnesota Craft Brewers Guild members where people can purchase a specialty designed pint glass for seven dollars, which will be filled up for one free drink. “We’ve got a very cool design of the…

Annual Sock Drive Brings Thousands of Socks to Northlanders in Need

DULUTH, Minn. — The Salvation Army is partnering with the Fond-Du-Luth Casino to give thousands of socks to northlanders in need. The 12th annual sock drive began with the Fond-Du-Luth Casino collecting socks in early October. They since have amassed nearly four thousand pairs and recently dropped them off at the Salvation Army community center. Socks are typically not donated…

Winter Needs for CASDA, PAVSA Go Beyond Clothing

TWIN PORTS – During the winter season, organizations that help those who are recovering from the effects of assaults and abuse have unique needs. Those needs may not always be what you think they need. If you are thinking about donating clothes, you may want to reconsider or choose carefully. “Everybody wanted to clean out their closet during COVID,” says JoAnne…

State Commission Recommends Spirit Mountain for $1.2M Grant

DULUTH, Minn. – The Greater Minnesota Regional Parks and Trails Commission has recommended Duluth’s Spirit Mountain for a $1.2 million Parks and Trails Legacy Fund grant. The $1,254,471 Spirit Mountain grant would be part of the $12.2 million recommended by the commission for 20 parks and trails around the state. Spirit Mountain says the grant would allow Spirit Mountain to…

Tribes in 3 States to Link 120 Electric Charging Stations

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Tribal communities in South Dakota, North Dakota, and Minnesota are working together on a project that would reduce reliance on fossil fuels. Minneapolis-based Native Sun Community Power Development plans to collaborate with Standing Rock Renewable Energy Authority and two dozen other partners to create a network of electric vehicle charging stations. The Upper Midwest Inter-Tribal Electric Vehicle…

COVID-19 Surge Stretches Wisconsin Hospitals to the Limit

MADISON, Wis. (AP) – With COVID-19 surging in Wisconsin, health care leaders say their hospitals across the state are at or near capacity. The seven-day average for new infections in Wisconsin is more than 3,500, which is the highest it’s been in a year. The CEO of Froedtert Hospital in Milwaukee, Eric Conley, puts it succinctly. “We are full. Period.”…

Pfizer Says COVID Booster Offers Protection Against Omicron

(AP) – Pfizer says a booster dose of its COVID-19 vaccine appears to offer important protection against the new omicron variant. Pfizer and its partner BioNTech tested how well vaccine-produced antibodies could neutralize omicron in lab dishes. They found significant weakening after the standard two doses. But a booster dose increased antibody levels by 25-fold. The companies said two doses…

Midday Update 12-8-21

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Friday, November 5, 2021

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

Morning Update 12-8-21

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Wednesday, December 8, 2021

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

Public Input Requested As St. Louis County Sheriff’s Office Plans For Body Cameras

DULUTH, Minn. – The St. Louis County Sheriff’s Office is looking for the public’s input as it plans to purchase body worn cameras for its deputies. The St. Louis County Board is scheduled to vote Dec. 14 on the purchase of 110 cameras and supporting equipment at a cost of $790,000. “The Sheriff’s Office has experienced an increase in deadly…

Fresh Off First Major Snowfall, Outdoor Enthusiasts Hit the Trails

Staff at Maple Grove Lodging & Bait Store in Finland is Receiving a Plethora of Phone Calls Regarding Trail Conditions

FINLAND, Minn. – Just days after the first snow of the season, and outdoor winter enthusiasts are chomping at the bit to begin doing what they love. “We’re excited, the ice is forming really well for ice fishing so that was great,” said Nicole Chumley, owner of Maple Grove Lodging & Bait Store. From ice fishing to more intense activities…

LSC Art Show Includes 300-Plus Pieces From Students

DULUTH, Minn. – If you like supporting art in the community, Lake Superior College is the place to be Wednesday. More than 300 pieces of artwork are on display from students there. They include jewelry, digital drawing, digital photography, digital graphic designs, ceramics, and painting. Some students are even putting their artwork up for sale. “I came to the art…

Snow Stompers Needed To Even Out Duluth Trails

The  City of Duluth is looking for volunteer snow-stompers for 7 trail systems as far west as Ely's Peak to as far east as Jean Duluth Road.

DULUTH, Minn.- You can help the City of Duluth “stomp out” any problems on snow-covered trails, by literally volunteering to stomp. The  City of Duluth is looking for volunteer snow-stompers for 7 trail systems as far west as Ely’s Peak to as far east as Jean Duluth Road. They will provide snowshoes for stompers to rent for the season. The…

Superior Police Increasing Traffic Enforcement After Spike in Crashes this Year

Traffic crashes are up 25% this year in Superior and 18% nationwide in the first half of 2021.

SUPERIOR, Wis.-  The Superior Police Department is upping its officers on the streets in hopes of curbing a rise in traffic crashes this year. Traffic crashes are up 25% this year in Superior and 18% nationwide in the first half of 2021 — the largest 6-month increase that’s ever been tracked by the federal government. According to the department’s Public…

How Northlanders Keep their Runners’ High when Temperatures Get Low

Dressing in layers, and like it's 20 degrees warmer than the actual temperature, is key according to experts.

DULUTH, Minn.- Even though winter has chilled the great outdoors out, Northland runners sure have not, mostly unfazed by the change in temps. “Once you start running outside you realize that it’s something that you can do once you have the right equipment,” said Clint Agar, Manager at the Duluth Running Company. According to Agar, it all comes from staying…

COVID Concerns, Staffing Shortages Extend Winter Break For Duluth Public Schools

DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth School Board approved an extended winter break of an additional two days during a special meeting Tuesday evening. The two days include Wednesday, Dec. 22 and Monday, Jan. 3, which is district-wide. District officials say the extended break will help deal with staffing shortages and student safety involving COVID. “With general staffing shortages, many unfilled…

Superior Angel Fund Seeking Donations

SUPERIOR, Wisc. — The Superior Angel Fund is seeking donations to help local students facing financial barriers. The non-profit has been around since 2018 helping students who can’t afford field trips or ACT exams, for example. Right now, the Superior Angel Fund is seeking monetary donations which are needed now more than ever to assist families affected by the pandemic….

Duluth’s Best Bread Expanding to Second Location

DULUTH, Minn. – A Duluth bakery is expanding to a second location. Duluth’s Best Bread has recently purchased the building that currently houses Blacklist Brewery at 120 East Superior Street. Co-owner Michael Lillegard says expansion plans from their Lincoln Park location have been in the works for several years.  “This is a very small space, and we got very very busy…

DECC Looking to Improve Aging Infrastructure

DULUTH, Minn. — The Duluth Entertainment Convention Center is looking to improve some of its aging infrastructures. This comes after the DECC experienced an ammonia leak over the summer prompting officials to look more closely at the other structural issues the DECC has been having over the years. This has led executive Director, Dan Hartman, to propose $8 million in…

Benedictine Living Community-Duluth To Acquire Hearthstone Home Care

DULUTH, Minn. – Benedictine Living Community-Duluth will acquire Hearthstone Home Care in Duluth effective December 1. “Hearthstone Home Care has been providing quality home care services to area seniors for many years. For the past seven years, Benedictine Living Community-Duluth has partnered with Hearthstone with Benedictine Duluth’s professionals providing in-home physical, occupational, and speech therapy to Hearthstone clients,” said Barb…

Bayfield County Health Department Reports Five COVID Deaths in November

BAYFIELD COUNTY, Wis. – The Bayfield County Health Department on Tuesday announced there had been five COVID-related deaths in the month of November. Health department officials say this brings the total number of deaths from COVID-19 in the county to 30. “Our deepest condolences to the family and friends of these five patients,” stated Sara Wartman, Health Officer for Bayfield…

Midday Update 12-7-21

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Tuesday, December 7, 2021

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Ken Slama for a look at local news and weather making headlines Tuesday, Dec. 7, 2021. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Ken Slama, Local News, midday update, News, weather

Minnesota Projects Record $7.7 Billion Surplus

(AP Photo/Steve Karnowski) ST. PAUL, Minn. (FOX 9) – Minnesota has a record-shattering $7.7 billion surplus, state budget officials project, setting the stage for lawmakers to debate how to spend it in 2022. The Minnesota Department of Management and Budget released the projection Tuesday morning, basing it on strong growth in income, consumer spending, and corporate profits that have driven…

11 Wisconsin Students Treated for Breathing Issues in Pool Malfunction

MILWAUKEE (AP) — Eleven students from a private Milwaukee school were taken to the hospital after a chlorine buildup in the pool area caused air quality to deteriorate. Fire officials say the children from St. Augustine Preparatory Academy were treated for breathing problems at Children’s Hospital Wisconsin Monday. Battalion Chief Andrew Hargarten says the students were participating in a swimming…

Hot Holiday Tech with Verizon Wireless

DULUTH, Minn. – Need a one-stop-shop for tech? Verizon’s got you covered with an online quiz to figure out which devices match your personality so you can Have the Holiday Your Way! Here are Verizon’s hot tech recommendations this season from Andrew Testa. The Pixel 6 is a completely redesigned, fully loaded Google smartphone. This device has a new camera…

Morning Update 12-7-21

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Tuesday, December 7, 2021

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Ken Slama for a look at local news and weather making headlines Tuesday, Dec. 7, 2021. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Ken Slama, Local News, morning update, News, weather

State: 98% Occupancy Rate in Hospital Intensive Care Units

MINNEAPOLIS – The number of people hospitalized in intensive care in Minnesota has reached the highest level yet during the coronavirus pandemic. The state is reporting a 98% occupancy rate in adult ICU beds when COVID-19 and non-COVID-19 patients are included. Nearly 350 people are receiving intensive care. M Health Fairview doctor, Andrew Olson, is urging people to get vaccinated…

Church Honors St. Nicholas Day

DULUTH, Minn. — Monday is St. Nicholas Day, and in Duluth, children and adult volunteers gathered outside the Twelve Holy Apostles Orthodox Church to celebrate. St. Nicholas was a 4th-century Christian bishop known for being a secret gift giver and helping the poor. These good deeds eventually formed the basis for Santa Claus. Volunteers outside the church handed out cookies,…

DFD Talks About Cold Temperature Dangers And Bundling Up

DULUTH, Minn. — With subzero temperatures on the horizon, the Duluth Fire Department wants to remind the public to be weary of the dangers of frostbite and hypothermia. Officials say that bundling up with multiple layers and covering yourself up as much as you can is the best way to stay safe, along with simply limiting your time outside. It…

Mail Room Under New Ownership, Seeing Boost in Business

DULUTH, Minn. — The new owners of The Mail Room on London Road in Duluth are getting busier for the holiday season. After taking over November 1st, Pack and Mail now has three locations including stores in both Cloquet and west Duluth. They offer a variety of services including faxing, copying, and more. Extra employees have been added to be…

Residents Dig Out of First Big Snowstorm

DULUTH, Minn. — It’s one of the coldest days of the year so far and the wind didn’t help as residents were digging themselves out of the first big snowstorm of the season. With the city blanketed with anywhere from four to eight inches of snow, residents spent the Monday shoveling and snow blowing their driveways and sidewalks. We caught…

CHUM Receives Large Donation of Blankets, Socks

DULUTH, Minn. —  Just in time for the temperature drop, CHUM received a large donation of blankets and socks from Miller Hill Subaru on Monday. Hundreds of blankets and socks will be distributed to people at the chum drop-off center in downtown Duluth. Whatever is left over will go to the warming center. With much colder weather now happening in…

Warming Center Continues to Remain at Capacity

DULUTH, Minn. — The warming center in Duluth that is operated by CHUM has remained at capacity this winter season. After opening up on November first, it has seen a large number of people stopping in on a daily basis. Right now, the center is still in need of hand warmers and gloves for those going back outside in the…

Walz Names Long-Term Care Sites To Get Guard Staffing Help

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz on Monday sent the first three Minnesota National Guard skilled nursing teams to care facilities statewide on Monday as part of an effort to fix staffing woes amid the current wave of COVID-19 infections. Fifty Guard members were to begin providing care Tuesday at facilities in New Hope, Onamia, and Fergus Falls. Walz…

Jury Instructions Sewn up in Trial Over Daunte Wright Death

(Court TV, via AP, Pool) MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Attorneys and a judge hammered out jury instructions Monday for the trial of a white Minnesota police officer who fatally shot Black motorist Daunte Wright, with the judge denying defense requests that would have made the instructions more expansive for the former officer’s benefit. Kim Potter, 49, is charged with first-degree and second-degree manslaughter in…