News

LSC Holds Flu Shot Clinic

Roughly 80-100 students had registered to receive the shot helping to minimize the hospital intake because of the virus.

DULUTH, Minn. — Lake Superior College held their second annual flu shot clinic Tuesday morning. The organization Lead MN is partnered with Hennepin Healthcare to get students the flu vaccine at the college. Roughly 80-100 students had registered to receive the shot helping to minimize the hospital intake because of the virus. “And also help students who are going into…

DECC Expands Covid-19 Test Site Location

As Covid-19 cases continue to rise in the Northland public health officials are seeing a similar trend.

DULUTH, Minn. — As Covid-19 cases continue to rise in the Northland public health officials are seeing a similar trend. “We are about where we were at the beginning of November last year before we had the vaccine and we were going into our peak,” St. Louis County Public Health Division Director, Amy Westbrook says. That’s why Minnesota Governor Tim…

Walz Calls for Vaccine and Testing Requirements for Teachers

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) – Gov. Tim Walz is calling on lawmakers to approve a series of new measures to respond to the fourth wave of the COVID-19 pandemic, including vaccine and testing requirements for teachers and school staff, and for long-term care workers. The Democratic governor detailed his proposal in a letter to lawmakers that he released after meeting privately with…

Mohamed Noor To Be Resentenced Oct. 21

(Renee Jones Schneider/Star Tribune via AP) MINNEAPOLIS (AP) – The former Minneapolis police officer who fatally shot a woman who called 911 to report a possible rape behind her home is being resentenced this month after the Minnesota Supreme Court threw out his murder conviction. Mohamed Noor was initially convicted of murder and manslaughter in the 2017 death of Justine…

Judge Refuses To Toss Weapons Charge Against Rittenhouse

(Antioch Police Department via AP) MADISON, Wis. (AP) – A judge has declined to dismiss a weapons charge against an Illinois man accused of shooting three people during a protest against police brutality in Wisconsin last year. Prosecutors charged Kyle Rittenhouse with homicide and other crimes, including being a minor in possession of a firearm, after he killed two men…

Midday Update 10-5-21

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Tuesday, October 5, 2021

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Ken Slama for a local look at news and weather making headlines Tuesday, October 5, 2021. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Ken Slama, Local News, midday update, News, weather

Duluth Man Facing 21 Charges Following Friday Standoff With Police

DULUTH, Minn. – A Duluth man involved in a 6-hour standoff with police Friday evening after allegedly attempting to rob a bank at gunpoint in Superior, in addition to multiple other crimes, is now facing 21 criminal charges. According to the criminal complaint, Cody Lee Walker-Nelson, 30, began his hours-long crime spree around 7:45 a.m. Friday morning when he’s accused…

Optimism on the Iron Range as New Event & Convention Center Opens

The New Iron Trail Motors Event & Convention Center is a Project 20 Years in the Making

VIRGINIA, Minn. – A massive project 20 years in the making is now a reality, and standing tall in the City of Virginia. Now the City of Virginia Parks and Rec Department is proud to bring people inside the new Iron Trail Motors Event and Convention Center. “This is a game-changing facility for the entire Iron Range,” said Brian Silber,…

Morning Update 10-5-21

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Tuesday, October 5, 2021

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Ken Slama for a local look at news and weather making headlines Tuesday, October 5, 2021. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Ken Slama, Local News, morning update, News, weather

J&J Seeks US Clearance for COVID-19 Vaccine Booster Doses

WASHINGTON (AP) – Johnson & Johnson has asked U.S. regulators to allow booster shots of its COVID-19 vaccine as the U.S. government moves toward shoring up protection in more vaccinated Americans. J&J said Tuesday it filed data with the Food and Drug Administration on giving a booster dose between two to six months after vaccination. The U.S. government last month…

Northland Health Experts Warn of ‘Severe’ Flu Season to Come, On Top of Pandemic

The shadow looming over all this, according to experts, is the stress healthcare systems nationwide are already under.

DULUTH, Minn.- According to Northland health experts, the outlook for this year’s flu season is not good, as they prepare for a one-two punch of the flu and the ongoing COVID-19 surge. “A lot of people are back out doing their normal activities, we’re not in quarantine so those factors will play a role in what could be a severe…

Lake Superior Maritime Visitor Center Sees Smaller Crowds this Summer after Reopening

Officials there say they saw roughly 20,000 visitors in September and 18,000 in August.

DULUTH, Minn- The Maritime Museum Visitor Center in Canal Park is fresh off a summer where visitors were allowed inside again to get a hands-on look at the region’s shipping history. The museum re-opened in July after being closed since the beginning of the pandemic. Officials there say they saw roughly 20,000 visitors in September and 18,000 in August. Smaller…

All City of Duluth Employee Unions Reject Mayor’s 2022 Healthcare Proposal

DULUTH, Minn. – FOX 21 learned Monday that all six employee unions with the city of Duluth have rejected the administration’s new healthcare proposal for 2022. This comes after a rally outside City Hall late last week where union members said they have a strong health fund and want to keep it that way. The proposed changes to employee health…

Duluth Fire Department Participates in Fire Prevention Week

DULUTH, Minn.- It is fire prevention week, and for the Duluth Fire Department, their work runs all month long in spreading awareness to the public. Throughout October, Duluth Firefighters are visiting 2nd-grade classes at about 15 different schools in Duluth. The first responders are teaching kids about fire safety and how to prevent a fire from happening. “We’ve kind of…

Minnesota Power Cold Weather Rule is Now Active

DULUTH, Minn.- The extended Cold Weather Rule dates are now permanently in place for the colder seasons. Minnesota winters are cold for an extended period, leading people to use their heating systems longer. As of October 1, Minnesota Power is here to help customers who have difficulty paying their energy bills. The energy company will set customers up on a…

UMD Anti-Sexual Assault Protest

DULUTH, Minn.- University of Minnesota Duluth students, staff, and faculty gathered today from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the Kirby Student Center, recognizing Consent Week with a stand-in protest. The Stand-In Against Sexual Assault involved people lining up in the student center, holding signs in a protest against sexual violence. Today’s protest is one of the many events lined…

B&B Market Under New Ownership

Longtime owners John and Kim Lind are passing the torch to a new husband-and-wife duo.

CLOQUET, Minn. — The popular B&B market in Cloquet is now under new ownership for the first time in more than 30 years. Longtime owners John and Kim Lind are passing the torch to a new husband-and-wife duo. Which includes a B&B Market employee of seven years 24-year-old Jacob Richardson. He’s a Cloquet native who says the new gig is…

Wrenshall Near Completion of Multi-Millon Dollar Project

Due to air quality concerns, the school was able to fund the projects through the state of Minnesota.

WRENSHALL, Minn. — “It was really awesome to see the stands packed with our students on one side, parents on the other cheering on our volleyball team,” Wrenshall Principal, Michelle Blanchard says. Last Thursday, the Wrens played their first volleyball game on the brand new gym floor. “Our students are thrilled. They just can’t believe this is their school. They…

Essentia Health Imposing Additional Visitor Restrictions Beginning Tuesday

DULUTH, Minn. – Officials at Essentia Health say COVID-19 restrictions will once again be implemented for visitors due to increasing COVID patient volumes. Visitors will be restricted at Essentia Health facilities located in northwestern Wisconsin and northeastern Minnesota, west to Brainerd beginning Tuesday. Adult patients Inpatients: No visitors allowed, with the following exception: One adult visitor is permitted for vulnerable…

Biden Lifts Abortion Referral Ban on Family Planning Clinics

(AP Photo/Mary Altaffer) WASHINGTON (AP) – The Biden administration is reversing a ban on abortion referrals by federally funded family planning clinics. Monday’s action by the Department of Health and Human Services lifts a Trump-era restriction as political and legal battles over abortion grow sharper from Texas to the U.S. Supreme Court. Groups representing the clinics say they hope the…

After 40 Powerball Drawings, Will Someone Win $685M Jackpot?

(AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall) DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) – After 40 drawings without a big Powerball winner, maybe the 41st attempt will be different. Thanks to nearly four months of futility, Monday’s Powerball jackpot has climbed to an estimated $685 million, making it the eighth largest in U.S. lottery history. No one has won the game’s grand prize since June 5….

Former Teacher Gets Probation for Sexually Assaulting Teen

ST. CLOUD, Minn. (AP) — A former central Minnesota middle school teacher and coach has been sentenced to probation for sexually assaulting a female high school student. Thirty-two-year Daniel Fragodt, of Melrose, pleaded guilty to third-degree criminal sexual conduct in Stearns County District Court. He was sentenced Friday to five years of probation. According to a criminal complaint, the victim…

3 From Lindstrom, Minnesota Arrested in Jan. 6 Us Capitol Riot

LINDSTROM, Minn. (FOX 9) – The FBI in Minneapolis said agents have arrested three more Minnesotans on charges related to the Jan. 6 riot at the United States Capitol. Isaac Westbury, Robert Westbury, and Aaron James, all from Lindstrom, were arrested Monday morning. A total of eight Minnesotans have now been arrested for their roles in the Jan. 6 riot,…

Midday Update 10-4-21

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Monday, October 4, 2021

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Ken Slama for a local look at news and weather making headlines Monday, October 4, 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

Split Rock Lighthouse to Host Historic Tours by Lantern Light

Tours will Begin Saturday, October 9 at 6 p.m.

TWO HARBORS, Minn. – The history of Split Rock Lighthouse is set to come alive by the light of lantern this Saturday, Oct. 9. Visitors will be guided to various first-person interpretations of important people throughout Split Rock Lighthouse’s story. With tales of daring survival and perspectives that range for decades, six figures of Split Rock’s history share some of…

New COVID Testing Options Offered on the Iron Range

VIRGINIA, Minn. – New COVID-19 testing options are available on the Iron Range starting this week. St. Louis County Public Health along with the Minnesota Department of Health has increased the availability of walk-in saliva tests in Eveleth and Virginia. Free saliva tests are now available on the following days at the following locations, and will continue until further notice:…

Morning Update 10-4-21

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Monday, October 4, 2021

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Ken Slama for a local look at news and weather making headlines Monday, October 4, 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

Ex-Facebook Manager Alleges Social Network Fed Capitol Riot

(Robert Fortunato/CBS News/60 Minutes via AP) NEW YORK (AP) – Facebook prematurely turned off safeguards designed to thwart misinformation and rabble-rousing after Joe Biden defeated Donald Trump in last year’s elections in a moneymaking move that a company whistleblower alleges contributed to the deadly Jan. 6 invasion of the U.S. Capitol. The whistleblower, former Facebook product manager Frances Haugen, also…

Police Investigate Gun Threat At Duluth Car Lot; Friday’s Standoff Suspect Possibly Linked

DULUTH, Minn. – Duluth police are investigating a threatening gun incident that could be connected to the suspect in Friday’s standoff. There was a report Friday around 12:30 p.m. of a person who displayed a gun at a car lot, New Duluth Auto, in Gary-New Duluth, according to Mattie Hjelseth, public information officer for the Duluth Police Department. Hjelseth said…

Apple Fest Returns as ‘Core’ Part of Bayfield for Orchards, Thousands of Fans

The 59th Festival wrapped up with the parade of 33 floats and attractions through Downtown.

BAYFIELD, Wis.- Thousands packed the streets of Bayfield for Apple Fest, as the Northern Wisconsin tradition of almost 60 years returned this weekend after the pandemic sidelined all the fun last year. It was apples, to apples, to apples as far as the eye could see, as the festival wrapped up Sunday. “They have apple donuts, apple pies,” said one…

Apple Fest Still Success for Orchards Despite Crop Shortage

The drought reduced crop yields at apple orchards in Bayfield some as much as 40%.

BAYFIELD, Wis.- The drought reduced crop yields at apple orchards in Bayfield some as much as 40%, so many orchard stands offered fewer apple products at Apple Fest than in years past. “Usually every year we make around 8,000 caramel apples but this year we were only able to do 5,000,” said Madison Gingras, working at the Apple Hill Orchard…

Bayfield Businesses Thankful for Apple Fest’s Return before Quiet Winter

The Festival provides a boost for the many seasonal businesses in the area.

BAYFIELD, Wis.- Having Apple Fest back is a big economic boost to Bayfield and its surrounding towns and communities. And this comes after businesses like ‘Bayfield Inn’ saw a busier summer than last year. The Assistant General Manager telling us, it was at times difficult to keep up with, with the cost of goods going up. The inn is one…

Large Miniature Train Model Showcased at Depot

DULUTH, Minn.- The Minnesota Free-mo Modelers brought the largest miniature model train display in the Midwest to the Depot in Downtown Duluth this weekend. The organization set up the model train display in the Great Hall of the Depot, displaying several different engines running on multiple railroad tracks. Many of the modules on display were handcrafted by group members and…

Abortion Protests Outside of Building for Women in Downtown Duluth

DULUTH, Minn.- Today, the group known as “Hand Over The Decision It’S Healthcare” Militia or HOTDISH Militia stood outside the Building for Women abortion clinic on East 1st Street in Downtown Duluth, protesting for abortion rights. The Duluth protest is a part of the National Mobilization for Reproductive Justice protests in 18 different cities across the country. “Our clinic is…

Popular Wilderness Area Closures Lifted After Summer Fires

ISABELLA, Minn. (AP) – Superior National Forest officials say the last remaining closure order related to wildfires in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness has now been lifted. A hot and abnormally dry summer caused extreme fire danger and prompted a complete closure of the popular wilderness in northern Minnesota for a couple of weeks after wildfires broke out. The…

Duluth NAACP Holds ‘Decriminalize Color’ Rally at Clayton Jackson McGhie Memorial

They gathered to ask the Duluth Police Department to stop what they call "pre-textual stops" for things like expired tabs or missing license plates -- which they say disproportionately affects people of color.

DULUTH, Minn- At the Clayton, Jackson McGhie Memorial, Women’s Marchers joined Duluth Branch of the NAACP, for their “Decriminalize Color” Rally. Speakers including Minnesota 7th District Senator Jen McEwen and Civil Rights leaders from across the country gathered to ask the City of Duluth and Duluth Police Department to stop what they call “pre-textual stops” for things like expired tabs…

Duluth Women’s March Joins Hundreds Across Country Supporting Reproductive Rights

This comes after a controversial new law was enacted in Texas, banning abortions once cardiac activity is detected usually around six weeks

DULUTH, Minn.- A Women’s March in Duluth Saturday joined hundreds across the country taking to the streets in support of reproductive rights, which they say are under attack with recent abortion legislation. The march started outside the St. Louis county courthouse and marched to the Clayton Jackson McGhie Memorial on First Street. The group in Duluth marched down First Street…

ME Elecmetal Hosts Open House

DULUTH, Minn.- ME Elecmetal hosted a manufacturing event at their Duluth location today, inviting the public to learn about the metal casting industry. The open house event welcomed employees and their families, along with anyone interested in metal casting to see the process of making their metal products. “We wanted to do manufacturing day today highlight the importance of manufacturing,…

New Video Application Makes Appearance at Catalyst

DULUTH, Minn.- The Catalyst Content Festival attracts creators from all over, but this year’s event featured a new vertical filmmaking phone application for content creators. Established in 2019, Rizzle is a short-form video platform that invites the public, actors, singers, writers, and more to use. “Rizzle is dedicated to having creators, filmmakers, writers, actors kind of put themselves out there…

Catalyst Festival Wraps Up with a Busy Day of Events

DULUTH, Minn.- The 2021 Catalyst Content Festival kicked off this past Wednesday and is wrapping up with a jam-packed Saturday full of table reads and educational panels. Story pitch workshops, media panels, and film screenings were among the many scheduled events spread across the Northland for the in-person festival. “Coming back to Duluth has helped us to reconnect with some…

Police: Duluth Standoff Suspect Also Accused of Attempted Armed Robbery in Superior

The 30-year-old man allegedly stole a vehicle, drove the wrong way on the Bong Bridge, and attempted to rob a bank at gun point in Superior.

SUPERIOR, Wis. – The Superior Police Department released the timeline of crimes, including attempting to rob a bank at gunpoint in Superior, allegedly perpetrated by the suspect, Cody Lee Walker Nelson, 30, of Duluth, who was arrested Friday evening after a 7-hour standoff with the Duluth Police Department. According to a spokesperson with Superior Police, at about 12:43 p.m. Friday…

Duluth Police: Standoff Suspect Surrenders After Attempted Bank Robbery, Car Theft, Vehicle Pursuit

According to authorities, there were no injuries reported during the call.

DULUTH, Minn.- The 30-year-old male suspect who kept Duluth Police in a standoff for hours in an apartment building on Central Avenue was finally taken into custody after committing multiple crimes, according to authorities. Police say at 8:30 p.m. the man eventually surrendered and was apprehended. He was transported to a local hospital for minor injuries and then the St….

Economic Development Association of Minnesota Hosts Fall Conference

DULUTH, Minn.- The Economic Development Association of Minnesota hosted a three-day fall conference at the Duluth Entertainment Convention Center that kicked off this past Wednesday. The conference featured a list of nearly 50 business leaders from a variety of industries to speak. The fall event invited members, non-members, and students to learn, network, and grow professionally. “A Different lens that…

Duluth Firefighters Show Support in Breast Cancer Awareness Month

DULUTH, Minn.- It is October 1st, and that doesn’t just mean we’re moving into the fall holidays, but it is now breast cancer awareness month, and local first responders are spreading awareness. The Duluth Fire Department and the Duluth Firefighters Local 101 display the importance of early prevention and detection of breast cancer by wearing official pink uniform shirts throughout…