News

Morning Update 11-4-21

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Thursday, November 4, 2021

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

Unemployment Claims Drop to 269,000, Another Pandemic Low

WASHINGTON (AP) – The number of Americans applying for unemployment benefits fell to a fresh pandemic low last week, another sign the job market is healing after last year’s coronavirus recession. Jobless claims dropped by 14,000 to 269,000 last week. Since topping 900,000 in early January, the weekly applications have fallen more or less steadily ever since and are gradually…

US Mandates Vaccines or Tests for Big Companies by Jan. 4

(AP) – Tens of millions of Americans who work at companies with 100 or more employees will need to be vaccinated against COVID-19 by Jan. 4 or get tested for the virus weekly. The new government rules were issued Thursday. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration says companies that fail to comply could face penalties of nearly $14,000 per violation….

St. Louis County Sheriff’s Office Swears in New Officers

DULUTH, Minn.- The St. Louis County Sheriff’s office hosted a ceremony Wednesday, swearing in Deputy and Corrections officers, along with recognizing additional staff. The Sheriff’s office hasn’t been able to do a swearing ceremony since July of 2019, so they recognized current and new officers from 2020 and 2021. Nineteen deputy officers and nine corrections officers took an oath during…

120 Foot Tall Snowman Postponed From Bentleyville

DULUTH, Minn. — The cost of building material is now partly responsible for the delay in the debut of one of Bentleyville’s newest and biggest attractions. Back in May, the founder of Bentleyville announced that a 120-foot lit-up iron snowman was going to be built for the site. Bentleyville was partnering with LHB, Braun Intertech, and the local ironworkers 512…

Two Harbors Area Food Shelf Getting Ready for Holiday Season

Employees pre-packaged boxes of meals with all the essentials.

TWO HARBORS, Minn. — The two harbors area food shelf has continued to be in high demand in the community. The non-profit originally started with curbside pickup last year with the pandemic, but then shifted to a drive-thru model which they say has been very successful. Employees pre-packaged boxes of meals with all the essentials. Right now, they’re boxing up…

Duluth’s Snow Removal Assistance Program is Now Accepting Applications

DULUTH, Minn.- The city of Duluth’s snow removal assistance program is back for its third year, helping senior residents or people with disabilities remove the snow on their property. The snow removal assistance program only accepts 25 seniors or people with disabilities who need extra help this winter. To qualify for the assistance program, seniors must be 60 years or…

Two Dogs Die After Mobile Home Fire in Superior

SUPERIOR, Wis.- Shortly after 11 p.m. Tuesday, a mobile home in East Superior caught fire, leaving two dogs dead. Superior’s Station 3 fire crew responded to the scene on the 4900 block of Bay Drive, where flames were shooting out of the home’s windows. Eventually, all three stations were called to the scene and remained on site until 2 a.m….

Approved Referendum Means Big Improvements For Lake Superior School District

There is no time frame for the completion of the projects. 

TWO HARBORS, Minn. — The Lake Superior School District up the north shore received the go-ahead on one part of a two-question referendum Wednesday night. 61% of voters approved a multi-million dollar plan to make major improvements to the infrastructure of three schools. “I floated out of the building to be honest last night to be honest,” Lake Superior School…

St. Luke’s Now Offering COVID-19 Vaccine Appointments for Children Ages 5 to 11

DULUTH, Minn. – St. Luke’s announced Wednesday that parents can now schedule COVID-19 vaccine appointments for their kids between the ages of 5 to 11 years old. Appointments are available at St. Luke’s COVID-19 Vaccine Clinic starting on Monday. Appointments can be made by logging into your child’s St. Luke’s myCare patient portal or by calling 218.249.4200. St. Luke’s COVID-19…

Frey Wins 2nd Term as Minneapolis Mayor After Bitter Race

(AP Photo/Christian Monterrosa)   MINNEAPOLIS (AP) – Minneapolis voters have reelected Mayor Jacob Frey after a bitter race that focused on calls for changes to policing and racial justice. More than a dozen candidates ran to be mayor, including many who took issue with the way the Democratic incumbent has handled changes to the police department since one of its…

One Arrested in Cass County Drug Investigation

CASS COUNTY, Minn. – A Pine River man was arrested Saturday in connection to an ongoing drug investigation in Cass County. According to the Cass County Sheriff’s Office, investigators, along with the Minnesota State Patrol, made a traffic stop on a vehicle Saturday in the Motley area. The driver, a 44-year-old Pine River man, was detained. Authorities say a search…

Update: Embarrass Man Facing Arson, Burglary Charges in Connection to Iron Range Fire, Accident

  UPDATE: BALKAN TOWNSHIP, Minn. – A Minnesota man is facing multiple charges, including first-degree arson and third-degree burglary in connection to the Tuesday night Iron Range fire that destroyed a garage and four vehicles. According to the St. Louis Couty Sheriff’s Office, authorities responded to reports of a fire on the 5900 block of Krogerus Road around 7:12 p.m….

COVID-19 Vaccinations for Younger Children Begins This Week

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) — Gov. Tim Walz said Wednesday health care providers and others will begin vaccinating 5- to 11-year-old children this week, now that the Pfizer coronavirus shot has received federal approval. The vaccine will arrive in waves this week and that Minnesota providers have ordered as many doses as possible from the federal government, Walz said. More…

Midday Update 11-3-21

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Wednesday, November 3, 2021

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

Report: Packers QB Aaron Rodgers Tests Positive for COVID-19

GREEN BAY, Wis. (Fox 9) – Aaron Rodgers has tested positive for COVID-19 and will not play on Sunday against the Kansas City Chiefs, according to a report by Tom Pelissero, NFL Network reporter. Sources: #Packers QB Aaron Rodgers tested positive for COVID-19 and is out for Sunday’s game against the #Chiefs. — Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) November 3, 2021 Rodgers…

Minnesota Pit Bull Rescue Searching for More Foster Homes, Adopters

Based in the Twin Cities Metro Area, Minnesota Pit Bull Rescue Serves the Entire State

DULUTH, Minn. – Serving the Land of 10,000 Lakes, Minnesota Pit Bull Rescue has worked for years to pair stigmatized bully breeds with the right families after they’re moved from states such as Texas, Tennessee, Alabama, and Georgia. Just last year, they helped rescue a record number of 200 pit bulls from life-threatening situations. On average, they help place over…

Morning Update 11-3-21

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Wednesday, November 3, 2021

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

Two Dogs Die in Superior Mobile Home Fire

SUPERIOR, Wis. – A mobile home in Superior was completely destroyed and two dogs were killed in a fire that broke out late Tuesday night. Superior fire crews were dispatched to 4920 Bay Drive around 11:09 p.m. on reports of a structure fire. According to the Superior Fire Department, when crews arrived at the scene they found a mobile home…

General Election – November 2, 2021 Results

Below is the up to date results of the key races in Tuesday’s Minnesota General Election Council Member at Large – Elect 2 Azrin Awal -6,882 votes (30.75%) Joe Macor -6,131 votes  (27.39%) Terese Tomanek  -7,959 votes (35.56%) Timothy L. Meyer – 1,302  votes (5.82%)   Council Member District 2 Dave Zbaracki -636 votes (24.80%) Mike Mayou -1,911 votes (74.53%)…

Loose Cat Dumped Outside Animal Allies Highlights Issue of Illegal Abandonment

A cat let loose outside of a car prompted a day-long search and renewed calls for the proper drop-off of animals.

DULUTH, Minn.- Duluth’s Animal Allies Humane Society is used to seeing animals brought in, but not animals jumping out of a car in their parking lot. That’s how one person dumped a cat there Tuesday, prompting staff to plea for people to properly drop off animals. In surveillance video, around 11:45 a.m. Tuesday, someone just pops open a door, lets…

Bent Paddle Helping Raise Money, Awareness of Mental Health Services with New Beer Launch Thursday

$1 for each pint and $5 for every growler or crowler of the new Pay It Forward pale ale purchased will go back to Amberwing.

DULUTH, Minn.- Experts say mental health issues in kids and teens are rising, so one organization and brewery are teaming up to promote a new beer that raises money for mental health resources. Bell Bank’s Pay-It-Forward Launch Party at Bent Paddle Brewing this Thursday is raising funds for Amberwing, a Duluth-based center for youth and family wellbeing. In a survey…

Indigenous Business Owners Network at First-Ever Tribal Contractors Council Summit in Duluth

They also hope the event will help them connect and build relationships not only within the more than 65 industry members present but with other outside businesses or entities.

DULUTH, Minn.- Indigenous business owners throughout Northern Minnesota got together to network and discuss their industry at the first-ever Minnesota Tribal Contractors Council Summit at Pier B Resort in Duluth. Organizers say many tribal contractors and businesses who worked on the Enbridge Line 3 Pipeline replacement project are in need of new work. They also hope the event will help…

Deer Processors Ready For Upcoming Hunting Season

The meat processing fee is $110. 

POPLAR, Wis. — Meat processing plants around the Northland are gearing up for the upcoming Minnesota and Wisconsin firearm hunting seasons. “We start with the bear season so that’s pretty fast and furious. Then it cuts back a little for the bow season. We take both from Minnesota and Wisconsin,” Hursh Meat Processing Owner, Robert Hursh says. With bow season…

Firefighters, Neighbors Keep Voting Going After Power Outage In Gary-New Duluth

DULUTH, Minn. – A power outage in Gary-New Duluth Tuesday evening didn’t stop votes from being counted there. When the Rec Center voting location went dark, Councilor Derek Medved said neighbors brought in generators, coffee and candles to keep the voting going. The Duluth Fire Department showed up with big bright lights, too. The power eventually came back on, and…

Proctor Runners Present Medal to Junior High Runner

PROCTOR, Minn. – This week, Noah Harnell competed in the 2400 meter race at the junior high meet as a special needs athlete. His goal was to run it all the way with no walking. Rails alum and current St. Scholastica runner Annika Voss has been Noah’s pacer for the past two seasons. Knowing that he would reach his goal…

US Gives Final Clearance To COVID-19 Shots For Kids 5 to 11

(AP) — U.S. health officials on Tuesday gave the final signoff to Pfizer’s kid-size COVID-19 shot, a major expansion of the nation’s vaccination campaign. The Food and Drug Administration already authorized the shots for children ages 5 to 11 — doses just a third of the amount given to teens and adults. But the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention…

New London Cafe Under New Ownership

The renovations are expected to wrap up by early next year.

DULUTH, Minn. — New London Cafe in Duluth’s Lakeside neighborhood is now under new ownership. They’re wasting no time putting their ideas in motion. The restaurant will be getting a facelift including new coffee equipment, tables, artwork and more. They’re also in the process of getting their liquor license. The renovations are expected to wrap up by early next year….

City Seeing More In-Person Voters

DULUTH, Minn. — With 30% of voter turnout staff with the city say this is a similar election to 2017 with the slate of positions on the ballot. The Duluth city administrator says, more people are getting out to vote in-person. This after last year saw a boost in early and absentee ballot votes. These hyperlocal elections are what can…

Glensheen Mansion is in Decorating Mode for the Holidays

DULUTH, Minn.- It’s about that time of year again. The historic Glensheen Mansion is decking the halls for the holiday season with Christmas trees, lights, ribbons, and more. The estate workers are decorating both the insides and outsides of the property. Twenty-five Christmas trees are spread throughout the inside of the mansion, coordinating colors with the theme of each room….

Upper Lakes Foods Fall Food Show Comes Back

DULUTH, Minn.- Local and national food vendors gathered at the DECC in Duluth this morning for the Upper Lakes Foods Fall Food Show. The event is back after taking a break for two years due to the pandemic, and hundreds of people attended to learn about the food industry, share tips, and network, all while sampling food. General Mills, Kemps,…

49 Essentia Health Staff Members Fired Over Vaccination Status

DULUTH, Minn.- Essentia Health says 49 employees have been fired after failing to receive a COVID-19 vaccine by the set deadline or not applying for an exemption. The hospital confirmed that the employees were let go on Monday. In August, Essentia Health announced all employees and other contractors who work inside the facilities must get their first vaccine dose by…

Thanksgiving Burrito is Back at Burrito Union

DULUTH, Minn.- Burrito Union in the East Hillside neighborhood has brought back its Thanksgiving burrito and sold 150 burritos in just one day Monday. Turkey, mashed potatoes, corn, stuffing, and cranberry salsa in a tortilla make one of the Northland’s favorite seasonal menu items. The popular burrito spot came out with a burrito 13 years ago and returned as a…

Judge: No Release for GOP Donor Accused of Sex Trafficking

(courtesy: Fox 9) MINNEAPOLIS – A federal judge says a prominent Minnesota GOP donor charged with multiple counts of sex trafficking must remain in jail as he prepares his defense. U.S. District Judge Patrick Schiltz cited “very troubling” testimony that Anton Lazzaro threatened law enforcement and prosecutors after he was arrested. Lazzaro allegedly told Minneapolis police officer, Brandon Brugger, he…

US Advisers Urge COVID Shot for Kids 5-11, Final OK Due Soon

(AP) – An influential U.S. advisory panel is recommending that all children ages 5 to 11 should get Pfizer’s pediatric COVID-19 vaccine. If the director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention agrees with Tuesday’s vote, the U.S. will embark on a major expansion of vaccinations. Pediatricians are getting ready to put kid-size doses into little arms as soon…

Minnesota Opening up Alternate Care Site for COVID-19 Patients

SHAKOPEE, Minn. (FOX 9) – As COVID-19 cases in Minnesota continue to overwhelm hospitals that are already struggling with staffing, Governor Tim Walz announced Tuesday the state will open up its first alternate care site. The state will transform Benedictine St. Gertrude’s, a senior care facility in Shakopee, Minnesota, into an overflow facility for COVID-19 patients. The governor’s office says…

Facebook To Shut Down Face-Recognition System, Delete Data

(AP Photo/Richard Drew, File) MENLO PARK, Calif. (AP) — Facebook said it will shut down its face-recognition system and delete the faceprints of more than 1 billion people. “This change will represent one of the largest shifts in facial recognition usage in the technology’s history,” said a blog post on Tuesday from Jerome Pesenti, vice president of artificial intelligence for…

U.S. Military Weighs Penalties for Service Members Who Refuse COVID Vaccine

(courtesy: U.S. Navy) WASHINGTON (AP) – As deadlines loom for military and defense civilians to get mandated COVID-19 vaccines, senior leaders must now wrestle with the fate of those who flatly refuse the shots or are seeking exemptions, and how to make sure they are treated fairly and equally. The vast majority of the active-duty force has received at least…

COVID-19 Vaccine To Be Ready for Children in Wisconsin Later This Week

MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Health care providers and other coronavirus vaccine distributors in Wisconsin say they could have doses that are ready to be administered to younger children by the end of the week. On Tuesday, a special advisory panel to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention will meet to consider recommendations for administering the Pfizer vaccine to younger…

Midday Update 11-2-21

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Tuesday, November 2, 2021

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

Morning Update 11-2-21

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Tuesday, November 2, 2021

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

Blatnik Bridge Commute to Duluth Diverted for at Least a Year

Crews have also installed a temporary traffic light at the intersection of Garfield Avenue and Railroad Street to help control the added traffic.

DULUTH, Minn.- Some big road closure signs are dotting the Blatnik Bridge as you drive into Duluth, as the Twin Ports Interchange or Can of Worms reconstruction project will divert traffic onto the Garfield Avenue exit for at least the next year. A big light-up sign greets drivers getting on the Blatnik in Superior, warning them of the big change…

U of M Offering Free, Reduced Tuition to Native American Students on All Campuses

First-year or tribal college transfer undergrads from families making under $75,000 will be eligible to have 100% of their tuition waived. 

DULUTH, Minn.- The University of Minnesota will be offering free or reduced tuition for Native American students at all five campuses, including UMD. In the Native American Promise Tuition Program, first-year or tribal college transfer undergrads from families making under $75,000 will be eligible to have 100% of their tuition waived. Students from higher-earning families (up to $125,000 annually) will…

Minnesota Power Requesting 18% Rate Increase to Offset Clean Energy Investments

An interim rate increase of 14% will start January 1st lasting until the Commission approves 18%.

DULUTH, Minn.- Minnesota Power is filing a request with the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission to increase its annual operating revenue by $108 million. This would mean an 18% increase or about $15 dollars more on customers’ monthly bills. But as the commission takes up to a year to approve their request, the company asked for an interim rate increase of…