News

Morning Update 5-27-21

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Thursday, May 27, 2021

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Ken Slama for a local look at news and weather making headlines Thursday, May 27, 2021. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Ken Slama, Local News, morning update, News, weather

Essentia Health Eases Visitor Restrictions

DULUTH, Minn. – Essentia Health announced Thursday morning that it is moving to ease visitation guidelines as COVID-19 positivity rates decrease in the community. Starting today, two adult visitors per patient will be allowed in Essentia clinic and hospital settings, including emergency departments. Some surgical and procedural spaces may have special instructions that will be communicated to patients prior to…

US Jobless Claims Fall to 406,000, a New Pandemic Low

WASHINGTON (AP) — The number of Americans seeking unemployment benefits dropped last week to 406,000, a new pandemic low and more evidence that the job market is strengthening as the virus wanes and the economy further reopens. Thursday’s report from the Labor Department showed that applications declined 38,000 from 444,000 a week earlier. The number of weekly applications for jobless…

St. Louis County Continues Vaccine Clinic, Information at Duluth Transportation Center

Public health officials say they've vaccinated about 80 people over their three visits there.

DULUTH, Minn.- St. Louis County is continuing to find success with its vaccine clinic at the Duluth Transportation Center downtown. Public health officials say they’ve vaccinated about 80 people over their three visits there. They add people coming in have been a variety of different ages and living situations. It’s been  a mix of people who may have trouble scheduling…

Duluth Library to Open with Masks, City Hall to Open Without

The Duluth Public Safety Building and Comfort Systems is also opening back up to the public Tuesday.

DULUTH, Minn.- The City Of Duluth has announced most of their public buildings will reopen to the public on June 1st, and while most things will be business as usual, don’t expect to ditch your masks at the library. The doors to the main Duluth Public Library will open again to the public one June 7th after finishing construction, and…

UWS and WITC Collaborate to Offer More Opportunities

SUPERIOR, Wis.– UWS and WITC signed documents this morning that certified a partnership that will offer their students more opportunities. A University Transfer Degree option will allow students to combine classes from the two colleges to pursue an associate of arts or science degree from WITC. The goal is to prepare students to enter baccalaureate programs at junior status by…

Local Greenhouses Give Spring Gardening Tips

DULUTH, Minn.– With the temperatures rising and dropping, a local greenhouse has tips on how to keep your plants healthy. Those with Spring at Last greenhouse say on nights with frost warnings, you should cover up plants with a sheet or blanket. Potted plants should be brought inside to prevent frost damage which can stunt their growth for the rest…

DECC Awarded ‘Partner of the Year’ from Local Red Cross

DULUTH, Minn.– The northern Minnesota chapters of the Red Cross every year name an organization around the area that’s been a big boost for blood collection to local hospitals in the Northland. On Wednesday, they awarded this year’s winner. The Red Cross named the DECC its blood services Partner of the Year. “They’re a really important part of the red…

Wednesday Night Regatta Returns on Lake Superior

DULUTH, Minn.– You know summer is almost here in Duluth now that the Duluth Yacht Club is back at its Wednesday night regatta out on Lake Superior. Wednesday evening, dozens of sailboats took off from Park Point, crossing underneath the lift bridge and out through 10 miles of the Duluth Shipping Channel. The sight from shore for a couple from…

Forest Service Offers Tips on How To Prevent Wildfires

DULUTH, Minn.– The Superior National Forest is reminding the public of the near-critical fire conditions in the Northland as the amount of rain we’ve seen is low, and showers have been spotty. As some areas experience droughts, the foliage is extra dry this spring. Wildfires are a huge concern this time of year, and prevention is a priority, “we just…

Rhubarb Festival to Benefit CHUM Returning in June

DULUTH, Minn-The Annual CHUM Rhubarb Festival is set to return this year with both in-person and virtual events. The week-long event will start June 20th with local restaurants offering rhubarb themed meals and treats during the week.  The festival ends on the 26th with a community carnival to be held at the Coppertop Church featuring activities for children, food trucks,…

St. Lukes Continues Vaccinations of International Sailors

Another international vessel will soon arrive in the Twin Ports with crew members planning on receiving their vaccinations once they dock.

DULUTH, Minn. — St. Luke’s continued their vaccinations of international sailors in the Twin Ports Wednesday morning. About 20 sailors from India aboard the Federal Champlain received the Johnson & Johnson vaccination. Because of the pandemic, these sailors haven’t been able to go to shore as they faced local regulations from each country they visit. “There families are going to be…

Duluth’s Environmental Initiative Recognized for Carbon Reductions

The steam plant provides heating services to 160 buildings in downtown Duluth and Canal Park. 

DULUTH, Minn. — The city of Duluth was recognized today for their efforts on going green. The city was announced as the winners of the the Environmental Initiative Energy and Climate award for their work on the steam plant. Back in 2018 the city of Duluth and their partners replaced sixteen blocks of aging steam pipe on Superior Street with…

Superior Farmers Market Opens Season

SUPERIOR, Wis.– The Superior Farmers market kicked off its season this week. Local vendors and farmers came out to set up on the 1200 Block of Banks Avenue. Local farmers tell us events like these remind the public off all the hard work that goes into their products. Sue Ann Dumke, the Market Manager and Owner of Brule River Farm…

Walz Orders Flags at Half-Staff In Honor of Conservation Officer Grell

ST. PAUL, Minn. – On Wednesday, Governor Tim Walz ordered all U.S. flags and Minnesota flags to be flown at half-staff at all State and Federal buildings in Minnesota on Friday in honor of Conservation Officer Sarah Grell. “Sarah Grell was an outstanding Conservation Officer, who was highly regarded and respected by her colleagues and her community, serving the people…

Minnesota Researchers Develop Wafer as Potential New Vaccine Delivery Method

(courtesy: Polymeric Biomaterials Lab, University of Minnesota via Fox9) (FOX 9) – Researchers believe a newly developed wafer could be the vaccine-delivery device of the future. A University of Minnesota professor and a Mayo Clinic professor were part of the team of researchers that created a polymer wafer that can deliver and preserve vaccines when placed under the tongue. In a release…

Many COVID-19 Restrictions Ending, Not Eviction Moratorium

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) — Minnesota housing officials are urging state legislators to proceed carefully in negotiating an end to a moratorium on rental property evictions. While other coronavirus restrictions are being lifted, lawmakers have failed to reach a compromise on ending the eviction moratorium. Housing commissioner Jennifer Ho said the anxiety of both owners and renters is real. “Why…

8 Dead in Shooting at Railyard Serving Silicon Valley

(AP Photo/Noah Berger) SAN JOSE, Calif. (AP) — An assailant opened fire at a California railyard serving Silicon Valley, killing eight people. Authorities say the suspect is also dead. The shooting took place around 6:30 a.m. Wednesday at a light rail facility in San Jose next door to the sheriff’s department and across a freeway from the airport. The facility…

Wisconsin Lawmakers Consider Banning Transgender Athletes

MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Female athletes are urging Wisconsin lawmakers to ban transgender people from participating in girls’ and women’s sports, while opponents of the Republican-backed measures say they are discriminatory and chasing a problem that doesn’t exist. A broad array of more than 30 groups opposed the measures that got their first public hearings Wednesday before three legislative committees….

Midday Update 5-26-21

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Wednesday, May 26, 2021

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

Superior Gymnastics Coach Charged with Sexually Assaulting Third Teenager

DULUTH, Minn. – A third teenage girl has come forward saying she was sexually assaulted by the Superior gymnastics coach charged earlier this month with sexually assaulting two teens he previously coached at Twin Ports Gymnastics. George Deppa Jr., 47, is charged with an additional count of felony sexual assault of a child under 16 years of age. Earlier this…

Federal Prison Camp in Duluth Welcoming Seven Puppies for Five Week Training

Can Do Canines is a Non-Profit Based in New Hope, Minnesota

DULUTH, Minn. – After a full year of nearly no visitors allowed due to COVID-19, the Federal Prison Camp in Duluth will once again welcome four-legged friends back into the facility this Thursday. Can Do Canines out of New Hope, Minnesota, works with seven prisons across the state, having selected inmates to train new litters of puppies before they become…

Morning Update 5-26-21

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Wednesday, May 26, 2021

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

Amazon to Buy MGM, Studio Behind James Bond and ‘Shark Tank’

(AP Photo/Richard Drew, File) NEW YORK (AP) — Online shopping giant Amazon is buying MGM, the movie and TV studio behind James Bond, “Legally Blonde” and “Shark Tank,” with the hopes of filling its video streaming service with more stuff to watch. Amazon is paying $8.45 billion for MGM, making it the company’s second-largest acquisition after buying grocer Whole Foods…

Duluth Police Arrest Second Suspect in Fatal Downtown Shooting

DULUTH, Minn. – Duluth Police announced Wednesday morning that a second suspect wanted in Saturday’s fatal downtown shooting has been arrested. According to police, Laurel Ladd, 25, was arrested around 1:30 a.m. Wednesday after investigators identified an address on East Village View Drive in the Harbor Highlands as a possible location for Ladd. Ladd was located at the address and…

St. Louis County Offices to Reopen June 1st

County officials say many services will continue to  be offered online by email and over the phone.

DULUTH, Minn.- Starting next week st. Louis county offices will start re-opening for in-person services after county buildings were closed for the past 15 months. Officials say the reopening will be slow with only some employees returning at first and hopefully a full staff back by mid June. Masks won’t be required in the building but those not fully vaccinated…

George Floyd Remembered At Clayton Jackson McGhie Memorial One Year After Death

A black lives matter group met in front of the Clayton Jackson McGhie Memorial on First Street, before going on a silent march through downtown.

DULUTH, Minn.- It’s been one year since George Floyd was murdered in Minneapolis by ex-cop Derek Chauvin. Across the country and in Duluth, groups gathered to remember him. A black lives matter group met in front of the Clayton Jackson McGhie Memorial on First Street, before going on a silent march through downtown. Organizers say after Chauvin was convicted of…

Duluth Boxer Among 2 Additional Suspects Charged with Gunfire After Fatal Shooting

The homicide victim has also been identified as Juamada Anderson Jr., 22, of Duluth.

DULUTH, Minn.- The search is on for two suspects Tuesday – one a well-known Duluth boxer — who police say were involved in return gunfire following this past weekend’s fatal shooting downtown. Homicide Victim 22-year-old Juamada Anderson “There was a shooting and the tragic death of Juamada,” said Duluth Police Chief Mike Tusken. “And then as the suspect is fleeing…

Bentleyville Building “World’s Largest Lit-Up Iron Snowman” For 2021 Season

DULUTH, Minn. — On Tuesday, the founder of Bentleyville announced that the organization and its partners are building the “world’s largest lit-up iron snowman” that will be a part of the 2021 Bentleyville Tour Of Lights. Founder Nathan Bentley says the lighted snowman will stand at 120-feet-tall with a 50-foot diameter. Bentleyville is partnering with LHB, Braun Intertech, and the…

Experience Outdoor Adventure at Jay Cooke State Park This Spring

The Campground at Jay Cooke State Park Continue to Fill Fast; Reservations Recommended

CARLTON, Minn. – Folks are flocking to Jay Cooke State Park this spring. Park rangers say midweek is the best time to visit right now if you’re looking to beat the big crowds. “The Park itself is almost 9,000 acres in size,” said Ty Gangelhoff, assistant manager at Jay Cooke State Park. It’s a vast landscape filled with countless opportunities for adventure. …

Duluth Boxer Among 2 Additional Suspects Charged in Connection with Fatal Shooting

Arrests warrants were issued Tuesday for boxer Markus Morris and Laurel Ladd Jr.

DULUTH — Two additional suspects have now been charged in connection to a weekend shooting in Duluth that left one man dead, and one of the suspects is a well-known professional boxer from Duluth. Patrick Battess Jr., 17, charged in the shooting death of Jaumada Anderson Jr., 22. Markus Morris, 31, of Duluth is charged in St. Louis County Court…

U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary Reminds Boaters to Stay Safe

DULUTH, Minn. — Memorial Day is coming up and Duluth is preparing for a traffic-filled weekend on the lake. Last year, boat sales increased due to the pandemic, but because of those increased sales, boating accidents also rose by 20%. With the holiday weekend and summer weather approaching, it is important to remember how to boat safely. Steve Daniel, a…

Cloquet Salvation Army Continues Drive Thru Food Shelf

They just recently expanded their food shelf hours to help anyone in Carlton County in need.

CLOQUET, Minn. — The Cloquet Salvation Army continued their weekly drive-thru food shelf Tuesday morning. The Salvation Army typically gives away 12,000 pounds of food a week to roughly 20-40 households, including during the drive-thru that runs from 8:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. every Tuesday. They just recently expanded their food shelf hours to help anyone in Carlton County. “Just this week…

Gunshots Heard Near Floyd Square on Anniversary of Death

(Elizabeth Flores/Star Tribune via AP) MINNEAPOLIS (AP) – The Minneapolis intersection where George Floyd died has been disrupted by gunfire, just hours before a family-friendly street festival marking the anniversary of his death at the hands of police. Associated Press video from the scene Tuesday morning shows people running for cover as shots ring out. Police say one person later…

Midday Update 5-25-21

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Tuesday, May 25, 2021

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Ken Slama for a local look at news and weather making headlines Tuesday, May 25, 2021. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Ken Slama, Local Headlines, Local News, midday update, weather

Conservation Officer Killed While on Duty Is Identified

GRAND RAPIDS, Minn. (AP) — Authorities have identified the state conservation officer who died while on duty when a semi struck her pickup truck in Itasca County. Sarah Grell, 39, of Cohasset, was killed Monday morning while driving north of Grand Rapids, according to the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. The patrol says Grell’s pickup was hit broadside by the…

Morning Update 5-25-21

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Tuesday, May 25, 2021

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Ken Slama for a local look at news and weather making headlines Tuesday, May 25, 2021. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Ken Slama, Local News, morning update, News, weather

Moderna Says Its COVID-19 Shot Works in Kids as Young as 12

(AP) – Moderna says its COVID-19 vaccine strongly protects kids as young as 12. The company released the preliminary findings Tuesday based on testing on more than 3,700 12- to 17-year-olds in the United States. Earlier this month, the U.S. and Canada authorized another vaccine by Pfizer and BioNTech to be used starting at age 12. Moderna intends to submit…

Man Falls 35 Feet Into Duluth’s Chester Creek

DULUTH, Minn. –  A man was rescued by Duluth firefighters Monday after falling into Chester Creek. Officials say the 21-year-old man fell 35 feet into the creek after a branch he was leaning on snapped. The incident happened around 7 p.m. “Fire crews had to use a basket to reach the man and pull him out of the ravine,” according…

Northland Celebrates Bob Dylan’s Birthday

DULUTH, Minn.- Duluth native Bob Dylan’s birthday is being celebrated in the Northland today as part of Duluth’s Dylan Fest. Above, check out Fox 21 photojournalist Adam Jagunich’s story from Bob Dylan’s birth home. For a complete list of events for the festival, click here. Categories: Minnesota, News, News – Latest News

‘Giant Addition’ Coming To Bentleyville Tour of Lights

The walk-thru experience will also be returning.

DULUTH, Minn. – Bentleyville Tour of Lights will return this winter with its traditional walk-thru experience, and a big announcement is expected Tuesday. This comes after last winter’s first-ever drive-thru Bentleyville experience. As for the big announcement, owner Nathan Bentley says he will be “announcing a partnership project with LHB Engineering, Ironworkers Local 512, and Braun Intertec Corporation on a…