News

Business at Engwall’s in Full Bloom on Mother’s Day

Floral designers at Engwall's say they have had more than 800 orders in the last four days.

DULUTH, Minn.- Of course it wouldn’t be mother’s day without a bouquet of flower’s for mom, making local florists like Engwall’s in Duluth busy. Floral designers at Engwall’s say they have had more than 800 orders in the last four days, with plenty of people coming in the store to pick something up today too. They say the most popular…

Fitger’s Brewhouse Busy for Mother’s Day Lunch and Dinner

Staff say many of the customers were excited not only to celebrate mom, but do so with a fun "dining out" experience again.

DULUTH, Minn.- After a the pandemic put a damper on Mother’s Day activities last year, many restaurants were packed again with families treating their moms to a meal. While Fitger’s Brewhouse doesn’t serve the traditional mother’s day breakfast or lunch, it was still busy for lunch and dinner. Staff say many of the customers were excited not only to celebrate…

Families Get Out, Do More to Celebrate First Mother’s Day Out of Pandemic

The Duluth Children's Museum Pop-Up Play Place and the Lake Superior Zoo were busy with families.

DULUTH, Minn.- The Northland was busy this Mother’s Day, coming out the tail-end of the pandemic. After more traditional brunches, some families who reunited for the day decided this year was more special and spent time doing other activities. “We went out to lunch, and then we’re coming here to play with their friends,” said Stacy Cozzi at the Duluth…

Lack of Staff Impacting Local Business Owners Along the North Shore

Staff Shortages Prompting Many Small Businesses to Make Adjustments to Menus, Hours of Operation Along the North Shore

GRAND MARAIS, Minn. – It’s a serious, seasonal problem along the North Shore of Lake Superior. The struggle to find employees at often overflowing businesses. Frustration is high among business owners as the peak summer season is now just weeks away. “We’ve tried every possible avenue to attract staff,” said Abby Tofte, owner of The Fisherman’s Daughter. It’s a common…

Railroad Museum Celebrates National Train Day

DULUTH, Minn.– It was National Train Day on Saturday and plenty of families celebrated all things choo-choo over at the Lake Superior Railroad Museum in Duluth. The event honored the completion of the trans-continental railway, which connected the east and west coasts of the U.S. 150 years ago. Kids could take speeder rides, get tours of a locomotive engine, and…

UMD 2021 Graduates Make Most of Virtual Commencement

DULUTH, Minn.– University of Minnesota graduates were sent off into the world Saturday celebrating their years of hard work. More than 2,300 students will be graduating this year from UMD. Like the year before, the UMD class of 2021 commencement took place virtually due to the pandemic. School chancellors say to ensure everyone could stay safe. One of the students…

Twin Ports Gymnastics Speaks Out After Arrest of Superior Coach Charged with Sexual Assault

SUPERIOR, Wis.– Twin Ports Gymnastics are speaking out following the arrest of George Deppa Jr., a Superior gymnastics coach who was alleged to have sexually assaulted two teenagers he coached. In a written statement to FOX21, Twin Ports Gymnastics said they were “shocked and saddened by the recent arrest” and said in-part that, “Our main priority, as always, is the…

Gary New Duluth Rec Center Looking for Donations to Match Pledge

DULUTH, Minn.- The Gary New Duluth Community Center and Recreation Area recently received a pledge to match up to ten thousand dollars in donations. The center, with operates through volunteer work and donations, is in the process of expanding their facilities with the construction of a skate park, small pavilion, and parking lot.  While the money will help go towards…

Premier Mini Golf Course Coming to Proctor

The course called Rogue Eagle Mini Golf is designed by a New Jersey based Harris Miniature Golf.

PROCTOR, Minn. — A new mini golf course is coming to Proctor this summer. After a conditional use permit was approved, a mother and son team found the ideal spot on Boundary Avenue on Waterview drive. The course called Rogue Eagle Mini Golf is designed by a New Jersey based Harris Miniature Golf. With the addition of a club house…

UMD Graduates Make Final Drive Through Campus in Commencement Parade

DULUTH, Minn.– With graduation taking place tomorrow, some UMD seniors took one last chance to ride around campus. In addition to the virtual commencement, UMD’s College of Liberal Arts had soon-to-be graduates drive through campus to celebrate their hard work over the years. Educators, parents, and underclassmen cheered on the students as they took a victory lap along University Drive…

Cloquet Business Donates Over $8,000 to K9 Foundation through 5K Race

CLOQUET, Minn.– Following the loss of Duluth Police Department’s K9-Luna this winter, one Cloquet area business stepped in to show their support for the DPD. Friday night at the event, K9 Luna’s handler Officer Aaron Haller spoke about the support he’s gotten from the community. K-9 Luna was shot by David Conwell after a 20-hour standoff with authorities in February….

Duluth Police Looking for Suspect in Stabbing

The suspect reportedly fled the scene and has not yet been identified.

DULUTH, Minn.– On May 5th at 6:03pm, Duluth Police were called to an address in the 500 block of West 4th Street on a report of a female who had been stabbed and another male who had a broken leg.  The suspect reportedly fled the scene and has not yet been identified. The female victim was transported from the scene…

Castle Danger Brewery in Two Harbors Ready to Operate for the Summer

TWO HARBORS, Minn.– Minnesota Governor Tim Walz yesterday announced the loosening of many restrictions beginning today including getting rid of mandatory closure times at bars and restaurants while eliminating outdoor dining limits. We caught up with leadership from Castle Danger Brewery in Two Harbors who says they’re eager to operate in a more normal capacity as they hope it’s a…

UMD Commencement Goes Virtual

DULUTH, Minn.-This year’s commencement at UMD will be virtual again as the pandemic continues on. More than 2,300 students will be graduating this year from the college, all of whom finished up their year facing some unusual circumstances including hybrid classes. The chancellor of the college says the decision to go virtual for the commencement, ensures everyone can stay safe….

Animal Allies Offering Discount Adoption Fees

Because of an influx of dogs, the shelter is offering $50 off adoption fees for dogs and puppies from today going through Sunday.

DULUTH, Minn. —  Animal Allies Human Society is giving a little extra incentive to adopt this weekend. Because of an influx of dogs, the shelter is offering $50 off adoption fees for dogs and puppies from today going through Sunday. Although staff say it’s rare that they offer this type of discount, they hope it gives these pets a chance…

Brazil Variant Found in Itasca County

ITASCA COUNTY, Minn. – A fourth variant of the COVID-19 virus was found in Itasca County earlier this week. Itasca County health officials say the P.1 variant which originated in Brazil was identified through genetic sequencing. “Virus mutations are possible when and where a virus spreads from person to person, which is why getting to widespread immunity is so critical…

Minnesota Community Vaccination Sites Now Taking Walk-Ins

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) — Vaccine-eligible Minnesotans can walk in for a COVID-19 shot without an appointment at the state’s Community Vaccination Program locations effective immediately, the governor’s office announced Friday. “We want Minnesotans to pile in the car, walk into a state site and get the whole family vaccinated,” Gov. Tim Walz said in a statement. Walk-ins for Minnesotans…

Charges Imminent In Minnesota Bank Hostage Case

(Stearns County Sheriff’s Office via AP) ST. CLOUD, Minn. (AP) — Charges are expected to be filed against a man accused of holding five employees hostage during a standoff at a St. Cloud, Minnesota, bank that lasted more than eight hours. The Star Tribune reports that Stearns County Attorney Janelle Kendall said a criminal complaint against the 35-year-old suspect was…

1 Year Old Dies in Remer Duplex Fire

CASS COUNTY, Minn. – The Cass County Sheriff’s Office says deputies responded early Friday morning to reports of a house fire in rural Remer. According to reports, deputies arrived at the scene around 1:46 a.m. in the area of Ghe We Zance Lane Northeast in Boy Lake Township and found a duplex engulfed in flames. Deputies located and safely removed…

Minnesota Legislature Faces Tough Budget Talks in Week Ahead

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — As the Minnesota Legislature enters the last full week of its 2021 session, lawmakers face tough negotiations for a balanced budget by next Monday’s mandatory adjournment date. And given the Legislature’s partisan split, the final package is expected to make only incremental changes instead of sweeping overhauls. There are deep disagreements over what should be in the…

Midday Update 5-7-21

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Friday, May 7, 2021

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

Derek Chauvin Indictment Details: Boy, 14, Held by Throat, Hit With Flashlight in 2017

MINNEAPOLIS (FOX 9) – Derek Chauvin has been indicted on federal civil rights charges for a 2017 incident in which he’s accused of holding a 14-year-old boy down by the throat and striking the child multiple times in the head with a flashlight. These federal charges come at the same time as a separate indictment charging Chauvin and three other former Minneapolis police…

US Job Growth Slows Sharply in Sign of Hiring Struggles

WASHINGTON (AP) — America’s employers added just 266,000 jobs last month, sharply lower than in March and a sign that some businesses are struggling to find enough workers as the economic recovery strengthens. With viral cases declining and states and localities easing restrictions, businesses have added jobs for four straight months. Still, the unemployment rate ticked up to 6.1% from…

Morning Update 5-7-21

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Friday, May 7, 2021

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Ken Slama for a local look at news and weather making headlines Friday, May 7, 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

4 Ex-Cops Indicted on US Civil Rights Charges in Floyd Death

(from left, Derek Chauvin, Tuo Thao, Thomas Lane, and J. Alexander Kueng) MINNEAPOLIS (AP) – A federal grand jury has indicted the four former Minneapolis police officers involved in George Floyd’s arrest and death, accusing them of violating the Black man’s constitutional rights as he was restrained face-down on the pavement and gasping for air. Indictments unsealed Friday name Derek…

Wisconsin Man Accused of Sex Crimes Pleads Not Guilty to 84 Charges

RACINE (AP) – A Wisconsin man accused of sex crimes ranging from assault to possession of child pornography has pleaded not guilty to 84 charges. Forty-six-year-old Shane Stanger, of Burlington, faces 10 counts of second-degree sexual assault with an unconscious person, 66 counts relating to images or videos that rise to the level of a sex crime, six counts of…

St. Cloud Hostage Situation Ends with Man in Custody

any people had run out of the bank by the time officers arrived, but five employees were held hostage.

ST. CLOUD, Minn. (AP) – Police in Minnesota say a man accused of holding five employees hostage at a bank has been captured after an hours-long standoff. St. Cloud police Chief Blair Anderson says the suspect, 35-year-old Ray Reco McNeary, has a long criminal history. Police say McNeary was involved in a dispute at the bank Thursday afternoon and the…

Mayor Larson’s Plan: $24 Million For Duluth’s Spirit Mountain

Larson touts new jobs, more visitors and a larger economic impact from the investment.

DULUTH, Minn. – A historic shift in support for Spirit Mountain’s future was announced Thursday. Duluth Mayor Emily Larson said a proposed $24 million capital investment plan will take the city-owned attraction to its true potential, which includes adding hundreds of new jobs, six times the number of visitors and increasing the economic impact of more than $10 million. “We…

CHUM Announces A New Food Delivery Program Called CHUM2GO

DULUTH, Minn.– Churches United in Ministry announced a new food delivery program in Duluth on Thursday called CHUM2GO, an initiative that will be delivering pre-packed boxes of food to 120 households in Duluth a few times each month. The program’s deliveries will begin next Tuesday to help people experiencing food insecurity. “People are in dire need of fresh produce, fresh…

UMD Student Talks About What It’s Like To Take Finals Virtually

DULUTH, Minn.– UMD students are wrapping up the 2020-2021 academic year with finals ending tomorrow. One student we spoke to says some of the finals online make it especially tough, but she’s learned a lot about the distance learning process throughout the year which will help pull her through. “Keeping myself on track, like sitting down for 2 hours at…

DECC, Duluth Businesses Prepare for Higher Capacities and Loosed Restriction Following Walz Announcement

DULUTH, Minn.– The latest news from Governor Walz lifting restriction means that bars and restaurants in the Northland could be getting back to normal soon. Here in Duluth, local establishments are ready to welcome in more customers. Event spaces like the DECC, along with bars and restaurants around the city were surprised at how much the governor is loosening restrictions…

Salvation Army Continues to Offer Resources for Homeless

With the cities low vacancy rate, and the extension of the eviction moratorium there have been few openings for housing.

DULUTH, Minn. — The Salvation Army is continuing to offer different resources for the homeless community in Duluth. With the cities low vacancy rate, and the extension of the eviction moratorium there have been few openings for housing. The rapid re-housing program, landlord incentive program and family transitional housing program are some of the resources the Salvation Army have been…

One of Duluth’s Top Event Promoters Reacts to Governor Walz’s Restriction Lift

DULUTH, Minn.– Duluth Event Promoter, Tracy Lundeen, says he is excited by Governer Walz’s remarks today, adding all of his events this Summer like, Festival by the Lake, the Duluth Fall Wedding Show, should go off without a hitch. He also offered Duluth a little bit of advice, “We always hear that saying tomorrow isn’t guaranteed so let’s get back…

Wisconsin Health Officials Order Fraction of Vaccine Doses

MADISON, Wis. (AP) –Wisconsin health officials have ordered only a fraction of their allotted COVID-19 vaccine doses for next week in another sign of plateauing interest in the vaccine. President Joe Biden’s administration announced earlier this week that it would shift doses from states with lower demand to states with more interest. Wisconsin has been allocated 86,580 Pfizer doses and…

St. Cloud Bank Robbery, Hostage Situation Ongoing

ST. CLOUD, Minn. (FOX 9) – St. Cloud police are responding to a reported bank robbery and hostage situation at a Wells Fargo, according to police and Wells Fargo officials. According to St. Cloud police, at 1:48 p.m. officers responded to the bank on 200 33rd Avenue South. The situation is still ongoing and law enforcement remains on the scene. The FBI…

Mayor Larson Outlines Recommended Plan for Next Steps at Spirit Mountain

DULUTH, Minn. – Duluth Mayor Emily Larson announced during a Thursday press conference her recommendations for the next steps in supporting Spirit Mountain Recreational Area. The mayor’s proposed plan includes launching a $24 million capital reinvestment program funded 50% by state bonding, 25% by the City from tourism taxes, and 25% by Spirit Mountain. “Now is the time to do…

Shooting at Idaho Middle School Injures 3; Student Captured

BOISE, Idaho (AP) – Authorities say a shooting at an eastern Idaho middle school has injured two students and a custodian, and a student suspected of being the shooter has been taken into custody. The Jefferson County sheriff says the victims’ injuries aren’t believed to be life-threatening. Police were called to the school around 9:15 a.m. Thursday, and multiple law…

Republicans Scrap Evers’ Priorities, Start Writing Budget

MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Hundreds of Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers’ priorities, including legalizing marijuana, raising $1 billion in taxes, and expanding collective bargaining rights, have been killed by the Legislature’s Republican-controlled budget committee. Lawmakers are taking their first votes Thursday in writing the next state budget. Republicans essentially scrapped the Democratic governor’s entire two-year proposal. They instead are building off…

Gov. Walz Announces Plan to End COVID-19 Restrictions in Minnesota by July 1

BY THEO KEITH, FOX 9 ST. PAUL, Minn.-Governor Tim Walz today announced a three-step timeline to end nearly all state COVID-19 restrictions by May 28, and end the statewide masking requirement once 70% of Minnesotans age 16 years and older get their vaccine, or by July 1. The announcement comes as more than 2.6 million Minnesotans have gotten their shot…

Midday Update 5-6-21

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Thursday, May 6, 2021

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Ken Slama for a look at local news and weather making headlines Thursday, May 6, 2021. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Ken Slama, Local News, midday update, News, weather

Duluth Police Investigating Two East Hillside Shots Fired Incidents

DULUTH, Minn. – Duluth Police are investigating two shots fired incidents in the East Hillside neighborhood late Wednesday night and early Thursday morning. According to police, officers responded to the first incident of shots fired around 11:45 p.m. Wednesday on North 3rd Avenue East and East 8th Street. When officers arrived at the scene they found multiple shell casings on…

Spice Up Your Breakfast Routine with a Bite from Lift Bridge Bagels

Cooking Connection: Cream Cheese Filled Bagel Bites with Cinnamon Sugard on Top

SUPERIOR, Wis. – This week’s Cooking Connection features the perfect option for a quick bite to eat before your busy day begins. Lift Bridge Bagel creator, Lexy Land, shows FOX 21 Meteorologist Ken Slama how she whips up her mouthwatering cream cheese filled bagel bites with cinnamon sugar. Land also creates a variety of bagels perfect for any occasion. Click…

Minnesota Eases COVID-19 Rules; Mask Mandate Ends by July 1

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Gov. Tim Walz on Thursday announced a three-step timeline for lifting nearly all the state’s COVID-19 restrictions by May 28 and dropping the statewide masking requirement no later than July 1, or once 70% of Minnesotans age 16 and older get their first dose of vaccine. “Our nation-leading vaccination effort has put us in a strong position…

Morning Update 5-6-21

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Thursday, May 6, 2021

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Ken Slama for a look at local news and weather making headlines Thursday, May 6, 2021. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Ken Slama, Local News, morning update, News, weather