News

Morning Update 2-25-21

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Thursday, Feb. 25, 2021

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

Walz to Announce Next Phase of Vaccine Rollout Plan Thursday

(Glen Stubbe/Star Tribune via AP, Pool) MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — At least 70% of Minnesotans age 65 and older will get at least one dose of the coronavirus vaccine before the state moves on to the next phase of vaccinations, according to Gov. Tim Walz. The governor is expected to announce the next phase of the COVID-19 vaccine rollout plan Thursday,…

US Jobless Claims Fall to 730,000 but Layoffs Remain High

WASHINGTON (AP) — The number of Americans seeking unemployment benefits fell sharply last week but remained high by historical standards. Applications for benefits declined 111,000 from the previous week to a seasonally adjusted 730,000, the Labor Department said Thursday. It is the lowest figure since late November. Before the virus erupted in the United States last March, weekly applications for…

Sales Tax Increase Could Lead to More Recreation Opportunities

New recreation opportunities could soon be increasing in Hermantown.

HERMANTOWN, Minn. – New recreation opportunities could soon be increasing in Hermantown. With a small sales tax increase, the city is hoping to get the Community Recreation Initiative off the ground. If approved, it could include the completion of a city-wide trail system that would eventually connect through Proctor and Hermantown down to the Munger Trail. It would also reimagine…

Superior Wants Public Input on Comprehensive Plan

The City of Superior is asking for the input of its residents to help come up with its comprehensive plan.

SUPERIOR, Wis. – The City of Superior is asking for the input of its residents to help come up with its comprehensive plan. The plan is a roadmap for the next twenty years and includes items like housing, economic development, and transportation. The document will be referenced by the city council, residents, and city staff. In order to put the…

Spirit Mountain Thanks Community with “Spirit Loves Duluth Days” Discounts

Northlanders can go tubing, skiing, snowboarding and more for only $5.

DULUTH, Minn.- Northlanders can go tubing, skiing, snowboarding and more for only $5, as Spirit Mountain is hosting “Spirit Loves Duluth Days” Wednesday and Sunday the 28th. They say it’s a low-cost way for residents to experience what Spirit has to offer, and their way to say thank you for the public’s help and patience during the pandemic. “To let…

“Finding Answers” COVID-19 Vaccine Special: FOX21 Talks With The Experts

DULUTH, Minn. — FOX21 and other news media outlets in the Northland came together at the DECC on Wednesday to interview experts and community organizers about the vaccine and distributing it to the current priority groups in our community. We spoke with St. Louis County Public Health Division Director Amy Westbrook. Westbrook says that St. Louis County hasn’t lost a…

Duluth Labor Organizations to Distribute Thousands of Food Boxes at DECC Thursday

They'll go through two semi-trucks carrying about 24 wrapped pallets of food boxes.

DULUTH, Minn.- Duluth Labor unions and organizations teamed up Wednesday, preparing to distribute thousands of boxes of food to anyone in need, secured from the US Department Of Agriculture’s Farmers to Families Program. On Thursday at the DECC, The Duluth Building and Construction Trades, Central Labor Body, and United Food and Commercial Workers Union Local 11-89 will distribute those boxes…

Health Equity Groups Work to Vaccinate Northland’s Black, Indigenous, People of Color

According to the CDC, many racial and ethnic minority groups can face economic, social, and geographical barriers to healthcare, and therefore COVID Vaccines.

DULUTH, Minn.- As vaccine supplies and vaccination initiatives increase throughout the country and the Northland, efforts have started zeroing in on helping racial and ethnic communities disproportionately impacted by the pandemic. According to the CDC, many racial and ethnic minority groups can face economic, social, and geographical barriers to healthcare such as difficulties finding affordable and quality housing and health…

WATCH: COVID-19 Vaccines: Finding Answers

DULUTH, MN — Whether it’s safe to get vaccinated if you have an underlying health condition or learning about the differences between the available vaccinations, people no doubt have plenty of questions about the COVID-19 vaccine. As the Northland navigates the next chapter in the fight against COVID-19, Duluth media outlets are teaming up for a special report called “COVID-19…

St. Luke’s Processing Thousands of Vaccine Doses to Ship Out Statewide

The hospital is one of the medical facilities designated as hubs, shipping to five different smaller "spokes" across the state.

DULUTH, Minn.- St. Luke’s in Duluth is sharing how they process their vaccine shipments. The hospital is one of the medical facilities designated as hubs, shipping to five different smaller “spokes” across the state. St. Luke’s processes 1,120 doses per flat of vaccines, stored at negative 60 to negative 80 degrees Celsius. Pharmaceutical staff at St. Luke’s says it’s a…

Northland Schools Consider Kindergarten Enrollment Numbers

According to the Minnesota Department of Education, COVID-19 has caused a 9% drop in students enrolling in public kindergarten options. How are Northland schools doing with kindergarten enrollment numbers?

NORTHLAND – According to the Minnesota Department of Education, COVID-19 has caused a 9% drop in students enrolling in public kindergarten options. How are Northland schools doing with kindergarten enrollment numbers? A variety of factors have influenced the kindergarten enrollment numbers, whether it be homeschooling, switching to private schools, or participating in other programming. At Hermantown schools, the current kindergarten…

Foxconn Looking at Building Electric Cars in Wisconsin

(AP) MOUNT PLEASANT, Wis. (AP) — Foxconn Technology Group said Wednesday it has signed a deal with a California startup to build electric cars, conceivably at Foxconn’s facility in Wisconsin. Details of the agreement with electric car company Fisker are expected in the coming months. However, Fisker chairman and chief executive Henrik Fisker told the Wall Street Journal that Foxconn’s…

Wisconsin Republicans Want to Limit Ballot Drop Boxes

MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Ballot drop boxes would not be allowed anywhere other than election clerk offices in Wisconsin under a new Republican-authored proposal in the state Legislature. Another bill unveiled Wednesday would require that only voters, not elections officials, could fill out the information on absentee envelopes. The latest bills add to a growing list of GOP-authored measures addressing…

Gov. Walz Announces COVID-19 Community Vaccination Site at Mall of America

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Governor Tim Walz announced on Wednesday a new community vaccination site to launch this week at Mall of America. The governor’s office says the permanent site will be the fourth of its kind, joining sites in Minneapolis, Duluth, and Rochester. The Mall of America will serve approximately 8,190 pre-kindergarten through 12th-grade educators, school staff, and child…

Minnesota Reports 761 New COVID-19 Cases, 9 More Deaths Wednesday

(FOX 9) – Minnesota health officials reported 761 new COVID-19 cases and nine more deaths Wednesday. The state has now seen 480,845 cases and 6,443 deaths since the start of the pandemic. So far, 4,040 of those deaths have been residents in long-term care facilities. The nine newly reported deaths were people ranging from age 60 to 94. Two were residents in…

Itasca County COVID to Resume Vaccinations Previously Canceled

ITASCA COUNTY, Minn. – Itasca County Public Health officials say they are resuming COVID-19 vaccinations that were previously canceled due to inclement weather that had caused vaccine shipment delays. “A whole new level of patience has been required of people and providers during the pandemic and these past days, with so many in line to receive the vaccine, at last,…

Minnesota Supreme Court Hands Victory to PolyMet Copper Mine

(AP Photo/Jim Mone, File) MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — The Minnesota Supreme Court has reversed an appeals court’s rejection of a critical air emissions permit for the planned PolyMet copper-nickel mine and sent the case back for further proceedings. The court ruled Wednesday that the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency was not required under federal law to investigate allegations of “sham permitting.” The…

Midday Update 2-24-21

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Wednesday, Feb. 24, 2021

FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Ken Slama share news and weather making headlines in the region Wednesday, Feb. 24, 2021. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Ken Slama, Local News, midday update, News

Essentia Health President: “Routine Care Essential, Safe Amid COVID-19 Pandemic”

Dr. Jon Pryor, President of Essentia Health in Duluth, Says Routine Care Appointments Shouldn't Be Put on the Back Burner

DULUTH, Minn. – Many Northlanders are left wondering what comes next in the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic. As concerns remain high, local hospital officials want to remind residents it’s safe, and important to continue scheduling routine medical exams and screening procedures. Dr. Jon Pryor, President of Essenita Health in Duluth, says his facility is seeing a 33 percent decrease…

St. Luke’s Hospitalist Depicts Daily Routine, Optimism as COVID-19 Vaccinations Continue

Dr. Jake Powell with St. Luke's Hospital in Duluth Discusses What It's Like to Work on the Frontlines Amid the COVID-19 Pandemic

DULUTH, Minn. – As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to wreak havoc on healthcare systems across the nation, locally, Northland hospitals are thankful to see a decrease in new cases and severe hospitalizations. Dr. Jake Powell is a hospitalist with St. Luke’s in Duluth. He says as COVID-19 cases are decreasing, his daily routine continues to be inundated with many patients…

Northland Doctor Reminds Residents COVID Vaccines Are Safe, Extremely Effective

Dr. Charles Kendall with Community Memorial Hospital in Cloquet Discusses Vaccine Safety and Efficacy

CLOQUET, Minn. – According to the Minnesota Department of Health, over one million Minnesotans have received at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine. Locally, in Carlton County, a region with a population of over 35,000, data shows more than 10,000 residents have received at least their first shot. Dr. Charles Kendall with Community Memorial Hospital in Cloquet says he’s…

USPS Selects Oshkosh Defense to Build Greener Mail Truck

(USPS) WASHINGTON (AP) — The U.S. Postal Service says it has chosen Oshkosh Defense to build its next-generation mail-delivery vehicle. It’s part of an effort to make the USPS more environmentally friendly by switching a portion of its massive fleet to electric vehicles. Wisconsin-based Oshkosh Defense will assemble 50,000 to 165,000 of the new Next Generation Delivery Vehicles at its…

Appeals Court to Weigh 3rd-Degree Murder Charge for Chauvin

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — The Minnesota Court of Appeals has agreed to consider a prosecutors’ request to reinstate a third-degree murder charge against the fired Minneapolis police officer charged in George Floyd’s death. Jury selection begins March 8 for Derek Chauvin, who is charged with second-degree murder and manslaughter. The appeals court set oral arguments for March 1 on the question…

Pressed For Time? The Duluth Dog Walker is Ready to Make a Routine Visit

The Duluth Dog Walker Started in January of 2021, Owner Traci Rutledge is Currently Accpeting More Four-Legged Clients

DULUTH, Minn. – It can be hard to find the motivation to keep active in the winter months, with the cold, snow, and ice creating hazardous conditions. However, our pets don’t care whether it’s raining, sleeting, or snowing or whatever the temp may be. “I’m the dog whisperer,” said Traci Rutledge, owner of The Duluth Dog Walker. It takes passion…

Morning Update 2-24-21

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Wednesday, Feb. 24, 2021

FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Ken Slama share news and weather making headlines in the region Wednesday, Feb. 24, 2021. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Ken Slama, Local News, morning update, News

February Spike Expected in Minnesotans’ Home Heating Bills

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Minnesota’s largest gas utilities are warning about sky-high heating bills because of the historic cold wave in the South and the state’s stretch of subzero weather. At a special meeting by the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission Tuesday, members were told February heating bills could be $400 more. The additional charge isn’t expected to show up on customers’…

Walz: Next Vaccine Priority Group Will Be Announced Within Days

(FOX 9) – Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz says he will announce within days the next priority groups to get the COVID-19 vaccine, without waiting until senior citizens are fully vaccinated. Walz said administration officials are debating whether to make the move once 60 percent of seniors are vaccinated, or 70 percent, or 80 percent. According to health officials, nearly 42 percent of Minnesota…

Duluth Media Outlets Team up to Answer COVID-19 Vaccine Questions

DULUTH, MN — Whether it’s safe to get vaccinated if you have an underlying health condition or learning about the differences between the available vaccinations, people no doubt have plenty of questions about the COVID-19 vaccine. As the Northland navigates the next chapter in the fight against COVID-19, Duluth media outlets are teaming up for a day-long effort called “COVID-19…

Dist. 709 Expands Plan For In-Person Learning For Middle, H.S. Students

DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth School District is expanding its in-person learning plan for middle and high school students to include four days of in-person learning beginning March 29. The updated learning plan follows new guidelines announced by Governor Tim Walz last week. “The updated guidelines and declining COVID rates have opened up the ability to bring our middle and…

Multimedia Journalism Program Returning to UWS

Back it 2017 it was one of 25 programs suspended due to budget cuts.

SUPERIOR, Wisc. – The Journalism program at the University of Wisconsin-Superior will be returning this coming fall. Back it 2017 it was one of 25 programs suspended due to budget cuts. Now, faculty is preparing for the 2021 fall semester by adding a series of electives such as digital writing, web design and photography courses to the re-imagined multimedia journalism…

GO: Gooseberry Falls

Two Harbors, Minn. – “It’s really beautiful in the winter time,” Nisswa Resident, Marcy Byrns says. The frozen upper and lower falls are just one of the many reasons people make a return trip to Gooseberry even in the colder months. “It’s really amazing how they are frozen over to a certain extent depending on when you come and we…

Vaccine Delivery, Winter Weather Slow Shipments

With vaccine deliveries and the powerful winter weather in Texas, local shipping places have been impacted.

DULUTH, Minn. – With vaccine deliveries and the powerful winter weather in Texas, local shipping places have been impacted. At the Mail Room in Duluth, management says that with FedEx and UPS delivering lots of COVID vaccines, it slows down the process for shipping other items. Not only is that a concern, but also the winter weather is like that…

Tax Season Underway

It’s the beginning of tax season, which is means tax preparers are getting busier.

DULUTH, Minn. – It’s the beginning of tax season, which is means Tax preparers are getting busier. Income tax and consultants in Duluth say generally the early birds are the ones wanting to get their refunds right away but this year has been a little different as they are seeing many early filers who owe money as some want to…

Local Organization Donates Quilts To Ronald McDonald House Northland

The plan is to make quilts all year long to give back and bring comfort to the children at the Ronald McDonald House.

DULUTH, Minn- Members of a local organization are quilting their way into the hearts of families at the Ronald McDonald House in Duluth, which recently opened. Every year, the Northern Lights Machine Quilters Guild gives back to a local organization. “Quilts are made with love one stitch at a time,” said Helen Smith Stone, the founding president of NLMCQG. This…

City Crews Repair Another Water Main Break

Officials say the city has had about one or two water main breaks per day, this year.

DULUTH, Minn. – City repair crews responded to yet another water main break in the Duluth. Tuesday morning, the group was hard at work repairing a hairline crack in a water main off of Morris Thomas Road that left water gushing into the street and causing icy conditions. Officials say the city has had about one or two water main…

Four More Vaccination Sites To Open In Wisconsin Including In Douglas County

Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers says the Douglas County site will be split with Barron County.

DOUGLAS COUNTY, Wis. – Wisconsin is set to open four more vaccination clinics across the state including one in Douglas County. Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers says the Douglas County site will be split with Barron County. Those sites are expected to open within the next two months. On Tuesday, Evers said although case numbers are down, we are not out…

70-Year-Old Pedestrian Struck By Hit-And-Run Driver

Victim was hospitalized with life-threatening injuries.

RICE LAKE, Minn. – A pedestrian was fighting for her life Tuesday night after being struck by a hit-and-run driver in Rice Lake. The St. Louis County Sheriff’s Office says the 70-year-old woman was struck by an SUV around 4:30 p.m. on the 5000 block of Arnold Road. She was hospitalized with a life-threatening head injury. The 33-year-old male driver…

Hayward Businesses Prepare for the Unknown as Birkie Week Begins

Participants of The 2021 American Birkebeiner Can Choose to Participate In-Person or Virtually

HAYWARD, Wis. – During an average year, the American Birkebeiner welcomes over 10,000 participants from around the world to the town of Hayward and surrounding communities. However, the COVID-19 pandemic is putting a damper on the normalcy of this year’s event. Not only are the participants feeling the impact, but local businesses are also adjusting to the new reality. “We…

Mobile Market Coming to Northland

Whether it be grains, dairy, or canned goods, a new mobile market will be delivering goods in a refrigerated truck to locations throughout Duluth.

DULUTH, Minn. – Whether it be grains, dairy, or canned goods, a new mobile market will be delivering goods in a refrigerated truck to locations throughout Duluth. Community Action Duluth is opening the market in order to meet the needs of food insecurity in the area. The market will be visiting Morgan Park, Lincoln Park, and Harbor Highlands and include…

Former Duluth City Attorney Gunnar Johnson To Run Iditarod, Runs for Suicide Awareness and Prevention

With the Iditarod coming up in March, one Duluth musher will be running his dogs for suicide awareness.

ALASKA – With the Iditarod coming up in March, one Duluth musher will be running his dogs for suicide awareness. It was in 2010 when Gunnar Johnson lost his first cousin Benjamin Curry Stassen to suicide. Benjamin was just a 21-year-old junior in college when he had passed away. In remembrance of both his cousin and others who have been…

6-Year-Old Dies, Woman Injured in Cass County Snowmobile Crash

CASS COUNTY, Minn. – According to the Cass County Sheriff’s Office, a 6-year-old girl died and a 35-year-old woman was injured in a snowmobile crash Monday afternoon. Deputies responded to reports of a snowmobile crash with serious injuries in Gould Township around 3:17 p.m. When responders arrived at the scene they learned that the female and child, both of Federal…

Maurices President, CEO Announces Retirement

DULUTH, Minn. – On Tuesday, Maurices president and CEO, George Goldfarb, announced his retirement after 36 years with the company. Goldfarb has accepted the role of Chairman Emeritus for Maurices and will step away from his daily responsibilities. “We are so pleased that George will join Maurice’s Board of Directors. He has spent the last 36 years, 10 of which…

Tiger Woods Injured in Car Accident in Los Angeles

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Golf star Tiger Woods was injured Tuesday in a vehicle rollover in Los Angeles County, authorities said. Woods had to be extricated from the vehicle with the “jaws of life” tools, the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department said in a statement. Woods was taken to the hospital with unspecified injuries. The vehicle sustained major damage, the sheriff’s department…

Drug Execs Face Capitol Hill Questions on Vaccine Supply

WASHINGTON (AP) — The top developers of U.S. COVID-19 vaccines are set to face questions from Congress about limited supplies of the shots needed to end the pandemic. The pace of vaccinations is picking up nationwide, but demand for the shots continues to outpace limited supplies distributed by the U.S. government. A House panel will question executives from five companies…

Wisconsin DMV Extends License Renewal for Drivers Age 60 and Over

Wis. – The Wisconsin Department of Transportation announced on Tuesday that the deadline to renew expired driver’s licenses for drivers 60 years of age and over has been extended. The state deadline is now set for May 21, 2021. The extension is due to the continued health risks from COVID-19. The Wisconsin Department of Transportation’s Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV)…