News

Essentia Cardiologist Talks Heart Attack, Stroke Prevention on Go Red for Women Day

Cardiologist Dr. Katie Benziger Explains Why We Go Red for Women on Friday, Feb. 5, 2021

DULUTH, Minn. – On the first Friday each February, American Heart Month, the nation rallies together to ignite a wave of red from coast to coast. Go Red for Women Day serves to raise awareness for heart attack and stroke among women. According to the American Heart Association, more women than men die from cardiovascular disease each year. It’s estimated…

Teen Wanted in Fatal Wisconsin Mall Shooting Caught in Iowa

GRAND CHUTE, Wis. (AP) — A teen wanted in connection with the fatal shooting at a mall in eastern Wisconsin has been arrested in Iowa. The Grand Chute Police Department announced U.S. Marshals arrested 17-year-old Dezman Ellis on Thursday in Des Moines, Iowa. Ellis’ arrest comes days after authorities say he fatally shot 19-year-old Jovanni Frausto, of Neenah, and wounded…

Morning Update 2-5-21

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Friday, Feb. 5, 2021

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

Senate OKs Fast-Track of COVID Aid, Harris Casts Tie-Breaker

(Senate TV via AP) WASHINGTON (AP) — The Senate has approved a measure that would let Democrats push through President Joe Biden’s $1.9 trillion coronavirus relief plan without Republican support. Vice President Kamala Harris was in the chair to cast the tie-breaking vote, her first. Democrats in the chamber applauded after Harris announced the 51-50 vote at around 5:30 a.m….

Superior Police Chief Talks 2021 Priorities For Department

SUPERIOR, Wis. – Superior Police Chief Nicholas Alexander sat down with FOX 21’s Dan Hanger to talk about his priorities for 2021, which include an increased focus on the department’s community policing efforts while investing in a virtual training simulator for officers. The company behind the simulator is called Survivr – and Alexander says his department will be the first…

Duluth Public Schools Announces Plan For Secondary In-Person Learning

DULUTH, Minn. – Duluth Public Schools has announced some in-person classes will return next month for middle and high school students. Supt. John Magas says the update comes at the approval of the state health and education departments. “We learned a lot over the past nearly six months, from our own experience with elementary in-person and from other districts,” Magas…

Laura MacArthur Elementary Receives P.E. Grant

The grant, worth over $1,000, allowed the school to purchase snowpup cross country skis from the local continental ski shop.

DULUTH, Minn. – Back in the fall, Laura MacArthur Elementary in Duluth received a grant allowing the school to purchase skis for their Phys Ed class. On Thursday morning, 20 second graders got the chance to take their brand new skis out for the first time. The grant, worth over $1,000, allowed the school to purchase snowpup cross country skis from…

Superior First Responders, Stores Prep for Cold Snap

SUPERIOR, Wis.– With the temperatures about to plummet, some businesses in the Twin Ports are seeing people stocking up on warm gear. First responders are also getting ready to make sure they are ready for the cold. We made it this far into our Northland winter without a big cold snap, but that lucky streak appears to be over. While…

End Of Year Tourism Taxes Made A Strong Turnaround

2020 ended with tourism in Duluth being down by about 30%.

DULUTH, Minn. – Tourism tax revenue in duluth took a hit over the past year as some bars, restaurants, and hotels were forced to close to protect public health during the pandemic, but Duluth’s estimated tourism tax drop ended up lower than expected. Based on trends shown throughout the pandemic, the City of Duluth projected a significant decrease in tourism…

Limited Vaccine Supply Creates Long Waitlist For Bayfield County Health Department

The limited supply of vaccines has left more than 2,500 people waiting to get vaccinated.

BAYFIELD, Wis.- Bayfield County has already begun the process to vaccinate residents 65 and older, which accounts for more than 25% of the county’s population. Last week, the county gave out more than 500 shots to that age group. County officials say with a staff of more than a dozen they have the manpower to do about 1,000 vaccinations per…

Itasca County Health Dept. Urges Patience, Caution as Vaccine Rollout Continues

Residents Will Be Notified When It's Their Turn to be Vaccinated

GRAND RAPIDS, Minn. – COVID vaccinations continue to roll out for residents in Itasca County. Public health officials say they are currently in the process of inoculating those working in schools and childcare facilities, as well as residents who are 65 and older. In the past seven days, 35 new cases of the virus have been confirmed in Itasca County….

Upcoming Brewery in Lincoln Park Neighborhood Will Highlight Veterans

Two veterans are preparing to open up a new brewery in Lincoln Park this spring.

DULUTH, Minn. – Two veterans are preparing to open up a new brewery in Lincoln Park this spring. Veterans Matt Caple and Ben Gipson met in 2019 when Matt was setting up a fundraising collaboration between his nonprofit and one of the local breweries. Through the Lake Superior Warriors Disabled Veteran Hockey Program, the two developed a strong bond and…

Northland Foundation Gives Back to Organizations in the Area

During the pandemic, the Northland Foundation has stepped up efforts to give multiple non-profits a boost in funding.

NORTHLAND – During the pandemic, the Northland Foundation has stepped up efforts to give multiple non-profits a boost in funding. The group has awarded 81 grants in the last quarter of 2020 for more than $800,000. Most of the funds are being used for COVID relief efforts. Some of the organizations that received help include the Chester Bowl Improvement Club,…

Fire Department Offers Safety Tips During Cold Snap

With the cold snap just around the corner, the Duluth Fire Department is offering up tips on how to stay safe.

DULUTH, Minn. – With the cold snap just around the corner, the Duluth Fire Department is offering up tips on how to stay safe. They say you should always make your space heater is plugged into a wall outlet rather than a power strip, which can overheat if it’s dealing with too much wattage. And if you do brave these…

Minnesota Prosecutors Ask to Reinstate Charge in Floyd Death

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Minnesota prosecutors are asking a judge to reinstate one count that had been previously dismissed against the former Minneapolis officer charged with killing George Floyd — saying an appellate court decision from earlier this week shows the count can apply. Derek Chauvin faces trial in March on one count of second-degree murder and one count of manslaughter….

Cold Front Activities Postponed Due to ‘Dangerously Cold’ Temps

DULUTH, Minn. – This weekend’s Cold Front activities have been postponed due to forecasted dangerously cold weather. According to the National Weather Service, Duluth and surrounding areas are expected to reach dangerously cold wind chill values over the next several days and people are encouraged to stay inside this weekend. The Yeti Hunt has been rescheduled for Saturday, February 13…

Wisconsin Governor Issues New Mask Mandate After GOP Repeal

MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers has issued a new statewide mask order an hour after the Republican-controlled Legislature voted to repeal his previous mandate. The Democrat Evers said in a video message Thursday that his priority is keeping people safe and that wearing a mask was the most basic way to do that. “If the Legislature keeps…

Judge Approves Divorce for Ex-Cop Charged in Floyd’s Death

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — A Minnesota judge has approved a divorce settlement between the former Minneapolis police officer who placed his knee on George Floyd’s neck and his wife. The divorce of Derek Chauvin and Kellie Chauvin was finalized Tuesday and redacted documents were made public Thursday. The approval comes months after Washington County District Judge Juanita Freeman rejected a prior…

Wisconsin GOP Repeals Governor’s Statewide Mask Mandate

MADISON, Wis. (AP) – Wisconsin’s Republican-controlled Legislature has repealed Democratic Gov. Tony Evers’ statewide mask mandate. Health experts have warned against repealing the mandate, saying masks are probably the most effective way to slow the spread of COVID-19. The Assembly vote Thursday came a week after the Senate also voted to kill the resolution. Wisconsin is one of only 10…

Midday Update 2-4-21

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Thursday, Feb. 4, 2021

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Ken Slama for a local look at news and weather making headlines Thursday, Feb. 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

US Unemployment Claims Fall to 779,000 but Job Cuts Grind on

WASHINGTON (AP) — The number of Americans seeking unemployment benefits fell to 779,000 last week, a historically high total that shows that a sizable number of people are still losing jobs to the viral pandemic. Last week’s total dropped from 812,000 the previous week, the Labor Department said Thursday and is the lowest in two months. Before the virus erupted…

‘The Minnesota Marshmallow’ Maker Shares Secret S’more Brownie Recipe

Cooking Connection: Meet the Maker Behind 'The Minnesota Marshmallow,' Amy McMillan

DULUTH, Minn. – This week’s Cooking Connection caters to those with a mega sweet tooth! Duluth resident Amy McMillan had the idea of starting her own side business in the summer of 2020. Fast forward to today, and The Minnesota Marshmallow has taken off. McMillan says business is booming, and demand is high for these not-so-average mallows. She has created…

12-Year-Old Charged With Attempting to Kill Younger Brother

SUPERIOR, Wis. – A judge in Douglas County has ruled there’s enough evidence to support an attempted homicide charge against a 12-year-old boy accused of stabbing his younger brother. According to a criminal complaint charging the boy with attempted first-degree intentional homicide, the attack occurred on Jan. 11 at a home in the Town of Solon Springs. The complaint says…

Morning Update 2-4-21

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Thursday, Feb. 4, 2021

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Ken Slama for a local look at news and weather making headlines Thursday, Feb. 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

MNsure Will Open 3-Month Special Enrollment Period Feb. 16

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) — Minnesota’s state-run health insurance exchange said Wednesday it will open a three-month special enrollment period to help uninsured and other Minnesotans obtain coverage. MNsure said the open enrollment will begin Feb. 16 and run through May 17. The announcement follows a nationwide special enrollment period ordered by President Joe Biden last week for states that participate in…

Food Farm Hands Out Free Rutabagas

DULUTH, Minn.– In west Duluth on Wednesday, people bot their hands on some root vegetables — for free! The Food Farm came down from Wrenshall and handed out hundreds of pounds of rutabagas. Nearby, Wusso’s Concert Cafe got in on the fun with a special rutabaga dish from their drive-thru. And The Zenith Bookstore showcased its rutabaga themed cookbooks. The…

St. Luke’s Continues COVID-19 Vaccinations Amid Limited Amount of Doses, Scheduling Issues

DULUTH, Minn.– As COVID-19 vaccinations continue in our area, St. Luke’s has been giving out around 300 of them a day with the capacity to do more. But it has come with challenges, including making sure that there is enough doses to go around. St. Luke’s has been working to line up vaccine appointments for those who are able to…

St. Louis County Public Health Debuts Mobile Covid-19 Testing Trailers

"We are trying to come to people and come to the community to make it as accessible as possible," said Susan Vitulli, a public health educator for St. Louis County.

DULUTH, Minn. – St. Louis County Public Health is making it easier for many Northlanders to have access to COVID-19 testing. The county purchased two mobile COVID-19 test trailers for more than $200,000 The money used to buy these units came as part of CARES act funding awarded to the county. “We’re excited to offer more community testing opportunities throughout…

Public Health Officials Say Avoid Large Gatherings For Super Bowl Weekend

Health professionals say it is best to only gather with people only in your household.

DULUTH, Minn. -St. Louis County Public Health is reminding people to limit the number of people they choose to celebrate with during Super Bowl weekend Minnesota is still under the Governor’s orders to avoid large gatherings. Smaller gatherings are still a concern for many health professionals. They say it is best to only gather with people only in your household….

Lumber Companies Experience Market Spike During Pandemic, Connected to High Demand

Many Northland businesses have been hit hard by the pandemic but for some, it’s been a boom for business.

NORTHLAND – Many Northland businesses have been hit hard by the pandemic but for some, it’s been a boom for business. Lumber companies expected the demand for their products was going to drop, but it did just the opposite. In early 2020, nobody knew what to expect. Lumber mills slowed down and pulled back production, expecting a slowdown in the…

Essentia to Open Outpatient Day Surgery Center at Miller Hill Mall

Essentia Health has announced they will be converting the old Sears building at the Miller Hill Mall to an outpatient day surgery center.

DULUTH, Minn. – Essentia Health has announced they will be converting the old Sears building at the Miller Hill Mall to an outpatient day surgery center. Construction is expected to begin this spring with it set to open in 2022. Management says surgeries at places like this tend to be less expensive and quicker. “I wish it was opening up…

Minnesota BCA Identifies Deputy in Officer-Involved Shooting in Saginaw

SAGINAW, Minn. – On Wednesday, the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension identified the deputy involved in a fatal officer-involved shooting incident last week in Saginaw. According to the St. Louis County Sheriff’s Office, authorities responded to a report of a carjacking Friday night at the Pike Lake Super One grocery store. Authorities say the suspect was armed. The carjacking ended…

Wisconsin Prosecutors Seek Rittenhouse Arrest, Higher Bond

MADISON, Wis. (AP) – Wisconsin prosecutors have asked a judge for a new arrest warrant for an Illinois teen charged with fatally shooting two people during an anti-police protest in Kenosha in August. Kyle Rittenhouse faces two counts of intentional homicide. He was arrested the day after the shootings but went free after he posted $2 million bail. Conservative groups…

Plan to Strip Walz of Power to Close Schools Passes 1st Test

(John Autey/Pioneer Press via AP,Pool) MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — A Republican proposal to strip Democratic Gov. Tim Walz of the emergency powers he used to close schools as the coronavirus pandemic took hold in Minnesota has passed its first test in the state Senate. Sen. Carla Nelson, of Rochester, says her bill would put the decision-making back with local school boards….

Hayward Police Request Death Investigation by Wisconsin DCI

HAYWARD, Wis. – At the request of the Hayward Police Department, the Wisconsin Department of Justice (DOJ) Division of Criminal Investigation is investigating a death that occurred in the city of Hayward on Monday evening. According to a Wisconsin DOJ press release, the incident occurred around 8:30 p.m. on Monday when Hayward police officers responded to a residence on reports…

Updated COVID-19 Numbers: Wednesday, February 3

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Minnesota health officials reported 669 new cases of COVID-19 in Minnesota on Wednesday morning bringing the total confirmed COVID cases to 463,766 in the state. Health officials also reported 24 news deaths bringing the death total to 6,234 in Minnesota. According to the Minnesota Department of Health website, 6,628,961 tests have been completed to date. There…

Midday Update 2-3-21

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Wednesday, Feb. 3, 2021

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

Essentia Health to Move Vaccine Clinic to Miller Hill Mall

(courtesy: Essentia Health) DULUTH, Minn. – Essentia Health announced they will be moving its COVID-19 vaccination clinic to the Miller Hill Mall this week. The hospital says vaccinations will be administered by appointment only at the new location beginning Friday. The clinic’s new location will be inside the former Dress Barn space, across from Maurices. Clinic hours will be 7…

Prepping Your Pet for Cold Artic Air Slated to Arrive This Weekend

A Local Veterinarian from Superior Animal Hospital Reminds Pet Owners to Protect Their Four-Legged Friends this Winter

SUPERIOR, Wis. – With high temperatures only forecasted to be hitting the single digits below zero this weekend, it’s important to remember your pets aren’t immune when it comes to battling the bitter cold. Dr. Matthew Severs with Superior Animal Hospital says pets are vulnerable to many of the same dangers humans are when the temps dip below zero. Your…

Wisconsin Assembly Sends Mask Order Repeal Back to Senate

MADISON, Wis. (AP) — The Wisconsin Assembly plans to send the question of whether the state’s mask mandate should be repealed back to the state Senate, which voted last week to end the requirement. The Assembly delayed a vote last week amid concerns that repealing Democratic Gov. Tony Evers’ emergency order tied to the pandemic would result in Wisconsin losing…

Morning Update 2-3-21

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Wednesday, Feb. 3, 2021

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

Fauci Warns Against Super Bowl Parties to Avoid Virus Spread

WASHINGTON (AP) — The nation’s top infectious disease expert doesn’t want the Super Bowl to turn into a super spreader. Dr. Anthony Fauci, says when it comes to Super Bowl parties during the pandemic, people should “just lay low and cool it.” He said during TV interviews Wednesday that now isn’t the time to invite people over for watch parties…