News

Erin Letzring Wins Her First Beargrease Marathon, First Female Champion in 23 Years

Letzring beats previous champ Ryan Redington by just 7 seconds at the finish.

DULUTH, Minn.- After an epic finish-line battle Tuesday evening, the winner of the 37th Annual John Beargrease Sled Dog Marathon was first-time marathon musher Erin Letzring, beating out previous champ Ryan Redington by seconds in the final stretch. “Doing good. We’re all tired and could use a drink of water, but we’re all doing good,” said Letzring, panting with exhaustion…

Superior Council Wants State’s Ethical Opinion Involving Mayor Paine’s Marriage To Councilor

SUPERIOR, Wis. – Superior City Councilor Craig Sutherland proposed a formal request through the council Tuesday night to have City Attorney Frog Prell seek an advisory opinion from the Wisconsin Ethics Commission involving possible ethical concerns around Mayor Jim Paine’s recent marriage to 2nd District Councilor Jenny Van Sickle. Mayor Paine did not want a discussion on the topic at…

MN Court of Appeals Denies Lawsuit Against Line 3

(Richard Tsong-Taatarii/Star Tribune via AP File) A Minnesota Court of Appeals judge has thrown out a lawsuit that was trying to stop the Enbridge Line 3 pipeline reconstruction project. Several activist and Indigenous groups were challenging a recent permit approval by saying the pipeline threatens Native American waters and climate change. Enbridge says it’s pleased with the court’s decision but…

Duluth Hits New Record With Opioid Deaths; Police Working On Treatment Efforts

DULUTH, Minn. — Duluth Police say the city had its highest number of deaths from opioid overdoses in 2020, ever since they began tracking the numbers back in 2013. 20 people died from suspected overdoses, with some deaths still needing to be confirmed with toxicology reports. Duluth had a total of 213 overdoses in 2020, which is actually more than…

City of Superior Extends Mask Mandate

SUPERIOR, Wis. – The Superior city council has voted to renew the city’s mask mandate through the end of April. Previously, when Gov. Tony Evers ordered his mask mandate, the city of Superior let its own mandate expire. However, the Assembly could repeal Evers’ mandate as soon as this week, and because of this Mayor Jim Paine says it’s best…

More Snow Sculptures Coming to Lincoln Park

Each sculpture takes roughly two days to complete.

DULUTH, Minn. – Several snow sculptures in the Lincoln Park craft district have recently been completed and more are on the way. Three more sculptures will appear on Superior Street in Lincoln Park after the idea to bring more joy to the area had been brewing for over a year. Now, it snowballed, bringing artists Minnesota and the Twin ports…

Pandemic Prompting More People to Hit the Slopes at Lutsen Mountains

With Safety Precautions in Place, Staff at Lutsen Mountains is Ready to Welcome Visitors to the Slopes

LUTSEN, Minn. – It’s known as cabin fever, and this year, we may find ourselves letting it sink in earlier due to the COVID-19 pandemic. However, many winter weather enthusiasts are embracing current restrictions and taking a trip up the North Shore. “If you would like an action-packed, nature-filled, beautiful landscape ski resort, come to Lutsen Mountains,” exclaimed Rhylee Octavion,…

Many People Are Still Hesitant To Take Vaccine

DULUTH, Minn. – More COVID-19 vaccines are going into the arms of people across the country, but there are still some folks feeling hesitant about getting the shot. Experts say many people may be skeptical about its effectiveness due to how quickly it was created. The hesitation may also be because the vaccine is highly politicized and the continuous sharing…

Health Expert Say Take Pain Relievers After Getting Your Vaccine Instead Of Before To Help With Side Effects

DULUTH, Minn. – There has been a lot of debate about taking painkillers to treat side effects of the COVID-19 vaccine. Health experts say it is safe to take a pain reliever to help relieve the side effects of the vaccine, but when it should be taken is an issue many vaccine recipients are still unclear about. Many people have…

The Duluth Superior Symphony Returns To Live Concerts

For the first time ever, the DSSO is offering the option to view the event from the comfort of your home.

DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth Superior Symphony Orchestra is returning to live concerts after a two-month shut down due to the pandemic. Guests can attend a live showing starting this weekend, but due to COVID-19 restrictions, there is only a limited number of seating available. For the first time ever, the DSSO is offering the option to view the event…

Mental Health Awareness Week for Kids

This week is mental health awareness week for kids and local psychotherapists are recommending to cut down on screen time in order to prioritize children’s mental health.

DULUTH, Minn. – This week is mental health awareness week for kids and local psychotherapists are recommending to cut down on screen time in order to prioritize children’s mental health. Counselors add that another way to ensure mental health with kids is to make sure kids have a safe environment to feel comfortable to be their authentic selves and for…

Duluth Fire Department Receives Second Dose of Vaccine Shots

As the pandemic continues, Northland first responders are still receiving their COVID vaccinations including at the Duluth Fire Department where they received their second dose of shots today.

DULUTH, Minn. – As the pandemic continues, Northland first responders are still receiving their COVID vaccinations including at the Duluth Fire Department where they received their second dose of shots today. It’s been anything but normal for the Duluth Fire Department since the pandemic began but as more of them get vaccinated, they feel like they are rounding the corner….

DLH Clothing Gives Back in a Meaningful Way

One local business is giving back to the community in a meaningful way.

DULUTH, Minn. – One local business is giving back to the community in a meaningful way. DLH Clothing in the Lincoln Park Craft District is giving 10% of its profits to Family Freedom Center, which works to support the black community in multiple ways, including with startups. DLH owners say they wanted to give back to the center because it’s…

Stella Maris to Open Catholic High School

Some big changes are coming to Stella Maris Academy as they now plan to open a Catholic high school by 2022.

DULUTH, Minn. – Some big changes are coming to Stella Maris Academy as they now plan to open a Catholic high school by 2022. Stella Maris’ current academy, which features pre-K through grade 8 will also house the high school. Leadership says it’s always been part of their plans to open the school and they’re proud it’s nearly a reality….

Update: St. Luke’s No Longer Offering COVID-19 Vaccine Clinic Hotline

DULUTH, Minn. – After temporarily suspending its COVID-19 Vaccine Clinic Hotline on Tuesday due to high call volumes, St. Luke’s says they will no longer be offering the hotline moving forward. To prevent long wait times for patients the hospital says they will instead offer two scheduling methods to patients who wish to make a vaccine appointment: Patients can schedule…

Wisconsin Vaccination Rate Increases Amid High Demand

MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Wisconsin’s COVID-19 vaccination rate increased relative to other states over the past week and demand continues to far exceed supply. State health officials said Tuesday that Wisconsin vaccinated more than 200,000 people last week and the state’s allotment of vaccine from the federal government is increasing by 18%. However, last week alone, nearly 300,000 doses were…

St. Luke’s COVID Vaccine Clinic Hotline Temporarily Suspended

DULUTH, Minn. – St. Luke’s announced on its Facebook page Tuesday afternoon that the COVID-19 Vaccine Clinic Hotline has been temporarily suspended. The hospital says they have suspended calls to the hotline due to an overwhelming amount of calls from the community. All other lines at St. Luke’s are still available. “We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause, and…

Walz Asks Cliffs, US Steel to Collaborate to Keep Taconite Plants Open, Cliffs CEO Responds

ST.PAUL, Minn. – On Monday, Gov. Tim Walz sent letters urging the CEOs of US Steel and Cleveland Cliffs to work together to ensure the future success of both Minntac and Hibbing Taconite operations. “I am writing this letter out of concern about the future of two iron ore taconite operations— Minntac and Hibbing Taconite–on Minnesota’s Iron Range and to…

Hunting Group Sues to Force Wisconsin Wolf Season

MADISON, Wis. (AP) — A national hunting group is suing to force an immediate start to Wisconsin’s wolf season. Kansas-based Hunter Nation Inc. filed the suit Tuesday in Jefferson County Circuit Court in Wisconsin. The group is seeking an order forcing the state Department of Natural Resources to start the season immediately. The Trump administration removed wolves from the federal…

Feds to Start Sending COVID Vaccine to Pharmacies Next Week

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Biden administration will begin providing COVID-19 vaccines to U.S. pharmacies, part of its plan to ramp up vaccinations as new and potentially more serious virus strains are starting to appear. White House coronavirus coordinator Jeff Zients said Tuesday the government will initially ship about 1 million doses to some 6,500 pharmacies around the country, starting next…

City: Duluth Saw Highest Number of Opioid Overdoses in 2020

DULUTH, Minn. – The city of Duluth saw the highest number of opioid-related overdoses in 2020, according to a Tuesday press release from city officials. 2020 reports state there was a total of 213 overdoses within city limits and preliminary numbers show there were 20 opioid-related deaths, pending toxicology reports. In comparison, the city reported 106 overdoses in 2018 and…

Midday Update 2-2-21

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Tuesday, Feb. 2, 2021

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Ken Slama for a local look at news and weather making headlines Tuesday, Feb. 2, 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

Summerfest Moves to September, Allow More Time to Vaccinate Public

(courtesy: Twitter/Summerfest) MILWAUKEE – Summerfest will move from its original June 2021 dates to give health professionals more time to vaccinate the general public. Summerfest 2021 will be held September 2 – 4, 9 – 11, and 16 – 18. The festival will retain the three-weekend format, running Thursday – Saturday, three consecutive weekends. “While the progress made through the vaccine rollout…

Uber Will Bring the Booze After Acquiring Drizly for $1.1B

NEW YORK (AP) — Uber is bringing the booze. The mobile ride-hailing company said Tuesday that it is acquiring the alcohol-delivery platform Drizly for $1.1 billion in stock and cash. Uber expects more than 90% of the consideration to be paid to Drizly stockholders in shares of Uber common stock and the remainder paid in cash. Boston-based Drizly formed about…

USS Minneapolis-St. Paul Commissioning in Duluth on Hold

(photo: Facebook/USS Minneapolis Saint Paul Commissioning Team) DULUTH, Minn. (AP) — The U.S. Navy says the commissioning of the USS Minneapolis-St. Paul in Duluth is on hold after a design defect was discovered. The high-speed combat ship was christened at the Marinette, Wisconsin shipyard in 2019. The commissioning ceremony was expected to take place this spring before a problem with…

Minneapolis Announces Policy Change for Police Body Cameras

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — The Minneapolis mayor and police chief say officers will no longer be allowed to turn off their body cameras to talk privately when they respond to calls. The move announced Monday is one of several changes that followed the death of George Floyd and was an issue in another widely-publicized Minneapolis police killing. Floyd, who was Black…

Morning Update 2-2-21

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Tuesday, Feb. 2, 2021

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Ken Slama for a local look at news and weather making headlines Tuesday, Feb. 2, 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

Duluth Kids Dig Into History of Groundhog Day

At the Gary New Duluth Rec Center, kids got to learn all about Groundhogs, the history of the holiday, and other fun facts.

DULUTH, Minn- On Tuesday, we’ll find out if we get six more weeks of winter or an early spring on Groundhog Day — and on Monday some kids in Duluth learned more about the tradition. As part of the YMCA’s twice-a-week programming at the Gary New Duluth Rec Center, kids got to learn all about Groundhogs, the history of the…

Duluth Depot to Remain Closed To Public, Vaccinating Frontline Workers Until April

The vaccines are available to those specific group by appointment only. No walk-ins are allowed. 

DULUTH, Minn.- The St. Louis County Depot has transformed its Great Hall into a small-scale vaccination clinic for front-line healthcare workers – meaning it will remain closed to the general public until April, with no plans for shows or exhibits until then. “We feel like it’s very important that we really push forward with this vaccination effort,” said Mary Tennis,…

Two North Shore Lodges Finish Major Renovations

Mountain Inn at Lutsen and Cascade Lodge and Restaurant Recently Completed Extensive Renovations of Their Lodging Facilities

COOK COUNTY, Minn. – Recent stay-safe restrictions have given many Northlanders more time to tackle projects we couldn’t get done during the busy hustle and bustle of daily lives pre-pandemic. In this week’s Knowing Your Neighbors, you’re invited inside two lodges along the North Shore that are happy to welcome guests into fresh facilities after months of hard work. “There…

Starbase Program Inspiring STEM Students

Students are following a mission to mars story line.

DULUTH, Minn. – It was the programs first week back to in-person classes since November giving 5th grade students from Stella Maris Academy and Many Rivers Montessori a chance to get back to the books. “We take the math and science that students learn in their classrooms and kind of turn it on its head and deliver it in a…

Free Mobile COVID-19 Testing Sites Aim to Increase Accessibility Throughout Duluth

A mobile testing trailer will be in different Duluth neighborhoods twice a week throughout February.

DULUTH, Minn.- More opportunities to get tested for COVID-19 for free will be popping up around Duluth, part of St. Louis County Public Health’s plan to make testing more accessible for people who may have trouble getting to the DECC. Public Health Mobile Sites/Trailers will be at the following locations throughout the month: Wednesday, February 3, 10 a.m. to 2…

More Doses Of Covid-19 Available For 65 And Older Minnesotans

Over 35,000 additional doses of the COVID-19 vaccine is being made available.

DULUTH, Minn. – More 65 and older Minnesotans are getting a chance to roll up their sleeves to get a covid-19 vaccine shot. Over 35,000 additional doses of the COVID-19 vaccine is being made available. Governor Tim Walz announced the new vaccine supply will be distributed throughout the state. Minnesota is receiving a greater than 15% increase in the number…

The NAACP Duluth Chapter Gets A New President

Duluth native Classie Dudley is taking over the role.

DULUTH, Minn. – The NAACP Duluth Chapter now has a new president. Duluth native Classie Dudley is taking over the role. She previously won the seat in an election six years ago, but a technicality regarding her membership took away the victory. She says that set back provided a learning opportunity when it came to running a second time. “I…

Firefighter Health Takes Center Stage at Capitol

A bill has been introduced at the Minnesota Capitol to help firefighters diagnosed with serious illnesses.

DULUTH, Minn. – A bill has been introduced at the Minnesota Capitol to help firefighters diagnosed with serious illnesses. Representative Liz Olson is helping lead the charge for the Hometown Heroes Assistance Program, which would include payments of up to $30,000 for firefighters diagnosed with cancer or heart disease while also funding additional counseling for firefighters. “The nature of the…

Old St. Louis County Jail May Soon Be Redeveloped

The Old St. Louis County jail site on West Second Street may soon be redeveloped into more than 30 rental units as they work to secure funding.

DULUTH, Minn. – The Old St. Louis County jail site on West Second Street may soon be redeveloped into more than 30 rental units as they work to secure funding. Blue Limit LLC, the owner of the property, is hoping to develop 32 units of rental housing in the building in the old jail. Currently, they are working to generate…

Superior Mask Mandate Back on the Table

Mayor Jim Paine has submitted a resolution to extend Superior’s emergency declaration until April 30th, which will in turn extend the citywide mask mandate.

SUPERIOR, Wis. – Mayor Jim Paine has submitted a resolution to extend Superior’s emergency declaration until April 30th, which will in turn extend the citywide mask mandate. Previously, when Governor Evers had ordered his mask mandate, the City of Superior had let its own drop. However, the assembly could repeal Evers’ mandate as soon as this week and because of…

Cloquet Man Pleads Not Guilty to Manslaughter Charges

CLOQUET, Minn. – A Cloquet man charged with the fatal shooting of a 16-year-old last month in Brevator Township pleaded not guilty to second-degree manslaughter in court on Monday. According to reports, Joseph James Fohrenkam, 18, allegedly shot and killed Joseph James Peterson, 16, on the night of December 28 while drinking in his truck with friends and “waving a…

‘Saved by the Bell’ Star Dustin Diamond Dies of Cancer at 44

(AP) – “Saved by the Bell” star Dustin Diamond died Monday after a three-week fight with carcinoma. His spokesman confirmed Diamond’s death. He was 44. Diamond, best known for playing Screech on the hit ’90s sitcom, was hospitalized last month in Florida and his team disclosed later he had cancer. “Saved by the Bell” aired from 1989 to 1993, and…

Wisconsin to Launch Online Appointments for Virus Shots

MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Wisconsinites will be able to sign up online to get their coronavirus vaccinations later this month. The state is working with Microsoft to set up an online signup system. Wisconsin Public Radio reports the system will launch in 10 communities on Feb. 15. The state’s plan is to use those communities as a test of the software before…

Essentia Opens Temporary Skywalk

The skywalk will allow patients and staff easier access to Essentia Clinics first street building.

DULUTH, Minn. – A skywalk linking Essentia’s Duluth Clinic to a city parking ramp officially opened on Monday. The skywalk will allow patients and staff easier access to Essentia Clinic’s first street building. The temporary skywalk will make it safe to travel through the Vision Northland construction site. Patients and staff must be screened for Covid-19 in the clinics main…

Midday Update 2-1-21

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Monday, Feb. 1, 2021

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Ken Slama for a local look at news and weather making headlines Monday, Feb. 1, 2021. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Ken Slama, Local News, morning update, News

Updated COVID-19 Numbers: Monday, February 1

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Minnesota health officials reported 727 new cases of COVID-19 in Minnesota on Monday morning bringing the total confirmed COVID cases to 462,528 in the state. Health officials also reported 2 news deaths bringing the death total to 6,202 in Minnesota. According to the Minnesota Department of Health website, 6,597,842 tests have been completed to date. There…

Duluth’s Historic Chester Bowl Ski Hill Continues Providing Family Fun

Chester Bowl's First Ski Jump Opened in 1906; Alpine Skiing Began in the 1970s

DULUTH, Minn. – Chester Bowl is back open for business this winter and many families are taking advantage of all the activities the park has to offer. “The season has just been wonderful. People are excited to be out doing something active and social,” said Dave Schaeffer, Executive Director of Chester Bowl. Chester Bowl offers ski and snowboard lessons every…