News

Midday Update 1-28-21

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Thursday, Jan. 28, 2021

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Ken Slama for a local look at news and weather making headlines Thursday, Jan. 28, 2021. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Ken Slama, Local News, midday update, News

Updated COVID-19 Numbers: Thursday, January 28

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Minnesota health officials reported 1,335 new cases of COVID-19 in Minnesota on Thursday morning bringing the total confirmed COVID cases to 458,633 in the state. Health officials also reported 16 news deaths bringing the death total to 6,140 in Minnesota. According to the Minnesota Department of Health website, 6,467,868 tests have been completed to date. There…

Duluth Transit Authority Announces Leadership Change

DULUTH, Minn. – Phil Pumphrey has left his position as the Duluth Transit Authority General Manager. The Duluth Transit Authority announced in a Thursday morning press release that while Pumphrey has left his role at the DTA he will remain with First Transit, the company currently under contract to staff a General Manager for the agency. DTA Assistant General Manager,…

Beer Battered Shrimp & Chips with Ledge Rock Grille at Larsmont Cottages

Cooking Connection: Beer Battered Shrimp & Chips with Huli Huli Slaw

TWO HARBORS, Minn. – With Valentine’s Day right around the corner, Ledge Rock Grille at Larsmont Cottages has a new, redesigned menu to please any customer who walks through the door. In this week’s segment, Chef Richard Selz prepares a handcrafted Beer Battered Shrimp & Chips with Huli Huli Slaw. Shrimp Flour Flour 1 C. Corn Starch 1 C. Salt…

Morning Update 1-28-21

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Thursday, Jan. 28, 2021

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Ken Slama for a local look at news and weather making headlines Thursday, Jan. 28, 2021. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Ken Slama, Local News, morning update, News

Minnesota’s Election Law Fight Heats up Over Voter ID Bill

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — The fight has heated up over whether Minnesota should tighten its election laws or make voting easier. A key Senate panel Wednesday backed a Republican proposal to require voters to present photo identification. Sen. Scott Newman framed it as aimed more at increasing voter confidence in election results than at preventing fraud. But Democratic Secretary of State…

15 ‘Tiny Homes’ Coming to Several Duluth Communities

DULUTH, Minn.– As the city of Duluth looks to try and find new ways to fight housing issues in the city, they’re thinking small. Duluth Economic Development Authority is unanimously passed the land sale agreements from the city’s Rebuild Duluth program to create more housing options in the Hillside, Gary-New Duluth, and Fairmont Areas. It would add 23 home projects,…

Essentia, St. Luke’s Begin Vaccinating People Age 65 and Older

DULUTH, Minn.– The race to give out the COVID-19 vaccine continues as the Northland begins to move on to the next wave of people to get the shot. So far, healthcare providers in Duluth have vaccinated over 1,400 people including frontline workers, long term care residents, and first responders. St. Luke’s and Essentia Health both started giving vaccines to people…

The St. Louis County Sheriff’s Office Warns Residents About Scams

It is recommended if you do not recognize a phone number, do not answer.

ST. LOUIS COUNTY, Minn. – The St. Louis County Sheriff’s Office is sending a warning about a recent uptick in scam phone calls and email impacting northland residents. A handful of complaints have recently been made to the sheriff’s about the attempted scamming. Law enforcement believe the increase in calls and emails may be a result of stimulus money being…

Lake County Health & Human Service Will Soon Open Pop-Up Vaccine Clinics

People can call the Lake County Covid-19 Vaccine hotline at 218-834-8434.

LAKE COUNTY, Minn. – The distribution of COVID-19 vaccines continues throughout the Northland and now some more rural residents will soon be getting in on the action. Lake County Health and Human Services is working to get vaccines out to residents as quickly as possible. One way is by offering pop-up vaccine clinics, which gives the county the ability to…

Judge Orders City To Secure Fire-Damaged Kozy; Demolition, Restoration Still On Table

  DULUTH, Minn. — The condemned Kozy building in downtown Duluth is saved again from demolition by the city — at least for now. St. Louis County Judge Eric Hylden has ordered the city of Duluth and the Duluth Economic Development Authority (DEDA) to immediately install braces against the walls of the building damaged by fire last November. After that, the…

Rebuild Process Continues for Husky Energy

The rebuild process continues at Husky Energy in Superior after an explosion ripped through the facility in the spring of 2018.

DULUTH, Minn. – The rebuild process continues at Husky Energy in Superior after an explosion ripped through the facility in the spring of 2018. The Husky Refinery in Superior continues to move forward in its rebuild process with the hopes that it reopens for business in 2022. This week along, two towers have gone up the vacuum tower and the…

Great Lakes Aquarium to Open “Brr Garden”

Starting Friday, the Great Lakes Aquarium opens its “Brr” Garden, which will be a bar set outside in these frigid temps.

DULUTH, Minn. – Starting Friday, the Great Lakes Aquarium opens its Brr Garden, which will be a bar set outside in these frigid temps. The bar will be open every Friday night from 5 to 8 p.m. through February and will feature ice bars with high top tables made entirely of ice. And to stay warm, the site will have…

Solar Co-op in Duluth, Hopes to Get People Interested

A solar co-op has popped up in Duluth with the hopes it gets more people interested in using clean energy.

DULUTH, Minn. – A solar co-op has popped up in Duluth with the hopes it gets more people interested in using clean energy. Minnesota Interfaith Power and Light is partnering with Solar United Neighbors to spread the word to Duluth neighborhoods about solar energy and the importance of doing it cooperatively to keep costs down. “Our primary focus about why…

Organizations Help Disabled, Elderly During COVID

Both Lighthouse Center for Vital Living and Age Well Arrowhead are supporting those with disabilities and the elderly during the pandemic.

DULUTH, Minn. – Lighthouse Center for Vital Living in Duluth has started a hotline that helps those with disabilities and the elderly understand more about the vaccine and testing process. Organizers say the hotline is vital especially with so much information out there. “The hotline is really important because people have questions and there’s so much information coming from so…

Greenhouses Thinking Spring

The Lilac Hill greenhouse in Hermantown first began prepping some geranium plants in early January.

HERMANTOWN, Minn. – Green houses in the area are already thinking Spring. The Lilac Hill greenhouse in Hermantown first began prepping some geranium plants in early January. The greenhouse will receive even more plants in the coming weeks. “We start out twelve in hanging baskets which is our petunias and the large big baskets you see that we have available…

Oscar and Emmy-Winning Actor Cloris Leachman Dies at 94

(Photo by Richard Shotwell/Invision/AP, File) LOS ANGELES (AP) — Cloris Leachman, a character actor whose depth of talent brought her an Oscar for “The Last Picture Show” and Emmys for her comedic work in “The Mary Tyler Moore Show” and other TV series, has died. She was 94. Leachman died of natural causes at her home in Encinitas, California, publicist…

Minnesota Driver’s License COVID-19 Extensions Ending

(FOX 9) – Minnesotans with driver’s licenses or ID cards that expire as COVID-19 extensions come to an end are urged to renew online or in-person in the coming weeks. According to a release from the Department of Public Safety, there are approximately 300,000 Minnesota driver’s license and ID cards that would have expired between March 13, 2020, and Feb. 28, 2021….

EPA, MPCA Announce $16M Sediment Cleanup Project Near Duluth-Superior Harbor

DULUTH, Minn. – On Wednesday, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and Minnesota Pollution Control Agency signed a $16 million project agreement to clean up contaminated sediment in the “ponds behind Erie Pier” in Duluth. “EPA’s partnership with Minnesota continues to produce results in the St. Louis River Area of Concern,” said acting EPA Regional Administrator Cheryl Newton. “This sediment cleanup…

DNR Board Unanimously Approves Rules Raising Mining Costs

MADISON, Wis. (AP) — The state Department of Natural Resources policy board has overwhelmingly approved new rules that would dramatically raise costs for nonferrous mining in Wisconsin. The rules require mining applicants to pay more for permits and licenses and supply more detailed plans to the department. The DNR estimates the changes could cost applicants about $502,000 more per project….

Wisconsin to Join Minority of States With No Mask Mandate

MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Wisconsin will become one of only 10 states without statewide mask mandates when the Assembly votes this week to overturn Gov. Tony Evers’ order. More than two dozen public health organizations, as well as state and local health officials, have urged the Republican-controlled Legislature to reconsider. The vote to repeal the mask order, planned for Thursday,…

Updated COVID-19 Numbers: Wednesday, January 27

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Minnesota health officials reported 851 new cases of COVID-19 in Minnesota on Wednesday morning bringing the total confirmed COVID cases to 457,317 in the state. Health officials also reported 18 news deaths bringing the death total to 6,124 in Minnesota. According to the Minnesota Department of Health website, 6,420,268 tests have been completed to date. There…

State: Some Minnesota Health Systems Ignoring Vaccine Rollout Guidance

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Some hospital systems around Minnesota are flouting the state and federal guidance on the hierarchy for receiving the coronavirus vaccine, according to health officials. The Minnesota Department of Health has deputized large health systems to distribute the vaccine as part of a public-private partnership. Currently, the state has prioritized vaccinating people who provide in-person health care services…

Man Pleads Guilty in Conspiracy to Kidnap Michigan Governor

DETROIT (AP) — One of six men charged in an alleged plot to kidnap Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer has pleaded guilty to conspiracy. Ty Garbin appeared in federal court in Grand Rapids, a few hours after prosecutors filed a plea agreement that’s loaded with details about the operation and his pledge to cooperate with investigators. The deal signed by Garbin…

Midday Update 1-27-21

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Wednesday, Jan. 27, 2021

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

Lake County to Begin Pop-Up COVID Vaccine Clinics Next Week

LAKE COUNTY, Minn. – Lake County Public Health along with the Lake View Hospital & Medical Clinics say they are working to distribute COVID-19 vaccines to Lake County residents beginning next week. According to a recent press release, following the completion of vaccinations for healthcare workers and congregate care residents, pop-up clinics for residents aged 65 and over will be…

The Snake Pit Experiences Spike in Business Amid COVID Pandemic

The Snake Pit is Located 5211 Miller Trunk Highway in Hermantown

HERMANTOWN, Minn. – Pet adoptions are on the rise amid the coronavirus pandemic, and The Snake Pit is experiencing the spike firsthand. Owner Roger Hill says business has picked up while restrictions have been in place. With more people stuck at home, they’re looking for companions to care for, and cold-blooded creatures are no exception. The snake pit offers a…

Morning Update 1-27-21

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Wednesday, Jan. 27, 2021

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

Auschwitz Survivors Mark Anniversary Online Amid Pandemic

WARSAW, Poland (AP) – Holocaust survivors will commemorate their lost loved ones and world leaders will issue pleas for tolerance on Wednesday as the world marks the 76th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau. The Nazi German extermination camp is the most notorious of the death camps operated by Adolf Hitler’s regime during World War II to carry out the…

Beargrease Silent Auction Goes Virtual Ahead of Sunday Race Start

Until February 7th you can bid on a variety of Beargrease memorabilia as well as gifts, and weekend giveaways to local resorts and venues. 

DULUTH, Minn.- Preparations continue for the John Beargrease Sled Dog Marathon ahead of the start just days away. Normally the big auction and opening ceremony takes place the first week, but this year the auction is virtual. Until February 7th you can bid on a variety of Beargrease memorabilia as well as gifts, and weekend giveaways to local resorts and…

148th Fighter Wing Returns Following Deployment to U.S. Capitol for Biden Inauguration

A total of 110 volunteers were deployed from the 148th, about 10% of their total force.

DULUTH, Minn,- Members of the 148th Fighter Wing have returned to the Twin Ports following their deployment to the Capitol. — part of the 25,000 National Guard troops sent there for President Joe Biden’s Inauguration, to watch out for threats following the violent Pro-Trump riot. “It was quite crazy to be honest with you,” said Master Sergeant Chris Simonson, Food…

GO: Positive Energy Outdoors

For 17 years, Positive Energy Outdoors has been offering programs for all ages.

DULUTH, Minn. – “We’re all about people and animal powered recreation,” Positive Energy Outdoors Co-Founder, Blake Cazier says. For 17 years, Positive Energy Outdoors has been offering programs for all ages. “So we have sled dogs and Draft horses. We teach kayaking, have rock climbing adventures,” Cazier says. With the goal of educating their customers about the outdoors with every…

Wisconsin Senate Votes to Repeal Wisconsin Mask Mandate

MADISON, Wis. (AP) — The Republican-controlled Wisconsin Senate voted Tuesday to repeal Gov. Tony Evers’ statewide mask mandate, despite warnings from virtually every sector of the health care community that doing so would impair efforts to combat the coronavirus pandemic. Both legislative chambers have to pass the resolution in order to undo the mask requirement. The Assembly, controlled 58-30 by…

A Tiger At The Wildcat Sanctuary Tests Positive For COVID-19

Veterinarians conducted a Coronavirus test after sedating her, revealing she had the virus.

SANDSTONE, Minn.- A rescue tiger living at the Wildcat Sanctuary in Sandstone tested positive for COVID-19, but has since recovered. A tiger named Sabrina is a rescue from Texas and upon her arrival showed signs of having possible respiratory issues. Veterinarians conducted a Coronavirus test after sedating her, revealing she had the virus. It is believed Sabrina contracted the virus…

Some Proctor Students Return To Hybrid Model

Teachers now wear a mask and a shield to help slow the spread of COVID-19.

PROCTOR, Minn. – Proctor schools welcomed some students back to the classroom after months of doing distance learning to help prevent the spreading of the coronavirus. Bay View Elementary kindergarten through fifth-grade students returned back to class and will resume a hybrid model for a few weeks before transitioning to full in-person learning. Some new rules have been put in…

A Twin Ports Mobile Detail Shop Gets A Storefront

Detail and Dash is located at 5913 Tower Avenue.

SUPERIOR, Wis. – A  local mobile car detailing company has opened a new storefront in the Twin Ports. Detail and Dash now has a permanent place in the South End of Superior. The company offers a variety of detailing services and cars can be dropped off or picked up from your home. The owner says opening a storefront best for…

Flights at Duluth International Airport Down But 20 Percent Better than National Average

DULUTH, Minn.– The pandemic has greatly impacted the travel industry, especially at airports around the country. But at the Duluth International Airport, they had 20 percent more passengers than the average airport in 2020 according to the TSA as 130,994 travelers came through the airport. While that may be a 59 percent decrease from last year, the airport is confident…

Community Action Offering Tax Help During Pandemic

DULUTH, Minn.– It’s tax season again and one local organization is offering some help with filing before the April 15th deadline. Community Action Duluth is offering free tax service once again but it will look a little different this year due to the pandemic. Taxes can be filed by sending your tax information virtually or by stopping at their office…

BWCAW Quota Permit Reservations Available Wednesday

DULUTH, Minn. – Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness quota permit reservations will be available starting tomorrow at 9:00 a.m. for the 2021 season. Visitors are encouraged to book their reservations for May 1 through September 20 online at www.recreation.gov or by calling 1-877-444-6777. A permit is required for visitors taking an overnight paddle, motor or hiking trip, or a motorized…

GOP Largely Votes Against Holding Trump Impeachment Trial

WASHINGTON (AP) — Senate Republicans have voted overwhelmingly against moving forward with Donald Trump’s second impeachment trial. The Senate on Tuesday rejected a Republican attempt to dismiss the trial, allowing the case on “incitement of insurrection” to move forward. Yet the support of 45 Republicans for declaring the trial invalid indicates that there are long odds for Trump’s conviction. The…

Tiger in Minnesota Tests Positive for COVID-19

(courtesy: The Wildcat Sanctuary via Fox 9) PINE COUNTY, Minn. – A tiger at the Wildcat Sanctuary in Pine County has tested positive for COVID-19, according to the Minnesota Board of Animal Health According to reports from the sanctuary veterinarian, the tiger, a 21-year-old female Sumatran/Bengal tiger, has already recovered from the virus. Sanctuary staff says they first noticed symptoms…

Walz Proposes Tax Hikes on the Rich to Balance State Budget

MINNEAPOLIS (AP/FOX9) — Gov. Tim Walz proposed raising taxes on the wealthiest Minnesotans and large companies Tuesday to help plug a projected $1.28 billion gap in the next two-year budget while increasing spending on education and on helping the state recover from the coronavirus pandemic. The Democratic governor’s budget proposal includes new spending of $745 million on education through 12th…

Midday Update 1-26-21

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Tuesday, Jan. 26, 2021

FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Ken Slama provide a look at news and weather making headlines Tuesday, Jan. 26, 2021. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Ken Slama, Local News, midday update, News

Updated COVID-19 Numbers: Tuesday, January 26

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Minnesota health officials reported 727 new cases of COVID-19 in Minnesota on Tuesday morning bringing the total confirmed COVID cases to 456,490 in the state. Health officials also reported 8 news deaths bringing the death total to 6,106 in Minnesota. According to the Minnesota Department of Health website, 6,399,553 tests have been completed to date. There…

Rate of Guns Seized at Airport Checkpoints Jumped in 2020

WASHINGTON (AP) — There were fewer air travelers in the United States last year, but a higher percentage of them were carrying guns. The Transportation Security Administration said Tuesday that screeners found 3,257 firearms on passengers or in their carry-on bags in 2020, or about 10 for every million travelers. About 83% of the guns were loaded. That was double…

Morning Update 1-26-21

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Tuesday, Jan. 26, 2021

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

Wisconsin Lawmakers to Vote on Repealing Mask Mandate

MADISON, Wis. (AP) – The Wisconsin Senate plans to vote on repealing Gov. Tony Evers’ statewide mask mandate, while it remains unclear whether the Assembly would follow suit as required to undo the order. A joint resolution co-sponsored by 29 Republicans in the Legislature was up for approval in the Senate on Tuesday. Assembly Republican leaders have not yet said…