News

Updated COVID-19 Numbers: Thursday, December 31

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Minnesota health officials reported 2,204 new cases of COVID-19 in Minnesota on Thursday morning bringing the total confirmed COVID cases to 415,302 in the state. Health officials also reported 61 news deaths bringing the death total to 5,323 in Minnesota. According to the Minnesota Department of Health website, 5,574,962 tests have been completed to date. There…

Police Investigate Deliberate Spoiling of 500 Vaccine Doses

GRAFTON, Wis. (AP) — Police and federal authorities are investigating after a Wisconsin health system said an employee admitted to deliberately spoiling 500 doses of coronavirus vaccine. Aurora Medical Center first reported that the doses had been spoiled on Saturday, saying they had been accidentally left out unrefrigerated overnight by an employee at Aurora Medical Center in Grafton. The health…

Morning Update 12/31/20

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Thursday, Dec. 31, 2020

Join FOX 21’s Nachai Taylor and Meteorologist Ken Slama for a local look at news and weather making headlines Thursday, Dec. 31, 2020. Have a great day! Categories: News, News – Latest News, News Update

Northland Newborns 12-31-20

FOX 21 and Essentia Health Team Up to Showcase Newborn Bundles of Joy Across the Northland

Every Thursday morning on FOX 21 Local News from 7 – 9 a.m., we’re teaming up with Essentia Health to showcase Northland Newborns. If you would like to submit a photo with a description of a newborn in your life, click here, or email fox21morningcrew@kqdsfox21.tv. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, Northland Newborns Tags: Essentia Health, Local News, Northland Newborns

Update: Victim Identified in Fond du Lac Shooting, Suspect on the Run

Joseph James Fohrenkam CLOQUET, Minn. – Authorities have released the identity of the 16-year-old victim fatally shot early Monday morning on the Fond du Lac Reservation. The St. Louis County Sheriff’s Office says Joseph James Peterson, of Cloquet, was found deceased outside of a residence on Giiniw Road after deputies responded to reports of someone being shot around 1:19 a.m….

Tubing Season at Spirit Mountain Slides in with Blizzard Snow

Duluth's Christmas Eve Blizzard brought with it the perfect weather for tubing.

DULUTH, Minn.- The Northland’s recent snowstorm, while a nuisance for some, was perfect to usher in the tubing season at Spirit Mountain. “The tubing hill’s fun,” said Jon Regenold, co-director of Resort Services. “You hear laughter and smiles all over the place. And then the ride is exhilarating too.” As of Tuesday those looking for a winter thrill a bit…

After 52 Years in Business, Cloquet’s Pete & Sons, Inc. Set to Close

The Final Day of Business for Pete & Sons, Inc. will be Dec. 31, 2020

CLOQUET, Minn. – Do you remember the last time you went to gas up your vehicle and an employee at the station did it for you? For one family in Cloquet, they never bat an eye at going above and beyond when it came to serving those who stopped by their business. After more than 50 years in business, the…

Duluth YMCA Wraps Up Distribution of Thousands of Meal Kits During Pandemic

The need has always been there, they said, but was exacerbated by the effects of the pandemic. 

DULUTH, Minn.- This week is the last for the Duluth Area Family YMCA’s Meal Kit Distribution Program, which donated thousands of meals to people in need during the COVID-19 pandemic. Leadership with the YMCA said since March of this year they have given out more than 45,000 meal kits at the Downtown Duluth YMCA, Gary New Duluth Recreation Center, Harbor…

MN Veteran’s Home in Silver Bay Gives Out Covid-19 Vaccine

"I am happy I got it," said Frank Stella, an army veteran and resident of the home. "I feel good."

SILVER BAY, Minn. – More than 100 doses of the COVID-19 vaccine were given out to help protect employees and residents. Dozens of residents and staff at the Minnesota Veterans Home in Silver Bay rolled up their sleeves to be some of the first to receive COVID-19 vaccines. “I am happy I got it,” said Frank Stella, an army veteran…

Superior Police Investigate Shooting Incident Inside Gas Station

SUPERIOR, Wis. – Superior police are investigating a shooting incident at the Kwik Trip on Hammond Avenue. Police were dispatched to the gas station at 623 Hammond Avenue around 5:45 p.m. after a report of a “possible discharge of a firearm inside the store,” said Sgt. Marc Letendre, police information officer. The preliminary investigation indicates a single shot was fired…

Families Head Up The Shore For NYE

"I am hoping COVID-19 will be over," said Wynnie Howard, a 10-year-old visiting from Texas.

TWO HARBORS, Minn. – Families headed up the North Shore to welcome in the New Year, which is keeping some hotel busy for the weekend. Several hotels, cottages, and cabins up the shore were already filled up for the New Year’s weekend. Some on the other hand, still have a few vacancies. One girl from Texas visiting her family in…

Semi Overturns on Highway 61

DULUTH, Minn. – A semi lost control and overturned Wednesday afternoon on a somewhat snowy Highway 61 in Duluth. The Minnesota State Patrol responded, along with some other big rigs to help get that truck out of the way. A Department of Transportation employee on scene told FOX 21 the semi was carrying a heavy load of paper rolls at…

Number of Gym Resolutions Increase During New Year

With New Year's Day just around the corner, some people are making efforts to go to the gym after new resolutions to work out more.

DULUTH, Minn. – With New Year’s Day just around the corner, some people are making efforts to go to the gym after new resolutions to work out more. Management at XMT-3 Training in Duluth says there is definitely more interest from the public in the gym during the beginning of the year. They say that when making resolutions, it’s important…

Canal Bark To Temporarily Close, Cites Business Struggles

Canal Bark in Duluth is closing from January 4th to the 31st as the business struggles to stay afloat.

DULUTH, Minn. – Canal Bark in Duluth is closing from January 4th to the 31st as the business struggles to stay afloat. Before COVID, Canal Bark had about 30 staff members, some being full time and a lot being part-time. However, management had to lay off everybody in April. Then the business got federal funding and was able to get…

Duluth Fire Department Receives Vaccine

The City of Duluth has begun vaccinating some of its front-line employees with the COVID-19 Moderna vaccine.

DULUTH, Minn. – The City of Duluth has begun vaccinating some of its front-line employees with the COVID-19 Moderna vaccine. In the video are pictures taken by the city earlier today at the Duluth Fire Department. 40 firefighters got their COVID shots today. Another 80 are expected to get theirs next week. Today, Fire Chief Shawn Krizaj was one of…

Victim in Central Hillside Shooting Incident in Critical Condition, Police Seeking Public’s Help

DULUTH, Minn. – Duluth police say they are continuing to investigate Tuesday’s Central Hillside shooting incident that has left one person in critical condition. Authorities say they have determined that the shooting was not random and there is no danger to the public. Police are seeking the public’s help with information pertaining to the incident, specifically any footage from exterior…

WLSSD Discovers Explosive Device at Materials Recovery Center

DULUTH, Minn. – Western Lake Superior Sanitary District is cautioning residents to not transport or dispose of explosive materials they may find after staff discovered a hand grenade in the mixed waste area at WLSSD’s Material Recovery Center earlier this week. According to a recent press release, staff discovered the explosive device on Saturday wrapped in bubble wrap and found…

Treasury, IRS Begin Delivering Second Round of Economic Impact Payments

WASHINGTON, D.C. – On Tuesday, the Internal Revenue Service and the Treasury Department announced in a press release on their website that they had started delivering the second round of economic impact payments. Direct deposit payments started Tuesday night for some people and will continue through next week. Paper checks will be mailed out starting today, December 30. According to…

Michigan Governor Signs $106M COVID Relief Plan

LANSING, Mich. (AP) — Gov. Gretchen Whitmer has signed into law a $106 million plan to provide relief to businesses and fund efforts to fight the economic impact of the coronavirus. Though the plan was a collaborative effort between the governor and the legislature, Whitmer told reporters on Tuesday that the legislature strayed from the original and the $465 million…

Midday Update 12-30-20

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Wednesday, Dec. 30, 2020

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Ken Slama for a local look at news and weather making headlines Wednesday, Dec. 30, 2020. Have a great day! Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Ken Slama, Local News, midday update, News

Updated COVID-19 Numbers: Wednesday, December 30

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Minnesota health officials reported 2,019 new cases of COVID-19 in Minnesota on Wednesday morning bringing the total confirmed COVID cases to 413,107 in the state. Health officials also reported 66 news deaths bringing the death total to 5,262 in Minnesota. According to the Minnesota Department of Health website, 5,527,037 tests have been completed to date. There…

Wisconsin Democrats Threaten to Skip Assembly Inauguration

MADISON, Wis., (AP) – Wisconsin Assembly Democrats might skip the inauguration next week because Republicans aren’t requiring masks in the chamber. The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reports that Minority Leader Gordon Hintz says he’s afraid the lack of masks could spread the coronavirus. He says having Democrats skip Monday’s ceremony is “a real possibility.” Gov. Tony Evers swore in all 38…

Over 200 Crashes, 1 Death on Minnesota Roads Amid Winter Weather

(FOX 9) – The Minnesota State Patrol responded to over 200 crashes and over 230 spinouts as Tuesday’s winter weather left roads snow-covered and slippery. The State Patrol said 212 crashes were reported on Minnesota roads between noon Tuesday and 8 a.m. Wednesday. Twelve of those crashes involved injuries, including one crash that led to a fatality in Faribault County. There were 236…

Morning Update 12-30-20

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Wednesday, Dec. 30, 2020

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Ken Slama for a local look at news and weather making headlines Wednesday, Dec. 30, 2020. Have a great day! Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Ken Slama, Local News, morning update, News

Trump’s $2,000 Checks Stall in Senate as GOP Blocks Vote

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump’s push for bigger $2,000 COVID-19 relief checks has stalled out in the Republican-led Senate. With Republican senators deeply split over new spending, Majority Leader Mitch McConnell on Tuesday blocked a swift vote proposed by Democrats. The GOP leader signaled an alternative approach that links Trump’s demand for aid with restrictions the president wants on…

Man Suspected of Abusing Wife Fatally Shot by Sister-in-Law

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — A Bemidji woman is accused of fatally shooting her brother-in-law on Christmas Day at his home, allegedly for mistreating her sister. The Star Tribune reports Janelle L. Johnson was charged Tuesday with second-degree intentional murder in connection with the death of 48-year-old Jesse Farris at his house near Bemidji. Johnson remains jailed in lieu of $500,000 bail ahead…

Silver Bay Veterans Home to Administer Covid-19 Vaccine to Residents and Staff

The Minnesota Veterans Homes are using the Moderna vaccine. 

SILVER BAY, Minn. – On Wednesday, the Minnesota Veterans Home in Silver Bay will begin to administer the COVID-19 vaccine to Residents and staff. The Minnesota Veterans Homes are using the Moderna vaccine. The vaccine is being administered by clinical leaders at each location. Other veterans homes across the state will begin their vaccinations this week. The vaccinations come after…

Minnesota Discovery Center Looks Ahead to Jan. 12 Reopening

Due to Current COVID-19 Restrictions in Minnesota, Minnesota Discovery Center Remains Closed to the Public

CHISHOLM, Minn. – Creativity is on overdrive at the Minnesota Discovery Center in Chisolm as staff work to navigate through the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Aside from the center’s gift shop, the facility remains closed due to restrictions put in place by Minnesota Governor Tim Walz. However, there is a light at the end of the tunnel. The Center will be…

Duluth Police Investigate 41st Shooting of 2020; Victim Shot Multiple Times

DULUTH, Minn. — Duluth police are investigating a shooting that injured a person in the Central Hillside neighborhood Tuesday afternoon. The shooting was reported around 2:40 p.m. in an apartment on the corner of Lake Avenue and West 4th Street. “Upon arrival officers located one victim with multiple gunshot wounds,” according to Ingrid Hornibrook, police information officer. The condition, age…

Superior Bars Prepare For More Customers For New Year’s Eve

"We're going to have extra staff on hand," said Brittney Young, a bartender at Top Hat Tavern in Superior.

SUPERIOR, Wis. – Superior bars are gearing up for what could be a busy New Year’s Eve. Bars and restaurants in Minnesota won’t get to enjoy the excitement of New Year’s Eve crowds as they can only open for takeout. “I do feel really bad. I work at another bar in Minnesota,” said Jessica Horn, a bartender and server at…

Half-Capacity Limit Reached for 2021 Grandma’s Marathon Races

The focus turns to the possibility of adding more in-person spots if local and state restrictions on mass gatherings are loosened up.

DULUTH, Minn. – Back in October, registration was open for Grandma’s Marathon, the Garry Bjorklund Half-Marathon and the William A. Irvin 5K. The half-marathon filled up in just over 13 hours. And now the other two are full as well. Organizers announced Tuesday that all three races have reached the half-capacity limit for in-person registration. The full and half-marathons were…

Carlton County Public Health Hosts Drive-thru Vaccine Clinic

100 doses of the Moderna vaccine was received for Tuesday's clinic.

CARLTON, Minn. – Carlton County’s Public Health and Human Services Division held its first drive-thru COVID-19 vaccination clinic. The county distributed its first shipment of the Moderna vaccine. The clinic was not open to the public. The vaccinations were only for emergency medical services workers and others helping to do community COVID-19 testing. One first responder says getting the vaccine…

Northland Cousins Give Back to Hospital Staff and Families

Two Northland cousins are partnering together to bring some holiday hope to families throughout the area. Their collaboration is bringing smiles to healthcare workers and families in the newborn intensive care unit. 

HERMANTOWN, Minn. – Two Northland cousins are partnering together to bring some holiday hope to families throughout the area. Their collaboration is bringing smiles to healthcare workers and families in the newborn intensive care unit. It was back in 2012 after a long journey of infertility and pregnancy loss. Janelle Wourms carried triplets who ended up passing away, just a…

Anglers Prepare as Ice Fishing Season Begins

The ice is finally frozen enough for anglers to break out the tents and ice fish safely.

DULUTH, Minn. – It’s that time of year when anglers are swapping out their boats and getting their tents out on the frozen lakes around the area. “I always liked to fish, always been a fisherman, so it’s something to do in the winter,” Jim Zawislak said. “It’s just kind of heritage: from Minnesota, land of 10 thousand lakes. It…

Tow Truck Companies Busy as Colder Weather Sets In

Tow truck companies were busy on Tuesday morning with helping people who were locked out of their cars, performing jump starts and fixing flat tires.

DULUTH, Minn. – After Duluth saw temperatures below zero on Tuesday morning, two truck companies were busy helping people get on their way. They said on Tuesday morning, they saw people locked out of their cars, performed jump starts, fixed flat tires and more, keeping tow trucks busy as cold weather sets in. With snow currently falling and colder temperatures…

Authorities Search for Suspect in Fatal Shooting of Fond du Lac Teen, Issue Arrest Warrant

Joseph Fohrenkam FOND DU LAC RESERVATION, Minn. – Authorities have issued an arrest warrant for the suspect believed to be responsible for the shooting death of a 16-year-old male on the Fond du Lac Reservation early Monday morning. The St. Louis County Sheriff’s Office says they have not yet located the suspect, identified as Joseph James Fohrenkam, 18. According to…

Central Hillside Building Blocked Off By Duluth Police Tape

DULUTH, Minn. —  Duluth police released new details around 4:30 p.m. Tuesday involving a shooting that injured a person in the Central Hillside neighborhood. The shooting was reported around 2:40 p.m. in an apartment on the corner of Lake Avenue and West 4th Street. “Upon arrival officers located one victim with multiple gunshot wounds,” according to Ingrid Hornibrook, police information…

Snowblower Demand is Up During Winter Season

As the Northland is seeing more snow in the forecast, snowblower sales are doing well.

DULUTH, Minn. – As the Northland is seeing more snow in the forecast, snowblower sales are doing well. Duluth Lawn and Sport management say that customers buying snowblowers want a more efficient way to clear driveways and sidewalks without the back-breaking work of shoveling. They say snowblowers are inexpensive to own and a good one will still have its value…

Stores with Holiday Items Give Discounts

Many Northland businesses are having post-holiday sales in their stores, and that includes the Bentleyville gift shop.

DULUTH, Minn. – Many Northland businesses are having post-holiday sales in their stores, and that includes the Bentleyville gift shop. The gift shop has discounts for things like ornaments, snowglobes, toys, and all clothing. Anything dated with the year 2020 is 50% off. “People who are looking for keepsake or a momento from their time at Bentleyville in 2020, they…

Duluth Salvation Army Surpasses Goal During Red Kettle Campaign

The Duluth Salvation Army raised over $240,000 during this year's Red Kettle campaign, passing their original goal of $215,000.

DULUTH, Minn. – With the holiday season wrapping up, the Duluth Salvation Army also finished off their 2020 Red Kettle campaign and the office said it was once again a successful year. With some donations still being processed, they raised $240,291.41, which passes their original goal of $215,000. The money raised from the Red Kettle season goes to helping families…

WLSSD Treecycling Locations Open Through January 10

The program has multiple free drop-off locations where people can get rid of their fresh cut trees which will then turn into compost that will be sold back into the community.

DULUTH, Minn.- If you’re someone who likes to keep your real Christmas trees up into the new year, WLSSD will have their treecycling program running through Jan. 10. The program has multiple free dropoff locations where people can get rid of their fresh cut trees. The workers will recycle their trees and put them through their compost, which takes about…

First Reported US Case of COVID-19 Variant Found in Colorado

DENVER (AP) – The first reported U.S. case of the COVID-19 variant that’s been seen in the United Kingdom has been discovered in Colorado. Gov. Jared Polis and state health officials announced Tuesday that the case was found in a man in his 20s who’s in isolation and has no travel history. Today we discovered Colorado’s first case of the…

Wisconsin Prosecutors Add Curfew Charge Against Rittenhouse

(Antioch Police Department via AP) MILWAUKEE (AP) — Prosecutors have charged a 17-year-old Illinois teen accused of shooting three people during a protest in southeastern Wisconsin with violating curfew. Kyle Rittenhouse was charged in Kenosha County in August with multiple counts, including homicide, endangerment, and being a minor in possession of a firearm. The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reports that prosecutors…

Minnesota Reports 36 Deaths as Testing Dwindles Over Holiday

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) – The Minnesota Department of Health on Tuesday reported 36 more people have died due to COVID-19, and 988 new infections on a lower-than-normal testing volume. It was the first time since October that daily new cases fell below 1,000. Testing volume has fallen due to testing sites closing during the Christmas holiday. State health officials reported 7,742…

Updated COVID-19 Numbers: Tuesday, December 29

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Minnesota health officials reported 988 new cases of COVID-19 in Minnesota Tuesday morning bringing the total confirmed COVID cases to 411,110 in the state. Health officials also reported 36 news deaths bringing the death total to 5,196 in Minnesota. According to the Minnesota Department of Health website, 5,501,277 tests have been completed to date. There are…