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Support for Ashland Small Businesses Remains Strong Amid COVID-19 Pandemic

Local Business Owners Speak Out During a Difficult Year Due to the COVID-19 Pandemic

December 22, 2020

Brett Scott,

ASHLAND, Wis. – The importance of shopping local is even more polarizing this year amid the ongoing pandemic. Many longtime business owners are thankful for continues support, while some new owners are grateful for a successful start during a global health crisis. “I try to bring things from all around the state,” said Jerry Henderson, owner of Taste of Wisconsin….

City of Duluth Needs More Snow Removal Volunteers

The city is looking for at least 10 people to fill those final slots.

December 22, 2020

Reece Lindquist,

DULUTH, Minn.- As we get ready for a winter blast, the city of Duluth is in need of volunteers for its newly launched snow removal assistance program. The volunteers help shovel snow on sidewalks, walkways and steps for the elderly, disabled people who don’t have the financial means to hire someone. Nearly 100 people in need have signed up for…

Firefighters Urge Caution Over Busy Holiday Season

Smoke detectors have a shelf life of ten years while carbon monoxide detectors last about seven years.

December 22, 2020

Reece Lindquist,

DULUTH, Minn. – Firefighters are urging families celebrating the holidays to take the extra steps to keep their home safe from fires. Duluth Fire Marshal John Otis says there’s usually bigger opportunities for fires this time of year with people cooking more and lighting more candles. And while smoke detectors are always important, Otis says adding a home fire sprinkler…

Habitat for Humanity 2020 Home Near Completion

December 22, 2020

Reece Lindquist,

DULUTH, Minn. – The Western Lake Superior Habitat for Humanity is putting the finishing touches on a new energy efficient home built throughout 2020. The organization hit a few roadblocks from increased construction costs to lack of volunteers, and organizers are currently looking for partners to help cover the costs of their leftover projects. With the house being built from…

Trump Threatens To Torpedo COVID Relief With New Demands

December 22, 2020

Dan Hanger,

WASHINGTON (AP) – President Donald Trump is threatening to torpedo Congress’ massive pandemic relief package in the midst of a raging pandemic and deep economic uncertainty. He’s suddenly demanding changes fellow Republicans have opposed, like a huge jump in the $600 payments planned for most Americans. “I’m asking Congress to amend this bill and increase the ridiculously low $600 to…

Duluth International Airport Braces for Holiday Storm, Travel During Pandemic

December 22, 2020

CJ Baumgartner,

DULUTH, Minn.– In 2020, going home for Christmas might not be as easy as it sounds. Along with trying to navigate the pandemic, the Duluth International Airport is preparing for the incoming snowfall during one of their busiest weeks of the year. AAA is expecting at least 34 million fewer Americans will travel this Christmas season due to the pandemic….

Wisconsin Announces Partnership for ‘Take Home’ COVID-19 Tests

December 22, 2020

CJ Baumgartner,

MADISON, Wis.– As another 2,400 cases of COVID-19 were reported over in Wisconsin, the state is announcing a new way to get tested right from your living room. The state announced a partnership with vault testing to give out take home COVID-19 saliva tests. They can be ordered through the state’s health services website starting Tuesday. When a kit arrives,…

Walz Expects 250,000 Vaccines for Minnesota by End of 2020

December 22, 2020

CJ Baumgartner,

ST. PAUL, Minn.– As vaccination efforts continue across Minnesota, Governor Walz expects 250,000 vaccines by the end of the year. The governor said earlier today that 2,999 Minnesotans have been vaccinated. This week, the state is expecting nearly 128,000 doses combined from Pfizer and Moderna. While only a small amount of people have been vaccinated so far, Walz says he…

St. Luke’s, Essentia Continue Vaccinating Staff

December 22, 2020

CJ Baumgartner,

DULUTH, Minn.– Vaccinations continue here in Duluth after both St. Luke’s and Essentia Health started vaccinating their staff last week. Management at Essentia say they have given out shots of the vaccine to almost 900 of their employees. And at St. Luke’s they have over 900 doses at their facility as both hospitals are expecting the Modera vaccine sometime this…

Hundreds Visit Pike Lake to Enjoy Outdoor Skating

Pike Lake saw some thick ice early this winter, meaning hundreds visited to get some ice time.

December 22, 2020

Claudia Chakamian,

PIKE LAKE, Minn. – Pike Lake saw some thick ice early this winter, meaning hundreds visited to get some ice time. “Not too many ponds that are super frozen over right now and no outdoor rinks are really flooded because it’s been warm so it’s really nice to get out here on this ice,” Anika Burke said. “It’s a fun…

Audit: UW System Paid Out $68.5 Million in Student Refunds

December 22, 2020

The Associated Press,

MADISON, Wis. (AP) – A new report shows the University of Wisconsin System paid out nearly $70 million in coronavirus-related refunds to students last year. The Legislative Audit Bureau released a report Tuesday that shows the system paid out $68.5 million in housing and food service refunds to students after campuses closed in March as the pandemic was taking hold in…

Feds Sue Walmart Over Role in Opioid Crisis

December 22, 2020

The Associated Press,

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Justice Department is suing Walmart, alleging the company unlawfully dispensed controlled substances through its pharmacies, helping to fuel the opioid crisis in America. The civil complaint being filed Tuesday points to the role Walmart’s pharmacies may have played in the crisis by filling opioid prescriptions and by unlawfully distributing controlled substances to the pharmacies during the…

WLSSD Kicks Off Treecycling Program This Week

December 22, 2020

Site Staff,

DULUTH, Minn. – WLSSD and area partners announced Tuesday that they have kicked off their annual Treecycling program this week. The free holiday tree cycling program offers multiple locations available 24-hours a day throughout the region. “Holiday trees, like yard and garden waste, are banned from the trash in Minnesota,” said Karen Anderson, WLSSD’s director of community relations. “Trees contain…

State, Medical Company to Provide Free at-Home COVID Tests in Wisconsin

December 22, 2020

The Associated Press,

MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Gov. Tony Evers announced Tuesday that his administration has partnered with a medical testing company to provide free at-home COVID-19 tests. The governor said his administration has struck a deal with Vault Medical Services to provide free at-home COVID-19 saliva tests. Anyone interested in a test can order one through the state Department of Health Services website starting…

Evers Sets Spring Election to Fill Fitzgerald’s Seat

December 22, 2020

The Associated Press,

MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Gov. Tony Evers has scheduled a special election this spring to fill outgoing Senate Majority Leader Scott Fitzgerald’s seat. Evers issued an executive order Tuesday scheduling the election for April 6 in southeastern Wisconsin’s 13th Senate District. The election will coincide with the state’s spring election. A primary for Fitzgerald’s seat will be held on Feb….

Midday Update 12-22-20

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Tuesday, Dec. 22, 2020

December 22, 2020

Brett Scott,

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Ken Slama for a local look at news and weather making headlines Tuesday, Dec. 22, 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

Duluth City Council Votes to Delay Fee on Plastic Bags

December 22, 2020

Site Staff,

DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth City Council voted on Monday night to delay the five-cent plastic bag fee that was set to go into effect on January 1, 2021. It will not take effect 90 days after emergency COVID-19 declarations by the City of Duluth or the State of Minnesota expire. The new fee was to begin in April of…

Updated COVID-19 Numbers: Tuesday, December 22

December 22, 2020

Site Staff,

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Minnesota health officials reported 1,714 new cases of COVID-19 in Minnesota Tuesday morning bringing the total confirmed COVID cases to 401,011 in the state. Health officials also reported 24 news deaths bringing the death total to 4,896 in Minnesota. According to the Minnesota Department of Health website, 5,264,561 tests have been completed to date. There are…

Biden to Address COVID Bill, Holiday Pandemic Precautions

December 22, 2020

The Associated Press,

WILMINGTON, Del. (AP) — President-elect Joe Biden will speak Tuesday as the nation deals with a COVID-19 surge that’s casting a shadow over the Christmas holiday this week. Biden will deliver remarks in Wilmington, Delaware on Tuesday afternoon, where he’s expected to speak on the $900 billion coronavirus aid bill passed by Congress on Monday. It’s a package he supports…

Coast Guard Begins Ice Breaking Operations in Duluth, Superior

December 22, 2020

Site Staff,

DULUTH, Minn. – On Tuesday, the U.S. Coast Guard announced that U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Biscayne Bay has started icebreaking in the Duluth and Superior areas. Biscayne Bay was assigned to the Twin Ports region to begin icebreaking before ice impedes commercial navigation. According to a recent press release, more ice breakers will join the operation as ice growth expands…

Morning Update 12-22-20

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Tuesday, Dec. 22, 2020

December 22, 2020

Brett Scott,

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Ken Slama for a local look at news and weather making headlines Tuesday, Dec. 22, 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

Walz to Provide Update on Vaccine Distribution in Minnesota

December 22, 2020

The Associated Press,

(Scott Takushi/Pioneer Press via AP, Pool) ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) — Gov. Tim Walz and Department of Health officials are planning to provide an update Tuesday on how COVID-19 vaccinations are being distributed in Minnesota. Minnesota began giving the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine to healthcare workers last week after it received emergency approval earlier this month. The state’s initial shipment last week…

Duluth City Council to Establish LGBTQ+ Commission

The ordinance was introduced by Council President Anderson and Councilors Van Nett and Forsman.

December 22, 2020

Reece Lindquist,

DULUTH, Minn. – On Monday night, the Duluth City Council voted unanimously to establish a non-binary, Queer, Trans, Two-Spirit , Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual commission. This commission was identified by grassroots LGBTQIA2S+ community members who see a long list of unmet needs in the community and nowhere in the city of Duluth to bring these issues they face. According to members…

Cloquet Homes Light Up For Holiday Season

December 21, 2020

Marcus Asmus,

CLOQUET, Minn. – Neighborhoods around the Northland are lit up for the holiday season, and we’re showing those homes off through Christmas. FOX 21 Photojournalist Marcus Asmus takes you to Cloquet. Categories: Community, Entertainment, Minnesota, News, News – Latest News

Van Nett Nominated to be First Indigenous Woman City Council President

Van Nett will be in her final term in 2021.

December 21, 2020

Reece Lindquist,

DULUTH, Minn. – Duluth City Council Vice President Renee Van Nett is likely to become the first Indigenous woman city council president in 2021. Van Nett will be in her final term in 2021. She says she recognizes that her upcoming seat should represent inclusion for all, and if elected she’s looking forward to helping Duluth through the rest of…

Knowing Your Neighbors: Redneck ‘Meats’ BBQ

After 14 years of running the well-known Arts Café in Moose Lake, management sold the café to new owners, who transformed it into a barbecue restaurant.

December 21, 2020

Jane Kim,

MOOSE LAKE, Minn. – After 14 years of running the well-known Arts Café in Moose Lake, management sold the café to new owners who transformed it into a barbecue restaurant known as Redneck ‘Meats’ BBQ. Dinel and Lance Hollarbach have been in the barbecue business for almost 19 years, and now they have branched out, opening their own restaurant in…

Some Residents Look On The Bright Side Of Things After Recent Snowfall

"We're happy to see the snow and enjoy it," said Richard Gurske, a resident of Hermantown.

December 21, 2020

Nachai Taylor,

DULUTH, Minn. – After several inches of snow fell overnight in the Northland, a lot of people spent their day digging out. “We’re happy to see the snow and enjoy it,” said Richard Gurske, a resident of Hermantown. And the recent snowfall is spreading a little bit of cheer for the holidays. “It’s a sign of a white Christmas you…

Itasca County Students Call for Schools, Sports to Reopen

December 21, 2020

CJ Baumgartner,

GREENWAY, Minn.– As elementary students prepare to come back to the classroom next month, some high schoolers in Itasca County are making their case to come back to the classroom sooner than later. A group of high school seniors from surrounding Itasca area schools, along with a state representative-elect made their case to the return classroom, along with sports and…

Outdoor Rinks in Superior to Open Christmas Eve

December 21, 2020

CJ Baumgartner,

SUPERIOR, Wis.– With the extra snow and winter break ahead, the city of Superior is getting their ice rinks going again this week. The city of Superior is opening their outdoor ice rinks and warming houses. Rinks will open on Christmas Eve at Wade Bowl, Pattison, Carl Gullo, and South End parks. Masks are encouraged when on the ice and…

5 New Campus Police Officers, Chief Sworn in at UWS

December 21, 2020

CJ Baumgartner,

SUPERIOR, Wis.– At U-W Superior, they stocked up with a new group of law enforcement officers to aid the department. UWS swore in six new officers to the force on campus, the most at a time in over a decade. Along with the officers, Joseph Eickman was sworn in as the new chief. He says it’s a unique job working…

Wisconsin to Receive Over 100,000 COVID Vaccines this Week

December 21, 2020

CJ Baumgartner,

MADISON, Wis.– Over 10,000 Wisconsinites have received the COVID-19 vaccine in almost every county and a lot more are on the way. Wisconsin is eligible to receive over 100,000 doses of the Moderna vaccine this week, and the first doses are expected to come today. Because this version of the vaccine can be stored at a standard freezer temperature, health…

Mental Health Experts Concerned About Loneliness This Holiday Season

Health experts say it's common for many people not to recognize they are feeling lonely.

December 21, 2020

Nachai Taylor,

MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. – The pandemic is preventing many people from spending time with their loved ones during the holidays. Mental health experts are now concerned this holiday season may be rough for some people. A national survey found that out of the 20,000 people surveyed, more than half reported they sometimes or always feel alone. Adding the impacts of the…

Two Essentia Health Employees Had Allergic Reactions To COVID-19 Vaccine

Some of the symptoms that brought concern for health experts included hives, swelling of the lips or mouth, and shortness of breath.

December 21, 2020

Nachai Taylor,

DULUTH, Minn. – About 2,500 doses of the COVID-19 vaccine have already been given to frontline workers at Essentia Health. So far, only two employees had allergic reactions to the vaccine. Essentia Health officials say the reactions weren’t severe, but out of caution each worker was treated and evaluated. It is believed the reactions to the COVID-19 vaccine may be…

Duluth Warming Center to Stay Open Longer During Holidays

December 21, 2020

Reece Lindquist,

DULUTH, Minn. – The city of Duluth’s warming center will be open all week as temperatures get dangerously cold. It’s located in the Rainbow Center on the 200 block of Third Avenue East. Hours of operation are from 8 p.m. to 8 a.m., except for 6 p.m. Dec. 24 through 8 a.m. Dec. 26. Thanks to a new partnership with…

CHUM’s Free Pre-Packaged Food Boxes Remain in High Demand

December 21, 2020

Reece Lindquist,

DULUTH, Minn. – Demand for free food in Duluth continues to be stronger than ever during this pandemic and holiday season. And the CHUM Food Shelf is working hard to make sure people don’t go hungry. Since July, CHUM has been delivering pre-packaged boxes of food to people in need at Our Saviors Lutheran Church every Monday from 10 a.m….

Eveleth Man Charged With Attempted Murder Sentenced to 10 Years in Prison

December 21, 2020

Site Staff,

VIRGINIA, Minn. – An Eveleth man charged with attempted murder in July 2019 for his involvement in a shooting and stabbing in Virginia has been sentenced. According to court records, Luke Erkkila, 31, was sentenced to 10 years in prison on Monday. Erkkila pleaded guilty to first-degree assault causing great bodily harm on September 14. According to the criminal complaint,…

Biden Gets COVID-19 Vaccine, Says ‘Nothing to Worry About’

December 21, 2020

Site Staff,

(Via Fox 9/Photo by ALEX EDELMAN/AFP via Getty Images) NEWARK, Del. (AP) — President-elect Joe Biden received his first dose of the coronavirus vaccine on live television as part of a growing effort to convince the American public the inoculations are safe. The president-elect took a dose of Pfizer vaccine on Monday at a hospital not far from his Delaware…

UW Leader Pledges Return to In-Person Learning This Spring

December 21, 2020

The Associated Press,

MADISON, Wis. (AP) — The president of the University of Wisconsin System Board of Regents is promising that students will be able to return to campuses for the spring semester. Regents President Andrew Peterson said Monday that regents expect students will be able to return at the end of January, hoping that more robust COVID-19 testing will help stave off…

CVS Health to Vaccinate 63,000 Minnesotans After Christmas

December 21, 2020

Site Staff,

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Pharmacy chain CVS Health announced on Monday that the company will begin vaccinating more than 63,000 long-term care residents and workers across Minnesota next week. CVS Health announced that it began vaccinating long-term care residents and staff in 12 states on Monday and expects to begin administering the shot in 36 more states, including Minnesota, on Dec….

Congress Oks 5-Year Extension of Great Lakes Cleanup Program

December 21, 2020

The Associated Press,

TRAVERSE CITY, Mich. (AP) — Congress has approved a five-year extension of a program designed to deal with long-term environmental injuries to the Great Lakes. The U.S. Senate voted unanimously Sunday to continue the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative, as the House did earlier this year. The bill requires President Donald Trump’s signature to take effect. It calls for gradually boosting…

Midday Update 12-21-20

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Monday, Dec. 21, 2020

December 21, 2020

Brett Scott,

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Ken Slama for a local look at news and weather making headlines Monday, Dec. 21, 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: Monday, December 21

December 21, 2020

Site Staff,

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Minnesota health officials reported 1,998 new cases of COVID-19 in Minnesota Monday morning bringing the total confirmed COVID cases to 399,311 in the state. Health officials also reported 22 news deaths bringing the death total to 4,872 in Minnesota. According to the Minnesota Department of Health website, 5,232,347 tests have been completed to date. There are…

Rubber Chicken Theater Looks to Make You Laugh This Christmas Eve

Rubber Chicken Theater is Hosting a Virtual Holiday Show, Streaming LIVE on Facebook Christmas Eve

December 21, 2020

Brett Scott,

DULUTH, Minn. – Duluth’s very own Rubber Chicken Theater is about to do their first and only production of 2020 due to circumstances brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic. This Christmas Eve you’re invited to laugh and sing carols with the crew at Rubber Chicken. “Here We Come A-Quarantining, or, We’ll Be Home For Christmas is a short, virtual production…

Morning Update 12-21-20

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Monday, Dec. 21, 2020

December 21, 2020

Brett Scott,

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

Contractor at Enbridge Line 3 Pipeline Site Dies in Accident

December 21, 2020

The Associated Press,

(AP Photo/Jim Mone, File) HILL CITY, Minn. (AP) — A contractor working on the Enbridge Energy Line 3 pipeline project in northern Minnesota has died in a fatal accident. Enbridge Energy spokeswoman Juli Kellner said the accident happened Friday at a construction yard in Hill City. Kellner said work in the area was stopped Friday and safety standards and protocols…

Cut off: Britain Hit With Travel Bans Over New Virus Strain

December 21, 2020

The Associated Press,

LONDON (AP) — Trucks waiting to get out of Britain are backing up for miles and people are stranded at airports as many countries impose stringent travel restrictions over concerns about a new strain of the coronavirus that authorities say may spread more easily. A growing number of countries are halting air travel from the U.K., while France has banned…

Congress Seals Agreement on $900 Billion COVID Relief Bill

December 21, 2020

The Associated Press,

WASHINGTON (AP) — A new COVID-19 relief bill shaping up in Congress includes individual payments reaching $600 for most Americans and an extra $300 a week in unemployment benefits. Votes on the bill in the House and Senate are expected Monday. The COVID bill would pump $900 billion into relief efforts. Among those getting help are hard-hit businesses, schools, health…

Chequamegon Humane Association Seeing Influx of Animals

After starting in 2013 with animal intakes around 200, the executive director has seen a large increase of animals coming through the facility this year.

December 21, 2020

Reece Lindquist,

ASHLAND, Wisc. – Ever since the Chequamegon Humane Association moved into their new location in 2017 they haven’t looked back. “It seems like every year. we’re able to help out more and more animals. It’s been progressively growing,” Chequamegon Humane Association Executive Director, Kari Olinger says. This year was one of their biggest yet. After starting in 2013 with animal…

Young Duluth Native Singer’s Christmas Music Video Gets Thousands of Views

He hopes it reminds people of the little things to be thankful for during the holidays.

December 21, 2020

Arman Rahman,

DULUTH, Minn.- A young, up-and-coming singer originally from Duluth decided to make a fun Christmas song and music video which is starting to gain popularity on Youtube. Tanner Zahn moved to Los Angeles with his family to pursue a career in music. “We normally come back even during Christmas. So this year because of COVID it’s been really weird being…

Chester Bowl Ski Hill Packed for Opening Weekend

This year they started the season with a check donation of $25,000 from local design company Loll Designs.

December 21, 2020

Arman Rahman,

DULUTH, Minn.- The weather was perfect for opening weekend at Chester Bowl’s ski hill, the ski lifts and slopes alive for another season. Greg Benson of Loll Designs skis down the hill with their donation. New COVID-19 protocols involve masks being required in certain areas, and letting only members of the same household to ride ski lifts together. This year…