News

Santa Makes Social Distanced Stops in Duluth, Two Harbors

A Duluth couple and the city of Two Harbors got creative with drive-thru's to have Santa safely spread cheer.

TWO HARBORS/DULUTH, Minn.- While the traditional ways to see Santa Claus are paused this year due to the pandemic, Santa always finds a way — with a little help from a Duluth couple and the city of Two Harbors. “Big smiles. We like big smiles. Parents are happy, kids are happy, what more can you ask for at Christmas?” said…

Duluth School Dist. Plans For Full Elementary In-Person Learning By Feb. 8

DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth School District is moving forward with plans to bring back elementary students for in-person learning next year. The Duluth School Board will discuss those plans at their committee of the whole meeting Monday night. The plans include full in-person learning for kindergarten through second grade to begin Monday, Jan. 25. Grades three through five will…

Outdoor Living Nativity Scene Held at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church

DULUTH, Minn.– While they aren’t holding services in-person due to the pandemic, one Duluth church found a way to continue their Christmas traditions. St. Paul’s Episcopal Church on east Superior Street in Duluth held a living nativity outside their front doors. Kids were out there dressed up as shepherds, wise men, and all of the other characters in the Christmas…

Congress Seals Agreement on COVID Relief, Government Funding

WASHINGTON (AP) – Top negotiators in Congress have sealed a deal on an almost $1 trillion COVID-19 economic relief package. Lawmakers announced the agreement Sunday after days of negotiations, and passage by Congress is expected Monday. The agreement would establish a temporary $300 per week supplemental jobless benefits and $600 direct stimulus payments to most Americans, along with a fresh…

Longtime Wisconsin Supreme Court Justice Abrahamson Dies

MADISON, Wis. (AP) – Shirley Abrahamson, the longest-serving Wisconsin Supreme Court justice in state history and the first woman to serve on the high court, has died. She was 87. Abrahamson’s son Dan told The Associated Press that his mom died Saturday after being diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. Long recognized as a top legal scholar nationally and a leader among…

Video Allowed In Trial Of Officers Charged In Floyd Killing

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) – A judge has upheld his decision to livestream the trial of four former Minneapolis police officers charged in the death of George Floyd. Judge Peter Cahill says in his order Friday that he’s allowing video coverage due to immense global interest in the case and limited courthouse space. Cahill dismissed concerns by state prosecutors. They argued last…

Minnesota State Lawmaker Dies of Coronavirus Complications

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) – A state senator from St. Cloud has died of complications related to COVID-19. The Star Tribune reports 76-year-old Jerry Relph was the first Minnesota lawmaker to succumb to the virus. Relph was among a number of Republican legislators who contracted COVID-19 after contact with colleagues in mid-November. At the time, Rachel Aplikowski, the Senate GOP spokeswoman, said…

Christmas City Express Goes Full Steam Ahead as Virtual Webcast This Year

About two thousand people were signed up to watch the webcast according to the Lake Superior Railroad Museum.

DULUTH, Minn.- The Christmas City Express in Duluth still went on full steam ahead this year, just as a different experience. The Lake Superior Railroad Museum’s annual holiday event went virtual with a webcast, completely free. About two thousand people were signed up according to the Museum’s Executive Director, to watch the performance of the Christmas City Express book done…

Sir Ben’s Welcomes Back Customers for Outdoor Dining with Fire Pit Tables

The new toasty furniture makes it easier for customers to come and follow Gov. Walz's updated orders.

DULUTH, Minn.- Sir Benedict’s Tavern on the Lake in Duluth’s Central Hillside got creative to welcome customers back outside, per Governor Tim Walz’s updated restrictions on Minnesota businesses which went into effect Saturday. New fire pit tables powered by propane tanks replaced most of their patio furniture, giving customers a toasty way to enjoy a beverage and food. On Wednesday…

Lake Superior Zoo Reopens Outdoor Venues

DULUTH, Minn.– The Lake Superior Zoo opened back up Saturday, being among the outdoor venues allowed to open in Minnesota under the governor’s updated COVID-19 guidelines. Guests walked the grounds of the zoo again after it was closed since last month. One group visiting from hours away says they were checking out Bentleyville last night and when they heard the…

Estate Planning Increases During Pandemic

DULUTH, Minn.– As the pandemic continues into its ninth month, local lawyers say more people have begun the process of getting your affairs in order. Dahlberg Law Office has seen an increase in estate planning during the pandemic. The head of Dahlberg says estate planning makes up most of his business. And that it takes a crisis event like Coronavirus…

Carlton Students Hold Food and Mask Drive

CARLTON, Minn.– As Christmas gets closer, some high school students in Carlton are helping get food and other important items to those in need. The Carlton High School National Honor Society held a food and mask drive the last two Saturdays. Proceeds from the drive will go to the reach mentoring program which matches mentors to kids who live in…

Duluth Police Investigate Two Separate Shootings in One Night

One shooting left a female with three gunshot wounds, the other with no reported injuries.

DULUTH, Minn.- The Duluth Police Department responded to two separate shootings Friday night — bringing the city’s total this year to 40. One of Friday’s shootings left a female with three non-life threatening gunshot wounds. In the first, according to a department spokesperson, shortly after 10 p.m. officers responded to a report of the sound of gunshots at a residence…

Ashland Residents, Businesses Deck the Halls for Decorating Contest

57 homes and businesses in the city limits of Ashland joined up to see which is the most festive in the area.

ASHLAND, Wis.- The city of Ashland won’t behaving their long-standing Garland City of the North Parade this year because of the pandemic. Instead, it was replaced by a Christmas decorating contest. 57 homes and businesses in the city limits of Ashland joined up to see which is the most festive in the area, with the winners receiving a prize package….

Activity Donations Needed for St. Luke’s Patients

DULUTH, Minn.– With visitations sidelined during the pandemic, St. Luke’s is asking for some help to keep their patients busy. Their foundation is asking for donations to try and entertain patients. Items needed include magazines, novels, puzzle books, and anything that someone can do individually. Donated items can be for all ages but they are looking more at activities for…

COVID-19 Vaccinations Begin at St. Luke’s

DULUTH, Minn.– After getting their shipment of the COVID-19 vaccine earlier this week, St. Luke’s has now begun vaccinating their staff. The first one to receive one of the 850 doses at St. Luke’s was ICU nurse Samantha Moder. She has consistently been on the front lines treating patients with Coronavirus. On a day where the hospital is also honoring…

Denfeld Hoops Club Donates Over 40 Basketballs to Local Families

Throughout this month, the Denfeld hoops club raised enough money to purchase 41 basketballs from the local store Play It Again Sports. 

DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth Denfeld hoops club handed out basketballs on Friday to those who needed them. Throughout this month, the club raised enough money to purchase 41 basketballs, which equals how many players are on the Denfeld basketball rosters, and bought them from the local store Play It Again Sports. On Friday, members of the Hunters basketball team…

Zoo Will Reopen as Outdoor Entertainment Venue Restrictions Are Lifted

With Governor Walz lifting some restrictions across the state beginning Saturday, some outdoor entertainment venues are reopening, including the Lake Superior Zoo.

DULUTH, Minn. – With Governor Walz lifting some restrictions across the state beginning Saturday, some outdoor entertainment venues are reopening, including the Lake Superior Zoo. During the past four weeks, there was little guest activity at the Lake Superior Zoo, as it was closed because of the governor’s orders but now with new restrictions, the zoo is able to open…

Wildlife Spotted: Duluth Resident Captures Drone Footage of Bobcats

A local Duluth resident captured a once-in-a-lifetime scene with three bobcats while he was getting drone footage at the St. Louis River.

DULUTH, Minn. – A local Duluth resident captured a once-in-a-lifetime scene with three bobcats while he was getting drone footage at the St. Louis River. Mike Mayou was operating a drone on the river when he captured the scene. He says he has never encountered a situation like this, adding that Duluth is a great place to explore nature because…

Medical Care Offered at Warming Center

Beginning Monday, the Lake Superior Community Health Center will offer free on-site preventive care at the Tri-Towers warming center whenever it’s open.

DULUTH, Minn. – Beginning Monday, the Lake Superior Community Health Center will offer free on-site preventive care at the Tri-Towers warming center whenever it’s open. The services provided will include checking blood pressures or taking a look at a wound or frostbite. COVID-19 testing will also be made available. Nurse practitioners say it’s important to meet people where they’re at…

FDA Authorizes Second COVID-19 Vaccine from Moderna

The Food and Drug Administration authorized emergency use Friday of the vaccine developed by Moderna and the National Institutes of Health.

WASHINGTON (AP) – The U.S. is adding a second COVID-19 vaccine to its arsenal. The Food and Drug Administration authorized emergency use Friday of the vaccine developed by Moderna and the National Institutes of Health. The decision comes days after health workers and nursing home residents began getting a similar coronavirus shot from Pfizer and BioNTech. Extra doses from a…

Cloquet Business Partners Up with Fire Department for Toy Donation

Patients in need of a new retainer would donate a toy in exchange for a new retainer. 

CLOQUET, Minn. –  Carlson Orthodonics and the Cloquet Fire Department paired up to help families in need over the holidays. For many years, Carlson Orthodonics has been collecting toys up until the holiday season. Patients in need of a new retainer would donate a toy in exchange for a new retainer. In all, just under 200 toys were collected this…

Enbridge Reports Fatal Accident Involving Contractor in Hill City

HILL CITY, Minn.-Enbridge Energy has reported a contractor was killed in a fatal accident at a construction yard this morning in Hill City. Construction work in the area has been paused. “Safety standards and protocols were reinforced today as work paused across the project for a safety stand down,” said Juli Kellner, a spokesperson for Enbridge. Grief counseling is currently…

Duluth Man Charged With Second-Degree Murder in Death of 3-Year-Old

  DULUTH, Minn.-A 30-year-old Duluth man was charged today with second-degree murder in the death of his then fiance’s three-year-old son, marking the first homicide in Duluth in 2020. Jordan William Carter was taken into custody Thursday for an incident that occurred Sept. 4. According to the criminal complaint, the medical examiner’s office has ruled the death of Cameron Gordon,…

Additional Minnesota Bar Defies COVID-19 Restrictions

MINNEAPOLIS-Minnesota public safety officials have issued another liquor license suspension notice as more businesses are defying Gov. Tim Walz’s executive order barring indoor service at restaurants and bars to mitigate the spread of COVID-19. Mission Tavern in Merrifield faces a 60-day suspension of its liquor license pending a hearing before a judge, and could have its license revoked for five…

Michigan Lets High Schools, Entertainment Venues Reopen

LANSING, Mich.-Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s administration is lifting a prohibition on in-person instruction at Michigan high schools and says entertainment venues such as movie theaters can reopen with capacity restrictions following a decline in coronavirus cases. Universities and colleges can let students return to campus next month, with a voluntary commitment to wait until Jan. 18 to restart face-to-face classes. Indoor…

Midday Update 12-18-20

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Friday, Dec. 18, 2020

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Ken Slama for a local look at news and weather making headlines Friday, Dec. 18, 2020. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Ken Slama, Local News, midday update, News

Vice President Pence Receives COVID-19 Vaccine

It's Still Unclear When President Trump Will Receive the Shot

WASHINGTON (AP) – Vice President Mike Pence has received the coronavirus vaccine during a White House event aimed at convincing skeptical Americans that the vaccines are safe. Pence’s wife, Karen, and Surgeon General Jerome Adams also got the vaccine on Friday during the event that was televised. In remarks after his shot, Pence called the speed with which the vaccine…

New App to Launch in Wisconsin Letting Residents Know of COVID-19 Exposure

Residents Will Receive a Push Notification Before the App Goes Live

MADISON, Wis. (AP) – A new mobile app will launch next week in Wisconsin that will let people know if they have been in close contact with someone who tested positive for COVID-19. Gov. Tony Ever announced the new app on Thursday. The app, which launches Wednesday, is meant to bolster the state’s contact tracing efforts. The app is voluntary…

Interim President and CEO Named for Fairview Range

GRAND RAPIDS, Minn.-Jean MacDonell, president and CEO of Grand Itasca Clinic & Hospital in Grand Rapids, has been named interim president and CEO of Fairview Range in Hibbing. Effective Jan. 4, she will assume the dual leadership position in addition to her role at Grand Itasca. She has 22 years of experience in health care, 13 of which have been…

Morning Update 12-18-20

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Friday, Dec. 18, 2020

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Ken Slama for a local look at news and weather making headlines Friday, Dec. 18, 2020. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Ken Slama, Local News, morning update, News

Duluth Boy’s Death Ruled Homicide, Mother’s Then-Fiance Arrested

Formal charges of 2nd-degree murder are pending with the St. Louis County Attorney's Office.

DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth Police Department has confirmed a man is under arrest involving the death of a child, which is the city’s first homicide of 2020. Homicide suspect Jordan William Carter, 30. Jordan William Carter, 30, who was the fiancé to the child’s mother during the death, was taken into custody Thursday on preliminary charges of 2nd-degree murder…

Gingerbread Kits Handed Out to Kindergarten Students

Two Kindergarten teachers brought the Christmas spirit to their students by dressing up and passing out gingerbread house kits to families.

DULUTH, Minn. – Two Kindergarten teachers brought the Christmas spirit to their students by dressing up and passing out gingerbread house kits to families. Students at Piedmont Elementary received sweet treats like graham crackers, icing, candy, sprinkles, and even a toothbrush! Usually, they have a gingerbread unit of study in school but with virtual learning, they wanted to add some…

Shopping Hours Expand for Select Businesses in Superior

Multiple businesses in Superior have announced they are extending their hours with the aim of making it safer and easier for last-minute shoppers.

SUPERIOR, Wis. – Multiple businesses in Superior have announced they are extending their hours with the aim of making it safer and easier for last-minute shoppers. Angie’s Closet in Superior is one business that is extending its hours. Ownership there says that supporting local during these unique times is essential. “We are just really excited,” said Angie Kaminski, the owner…

Duluth Photographer Captures ‘Once-In-A-Lifetime’ Bobcat Experience

DULUTH, Minn. — Mike Mayou, of Mike Mayou MM Photography, captured some amazing drone video of a family of bobcats hanging out along the St. Louis River Wednesday. “I stumbled upon a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Down by the St. Louis River, I noticed a few creatures moving across the ice. After flying a drone over to investigate, I discovered that there…

Duluth Organizations Awarded State Housing Funds

DULUTH, Minn.– Governor Walz has announced $195 million to create and preserve thousands of homes across the state including here in Duluth. The city announced five projects that will receive funding including a 5-story, 52 unit building project led by OneRoof Community Housing that’s at the corner of 6th Avenue East and 4th Street. Another project is a rehab of…

COVID-19 Vaccine Rollout Begins in Wisconsin

MADISON, Wis.– Wisconsin has been distributing Pfizer’s Coronavirus vaccine across the state. It’s being sent to 8 regional hubs. Health officials have been in contact with healthcare providers to make sure they are ready to roll out the vaccine. “We are working to get the COVID-19 vaccine out to folks who need it quickly, safely and equitably. And it’s going…

MN AG Ellison Cracks Down on Indoor Dining Amid Extended Restrictions

BEAVER BAY, Minn.– Some Minnesota bars and restaurants did ignore Governor Tim Walz’s restrictions on indoor dining. None reported so far in northern Minnesota but one owner planned to defy the order, before Minnesota’s attorney general stepped in. “You want us to close down, you want us to limit what we do, I’ve said it before, bills don’t stop,” said…

Mayor Larson to Present Legislative Priorities

Mayor Larson will be presenting the legislative priorities of the city to the Duluth City Council tonight.

DULUTH, Minn. – Mayor Larson will be presenting the legislative priorities of the city to the Duluth City Council tonight. There’s now $94 million set aside for the general fund in 2021 along with more than $30 million in local government aid. Larson says one of her main aims is to increase the amount of LGA they get from legislators…

Gyms Reopen Under Governor’s New Orders

Governor Walz announced some adjustments to restrictions to a variety of businesses yesterday including gyms as they are now allowed to reopen Saturday with some strict rules in place. 

DULUTH, Minn. – Governor Walz announced some adjustments to restrictions to a variety of businesses yesterday including gyms as they are now allowed to reopen Saturday with some strict rules in place. With the new order in effect, gyms are now able to open Saturday at 25% capacity with a maximum of 100 people as masks must be worn at…

Essentia Health Administers First COVID-19 Vaccines in Duluth

DULUTH, Minn.-Essentia has announced they have begun vaccinating some of their staff in Duluth for COVID-19. About 120 of our front-line workers, those directly involved in caring for COVID-positive patients, will be vaccinated today. The Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine, which received emergency-use authorization from the Food and Drug Administration on Dec. 10, requires two doses 21 days apart to be fully effective….

Walz Announces Nearly $200 Million to Increase Access to Affordable Housing

ST. PAUL, Minn.-Gov. Tim Walz administration has announced the Minnesota Housing board of directors approved staff recommendations of $195 million to create and preserve 2,387 homes throughout the state, including rental units and single-family homes. Full details on all of the selected and advancing developments, including maps and videos, are available online at www.mnhousing.gov/sites/np/2020selections.  The announcement outlined 73 developments that…

City of Duluth Continues to Look for Business to Takeover Abandoned Verso Site

DULUTH, Minn.-The search continues for a business to takeover the abandoned Verso paper mill site in West Duluth. The Duluth Economic Development Authority has approved spending $40,000 more to Baker Tilly Municipal Advisors, which is helping find incentives for another paper mill to come to the facility. That funding is on top of the $60,000 the group could receive already….

Gov. Walz Extends Certain COVID-19 Restrictions Into January

ST. PAUL, Minn.– Minnesota Governor Tim Walz addressed the state today to extend the lockdown he installed last month as hospital beds filled up with COVID-19 cases. These new restrictions in the state regarding schools, businesses, gatherings, and more are slightly more flexible, but still strict. Governor Walz said last week he needed more time to look at the numbers…