News

Duluth Officer ‘Off Duty Indefinitely’ After Internal Review Of Shooting

2015 photo on City of Rosemount’s website congratulating Officer Tyler Leibfried on his new job with the Duluth Police Department. DULUTH, Minn. (AP) – The Duluth Police Department says the actions of an officer charged in a September shooting that left a man with a bullet lodged in his shoulder went against department policies and training regarding the use of…

Minnesota Power Installs Wind Turbine Blade Outside Duluth Headquarters

DULUTH, Minn. – It was quite the scene Wednesday outside Minnesota Power in downtown Duluth as a giant wind turbine blade was lifted into place on the building. Two cranes were called in to lift the 82-foot, 6,000-pound blade. Allete said the blade symbolizes the company’s focus on sustainability as Minnesota Power is on the cusp of reaching 50 percent…

Duluth Man Needing Living Kidney Donor Brings Back Epic Christmas Displays

DULUTH, Minn. — A Duluth man known in his neighborhood for his bright Christmas lights and decorations is bringing back the tradition again after stopping for a few years, while also searching for a living kidney donor. Pat Stojevich has more than 20,000 Christmas lights strung around his property and counting. “I figure by the time we’re done we’ll be…

Film Incentive Program Approved in St. Louis County

The St. Louis County board voted to install a film production incentive program for the county to help bring Hollywood to the Northland.

ST. LOUIS COUNTY – The St. Louis County board voted to install a film production incentive program for the county to help bring Hollywood to the Northland. The program allows for those who have productions filmed in the county to be reimbursed up to 25% spent locally on expenses, including local labor, food, supplies, and lodging. County Commissioner Frank Jewell…

St. Luke’s Leadership Says Vaccines Will Go to Workers First

St. Luke’s leadership has not said when they will get their vaccines but said the first vaccinations they will get will go to workers.

DULUTH, Minn. – St. Luke’s leadership has not said when they will get their vaccines but said the first vaccinations they will get will go to workers. Even though workers wear much personal protective equipment, they are still at risk of exposure, especially when people are significantly ill. “It’s kind of hard to predict now when things will feel normal…

Poinsettia Sales Rise in the Northland

Poinsettia sales have been on a steady increase as Christmas is fast approaching.

DULUTH, Minn. – Poinsettia sales have been on a steady increase as Christmas is fast approaching. Management at Engwall’s says they have sold more than 300 poinsettias so far. Even during the pandemic, people are sending the plants near and far to relatives and friends that they can’t see during these times. “It’s a tradition that families have done for,…

Bars and Restaurants Adjust Again to Governor’s New Restrictions

Bars and restaurants in the Northland are having to adjust yet again to the governor’s new restrictions on dining, this coming after prior restrictions earlier this year that put them in some tough situations.

DULUTH, Minn. – Bars and restaurants in the Northland are having to adjust yet again to the governor’s new restrictions on dining, this coming after prior restrictions earlier this year that put them in some tough situations. Over at At Sara’s Table in Duluth, management says they are understanding of the governor’s orders to help slow the spread of the…

Covid-19 Vaccines Distributed Throughout Wisconsin

Almost 50,000 doses were given to eight hubs throughout the state of Wisconsin so far this week to a small amount of healthcare providers.

MADISON, Wisc. – According to Wisconsin’s Department of Health, thousands of vaccines have been distributed across the state. Almost 50,000 doses were given to eight hubs throughout the state of Wisconsin so far this week to a small amount of healthcare providers. So far, almost two hundred vaccines have been administered, but how the vaccine will be administered in nursing…

Boys & Girls Clubs of the Northland Receive Dozens of Toy Donations

FOX 21 Partnered With the Organization to Host the Annual Gifts for Teens Toy Drive Throughout December

DULUTH, Minn. – It’s the most wonderful time of the year for the Boys and Girls Clubs of the Northland. The FOX 21 Morning Crew wrapped up their annual Gifts for Teens Toy Drive Wednesday morning. This year, dozens of toys were collected throughout four locations in the Twin Ports. Each year, the organization provides gifts for up to 300…

Vehicle Crashes into Tri Towers Leading to Gas Leak

DULUTH, Minn.-Just after 1 p.m. Duluth police officers responded to the report of a single vehicle crash into the Tri Towers on the corner of Second Avenue East and Second Street. Upon arrival, officers learned the two occupants of the vehicle left the scene on foot. The crash resulted in a gas leak, which required residents to evacuate. After a…

Great Outdoors: Mont du Lac

Skiing season has begun in the Northland and many hills are now open despite the recent warm temperatures.

SUPERIOR, Wis. – Skiing season has begun in the Northland and many hills are now open despite the recent warm temperatures. It has been a little bit warmer weather-wise so it’s fantastic weather to get out on the hill. Over at Mont du Lac, staff has been working hard making snow trying to make the slopes perfect. “Mother nature worked…

Duluth Schools React to Gov. Walz School Reopening Announcement

DULUTH, Minn.-Today Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz announced updates to Minnesota’s Safe Learning Plan for the 20-21 School Year that help prioritize and support in-person learning for elementary students.    “District and school administrators will review the new guidelines and begin to incorporate them into our planning,” said John Magas, Superintendent for Duluth Public Schools. “We’ll work to share preliminary plans…

Walz to Reopen Minnesota Elementary Schools Amid Shutdown

ST. PAUL, Minn.-Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz announced plans on Wednesday to get children back into elementary schools as well as ease some restrictions on fitness centers and other businesses that were shuttered last month. The governor updated the state’s Safe Learning Plan used by schools across the state on Wednesday to allow all elementary schools to operate in-person starting Jan….

LATEST: Gov. Walz Provides Update on Business Restrictions

Governor also signs into law $216 million in direct support for small businesses and 13-week extension of unemployment benefits.

ST. PAUL, Minn.-As hospitals remain concerned about capacity, Gov. Tim Walz announced a plan to continue battling the surge in COVID-19 cases, announcing the latest restrictions in the state. Here are the latest updates on restrictions in Minnesota. Social Gatherings: Indoor gatherings are not recommended, but Minnesotans may gather inside with one other household up to 10 people. If outside,…

Midday Update 12-16-20

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Wednesday, Dec. 16, 2020

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Ken Slama for a local look at news and weather making headlines Wednesday, Dec. 16, 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

Lake Superior Zoo Debuts New Children’s Book Just in Time for the Holidays

Donate Today to Receive Your Copy of "New Friends Arrive at the Lake Superior Zoo"

DULUTH, Minn. – A new book is bringing the education and entertainment of the Lake Superior Zoo into your home this holiday season. The book “New Friends Arrive at the Lake Superior Zoo” was written by local author and artist Joe Klander. It’s all about the arrival of the Zoo’s new bears, Tundra and Banks, and how the other animals plan…

UPDATE: Walz Keeps Indoor Dining Ban; Gyms, Sports Get Limited Restart

ST. PAUL, Minn. (FOX 9)-Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz is extending his ban on indoor dining while putting strict limits on the restart of gyms and youth sports, drawing a quick backlash from opponents as coronavirus cases decline. Walz’s new executive order will take effect Friday night, replacing one that’s been in place since Nov. 21 and set to expire Friday. The governor is scheduled…

Essentia Health in Duluth Receives First Doses of COVID-19 Vaccine

DULUTH, Minn.-Essentia Health in Duluth has announced they have received their first allocation of COVID-19 vaccines. A spokesperson for the group tells us they have received almost 1,000 doses of the Pfizer vaccine, with more expected to come later this week. The current plans are to begin vaccinating employees Thursday. Essentia leadership says they hope to get more shipments of…

Duluth Cider Receives Gold Medal at 2020 US Open Cider Championship

Duluth Cider is Also Giving Back to the Community by Donating $1 of Every Cider Sold to the Children's Museum

DULUTH, Minn. – Despite all of the negative news in 2020, Duluth Cider is ending the year on a positive note, and they’re also helping give back to our community. Jake Scott, owner of Duluth Cider, says their Greenstone Hopped Semi-Dry Cider has won a Gold Medal at the 2020 US Open Cider Championship. This is the second US Open…

Morning Update 12-16-20

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Wednesday, Dec. 16, 2020

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Ken Slama for a local look at news and weather making headlines Wednesday, Dec. 16, 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

Minnesota Governor to Extend Bar, Restaurant Closures Through Holidays

ST. PAUL, Minn.-Gov. Tim Walz plans to keep bars and restaurants in Minnesota closed for indoor service through the holidays. Walz is expected to make a formal announcement Wednesday on extending the restrictions he imposed last month for a four-week “pause” that was due to expire Friday. The governor’s order also closed fitness centers and other places where people gather,…

Duluth Police Department Receives Funding To Help Support Opioid Recovery Efforts

There have been 200 overdoses in the area this year as reported by the Duluth Police.

DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth Police Department has received some major funding to help fight opioid addictions and start the recovery process for some people in the Northland. The department received a grant for almost $900,000. which will fund the Lake Superior Diversion and Substance Abuse Response team over the next three years. The funding will be used to expand…

City Council Approves Tourism Tax Funding For Glensheen Mansion And Duluth Children’s Museum

Nearly 60% of the tourism tax budget will help fund many of the city's debt obligations.

DULUTH, Minn- The tax money generated from hotels, food, and beverage sales in the city of Duluth, is down by nearly 30% due to the financial impacts of the pandemic. This loss of revenue is forcing the city to tighten the belt on the distribution of money collected from tourism. Nearly 60% of the tourism tax budget will help fund…

Iron Range Restaurant Owners React to Second Shutdown Order

Restaurant Owners on the Iron Range are Feeling the Financial and Emotional Strain From Minnesota's Second Shutdown Amid the COVID-19 Pandemic

EVELETH, Minn. – Hundreds who work in the service industry continue to be impacted by the second COVID-19 shutdown in Minnesota. As Christmas comes quickly, the financial strain is not only impacting restaurant owners but the many employees who rely on tips to make ends meet. “It’s upbeat, it’s fun, there are people everywhere,” said Jessica Lietz, owner of Boomtown…

Line 5 Supporters Announce Jobs & Energy Coalition

ASHLAND, Wis. – Groups in support of the Enbridge Line 5 relocation project gathered Tuesday morning to announce the Wisconsin Jobs and Energy Coalition. The goal of the group is to help bring attention to different energy projects going on in the state and to raise awareness of the positive economic impacts of Line 5 and beyond. Recently the Line…

Toy Drive Expecting Large Turnout, Still in Need of Monetary Donations

The toy drive will be held on Sunday at 2 p.m.

DULUTH, Minn. – The Make Every Child Toy drive is still happening this year, but it will look a bit different. After previously holding the toy drive in other buildings, organizer Mike Letica almost called it quits this year until he reached out to the owner of Shake It. Letica was told he could use their facility in West Duluth across…

15th Annual Holiday Window and Lighting Display Contest Winners Announced

The winners have been announced for the Greater Downtown Council’s 15th Annual Holiday Window and Lighting Display Contest.

DULUTH, Minn. – The winners have been announced for the Greater Downtown Council’s 15th Annual Holiday Window and Lighting Display Contest. Ballots from the public were also totaled for Peoples’ Choice Awards and Facebook Favorite categories. Some of the top displays were at Fitger’s, Lester River Trading Company, and Frost River. One of the winners says it’s always nice to…

Love Creamery Sells Holiday Pies for the Season

For the first time, Love Creamery is putting together holiday pies. Customers can order online by Thursday to secure a pie for themselves.

DULUTH, Minn. –  ‘Tis the season for sweets and treats. For the first time, Love Creamery is putting together holiday pies. Customers can order online by Thursday to secure a pie for themselves. Owners say it’s about thinking out of the box and being creative during these times. “The creativity,” said Nicole Wilde, the owner of Love Creamery. “We just…

Loll Designs Acquired, Keeps 85 Jobs in Duluth

Loll designs has been sold but it will continue to stick around Duluth, providing jobs for 85 people.

DULUTH, Minn. – Loll designs has been sold but it will continue to stick around Duluth, providing jobs for 85 people. The company was acquired by Landscape Forms, which is headquartered in Michigan. In the past, Landscape Forms collaborated on products with Loll designs and CEO Greg Benson says it’s going to be a great cultural fit to be working…

Superior Schools Will Move to Hybrid Learning Model Next Month

After moving to distance learning in early November, Superior schools have announced they’re switching back to a hybrid model next month.

SUPERIOR, Wis. – After moving to distance learning in early November, Superior schools have announced they ’re switching back to a hybrid model next month. Starting January 11th, all students at Superior schools from early childhood to 12th grade will resume some onsite learning as the district switches back to a hybrid learning model. Elementary students will be attending schools…

Duluth Schools To Make Announcement For Distance Learning Model

Duluth schools are expected to announce changes to their distance learning model tonight.

DULUTH, Minn. – Duluth schools are expected to announce changes to their distance learning model tonight. The superintendent says they want to make sure they have a plan for kids to not fall through the cracks when it comes to academic performance. “What are we doing when we are able to bring everybody back for face to face and hybrid,…

Charges: Mother Who Left 6-Year-Old on Northern Minnesota Highway Said God Told Her to Do It

GRAND PORTAGE, Minn. (FOX 9) – A 39-year-old mother has been charged after she told Cook County, Minnesota deputies she left her 6-year-old daughter shoeless on the side of the road because God told her to. Jaydin Pankow, 39, of Waupaca, Wisconsin, was arrested the night of Dec. 10 after two good Samaritans found her daughter on the side of Hwy. 61 in Grand…

Defense Contractor Loses Bid to Bring F-16 Maintenance Work to Duluth

DULUTH, Minn. – Defense contractor Borsight Inc says its plans to bring up to 100 jobs to the Duluth area with an Air Force F-16 maintenance contract have been dashed. Duluth Economic Development Authority approved a lease agreement with Borsight in September to use space inside a Duluth International Airport Hangar previously occupied by AAR to service F-16 aircraft, contingent…

Brainerd Man Pleads Guilty in Precinct Fire at Floyd Protest

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — A Brainerd man pleaded guilty Tuesday for his role in helping to set fire to a Minneapolis police station during civil unrest in the days following the death of George Floyd. A federal complaint accuses Dylan Shakespeare Robinson, 23, of lighting a Molotov cocktail that another person threw toward the Third Precinct headquarters on May 28. Robinson…

Minnesota Man Charged with Second Degree Homicide

PINE COUNTY, Minn. – A 42-year-old Braham Minnesota man was charged on Tuesday with second-degree homicide according to the Pine County Sheriff’s Office. Authorities say 42-year-old David Daryl Pangerl was arrested on Friday in connection to the March homicide of Scott Ness. Police found Ness deceased in a camper trailer in Royalton Township on March 2. Investigators from the Pine…

Duluth Warming Center Open Week of December 14

DULUTH, Minn. – The City of Duluth along with CHUM and Loaves and Fishes announced on Tuesday that the Duluth Warming Center will be open to those in need every night the week of December 14. The Warming Center is activated when overnight temperatures are expected to be at or below 32 degrees. The Center is located in the Duluth…

Updated COVID-19 Numbers: Tuesday, December 15

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Minnesota health officials reported 2,340 new cases of COVID-19 in Minnesota Monday morning bringing the total confirmed COVID cases to 384,164 in the state. Health officials also reported 21 news deaths bringing the death total to 4,483 in Minnesota. According to the Minnesota Department of Health website, 4,965,904 tests have been completed to date. There are…

Walz to Make ‘Changes’ to COVID-19 Restrictions, but No Immediate Return to Normal

MINNEAPOLIS (FOX 9) – Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz said he will make changes to the COVID-19 restrictions that are set to end Friday night, but there will be no immediate return to normal. “It appears like Minnesotans did an awful lot of things right around Thanksgiving,” he said Tuesday. He’s planning to make an announcement on Wednesday. Walz said he will sign the economic relief bill overwhelmingly…

Midday Update 12-15-20

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Tuesday, Dec. 15, 2020

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Ken Slama for a local look at news and weather making headlines Tuesday, Dec. 15, 2020. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Ken Slama, Local News, midday update, News

Workers Descend on Northern Minnesota to Build Pipeline

PALISADE, Minn. (AP) — More than 4,000 workers are expected in northern Minnesota over the next couple weeks to build the contentious Line 3 oil pipeline replacement. Opponents of the pipeline have escalated their efforts to block construction, while local law enforcement is focused on keeping the peace. Construction has ramped up quickly on Line 3 since Enbridge Energy received…

Duluth Salvation Army Encouraging Final Donations to Help Rescue Christmas

Monetary Donations Are Being Matched as Toy Distribution Begins for Families in Need

DULUTH, Minn. – With Christmas just over one week away, the Duluth Salvation Army is making a final push for toy and monetary donations to help Northland families in need this holiday season. On Monday, the Salvation Army in Duluth began their food distribution which will continue throughout the rest of the week with toy distribution as well. Dan Williamson,…

VA Hospital Nurse Is First to Receive COVID-19 Shot in MN

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — A nurse on the front lines of the coronavirus pandemic at the Minneapolis VA Medical Center was the first in Minnesota to receive a COVID-19 vaccine Tuesday. Thera Witte, who works in a coronavirus unit at the hospital, said she feels honored to be the first and did not hesitate to volunteer. “I’m feeling hopeful that this…

Superior Schools to Resume In-Person Hybrid Learning Model in January

SUPERIOR, Wis. – The Superior School District announced on Tuesday that they will be resuming on-site learning with COVID-19 prevention strategies in place next month. In a letter from District Administrator Amy Starzecki, the details of the district’s COVID-19 Response Plan include: Starting January 11, students will resume on-site learning with the hybrid model. This will allow for at least…

Morning Update 12-15-20

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Tuesday, Dec. 15, 2020

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Ken Slama for a local look at news and weather making headlines Tuesday, Dec. 15, 2020. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Ken Slama, Local News, morning update, News

Minnesota Legislature Passes Virus Aid for Businesses, Workers

The Bill Now Moves to the Governor's Desk for Final Approval

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) – The Minnesota Legislature has voted to pass a package of coronavirus relief measures aimed at businesses and workers who took the biggest hit from a four-week “pause” ordered by Gov. Tim Walz last month. The Senate voted 62-4 to approve the bill and send it to the House, which was passed it 117-13 late Monday night and…

Duluth Council Talks Commission to Focus On Concerns of LGBTQ+ Community

Council read an ordinance which would establish the Duluth LGBTQ+ Commission. 

DULUTH, Minn.- A new commission focused on the concerns of Duluth’s LGBTQ+ community was on the docket of Monday nights Duluth City Council meeting. Council read an ordinance by President Gary Anderson which would establish the Duluth Nonbinary, Queer, Trans, Two Spirit, Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Intersex and Asexual Commission. It would advise city administration and council on issues impacting that…

Wisconsin Health Leaders Explain Vaccine Distribution as State Gets First Shipment

Meanwhile, the spread of the virus isn't slowing down in the state. 

MADISON, Wis.- Wisconsin received 10,000 doses of the COVID-19 vaccine Monday, with about 35,000 more doses expected by the end of the week. The first rounds are going to frontline healthcare workers and to nursing home residents in a couple weeks. The general public will not have access to the vaccine for months as the state deploys this historic rollout…

Duluth Council Amends Mayor Larson’s 2021 Tourism Tax Revenue Distribution

The Council's unanimous decision is the ultimate say beyond the Mayor's recommendations for the money allocations.

DULUTH, Minn.- At their second to last meeting of the year Duluth City Council voted on, among other things, next year’s distribution of a smaller pot of Tourism Tax Revenue due to the effects of the pandemic. Last year, about $12 million in Tourism Tax — or Hotel, Motel, Food and Beverage Tax — Revenue was collected for Duluth tourism-related…

Duluth Harbor Mission Seeking Holiday Donations

The Duluth Harbor Mission is continuing to collect donations during this holiday season to help those in need.

DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth Harbor Mission is continuing to collect donations during this holiday season to help those in need. The organization is still accepting stocking caps and warm gloves along with nonperishable food items. Management at the mission says it’s important to be serving the community in this capacity, especially during the pandemic. “I think people are concerned,”…