News

Morning Update 10-26-20

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Monday, Oct. 26, 2020

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Ken Slama for a local look at news and weather making headlines Monday, Oct. 26, 2020. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Ken Slama, Local News, morning update, News

US to Get 9th Justice With Dems Powerless to Block Barrett

WASHINGTON (AP) — A deeply torn Senate is set to confirm Amy Coney Barrett to the Supreme Court. Republicans are overpowering unified Democratic opposition to vote Monday on President Donald Trump’s nominee a week before Election Day. Democratic leaders want Vice President Mike Pence to stay away after his aides tested positive for COVID-19. Pence’s tie-breaking vote is not expected…

Pitbull Awareness Month Wrapped Up with Fundraiser at 7 West Miller Hill

Every year during the month of October the restaurant raises money for the Minnesota Pitbull Rescue.

DULUTH, Minn.- October is Pitbull Awareness Month, and on Sunday 7 West Taphouse on Miller Hill hosted a party to wrap up its month-long fundraiser. Every year during the month of October the restaurant raises money for the Minnesota Pitbull Rescue offering t-shirts and different pitbull-themed gifts. $10 from every event ticket went to the organization. The General Manager of…

Hundreds Gear Up at 49th Annual Ski Swap at Spirit Mountain

By Sunday only a few skis, snowboards and boots sat in the room at the Spirit Mountain Chalet.

DULUTH, Minn.- Hundreds of experienced and novice skiers and snowboarders got their gear at the 49th Annual Team Duluth Ski Swap at Spirit Mountain over the weekend, keeping a nearly 50-year tradition alive. By Sunday only a few skis, snowboards and boots sat in the room at the Spirit Mountain Chalet. According to the staff of active Team Duluth skiers…

Halloween Race Used as Motivation Through Pandemic

SUPERIOR, Wis.– The quarantine 15 was a phrase that came back in March as people were staying inside during the spring shutdown. But one Duluth woman used that extra time as motivation to become more active. Ruth Maciejeski was like a lot of people at the beginning of the pandemic, stuck inside with a lot of time on her hands….

Boo at the Zoo Finds Success During Pandemic

DULUTH, Minn.– Lake Superior Zoo’s popular Halloween event Boo at the Zoo wrapped up for the season Sunday. The event has welcomed over 4,000 guests into the zoo during first two weekends and had a sellout for Saturday’s trick-or-treating activities. Attendance for the event was around the same as past years but a little lower because of the timed ticketing…

Husky Energy To Merge with Competitor, Cenovus Energy

CANADA — Husky Energy, which operates a refinery in Superior, announced on Sunday that it is merging with one of its rivals in the oil and natural gas market, Cenovus Energy. The Husky name will be no more, as the company will begin operating under Cenovus Energy. The deal is “all-stock transaction valued at $23.6 billion, inclusive of debt,” according…

DPD, St. Louis County Hosts Drug Take Back Day

DULUTH, Minn.– More than 67,000 Americans died in 2018 from prescription drug overdoses. Today for National Prescription Drug Take Back Day, Duluth Police is offering a way to safely dispose of unused drugs. The Duluth Police Department and St. Louis County Public Health hosted a drug take back event to give people an easy way to get rid of prescription…

Fall Music Festival for Teens to Pursue Musical Dreams

SUPERIOR, Wis.– As the Spooktacular was going on, other businesses in Superior enjoyed the festivities. Going Postal and Thirsty Pagan hosted a fall music festival. Proceeds from donations at the event will go to the Bluebird Foundation, which gives teenage kids scholarships to pursue their musical dreams. Bands of all ages, including the all teenage band Born Too Late, played…

Screams Return to Superior for the 2020 Superior Spooktacular

SUPERIOR, Wis.– The pandemic couldn’t keep away the ghouls and goblins that pack Superior every year as the annual Superior Spooktacular continued. With Halloween just a week away, people from the Twin Ports have gathered for a Superior Spooktacular unlike any other. In recent years there would be a parade and other activities but the pandemic makes the event look…

Oasis Del Norte Opening Pop-Up Mall Location

They serve tacos, burritos, quesadillas, and tortas with an option of six different types of meat.

DULUTH, Minn. – Oasis Del Norte closed up their food truck for the season on Friday. Due to the cancellation of many events, the owner decided to bring his traditional and fresh Mexican fare to neighborhoods so people could still get some authentic food. They serve tacos, burritos, quesadillas, and tortas with an option of six different types of meat….

Marinas Begin Prepping Vessels For Winter

The process usually takes under two hours depending on the size of the boat.

DULUTH, Minn. – Marinas in the area have begun winterizing boats. The process usually takes under two hours depending on the size of the boat. Although experts say it’s a bit earlier than they are used to, it doesn’t make it any less important when getting your boat ready for winter. “The process is basically draining out the water that…

Grandma’s Marathon Donates 2020 Race Clothes to Haiti

DULUTH, Minn.– No Grandma’s Marathon this year has created some challenges for organizers. One of those includes thousands of unused clothes from the races. But that’s not stopping them and other Northland groups from trying to make the most of a tough situation. Grandma’s Marathon teamed up with St. Matthew’s Church in Esko, and the Orphan Grain Train to send…

Wis. Democrat’s Bus Tour Encourages Public to Vote

SUPERIOR, Wis.– With the election just over a week away, Wisconsin leaders made a stop in Superior to encourage early voting. Wisconsin Democrat’s “What’s At Stake” bus tour stopped in Superior. State Senator Janet Bewley, State Representative Nick Milroy, and Superior Mayor Jim Paine spoke about what issues they say is on the line this election. They also mentioned tips…

Salvation Army and Damiano Center Host Two-Day Coat Giveaway

Last year's one-day event gave out more than 300 coats to keep people warm and they hope to give out the same number this year.

DULUTH, Minn. – As the need for warmer clothing continues to grow, the Salvation Army and the Damiano Center came together to help those who need it most during their Community Connect Event. The event is also organized by other nonprofits including Loaves and Fishes with the help of St. Louis County Public Health and Human Services. Community members who…

COVID-19 Cases and Deaths Surging on the Iron Range

More than 28 percent of the greater county's cases are blamed on community spread with no identified source of exposure.

DULUTH, Minn . – As COVID-19 cases continue to rise across the region, the Iron Range is experiencing a surge of cases and deaths. Cases grew quickly in the Duluth area in September, but now October has seen an especially dramatic rise in the area’s northern communities, with many of the cases traced back to community spread. Deaths are also…

Memorial Blood Centers Hosts Blood Drive in Duluth’s City Hall Plaza

Memorial Blood Centers say that it is the primary provider of blood to nearly all the area hospitals including Essentia St. Mary's and St. Luke's.

DULUTH, Minn. – In order to combat the critically low levels of blood available in the region, Memorial Blood Centers hosted a drive at Duluth’s City Hall Plaza. Memorial Blood Centers say that it is the primary provider of blood to nearly all the area hospitals including Essentia St. Mary’s and St. Luke’s. The blood supply is dangerously low due…

Duluth Fire Department Ready for Wintry Weather

The first snowstorm of the season has come early this year and the Duluth Fire Department is ready with the chains for when the snow gets bad enough.

DULUTH, Minn. – Some drivers put snow tires on their cars to get through the long Northland winters, but the Duluth Fire Department has more heavy-duty equipment to handle the slick roads so they can respond to emergencies safely. The first snowstorm of the season has come early this year and the Duluth Fire Department is ready with the chains…

Local Business Provides Fun Crafts for Kids During Pandemic

Kids' crafts are in high demand as young ones are stuck inside because of the pandemic.

Kids’ crafts are in high demand as young ones are stuck inside because of the pandemic. The Duluth Studio Market on North 45th Avenue East is providing fun crafting activities for children to take part in and is seeing an uptick for businesses for things like embroidery, beading and making charms. “I just know for myself and having two kids,…

Zenith Auto Glass Provides Free Service to Help Northlanders Get Donations

Zenith Auto Glass in Duluth is accepting donations through the end of the month, whether it be coats, hats or boots in exchange for a free glass chip repair.

Zenith Auto Glass in Duluth is accepting donations through the end of the month, whether it be coats, hats, or boots in exchange for a free glass chip repair. All it takes is one donation of clothing to get the free service. Management says it’s important to help out the community in this capacity, especially as the weather gets colder….

COVID Testing Made Available to Residents in Douglas County

The coronavirus cases continue to climb in Douglas County as that region is at more than 700 cases and now the National Guard has been called into town to help with their testing efforts.

SUPERIOR, Wis. – The coronavirus cases continue to climb in Douglas County as that region is at more than 700 cases and now the National Guard has been called into town to help with their testing efforts. Testing is limited in Douglas County and most people in the area have to go to Duluth to do testing at one of…

Duluth Police Department Helping Setup Bentleyville

Bentleyville is set to open November 21st and run through December 27th. 

DULUTH, Minn. – Several members of the Duluth Police Department were out helping setup Bentleyville Friday afternoon. It’s a yearly tradition where members of the command staff take time out of their days to come down and help set up some of the larger displays for the tour of lights. The chief of the department says engaging like this with…

Minnesota Reports 13 More Deaths, More Than 1,700 Cases

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Minnesota health officials reported 1,721 new cases of the coronavirus and 13 deaths on Friday as the state is swept along in a surge of cases across the Upper Midwest and Plains. Friday’s tally brought the state’s totals since the pandemic began to 129,863 cases and 2,314 deaths. The updated numbers mark two straight weeks of more…

Duluth Firefighter Cited for Assaulting Woman in July now Formally Charged

DULUTH, Minn. – A Duluth firefighter placed on a 30-day unpaid suspension this summer after being accused of assaulting a 65-year-old woman on a West Duluth trail, has now been formally charged with multiple felonies – he was previously facing a misdemeanor assault citation for the incident. Conrad Sunde, 49, was charged this week with first-degree aggravated robbery and third-degree…

DNR Report: Wisconsin Air Quality Improving

MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Wisconsin’s air quality has improved over the last 15 years, according to a report state environmental officials released Friday. The Department of Natural Resources study analyzed air pollution data from 2001 to 2019. The study concluded that air quality continues to improve. Concentrations of a host of pollutants, including ozone, sulfur dioxide, nitrogen dioxide, and carbon…

Midday Update 10-23-20

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Friday, Oct. 23, 2020

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Ken Slama for a local look at news and weather making headlines in the Northland Friday, Oct. 23, 2020. Have a great weekend! Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Ken Slama, Local News, midday update, News

Duluth School District to Keep Athletics and Activities Open

DULUTH, Minn. – On Thursday, Duluth Superintendent John Magas announced his decision to keep athletics and activities open while continuing to keep an eye on the safety of students. This week St. Louis County reported a Duluth COVID-19 case rate of 32.7. A slight decrease from the previously reported 35.2. Last week, the district stated that it would consider pausing…

Updated COVID-19 Numbers: Friday, October 23

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Minnesota health officials reported 129,863 confirmed COVID-19 cases in the state Friday morning and 13 new deaths bringing the death total to 2,314 in Minnesota. According to the Minnesota Department of Health website, 2,614,124 tests have been completed to date. There are 114,679 patients who no longer require isolation. So far, 9,338 patients have required hospitalization…

Aclu: Minnesota Failing to Protect Inmates From COVID-19

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — The American Civil Liberties Union of Minnesota is suing the state, alleging prison officials have not taken adequate precautions to protect inmates from COVID-19. The ACLU-MN filed a petition Thursday asking a court to force the state to keep people in custody safe. The Department of Corrections said it was reviewing the lawsuit. “We acknowledge the health…

Morning Update 10-23-20

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Friday, Oct. 23, 2020

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Ken Slama for a local look at news and weather making headlines in the Northland Friday, Oct. 23, 2020. Have a great weekend! Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Ken Slama, Local News, morning update, News

Spirit Mountain Preparing For Ski Swap Event

Preparations for the 48th Annual Ski Swap are underway.

DULUTH, Minn. – Spirit Mountain is preparing for the 48th annual ski swap event. The resort will have hundreds of new and used equipment at the swap starting Friday and running through Sunday. The goal is to help people get excited for the winter season. “Helping kids get out in the snow. Skiing and snowboarding. Enjoying spirit mountain in the…

Boat and RV Show Not Taking Place Next Year

The Boat and RV Show will not be taking place at the DECC next year.

DULUTH, Minn. – The Boat and RV Show will not be taking place at the DECC next year. The show usually brings in crowds of thousands of people to the DECC. Organizers at Shamrock Productions say that the majority of the feedback received from vendors has been positive about the cancellation and they look forward to coming back in 2022….

Clothing Drive For Northlanders in Need

A major clothing drive was held in Duluth today with the goal of helping many Northlanders.

DULUTH, Minn. – A major clothing drive was held in Duluth today with the goal of helping many Northlanders. Three local businesses came together with multiple drop-off sites around the area, all with the goal of keeping Northlanders warm during the winter. “Honestly, I have cried when people have brought stuff,” said Bonnie Jacobson, the owner of Bonnie Jacobson Farmer’s…

City of Duluth Adds Second Warming Shelter in West Duluth

DULUTH, Minn.– As the weather is getting colder, the city of Duluth is adding extra resources to help keep people warm this winter. In 2018, the city of Duluth estimated that anywhere from 125-200 people were homeless or unsheltered in Duluth. And with the weather changing and the pandemic continuing, the city and other organizations are helping provide shelter to…

A New App Is Providing Easy Access To Help For Police Officers Dealing With Stress

DULUTH, Minn. – Working in law enforcement can be stressful for officers in the line of duty. Hoping to combat potential mental health concerns, the Duluth Police Department is testing out a new app called Peer Connect to help provide additional support for officers dealing with stressful situations. “Everybody in this organization, because of the type of work we do,…

UWS Hosts Virtal Panel with Local Leaders Discussing Breonna Taylor’s Death

In a virtual panel, Superior Police Chief Nick Alexander and Duluth Human Rights Officer Carl Crawford discussed the case and how the Superior Police Department works hard to de-escalate situations and reduce the chance for deadly force.

SUPERIOR, Wis. – UW-Superior’s Legal Studies and Criminal Justice Program hosted a dialogue with community leaders discussing the killing of Breonna Taylor in Louisville, Kentucky. Taylor was killed when police executed a ‘no-knock’ warrant to which her boyfriend said he did not know it was the police and fired a warning shot. Louisville Police then fired 32 rounds into Taylor’s…

WATCH LIVE: Trump, Biden Heading Into Final Debate

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — It’s debate night for President Donald Trump and Democratic challenger Joe Biden. They will square off in Nashville in their final face-to-face confrontation before the election. It’s one of the last high-profile opportunities for the trailing president to change the trajectory of an increasingly contentious campaign. Some Trump advisers are urging him to trade his aggressive…

Snowboards and Skiers Out Hiking Chester Bowl

Accumulations of several inches were enough for winter lovers to hike up the hill at the park and show off their skills coming back down.

DULUTH, Minn. – Down by the shore of Lake Superior warmer air prevented snow from accumulating, but just a mile up the hill, it was a much different, and snowy scene on Thursday. Snowboarders, skiers, and families were taking advantage of the early fall snow wonderland up at Chester Bowl. Accumulations of several inches were enough for winter lovers to…

A Large Drug Trafficking Ring Dismantled By Duluth Police & Other Law Enforcement Agencies

Nearly 50 people are now being charged after a year-long investigation focused in Duluth, Rochester, and on the Iron Range brought down this drug operation.

DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth Police Department and a string of other law enforcement agencies including the Lake Superior Drug and Violent Crime Taskforce have shut down a significant drug trafficking ring that extended throughout Greater Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Iowa. Duluth police say this is the largest drug bust in history for the region. Nearly 50 people are now being…

Superior Seeing Lower Unemployment Numbers

After high unemployment rates in the spring, the Mayor attributes the drop in those numbers to more businesses opening up.

SUPERIOR, Wisc. – The Wisconsin’s Department of Workforce Development has recently released unemployment numbers showing a decline in the month of September for Superior. After high unemployment rates in the spring, the Mayor attributes the drop in those numbers to more businesses opening up. The city saw numbers drop from 21% in April to just under 7% in September. That…

Management at St. Regis Apartments Asks Tenants to Leave Due to Heat Problems

An apartment building in downtown Duluth will be shutting down because of its broken heating system and tonight, we are learning management gave residents only a little over a week's notice before telling them to leave the apartment building.

DULUTH, Minn. – An apartment building in downtown Duluth will be shutting down because of its broken heating system, and tonight, we are learning management gave residents only a little over a week’s notice before telling them to leave the apartment building. The order from management at St. Regis Apartments in downtown Duluth is for its ten families to leave…

2021 Duluth Boat Show Canceled

DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth Boat, Sports, Travel, & RV Show scheduled for February 2021 has been canceled. The announcement was made on the Duluth Boat Show’s Facebook page Wednesday afternoon. The show was set to take place February 18-21, 2021 at the Duluth Entertainment Convention Center, but has been canceled due to COVID-19 concerns. “The safety of our attendees,…

Walz Activates Minnesota National Guard Following Developments in Floyd Case

(Courtesy: Twitter/MN National Guard) MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. – On Thursday Gov. Tim Walz announced he has activated the Minnesota National Guard to assist local law enforcement in public safety efforts in the Twin Cities area following today’s court rulings in the George Floyd case. “In light of developments in the George Floyd case, we’ve taken the precautionary step of asking the…

Trucker Who Drove Through George Floyd Protesters Is Charged

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — A truck driver who drove into a large crowd of protesters on a bridge in Minneapolis following the killing of George Floyd was charged Thursday with two criminal counts. Hennepin County prosecutors charged Bogdan Vechirko, of Otsego, with making threats of violence, a felony, and criminal vehicular operation, a gross misdemeanor, the Star Tribune reported. Prosecutors allege that he…

Eveleth Shooting Suspect Charged With Felony Assault

EVELETH, Minn. – A Duluth man arrested for shooting at one individual and assaulting another in an Eveleth Subway parking lot earlier this week has been formally charged. Authorities say 29-year-old Jamar Maurice Smith has been charged with felony second-degree assault, felony domestic assault, felon in possession of ammunition or a firearm, and fifth-degree possession of methamphetamine. According to the…