News

Updated COVID-19 Numbers: Wednesday, October 14

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Minnesota health officials reported 115,943 confirmed COVID-19 cases in the state Wednesday morning and 29 new deaths bringing the death total to 2,180 in Minnesota. According to the Minnesota Department of Health website, 2,383,527 tests have been completed to date. There are 103,830 patients who no longer require isolation. So far, 8,585 patients have required hospitalization…

Minnesota House to Reconvene for Vote on $1.4B Bonding Bill

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) — The Minnesota House reconvenes Wednesday for what could be its last chance to pass a $1.37 billion public works construction borrowing package, but it requires at least six Republican votes. The legislation, known as a bonding bill, requires a 60% supermajority to pass. And the Democratic-controlled House must approve it before the Republican-controlled Senate can…

Coyote Problem Prompts Proctor Mayor to Contract Fur-Beatles, Owner to Investigate

Joe Thompson Estimates 15 Coyotes are Causing a Ruckus In and Around Proctor

PROCTOR, Minn. – The City of Proctor is dealing with a bit of a wildlife problem. Multiple coyotes have settled in, and it’s causing a ruckus for many residents. Instead of taking an extreme approach to dealing with the situation, the city’s mayor is calling in the famed Fur-Beatles and their owner to investigate with a humane solution in mind. “Proctor…

Wisconsin Judge Blocks Governor’s Order Limiting Capacity

(William Glasheen/The Post-Crescent via AP) MADISON, Wis. (AP) — A Wisconsin judge on Wednesday temporarily blocked an order from Gov. Tony Evers’ administration limiting the number of people who can gather in bars, restaurants, and other indoor places, a move that comes as the state breaks records for new coronavirus cases, deaths and hospitalizations. The Tavern League of Wisconsin sued…

Morning Update 10-14-20

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Wednesday, Oct. 14, 2020

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Ken Slama for a local look at news and weather making headlines Wednesday, Oct. 14, 2020. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Ken Slama, Local News, morning update, News

Walmart to Spread Out Deals to Avoid Black Friday Crowds

NEW YORK (AP) — Walmart is spreading out its traditional one-day Black Friday deals over three weekends in November in an effort to reduce crowds in its stores during a pandemic. The company’s plans announced Wednesday offers the first glimpse from a major retailer of what a reinvented Black Friday will look like during a pandemic. Others like Macy’s have…

St. Louis County Deputies Respond to Three Vehicle Accident Wednesday Night

All parties involved were wearing seatbelts.  

MIDWAY TOWNSHIP, Minn. – St. Louis County Deputies responded to a call of a three-car accident at the intersection of Midway Road and Stark Road in Midway Township on Wednesday night around 7:30 p.m. Upon arrival, deputies found that a vehicle traveling southbound on Midway Road attempted to turn East on Stark Road in front of a northbound vehicle. The…

School Board Approves Potential Future Sale of Historic Old Central Building H.S.

DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth School Board unanimously voted Tuesday night to move forward with the potential sale of the Historic Old Central High School building in downtown Duluth. The vote allows the district to enter into a final purchase agreement with a potential buyer down the road. “A purchase agreement allows a buyer to conduct due diligence prior to…

Great Outdoors: Tourists Enjoying Fall Foliage

Tourists are flocking from all over to see the fall foliage. Some are coming from as far away as California to enjoy the brilliant scenery.

DULUTH, Minn. – Over at Enger Park in Duluth, the hillside is full of unbe-leaf-ably vibrant colors of reds, yellows and bright greens. “It’s really pretty. It’s very beautiful. We’ve never been up here in the fall so it’s really cool to be up here. It’s like the perfect time to come to,” Chaska Resident, Josh Wiltsie says. With the…

Downtown Library to Partially Reopen Oct. 26

DULUTH, Minn.– The Duluth Public Library’s main branch downtown will soon be partially reopening to the public. Starting on Monday, Oct. 26, the library on West Superior Street will allow people access to the computer center. One hour appointments will need to be made in advance online or over the phone. City officials say they’re excited to give people more…

Wisconsin to Open Alternate Care Facility Wednesday as Cases Increase

MADISON, Wis.– Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers is speaking out as his state sees a sharp increase in coronavirus cases. The state is now opening up additional resources to take the load off healthcare providers. They will begin accepting patients at their alternate care facility Wednesday at the state fairgrounds near Milwaukee. Health officials can bring in up to 50 people…

Gov. Walz Announces Additional COVID-19 Saliva Testing Sites Around Minnesota

ST. PAUL, Minn.– Last month, Minnesota’s first ever saliva testing site for COVID-19 opened in Duluth at the DECC. As the no barriers testing continues, Governor Tim Walz announced that the state is opening more sites for saliva testing going forward. Soon Duluth won’t be the only place in Minnesota where you can get your hands on a COVID-19 saliva…

Keene Creek Dog Park Undergoing Improvements, Additions

The longstanding Keene Creek dog park off Grand Avenue is getting much-needed drainage issues taken care of, new fencing, a trail connecting nearby parking lots to the park, and access to drinking water for dogs and humans.

DULUTH, Minn. – The city of Duluth is making improvements to a popular dog park in West Duluth as part o the St. Louis River Corridor Initiative. The longstanding Keene Creek dog park off Grand Avenue is getting much-needed drainage issues taken care of, new fencing, a trail connecting nearby parking lots to the park, and access to drinking water…

Lake Superior Brewing Co. Could Relocate in Duluth’s Lakeside Neighborhood Under New Ownership

The brewing company has sat idle since December 2019 and the new owners are changing the business model and moving away from Lincoln Park.

DULUTH, Minn. – Lake Superior Brewing Co. is coming back to Duluth with new owners, a new vision, and a new location in the Lakeside neighborhood. “It’s one of the oldest breweries in Minnesota we’re hoping to preserve the legacy of everything that it’s been but kind of reinvent it,” says new co-owner Sarah Maxim. The brewing company has sat…

Possible Safety Issue Spurs Pause of COVID-19 Antibody Study

NEW BRUNSWICK, N.J. (AP) — A late-stage study of Johnson & Johnson’s COVID-19 vaccine candidate has been paused while the company investigates whether a study participant’s “unexplained illness” is related to the shot. The company said in a statement Monday evening that illnesses, accidents, and other so-called adverse events “are an expected part of any clinical study, especially large studies,”…

Cloquet Man Indicted on Five Counts of First Degree Murder

CLOQUET, Minn. – Charges have been upgraded for a Cloquet man accused of killing his pregnant girlfriend along with her son earlier this year on the Fond du Lac reservation. 33-year-old Sheldon Thompson now faces eight total charges including five counts of first-degree murder and three counts of second-degree murder in connection to the deaths of 27-year-old Jackie Defoe and…

Minnesota To Open 10 COVID-19 Saliva Testing Sites

(FOX 9) – Minnesota will soon have 10 COVID-19 saliva testing sites open, Gov. Tim Walz says. Walz joined the Minnesota Department of Health’s briefing Tuesday, where he said new saliva testing sites are opening in Winona and Moorhead this week and Brooklyn Park next week. This is in addition to the saliva testing site that opened last month in Duluth. The state is currently…

Wisconsin Tells Foxconn No Tax Credits Without New Deal

MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Wisconsin has told Foxconn Technology Group that it won’t qualify for billions of dollars in state tax credits unless it strikes a new deal for a scaled-back factory complex. State officials have told Taiwan-based Foxconn since last year that it wouldn’t qualify for the tax credits without revisions to its 2017 contract given that the scope…

Minnesota Eases Visits To Long-Term Care Facility Residents

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Minnesota health officials have rolled back rules that prevented many families from visiting loved ones in nursing homes and assisted-living facilities because of the coronavirus pandemic. The new guidelines put in place Monday allow indoor visitations at most senior homes that have not had new infections in the preceding two weeks and when the infection rate in…

Midday Update 10-13-20

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Tuesday, Oct. 13, 2020

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Ken Slama for a local look at news and weather making headlines Tuesday, Oct. 13, 2020. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Ken Slama, Local News, midday update, News

Updated COVID-19 Numbers: Tuesday, October 13

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Minnesota health officials reported 114,574 confirmed COVID-19 cases in the state Tuesday morning and 7 new deaths bringing the death total to 2,151 in Minnesota. According to the Minnesota Department of Health website, 2,355,124 tests have been completed to date. There are 102,624 patients who no longer require isolation. So far, 8,500 patients have required hospitalization…

Minnesota Supreme Court To Take up PolyMet Mine Dispute

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) — A dispute over the future of the proposed PolyMet copper-nickel mine goes before the Minnesota Supreme Court on Tuesday. The state Department of Natural Resources and PolyMet are challenging a ruling by the Minnesota Court of Appeals that canceled three major permits for the project. The appeals court ruled in January that the state agency…

Morning Update 10-13-20

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Tuesday, Oct. 13, 2020

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Ken Slama for a local look at news and weather making headlines Tuesday, Oct. 13, 2020. Categories: News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Ken Slama, Local News, morning update, News

COVID-19 Virus Can Survive for up To 28 Days on Common Surfaces, Study Finds

LOS ANGELES (Fox News) – From the moment you wake up and turn off your morning alarm, you can come into contact with many surfaces: your phone, your computer, door handles — the list goes on. A recent study uncovered new information about SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, and how it behaves on surfaces, revealing that the virus can…

Watch Live: Barrett Says She Can Set Aside Catholic Beliefs

WASHINGTON (AP) — Supreme Court nominee Amy Coney Barrett says she will be able to put aside her Catholic beliefs when ruling if she’s confirmed as a justice on the nation’s highest court. Barrett told Republican Sen. Lindsey Graham of South Carolina on Tuesday she “can” set aside her Catholic beliefs and has “done that” since her confirmation as an…

Firefighters Deliver Dinner to Brighten Day for Young Boy with Leukemia

Firefighters brought spaghetti to first-grader Roman Laakso and his family, thanks to his kindergarten teacher who is married to one of the firefighters.  

DULUTH, Minn.- Members of the Duluth Fire Department Monday boosted the spirits of a young boy just starting his battle with Leukemia. Firefighters delivered dinner to first-grader Roman Laakso and his family, thanks to his kindergarten teacher who is married to one of the firefighters. Little Roman was diagnosed not long ago, and according to his GoFundMe, the family says…

Duluth Council Unanimously Votes to Wash Out Lakewalk Extension Plans

The resolution calls to reallocate FEMA funds to repair the storm damaged shorelines at Brighton Beach and the Marten Trail. 

DULUTH, Minn.- Duluth City Council unanimously passed a resolution Monday to leave a missing part of the Duluth’s Lakewalk trail disconnected after storms severely eroded the shoreline in 2018. The resolution calls for the indefinite closure of the shoreline trails behind the Ledges Townhomes on 21st Ave. East, and indefinitely halting construction of a new footpath from the Beacon Pointe…

OMC Cookbook Ready to Roll Out

The book has almost all of OMC's menu items including how to make its dry rubs and sauces.

DULUTH, Minn. – Barbecue restaurant OMC Smokehouse located in Duluth’s Lincoln Park neighborhood is getting its own cookbook this week. The book has almost all of OMC’s menu items including how to make its dry rubs and sauces. Barbecue lovers can purchase their own copy at the restaurant, bookstores, and at the launch party at Ursa Minor starting this Thursday…

State of Minnesota Easing Visitation Restrictions on Care Homes

These restrictions have previously prevented family members from visiting their loved ones who are staying in places like assisted living homes.

DULUTH, Minn. – The state of Minnesota announced the easing of COVID-19 visitation restrictions for senior care homes. These restrictions have previously prevented family members from visiting their loved ones who are staying in places like assisted living homes. In March, at the onset of COVID-19, care facilities such as nursing homes and assisted living facilities were closed to nearly…

Indigenous People’s Day Celebrated in Duluth

A spokesperson for the Indigenous Commission said the day also reminds people that the Indigenous community is still fighting the issues of oppression and racism.

DULUTH, Minn. – People gathered in celebration of Indigenous people’s day at Duluth’s City Hall Plaza on Monday. The day has been recognized by the city since 2007. People spoke about how the day is about their relatives who never thought they’d see a city that recognizes and supports a day celebration all Indigenous peoples. A spokesperson for the Indigenous…

Attorney for Man Shot by Duluth Police Calls for Officer’s Firing, More Transparency by City

"The only conclusion you can possibly glean from the facts is that that officer intended to kill Mr. Fyle," Attorney Andrew Poole said. 

DULUTH, Minn.- The attorney for an unarmed man shot by Duluth Police one month ago during a domestic assault call is calling for the officer to be fired, and for the city to be more transparent. This comes as the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension has not yet concluded its independent investigation into the case. In pictures provided by Duluth…

Doc Witherspoon’s Soul Food Kitchen Preparing for 2021 Opening

Brothers Stephan and Solomon Witherspoon are preparing to open Doc Witherspoon's Soul Food Kitchen in the Lincoln Park Craft District sometime in 2021. 

DULUTH, Minn. – Brothers Stephan and Solomon Witherspoon are preparing to open Doc Witherspoon’s Soul Food Kitchen in the Lincoln Park Craft District sometime in 2021. “We have Doc’s fried chicken, which I make the best chicken in the northern hemisphere. We have cornbread based dressing, which is incredible; we have oven-baked mac and cheese, we have sweet cornbread, we…

COVID-19 Cases on the Rise in St. Louis County

DULUTH, Minn.– Cases of Coronavirus are continuing to rise in Saint Louis County. After adding more than 100 cases since Friday, public health officials are worried about high rates of community transmission in the county. Adding that when community transmission increases, it can be challenging for cases to go down. “It’s very difficult to institute prevention and control measures where…

DTA Temporarily Reduces Bus Routes Due To Driver Shortage

The cutback is affecting about six routes including the new DuLooper.

DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth Transit Authority will be temporarily reducing its routes starting on Tuesday. This change is the reflection of a bus driver shortage the company is currently experiencing. DTA officials say this is due to one of their drivers testing positive for the Coronavirus and four others out for quarantine as a result of contact tracing. “We…

Losing Outdoor Dining As Winter Approaches May Create More Challenges For Restaurants

"My fear is that, come next spring, the restaurant scene could look a lot different and there may be fewer of us around," said Tony Bronson, director of business development for Grandma's Restaurant Company.

DULUTH, Minn. – Colder weather has already started showing up in the Northland, leading many restaurants to think about the challenges they face this coming winter. One major concern is outdoor dining no longer being an option for them as temperatures drop. This dining option has been a big advantage for many Northland restaurants and has helped them get through…

First COVID-19 Death Reported in Douglas County

SUPERIOR, Wis.– This afternoon, Douglas County Public Health officials have reported the first death related to COVID-19 in the county. The individual was in their 90s and was living in an assisted living residence in Superior. Health officials say the individual developed symptoms. Douglas County Public Health is not releasing the name of the individual or living residence at this…

Duluth Man Found Guilty of Aiding and Abetting Second-Degree Murder

DULUTH, Minn.-Christopher Boder, 32, of Duluth, has been found guilty of aiding and abetting second-degree murder in connection with a 2019 shooting death. It all happened in September on the 300 block of North 62nd Avenue West where 33-year-old Timothy Nelson, a father of five, was shot and killed in his vehicle. Authorities believe the shooting happened after a drug…

MDH Links COVID-19 Cases to Trump, Pence, and Biden campaign visits

DULUTH, Minn. — The Minnesota Department of Health is reporting that there are multiple COVID-19 cases linked to recent presidential campaign visits in Minnesota. A representative with the MDH said that there are three cases linked to the President Trump rally that happened on Sept. 30th in Duluth. Two of those people live in the same home, so the department…

Douglas County has First COVID-19 Related Death

DOUGLAS COUNTY, Wis. – Douglas County Public Health announced on Monday that they have confirmed the first COVID-19 related death in the county. The individual was in their 90’s and was a resident at an assisted living facility in Superior. “Our hearts go out to the grieving families and community members affected by COVID-19,” stated Kathy Ronchi, Douglas County Health…

Chief: No Reason to Fire Wisconsin Officer Who Killed Teen

(Gary Monreal/Monreal Photography LLC/Wauwatosa Police Department via AP) MILWAUKEE (AP) — The police chief of a Milwaukee suburb that has seen protests and unrest since an officer was cleared of criminal wrongdoing in the fatal shooting of a Black teenager says he sees no reason why the officer should be fired. Wauwatosa police Chief Barry Weber said in a news…

Barrett Vows to Interpret Laws ‘as They Are Written’

WASHINGTON (AP) — At her confirmation hearing, Supreme Court nominee Amy Coney Barrett has declared that Americans deserve an independent Supreme Court that interprets the Constitution and laws “as they are written.” That statement encapsulates her conservative approach that has Republicans excited about the prospect of her taking the place of the late Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg before Election Day….

Midday Update 10-12-20

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Monday, Oct. 12, 2020

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Ken Slama for a local look at news and weather making headlines Monday, Oct. 12, 2020. 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, October 12

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Minnesota health officials reported 113,439 confirmed COVID-19 cases in the state Monday morning and 3 new deaths bringing the death total to 2,144 in Minnesota. According to the Minnesota Department of Health website, 2,337,122 tests have been completed to date. There are 101,376 patients who no longer require isolation. So far, 8,421 patients have required hospitalization…

Watch: Amy Coney Barrett’s Supreme Court Confirmation Hearing Opens

WASHINGTON (AP) — Amy Coney Barrett’s Supreme Court confirmation hearing has begun as the Republican-led Senate is charging ahead to replace the late Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg with President Donald Trump’s pick before Election Day. Barring a dramatic development, Republicans appear to have the votes to confirm the 48-year-old conservative appellate judge to a lifetime seat on the Supreme Court….

Minnesota Legislature to Convene for 5th Special Session

(AP Photo/Steve Karnowski) ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) — The Minnesota House and Senate convene Monday for their fifth special session of 2020 and what’s likely their last chance to pass a public works construction package known as a bonding bill this year. A Senate committee met Monday morning to walk through a package that would borrow $1.36 billion in general…

Wisconsin Judge Upholds Mask Order for Enclosed Spaces

MADISON, Wis. (AP) — A Wisconsin judge has upheld Gov. Tony Evers’ mask mandate in the face of a conservative challenge. St. Croix County Circuit Judge R. Michael Waterman ruled Monday that Evers did not overstep his authority by issuing multiple emergency orders on the coronavirus. Evers says the mask order was within his power and that he has followed…