News

Twin Ports Trailer Trash Offering Free Christmas Tree Pickup

Anyone who wants a free pickup will have to place a call to Twin Ports Trailer Trash before December 31st.

DULUTH, Minn. –  If you’re already thinking ahead to 2021 you may also be thinking about how to dispose of your Christmas Tree. After a successful program last year, Twin Ports Trailer will once again be offering free curbside pick up of Christmas trees on January 6th and 7th as people start to take down their decorations. “A lot of…

Bayfield Non-Profit Donating Toys to Kids, Gifts for Seniors

In all, 77 seniors will be receiving secret Santa gifts, and Core has also received toys for 150 kids which have been distributed throughout the week.

BAYFIELD, Wisc. – New Executive Director Mary Dougherty took over Core Community Resources in Bayfield Wisconsin in 2019 with a mission in mind geared towards helping seniors. “Doing things like mowing your lawn, shoveling your walk in the winter, running errands for you, friendly visits if you’re lonely,” Core Community Resources Executive Director, Mary Dougherty says. This holiday season, community…

Blizzard Causes ‘Extensive Damage’ At Bentleyville; Clean-Up Volunteers Needed

Volunteers can start showing up at Bentleyville at 9:30 a.m. Thursday.

DULUTH — The drive-thru version of Bentleyville Tour of Lights suffered “extensive damage” during Wednesday’s blizzard in Duluth, according to a post on the Bentleyville Facebook page late Wednesday. “We are asking any and all people that are able to assist Bentleyville, starting at 9:30 am on Thursday. We are in GREAT NEED of help to be able to try…

‘Miracle 11’ Crew Donates $5,000 for Food Insecurity in Superior Area

SUPERIOR, Wis.– It’s been seven years since 11 skydivers played with death after a mid-air collision of two planes over Superior. Those skydivers continue to put that highly publicized moment to good use in the community. Miracle 11, as they call themselves, is a non-profit that donates money every year to local organizations. This year included a $5,000 check to…

Local Businesses Prepare as Blizzard Hits Twin Ports

DULUTH, Minn.– It was a winter wonderland Wednesday in Duluth. But while it’s keeping some people indoors for the time being, a handful of local businesses are geared up for their time to shine during the blizzard. Starting on Wednesday afternoon, Duluth was hit with its first significant winter storm of the season. “Well, I guess officially winter’s here I…

Crooked Spoon Reopens as Food Truck

After the Crooked Spoon was one of multiple businesses to burn down during a fire earlier this year, they have recently decided to open a food truck to continue serving their sandwiches, soups and more.

GRAND MARAIS, Minn. – As most food trucks have closed their doors for the winter, one restaurant up in Grand Marais has decided to move operations on wheels. After the Crooked Spoon was one of multiple businesses to burn down during a fire earlier this year, they have recently decided to open a food truck. Co-owner Nathan Hingos said a…

Grand Marais Businesses Preparing for Winter Tourism Season

Businesses like Stone Harbor Wilderness Supply and Trout Lake Resort are doing what they can to keep their businesses safe to help visitors enjoy the outdoors.

GRAND MARAIS, Minn. – It’s getting colder and the ice are area lakes are continuing to freeze, meaning it’s time for more people to get outside. “We’ll start getting busy in January and then we’ll stay busy until the ice and snow is gone,” owner of Stone Harbor Wilderness Supply Jack Stone said. Stone Harbor Wilderness Supply, an outdoor adventure…

Knights of Columbus Give Big to Union Gospel Mission

The Union Gospel Mission in Duluth received a big donation from local chapters of a Catholic organization. 

DULUTH, Minn. – The Union Gospel Mission in Duluth received a big donation from local chapters of a Catholic organization. Several councils from the Duluth area of Knights of Columbus decided to give back by starting a fundraiser to raise money to purchase food for families in need. Donations were received from members along with parishioners from Duluth area catholic…

CHUM Staff Prepare Residents for Cold Weather

With dangerously cold air following this storm, the CHUM drop-in center in downtown Duluth is preparing for an influx of people needing a warm place to stay.

DULUTH, Minn. – With dangerously cold air following this storm, the CHUM drop-in center in downtown Duluth is preparing for an influx of people needing a warm place to stay. Officials at CHUM tell us it’s important to provide a safe space for the homeless to stay like the drop-in shelter on 1st Ave. West or the City’s warming center…

City of Duluth and Duluth Fire Department Prepare for Snow

Earlier today, we talked with Duluth city officials about their snow removal plans and how Duluth firefighters are ready for whatever the storm brings.

DULUTH, Minn. – Earlier today, we talked with Duluth city officials about their snow removal plans and how Duluth firefighters are ready for whatever the storm brings. Whether it be city snowplows or fire trucks with tire chains, Duluth officials say they’re ready to keep the city moving as best as possible through this powerful storm. “Right now our main…

DTA to Activate Emergency Mainline Service Tonight

DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth Transit Authority is activating their Emergency Mainline Service at 6:00 p.m. due to unsafe travel conditions. The DTA says limited routes will continue to run where possible. Christmas Eve service is anticipated to return tomorrow and can be found by clicking here. For more information on the Emergency Mainline Service click here. Categories: Minnesota, News,…

Fond du Lac Reservation Receives 700 Doses of Moderna COVID Vaccine

CLOQUET, Minn. – On Wednesday, the Fond du Lac Reservation received 700 doses of the Moderna COVID vaccine. According to a recent press release, FDL Medical Director Dr. Charity Reynolds was the first healthcare worker to get the vaccination. “I am humbled to the first person from the medical team to receive the COVID-19 vaccine. It has been a tough…

Minnesota State Patrol Responds to 251 Crashes, 129 Vehicles off Road

(courtesy: MN State Patrol via Fox 9) MONTICELLO, Minn. (FOX 9) – The Minnesota State Patrol says it has responded to 251 crashes, 129 vehicles that ran off the road, and 19 jackknifed semis Wednesday during blizzard conditions. 41 of those crashes involved injuries, none of which were life-threatening. These statistics were the totals as of 4 p.m. The State Patrol says…

City of Duluth Issues ‘No Travel Advisory’ During Blizzard Warning

DULUTH, Minn. (Press Release) – Starting immediately, the City of Duluth in coordination with the National Weather Service in Duluth are issuing a no travel advisory until further notice. The National Weather Service of Duluth recently issued a blizzard warning for Duluth, and thus the City is asking residents not to travel unless it is an emergency. The City will…

Wisconsin Records 2,579 More COVID-19 Cases, 69 More Deaths

MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Wisconsin health officials on Wednesday confirmed hundreds of new COVID-19 cases and deaths connected to the disease. The Department of Health Services reported 2,579 newly confirmed cases. The state has now seen 463,594 cases since the pandemic began in March. The DHS reported the disease was a factor in 69 more deaths, bringing the overall death…

Bentleyville Temporarily Closes Due to Weather Conditions

DULUTH, Minn. – The City of Duluth announced Wednesday afternoon that Bentleyville will be closed tonight due to deteriorating weather conditions and extremely cold temperatures. “In an effort to keep our staff, volunteers, and our visitors safe, we have made the decision to close tonight,” said Bentleyville Executive Director Nathan Bentley. Bentleyville says they hope to reopen tomorrow, December 24,…

Midday Update 12-23-20

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Wednesday, Dec. 23, 2020

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Ken Slama for a local look at news and weather making headlines Wednesday, Dec. 23, 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: Wednesday, December 23

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Minnesota health officials reported 1,513 new cases of COVID-19 in Minnesota Wednesday morning bringing the total confirmed COVID cases to 402,519 in the state. Health officials also reported 75 news deaths bringing the death total to 4,971 in Minnesota. According to the Minnesota Department of Health website, 5,287,998 tests have been completed to date. There are…

First Minnesota Nursing Home Residents Receive Vaccine

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Minnesota nursing home residents began receiving doses of the newly approved Moderna vaccine this week as the state prioritizes the high-risk population in its vaccination rollout plan. Residents and staff at the St. Cloud VA Community Living Center and an assisted living facility in the Prairie Island Indian Community were among the first to receive doses of…

U of M Researchers Create Tool to Calculate COVID-19 Risk for Holiday Gatherings

MINNEAPOLIS (FOX 9) – Minnesota health experts warn of the risks of having get-togethers over the holidays, but it can be hard to make sense of all the numbers sometimes. A researcher at the University of Minnesota developed a calculator that can help explain how even small gatherings can accelerate the number of COVID-19 cases in a matter of days. Check out…

Silver Bay Woman Takes Daily Plunge Into Lake Superior

Silver Bay Resident Lauri Olson-Hohman is Going on 63 Days of Practicing the Wim Hof Method

SILVER BAY, Minn. – While many of us are dreading the cold winter months ahead, one Northland woman is embracing the season with a daily morning dip into Lake Superior. Silver Bay resident Lauri Olson-Hohman is practicing the Wim Hof Method. She’s been doing this for the past 63 days. The method is simple, yet complex. It’s a combination of…

Morning Update 12-23-20

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Wednesday, Dec. 23, 2020

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Ken Slama for a local look at news and weather making headlines Wednesday, Dec. 23, 2020. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Ken Slama, Local News, morning update, News

US Layoffs Remain Elevated as 803,000 Seek Jobless Aid

  WASHINGTON (AP) — The number of Americans seeking unemployment benefits fell by 89,000 last week to a still-elevated 803,000, evidence that the job market remains under stress nine months after the coronavirus outbreak sent the U.S. economy into recession and caused millions of layoffs. The latest figure shows that many employers are still cutting jobs as the pandemic tightens…

Pfizer to Supply Us With Additional 100m Vaccines Doses

WASHINGTON (AP) — Pfizer and BioNTech will supply the U.S. with an additional 100 million doses of the COVID-19 vaccine under a new agreement. The drugmakers said Wednesday that they expect to deliver all the doses by July 31. Pfizer already has a contract to supply the government with 100 million doses of its vaccine. Pfizer’s vaccine was the first…

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

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.

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Updated COVID-19 Numbers: Tuesday, December 22

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

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

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

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

(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…