News

Health Officials Urging People To Get Flu Shots Early

Each year, on average one in five people catch the flu.

DULUTH, Minn. – Health officials are urging people to get their flu shots early to help prevent potential impacts during the ongoing global pandemic. Both the flu and COVID-19 are illnesses that affect a person’s respiratory system. Each year, on average one in five people catch the flu. Having an outbreak of both at the same time could have major…

Wrenshall School District to go to Full Distance Learning Model, Many Staff and Students Ill With COVID-19 Symptoms

WRENSHALL, Minn.-According to a letter from Wrenshall Public Schools, they will now go to a full distance learning model “due to high number of staff members and students that are out ill due to Covid-19 symptoms.” The district added they hope to have students and staff back to school Nov. 9. Classes are canceled Tuesday and Wednesday, with distance learning…

Federal Judge Extends Deadline for Wisconsin Ballots

MADISON, Wis.-A federal judge has ruled that absentee ballots in battleground Wisconsin can be counted up to six days after the Nov. 3 presidential election as long as they are postmarked by Election Day. Unless it’s overturned, Monday’s ruling means that the outcome of the presidential race in Wisconsin might not be known for days after polls close. Under current…

Free COVID-19 Saliva Testing Site to Open in Duluth Wednesday

DULUTH, Minn. – The Minnesota Department of Health announced on Monday that Duluth will be hosting the first COVID-19 saliva testing site later this week. The pilot site will be at the Duluth Entertainment Convention Center and will be free to any Minnesotans who believe they need to be tested. “Our battle against COVID-19 is far from over,” said Minnesota…

Minnesota Couple Killed When Motorcycle Rear-Ended by Pickup Truck

CLOVER TOWNSHIP, Minn. (AP) — Two people are dead after a teenage driver crashed into the back of their motorcycle in Pine County. The Minnesota State Patrol said 66-year-old Jerry McDowell and 61-year-old Sharon McDowell, of Pine City, died at the scene of the crash on Highway 48 in Clover Township Sunday afternoon. The patrol says the couple slowed down…

MSHSL Approves Fall Restart for High School Volleyball, Football Seasons

Both sports will begin practice on September 28th.

BROOKLYN PARK, Minn. – After announcing that high school volleyball and football will be moved to the spring, the Minnesota State High School League voted Monday to reverse course and restart both sports in the fall season. For volleyball, season will start September 28th with ten days of practice. Competition will start on October 8th. Teams will have an 11-week…

Midday Update 9-21-20

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Monday, Sept. 21, 2020

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

Updated COVID-19 Numbers: Monday, September 21

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Minnesota health officials reported 90,942 confirmed COVID-19 cases in the state Monday morning and 4 new deaths bringing the death total to 1,969 in Minnesota. According to the Minnesota Department of Health website, 1,855,308 tests have been completed to date. There are 82,174 patients who no longer require isolation. So far, 7,199 patients have required hospitalization…

Visit Cook County Talks Fall Foliage, Upcoming Autumn Events

Fall Foliage in Parts of Cook County is 50 - 75 Percent Changed as of Monday, Sept. 21

GRAND MARAIS, Minn. – Cook County is open, with safety measures in place to curb the spread of COVID-19. Thousands are taking trips up the North Shore this fall to see the multi-color foliage change daily. According to the Minnesota DNR, some areas in Cook County are already 50 – 75 percent changed. Click here to see the up-to-date fall…

1 Arrested After Shooting on I-35 in Duluth

DULUTH, Minn. – Duluth Police say an adult male was taken into custody Sunday night following reports of shots fired on I-35 near 27th Avenue West. According to police, shortly after the reports of shots fired officers received a report of a car crash around the 4700 block of Miller Trunk Highway. The description of the vehicle in the crash…

Morning Update 9-21-20

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Monday, Sept. 21, 2020

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

Biden Headed to Manitowoc for Second Wisconsin Visit

MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Former Vice President Joe Biden plans to campaign Monday in northeast Wisconsin for his second visit to the battleground state this month. Biden’s campaign announced Sunday that the Democratic presidential nominee would be campaigning in Manitowoc, a city of about 32,000 that’s on the shores of Lake Michigan about 80 miles north of Milwaukee. Biden did…

Breeze Inn Kicks Off Oktoberfest

Even though the event is a bit different because of COVID-19, it didn't put a stop to the polka music.

LAKEWOOD, Minn. – The Breeze Inn in Lakewood kicked off its annual Oktoberfest event this weeekend. Even though the event is a bit different because of COVID-19, it didn’t put a stop to the polka music. The Polkarobics band was there on Sunday playing at the restaurant and bar. Instead of the usual one big tent, there’s a small open-air…

A Look Back at Trump, Biden in Northern Minnesota

On Friday, just 46 days a head of the election President Donald Trump and Joe Biden hit the battleground state of Minnesota to sway the vote in their direction.

DULUTH, Minn. – Presidental candidates came to the Nothaland this week campaigning for the upcoming presidential election which is a month and a half away. On Friday, just 46 days ahead of the election President Donald Trump and Joe Biden hit the battleground state of Minnesota to sway the vote in their direction. The day started when Joe Biden stopped…

Some Duluth Parents Enrolling Children in Private Schools for More In-Person Learning

Correction: This article has been updated to reflect that ISD 709 middle and high school students are on the full distance learning plan for the first quarter of the 2020-2021 academic school year. Middle and high school students were originally going to be on a hybrid plan. DULUTH, Minn. — Some parents in Duluth are enrolling their children in private…

Duluth Woman Wins International Singing Competition

One singer based in the Northland recently won an international competition through an app called Uplive, which is a broadcasting streaming app.

DULUTH, Minn. – One singer based in the Northland recently won an international competition through an app called Uplive, which is a broadcasting streaming app. It isn’t only Etta James who’s saying “At Last.” After a long journey, Duluth resident Zandra Tan who is also known by her stage name “Zandystorm” has finally, “at last,” won the first annual Singing…

Photographers Stay Busy During Pandemic

Maurissa McNellis added that she and the other photographers on her team all wear masks and stay distanced from customers during the shoots. 

DULUTH, Minn. – Some photography businesses are doing well during the pandemic, as it’s easy to stay socially distanced from their subjects. A Twin Cities-based business called Mind of Mo Photography held mini sessions today at Brighton Beach that were affordably priced. The business owner says she’s seen more customers signing up for sessions lately, adding that September has been…

Duluth Police Recover 17 Bullet Casings After Early Sunday Morning Shooting

Squads canvassed the area and located no suspects. No injuries reported

DULUTH, Minn. – Duluth police officers heard several shots in the area of the 100 Block of the E #2 Alley around 2:30 a.m. Sunday. That location is the alley between 1st and 2nd streets — behind the former Kozy building. When squad cars arrived they located 17 casings and a damaged sign. Officers received a report and spoke to…

76 Years Later WWII Proctor Veteran Receives Military Honors After Being Lost at Sea

Proctor-native and merchant marine Sterling LeRoy Bird, better known as Sting, went missing and presumed lost at sea in WWII.

DULUTH, Minn. – A special military honors ceremony was held at Oneota Cemetery for a Proctor veteran who was lost at sea during WWII. Proctor-native and merchant marine Sterling LeRoy Bird, better known as Sting, went missing and presumed lost at sea in WWII. It happened after a Japanese submarine torpedoed the Liberty Ship he was on. Now, 76 years…

Project Joy Switches to Drive-Thru Fundraiser

Most years, Project Joy has a large fundraiser in November at the Duluth Curling Club, however, the ongoing pandemic has likely stopped that from happening.

HERMANTOWN, Minn. – Project Joy, an organization that raises money to combat childhood hunger, held a fundraiser drive-thru style at Foster’s Sports Bar and Grill in Hermantown on Saturday. Most years, Project Joy has a large fundraiser in November at the Duluth Curling Club, however, the ongoing pandemic has likely stopped that from happening. Cars drove through the parking lot…

Free Microchipping Clinic Offered in Carlton County

It was free for Carlton County residents while out-of-county residents paid just $20.

CLOQUET, Minn. – Furry friends in Carlton County were microchipped for free at Veteran’s Park in Cloquet on Saturday. Owners of dogs and cats pulled up for the drive-thru clinic. It was free for Carlton County residents while out-of-county residents paid just $20. Funds go to supporting Northern Lakes Rescue. The actual microchipping takes just seconds and only is a…

Aqua Affair in the Garden Takes Place at Great Lakes Aquarium

The Great Lakes Aquarium found a new way to hold their annual fundraiser during the pandemic today.

DULUTH, Minn. – The Great Lakes Aquarium found a new way to hold its annual fundraiser during the pandemic today. Aqua Affair in the Garden took place on the outdoor space of the aquarium due to COVID-19 restrictions. Masks were encouraged at the free event and there was a limit of one household per table, which were all cleaned and…

Cruise for Cancer Takes off in the Northland

Today, gearheads and their rides from all over the Northland came together to raise money for those affected by cancer.

DULUTH, Minn. – Today, gearheads and their rides from all over the Northland came together to raise money for those affected by cancer. Cruise for Cancer is an event where participants pay a certain amount of money in the morning and go on a day-long scavenger hunt around 64 spots across the Northland. Every year 100% of the proceeds go…

Cause for the Paws 5K Kicks Off

Who let the dogs out? The Humane Society of Douglas County did today at their annual 5k walk and run in Superior.

SUPERIOR, Wis. – Who let the dogs out? The Humane Society of Douglas County did today at their annual 5k walk and run in Superior. Even the coronavirus pandemic couldn’t stop some of the Northland’s furry friends from getting out and getting active for the 22nd annual 5k walk/run hosted by the Humane Society of Douglas County. “It’s kind of…

Presidential Candidate Joe Biden Visits Duluth as Early Voting Begins

DULUTH, Minn.– Former Vice President Joe Biden made his way to the Duluth area today, marking his first stop in Minnesota as the Democratic presidential nominee. Joe Biden made his first campaign appearance to the battleground state of Minnesota, a region that could be a big factor on Election Day. The presidential hopeful flew into Duluth early Friday afternoon as…

Wild State Cider Collects Apples For Community Cider

DULUTH, Minn. – Wild State Cider is working on creating this year batch of “Duluth People’s Cider”, which is being made from backyard apples. Community members dropped off their donations of apples on Friday. This is the second time the cidery has created this community-based beverage. Every year the flavor comes out differently due to the multiple varieties of apples….

Cloquet Airport Gets Financial Support To Build on Emerging Aviation Industry

CLOQUET, Minn. – The Carlton County-Cloquet Airport is receiving some extra financial support to help it continue to be a valuable asset to the community. The U.S. Economic Development Administrations is awarding the county a $1 million grant to establish a new aviation workforce training center. The aviation industry is rapidly growing in the region and the EDA recognizes investing…

St. Louis County Reports Its Highest Daily Increase Since Beginning Of Pandemic

DULUTH, Minn. – 50 new COVID-19 cases have been confirmed by the St. Louis County Public Health Division… This the largest day increase in the county since the start of the pandemic. 40 of those cases being reported in the Duluth area alone, while the rest are confirmed from communities throughout the county. More than 60% of the people diagnosed…

Former VP Biden Meets Gov. Walz, Mayor Larson in Canal Park

DULUTH, Minn.-Former Vice President Joe Biden has had a busy day in the Northland. After the Democratic presidential nominee went to Hermantown, where he met with local carpenters, he visited Canal Park to meet with Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz and Duluth Mayor Emily Larson. Later, he also visited a local fire station. We’ll have more on his entire trip, tonight…

Superior Cluster Brings in Participants Despite Pandemic

As the pandemic continues, it still hasn't stopped one local dog show from happening in Superior albeit with some new protocols in place.

SUPERIOR, Wis. – As the pandemic continues, it still hasn’t stopped one local dog show from happening in Superior albeit with some new protocols in place. The Superior Cluster is bringing in people from all over the country to participate in its dog show happening all weekend at the Head of the Lakes fairgrounds. “I just think that when they’re…

Pumpkin Season Is Finally Here

As the air is feeling crisper, pumpkin season is finally here.

DULUTH, Minn. – As the air is feeling crisper, pumpkin season is finally here. DC’s Best Produce’s pumpkin patch on Central entrance is selling a variety of pumpkins, from jack o’ lanterns to white ghost pumpkins along with corn stalks and squash. One worker we talked to said it’s nice to be able to provide pumpkins, especially during the pandemic….

Six Students in Esko School District Test Positive for COVID-19, 35 Quarantined

ESKO, Minn. – A week after Esko High School confirmed its first case of COVID-19, the school district says more students have now tested positive for coronavirus. In total, district officials say six students in the district have tested positive and 35 students are in quarantine. One of the students that tested positive is in elementary school while the other…

Wisconsin Secretary Resigns Amid Unemployment Claim Backlog

MADISON, Wis. (AP) — The state Department of Workforce Development’s top leader resigned Friday after failing to find a way to address a massive backlog of unprocessed unemployment benefit claims sparked by the coronavirus pandemic. Gov. Tony Evers’ office said Caleb Frostman stepped down after the governor called for his resignation. Evers, a Democrat, has been taking intense criticism for…

Canada Extends U.S. Border Restrictions to Oct. 21

TORONTO (AP) — Canada is extending the agreement to keep the U.S. border closed to non-essential travel to Oct. 21 during the coronavirus pandemic. Public Safety Minister Bill Blair said Friday they will continue to base the decision on the best public health advice available to keep Canadians safe. The restrictions were announced on March 18 and have been extended…

Minnesota Begins Early Voting as Candidates Visit the State

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — The battleground state of Minnesota began voting in the presidential election on Friday as polling stations opened in every county and local elections officials began mailing out absentee ballots. Dozens of voters lined up early in the morning outside the early voting center in Minneapolis, where officials said 44 people had voted in the first half-hour after…

Midday Update 9-18-20

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

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Ken Slama for a local look at news and weather making headlines Friday, Sept. 18, 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

Armed Residents Confront COVID-19 Testing Team in Minnesota

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) – A team of health workers conducting random COVID-19 testing was recently confronted by armed residents in a Minnesota community. State officials have not said when or where the incident occurred. Minnesota Department of Health spokeswoman Julie Bartkey said the team did the right thing by leaving the situation. Health officials are doing random testing of households in…

Updated COVID-19 Numbers: Friday, September 18

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Minnesota health officials reported 87,807 confirmed COVID-19 cases in the state Friday morning and 8 new deaths bringing the death total to 1,950 in Minnesota. According to the Minnesota Department of Health website, 1,791,680 tests have been completed to date. There are 80,221 patients who no longer require isolation. So far, 7,091 patients have required hospitalization…

Us Bans Wechat, Tiktok From App Stores Citing Security Risk

AP – The U.S. Commerce Department said Friday it will ban Chinese-owned TikTok and WeChat from U.S. app stores on Sunday and will saddle the apps with technical restrictions that could seriously limit their functionality in the U.S. The order, which cited national security and data privacy concerns, follows weeks of dealmaking over the video-sharing service TikTok. President Donald Trump…

Morning Update 9-18-20

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

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

2 of 3 Plane Crash Victims Identified, Search Continues

GREY CLOUD ISLAND TOWNSHIP, Minn. (AP) — The Washington County Sheriff’s Office has identified two of the three people who died when their single-engine plane crashed into a water-filled quarry last weekend. The bodies of 60-year-old Larry Schlichting, of Eagan, and 24-year-old Lucas Knight, of North Mankato, have been recovered from the quarry on Grey Cloud Island near Cottage Grove….