News

Uw-Whitewater Chancellor on Leave, Complaint Investigated

(courtesy: UW System) MADISON, Wis. (AP) — The chancellor at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater has been placed on paid leave while a complaint against him is investigated. A statement from UW System President Tommy Thompson did not disclose the nature of the complaint against Dwight Watson. Thompson said university officials will have no further comment on the personnel matter right…

Pilot Killed in Leech Lake Plane Crash

WALKER, Minn. – Authorities say the pilot of a small plane was killed after his plane crashed in Leech Lake Tuesday evening. According to the Natchez Democrat Newspaper, 62-year-old Thomas Borum, of Mississippi, was traveling from Missouri to Bemidji for a new job. He was grounded for a short time in St. Cloud due to bad weather. The plane left…

Updated COVID-19 Numbers: Thursday, September 3

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Minnesota health officials reported 78,123 confirmed COVID-19 cases in the state Thursday morning and 7 new deaths bringing the death total to 1,837 in Minnesota. According to the Minnesota Department of Health website, 1,540,107 tests have been completed to date. There are 70,175 patients who no longer require isolation. So far, 6,592 patients have required hospitalization…

Midday Update 9-3-20

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Thursday, Sept. 3, 2020

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Ken Slama for a local look at news and weather making headlines Thursday, Sept. 3, 2020. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Ken Slama, Local News, midday update, News

Duluth’s Best Bread Baking Up ‘Sweet Michael’s Cookies’ for Limited Time Only

State Fair Style Foods will be Severd for a Limited Time Only

DULUTH, Minn. – With the cancellation of the 2020 Minnesota State Fair, the creative minds at Duluth’s Best Bread couldn’t let Northlanders go without their favorite fair flavors before summer winds down. The locally owned company is thrilled to present the first ‘Unofficial Minnesota State Fair’ of 2020. Duluth’s Best Bread is offering hungry customers state fair style food including cheese…

Northland Newborns 9-3-20

FOX 21 and Essentia Health Team Up to Showcase Newborn Bundles of Joy Across the Northland

Every Thursday morning on FOX 21 Local News from 7 – 9 a.m., we’re teaming up with Essentia Health to showcase Northland Newborns. If you would like to submit a photo with a description of a newborn in your life, click here, or email fox21morningcrew@kqdsfox21.tv. Categories: Community, Links, News, News – Latest News, Northland Newborns Tags: Brett Scott, community, Essentia…

Jobless Claims Fall to 881,000 but Layoffs Remain Elevated

WASHINGTON (AP) — The number of laid-off Americans applying for unemployment benefits fell to roughly 880,000 last week, a sign of possible improvement but the evidence that the viral pandemic keeps forcing many businesses to slash jobs. The latest figures, released Thursday by the Labor Department, suggest that nearly six months after the eruption of the coronavirus, the economy is…

‘Tiger King’ Star Carole Baskin Joins ‘Dancing With the Stars’

(AP) – Like all cool cats and kittens, Carole Baskin is going to “Dancing With the Stars.” The reality TV star who became a pop culture sensation with Netflix’s docuseries “Tiger King” is joining the new crop of celebrity dancers that includes TV and film actress Anne Heche, former NBA star Charles Oakley and Backstreet Boys singer AJ McLean. The…

Morning Update 9-3-20

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Thursday, Sept. 3, 2020

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Ken Slama for a local look at news and weather making headlines Thursday, Sept. 3, 2020. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Ken Slama, Local News, morning update, News

In Kenosha, Biden to Test His Promise to Unify the Nation

WILMINGTON, Del. (AP) — Joe Biden’s core pitch for the presidency faces its most intense test yet when he travels to Kenosha, Wisconsin. It’s a city wrenched by police and protest the violence that makes it a microcosm of the nation’s election-year reckoning with systemic racism. Biden believes he can use his trip Thursday as an opportunity for community leaders…

New Program at Superior High School Helps Students with Disabilities Find Jobs

Project Search is a national program which places young adults with disabilities in professional internships.

SUPERIOR, Wis.- As school starts for area high schools, seniors are also thinking about finding jobs after they’re done. A new program at Superior High School is helping those with disabilities do that. Superior High School is the first Northland site for Project Search. Project Search is a national program which places young adults with disabilities in internships, helping them…

Free Water Maps Get Northlanders Out on St. Louis River Water Trail

The maps detail the St. Louis River National Water Trail.

DULUTH, Minn.- Throughout the month of September, the St. Louis River Alliance (SLRA) is helping Northlanders get out on local water trails with new full color water maps. The maps detail the St. Louis River National Water Trail, a multi-use waterway with 11 loop trails for paddlers of all skill levels and other watercraft. On Wednesday the SLRA was at…

Learn Outer-Space Sword Fighting From Earth in Duluth

Seven Dragons Martial Arts teaches South Korean Sword Fighting with lightsaber-esque equipment.

DULUTH, Minn.- Wanna-be Jedis can now travel to a galaxy far far away right in Duluth, at the Sci-Fi Battle Arena class at Seven Dragons Martial Arts. “I never thought something like this would be in Duluth so that’s why I was so excited about it,” said first-time student CJ Luke. Fitness-friendly costumes are encouraged at the class, which started…

35th Annual Duluth Rotary Rose Sale Starts Sept. 3

DULUTH, Minn. – The 35th annual Rose Sale kicks off Sept. 3 to benefit the Duluth Rotary Club’s mission of improving the lives of people in our communities. You can purchase a dozen roses for $25 through Oct. 6, which will include a coupon book for local businesses. All you have to do is call 348-ROSE or log on to…

Life House In Duluth Needs Donations

The shelter provides housing for about six to ten teens at any given time.

DULUTH, Minn. – Life House in Duluth wants your help with restocking items for its shelter. They are looking for donations of bedding and sheet sets to provide to the youth they serve. The shelter provides housing for about six to ten teens at any given time. When youth spend time at the shelter, they each get their own set…

Classes Begin at University Of Wisconsin-Superior

SUPERIOR, Wis.– Students at University of Wisconsin-Superior began in-person classes today for the first time since March. Students are back in class but things are a little bit different. Masks are required on-campus, there are single points of entry into all buildings, and each classroom will have sanitizer and paper towels for students. One student says while it’s good to…

CareerForce Duluth to Hold Virtual Job Fair

DULUTH, Minn.– CareerForce in Duluth is adding a drive through job fair, taking a page from some Wisconsin communities. It will be held September 16 from 1-4 p.m. at Wheeler Field in West Duluth. While they have held virtual job fairs in the past, CareerForce says with their offices and libraries closed, it will give people with limited access to…

Just For Kix-Duluth Holds Free Trial Class

DULUTH, Minn.– One Duluth organization is looking to keep kids moving and dancing with the school year around the corner. Just for Kix Duluth held a free trial class today at St. Michael’s Lakeside School in east Duluth. Kids as young as three years old all the way to high school students got the chance to go through a class,…

Surly Brewing to Close Beer Hall, Other Breweries Impacted Due to Pandemic

DULUTH, Minn.– The Coronavirus’ financial fallout is forcing Surly Brewing Company in Minneapolis to close its popular beer hall this fall. This comes as breweries across the state prepare for an uncertain winter season without outdoor seating. The impact financially of the Coronavirus has been taking its toll on businesses across the country, including one of Minnesota’s most popular industries….

Organizations Shed Light On National Recovery Month

The month was started to bring awareness and celebrate those in recovery from substance abuse.

DULUTH, Minn. – September is National Recovery Month. Recovery is real from many people who have dealt with substance abuse and the Thunderbird Wren Halfway House and Recovery Alliance Duluth are making sure that the journey doesn’t go unrecognized. The halfway house has been a safe haven for native and indigenous people battling with their dependence on drugs and alcohol….

Artwork Brings Awareness For Stormwater and Storm Drains in Superior

There are now more than a dozen works of art at various storm drains throughout the city.

SUPERIOR, Wis.- There are hundreds of storm drains across the city of Superior. A city program is using art as a way to shed light on the significance of the infrastructure. The Storm Drain Art Program started in 2014. Through the years, local artists have created artwork to educate and bring awareness to storm drains and stormwater. The program recently…

Duluth Drift-Toppers Raising Money to Replace 30-Year-Old Aging Groomer

On top of the $60,000 federal grant they've received, they need to raise around $30,000 more dollars to get a more reliable and up to date used groomer and drag.

DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth Drift-Toppers snowmobile club has received a grant from the Department of Natural Resources after their nearly 30-year-old trail groomer broke down last year. The club thinks they can get through one more year with the aging groomer they have now. On top of the $60,000 federal grant they’ve received, they need to raise around $30,000…

Proctor Debuts Temporary Road Project to Test a Potential Permanent Future Design

The hope is to encourage traffic to slow down, reduce possible confusing traffic movements, and increase visibility for pedestrians and drivers to see each other.

PROCTOR, Minn. – A temporary demonstration project was installed at two intersections in downtown Proctor to test a more permanent design for the future. The goal is to narrow the entire width of the drivable road at two intersections: 5th avenue and 2nd street leading to the high school, the other at Hwy. 2 and 2nd street. The temporary projects…

Proctor’s District Nurse Preparing for Uncertain Year

Carlie Anderson has been working with the administration all summer to make sure they have a plan in place to prevent the spread of COVID-19 when the school year starts.

PROCTOR, Minn. – As schools around the area prepare to open their doors again, school nurses have been working all summer to find ways to keep students healthy. Normally some nurses have the summer off work, but this year Proctor School District’s nurse, Carlie Anderson, has been working with the administration to make sure they have a plan in place…

Wisconsin Department of Justice Unveils School Safety Tipline

The program is called "Speak Up and Speak Out" and its funded by nearly $2 million in federal grants.

SUPERIOR, Wisc. – The Wisconsin Department of Justice and the Office of School Safety have unveiled a new way for middle and high school students to get more safety guidance. The program is called “Speak Up and Speak Out” and its funded by nearly $2 million in federal grants. Students can access the system entirely online giving them a new…

Red Mug Coffee House Opens Coffee Truck

Owners are waiting for construction to be completed for their new location inside the library.

SUPERIOR, Wisc. – After closing at their previous location, the Superior coffee shop is now housed in a coffee truck outside of the Carnegie Library on Hammond Avenue in Superior. Owners are waiting for construction to be completed for their new location inside the library. Now in their second day back in business, the coffee house continues to serve up…

Suspect in Ironwood Stabbing Incident Arrested in Wisconsin

IRONWOOD, Mich. – The Ironwood Department of Public Safety says officers responded to reports of a stabbing incident around 11:00 p.m. Tuesday night on the 400 block of West Cloverland Drive. Initial reports indicated a man had been assaulted and was on the ground bleeding heavily. When officers arrived on the scene they determined the man had been stabbed multiple…

COVID-19 Death Tied to Sturgis Rally Reported in Minnesota

(Amy Harris/Invision/AP) SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (AP) — A Minnesota man who attended the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally in South Dakota last month has died from COVID-19, Minnesota health officials reported on Wednesday. The death is the first reported from the biker rally that drew hundreds of thousands of people. Infections linked to the event have been reported among people in states…

Midday Update 9-2-20

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Wednesday, September 2, 2020

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Ken Slama for a local look at news and weather making headlines Wednesday, September 2, 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: Wednesday, September 2

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Minnesota health officials reported 77,085 confirmed COVID-19 cases in the state Wednesday morning and 7 new deaths bringing the death total to 1,830 in Minnesota. According to the Minnesota Department of Health website, 1,525,555 tests have been completed to date. There are 69,521 patients who no longer require isolation. So far, 6,566 patients have required hospitalization…

Hermantown Man Charged in Lino Lakes Homicide

LINO LAKES, Minn. (FOX 9) – A 43-year-old Hermantown, Minnesota man has been charged in a deadly shooting at a Lino Lakes home, according to the Anoka County Sheriff’s Office. Nicholas Walter Zielinski is charged with second-degree murder for the death of 22-year-old Karl Mitchell Henderson. According to the criminal complaint, on Thursday around 2:35 p.m., Lino Lakes police officers responded to a reported…

Check Your Mailbox! Bridge to Health Survey Sent to 27,000 Northland Residents

The Survey is Sent to Residents in Northeastern Minnesota and Douglas County Once Every Five Years

DULUTH, Minn. – 27,000 Northland residents will soon receive a survey in the mail from Generations Health Care Initiatives. Known as the ‘Bridge to Health Survey,’ this document helps provide vital information regarding resident’s access to healthcare throughout Northeastern Minnesota and Douglas County, Wisconsin. The comprehensive regional health status survey asks residents about health conditions, access to mental health, dental,…

Biden Focuses on Schools and Pandemic, Then to Visit Kenosha

WILMINGTON, Del. (AP) — Joe Biden is traveling to Wisconsin on Thursday, two days after President Donald Trump, as the key swing state becomes the focal point for political debate over violence at protests. First, Biden is hammering Trump on Wednesday on pandemic school safety, trying to keep the election spotlight on the president’s handling of the outbreak and the…

Inaugural Ann Redelfs Bird Count Honors a Life Lost Too Soon

The Ann Redelfs Bird Count is Happening Sept. 1 - 10 on the Grounds of Glensheen Mansion in Duluth

DULUTH, Minn – This year’s fall bird migration comes with a special meaning for one group of avid bird counters in the Northland. Dozens will be turning their eyes to the sky with a special message for a friend who impacted so many and was taken too soon. “It’s not the best day for birding, but they will come with…

Morning Update 9-2-20

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Wednesday, September 2, 2020

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Ken Slama for a local look at news and weather making headlines Wednesday, September 2, 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

Judge Dismisses Challenge to Governor’s COVID-19 Orders

(John Autey/Pioneer Press via AP,Pool) ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) — A Ramsey County judge has dismissed a lawsuit challenging Gov. Tim Walz’s executive orders during the coronavirus pandemic. Thirteen Republican legislators and a group of businesses contended the Democratic governor abused his power and interfered with the legislative process when he limited closed schools, issued a mask mandate, and limited…

“Pilgrim” Tall Ship Attracts Many for Free Tours, Stories of Three-Year Journey

In three years the four-person crew made their way across the Atlantic and then through the Great Lakes to Duluth.

DULUTH, Minn.- The Pilgrim tall ship that arrived to Duluth Monday on a three-year journey from Russia was full of Northlanders Tuesday touring the ship, getting a taste of the sea. The Pilgrim was built in Duluth’s Sister City of Petrozavodsk, Russia in 2015. It made its way across the Atlantic and then through the Great Lakes to Duluth with…

UW-Superior Students Remain Optimistic For First Day Of Class

This is the 125th time UW-Superior will be starting a fall semester.

SUPERIOR, Wis. – Classes for the fall semester begin on Wednesday at the University of Wisconsin Superior. Going to the first day of class can be an exciting moment for many students attending a university Unfortunately, the COVID-19 pandemic has thrown a curveball in what some students expected for the academic year. “I’m excited, but I am disappointed it’s all…

Despite Changes Teachers, Students Excited for Year After First Day of School in Superior District

Half of Northern Lights Elementary School started Tuesday while the rest have their first day on Thursday.

SUPERIOR, Wis.- Some kids in Superior got back to their classrooms Tuesday as the academic year began for the Superior School District. Many students started the year in a hybrid of in-person and virtual learning. At Northern Lights Elementary School hybrid learning students with the last names A through L went back to school Tuesday, while the remaining students’ first…

Onewheel Riders Express Passion For The Adventurous Activity

Learn More Information at Onewheel MN - Duluth Area on Facebook

From hiking to biking, Northlanders are doing all they can this summer to experience the great outdoors and keep somewhat sane amid the COVID-19 pandemic. One small group in the area is branching out with a need for speed, and a passion for sightseeing on one wheel. “If you’re ever bored, you’ll never be bored again,” said Eric Hester, a…

Align Yoga Reopens for In-Person Classes

SUPERIOR, Wis.– After a long break because of the pandemic, one superior business is ready to stretch out in person again. For the first time in five months, Align Yoga in superior held an in-person yoga class. The studio needed to follow state and CDC guidelines like having plenty of PPE and cleaning supplies. After holding virtual classes on Facebook…

K-9 Haas Memorial Vandalized

Scrapes were recently noticed on the plaque showing a photo of the K-9 officer.

DULUTH, Minn. – A plaque honoring K-9 Haas has been vandalized in Gary New Duluth. The memorial was placed outside the Gary New Duluth Rec Center in June of 2019 Scrapes were recently noticed on the plaque showing a photo of the K-9 officer. Members of the Gary New Duluth Board say, that although the incident is sad, Haas will…

Downtown Farmers Market Continues with Season Dwindling

The leftover produce gets donated to local food shelves.

DULUTH, Minn. – Customers were able to pick their fresh local produce grown from farmers around the area today at the downtown Duluth Farmers Market. Some vendors say, that because of the pandemic they are keeping their booths up longer through the fall to help make a profit. The leftover produce gets donated to local food shelves. “I pay for…

Judge Allows Minnesota Wineries to Use Out-Of-State Grapes

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — A federal judge has struck down a Minnesota law that required wineries in the state to use mostly Minnesota-grown grapes, in a ruling that could have implications for other states. U.S. District Judge Wilhelmina Wright ruled Monday that the law posed an unconstitutional barrier to interstate commerce that favored Minnesota’s economic interests over those of other states….

U of M Return to Campus Housing Plan Includes 10-Day Quarantine

MINNEAPOLIS (FOX 9) – The University of Minnesota released a four-step plan for how students will return to university housing this fall, which includes a phased approach for student access across campus and residence hall curfews. Under the “Maroon and Gold Sunrise Plan” residence hall students can start moving in on September 15 on the Twin Cities campus. The move-in date for…

House Panel Warns of Fraud, Abuse in Paycheck Protection Program

WASHINGTON (AP) — Congressional investigators say they have identified possible fraud and abuse in the Trump administration’s coronavirus relief program. A report by a House subcommittee says a lack of government oversight and accountability for the $600 billion-plus program may have led to billions being misspent. Congressional investigators are also concerned that more than $1 billion went to companies that…