News

Wisconsin Judge Reimposes Gov. Evers’ 25 Percent Capacity Limit for Indoor Places

While some business owners in Superior weren't happy with the order, "I think it's a good idea," said the owner of Thirsty Pagan Brewing.

SUPERIOR, Wis.- Once again a 25 percent capacity restriction on indoor public places in Wisconsin is back in effect Monday, reimposed by a Wisconsin judge. Governor Tony Evers issued the order on Oct. 6th, amid a surge of coronavirus cases across the state. More action must be done, he said, to avoid overwhelming Wisconsin’s healthcare systems. About a week later…

St. Louis County Plow Drivers Gear Up for First Heavy Snowfall

"You just never know what mother nature throws at us but whatever it is we're ready for, ready for the challenge," a county plow worker said.

DULUTH, Minn.- As much of the Northland is gearing up for Tuesday’s dumping of snow, St. Louis County plow crews say they’re ready to roll out. The County’s 34-truck fleet got their plow wings Monday, the last part the trucks are outfitted with ahead of the first snow. According to District Maintenance Superintendent Gordy Halverson, all of the sand and…

Enbridge Receives 2 of 10 Permits From Minnesota DNR

From our sister station Fox 9 in the Twin Cities. (FOX 9) – The Enbridge Line 3 oil pipeline received two of its 10 required permits from the Minnesota DNR, the state announced Monday. According to the DNR, the pipeline received its Gully 30 Fen Calcareous Fen Management Plan permit and its Gully 30 Fen Water Appropriation Permit. Enbridge is proposing an oil…

UPDATE: Two Injured in Eveleth Subway Parking Lot Shooting, Suspect In Custody

EVELETH, Minn. – The Eveleth Police Department says the suspect in the Subway parking lot shooting is now in custody. Jamar Maurice Smith, 29, was taken into custody just after 6 p.m. on the 800-block of 12th Street North in the city of Virginia. He was brought to the Virginia St. Louis County Jail and booked for second-degree assault-firearm-substantial bodily…

Minnesota Virus Cases See Steady Growth With 1,632 New Cases

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — The Minnesota Department of Health reported 1,632 new cases of the coronavirus and five deaths on Monday after climbing over 2,000 daily cases on one day last week. The newly-reported numbers raised the statewide totals to 124,439 cases and 2,239 deaths since the pandemic began in March. Minnesota’s death count is the 24th highest in the country…

Community Service Officer Program Continues Expansion

The Community Service Officers squad has also recently received a wrapped vehicle complete with Duluth's flag.

DULUTH, Minn. –  After being around for almost 20 years, the Community Service Officer program in Duluth took a big leap in 2018. “We’ve gotten to the point where we have uniforms. We use radios. We even have access to a computer dispatch. It’s been an opportunity for us to learn the behind the scenes of the police department,” Community…

Midday Update 10-19-20

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Monday, Oct. 19, 2020

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Ken Slama for a local look at news and weather making headlines Monday, Oct. 19, 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 19

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Minnesota health officials reported 124,439 confirmed COVID-19 cases in the state Monday morning and 5 new deaths bringing the death total to 2,239 in Minnesota. According to the Minnesota Department of Health website, 2,531,998 tests have been completed to date. There are 109,963 patients who no longer require isolation. So far, 8,916 patients have required hospitalization…

Duluth Police Investigating West Duluth Shooting Incident

DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth Police Department Violent Crimes Unit is actively investigating shots fired incident that happened in West Duluth last week. According to police, officers responded to reports of possible shots fired in the area of the 100 Block of 56th Avenue West around 2:30 a.m. Friday. Officers at the scene spoke with witnesses and learned that one…

Spooktacular Events Planned for Superior’s Annual Halloween Celebration

Superior Spooktacular Events Begin the Week of October 19

SUPERIOR, Wis. – Despite the COVID-19 pandemic, this year’s Superior Spooktacular will move forward, with safety guidelines and altered events in place. The fun kicks off the week of October 19 with home decorating contest. Nearly two dozen entries were selected this year. A list will be posted on the Superior Spooktacular Facebook page with addresses of the qualifying homes….

Judge Puts Wisconsin Capacity Limit Order Back Into Effect

MADISON, Wis. (AP) – A Wisconsin judge has reimposed an order from Gov. Tony Evers’ administration limiting the number of people who can gather in bars, restaurants, and other indoor places to 25% of capacity. The capacity limits order was issued Oct. 6 in the face of surging coronavirus cases in Wisconsin. But a judge blocked the order on Oct….

Wisconsin State Park Visits Surge Amid Coronavirus Pandemic

MADISON, Wis. (AP) — More people are flocking to Wisconsin state parks amid the coronavirus pandemic. WMTV-TV reports that state parks officials report a 12% increase in both visitation and camping. The Department of Natural Resources said it pulled in more than $15 million from vehicle admission fees and trail passes from January through August. That’s a 21% increase from the…

I-35 Lane Closures Start Today in Duluth

DULUTH, Minn. – Starting today north and southbound drivers on I-35 will encounter lane closures at 27th Avenue West and near the Garfield Avenue overpass in Duluth. Lane closures are expected to remain in place for approximately three to four weeks during the construction of median crossovers on I-35 in preparation for the Twin Ports Interchange project. The Minnesota Department…

Morning Update 10-19-20

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Monday, Oct, 19, 2020

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Ken Slama for a local look at news and weather making headlines Monday, Oct. 19, 2020. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Ken Slama, Local News, morning update, News

Longtime Minnesota Sports Columnist Sid Hartman Dies at 100

(AP Photo/Ann Heisenfelt, File) MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Minnesota sports columnist and radio personality Sid Hartman, an old-school home team booster who once ran the NBA’s Minneapolis Lakers, has died at age 100. Star Tribune sports editor Chris Carr says Hartman died Sunday while surrounded by family. Hartman’s first newspaper column was published in 1945. He kept up his age-defying pace…

‘Clouds’ by Minnesota Teen Who Died of Cancer Hits No. 1 on iTunes

(Ben Garvin/Pioneer Press via AP,File) MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Seven years after his death to cancer at age 18, a Minnesota singer-songwriter has returned to the top of the iTunes chart with his inspirational tune “Clouds.” The Star Tribune reports that “Clouds” by Zach Sobiech took over iTunes’ No. 1 slot from Justin Bieber on Sunday, two days after the Hollywood movie of…

Duluth Warming Center Locations Still Undecided for Winter

Warming centers face new challenges during the pandemic this year

DULUTH, Minn.- As the colder weather begins to come into the Northland, staff with the warming centers in Duluth are working on ways to open safely this winter. Officials with CHUM said no locations for warming centers other than the main CHUM shelter have been decided yet. “I do know that talks are going on they looked at a few…

Little Boat that Could: 2nd Grade Duluth Class Boat Survives 27 Years on Lake

An Ashland couple discovered the small wooden vessel on its journey to the ocean.

DULUTH, Minn.- Ships coming in off Lake Superior is a common sight on Northland shores. But a small wooden boat found on the Apostle Islands has a history as long as a barge, starting in Duluth in 1993. “We were just in the right place at the right time,” said Mike BeBeau Sunday. Mike and his wife Lynn happened upon…

Craft Vendors and Small Businesses Highlighted at Mall Event

This weekend, the Miller Hill Mall hosted craft vendors and small businesses to support buying local.

DULUTH, Minn. – This weekend, the Miller Hill Mall hosted craft vendors and small businesses to support buying local. A variety of shops had booths up, including one local pop-up boutique that sells apparel for both women and kids. The owner says events like these are important to promote her store to the local community, which is especially important as…

COVID and the Weather Spur on Winter Activities

With fresh snow on the ground, some people are already preparing for the winter by buying gear to enjoy the outdoors. The combination of both snow and COVID is creating more demand for skis, snowshoes and more as we approach the winter season.

DULUTH, Minn. – COVID has people out and about, getting them to do more outdoor activities when compared to years past. As we approach winter, some are excited to see snow on the ground. With the recent first snow dusting the ground, and winter being just around the corner, Duluthians have cold weather activities on their minds to avoid cabin…

Superior Police Hear Shooting Outside Businesses During Patrol, One Injured

SUPERIOR, Wis. — Superior police officers who were on patrol heard a shooting happen outside of two businesses just after 2 a.m. on Sunday morning, according to a press release from the city’s police department. Officers were near Tower Avenue and North 7th Street when they heard a gun, or guns, go off. When they got to the scene, police…

Pictures of Santa to Support Pets

Today, a Duluth business, an animal rescue service and ol' Kris Kringle himself partnered to help get pets in the holiday spirit to raise money for pet rescue.

DULUTH, Minn. – Today, a Duluth business, an animal rescue service and ol’ Kris Kringle himself partnered to help get pets in the holiday spirit to raise money for pet rescue. Northern Lakes Rescue out of Pequot Lakes and Deluxe Insurance Group hosted pictures with Santa. A professional Duluth photographer was on hand and pictures were $20 apiece. $10 of…

Parade Highlights Law Enforcement

Today, a Northland group supporting the police organized a car parade for area law enforcement.

DULUTH, Minn. – Today, a Northland group supporting the police organized a car parade for area law enforcement. The group Support Our Law Enforcement, also known as SOLE, gathered about 10 Northland drivers to drive their cars in a parade-line in front of both the Duluth and Hermantown police departments. Organizers say it’s about voicing their gratitude to police, especially…

Ruth Bader Ginsberg Honored at Local Event

One Northland organization put together an event in honor of the late Ruth Bader Ginsberg.

SUPERIOR, Wis. – Ruth Bader Ginsberg passed away at the age of 87 one month ago, and at a celebration at the Cedar Lounge in Superior Saturday, she was recognized for all she accomplished during the entirety of her life. The event opened with a short biography of Ginsberg’s accomplishments and a call to continue her work for equality and…

East West Property Management Hosts Blood Drive

Blood donated by one person can help save the lives of at least three others.

DULUTH, Minn. – East West Property Management in Duluth took the opportunity to get more involved in the community by hosting a blood drive. The property company partnered with the American Red Cross to fill the need for blood. About forty people signed up to give blood for the event. A property manager at East West Property Management says donating…

Central Hillside Hit-and-Run Leaves 60-Year-Old Injured

A 20-year-old has been arrested for colliding with a 60-year-old pedestrian, who's injuries are not believed to be life-threatening.

DULUTH, Minn.- A 20-year-old suspect has been arrested for striking a 60-year-old pedestrian with her vehicle in Duluth’s Central Hillside neighborhood leaving him injured Saturday, according to a spokesperson with the Duluth Police Department. At about 12:04 p.m. Duluth Police received report of a pedestrian struck by a vehicle at the intersection of 4th Street and 2nd Avenue West, the…

K-9 Kilo Remembered Fondly as Great Working and Family Dog

Retired K-9 Kilo passed away this week after serving the community for 8 years.

DULUTH, Minn. – K-9 Kilo who served the community for 8 years as part of the St. Louis County Sheriff’s office passed away this week at the age of 10. His handler Sgt. Brandon Silgjord remembers how he was just as great of a working dog as he was a member of the family. “He was just a huge piece…

Superior Clerk’s Office Seeing Record Numbers of Absentee Ballots

So far, the clerk's office has processed around 6000 absentee ballots and has received 75 percent of those back to the office.

SUPERIOR, Wis. – Election day is just 18 days away and the city clerk’s office in Superior is busy getting ready for the big day and processing absentee ballots. So far, the clerk’s office has processed around 6000 absentee ballots and has received 75 percent of those back to the office. That number is double the number of absentee ballots…

Potential Buyer Emerges for Historic Old Central High School

DULUTH, Minn.– The Duluth School District has been looking into selling the Historic Old Central High School in downtown Duluth. Now, the district has announced its moved one step closer to a sale. The developing group Saturday Properties is working to enter into a purchase agreement to buy the historic high school that’s been a fixture in downtown Duluth since…

Fall Art On Display

The Duluth Art Institute Fall Exhibitions Gallery is now open for viewing in person.

DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth Art Institute Fall Exhibitions Gallery is now open for viewing in person. One mother-daughter duo from the Twin Cities says it’s a great experience to be able to support artists from around the region. “I think it’s important to come, just to see other peoples’ work and be supportive of other peoples’ artwork pieces,” said…

Depot Receives $1.5 Million in Bonding

The St. Louis County Depot is also receiving $1.5 million in bonding funds to help fix some problem areas the aging building has including its HVAC system.

DULUTH, Minn. – The St. Louis County Depot is also receiving $1.5 million in bonding funds to help fix some problem areas the aging building has including its HVAC system. Leadership says it’s important to invest money into the arts and is encouraged by the legislature’s decision to fund the depot. “You don’t always think about arts and culture centers…

Lake Superior Zoo Gets Big Money From Bonding Bill

The Lake Superior Zoo will be receiving $204,000 from the bonding bill, one of several institutions that will be receiving money from the bill.

DULUTH, Minn. – The Lake Superior Zoo will be receiving $204,000 from the bonding bill, one of several institutions that will be receiving money from the bill. The zoo will be using those funds for the planning and design of a new main building to help replace the current building, which is almost 100 years old. “It’s time to get…

Hotels Seeing Increase in Visitors Over MEA Weekend

Management says, that people still have the need to get outside, but they are traveling differently making Duluth a prime destination.

DULUTH, Minn. – The South Pier Inn, located across the Lift Bridge on Park Point, has had an occupancy well over ninety percent for the last few months. Management says that people still have the need to get outside, but they are traveling differently making Duluth a prime destination. “Even though MEA is not in session- it’s virtual sessions they…

WLSSD Expanding Compost Site Hours

The compost site at WLSSD is now open Thursday through Monday 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

DULUTH, Minn. – WLSSD is adding more hours to accommodate everyone in the community who need to get rid of yard waste and brush. The compost site at WLSSD is now open Thursday through Monday 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Staff with the site say the extended hours give people more of an opportunity to dispose of waste that can’t…

2021 Apostle Islands Sled Dog Race Canceled Due to COVID

BAYFIELD COUNTY, Wis. – The 2021 Apostle Islands Sled Rog Race has been canceled. The Bayfield Chamber & Visitor Bureau made the announcement Friday in a Facebook post saying the event has been canceled due to the “safety of Bayfield area residents, employees, and visitors during this COVID-19 pandemic.” The 26th annual event was scheduled to take place on February…

Minnesota Reports Record Level of New Coronavirus Cases

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Minnesota health officials have reported nearly 2,300 new coronavirus cases, the first time the state has surpassed the 2,000 mark. The surge comes as Wisconsin and the Dakotas continue to experience some of the worst per-capita transmission rates in the country. Minnesota’s 2,297 new cases as of Friday raised the state’s total to over 119,000. Friday’s case…

Greater Duluth Business Association Starts Petition to Keep George Floyd Trial out of Duluth

(from left, Derek Chauvin, Tuo Thao, Thomas Lane, and J. Alexander Kueng) DULUTH, Minn. – The Greater Duluth Business Association announced in a press release Friday that they have started an online petition in an effort to keep the George Floyd trial out of the St. Louis County region. Last month all four defense teams filed motions to move the…

Judge Finds Cases Against 5 in Whitmer Plot Can Move Forward

(Michigan Office of the Governor via AP, File) GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (AP) — A federal judge has ruled that prosecutors have provided enough evidence to move toward trial for five Michigan men accused of plotting to kidnap the state’s governor. A two-day preliminary hearing this week featured testimony by one of the FBI agents who ran the investigation, relying on…

Midday Update 10-16-20

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Friday, Oct. 16, 2020

Join FOX 21’s Arman Rahman and Meteorologist Ken Slama for a local look at news and weather making headlines Friday, Oct. 16, 2020. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: community, Local News, midday update, News

Updated COVID-19 Numbers: Friday, October 16

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Minnesota health officials reported 119,396 confirmed COVID-19 cases in the state Friday morning and 13 new deaths bringing the death total to 2,212 in Minnesota. According to the Minnesota Department of Health website, 2,448,315 tests have been completed to date. There are 105,120 patients who no longer require isolation. So far, 8,718 patients have required hospitalization…

Rising COVID-19 Cases in Minnesota Schools Reducing in-Person Learning

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Surging coronavirus cases in Minnesota schools have reduced the number of counties where the virus is spreading at low enough rates to allow for full, in-person instruction. State health officials say statewide, more than 500 schools had at least one positive case in the last two weeks, and 24 public and private schools reported outbreaks with at…

Morning Update 10-16-20

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Friday, Oct. 16, 2020

Join FOX 21’s Arman Rahman and Meteorologist Ken Slama for a local look at news and weather making headlines Friday, Oct. 16, 2020. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: community, Local News, morning update, News

Judge Rejects Request to Delay Access to Floyd Case Filings

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — A Minnesota judge has rejected a prosecution request to put a 48-hour hold on filings in the criminal cases of four Minneapolis police officers charged in George Floyd’s death. Hennepin County Judge Peter Cahill said Thursday that a natural lag in the court filing system gives prosecutors sufficient time to see filings and ask that they be…

Study Finds 4 Drugs Have Little to No Effect on COVID-19

GENEVA (AP) — The world’s largest randomized trial of COVID-19 treatments found “conclusive evidence” that remdesivir, a drug used to treat U.S. President Donald Trump when he fell ill, has little or no effect on severe cases, the U.N. health agency said Friday. The World Health Organization announced the long-awaited results of a six-month trial that endeavored to see if…

Minnesota State Bonding Bill Bringing Millions to the Northland

The bill funds many infrastructure projects around the state and provides tax incentives to businesses around the region.

DULUTH, Minn. – The Minnesota Senate voted an overwhelming 64-3 in favor of the bonding bill with support from both parties. All together around $125 million is coming to assist projects in the Northland. “We had an enduring faith that the underlying desire of legislators to pass a bonding bill this year would prevail,” says Jim Filby Williams, the director…

City of Duluth Footing $115,000 Bill After Presidential Campaign Visits

Much of the $115,000 total comes from police and fire support and overtime.

DULUTH, Minn. – During the election season, Duluth has been visited five different times by presidential campaigns which will cost the city of Duluth $115,000. Vice President Mike Pence’s visit was the most expensive at $51,749.39. President Trump’s airport rally came in at $40,142.39. Joe Biden’s trip to Duluth cost $12,398.20. Ivanka Trump’s visit was $6,099.13 and Donald Trump Jr.’s…

New St. Luke’s COVID-19 Testing Location in Downtown Duluth

The current spot is on First Street in the former emergency department's garage.

DULUTH, Minn. – As the colder weather comes to the Northland, St. Luke’s hospital has moved their drive-through COVID-19 testing facility to a garage in downtown Duluth. The previous spot was up by Miller Hill Mall in a tent which wouldn’t be viable as the cold sets in. The current spot is on First Street in the former emergency department’s…

Clothing Stores Gear Up For Winter Sales

As temperatures continue to dip, local clothing stores are gearing up to sell winter clothing over at Fitger's.

DULUTH, Minn. – As temperatures continue to dip, local clothing stores are gearing up to sell winter clothing over at Fitger’s. Trailfitters has been getting a lot of their winter pants and jackets as well as puffy down jackets for the incoming weather. Not a lot of it has gone out yet because of the nice weather but they are…

Birkebeiner Announces COVID-19 Guidelines for 2021 Race

HAYWARD, Wis.– The pandemic has put doubt into the status of many big events but one top Northland event is still gearing up for their next run. The Birkebeiner Ski Race is scheduled for February 2021. Thursday, race organizers laid out their COVID-19 guiltiness. Bib pick-ups will be drive through this year. Instructions for the race will be given through…