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Plans to Distribute CARES Act Funding to Nine Organizations, City Council Still Needs to Approve Final Plans

A second round of federal CARES Act funding is on the way to Duluth. City leaders are now finalizing how to use that money to address various needs related to recovering from the COVID-19 pandemic.

March 22, 2021

Jane Kim,

DULUTH, Minn. – A second round of federal CARES Act funding is on the way to Duluth. City leaders are now finalizing how to use that money to address various needs related to recovering from the COVID-19 pandemic. About $1.2 million of this funding will be emergency solutions grant funds. Another half a million will be community development block grants….

Chippewa Tribes Blast Wolf Hunt, Say It Was About Killing

March 22, 2021

The Associated Press,

(AP Photo/Dawn Villella, File) MADISON, Wis. (AP) – Chippewa tribal officials in Wisconsin, Minnesota, and Michigan are blasting the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources for allowing state-licensed wolf hunters to blow past their quota in just four days last month. Hunters killed 216 wolves, nearly double their quota of 119 animals. The Chippewa view the wolf as sacred and oppose…

Prison Death Investigated as a Homicide, Inmate in Custody

March 22, 2021

The Associated Press,

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) — The death of an inmate at the Rush City prison is being investigated as a homicide, according to the Minnesota Department of Corrections. Officers were doing regular rounds at the Minnesota Correctional Facility and found James Francis Howard with face and head injuries in his cell about 11:30 p.m. Sunday, correction officials said Monday. Staff…

Minnesota Reports No New Deaths Due To COVID-19

March 22, 2021

The Associated Press,

MINNEAPOLIS — Minnesota health officials reported no new deaths due to COVID-19 for the first time in nearly a year. The Minnesota Department of Health also reported 1,152 new cases, putting the state at 506,376 cases and 6,782 deaths since the start of the pandemic a year ago. The Star Tribune reported that while Mondays tend to feature fewer deaths…

Evers OKs Dentists To Vaccinate as Millions Become Eligible

March 22, 2021

The Associated Press,

MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Gov. Tony Evers signed a bill that allows dentists to administer COVID-19 vaccinations on Monday, the same day that more than 2 million more people became eligible for shots. The Republican-authored bill allows dentists who complete eight hours of training on vaccine protocols and record-keeping to administer shots. Dentists in neighboring Minnesota and Illinois are already…

14th Juror Seated for Ex-Officer’s Trial in Floyd’s Death

March 22, 2021

The Associated Press,

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — A 14th juror has been seated for the trial of a former Minneapolis police officer charged in George Floyd’s death. At least one more juror is needed before opening statements next week. Derek Chauvin is charged with murder and manslaughter. The juror chosen Monday is a social worker who says she has talked with friends about police…

Midday Update 3-22-21

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Monday, Mar. 22, 2021

March 22, 2021

Brett Scott,

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Ken Slama for a local look at news and weather making headlines Monday, Mar. 22, 2021. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Ken Slama, Local News, midday update, News, weather

One Person Injured in Eveleth Garage Explosion, Fire

March 22, 2021

Site Staff,

EVELETH, Minn. – One person was transported by ambulance to a local hospital for burns following an explosion and fire that engulfed a garage in Eveleth Monday morning. According to the Northland FireWire, the explosion happened just after 7:30 a.m. on the 600 block of 17th Avenue West. Fire crews from Eveleth, Fayal Township, Mountain Iron, and Virginia were dispatched…

After Virtual Hiatus, Nearly Naked Ruck March Bounces Back in 2021

The Nearly Naked Ruck March is Happening Saturday, Mar. 27, 2021

March 22, 2021

Brett Scott,

DULUTH, Minn. – Northland residents are invited and encouraged to march for a great cause on Saturday, Mar. 27 starting at 10 a.m. along Skyline Parkway near Enger Tower. After a virtual hiatus caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, 23rd Veteran is proud to be bringing back the in-person version of the Nearly Naked Ruck March. The march is a way…

Minnesota Tops 505,000 Virus Cases Since Start of Pandemic

March 22, 2021

The Associated Press,

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Minnesota health officials on Sunday confirmed 956 new COVID-19 cases, raising the total number of infections to more than 505,000 since the start of the pandemic. The update showed five deaths in the last day due to complications from the coronavirus, for a total of 6,782 fatalities statewide. The ranking for the number of cases in comparison…

Morning Update 3-22-21

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Monday, Mar. 22, 2021

March 22, 2021

Brett Scott,

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Ken Slama for a local look at news and weather making headlines Monday, Mar. 22, 2021. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Ken Slama, Local News, morning update, News, weather

Jury Selection in 3rd Week for Ex-Cop’s Trial in Floyd Death

March 22, 2021

The Associated Press,

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Jury selection enters its third week Monday for a former Minneapolis police officer charged in George Floyd’s death. Thirteen jurors have been seated for Derek Chauvin’s trial on murder and manslaughter charges, with the judge saying two more will be seated ahead of opening statements expected March 29. Only 12 will deliberate; the others will be alternates….

Court Could Reimpose Boston Marathon Bomber’s Death Sentence

March 22, 2021

The Associated Press,

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Supreme Court will consider reinstating the death sentence for Boston Marathon bomber Dzhokhar Tsarnaev, presenting President Joe Biden with an early test of his opposition to capital punishment. The justices agreed Monday to hear an appeal filed by the Trump administration, which carried out executions of 13 federal inmates in its final six months in office….

Two Harbors Dealing With February Natural Gas Price Surge, But Not The Only City With Problem

March 21, 2021

Alexandra Burnley,

TWO HARBORS, Minn. — Back in mid-February, many natural gas customers across America were slammed with surging prices as southern states like Texas and Oklahoma were hit with a historic winter storm. That temporary surge in natural gas demand just became clear to residents in Two Harbors opening their utility bills this month. It’s also happening to other natural gas…

Skiers, Snowboarders Fill Spirit Mountain on Last Day of Season; Officials Excited for Summer Activities

After a much warmer winter coupled with financial hardships worsened by the pandemic, officials say Spirit has fared the roller coaster of a season well.

March 21, 2021

Arman Rahman,

DULUTH, Minn.- Despite Sunday’s spring-like temperatures, many headed to the Northland’s slice of winter for Spirit Mountain’s last day of the season for skiers and snowboarders — one officials there called a roller-coaster. “We’ve got sunshine, we’ve got warm temps, we have smiling faces, families that are having a blast,” said Co-Director of Resort Services Jon Regenold. The last day…

Duluth City Council to Vote on CARES Act Funds for Housing, Homeless Aid

March 21, 2021

CJ Baumgartner,

DULUTH, Minn.– The CARES Act was passed last year in March as the country went into lockdown to help communities through the financial hardships from the pandemic. After already getting their first part of funds, now the city of Duluth this week will be deciding where the second round of funds will go. At the upcoming city council meeting Monday…

Outdoor Stores Prepping for Spring Season

March 21, 2021

CJ Baumgartner,

DULUTH, Minn.– This warm weather is motivating some local outdoor stores to start planning for the spring and summer. Great Lakes Gear Exchange on 4th Street in downtown Duluth has been putting its winter gear on sale to try and make room for summer products. They say bikes, paddleboards, backpacks and camping gear are all going to be popular again…

Minnesota Officials Link Variant To Recent Rise In Cases

March 21, 2021

The Associated Press,

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Minnesota health officials suspect that a coronavirus variant is driving a recent increase in the state’s case rate. Infectious Disease Director Kris Ehresmann said during a media briefing Friday that more than 300 cases of the B117 variant first detected in the United Kingdom have been found in Minnesota. Cases have been detected in various parts of…

46th Annual St. Urho’s Day Takes New Look During Pandemic

March 20, 2021

CJ Baumgartner,

FINLAND, Minn.– One of the first signs of spring up the north shore is the St. Urho’s Day celebration here in Finland, Minnesota. And you better believe Northlanders were ready to enjoy the day. “It feels like we really survived a year,” said St. Urho’s Day Event Coordinator Honor Schauland. While the festivities looked different, the good vibes survived for…

Local Bars, Restaurants Get Needed Boost from St. Urho’s Day

March 20, 2021

CJ Baumgartner,

FINLAND, Minn.– While it didn’t look exactly like a regular St. Urho’s day, Finland bars and restaurants adapted for the busy celebration. Our Place Bar and Grill on Highway 1, sold beverages outside in a trailer while customers enjoyed the festivities on the nice day. After the pandemic and related shutdowns made 2020 a tough year for smaller bars and…

UMD Continues STEM Discovery Day with Take-Home Experiment Kits

Participants could drive up and pick up kits like owl pellet dissection learning biology, or marshmallow catapults for engineering and physics.

March 20, 2021

Arman Rahman,

DULUTH, Minn- UMD’s STEM Discovery Day, their annual student-led day of middle and high schoolers exploring the world of Science, Technology, Engineering and Math continued this year — a little differently. Swenson College of Engineering students offered free STEM Discovery Day home experiment kits. Participants could drive up and pick up kits like owl pellet dissection learning biology, or marshmallow…

Regulators Suspend PolyMet’s Wetlands Permit for Mine

The suspension means five major permits for the $1 billion PolyMet project are now stayed or under review.

March 20, 2021

Arman Rahman,

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) – A federal regulator has suspended the PolyMet Mining Corp.’s permit to dredge more than 900 acres of wetland for Minnesota’s first copper mine. The ruling is a victory for the Fond du Lac Band of Lake Superior Chippewa which attempted to protect Indigenous water quality standards as a “downstream state” under the Clean Water Act. The…

Officials Want Public to Stay Safe During Spring Fire Season

The National Weather Service has issued a fire weather watch for parts of northeastern Minnesota including in St. Louis and Carlton counties as gusty winds and low humidity means fires can spread quickly.

March 19, 2021

Jane Kim,

DULUTH, Minn. – The National Weather Service has issued a fire weather watch for parts of northeastern Minnesota including in St. Louis and Carlton counties as gusty winds and low humidity means fires can spread quickly. Minnesota traditionally has two active fire seasons – once in the fall and once in the spring. The spring fire season starts as soon…

LSC Holds Open House for Aviation Programs

March 19, 2021

CJ Baumgartner,

DULUTH, Minn.– Students looking to start a career in aviation got to learn more about the skies today at Lake Superior College. More than 100 potential students attended LSC’s annual aviation open house at their facility on Airport Road, showcasing their Pilot and Aviation Maintenance Programs. The students got a close-up look at equipment something they couldn’t do last year…

Local Unions Picket for Amazon Union Vote

March 19, 2021

CJ Baumgartner,

DULUTH, Minn.– A Duluth local labor union met to express their views on an Amazon distribution center in Alabama deciding whether or not to unionize. Voting for or against the union at an amazon facility in Bessemer, Alabama is underway. Demonstrators showed up at the corner of London Road and 21st Avenue Friday to raise awareness for the vote. “These…

Lake Superior Drug and Violent Crime Task Force Receives $100,000 Grant

March 19, 2021

CJ Baumgartner,

DULUTH, Minn.– It was busy year in 2020 for the Duluth Police’s Lake Superior Drug and Violent Crime Task Force as St. Louis County saw its highest number of fentanyl-related overdoses ever recorded. Officials say a large yearly national grant has played a key role in the department’s drug busts the last few years, some of which set records. For…

Local Impact of Asian Discrimination During Pandemic

We talked to local residents of Duluth about their thoughts on the shooting in Atlanta.

March 19, 2021

Jane Kim,

DULUTH, Minn. – We talked to local residents of Duluth about their thoughts on the shooting in Atlanta. Pakou has lived in Duluth for the past 15 years with her family and is part of the group, Asian Women of the Twin Ports. She says that she and her family have experienced micro-aggressions in the past. For instance, people asking…

Catalytic Converters Stolen Throughout Duluth, Similar to Last Year’s Trends

Catalytic converters continue to be stolen throughout Duluth, which is on par with last year.

March 19, 2021

Jane Kim,

DULUTH, Minn. – Catalytic converters continue to be stolen throughout Duluth, which is on par with last year. Steven is a Duluth resident, and he went to his car on Sunday night to change parking from one side of the street to the other. However, he discovered that someone had taken his catalytic converter. He says that he needs $2,300…

AICHO Hosts Vaccination Clinic

March 19, 2021

Site Staff,

DULUTH, Minn.-Earlier Friday, the American Indian Community Housing Organization held a vaccination event for minority communities. The event was open to people of color, the LGBTQ community, people with disabilities or a person experiencing homelessness. Organizers say events like this are needed to make sure everyone gets vaccinated. “None of us live in a vacuum, as much as we want…

National Social Workers Month Celebrated in Duluth

March 19, 2021

Site Staff,

DULUTH, Minn.-Local social workers are being celebrated in the region for all they do during National Social Workers Month. Those in the field say the pandemic has made things challenging, just like many other professions. A social worker at St. Luke’s says those problems range from things like communicating with patients to getting patients into the proper rehabilitation facility. “Just…

Minnesota Man Charged in Connection With Capitol Siege

March 19, 2021

The Associated Press,

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Federal prosecutors have charged a Minnesota man in connection with the U.S. Capitol siege. The U.S. attorney’s office tweeted Friday that 31-year-old Jordan K. Stotts with trespassing in connection with the Jan. 6 incident. FBI agents took him into custody Friday. He was set to make his initial court appearance in Bemidji later Friday afternoon. The tweet…

CDC Changes School Guidance, Allowing Desks To Be Closer

March 19, 2021

The Associated Press,

NEW YORK (AP) — U.S. health officials are relaxing social distancing recommendations for schools, now saying students can sit as close as 3 feet to each other in classrooms. The new Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines, announced Friday, signal the agency’s turn away from the 6-foot distancing recommendation that had forced some schools to remove desks, stagger scheduling…

Fire Weather Watch Issued for Parts of Northeastern Minnesota

March 19, 2021

Site Staff,

(FOX 9) – The National Weather Service issued a fire weather watch for parts of northeast Minnesota, according to the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. This watch impacts Aitkin, Carlton, St. Louis, and Pine counties. Gusty winds and low humidity are expected Saturday afternoon, creating “critical fire weather conditions,” according to the DNR. Fires would likely spread quickly. The DNR is discouraging…

Midday Update 3-19-21

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Monday, Mar. 19, 2021

March 19, 2021

Brett Scott,

FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Ken Slama share news and weather making headlines Friday, Mar. 19, 2021. Have a great day! Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Ken Slama, Local News, midday update, weather

One Arrested in Connection With Shooting Incident in Lincoln Park

March 19, 2021

Site Staff,

DULUTH, Minn. – One man was arrested Thursday evening in connection to a shots fired incident in the Lincoln Park neighborhood. According to police, officers responded to the 2000 block of West 2nd Street around 8:20 p.m. Thursday on reports of shots fired. Officers were told two vehicles had already left the scene quickly. When officers arrived at the location…

Regulators Let Ban on Utility Disconnections Expire

March 19, 2021

The Associated Press,

MADISON, Wis. – Tens of thousands of households in Wisconsin could lose utility service after state regulators voted against extending a moratorium on disconnections. It would be the first time in nearly 18 months that utilities could disconnect service to customers who are behind on their bills. The Wisconsin Public Service Commission voted unanimously Thursday to let the moratorium expire…

Morning Update 3-19-21

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Friday, Mar. 19, 2021

March 19, 2021

Brett Scott,

FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Ken Slama share news and weather making headlines Friday, Mar. 19, 2021. Have a great day! Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Ken Slama, Local News, morning update, weather

Judge Refuses To Delay, Move Trial of Ex-Cop in Floyd Death

March 19, 2021

The Associated Press,

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — A judge on Friday denied a defense request to delay or move the trial of a former Minneapolis police officer charged in George Floyd’s death after a $27 million settlement for Floyd’s family raised concern about a tainted jury. Jury selection was halfway complete last week in former officer Derek Chauvin’s trial when the city of Minneapolis…

Ely Business Owners Optimistic for Brighter Days Ahead

From Taprooms to Outfitters, Ely Businesses Remain Optimistic as Summer Tourism Season Inches Closer

March 18, 2021

Brett Scott,

ELY, Minn. – As the pandemic continues, there’s no doubt about it, many of us are counting down the days until summer finally sets in, allowing for more time outdoors, and the perfect setting to safely visit with friends and family. “All the campsites are at least 1/8 mile apart, so I guess social distancing is just perfect. You can’t…

Itasca County Health Officials Urge Caution as More Residents Receive Vaccine

Health Officials Also Report a Decline in the Number of Domestic, Sexual Abuse Cases as the COVID-19 Pandemic Continues

March 18, 2021

Brett Scott,

GRAND RAPIDS, Minn. – The vaccine rollout continues to be strong in Itasca County. The county has a population of over 45,000 residents. So far, just over 20,000 have received at least one shot of the COVID-19 vaccine. As of Thursday, Mar. 18, 12,382 residents have received at least one shot, while 7,752 residents are fully vaccinated. Health officials report…

COVID Cases Force Ely’s 6-12th Graders Back To Distance Learning

March 18, 2021

KQDS Staff,

ELY, Minn. — A rise in COVID cases within the Ely School District is forcing officials to hit the reset button and send students back to full distance learning. The change starts March 19 for junior high and high school students, grades 6-12. This comes after seven positive cases popped up in the past three days. In-person learning will return…

Armory Arts and Music Center Offers Virtual Music Lessons

March 18, 2021

CJ Baumgartner,

DULUTH, Minn.– One local organization is ready to help kids play music again for the first time in nearly a year. The Armory Arts and Music Center on London Road is now offering music lessons again. Students in grades 6-12 can now sign up for virtual personal and group lessons on a variety of instruments and music topics. After receiving…

Food Train Giveaways Continue at B&B Market

March 18, 2021

CJ Baumgartner,

CLOQUET, Minn.– As the pandemic continues, one of the biggest impacts has been to food access in places around the Northland. But many people and businesses right here in the northland have been trying to help get through this tough time. As the financial impacts from the pandemic continue to be felt one year later, one business in Cloquet has…

Duluth City Councilor Sipress Not Seeking Re-Election

March 18, 2021

CJ Baumgartner,

DULUTH, Minn.– Longtime Duluth City Councilor Joel Sipress will not be seeking re-election this fall, saying the timing just feels right. Sipress, who serves the second district, has been on the council for two terms. He served as council president in 2017 and currently sits on the public utilities commission and housing and rehabilitation authority. Sipress, who is also a…

City Launches New App to Explore Parks

The City of Duluth has a new app for people to use to discover local parks.

March 18, 2021

Jane Kim,

DULUTH, Minn. – The City of Duluth has a new app for people to use to discover local parks. The app is called “Agents of Discovery,” and people can go on missions throughout different parks and trails throughout the year. You can become a detective and learn about things like nature, Duluth, and cultural history. “It’s awesome,” said Sam Werle,…

Federal Tax Filing Deadline Moved to May 17th

The federal tax deadline is being delayed from April 15th to May 17th as more people deal with complicated filings because of COVID.

March 18, 2021

Jane Kim,

HERMANTOWN, Minn. – The federal tax deadline is being delayed from April 15th to May 17th as more people deal with complicated filings because of COVID. The deadline applies to federal income tax returns and taxes. There’s no word on any deadline changes for the state of Minnesota and Wisconsin. Either way, tax experts say it’s best to file as…

Bill Hopes to Create More General Criteria for Purchase of Paper Mill

A bill was introduced by Duluth State Representative Liz Olson this week that created more general criteria for those who would be eligible for the purchase of Verso's paper mill.

March 18, 2021

Jane Kim,

DULUTH, Minn. – A bill was introduced by Duluth State Representative Liz Olson this week that created more general criteria for those who would be eligible for the purchase of Verso’s paper mill. The bill itself did not name a specific buyer and left it fairly open so that multiple buyers of the Duluth mill would be eligible. The bill would…

Biden Says U.S. To Hit 100 Million Virus Goal on Friday

March 18, 2021

The Associated Press,

WASHINGTON (AP) — With the U.S. closing in on President Joe Biden’s goal of injecting 100 million coronavirus vaccinations weeks ahead of his target date, officials say the nation is now in a position to help supply neighbors Canada and Mexico with shots. The Biden administration announced the outlines of a plan to “loan” vaccines to Canada and Mexico as…

IRS Will Delay Tax Filing Due Date Until May 17

March 18, 2021

The Associated Press,

(AP) – The IRS will delay the traditional April 15 tax filing due date until May 17 to cope with added duties and provide Americans more flexibility. The IRS announced the decision Wednesday and said it would provide further guidance in coming days. The move provides more breathing room for taxpayers and the IRS alike to cope with changes brought…

Official: Herd Immunity Possible in Wisconsin by July

March 18, 2021

The Associated Press,

MADISON, Wis. (AP) – A top Wisconsin health official says there will be enough coronavirus vaccine in Wisconsin by the end of June to immunize 80% of those age 16 and over in the state, hitting a key target to achieve herd immunity for COVID-19. Deputy state health secretary Julie Willems Van Dijk made the forecast Thursday. Currently, more than…