Author: Katharine Huntley

Visit Duluth Launching Weekly Videos to Help Tourism Industry

The videos give information on the industry while also showcasing things like marketing campaigns, promotions, and content to not only other businesses in the industry but also the community as a whole.

DULUTH, Minn. – As the tourism industry struggles during the ongoing pandemic, Visit Duluth is launching new video updates each week in hopes of helping out the community. The videos give information on the industry while also showcasing things like marketing campaigns, promotions, and content to not only other businesses in the industry but also the community as a whole….

Duluth Fire Department Changing Internal Protocols to Help Keep Employees Safe

The DFD has had 4 positive COVID tests among firefighters in the department since the pandemic began.

DULUTH, Minn – With at least 17 members of the Duluth Police Department currently quarantined for testing positive for COVID-19, the Duluth Fire Department has managed to avoid those numbers so far with only four positive COVID cases since the pandemic began. Chief Shawn Krizaj tells Fox 21 operations have changed internally to help limit potential exposure among firefighting shifts…

Douglas County Officials Pleading for Citizens to Stay Home

The message from Douglas County Health and Human Services continues to be the same since the start of the pandemic: stay home, avoid gatherings, and wear a mask.

SUPERIOR, Wis. – Douglas County is in the midst of dealing with a significant increase in positive cases compared to just two weeks ago. The message from Douglas County Health and Human Services continues to be the same since the start of the pandemic: stay home, avoid gatherings, and wear a mask. Though everyone knows what they need to do…

Silver Bay Veterans Home Combating COVID Outbreak

The Silver Bay Veterans Home currently has 22 residents and staff COVID-19 positive. The facility has 83 residents in total.

SILVER BAY, Minn. – While veterans across America are being celebrated for their service on Veterans Day, others are now fighting a battle on the homefront, COVID-19. The Silver Bay Veterans Home currently has 22 residents and staff COVID-19 positive. The facility has 83 residents in total. “We really continue to honor and celebrate those that we are caring for,”…

Rogue Wave May Have Led to Edmund Fitzgerald’s Demise

Monday marked the anniversary of the sinking and people gathered virtually at Split Rock Lighthouse to reflect and honor the lives lost.

DULUTH, Minn. – 45 years ago this week, the Edmund Fitzgerald left the Duluth-Superior Port before sinking to the bottom of Lake Superior killing all 29 crew members on board. Monday marked the anniversary of the sinking and people gathered virtually at Split Rock Lighthouse to reflect and honor the lives lost. The Fitzgerald sank in the far southeast corner…

Gov. Evers Signs Executive Order Advising Citizens Stay Home

Tuesday, Wisconsin reported more than 7,000 cases and 66 deaths.

MADISON, Wis. – The state of Wisconsin has seen more than 25,000 new virus cases just since Friday and Tuesday, Governor Evers pleaded with citizens to take proper precautions. In a primetime address, Governor Evers called for unity and working together in response to the pandemic. Wednesday, Wisconsin reported more than 7,000 cases and 66 deaths. Gov. Evers announced an…

Cloquet’s Community Memorial Hospital in Danger of Overflow

Also, an election judge at Ward 1 voting location at Journey Church has tested positive for COVID-19. All election workers have been contacted, but if anyone who voted there starts showing symptoms they should call their doctor.

CLOQUET, Minn. – The city of Cloquet announced its COVID positivity rate has reached greater than 5 percent. Meanwhile, an election judge at Ward 1 voting location at Journey Church has tested positive for COVID-19. All election workers have been contacted, but if anyone who voted there starts showing symptoms they should call their doctor. A doctor at Cloquet’s Community…

Gov. Tim Walz Announces More Severe Restrictions on Restaurants, Bars, and Social Gatherings

The Minnesota Department of Health says Northeastern Minnesota only has 11 critical care beds available right now with 96 in use.

ST. Paul, Minn. – The message was clear from Governor Tim Walz on Tuesday, Minnesota is in the midst of a significant surge and measures need to be taken to not further overwhelm hospitals, schools, and workplaces. “Making some of these smart choices will make a difference it will save people’s lives it will keep people out of the hospital…

Rapid-Result Antigen Testing Comes to UWS

The nasal antigen tests are done by the patient after with supervision by medical professionals and results come back in 15 minutes.

SUPERIOR, Wis. – A free rapid-result antigen testing site is now open at University of Wisconsin-Superior for any resident of Minnesota or Wisconsin regardless of symptoms. The nasal antigen tests are done by the patient after with supervision by medical professionals and results come back in 15 minutes. If a person tests positive they’ll then get a standard back-of-the-nose test…

Superior Fire Department Combatting COVID With Enhanced Procedures

Firefighters spend 24-hour shifts together and over the course, they wear masks, social distance, and sleep in bunks that are decontaminated after the last person slept there.

SUPERIOR, Wis. – Since the start of the pandemic, the Superior Fire Department has tallied three firefighters testing positive for COVID-19 and none have experienced significant health issues as a result. Chief Scott Gordon says those cases were contained and not spread to other members of the department. “We now know we cannot keep COVID-19 out of our department now…

First-Generation College Students Celebrated Virtually at UWS

Around half of UWS's students are first-generation.

SUPERIOR, Wis. – First-generation college students at the University of Wisconsin Superior were celebrated virtually on Friday. First-generation college student day is celebrated nationally each year on November 8 after the higher education act was signed 55 years ago. Around half of UWS’s students are first-generation. These first-generation students are the first in their family to go to college and…

Minnesota Deer Season Opens Saturday

Hunters spent the day before the opener getting ready and stocking up so hopefully they can get their big buck this coming week.

HERMANTOWN, Minn. – The 2020 Minnesota firearms deer season begins on Saturday and many Northlanders are preparing for the big day. Hunters spent the day before the opener getting ready and stocking up so hopefully they can get their big buck this coming week. “Just get out and have some fun it’s going to be a beautiful weekend,” says Scott…

Christmas Tree Train Brings History and Cheer

The ALCO diesel locomotive was built more than 70 years ago and has since been restored by volunteers at the Lake Superior Railroad Museum.

DULUTH, Minn. – Christmas trees destined for the Duluth Depot arrived in style on Thursday pulled by a newly restored 1945 locomotive. It’s been 30 years since the engine was operational, but on Thursday it was able to pull some Christmas cheer along the way. “It is a 1945 model which means it’s exactly two years younger than I am…

Superior’s ‘Bear Creek Trail’ Open for Use

The 2.25-mile non-motorized trail extends from the Osaugie Trail at Bear Creek Park to Wisconsin Point Road.

SUPERIOR, Wis. – Superior’s Bear Creek Trail-Makwa Ziibiins Miikana is finally open after a decade of planning and two years of construction. The 2.25-mile non-motorized trail extends from the Osaugie Trail at Bear Creek Park to Wisconsin Point Road. Walkers, bikers, hikers, and even snowshoes will be welcome on this trail. It also gives people a safe path to avoid…

Duluth Superior Symphony Orchestra Holding Second In-Person Concert Since Start of Pandemic

More than 100 season subscribers will be allowed to spread out in the DECC's Symphony Hall for the 90-minute performance which will include no intermission.

DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth Superior Symphony Orchestra is holding its second in-person concert Saturday since the pandemic began. More than 100 season subscribers will be allowed to spread out in the DECC’s Symphony Hall for the 90-minute performance which will include no intermission. The DECC’S interim executive director tells Fox 21 the DSSO is the only orchestra in all…

Nearly 6,000 New COVID Cases Reported in Wisconsin

The Department of Health is reporting 5,935 new cases with 54 new deaths for a total of more than 2,100 deaths so far.

MADISON, Wis. – Wisconsin has hit another one-day record high for COVID-19 cases and Governor Tony Evers is pleading with people to help stop the spread. The Department of Health is reporting 5,935 new cases with 54 new deaths for a total of more than 2,100 deaths so far. The message from Evers continues to wear a mask, practice social…

Ely Elects Mayor Who Dropped Out of Race Months Ago

One of the biggest surprises of election night happened in Ely where challenger Eric Urbas won the Mayoral race against incumbent Chuck Novak.

ELY, Minn. – One of the biggest surprises of election night happened in Ely where challenger Eric Urbas won the Mayoral race against incumbent Chuck Novak. What makes this interesting is that the winner of this race had actually dropped out of it in August, but his name was still on the ballot. Urbas says he dropped out of the…

Great Outdoors: Ice Fishing Season Drawing Closer

Though this week is expected to bring warm temperatures, the cold will eventually come back and anglers and business owners up at Fish Lake are ready for it.

DULUTH, Minn. – Though this week is expected to bring warm temperatures, the cold will eventually come back and anglers and business owners up at Fish Lake are ready for it. “On a good ice fishing year, it’s like a little city out there out on Fish Lake,” says Scott Youngstrom, the owner at the Fredenberg Minno-Ette. The Fredenberg Minno-Ette…

UMD Students Out Voting for First Time in General Election

At the University of Minnesota Duluth, there was a polling location set up where people could cast their votes.

DULUTH, Minn. – As millions of Americans of all ages cast their ballots on Tuesday, it was the first time for many college students voting in a presidential election. At the University of Minnesota Duluth, there was a polling location set up where people could cast their votes. Fox 21 spoke to a couple of freshmen on Tuesday who filled…

Presidential Candidate Supporters Demonstrating on Eve of Election

Around 50 people were out on the eve of the election at the intersection of Central Entrance and Mesaba Avenue on Monday.

DULUTH, Minn. – For weeks, both President Donald Trump and Joe Biden supporters in Duluth have been out in small gatherings showing support for their candidates and encouraging people to vote. Around 50 people were out on the eve of the election at the intersection of Central Entrance and Mesaba Avenue on Monday. As the country waits for the declaration…

WITC to Rebrand Including New Name and Mascot

The rebranding comes after an outside research group hired by the college found a lot of people no longer identify Northwest Wisconsin with the Indianhead region.

SHELL LAKE, Wis. – After months of research, the Wisconsin Indianhead Technical College which has a campus in Superior is getting a new name and a new mascot. The rebranding comes after an outside research group hired by the college found a lot of people no longer identify Northwest Wisconsin with the Indianhead region. The study also found 20 percent…

8th District Congressional Candidate Quinn Nystrom Encouraging People to Vote

Nystrom along with other DFL candidates spoke to a crowd of around 30 people.

DULUTH, Minn. – The 8th District DFL Candidate Quinn Nystrom was out in Duluth on Monday encouraging people to get out and vote. Nystrom along with other DFL candidates spoke to a crowd of around 30 people. They cautioned against mailing ballots because it will not be counted in Minnesota unless it’s received by Election Day. Nystrom said in 2018…

COVID-19 Won’t Stop Glensheen’s ‘Spirt of the Lights’ Experience

The display started over at Park Point Resident Marcia Hale's home where they shined for more than 20 years in her backyard.

DULUTH, Minn. – COVID-19 isn’t stopping Glensheen’s “Spirit of the Lights” display from coming back for a second year. The display started over at Park Point Resident Marcia Hale’s home where they shined for more than 20 years in her backyard. Due to COVID, they won’t be able to give out cookies and cider like last year, but those at…

Doctors Warn Against Trick-Or-Treating

The Center for Disease Control and Prevention considers trick-or-treating a higher risk activity warning it should be avoided to prevent the spread of the virus.

DULUTH, Minn. – Halloween is just around the corner and it certainly will look much different this year due to COVID-19. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention considers trick-or-treating a higher risk activity warning it should be avoided to prevent the spread of the virus. Normally Halloween eager kids go up and down Tower Avenue in Superior with costumes…

Deer Season License Purchases Higher than Last Year

Youth season numbers are up 11 percent and early firearm sales are up 19 percent so far compared to last year.

CLOQUET, Minn. – Minnesota’s deer hunting season opener is about one week away and the Department of Natural Resources says early license purchases are higher than last year. Youth season numbers are up 11 percent and early firearm sales are up 19 percent so far compared to last year. The DNR says hunting is generally considered a COVID-safe activity but…

Hi Banks Resort Getting Ready for Ice Fishing Season

Just this week, some ice was spotted on Fish Lake in Duluth near Hi Banks Resort.

DULUTH, Minn. – As the weather is finally getting colder, Hi Banks Resort in Duluth is getting ready for the ice fishing season. Just this week, some ice was spotted on Fish Lake in Duluth where Hi Banks is located. Owner Tim Wagner who’s owned Hi Banks for 18 years says it’ll still be a while with less windy and…

Duluth Tells Homeowners, Businesses To Step Up Snow Removal; City to Focus on City-Owned Streets, Sidewalks

No longer will city crews accept special requests from homeowners and businesses to clear snow a certain way for their liking.

DULUTH, Minn. – The city of Duluth held a press conference on Wednesday to address the coming year of snow after last year’s historic storm on Thanksgiving Weekend. Mayor Larson’s office tells Fox 21 the city is refocusing its plowing operations to help avoid any road-crippling backups after a snowstorm and also to avoid wasting resources on a budget tightened…

$135,000 Potentially Headed to Maintain Kozy Building

The building which is now owned by the Duluth Economic Development Authority went up in flames in 2010.

DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth Economic Development Authority, also known as DEDA has voted to use $135,000 to help prevent the condemned Kozy Building on East First Street from continuing to fall apart. The building which is now owned by DEDA went up in flames in 2010. The city wants it demolished for a developer, but the former Kozy owner…

Gov. Evers says ‘Stay Home’ as Cases and Deaths Hit Record Numbers in Wisconsin

From the start of the pandemic, it took Wisconsin 7 months to hit 100,000 cases, but after that, it only took 36 days to reach the next hundred thousand cases as COVID-19 continues to surge.

MADISON, Wis. – Wisconsin hit a grim COVID-19 record for deaths recorded in a single day along with a new high number of cases. Governor Tony Evers had strong words for the Wisconsinites who are not taking the virus seriously. From the start of the pandemic, it took Wisconsin 7 months to hit 100,000 cases, but after that, it only…

Engineers Working Towards Changing Mountain Iron US Highway 169 Intersection

This spot has seen 10 intersection-related crashes in a ten-year period including one accident where two people died.

MOUNTAIN IRON, Minn. – Traffic engineers with St. Louis County presented a potential plan to make a dangerous Mountain Iron intersection along Highway 169 safer. The intersection is at the cross of US 169 and Spirit Lake Road. This spot has seen 10 intersection-related crashes in a ten-year period including one accident where two people died. Engineers are proposing a…

Scarium at the Aquarium Returns with Extra Precautions

Kids and their parents were all dressed up to check out the different animal habitats which were also decked out for Halloween.

DULUTH, Minn. – Duluth’s Great Lakes Aquarium got spooky for the annual “Scarium at the Aquarium” on Tuesday. Kids and their parents were all dressed up to check out the different animal habitats which were also decked out for Halloween. There was, of course, free goodies to take home too. This year’s event is spread out over three days because…

Gov. Walz: Stop Large Campaign Rallies, Gatherings

Gov. Walz is pleading with people to avoid large gatherings, like campaign rallies, and even family functions especially where people aren't wearing a mask or social distancing.

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Governor Tim Walz says Minnesota is facing a goalline stand of sorts with COVID-19 as case numbers continue to rise in and outside the state. Gov. Walz is pleading with people to avoid large gatherings, like campaign rallies, and even family functions especially where people aren’t wearing a mask or social distancing. He says the next…

Demonstrators Out for VP Pence’s Visit

A couple dozen demonstrators were outside the Range Regional Airport gates protesting his campaign stop on behalf of President Trump.

HIBBING, Minn. – The Northland greeting for Vice President Mike Pence was not all positive on Monday. A couple dozen protestors were outside the Range Regional Airport gates protesting his campaign stop on behalf of President Trump. The Northland has become no stranger to presidential campaign visits. Monday’s Pence appearance means six total visits by the Biden and Trump campaigns…

Oasis Del Norte Opening Pop-Up Mall Location

They serve tacos, burritos, quesadillas, and tortas with an option of six different types of meat.

DULUTH, Minn. – Oasis Del Norte closed up their food truck for the season on Friday. Due to the cancellation of many events, the owner decided to bring his traditional and fresh Mexican fare to neighborhoods so people could still get some authentic food. They serve tacos, burritos, quesadillas, and tortas with an option of six different types of meat….

Salvation Army and Damiano Center Host Two-Day Coat Giveaway

Last year's one-day event gave out more than 300 coats to keep people warm and they hope to give out the same number this year.

DULUTH, Minn. – As the need for warmer clothing continues to grow, the Salvation Army and the Damiano Center came together to help those who need it most during their Community Connect Event. The event is also organized by other nonprofits including Loaves and Fishes with the help of St. Louis County Public Health and Human Services. Community members who…

COVID-19 Cases and Deaths Surging on the Iron Range

More than 28 percent of the greater county's cases are blamed on community spread with no identified source of exposure.

DULUTH, Minn . – As COVID-19 cases continue to rise across the region, the Iron Range is experiencing a surge of cases and deaths. Cases grew quickly in the Duluth area in September, but now October has seen an especially dramatic rise in the area’s northern communities, with many of the cases traced back to community spread. Deaths are also…

Memorial Blood Centers Hosts Blood Drive in Duluth’s City Hall Plaza

Memorial Blood Centers say that it is the primary provider of blood to nearly all the area hospitals including Essentia St. Mary's and St. Luke's.

DULUTH, Minn. – In order to combat the critically low levels of blood available in the region, Memorial Blood Centers hosted a drive at Duluth’s City Hall Plaza. Memorial Blood Centers say that it is the primary provider of blood to nearly all the area hospitals including Essentia St. Mary’s and St. Luke’s. The blood supply is dangerously low due…

Duluth Fire Department Ready for Wintry Weather

The first snowstorm of the season has come early this year and the Duluth Fire Department is ready with the chains for when the snow gets bad enough.

DULUTH, Minn. – Some drivers put snow tires on their cars to get through the long Northland winters, but the Duluth Fire Department has more heavy-duty equipment to handle the slick roads so they can respond to emergencies safely. The first snowstorm of the season has come early this year and the Duluth Fire Department is ready with the chains…

UWS Hosts Virtal Panel with Local Leaders Discussing Breonna Taylor’s Death

In a virtual panel, Superior Police Chief Nick Alexander and Duluth Human Rights Officer Carl Crawford discussed the case and how the Superior Police Department works hard to de-escalate situations and reduce the chance for deadly force.

SUPERIOR, Wis. – UW-Superior’s Legal Studies and Criminal Justice Program hosted a dialogue with community leaders discussing the killing of Breonna Taylor in Louisville, Kentucky. Taylor was killed when police executed a ‘no-knock’ warrant to which her boyfriend said he did not know it was the police and fired a warning shot. Louisville Police then fired 32 rounds into Taylor’s…

Snowboards and Skiers Out Hiking Chester Bowl

Accumulations of several inches were enough for winter lovers to hike up the hill at the park and show off their skills coming back down.

DULUTH, Minn. – Down by the shore of Lake Superior warmer air prevented snow from accumulating, but just a mile up the hill, it was a much different, and snowy scene on Thursday. Snowboarders, skiers, and families were taking advantage of the early fall snow wonderland up at Chester Bowl. Accumulations of several inches were enough for winter lovers to…

COVID Deaths Tie Record Daily High in Minnesota

The commissioner of the Department of Health calls the number of 35 deaths tragic, but it's not unexpected with the state seeing a continued surge of cases.

ST. PAUL, Minn. – The Minnesota Department of Health is reporting 35 more COVID-19 deaths in the state which matches the previous statewide daily high. The commissioner of the Department of Health calls the number of 35 deaths tragic, but it’s not unexpected with the state seeing a continued surge of cases. Just last Friday, Minnesota hit a record high…

Minnesota Traffic Fatality Numbers Up This Year State-Wide

According to the department of public safety, more than 90 of those fatalities are a result of speed-related incidents which they say are up by more than 50 percent from this time last year.

ROCHESTER, Minn. – Traffic fatalities are up this year in Minnesota which is why those who work in public safety got together in Rochester on Tuesday to remind drivers that getting behind the wheel and making bad choices can be life-changing for the worse. So far in 2020, 314 people have died compared to 288 at this time last year….

Wisconsin Gov. Evers Discusses CARES Act Funding in COVID Update

As of October 9, the state has spent $476 million and committed an additional $479 million for COVID related relief.

MADISON, Wis. – Governor Tony Evers provided an update on Wisconsin’s fight against the COVID pandemic on Tuesday during a press conference in Madison. Gov. Evers discussed where the federal CARES Act funding has gone which was spread out between public health and emergency response initiatives, plus economic relief for residents, communities, and businesses. As of October 9, the state…

Great Outdoors: Into the Wild Artography Gallery Opening in Aurora

Aaron Jordahl started taking pictures around 10 years ago and got so good that people started requesting portraits and prints.

AURORA, Minn. – Minnesota’s natural beauty is no secret and photographer Aaron Jordahl is using that beauty to open his own art gallery called Into the Wild Artography in downtown Aurora. “Everybody dreams about being an artist when they grow up I’m trying to make that dream a reality,” says Jordahl. Jordahl and his camera can be found most often…

Grocery Store to Open in Aurora by Owners of Nashwauk Market

Nashwauk Market has been in business for 45 years and the partners there plan to bring the same small-town service to the Aurora Market which they plan will open in the summer of 2021.

AURORA, Minn. – It’s been four years since Aurora had a grocery store, and now the Nashwauk Market is expanding to create an Aurora Market as well. “It’s a service that this community needs,” says Tony Fragnito, a partner with the Nashwauk and Aurora Markets. Nashwauk Market has been in business for 45 years and the partners there plan to…

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…

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…