Author: Nachai Taylor

Boomtown Delays Duluth Restaurant Opening

The Duluth restaurant is expected to open in the old Sunset Bar and Grill on Martin Road.

DULUTH, Minn. – Diners will have to wait a little longer before they can enjoy food at the new Boomtown Woodfire Bar & Grill location, which was slated to open this month. The grand opening is now being pushed back until the spring. Boomtown currently has two other locations gearing up to reopen now that Governor Tim Walz is allowing…

A Twin Ports Facebook Group Helps Local Restaurants Survive

"It's helped us immensely. Any avenue an owner can get to reach the public during this time is so important," said Matt Berthiaume, the owner of The Social House in Hermantown.

DULUTH, Minn. – Social media is helping many Twin Ports restaurants stay in the spotlight. The “Duluth and Superior Food To-Go During COVID-19” Facebook group is spreading the word by helping restaurants reach customers during these trying times. Restaurants all over the Twin Ports have been fighting just to stay afloat during the pandemic after shutting down to prevent the…

Ice Festival In Superior Goes On

The festival takes place on January 29 and 30 on Barker's Island.

SUPERIOR, Wis. – The Ice Festival in superior is still happening at the end of the month. This year, everything will be mostly outdoors. There will be two dozen ice carvings set up around town for people to check out and play some trivia for a chance to win cash. Families can also take a cruise down the superior snow…

UWS Awards 400 Students With About $150,000 In Grant Funding

SUPERIOR, Wis. – 400 students at the University of Wisconsin Superior are getting a little extra financial help to continue their education. UWS recently awarded nearly $150,000 in emergency grant funding to those students. The awards ranged from $200 to $500 per student. The funds were made possible by some fundraising and repurposing state and federal money. “We knew that…

Entertainment Venues Will Take Time To Reopen

Minnesota Governor Tim Walz is now allowing these businesses to reopen at 25% capacity.

DULUTH, Minn – Minnesota Governor Tim Walz has now given the green light, but many of those running Northland entertainment venues and tourist attractions say its going to take some time to reopen. Like many other entertainment settings in the Northland, Zeitgeist Arts Café and Zinema in Duluth has been strongly impacted by the pandemic. “It’s been really difficult. It’s…

Rapid COVID Testing Available At St. Luke’s Hospital

According to the CDC, the most reliable COVID-19 tests are still PCR nasal tests as antigen tests are less trustworthy to catch asymptomatic cases.

DULUTH, Minn. – Patients of St. Luke’s Hospital can now get a rapid COVID-19 antigen test that can return same-day results. The testing is available for patients of the respiratory clinic in Hermantown or those utilizing the drive-thru testing garage located on the 900 block of East First Street. People of all ages can have access to the testing, but…

Hauling Company Helps Community Get Rid Of Christmas Trees

The free service ended on Thursday, but Twin Ports Trailer Trash will haul away any trees you still have for just $25.

DULUTH, Minn. – A local hauling company is lending a hand by helping families get rid of their Christmas trees for free. In the last couple of days, Twin Ports Trailer Trash picked about 175 trees from residents in the area. This is the second year the company has offered this free service. It started as a way for the…

Life 97.3 Hosts Third Annual Northland’s Largest Baby Shower

Donations are being collected all month.

DULUTH, Minn. – A local radio station is once again working to help families in need. Life 97.3 is partnering with St. Luke’s hospital for the third annual Northland’s Largest Baby Shower. The goal is to collect typical baby shower items such as diapers, wipes, and clothing from local community donors. Life 97.3’s station manager says during these tough times…

Experts Warn Of Changes In Child Behavior As They Prepare To Head Back To School

DULUTH, Minn. – As COVID-19 restrictions are starting to loosen, many students in the Northland will soon be heading back-to-school. Unfortunately, changing from remote learning to in-person instruction means some kids may show bad behavior. Mental health experts say to help prevent this kids need to get back into a routine to prepare them for school. This includes getting them…

Local Elks Lodge Donates To Five Area Schools

The Elks typically host a back-to-school carnival every year, which provides kids in the area backpacks filled with school supplies.

DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth Elks Lodge is giving back by awarding five area schools $1,100 each. The Elks typically host a back-to-school carnival every year, which provides kids in the area backpacks filled with school supplies. Due to the pandemic, the event was canceled. Instead, the organization applied for a $5,500 grant to help schools stock up on necessary…

Bar And Restaurant Owners React To Loosened Restrictions on Indoor Dining

"I cannot wait. I am elated. Literally, I cannot wait for people to come into this beautiful restaurant to enjoy what we enjoy, which is beautiful food," said Solomon Witherspoon, the owner of Spoons Bar and Grill.

DULUTH, Minn. – Minnesota Governor Walz announced on Wednesday that he is loosening restrictions on indoor dining. Minnesota bar and restaurant owners are happy about the governor’s decision to allow inside dining for the first time since late November. “I cannot wait. I am elated. Literally, I cannot wait for people to come into this beautiful restaurant to enjoy what…

The Homegrown Music Festival Will Be Virtual For 2021

"Homegrown is the anchor that keeps all these bands in the Twin Ports coming together," said Matthew Sjelin, a member of the Trash Cats Band.

DULUTH, Minn. – The Coronavirus pandemic is already causing organizers of many entertainment events to make difficult decisions about their upcoming scheduling plans in the new year. It has now been announced the Duluth Homegrown Music Festival is going virtual for 2021. The music festival has been a big staple in the community for more than 20 years. “Our planning…

Lake Superior Research Institute Gets Matching Donation For Floating Classroom

The organization has been wanting to get a new boat to re-establish hands-on learning and research on Lake Superior.

SUPERIOR, Wis. – Generous donors are helping the Lake Superior Research Institute and the University of Wisconsin Superior, inch closer to making a floating classroom a reality. The organization has been wanting to get a new boat to re-establish hands-on learning and research on Lake Superior. Alumni Bill and Lynne Rogers will be matching donations up to $100,000 to help…

Northland Public Health Officials Worry For Another COVID-19 Spike

"We probably will be seeing effects or see trends in our case count in the next couple of weeks. It's still really too early to tell if there was an impact from holiday gatherings yet," said Westbrook."We probably will be seeing effects or see trends in our case count in the next couple of weeks. It's still really too early to tell if there was an impact from holiday gatherings yet," said Westbrook.

NORTHLAND – Now that the holidays are over, public health officials in the Northland are bracing for the potential for another spike in COVID-19 cases. The pandemic has already had a deep impact on the Northland. Health experts strongly advised people to avoid holiday gatherings to help keep new COVID-19 case numbers down. “Our numbers have been going in the…

Some People Enjoy Sledding At Proctor Golf Course

"It's just what the doctor ordered," said Sandra Benney, a parent with her kids visiting the sledding hill at Proctor Golf Course.

PROCTOR, Minn. – Some folks were making the most of a Minnesota winter while spending time at the sledding hill on the Proctor Golf Course. One family, with sleds in tow, made a trip to the hill to find a little excitement. Sandra Benney says this is a weekly activity for her family as a way to make up for…

Local Organizations Host Virtual Opening Ceremony For Human Trafficking Prevention Month

DULUTH, Minn. – January is Human Trafficking Prevention Month. Local community organizations kicked off the month with the annual opening ceremony to shed light on this ongoing issue. This is the first year the event had to be held virtually due to the pandemic. Traditions such as the ceremonial indigenous prayer and the dancing women in red shawls continued through…

Morning Update 12/31/20

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Thursday, Dec. 31, 2020

Join FOX 21’s Nachai Taylor and Meteorologist Ken Slama for a local look at news and weather making headlines Thursday, Dec. 31, 2020. Have a great day! Categories: News, News – Latest News, News Update

MN Veteran’s Home in Silver Bay Gives Out Covid-19 Vaccine

"I am happy I got it," said Frank Stella, an army veteran and resident of the home. "I feel good."

SILVER BAY, Minn. – More than 100 doses of the COVID-19 vaccine were given out to help protect employees and residents. Dozens of residents and staff at the Minnesota Veterans Home in Silver Bay rolled up their sleeves to be some of the first to receive COVID-19 vaccines. “I am happy I got it,” said Frank Stella, an army veteran…

Families Head Up The Shore For NYE

"I am hoping COVID-19 will be over," said Wynnie Howard, a 10-year-old visiting from Texas.

TWO HARBORS, Minn. – Families headed up the North Shore to welcome in the New Year, which is keeping some hotel busy for the weekend. Several hotels, cottages, and cabins up the shore were already filled up for the New Year’s weekend. Some on the other hand, still have a few vacancies. One girl from Texas visiting her family in…

Superior Bars Prepare For More Customers For New Year’s Eve

"We're going to have extra staff on hand," said Brittney Young, a bartender at Top Hat Tavern in Superior.

SUPERIOR, Wis. – Superior bars are gearing up for what could be a busy New Year’s Eve. Bars and restaurants in Minnesota won’t get to enjoy the excitement of New Year’s Eve crowds as they can only open for takeout. “I do feel really bad. I work at another bar in Minnesota,” said Jessica Horn, a bartender and server at…

Carlton County Public Health Hosts Drive-thru Vaccine Clinic

100 doses of the Moderna vaccine was received for Tuesday's clinic.

CARLTON, Minn. – Carlton County’s Public Health and Human Services Division held its first drive-thru COVID-19 vaccination clinic. The county distributed its first shipment of the Moderna vaccine. The clinic was not open to the public. The vaccinations were only for emergency medical services workers and others helping to do community COVID-19 testing. One first responder says getting the vaccine…

KYN: McQuade’s Pub And Grill

"Before the shutdown, we were slamming busy," said Frank McQuade, the owner of McQuades Pub and Grill.

TWO HARBORS, Minn. – McQuade’s Pub and Grill is continuing to adjust to new normals while settling into its new digs. This popular restaurant was once nestled in the heart of Two Harbors. In November it relocated taking over the building of the former Carmody 61. “We expanded our kitchen size a lot. That was a big thing for us,…

Benedictine Health Center Gets First Shipment of Vaccine

"It's the big first step towards the final end of this pandemic," said Brian Pattock, the administrator for Benedictine Health Center.

DULUTH, Minn. – COVID-19 vaccinations have started at long-term care facilities in Minnesota, including here in the Northland. Benedictine Health Center in Duluth received and distributed doses of the Moderna vaccine to its residents and staff. BHC, like many other long-term care facilities, has been greatly impacted by the coronavirus pandemic. “We’ve had a couple of outbreaks within our community….

St. Louis County Public Health Get Doses Of Moderna Vaccine

As of Monday, 150 people have been vaccinated.

ST. LOUIS COUNTY, Minn. – St. Louis Public Health has received its first shipment of the Moderna vaccine. The public health department held a vaccination clinic on Christmas Eve to distribute some of the 500 doses received. As of Monday, 150 people have been vaccinated. Priority is being given to public health nurses and local emergency medical response workers such…

Local Churches Host Drive-By Nativity Scenes

DULUTH, Minn. – This holiday season, Northlanders can travel through nativity scenes set up at Duluth area churches. Families can drive to five different scenes of this Christmas story. There they can view an online video that provides a guided tour of the scenes, bible readings, and reflection from the artists, who helped create this nativity experience. Some of the…

Federal Agents Search A Person’s Home As Part Of Nashville Explosion Investigation

Local police believe Friday's explosion was intentional.

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – A Christmas morning explosion rocked the downtown area of Nashville, Tennessee. Several buildings were damaged as a result of the explosion. On Saturday, federal authorities searched a person’s home in Antioch, Tennessee as part of their investigation into the explosion. Local police believe Friday’s explosion was intentional. It’s being reported officers responded to the scene after receiving…

Wisconsin Reports More Than 600 New Cases On Saturday

Currently, the state is averaging more than 1,800 new confirmed cases and 41 deaths weekly.

WISCONSIN – 632 new confirmed COVID-19 cases were being reported on Saturday by the Wisconsin Department of Health Services. There were also four more people who have died from the virus. This brings the state’s total confirmed cases to more than 460,000 and nearly 5,000 deaths. Currently, the state is averaging more than 1,800 new confirmed cases and 41 deaths…

More COVID-19 Deaths Reported in St. Louis County

Total deaths are now up to 189.

ST. LOUIS COUNTY, Minn. – Three more people in St. Louis County have now died from COVID-19. On Saturday, 98 new cases have also been reported in the county, creating a total of more than twelve thousand for the northland. Total deaths are now up to 189. The Minnesota Department of Health is also reporting there are 2,170 new cases…

Those Traveling To US From UK Must Test Negative For Covid-19

Beginning Monday, passengers headed for the United States must test negative within 72 hours of their departure.

(AP) – A new virus strain in Great Britain creates new restrictions for passengers headed to the U.S. Anyone flying to the U.S. from the United Kingdom must test negative for the Coronavirus. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention issued the new order late Thursday in response to a new strain of the virus in the UK, one with…

Local Restaurant Donates Gift Card Proceeds To Employees

Gift cards can be purchased for any dollar amount.

DULUTH, Minn. – Gift cards can be great last-minute gifts this holiday season, and a local restaurant is taking some of the proceeds from gift card sales to give back to its employees. Maya Family Mexican Restaurant in Hermantown will give 20% of the money raised from gift cards to more than 15 employees. Governor Tim Walz recently extended his…

Republicans Shoot Down Trump’s Demand For $2,000 Stimulus Checks

A partial government shutdown could happen next week.

WASHINGTON (AP) – House Republicans have shot down a Democratic bid to pass President Donald Trump’s longshot demand for $2,000 direct payments to most Americans. The made-for-TV clash came as the Democratic-controlled chamber convened its session on Thursday. It was scheduled in anticipation of a smooth Washington landing for of unrelated, but bipartisan bills. If Trump were to follow through…

Some Residents Look On The Bright Side Of Things After Recent Snowfall

"We're happy to see the snow and enjoy it," said Richard Gurske, a resident of Hermantown.

DULUTH, Minn. – After several inches of snow fell overnight in the Northland, a lot of people spent their day digging out. “We’re happy to see the snow and enjoy it,” said Richard Gurske, a resident of Hermantown. And the recent snowfall is spreading a little bit of cheer for the holidays. “It’s a sign of a white Christmas you…

Mental Health Experts Concerned About Loneliness This Holiday Season

Health experts say it's common for many people not to recognize they are feeling lonely.

MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. – The pandemic is preventing many people from spending time with their loved ones during the holidays. Mental health experts are now concerned this holiday season may be rough for some people. A national survey found that out of the 20,000 people surveyed, more than half reported they sometimes or always feel alone. Adding the impacts of the…

Two Essentia Health Employees Had Allergic Reactions To COVID-19 Vaccine

Some of the symptoms that brought concern for health experts included hives, swelling of the lips or mouth, and shortness of breath.

DULUTH, Minn. – About 2,500 doses of the COVID-19 vaccine have already been given to frontline workers at Essentia Health. So far, only two employees had allergic reactions to the vaccine. Essentia Health officials say the reactions weren’t severe, but out of caution each worker was treated and evaluated. It is believed the reactions to the COVID-19 vaccine may be…

Duluth Police Department Receives Funding To Help Support Opioid Recovery Efforts

There have been 200 overdoses in the area this year as reported by the Duluth Police.

DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth Police Department has received some major funding to help fight opioid addictions and start the recovery process for some people in the Northland. The department received a grant for almost $900,000. which will fund the Lake Superior Diversion and Substance Abuse Response team over the next three years. The funding will be used to expand…

City Council Approves Tourism Tax Funding For Glensheen Mansion And Duluth Children’s Museum

Nearly 60% of the tourism tax budget will help fund many of the city's debt obligations.

DULUTH, Minn- The tax money generated from hotels, food, and beverage sales in the city of Duluth, is down by nearly 30% due to the financial impacts of the pandemic. This loss of revenue is forcing the city to tighten the belt on the distribution of money collected from tourism. Nearly 60% of the tourism tax budget will help fund…

Gift Card Sales Are Increasing For Local Businesses

"It's going to get better. This will keep us going," said Dawn Moen, the store manager at Frost River.

DULUTH, Minn. – With fewer people not wanting to spend much time shopping in person due to the pandemic, gift card sales have been on the rise at some local retail outlets. Staff at Frost River in Lincoln Park says gift cards are very popular during this time. The store manager says increased gift card sales can really give a…

Families at Steve O’Neil Apartments Pick Out Gifts Donated From The Northland Foundation

About 80 kids will be able to wake up on Christmas day with a special gift under their tree.

DULUTH, Minn.- This past weekend, The Northland Foundation dropped of donations of gifts for kids at the Steve O’Neil Apartments. On Monday, families got a chance to pick out some of their favorite gifts. A variety of toys were up for grabs. About 80 kids will be able to wake up on Christmas day with a special gift under their…

Safety Concerns Increase After A Man Was Assaulted At Tri-Towers

Staff at the Housing and Redevelopment Authority say this is the first incident of this kind happening since the opening of the Rainbow Center's warming shelter.

DULUTH, Minn. – A 73-year-old man is recovering from his injuries after being attacked at Tri-Towers by someone staying at the Rainbow Center’s warming shelter Terry Schnepp, a Tri-Towers resident, says he is still feeling the pain from his injuries after being attacked last week. “I’ve been living here for 10 years and never had anything like this happen,” said…

Essentia Health Hiring Healthcare Workers

"It's been an unbelievable amount of stress on our staff. We're used to taking care of people who are very sick and used to seeing people die, but not in these numbers," said Jon Pryor, president of Essentia Health.

DULUTH, Minn. – Demand for healthcare workers is becoming critical in the Northland. Essentia Health is now hiring, hoping to find skilled healthcare employees to fill the gaps brought on by the coronavirus pandemic. A shortage of frontline workers such as nurses is already creating a strain for hospitals in the region. Many hospital officials are getting concerned for the…

Families With Students At ISD 709 Says Learning During The Pandemic Is Challenging

A survey found about 75% of students and families have said they are having challenges.

DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth Public School District recently conducted a survey to learn the impacts of educating during the pandemic has had on families of students. The survey found about 75% of students and families have said they are having challenges. School district officials say the pandemic has changed the concept of what used to be the standards for…