GORDON, Wis. – Gordon Good Neighbor Days will not happen in 2020. The July celebration brings in at least 8,000-9,000 people every year to the Northern Wisconsin town of 600. Event chairperson, Joy Rogers, tells us it was canceled to keep volunteers and the community as safe as possible during the COVID-19 pandemic. She says the decision to cancel was…
SUPERIOR, Wis. – Superior Mayor Jim Paine told FOX 21’s Dan Hanger on Tuesday why he doesn’t expect to furlough or lay off any employees during the pandemic, unlike the city of Duluth. And we’re learning more about how the hit to the tourism industry is affecting the Superior-Douglas County Area Chamber of Commerce like it has never been hit…
SUPERIOR, Wis. On Tuesday President Donald Trump said he will sign a five-page executive order declaring meat processing plants critical infrastructure, ordering them to remain open–as facilities are dealing with a shortage of workers and an increase in demand. “We always work with the farmers,” Trump said. “There’s plenty of supplies, as you know this, plenty of supply, it’s distribution…
DULUTH, Minn. – Last month, CDC guidelines singled out vision care and said no to anything routine. No routine examinations whatsoever and Minnesota has been following these guidelines. Relf Eyecare Specialists has been closed except for emergency services since mid-March, but a variety of procedures considered to be emergencies are still being done. “Injuries, trauma, foreign bodies in the eye,…
TWIN PORTS – At both libraries, patrons have to call into the library and schedule an appointment to pick up materials. They can also request the items on their own through the online catalog. Staff also wear protective gear when handling items before being given to their visitors. “People have been missing the library, we’ve heard from them on Facebook…
DULUTH, Minn. – A local church has set up a food shelf drive-thru for guests. The Vineyard Church in Duluth organized the Fruit of the Vine Food Shelf. The shelf is usually set up like a grocery store where people can pick out what they want. However, during the pandemic, the shelf is now a drive-thrum model where those in…
ROCHESTER, Minn. (AP) – Vice President Mike Pence chose not to wear a face mask while touring the Mayo Clinic in Minnesota. It’s an apparent violation of the world-renowned medical center’s policy requiring them. Video feeds show he didn’t wear a mask when he met with a Mayo employee who has recovered from COVID-19. He was also maskless when he…
ST. PAUL, Minn. – The Minnesota Department of Health reported 15 new COVID-19 related deaths Tuesday morning. The state’s confirmed cases of COVID-19 are now at 4,181 and the death toll is 301. Health officials have cautioned that the real number of Minnesotans infected with COVID-19 is likely much higher due to a previous lack of testing throughout the state….
WAYZATA, Minn. (AP) — A Minneapolis-area senior living facility that was evacuated earlier this month after an outbreak of COVID-19 announced Monday it won’t reopen. The nonprofit organization Transforming Age said it has made “the difficult decision” not to reopen Meridian Manor in Wayzata “as a result of multiple negative impacts of COVID-19.” Nearly 50 residents were moved from Meridian Manor on…
DULUTH, Minn. – Arrowhead Printing is putting together big thank you cards with signatures from Northland Residents who want to show their gratitude to area hospitals, fire and police departments, grocery stores, and mail and delivery carriers. When folded, the cards will be 24 inches by 36 inches. “We are getting a lot of positive feedback so far but the…
COOK COUNTY, Minn. – The residents of Cook County are concerned when it comes to visitors traveling to the region from elsewhere amid the COVID-19 pandemic. The friendly staff at Visit Cook County remain optimistic during these trying times and want to assure everyone they are monitoring the latest health and safety information from state health officials before reopening the…
GORDON, Wis. – Gordon Good Neighbor Days 2020 has been canceled due to COVID-19 pandemic concerns. The Gordon Good Neighbor Days committee made the announcement about the cancellation on its Facebook page Monday evening saying: “With the continuing uncertainty of the pandemic and concern for the health and safety of the community, participants, volunteers, and spectators the decision has been…
VIRGINIA, Minn.- The City of Virginia is set to furlough up to 28 employees beginning May 4th due to projected revenue losses. Mayor Larry Cuffe said a majority of the 28 employees are expected to come from Public Works, Parks and Recreation, and Golf Course staff. While they’re avoiding cutting any staff from public safety departments right now, the Mayor…
DULUTH, Minn.- Mayor Emily Larson made a rare appearance at Duluth’s virtual City Council meeting to give councilors a detailed outline, and uncertain look towards a grim future after she announced the city’s budget shortfall–which was unveiled to now be about $20.7-$38.2 million. According to city officials, due to the city’s “strong mayor system,” Larson can make any decisions she…
DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth Community School Collaborative is a non-profit that serves students in the community impacted by economic barriers. The group recently received a large donation from a local church to help them during the ongoing pandemic. DCSC supports students at Meyers-Wilkens Elementary, Lincoln Park Middle, and Denfeld High Schools. The non-profit is hoping this large donation will…
DULUTH, Minn. – Right now as people stay home, there is a growing need for more plasma donations. Plasma is the clear liquid portion of our blood, which can be used to treat people with illnesses such as an autoimmune disorder. According to experts it could even be used to help fight the coronavirus. “We have a special project now…
DULUTH, Minn. – Despite a lot of businesses closing, auto repair shops are seeing a steady stream of customers. Workers at 4th Street Auto Repair have been taking extra precautions when it comes to cleaning and wiping down vehicles at all touchpoints and contact points, including steering wheels and seat belts. “We’re thankful right now, I can’t say we’re busy,…
DULUTH, Minn. – Masks, masks, and more masks. This is what St. Luke’s and Essentia Health are trying to raise in their “Land of 10,000 Masks” campaign. “When we get masks like this, it really feels like the community is stepping up for us and it feels like they’re giving us love too in a very concrete way that really…
SUPERIOR, Wis. – Superior Mayor Jim Paine says he has no plans to lay off or furlough any employees right now or in the future. Mayor Paine told FOX 21 Monday while times are uncertain and he can’t fully predict impacts to the city’s finances, he does believe the city of Superior is fiscally healthy to withstand pressures from the…
MILWAUKEE (AP) — The number of people testing positive for the coronavirus in Wisconsin has reached over 6,000. Wisconsin health officials reported Monday the number of people in the state testing positive for COVID-19 has grown to 6,081, up 170 from the day before. The number of deaths officially attributed to the coronavirus in Wisconsin grew Monday to 281, an…
Categories: Coronavirus, Minnesota, News, News – Latest News
ST. PAUL, Minn. – The Minnesota Department of Health reported 3,816 confirmed cases of COVID-19 throughout the state as of Monday morning. The department also reported 286 deaths. Health officials have cautioned that the real number of Minnesotans infected with COVID-19 is likely much higher due to a previous lack of testing throughout the state. The number of reported cases…
DULUTH, Minn. — FOX 21 is highlighting local front-line workers who are giving their all for the community during the coronavirus pandemic. Here are just a few of our Hometown Heroes from Sunday’s broadcast. If you’d like to nominate someone, just head over to FOX 21’s Facebook page to upload an image and a brief description about the person. We…
SUPERIOR, Wis. – We are now more than a month into the stay-at-home order in Minnesota and Wisconsin as thousands are jobless, businesses are shut down and emotions are running higher than ever. But there’s one police officer in Superior who’s trying to help guide those emotions in a positive way through posts on the department’s Facebook page based off…
DULUTH, Minn.- The 28th Annual St. Louis River Quest, the three-day waterfront and water safety education program for sixth graders, has been canceled for the first time due to the Coronavirus pandemic. Originally scheduled for the beginning of May, River Quest has never been canceled since its start in 1993. 1,500 sixth graders from 13 area schools come to the…
PROCTOR, Minn.- A local flower shop owner is seeing some success after adapting his business model during this pandemic. Duluth Flower Farm has been set up with a simple table outside the family’s farm in Proctor–and it’s been busy–selling out of flowers and products like homemade salsa. The owner said this new approach has done wonders while his store is…
PROCTOR, Minn.- The Coronavirus pandemic has proven that there are more ways than just parties to celebrate important birthdays, like David Frear’s milestone 90th Birthday Parade. “It’s really, really exciting. I really like it,” Frear said as cars honked by. After having to cancel a surprise party, Frear’s family still wanted to make his 90th one to remember. “When I…
MINNEAPOLIS (AP) – Minnesota health officials on Sunday confirmed 156 new cases of the coronavirus, raising the total number to more than 3,600. The updated report includes 28 deaths from COVID-19, for a statewide total of 272. All but five of the victims were in long-term care facilities. A total of 829 people have required hospitalization. Of those, 285 remain…
DULUTH, Minn.- In honor of Earth Day and the canceled spring lakewalk cleanup, the City of Duluth launched their first “Keep Duluth Clean Virtual Cleanup” Saturday. People are encouraged to grab an old bucket or bag, put on their gloves, and start picking up trash. They can share their progress with the hashtag #keepduluthclean. Volunteers cleaning up said they’re surprised…
DULUTH, Minn.- Healthcare workers looking out the windows of the buildings on the St. Luke’s Campus will now be treated to a big sign reading “Thank You Frontline Heroes,” put together by local artists and local officials. “When they’re laying down that kind of sacrifice, I think it’s important for them to know we’re here, and we care,” said Minnesota…
Health officials in Wisconsin are reporting the largest single-day rise in Coronavirus cases since the outbreak started. In the last 24 hours, 361 tests came back positive. Also, an additional four people have died. The update raises the total number of cases to 5,687. Statewide deaths are also now up to 266. Health officials believe the actual number of infections…
CLOQUET, Minn. – An employee at the USG plant in Cloquet has tested positive for COVID-19. A USG spokesperson confirmed to FOX 21 that the company learned of the positive test on Friday, April 24th. The company has temporarily suspended the department where the employee was working to allow for thorough cleaning in accordance with the World Health Organization (WHO)…
SUPERIOR, Wis. – The Twin Ports’ only remaining video rental store is open again for curbside pickup. Video Vision in Superior has been closed for the last month under Wisconsin’s ‘Safer at Home’ order. But now, the store that’s the last of its kind in the city is renting movies once again. Customers can order videos over the phone, pull…
DULUTH, Minn. – Some businesses have expanded their hours amidst the coronavirus to meet demand. Duluth Best Bread, located on W. 3rd Street in Duluth, has doubled business during the pandemic. It is now open from Tuesday to Saturday from 6 a.m. to 1 p.m. Bread is sold through the store’s front window. “During the pandemic, I think a lot…
MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Minnesota health officials said Friday another 21 people have died of coronavirus complications, matching the highest one-day death toll announced Thursday. The Department of Health also said there are 243 additional confirmed cases of COVID-19, raising Minnesota’s total to 3,185. State data shows the largest percentage of cases involved people age 20 to 44. The department’s Public…
New unemployment numbers were released by the U.S. government, showing that about 26 million people have filed for unemployment, which is the worst its been since the Great Depression. Locally, analysts are also compiling data to learn more about the Northland’s economic situation. Economic experts from the University of Minnesota Extension say 17 percent of workers, which is more than…
DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth Police Department is continuing to work under unprecedented times during the pandemic. Chief Mike Tusken says his patrol officers are working 12-hour shifts for five days on and 15 days off to allow an officer to potentially develop symptoms of COVID-19 before returning to work. “We do believe that the greatest threat we have in…
SUPERIOR, Wis. – The Superior-Douglas County Area Chamber of Commerce has temporarily laid off most of its staff because of the financial strain from the pandemic. It’s a move the chamber hasn’t made before in its 137-year history. Chamber President/CEO Taylor Pedersen told FOX 21 the decision to furlough was tough but a responsible one so his team can be strong…
DULUTH, Minn.- The COVID-19 pandemic has left musical acts and festivals at Bayfront Festival Park in unprecedented uncertainty–forcing organizers and artists to explore different ways to give fans an experience if shows are a no-go. Bayfront has become synonymous with summer fun, filling up every season with concert-goers, food lovers, and fireworks. But the empty, bleak park you see right…
DULUTH, Minn. – Golfers are speaking out against Duluth Mayor Emily Larson’s decision to close Lester Park Golf Course for the entire 2020 season. “We wait sometimes until almost May, early May to start playing and we’re patient. And now we have nothing to look forward to,” said frequent golfer Phil Fitzpatrick. Golfers met outside the Lester Park clubhouse, showing…
DULUTH, Minn. – Duluth Public Schools will continue providing meals and childcare to certain families, and distance learning to all students for the rest of the school year. Superintendent Bill Gronseth tells us the district is planning to hold awards nights and graduations this spring despite schools being shut down. “We’re working with our schools and our students and our…
DULUTH, Minn. – All Minnesota k-12 schools are remaining closed for the rest of the academic school year. Governor Tim Walz made the announcement earlier today as a further precaution to flatten the curve of the coronavirus pandemic. It’s already been more than a month since Minnesota students were last in school classrooms. Most academic school years in the state…
Corktown Deli in Lincoln Park is now also serving as a partial grocery store. It recently reopened for to-go service while also making room for some grocery store shelving in the store, which includes items like baking supplies, beverages, and breakfast items. Owners say they are trying different things and seeing what works. “Overall the support from the community has…
Coffee isn’t necessarily an essential need. But to some, it’s a special delicacy. Scott Nelson owns Dunn Brothers Coffee in Duluth, and he is donating about 100 pounds of freshly roasted coffee beans to the Salvation Army to be handed out and served to those in need. “It’s kind of a win-win where we can keep people employed and people…
(Glen Stubbe/Star Tribune via AP, Pool) MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Gov. Tim Walz on Thursday ordered Minnesota schools to stay closed through the rest of the academic year amid the COVID-19 crisis. Walz, who is a former teacher, calls it “a heartbreaking decision.” The Democratic governor says he feels sorry for all the students who will miss out on graduations, tournaments,…
ST. PAUL, Minn. – The Minnesota Department of Health reported 21 new deaths on Thursday morning marking the most deaths reported in a single day to date. The department also reported 2,942 confirmed cases throughout the state. Health officials have cautioned that the real number of Minnesotans infected with the coronavirus is likely much higher because most people don’t qualify…
DULUTH, Minn. – With a nationwide shortage of N95 masks, and states told they must find supplies themselves, it’s becoming more difficult by the day to obtain a stockpile for Northland hospitals. On Wednesday, National Bank of Commerce gifted St. Luke’s Hospital in Duluth a supply of 4,000 N95 masks for healthcare workers on the front lines to utilize. Another…
(Scott Takushi/Pioneer Press via AP, Pool) MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Gov. Tim Walz is expected to announce that he’s ordering Minnesota schools to stay closed through the rest of the year amid the COVID-19 crisis. The Democratic governor closed public and charter schools just over a month ago and directed them to switch to distance learning, a move that affected nearly…
NEW HOPE, Minn. (AP) — One of Minnesota’s deadliest outbreaks of the coronavirus in a single setting is at a senior care campus in New Hope where 12 residents have died of complications of the virus. Records reviewed by the Star Tribune show the deaths since April 6 involve residents at St. Therese of New Hope who was between 82 and…
DULUTH, Minn. — The city of Duluth is laying off nearly 50 more employees on top of dozens of temporary and seasonal positions because of a massive projected budget shortfall. A spokesperson for Mayor Emily Larson said Wednesday that 49 full-time employees are affected in this latest round of layoffs. The positions range from housing inspectors within the fire department…
