Community

Essential Businesses Currently Hiring in the Northland During the Pandemic

Many workers in the Northland have been laid off from jobs due to the response to the coronavirus pandemic. If you are currently looking for work, there are businesses still hiring in our region. If you are a business looking to hire workers during the coronavirus pandemic and would like to be added to this list, email news@fox21online.com with the…

Superior Mayor Jim Paine Reacts to Gov. Evers’s ‘Safer-at-Home’ Order

Mayor recognizes grocery stores as essential, but asks the public only go when they need to.

SUPERIOR, Wis.- Superior Mayor Jim Paine spoke out after Governor’s Shelter-in-Place order was announced. His main message: stay home and limit your trips unless absolutely necessary and that means even grocery stores. While Governor Evers has labeled grocery stores as essential, Mayor Paine wants residents to avoid those stores if you can. This comes after one of the four people…

More People Plug-In To Video Games While Stuck at Home

Games Then and Now in Superior sees increase in sale, but hope that continues as they move completely online.

SUPERIOR, Wis.- As more families deal with life stuck at home, video game stores have seen sales go up. But after Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers’s safer-at-home order, they hope those sales continue online. Last week the owners of Games Then and Now on Tower Avenue said they saw a huge jump in people buying games. It’s not just kids buying…

SuperOne Helps Social Distancing with New Plastic Barriers at Check-Out

Barriers installed at all 41 stores across three states, at over 270 stations.

DULUTH, Minn.- As SuperOne grocery stores across the Northland remain packed with people shopping for essentials, the store has installed acrylic barriers at cashier stations to limit the spread of Coronavirus. At the end of Tuesday, the new barriers were outfitted at all 41 grocery and liquor store locations across Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Michigan. Products scan and carts screech by…

Midday Update 3-24-20

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Tuesday, March 24, 2020

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Brittney Merlot for a local look at news and weather making headlines Tuesday, March 24, 2020. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, brittney merlot, community, Headlines, Local News, midday update

Glensheen Mansion Goes Digital Amid COVID-19 Closure

Glensheen Mansion Takes Part in 'MuseumFromHome' Movement

DULUTH, Minn. – With the new normal of connecting via Skype, Facebook Live, and other social media platforms, Glensheen Mansion is making changes as well. Jane Pederson, Marketing Manager at Glensheen, connected via Skype with FOX 21’s Brett Scott Tuesday morning to let residents know how they can still have an interactive experience with the mansion. Staff has launched Glensheen…

Local Musician Turns to Virtual Concerts for Fans

Musician Todd Eckart Can't Put the Guitar Down, So He's Getting Creative During the Coronavirus Pandemic

DULUTH, Minn. – Local musicians are having to cancel dozens of gigs they had planned but it’s not stopping one talented soul from keeping toes tapping in the Northland. Duluthian Todd Eckart has already created a studio in his home to keep his performances alive. The musician says he has no income right now after all of his upcoming concerts…

Morning Update 3-24-20

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Tuesday, March 24, 2020

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Brittney Merlot for a local look at news and weather making headlines Tuesday, March 24, 2020. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Local News, morning update

New COVID-19 Cases in St. Louis, Douglas Counties

Experts say while it's not confirmed, they are sure there is community spread.

The cases of Coronavirus continue to climb in the Northland. A second case has been discovered in St. Louis County, along with three others in Douglas County, bringing the total there to four–with one case in Superior. There remains one confirmed case in Bayfield County The newest case in St. Louis County is a woman in her early 60s who…

U-Haul Rental Services Busy as College Students Head Home

With online classes and nowhere to go, students head home.

DULUTH, Minn.- With colleges and universities across the Northland moving all classes online for the rest of the year and asking students to leave dorms, many are heading to their nearest U-Hauls to pack up and head home. The only truck that Complete Auto Repair Service (CARS) has left is a cardboard model that sits on their front desk. Their…

St. Louis County Board Approves Transfer of Emergency Administration Funds

DULUTH, Minn. – The St. Louis County Board approved multiple measures on Monday to help combat the spread of coronavirus. This includes a resolution that will transfer $1 million from the emergency administration fund to support efforts to fight the spread of the virus. The money will allow government organizations to have cash on hand in case of emergencies. It…

Midday Update 3-23-20

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Monday, March 23, 2020

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Ryan Johnson for a look at local news and weather making headlines Monday, March 23, 2020. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Local News, midday update, ryan johnson

Morning Update 3-23-20

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Monday, March 23, 2020

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Ryan Johnson for a look at local news and weather making headlines Monday, March 23, 2020. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Local News, morning update, ryan johnson

Pizza Man Renovates While Only Allowed Open for Takeout, Delivery

Restaurant owner trying to keep as many employees as he can while closed by the Governor with other bars and restaurants.

SUPERIOR, Wis.- A popular Pizza place in Superior is making the most of having to close their business to dine-in customers. Pizza Man on Tower Avenue is using their time closed to remodel their dining area, allowing for more seating. The owner said some of his employees are helping out with the renovations, and he’s trying his best to keep…

Superior Family Restaurant Receives Donations to Continue Giving Free Meals

Enbridge and an anonymous donor both gave to their cause.

SUPERIOR, Wis.- Superior Family Restaurant, who started offering free meals to those in need last week, just received some help form other community organizations. Enbridge has paid for 300 meals to be given out. The Restaurant also received a $100 donation from an anonymous donor. In a Facebook post the Restaurant said the donations will help ensure they are able…

Superior Liquor, Grocery Stores Busy as Other Businesses Remain Closed

Belknap Liquor and Lounge and Super One seeing a steady influx of customers.

SUPERIOR, Wis.- Wisconsin has just gone through their first weekend with bars, restaurants and other public gathering places closed indefinitely by Governor Tony Evers. This pushes more customers to businesses considered essential, such as grocery and liquor stores. “We can’t complain here, yeah,” said Belknap Liquor and Lounge owner Alan Jaques. “There’s a lot of other people that have it…

Duluth Fitness Studios Pivot to Online Platforms to Try to Stay Afloat

DULUTH, Minn. — Fitness and wellness businesses in Duluth are fighting to keep revenue going as they have had to shut their doors to clients amid the coronavirus pandemic. Two of the businesses we spoke with are Movo Studio and Runa Yoga. Jessica Rossing, owner of Movo Studio, opened her business in its new home on East First Street just…

St. Louis County Officials Confirm First Coronavirus Case in the County

Officials said it is a woman in her late 60s, who contracted the virus via domestic travel.

DULUTH, Minn.- Officials have announced the first confirmed COVID-19 case in St. Louis County. Along with one in Bayfield County and one in Douglas County, the total cases in the Northland are now three. According to County officials, the patient in St. Louis County has not had contact with anyone outside her close relatives and is recovering at home. “While…

Duluth Fire Department Prepares Amid Coronavirus

DULUTH, Minn.- During the Coronavirus Pandemic, Duluth Fire Department has been in contact with St. Louis County Emergency Management and Homeland Security to prepare for COVID-19. The Fire Department tells us calls will proceed with more caution than ever before, allowing them to get as much information as possible during a call to best use their limited number of resources….

Health Officials Confirm First Case of Coronavirus in St. Louis County

Woman in her late 60s contracted the virus, linked to domestic travel. She hasn't had contact with anyone outside her family.

ST. LOUIS COUNTY, Minn.- The Minnesota Department of Health has confirmed the first case of COVID-19 (coronavirus) in St. Louis County. The individual is a woman in her late 60s who is currently recovering at home. Her infection is linked to domestic travel, and not the result of community transmission. “At this point, there has been no request for the…

Midday Update 3-20-20

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Friday, March 20, 2020

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Brittney Merlot for a local look at news and weather making headlines Friday, March 20, 2020. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, brittney merlot, community, Coronavirus, Headlines, Local News, midday update

Minnesota Board of Dentistry Recommends Only Emergency Procedures Amid COVID-19 Pandemic

Dr. Daniel Loban of Loban Dental Speaks Out About the Order from the Minnesota Board of Dentistry

DULUTH, Minn. – Dr. Daniel Loban, the owner of Loban Dental, is speaking out regarding the closure of dental offices unless procedures are for emergency purposes. “I can tell you my propensity is to help people and putting myself at home and understanding how serious this is kind of draws a line in the sand so I can be a…

Ursa Minor Brewing Getting Creative Throughout COVID-19 Pandemic

"We want to keep as many employees working as possible," said Ben Hugus, owner of Ursa Minor Brewing in the Lincoln Park Craft District

DULUTH, Minn. – Staff members at Ursa Minor Brewing in Duluth’s Lincoln Park Craft Distract are doing their part to practice social distancing, while also keeping the lights on inside the facility. The brewery is offering a new beer delivery service as of Thursday, March 19. A valid ID is required at the time of delivery that must match the…

Morning Update 3-20-20

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Friday, March 20, 2020

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Brittney Merlot for a local look at news and weather making headlines Friday, March 20, 2020. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, brittney merlot, community, Coronavirus, Headlines, Local News, morning update

Midday Update 3-19-20

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Thursday, March 19, 2020

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Brittney Merlot for a local look at news and weather making headlines Thursday, March 19, 2020. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, brittney merlot, community, Headlines, Local News, midday update

Morning Update 3-19-20

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Thursday, March 19, 2020

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Brittney Merlot for a local look at news and weather making headlines Thursday, March 19, 2020. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, brittney merlot, community, Headlines, Local News, morning update

Salons, Spas in Minnesota Ordered to Close Through March 27

Owners of Local Salons Speak Out Regarding the Impact of Business Closures

DULUTH, Minn. – If you get your hair cut in Minnesota, you won’t be able to anymore – at least until March 27 at 5:00 p.m. Affective Tuesday, March 17 at 5:00 p.m., under orders from Governor Tim Walz, hair and nail salons as well as spas have been ordered to close due to concerns over COVID-19. This news is…

Culver’s Gives Free Meals to Health Care Workers

Even during this uncertain time, businesses are helping out in the community.

DULUTH, Minn. – Even during this uncertain time, businesses are helping out the community. Culver’s locations in Duluth, Two Harbors, Ashland and Superior are providing value baskets free of charge to health care workers. This includes a choice of a free entree with fries and a beverage. All those who qualify have to do is show their ID badge at…

CHUM Food Shelf Offering To-Go Meal Boxes

The food shelf was helped by a big donation from the Rosary School.

DULUTH, Minn.- CHUM Food Shelf at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church in West Duluth is not letting the Coronavirus stop them from getting food to those in need. The food shelf is offering 20 to-go box meals everyday from 11-1:45 out of the West alley door. CHUM also received a large donation from the Holy Rosary School of 351 pints of…

Ruby’s Pantry Hosting Drive-Thru Service this Month

For this month, Ruby's will be operating outside the church in the parking lot with drive-thru service.

DULUTH, Minn. – Ruby’s Pantry is not stopping its food distribution on Thursday at Duluth’s Coppertop Church, but the way it’s being handed out is much different. Normally people are welcomed into the church basement where they can select their food. For this month, Ruby’s will be operating outside the church in the parking lot with drive-thru service. Cars will…

Superior Family Restaurant Offers Free Meals to Anyone in Need

Restaurant still offers normal takeout 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

SUPERIOR, Wis.- Only one day after Wisconsin Bars and Restaurants were abruptly ordered to close, one restaurant in Superior is offering all they can to those in need. Superior Family Restaurant off Tower Avenue is offering free meals to anyone facing hardship who are figuring out where their next meal is coming from. The offer is not limited to children…

Wisconsin Child Care Workers Saddened by Call for Limit on Staff, Children

Governor Evers's order puts a huge burden on employees and parents.

SUPERIOR, Wis.- One of Superior’s busier child care centers reacts to Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers’s decision to scale back staff and amount of children in child care settings. The order dictates that organizations are not allowed to operate with more than 10 staff and 50 kids present. Meanwhile in Minnesota on Tuesday, Governor Tim Walz offered support to child care…

Midday Update 3-18-20

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Wednesday, March 18, 2020

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott for a local look at news and weather making headlines Wednesday, March 18, 2020. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Local News, midday update

Animal Allies Taking Precautionary Measures Amid COVID-19 Pandemic

Animal Allies Humane Society in Duluth Postpones Humane Education Activities, Volunteer Trainings Until End of April

DULUTH, Minn. – The COVID-19 pandemic is now impacting the animals up for adoption in the Northland. Animal Allies Humane Society in Duluth announced Wednesday morning on FOX 21 Local News that all humane education activities and volunteer trainings will be postponed until the end of April. Michelle Carter, Development Officer at Animal Allies, said the shelter is experiencing shifts…

Morning Update 3-18-20

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Wednesday, March 18, 2020

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Brittney Merlot for a local look at news and weather making headlines Wednesday, March 18, 2020. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, brittney merlot, community, Headlines, Local News, morning update

Grandma’s Marathon Still on for June, Officials Discussing Further Action

Officials recommend participants should look into cancellation plans for lodging in case race is postponed or cancelled.

DULUTH, Minn.- Grandma’s Marathon has not decided yet if the race of more than 9,000 runners will be cancelled because of the Coronavirus. Race officials told us they are right now discussing whether they need to cancel or postpone the race in June 19th. As for now, the race is still on. But officials are urging runners and spectators to…

Gov. Evers Shocks Bar, Restaurant Owners with Sudden Statewide Closure

Owners given just three hours notice, after being told they could close Wednesday.

SUPERIOR, Wis.- Wisconsin business owners had just three hours to get ready for a 5 p.m. hard shutdown of bars and restaurants ordered from the very top in Madison. “We all thought it was kind of a short notice, we all probably should’ve got a 24 hours notice,” said Superior Flame Nightclub owner Alvin Berg. “We’re gonna comply and we…

Great Outdoors: Northlanders Enjoy The Sun

DULUTH, Minn. –  “Spend a couple days up here in Duluth and enjoy the surrounding area,” Champlin Resident, Jared Galligan says. That’s just what Jared Galligan and his family were able to do for a weekend while his children are on spring break. “They love this area. They always loving climbing on the rocks. Swimming at the hotel pools,” Galligan…

9Round Duluth Deals With Temporary Closure Due to Coronavirus

All gyms in Minnesota were forced to close by 5 p.m. on Tuesday, impacting many local gyms including 9Round Duluth.

DULUTH, Minn. – As of 5 p.m. Tuesday, all gyms are now temporarily closed in Minnesota, as Governor Tim Walz said on Monday. This impacts many local gyms, including 9Round Duluth, that specializes in kickboxing. 9Round worked to stay open for as long as possible, upping their cleaning schedule, the give athletes and members the safest experience possible. “Being that…

Midday Update 3-17-20

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Tuesday, March 17, 2020

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott for a local look at news and weather making headlines Tuesday, March 17, 2020. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Local News, midday update

Morning Update 3-17-20

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Tuesday, March 17, 2020

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Brittney Merlot for a local look at news and weather making headlines Tuesday, March 17, 2020. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, brittney merlot, community, Headlines, Local News, morning update

Duluth International Increases Santization for Passengers Coming Through

Officials say depending on numbers, a processing/screening center could be a possibility.

DULUTH, Minn.- The Duluth International Airport is also taking measures to keep its facilities safe, as Coronavirus spreads nationwide. Airport officials said that traffic through the airport has dropped a bit recently, though a steady flow of passengers are still coming through. While there are no plans to quarantine or screen passengers or even airline staff as they come from…

Duluth Restaurant Owners Brace Themselves as Gov. Walz Announces Statewide Closure

Closure affects only dine-in customers, takeout and delivery services continue.

DULUTH, Minn.- Governor Tim Walz has ordered bars and restaurants across Minnesota to temporarily close to customers who dine in, as the number of Coronavirus cases in the state reaches 54–a dramatic jump in just a few days. This follows an increasing number of states across the country closing their bars and restaurants. The San Francisco Bay Area has gone…

Midday Update 3-16-20

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Monday, March 16, 2020

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Brittney Merlot for a local look at news and weather making headlines Monday, March 16, 2020. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, brittney merlot, community, Headlines, Local News, midday update

St. Luke’s Advanced Wound Care & Hyperbaric Center Healing Thousands

Coffee Conversation: Exploring St. Luke's Advanced Wound Care & Hyperbaric Center

DULUTH, Minn. – A specific type of treatment offered by St. Luke’s Hospital is yielding beneficial results for thousands of patient in the Northland. St. Luke’s Advanced Wound Care & Hyperbaric Center recently was recognized with a national award. The Center’s highly-trained wound care specialists work to create care plans to help each person become to healthiest version of themselves….

Morning Update 3-16-20

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Monday, March 16, 2020

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Brittney Merlot for a local look at news and weather making headlines Monday, March 16, 2020. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, brittney merlot, community, Headlines, Local News, morning update

Duluth Restaurants Take Precautions Against COVID-19

As restaurants close across the country, restaurants here try their best to stay open.

DULUTH, Minn.- The President of the Duluth Local Restaurant Association is commenting on how some restaurants in the city are coping with the impacts of people taking precautions and staying home because of the Coronavirus. Currently, all bars and restaurants in Illinois, Ohio, California and Massachusetts have been ordered by their Governors to close to slow the community spread of…

Gov. Walz Closes Minnesota Schools for Two Weeks to Plan for Coronavirus

The two-week period is for school officials and teachers to plan for long-term closures, distance learning.

DULUTH, Minn.- In the most intense step the State of Minnesota has taken in response to the Coronavirus, Governor Tim Walz signed an executive order closing all schools in the state starting Wednesday, until March 27th. This comes just two days after Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers announced all schools statewide would close through April 6th. While parents prepare to cope…

St. Patrick’s Day for the Whole Family at Dubh Linn

Pub expects 2,000 people to come through between Saturday and Tuesday.

DULUTH, Minn.- A family-friendly St. Patrick’s Day celebration is happening at Dubh Linn Irish Brew Pub. According to Pub staff, they’ve been less busy than most years, mostly due to people staying away from public places due to the Coronavirus. However they still expect a lot of families Saturday night, to partake in the green beer 400 lbs of corned…