News – Latest News

Bayside Sounds Holds First Concert of Summer

SUPERIOR, Wis.– Bayside Sounds has been a summer tradition in Superior for over 25 years. After a late start due to the pandemic, the city was able to hold its first concert Wednesday night. The band South of Superior kicked off the summer concert series over at Billings Park. Dozens of people came out to the park to enjoy some…

Rock Ridge High School Construction on Iron Range Begins

VIRGINIA, Minn.– A new era began earlier today on the Iron Range. Virginia and Eveleth-Gilbert education officials joined forces to break ground for the new Rock Ridge High School. The historic project will not only bring the two schools together but will also ramp up efforts to help students get knowledge and experience in their potential career paths. The schools…

Thousands of Masks Handed Out to Area Businesses

The Hermantown Chamber of Commerce handed out more than 20,000 masks to area businesses.

DULUTH, Minn. – The Hermantown Chamber of Commerce handed out more than 20,000 masks to area businesses. The goal of the event is to make sure every business along with their customers have a mask if they need them. The Chamber of Commerce expected about 200 businesses to come through for the event. “We want everybody to be safe and…

New Beer Garden Opens

One local brewery has opened its own outdoor beer garden.

DULUTH, Minn. – One local brewery has opened its own outdoor beer garden. Over at Bent Paddle in the Lincoln Park Craft District, the staff has put together tables and chairs outside where their guests can sip on some cold brews while staying socially distanced from other groups. Leadership from the business say their main goal is to keep people…

Rock Ridge High School Being Built on Iron Range

VIRGINIA, Minn.– A new era began earlier today up on the Iron Range as communities from Virginia and Eveleth-Gilbert broke ground on the new Rock Ridge High School. The new high school, expected to be completed in two years, will feature four different academies that will give students hands-on experience to help them find a career path after graduation. Even…

Real Estate Market Doing Well During Pandemic

The combination of a lack of inventory along with low interest rates has caused the local real estate market to reach new heights.

DULUTH, Minn. – The combination of a lack of inventory along with low interest rates has caused the local real estate market to reach new heights. One local real estate expert says some people just want to get away from the cramped larger cities where there’s bigger prevalence of the coronavirus. “We’re seeing more people wanting to come to this…

MN Supreme Court Upholds Life Sentence, Conviction in UMD Student Murder Case

ST. PAUL, Minn. – The Minnesota Supreme Court has upheld the conviction and sentencing of a Duluth man found guilty of first-degree murder for the fatal shooting of a UMD student in 2017. Last month, 24-year-old Deandre Davenport, appealed his conviction and sentencing saying that the court failed to provide the jury with proper instructions regarding a testimony provided by…

Moderna Details Coronavirus Vaccine Pricing as Orders Roll in

(Fox Business) – Moderna’s customers are lining up to order its coronavirus vaccine even though it’s still in the experimental state. “We have received approximately $400 million of customer deposits for potential supply. As we pivot to a commercial-stage company, we recognize the need for responsible pricing in the face of the pandemic,” CEP Stéphane Bancel said in the company’s earnings release. Pricing for smaller…

Midday Update 8-5-20

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Wednesday, August 5, 2020

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist William Seay for a local look at news and weather making headlines Wednesday, August 5, 2020. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Local News, midday update, News, William Seay

Updated COVID-19 Numbers: Wednesday, August 5

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Minnesota health officials reported 57,779 confirmed COVID-19 cases in the state Wednesday morning and 9 new deaths bringing the death total to 1,629 in Minnesota. According to the Minnesota Department of Health website, 1,090,303 tests have been completed to date. There are 51,223 patients who no longer require isolation. So far, 5,373 patients have required hospitalization…

Minnesota Bigfoot Research Team Hosting Inaugural Conference

The Minnesota Bigfoot Conference is Happening Friday, August 7 - Sunday, August 9

GRAND RAPIDS, Minn. – Over the past 20 years, Minnesota Bigfoot Research Team has grown as an organization, and now the founder is looking to celebrate in a big way. Founder Abe Del Rio is thrilled to host the first-ever Minnesota Bigfoot Conference beginning Friday, August 7, running through Sunday, August 9. The home base for the event is at…

Goodwill in Superior Closed Temporarily due to Employee Testing Positive for Coronavirus

SUPERIOR, Wis. – The Superior Goodwill location announced on Wednesday that it will be temporarily closed due to an employee testing positive for COVID-19. The store says employees may have been exposed to the virus and are being required to self-quarantine for the recommended 14 days. Due to the temporary closure, the store says it will not be accepting donations…

Spirit Halloween to Open in Former Duluth Shopko Location Later This Month

DULUTH, Minn. – A new Halloween store is opening in Duluth later this month. Spirit Halloween says they plan to be open August 27 at the former Shopko located at 801 West Central Entrance. The store will be offering “a wide variety of Halloween costumes and decor including animatronics and accessories that are perfect for trick-or-treating or throwing a Halloween…

Recent Incident Sparks Plea from Wildwoods: “Stop Littering”

The Canadian Goose Caught in String Was Cut Free, Then Transferred For Further Medical Care

DULUTH, Minn. – Millions of animals are injured or even killed annually due to the careless actions of human beings. Littering – whether it be cans, containers, string, or fishing line, these materials don’t mix well when coming into contact with animals. Wildwoods Wildlife Rehab Center in Duluth is speaking out regarding a recent incident that could have taken the…

Duluth Grill Temporarily Closes due to Employee Testing Positive for COVID-19

DULUTH, Minn. – Duluth Grill announced on Tuesday that it will be closing temporarily due to an employee testing positive for COVID-19. The restaurant made the announcement on its Facebook page saying the employee worked in the ‘back of house’ and had little to no contact with guests. Duluth Grill says the staff member has not worked at the restaurant…

Morning Update 8-5-20

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Wednesday, August 5, 2020

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist William Seay for a local look at news and weather making headlines Wednesday, August 5, 2020.   Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Local News, morning update, William Seay

Voters Sue Walz to Block Face Masks at Minnesota Polls

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — A group of voters sued Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz and other officials on Tuesday to try to block a requirement that voters wear face masks at the polling place to help stop the spread of the coronavirus. Members of the Minnesota Voters Alliance, backed by Republican lawmakers, argue that Walz’s mask mandate conflicts with a 1963 state law making…

Willow River, Togo Prisons to Close at End of Year

WILLOW RIVER, Minn.– The Minnesota Department of Corrections has announced plans to close prisons in both Willow River and Togo. The reason is budgetary concerns caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Officials for the DOC call it a difficult decision to close the facilities. Even though the two prisons are the smallest in the state, they have played a big role…

Ashland County Reports First COVID-19 Death, Gov. Evers Provides Statewide Update

More than 960 Wisconsinites have died of COVID-19, 56,000 have tested positive since pandemic began

ASHLAND COUNTY, Wis. – Ashland County reported its first COVID-19 related death Tuesday. As of August 4th, the virus has killed more than 960 people across Wisconsin, and more than 56,000 have tested positive since the pandemic started. “We were in a pretty good place a few months ago, but we’ve hit some serious setbacks, folks, and we will continue…

Duluth Superintendent Recommends In-Person Learning for Elementary, Hybrid for Secondary

Recommendation subject to change before school year begins September 8th

DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth School District’s new superintendent, John Magas, has presented his education strategy for the fall. In his plan, elementary students would return in-person and middle and high school students would return in a hybrid manner, with each student walking through school doors for in-person classes one day per week. “Making this more safe quite often means…

Local Sports Stores Busy Restocking Following MSHSL’s Fall Sports Announcement

The MSHSL announced that soccer, cross country, girls tennis and girls swimming and diving will happen this fall, so local sports stores are now getting the gear in so those athletes can return to practice.

DULUTH, Minn. – The MSHSL announced on Tuesday afternoon that soccer, cross country, girls tennis and girls swimming and diving will happen this fall, while football and volleyball will be pushed to the spring. “It’s just nice to hear that the seasons are going to happen for everybody and they’re not just going to cancel one season and play it…

Northland Businesses Help Make People Look Good and Feel Good

In this day and age of online meetings and masks, makeup and fashion seemed to have taken a backseat. However, businesses in the Northland are providing ways for people to look their best even during these uncertain times.

NORTHLAND – In this day and age of online meetings and masks, makeup and fashion seemed to have taken a backseat. However, businesses in the Northland are providing ways for people to look their best even during these uncertain times. For instance, at Mix Cosmetiques on Woodland Avenue, owners make custom makeup that doesn’t smudge under your mask. Guests can…

Willow River Prison to Close at End of Year

WILLOW RIVER, Minn.– The Minnesota Department of Corrections announced yesterday that it’s going to close the prisons in Willow River and Togo as they try to stay afloat with huge budget shortfalls caused by the virus outbreak. The department is facing a $14 million budget deficit that could grow to as much as $25 million over the next two fiscal…

City of Duluth Prepares for Primary Election

Over in Duluth, residents can send in an absentee ballot or if they do go to the polls, voters need to wear masks unless they have a medical issue.

DULUTH, Minn. – Many cities across the Northland are preparing for the upcoming primary election next Tuesday. Over in Duluth, residents can send in an absentee ballot or if they do go to the polls, voters need to wear masks unless they have a medical issue. Staff will be wiping down surfaces after each person who steps into the ballot…

Stella Maris Plans to Reopen

Schools are getting ready for the fall semester in a variety of ways, including the private school Stella Maris Academy.

DULUTH, Minn. – Schools are getting ready for the fall semester in a variety of ways, including the private school Stella Maris Academy. The catholic school, which goes from pre-K to eighth grade, is giving parents and students the option of being onsite or online. Students will then be allowed to transition between the two depending on a variety of…

Evers: No Plan to Close Schools, Will let Locals Decide

(courtesy: WI Dept of Health Services via AP) MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Gov. Tony Evers says he has no secret plans to ban in-person instruction for Wisconsin’s K-12 students this fall. Republican lawmakers are worried that Evers is planning to order schools to close their doors and offer online instruction only, as the coronavirus pandemic rages on. But the governor…

MSHSL Votes to Push High School Football, Volleyball to Spring of 2021 Amid Pandemic

MINNEAPOLIS (Fox 9) – The Minnesota State High School League met Tuesday morning to determine what the options are for the high school fall sports season amid the Covid-19 pandemic. Thousands of high school athletes are awaiting word on their futures after hundreds of seniors across the state had their 2020 spring seasons canceled due to the global health pandemic….

Routine Bridge Inspections in Duluth Scheduled Next Week

DULUTH, Minn. – The Minnesota Department of Transportation says motorists in Duluth should plan for temporary closures and detours next week while crews conduct routine bridge inspections. Upcoming closures and detours include: Monday, August 10 through Tuesday, August 11 Right lane closures on northbound I-35 over Grand Avenue/Highway 23 Wednesday, August 12 The entrance ramp from Grand Avenue/Highway 23 to…

Midday Update 8-4-20

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Tuesday, August 4, 2020

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist William Seay for a local look at news and weather making headlines Tuesday, August 4, 2020. Have a great day! Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Local News, midday update, News, William Seay

Updated COVID-19 Numbers: Tuesday, August 4

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Minnesota health officials reported 57,162 confirmed COVID-19 cases in the state Tuesday morning and 4 new deaths bringing the death total to 1,620 in Minnesota. According to the Minnesota Department of Health website, 1,078,695 tests have been completed to date. There are 50,426 patients who no longer require isolation. So far, 5,346 patients have required hospitalization…

Keetac Mine to Remain Indefinitely Idled

KEEWATIN, Minn. – U.S. Steel’s Keetac mine remains indefinitely idled amid the coronavirus pandemic. In April, it was announced that layoffs would begin for employees who have been at the mine for three years or less. Of the roughly 380 workers that have been laid off since May, about 40 of them are still able to work on special projects…

Walz Again Requests Federal Help to Rebuild After Unrest

(AP Photo/Jim Mone) ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) — Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz is again asking for federal help to rebuild from the unrest that followed George Floyd’s death. Walz said Monday he has requested a U.S. Small Business Administration disaster declaration that would free up low-interest loans to help property owners rebuild. “We remain committed to working with the impacted…

Morning Update 8-4-20

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Tuesday, August 4, 2020

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist William Seay for a local look at news and weather making headlines Tuesday, August 4, 2020. Have a great day! Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Local News, morning update, News, William Seay

Judge Extends Minnesota Vote-by-Mail Changes to November

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) — A judge on Monday extended changes in Minnesota’s absentee ballot rules to the November general election. Ramsey County Judge Sara Grewing approved the agreement allowing Minnesota voters to submit their mail-in or absentee ballots in the Nov. 3 general election without witness signatures, the Star Tribune reported. Election officials also will count ballots that arrive within seven…

Fabian Seafood Truck Visits Duluth

DULUTH, Minn.– Area residents were able to get their hands on some fresh seafood Monday. Fabian Seafood made the trip up from Texas to Duluth, continuing the 40-plus year old tradition of coming to the Northland. Fabian workers say their biggest seller in Duluth is jumbo shrimp. While this isn’t the first time they have made the trip to Duluth…

Missing Hermantown Elderly Man Found Safe

HERMANTOWN, Minn.– An elderly man who went missing from an assisted living facility in Hermantown has been found safe and in good health about 60 miles away on the Iron Range. The 80 year old man was discovered missing around 2 p.m. this morning after he left at about 7:30 that evening from his home at the Golden Oaks Facility…

Proctor Public Schools Discusses Fall Options

PROCTOR, Minn.– In Proctor, the school board met Monday night to discuss their plans moving forward after Governor Walz’s announcement last week allowing school districts to decide reopening strategies for themselves. The Proctor School District went through details of what each option could look like, whether they choose to go for distance learning, in-person, or a hybrid of both in…

Nurses Picket for New Contract at Essentia Health-Virginia

Nurses say they've been without a contract for more than a year, they're asking for safety language in contracts and 'safe staffing levels.'

VIRGINIA, Minn. – Nurses who work for Essentia Health’s hospital in Virginia aren’t on strike, but they picketed outside the healthcare facility Monday. Nurses say they want to get a deal done now after working there without a contract for more than a year. 103 Minnesota Nurses Association (MNA) nurses work at Essentia Health-Virginia. The union is asking the healthcare…

Bong Center Continues Youth Programming

The Bong Center in Superior is holding multiple youth programs over the summer.

SUPERIOR, Wis. – The Bong Center in Superior is holding multiple youth programs over the summer. One is catered to middle school students while the other is geared towards high schoolers. During the Junior Curators program, middle schoolers get the chance to complete the oral history of a veteran and put together a mini-exhibit on them. For the Bong Squadron,…

Wild State Cider Adds Ice Cream to Menu

One local cidery is launching an ice cream line.

DULUTH, Minn. – One local cidery is launching an ice cream line. Wild State Cider is starting Camp Creemee, which is Minnesota’s only Vermont-style soft serve ice cream shop. One of the owners of Wild State Cider lived in Vermont before coming to Minnesota where he learned about cider and about rich soft-serve ice cream. “By adding ice cream to…

Northland Private Schools Prep for In-Person Classes

Both the Marshall School and the Montessori School of Duluth are preparing to send kids physically back into the classroom but in a socially-distanced manner.

DULUTH, Minn. – Both the Marshall School and the Montessori School of Duluth are preparing to send kids physically back into the classroom but in a socially-distanced manner. On the one hand, the Marshall School has taken time to analyze the physical spaces within the school to arrange them for social distancing while maximizing fresh air. Cleaning and disinfecting are…

Lake Superior Community Health Center to Open New Dental Center in Carlton

The Carlton Dental Center opens on Tuesday at 210 Third Street. 

CARLTON, Minn. – A new dental center is putting on the finishing touches as it prepares for its grand opening. The Lake Superior Community Health Center (LSCHC) is expanding to Carlton to open the Carlton Dental Center. LSCHC works to provide affordable dental appointments and proceducres for those who may not be able to afford care. “There’s a shortage of available…

New Thrift Store Opens in Cloquet

Highway 45 Thrift Store opened in Cloquet in June and is serving a need for the community after Goodwill and Salvation Army closed.

CLOQUET, Minn. – Thrifting is a popular way to shop for many and now a new local thrift store is serving Cloquet. Highway 45 Thrift Store opened in Cloquet in June. The opening has been in the works for years and with the recent closures of Goodwill and Salvation Army Thrift Store in the Cloquet area, their services were needed…

Semi Tanker Truck Catches Fire on Highway 53

COTTON, Minn. – A semi tanker truck caught fire early Monday afternoon on Highway 53 near Cotton causing the northbound lane to remain closed for over an hour, according to the Northland FireWire. A Facebook post on the Northland FireWire page says multiple St. Louis County fire departments responded to reports of the fire around 1:00 p.m. The fire was…

Minnesota Department of Corrections: Two State Prisons to Close Due to ‘Budget Crisis’

TOGO, Minn. – The Minnesota Department of Corrections announced on Monday that it plans to close prison facilities in Togo and Willow River due to a “substantial budget crisis.” The Minnesota DOC says it is closing the state’s two smallest prisons as it is facing a $14 million budget deficit for the current fiscal year. The combined budget for the…

Wisconsin’s Democratic Governor Endorses Biden for President

(courtesy: WI Dept of Health Services via AP) MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Wisconsin Democratic Gov. Tony Evers is endorsing Joe Biden for president. The move announced Monday comes after Evers declined to endorse anyone in the primary and just two weeks before the start of the Democratic National Convention in Milwaukee. Biden has promised to make the trip to Milwaukee…