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Midday Update 8-3-20

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Monday, August 3, 2020

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist William Seay for a local look at news and weather making headlines Monday, August 3, 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: Monday, August 3

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Minnesota health officials reported 56,560 confirmed COVID-19 cases in the state Monday morning and 2 new deaths bringing the death total to 1,616 in Minnesota. According to the Minnesota Department of Health website, 1,070,925 tests have been completed to date. There are 49,565 patients who no longer require isolation. So far, 5,298 patients have required hospitalization…

Duluth Superior Pride Festival Going Virtual Amid COVID-19 Pandemic

Duluth Superior Pride Virtual Festival Begins Thursday, September 3, 2020

DULUTH, Minn. – The 34th annual Duluth Superior Pride Festival will go on virtually this year amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Event organizers say after months of discussion, it simply wasn’t responsible to move forward with an in-person celebration as in year’s past. “I think it’s extremely important to host a virtual celebration. Pride is based on community and taking a…

Morning Update 8-3-20

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Monday, August 3, 2020

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist William Seay for a local look at news and weather making headlines Monday, August 3, 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

Wheel Fun Bike Rentals Busy Despite Pandemic

The company rents out single and double surrey bikes complete with four wheels, a roof, and even steering wheel for riders to cruise around Canal Park.

DULUTH, Minn. – Down in Canal Park, Sunday was a busy day for the Wheel Fun bike rentals. The company rents out single and double surrey bikes complete with four wheels, a roof, and even steering wheel for riders to cruise around Canal Park. This year, the manager says they are seeing a lot more out-of-state customers, but they continue…

Church Hosts First Outdoor Worship Session

One Northland church had its first in-person worship session today since the pandemic began.

SUPERIOR, Wis. – One Northland church had its first in-person worship session today since the pandemic began. Bethel Lutheran Church held its Sunday service outdoors as it welcomed worshippers back. The church usually meets on John Avenue in Superior, but today, dozens of congregants met with their lawn chairs and masks at Webster Park. Unlike previous meetings, there was no…

Childcare Center Opens Second Location

The owners of the Mesabi Preschool Academy say they're excited to open up a second location in the middle of downtown Duluth to serve families in the area.

DULUTH, Minn. – The owners of the Mesabi Preschool Academy say they’re excited to open up a second location in the middle of downtown Duluth to serve families in the area. Before the start of COVID, there was a shortage of spaces in childcare facilities. However, at the beginning of the pandemic, there was a drop in enrollment, most likely…

250 Riders Speed Around Annual Dirt Bike Hare scramble

Riders spent around two hours doing laps around the nearly 9-mile course at Echo Valley Motocross Park in Brookston.

BROOKSTON, Minn. – Despite cancelations of events all over the Northland due to COVID-19 the annual hare scramble forged ahead for dirt bikers. 250 riders of all ages came out to participate in the Echo Valley Range Riders Harescramble, a dirt bike race that speeds through wood off-road terrain. Riders spent around two hours doing laps around the nearly 9-mile…

Blacksmiths Forge Interest in Metalworking at Glensheen Mansion

DULUTH, Minn.- Visitors at Glensheen Mansion Saturday got to learn about an old-fashioned trade — being a blacksmith. Forging Community’s blacksmiths were on the mansion grounds demonstrating metal working and smithing. Glensheen staff say they appreciate having them every year and they are an even more valuable attraction during the pandemic. “For the public it’s always kind of fun to…

Pro-Police, ‘Reconstruct Police’ Groups Both Protest Outside Superior Government Center

The two protests converged to speak out on what they see as two very different sides of a police badge. 

SUPERIOR, Wis.- Signs and flags, conversations and tensions filled the grounds of the Government Center as a group in support of Superior Police, and a group pushing to restructure their local law enforcement protested in the same space. “We believe that there’s a lot within SPD that needs to be changed,” said Waylon J of the Expose the Gap group….

Wisconsin Mask Mandate Now in Effect

Wisconsinites are mandated to wear the masks indoors or face a potential $200 penalty.

ASHLAND, Wis. – Wisconsin Governor Tony Ever’s statewide mandatory mask order began on Saturday. The order requires people over five years old to wear masks in indoor spaces. Wisconsinites are mandated to wear the masks indoors or face a potential $200 penalty. Ashland’s city council voted not to rule on a mask mandate this week, but per Gov. Evers’ order,…

Minnesota Faces Potential $4.7 Billion Budget Deficit

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) – Minnesota faces a potential $4.7 billion deficit in its next two-year budget due to economic fallout from the coronavirus pandemic. The Minnesota Management and Budget office said Friday that the pandemic has made economic conditions “extremely volatile” as a new planning estimate shows a continued deterioration of state finances. Minnesota has received more than $2…

Spirit Room Hosts Boozy Ice Cream Social

Patrons were encouraged to bring some lawn chairs and sit out and listen to music from the band Similar Dogs.

SUPERIOR, Wis. – The Spirit Room cocktail bar in Superior hosted a boozy ice cream social in their parking lot accompanied by live music. Patrons were encouraged to bring some lawn chairs and sit out and listen to music from the band Similar Dogs. Some of the creations include boozy cocktails, beer floats, and champagne with sherbert. The Spirit Room’s…

More than 100,000 Masks Being Handed out to St. Louis County Businesses

On Friday 50,000 masks alone were being distributed in Duluth, only a small porting of the 138,000 disposable masks sent by the state to be given out across Minnesota.

DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth Area Chamber of Commerce distributed thousands of masks on Friday outside the DECC. The masks were sent from the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development to make sure everyone can follow the new statewide mask requirement in Minnesota. On Friday 50,000 masks alone were being distributed in Duluth, only a small porting of the…

Fond du Luth Casino Employee Tests Positive for COVID-19

DULUTH, Minn. – A Fond du Luth Casino employee has tested positive for COVID-19. The casino sent the following statement about the positive test: “A Fond du Luth employee has tested positive for COVID-19. Immediate action was taken by the Fond du Luth’s management including an internal process to determine who was in contact with the employee. Fond du Luth is…

Black Beach Campground Busy in First Month

Black Beach Campground opened on June 25 and campground staff say it's been at about 95 percent capacity since.

SILVER BAY, Minn. – If you’re looking for a new spot to camp out at on the North Shore, head to Silver Bay to check out the new campground there. Black Beach Campground opened on June 25 and campground staff say it’s been at 95 percent capacity since then. Tourists have been enjoying the new space along the shores of…

Produce Stand on Central Entrance in Duluth Busy During Pandemic

DC's Best Produce Farms has been selling their fresh-picked tomatoes, cucumbers, and watermelon there for years. 

DULUTH, Minn.- Fresh produce is in full bloom throughout the Northland, including at a stand on Central Entrance Road. DC’s Best Produce Farms in Esko has been selling their fresh-picked tomatoes, cucumbers, and watermelon there for years. They say during the pandemic, they’ve seen more people stopping by for some locally-grown goodies. “It’s coming straight from the farm to here…

Duluth City Crews Clear Heavy Chunks of Metal Culvert from Lester River

Crews said they were pieces of culverts washed out from the 2012 flood. 

DULUTH, Minn.- Among the swimmers in the river and hikers on the trail, some may have spotted city crews at Lester Park clearing metal debris out of the river. Public works responded to a citizen report of chunks of metal floating downstream. Crews said they were pieces of culverts washed out from the 2012 flood. Some of those pieces weiged…

WITC Unveils New Fire Truck for More Accurate Real-World Training

The new fire truck is being used for training and driver operations in the fire services program and for drivers in the CDL program to get the feel of driving a different type of rig. 

SUPERIOR, Wis.- Student firefighters at Wisconsin Indianhead Technical College in Superior have just started training on a new fire truck to practice for more complex and challenging emergencies that life as a firefighter could throw their way. Costing about $250,000, the new truck sports a modern pressure control system, which instructors say helps in transporting water over longer distances in…

Northland Schools Begin Work on Fall Learning Plans After Gov. Walz’s Reopening Announcement

CARLTON, Minn.– Governor Walz’s plan to for schools this fall will let districts choose one of the three options, in person, hybrid, and distance learning. All options can be shifted depending on if Coronavirus cases spike. Now, schools around the Northland are working hard find the best solution for their districts. “The whole thing is fluid. And we just need…

Effie Rodeo Attendee Tests Positive for COVID-19, Others Urged to Watch for Symptoms

EFFIE, Minn. – State health officials are urging people that attended the North Star Stampede in Effie to watch for symptoms of COVID-19 after it was determined that an attendee from a neighboring county was infectious at the event. The Minnesota Department of Health says the person developed symptoms and tested positive for COVID-19 on July 27. Health officials confirm…

14 Positive COVID-19 Cases Linked to Camp Eagle Ridge in Mellen

ASHLAND COUNTY, Wis. – Ashland County Public Health officials say they are currently investigating after 14 people associated with Camp Eagle Ridge in Mellen have now tested positive for COVID-19. “Ashland County Public Health is working with Camp Eagle Ridge leadership and staff to conduct an investigation to contain the virus,” said Elizabeth Szot, Health Officer. “Camp Eagle Ridge leadership…

Washburn County Sheriff Won’t Enforce Governor’s Mask Mandate

WASHBURN COUNTY, Wis. – Washburn County Sheriff Dennis Stuart said on Thursday that he would not be enforcing the governor’s mask mandate calling it a violation of the first amendment of the constitution. In a Facebook post today Sheriff Stuart said Governor Tony Ever’s order goes against his deputies’ sworn oath to the constitution. He says to prohibit public gatherings…

Midday Update 7-31-20

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Friday, July 31, 2020

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist William Seay for a local look at news and weather making headlines Friday, July 31, 2020. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Local News, midday update, William Seay

Updated COVID-19 Numbers: Friday, July 31

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Minnesota health officials reported 54,463 confirmed COVID-19 cases in the state Friday morning and 6 new deaths bringing the death total to 1,600 in Minnesota. According to the Minnesota Department of Health website, 1,024,916 tests have been completed to date. There are 47,289 patients who no longer require isolation. So far, 5,155 patients have required hospitalization…

Hibbing Police Seize Nearly 177 Grams of Meth This Week in Two Drug Arrests

HIBBING, Minn. – The Hibbing Police department reported on Friday that officers have seized almost 177 grams of suspected methamphetamine and 2.5 grams of suspected heroin in two separate drug arrests this week. On Monday, officers responded to a report of a single-vehicle accident on Mitchell Bridge. Authorities say the reporting party noted that the male driver took a backpack…

Hartley Nature Center Launches August Fundraising Campaign

"We Heart Hartley" Campaign Runs August 1 - 31, 2020

DULUTH, Minn. – As July wraps up, the folks at Hartley Nature Center in Duluth are thrilled to announce a month-long fundraising effort called “We Heart Hartley.” Hartley Executive Director, Tom O’Rourke said the announcement comes after the cancellation of the center’s annual August fundraiser called “Wine in the Woods.” The cancellation is due in part to the ongoing coronavirus…

Morning Update 7-31-20

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Friday, July 31, 2020

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist William Seay for a local look at news and weather making headlines Friday, July 31, 2020. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Local News, morning update, William Seay

Brewers Home Opener Postponed Due to COVID-19

MILWAUKEE, Wis. – The Milwaukee Brewers home opener has been postponed due to reported positive COVID-19  tests with the St. Louis Cardinals. The Brewers released a statement on their website Friday about the postponement writing: “The following game is postponed. The health and safety of our fans, players, employees and game-day staff is our top priority. We fully support the…

Chisholm Community Reacts to Arrest, Charge of Suspect in Nancy Daugherty Cold Case

Michael Carbo Jr., 52, was charged with second-degree murder Thursday thanks to DNA analysis.

CHISHOLM, Minn.- The people of Chisholm peeled back one of the city’s darkest days — the murder and rape of 38-year-old Nancy Daugherty in her own home — as a man from their very city is now charged with her murder. That man is Michael Carbo Jr., 52, a longtime resident of Chisholm, who was charged with second-degree murder Thursday….

Gov. Walz Announces School Reopening Plan; Districts Allowed to be More Restrictive

The plan allows individual school districts to decided student learning plans this fall based on the prevalence of COVID-19 cases in the county schools are in.

DULUTH, Minn. – Gov. Tim Walz, a retired teacher himself, announced what’s being called the school “Safe Learning Plan” for Minnesota. The plan allows individual school districts to decided student learning plans this fall based on the prevalence of COVID-19 cases in the county schools are in. Gov. Walz stressed the pandemic is impacting schools and communities across the state…

How Parabon NanoLabs Helped Chisholm Police Identify A Cold Case Murder Suspect

CHISHOLM, Minn. — The company that helped Chisholm Police pinpoint suspect Michael Carbo Jr. in the cold case murder of Nancy Daughtery is called Parabon NanoLabs, which specializes in investigative genetic genealogy. Parabon has access to some DNA databases from companies such as GEDmatch and Family Tree DNA, which people send their DNA samples to when they want to learn…

Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers Issues Statewide Mask Mandate

SOLON SPRINGS, Wis.– As Wisconsin records another day of over 1,000 confirmed cases of COVID-19, Governor Tony Evers issued a statewide mask mandate as cases continue to rise. This comes as cities and counties across the state have been setting up mandates themselves. Governor Evers declared a new public health emergency in Wisconsin for the first time since May, expanding…

Duluth Shop Sees Decline in Business, Attributes Dip to Less Tourism

Yarn Harbor says, despite lower sales numbers, people are still knitting in pandemic

DULUTH, Minn. – The pandemic has been tough on small businesses across the region. One local shop in Duluth says business has been slower than usual since it reopened to in-person shopping. Summer is usually the slower season for Yarn Harbor on East Superior Street in Lakeside. But, according to the owner, the store usually gets more tourists stopping in….

Annual Car Show Returns in New Location, Pays Tribute to Local Drivers

Smalley-Moen Memorial Car Show brings hundreds of car lovers to Buffalo House

MIDWAY TOWNSHIP, Minn. – Every year, a memorial car show honors a local car racing legend. Kyle Smalley is usually celebrated at Spirit Valley Days, an event he helped organize. That gathering is canceled this year, so friends, family, and car lovers came together outside the Buffalo House restaurant and bar to honor Smalley’s life. Car people love talking about…

Northland Businesses Partner to Help Those in Need

Three Northland business have come together to support those who are struggling.

NORTHLAND – Three Northland businesses have come together to support those who are struggling. Java Moose in Grand Marais, Fika Coffee in Lutsen and Hoaglund Design have partnered together to create a coffee called Sisu. 10 dollars from each bag of coffee will support the livelihoods of people in Cook County. The project started because in the spring, a number…

Backpack Fundraiser Falling Short of Goal

One local food shelf is in need of more backpacks to meet its fundraising goal.

DULUTH, Minn. – One local food shelf is in need of more backpacks to meet its fundraising goal. Every year, CHUM puts together backpacks to distribute to students who need the supplies, giving them the tools they need before the start of the school year. CHUM is currently 1,000 backpacks short of its goal of 1,400. “If you’re doing homework…

Local Tortoise Finds Way Back Home

A longtime Duluth family pet was lost but is now found after 33 days of being on the loose, and it's not the first time this pet has been gone for an extended time only to eventually return home.

DULUTH, Minn. – A longtime Duluth family pet was lost but is now found after 33 days of being on the loose, and it’s not the first time this pet has been gone for an extended time only to eventually return home. This special tortoise enjoys making strides across the Northland. Flash is estimated to be around 10 to 15…

Dunkin’ to Close 800 US Stores as Pandemic Hurts Sales

CANTON, Mass. (AP) — Dunkin’ Brands Inc. expects to close up to 800 underperforming U.S. stores this year as it tries to shore up its portfolio in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic. The company had previously announced the closure of 450 stores within Speedway gas stations. But the company said Thursday it’s targeting an additional 350 stores, most of…

Governor Walz Announces Localized Return-to-School Plan with Option for Families to Keep Students Home

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Minnesota state officials on Thursday unveiled a plan to reopen schools this fall that gives districts some flexibility to toggle between in-person and online learning, but reserves the right for the state to step in if the coronavirus gets out of control. Gov. Tim Walz acknowledged the importance of schools and the value of in-person learning but…

Evers Orders Masks Statewide as Coronavirus Cases Spike

MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers on Thursday issued a statewide mask mandate amid a spike in coronavirus cases, setting up a conflict with Republican legislative leaders who oppose such a requirement and successfully sued earlier to kill a “safer at home” order. The Democrat Evers declared a new public health emergency, after his initial one expired in…

Midday Update 7-30-20

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Thursday, July 30, 2020

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist William Seay for a local look at news and weather making headlines Thursday, July 30, 2020. Have a great day! Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Local News, midday update, William Seay

Updated COVID-19 Numbers: Thursday, July 30

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Minnesota health officials reported 53,692 confirmed COVID-19 cases in the state Thursday morning and 5 new deaths bringing the death total to 1,594 in Minnesota. According to the Minnesota Department of Health website, 1,007,882 tests have been completed to date. There are 46,965 patients who no longer require isolation. So far, 5,112 patients have required hospitalization…

Former GOP Presidential Candidate Herman Cain Dies After Battle With Coronavirus

ATLANTA (AP) — Former GOP presidential candidate Herman Cain has died after battling the coronavirus. He was 74. A post on Cain’s Twitter account on Thursday announced the death. Cain had been ill with the virus for several weeks. It’s not clear when or where he was infected, but he was hospitalized less than two weeks after attending President Donald…

Minnesota Governor to Announce Reopening Guidance on Schools

(courtesy: Fox 9) MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Gov. Tim Walz is set Thursday to announce guidance for school districts to reopen in the fall as the coronavirus has accelerated statewide in recent weeks. State health and education officials last month asked school districts to prepare for three scenarios: in-person learning for all students, distance learning as in the spring, or a…

Morning Update 7-30-20

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Thursday, July 30, 2020

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist William Seay for a local look at news and weather making headlines Thursday, July 30, 2020. Have a great day! Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Local News, morning update, William Seay

Summer Harvest Provides Perfect Ingredients for Garden Vegetable Stir Fry

Cooking Connection: Garden Vegetable Stir Fry with Noodles

DULUTH, Minn. – Gardens offer ample amounts of fresh ingredients throughout the summer months, but it can be difficult to come up with the perfect recipes to help use up your entire harvest. This is a classic, “you don’t need a recipe dish.” Vary the vegetables and add a protein on the side. Chef Arlene Coco says you can even…

Minneapolis Panel Rejects Proposal to Remove Police Minimum

(Jerry Holt/Star Tribune via AP, File) MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — The Minneapolis Charter Commission on Wednesday rejected sending voters a referendum on eliminating a minimum staffing requirement in the city police department. The 15-member commission voted 8-6 against putting the proposal on the November ballot, with one member absent. The proposal was an alternative to a more aggressive change in the…