News – Latest News

Two Harbors Tourism Going Strong During Pandemic

TWO HARBORS, Minn.– At the halfway point of summer, it has been different for tourism communities like Two Harbors. As the pandemic continues, businesses are trying to find the right balance of staying busy and keeping tourists and locals healthy. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, at the beginning of summer, people in the Two Harbors community didn’t know what to…

Canal Bark Celebrates Fifth Anniversary

Canal Bark is celebrating its fifth year in business with a Barkiversary this week.

DULUTH, Minn. – Canal Bark is celebrating its fifth year in business with a Barkiversary this week. The business is giving away prizes and doing some fun giveaways through its Facebook and Instagram accounts. Certificates for services, toys and dog things are some of the prizes being given away. “We’re just so thankful to everyone who’ss supported us over the…

New Music Video for Census Efforts

The City of Duluth has partnered with DanSan Creative to have a group of local artists write and produce a music video to bring attention to the census.

DULUTH, Minn. – The City of Duluth has partnered with DanSan Creative to have a group of local artists write and produce a music video to bring attention to the census. To fund the project, the city of Duluth applied for a $5000 grant through the state while asking local artists to get involved in the project. Those artists tell…

New Mask Reduces Ear Sensitivity

One local Duluth business has started carrying masks that can be attached to a headband instead of your ear, which is expected to reduce ear sensitivity.

DULUTH, Minn. – One local Duluth business has started carrying masks that can be attached to a headband instead of your ear, which is expected to reduce ear sensitivity. Management from Duluth Studio Market on 45th ave. East says the product is meant to fit anyone comfortably. “We have a lot of different kinds of masks here because with the…

Updated COVID-19 Numbers: Wednesday, July 29

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Minnesota health officials reported 52,947 confirmed COVID-19 cases in the state Wednesday morning and 9 new deaths bringing the death total to 1,589 in Minnesota. According to the Minnesota Department of Health website, 993,091 tests have been completed to date. There are 46,636 patients who no longer require isolation. So far, 5,077 patients have required hospitalization…

Mayor Frey Closes all Indoor Bar Areas in Minneapolis due to COVID-19 Pandemic

  MINNEAPOLIS (FOX 9) – Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey is closing all indoor bar areas due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. The emergency regulation, which goes into effect at 5 p.m. on Aug. 1, also covers taprooms, distilleries, nightclubs, and restaurants with a bar area. This does not mean, however, that bars must close their doors. The bar areas within restaurants and other…

Midday Update 7-29-20

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Wednesday, July 29, 2020

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist William Seay for a local look at news and weather making headlines Wednesday, July 29, 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

Local Veterinarians Warn Pet Owners of Hot Vehicle Dangers

Vets Say Even on a Mild Summer Day, Vehicles Can Reach Deadly Temperatures in a Matter of Minutes

DULUTH, Minn. – As the dog days of summer set in, local veterinarians and animal control remind pet owners to think twice before leaving your animal in any vehicle. Animals can quickly suffer from heatstroke or suffocation when left in a vehicle for a short amount of time. Lindsay Neimi, medical manager at Animal Allies Humane Society, says heatstroke or…

Canal Park Grandma’s Saloon & Grill, Little Angie’s to Temporarily Close After Employees Test Positive for COVID

DULUTH, Minn. – Two Canal Park restaurants will be temporarily closing due to employees testing positive for COVID-19. Grandma’s Saloon & Grill in Canal Park announced on Wednesday that a second employee at the restaurant has tested positive for COVID-19 and an employee has now tested positive at the Little Angie’s restaurant as well. The announcement was made on the…

Morning Update 7-29-20

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Wednesday, July 29, 2020

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist William Seay for a local look at news and weather making headlines Wednesday, July 29, 2020. Have a great day! Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Local News, morning update, William Seay

State Moves Prisoner Intake From St. Cloud due to COVID-19

ST. CLOUD, Minn. (AP) — The Minnesota Department of Corrections is moving the state’s prisoner intake operations from the St. Cloud prison where the number of coronavirus cases has spiked. The intake function will move to the Lino Lakes prison north of the Twin Cities this week, and will remain there “for the foreseeable future” to allow the St. Cloud…

Drive-thru Testing Site Comes To Superior

Another testing event is scheduled in Solon Springs on Thursday.

SUPERIOR, Wis. – Nearly 100 people in Douglas County have already tested positive for the Coronavirus since the start of the pandemic. In response to the increasing number of cases, the county is partnering with the national guard to offer free drive-thru testing in Superior. The event will be able to test up to five hundred people. Anyone with any…

Day Tripper of Duluth Continues Guided Tours

Day Tripper of Duluth does guided tours of different outdoor activities like paddling, canoeing, hiking and mountain biking in the summer. 

DULUTH, Minn. – Even with many things closed, there’s still plenty to do here in the summer. And one local business is helping customers grab a paddle or hop on a bike and explore the outdoors. While tourism is down this summer in Duluth, Day Tripper of Duluth is still busy with customers. “It’s definitely been a different summer. We’ve…

Aluminum Can Shortage Having Huge Impacts On Northland Breweries And Cideries

Canned beverage sales account for 90% of revenue for Bent Paddle Brewing.

DULUTH, Minn. – Breweries and cideries in the Northland are being thrown another curveball as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. A national aluminum can shortage is beginning to have major impacts on those businesses, which is causing some big concerns. Many breweries and cideries are scrambling to get their hands on a supply of aluminum cans to survive the…

Duluth Mayor Reacts to Costco Officially Coming to the City

DULUTH, Minn. –With about $2 million in tax breaks now approved for infrastructure improvements, Costco is officially coming to Duluth next fall. After a year of negotiating with the retailer, Duluth Mayor Emily Larson said she’s excited that both the city and county tax abatement proposals were approved. St. Louis County commissioners unanimously approved $650,000 in tax abatement for Costco…

Skaters Shred at Superior Skate Park

Skate park open every day until 10 p.m.

SUPERIOR, Wis. – Skaters are having a blast at the Superior Skate Park on Hammond Avenue. Skateboards, scooters, and bikes whizz by each other on the pavement. Kids and adults perform jumps and tricks on the ramps and pipes there. One skateboarder we talked to says he goes to the park every day. “I just like it because it’s an…

Local Campgrounds Busy This Summer

All sites are full at Buffalo Valley Campground

MIDWAY TOWNSHIP, Minn. – Local campgrounds are having what could be their busiest summer ever. One campground manager tells us it’s tough to get a site between Duluth and Canada. All 130 campsites are full at Buffalo Valley Campground. Manager Darrell Eckenberg says weekend sites are filling up weeks in advance. “My phone doesn’t stop ringing now. It starts at…

Ashland City Council Votes to Urge County to Issue Mask Mandate

City attorney says it's unclear if the city has the authority to require masks directly

ASHLAND, Wis. – The Ashland City Council is choosing not to create its own mask mandate, but is instead urging the Ashland County Health Department to require masks in places open to the public and to restrict large gatherings. At the council meeting on Tuesday, the city attorney said it’s unclear if the city has the legal authority to require…

COVID-19 Testing Begins on Iron Range

CHISOLM, Minn.– With new COVID-19 cases continuing to cause concern, St. Louis County and the Minnesota Department of Health are ramping up their testing capacity on the Iron Range. In Chisholm, there is free community testing site now set up and the first day was a busy one. “We’re pleased with how many people have preregistered so far. And we’re…

Local Colleges Prep for Fall Semester

As we get closer to fall, Northland colleges are preparing to reopen their campuses for in-person classes. In particular, UMD is prepping for students to arrive.

DULUTH, Minn. – As we get closer to fall, Northland colleges are preparing to reopen their campuses for in-person classes. In particular, UMD is prepping for students to arrive. If you take a look around the UMD campus, you’ll find people getting ready for the new semester, whether it be on the grounds or at the food court. Some are…

Downtown Farmers Market Continues

The downtown farmers market at Gichi-ode' Akiing Park in Duluth continued today where Northlanders were able to browse fresh produce from local farmers.

DULUTH, Minn. – The downtown farmers market at Gichi-ode’ Akiing Park in Duluth continued today where Northlanders were able to browse fresh produce from local farmers. One local farmer says the growing season has been strong, helping her keep her business afloat. “It gives me a job and I’m very happy to have work and I’m very happy that the…

Big Grant Provides Fresh Food for Students

A major grant is coming to an Iron Range high school, which will lead them to eat healthier.

AURORA, Minn. – A major grant is coming to an Iron Range high school, which will lead them to eat healthier. Essentia Health’s facility in Aurora working with collaboration with Mesaba East School District, received a more than $140,000 grant to help bring more fresh produce to the school while also teaching the students what it means to be healthy….

Duluth Police: Use of Force Incident ‘Within Policy and Training’

DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth Police Department announced on Tuesday that they have determined the officers involved in a weekend use-of-force incident were acting within proper policy and training. The arrest in question happened on Saturday during a traffic stop near the West 4600 Block of Grand Avenue around 10:30 a.m. During the stop officers recognized the passenger in the…

Wisconsin Among Four States Added to Chicago Quarantine Order

CHICAGO (AP) — Chicago added Missouri, Wisconsin, Nebraska and North Dakota to the list of states where people who are traveling to the city must quarantine for two weeks as Illinois learned that its own residents must do the same when they travel to New York, New Jersey or Connecticut. Chicago officials said that beginning Friday, anyone from those states…

Superior, Solon Springs COVID-19 Testing Sites Available This Week

SUPERIOR, Wis. – Douglas County has partnered with the National Guard to hold two drive-thru  COVID-19 testing sites this week in Superior and Solon Springs. The Superior testing site will be available Wednesday from 2:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the Superior Middle School located at 3626 Hammond Avenue. The Solon Springs testing site will be available on Thursday from…

Updated COVID-19 Numbers: Tuesday, July 28

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Minnesota health officials reported 52,281 confirmed COVID-19 cases in the state Tuesday morning and 4 new deaths bringing the death total to 1,580 in Minnesota. According to the Minnesota Department of Health website, 979,988 tests have been completed to date. There are 45,987 patients who no longer require isolation. So far, 5,028 patients have required hospitalization…

Midday Update 7-28-20

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Tuesday, July 28, 2020

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist William Seay for a local look at news and weather making headlines Tuesday, July 28, 2020. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Local News, midday update, News, William Seay

Injured Female Rescued From Island on Kettle River

PINE COUNTY, Minn. – The Pine County Sheriff’s Office says a female was rescued Tuesday morning after breaking her leg on an island on the Kettle River. Pine County 911 says they received a call around 7:40 a.m. of an injured female stuck on an island between Sandstone and Hinckley. Pine County deputies, MN DNR, Hinckley Fire, and Essentia Ambulance…

Minnesotans Receiving Mysterious Packets of Seeds From China

The Minnesota Department of Agriculture Advises Minnesotans to Not Plant the Seeds

ST. PAUL, Minn. – On Monday, the Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) announced they’ve had multiple reports of residents receiving unsolicited packages of seeds appearing to come from China. “We’re uncertain what these seeds may be and why people are receiving these unsolicited packages,” said Denise Thiede, MDA’s Seed Unit Supervisor. “Until we know more, we encourage people to contact…

Morning Update 7-28-20

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Tuesday, July 28, 2020

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist William Seay for a local look at news and weather making headlines Tuesday, July 28, 2020. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Local News, morning update, William Seay

UW System Receives $2 Million From Anonymous Donor to Bolster Online Learning

MADISON, Wis. (AP) — The University of Wisconsin System has received $2 million from an anonymous donor to beef up online learning this semester as schools struggle to reopen amid the coronavirus pandemic, system officials said Monday. Interim System President Tommy Thompson told reporters during a video conference that he couldn’t say when the system received the money but most…

Prosecutors Want no Audio-Visual Coverage of Cops’ Trials

(Hennepin County Sheriff’s Office via AP) MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Prosecutors in the cases against four former Minneapolis police officers charged in the death of George Floyd said Monday that they do not want audio or visual coverage of the trials, but they did not provide a reason. Derek Chauvin and three other former officers are scheduled to go on trial in March….

Knowing Your Neighbors: The Brat Barn

Dan Vesel has been making brats for over two decades but opened up The Brat Barn in 2013 and makes the brats in his Hermantown garage. 

HERMANTOWN, Minn. – Dan Vesel has been making brats for over two decades but opened up The Brat Barn in 2013 and makes the brats in his Hermantown garage. “Started off as a hobby that got out of hand, carried away,” Vesel said. “We’re dedicated to quality, not chasing the all-mighty dollars that others maybe, but we have 100 percent…

Sports Memorabilia and Apparel Sales Increase During Pandemic

DULUTH, Minn.– With baseball’s opening day last week, professional sports have returned to America after being sidelined since mid-March. While they weren’t playing on the field, fans have been finding some ways to keep following their teams during the break. Major League Baseball, along the WNBA made their returns last weekend. And with the NBA and the NFL gearing up…

Minnesota Health Experts Urge Patience with New Mask Order

ST. PAUL, Minn.– It could take weeks until health officials have results from the mask mandate across the state of Minnesota that started its first full week Monday for all indoor public places. Over the weekend, 80 complaints were filed with the health department about overcrowding, social distancing, and masking. This comes as the state is now recording 51,843 total…

Roen Salvage Hired to Dredge Duluth-Superior Harbor

DULUTH, Minn.– Earlier today, the US Army Corps of Engineers announced who will be helping restore Minnesota Point and the Interstate Island State Wildlife Management Area. Hired out of Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin for the project, it will dredge 120,000 cubic yards of material from the navigation channel in the harbor in Duluth. 52,000 cubic yards will then be spread around…

Harbortown Rotary Holds Annual Fundraiser at Ridgeview Country Club

The Harbortown Rotary club awards scholarships to students at each of the Duluth schools and the William Kelley High School in Silver Bay. 

DULUTH, Minn. – The Harbortown Rotary held its annual golf fundraiser on Monday afternoon. The event, which has been going on for 20 years, raised money for the Robert Herman Foundation and Donald Holm Founders Fund, which awards academic scholarships and financial assistance to local students. “Donald Holm was always big into the community and the youth, so we’re just…

Masks Now Mandated in Superior’s Indoor Public Areas

People in places such as restaurants, bars, and retail stores are now required to make up as part of a new city-wide ordinance.

SUPERIOR, Wis. – The city of Superior is now under a mask mandate as of Monday for indoor public areas. People in places such as restaurants, bars, and retail stores are now required to make up as part of a new city-wide ordinance. Masks are not required for children under five or people with certain medical conditions among other exceptions….

Oscar Mayer Weinermobile Cruises into Duluth

The Wienermobile, with the license plate "Big Bun", is in Duluth and ready to bring some smiles.

DULUTH, Minn. – The Oscar Mayer Wienermobile cruised into the Twin Ports on Monday. The Wienermobile, with the license plate “Big Bun”, is in Duluth and ready to bring some smiles. The 27-foot hot dog on wheels is stopping in town before heading off to the rest of the central Midwest. It will be at the Smalley Moen Memorial Car…

Congressman Pete Stauber Speaks on Legislative Session While Attending Trump Visit

DULUTH, Minn. – Eighth district Congressman Pete Stauber was also in attendance… for the signing of the Pledge to America’s Workers at Duluth Pack. Congress is back in legislative session this week after closing for the weekend. As some of the C.A.R.E.S. Act funding is set to expire, Congressman Stauber says they are taking on a variety of issues. “There’s…

Ivanka Trump Visits Duluth

Nearly 500 companies have signed the Pledge to Americas Workers.

DULUTH, Minn. – Senior Advisor to the President Ivanka Trump and U.S. Secretary of Interior David Bernhardt made a visit to Duluth on Monday. They toured the local manufacturing company Duluth Pack. A big part of the visit was company leaders signing what’s being called the Pledge to America’s Workers, a Trump administration initiative designed to provide more workforce opportunities….

Local Monastery Takes Extra Precautions

Since the pandemic began, St. Scholastica's monastery has been taking some extra precautions to prevent an outbreak, especially with many of the sisters being elderly. 

DULUTH, Minn. – Since the pandemic began, St. Scholastica’s monastery has been taking some extra precautions to prevent an outbreak, especially with many of the sisters being elderly. The monastery does have a COVID-19 task force that monitors the situation while having sanitization stations throughout the building. The sisters have also ramped things up in their food service line where…

Camp Miller Continues

The YMCA's Camp Miller has been going on for more than 120 years and even a pandemic couldn't stop it from happening this year.

STURGEON LAKE, Minn. – The YMCA’s Camp Miller has been going on for more than 120 years and even a pandemic couldn’t stop it from happening this year. The camp has limited its activities to only those that promote social distancing and things that can be easily cleaned, which means no overnight camps. This summer, there are also isn’t horseback…

Steve O’Neil Apartments Get Universal Wifi

One local apartment complex that serves the underprivileged now has its guests connected through universal wifi due to help from a local grant.

DULUTH, Minn. – One local apartment complex that serves the underprivileged now has its guests connected through universal wifi due to help from a local grant. The Steve O’Neil Apartments in Duluth now not only has more internet accessibility, but each household at the complex was provided with refurbished laptops as well, which should help the tenants have better access…

Vikings’ Infection Control Officer Tests Positive for COVID

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Minnesota Vikings vice president of sports medicine Eric Sugarman, who’s in charge of the organization’s virus prevention plan, has tested positive for COVID-19, the team announced Monday. In a statement from the Vikings, Sugarman said he and his family members immediately quarantined themselves and began following the NFL’s appropriate protocols after testing positive over the weekend. Sugarman,…

Ex-Red Cliff Vice Chairman Pleads Not Guilty to Intentional Homicide Charges

BAYFIELD COUNTY, Wis. – The former Vice-Chairman of the Red Cliff Band of Lake Superior Chippewa pleaded not guilty on Monday for the murder of 50-year-old Jody Ricard. Michael John LaGrew, 56, was charged in March with first-degree intentional homicide in connection to the murder that took place in the summer of 2003. According to court documents, Ricard’s body was…