News – Latest News

St. Louis County Adds New COVID-19 Cases Faster Than Any Other County In The State

We are seeing almost 40% reporting to have visited restaurants and bars," said Amy Westbrook, public health director for St. Louis County.

DULUTH, Minn.- St. Louis County has added new Coronavirus cases faster than any other county in the state by reaching nearly 500 total. Initially, the county had a pretty low rate of COVID-19 cases at the start of the pandemic. Most cases were found in long term facilities. Now the numbers are growing as a result of community transmission. County…

Duluth School Board Votes for Fully Hybrid Learning Model for All Students

School will open with enhanced distance learning on September 8 to learn how the new way of learning will work and the hybrid model then takes effect on September 21.

DULUTH, Minn. – After hours of discussions, the Duluth School Board has voted to begin the school year on a fully hybrid model for all students as the coronavirus pandemic continues to weigh heavily on the minds of the district and parents. With the hybrid model, Duluth elementary students will attend in-person learning two days a week with the rest…

Pattison State Park to Reopen Saturday

SUPERIOR, Wis.– This summer marks two years since severe storms ripped through Pattison State Park creating extensive damage. Trails and property of the pristine park were torn up after raging water from the rivers there tore through the area creating more than a million dollars in damage. But now, the popular trails will officially reopen this Saturday with new boardwalks,…

Ashland Goes “All In” For COVID-19 Response

ASHLAND, Wis.– Officials from Madison came up to northern Wisconsin to spread the message for the state’s campaign to help businesses get through the tough financial times because of the pandemic. Wisconsin begins their We’re All In campaign to try and help small businesses across the state deal with the pandemic. That includes those in communities like Ashland. “By taking…

Segways Provide Unique Experience for Locals and Visitors

Whether it's driving, biking or walking, there are many ways to experience the views the Northland has to offer in a socially-distanced way. But one local business continues to use a unique travel device to get tourists around the area.

DULUTH, Minn. – Whether it’s driving, biking, or walking, there are many ways to experience the views the Northland has to offer in a socially-distanced way. But one local business continues to use a unique travel device to get tourists around the area. Even during COVID-19, one local business is providing a unique way to explore the area on Segways….

Lake Superior Zoo Names New CEO

DULUTH, Minn. – The Lake Superior Zoo has named its new CEO. The Lake Superior Zoological Society Board of Directors appointed Haley Cope as the new Chief Executive Officer. Cope, who was most recently in the role of Director of Marketing and Development, has been with the zoo since 2018. “I am very excited to have Haley as our CEO…

Evers Gives UW $32 Million to Prepare for Students’ Return

MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Gov. Tony Evers divvied out about $32 million in federal aid Thursday to University of Wisconsin System schools to cover coronavirus tests and personal protective equipment when students return to campuses next month. The money will come from the coronavirus relief bill that Congress passed in May. UW-Madison will receive about $8 million. The other 12…

What You Need to Know for Minnesota’s Primary Election on Tuesday

ST. PAUL, Minn. (FOX 9) – Minnesota election officials have been scrambling for weeks to hold Tuesday’s primary election in the middle of the coronavirus pandemic. From relaxed rules on absentee voting to changes on election night to new procedures at polling places, here’s what you need to know. HOW MANY VOTERS HAVE CHOSEN ABSENTEE BALLOTS? As of Friday, 545,259 Minnesotans had…

Midday Update 8-6-20

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Thursday, August 6, 2020

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist William Seay for a local look at news and weather making headlines Thursday, August 6, 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

Schools in Itasca County Provide Update on Fall Learning Plans

School Leaders in Itasca County Provide Update on District Plans for Back-to-School Learning Amid COVID-19

ITASCA COUNTY, Minn. – On Thursday, Superintendents from multiple school districts in Itasca County provided an update on back-to-school plans amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Minnesota Governor Tim Walz recently announced a statewide decision to leave reopening plans up to district officials based on current COVID-19 data per county. Independent School District 318 (Bigfork and Grand Rapids) Based on current COVID-19…

Updated COVID-19 Numbers: Thursday, August 6

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Minnesota health officials reported 58,640 confirmed COVID-19 cases in the state Thursday morning and 7 new deaths bringing the death total to 1,636 in Minnesota. According to the Minnesota Department of Health website, 1,105,094 tests have been completed to date. There are 51,604 patients who no longer require isolation. So far, 5,421 patients have required hospitalization…

Wisconsin Water Park Closes for Season After COVID Confirmed

LAKE DELTON, Wis. (AP) — A popular Wisconsin Dells attraction will remain closed for the rest of the season after two employees tested positive for the coronavirus. Noah’s Ark Waterpark announced Wednesday that it has decided to keep the park closed for the rest of the 2020 season. Noah’s Ark says the health of its guests, employees, and the Wisconsin Dells community…

Bucktales Cantina & Grill Expands Menu to Include Keto Option

Cooking Connection: Pollo Keto at Bucktales Cantina & Grill

SUPERIOR, Wis. – This week’s Cooking Connection takes us to Bucktales Cantina and Grill located south of Superior along Highway 35. Owner Dee Morales specializes in whipping up authentic Mexican dishes, but the cantina also offers a wide variety of other foods such as burgers, gyros, appetizers and more. In this week’s segment, Morales prepares his newest item on the…

St. Louis County Fastest Growing County for Coronavirus Cases

DULUTH, Minn. (AP) — St. Louis County in northeastern Minnesota this week has added new coronavirus cases faster than any other county in the state, according to health officials. Of the 475 cases in St. Louis County as of Wednesday, more than half were confirmed in July. The virus has been detected throughout the state’s geographically largest county, but about…

Morning Update 8-6-20

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Thursday, August 6, 2020

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist William Seay for a local look at news and weather making headlines Thursday, August 6, 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

1.2 Million Seek Jobless Aid After $600 Federal Check Ends

WASHINGTON (AP) – Nearly 1.2 million laid-off Americans applied for state unemployment benefits last week, evidence that the coronavirus keeps forcing companies to slash jobs just as a critical $600 weekly federal jobless payment has expired. The Labor Department’s report marked the 20th straight week that at least 1 million people have sought jobless aid. Before the pandemic hit hard…

Essentia Health Bills Approximately 1,000 Uninsured Patients For COVID-19 Tests

DULUTH, Minn. — A representative with Essentia Health in Duluth has admitted that the health care provider charged approximately 1,000 uninsured patients for COVID-19 tests, which are free under the federal CARES Act. The issue came to light after one patient told FOX21 he received a $171 bill for his COVID-19 test in July. That patient, Superior resident Nick Dalbec,…

St. Louis County Wants To Help Fund Initiatives To Fight Major Community Disparities

Community-based groups can apply for between $20,000 to $100,000 to help contribute to their initiatives.

DULUTH, Minn. – The St. Louis County Public Health Department is looking to help financially support the efforts of local organizations as they work to address key issues affecting the community. A community health assessment conducted in St. Louis County found mental health, youth substance abuse, and food insecurities are among some of the key disparities impacting the area. The county…

The College Of St. Scholastica Offers Tuition Discount

The COVID-19 Saints Succeed award is a type of financial aid that will provide those new students with a 15% tuition discount for the upcoming academic year.

DULUTH, Minn. – The College of St. Scholastica is offering tuition help to new students, who may have lost their job as a result of the global pandemic. The COVID-19 Saints Succeed award is a type of financial aid that will provide those new students with a 15% tuition discount for the upcoming academic year. New graduate, non-traditional undergraduate, and…

Denfeld Class of 2020 Celebrates Graduation Together

Class had fun and said goodbyes at grad party at Mont du Lac Resort

SUPERIOR, Wis. – After a graduation that didn’t feel like the real thing by any means because of the pandemic, the Duluth Denfeld Class of 2020 figured out a way to celebrate together. Denfeld graduation usually includes hundreds of people gathered in the auditorium cheering on the new grads. This year’s commencement was a lot different because of COVID-19, but…

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…