News – Latest News

Some Cloquet Business Owners Ready for Mask Mandate Ahead of Council Vote Tuesday

While city officials' views on the ordinance are divided, these business owners say it's a good idea.

CLOQUET, Minn.- Coming up Tuesday two Northland cities, Cloquet and Superior, will vote on a mask mandate for indoor public places. In Cloquet, some business owners say it’s a good idea if it means continuing their operations as safely as possible. “I think it’s good for the community overall, just to keep the spread of the Coronavirus,” said Cindy Peterson,…

Debut of Movies in the Parking Lot Attract Hundreds

Organizers with the Greater Downtown Council called it a roller coaster planning process but were able to put together a drive-in movie event for the community.

DULUTH, Minn. – After COVID-19 forced many Duluth activities to cancel or change the way they do things, “movies in the park” is adapting as well. Organizers with the Greater Downtown Council called it a roller coaster planning process but were able to put together a drive-in movie event for the community. Cars were ushered into the space around the…

Clean Up Begins After Weekend of Severe Storms

The National Weather Service out of Duluth is surveying damage in the Blueberry and Ashland areas in Northwest Wisconsin to determine if two tornadoes formed during storms that rolled through Friday night and into Saturday. Click the video above for a recap of this weekend’s severe weather outbreak. And for Saturday’s storm coverage, click here. Categories: Minnesota, News, News –…

5 Rescued After Boat Capsizes South of Ely

MORSE TOWNSHIP, Minn. – Gusty winds are to blame after a boat capsized on a lake just south of Ely Sunday, according to the St. Louis County Sheriff’s Office. The water emergency happened around 2:30 p.m. Sunday on White Iron Lake in Morse Township. The five people in the 14-foot boat who went overboard were all wearing life jackets at…

Suspect On The Run After Robbing Aurora Gas Station At Gunpoint

AURORA, Minn. – The East Range Police Department is searching for an armed gunman after a robbery at the Lucky Seven gas station in Aurora, Minnesota. The crime happened around 10 p.m. Saturday. Nobody was injured. Police are hoping somebody will recognize the masked man in surveillance images taken from the crime. If you know anything, you’re asked to call…

After Storms, Red Cliff Band Declares State Of Emergency On Reservation

BAYFIELD CO., Wis. — The Red Cliff Band of Lake Superior Chippewa has declared a state of emergency for its reservation after severe storms moved through the area over the weekend, according to a press release from the tribe. Richard Peterson, chairman of the tribe, wrote in the press release that Saturday’s storms tore down trees and power lines all…

Pandemic Doesn’t Erase ‘Chalk.a.Lot’ Festival in Two Harbors

The festival continued this year, albeit downsized due to COVID-19.

TWO HARBORS, Minn.- Artist hard at work could be spotted throughout Two Harbors Saturday, and their canvas — the sidewalks. The 9th Annual “Chalk.a.Lot” Festival carried on. “Everybody’s so excited to be here and they’re happy to be creating art,” said Carrie Coan, President of the Two Harbors Area Arts and Events Board. “This is our 9th year and everybody…

Significant Storm Damage Impacts Several Branches of Same Family in Ashland

Winds were so strong they tipped one thousand pound hay bales over and across the road, pushed an ice shack into a cornfield, and the wind even rocketed a large shard of wood straight into a car, but the family home suffered the most damage.

DULUTH, Minn. – Storms ripped through the Northland late Friday night into early Saturday morning. An area around Blueberry, Wisconsin saw some tree damage. No injuries there, but plenty of cleanup for the residents. Ashland also saw quite a bit of significant damage as well. One family was hit especially hard on Saturday. No injuries to report, but several structures…

Owner of Twin Ports Bars, Restaurants Weighs in On Proposed Superior Mask Mandate

After abiding by the new ordinance at his Duluth locations, Rick Lampton says he expects adjusting at Grizzly's and 7 West in Superior to go smoothly.

SUPERIOR, Wis.- In just three days the Superior City Council will vote on whether to implement an indoor public mask mandate similar to Duluth. Now more bar and restaurant owners are speaking out on that proposed ordinance. Rick Lampton, owner of many establishments in both Duluth and Superior, including Grizzly’s and 7 West Taphouse, has already adjusted his businesses to…

Sen. Tina Smith Visits Duluth Businesses, Discusses COVID-19 Response

DULUTH, Minn. – U.S. Sen. Tina Smith (DFL-Minn.) visited with small businesses in Duluth about how the COVID-19 pandemic has impacted them. Smith met with leaders in the Lincoln Park neighborhood about efforts to make personal protective equipment locally. Duluth-based Ecolibrium3 has brought various organizations together to manufacture hundreds of thousands of face shields. The senator says that kind of…

Honeyberry Cider Unveiled at Wild State Cider in Duluth

Honeyberries are similar to blueberries except they are slightly longer and more tart.

DULUTH, Minn. – A new Honeyberry Cider was unveiled on Friday at Wild State Cider in Lincoln Park. Honeyberries are similar to blueberries except they are slightly longer and more tart. The honeyberries are grown locally at Farm Lola in Wrenshall. The cider is a deep red color and according to Wild State tastes almost like blueberries and raspberries combined….

The West Theater Reopens with Extra Precautions

There are many safety precautions in place including temperature checks, mandatory masks, as well as every other row being blocked off.

DULUTH, Minn. – The West Theater finally turned on the silver screen for their first showing in months during the pandemic on Friday. Owner Bob Boone has restricted the seating around 60 patrons per show. There are many other safety precautions in place including temperature checks, mandatory masks, as well as every other row being blocked off. Additionally, when people…

Ursa Minor Brewing Going Strong After Fire Last Month

DULUTH, Minn.– It’s been three weeks since a fire damaged Ursa Minor Brewing in west Duluth and management says the brewery is now back to full strength. Ursa Minor was able to begin outdoor dining again just seven days after the fire. Curbside pickup was also brought back earlier this week. The fire caused $75,000 worth of damages and will…

Local Businesses Helps Community Prepare To Follow Duluth Mask Mandate

"I can hardly keep up. It's really busy. I am thinking about hiring somebody to help me out," said Jeaneth Deterling, owner of West Duluth Sewing and Design.

DULUTH, Minn. – This week the Duluth City Council passed an ordinance requiring masks in numerous indoor environments. Now some local businesses are using their services to help the community follow those rules. This new rule could be creating a need for face covering and even signage to be placed in area businesses explaining the requirement. To help people from…

Youth in Action Hosts Online Retreat

One local youth organization is putting together a unique gathering in an online format.

DULUTH, Minn. – One local youth organization is putting together a unique gathering in an online format. Youth in Action, which works to develop leadership skills in young people throughout St. Louis County, will now be hosting a virtual retreat this year because of COVID-19, with 20 slots currently available for students. Organizers hope that there will be at least…

What are Event Planning Groups Doing in Response to the Pandemic?

The pandemic has canceled many events, and Northland event planners say that it's been difficult to adjust especially when COVID-19 has prevented tourists from coming into the region.

DULUTH, Minn. – The pandemic has canceled many events, and Northland event planners say that it’s been difficult to adjust especially when COVID-19 has prevented tourists from coming into the region. Handfuls of events have been canceled and postponed due to the pandemic, and event planners are working to accommodate the difficulties they have to face. “Realistically, the event planning…

Superior Market Welcomes Craft Vendors

With the cancellation of various events, crafters haven't been able to sell their products.

DULUTH, Minn. – Junk and Disorderly in Superior is helping out area crafters by hosting an outdoor market. With the cancellation of various events, crafters haven’t been able to sell their products. The owner of Junk and Disorderly says, anyone is welcome to sign up for free to sell their items and it all goes towards supporting local businesses. “You’ll…

Justice Ginsburg Says Cancer has Returned, but Won’t Retire

WASHINGTON (AP) — Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg said Friday she is receiving chemotherapy for a recurrence of cancer, but has no plans to retire from the Supreme Court. The 87-year-old Ginsburg, who has had four earlier bouts with cancer, said her treatment so far has succeeded in reducing lesions on her liver and she will continue chemotherapy sessions every two…

Minnesota Hospitals Ask Walz for Statewide Mask Mandate

(John Autey/Pioneer Press via AP,Pool) MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Minnesota’s hospitals have asked Gov. Tim Walz to impose a statewide mask mandate to slow the spread of the coronavirus. In a letter released Friday, the Minnesota Hospital Association urged the governor to act quickly to protect Minnesota from the surge hitting other states. While hospitalizations in Minnesota for COVID-19 have been…

Midday Update 7-17-20

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Friday, July 17, 2020

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist William Seay for a local look at news and weather making headlines Friday, July 17, 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 17

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Minnesota health officials reported 45,013 confirmed COVID-19 cases in the state Friday morning and 7 new deaths bringing the death total to 1,533 in Minnesota. According to the Minnesota Department of Health website, 819,511 tests have been completed to date. There are 38,568 patients who no longer require isolation. So far, 4,563 patients have required hospitalization…

Morning Update 7-17-20

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Friday, July 17, 2020

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist William Seay for a local look at news and weather making headlines Friday, July 17, 2020. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Local News, morning update, News, William Seay

One Killed in Fayal Township Motorcycle Crash

FAYAL TOWNSHIP, Minn. – A 60-year-old Eveleth man was killed Thursday night in a motorcycle crash on Highway 53. According to the Minnesota State Patrol, the accident happened around 8:00 p.m. near the intersection of US 53 and CR-16 in Fayal Township. Authorities believe Keith Allan Perrault, 60, was traveling northbound on US 53 when he lost control of his…

Demand Continues for Ruby’s Pantry Coppertop

The pandemic has caused the pantry to stop serving people indoors and instead offer an outdoor drive-thru experience.

DULUTH, Minn. – Demand continues to be up for the Ruby’s Pantry Coppertop. The pantry gives away more than 150 shares of food for just a twenty dollar donation each month from the Coppertop Church in Duluth. The pandemic has caused the pantry to stop serving people indoors and instead offer an outdoor drive-thru experience. This month, food such as…

Essentia Duluth Heritage Center Receiving ‘Unprecedented’ Donation to Support Operations

The donors, Todd and Susan Johnson, have pledged to support the operations of the Center for the next 16 months.

DULUTH, Minn. – Businesses all over the Northland are struggling right now because of the pandemic. One of them is the Duluth Heritage Sports Center who says they faced a seemingly impossible financial challenge. In light of this, two generous community members stepped forward to help. The donors, Todd and Susan Johnson, have pledged to support the operations of the…

Veggie Stands Open as Corn Season Kicks Off

Corn season has kicked off and corn stands throughout the Northland have started off busy.

DULUTH, Minn. – Corn season has kicked off and corn stands throughout the Northland have started off busy. One local owner of a corn stand on Central Entrance says he’s been farming for 26 years. He says that corn and tomatoes are big sellers and compared to last year, the season is ahead by about a week. “A lot of…

Thousands Pick Strawberries This Season at Spectrum Farms

Strawberry season drawing to an end, but Northlanders still finding delicious fruits

CARLTON, Minn. – Thousands of people have picked their own strawberries this year at Spectrum Farms in Carlton. This year’s season was a strong one. Even though it’s now winding down, many people came out to Spectrum this week to get their last bucketfuls of the summer. “They are so perfect,” said Spectrum co-owner Steve Schulstrom. “Red, juicy, sweet, they…

Essentia Health Moves Mobile Testing Site To Old Sears Building At Miller Hill Mall

The testing site is open seven days a week.

DULUTH, Minn. – Essentia Health in Duluth has moved its mobile COVID-19 testing site from West Duluth to the former Sears building at Miller Hill Mall. Hospital leaders say the mobile site has outgrown the area as testing volumes are increasing. With more people visiting the site, it caused traffic disruption for the West Duluth neighborhood, including drivers blocking a…

New Lakewalk in Canal Park to be Feet Higher to Keep Waves at Bay

The project's supervisor tells Fox 21 the multi-million dollar reconstruction project is on schedule to wrap up by the end of the year.

DULUTH, Minn. – There’s good news for the thousands of people who use Duluth’s Lakewalk every year. The project’s supervisor tells Fox 21 the multi-million dollar reconstruction project is on schedule to wrap up by the end of the year. The portion of the Lakewalk in Canal Park that is currently under construction will be higher than its ever been…

A Unanimous Vote For Mask Wearing In Cloquet Could Be a Longshot

Enforcement is one of the biggest issues which could cause the vote to fail.

CLOQUET, Minn. – The Cloquet City Council is expected to vote on Tuesday on a proposal that could force everyone to use face coverings while indoors. The possible new rule could be shot down as some council members do not agree with implementing the proposed ordinance. Duluth is the latest Northland community to move forward with a face covering requirement….

2 Cases of COVID-19 Found in Silver Bay Veterans Home

SILVER BAY, Minn.– The Silver Bay Veterans Home is dealing with two positive COVID-19 cases in its building. Those cases involve two staff members. The Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs is helping officials at the senior living facility. They don’t suspect there are any other positive cases there. Anybody who shows any symptoms are being tested as a precaution. “We’re…

City of Bayfield Issues Mask Ordinance

BAYFIELD, Wis.– The city of Bayfield created its own mask ordinance last night. In part it’s because more tourists are still traveling to the area than expected this summer. After Bayfield County issued a mask advisory earlier this week, the city of Bayfield is going further by establishing a city mask ordinance. “We did get a little bit surprised with…

Chester Bowl Fall Fest Canceled

Unfortunately, the event will not be held this year for the first time ever due to the pandemic.

DULUTH, Minn. – For the past 35 years, Chester Bowl has been packed with food trucks and vendors as thousands of Northlanders attend the annual Fall Fest at Chester Bowl. Unfortunately, the event will not be held this year for the first time ever due to the pandemic. Staff from the festival say it’s unfortunate they had to cancel this…

Duluth Cider Expands to the Twin Cities

One local cidery is expanding its products to more liquor stores throughout Minnesota.

DULUTH, Minn. – One local cidery is expanding its products to more liquor stores throughout Minnesota. Duluth Cider in Lincoln Park is bringing its drinks to liquor stores throughout the state as they have been now canning 12-ounce versions of their products. Owners say there has been a huge demand for their products and they are excited to finally branch…

US, Canada and Mexico Borders to Stay Closed for Travelers

WASHINGTON (AP) — The U.S., Canada, and Mexico have agreed to keep their shared borders closed to non-essential traffic until at least late August because of COVID-19. Acting U.S. Department of Homeland Security Chad Wolf said Thursday in announcing the extension that restrictions on cross-border traffic that have been in place since March have helped slow the spread of the…

DEED Warns Minnesotans on Unemployment that $600 Federal Payment Ends in July

(FOX 9) – The Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development alerted Minnesotans receiving unemployment insurance benefits Thursday that the $600 additional federal payment is scheduled to end this month. The payments were authorized by Congress in the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act, also known as the CARES Act, which was signed into law on March 27. The $600 payment was additional…

Hummingbird Assisted Living Confirms 11 COVID-19 Cases

MEADOWLANDS, Minn. – Hummingbird Assisted Living confirmed Thursday that nine residents and two staff members have tested positive for COVID-19. Facilities Administrator Mike Lindgren says they are still waiting to hear back about additional test results for six residents and five staff members. “It was just a matter of time before we got it. We are taking this very seriously….

Duluth Man Charged With 5 Counts of Burglary For Multiple Business Break-ins

DULUTH, Minn. – A Duluth man is facing five charges of second-degree burglary after police say he broke into three local area businesses and stole various items at each location between May and June. Court records state that 19-year-old Colten West Reilly was charged on Wednesday for five burglaries at the Smokeshop, Piedmont Liquor, and the Dollar Tree in Duluth….

Oasis Del Norte Serving Authentic Mexican Food Across the Northland

Cooking Connection: Mexican Street Tacos

DULUTH, Minn. – One Northland business seeing an increase in sales amid the COVID-19 pandemic is Oasis Del Norte. The food truck pops up frequently in the Northland, from Superior Street in Duluth to Castle Danger Brewery in Two Harbors. Eduardo Sandoval Luna says business is booming this summer. His recipes are authentic, coming from his mother many years ago. “These…

One Dead in Beaver Bay Township Motorcycle Crash

BEAVER BAY TOWNSHIP, Minn. – Authorities say a Wisconsin man died early Thursday morning in a motorcycle crash on Highway 1. The crash happened around 1:54 a.m. in Beaver Bay Township. Minnesota State Patrol says the 45-year-old man from Johnson Creek, Wisconsin, was driving his motorcycle southbound on Highway 1 when he drove off the road onto the right shoulder…

Target Joins List of Major Retailers Mandating Masks

NEW YORK (AP) — Target has joined a list of the nation’s largest retailers that will require customers to wear masks as cases of COVID-19 spike. The policy will go into effect on Aug. 1. More than 80% of Target’s 1,800 stores already require customers to wear masks due to local and state regulations. Target said Thursday that it will…

Bayfield City Council Approves Face Mask Ordinance

BAYFIELD, Wis. – On Wednesday night the Bayfield City Council voted unanimously to pass an ordinance requiring face coverings in indoor public spaces and most outdoor spaces in the city beginning Saturday. The ordinance states: “While indoors in any commercial business or City office, and in an Outdoor Space that is open to the general public, all customers, employees, and…

Midday Update 7-16-20

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Thursday, July 16, 2020

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Ryan Johnson for a local look at news and weather making headlines Thursday, July 16, 2020. Have a great day! Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Local News, midday update, News, ryan johnson

Updated COVID-19 Numbers: Thursday, July 16

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Minnesota health officials reported 44,347 confirmed COVID-19 cases in the state Thursday morning and 8 new deaths bringing the death total to 1,526 in Minnesota. According to the Minnesota Department of Health website, 805,212 tests have been completed to date. There are 38,290 patients who no longer require isolation. So far, 4,526 patients have required hospitalization…