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Northland Businesses Prepare for School Year

Despite all the uncertainty, around the upcoming school year, Northland businesses are still seeing customers come in to get their kids ready for school.

July 21, 2020

Jane Kim,

DULUTH, Minn. – Despite all the uncertainty, around the upcoming school year, Northland businesses are still seeing customers come in to get their kids ready for school. Businesses are preparing for the uptick in sales from both parents and students in preparation for the school year. For instance, at Boxtronics on Mountain Shadow Drive in Duluth, more and more people…

Senator Klobuchar Urges Northlanders to Donate Plasma

As the pandemic continues, Minnesota Senator Amy Klobuchar wants to remind the public about the importance of donating plasma.

July 21, 2020

Jane Kim,

DULUTH, Minn. – As the pandemic continues, Minnesota Senator Amy Klobuchar wants to remind the public about the importance of donating plasma. Recently, she introduced the Plasma Donation Awareness Act, which is a bipartisan effort to require the secretary of health and human services to have a public awareness campaign about plasma donation during the pandemic. People who have recovered…

Minnesota Judge Lifts Gag Order in George Floyd Case

July 21, 2020

The Associated Press,

(Hennepin County Sheriff’s Office via AP) MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — A Minnesota judge on Tuesday lifted a gag order in the criminal case against four former officers charged in death of George Floyd, but said he would take a news media coalition’s request to make body camera footage more widely available under advisement. Even though the gag order was vacated, Hennepin…

Gov. Walz Strongly Hints he Will Impose Statewide Mask Mandate This Week

July 21, 2020

Site Staff,

(John Autey/Pioneer Press via AP, Pool) ST. PAUL, Minn. (FOX 9) – Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz is strongly hinting that he will impose a statewide mask mandate this week. “I think you can expect an announcement in the next day or two,” he said at a press conference Tuesday afternoon, telling reporters that, “the businesses tell us we do” need a statewide…

Walmart to Close its Stores on Thanksgiving Day

July 21, 2020

The Associated Press,

NEW YORK (AP) – Walmart Inc. said that it will be closing its namesake stores and Sam’s Clubs on Thanksgiving Day this year, saying that it wants to have its employees spend time with their families during the coronavirus. The move, announced Tuesday, marks the first major indication of how COVID will affect Black Friday store shopping, which for almost…

Red Flag Warning Issued for Dangerous Swimming Conditions on Park Point

July 21, 2020

Site Staff,

DULUTH, Minn. – A red flag warning has been issued by the Duluth Fire Department due to dangerous swimming conditions on Park Point. The warning is in effect until 10:00 a.m. Wednesday. The warning means that wind and wave conditions can support rip currents, which are life-threatening to anyone entering the water. The fire department is telling swimmers to stay…

Midday Update 7-21-20

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Tuesday, July 21, 2020

July 21, 2020

Brett Scott,

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

July 21, 2020

Site Staff,

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Minnesota health officials reported 47,457 confirmed COVID-19 cases in the state Tuesday morning and 3 new deaths bringing the death total to 1,548 in Minnesota. According to the Minnesota Department of Health website, 876,859 tests have been completed to date. There are 41,511 patients who no longer require isolation. So far, 4,723 patients have required hospitalization…

Federal Suit Over Local Wisconsin COVID-19 Orders Dismissed

July 21, 2020

The Associated Press,

MADISON, Wis. (AP) — A federal judge dismissed a lawsuit filed by two dozen Wisconsin residents challenging a variety of local stay-at-home orders enacted to curb the spread of the coronavirus. U.S. District Judge William Griesbach on Monday dismissed the challenge, filed in May, saying those bringing it did not properly join all of the defendants into one lawsuit. That mistake requires…

Morning Update 7-21-20

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Tuesday, July 21, 2020

July 21, 2020

Brett Scott,

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

Minnesota Lawmakers Ban Neck Restraints After Floyd’s Death

July 21, 2020

The Associated Press,

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) — The Minnesota Legislature has passed a package of police accountability measures that include a ban on neck restraints like the one that was used on George Floyd before his death in Minneapolis. The sweeping package passed early Tuesday after legislators worked through the night on the bill, which was said to be one of the…

Duluth City Councilors Point Fingers As Vote To Remove ‘Chief’ From Job Title Fails

July 21, 2020

Dan Hanger,

DULUTH, Minn. – Built-up emotions and frustrations poured out from city councilors during Monday night’s council meeting involving an ordinance that called for the removal of the word “chief” from the Chief Administrative Officer title. The ordinance was pushed publicly by Mayor Emily Larson in June who said the word “chief” is offensive to the Indigenous community and removing…

New Federally Funded Construction Projects at Duluth International Airport to Infuse $2 Million into Local Construction

Asphalt will be replaced on Taxiway A and the Commercial Service Apron will be expanded.

July 20, 2020

Arman Rahman,

DULUTH, Minn.- The Duluth International Airport announced two new construction plans that are fully funded by the federal CARES Act, which will infuse $2 million into the regional construction community. Starting this week, the top layer of asphalt will be replaced on Taxiway A, which officials said is necessary for safety. It is a short-term solution while they evaluate permanent…

Superior School Board Approves Response Plan for Reopening this Fall

Plan allows families to choose all-virtual, or hybrid of virtual and in-person learning.

July 20, 2020

Arman Rahman,

SUPERIOR, Wis.- In their first in-person meeting since March, the Superior School Board Monday approved their COVID-19 District Response Plan on reopening schools this fall. In the plan (found here), families can choose whether to continue having their children learn virtually at home, or attend in a hybrid setting with partial education at home and partial in the school building….

Sports Garden’s Future Uncertain, Flame Nightclub Adapts Amid Pandemic

July 20, 2020

Dan Hanger,

DULUTH, Minn. – Two of Duluth’s biggest nightclubs are operating very differently during COVID-19. For The Flame Nightclub, it’s a shutdown dance floor. For Grandma’s Sports Garden — it’s a temporary closure of the entire venue. FOX 21’s Dan Hanger takes a look at the balance of health and safety versus bigger entertainment venues designed to bring hundreds of people…

Lilly’s Asian Cafe Opens New Location in Two Harbors

Lilly used to own the Vietnamese Lantern but when she was forced to leave, she found the new space in downtown Two Harbors to reopen as Lilly's Asian Cafe.

July 20, 2020

Claudia Chakamian,

TWO HARBORS, Minn. – Lilly’s Asian Cafe is up and running in Two Harbors. “Lilly is the owner of the old Vietnamese Lantern that was down the street on the landing, and that changed hands so that required her to leave. And now she came to us and said can you change your building into a restaurant and we thought…

City Council Votes On Plan For $2.2 Million in CARES Act Funding

The Duluth City Council will be determining what to do with $2.2 million they have received from the CARES Act.

July 20, 2020

Jane Kim, Site Staff,

DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth City Council has voted on a plan on how to spend $2.2 million the city received from the federal CARES Act. The Act was passed by Congress in March with the goal of infusing funding into communities to help them get through the pandemic. The funding will go to low and moderate-income communities within Duluth….

Minnesota Reports Infant COVID-19 Death

July 20, 2020

CJ Baumgartner,

ST. PAUL, Minn.– The Minnesota Department of Health announced the first infant death in Minnesota caused by COVID-19. The infant was nine months old and was not hospitalized. State health officials believe the death was isolated to specific conditions but had no underlying conditions. The infant died from an upper and lower respiratory tract infection along with a nasal culture…

Duluth Tourism Picking Up Amid Pandemic

July 20, 2020

CJ Baumgartner,

DULUTH, Minn.– After a slow start to the tourism season due to COVID-19, Visit Duluth is working to try and help bring people to the city this summer. “We’re not there yet,” said Visit Duluth President Anna Tanski. “We are seeing signs of recovery however.” Visit Duluth says tourism-reliant businesses in the city have been doing its best to adjust…

City Green-Lights Tax Breaks For Costco, County To Have Public Hearing Next Week

July 20, 2020

Alexandra Burnley,

DULUTH, Minn. — Duluth city council unanimously approved a tax abatement plan on Monday evening for Costco to build on the corner of Arrowhead and Haines roads. St. Louis County still needs to approve tax breaks for Costco for the company to agree to build in Duluth. $1.3 million will come from the city of Duluth, and $650,000 may come…

Bowfest and Head of the Lakes Fair Coming to Superior this Week

The two events are forging ahead with plans to hold their events and are attempting to balance summer traditions and public health.

July 20, 2020

Katharine Huntley,

SUPERIOR, Wis. – Despite a recent rise in COVID-19 cases in Superior and Douglas County, the Head of the Lakes Fair and Bowfest, two events that attract thousands of people, are still opening to the public this week. The two events are forging ahead with plans to hold their events and are attempting to balance summer traditions and public health….

Two Tornadoes Confirmed After Early Saturday Morning Storms

The Sanborn-Ashland tornado had a peak wind of 110 miles per hour and was on the ground for about half a mile.

July 20, 2020

Katharine Huntley,

DULUTH, Minn. – The National Weather Service confirms two tornadoes touched down in Northwest Wisconsin in the early hours of Saturday morning. The tornadoes spun out of a line of storms that moved through the Northland. The weather service rates both tornadoes at EF-1. The Sanborn-Ashland tornado had a peak wind of 110 miles per hour and was on the…

Virginia Woman Makes Life-Sized Monopoly Game In Her Driveway

The giant copycat even has all that's needed to play including real-life game pieces like the iron and the wheelbarrow.

July 20, 2020

Nachai Taylor,

VIRGINIA, Minn. – Who doesn’t love a good game of Monopoly? One Virginia woman created a life-size version of the popular childhood game in her driveway. The colorful board painted on the driveway is a real duplicate of the original game. The giant copycat even has all that’s needed to play including real-life game pieces like the iron and the…

Sterling Silver Studio Continues Summer Dance Camps

The studio gave out over $10,000 in scholarships to students and families struggling financially due to COVID-19.

July 20, 2020

Claudia Chakamian,

SUPERIOR, Wis. – This week, Sterling Silver Studio in Superior is hosting another one of its summer girls dance camps. The studio decided to help students and families who may have been struggling financially due to COVID-19 and gave out over $10,000 in scholarships from March to June. The studio then ran out of money available to give, but the…

Superior Street Reconstruction Continues

As the pandemic continues, multiple construction projects are still happening throughout the Northland.

July 20, 2020

Jane Kim,

DULUTH, Minn. – As the pandemic continues, multiple construction projects are still happening throughout the Northland. Back in 2018, Phase One of the Superior Street project began and now they are on the home stretch to finally finish the project. Leadership from the city tells us the project is still on time and coronavirus hasn’t done much to hinder the…

Strays From Across Country Sent to Local Shelter to be Adopted

Northland animal adoption centers have seen a drop in local animals in their spaces.

July 20, 2020

Jane Kim,

DULUTH, Minn. – Northland animal adoption centers have seen a drop in local animals in their spaces. Leadership from Animal Allies says they now had to pull animals from places like Texas and North Dakota, where there is an abundance of strays, and bring them here for adoption to find homes in the Northland. Leadership from Animal Allies says that…

Mayor Larson Announces Members of Spirit Mountain Task Force

July 20, 2020

Site Staff,

DULUTH, Minn. – Duluth Mayor Emily Larson announced on Monday that thirteen members have been selected for the Spirit Mountain Task Force. Last month, the city said they would be creating the Task Force to assist in drafting ” a set of recommendations intended to help achieve financial stability” for Spirit Mountain moving forward. The Task Force will be working…

Minnesota Reports its 1st COVID-Related Death of Child

July 20, 2020

The Associated Press,

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Minnesota has recorded its first COVID-19-related death in a child, according to health department data released Monday, as Gov. Tim Walz ponders whether students should head back to school for learning in the fall. Few details about the child were released Monday, but the Minnesota Department of Health said the child was between the ages of 0-5…

Minnesota Senate GOP Leader Says Deal Near on Policing Bill

July 20, 2020

The Associated Press,

(AP Photo/Jim Mone) MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — The top Republican in the Minnesota Senate says legislative leaders have a tentative agreement on the outlines of a police accountability bill. But chances appear dimmer for a $1.9 billion public construction projects package that has yet to win the necessary GOP support in the Democratic-controlled House. Senate Majority Leader Paul Gazelka says the…

Midday Update 7-20-20

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Monday, July 20, 2020

July 20, 2020

Brett Scott,

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist William Seay for a local look at news and weather making headlines Monday, July 20, 2020. Have a great day! Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Local News, midday update, weather, William Seay

Wisconsin’s Largest Teachers Unions Call for Online School

July 20, 2020

The Associated Press,

MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Teachers unions for Wisconsin’s five largest school districts asked Gov. Tony Evers and the state’s top health and education officials on Monday to keep schools closed at the start of the year due to the coronavirus pandemic. The letter was signed by union leaders for teachers in Milwaukee, Madison, Green Bay, Kenosha, and Racine. It was…

Updated COVID-19 Numbers: Monday, July 20

July 20, 2020

Site Staff,

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Minnesota health officials reported 46,204 confirmed COVID-19 cases in the state Monday morning and 3 new deaths bringing the death total to 1,541 in Minnesota. According to the Minnesota Department of Health website, 853,188 tests have been completed to date. There are 40,001 patients who no longer require isolation. So far, 4,627 patients have required hospitalization…

St. Luke’s Oncologist Emphasizes Importance of Routine Screenings Amid COVID-19 Pandemic

Coffee Conversation: Continuing Routine Medical Exams, Cancer Screenings Amid Coronavirus Pandemic

July 20, 2020

Brett Scott,

DULUTH, Minn. – Routine medical exams and cancer screenings are taking a back burner for many people amid the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. It’s a worry for many in the medical community, as this could have negative impacts in the years to come. Dr. Roberto Fernandez, a St. Luke’s Oncologist, says it’s vital for patients to come in for routine cancer…

Minnesota House GOP: No Deal on Bonding or Policing Bills

July 20, 2020

The Associated Press,

(AP Photo/Steve Karnowski) MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Minnesota House Republican leaders said Monday they won’t provide the votes needed to pass a $1.9 billion public construction projects bill, and that they won’t back a package of police accountability measures either. House Minority Leader Kurt Daudt, of Crown, made the comments at a news conference as lawmakers returned to the Capitol to…

Morning Update 7-20-20

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Monday, July 20, 2020

July 20, 2020

Brett Scott,

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist William Seay for a local look at news and weather making headlines Monday, July 20, 2020. Have a great day! Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Local News, morning update, weather, William Seay

Weekend Tornadoes Rip Up Trees, Damage Boats, Outbuildings

July 20, 2020

The Associated Press,

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — The National Weather Service says five tornadoes toppled trees and tore up lake docks in Minnesota and Wisconsin during the weekend. In Trempealeau County, Wisconsin, the weather service says a tornado touched down a few miles southwest of Osseo early Sunday. The tornado with peak winds of 105 mph brought down trees and damaged outbuildings and crops….

Live Music, Food Enjoyed While Social Distanced at Earth Rider Brewery

July 19, 2020

Arman Rahman,

SUPERIOR, Wis.- Some people spent the warm Sunday outside listening to live music — socially distanced of course — at Earth Rider Brewery. At the outdoor space at Earth Rider’s Cedar Lounge, customers enjoyed a few drinks, some live music, and Thai-fusion cuisine from the “One Night in Bangkok” Food Truck. Staff at Earth Rider say they are happy their…

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.

July 19, 2020

Arman Rahman,

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.

July 19, 2020

Katharine Huntley,

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

July 19, 2020

Dan Hanger,

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

July 19, 2020

Dan Hanger,

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

July 19, 2020

Dan Hanger,

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

July 19, 2020

Alexandra Burnley,

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.

July 18, 2020

Arman Rahman,

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.

July 18, 2020

Katharine Huntley,

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.

July 18, 2020

Arman Rahman,

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…

Northland Rummage Sales Pop-Up Despite Pandemic

July 18, 2020

Jane Kim, Reece Lindquist,

DULUTH, Minn. – In a summer season masked by a pandemic rummage sales are still a way for people to enjoy a different social event while still maintaining good social distancing practices. “It gets people out and about during Covid-19. We’re encouraging people to wear masks and social distance. Just a nice social event for people feeling shut in, trapped…

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

July 18, 2020

Andrew Kirov,

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.

July 18, 2020

Katharine Huntley,

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.

July 18, 2020

Katharine Huntley,

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…