News – Latest News

City of Duluth Works to Make Outdoor Seating, Liquor Licenses Easier for Bars and Restaurants

Some businesses are taking advantage of waived permit fees, while others must continue relying on takeout and curbside.

DULUTH, Minn.- Duluth city officials are making changes to policies and processes to allow greater flexibility for bars and restaurants who may not be outfitted to continue operating without dine-in customers. “Just like the city is struggling with the financial impact of this public health emergency, we know that our local businesses are struggling with this public health emergency,” said…

Shutdown ‘Devastating’ for Local Theatres

Duluth Playhouse has been hit hard by pandemic

DULUTH, Minn. – The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted more than just businesses across the Northland. Non-profit organizations have also been hit hard. Audiences can’t fill theatre seats. That means organizations like the Duluth Playhouse haven’t had their primary revenue source for the last two months. “When we had projected $1.2 million in ticket sales, it’s apparent that’s about $600,000 in…

Man Arrested after Father Found Dead, Mother Injured from Apparent Stab Wounds

TOWN OF HAYWARD, Wis. — A Colorado man was arrested on Saturday afternoon in the town of Hayward after authorities discovered his father dead from an apparent stab wound, and his mother severely injured with lacerations. According to a press release from the Sawyer County Sheriff’s Office, authorities went to the home on Hinton Avenue on Saturday afternoon after receiving…

Virtual Jazz Concert at Carlton’s Oldenburg House Raises Thousands for Area Hospitals

Donations from the livestream were distributed equally to four Northland Hospitals.

CARLTON, Minn.-  A popular music venue in Carlton decided to take their annual jazz concerts online, to help out healthcare workers in the Northland. While normally crooning through the estate of the Oldenburg house, songs like “Make Someone Happy” were livestreamed from one room Friday and Saturday night. The “Cookin’ at the O” Benefit Concert raised over $7,500 over the…

Gov. Walz Allows Places of Worship to Open Doors to Limited Capacity May 27th

The Governor and the Catholic Archdiocese came to a deal to gather more than 10 worshipers together at a time.

DULUTH, Minn.- Minnesota Governor Tim Walz and the Catholic Archdiocese of Minnesota came to a deal Saturday to allow places of worship in the state to open May 27th to groups larger than 10 people. This announcement comes on the day when the state is reporting a record number of COVID-19 cases. The Governor’s order states that places of worship,…

Gardeners Prepping this Year’s Crops at Arrowhead Community Garden

One gardener was busy planting beets, carrots, and parsnips on Saturday.

DULUTH, Minn. – Eager gardeners were busy on Saturday getting their gardens ready at Arrowhead Community Garden. Sandy Popham, who has gardened off and on for many years, was busy planting her crops for the year. This year she is planting beets, carrots, parsnips, tomatoes, squash, potatoes, and sunflowers. With any garden comes a lot of work and Popham says…

Zup’s Grocery Store Open Again in Cook after 2018 Fire

Without Zup's, Cook residents were forced to drive more than 25 miles to either Virginia or Tower to get their groceries.

COOK, Minn. – After a year and a half, Cook, Minnesota finally has a grocery store back in town. In November 2018, a fire destroyed Zup’s Food Market in Cook which had been a staple of the town for 20 years. Now the store is completely updated and open for business. Without Zup’s, Cook residents were forced to drive more…

Warm Weather Brings Many to Jay Cooke State Park

After more than two months of social distancing, many are getting outside with family units and in small groups to see the natural beauty of Jay Cooke.

DULUTH, Minn. – All the nice weather has made Jay Cook State Park a busy place this week with people eager to get outside. After more than two months of social distancing, many are getting outside with family units and in small groups to see the natural beauty of Jay Cooke. The park has taken some precautions such as only…

Minnesota National Guard Conducting Free COVID-19 Testing in Duluth

The National Guard will be testing at the armory on Sunday and Monday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. as long as their supplies last.

DULUTH, Minn. – The Minnesota National Guard conducted free-of-charge COVID-19 testing for the community on Memorial Day weekend. The National Guard Armory in Duluth has 1,100 tests to conduct over the weekend. Community members who want a test pull up and are greeted by soldiers and airmen and asked if they are having symptoms. Those who are symptomatic are tested…

Local Cemeteries Prepare For Memorial Day

DULUTH, Minn. – Staff at Forest Hill Cemetery in Duluth spent the day preparing for Memorial Day to help honor veterans. Baskets full of flowers were laid out for veterans and civilians. Flags were placed on the grave-sites of those fallen soldiers. Family members were also given flags to give them the opportunity to pay their respects for their loved…

City of Duluth Asks for Mask Donations by Youth

The city of Duluth is asking kids to design masks in response to COVID-19.

DULUTH, Minn. – The city of Duluth is asking kids to design masks in response to COVID-19. To normalize wearing masks, the city of Duluth has partnered with organizations like Essentia Health, St. Luke’s, the Duluth school district, and others to launch the Duluth youth mask project. Kids can submit friendly designs for masks by downloading a packet through the…

North Shore Federal Credit Union Provides Grants for Businesses

A new business is coming to Duluth's Lincoln Park Craft District and is bringing gifts along the way.

DULUTH, Minn. – A new business is coming to Duluth’s Lincoln Park Craft District and is bringing gifts along the way. North Shore Federal Credit Union is providing mini-grants of up to $1,000 to help neighboring businesses in Lincoln Park. The grants will help offset some costs related to reopening during the COVID-19 pandemic. They are available for locally-owned single…

Head of the Lakes Fair Update

Leadership says that in order for the fair to happen, they need to make sure that everything is as clean as possible.

SUPERIOR, Wis. – Leadership says that in order for the fair to happen, they need to make sure that everything is as clean as possible. They say they’re going to have to work closely with the health department and Douglas County in order to make it work. The fair manager talked with the health department and said there might be…

Carlton Hosts Parking Lot Graduation for Seniors

Cars full of families honked for each student as they took the stage and moved their tassel and many students spoke to how tight-knit the community truly is.

CARLTON, Minn. – 46 graduates and their families packed into cars and drove down to the Carlton High School parking lot for graduation at a safe distance. “Getting a high school diploma is a real milestone and they deserve recognition and celebration,” said Gwen Carman, the superintendent of Carlton Public Schools. Vehicles decorated for graduates lined up outside the school….

Gondik Law Speedway Ensuring Public Safety at Races

Douglas County Health Officials said they strongly recommended the speedway postpone the event but the speedway made sure to have multiple safety measures in place.

SUPERIOR, Wis. – The Gondik Law Speedway in Superior drew big crowds at the Minnesota Modified Nationals this weekend. But on Friday, Douglas County Health officials say they strongly recommended the speedway postpone the event. They also encourage people planning to attend the races to avoid large gatherings until they learn how the reopening may impact the community. The Gondik…

Memorial Day Ceremonies Canceled At Local Veteran Cemeteries

"It was a very difficult decision to make," said Minnesota Veteran's State Cemetery Administrator Cory Johnson.

SAGINAW, Minn. – Memorial day is this coming Monday. Thanks to the Covid-19 Pandemic… plans for large public celebrations have been canceled. The Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery in Saginaw is the final resting place for hundreds of soldiers who have sacrificed their lives protecting this country. Memorial Day is the day to commemorate those soldiers, but this year it won’t…

Census Working to Get Results During Pandemic

DULUTH, Minn.– As the pandemic continues, it has been disrupting many things including the 2020 Census. Local census officials say work on this decade’s has fallen behind compared to other censuses because they are running on limited staff. The people they were training were put on hold due to the stay at home order. They have been using other methods…

Memorial Day Weekend Travel Impacted By Coronavirus

DULUTH, Minn.– The pandemic is changing Northlander’s travel plans for Memorial Day weekend. “I’m just going to keep myself planted at home for the weekend, said Solon Springs native Dennis Freid. “Hopefully I don’t get it and give it to anyone else.” Freid normally spends his Memorial Day in Solon Springs with his relatives. Instead of having a barbeque together,…

Minnesota to Offer Free COVID-19 Testing This Weekend

DULUTH, Minn. – Six National Guard Armory locations throughout Minnesota will offer free COVID-19 during the Memorial Day holiday weekend. Minnesota National Guard members will be able to collect roughly 2,000 samples per day across the six sites. “Testing, tracing, and isolating are the best tools we have to understand the impact of the pandemic on our communities and to…

St. Scholastica to Reopen Campuses in the Fall

DULUTH, Minn. – St. Scholastica President Barbara McDonald announced Friday that the college plans on reopening its Duluth and extended campuses this fall. The reopening includes residence halls for the fall semester. Classes will begin for the fall semester on September 8 and will be taught using a mixture of in-person and virtual methods, according to McDonald. “In making this…

Updated COVID-19 Numbers: Friday, May 22

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Minnesota health officials reported 19,005 confirmed COVID-19 cases in the state Friday morning and 33 new deaths bringing the death total to 842 in Minnesota. According to the Minnesota Department of Health website, 180,971 tests have been completed to date. There are 12,696 patients who no longer require isolation. So far, 2,432 patients have required hospitalization…

Harley-Davidson Restarts US Production, Faces ‘New Normal ’

MILWAUKEE (AP) — Harley-Davidson Inc. is resuming production at its U.S. manufacturing plants after suspending production for about two months. The Milwaukee-based motorcycle company shut down production in March after an employee at its factory in Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin, tested positive for the coronavirus. Harley-Davidson also saw motorcycle sales drop in the economic fallout from COVID-19, the disease caused by…

Midday Update 5-22-20

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Friday, May 22, 2020

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist William Seay for a local look at news and weather making headlines Friday, May 22, 2020. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Local News, midday update, weather, William Seay

Minnesota State Fair Canceled

ST. PAUL, Minn.-The Minnesota State Fair will not be held in 2020. This was announced today following a meeting of the board of managers of the Minnesota State Agricultural Society, which governs the Minnesota State Fair. The event was scheduled for Aug. 27 through Labor Day, Sept. 7. “This isn’t a difficult decision. It’s the only decision,” said State Fair…

Pakistan Jet With 98 Aboard Crashes Near Karachi Airport

KARACHI, Pakistan-A jetliner carrying 98 people has crashed in a crowded neighborhood near the airport in Pakistan’s port city of Karachi after an apparent engine failure during landing. Officials said there were at least three survivors from the plane, and it was unknown how many people on the ground were hurt. The mayor says at least five houses were destroyed….

YMCA’s Camp Miller Announces They Will Be Open for Summer Season

Camp Miller, With Permission from Governor Tim Walz, Will Be Allowed to Host Family Camps Only

  STURGEON LAKE, Minn. – The YMCA’s Camp Miller in Sturgeon Lake, Minnesota, is celebrating its 122nd summer season this year amid the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Leadership learned earlier this week from Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, they will be allowed to open this summer for family camps only, with restrictions in place to prevent further spread of coronavirus. “We want…

Fatal Motorcycle Crash in Koochiching County

KOOCHICHING COUNTY, Minn. – The Minnesota State Patrol reports that a Baudette man is dead after a motorcycle accident on Highway 11 at County Road 4 in Koochiching County. Authorities say the crash happened around 2:26 p.m. Thursday. The driver, identified as 53-year-old Steven Million, was driving westbound on Highway 11 when the motorcycle went off the road into the…

Morning Update 5-22-20

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Friday, May 22, 2020

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist William Seay for a local look at news and weather making headlines Friday, May 22, 2020. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Local News, morning update, William Seay

Gov. Evers Announces $100 Million in Funding for Healthcare Services

MADISON, Wis. – Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers announced $100 million in state funding will go to emergency medical services, community based services, and long-term care providers across the state. The money will come out of the $2 billion in federal funding Wisconsin got from the federal CARES Act. The program will happen in two parts. The first will support immediate…

CSS Moves Graduate Teaching Program Completely Online

More than 100 students typically enroll in the graduate teaching program every year.

DULUTH, Minn. – The College of St. Scholastica is moving its teaching graduate program online permanently beginning in the fall. The program is for people who already hold degrees in other areas of education and are looking to become a teacher. Graduate students will participate in weekly virutal sessions. The program was in the process of moving completely online before…

Travel Impacted by Coronavirus

The airline and hospitality industries have suffered major blows as travel has dropped over the past few months.

DULUTH, Minn. – The airline and hospitality industries have suffered major blows as travel has dropped over the past few months. A travel agent in Duluth tells us that if you do get on a plane as this pandemic goes on, you should prepare for a different experience than you’re used to. Most airlines are now requiring fliers to wear…

Gyms Not Reopening Per Governor’s Orders

Governor Walz has not given a set date for when gyms and fitness studios can re-open, which is frustrating for some business owners in the industry.

DULUTH, Minn. – Governor Walz has not given a set date for when gyms and fitness studios can re-open, which is frustrating for some business owners in the industry. CrossFit Duluth in Hermantown is one gym that won’t be able to open up during this time. “Down the road, once we get going, things are going to be great,” said…

St. Louis County Fairs Canceled

More summer plans for families are crumbling as the St. Louis County fairs have been canceled this year.

ST. LOUIS COUNTY – More summer plans for families are crumbling as the St. Louis County fairs have been canceled this year. Representatives from the fairs in Chisholm and Proctor said concerns over COVID-19 led to the cancellations. It would have been the 100th anniversary of the fair in Proctor, and the 136th anniversary in Chisholm. “It’s very disappointing cause…

Salons Reopening To Clients After Governor Gives The OK

Since closing in March, The London Rayne salon owner has had to reschedule more than 50 appointments.

DULUTH, Minn. – Salons in Minnesota have been given the green light to reopen to the public, but they must follow a few safety protocols. The executive order requires hairstylists, barbers, and their clients to wear masks. And all services are by appointment only. But some salons in Duluth are taking a few extra precautions. London Rayne Salon is using…

Minneapolis to require face masks in all public indoor places

MINNEAPOLIS (FOX 9) – Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey signed an emergency regulation Thursday requiring all people in Minneapolis to wear cloth face masks or coverings while indoors starting Tuesday. The Mayor made the announcement at 3 p.m. Thursday along with Minneapolis Health Commissioner Gretchen Musicant and Community Planning and Economic Development Director David Frank and Interim City Attorney Erik Nilsson. The face…

Essentia Announces Plans to Layoff 900

DULUTH, Minn.-Essentia Health has announced they are planning to layoff about 900 employees, with more than 50 percent coming from Twin Ports hospitals. Leadership from Essentia say the layoffs are happening due to operational losses from the coronavirus pandemic. “At Essentia, our operational losses due to pandemic-related declines in patient volumes since the beginning of March have totaled nearly $100…

Costco Issues a Request for Bids for Duluth Project Months After Canceling Purchase Agreement

DULUTH, Minn. – According to recent reports, requests for bids on the previously halted Costco project in Duluth have been posted on the Builders Exchange website. The Minnesota Builders Exchange General Manager Don O’Connor says bids for the project are needed by May 28. Construction on the site would begin May 1, 2021, and would be completed by November 1,…

Remember Food Safety as Summer Barbeques Begin

St. Luke's Clinical Dietitian Dr. Brenda Schwerdt Reminds of Food Safety, Healthy Eating During Summer Months

DULUTH, Minn. – As Memorial Day weekend approaches, dietitians at St. Luke’s want to remind everyone to practice food safety precautions. Experts recommend limiting your consumption of meats and mixing in a large number of fruits and vegetables during your backyard barbeques. St. Luke’s Clinical Dietitian Dr. Brenda Schwerdt suggests grilling peaches and pineapple as well as vegetables like peppers,…

Midday Update 5-21-20

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Thursday, May 21, 2020

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

Updated COVID-19 Numbers: Thursday, May 21

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Minnesota health officials reported 18,200 confirmed COVID-19 cases in the state Thursday morning and 32 new deaths bringing the death total to 809 in Minnesota. According to the Minnesota Department of Health website, 173,556 tests have been completed to date. There are 12,488 patients who no longer require isolation. So far, 2,380 patients have required hospitalization…

Multiple Residents Displaced After Apartment Fire in Eveleth

The Fire Broke Out Around 6:45 Wednesday Evening

EVELETH, Minn. – More than a dozen fire departments on the Iron Range responded to an apartment fire at the Countryside Apartment complex in Eveleth Wednesday evening around 6:45 p.m. According to Friends of the Northland FireWire, all residents were safely evacuated. Officials believe more than 20 people have been displaced from their home as a result of the fire….

Some Minnesota Churches Plan to Resume Worship, Defying Governor’s Order

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — The Minnesota Catholic Conference and the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod say they plan to hold services next week despite a ban on in-person worship of more than 10 people. The two denominations sent Gov. Tim Walz separate letters this week to tell him they plan to open their doors to worship Tuesday, May 26. Some politicians and business…

Morning Update 5-21-20

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Thursday, May 21, 2020

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

South St. Louis County Fair Canceled for 2020

DULUTH, Minn. – The 100th Annual South St. Louis County Fair has been canceled. Event organizers announced the decision to cancel the 2020 county fair on their Facebook page Wednesday. “With safety being the primary requirements to operate a successful fair, social distancing requirements, sterilization, and other safety precautions being recommended and/or enforced by federal and state governments to combat…

Duluth Bar, Restaurant Owners Surprised, Disappointed at Walz’s Outside Seating Restrictions

Different issues arise with just outside seating.

DULUTH, Minn.- Minnesota Governor Tim Walz loosened restrictions on business beginning June 1st. Bars and restaurants can open on that date with outdoor only seating, serving no more than 50 customers at a time and with employees wearing masks. “That extends to how do we find that new normal, restart Minnesota’s economy and I should say grow it from where…