News – Latest News

Duluth Fire Department Gets New Truck

The Duluth Fire Department has received a new fire truck.

DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth Fire Department has received a new fire truck. It arrived about a week ago, but it has been in the works for more than a year since July of 2018. The department has been short a truck up until this new one arrived. Some characteristics of this truck include a higher horsepower motor, which allows…

Local Bakery in Need of Funding

Positively 3rd Street Bakery is needing to raise $25,000.

DULUTH, Minn. – One local bakery is asking the public for donations so it can continue with its business. Positively 3rd Street Bakery is needing to raise $25,000. This will pay workers with reduced hours, continue to provide the baked goods and will help with replacing the business’ industrial mixer, which is getting close to not be being usable anymore….

Wisconsin Special Election Runs During the Pandemic

Officials say they have a better grip on the COVID-19 situation and things will run in a more smooth manner. 

SUPERIOR, Wis. – Nearly one month ago, controversy swirled in Wisconsin as in-person voting was allowed during an election. Later reports from the state department of health indicate that more than 50 people connected with the election tested positive for COVID-19, and now another election is on the horizon in the 7th district between Republican Tom Tiffany and Democrat Tricia…

Three Survive Kayak Incident Off Park Point

DULUTH, Minn.-At 1 p.m. today, the Duluth Fire Department responded to a water emergency involving three kayakers who were about 400 feet off Park Point near the Sky Harbor Airport. Duluth Fire arrived to find the boaters on shore, pulling the kayaks out of the water and in contact with Duluth Police. The boaters confirmed that all persons in their…

Numbers Spike for Minnesotans in Intensive Care for COVID-19

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — The number of Minnesotans hospitalized in intensive care with COVID-19 has jumped for three straight days to the highest levels yet, health officials said Monday. The Minnesota Department of Health reported 166 patients in intensive care units as of Monday, up 11 from a one-day high of 155 set Sunday and a high of 135 set Saturday….

Midday Update 5-4-20

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Monday, April 4, 2020

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist William Seay for a local look at news and weather making headlines Monday, May 4, 2020. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, Headlines, Local News, midday update, weather, William Seay

White Spruce Market Seeing Spike in Business Amid COVID-19 Pandemic

The Locally Handcrafted Gift Boxes Are Proving to be Popular Gifts As Stay-At-Home Orders Continue

DULUTH, Minn. – Mother’s Day is less than a week away, and with the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, it’ll most definitely look a little different this year. The ‘new normal’ isn’t stopping the tradition of gift-giving, however. Locally handcrafted White Spruce Market is seeing a big spike in business as consumers look to stay connected by gift-giving.  Bailey Aro Hutchence is…

Morning Update 5-4-20

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Monday, May 4, 2020

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist William Seay for a local look at news and weather making headlines Monday, May 4, 2020. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Local News, morning update, William Seay

Evers, Legislative Leaders to Meet, Discuss Coronavirus

MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Gov. Tony Evers was scheduled to meet late Monday afternoon with both Republican and Democratic legislative leaders to discuss the next steps in Wisconsin’s response to the coronavirus pandemic. The meeting comes the day before the Wisconsin Supreme Court was scheduled to hear oral arguments in a case brought by the Republican legislative leaders seeking to block Evers’…

Duluth Woman Killed in Sunday ATV Crash

COOK, Minn. – Authorities say a 53-year-old Duluth woman died Sunday night after an ATV crash in rural Cook. According to the St. Louis County Sheriff’s office, deputies were dispatched to an ATV accident in the 3200 block of Randa Road on the northern side of Lake Vermillion around 9:20 p.m. Sunday. When deputies and first responders arrived on the…

Hometown Heroes: 5/3/20

DULUTH, Minn. — FOX 21 is highlighting local front-line workers who are giving their all for the community during the coronavirus pandemic. Here are just a few of our Hometown Heroes from Sunday’s broadcast. If you’d like to nominate someone, just head over to FOX 21’s Facebook page to upload an image and a brief description about the person. We…

Free Pop-Up COVID-19 Testing Events Happening in Northwestern Wisconsin

WISCONSIN — As states gather more testing kits for COVID-19, Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers has announced that free testing sites will pop-up in counties across Northwestern Wisconsin through at least mid-May. The testing will be done in areas that currently lack it or where there might be higher rates of the virus, according to the state. The pop-ups will be…

Carlton’s Flapjack Fiasco Fundraiser for St. Jude Hospital Adapts Amid Pandemic

10th annual pancake breakfast ditches the pancake and the breakfast, with volunteers using long-handled buckets to collect cash from cars.

CARLTON, Minn.- COVID-19 couldn’t put a kabash on the Flapjack Fiasco Fundraiser for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, which ditched the pancakes for a drive-by donation collection on Sunday. The four corners of the intersection of Highway 210 and 45 were flanked by neon vests, stopping cars as they drove by. “We made some buckets on a piece of bamboo…

Hottest Weekend to Date Brings Many Outdoors

One family celebrated the nice weather by building their own teepee on Park Point Beach.

DULUTH, Minn.- The weekend’s nice weather brought plenty of people outside, and some decided to erect a monument to the hottest weekend to date: a teepee. A family from Iron Mountain, Michigan made the most of the warm Sunday, constructing a large teepee out of logs of driftwood on Park Point Beach. “We figured we’d come on out here and…

Sterling Silver Studio Holds Sidewalk Parade of Parents and Students

Parents dressed up as cows and chickens and the students dressed up as farmers to parade down Hammond Avenue.

SUPERIOR, Wis. – Along with most other things, springtime dance recitals are being canceled during the global COVID-19 pandemic. Sterling Silver Studio, a Superior dance studio, was supposed to have its 29th annual recital at Wessman Arena. When the owner of the studio found out it was going to be canceled she decided to take one of the recital numbers…

Ely Baker Making Cakes for Essential Workers

It started when Susan Laine created a poll online asking which essential business should receive a cake and blossomed into 53 cakes in total...and counting.

ELY, Minn. – A baker in Ely has taken her love for community and put it into icing. It started when Susan Laine created a poll online asking which essential business should receive a cake. then people started donating the money for cakes for other essential businesses. Altogether, Laine has now made 53 cakes. She’s doing all of this on…

Lakes, Local Businesses Busy for Wisconsin Fishing Opener

While social distancing and practicing guidelines, anglers stocked up on bait and tackle and took to the water.

SOLON SPRINGS, Wis.- The near perfect weather Saturday lured Wisconsin anglers out for the day many have been waiting all year for: the 2020 Fishing Opener. “It’s been a long winter and get some walleyes, maybe some crappies, bass, whatever it’s, whatever’s biting,” said Kyle Tikkanen, fishing with his son, Kegan on Upper Saint Croix Lake. “Just getting out, enjoying…

Local Church Hosts Drive-In Movie for Community

Families were encouraged to drive up with popcorn from home and tune into the radio to hear the Pixar film, Onward.

HERMANTOWN, Minn. – With movie theaters closed around the area, Hermantown Community Church hosted a drive-in film on Friday night for the community. Families were encouraged to drive up with popcorn from home and tune into the radio to hear the Pixar film, Onward. The church even got special permission from the Duluth Police Department to gather. “It’s tough because…

Duluth Homegrown Festival’s Cancellation Impacting Artists and Business Owners

This year musicians, like the group Dance Attic, are taking to Facebook to play their music.

DULUTH, Minn. – Duluth’s Homegrown Music Festival has highlighted musicians and artists for more than twenty years from the comfort of local bars and restaurants. Homegrown is known for packed venues and people enjoying the broad music scene Duluth offers. This week Fox 21 caught up with one of the acts scheduled to play at the festival. Suzi Ludwig and…

Classic Car Enthusiasts Cruise Through Twin Ports After Car Shows are Canceled

Many car shows are being canceled due to the crowds they normally draw, so anyone who owns a collector car was encouraged to join the procession.

DULUTH, Minn. – Car enthusiasts cruised around the Twin Ports on Saturday to allow people to enjoy classic cars in a socially distanced way. Many car shows are being canceled due to the crowds they normally draw, so anyone who owns a collector car was encouraged to join the procession. More than one hundred cars started in Superior and ended…

Minnesota Hair Salons to Open on Retail Curbside Basis Starting Monday

Following on the heels of Wisconsin hair salons, the Minnesota ones will be allowed to sell things like shampoo and beauty regimen products.

DULUTH, Minn. – On Monday, salons in Minnesota can open for retail curbside service and some Northland shops have already begun preparing for the big day. Following on the heels of Wisconsin hair salons, the Minnesota ones will be allowed to sell things like shampoo and beauty regimen products. Over at Language of Hair on London Road, when the salon…

Minnesota Surpasses 6,000 Confirmed COVID-19 Cases

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) – The Minnesota Department of Health reports that nearly 500 people tested positive for COVID-19, putting the state over 6,000 cases. Officials say 21 of the 24 deaths in Saturday’s report occurred in long-term care facilities, including one Clay County resident who was at least 100 years old. The state also reported the death of a Hennepin County…

Wisconsin Businesses Prep for Fishing Opener

SUPERIOR, Wis.– One of the biggest days on the calendar is almost here for Wisconsin. The fishing season will open tomorrow and it couldn’t have come at a better time as people try to find ways to get outside. Fishing can be a great way to get outside and social distance during the pandemic. In Wisconsin, people are getting ready…

True North AmeriCorps Launches Emergency Response Initiative

Members can receive plenty of benefits including living stipends and free health insurance.

DULUTH, Minn. – In light of COVID-19 and the effects it has brought upon the community True North AmeriCorps is launching the Minnesota Americorps Emergency Response Initiative. This initiative is in partnership with the Duluth YMCA. It is designed to help communities better respond to their needs during this time of crisis by placing nearly 20 AmeriCorps members at non-profits…

Local Flower Shops Busy on Mayday

Engwall in Duluth is putting together flower arrangements for the special day.

DULUTH, Minn. – Local flower shops have been busy on this mayday. Engwall Florist and Gifts in Duluth is putting together flower arrangements for the special day. Traditionally for the holiday, small baskets of flowers are placed on peoples’ doorsteps and the giver runs away without letting the recipient know. “I think that everything going on in the world was…

Local Engineer Making 3-D Printed Face Shields from Home

Each face shield takes the printer around two hours to create and Tim Salmonson estimates he has made nearly 200.

DULUTH, Minn. – During the pandemic, many Northlanders have been doing what they can to help out the community. Tim Salmonson, a local electrical engineer, was working from home like so many others and decided to use his 3-D printer to create face shields to help out healthcare workers at hospitals. Each face shield takes the printer around two hours…

Premiere Theaters Offering Concessions at the Curbside

The theater, which has been closed during the pandemic, is offering things like popcorn, slushies, nachos, pop, and even mini donuts for people who miss what the concession stand has to offer.

CLOQUET, Minn. – Premiere Theaters in Cloquet is now offering curbside concession pick-up for people who are craving theater popcorn and candy. The theater, which has been closed during the pandemic, is offering things like popcorn, slushies, nachos, pop, and even mini donuts for people who miss what the concession stand has to offer. The locally owned and operated theater…

A Medical Equipment Company Helps A Local Food Bank By Giving Out Neck Gaiters

Lake Superior Medical Equipment has provided about 750 neck gaiters.

UTH, Minn – Lake Superior Medical Equipment is looking to give back to a good cause while also trying to help protect the community from harm during the coronavirus pandemic. With face masks in short supply, a neck gaiter is another form of protection to help limit the spread of Covid-19. Lake Superior Medical Equipment has provided about 750 neck…

Itasca County Health Officials Address Mental Health Concerns Amid COVID-19 Pandemic

Area Partners Have Developed a Website With a Plethora of Mental Health Resources

GRAND RAPIDS, Minn. – As of Friday, there are 11 lab-confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Itasca County. While the numbers remain low compared to nearby St. Louis County (73 cases, 11 deaths), officials are seeing an increase in calls and outreach to local mental health service centers. First Call for Help of Itasca County is a private, nonprofit community organization…

Businesses Launch Online Platforms

Miller Creek Lawn and Landscape launched its platform today where clients can purchase and shop safely from the comfort of their homes and have their products delivered to them.

HERMANTOWN, Minn. – Some local landscaping businesses have launched online marketplaces for their customers during the pandemic. Miller Creek Lawn and Landscape launched its platform today where clients can purchase and shop safely from the comfort of their homes and have their products delivered to them. Leadership from Miller Creek say they have not seen a decrease in customers during…

Local Greenhouse Open to the Public

Whether it’s herbs, flowers or succulents, Spring at Last offers up plenty of options to make local homes greener on Mayday.

DULUTH, Minn. – Whether it’s herbs, flowers or succulents, Spring at Last offers up plenty of options to make local homes greener on Mayday. “It’s nice and I can see the smiles on their faces when they come in to see something nice flowery, get away from what’s going on. They seem to really enjoy it.” Owners say visiting the…

Canada Bans Assault-Style Weapons After Shooting Rampage

TORONTO (AP) — Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced an immediate ban Friday on the sale and use of assault-style weapons in Canada, two weeks after a gunman killed 22 people in Nova Scotia. “Canadians need more than thoughts and prayers,” he said, rejecting the reaction of many politicians after mass shootings. Trudeau cited numerous mass shootings in the country, including…

FDA Allows Emergency Use of Drug for Coronavirus

(Gilead Sciences via AP) WASHINGTON (AP) — U.S. regulators on Friday allowed emergency use of an experimental drug that appears to help some coronavirus patients recover faster. It is the first drug shown to help fight COVID-19, which has killed more than 230,000 people worldwide. The FDA said in a statement that Gilead Science’s intravenous drug would be specifically indicated…

Layoffs Announced at Minntac

MT. IRON, Minn. – Layoffs are expected at Minntac in the coming weeks according to United Steelworkers Local 1938. Union leaders say U.S. Steel confirmed layoffs will begin on May 10 and are expected to last about eight weeks for plant employees and 11 weeks for pit employees. The layoffs will affect about 260 employees. Currently, Minntac employs about 1,300…

Midday Update 5-1-20

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Friday, May 1, 2020

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist William Seay for a local look at news and weather making headlines Friday, May 1, 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, May 1

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Minnesota health officials reported 5,730 confirmed COVID-19 cases in the state Friday morning and 28 new deaths bringing the death total to 371 in Minnesota. According to the Minnesota Department of Health website, 74,820 tests have been completed to date. There are 2,282 patients who no longer require isolation. So far, 1,096 patients have required hospitalization…

EAA Cancels Convention That Draws Hundreds of Thousands

OSHKOSH, Wis. (AP) — An event that draws hundreds of thousands of people from all around the globe is the latest event to be canceled because of the coronavirus pandemic. Organizers of the Experimental Aircraft Association’s annual fly-in and convention say the uncertainty of COVID-19 has forced them to cancel the July 20-26 event. Approximately 642,000 people attended the convention…

Morning Update 5-1-20

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Friday, May 1, 2020

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist William Seay for a local look at news and weather making headlines Friday, May 1, 2020. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Local News, morning update, William Seay

Judge Orders DOC to Respond to Moose Lake Claims

MOOSE LAKE, Minn. (AP) — A judge has ordered the Minnesota Department of Corrections to show that it is protecting inmates at the Moose Lake prison from COVID-19. The American Civil Liberties Union of Minnesota filed a lawsuit in April alleging the Corrections Department and the Moose Lake prison have failed to implement sufficient measures to slow or stop the spread of the…

MN Nurses Assoc.: Nearly 300 Essentia Nurses Take Temporary Furloughs

DULUTH, Minn. –  The financial blow from the pandemic has placed nearly 300 nurses at Essentia Health in the Twin Ports on “special administrative leave.” A spokesperson for the Minnesota Nurses Association union told FOX 21 on Thursday that the workers have taken voluntary furloughs to avoid potential layoffs and keep their health insurance benefits. Being furloughed also allows the…

Bike Shop Increases Sales and Service During Pandemic

Ski Hut in Duluth is up and running and are fixing and selling bikes.

DULUTH, Minn. – Ski Hut in Duluth is up and running, still fixing and selling bikes, as they are considered an essential business. According to workers, the service department has been very busy, with about a 30 to 40% increase from this time last year. With regard to bike demand, workers say they are selling a third more compared to…

Duluth Chamber CEO Adapts Advocacy For Businesses Through Pandemic

DULUTH, Minn. — The Duluth Area Chamber of Commerce is looking at all types of ways to connect with local businesses right now to help them through the pandemic’s financial crisis. Chamber President and CEO David Ross says he’s seen an increase in small businesses looking for guidance with grant and loan applications, among other needs. His team is in…

Duluth Police and Fire Chiefs Jump into Lake Superior to Support Healthcare Workers

Chiefs Mike Tusken and Shawn Krizaj took a jump into Lake Superior after three local kids raised nearly $6000.

DULUTH, Minn. – Chiefs Mike Tusken and Shawn Krizaj took a jump into Lake Superior after three local kids raised nearly $6000. Brea, Dawson, and Bryce Parrot raised the money which is going to support frontline heroes working during the pandemic. The kids are purchasing all that food from local restaurants to support those businesses as well. “I thought when…

Wisconsin Salons Now Open to Curbside Retail Business

Salons like La Pienado in Superior had 75 orders the first day it was open for curbside business.

SUPERIOR, Wis. – Salons are not part of Governor Tony Evers phase one of reopening in Wisconsin, and businesses like La Peinado in Superior can now sell products to customers curbside. “People have been without skincare, makeup, hair products for going on six weeks so they’re very happy to get their products,” said Lisa Russ, the position manager, for La…

Cars Line Up for Retirement Parade in Superior

SUPERIOR, Wis.– A different type of parade went on today as a surprise for a retiree in Superior. David Quam spent the last 32 years as a logistics supervisor over at Praxair in Duluth. A couple dozen cars rolled down Hammond Avenue to congratulate him. Quam says he was surprised to see all the cars and was glad he could…

Myers-Wilkins Elementary Staff Puts on Parade for Students

DULUTH, Minn.– Earlier today, teachers and staff from one Duluth Elementary School got together to try and reach out to their community during the Coronavirus pandemic. As schools will be without students for the rest of the school year, staff at Myers-Wilkins Elementary School found a way to say hi to their students. “Just show them that we’re coming together…