News – Latest News

US Economy Shrank at 4.8% Rate Last Quarter as Virus Struck

WASHINGTON (AP) — The U.S. economy shrank at a 4.8% annual rate last quarter as the coronavirus pandemic shut down much of the country and began triggering a recession that will end the longest expansion on record. The Commerce Department estimated Wednesday that the gross domestic product, the total output of goods and services, posted a quarterly drop for the…

‘Superior Gift Card Club’ Raises $50K For Local Businesses

SUPERIOR, Wis. – A Facebook gift card club in Superior designed to help local businesses during the pandemic has reached a big milestone. The club has raised $50,000 so far through daily online raffles. Councilors Craig Sutherland and Brent Fennessey came up with the idea just five weeks ago, and they never thought they’d be able to give this much…

Gordon Good Neighbor Days Canceled

Event brings at least 8,000-9,000 people to Gordon every year

GORDON, Wis. – Gordon Good Neighbor Days will not happen in 2020. The July celebration brings in at least 8,000-9,000 people every year to the Northern Wisconsin town of 600. Event chairperson, Joy Rogers, tells us it was canceled to keep volunteers and the community as safe as possible during the COVID-19 pandemic. She says the decision to cancel was…

Superior Mayor, Chamber CEO Talk Pandemic’s Financial Crisis

SUPERIOR, Wis. – Superior Mayor Jim Paine told FOX 21’s Dan Hanger on Tuesday why he doesn’t expect to furlough or lay off any employees during the pandemic, unlike the city of Duluth.  And we’re learning more about how the hit to the tourism industry is affecting the Superior-Douglas County Area Chamber of Commerce like it has never been hit…

Great Outdoors: Green House of Carlton

The Green House is still offering their planter classes this year, but having less people in class to still practice social distancing.

CARLTON, Minn. – With greenhouses being considered an essential business in Minnesota, the Green House of Carlton is giving people the chance to spring into gardening. “Gardening is better than therapy…and you get tomatoes,” owner of Green House of Carlton Jim Fahrenholz said. With warmer weather on its way, gardening season is getting started. “It’s just kind of a good…

Lilac Lovefest Coming This Summer

HERMANTOWN, Minn.– Summer events are being cancelled but some Duluth organizations are getting together to make a new event this summer. It’s called Lilac Lovefest and its being put on by the Lilac Hill Greenhouse in Hermantown, as well as Duluth Yoga, Visit Duluth and others. They want to prove that the Twin Ports has the longest lilac season in…

Trump Set to Order Meatpacking to Stay Open As Plants Deal with Staff Shortage

If this continues, experts say it could drastially effect the nation's food supply chain.

SUPERIOR, Wis. On Tuesday President Donald Trump said he will sign a five-page executive order declaring meat processing plants critical infrastructure, ordering them to remain open–as facilities are dealing with a shortage of workers and an increase in demand. “We always work with the farmers,” Trump said. “There’s plenty of supplies, as you know this, plenty of supply, it’s distribution…

Financial Risk Prompted The City’s Decision To Close Lester Park Golf Course

DULUTH, Minn – Last week, Mayor Emily Larson announced Lester Park Golf Course in Duluth will be closed for the rest of the year. Loyal golfers weren’t too happy about the closing. Duluth city officials are speaking out further about the reasoning behind the decision. City officials took a closer look at the financial risk of opening both courses this…

A New Child Care Center Is Coming To Duluth

Hope for Kids Child Care Center is expected to open in July.

DULUTH, Minn- A new daycare center is coming to Duluth. Hope for Kids Child Care Center is expected to open this summer at the Hope United Methodist Church in Duluth. A long-standing child care shortage has been a big concern in the Northland for quite a while. As the pandemic continues, Hope for Kids Child Care Center is hopeful to…

Oasis Del Norte Serves Up For Taco Tuesday At Duluth Cider

"I think through the food it shows how our culture is," said Owner Eduardo Sandoval-Luna.

DULUTH, Minn. – It may have been a rainy day but the Oasis Del Norte food truck found time to stop by Duluth cider for Taco Tuesday. The food truck is in its first year of business and so far the reaction has been great. The truck sells real authentic street tacos and a variety of other traditional Mexican dishes,…

Vision Care Businesses Still Operating During Pandemic

Last month, CDC guidelines singled out vision care and said no to anything routine.

DULUTH, Minn. – Last month, CDC guidelines singled out vision care and said no to anything routine. No routine examinations whatsoever and Minnesota has been following these guidelines. Relf Eyecare Specialists has been closed except for emergency services since mid-March, but a variety of procedures considered to be emergencies are still being done. “Injuries, trauma, foreign bodies in the eye,…

Curbside Pickup Begins at Local Libraries

At both libraries, patrons have to call into the library and schedule an appointment to pick up materials.

TWIN PORTS – At both libraries, patrons have to call into the library and schedule an appointment to pick up materials. They can also request the items on their own through the online catalog. Staff also wear protective gear when handling items before being given to their visitors. “People have been missing the library, we’ve heard from them on Facebook…

Drive-Thru Food Shelf Available at Vineyard Church

A local church has set up a food shelf drive-thru for guests.

DULUTH, Minn. – A local church has set up a food shelf drive-thru for guests. The Vineyard Church in Duluth organized the Fruit of the Vine Food Shelf. The shelf is usually set up like a grocery store where people can pick out what they want. However, during the pandemic, the shelf is now a drive-thrum model where those in…

New Principal Chosen for Denfeld High School

DULUTH, Minn. – Duluth Public Schools officials announced on Tuesday that a new principal has been chosen for Denfeld High School. After a thorough search process, former Assistant Principal Tom Tusken has been picked to serve as the new Denfeld Principal and will begin his new position in August. According to a recent press release, Tusken has previous experience as…

52 Positive COVID-19 Cases Tied to Wisconsin Election

MADISON, Wis. (AP) — More than 50 people who voted in person or worked the polls during Wisconsin’s election earlier this month have tested positive for COVID-19 so far. The state Department of Health Services reported the latest figures on Tuesday, three weeks after the April 7 presidential primary and spring election that drew widespread concern because of voters waiting…

Pence Comes Under Fire for Going Maskless at Mayo Clinic

ROCHESTER, Minn. (AP) – Vice President Mike Pence chose not to wear a face mask while touring the Mayo Clinic in Minnesota. It’s an apparent violation of the world-renowned medical center’s policy requiring them. Video feeds show he didn’t wear a mask when he met with a Mayo employee who has recovered from COVID-19. He was also maskless when he…

Trump to Sign Order Keeping Meat Processing Plants Open

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump will sign an executive order Tuesday meant to stave off a shortage of chicken, pork and other meat on American supermarket shelves because of the coronavirus. The order will use the Defense Production Act to classify meat processing as a critical infrastructure to keep production plants open. The order comes after industry leaders warned that consumers…

JBS Pork Plant Denies Minnesota OSHA Inspectors Investigation

(Photo by Courtney Perry/For the Washington Post) ( Courtney Perry/For the Washington Post/Getty Images via Fox9) WORTHINGTON, Minn. (FOX 9) – The Minnesota Occupational Health and Safety Administration was ready to inspect the JBS pork plant in Worthington last Monday, but the company refused to allow inspectors to conduct the investigation. The state Department of Labor and Industry said the JBS pork…

Midday Update 4-28-20

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Tuesday, April 28, 2020

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist William Seay for a local look at news and weather making headlines Tuesday, April 28, 2020. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Local News, midday update, William Seay

Latest Minnesota COVID-19 Numbers: April 28

ST. PAUL, Minn. – The Minnesota Department of Health reported 15 new COVID-19 related deaths Tuesday morning. The state’s confirmed cases of COVID-19 are now at 4,181 and the death toll is 301. Health officials have cautioned that the real number of Minnesotans infected with COVID-19 is likely much higher due to a previous lack of testing throughout the state….

Pence to Visit Mayo Clinic Tuesday

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Vice President Mike Pence has an appointment today at Minnesota’s Mayo Clinic to learn about a new coronavirus testing “moonshot” that has the famed clinic partnering with the state and its flagship university to quickly boost the state’s capacity to 20,000 tests a day. It’s an approach that leverages a health care infrastructure not all states can…

Minnesota Senior Facility Evacuated due to Virus to Close

WAYZATA, Minn. (AP) — A Minneapolis-area senior living facility that was evacuated earlier this month after an outbreak of COVID-19 announced Monday it won’t reopen. The nonprofit organization Transforming Age said it has made “the difficult decision” not to reopen Meridian Manor in Wayzata “as a result of multiple negative impacts of COVID-19.” Nearly 50 residents were moved from Meridian Manor on…

Arrowhead Printing Gives a Big Thank You

Arrowhead Printing is putting together big thank you cards with signatures from Northland Residents.

DULUTH, Minn. – Arrowhead Printing is putting together big thank you cards with signatures from Northland Residents who want to show their gratitude to area hospitals, fire and police departments, grocery stores, and mail and delivery carriers. When folded, the cards will be 24 inches by 36 inches. “We are getting a lot of positive feedback so far but the…

Visit Cook County Remains Optimistic Amid Ongoing COVID-19 Pandemic

Visit Cook County Continues to Monitor Developments, Advice from Minnesota Department of Health Officials

COOK COUNTY, Minn. – The residents of Cook County are concerned when it comes to visitors traveling to the region from elsewhere amid the COVID-19 pandemic. The friendly staff at Visit Cook County remain optimistic during these trying times and want to assure everyone they are monitoring the latest health and safety information from state health officials before reopening the…

Gov. Evers Directs DNR to Reopen Several State Parks, Forests

MADISON, Wis. – Gov. Tony Evers announced Tuesday morning that he has directed the Department of Natural Resources to re-open several state parks, forests, and recreational areas that were previously closed due to COVID-19 health concerns. According to a news release from the governor’s office, the DNR will reopen 34 state parks and forests on May 1 under special conditions….

Gordon Good Neighbor Days Canceled Due to Coronavirus Concerns

GORDON, Wis. – Gordon Good Neighbor Days 2020 has been canceled due to COVID-19 pandemic concerns. The Gordon Good Neighbor Days committee made the announcement about the cancellation on its Facebook page Monday evening saying: “With the continuing uncertainty of the pandemic and concern for the health and safety of the community, participants, volunteers, and spectators the decision has been…

City of Virginia Set to Furlough Up to 28 Employees Beginning in May

"It makes me sick to my stomach," said Mayor Larry Cuffe.

VIRGINIA, Minn.- The City of Virginia is set to furlough up to 28 employees beginning May 4th due to projected revenue losses. Mayor Larry Cuffe said a majority of the 28 employees are expected to come from Public Works, Parks and Recreation, and Golf Course staff. While they’re avoiding cutting any staff from public safety departments right now, the Mayor…

Duluth Council, Mayor’s Administration Discuss Budget Shortfall, Layoffs

City Council shared their thoughts and questions while the Mayor and her team outlined plans.

DULUTH, Minn.- Mayor Emily Larson made a rare appearance at Duluth’s virtual City Council meeting to give councilors a detailed outline, and uncertain look towards a grim future after she announced the city’s budget shortfall–which was unveiled to now be about $20.7-$38.2 million. According to city officials, due to the city’s “strong mayor system,” Larson can make any decisions she…

Knowing Your Neighbors: Perk Place Coffee

Perk Place Coffee is now offering curbside pickup and delivery options to continue serving their customers.

DULUTH, Minn. – “That’s what all of this is, adapting and accepting your situation and trying to get creative and attempt to maintain the normalcy,” Perk Place Coffee manager Ria Takhar said. After six years of business, Perk Place Coffee has had to change how they serve customers. Restaurants and coffee shops are currently not allowed inside dinning, so Perk…

Duluth Road Construction Projects Begin

DULUTH, Minn.– As the weather warms up, the orange cones are coming back out of storage and lining the streets for construction season. Crews got to work in downtown Duluth on the two construction projects in the area. The city of Duluth has started phase three of the Superior Street Reconstruction Project. The city is currently working on a mile…

St. Louis County Adds Phone Line for Community Questions

DULUTH, Minn.– St. Louis County now has a new helpline to answer all non-medical questions people are having during the Coronavirus pandemic. The phone number is 218-336-HELP (218-336-4357) and is live Monday-Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. All calls will lead to a live person on the other end that can help answer questions about restaurants, stores, and other…

A Local Church Donates Food And Art Supplies To Students

The large donation is going to help feed about 45 families.

DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth Community School Collaborative is a non-profit that serves students in the community impacted by economic barriers. The group recently received a large donation from a local church to help them during the ongoing pandemic. DCSC supports students at Meyers-Wilkens Elementary, Lincoln Park Middle, and Denfeld High Schools. The non-profit is hoping this large donation will…

Coronavirus Is Creating A Growing Need For Plasma Donations

New donors could earn up to $400 a month.

DULUTH, Minn. – Right now as people stay home, there is a growing need for more plasma donations. Plasma is the clear liquid portion of our blood, which can be used to treat people with illnesses such as an autoimmune disorder. According to experts it could even be used to help fight the coronavirus. “We have a special project now…

Minnesota DNR Encourages Hunting, Fishing License Sales

Revenue From License Sales Help Fund Critical Field Work for the Minnesota DNR

DULUTH, Minn. – The Minnesota Department of Natural Resource is urging outdoor enthusiasts to continue purchasing fishing and hunting license this year amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Governor Tim Walz has officially allowed fishing season to begin as planned on Saturday, May 9. Turkey season is already well underway in many parts of the state. Much of the revenue collected from…

Steady Stream of Customers at Auto Repair Shops

Despite a lot of businesses closing, auto repair shops are seeing a steady stream of customers.

DULUTH, Minn. – Despite a lot of businesses closing, auto repair shops are seeing a steady stream of customers. Workers at 4th Street Auto Repair have been taking extra precautions when it comes to cleaning and wiping down vehicles at all touchpoints and contact points, including steering wheels and seat belts. “We’re thankful right now, I can’t say we’re busy,…

Northland Hospitals Work Together in Mask Drive

“When we get masks like this, it really feels like the community is stepping up for us."

DULUTH, Minn. – Masks, masks, and more masks. This is what St. Luke’s and Essentia Health are trying to raise in their “Land of 10,000 Masks” campaign. “When we get masks like this, it really feels like the community is stepping up for us and it feels like they’re giving us love too in a very concrete way that really…

Superior Mayor Jim Paine: No Layoffs, Furloughs Expected During Pandemic

SUPERIOR, Wis. – Superior Mayor Jim Paine says he has no plans to lay off or furlough any employees right now or in the future. Mayor Paine told FOX 21 Monday while times are uncertain and he can’t fully predict impacts to the city’s finances, he does believe the city of Superior is fiscally healthy to withstand pressures from the…

Wisconsin: Over 6K COVID-19 Cases, 281 Deaths

MILWAUKEE (AP) — The number of people testing positive for the coronavirus in Wisconsin has reached over 6,000. Wisconsin health officials reported Monday the number of people in the state testing positive for COVID-19 has grown to 6,081, up 170 from the day before. The number of deaths officially attributed to the coronavirus in Wisconsin grew Monday to 281, an…

Evers Loosens Restrictions, Allowing More Businesses to Open

MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Dog groomers, upholsterers, lawnmower repair shops, and other nonessential businesses that can offer contact-less services will be allowed to reopen in Wisconsin, Gov. Tony Evers announced Monday. Outdoor recreational rental businesses, such as boats, golf carts, and kayaks, can also reopen, along with self-service or automatic car washes. Evers called it as a “turn of the dial”…

City of Virginia Announces Furloughs

VIRGINIA, Minn. – The city of Virginia will begin to furlough employees next week. According to city officials, a decision has been made to furlough up to 28 employees and will begin May 4. Virginia City Administrator Britt See-Benes says the furloughs could be through July or may go until the end of the year. City leaders say the furloughs…

Midday Update 4-27-20

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Monday, April 27, 2020

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist William Seay for a local look at news and weather making headlines Monday, April 27, 2020. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Local News, midday update, William Seay

Latest Minnesota COVID-19 Numbers: April 27

ST. PAUL, Minn. – The Minnesota Department of Health reported 3,816 confirmed cases of COVID-19 throughout the state as of Monday morning. The department also reported 286 deaths. Health officials have cautioned that the real number of Minnesotans infected with COVID-19 is likely much higher due to a previous lack of testing throughout the state. The number of reported cases…

Morning Update 4-27-20

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Monday, April 27, 2020

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist William Seay for a local look at news and weather making headlines Monday, April 27, 2020. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Local News, morning update, William Seay

City Asks Public to Report Illegal Trail Use

DULUTH, Minn. – The City of Duluth Parks and Recreation department says they have responded to reports of illegal trails development and riding within Central Park. According to a Monday news release, city ordinances will continue to be enforced in parks throughout the city and the public is encouraged to call the Duluth Police Department to report illegal building or…

Hometown Heroes: 4/26/20

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…

Superior Police Officer Helping Others Through Pandemic With Daily Facebook Posts

SUPERIOR, Wis. – We are now more than a month into the stay-at-home order in Minnesota and Wisconsin as thousands are jobless, businesses are shut down and emotions are running higher than ever. But there’s one police officer in Superior who’s trying to help guide those emotions in a positive way through posts on the department’s Facebook page based off…