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Minnesota State Fair Will Either Run Full 12 Days or be Canceled Says GM

April 23, 2020

Site Staff,

FALCON HEIGHTS, Minn. (FOX 9) – The general manager of the Minnesota State Fair says the Great Minnesota Get-Together is still on track to start on Aug. 27, despite the COVID-19 pandemic. In a statement, general manager Jerry Hammer said this year’s State Fair will be all or nothing—alternate fair dates, a change in the duration of the fair or significant reductions…

Latest Minnesota COVID-19 Numbers

April 23, 2020

Site Staff,

ST. PAUL, Minn. – The Minnesota Department of Health reported 21 new deaths on Thursday morning marking the most deaths reported in a single day to date. The department also reported 2,942 confirmed cases throughout the state. Health officials have cautioned that the real number of Minnesotans infected with the coronavirus is likely much higher because most people don’t qualify…

National Bank of Commerce Donates 8,000 N95 Masks to Duluth Hospitals

St. Luke's and Essentia Each Received 4,000 N95 Masks Thanks to National Bank of Commerce

April 23, 2020

Brett Scott,

DULUTH, Minn. – With a nationwide shortage of N95 masks, and states told they must find supplies themselves, it’s becoming more difficult by the day to obtain a stockpile for Northland hospitals. On Wednesday, National Bank of Commerce gifted St. Luke’s Hospital in Duluth a supply of 4,000 N95 masks for healthcare workers on the front lines to utilize. Another…

Midday Update 4-23-20

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Thursday, April 23, 2020

April 23, 2020

Brett Scott,

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist William Seay for a local look at news and weather making headlines Thursday, April 23, 2020. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Local News, midday update, William Seay

Voyageurs Lutheran Ministry Cancels Northern MN Summer Camps

April 23, 2020

Andrew Kirov,

DULUTH, Minn. – Summer camps have been canceled across Northern Minnesota by Voyageurs Lutheran Ministry. The organization operates Camp Hiawatha in Deer River and Camp Vermilion in Cook. The executive director tells us the camps host up to 1,000 kids and 60 staff members every year. The programs have been canceled for the season to help keep everybody safe during…

Walz Expected to Keep Minnesota Schools Closed

April 23, 2020

The Associated Press,

(Scott Takushi/Pioneer Press via AP, Pool) MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Gov. Tim Walz is expected to announce that he’s ordering Minnesota schools to stay closed through the rest of the year amid the COVID-19 crisis. The Democratic governor closed public and charter schools just over a month ago and directed them to switch to distance learning, a move that affected nearly…

Zesty Dry Rub Wing Recipe from the Kitchen of Meteorologist William Seay

Meteorologist William Seay Shares His Favorite Dry Rub Chicken Wing Recipe

April 23, 2020

Brett Scott,

DULUTH, Minn. – We’re all stuck at home making the most of cooking lunch dinner night after night, and Meteorologist William Seay wants to help spice things up in your kitchen! He shared is mouthwatering dry rub chicken wing recipe in this week’s Cooking Connection. Recipe: 3 lbs whole wings, cut into flats and drummies 1/4 cup olive oil Dry…

26 Million Have Sought US Jobless Aid Since Virus Hit

April 23, 2020

The Associated Press,

WASHINGTON (AP) – More than 4.4 million laid-off workers applied for U.S. unemployment benefits last week as job cuts escalated across an economy that remains all but shut down, the government said Thursday. Roughly 26 million people have now filed for jobless aid in the five weeks since the coronavirus outbreak began forcing millions of employers to close their doors. About…

Morning Update 4-23-20

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Thursday, April 23, 2020

April 23, 2020

Brett Scott,

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist William Seay for a local look at news and weather making headlines Thursday, April 23, 2020. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Local News, morning update, William Seay

12 Residents Die of COVID-19 at 1 Minnesota Senior Campus

April 23, 2020

The Associated Press,

NEW HOPE, Minn. (AP) — One of Minnesota’s deadliest outbreaks of the coronavirus in a single setting is at a senior care campus in New Hope where 12 residents have died of complications of the virus. Records reviewed by the Star Tribune show the deaths since April 6 involve residents at St. Therese of New Hope who was between 82 and…

Nearly 50 Full-Time City of Duluth Employees Laid Off

This latest round of layoffs comes after 45 temporary/seasonal employees were also laid off.

April 23, 2020

Dan Hanger,

DULUTH, Minn. — The city of Duluth is laying off nearly 50 more employees on top of dozens of temporary and seasonal positions because of a massive projected budget shortfall. A spokesperson for Mayor Emily Larson said Wednesday that 49 full-time employees are affected in this latest round of layoffs. The positions range from housing inspectors within the fire department…

Duluth Pack Gives Back in a Green Way

April 22nd is Earth Day, and today, some businesses are offering promotions to give back in a green way.

April 22, 2020

Jane Kim,

DULUTH, Minn. – April 22nd is Earth Day, and today, some businesses are offering promotions to give back in a green way. Duluth Pack in Canal Park, which makes canvas and leather bags and packs, launched its “Buy a Pack, We Give Back” campaign this week. With every customer purchase, a tree will be planted in the local area with…

Pike Lake Elementary School Teachers Create A “We Miss You” Video For Students

"It really does touch them and help them to see our faces, It helps them to see that we really do care."

April 22, 2020

Nachai Taylor,

DULUTH, Minn – Nothing says I miss you like a video filled with heartfelt messages, right? Well, teachers and staff at Pike Lake Elementary did just that to share with their students while being apart during the pandemic. The video is a combination of pictures of the teachers and staff with messages expressing how much they miss their students. The…

Local Cosmetic Store Serves Customers During Pandemic

Mix Cosmetiques in Duluth is a locally-owned makeup shop that sells custom and organic homemade makeup products.

April 22, 2020

Jane Kim,

DULUTH, Minn. – Mix Cosmetiques in Duluth is a locally-owned makeup shop that sells custom and organic homemade makeup products. Owner Lanae Rhoads attributes it to peoples’ desire to still look their best, even if it’s just for a Zoom call. She says there has been an increase of 35 to 40 percent in sales. While the business is not…

Ashland Kindergartners Drive-Up to Greet Teachers

Some students brought teachers hand-written letters, stories, and smiles

April 22, 2020

Andrew Kirov,

ASHLAND, Wis. – Kindergartners around the Northland are not in school right now because of the coronavirus shutdown, but that didn’t stop Ashland teachers from celebrating National Kindergarten Day with students and parents driving by Lake Superior Elementary School. A procession of cars was packed with families greeting their favorite kindergarten teachers in-person for the first time in more than…

Hartley Nature Center Encourages People to Enjoy Nature on Earth Day

April 22, 2020

CJ Baumgartner,

DULUTH, Minn.– Today people around the world are celebrating the 50th anniversary of Earth Day. The Hartley Center in Duluth says they are trying to find ways to keep the community together during the pandemic. While their building may be shut down, they are encouraging people to get outside and enjoy all that nature has to offer. “With businesses closed,…

Minnesota Increases Coronavirus Testing Capacity

April 22, 2020

CJ Baumgartner,

ST. PAUL, Minn.– Today was Minnesota’s deadliest day yet from Coronavirus with 19 deaths and 154 new infections. This afternoon Minnesota Governor Tim Walz held a news conference with health experts from around Minnesota with an important update on the next steps the state is taking to try to contain the virus. On the state’s deadliest day from Coronavirus, Governor…

Duluth Offers Emergency Grant Funding To Support Small Businesses During The Pandemic

Each business could receive 10,000 to support operations during the pandemic.

April 22, 2020

Nachai Taylor,

DULUTH, Minn. – Small businesses in Duluth affected by the Coronavirus pandemic have one more day to apply for a special grant program. The Duluth 1200 Fund is handing out thousands of dollars in fast grants to provide immediate financial assistance to businesses being negatively impacted. The goal is to help preserve more than 1,000 jobs in the City of…

UW-Superior “Strongly” Considering Furloughing All Employees

"We are doing everything we can to minimize the impact and hardship on our employees," said Director of Strategic Communicatons Jordan Milan.

April 22, 2020

Nachai Taylor,

SUPERIOR, Wis. – The University of Wisconsin-Superior is one of many higher education institutions suffering from the impacts of Covid-19. Due to substantial revenue loss, the university is “strongly” considering furloughing all faculty and staff beginning in July. University administration is looking into a phased approach to this furlough proposal. If it goes into effect for the institution, furloughs would…

CSAs Create Much-Needed Stability for Farms

Several Northland farms are partnering with communities during this uncertain time to help support their businesses.

April 22, 2020

Jane Kim,

WRENSHALL, Minn. – Several Northland farms are partnering with communities during this uncertain time to help support their businesses. CSA stands for community supported agriculture. Food Farm in Wrenshall has been participating in the CSA movement since 1994. CSAs are getting a lot of increased attention during the pandemic. At Food Farm, the summer CSA program shares have filled up…

19 Positive COVID-19 Cases Tied to Wisconsin Election, 4,800 Cases in the State

April 22, 2020

The Associated Press,

MADISON, Wis. – Nineteen people in Wisconsin have tested positive for the coronavirus after having voted in-person in the April 7 election or after having worked at the polls, the state Department of Health and Human Services said Wednesday. Also, five Wisconsin National Guard members who helped staff polls on election day have reported symptoms of COVID-19 but the one…

2 Cats in NY Become First US Pets to Test Positive for Virus

April 22, 2020

The Associated Press,

NEW YORK (AP) – Two pet cats in New York state have tested positive for the coronavirus, marking the first confirmed cases in companion animals in the United States. The U.S. Department of Agriculture and the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention announced the finding Wednesday. The agencies say the cats had mild respiratory illnesses, are expected to recover, and…

Gov. Walz, Mayo, U of M Announce COVID-19 Testing Breakthrough in Minnesota

April 22, 2020

Site Staff,

(Scott Takushi/Pioneer Press via AP, Pool) ST. PAUL, Minn. – Governor Tim Walz along with the Mayo Clinic and the University of Minnesota announced on Wednesday a breakthrough for widespread testing of COVID-19 in the state. The statewide testing strategy will allow the testing of anyone with symptoms, isolate confirmed cases, and expand public health surveillance tools. The governor’s office…

LIVE: Gov. Walz Makes Announcement on COVID-19 Testing

April 22, 2020

Site Staff,

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Gov. Tim Walz is preparing to make a major announcement about coronavirus testing in Minnesota. The governor will be joined at a 2 p.m. news conference by leaders from the Mayo Clinic, the University of Minnesota, and other health system leaders. Walz had previously set a goal of increasing the state’s testing capacity to 5,000 per day…

COVID-19 Kills 19 More Minnesotans in Biggest 1-day Jump Yet

April 22, 2020

The Associated Press,

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — COVID-19 has killed 19 more Minnesotans, marking the largest one-day death toll since the pandemic reached the state, the Minnesota Department of Health reported Wednesday. The 19 new deaths raised the state’s total to 179. The department also reported 154 new confirmed cases, a big one-day jump that raised the state’s total to 2,721. Health officials have…

Midday Update 4-22-20

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Wednesday, April 22, 2020

April 22, 2020

Brett Scott,

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

Duluth School Board Approves Contract for New Superintendent

John Magas Will Officially Begin with Duluth Public Schools July 1, 2020

April 22, 2020

Brett Scott,

DULUTH, Minn. – Duluth Public Schools officially have a new superintendent. A three-year contract was unanimously approved Tuesday evening by the Duluth School Board. John Magas will take over as superintendent starting July 1, 2020. “John’s professional experience, especially in the areas of equity and continuous improvement, will serve our Duluth community well,” said Board Chair Jill Lofald. “He’s clearly…

COVID-19 Pandemic Could Have Big Impacts on the 2020 Presidential Election

Talk of a 'Mail-In' Election Have Been Brought Up By Many Lawmakers Including Minnesota Senator Amy Klobuchar

April 22, 2020

Brett Scott,

DULUTH, Minn. – Amid growing concern, many questions are surrounding how the COVID-19 pandemic could impact the 2020 Presidential election. Presumptive Democratic nominee Joe Biden and President Trump are having to use different platforms on the campaign trail. Much of the media attention is focused on how Mr. Trump is handling the pandemic, which in turn leaves voters to analyze how…

Morning Update 4-22-20

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Wednesday, April 22, 2020

April 22, 2020

Brett Scott,

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

UW-Superior: Likely to Begin Intermittent Furloughs July 1

April 22, 2020

Site Staff,

SUPERIOR, Wis. – University of Wisconsin Superior officials say they will likely begin intermittent furloughs for all staff and faculty starting July 1 due to revenue loss as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. The announcement was made Tuesday during the first of four town hall meetings. “The magnitude of what we’re facing is truly unprecedented,” said chancellor Renée Wachter. “I…

Duluth City Council President, Tourist Attractions Prepare for Tough Times After Budget Shortfall

So far businesses are allowed to open early May, but there's weeks of preparation involved.

April 21, 2020

Arman Rahman,

DULUTH, Minn.- After Mayor Emily Larson’s announcement of the City’s tremendous 2020 budget shortfall due to COVID-19, tourist attractions navigate uncertain times through the most important dollar-making months Duluth sees all year. While Governor Walz’s stay-at-home order right now says businesses can start opening up the first week of May, owners of attractions told us they can’t just throw open…

Superior Street Reconstruction Project Update

April 21, 2020

Nachai Taylor,

DULUTH, Minn. – It’s been more than two weeks since phase three of the Superior Street Reconstruction Project began in downtown Duluth. So far, city officials tell us the project is right on schedule. Phase three is taking place between Lake Avenue and Third Avenue West. The project is being worked on in two different stages. Right now, construction teams…

WRA Claims Half of Wisconsin Restaurants Could Close By End of May Due to Shutdown

April 21, 2020

Alexandra Burnley,

WISCONSIN — The Wisconsin Restaurant Association president and CEO said that she believes up to half of all Wisconsin restaurants in the state could close as the state’s “Safer At Home” order continues until May 26th. “This is an extinction level event for small businesses,” WRA president and CEO Kristine Hillmer said. “We’re estimating that without relief, we think that…

City of Superior Plants Trees Along Osaugie Trail

April 21, 2020

CJ Baumgartner,

SUPERIOR, Wis.– After almost a year of preparation, a stretch of trail in Superior is getting a new look. The city of Superior has begun planting trees and shrubs along a 4,000 foot section of the Osaugie Trail by Barker’s Island. And the city is ready to get to work. “It’s super exciting to be able to bring these plants…

Local Boy Scouts Donate Popcorn to Chum

April 21, 2020

CJ Baumgartner,

DULUTH, Minn.– Millions of Americans across the country are going to their local food banks as paychecks are disappearing. Here in Duluth, one local organization is doing what they can to help out. Local Boy Scout troops are taking some of the leftover popcorn from their last sale and are donating it to CHUM in Duluth. Today the troops donated…

Hermantown Businesses Can Now Sell To-Go Liquor

All alcohol can only be sold if accompanied by takeout or delivery orders.

April 21, 2020

Nachai Taylor,

HERMANTOWN, Minn. – Hermantown area businesses are now being allowed to sell takeout liquor for the duration of the pandemic. The Hermantown City Council recently approved an ordinance allowing businesses with a liquor license to apply for a temporary license to offer to-go liquor. The governor already approved a similar measure… for beer and wine, but this ordinance allows for…

Lester Park Golf Course Closed For The Season

Recent numbers show both city-operated golf courses lose about $150,000 every year.

April 21, 2020

Nachai Taylor,

DULUTH, Minn. – After announcing a series of budget shortcomings amid the Coronivirus pandemic, the City of Duluth is closing the Lester Park Golf Course. Friends of Duluth Public Golf works in collaboration with the City of Duluth. But the organization wasn’t included as part of the decision-making process to close Lester Park Golf Course. Duluth city officials recently released…

In-Person Appointments Can Still be Made in Northland

Even during this time of coronavirus, it is important with those with a heart condition to be in touch with healthcare professionals.

April 21, 2020

Jane Kim,

DULUTH, Minn. – Even during this time of coronavirus, it is still important with those with a heart condition to be in touch with healthcare professionals. Medical professionals say if patient symptoms are more urgent and need evaluations in person, the in-person appointments need to be made, which would still follow the rules of social distancing. Patients wait in the…

Chiropractors Keep Offices Clean

Chiropractic clinics are also keeping to CDC recommendations during this coronavirus pandemic.

April 21, 2020

Jane Kim,

DULUTH, Minn. – Chiropractic clinics are also keeping to CDC recommendations during this coronavirus pandemic. Chester Creek Chiropractic is a relatively new business, and according to officials, many patients are putting chiropractic visits on pause, even though the business is considered essential. In many cases, appointments have been shifted online. Officials say there have been cases of upper back tensions…

Party Businesses Struggle During COVID-19 Outbreak

A local business owner is in a unique position, having one business say open while another closed.

April 21, 2020

Jane Kim,

DULUTH, Minn. – A local business owner is in a unique position, having one business say open while another closed. London Road Rental has been deemed an essential business by the state of Minnesota. While Party Express in Superior is closed because it’s considered non-essential by Wisconsin. Jerry Kortesmaki owns both. “Being a guy that has an opened business and…

Senate Approves $500B Virus Aid Deal; Sends to House

April 21, 2020

The Associated Press,

(AP Photo/Andrew Harnik, File) WASHINGTON (AP) — A nearly $500 billion coronavirus aid package flew through the Senate on Tuesday after Congress and the White House reached a deal to replenish a small business payroll fund and provided new money for hospitals and testing. It now goes to the House. Passage was swift and unanimous, despite opposition from conservative Republicans,…

Republicans Sue to Stop Extension of Wisconsin Stay-at-Home Order

April 21, 2020

The Associated Press,

MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Republican leaders of the Wisconsin Legislature asked the Conservative-controlled Wisconsin Supreme Court on Tuesday to block an order from Gov. Tony Evers’ administration extending a stay-at-home order until May 26. Assembly Speaker Robin Vos and Senate Majority Leader Scott Fitzgerald asked the Supreme Court to take the case directly, a move that would skip lower courts…

U of Minn. to Freeze Tuition Next School Year

April 21, 2020

The Associated Press,

(AP) – The University of Minnesota will freeze tuition for most students next school year in response to the coronavirus pandemic. The tuition freeze applies to all students on the university’s five campuses except for those enrolled in three professional programs. Those are dentistry, the medical school and three professional masters in the College of Science and Engineering at the…

Gov. Tony Evers Declares State of Emergency Due to Wildfire Conditions

April 21, 2020

Site Staff,

MADISON, Wis. – On Tuesday, Gov. Tony Evers declared a statewide State of Emergency in Wisconsin in response to elevated wildfire conditions throughout the state. “Our first priority is protecting the people of Wisconsin and this executive order helps us control existing wildfires and use all available state assets to prevent new ones from starting,” Gov. Evers said. “With the…

Midday Update 4-21-20

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

April 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, April 21, 2020. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Local News, midday update, William Seay

17 More Minnesotans Die of COVID-19 as State’s Death Toll Hits 160

April 21, 2020

The Associated Press,

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Seventeen more Minnesotans have died from COVID-19, raising the state’s death toll to 160, the Minnesota Department of Health reported Tuesday. The 17 new deaths tied a high set last Friday. The department also reported 97 new confirmed cases to boost the state’s total to 2,576. It was the first time since last Tuesday that the department…

Blandin Paper Mill in Grand Rapids Announces Temporary Shutdown

April 21, 2020

Site Staff, The Associated Press,

GRAND RAPIDS, Minn. (AP) — UPM Blandin paper mill in Grand Rapids is temporarily shutting down because of the economic fallout from the coronavirus pandemic. UPM Blandin cites market forces for shutting down its Grand Rapids mill. “The global response to the coronavirus pandemic has led to an overall slowdown of the economy. We are taking short-term measures to respond…

Schumer: Deal Reached on Major Parts of $500B Virus Aid

April 21, 2020

The Associated Press,

AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite WASHINGTON (AP) — Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer says an agreement has been reached on major elements of a nearly $500 billion coronavirus aid package for small businesses, as well as additional help for hospitals and virus testing. Schumer said post-midnight talks among Democratic and Republican leaders, along with Trump administration officials, including White House Chief…

Morning Update 4-21-20

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

April 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, April 21, 2020. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Local News, morning update, William Seay

Officials Link 7 Wisconsin Virus Cases to In-Person Voting

Health Officials say There are no Signs yet of a Surge in Cases as Some Feared

April 21, 2020

The Associated Press,

(Angela Major/The Janesville Gazette via AP) MILWAUKEE (AP) — Officials have identified seven people who appear to have contracted the coronavirus through activities related to the April 7 election in Wisconsin, Milwaukee’s health commissioner said. Commissioner Jeanette Kowalik said six of the cases involve Milwaukee voters and one is a Milwaukee poll worker, the Journal Sentinel reported. Officials hope to have additional…