News – Latest News

Midday Update 4-15-20

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Wednesday, April 15, 2020

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist William Seay for a local look at news and weather making headlines Wednesday, April 15, 2020. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Local News, midday update, William Seay

Goodwill of Duluth Announces Layoffs Due to COVID-19 Pandemic

DULUTH, Minn. – Effective Tuesday Goodwill Industries Vocational Enterprises of Duluth announced they will be laying off roughly 293 of its 312 workers due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Goodwill says the majority of these layoffs will be from their retail and donation processing enterprise. “Goodwill Industries has been forced to continue the closure of all retail stores and all operations…

Best Buy to Furlough 51,000 Store Employees Nationwide

RICHFIELD, Minn. (FOX 9) – Best Buy announced Wednesday it will furlough approximately 51,000 employees in the U.S. as its stores remain closed nationwide aside from curbside pickup during the COVID-19 pandemic. The Richfield, Minnesota-based retailer said some corporate employees are also participating in voluntary reduced work weeks and resulting pay as well as voluntary furloughs. Best Buy CEO Corie Barry will forego…

Business Clamor for Exemptions to Reopen Amid COVID-19

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) — Nonessential business have inundated Gov. Tim Walz’s administration with requests to open their doors again as a stay-at-home order continues because of the coronavirus pandemic. Walz recently extended that order until at least May 4 but said he and his administration would look at exemptions for more businesses over the coming weeks. State officials would…

Morning Update 4-15-20

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Wednesday, April 15, 2020

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist William Seay for a local look at news and weather making headlines Wednesday, April 15, 2020. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Local News, morning update, William Seay

Northland Bikers Get Ready to Ride

DULUTH, Minn.– Duluth’s Lakewalk has been a busy place lately with more and more bikers showing up to ride. As the weather warms up, a lot of people in the Northland are anxious to get out and ride their bikes. Biking can be a great way for people to get around, lower stress, and get some exercise. The Lakewalk has…

Making the Neighborhood Safer

The Duluth Police Department was recently awarded a big grant to help keep the community safe.

DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth Police Department was recently awarded a big grant to help keep the community safe. The department awarded over $33,000 from the state for the safe neighborhood program. The funding will be used to organize a group to address repeat offenders, specifically with drug and violent crimes, and promote reentry for those criminals. The planning process…

A Local Junk Hauling Company Gives Back To Community

Over the next two weeks, Twin Ports Trailer Trash will be also collecting donations for CASDA and RAD.

Twin Ports Trailer Trash is known for doing exactly what its name implies, hauling away junk and trash. But like other small businesses in the area, the junk hauling company is being impacted by Covid-19. Spring is typically a busy time for Twin Ports Trailer Trash, but the pandemic has caused a change of pace. The company is now using…

$15,000 in Meat, Liquor Stolen From Black Water Lounge on Easter Sunday

DULUTH, Minn. – More than $15,000 worth of inventory was stolen from the Black Water Lounge in downtown Duluth on Easter Sunday. This comes at a time when restaurant owners are trying to survive with only curbside and pick-up orders during the pandemic. The suspect is seen on surveillance video taking salmon, beef and liquor from the back storage area…

Senior Linkage Line: Here to Help

The Senior Linkage Line is helping older adults and caregivers with resources in their communities.

DULUTH, Minn. – The Senior Linkage Line is helping older adults and caregivers with resources in their communities. Services include helping with personal care or help around the house, chore homemaker services, roundabout rides to the doctor, rides to other locations and help with Medicare. Officials say it’s a one-stop shop for those who are growing older and how they…

Veterans Can Get Financial Support During Pandemic

Veterans can receive $1,000 each in financial relief.

DULUTH, Minn- Minnesota veterans are getting financial relief to help them recover from the impacts of Covid-19. In March, the Minnesota Legislature and Governor Tim Walz approved a one-time relief grant worth more than $6 million to be awarded to veterans. On a first come first served basis veterans in need of the support can receive $1,000 each to counter…

Duluth Police, Fire Departments Join Birthday Parade for Local Four-Year Old

The Duluth Police and Fire Departments, along with family and friends, joined a parade to celebrate a local four-year old's birthday.

DULUTH, Minn. – Birthday parties are looking a lot different due to the coronavirus, but in some ways, they’re getting more creative. On Monday, one local family held a special parade for their son. The Duluth Police and Fire departments joined the celebration for Emerson, who turned four on Monday. The coronavirus canceled the original party plan, but the parade…

Wisconsin Campgrounds Face Uncertainty During Pandemic

Campgrounds in rural areas can be packed with people from cities trying to social distance

WASCOTT, Wis. – People are trying to get out of cities as much as possible during the pandemic. That means campgrounds in rural areas can be packed. While the owners appreciate the business, they tell us it’s up to campers to act responsibly and maintain social distance. Rick Maas, owner of Up North Resort in Wascott, tells us there are…

Free Masks Bring Long Line to Vikre Distillery

Lake Superior Medical Equipment and Duluth Screen Printing team up to make 175 masks to distribute at Vikre.

DULUTH, Minn.- The Center for Disease Control has updated its recommendations, advising people to wear masks while out in public. Now Vikre Distillery is partnering with local businesses to distribute free cloth masks to Northlanders, along with hand sanitizer. “Keeps us busy while we’re closed, and feels really nice to be able to help the community that way,” said Doug…

Hannah Johnson Fabrics Giving Out Masks to Those in Need

The local fabric store is selling mask making kits, while also giving out free masks to people who still need one.

DULUTH, Minn. – Hannah Johnson Fabrics in Duluth has a few options for people who still need masks. People can purchase mask making kits, which includes the supplies for three masks, for six dollars. They also have people making and donating masks, that they’re giving out to places like hospitals or nursing homes. Hannah Johnson Fabrics also said they’re giving…

DRCC Takes Precautions To Prevent The Spread Of Covid-19

Organization is in need of more personal protective equipment.

The Duluth Regional Care Center, which is an organization that offers housing and community support for people with developmental disabilities is taking the necessary precautions to ensure the safety of those they serve as the coronavirus pandemic continues. DRCC runs 50 group homes in the Arrowhead Region and also offers in-home services, which have already been scaled back. As a…

All-Star Reading Program Continues

As students continue to do their school work from home, local leaders are stepping in offering up a unique event.

DULUTH, Minn. – As students continue to do their school work from home, local leaders are stepping in offering up a unique event. Recently the Duluth Public Library started it’s All-Star Storytime where leaders like Duluth Fire Chief Shawn Krizaj read a book to a public Facebook group. The fire chief told us it’s a good way to distract young…

Superior’s Restaurant Week is Still On

Restaurants are only doing delivery and carry out these days but that isn't stopping this year's event from happening.

SUPERIOR, Wis. – In the midst of the coronavirus pandemic, Superior’s restaurant week is still on. 23 restaurants are offering special dining deals all the way through Sunday. The goal is to raise awareness about the unique variety of tastes offered by Superior restaurants. “I think this is an industry that needs it and I think that this is an…

Relief Funds Set Up For 3 Grand Marais Businesses Destroyed By Fire

GRAND MARAIS, Minn. – Relief funds have been set up to support three downtown Grand Marais businesses destroyed by fire Monday. One account is set up at Grand Marais State Bank, PO Box 100, 55604.  Any contributions sent to “Fire Relief Fund” will be evenly distributed to the three businesses – Crooked Spoon Café, White Pine North and Picnic &…

Small Plane Makes Emergency Landing on Midway Road

MIDWAY TOWNSHIP, Minn. – Officials say a small plane landed on Midway Road and Stark Road in Midway Township around 2:00 p.m. Tuesday afternoon. Authorities say the pilot made an emergency landing on Midway Road shortly after taking off from the Superior airport. The St. Louis County Sheriff’s Office says the lone pilot was flying at approximately 3,000 feet when…

One Killed in Eveleth Rollover Crash

(courtesy: Northland FireWire) EVELETH, Minn. – According to the Eveleth Police Department, a 50-year-old Eveleth man was killed in a rollover crash around 6:55 a.m. Tuesday. Authorities say the semi tanker truck the man was driving rolled over at the intersection of Fayal Road and Kimberly Avenue. Eveleth and Fayal personnel responded to the scene of the crash along with…

Minnesota DNR Cancels 2020 Fish Egg-Taking Over Virus Concerns

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources has canceled this year’s egg-taking for walleye, northern pike, muskies, and steelhead because of concerns over the spreading the coronavirus. The agency says the work cannot be done safely under social distancing guidelines. According to the DNR, collecting eggs and sperm from spawning fish in the wild is labor-intensive and requires teams…

Duluth Diocese Extends Temporary COVID-19 Measures

DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth Diocese announced Tuesday that they will be extending the temporary suspension of mass and gatherings of more than 10 people until May 4. The suspension has been in place since Friday, March 20. In a letter to the clergy Diocesan Administrator, Reverend James B. Bissonette wrote that during this time churches will remain open for…

More Wisconsin Farmers Filing for Bankruptcy

MILWAUKEE (AP) — The economic effects of the coronavirus appear to be pushing more Wisconsin farmers into bankruptcy. Court records show that 36 farmers have filed by Chapter 12 bankruptcy since the first of the year. In 2019, there were 57 similar filings for the entire year, the Journal Sentinel reported. Dairy farmers were already dealing with depressed milk prices…

Midday Update 4-14-20

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Tuesday, April 14, 2020

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist William Seay for a local look at news and weather making headlines Tuesday, April 14, 2020. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Local News, midday update, William Seay

Minnesota Lawmakers Ready COVID-19 Relief; Deaths Rise to 79

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Minnesota lawmakers prepared Tuesday to pass a COVID-19 relief bill on a day when health officials reported nine more deaths due to the coronavirus. The Minnesota Department of Health reported that the nine new deaths raised the state’s total to 79. The department also reported 45 new confirmed cases to increase Minnesota’s total to 1,695. As of…

Morning Update 4-14-20

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Tuesday, April 14, 2020

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist William Seay for a local look at news and weather making headlines Tuesday, April 14, 2020. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Local News, morning update, William Seay

Woman Dies After Being Found Unresponsive in Hinckley Hotel Bathtub

HINCKLEY, Minn. – The Pine County Sheriff’s Office says a Wisconsin woman in her 50’s has died after being found unresponsive in a bathtub at America’s Best Hotel in Hinckley. According to reports, deputies and ambulance personnel arrived at the hotel just after 10:44 p.m. on Saturday and found the woman in the bathtub where life-saving measures were initiated. Authorities…

Utility Providers Including Minnesota Power Suspend Disconnections, Late Fees

Citizens Utility Board and Minnesota Power Urge Customers to Call to arrange payment plan.

DULUTH, Minn.- People struggling to keep up with heat, water, or electric bills due to the Coronavirus pandemic may find some relief from many utility providers. The Citizens Utility Board, a non-profit representing energy customers in Minnesota, is urging Minnesotans to contact their utility providers like Minnesota Power to work out a payment plan to avoid being disconnected. Many providers…

Cleveland-Cliffs To Idle Northshore Mining; 470 Employees Affected

The Northshore Mining Plant employees 570, only 100 remain employed.

SILVER BAY, Minn.- Cleveland-Cliffs has announced it is idling two of its iron ore plants, including Northshore Mining in Silver Bay, which will be shutting down by the middle of this month. This will affect roughly 470 employees, a significant number for a city like Silver Bay with a population of only 1,800. Cleveland-Cliffs CEO Lourenco Goncalves said they’ve evaluated…

Radio DJ Records Show From Home

Some of your favorite on-air personalities are also working from home.

DULUTH, Minn. – Have you been listening to the radio a lot lately? Some of your favorite on-air personalities are also working from home, including Jill Mikkelson, a radio host for Life 97.3. She uses her room as her personal studio where she researches content and records her material. She works remotely while living with roommates. She says that she…

Grand Marais Community Reacts to Losing Three Businesses to One Fire

GRAND MARAIS, Minn. — Fueled by strong winds, a Monday afternoon fire ripped away three businesses from Grand Marais, ones run by local families that are friends to many in the area. “We know these people, we know their families, we know their kids,” Grand Marais resident Kati Stieler said. “White Pine North had just switched owners. It was a new…

Duluth Playhouse Offers Free Virtual Tap Dance Classes

The Duluth Playhouse is hosting multiple free dance classes on Facebook live each week.

DULUTH, Minn. – As more businesses are going virtual, the Duluth Playhouse is giving students and community members the chance to keep moving. The Duluth Playhouse is offering a variety of free Facebook live classes each week. On Monday, the Duluth Playhouse held their second tap class, learning a routine from “The Newsies”. With the classes being held for free…

Virus Closes Some Meat Plants, Raising Fears Of Shortages

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — Some massive meat processing plants have closed at least temporarily because their workers were sickened by the new coronavirus, raising concerns that there could soon be shortages of beef, pork and poultry in supermarkets. The meat supply chain is especially vulnerable since processing is increasingly done at massive plants that butcher tens of thousands of animals…

Virtual Job Fair Helps People Find Work During Pandemic

Job fair runs through April 27th.

DULUTH, Minn – The Northeast Minnesota Office of Job Training and its partner CareerForce in Duluth is offering a virtual job fair for people searching for work during the pandemic. More than 50 employers from a variety of industries including construction trades and healthcare are participating in the career fair to help fill open jobs. This event replaces the third…

UMD Campus Food Shelf Remains Open To Students As Pandemic Continues

Champ's Cupboard is expected to be open at least until the end of the semester.

DULUTH, Minn – The University of Minnesota of Duluth is making sure students, who are dealing with food insecurities, have access to healthy meals by keeping the campus food shelf open during the pandemic. Champ’s Cupboard is a free food shelf offered to all UMD students. It opened in 2013 after university officials noticed a need to help those dealing…

Superior City Council Election Results

Nicholas Ledin, Warren Bender and Brent Fennessey won the election for Superior City Council.

SUPERIOR, Wis. – The results are in from last week’s Superior City Council races. In District 1, Nicholas Ledin defeated Kalee Hermanson 383-342. Ledin will replace Dan Olson, who is leaving his seat. In District 3, incumbent Warren Bender defeated Kelly Schoen 344-205, while in District 5, incumbent Brent Fennessey defeated Amanda Foster 469-369. You can view a full list…

Duluth Pack Manufactures Medical Gowns For Healthcare Workers

The goal is to manufacture 1,000 gowns a day.

DULUTH, Minn – Instead of manufacturing outdoor gear and apparel Duluth pack will now be making protective gowns for healthcare workers. Duluth Pack is partnering with the Michigan-based company Stormy Kramer, which also manufactures outdoor apparel, to help make the gowns. The protective equipment is being made with materials that are moisture resistant. Medical gowns are usually disposable, instead, this…

Local Observations on Coronavirus Impact

People of many different racial and ethnic backgrounds have been sickened by the virus all over the world, but studies are finding both the African American and the Native American communities seem to be especially susceptible.

DULUTH, Minn. – People of many different racial and ethnic backgrounds have been sickened by the virus all over the world, but studies are finding both the African American and the Native American communities seem to be especially susceptible. Many individuals from minority backgrounds work as essential workers, including grocery stores and public transportation. When it comes to obtaining information…

Biden Defeats Sanders as Wisconsin Releases Election Results

Joe Biden has defeated Bernie Sanders in Wisconsin’s presidential primary, which was held last week during the coronavirus pandemic.

MADISON, Wis. (AP) – Joe Biden has defeated Bernie Sanders in Wisconsin’s presidential primary, which was held last week during the coronavirus pandemic. Biden’s victory became academic after Sanders dropped out last week, one day after Wisconsin held in-person voting despite widespread concern over the health risks. Republican legislative leaders refused to delay the election, and the party won a…

Northsore Mining in Silver Bay to Be Idled Until August

Northshore Mining employs around 570 workers and will have to lay off approximately 470.

SILVER BAY, Minn. – Cleveland-Cliffs Inc. announced on Monday that the company will be idling production at two of its iron ore mining operations, which includes Northshore Mining in Silver Bay. Northshore Mining employs around 570 workers and will have to lay off approximately 470. They will keep approximately 100 employees to maintain the yard and dock crews for loading…

Gov. Walz Extends Peacetime Emergency Through May 13

ST. PAUL, Minn. (FOX 9) – Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz has ordered his peacetime emergency be extended through May 13 to slow the spread of COVID-19 in the state. Walz declared a peacetime emergency one month ago when there were fewer than 15 coronavirus cases in the state. As of Monday, there are 1,650. The order was due to expire this week. The governor used the declaration…

With Results due in Wisconsin Election, Voters File Lawsuit

(Angela Major/The Janesville Gazette via AP) MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Municipal clerks across Wisconsin on Monday were set to start tallying votes from last week’s chaotic presidential primary, a count that was delayed for several days by the legal struggle over whether to postpone the election due to the coronavirus pandemic. Thousands of voters congregated for hours in long lines on Tuesday,…