News – Latest News

Wisconsin Voting Underway Despite Virus

MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Wisconsin is asking hundreds of thousands of voters to ignore a stay-at-home order in the midst of a pandemic to participate in Tuesday’s presidential primary election, becoming a test case for dozens of states struggling to balance public health concerns with a core pillar of democracy. The National Guard is helping to run voting sites across the state…

Superior Mayor’s Longtime Chief of Staff to Retire

Rani Gill has served six different Superior mayors.

SUPERIOR, The Mayor of Superior’s right-hand-woman, Rani Gill, is retiring after 30 years serving the city as the mayor’s Chief of Staff. Gill has served six different Superior mayors, and was actually the first official “Chief of Staff,” according to Mayor Jim Paine. “She’s an institution in this city,” Paine said, “she has served a number of mayors, a lot…

U.S., Wisconsin Supreme Courts Rule Against Evers; Election Day Stands

The Governor's attempts to change or postpone the election have been blocked on all fronts.

SUPERIOR, Wis.- After going through three changes in the span of one day, Wisconsin Elections will carry on as normal. Rulings from both the Wisconsin and U.S. Supreme Courts now make Wisconsin the only state with an election scheduled in April that is proceeding as planned. Governor Tony Evers signed an Executive Order early Monday postponing the election to June….

Nemadji Golf Course Prepares for Spring Season

Golf courses in Wisconsin and Minnesota are currently not allowed to open, but multiple organizations are pushing to allow courses to open during the coronavirus.

SUPERIOR, Wis. – The first full week of April usually means the Masters Tournament and the start of golf season. But just like the tournament, the start of golf season in the Northland is postponed. “The Masters being one of the best golf tournaments out there. People look forward to that, people look forward to beginning their golf season in…

Visit Duluth Launches Virtual Summer Tour

The tour lets people click through panoramic views to experience places like Canal Park, Park Point, Bayfront Festival, Spirit Mountain and more. 

DULUTH, Minn. – With summer just a few months away, many people are having to cancel their normal trips to Duluth, which will impact the tourism industry. But now, people can virtually visit Duluth from the comfort and safety of their home. Visit Duluth launched a virtual 360 tour on their website on Monday. This virtual tour has been in…

148th Fighter Wing Makes Masks

DULUTH, Minn.– Members of the 148th Fighter Wing have a new type of mission right now, making home-made masks to keep service men and women safe during the outbreak. This comes as the CDC recommends wearing masks when going out in public, even if they are homemade. As the battle against Coronavirus continues, service members in Minnesota are working to…

Windows Filled With Teddy Bears Brings Positivity To Local Neighborhoods

"I think teddy bears are like comfort food. They're cozy," said Therese Gurba.

DULUTH, Minn. – It’s been a “beary” sight to see the community getting creative and connecting during this uncertain time as Covid-19 continues. The Duluth Public Library is inviting more residents to spread positivity as they live out a real life neighborhood bear hunt inspired by a popular children’s book. Many people are tucking away teddy bears of all shapes,…

Researchers Needs Help With Collecting Data From Local Streams

There are more than 15 water depth rulers in nearly 10 streams in the Northland.

DULUTH, Minn – Northland researchers are looking for volunteers to help them collect data to monitor spring water flow in area streams. This is the time when researchers would be out getting their own data, but Covid-19 is preventing them from doing their research. Fortunately, a citizen crowd-sourcing program was set up along local streams several years ago to allow…

Top Wisconsin Court Blocks Governor’s Move to Delay Election

(AP Photo) MADISON, Wis. (AP) — The Wisconsin Supreme Court on Monday ruled that Democratic Gov. Tony Evers could not postpone the state’s presidential primary, striking down his order to move the election to June over coronavirus outbreak fears. The court ruled 4-2 that Evers lacked the authority to move the election on his own — meaning the election will…

Superior Street Reconstruction Begins

Traffic will have no access to the site of the reconstruction project.

DULUTH, Minn. – It all started back in 2018 for a project that includes a new street, underground utilities, sidewalks, and lighting. Now the project is nearing the finish line. The final phase of the Superior Street reconstruction project includes the busy intersection of Lake Avenue to 3rd Avenue West. Traffic will have no access to the site of the…

Groceries Given to Students in Need

Lincoln Park Boys and Girls Clubs is partnering with Ecolibrium 3, a local non-profit in Duluth.

DULUTH, Minn. – Lincoln Park Boys and Girls Club is partnering with Ecolibrium 3, a local non-profit in Duluth, to supply groceries for students who need them. The groceries are provided for kids 18 and under who have been using the school breakfast and lunch programs. “Together as a community, this is a crazy time,” said Mackenzie Foley, Americorps vista…

YMCA Offers Free Meals to Kids

The Duluth YMCA is working with other local businesses and organizations to provide grab and go meals for kids along with personal hygiene items.

DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth YMCA is working with other local businesses and organizations to provide Grab & Go meals for kids along with personal hygiene items. Children ages 18 and under qualify for the meals for the event happening all this week. “I mean it’s really beneficial and I think it’s an important thing so yeah, I feel like…

U of Minnesota Summer Classes to be Online Only

MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. – The University of Minnesota has announced that summer classes will be online only because of concerns about the coronavirus outbreak. University President Joan Gabel made the announcement in a system-wide email Monday. “While we manage through the immediate concerns and challenges presented by COVID-19, my leadership team and I are also considering plans for the intermediate and long-term future,”…

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson Moved to Intensive Care

LONDON (AP) — British Prime Minister Boris Johnson was moved to the intensive care unit of a London hospital after his coronavirus symptoms worsened Monday, just a day after he was admitted for what were said to be routine tests Johnson was admitted to St. Thomas’ Hospital late Sunday, 10 days after he was diagnosed with COVID-19. “Over the course…

Gov. Tony Evers Suspends In-Person Voting for Wisconsin Spring Election

(Steve Apps/Wisconsin State Journal via AP, File) UPDATE: MADISON, Wis. (AP) — The Wisconsin Supreme Court on Monday ruled that Democratic Gov. Tony Evers could not postpone the state’s presidential primary, striking down his order to move the election to June over coronavirus outbreak fears. The court ruled 4-2 that Evers lacked the authority to move the election on his…

Midday Update 4-6-20

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Monday, April 6, 2020

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist William Seay for a local look at news and weather making headlines Monday, April 6, 2020. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Local News, midday update, William Seay

UW-Superior Moves All Summer Courses Online

SUPERIOR, Wis. – The University of Wisconsin Superior announced on Monday that it has decided to offer all its summer 2020 courses in an online format. “In analyzing this decision, the dean’s office examined the summer 2020 course offerings,” said Maria Cuzzo, interim provost at UW-Superior. “The great majority of offerings were already planned online, so there is no disruption…

Wisconsin Moves Ahead With Election, Awaits Supreme Court

(Steve Apps/Wisconsin State Journal via AP, File) MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Wisconsin moved forward Monday with plans to hold in-person voting for its presidential primary on Tuesday amid the coronavirus pandemic with help from National Guard members staffing the polls, even as the U.S. Supreme Court weighs whether to intervene. Democratic Gov. Tony Evers, who had originally pushed for the election to…

Morning Update 4-6-20

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Monday, April 6, 2020

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist William Seay for a local look at news and weather making headlines Monday, April 6, 2020. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Local News, morning update, William Seay

Inmate Collapses, Dies at Moose Lake Prison

MOOSE LAKE, Minn. (AP) — An inmate has collapsed and died while showering at the Moose Lake prison, Minnesota corrections officials said Sunday. Officials responded immediately after the 48-year-old man collapsed around 9:45 a.m. Sunday and found him in full arrest. Despite life-saving efforts, the man was pronounced dead at the scene. Authorities said the man had complained of heartburn…

Six-Year-Old’s Birthday Party Becomes Personal Birthday Parade Thanks to Community

Josie Ulvestad was surprised with a parade filled with her friends, and Duluth Police and Fire Department.

DULUTH, Minn.- As gatherings and parties have to be cancelled to maintain social distance, one Duluth community couldn’t let one six-year-old birthday girl go without having some type of celebration. Car honks, sirens, and waves greeted a very happy Josie Ulvestad, as she got her own personal birthday parade. Her mother told the other parents of her classmates over social…

Governor Walz: ‘The State of our State is Resilient’

ST. PAUL, Minn. (FOX 9) – The coronavirus pandemic has brought Minnesota to a grinding halt. Schools have closed, events have been cancelled, and many businesses have shut down as leaders have worked to slow the spread of the disease and prevent hospitals from being overloaded. Governor Walz issued a stay-at-home order that took effect starting March 27, urging Minnesotans…

Phase 3 of Superior Street Reconstruction Starts Monday; Section of Phase 2 Delayed Longer

DULUTH, Minn. – The final phase of the Superior Street reconstruction project begins on Monday, April 6, and it includes the busy intersection of Lake Avenue to 3rd Avenue West. Signs will be posted through the project area, and barricades will be in place beginning Monday morning. 3rd Ave. East to 4th Ave. East delayed until Spring of 2021 because…

Dogs, Anglers Enjoy Sunny Warm Day on Park Point Beach

Humans, dogs, and anglers out enjoying the weather.

DULUTH, Minn.- The sands of Park Point beaches were covered with some fur on Sunday, dog fur that is. Temperatures in the high 40s called dogs and their owners out of the house. “She’s been locked up for a while along with myself, with everything going on,” said Patrick Bittinger, playing fetch with his dog Bella. “So just trying to…

Barnes Volunteers Delivering Groceries and Medications to Those in Need

Staff at the emergency services building will take requests via phone and have community volunteers pick up the items and deliver them at a safe distance.

BARNES, Wis. – Emergency services has implemented a new program to help at-risk residents maintain access to groceries and medications without leaving their home in the town of Barnes. Staff at the emergency services building will take requests via phone and have community volunteers pick up the items and deliver them at a safe distance. According to the emergency services…

Superior Introducing Curbside Voting Along with Other Changes For Tuesday’s Election

As of Sunday evening, the deadline for absentee ballots in Wisconsin has been moved until next Monday for people who have already requested the ballots. Superior sent out an unprecedented 4,200 absentee ballots for Tuesday's election.

SUPERIOR, Wis. – While much of the Northland is shut down in some way because of the coronavirus outbreak, it is not stopping Tuesday’s spring election in Superior. As of Sunday evening, the deadline for absentee ballots in Wisconsin has been moved until next Monday for people who have already requested the ballots. This comes along with several other measures…

Duluth Police Investigate ‘Shots Fired’

DULUTH, Minn. –  Duluth police are investigating after a report of “shots fired” overnight in an alley in the Lincoln Park neighborhood. The report came in just before midnight Saturday between West 1st Street and West 2nd Street near 26th Avenue West. When police arrived, they found spent shell casings, according to a spokeswoman. Nobody was injured and no arrests…

U.S. ‘Wasted’ Months before Preparing for Virus Pandemic

WASHINGTON (AP) — As the first alarms sounded in early January that an outbreak of a novel coronavirus in China might ignite a global pandemic, the Trump administration squandered nearly two months that could have been used to bolster the federal stockpile of critically needed medical supplies and equipment. A review of federal purchasing contracts by The Associated Press shows federal agencies largely waited…

All Natural Surface Trails in Duluth Closed due to Wet Conditions

Temporarily closure done regularly.

DULUTH, Minn.- All surface trails in Duluth have been closed for a few weeks by the city due to trail conditions. Trails like Superior Hiking Trail are routinely closed this time of year when conditions are too wet for foot or bike traffic. According to city staff, this ensures good quality for the trails once things dry out. “What we’re…

LSC Donates PPE to City of Duluth to Distribute

College donated 400 masks, 60 boxes of gloves.

DULUTH, Minn.- Duluth Emergency Management has received a large donation of Personal Protective Equipment from Lake Superior College. Officials picked up about 400 masks, 60 boxes of gloves, gowns, sharps containers and more. The smaller places that do nursing home or adult care, or even child care needs,” Duluth Fire Chief Shawn Krizaj said. “I think this partnership is going…

Wisconsin Primaries Continue as Normal, Superior Prepares for Tuesday

The Governor's request to make the election all-mail was shot down by state Republicans.

SUPERIOR, Wis.- A special session of the Wisconsin Legislature was held Saturday, to discuss making the Wisconsin Primary Elections all-mail, and extending absentee voting until late May. The meeting came to a halt when state Republicans shot down the request citing concerns for election security, and adjourned the meeting immediately. “Folks let me be clear this is not a Republican…

Drive-By Easter Bunny Celebration in Duluth Neighborhood

Cars drove past to see a full Easter set-up complete with a dancing Easter Bunny.

DULUTH, Minn. – Easter came early to the Piedmont Heights neighborhood of Duluth on Saturday. The Easter Bunny was outside one home waving and spreading springtime cheer. Cars drove past to see a full Easter set-up complete with a dancing Easter Bunny. The family who hosted it loves holidays and wanted to spread joy. “We just saw that there was…

Frost River Making Thousands of Pieces of Protective Equipment for Medical Providers at Duluth Hospitals

Frost River will be done with 45,000 face shields by mid-week and will double that soon.

DULUTH, Minn. – Frost River, a Duluth-based company that manufactures soft goods like bags, has stopped production of their regular goods. Instead, they are spearheading the manufacturing of equipment to keep medical professionals in Duluth safe. Employees and machines at Frost River are working around the clock to create protection for Duluth’s hospital workers. Owner, Christian Benson’s wife is in…

Wisconsin Republicans Ask Supreme Court to Block Extended Absentee Voting

State moving ahead with in-person voting despite health risks of coronavirus crisis

MADISON, Wis. (AP) – Wisconsin Republicans say they’re asking the U.S. Supreme Court to block extended absentee voting in Tuesday’s primary. Wisconsin is moving ahead with in-person voting despite concerns about the public health risks of the coronavirus crisis. A federal judge rejected lawsuits seeking to postpone the election but extended absentee voting by six days. The GOP says that…

COVID-19 Confirmed at Duluth Long-Term Care Facility

DULUTH, Minn. – COVID-19 has been confirmed at Superior View Apartments, a long-term care facility in Duluth. The facility is included on the long-term care facilities with outbreaks list on the Minnesota Department of Health website. Superior View Apartments is the only facility in St. Louis County that appears on the list. According to the Department of Health, an outbreak…

Proctor High School Program 3-D Printing Ways to Quadruple Capacity of Ventilators

They are creating things called manifolds which act as a splitter of sorts so one ventilator can help more than just one person.

PROCTOR, Minn. – The availability of ventilators is an important topic in the era of COVID-19 and a program at Proctor High School is using their 3-D printer to help. The industrial arts program is 3-D printing ways to double and even quadruple the capacity of ventilators. They are creating things called manifolds which act as a splitter of sorts…

One Roof Community Housing Helping Tenants and Landlords

Residential evictions, lease terminations, and foreclosures have been suspended.

DULUTH, Minn. – Millions of people are now unemployed around the country due to the pandemic and many are struggling to make monthly rent payments. Because of this, legislators have enacted protections for tenants and landlords. Residential evictions, lease terminations, and foreclosures have been suspended. However, these protections do not reduce or waive rent for tenants. One Roof Community Housing…

Gov. Walz Launches New COVID-19 Website

Gov. Walz says many places are not releasing this data for fear it will cause panic, but he believes it is important to make sure Minnesotans are well informed.

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Minnesota Governor Tim Walz addressed the state on Friday to announce a new website dedicated to COVID-19. Gov. Walz says the goal is to be a one-stop portal for the complete data the state has regarding the virus. The website covers things like available ICU beds, testing, how social distancing is working, and the capacity for…

St. Luke’s Opens Respiratory Clinic

HERMANTOWN, Minn.– Coronavirus is taking the time and attention of healthcare facilities everywhere but what about people who are dealing with other respiratory illnesses? Now, St. Luke’s has opened a new respiratory clinic in Duluth. With everyone caught up in the Coronavirus pandemic, other health issues can feel like they are pushed to the side. Now St. Luke’s is offering…

Screen Graphics Makes Masks for Businesses in Twin Ports

SUPERIOR, Wis.– The demand for masks across the country is growing and one Superior business is pitching in to help. Screen Graphics is having groups of their staff making cloth masks. They are sending the masks to healthcare facilities, nursing homes, and grocery stores in the Twin Ports. Screen Graphics tells us they are glad to keep everybody working and…

Medical Supplies Donated to Salvation Army

DULUTH, Minn.– There’s a growing need for all kinds of medical supplies and one Duluth business is making it a little easier for people to get their hands on them. Lake Superior Medical Equipment donated medical supplies to the Salvation Army in Duluth. They donated thousands of dollars worth of supplies like pull-ups and adult diapers which will be given…

Independent Contractors Worried About Future As Pandemic Continues

DULUTH, Minn – The impacts of Covid-19 are beginning to trickle down to businesses, which are still open for essential services. Many local contractors are seeing declines in business and they are fearing what may happen in the future. Independent contractors rely on business from home owners. As the pandemic is creating hardship for their customers, contractors are becoming concerned….