News – Latest News

YMCA Provides Childcare for Tier 2 Emergency Workers

Two World Wars, the Great Depression and the Spanish Flu: the Duluth area YMCA has been serving the community since 1870.

DULUTH, Minn. – Two world wars, the Great Depression and the Spanish Flu: the Duluth area YMCA has been serving the community since 1870. “We owe a debt of gratitude to front-line healthcare workers and other types of essential workers every day, all year long, but especially in times like these, I think we realize how important those folks are,”…

Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers is Imposing A “Safer At Home” Order Beginning Tuesday

"We need people to look for ways to alter their lives to protect the health of their neighbors and fellow citizens," said Superior Mayor Jim Paine.

SUPERIOR, Wis – Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers is taking the next steps to help slow down the spread of the coronavirus across the state. He is imposing a “Safer at Home” order, beginning on Tuesday. This will cease the operations of non- essential businesses and make people stay home during the pandemic. The “Safer at Home” order isn’t something Governor…

The Global Pandemic is Causing Growing Concerns For The Safety Of Domestic Violence Victims

"Isolation is a tactic an abuser uses," said Community Engagement Coordinator Jill Hinners.

SUPERIOR, Wis. – The Coronavirus is causing families to spend more time at home and now many domestic violence agencies in the nation are concerned about what this could mean for victims of abuse. Some organizations in the U.S. have seen a significant increase in the number of phone calls from victims looking to escape their situation. The Center Against…

Wisconsin: 416 Confirmed COVD-19 Cases, 5 Deaths

MADISON, Wis. (FOX 9) – There are now five deaths in Wisconsin linked to the novel coronavirus, according to an update Monday from the Wisconsin Department of Health Services. The state now has 416 confirmed cases of COVID-19, which is an increase of 135 cases from Sunday. On Monday, Governor Tony Evers ordered the closure of all non-essential businesses starting Tuesday in order…

MN Department of Health Confirms Second Case of COVID-19 in St. Louis County

ST. PAUL, Minn. – The Minnesota Department of Health has confirmed a second presumptive case of COVID-19 in St. Louis County.  The individual is a woman in her early 60’s and is currently recovering at home.  According to the Minnesota Department of Health, the woman was tested on March 19 and her infection is linked to domestic travel  It is…

Sen. Rand Paul Kept Working for Six Days after Virus Test

(AP Photo/Susan Walsh) (AP Photo/Susan Walsh) WASHINGTON (AP) — Kentucky Sen. Rand Paul was tested a week ago for the novel coronavirus, but continued working at the Capitol because he “felt that it was highly unlikely” he was sick since he had no symptoms of the illness, he said Monday. Paul also said he did not have direct contact with anyone…

Minnesota Court of Appeals Sends PolyMet Permit Back to MPCA

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) — The Minnesota Court of Appeals sent an air-emissions permit for the PolyMet copper-nickel mine back to state regulators for further review on Monday, giving another victory to environmental groups who oppose the project. The appeals court found that the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency did not adequately evaluate whether the air permit requested by PolyMet was…

Douglas County Confirms Three More Cases of COVID-19

DOUGLAS COUNTY, Wis – Public health officials in Douglas County have confirmed three more cases of COVID-19, all associated with the first person confirmed to have the virus last week.  Douglas County Public Health says the individuals are all self-isolating and are doing well. In a press release on Monday, the Public Health Office says the individuals are both men…

Midday Update 3-23-20

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Monday, March 23, 2020

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Ryan Johnson for a look at local news and weather making headlines Monday, March 23, 2020. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Local News, midday update, ryan johnson

Gov. Walz to Self-Quarantine After Learning Bodyguard has Coronavirus

ST. PAUL, Minn. (FOX 9) – Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz will self-quarantine and work from home for 14 days after a member of his security detail tested positive for the coronavirus on Sunday. “Though I’m feeling healthy and not showing any symptoms, I’m going to work from home and model the protocol we are asking all Minnesotans to follow,” Walz…

Klobuchar’s Husband Tests Positive for Virus

WASHINGTON — Minnesota Sen. Amy Klobuchar says husband John Bessler has tested positive for the coronavirus. The former presidential candidate said Bessler began feeling sick when she was in Minnesota and he was in Washington. She said he immediately quarantined himself. She said he sought a test and chest X-ray after he began coughing up blood, and was checked into…

Morning Update 3-23-20

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Monday, March 23, 2020

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Ryan Johnson for a look at local news and weather making headlines Monday, March 23, 2020. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Local News, morning update, ryan johnson

DTA Announces Rear-Door Only Boarding

DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth Transit Authority announced on Sunday that they will be implementing a rear-door only boarding policy.  The new policy will be in effect until further notice.  “The DTA has made sever significant changes to our system in response to this community health challenge – this latest approach puts a focus on limiting our potential driver exposure…

Evers Orders Non-Essential Wisconsin Businesses Closed

(AP Photo/Andy Manis, File) MADISON, Wis.-Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers is ordering the closure of all non-essential businesses starting Tuesday, and urging people to stay at home to slow the spread of the COVID-19 virus that has killed four people in the state and infected at least nearly 400. Evers tweeted Monday that he would be signing the order on Tuesday….

Bayfield Co. Health Dept.: Seasonal Homeowners Stay Away

(Press Release) — Pursuant to Wis. Stat. §252.03(1), the Bayfield County Public Health Official hereby declares that a Public Health Emergency exists in Bayfield County. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the national spread of the COVID-19 virus, Bayfield County Government must issue the following inter-county Travel Advisory. 1. Due to high community transmission in certain areas of the State…

Childhood Sweethearts Celebrate a Special 92nd Birthday Through a Window Due to COVID-19

Not 70 years, nor a window, was going to keep now, 93-year-old Ken and 92-year-old Delores apart.

DULUTH, Minn. – Assisted living facilities are closed to visitors right now, but some families are not letting that stop them from seeing their loved ones in some way, even if it is through a window. Sunday, a very special 92nd birthday celebration was held from the outside looking in. It all started before World War II, Ken Sheehus and…

Pizza Man Renovates While Only Allowed Open for Takeout, Delivery

Restaurant owner trying to keep as many employees as he can while closed by the Governor with other bars and restaurants.

SUPERIOR, Wis.- A popular Pizza place in Superior is making the most of having to close their business to dine-in customers. Pizza Man on Tower Avenue is using their time closed to remodel their dining area, allowing for more seating. The owner said some of his employees are helping out with the renovations, and he’s trying his best to keep…

Superior Family Restaurant Receives Donations to Continue Giving Free Meals

Enbridge and an anonymous donor both gave to their cause.

SUPERIOR, Wis.- Superior Family Restaurant, who started offering free meals to those in need last week, just received some help form other community organizations. Enbridge has paid for 300 meals to be given out. The Restaurant also received a $100 donation from an anonymous donor. In a Facebook post the Restaurant said the donations will help ensure they are able…

John Shuster Family Self-Quarantined as Wife Awaits Coronavirus Test Results

SUPERIOR, Wis. – Curling Olympic gold medalist and Chisholm native John Shuster, 37, is self-quarantined with his family in Superior while his wife, Sara, awaits test results to see if she is positive for the COVID-19 strain of coronavirus. This comes after she competed in the USA Curling Club Nationals in the Washington, D.C. area in early March before government…

Superior Liquor, Grocery Stores Busy as Other Businesses Remain Closed

Belknap Liquor and Lounge and Super One seeing a steady influx of customers.

SUPERIOR, Wis.- Wisconsin has just gone through their first weekend with bars, restaurants and other public gathering places closed indefinitely by Governor Tony Evers. This pushes more customers to businesses considered essential, such as grocery and liquor stores. “We can’t complain here, yeah,” said Belknap Liquor and Lounge owner Alan Jaques. “There’s a lot of other people that have it…

Antique Store Helping Out the Community with Food and Furniture

Many people who are still employed are doing what they can to help their fellow community members including Duluth business, Antique and Estate Treasures in West Duluth.

DULUTH, Minn. – Hundreds of workers have been laid off in the Duluth area since the COVID-19 pandemic started. Many people who are still employed are doing what they can to help their fellow community members including Duluth business, Antique and Estate Treasures in West Duluth. Owner Scott Miller is buying the food and giving it away to anyone in…

Fitger’s 5K Postponed to September

The race, which was postponed due to coronavirus concerns, will take place Sept. 12.

DULUTH, Minn. – Grandma’s Marathon announced this weekend that they have postponed the annual Fitger’s 5K Run and Walk due to coronavirus concerns. The event was originally scheduled for April 28 but will now take place on Sept. 12. You can register online through Sept. 10 for $35 for adults and $15 for children ages 6-14. As of now, Grandma’s…

Duluth Fitness Studios Pivot to Online Platforms to Try to Stay Afloat

DULUTH, Minn. — Fitness and wellness businesses in Duluth are fighting to keep revenue going as they have had to shut their doors to clients amid the coronavirus pandemic. Two of the businesses we spoke with are Movo Studio and Runa Yoga. Jessica Rossing, owner of Movo Studio, opened her business in its new home on East First Street just…

Cass County Sees Its First Case of Coronavirus

CASS COUNTY, Minn. – A coronavirus case has been confirmed in Cass County by the Minnesota Department of Health. The patient is older, and hadn’t traveled recently. They developed symptoms on March 9th, but did not seek treatment for their health until one week later, on the 16th. St. Louis County, Douglas County, and Bayfield County have each seen one…

St. Louis County Officials Confirm First Coronavirus Case in the County

Officials said it is a woman in her late 60s, who contracted the virus via domestic travel.

DULUTH, Minn.- Officials have announced the first confirmed COVID-19 case in St. Louis County. Along with one in Bayfield County and one in Douglas County, the total cases in the Northland are now three. According to County officials, the patient in St. Louis County has not had contact with anyone outside her close relatives and is recovering at home. “While…

First COVID-19 Death Confirmed in Minnesota

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) – The Minnesota Department of Health has confirmed the state’s first death due to COVID-19, the disease caused by the coronavirus. Officials say a Ramsey County resident in their 80s died on Thursday. Minnesota Commissioner of Health Jan Malcolm said the death underscores the importance of protecting the most vulnerable residents in the state, especially those over 65…

Duluth Police Make Changes to Limit Coronavirus Spread

Police department encouraging residents to file reports online or on the phone

DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth Police Department is making some changes to help limit the spread of coronavirus. The new guidelines are changing how people file reports with the police. Duluth PD is encouraging residents to do it online or over the phone if they are filing an after-the-fact report or if there is no suspect. Police officials tell us…

Northern Lakes Food Bank Gearing Up to Help More People During Pandemic

Food bank working on distribution methods that lower person-to-person contact

DULUTH, Minn. – Second Harvest Northern Lakes Food Bank is gearing up during a time when food suppliers are needed most. The food bank is working on distribution methods that lower person-to-person contact and increase hygiene. A third of the food bank’s workforce is volunteer and many are elderly. They were asked to stay home leaving a shortage help. The…

Duluth Fire Department Prepares Amid Coronavirus

DULUTH, Minn.- During the Coronavirus Pandemic, Duluth Fire Department has been in contact with St. Louis County Emergency Management and Homeland Security to prepare for COVID-19. The Fire Department tells us calls will proceed with more caution than ever before, allowing them to get as much information as possible during a call to best use their limited number of resources….

Car Repair Shops Still Open and Working Despite Virus

The owner of Belknap Automotive in Superior, Bill Liberty, says that each year they have a slower business cycle and that this is similar to that.

SUPERIOR, Wis. – Essential Workers in the Twin Ports are relying on their vehicles to get to work and many local car repair shops are still open, keeping those vehicles running. The owner of Belknap Automotive in Superior, Bill Liberty, says that each year they have a slower business cycle and that this is similar to that. He has not…

OMC, Duluth Grill, and Corktown Deli to Close Temporarily

Owner Tom Hanson says he hopes to reopen OMC on a limited basis in a couple of weeks for take-out.

DULUTH, Minn. – As restaurants all across the region are offering take-out, Tom Hanson, the owner of Duluth’s OMC Smokehouse is taking a different approach. In light of the governor’s mandated shutdown, OMC, Duluth Grill, and Corktown Deli are closing their doors for the time being. Hanson says he hopes to reopen OMC on a limited basis in a couple…

Frost River to Pursue Making Masks to Aid COVID-19 Response

Normally Frost River makes softgoods such as bags, packs, and even outdoor equipment.

DULUTH, Minn. – Medical providers across the world are scrambling for much needed medical supplies and employees at Frost River Trading Company, a Duluth-based business, want to help. Normally Frost River makes softgoods such as bags, packs, and even outdoor equipment. This week their owner, Christian Benson, announced they have specific equipment that could potentially make medical masks. Benson is…

Gov. Walz Signs Executive Order Facilitating Delivery of Personal Protective Equipment

Executive order authorizes the Minnesota National Guard to provide assistance during COVID-19 pandemic

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz has signed an executive order authorizing the Minnesota National Guard to provide assistance during the COVID-19 pandemic. According to the Governor’s office, the Minnesota National Guard’s initial mission is to transport personal protective equipment (PPE) in storage at Camp Ripley to the Minnesota Department of Health warehouse in St. Paul. The National…

Minnesota Small Businesses Eligible for Disaster Assistance

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz announced Saturday that small businesses in the state are now eligible for disaster assistance through the Small Business Administration (SBA) for economic injury during the COVID-19 pandemic. “COVID-19 is placing significant economic strains and unforeseen hardships on our business community,” said Department of Employment and Economic Development Commissioner Steve Grove. “The Governor’s…

Health Officials Confirm First Case of Coronavirus in St. Louis County

Woman in her late 60s contracted the virus, linked to domestic travel. She hasn't had contact with anyone outside her family.

ST. LOUIS COUNTY, Minn.- The Minnesota Department of Health has confirmed the first case of COVID-19 (coronavirus) in St. Louis County. The individual is a woman in her late 60s who is currently recovering at home. Her infection is linked to domestic travel, and not the result of community transmission. “At this point, there has been no request for the…

First Case of COVID-19 Confirmed in Douglas County

DOUGLAS COUNTY, Wis. – Douglas County has its first confirmed case of COVID-19.  The Douglas County Public Health office announced on Friday that the individual is isolated at home and is doing well. Officials say they are identifying and contacting anyone that has been in close contact with the individual.  “It is important that Douglas County residents do not panic…

Duluth City Councilors Propose Delay of Plastic Bag Fee

The bag fee was all set to go into effects on April 1, but now it could be delayed until July 1, or even later.

DULUTH, Minn. – Some Duluth City Councilors want to delay the city’s upcoming five-cent fee on plastic bags. The bag fee was all set to go into effects on April 1, but now it could be delayed until July 1, or even later. Some councilors want to push it back because of how busy grocery stores are during the COVID-19…

Lake Superior Railroad Museum Creates New Experience for Train Lovers During Covid-19 Pandemic

DULUTH, Minn. – You may not be able to visit the Lake Superior Railroad Museum in Duluth right now since it is closed during the Coronavirus pandemic. But now the museum can come to you. The organization will be offering daily video tours of the museum and the St.Louis County Depot. Viewers will get a behind-the-scenes look into spaces and…

Duluth Company Helps Medical Personnel with COVID-19

One Duluth company is taking measured steps towards combating COVID-19.

DULUTH, Minn – One Duluth company is taking measured steps towards combating COVID-19. GeaCom produced a medical device called Phrazer-Kitsune. The device matches the language, culture and literacy levels of the patient to a virtual person who helps guide the patient through a series of medical-related questions. The device helps medical staff avoid exposure to contagious situations and creates a…

Proctor Auto Shop Picks Up and Delivers Cars

PROCTOR, Minn.– One Proctor business is offering a new way to get business going during the Coronavirus pandemic. Troy’s Service Center in Proctor is offering free pick-up and delivery for those who need it. The added service is being done using proper sanitary measures. Staff wear gloves and have cars cleaned with sanitary wipes. The pick-up and delivery option not…

Coronavirus Testing Tents Open in West Duluth

DULUTH, Minn.– Essentia Health has opened a mobile testing site in their businesses services center in West Duluth just off the Bong Bridge. Those with Essentia say testing there is limited due to supplies. Right now they are only testing a narrow group of people including healthcare workers and first responders. Essentia leadership say patients should first schedule an e-visit…

One Person Infected With Coronavirus in Douglas County

DOUGLAS COUNTY, Wis.– Yesterday Bayfield County reported a high school student there tested positive for Coronavirus. Today, the virus has made it closer to Duluth as someone has tested positive in Douglas County. Douglas County officials got confirmation from the state early this morning of a confirmed Coronavirus case in the county. There isn’t much about the person infected as…

The College Of St. Scholastica Students React To Covid-19 Precautions

"It's interesting for sure. It's kind of weird to have our freshman year end like this," said CSS student Matthew Clarke.

DULUTH, Minn. – The College of St. Scholastica in Duluth has moved all classes online for the rest of the spring semester. The college also canceled graduation as a result of Covid-19. Students also returned to campus on Friday to get their belongings from the residential halls. Many students say finishing the semester doing online classes and leaving behind their…

Psychology Expert Speaks On Mental Impacts Of Covid-19

"It's really important people understand we have the ability to cope," said Licensed Psychologist Michaela Merrill Mayfield.

DULUTH, Minn. – The changes in lifestyle recommended to help stop the spread of Covid-19 can be mentally draining for many people. Psychology experts say the pandemic is causing uncertainty and that can cause anxiety for many. This may lead to feelings of anger, frustration, and panic. Experts say a helpful tip to get everyone through the difficult time is…

Three Finalists Picked for Duluth School District Superintendent Position

DULUTH, Minn. – Three finalists have been chosen by the Duluth School Board to move forward with interviews to fill the superintendent position.  Those finalists are Michael Funk, Ph.D., the superintendent of Albert Lea Area Schools in Albert Lea, John Magas, the associate superintendent of continuous improvement at the Green Bay Area Public Schools in Green Bay, and Ron Wagner,…

Lakewalk Surgery Center to Suspend All Elective Surgeries

    DULUTH, Minn. – The Lakewalk Surgery Center says they will be suspending all elective surgeries following an executive order signed by Governor Walz on Thursday.  The surgery center will remain open for patients who have urgent surgical needs.  Lakewalk says they will assist local hospitals by taking on more urgent surgical cases if it becomes necessary.  “Lakewalk also…