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Superior, Douglas County Declare State of Emergency Over Coronavirus Concerns

SUPERIOR, Wis.– Douglas county and the city of Superior are taking another step to prepare for the potential of the Coronavirus spreading to northwestern Wisconsin. Due to concerns over the Coronavirus, Douglas County and the city of Superior declared a state of emergency this afternoon. “Think of your friends and neighbors,” said Superior Mayor Jim Paine. “Think of the people…

COVID-19 Testing Centers Expected To Open

Health officials say tests for Coronavirus are in limited supply.

DULUTH, Minn. – As the Northland prepares for the coronavirus outbreak, both St. Luke’s and Essentia Health are planning to set up separate testing centers. This service will only be available to those who have been pre-screened by their primary care physician or through a virtual medical consultation such as Essentia’s e-visit. Those individuals would be able to schedule a…

Public Buildings And Sites Shut Down Starting Tuesday

The city will be pushing for non-essential city staff to work from home or remotely.

DULUTH, Minn. – Starting Tuesday, city buildings will be closed to the public as a precaution against the coronavirus threat. The city will now be pushing for non-essential city staff to work from home or remotely as much as possible to help protect themselves and the public’s health. Essential employees will still work on-site as the city want to minimize…

Duluth Public Schools Will Use Time Of Closure To Help Make Future Plans

ISD 709 schools will close from March 18-27.

DULUTH, Minn. – Governor Tim Walz recently ordered all Minnesota K-12 schools to close starting on Wednesday. The Duluth Public School District is speaking out about how this time of closure will be used to plan for the future as coronavirus concerns continue to grow. District officials say they are standing ready by looking into precautions with the best interest…

Gov. Walz Orders Bars and Restaurants Across Minnesota to Close to Dine-In Customers

ST. PAUL, Minn. (FOX 9)-Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz has ordered bars and restaurants to close to dine-in customers by 5 p.m. Tuesday and continue indefinitely, a move Walz said was necessary to control the spread of coronavirus. The order also closes theaters, museums, fitness centers and community clubs across the state. The governor announced the changes at a Monday evening…

Daycares Serve Communities During Coronavirus

Governor Walz has ordered that schools provide childcare for elementary-age children of health care professionals, first responders, and other emergency workers...

HERMANTOWN, Minn. – With schools and other institutions being shut down, daycare for young children is in high demand in the Northland. Laugh and Learn Childcare Center opened its Hermantown location in October, well before anything like the coronavirus was a concern. So far, the center is not experiencing much change from normal business. While the infant room is currently…

US Governors Expand Shutdowns Amid Coronavirus Concerns

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (AP) – A growing number of governors across the U.S. are ordering the temporary closure of certain businesses such as dine-in restaurants, fitness centers, and movie theaters because of concerns over the coronavirus. Other governors on Monday were still leaving those decisions to local officials or the businesses themselves. That’s created a patchwork of precautions nationwide in…

University of Minnesota Announces Classes Will Continue Online Through End of Semester

DULUTH, Minn. – The University of Minnesota announced on Monday that classes will continue through alternative modes through the remainder of the semester. You can read the entire U of M release below: Situation Update: As you have seen, the pace of the pandemic in the United States only continues to grow. Each day the magnitude of what we are…

Minneapolis Closes Bars as Minnesota’s COVID-19 Cases Spike

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) — Minneapolis ordered bars and restaurants to close as the number of coronavirus cases in Minnesota spiked to 54 on Monday and the Legislature sharply scaled back its operations. Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey declared a local public health emergency, ordering the closure of or limiting access to bars, restaurants, nightclubs, and coffee shops effective at noon…

Governor Evers Orders Ban on Gatherings of More Than 50 People, Confirmed Cases Hits 47

(courtesy: WI DHS) MADISON, Wis. (AP) – Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers is ordering an indefinite ban on all gatherings of more than 50 people to slow the spread of COVID-19. State health officials said Monday for the first time there was likely community spread of the virus among people who had not traveled to high-risk areas. The number of cases…

US Tells Older People to Stay Home, all Ages to Avoid Crowds

WASHINGTON (AP) – The White House on Monday urged all older Americans to stay home and everyone to avoid crowds and eating out at restaurants as part of sweeping guidelines meant to combat an expected surge of coronavirus cases. President Donald Trump and the coronavirus task force released the guidelines as the U.S. government moved to try to blunt the…

MLB Delays Opening Day to Mid-May at Earliest Due to Virus

NEW YORK (AP) – Major League Baseball has pushed back an opening day until mid-May at the earliest because of the coronavirus. The move came Monday after the federal government recommended restricting events of more than 50 people for the next eight weeks. Baseball Commissioner Rob Manfred made the announcement following a conference call with executives of the 30 teams….

Canada Closing Borders to Non-Citizens, Non-Residents

TORONTO-Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau says he is closing his country’s borders to anyone not a citizen or a permanent resident amid the coronavirus pandemic. Trudeau announced the move Monday outside his residence, where is self isolating after his wife tested positive for the new coronavirus. He also asked Canadians to say home as much as possible amid the pandemic….

Midday Update 3-16-20

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Monday, March 16, 2020

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Brittney Merlot for a local look at news and weather making headlines Monday, March 16, 2020. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, brittney merlot, community, Headlines, Local News, midday update

Minnesota Coronavirus Cases Climb to 54

DULUTH, Minn. – The Minnesota Department of Health has updated the number of confirmed coronavirus cases in the state to 54. The MN DOH website reported the new cases Monday morning. The number of cases rose by 19 since Sunday, March 15. Current counties with cases include Anoka, Blue Earth, Carver, Dakota, Hennepin, Olmsted, Ramsey, Renville, Sherburne, Stearns, Waseca, Washington,…

Public Defender Wants Jail Inmates Released Due to COVID-19

ST. PAUL, Minn. – The State Public Defender’s Office is pushing for the release of jail inmates across Minnesota to protect them from the spread of the coronavirus. Chief Public Defender Bill Ward sent an email to staffers Sunday asking them to get on board and demand that their clients be released. Ward calls the jails a “petri dish” of…

St. Luke’s Advanced Wound Care & Hyperbaric Center Healing Thousands

Coffee Conversation: Exploring St. Luke's Advanced Wound Care & Hyperbaric Center

DULUTH, Minn. – A specific type of treatment offered by St. Luke’s Hospital is yielding beneficial results for thousands of patient in the Northland. St. Luke’s Advanced Wound Care & Hyperbaric Center recently was recognized with a national award. The Center’s highly-trained wound care specialists work to create care plans to help each person become to healthiest version of themselves….

Press Conference: City Provides Update on Plans Regarding COVID-19

DULUTH, Minn. – The city is hosting an update at 10:00 a.m. with local leaders to provide an update on the city’s plans going forward regarding COVID-19. Speakers: –          Mayor Emily Larson –          Congressman Pete Stauber –          Noah Schuchman, Chief Administrative Officer –          Shawn Krizaj, Duluth Fire Chief & Emergency Management Manager –          Mike Tusken, Duluth Police Chief –          Amy…

Morning Update 3-16-20

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Monday, March 16, 2020

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Brittney Merlot for a local look at news and weather making headlines Monday, March 16, 2020. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, brittney merlot, community, Headlines, Local News, morning update

Multiple Fire Crews Battle a Grand Lake Township Garage Fire Sunday Night

GRAND LAKE TOWNSHIP, Minn. – Fire crews from Grand Lake Fire, Canosia Fire, Hermantown Fire, Solway Fire, and Air National Guard Fire battled a garage fire in Grand Lake Township around 11:00 p.m. Sunday night. According to the St. Louis County Sheriff’s Office, the fire broke out at 5930 North Pike Lake Road. A resident noticed the garage fire and…

CDC Recommends Canceling Or Postponing Gatherings Of 50 Or More People For 8 Weeks

DULUTH, Minn. – The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention say Americans should cancel or postpone all gatherings of 50 people or more for the next eight weeks. That’s as experts say social distancing is imperative to curb the spread of coronavirus. The CDC says the new guidance applies to conferences, festivals, parades, concerts, sporting events, weddings, and any other…

DSSO Cancels Two Concerts Amid Coronavirus Concerns

DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth Superior Symphony Orchestra is canceling programming for the next two weeks. This comes as the CDC recommends all events with more than 50 people be canceled. This means the cancellations of two DSSO concerts — Beethoven Fifth on Mar. 21 and Beethoven Adventure Casual Concert on Mar. 22. DSSO officials say it was a difficult…

Duluth Restaurants Take Precautions Against COVID-19

As restaurants close across the country, restaurants here try their best to stay open.

DULUTH, Minn.- The President of the Duluth Local Restaurant Association is commenting on how some restaurants in the city are coping with the impacts of people taking precautions and staying home because of the Coronavirus. Currently, all bars and restaurants in Illinois, Ohio, California and Massachusetts have been ordered by their Governors to close to slow the community spread of…

Gov. Walz Closes Minnesota Schools for Two Weeks to Plan for Coronavirus

The two-week period is for school officials and teachers to plan for long-term closures, distance learning.

DULUTH, Minn.- In the most intense step the State of Minnesota has taken in response to the Coronavirus, Governor Tim Walz signed an executive order closing all schools in the state starting Wednesday, until March 27th. This comes just two days after Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers announced all schools statewide would close through April 6th. While parents prepare to cope…

Larson Addresses Coronavirus Concerns Sunday Ahead of Press Event

DULUTH, Minn. – Duluth Mayor Emily Larson will be holding a press conference Monday at 10 a.m. with an update on the city’s plans regarding the coronavirus. The event will be closed to the public to honor the Minnesota Department of Health’s social distancing guidelines, according to Larson. The press conference will be streamed on the city and FOX 21’s…

Duluth Bethel Alchoholics Anonymous Meetings Suspended

AA websites and other recovery websites have phone numbers of people those struggling can call.

DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth Bethel is temporarily suspending public meetings for Alcoholics Anonymous and other recovery group meetings at its facility downtown. Fox 21 is told that the Duluth Bethel will reopen the meetings when coronavirus concerns pass. The executive director, Dennis Cummings, says people can still call for help. There is also a list of sponsors and helplines…

Essentia Health and St. Mary’s Hospital Limiting Visitors Amid Coronavirus Concerns

DULUTH, Minn. — Essentia Health is changing its policy for visitors amid the coronavirus outbreak reaching Minnesota. Essentia will be restricting visitors to its facilities, including St. Mary’s Hospital, to keep patients and staff safe. There are limited exceptions, and those who want to visit need to call Essentia and confirm if they are allowed in. The healthcare provider is…

St. Luke’s Hospital Says Coronavirus Testing is Limited

DULUTH, Minn.  — St. Luke’s Hospital is warning the community that testing for the coronavirus is limited right now. The healthcare provider said it will not test for coronavirus in people who aren’t showing any symptoms. It will give coronavirus tests to those who think they’ve been exposed to the virus and have the symptoms, such as a fever, cough,…

Customers at Grocery Stores Taking Extra Precautions

Customers at Super One on Arrowhead Road are also taking extra precautions including one college student who says she is wearing a mask to protect others.

DULUTH, Minn. – Grocery stores are staying more than busy restocking shelves as fast as they can as people pile their shopping carts with food and cleaning supplies. Customers at Super One on Arrowhead Road are also taking extra precautions including one college student who says she is wearing a mask to protect others. She just returned from Jamaica and…

Trump Calls on Americans to Cease Hoarding Food, Supplies

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump on Sunday called on Americans to cease hoarding groceries and other supplies, while one of the nation’s most senior public health officials called on the nation to act with more urgency to safeguard their health as the coronavirus outbreak continued to spread across the United States. Dr. Anthony Fauci says he would like to…

5 New COVID-19 Cases in Fond du Lac County Raise Wisconsin Total to 33

MILWAUKEE (AP) – The number of confirmed cases of the coronavirus in Wisconsin has reached 33, after five new cases were reported in Fond du Lac County. Wisconsin health officials on Sunday reported a total of six new cases of COVID-19, the disease caused by the virus. Fond du Lac County now has the most confirmed cases of any county…

St. Patrick’s Day for the Whole Family at Dubh Linn

Pub expects 2,000 people to come through between Saturday and Tuesday.

DULUTH, Minn.- A family-friendly St. Patrick’s Day celebration is happening at Dubh Linn Irish Brew Pub. According to Pub staff, they’ve been less busy than most years, mostly due to people staying away from public places due to the Coronavirus. However they still expect a lot of families Saturday night, to partake in the green beer 400 lbs of corned…

Grasshoppers and Grapes: Celebrating 45th Annual St. Urho’s Day

The tradition continued despite Coronavirus concerns.

FINLAND, Minn.- Despite Coronavirus fears shutting down many public events across the country, hundreds of people filled Highway 1 in Finland for the 45th annual St. Urho’s Day Parade. It’s like the Mardi Gras of Minnesota, filling the Highway with green and purple. “I think it’s fabulous. It’s nice to see all these people come together and be happy,” Twin…

Fitger’s Brewhouse Launching Curbside Pickup Amid Coronavirus Fears

Customers are encouraged to call ahead, pull right up, and Brewhouse staff will bring food and even a growler of beer to their car.

DULUTH, Minn. – Fitger’s Brewhouse in Duluth is launching a new curbside service on Superior Street as the coronavirus spreads. Customers are encouraged to call ahead, pull right up, and Brewhouse staff will bring food and even a growler of beer to their car. Fitger’s Brewhouse is also part of Food Dudes and Grub Hub for people who do not…

Duluth Responds to Coronavirus Concerns

City leaders have addressed topics like emergency response and how to continue providing reliable utilities in the Duluth area.

DULUTH, Minn. – With coronavirus case numbers on the rise, city leaders say they are preparing for when, and not if, the pandemic strikes Duluth. City leaders have addressed topics like emergency response and how to continue providing reliable utilities in the Duluth area. Fire Chief Shawn Krizaj, who is also the city’s emergency manager, addressed the fire department’s role…

Wisconsin Parents Coming to Terms with No School

Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers announced Wisconsin K-12 schools will be closed from March 18 through April 6. 

SUPERIOR, Wis. – Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers announced Wisconsin K-12 schools will be closed from March 18 through April 6. Parents are now coming to terms with that decision and are busy figuring out how to occupy their children during the time off. One parent in Superior tells he is trying to look at the bright side of a negative…

A U of M Student Tests Positive For Coronavirus; UMD Prepares Amid Threats

Leadership at the school is now planning on using online classes after extending spring break.

DULUTH, Minn. – A University of Minnesota Twin Cities student has tested positive for coronavirus. So far there are no reports of UMD students having the virus but that’s not stopping the campus from preparing. Leadership at the school is now planning on using online classes after extending spring break. Some faculty have been using various electronic delivery methods and…

Lots for Tots Keeping Clean

Local used goods stores have already been taking precautions when it comes to cleanliness...

DULUTH, Minn. – Local used goods stores have already been taking precautions when it comes to cleanliness. Lots for Tots is a local shop where items like hats, shoes, and clothes are sold for resale. Store leadership says they personally wash every single item before the item is sold to prevent the spread of disease. “We take all the equipment…

Local Theatre Performances Canceled, Postponed Amid Coronavirus Fears

UWS musical 'Company,' Duluth Playhouse musical 'Spamalot' among canceled productions

SUPERIOR, Wis. – All Broadway shows have been canceled for the next month because of the coronavirus pandemic. Now, local theatre performances are being canceled and postponed at universities and other venues in the Twin Ports. Theatre performances require months of work from dozens of cast and crew members. Because of COVID-19, current productions are shutting down, some before they’ll…

Proctor Speedway to be Renamed Halvor Lines Speedway

Halvor Lines is a trucking and logistics company that has a terminal in Superior so they say they are excited to help out a local place so many people enjoy.

PROCTOR, Minn. – The Proctor Speedway will be getting a brand new name and major sponsor. Friday, Halvor Lines signed on to rename the track the Halvor Lines Speedway for the next three years. Halvor Lines has partnered with different speedways in the past and even at Proctor Speedway they have sponsored their military night for a number of years….

City Shares Preparation Plans In Response To The Covid-19 Threat

DULUTH, Minn. – Duluth city leaders and local agencies gave an update on their preparations in response to the Coronavirus threat. City officials say they have been planning for several weeks the best approaches to Covid-19 They say the City of Duluth is fully prepared for effective public safety and emergency response when, rather than if, the virus arrives in…

Essentia Health and St. Luke’s Respond to COVID-19

Health experts say many of those with COVID-19 will have either no or mild symptoms, making testing important to identify cases.

DULUTH, Minn. – Health experts say many of those with COVID-19 will have either no or mild symptoms, making testing important to identify cases. But testing itself is extremely limited in the state of Minnesota right now. It is done through the Minnesota Department of Health, and is reserved for those who are at high risk. Specifically those who have…

State: Prep for School Closures as Coronavirus Cases Rise

MADISON, Wis. (AP) – Wisconsin health officials are warning parents to prepare contingency plans for school closures as the number of coronavirus infections in the state continues to rise. The state Department of Health Services says the number of confirmed cases as of Friday afternoon stood at 19, up from eight on Thursday. DHS Deputy Secretary Julie Willems Van Dijk…