Minnesota

Bridgeman’s Restaurant Sells Sundae Kits

The restaurant has already sold hundreds of kits.

DULUTH, Minn – Good news for all the ice cream lovers. Bridgeman’s Restaurant in Duluth is now selling sundae kits as a way to help add some fun while you get through the coronavirus pandemic. Each kit comes with two pints of Bridgeman’s ice cream of your choosing, four homemade waffle bowls, five assorted toppings, and your very own Bridgeman’s souvenir…

UMD To Hold Virtual Graduation Commencement

DULUTH, Minn. – UMD graduating seniors won’t be getting the traditional in-person commencement ceremony this year. However, a virtual ceremony will go live on the universities website at 11 a.m. on May 16th. Each of the five university of Minnesota campuses have this option for students with family and friends able to watch. There will be a series of recorded…

Duluth High Schools Creating Virtual Graduation Ceremony Videos

DULUTH, Minn.- Duluth Public Schools will hold virtual graduations this year because of the COVID-19 pandemic, the school district announced on Tuesday. “Graduation from high school is a significant milestone, one that students anticipate and look forward to for years,” Bill Gronseth, the ISD 709 Superintendent, said in a press release. “In the face of the pandemic and the restrictions…

Duluth Trails Open After Freeze/Thaw, No Plans to Close Beaches So Far

Walkers, runners and bikers flock to their favorite trails.

DULUTH, Minn.- Just in time for the nice weather, Duluth Parks and Recreation announced that most of the city’s multi-use natural surface trails are now open after being closed due to wet conditions. “It’s been a long time coming this spring,” said Parks and Rec Trail Cooridinator Matt Andrews. “We’ve all been patiently waiting for these trails to open up….

Retail And Non-Essential Businesses Reopen For Curbside

"I think small businesses are a big part economy. The more small businesses we can get up and running, I think it will be a big help for everyone," said Top Knots to Tails Co-owner Karla Wirtz.

DULUTH, Minn- Minnesota Governor Tim Walz recently gave the green light for retail and some non-essential businesses to reopen, but only for curbside pickup and delivery. And Monday was the first day shops re-open with those restrictions. Thousands of retail and other non-essential businesses have been closed for more than a month due to the Stay-at-Home executive order. For many…

Minnesota Anglers Gear Up For Opener

DULUTH, Minn. – Anglers are gearing up for this weekends upcoming fishing opener in Minnesota. Over at Marine General on London Road, they have stocked up on everything fishing. Management says, they are anticipating a busy opener with people itching to get out on the water. “We’ve bought extra rods and reels and tackle. And a lot more tubes and…

Crews Begin Removal Of Lake Avenue Steam Pipes

DULUTH, Minn. – Crews have begun removing a 100-year-old steam system on Lake Avenue during Phase 3 of the Superior Street project. With that comes the removal of pipes containing asbestos. The public is asked to stay within the marked pedestrian areas during this time. The first stage of phase three is scheduled to wrap up in July. Categories: Business,…

Numbers Spike for Minnesotans in Intensive Care for COVID-19

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — The number of Minnesotans hospitalized in intensive care with COVID-19 has jumped for three straight days to the highest levels yet, health officials said Monday. The Minnesota Department of Health reported 166 patients in intensive care units as of Monday, up 11 from a one-day high of 155 set Sunday and a high of 135 set Saturday….

Duluth Woman Killed in Sunday ATV Crash

COOK, Minn. – Authorities say a 53-year-old Duluth woman died Sunday night after an ATV crash in rural Cook. According to the St. Louis County Sheriff’s office, deputies were dispatched to an ATV accident in the 3200 block of Randa Road on the northern side of Lake Vermillion around 9:20 p.m. Sunday. When deputies and first responders arrived on the…

Hometown Heroes: 5/3/20

DULUTH, Minn. — FOX 21 is highlighting local front-line workers who are giving their all for the community during the coronavirus pandemic. Here are just a few of our Hometown Heroes from Sunday’s broadcast. If you’d like to nominate someone, just head over to FOX 21’s Facebook page to upload an image and a brief description about the person. We…

Carlton’s Flapjack Fiasco Fundraiser for St. Jude Hospital Adapts Amid Pandemic

10th annual pancake breakfast ditches the pancake and the breakfast, with volunteers using long-handled buckets to collect cash from cars.

CARLTON, Minn.- COVID-19 couldn’t put a kabash on the Flapjack Fiasco Fundraiser for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, which ditched the pancakes for a drive-by donation collection on Sunday. The four corners of the intersection of Highway 210 and 45 were flanked by neon vests, stopping cars as they drove by. “We made some buckets on a piece of bamboo…

Hottest Weekend to Date Brings Many Outdoors

One family celebrated the nice weather by building their own teepee on Park Point Beach.

DULUTH, Minn.- The weekend’s nice weather brought plenty of people outside, and some decided to erect a monument to the hottest weekend to date: a teepee. A family from Iron Mountain, Michigan made the most of the warm Sunday, constructing a large teepee out of logs of driftwood on Park Point Beach. “We figured we’d come on out here and…

Minnesota Surpasses 6,000 Confirmed COVID-19 Cases

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) – The Minnesota Department of Health reports that nearly 500 people tested positive for COVID-19, putting the state over 6,000 cases. Officials say 21 of the 24 deaths in Saturday’s report occurred in long-term care facilities, including one Clay County resident who was at least 100 years old. The state also reported the death of a Hennepin County…

True North AmeriCorps Launches Emergency Response Initiative

Members can receive plenty of benefits including living stipends and free health insurance.

DULUTH, Minn. – In light of COVID-19 and the effects it has brought upon the community True North AmeriCorps is launching the Minnesota Americorps Emergency Response Initiative. This initiative is in partnership with the Duluth YMCA. It is designed to help communities better respond to their needs during this time of crisis by placing nearly 20 AmeriCorps members at non-profits…

A Medical Equipment Company Helps A Local Food Bank By Giving Out Neck Gaiters

Lake Superior Medical Equipment has provided about 750 neck gaiters.

UTH, Minn – Lake Superior Medical Equipment is looking to give back to a good cause while also trying to help protect the community from harm during the coronavirus pandemic. With face masks in short supply, a neck gaiter is another form of protection to help limit the spread of Covid-19. Lake Superior Medical Equipment has provided about 750 neck…

Itasca County Health Officials Address Mental Health Concerns Amid COVID-19 Pandemic

Area Partners Have Developed a Website With a Plethora of Mental Health Resources

GRAND RAPIDS, Minn. – As of Friday, there are 11 lab-confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Itasca County. While the numbers remain low compared to nearby St. Louis County (73 cases, 11 deaths), officials are seeing an increase in calls and outreach to local mental health service centers. First Call for Help of Itasca County is a private, nonprofit community organization…

Layoffs Announced at Minntac

MT. IRON, Minn. – Layoffs are expected at Minntac in the coming weeks according to United Steelworkers Local 1938. Union leaders say U.S. Steel confirmed layoffs will begin on May 10 and are expected to last about eight weeks for plant employees and 11 weeks for pit employees. The layoffs will affect about 260 employees. Currently, Minntac employs about 1,300…

Updated COVID-19 Numbers: Friday, May 1

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Minnesota health officials reported 5,730 confirmed COVID-19 cases in the state Friday morning and 28 new deaths bringing the death total to 371 in Minnesota. According to the Minnesota Department of Health website, 74,820 tests have been completed to date. There are 2,282 patients who no longer require isolation. So far, 1,096 patients have required hospitalization…

Judge Orders DOC to Respond to Moose Lake Claims

MOOSE LAKE, Minn. (AP) — A judge has ordered the Minnesota Department of Corrections to show that it is protecting inmates at the Moose Lake prison from COVID-19. The American Civil Liberties Union of Minnesota filed a lawsuit in April alleging the Corrections Department and the Moose Lake prison have failed to implement sufficient measures to slow or stop the spread of the…

MN Nurses Assoc.: Nearly 300 Essentia Nurses Take Temporary Furloughs

DULUTH, Minn. –  The financial blow from the pandemic has placed nearly 300 nurses at Essentia Health in the Twin Ports on “special administrative leave.” A spokesperson for the Minnesota Nurses Association union told FOX 21 on Thursday that the workers have taken voluntary furloughs to avoid potential layoffs and keep their health insurance benefits. Being furloughed also allows the…

Animal Adoptions In Demand During Stay-At-Home Orders

DULUTH, Minn. – It was National Adopt a Shelter Pet Day on Thursday, and local humane societies have some furry friends available. Although they are closed to the public during the stay-at-home orders, Animal Allies is still taking appointments for adoptions — allowing you to meet with the animal in the a private setting. “We definitely recommend that you make…

Duluth Chamber CEO Adapts Advocacy For Businesses Through Pandemic

DULUTH, Minn. — The Duluth Area Chamber of Commerce is looking at all types of ways to connect with local businesses right now to help them through the pandemic’s financial crisis. Chamber President and CEO David Ross says he’s seen an increase in small businesses looking for guidance with grant and loan applications, among other needs. His team is in…

Duluth Stores Prepare for Curbside Pickup to Start May 4th

Zenith Bookstore and Dungeon's End Game Store among many statewide businesses to offer curbside pickup

DULUTH, Minn. – Retail and other non-essential businesses in Minnesota can reopen for curbside pickup and delivery starting May 4th if they take certain precautions. Many Minnesota businesses have been closed for more than a month under the state’s Stay at Home Order. While those shops still can’t open their doors to customers for at least two more weeks, they’re…

DECC Officials Are Worried About The Future

The DECC only has enough cash in its reserves to last until February. 

DULUTH, Minn – The Duluth Entertainment Convention Center has already lost over $1 million in revenue due to the pandemic. DECC officials say they are concerned about what the future may hold if the coronavirus pandemic lasts longer than they anticipate. All recent and many upcoming events at the DECC have either been canceled or postponed as a result of…

Little Free Seed Libraries Pop Up Around Duluth

"Food security is definitely threatened for a lot of our community members. People have less income because of financial constraints because of Covid-19," said Program Director Megan Wilder.

Duluthians can now get free seeds to grow fruits and vegetables during the pandemic. The Duluth Community Garden Program has set up little free seed libraries around town as a way to give away seeds without social interactions. Each seed library is stocked with a variety of seed packets such as pumpkin and radishes. The Duluth Community Garden Program director…

Northland Foundation, Area Partners Raise $2 Million for COVID-19 Financial Relief

Relief Funds Will Be Used For Multiple Programs, Local Businesses in Northeastern Minnesota

DULUTH, Minn. – The Northland Foundation has been serving seven counties including five tribal nations in Northeastern Minnesota since the 1980s. The foundation strives to economically support residents and businesses in the region, especially during financially difficult times. “We’re doing our best to connect our businesses and our people with those resources both in our region, in the state, and…

Minnesota Nursing Home Reports 47 Deaths From Coronavirus

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — A suburban Minneapolis nursing home said 47 residents have died from complications of COVID-19, the most at any long-term care facility in Minnesota. St. Therese of New Hope also said Wednesday that 130 residents have tested positive for the coronavirus, while 65 staff members have shown symptoms or been exposed. A veterans home in Massachusetts where 70…

Minnesota Coronavirus Cases, Testing, Hit new 1-day Highs

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Coronavirus cases, hospitalizations, and deaths continue to climb in Minnesota, but the state is making progress toward more testing, new figures Thursday from the Minnesota Department of Health show. The department reported 24 new deaths to raise Minnesota’s death toll to 343. A new one-day high of 492 confirmed cases pushed the state’s total to 5,136. And…

Silver Bay Grocery Store Offering Curbside Service to Elderly Residents

With Help From North Shore Area Partners, More Than a Dozen Silver Bay Residents Utilize the Service

SILVER BAY, Minn. – We’ve heard it before, coronavirus doesn’t discriminate. Although no cases have been reported in Lake County thus far, residents remain cautious, practicing social distancing and limiting trips out of the home. Many small-town residents are stepping up to alleviate stress while helping those in need. “I spend an hour in here just talking. It takes me…

Fire Marshal: Former Kozy Fire Intentionally Set

DULUTH, Minn. – Fire crews responded to a fire Wednesday night at the former Kozy bar in Duluth. The Duluth Fire Department says crews from the UMD/Woodland station responded to the fire around 10:40 p.m. and were able to quickly knock down the fire with a water can. According to a Facebook post on the Duluth Minnesota Fire Department page…

Coronavirus Pandemic Forces Closure of Lake County News Chronicle

DULUTH, Minn. – The economic impact of the coronavirus pandemic is shutting down one of the Duluth News Tribune’s sister newspapers up the north shore. The Lake County News Chronicle, which was founded in 1974, will publish its final issue on May 22. The announcement was made Wednesday evening on the publication’s website. The closure comes as newspapers, televisions stations…

Spring Wildfire Season is Here

DNR and fire department officials warn Minnesotans how to best prevent wildfires this spring

NORTHERN MINNESOTA – It’s spring wildfire season in the Northland and, even though much of the region has gotten rain over the past couple days, the fire danger is still high. Dry, exposed grass and a lack of green plants makes fire danger high this time of year. One fire could be seen Saturday just off County Highway 100 near…

Carlton County Sheriff’s Office to Start Using Body Cameras

Sheriff's Office plans to order body cameras for all 25 officers

CARLTON, Minn. – The Carlton County Sheriff’s Office will soon buy body cameras for all 25 officers in the department. The body cameras are made by the company, WatchGuard, and cost $1,000 a piece. A Carlton County deputy tells us the cameras will bring more transparency to the sheriff’s office and will help law enforcement build better cases against defendants….

Neighborhood Youth Services Reopens To The Community

NYS can accommodate about 30 kids to keep up with social distancing.

DULUTH, Minn. – The Neighborhood Youth Services at the Washington Center in Duluth reopened to the community this week. NYS is a free program geared towards providing after school care. The program also provides enrichment activities and educational resources to kids ages six through eighteen. in march, the program was forced to shut its doors as part of Governor Tim…

The 1200 Fund’s Fast Grant Won’t Be Enough To Bailout All Business Applying For The Funding

More than 350 businesses applied for the fast grant, but the non-profit is only able to help 100 businesses.

DULUTH, Minn. – The City of Duluth announced fast grant funding through the 1200 Fund to help businesses recover from the economic impacts of Covid-19, With limited funds, the number of businesses applying for the grant exceeds the number that can be helped. More than 350 businesses applied for the fast grant, but the non-profit is only able to help…

Fuel Experts Weigh In On Oil Price Drop

DULUTH, Minn. – With fuel prices at an all-time low, experts suggest now may be the best time to fill up your propane tanks. In the short term, consumers will benefit from the low crude oil costs due to the Covid-19 pandemic. However, there may be some negative effects in the long-term with this low price environment. “We are looking…

Gov. Walz to Announce Thursday if Minnesota’s Stay-at-Home Order Will be Extended

(Glen Stubbe/Star Tribune via AP) ST. PAUL, Minn. (FOX 9) – Gov. Tim Walz will announce Thursday afternoon whether he will extend Minnesota’s stay-at-home order beyond Monday, May 4, when it is set to expire. At a press conference in Worthington Wednesday, Walz indicated he will announce that more businesses will be allowed to open, but said his approach to reopening the economy will…

Minnesota’s Coronavirus Case Count Jumps as Testing Ramps Up

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — The Minnesota Department of Health reported another big jump in coronavirus cases Wednesday as the state ramps up its testing capacity. The agency said 463 more Minnesotans have tested positive — a new one-day high — to raise the state’s total to 4,644. That total includes 138 new cases in Nobles County of southwestern Minnesota, where the…

St. Louis County Seeking Community Input on Allocation of COVID-19 Relief Funds

ST. LOUIS COUNTY, Minn. – St. Louis County officials are seeking public input on how to use COVID-19 relief funds the county is receiving from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. The county says it will be receiving around $2 million as part of the CARES Act to provide assistance in responding to COVID-19. The St. Louis County…

St. Luke’s, Essentia Health in Need of Mask Donations

Duluth Hospitals Launch "Land of 10,000 Masks" Campaign

DULUTH, Minn. – Northlanders are used to living in the Land of 10,000 Lakes, but now St. Luke’s and Essentia Health are looking to make a slight adjustment amid the COVID-19 pandemic. The healthcare facilities have teamed up to launch a new campaign, “Land of 10,000 Masks.” The mask donation drive comes as both hospitals prepare to handle a surge…

Northwoods Family Grille Offering New Meal Options Amid COVID-19 Closure

The Restaurant is Located in the Shopping Center Along Outer Drive in Silver Bay

SILVER BAY, Minn. – A local restaurant further up on the North Shore is doing their part to give back to the community. With many restaurants struggling, owners of Northwoods Grille in Silver Bay say they have been blessed with support from everyone in their tight knit community. The restaurant has been offering curbside pickup as well as delivering boxed…

Minnesota DNR: Take Feeders Down, Utilize Preventative Measures

As Bears Begin to Roam, The Minnesota DNR Reminds Residents to Use Caution

DULUTH, Minn. – Spring has sprung and now bears are all the buzz, waking up from a long winter slumber with new cubs who are ready to eat and roam with the parents. The Minnesota DNR is receiving reports of bear sightings near the Duluth Lakewalk and other urban areas. Officials want to remind residents that black bears are generally…

CN Pays $1.25M to Settle 2016 Minnesota Wildfire Damage

(AP) – Canadian National Railway has paid $1.25 million to settle damage caused by a 2016 wildfire that burned national forest land in northeastern Minnesota, federal prosecutors said Tuesday. The wildfire, known as the Skibo Fire, burned nearly 1,000 acres east of Hoyt Lakes in St. Louis County, including nearly 400 acres of national forest land. The federal government alleged…

Financial Risk Prompted The City’s Decision To Close Lester Park Golf Course

DULUTH, Minn – Last week, Mayor Emily Larson announced Lester Park Golf Course in Duluth will be closed for the rest of the year. Loyal golfers weren’t too happy about the closing. Duluth city officials are speaking out further about the reasoning behind the decision. City officials took a closer look at the financial risk of opening both courses this…