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…
(courtesy: MN Department of Health) (FOX 9) – Minnesota now has 14 confirmed cases of the new coronavirus in the state. Five new cases were confirmed as of Friday. The World Health Organization has now declared the outbreak of COVID-19 a pandemic. Minnesota health officials announced the first confirmed case of COVID-19 on March 6. MDH reports 555 people have been tested for…
DULUTH, Minn. — In this weeks Active Adventures we are running on Duluth’s Lake Walk in style! Grow out you own mustache or slap on a fake one and walk or run a 5k with friends. This event takes place on Saturday March 21st at 5pm by the Fitger’s stairs on the lake walk. You can preregister by clicking HERE…
FINLAND, Minn. – There’s been an invasion! It’s time to chase the grasshoppers from the community of Finland, Minnesota. The annual St. Urho’s Day Celebration is happening Friday, March 13 – Sunday, March 15. The highly anticipated parade will commence down Highway 1 on Saturday, March 14 starting at 12:00 p.m. This year’s theme celebrates the roaring 1920s. St. Urho…
DULUTH, Minn. – Questions, comments, and concerns are filling our social media feeds and television screens this week, so FOX 21 Local News wanted to know what our viewers and Facebook followers are most concerned about regarding the spread of Coronavirus, also known at COVID-19. St. Luke’s Infectious Disease Dr. Andrew Thompson stopped by FOX 21 Local News from 7…
Speakers: Mayor Emily Larson Shawn Krizaj, Duluth Fire Chief & Director of Emergency Management Amy Westbrook, St. Louis County Public Health Division Director Dr. Jon Pryor, Essentia Health East Market President Dr. Nick Van Deelen, St. Lukes Chief Medical Officer and Emergency Medicine Physician Commander Smith, U.S. Coast Guard Amy Rutledge, MN Power, Manager Corporate Communications Lee Stuart, Executive Director,…
(courtesy: Fox 9) ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) – The St. Paul teachers union and Minnesota’s second-largest school district have reached a tentative contract agreement, ending a strike that began Tuesday and canceled classes for some 36,000 students. The agreement was reached about 3:30 a.m. Friday after more than 19 hours of mediation that began early Thursday. The union represents about…
ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) – One Minnesota school district has canceled classes Friday over concerns about COVID-19, and the Minnesota House has canceled all meetings until Monday. The Robbinsdale Area School District in suburban Minneapolis said it canceled classes and other activities for the day “out of an abundance of caution” after a parent came in contact with someone who…
SAINT PETER, Minn. – Current Duluth School District Superintendent Bill Gronseth has been extended an offer to become the next superintendent of the Saint Peter School District. Gronseth made the decision to step down as Duluth’s superintendent when his contract is up in June. According to the 508 District website, their school board made the decision Thursday evening during a…
DULUTH, Minn. – Duluth’s Grand St. Patrick’s Day Celebration has been canceled over the potential spread of coronavirus. The decision was made Thursday night not to hold the event at Clyde Iron Malting Building on March 17th. Instead of the event, there will be a live-stream for the public. Families will now be able to view all of the scheduled…
DULUTH, Minn. — Conventions at the DECC are beginning to cancel because of coronavirus fears. And if business continues to drop out, the DECC could shut down for some time. “It’s possible that we would shut down, definitely. It depends on how long this goes. We have things we can do in the building to keep us busy. We have…
DULUTH, Minn. — The city of Duluth’s largest union – AFSCME Council 5 — is calling on Mayor Emily Larson’s administration to reverse its decision to cut two maintenance worker positions. And the union is asking for residents of Duluth for support because it says the city is not respecting public workers and access to critical services that the community…
DULUTH, Minn. – The health and safety of correctional staff and inmates at the Northeastern Regional Corrections Center are becoming more of a priority as the coronavirus threat moves closer to our region. NERCC has about 100 inmates living in their facility. This makes it critical for the institution to find ways to help eliminate exposure to the virus. The…
DULUTH, Minn. – CHUM in Duluth is taking the first steps to prevent and delay any potential threat of the coronavirus within its facilities. The organization has rented and installed nearly 10 portable handwashing stations in the shelter and the food shelf to help make it easier for people to keep their hands clean. They are also following guidelines from…
DULUTH, Minn. – The Minnesota State Colleges and Universities System is extending spring break for students as they move to alternative modes of delivery for on-campus classes. The 32 colleges and universities that are currently on spring break will suspend classes March 16-22, with class resuming March 23. The five colleges that have spring break scheduled for the week of…
(Glen Stubbe/Star Tribune via AP) ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) – Gov. Tim Walz has proposed banking $1.2 billion of Minnesota’s projected $1.5 billion budget surplus because of the uncertainties over how the new coronavirus will affect the economy. The Democratic governor’s supplemental budget would add only $256 million in new spending on programs to the budget the Legislature approved last…
(FOX 9) – Minnesota now has nine confirmed cases of the new coronavirus in the state. Four new cases were reported on Thursday. The World Health Organization has now declared the outbreak of COVID-19 a pandemic. Minnesota health officials announced the first confirmed case of COVID-19 on March 6. MINNESOTA CASES SO FAR Fox 9 reports there are now cases…
DULUTH, Minn. – Benedictine Living Community is limiting visitors into their Duluth campus effective immediately to help protect the health of their residents. According to a recent press release from the organization, while there is still a lot of unknown information about COVID-19 these precautionary steps will help protect the health of the elderly population that they serve. “The health…
DULUTH, Minn. – A new mobile sauna is taking up a residency on the Lakewalk in Duluth. Cedar and Stone Nordic Sauna, which launched in December, is partnering with the Inn on Lake Superior in Canal Park to offer a unique experience. Visitors to the wood fire sauna will have a chance to enjoy the gorgeous views of Lake Superior…
DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth City Council passed an ordinance giving census workers access to multi-unit housing structures, like apartment buildings, as they conduct the upcoming 2020 census. “Meaning that we can now officially access residents who want and need and deserve to be counted that we were previously unable to get to on a door to door basis,” explained…
DULUTH, Minn. – The College of St. Scholastica announced Wednesday it would be joining the University of Minnesota Duluth and the University of Wisconsin-Superior by extending spring break for students and moving classes online when those students return amid concerns about the COVID-19 strain of the coronavirus. Below is the statement from the president CSS: Dear St. Scholastica Family, As…
DULUTH, Minn. – One of downtown Duluth’s historic buildings now has a new tenant. Fargo-based Bell Bank recently signed a lease agreement to occupy all three floors of the Temple Opera Building to expand into the Twin Ports. Bell Bank officials have been on the hunt for several months for the right space to begin operations in Duluth. The Temple…
DULUTH, Minn. — The University of Minnesota Duluth and the University of Wisconsin-Superior have announced they are extending spring break and moving classes online when students return because of the growing concerns involving the COVID-19 strain of the coronavirus. Below are the two official releases from each university. UMD: Dear students, faculty, and staff, As the challenges presented by COVID-19…
DULUTH, Minn. — The Duluth School Board has released the names of the six candidates who will be interviewed for the Duluth Public School District superintendent job. The board approved the final six candidates on Tuesday. The semifinalists were selected from 20 applicants. The candidates are James Wagner, the superintendent of the Johnson County School District in Buffalo, Wyoming, Fabby…
MINNEAPOLIS (AP) – Minnesota health officials have confirmed the state’s fourth case of the coronavirus in a person in Olmsted County. That county’s public health department planned a news conference later Wednesday and no additional details were immediately available. The state’s earlier cases involve residents of Anoka, Ramsey and Carver counties. The state earlier this week set aside $21 million…
MADISON, Wis. – The University of Wisconsin-Madison announced on Wednesday that they will be suspending spring semester face-to-face instruction due to coronavirus concerns. According to a message from the Chancellor posted to the University’s website on Wednesday, the suspension will be effective Monday, March 23 and will continue at least through Friday, April 10. Additionally, students are being asked to…
DULUTH, Minn. – Christian Fraser and Kelly McMohon are both avid outdoorsmen. And in a quiet woodland neighborhood, they began making their passion come to life. “Making leashes on our own time. So however you prefer to do that. I’ve done quiet a bit down here when I’m trying to get something done quickly or experimenting with dog toys and…
DULUTH, Minn. – A U.S. Coast Guard cutter has started ice-breaking activities in the Twin Ports of Duluth and Superior, an annual ritual that signals the approach of spring. The cutter Alder began clearing the channels Tuesday for the upcoming shipping season. It’s so the 1,000-foot long ships loaded with taconite, coal, limestone and other cargo can maneuver through without…
DULUTH, Minn. – Harlem Globetrotter Flip White slam dunked his way into the FOX 21 Local News Studios Wednesday morning. The Harlem Globetrotters will be playing at Amsoil Arena Sunday, March 29. White will be making two stops Wednesday, March 11. One at Lakewood Elementary School and the other at YMCA at the Essentia Wellness. In advance of the Harlem…
ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) – Minnesota Senate Republicans have moved to try to change the direction of the contentious gun control debate in this election year. They unveiled a slate of bills Tuesday to address the problem of gun violence, mostly by increasing penalties for crimes involving firearms. Members of the Senate GOP majority say their bills can actually pass…
(courtesy: Northland FireWire) HIBBING, Minn. – A fire has gutted the former Coachman Lounge located on First Avenue in Hibbing. According to the Northland Firewire, the fire broke out shortly after 9:00 p.m. Tuesday night. Firefighters from Hibbing, Chisholm, and Keewatin battled the blaze. Officials say when crews arrived on the scene flames could be seen coming from the back…
DULUTH, Minn.- A big portion of a retaining wall collapsed at a busy Duluth McDonald’s. It happened around 5:30 Tuesday evening at the McDonald’s on the corner of 21st Avenue East and London Road. The railing detached from the parking lot, and chunks of the wall fell down below along the road. City officials told FOX 21 that contractors were…
DULUTH, Minn.- One of Duluth’s most popular Dog and Recreation Parks is getting some big upgrades this year. We’re talking about Keene Creek Park near Grand Avenue in West Duluth. Planned changes include accessibility upgrades, a new playground, dog park improvements, trail resurfacing, and a new bicycle pumping rack. In 2016 the City Council approved the Keene Creek Mini Master…
DULUTH, Minn.- The fight against Aquatic Invasive Species in St. Louis County lakes continues as the County Board has approved the distribution of funds for their prevention and elimination. Each year the state legislature allocated funding to counties to be used to prevent the introduction and limit the spread of Aquatic Invasive Species, or AIS. These species disrupt the health…
CLOQUET, Minn. – Sheldon James Thompson appeared in court for the first time for his bail hearing, held on Tuesday in Carlton County, on three charges of second-degree murder. Sheldon Thompson showed little to no emotion or remorse while in the courtroom even after the judge set his bail at $1 million. During the bail hearing, which lasted no more…
DULUTH, Minn. – The 1.4 million dollar project includes larger rooms for patients, showers that are easier to get out of and a new nurses station. Leadership from St. Luke’s says, the more modern work environment for staff will help lead patients to a quicker recovery time. “We work towards speeding that where people can really get back to their…
(FOX 9) – The Minnesota Health Department confirmed the state’s third coronavirus case Tuesday. According to officials, the person is an Anoka County resident in their 30s who was likely exposed through contact with international travelers. The patient developed symptoms Feb. 28 and sought health care on March 9. Samples were collected from the person and sent to the MDH…
(Elizabeth Flores/Star Tribune via AP) ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) – The Minnesota Legislature has voted unanimously to earmark nearly $21 million to reinforce the state’s response to the coronavirus outbreak. Democratic Gov. Tim Walz praised lawmakers for “working in a totally nonpartisan manner” shortly before the 64-0 vote in the Republican-controlled Senate. The Democratic-controlled House passed the bill soon afterward,…
CLOQUET, Minn. – The 33-year-old Cloquet man arrested in connection to the deaths of a young mother, her unborn child, and her one-year-old son on the Fond Du Lac Reservation in Cloquet has been formally charged with second-degree murder. Sheldon Thompson appeared in court Tuesday in Carlton County where he was charged with three counts of second-degree murder. Bail was…
(AP Photo/Wong Maye-E, File) (AP) – The 500-year-old sport of curling is looking for ways to shorten games and keep fans engaged. The sport’s governing body is considering radical rule changes as it tries to balance centuries of tradition with the modern need to move things along. Among the proposals being tested are putting players on a more demanding…
(courtesy: Fox 9) ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) – Teachers at St. Paul Public Schools went on strike after last-minute efforts to reach a contract agreement failed. The school district and the union that represents teachers negotiated for six straight days and talked until 3 a.m. Tuesday in an effort to avert a strike. But the union said there was no…
DULUTH, Minn. – We’re learning more about two recent cuts to positions within the city of Duluth. Mayor Emily Larson’s office said Monday the positions were maintenance workers for the fleet and parks divisions. The two employees were making $47,096 a year. Both were offered new jobs within the city at similar salaries — one as a janitor and the…
DULUTH, Minn.- Organizations from across the Northland learned ways to make their social media accounts more accessible to people with disabilities. The Great Lakes Aquarium in Duluth was one of those organizations. The workshop was held there by Minnesota Access Alliance–a non-profit with a mission to raise the bar for accessibility in the state. Today’s event focused on the use…
DULUTH, Minn.- The redevelopment of the Esmond Building, also known as the former Seaway Hotel in Lincoln Park is getting some help from young college engineering students. Ecolibrium 3, the non-profit focused on improving sustainability in Lincoln Park, partnered with UMD’s Swenson College of Engineering. Students will look at the Esmond and develop recommendations to present to the developer to…
DULUTH, Minn.- As the second case of Coronavirus was discovered in Minnesota on Sunday, the City of Duluth says it has what it is calling a pandemic plan that could be utilized should the need arise. According to Duluth Fire Chief Shawn Krizaj, the city is closely monitoring the virus on the local, state, and national level. They are also…
TWO HARBORS, Minn. – The Northland Foundation recently received a grant for $3.5 million to launch their Integrated Rural Aging Community Program. The foundation is now partnering with local organizations in Northeastern Minnesota to implement the Community Planning and Care Coordination project to help better serve the aging older adult community. A total of eight organizations, known for supporting rural…
DULUTH, Minn. – The Executive Director of CHUM in Duluth has announced she will be retiring at the end of the year. Lee Stuart has served in the position for about seven years. Many believe her leadership has proven to be instrumental in bringing awareness to Duluth’s homeless community. Stuart says she has accomplished many of the goals she and…
DULUTH, Minn. – The number of Coronavirus cases in the U.S. is continuing to rise including two in Minnesota. now there are concerns that the spreading of the virus could potentially create an urgent need for blood donations. Staff at Memorial Blood Centers in Duluth say they have noticed people are canceling their appointments to give blood in fear of…
DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth public school district is partnering with the Duluth Police Department to conduct their first-ever district-wide alert drill to test how well they can work under pressure during an emergency. The test will be at 10 a.m. Tuesday morning. The district will use all of its emergency and communication tools at their disposal for a coordinated…
ST. PAUL, Minn. (FOX 9) – Police say an 11-year-old boy is hospitalized after being thrown from a balcony in St. Paul Minnesota Monday morning. St. Paul Police Department spokesperson Steve Linders said officers were called to an apartment building at 787 Hampden Avenue around 8:40 a.m. When they arrived, they found an 11-year-old boy lying on the ground. The…
