News

Delayed Start Announced for UMD Men’s, Women’s Hockey Seasons

The NCHC is aiming to begin competition "on or after November 20", while the WCHA did not have a set date.

DULUTH, Minn. – In a joint statement from all Division I men’s and women’s hockey conferences, the National Collegiate Hockey Conference and the Western Collegiate Hockey Association announced Thursday that the upcoming 2020-2021 season will be delayed. The NCHC is aiming to begin competition “on or after November 20”, while the WCHA did not have a set date. Season ticket…

Us Layoffs Remain Elevated as Job Market’s Gains Weaken

WASHINGTON (AP) — The number of Americans applying for unemployment benefits was unchanged last week at 884,000, a sign that layoffs remain stuck at a historically high level six months after the viral pandemic flattened the economy. The latest figures coincide with other recent evidence that the job market’s improvement may be weakening after solid gains through the spring and…

Waters of Superior in Canal Park Closing its Doors for Good

(courtesy: Waters of Superior) DULUTH, Minn. – Waters of Superior in Canal Park is closing its doors for good. The business made the announcement on Thursday saying that the store will close on October 25. “While the store has been profitable, COVID-19 has reduced sales dramatically, and projections showed it would have been impossible to make it through the winter…

Northland Newborns 9-10-20

FOX 21 and Essentia Health Team Up to Showcase Newborn Bundles of Joy Across the Northland

Every Thursday morning on FOX 21 Local News from 7 – 9 a.m., we’re teaming up with Essentia Health to showcase Northland Newborns. If you would like to submit a photo with a description of a newborn in your life, click here, or email fox21morningcrew@kqdsfox21.tv. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, Northland Newborns Tags: Brett Scott, community, Essentia Health,…

Morning Update 9-10-20

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Thursday, Sept. 10, 2020

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Ken Slama for a local look at news and weather making headlines Thursday, Sept. 10, 2020. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Ken Slama, Local News, morning update, News

About Half of Bars, Restaurants Inspected in Minnesota in COVID-19 Compliance

(William Glasheen/The Post-Crescent via AP) MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — State and local inspections of dozens of bars and restaurants for compliance to coronavirus requirements found about half were following the rules in Minnesota. Inspections were done at 167 establishments outside the Twin Cities metro. During a recent visit to Minnesota, Dr. Deborah Birx, the White House coronavirus response coordinator, said rural…

Donald Trump Jr. Makes Pitch for Father on Duluth Stage

"They say we can't win Minnesota. I disagree, what about you?" he said at the podium at the DECC.

DULUTH, Minn.- To a DECC ballroom of 250 Trump supporters, Donald Trump Jr. used his “Make America Great Again” event to bolster his father’s first term in office while bashing his Democratic opponent Joe Biden. “They say we can’t win Minnesota. I disagree, what about you?” he said at the podium to an eruption of cheers. The eldest Trump son…

Superior’s ‘Dream Park’ Officially Unveiled

SUPERIOR, Wis.– Three years ago, a girl in Superior wanted a place for kids with physical limitations to play. And today that was made a reality. Kenna Hermanson cut the ribbon at Superior’s Webster Dream Park in the south end of the city as the grand opening for the 100 year old park’s new look was held Wednesday. The park…

Protest Held in Response to Trump Jr’s Duluth Visit

DULUTH, Minn.– This isn’t the first time a Trump family member has visited Duluth to try to win over voters during the president’s re-election campaign. While each visit draws supporters, the events have also drawn protesters who want their message to be seen and heard. About 50 people gathered at Gichi-ode’ Akiing park in downtown Duluth to protest Donald Trump…

New Apartment Complex Coming to Hermantown

One local developer has begun work on an apartment project in Hermantown, which is set to open in 2021.

HERMANTOWN, Minn. – One local developer has begun work on an apartment project in Hermantown, which is set to open in 2021. P&R Companies of Duluth has begun building a facility with 149 units at the corner of Ugstad Road and Highway 53. They will have a wide range of apartments, from studio to three bedrooms and some of the…

UMD Students Move-in After The University’s Two-Week Pause Ends

In-person classes are scheduled to begin Monday, while some students have already started many of their courses remotely.

DULUTH, Minn.- The University of Minnesota Duluth took a two-week pause to come up with better strategies to safely welcome students after similar universities across the nation were experiencing surges in coronavirus cases. The brief pause has since expired and UMD students have been given the green light to move on campus. Hundreds of students unpacked their cars filled to…

Bentleyville Tour Of Lights Will Look Different This year

The event is the country's largest walk-through lighting display.

DULUTH, Minn. – Thousands of people make the Bentleyville Tour of Lights part of their holiday season each year, but this year is going to be unlike any other with the pandemic still causing concern. “We made the decision as the board of the Bentleyville to offer something rather than nothing at all,” said Nathan Bentley, executive director for Bentleyville….

2021 Grandma’s Marathon Races to Be Held at Half Capacity

Registration will be open on October 1st at 7 p.m. central time and organizers expect it to fill up fast.

DULUTH, Minn. – This past year saw big changes for Grandma’s Marathon. The race was cancelled for the first time ever and runners were allowed to participate virtually. As for next year’s event, the plan is that it will be back to in-person, but with a few changes. The 45th annual Grandma’s Marathon, the Garry Bjorklund Half-Marathon and the William…

COVID Case Discovered at Esko High School

As schools continue to open across the Northland, we are learning one school has had a student test positive for the coronavirus.

ESKO, Minn. – As schools continue to open across the Northland, we are learning one school has had a student test positive for the coronavirus. Esko had its first day of school on Tuesday and with it, came the news that a student at the secondary school has tested positive for coronavirus. Esko schools were still open Wednesday and the…

Democrats Respond to Donald Trump Jr.’s Visit

As the Trump campaign continues to ramp up across Minnesota, local DFL leaders are responding.

DULUTH, Minn. – As the Trump campaign continues to ramp up across Minnesota, local DFL leaders are responding. Earlier today, they held a virtual conference to address Donald Trump Jr.’s visit to the Northland. With the frequent number of visits by the Trump campaign to Duluth, they expressed concerns over President Trump’s leadership when it comes to a variety of…

Watch: Donald Trump Jr. Hosts ‘Make America Great Again’ Event at DECC

DULUTH, Minn. – Donald Trump Jr. hosts a “Make America Great Again” event on Wednesday at 5 p.m. at the Duluth Entertainment Convention Center. The rally will mark the Trump campaign’s second visit to Duluth in a matter of weeks. Vice President Mike Pence visited Duluth two weeks ago. Before that, President Trump also made a stop in Mankato as…

Bentleyville Tour of Lights Will be a Drive-Thru Experience in 2020

DULUTH, Minn. – The 2020 Bentleyville Tour of Lights display will be reimagined as a drive-thru experience this year to accommodate COVID-19 restrictions. Bentleyville organizers and Duluth city leaders made the announcement during a Wednesday afternoon press conference at Bayfront Festival Park. According to Bentleyville owner Nathan Bentley while many aspects of the beloved annual lights display will stay the…

Watch Live: Bentleyville Organizers to Hold Afternoon Press Conference

DULUTH, Minn. – Bentleyville Tour of Lights organizers are scheduled to hold a press conference Wednesday afternoon. The press conference will take place at 1:30 p.m. at the Bayfront Festival Park. Last month, Bentleyville owner Nathan Bentley said his team was discussing a variety of possible options for the massive lights display to return for another season. Fox 21 will…

Midday Update 9-9-20

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Wednesday, Sept. 9, 2020

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Ken Slama for a local look at news and weather making headlines Wednesday, Sept. 9, 2020. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Ken Slama, Local News, midday update, News

Update: Douglas County Man Killed While Servicing Dump Truck

SUPERIOR, Wis. – Superior police have released more details about the industrial accident that killed a man Tuesday morning in Superior’s South End. According to a recent press release, officers responded to Kimmes Oil and Tire around 9:15 a.m. for a report of an accident. When officers and rescue personnel arrived at the scene they learned that a 21-year-old male…

Updated COVID-19 Numbers: Wednesday, September 9

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Minnesota health officials reported 81,868 confirmed COVID-19 cases in the state Wednesday morning and 7 new deaths bringing the death total to 1,869 in Minnesota. According to the Minnesota Department of Health website, 1,621,174 tests have been completed to date. There are 75,055 patients who no longer require isolation. So far, 6,792 patients have required hospitalization…

Grandma’s Marathon Minnesota Mile Traffic Advisory

DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth Police Department has issued a traffic advisory ahead of the 14th annual Grandma’s Marathon Minnesota Mile being held on Friday. Beginning at 3:00 p.m. Friday West Skyline Parkway around Enger Tower and Hank Jensen Drive will be closed to traffic. Traffic will not be allowed in or out of the Enger Tower/Enger Park parking lot…

Morning Update 9-9-20

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Wednesday, Sept. 9, 2020

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Ken Slama for a local look at news and weather making headlines Wednesday, Sept. 9, 2020. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Ken Slama, Local News, morning update, News

Explosive Wildfires Across California Stoked by Fierce Winds

SHAVER LAKE, Calif. (AP) — Wildfires are raging unchecked across parts of the Western United States, and authorities say gusty winds could drive flames with new ferocity. Diablo winds in northern California and Santa Ana winds in the south are forecast in areas where blazes already have grown explosively. More than 14,000 firefighters are battling California’s fires from the Sierra…

Healthpartners Suspends Recruiting in COVID-19 Vaccine Trial

BLOOMINGTON, Minn. (AP) — A Minnesota health care provider has suspended its successful recruitment of participants in a coronavirus vaccine trial while its maker investigates whether a recipient’s “potentially unexplained” illness is a side effect of the shot. The trial led by AstraZeneca and Oxford University was suspended while a review is underway of a participant in the United Kingdom…

COVID-19 Case Confirmed At Esko High School

ESKO, Minn. – Esko High School’s first day of in-person classes has come with a positive case of COVID-19. In an email to parents Tuesday afternoon, the district said a person with a positive test was in Esko High School Tuesday, Sept. 8. The district said it will clean and disinfect the school to control the spread of the virus,…

DECC Stage Set for Donald Trump Jr.’s Visit — With COVID-19 Restrictions

The Trump Campaign and Secret Service conducted a site visit and agreed to all rules in place.

DULUTH, Minn.- The stage is set in Duluth to welcome Donald Trump Jr. to the DECC Wednesday for a “Make America Great Again” event. In the ballroom where the President’s son will speak, a maximum of 250 people are allowed inside including campaign staff per Governor Tim Walz’s order during the pandemic. Seats are six feet apart, masks are required,…

Health Officials Stress Importance of Influenza Vaccine as Flu Season Looms Ahead

The CDC says they have developed a test that will check for seasonal flu viruses, and the virus that causes COVID-19. 

DULUTH, Minn.- While the COVID-19 pandemic has been the most prominent public health concern since march, each winter brings a new flu season. Which is why officials are urging people to get vaccinated. “Now is the time to get it,” stressed Diane Seiloff, Adult Services Coordinator for St. Louis County Public Health. Generally, flu symptoms include a fever, cough, sore…

Ru-Ridge Corn Maze Preps for Fall Season During Pandemic

CARLTON, Minn.– It’s beginning to look a lot like fall in the Northland and that means corn mazes all around are getting ready for families to come through again. As the season begins to change, popular fall destinations like Ru-Ridge Corn Maze in Carlton are gearing up for an unexpected and unpredictable fall but one thing they can guarantee is…

Cloquet Library Returns to Regular Hours

CLOQUET, Minn.– In Cloquet, the city’s library is now returning to full hours for the first time since March. Starting Tuesday, the Cloquet Public Library is now running at their fall schedule. Open Monday-Thursday from 9:30 a.m to 7:30 p.m. Friday from 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. and Saturday from 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. The Cloquet Public Library will…

CSS Students Start Class

Over at St. Scholastica, students also started their in-person, virtual and hybrid classes today.

DULUTH, Minn. – Over at St. Scholastica, students also started their in-person, virtual and hybrid classes today. Students on campus say it’s great to be there because they have the opportunity to connect with faculty and other students face to face. “It’s super exciting,” said Julia Moder, a sophomore at CSS. “I live in Superior right now so it’s been…

UMD Senior Moves Back Home

One student we spoke to decided to move back home to the Iron Range for her last year on campus.

DULUTH, Minn. – One student we spoke to decided to move back home to the Iron Range for her last year on campus. Senior Lynda Williams is an education major and because all of her classes were online, she decided to move back home to Virginia. She says that not only did she save money through the move, it is…

First Frost Of Season Could Be Concerning For Gardeners

Gardeners say frost can cause a plant's growth rate to decline immediately.

SUPERIOR, Wis. – Temperatures are starting to drop for the season and maybe creating frost concerns for local gardeners. Experts say when frost hits the vegetation will go into conservation mode and save nutrients down into the roots. The pores on leaves will also close to prevent the cold from coming in, which could cause the plant’s cells to freeze…

A COVID-19 Inspired Exhibit Headed For UMD’s Tweed Museum of Art

The exhibition will showcase the art of more than a half dozen local artists.

DULUTH, Minn. – A COVID-19 pandemic inspired exhibit is coming to UMD’s Tweed Museum of Art. The exhibition is titled “Creating Apart.” It will showcase the art of more than a half dozen local artists. Each piece of artwork will also tell the artists stories and how the pandemic has impacted them differently. By sharing this artwork the exhibit’s curator…

The EPA Awards Funding To Restore Environmental Areas Of Concern In Twin Ports

"When you clean up the water, remove the contamination, and restore the habitat, it is an immediate benefit for the environment and the community," said Kurt Thiede, Regional Administrator for the EPA.

SUPERIOR, Wis. – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced it will be providing nearly $14 million in funding to help rehabilitate environmental areas of concern along the St. Louis River and the Great Lakes. The financial support is part of the EPA’s five-year plan to restore environments within the great lakes. The St. Louis River in the Twin Ports has…

Winona State University Self-Quarantines Campus for 2 Weeks

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Winona State University quarantined itself for two weeks starting Tuesday amid the increasing spread of the coronavirus on the southeastern Minnesota campus. “The university is not currently aware of any serious illness related to COVID-19 within the WSU community,” the school’s president, Scott R. Olson, said in a statement. “However, we are seeing an increase in asymptomatic…

Priest Tapped as Duluth Bishop Resigns Amid Sexual Abuse Allegation

DULUTH, Minn. (AP) — A priest recently tapped by Pope Francis to become a bishop for a northern Minnesota diocese has resigned after an allegation of sexual abuse of a minor surfaced before he could take up his post. The Vatican announced without details on Monday that Francis had accepted the resignation of Bishop-elect Michel Mulloy, who was named by…

One Dead After ‘Industrial Accident’ in Superior

SUPERIOR, Wis. – Superior Police say one person has died in an ‘isolated industrial accident’ in Superior Tuesday morning. According to police, officers responded to reports of an accident at a business located in the South End around 9:15 a.m. Authorities say after arriving at the scene they learned that someone had an accident that involved a heavy piece of…

UW-Madison Restricts Student Movement Amid Coronavirus Spike

MILWAUKEE (AP) — The chancellor at the University of Wisconsin-Madison is ordering undergraduate students to limit their movements for the next two weeks in an effort to slow the spread of COVID-19. Chancellor Rebecca Blank’s order comes as cases among students have been rising. From now through Sept. 21, all student gyms and recreational facilities will be closed, dining halls…

Essentia Health: Hermantown Urgent Care Closed Until Further Notice

HERMANTOWN, Minn. – Essentia Health announced on Tuesday that the Hermantown Urgent Care has closed until further notice. The Essentia Health – Hermantown Clinic remains open and is available for walk-in care. Essentia did not specify the reason for the sudden closure, but we will continue to update this story as more information becomes available.   Categories: Minnesota, News, News…

Midday Update 9-8-20

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Tuesday, Sept. 8, 2020

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Ken Slama for a local look at news and weather making headlines Tuesday, Sept. 8, 2020. Have a great day! Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Ken Slama, Local News, midday update, News

Updated COVID-19 Numbers: Tuesday, September 8

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Minnesota health officials reported 81,608 confirmed COVID-19 cases in the state Tuesday morning and 2 new deaths bringing the death total to 1,862 in Minnesota. According to the Minnesota Department of Health website, 1,616,738 tests have been completed to date. There are 74,235 patients who no longer require isolation. So far, 6,760 patients have required hospitalization…

Bold Hopes for Virus Antibody Tests Still Unfulfilled

WASHINGTON (AP) — Coronavirus tests touted by President Donald Trump and his top officials to help reopen the economy are widely available, but predictions for their usefulness haven’t panned out. The tests check the blood for antibodies that help fight off infections. But scientists still haven’t determined whether those antibodies shield someone from getting infected again. And medical experts warn…

Nominate a Northland Family in Need for This Year’s ‘Best Christmas Ever’ Giveaway

'Best Christmas Ever' Nominations Will Remain Open Through Nov. 15, 2020

DULUTH, Minn. – Best Christmas Ever is a non-profit organization working to partner with business leaders and communities across the country to lift up families who have fallen on difficult times due to health conditions and other life challenges. The vision of Best Christmas Ever started when Co-Founder Don Liimatainen began battling Ulcerative Colitis in 2010. It was Christmas Eve,…

Morning Update 9-8-20

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Tuesday, Sept. 8, 2020

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Ken Slama for a local look at news and weather making headlines Tuesday, Sept. 8, 2020. Have a great day! Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Ken Slama, Local News, morning update, News

Gun Sales Up, Ammunition Supplies Limited in Minnesota

(AP Photo/Alan Diaz, File) MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Gun dealers in Minnesota attribute a surge in firearms sales to anxiety over the coronavirus, civil unrest, and the uncertainties involving the presidential race. The National Shooting Sports Foundation says there were about 21,900 background checks for gun purchases in Minnesota in August of 2019. This year, there were nearly 35,000 in the…

Whoopsa Daisy Farm Holding Fall Farm Weekends Through Halloween

The farm will be open every Friday, Saturday and Sunday and have different fall activities for the whole family to enjoy.

DULUTH, Minn. – Whoopsa Daisy Farm opened up Aug. 28 and it’s been a long time coming for the owners Diane and Mike Podgornik. “This is our first year so this is our first day and I’ve been kind of dreaming up for the past six years or so and so it’s kind of exciting to finally get there,” Diane…