News

What are Event Planning Groups Doing in Response to the Pandemic?

The pandemic has canceled many events, and Northland event planners say that it's been difficult to adjust especially when COVID-19 has prevented tourists from coming into the region.

DULUTH, Minn. – The pandemic has canceled many events, and Northland event planners say that it’s been difficult to adjust especially when COVID-19 has prevented tourists from coming into the region. Handfuls of events have been canceled and postponed due to the pandemic, and event planners are working to accommodate the difficulties they have to face. “Realistically, the event planning…

Superior Market Welcomes Craft Vendors

With the cancellation of various events, crafters haven't been able to sell their products.

DULUTH, Minn. – Junk and Disorderly in Superior is helping out area crafters by hosting an outdoor market. With the cancellation of various events, crafters haven’t been able to sell their products. The owner of Junk and Disorderly says, anyone is welcome to sign up for free to sell their items and it all goes towards supporting local businesses. “You’ll…

Justice Ginsburg Says Cancer has Returned, but Won’t Retire

WASHINGTON (AP) — Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg said Friday she is receiving chemotherapy for a recurrence of cancer, but has no plans to retire from the Supreme Court. The 87-year-old Ginsburg, who has had four earlier bouts with cancer, said her treatment so far has succeeded in reducing lesions on her liver and she will continue chemotherapy sessions every two…

Minnesota Hospitals Ask Walz for Statewide Mask Mandate

(John Autey/Pioneer Press via AP,Pool) MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Minnesota’s hospitals have asked Gov. Tim Walz to impose a statewide mask mandate to slow the spread of the coronavirus. In a letter released Friday, the Minnesota Hospital Association urged the governor to act quickly to protect Minnesota from the surge hitting other states. While hospitalizations in Minnesota for COVID-19 have been…

Midday Update 7-17-20

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Friday, July 17, 2020

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist William Seay for a local look at news and weather making headlines Friday, July 17, 2020. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Local News, midday update, William Seay

Updated COVID-19 Numbers: Friday, July 17

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Minnesota health officials reported 45,013 confirmed COVID-19 cases in the state Friday morning and 7 new deaths bringing the death total to 1,533 in Minnesota. According to the Minnesota Department of Health website, 819,511 tests have been completed to date. There are 38,568 patients who no longer require isolation. So far, 4,563 patients have required hospitalization…

Morning Update 7-17-20

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Friday, July 17, 2020

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist William Seay for a local look at news and weather making headlines Friday, July 17, 2020. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Local News, morning update, News, William Seay

One Killed in Fayal Township Motorcycle Crash

FAYAL TOWNSHIP, Minn. – A 60-year-old Eveleth man was killed Thursday night in a motorcycle crash on Highway 53. According to the Minnesota State Patrol, the accident happened around 8:00 p.m. near the intersection of US 53 and CR-16 in Fayal Township. Authorities believe Keith Allan Perrault, 60, was traveling northbound on US 53 when he lost control of his…

Demand Continues for Ruby’s Pantry Coppertop

The pandemic has caused the pantry to stop serving people indoors and instead offer an outdoor drive-thru experience.

DULUTH, Minn. – Demand continues to be up for the Ruby’s Pantry Coppertop. The pantry gives away more than 150 shares of food for just a twenty dollar donation each month from the Coppertop Church in Duluth. The pandemic has caused the pantry to stop serving people indoors and instead offer an outdoor drive-thru experience. This month, food such as…

Essentia Duluth Heritage Center Receiving ‘Unprecedented’ Donation to Support Operations

The donors, Todd and Susan Johnson, have pledged to support the operations of the Center for the next 16 months.

DULUTH, Minn. – Businesses all over the Northland are struggling right now because of the pandemic. One of them is the Duluth Heritage Sports Center who says they faced a seemingly impossible financial challenge. In light of this, two generous community members stepped forward to help. The donors, Todd and Susan Johnson, have pledged to support the operations of the…

Veggie Stands Open as Corn Season Kicks Off

Corn season has kicked off and corn stands throughout the Northland have started off busy.

DULUTH, Minn. – Corn season has kicked off and corn stands throughout the Northland have started off busy. One local owner of a corn stand on Central Entrance says he’s been farming for 26 years. He says that corn and tomatoes are big sellers and compared to last year, the season is ahead by about a week. “A lot of…

Friends of the Lakewalk Receive Pollinator Plant Donation

DULUTH, Minn. – Friends of the Lakewalk have recently received a huge donation of pollinator plants. The organization has been active for about 12 years and it’s geared towards preserving and improving the Lakewalk. The 750 perennials allow them to expand their pollinator plots. “So there throughout the length of the Lakewalk at various sites. That way the pollinator insects and…

Thousands Pick Strawberries This Season at Spectrum Farms

Strawberry season drawing to an end, but Northlanders still finding delicious fruits

CARLTON, Minn. – Thousands of people have picked their own strawberries this year at Spectrum Farms in Carlton. This year’s season was a strong one. Even though it’s now winding down, many people came out to Spectrum this week to get their last bucketfuls of the summer. “They are so perfect,” said Spectrum co-owner Steve Schulstrom. “Red, juicy, sweet, they…

Essentia Health Moves Mobile Testing Site To Old Sears Building At Miller Hill Mall

The testing site is open seven days a week.

DULUTH, Minn. – Essentia Health in Duluth has moved its mobile COVID-19 testing site from West Duluth to the former Sears building at Miller Hill Mall. Hospital leaders say the mobile site has outgrown the area as testing volumes are increasing. With more people visiting the site, it caused traffic disruption for the West Duluth neighborhood, including drivers blocking a…

New Lakewalk in Canal Park to be Feet Higher to Keep Waves at Bay

The project's supervisor tells Fox 21 the multi-million dollar reconstruction project is on schedule to wrap up by the end of the year.

DULUTH, Minn. – There’s good news for the thousands of people who use Duluth’s Lakewalk every year. The project’s supervisor tells Fox 21 the multi-million dollar reconstruction project is on schedule to wrap up by the end of the year. The portion of the Lakewalk in Canal Park that is currently under construction will be higher than its ever been…

A Unanimous Vote For Mask Wearing In Cloquet Could Be a Longshot

Enforcement is one of the biggest issues which could cause the vote to fail.

CLOQUET, Minn. – The Cloquet City Council is expected to vote on Tuesday on a proposal that could force everyone to use face coverings while indoors. The possible new rule could be shot down as some council members do not agree with implementing the proposed ordinance. Duluth is the latest Northland community to move forward with a face covering requirement….

2 Cases of COVID-19 Found in Silver Bay Veterans Home

SILVER BAY, Minn.– The Silver Bay Veterans Home is dealing with two positive COVID-19 cases in its building. Those cases involve two staff members. The Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs is helping officials at the senior living facility. They don’t suspect there are any other positive cases there. Anybody who shows any symptoms are being tested as a precaution. “We’re…

City of Bayfield Issues Mask Ordinance

BAYFIELD, Wis.– The city of Bayfield created its own mask ordinance last night. In part it’s because more tourists are still traveling to the area than expected this summer. After Bayfield County issued a mask advisory earlier this week, the city of Bayfield is going further by establishing a city mask ordinance. “We did get a little bit surprised with…

Chester Bowl Fall Fest Canceled

Unfortunately, the event will not be held this year for the first time ever due to the pandemic.

DULUTH, Minn. – For the past 35 years, Chester Bowl has been packed with food trucks and vendors as thousands of Northlanders attend the annual Fall Fest at Chester Bowl. Unfortunately, the event will not be held this year for the first time ever due to the pandemic. Staff from the festival say it’s unfortunate they had to cancel this…

Duluth Cider Expands to the Twin Cities

One local cidery is expanding its products to more liquor stores throughout Minnesota.

DULUTH, Minn. – One local cidery is expanding its products to more liquor stores throughout Minnesota. Duluth Cider in Lincoln Park is bringing its drinks to liquor stores throughout the state as they have been now canning 12-ounce versions of their products. Owners say there has been a huge demand for their products and they are excited to finally branch…

US, Canada and Mexico Borders to Stay Closed for Travelers

WASHINGTON (AP) — The U.S., Canada, and Mexico have agreed to keep their shared borders closed to non-essential traffic until at least late August because of COVID-19. Acting U.S. Department of Homeland Security Chad Wolf said Thursday in announcing the extension that restrictions on cross-border traffic that have been in place since March have helped slow the spread of the…

DEED Warns Minnesotans on Unemployment that $600 Federal Payment Ends in July

(FOX 9) – The Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development alerted Minnesotans receiving unemployment insurance benefits Thursday that the $600 additional federal payment is scheduled to end this month. The payments were authorized by Congress in the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act, also known as the CARES Act, which was signed into law on March 27. The $600 payment was additional…

Hummingbird Assisted Living Confirms 11 COVID-19 Cases

MEADOWLANDS, Minn. – Hummingbird Assisted Living confirmed Thursday that nine residents and two staff members have tested positive for COVID-19. Facilities Administrator Mike Lindgren says they are still waiting to hear back about additional test results for six residents and five staff members. “It was just a matter of time before we got it. We are taking this very seriously….

Duluth Man Charged With 5 Counts of Burglary For Multiple Business Break-ins

DULUTH, Minn. – A Duluth man is facing five charges of second-degree burglary after police say he broke into three local area businesses and stole various items at each location between May and June. Court records state that 19-year-old Colten West Reilly was charged on Wednesday for five burglaries at the Smokeshop, Piedmont Liquor, and the Dollar Tree in Duluth….

Oasis Del Norte Serving Authentic Mexican Food Across the Northland

Cooking Connection: Mexican Street Tacos

DULUTH, Minn. – One Northland business seeing an increase in sales amid the COVID-19 pandemic is Oasis Del Norte. The food truck pops up frequently in the Northland, from Superior Street in Duluth to Castle Danger Brewery in Two Harbors. Eduardo Sandoval Luna says business is booming this summer. His recipes are authentic, coming from his mother many years ago. “These…

One Dead in Beaver Bay Township Motorcycle Crash

BEAVER BAY TOWNSHIP, Minn. – Authorities say a Wisconsin man died early Thursday morning in a motorcycle crash on Highway 1. The crash happened around 1:54 a.m. in Beaver Bay Township. Minnesota State Patrol says the 45-year-old man from Johnson Creek, Wisconsin, was driving his motorcycle southbound on Highway 1 when he drove off the road onto the right shoulder…

Target Joins List of Major Retailers Mandating Masks

NEW YORK (AP) — Target has joined a list of the nation’s largest retailers that will require customers to wear masks as cases of COVID-19 spike. The policy will go into effect on Aug. 1. More than 80% of Target’s 1,800 stores already require customers to wear masks due to local and state regulations. Target said Thursday that it will…

Bayfield City Council Approves Face Mask Ordinance

BAYFIELD, Wis. – On Wednesday night the Bayfield City Council voted unanimously to pass an ordinance requiring face coverings in indoor public spaces and most outdoor spaces in the city beginning Saturday. The ordinance states: “While indoors in any commercial business or City office, and in an Outdoor Space that is open to the general public, all customers, employees, and…

Midday Update 7-16-20

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Thursday, July 16, 2020

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Ryan Johnson for a local look at news and weather making headlines Thursday, July 16, 2020. Have a great day! Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Local News, midday update, News, ryan johnson

Updated COVID-19 Numbers: Thursday, July 16

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Minnesota health officials reported 44,347 confirmed COVID-19 cases in the state Thursday morning and 8 new deaths bringing the death total to 1,526 in Minnesota. According to the Minnesota Department of Health website, 805,212 tests have been completed to date. There are 38,290 patients who no longer require isolation. So far, 4,526 patients have required hospitalization…

Two Silver Bay Veterans Home Staff Test Positive for COVID-19

SILVER BAY, Minn. – The Silver Bay Veterans Home has confirmed two positive cases of COVID-19 at the facility. The Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs says although the facility has taken necessary precautions two employees tested positive earlier this week. “We anticipated this day would come and we are prepared for this situation and are taking all necessary precautions to…

Morning Update 7-16-20

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Thursday, July 16, 2020

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Ryan Johnson for a local look at news and weather making headlines Thursday, July 16, 2020. Have a great day! Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Local News, morning update, News, ryan johnson

Number of Laid-Off Workers Seeking Jobless aid Stuck at 1.3M

WASHINGTON (AP) — The number of laid-off workers seeking unemployment benefits remained stuck at 1.3 million last week, a historically high level that indicates many companies are still cutting jobs as the viral outbreak intensifies. This is the second week in a row that the U.S. Department of Labor has said that about 1.3 million Americans have filed for unemployment…

Chester Bowl Fall Fest 2020 Canceled

DULUTH, Minn. – The Chester Bowl Fall Fest 2020 has been canceled. Event organizers announced their decision to cancel the event Thursday morning saying they would be unable to safely hold such a large event during the COVID-19 pandemic. Program Manager Sam Luoma says “We look forward to this event all year as a celebration of community and the change…

2020 Duluth Oktoberfestival Canceled

DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth Oktoberfestival event will be postponed until 2021. “With the current restrictions in place on outdoor entertainment in the State of Minnesota due to COVID-19 we are unable to offer an authentic experience that meets the expectations of our guests and our brand this year”, said Ryan Kern, President of Kern and Kompany Marketing and Special…

Hucklebeary Introduces Shop-by Appointment

One local retailer is taking a unique approach when it comes to having shoppers indoors.

DULUTH, Minn. – One local retailer is taking a unique approach when it comes to having shoppers indoors. Hucklebeary, located on the 100 block of East Superior Street, is now taking appointments for guests to shop, which includes items like stickers, jewelry, and journals. The owners say they are doing the appointments to meet the needs of customers who want…

Johns Hopkins Center for American Indian Health Sending COVID Care Packages to Northland Tribal Communities

Researchers at the Great Lakes Hub in Duluth say the care packages are short term solutions, while they work to address lack of public health care in tribal communities.

DULUTH, Minn.- As the pandemic continues to rip through communities throughout the Northland, the Johns Hopkins Center for American Indian Health Great Lakes Hub in Duluth is providing aid to the indigenous communities effected by the virus. The Center has sent out about 100 care packages with food supplies, and about 100 what they call Holistic Wellness Boxes with items…

New Childcare Center Opens in Duluth

Hope for Kids is located in Hope United Methodist Church on St. Marie Street

DULUTH, Minn. – A new childcare center is now open in Duluth. It’s hoping to offer an in-demand service to families during the pandemic. “Hope for Kids” is located in Hope United Methodist Church on St. Marie Street near UMD. There are only about 10 kids registered there now, but the center is looking for more children ages six months…

Classic, Custom Cars on Display at Airport Auto Sales Car Show

Hundreds of car owners showed off their machines.

DULUTH, Minn,- Classic cars were on display in Duluth at Airport Auto Sale’s annual Wednesday Nighter Car Show. For about 14 years the used car and truck dealer has had hundreds of hot rods, vintage and custom car owners from across the Northland in their lot to show off their machines. According to organizers, the variety of vehicles on display…

Bayfield County to Hold Fair Contests Virtually

IRON RIVER, Wis.– While the games, rides and food stands at the Bayfield County Fair won’t be taking place this year, organizers introduced a way for farmers and 4-H kids to showcase their animals virtually. All competitors will have to do is take pictures or a video of their entries online or through their app, ShoWorks Passport. There will also…

Governor Walz Holding Off on State Mask Mandate

ST. PAUL, Minn.– COVID-19 cases continue to increase around the country. Now, 20 states, including Michigan and Illinois, have made wearing masks mandatory. In Minnesota, many cities around the state like Duluth, have put up their own mask mandates. Since the pandemic began in mid-March, Governor Walz has always been in discussions with state leaders on a mask mandate in…

Auctioned Classic Car Raises Money for Combat Wounded Northland Veterans

LSC Students fixed up the 1976 Chevy, which sold for $14,750.

SUPERIOR, Wis.- At Benna Ford on Tower Avenue in Superior Wednesday, a 1976 Chevrolet Laguna S-3 was auctioned off as a fundraiser for combat wounded veterans in the Northland. For $14,750 the vintage vehicle was sold with proceeds going to the Military Order of the Purple Heart Chapter 56, an organization of 48 Northland veterans wounded in combat. “We’ve got…

Two Women Are In The Hospital After Their Home Exploded In Kettle River

"Everybody in town could hear the explosion and some people could even feel it," said Kyle Riel, fire chief of Kettle River Volunteer Fire Department.

KETTLE RIVER, Minn. – Two Kettle River women are being hospitalized with serious injuries after their home exploded and burned. The home that used to stand here on Korhonen Road in Kettle River no longer exists because of an explosion after those who lived her were simply trying to warm it up on a chilly night. “It was like some…

Duluthian Starts Virtual Curling Program

Open registration is currently available with the programs kicking off in the first week of August.

DULUTH, Minn.-It’s never too early to talk about curling in the Northland and one Duluthian is helping junior curlers do just that. 2022 Olympic hopeful Korey Dropkin  has been curling almost his entire life and has now begun putting on his own virtual clinic. The program provides an opportunity for curlers to connect with others their age around the U.S…

Census Responses Needed

Despite the pandemic, the census count is continuing in the Northland.

DULUTH, Minn. – Despite the pandemic, the census count is continuing in the Northland. Duluth currently has an overall response rate that is just below the state average. Each community receives so much funding because of the responses of the census, providing funding for places like hospitals and playgrounds. City leaders say it’s about reaching people by any means necessary….