News

LIVE: Gov. Walz Provides Updates on Minnesota’s Response to COVID-19

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Minnesota bars and restaurants will learn Wednesday afternoon when they might be able to reopen for sit-down service under restrictions meant to limit the spread of the coronavirus. Many eating establishments across Minnesota have been trying to stay alive with takeout and delivery service since Gov. Tim Walz ordered them to close in mid-March, putting tens of…

67th Annual Heart of the North Spooner Rodeo Postponed

SPOONER, Wis. – The 67th Annual Heart of the North Spooner Rodeo is postponed until July 2021. Spooner Rodeo officials made the announcement on their Facebook page Wednesday that the rodeo will now take place on July 8-10, 2021. “This decision was not taken lightly as it has a huge impact on our community, businesses, rodeo personnel, contestants, fans, and…

$25 Million in Wisconsin COVID-19 Rent Assistance Made Available

MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Wisconsin residents who lost income due to the coronavirus pandemic can get help paying their rent under a new $25 million program Gov. Tony Evers announced Wednesday. Funding for the rental assistance program comes from the federal coronavirus relief bill. Money available under the program can be used to help pay for rent and security deposits….

Spirit Mountain Will Not Reopen Until Fall

DULUTH, Minn. – Spirit Mountain announced Wednesday that they will be postponing their reopening until fall due to their current financial situation. Spirit Mountain officials say the only way to open back up this winter is if the cash-strapped city of Duluth hands over $350,000 before winter revenue at the Mountain starts rolling in again. This information comes from a…

Midday Update 5-20-20

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Wednesday, May 20, 2020

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist William Seay for a local look at news and weather making headlines Wednesday, May 20, 2020. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Local News, midday update, William Seay

Updated COVID-19 Numbers: Wednesday, May 20

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Minnesota health officials reported 17,670 confirmed COVID-19 cases in the state Wednesday morning and 29 new deaths bringing the death total to 777 in Minnesota. According to the Minnesota Department of Health website, 167,338 tests have been completed to date. There are 12,227 patients who no longer require isolation. So far, 2,308 patients have required hospitalization…

2020 All Pints North Festival Canceled

The Minnesota Craft Brewers Guild Board of Directors Released the Details Wednesday Morning

DULUTH, Minn. – Wednesday morning the Minnesota Craft Brewers Guild (MNCBG) Board of Directors announced the difficult decision to cancel the 2020 All Pints North Festival scheduled for August 1, 2020, at Bayfront Festival Park in Duluth. The decision comes amid many other summer cancellations due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. “The health and safety of craft beer fans, brewery…

Experience Shearing Day at Frosty Ridge Alpaca Farm

Frosty Ridge Alpacas Will Soon Be Open to the Public for Free Farm Tours

DULUTH, Minn. – Can you imagine shearing more than 50 alpaca all in a matter of six hours? It happened Tuesday morning at Frosty Ridge Alpaca Farm located along Maple Grove Road in Duluth. “Believe it or not we sell more socks in the winter than the summer,” said Loni Blumerich, owner of Frosty Ridge Alpaca Farm. The process only…

Morning Update 5-20-20

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Wednesday, May 20, 2020

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist William Seay for a local look at news and weather making headlines Wednesday, May 20, 2020. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Local News, morning update, William Seay

Duluth Airshow Canceled Due to COVID-19 Concerns

DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth Airshow scheduled for July 2020 has been canceled. The announcement was made Wednesday morning citing the COVID-19 pandemic as the reason for the cancelation. Duluth Airshow President Ryan Kern said, “The Duluth Airshow routinely draws upwards of 50,000 spectators over the weekend from across the Midwest.  The Airshow places a high priority on the safety…

Eveleth Bar Owner: ‘June 1st is Really the End of the Wire’

Owners of bars, restaurants, and other businesses met in Eveleth to discuss opening strategies, and share frustrations with the state's handling of things.

EVELETH, Minn.- Businesses across Minnesota are anxiously awaiting the Governor’s announcement Wednesday authorizing them to open June 1st, including up on the range in the small town of Eveleth that has a population of 3,596. “Walz opening up on the first at a capacity of 25%? That’s. Not. Enough,” said one business owner. Bar and restaurant owners in Eveleth said…

Spirit Mountain Could Stay Closed Through Summer; More Cash Needed To Reopen In Winter

DULUTH, Minn. – The financially strapped Spirit Mountain could very well remain closed through the summer because of the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.  And Spirit Mountain officials say the only way to open back up this winter is if the cash-strapped city of Duluth hands over $350,000 before winter revenue at the Mountain starts rolling in again. This information…

Minnesota Campgrounds Frustrated Not Being Open for Memorial Day Weekend

Campgrounds in Minnesota were hoping to open for Memorial Day weekend, but they will not be able to open until at least June 1 under the new "Stay Safe" mandate.

DULUTH, Minn. – In the new “Stay Safe” mandate from Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, private and public campgrounds in the state will remain closed to recreational campers until at least June 1. For now, only remote camping or long-term camping is allowed. With Memorial Day weekend just a few days away, many campground workers are frustrated that they are still…

Annual Reggae and World Music Festival Canceled for 2020

"We've had to make the very hard decision."

DULUTH, Minn. – Unfortunately, there will be no jammin’ to songs at the annual reggae and world music festival this year. “We’ve had to make the very hard decision that we have to cancel just because we’ve been watching and monitoring what the governor and what the state guidelines are and we just don’t see that large groups are going…

Stella Maris Academy Hosts Mini-Pilgrimage

Duluth catholic schools offer socially-distanced religious experience

DULUTH, Minn. – Churches across the Northland haven’t gathered for traditional services since the shutdown began. Religious schools have also been shut down during the COVID-19 pandemic. A May Crowning traditionally happens as part of a catholic church service during the month of May in honor of the Virgin Mary. Because in-person services are not allowed right now, Duluth’s Stella…

A New Voucher Program Is Helping To Give Restaurants A Financial Boost

Vouchers can be used at any of the 40 participating restaurants. They expire on August 31st.

DULUTH, Minn. – Restaurants in the Northland are still feeling financial setbacks from the Coronavirus Pandemic. That’s why a new voucher program has now launched to help boost the local economy as businesses are still trying to rebuild operations, while they wait to reopen indoor dining to the public. Strong Northland is a collaborative effort to help economically restore local…

Teachers Draw Math Puzzles for Students

DULUTH, Minn.– As distance learning continues for students, some teachers are trying to find other ways to keep students engaged outside the classroom. Math teachers from the Ordean East Middle School were at Harbor Highlands earlier today as they were drawing math problems, puzzles, and games on the sidewalks. They are encouraging students of all ages to work on them….

Miller Hill Mall Businesses React to Reopening

The Miller Hill Mall opened back up on Monday after being shut down for over two months. 

DULUTH, Minn.-The Miller Hill Mall opened back up on Monday after being shut down for over two months. “It was kind of sporadic. I think a lot of people were kind of seeing what’s open, who’s here and what’s going on,” Apricot Lane Duluth Owner, Wendy Meyers says. For local businesses like Apricot Lane Duluth, it was a breath of…

Duluth Public Library Offers Curbside Pickup

DULUTH, Minn.– The Duluth Public Library has been shut down since mid-March but staff there has been finding a way to get people their books. Library staff says they have been busy doing curbside pickup over the last few weeks at their main building downtown. Northlanders can call the library or go to their website to set up a time…

Fitger’s Business Complex Reopens

DULUTH, Minn.– As businesses continue to reopen, one historic Duluth landmark is closed no more. Businesses in the Fitger’s Complex in downtown Duluth have started opening up this week as they try to open up and keep their customers safe. “There’s just something about the feel of being in the store,” said Jennifer Jubenville, Manager at The Bookstore at Fitger’s….

Suspect Arrested in Connection to Grand Rapids Shooting

GRAND RAPIDS, Minn. – Grand Rapids Police say a 36-year-old male suspect has been arrested in connection to the shooting of a Grand Rapids woman on May 8. According to police, the suspect was arrested around 9:50 p.m. on Highway 57 just south of Floodwood on Monday. Police reports indicate that the male suspect allegedly shot the 22-year-old woman in…

Walz to Announce ‘Phased Plans’ for Reopening Bars, Restaurants Wednesday

ST. PAUL, Minn. (FOX 9) – The Walz administration will announce “phased plans” for reopening bars, restaurants, and other places of accommodation Wednesday, the state’s economic development commissioner said. Commissioner Steve Grove said in a tweet that state officials would use key public health factors as guideposts for reopening decisions, including: How close you are to another person  How long you are in close proximity to…

Canada, US Extend Border Closure to Non-Essential Travel

(AP Photo/Toby Talbot, File) TORONTO (AP) — Canada and the US have agreed to extend their agreement to keep the border closed to non-essential travel to June 21 during the coronavirus pandemic. Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said Tuesday the border is a source of vulnerability, so the agreement will be extended by another 30 days. The restrictions were announced…

Midday Update 5-19-20

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Tuesday, May 19, 2020

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist William Seay for a local look at news and weather making headlines Tuesday, May 19, 2020. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Local News, midday update, William Seay

Updated COVID-19 Numbers: Tuesday, May 19

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Minnesota health officials reported 17,029 confirmed COVID-19 cases in the state Tuesday morning and 17 new deaths bringing the death total to 748 in Minnesota. According to the Minnesota Department of Health website, 161,835 tests have been completed to date. There are 11,540 patients who no longer require isolation. So far, 2,221 patients have required hospitalization…

Wisconsin Program to Help Workers During Pandemic Sees Spike in Use

MADISON, Wis. (AP) — A program in Wisconsin designed to help small companies retain workers during slow business periods has taken off after changes were made in reaction to the coronavirus pandemic to allow more employees to qualify. Since mid-March, more than 14,000 workers have signed up to receive partial unemployment benefits funded by the federal government under the Work-Share program,…

Judge Blocks Minnesota Bar From Reopening; Other Rules Ease

(Brian Peterson/Star Tribune via AP) MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — A judge blocked a Minnesota tavern owner from reopening his chain of six establishments Monday in violation of a state order that bars and restaurants must remain closed to sit-down customers for now to slow the spread of the coronavirus. Stearns County Judge William Cashman issued the temporary restraining order at the…

Morning Update 5-19-20

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Tuesday, May 19, 2020

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist William Seay for a local look at news and weather making headlines Tuesday, May 19, 2020.     Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Local News, morning update, William Seay

Hundreds of Jack Carr of Carr’s Hobby Shop’s Personal Items Sold in Auction

Owner Jack Carr passed away this month after closing his historic shop back in February.

DULUTH, Minn. – For more than 60 years Carr’s Hobby Shop was a staple of Lincoln Park and a go-to place for things like model trains, and hobby supplies. Owner Jack Carr passed away this month after closing his historic shop back in February. This past weekend an auction was held for items in Carr’s personal collection. For many years…

Bonding Bill Fails in Minnesota Legislature; Special Session Coming in June

The bonding bill being considered would have provided more than $13 million in funding for Duluth's seawall improvements among several other Northland projects.

ST. PAUL, Minn. – The Minnesota legislative session has ended without the passage of a major bonding bill. The DFL- controlled house was pushing a $2 billion public construction borrowing package. The Senate proposed a bill of nearly $1 billion which also failed to pass. The bonding bill being considered would have provided more than $13 million in funding for…

Boating Businesses Ready to Set Sail with Modifications for Safety

Vista Star and Pontoons out of Pier B are changing their operations to ensure passengers have a safe nautical experience.

DULUTH, Minn.- As summer gets closer, Duluth begins to shine as a waterfront destination again. After looking at summer with uncertainty, boating rental and tour services are excited to say they can provide people that gateway to the big blue lake. The Vista Fleet is missing the big Memorial Day opening, but owner Justin Steinbach expects to be open by…

Knowing Your Neightboors: BoomTown Woodfire Drive Thru BBQ

The drive thru BBQ is available on Tuesdays in Hibbing and Wednesdays in Eveleth. Customers can order a pre-packaged meal for $55 and pick it up from 4-7 p.m.

HIBBING, Minn. – When the coronavirus pandemic first caused restaurants to close inside dinning, BoomTown Woodfire on the Iron Range closed its doors. “We wanted to make sure we could employ everyone and have something that maybe be brought to the community later that we could open up with that wasn’t offered and that’s why we decided to come up…

Sara’s Table Serves Through Drive-Thru

Sara's Table Chester Creek Cafe is now serving breakfast, lunch and dinner, all through a recently constructed drive-thru window in the parking lot.

DULUTH, Minn. – Sara’s Table Chester Creek Cafe is now serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner, all through a recently constructed drive-thru window in the parking lot. The restaurant is serving its farm-to-table menu now. The business was closed since March for about six weeks and opened back up on May 7th. “What we decided is we want to adapt to…

LSC Hosts Virtual Ceremony

One local college is helping its students celebrate a milestone with a virtual ceremony.

DULUTH, Minn. – One local college is helping its students celebrate a milestone with a virtual ceremony. Lake Superior Colege hosted its Nursing Pinning Ceremony virtually today, honoring students who completed the nursing program. It’s an annual event, but because of the coronavirus, all Minnesota state schools, including LSC, had to cancel their in-person ceremonies. “It’s just the great fact…

Wildwoods Now Accepting Animals

Wildwoods is now accepting animals, just in time for spring babies.

DULUTH, Minn. – Wildwoods is now accepting animals, just in time for spring babies. The organization will only have scheduled drop-offs and no public hours. Leadership says not to bring animals to the facility unless you have spoken to staff members. They also say if you see an animal in need, to observe the animal from a distance and to…

Gov. Evers Announces New Wisconsin Small Business Grant

Grants will be $2,500 each and can cover expenses such as wages and rent, as well as health and safety improvements.

MADISON, Wis. – Governor Tony Evers announced $75 million in assistance for small businesses largely funded by the CARES act. Grants will be $2,500 each and can cover expenses such as wages and rent, as well as health and safety improvements. He is calling this the “We’re All In” initiative. Small businesses will qualify if they have 20 or fewer…

Skywalk Re-Opens after Two-Month Closure, Businesses Hope for Foot Traffic Again

Frame Corner and Gallery looks to recover as long as people come in to shop.

DULUTH, Minn.- Downtown Duluth is reconnected once again with the Skywalk back open after a two-month closure due to COVID-19. The Skywalk was noticibly emptier than usual, but that didn’t stop businesses from swinging their doors open. Frame Corner and Gallery in the Holiday Center has been selling custom frames through curbside pickup but owner Sara Sarvella said she’s looking…

Superior Gyms Increase Cleaning Procedures During Re-Opening

Doc's Gym opened on Friday while Anytime Fitness opened on Monday morning, and both gyms are doing everything they can to keep their members safe and active.

SUPERIOR, Wis. – “Lots of smiling faces today, everyone’s super excited for this,” regional manager of Anytime Fitness Lewie Welch said. When business owners found out that they could immediately open their businesses last week in Wisconsin, gyms in Superior quickly got to work. “We just wanted to get it ready and then we had 24 hours and we did…

Lakewood Elementary Teachers, Staff Say ‘Thank You’ Before Summer Vibes Sink In

Teachers, Staff Organize Drive-By Parade to Wish Students Well as the School Year Comes to a Close

DULUTH, Minn. – Hundreds of smiling faces drove past Lakewood Elementary School in Duluth Monday. The teachers and staff recently coming up with an idea to safely see their students and say ‘thank you’ for a great year even though it didn’t get to end as planned. “I miss my teachers all I can,” said Wyatt, a first-grade student at…

Organization Starts Campaign To Recognize Duluth Educators

The community is encouraged to recognize educators using the hashtag #Applause4DuluthTeachers.

DULUTH, Minn. – Teachers, staff, and other educational employees have been stepping up to meet the needs of Duluth Public School children as they transitioned to distance learning. And that big change has certainly included some struggles and challenges. But the Education Equity Alliance wants to make sure all the hard work of teachers and staff doesn’t go unnoticed. The…

A Local Nursery School Is Offering A Summer Camp For School-Aged Children

The program is expected to begin this Wednesday and will run through the end of the summer.

DULUTH, Minn. – Many summer camps around the Northland are already choosing not open for the season to prevent the potential spread of the coronavirus. Fortunately, University Nursery School isn’t one of them canceling summer programming. University Nursery School’s location, in the Harbor Highlands community, has been transformed to offer a full-time summer program. It can accommodate up to 30…

Minnesota Stores Reopen Under New Stay Safe Minnesota Order

DULUTH, Minn.– After two months of having their doors shut to the public, retail stores can now have customers inside once again. Today is the first day of Governor Walz’s new stay safe Minnesota order, allowing some businesses to let customers inside their stores. “It’s kind of like letting the dam burst,” said Jarrow Wahman, Co-Owner of Austin-Jarrow Footwear in…

Bayfield Man Charged With Homicide

Erickson is Scheduled to Appear in Court Tomorrow Morning

BAYFIELD, Wis. – A 62-year-old Bayfield man has been charged with first-degree intentional homicide for the fatal shooting of 64-year-old Michael Kinney. According to the criminal complaint, Randy Erickson, 62, shot Kinney three times during a physical altercation on the night of May 8. According to reports law enforcement was aware, there was a long history of tension and frustration…

Suspects in Hibbing Shot Fired Incident Formally Charged

HIBBING, Minn. – Two men arrested last week in connection to a shot fired incident in Hibbing have been formally charged. One of the suspects, Nicholas Ray Champa, 22, has been charged with second-degree felony assault, felon in possession of a firearm, receiving stolen property, and intentionally pointing a gun at another. The other suspect, Levi Jean Jacobson, 24, has…

Grand Casino Announces Phased Approach to Reopening

HINCKLEY, Minn. – Grand Casino announced on Monday that while they have not yet set a date for their reopening, they have developed a health and safety plan so they can open as safely as possible. Grand Casino says guests will notice several procedural and physical changes due to a multi-phase reopening strategy they are implementing. “We looked at every…

Midday Update 5-18-20

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Monday, May 18, 2020

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist William Seay for a local look at news and weather making headlines Monday, May 18, 2020. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Local News, midday update, William Seay