News

City: Infrastructure Improvements Needed at Proposed Duluth Costco Site to Continue Project

DULUTH, Minn. – The City of Duluth says public infrastructure improvements are needed at the proposed site for the Costco Wholesale development project for the project to move forward. According to recent documents submitted to the St. Louis County Board, the City of Duluth has “requested to establish a public hearing for input on proposed tax abatement financing for the…

Wisconsin Won’t Name Businesses with Multiple COVID-19 Cases

MADISON, Wis. (AP) — The Wisconsin Department of Health Services is retreating from its original plans to name businesses and other places where there have been at least two confirmed coronavirus cases after business groups and Republican lawmakers opposed the idea. The department told local health officials in a call that it initially planned to start naming the businesses on…

Midday Update 7-7-20

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Tuesday, July 7, 2020

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist William Seay for a local look at news and weather making headlines Tuesday, July 7, 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, July 7

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Minnesota health officials reported 39,133 confirmed COVID-19 cases in the state Tuesday morning and 3 new deaths bringing the death total to 1,477 in Minnesota. According to the Minnesota Department of Health website, 685,247 tests have been completed to date. There are 34,377 patients who no longer require isolation. So far, 4,252 patients have required hospitalization…

Monetary Donations Matched to Feed Hungry in Duluth Throughout July

Monetary Donations Can Be Made in Person or By Mail at the Duluth Salvation Army, 215 South 27th Avenue West

DULUTH, Minn. – Monetary donations to the Duluth Salvation Army will go much further throughout the month of July thanks to a generous partnership. Thanks to a match of up to $5,000 from Open Your Heart to the Hungry and Homeless, the more you donate this month, the bigger impact you’ll have on those facing hunger in the community. “There…

New Rules: Foreign Students Must Leave US if Classes go Online

(AP) – New federal guidelines say international students will be forced to leave the U.S. or transfer to another college if their schools offer classes entirely online this fall. The guidelines provide additional pressure for campuses to reopen even amid growing concerns about the recent spread of COVID-19 among young adults. President Donald Trump has insisted that schools and universities…

Morning Update 7-7-20

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Tuesday, July 7, 2020

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist William Seay for a local look at news and weather making headlines Tuesday, July 7, 2020. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Local News, morning update, William Seay

Sailboat Heavily Damaged in Fire at Duluth Marina

DULUTH, Minn. – A sailboat caught fire in a Duluth marina Monday afternoon causing an estimated $40,000 damage, according to the Duluth Fire Department. The incident happened around 4:15 p.m. Monday at the Harbor Cove Marina. Fire crews arriving first on the scene found a 40-foot sailboat tied to the dock with heavy smoke and flames coming from the boat….

Minnesota Department of Health Reports Multiple Days of Single-Digit Deaths From COVID-19

ST. PAUL, Minn.– Minnesota health experts gave an update Monday on COVID-19 in the state. They also included information on the state seeing lower death numbers in recent weeks. Minnesota has seen single digit deaths in 13 of the last 15 days. Health officials attribute this to new treatment options, a higher number of young people getting COVID-19 who recover,…

Red Cross Hosts Blood Drive at Kenwood Lutheran Church

With elective surgeries being allowed again, the Red Cross is asking for those that are healthy to donate blood.

DULUTH, Minn. – As the need for blood continues, more blood drives are popping up around the Northland. On Monday, the Red Cross hosted a blood drive at the Kenwood Lutheran Church. The Red Cross has put multiple safety measures in place like taking donors’ temperatures when they arrive, spacing donors out, only taking appointments and requiring masks. They will…

Blatnik Bridge Maintenance Begins

Motorists can expect delays with lane closures and speed reductions while on the bridge during this work. 

DULUTH, Minn. – Routine inspections of the Blatnik Bridge began on Monday morning. MNDot workers plan to do these inspections every Monday-Thursday from 9 a.m. until 3:30 p.m. for the next few weeks. Crews are checking to make sure the structural integrity of the bridge is intact. Motorists can expect delays with lane closures and speed reductions while on the…

New Drinks at Duluth Grill

One local restaurant is sprucing up its cocktail menu with some fun takes on brunch.

DULUTH, Minn. – One local restaurant is sprucing up its cocktail menu with some fun takes on brunch. The Duluth Grill is featuring four new Bloody Marys. One favorite is the Bacon Bloody, which features Lakehouse Vodka made in Waconia with candied bacon and a celery stalk. Management says they want to make unique additions to the menu that are…

Tourism Takes Hit During Holiday Weekend

While Canal Park was still busy over the holiday weekend, the Maritime Visitor Center says it saw a couple of thousand fewer people stop by on the fourth.

DULUTH, Minn. – While Canal Park was still busy over the holiday weekend, the maritime visitor center says it saw a couple of thousand fewer people stop by on the fourth. The visitor center had about 1,000 people stop by its booth over the holiday weekend. But last year when the museum building was open, the visitor booth estimated between…

UMD KIDSROCK Summer Camp Kicks Off

Summer camp is looking different this summer because of the pandemic.

DULUTH, Minn. – Summer camp is looking different this summer because of the pandemic. “We were really excited that we were able to still do this in any kind of capacity,” said Joel Sanderson, the assistant director for intermural sports and youth programs. There have been several changes made to the UMD KIDSROCK camp due to the coronavirus. The program…

UW Faculty Worried About Fall Semester as Virus Surges

MADISON, Wis. (AP) — University of Wisconsin-Madison instructors are growing more worried that the campus can’t reopen safely this fall as the coronavirus continues to surge among young people. The university plans to reopen as scheduled but classes with more than 100 students will be held online only and all in-person instruction will stop at Thanksgiving to prevent students from…

Midday Update 7-6-20

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Monday, July 6, 2020

Join FOX 21’s Arman Rahman and Meteorologist Ryan Johnson for a local look at news and weather making headlines Monday, July 6, 2020. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News

Updated COVID-19 Numbers: Monday, July 6

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Minnesota health officials reported 38,569 confirmed COVID-19 cases in the state Monday morning and 3 new deaths bringing the death total to 1,474 in Minnesota. According to the Minnesota Department of Health website, 679,693 tests have been completed to date. There are 33,907 patients who no longer require isolation. So far, 4,219 patients have required hospitalization…

Morning Update 7-6-20

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Monday, July 6, 2020

Join FOX 21’s Arman Rahman and Meteorologist Ryan Johnson for a local look at news and weather making headlines Monday, July 6, 2020. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News

St. Louis River Alliance Continues to Make Progress Amid COVID-19 Pandemic

A Small Skeletal Crew Continues to Work on Restoration Projects Impacting the St. Louis River Estuary

DULUTH, Minn. – The COVID-19 pandemic is impacting projects small and large across the Twin Ports, and restoration along the St. Louis River estuary is no exception. Kris Eilers, Executive Director of the St. Louis River Alliance (SLRA), says her team has had to rethink the way they are doing things amid the ongoing pandemic. She’s thankful the river has…

Third Minneapolis Police Officer Charged in Death of George Floyd Released on Bail

MINNESOTA (A.P.)- A former Minneapolis police officer charged in the death of George Floyd has been released from jail. The Minneapolis Star-Tribune reports that Tou Thao posted $750,000 bond on Saturday. All four officers on the scene of Floyd’s death have been fired and face criminal charges. Thao is scheduled to appear in court on September 11 on charges of…

Minnesota Senator Investigated by State Board Over COVID-19 Comments

(Scott Jensen/Facebook) ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) — State Sen. Scott Jensen said he’s being investigated by the Minnesota State Board of Medical Practice for some public comments he made as a doctor about the coronavirus. In a video released Sunday, the Chaska Republican said the investigation related to his earlier criticism of the Minnesota Department of Health for following federal…

Great Harvest Bread Co. Closes After Employee Tests Positive for Coronavirus

DULUTH, Minn. – Great Harvest Bread Co. in Duluth says they are temporarily closing after one of their employees tested positive for COVID-19. The bakery announced in a Facebook post on Monday that an employee tested positive for coronavirus over the weekend and was able to confirm that they contracted the virus from a social gathering outside of work. Great…

Update: Three People Rescued From Burning House in Virginia

VIRGINIA, Minn. — Two adults and a toddler were rescued from a house fire by a Virginia police officer on Sunday, according to the Virginia Fire Department. Firefighters received a call about a house fire on the 700-block of 11th Street North shortly before 11:30 a.m. Before firefighters arrived, a Virginia police officer grabbed a neighbor’s ladder and climbed up…

Superior’s Red Mug Announces Not Reopening at Hammond Avenue Location

SUPERIOR Wis.- A popular coffeehouse and bakery in Superior will be shutting it’s doors, but the owner says it’s not going away. Red Mug Coffeehouse on Hammond Avenue and Broadway will not be reopening in its current location. A post on their Facebook page said that after being closed down since March, the owner sees no way around closing that…

Fatal ATV Crash in Holyoke Township

HOLYOKE TOWNSHIP, Minn. — A 48-year-old man died on Saturday after an ATV accident, according to a press release from the Carlton County Sheriff’s Office. Authorities received a call around 8:30 p.m. that an ATV had crashed in the Holyoke Township off of Golf Course Road. The Carlton County Sheriff’s Office said it appeared that the man was going downhill…

Experts Share Tips on Keeping Family, Pets Safe in Intense Summer Heat

Duluth Fire Officials and experts from Animal Allies weigh in on keeping pets and people hydrated and protected.

DULUTH, Minn.- Summer heat doesn’t last long in the Northland. While you enjoy it for the short time it’s here, experts say it’s important to do so safely. The first few weeks of summer have been scorchers in the Northland, with temperatures this past week reaching 90 degrees for the first time since August 2018 and temps nearing 90 Fourth…

Duluth Police Chief: Several Fourth of July Incidents Involving Guns

DULUTH, Minn. — Duluth police responded to three incidents involving guns on the Fourth of July, according to Chief Mike Tusken. In one incident, police responded to shots fired in Lincoln Park. Officers found the address where it happened, and negotiated with the suspect to surrender for over an hour. They took the suspect into custody, and also executed a…

Wildfires in Superior National Forest, BWCA on Fourth of July

MINNESOTA — According to the U.S. Fire Service, multiple wildfires burned in the Superior National Forest and BWCA on the Fourth of July. In the Superior National Forest, four wildfires were reported in the west area. Three wildfires were reported in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness within St. Louis County, as well as another fire outside of the Boundary…

Annual Car Show Rides Through Superior as ‘Car Cruise’

SUPERIOR, Wis.- While Superior’s fireworks were canceled due to COVID-19, some gearheads still made the most of the Fourth of July. Since the annual Dennis VanAlstine Car Show was canceled as well this year, the “Anything with a Motor Cruise” took its place to give motorists a chance to let their rides shine. The parade of hot rods started at…

Some Superior Businesses See Different Customer Traffic Due to Canceled Fireworks Show

Bars and restaurants and attractions seeing a bit more customers, but many staying home.

SUPERIOR, Wis.- The City of Superior abruptly canceled their 4th of July fireworks show the day before, causing some businesses to adapt to the change in customer flow. “We weren’t sure what to expect coming through,” Dustin Heckman, Executive Director of the Richard I. Bong Veterans Historical Center said. A year with fireworks would bring both Superiorites and others visiting…

Duluth Harbor Mission Hosts Community Event

A local group hosted a barbecue for community members to enjoy.

DULUTH, Minn. – A local group hosted a barbecue for community members to enjoy. Duluth Harbor Mission on West Third Street hosted the event at Harrison Community Center. Dozens of people came to take in live music and free food, while also spending time getting to know others in their local neighborhoods. “We love people,” said Wendy Lane, the women’s…

Nice Weather Draws Many Visitors

The weekend weather drew people from all over the state.

DULUTH, Minn. – The weekend weather drew people from all over the state. The Canal Park Lakewalk area was busy with walkers and bikers. One Twin Cities family who has visited Duluth before said they’re here to explore the city and that the lake feels the warmest it has ever felt. “This is great,” said the Olson family, who came…

Superior Cubans Opens on Ogden Avenue

Superior Cubans is open Friday and Saturdays from 6:00 p.m. to 3:00 a.m.

SUPERIOR, Wis. – Superior Cubans, located next to Wednesday Bakery on Ogden Ave. in Superior, opened on Friday evening and is a family-owned restaurant selling Cuban sandwiches. The sandwich has ham, pork, swiss cheese, pickles, mustard and a mojo sauce with spices, citrus and garlic. The sandwich is a family recipe that has been passed down over the past decade,…

Local Organizers Host Barbecue at Clayton Jackson McGhie Memorial

Local organizers hosted a barbecue to provide both free food and a safe space for connection.

DULUTH, Minn. – This particular July 4th feels a bit different this year, but not just because of the pandemic. One community event brought together people in the spirit of unity and reconciliation. Local organizers hosted a barbecue to provide both free food and a safe space for connection. “You know, it’s a lot of work, but it’s worthy work…

Fatal ATV Crash in Nashwauk

NASHWAUK, Minn. – A man has died from injuries due to an ATV accident in Nashwauk. According to the Minnesota State Patrol, the victim was driving an ATV southbound in the east ditch of Highway 65 north of County Road 8. He then hit an elevated part and rolled the ATV over. The driver was then trapped under the ATV…

Fatal ATV Crash in Barnum Township

BARNUM, Minn. – A woman has died as a result of injuries from an ATV accident. The crash happened at the intersection of County Road 139 and Country Road 6 in Barnum. According to the Carlton County Sheriff’s Office, a female in her 40s received multiple injuries from the crash. The initial investigation revealed the female victim had been the…

Campgrounds Are Helping People Escape Impacts Of The Pandemic

"We're very pleasantly pleased and surprised that people are coming from so many places," said Penmarallter Campground's Owner Pennie Burton.

TWO HARBORS, Minn. – The Covid-19 crisis may still have a grip on the entire world, but campgrounds like Penmarallter in Two Harbors is giving people a chance to escape that reality. Tucked away behind a busy highway, you can find Penmarallter Campground. “This campground is absolutely beautiful and we enjoy it,” said Kit Hautamaki. It’s quiet and quaint, which…

Park Point Residents Host Rummage Sale

DULUTH, Minn. – A 20 family rummage sale is being held during the 4th of July weekend. It offers the chance for people to shop while still maintaining good social distancing practices. While shoppers are required to wear a mask, organizers say Northlanders are showing their appreciation for having the sale. “They all miss going to garage sales. They miss…

Veterinarians Talk Pet Safety During 4th of July Weekend

A high percentage of pets face anxiety from the noise associated with fireworks every Independence Day.

SUPERIOR, Wis. – The 4th of July may not be your pets favorite holiday. A high percentage of pets face anxiety from the noise associated with fireworks every Independence Day. For those who don’t have a plan in place for the day, veterinarians say the best thing pet owners can do is provide some love and toys to keep them…

Grand Marais Preparing for Uptick in Tourism for Independence Day

Many of the normal Grand Marais events have been canceled, but the fireworks celebration is still expected to happen on the Fourth of July.

GRAND MARAIS, Minn. – Many cities and towns in the Northland rely on tourism to help keep them going. People at businesses in Grand Marais say they are looking forward to a warm Fourth of July weekend to help jumpstart their season. Businesses have been doing what they can during the pandemic to stay afloat. Now, in the height of…

Essentia, St. Lukes Speak Out in Favor of Duluth’s Proposed Mask Ordinance

DULUTH, Minn. – Both Essentia Health and St. Luke’s are speaking out in favor of Duluth’s proposed ordinance that would require masks to be worn in many public indoor spaces. St. Luke’s sent a letter to the Duluth City Council. It reads in part: “Many people are weary of COVID-19 and all the changes that have come with it. It’s…

Two People Injured in Jet Ski Accident

FRENCH TOWNSHIP, Minn. – Two people were injured in a jet ski accident Friday afternoon on Little Sturgeon Lake in French Township. According to the St. Louis County Sheriff’s Office, a 38-year-old man and a 34-year-old woman from Hibbing were riding on a jet ski traveling eastbound on the lake. A second jet ski driven by a 37-year-old Chisholm man…

Increase In Grill and Pellet Sales

Grill sales are way up this summer season.

DULUTH, Minn. – Grill sales are way up this summer season. London Road Rental in Duluth tells us pellet sales have been up 200% and grill sales are up 30% to 40%. They attribute it to more people eating at home than going out because of the pandemic. “Especially right now because you’re limited on where you can go in…