News

Minnesota DNR Issues Burning Restrictions

CLOQUET, Minn. – With the temperatures warming up, there is an elevated risk of fire danger. Typically in the spring, the DNR sees a warming and drying trend. This year, they are encouraging social distancing by implementing burning restrictions earlier than normal. “We’re no longer issuing burning permits for vegetative material. So that limits the amount of wildfires our emergency…

Stimulus Checks Used to Feed the Needy

The Salvation Army received a sweet donation from a couple of employees.

DULUTH, Minn. – The Salvation Army received a sweet donation from a couple of employees. The workers got their stimulus checks and decided to give a portion of that to help feed those who use their lunch program. They purchased 30 boxes of pizza to feed roughly 100 people who lately have been taking a meal home with them from…

Local Businesses Impacted by Alcohol To-Go Bill

The Minnesota Senate and the House have passed a bill authorizing restaurants to sell wine and beer with takeout orders.

ST. LOUIS COUNTY, Minn. – Good news for some Minnesota restaurants: The Minnesota Senate and the House have passed a bill authorizing restaurants to sell wine and beer with takeout orders. Final approval is still pending from the governor, but that seems almost certain to happen. Many Minnesota restaurant owners had been pushing for this change to open up a…

Juvenile Charged With Homicide in Fatal Ashland County Crash

ASHLAND COUNTY, Wis. – The Ashland County Sheriff’s Office says a 16-year-old male has been charged with first-degree reckless homicide in connection to a fatal crash in Ashland County Wednesday night. The Sheriff’s Department says the juvenile and the victim, Mahzhaquad Ford, had an alleged altercation during an attempted drug transaction. Authorities say during the altercation the Ford ‘became entangled…

Latest Wisconsin COVID-19 Numbers

MADISON, Wis. – The Wisconsin Department of Health Services is reporting 4,045 positive cases of COVID-19 as of Friday afternoon. According to the Wisconsin DHS website coronavirus deaths in the state have reached 205. State health officials say there have been 42,365 negative test results to date and 1,153 hospitalizations. Douglas County is still reporting 7 positive COVID-19 cases and…

President Trump Tweets: “LIBERATE MINNESOTA!”

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — President Donald Trump has tweeted his support for a protest by conservatives Friday outside Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz’s official residence in St Paul. The protest is being organized under the theme “Liberate Minnesota” by grassroots Trump supporters who oppose Walz’s stay-at-home order. It’s one of several taking part across the country this week as conservatives push back against economic…

Midday Update 4-17-20

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

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

Minnesota Latest COVID-19 Numbers, April 17

That is 159 New Cases Since Thursday

ST. PAUL, Minn. – The Minnesota Department of Health released updated COVID-19 numbers Friday morning reporting 2,071 confirmed cases in the state. That is 159 new cases of COVID-19 since yesterday. Minnesota is also reporting 111 total deaths in the state due to new coronavirus. To date, 1,066 in the state no longer require isolation. The MDH website reports that…

Walz Lifts Restrictions for Some Outdoor Recreational Activities

The Order Will Allow Golf courses, Driving Ranges, and a Handful of Other Facilities to Open

ST. PAUL, Minn. – On Friday, Gov. Tim Walz issued an Executive Order lifting restrictions on some outdoor recreational activities while his “Stay At Home” order is still in effect. In a Friday press release, Walz said this order means golf courses and driving ranges, along with a handful of other facilities may open or remain open. The new guidelines…

MNHS: Split Rock Lighthouse, Historic Sites Closed Through June 30

TWO HARBORS, Minn. – The Minnesota Historical Society announced the closure of all historic sites and museums to the public through June 30. The temporary closure will affect 26 historical locations including the Split Rock Lighthouse. The MNHS website says the decision was made ‘to protect the health and safety of guests, staff, volunteers, interns, and the community.’ According to…

Toastmaters Competition Continues Virtually

While some gatherings are closed, others are still happening virtually, including speech competitions.

DULUTH, Minn. – While some gatherings are closed, others are still happening virtually, including speech competitions. Toastmasters is a speech club that has groups throughout the nation and the world. Recently, a speech competition for the region was held virtually, featuring competitors from the Northland and Iron Range. The Technical Director for the competition says its important to have these…

Local Business Raising Funds to Feed the Hungry

One local company is creating merchandise to help out Northland residents.

DULUTH, Minn. – One local company is creating merchandise to help out Northland residents. Locally Laid Egg Company wanted to help with fighting off food insecurity for Northlanders, so they partnered with Duluth Screen Printing to create clothes to sell. Proceeds will be donated to multiple groups such as Duluth Screen Printing, Second Harvest Food Bank and Feeding America. “I’m…

Morning Update 4-17-20

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Friday, April 14, 2020

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

Update: US Steel to Idle Keewatin Taconite During Pandemic Slowdown

U.S. Steel Plans to Indefinitely Idle the Keewatin Taconite Plant

  HIBBING, Minn. (AP) — U.S. Steel plans to indefinitely idle the Keewatin Taconite plant in northern Minnesota because of the drop in demand for iron and steel during the coronavirus pandemic, officials said Thursday. Officials said the closure will affect 75 employees “near term,” but a total of 375 employees will be affected over the next month. In a…

Douglas County Humane Society Sees Rise In Adoptions

SUPERIOR, Wisc. – The Douglas County Humane Society has seen a large increase in pet adoptions since the Covid-19 outbreak first began. Right now they are shut down to the public and only taking appointments for adoptions and calls for if someone finds a stray. Staff say, that the public acted fast to help the animals leaving the humane society…

Community Action Offers Virtual Tax Help

DULUTH, Minn.– The federal and state tax deadline has been pushed to July 15. But many people still have a lot of questions when it comes to their taxes this year. Community Action is a place in Duluth that offers tax help to people who need it. Even though they can’t meet in person, community action can still help you…

St. Luke’s and Essentia Health Give Update on Coronavirus

DULUTH, Minn.– Essentia Health and St. Luke’s are talking about the impacts of the Coronavirus in Duluth and what people in the area can prepare for what’s ahead. Both hospitals have been meeting with the governor and Minnesota Department of Health about testing and which healthcare facilities in Minnesota are able to test more people. Testing is now available on…

Duluth NAACP Gives Away Free Masks

DULUTH, Minn.– The Duluth NAACP held another mask give-away for people wanting to protect themselves from the Coronavirus. Volunteers were out at Memorial Park in West Duluth to hand out masks to anybody who wanted one. They even gave out free sanitizer and bubbles and coloring books for kids. This comes after the NAACP gave out more than 400 masks…

Eating Better to Boost Immunity, Heart and Lung Health

DULUTH, Minn. — We might be reaching for comfort foods right now, but health experts recommend eating healthy to boost your lung and heart health, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. New research published in the Oxford Academic Journals last month found that adding more fresh produce into your diet and reducing red meat, dairy, and sugar intake can dramatically lower…

Ruby’s Pantry Coppertop Distributes Nearly 300 Bundles of Groceries

Ruby's expected well above the usual average of 200 bundles of groceries due to high unemployment rates during the pandemic.

DULUTH, Minn. – Ruby’s Pantry Coppertop distributed nearly 300 shares of food and paper products to community members. Ruby’s expected well above the usual average of 200 bundles of groceries due to high unemployment rates during the pandemic. They did it all from the parking lot instead of how they normally do it in the Coppertop Church basement Cars filled…

Wisconsin Schools, Golf Courses Impacted by Wisconsin’s ‘Safer at Home’ Extension

DOUGLAS COUNTY, Wis. – Families and business across Wisconsin are being impacted by Gov. Tony Evers extending Wisconsin’s Safer at Home Order. Public and private schools will be closed for the rest of the academic year. Dr. Sara Croney, superintendent of the School District of Maple, tells us that’s no surprise to her. She’s happy her district now has a…

First Witness Concerned After Seeing Slight Dip in Child Abuse Being Reported

The National Children's Alliance says 87% of child abuse cases happen within the family.

DULUTH, Minn. – First Witness Child Advocacy Center is doing everything it can to make sure children are safe from abuse during the stay-at-home order. The National Children’s Alliance says 87% of child abuse cases happen within the family. First Witness is doing more services over the phone during the pandemic, but they say they are concerned by a slight…

First Ever Virtual Beer Fest Happening This Weekend

About 20 Minnesota breweries are participating in the event.

DULUTH, Minn. – For all the beer lovers out there, here’s your chance to have an experience of a lifetime right in the comfort of your home. The Minnesota Craft Brewers Guild is hosting the first-ever virtual beer fest this weekend. About 20 Minnesota breweries, including Bent Paddle, Blacklist Brewing, and Hoops Brewing in Duluth, are participating in the virtual…

St. Ann’s Residence Covid-19 Update

20 cases of the Coronavirus has been confirmed at the senior living facility.

DULUTH, Minn. – Its been one week since a Coronavirus outbreak has hit St. Ann’s Residence in Duluth. So far, a total of 20 cases of Covid-19 have been confirmed at the senior living facility, five of those have died. St. Ann’s Executive Director tells us they have already tested nearly 80 of their residents for Covid-19. Only about eight…

City Of Superior Gets Some Economic Relief Amid Pandemic

Nearly $700,000 is being allocated to offer financial relief.

SUPERIOR, Wis.- The City of Superior is responding to the economic impact on its community. Superior Mayor Jim Paine recently announced proposals for the Superior Coronavirus Relief package. The package is a nearly $700,000 investment to help bring back some economic stability to the city. More than $400,000 from the package is being proposed to fund the Community Development Block…

4-H Makes Masks and Scrub Caps for Northlanders

Young people all over the Northland are among those helping out in the fight against coronavirus.

ESKO, Minn. – 4-H is an organization that gives young people opportunities for service projects. Here in the Northland, 4-H members have made more than 400 masks and have also been making scrub caps. The items are being donated to hospitals, schools, nursing homes, and assisted living facilities in the Carlton County area, Fond Du Lac Reservation, and Duluth. For…

Local Chorus Group Still Finding a Way to Sing

Despite the challenges with the coronavirus, one local choir group still finding a way to sing.

DULUTH, Minn. – Despite the challenges with the coronavirus, one local choir group is still finding a way to sing. The Lake Superior Youth Chorus has now created virtual orchestra spaces for each choir. The organization is also hosting musical moments, where choir members can submit pictures or videos of themselves making music in their homes. Winners are chosen from…

Small Business Lending Program on Hold After Reaching Limit

NEW YORK (AP) — The government’s lending program for small businesses is tapped out, and business owners who still need loans are waiting on Congress to approve more funding. The Small Business Administration said Thursday that it reached the $349 billion lending limit for the program, after approving nearly 1.7 million loans. Thousands of small business owners whose loans have…

Walz, Evers Partner With Midwest Governors to Reopen Region’s Economy

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Today, several Midwest Governors announced they will work together to coordinate the reopening of the Midwest region economy. Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers along with Governors Gretchen Whitmer (MI), Mike DeWine (OH), JB Pritzker (IL), Eric Holcomb (IN), and Andy Beshear (KY) said they will work closely to examine the best way to…

Essentia Health Extends Leave for 500 Furloughed Employees

DULUTH, Minn. – Plans to furlough 500 non-medical staff at Essentia Health began earlier this month and on Thursday the hospital announced those employees will have their leave extended another 30 days. Additionally, Essentia says more clinical staff will continue to be placed on leave as they continue to face financial impacts due to COVID-19. “Colleagues in both medical and…

Evers Extends Wisconsin Stay-at-Home Order Until May 26

MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Gov. Tony Evers on Thursday extended Wisconsin’s stay-at-home order that was originally slated to expire next week for another month, keeping non-essential businesses closed until May 26 to slow the spread of the coronavirus. Schools will be closed the remainder of the academic year under the order. News of the extension comes amid growing criticism from…

Midday Update 4-16-20

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

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist William Seay for a local look at news and weather making headlines Thursday, April 16, 2020. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Local News, midday update, William Seay

Ashland County Man Dies in Fatal Crash

TOWNSHIP OF SANBORN, Wis. – A 21-year-old male from Ashland County died Wednesday night when the car he was driving crashed in the woods. Authorities say the accident happened on Birch Hill Road in the Township of Sanborn around 7:00 p.m. Officers, Bad River First Responders, and Ashland Ambulance responded to the scene where the male was found deceased. The…

Minnesota Latest COVID-19 Numbers

ST. PAUL, Minn. – The Minnesota Department of Health released updated COVID-19 numbers Thursday morning reporting 1,912 confirmed cases in the state. That is 103 new cases of COVID-19 since yesterday. Minnesota is also reporting 94 total deaths in the state due to new coronavirus. To date, 1,020 in the state no longer require isolation. The MDH website reports that…

Spice Up Your At-Home Cooking With This Jalapeño Green Sauce Recipe

Meteorologist William Seay Shares His Favorite Jalapeño Green Sauce Recipe

DULUTH, Minn. – We’re all stuck at home making the most of cooking dinner night after night, and Meteorologist William Seay wants to help spice things up in your kitchen! He shared his favorite Jalapeño green sauce recipe in this week’s Cooking Connection. The sauce could be used on tacos, nachos, or simply for dipping chips. Recipe: 1 lb. jalapeños…

Evers Tells Trump Wisconsin Faces $2 Billion in Losses

(Steve Apps/Wisconsin State Journal via AP, File) MADISON, WI (AP) — Wisconsin faces $2 billion in revenue losses due to skyrocketing unemployment and other hits to the economy caused by the coronavirus, Gov. Tony Evers told President Donald Trump in a letter sent this week along with the governors of Michigan and Pennsylvania. Evers and the governors from Michigan and…

Morning Update 4-16-20

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

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist William Seay for a local look at news and weather making headlines Thursday, April 16, 2020. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Local News, morning update, William Seay

Sutherland CBD, Dr. Juice Offer Hand Sanitizer, Donate Hundreds to First Responders

The pair are are selling bottles at cost for $3, all sales going back into production.

SUPERIOR, Wis.- Sutherland CBD and Dr. Juice USA, both on Tower Avenue, are now offering handmade hand sanitizer. And hundreds of bottles of their product are going to first responders in need. “In these difficult times everybody’s got to do their part to stop the spread of this thing, to stay safe,” said Jacob Tout, CEO of Dr. Juice USA….

Northland Summer Camps Prepare for Uncertain Season

Camp Amnicon and Camp Nebagamon discuss planning for summer camps during pandemic

DOUGLAS COUNTY, Wis. – Going to camp is a summer tradition for many families but, with so much uncertainty surrounding COVID-19, nobody knows if kids will have the chance to attend Northland camps this year. “What we provide is the opportunity to get outdoors and to learn in the outdoors and we really feel that families, kids are going to…

Home Health Care Industry Impacted by Coronavirus

In particular, it looks like it has slowed down the home health care industry.

DULUTH, Minn. – The coronavirus has impacted businesses throughout the Northland. Touching Hearts at Home located is an in-home services and transportation provider. The company hasn’t laid off any of its employees. Owners say it’s important to keep home healthcare services available. “I would say a big part of it is an isolation factor that sometimes the only person they…

ACLU-MN sues to release Moose Lake inmates due to COVID-19

MOOSE LAKE, Minn. (AP) – The American Civil Liberties Union of Minnesota is suing to release inmates endangered by COVID-19 at Moose Lake prison in northern Minnesota. The organization filed a petition Wednesday against the state Department of Corrections. According to a DOC database, 12 inmates in Moose Lake are confirmed positive for the coronavirus and another 31 inmates are…

Over 33 Thousand Minnesota Small Businesses Approved for Forgivable Loans

Sen. Tina Smith says more work has to be done to address the funding shortage for loans.

MINNESOTA, As stimulus checks begin rolling out, additional help through forgivable loans have been awarded to over 33,819 Minnesota small businesses as of Monday. The Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) grants loans to small businesses as part of the Stimulus Package. The loans are forgivable to businesses who retain or rehire their workers. Senator Tina Smith (D), who helped pass the…

MnDot Prepares for 2020 Road Construction Projects

DULUTH, Minn.– As the summer months get closer, it’s time to start getting ready for road construction season. Crews will soon be working on the roads to improve infrastructure around the Northland. The Minnesota Department of Transportation is getting ready to hit the pavement as construction season gets underway. “We’re improving our infrastructure and providing construction jobs,” said Margie Nelson,…

Ruth House Gives Out Free Meals

SUPERIOR, Wis.– In Superior, one church has been working to help those who might be food insecure right now. Ruth House in Superior has been giving out free meals for the last couple of months. Food is donated by members of the community and served daily from 5:00 p.m.-5:45 p.m. They give out around 40 to 60 meals every night….

Duplex Catches Fire in Superior

SUPERIOR, Wis.– The Superior Fire Department is investigating a duplex fire in the northern part of the city. It happened around 4:30 p.m. Wednesday on the 700 block of Weeks Avenue. Officials say the fire started in the rear wall and extended to the attic. Firefighters had to cut through the roof to put out the flames. Nobody was injured….