News Archives - Page 444 of 858

Greenhouses Can Now Open During Governor Walz’s Stay-At-Home Order

Rice Lake Gardens plans to open for the season on Mother's Day.

April 9, 2020

Nachai Taylor,

DULUTH, Minn. – Minnesota garden centers and greenhouses are now exempt from Governor Tim Walz’s executive order, which requested non-essential businesses to close. Under the revision, greenhouses can be open, but have to follow certain guidelines. They must implement social distancing by limiting the number of customers inside at a time. Also, garden centers must follow recommendations from the Center…

Lift Bridge, Enger Tower Shine Blue For Workers During Pandemic

April 9, 2020

Dan Hanger,

DULUTH, Minn. – The city of Duluth shined blue Thursday night to recognize healthcare providers and essential workers during the pandemic. The Aerial Lift Bridge and Enger Tower went blue with other buildings and landmarks throughout Minnesota and the country as a way to thank workers for all they are doing right now. The Lift Bridge will be lit back…

Minnesota Launches Free Program to Help People Quit Smoking, Vaping, and Chewing Tobacco

April 9, 2020

Alexandra Burnley,

MINNESOTA – The Minnesota Department of Health just launched a new program to help people who are interested in quitting smoking, vaping, or chewing tobacco. The program, called Quit Partner, offers free, personal counseling over the phone and online, plus it sends free lozenges, gum, and patches to help your body wean itself off of nicotine. There are an estimated…

Essentia and St. Luke’s Prepping for COVID-19 Surge

St. Luke's and Essentia Health-St. Mary's are gearing up for the worst-case scenario saying they would rather be over-prepared when the peak hits the Northland.

April 9, 2020

Katharine Huntley,

DULUTH, Minn. – Hospitals in the Twin Ports continue to prepare this week for the coming surge of COVID-19 patients. Doctors say they are carefully watching hard-hit areas of the country and using that information so the Northland can protect as many people as possible. St. Luke’s and Essentia Health-St. Mary’s are gearing up for the worst-case scenario saying they…

Local Church Offers Free Grocery Delivery For Those Susceptible To Covid-19

"They need to stay at home and they need to stay safe," said Youth Pastor Samuel Lester.

April 9, 2020

Nachai Taylor,

SUPERIOR, Wis. – A local church is giving back to those who are most vulnerable to catching the coronavirus. Central Assembly of God Church in Superior is offering free delivery of groceries. People who are 65 and older or have pre-existing illnesses that could be impacted by Covid -19, can call the church to have an order placed with a…

A Cloquet Church Helps Parishioners Celebrate Easter At Home

Each package comes with a blessed palm and Easter communion for individuals and families.

April 9, 2020

Nachai Taylor,

CLOQUET, Minn. – Most people may not be able to celebrate Easter the old fashion way due to Covid-19. But a local church is making sure you have everything you need to celebrate at home. Our Savior’s Lutheran Church in Cloquet is giving away easter packages. Each one comes with a blessed palm and Easter communion for individuals and families….

Three COVID-19 Deaths, 17 Total Cases Reported at St. Ann’s Residence in Duluth

April 9, 2020

Andrew Kirov,

DULUTH, Minn. – Three deaths related to the novel coronavirus have been confirmed at St. Ann’s Residence in Duluth. The assisted living center has 17 total cases. COVID-19 fatality rates can be as high as 40 percent in assisted living facilities. That’s what makes the outbreak so concerning to St. Ann’s 138 residents and 100 staff members. The Minnesota Department…

Educators Are Adding A New Meaning To Social Distancing And Working From Home

“I think the connection part is really important," said DCSC's Youth Development Director Cortnie Bain.

April 9, 2020

Nachai Taylor,

DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth Community School Collaborative staff are thinking outside the box when it comes to working remotely. These employees have been working from home since schools were forced to shut down to help prevent the spread of the Coronavirus. Staff at the Duluth Community School Collaborative have been conducting staff meetings virtually every since. But being stuck…

Traffic Fatalities Grow During Stay-At-Home Order

Fatal traffic crashes in Minnesota have still jumped lately despite the big drop in traffic volume.

April 9, 2020

Jane Kim,

ST. LOUIS COUNTY – Fatal traffic crashes in Minnesota have still jumped lately, despite the big drop in traffic volume. It’s a surprising trend. While the density of traffic has decreased a lot throughout the state, fatalities from traffic crashes have increased. Minnesota as a whole has seen a decrease in traffic by about 47 to 50 percent when compared…

Two Duluth Landmarks Will #LightItBlue Tonight for Healthcare, Essential Workers

April 9, 2020

Site Staff,

(courtesy: MN Department of Transportation) DULUTH, Minn. – Two Duluth landmarks will be lit up with blue lights tonight in an effort to recognize healthcare providers and essential workers. According to a press release from the City of Duluth, the Aerial Lift Bridge and Enger Tower will be lit up in blue lights, along with other landmarks throughout Minnesota and…

National Weather Service Issues First Ever Snow “Squall” Warning

April 9, 2020

Reece Lindquist,

DULUTH, Minn. – This morning, some of you may have received a “squall” warning issued by the National Weather Service in Duluth. A squall is an intense short-lived burst of heavy snowfall usually accompanied by gusts of winds and low visibility. Members of the National Weather Service say, that although these events are rare, they are usually associated with a…

Suspect Charged With Intent to Murder In Gogebic County Shooting

April 9, 2020

Alexandra Burnley,

GOGEBIC COUNTY, Mich. — A man from Bessemer, Michigan, has been charged in the shooting of a 26-year-old man. According to the Gogebic County Sheriff’s Office, the victim was shot in the chest at a home on the 300-block of Beecher Street in Bessemer on Wednesday evening. Law enforcement arrested Timothy Wigman, 26, in connection to the shooting. Wigman is…

First COVID-19 Related Death Reported in St. Louis County

April 9, 2020

Site Staff,

UPDATE: DULUTH, Minn. – St. Louis County officials say the Minnesota Department of Health has confirmed a male in his 70’s is the first COVID-19 related death in the county. Health officials are aware of additional deaths in the county that are currently being investigated to determine if they are also related to COVID-19. If confirmed they will likely…

IRS Speeds up Coronavirus Check Printing

April 9, 2020

Site Staff,

(FOX 9) – Americans hard hit financially due to the fallout from the coronavirus who are anxiously waiting for cash relief may catch a break. FOX Business has learned that the Internal Revenue Service has sped up its process and is now targeting “early next week” for the direct deposit checks. The first checks could be directly deposited as early as Monday or Tuesday with the first…

Midday Update 4-9-20

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Thursday, April 9, 2020

April 9, 2020

Brett Scott,

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist William Seay for a local look at news and weather making headlines Thursday, April 9, 2020. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update

Longtime Duluth City Attorney Gunnar Johnson Resigns

April 9, 2020

Site Staff,

DULUTH, Minn. – Duluth City Attorney Gunnar Johnson has resigned from his position effective immediately. According to a Thursday press release from the city, Johnson has resigned “to explore other career opportunities.” “We are grateful for Mr. Johnson’s many years of service to this city and for his many contributions in helping to guide the city through a variety of…

Evers Closes 40 Wisconsin State Parks, Recreational Areas

April 9, 2020

The Associated Press,

(Steve Apps/Wisconsin State Journal via AP, File) MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Gov. Tony Evers on Thursday ordered the closure of 40 Wisconsin’s state parks, forests and recreational areas primarily in southern and southeastern Wisconsin to help reduce overcrowding and vandalism and to slow the spread of the coronavirus. Evers’ warned that the order could be followed by more closures if…

16.8M Americans Thrown Out of Work as Economic Toll Rises

April 9, 2020

The Associated Press,

NEW YORK (AP) — A staggering 16.8 million Americans have been thrown onto the unemployment rolls in just three weeks, underscoring the speed with which the coronavirus outbreak has brought world economies to a near standstill. Meanwhile, world leaders and health officials are fervently warning that hard-won gains in the fight against the scourge must not be jeopardized by relaxing…

Morning Update 4-9-20

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Thursday, April 9, 2020

April 9, 2020

Brett Scott,

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

Fatal Crashes Surge, Despite Fewer on State Roadways

April 9, 2020

The Associated Press,

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) — There’s been a sharp increase in the number of traffic fatalities in Minnesota in recent weeks, even as a stay-at-home order is in place because of the coronavirus. The state Office of Traffic Safety notes there have been 24 fatal crashes since March 16 when Gov. Tim Walz ordered bars and restaurants to close to…

Small Town Restaurants Work Hard to Stay Open During Pandemic

Soft Pines Resort and Buckhorn Bar and Grill among Northern Wisconsin restaurants and bars struggling during shutdown

April 8, 2020

Andrew Kirov,

DOUGLAS COUNTY, Wis. – Restaurants and bars across Minnesota and Wisconsin are struggling to make ends meet during the COVID-19 shutdown. Businesses in small towns have been hard particularly hard by the pandemic, with at least half of some restaurants’ normal business gone. The owners are doing what they can to keep the establishments open, but it’s a struggle with…

COVID-19 Outbreaks at Assisted Living in Duluth, Moose Lake Prison

Cases in St. Louis County now stand at 28, 14 in Carlton County.

April 8, 2020

Arman Rahman,

MINNESOTA,- An assisted living facility in Duluth and Moose Lake Prison in Carlton County is dealing with an outbreak of COVID-19, bringing the total number to 28 cases in St. Louis County, and 14 cases in Carlton County. On Wednesday St. Louis County saw a jump in cases of 11, a large percentage linked to St. Ann’s Residence in Duluth….

Local Peace Corps Members Evacuated

In the first time in Peace Corps history, more than 7,000 volunteers were evacuated from their respective countries.

April 8, 2020

Jane Kim,

GRAND MARAIS, Minn. – In the first time in Peace Corps history, more than 7,000 volunteers were evacuated from their respective countries. Grand Marais resident Bill Hansen was one volunteer and was evacuated from Uganda. Hansen was planning to be there for 27 months but his time was cut short and had to leave at 11 months into his stay….

$6 Million Awarded to Local Hospitals for COVID-19 Response

Both St. Luke's and Essentia each received $3 million to help in their battle against coronavirus.

April 8, 2020

Katharine Huntley,

DULUTH, Minn. – The Minnesota Department of Health announced $50 million in emergency healthcare grants will be provided to Minnesota hospitals including St. Luke’s and Essentia. Both St. Luke’s and Essentia each received $3 million to help in their battle against coronavirus. Essentia has spent that money on putting testing sites in places like Duluth and Virginia, the purchase of…

Gov. Walz Extends Minnesota Stay-at-Home Order Extended Until May 4

Governor Walz said the only "vaccine" we have right now is social distancing which is why it is so important to continue doing.

April 8, 2020

Katharine Huntley,

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Governor Tim Walz has extended Minnesota’s stays at home order until May 4. Bars and restaurants will continue to stay closed for dine-in until that date as well. This comes in coordination with the state’s federal disaster declaration which was signed by President Trump Wednesday. Governor Walz explained that the data is proving social distancing is…

Gordy’s Hi-Hat Opens For 60th Season

At 92, Gordy has no plans to retire.

April 8, 2020

Nachai Taylor,

After delaying for about three weeks, opening day for Gordy’s Hi-Hat in Cloquet has finally arrived. As COVID-19 continues to be a concern, Gordy’s is going back to their roots. Customers can now enjoy those good old fashion burgers, onion rings, and fries through car-hop service by pulling up to one of more than 20 spots. Servers will take orders…

First “Saltie” of Season Arrives

April 8, 2020

CJ Baumgartner,

DULUTH, Minn.– The first saltwater ship of the 2020 shipping season has made its way to Duluth. The Federal Churchill is a 656-foot ship from the Marshall Islands. The vessel is finishing up a full St. Lawrence Seaway transit for its first run of the year. Last night it passed through the Soo Locks upbound before making its way to…

City Of Duluth Applies for EPA Grant

April 8, 2020

CJ Baumgartner,

DULUTH, Minn.– The Environmental Protection Agency is looking for more projects to restore wildlife habitats in the Northland. The EPA is asking the city of Duluth to apply to receive funding from the agency’s Great Lakes Restoration Initiative. If awarded, the EPA would give $900,000 to help restore and maintain the St. Louis River Natural Area. The city of Duluth…

Two Possible Cases of Arson in Northland Last Night

Three fires occurred last night in Duluth. Two of them were ruled as intentionally set.

April 8, 2020

Jane Kim,

DULUTH, Minn. – Three fires occurred last night in Duluth. Two of them were ruled as intentionally set. Authorities say the two arson cases happened around from about midnight to 1:30 A.M. One was on the 200 block of Mesaba Ave while the other was on South 16th Avenue East. The two buildings were vacant. The third fire, which was…

Wisconsin Elections Impacted by Conavirus

Election day in Wisconsin yesterday was much different than usual because of the coronavirus pandemic.

April 8, 2020

Jane Kim,

SUPERIOR, Wis. – Election day in Wisconsin yesterday was much different than usual because of the coronavirus pandemic. In-person voting went forward after the Supreme Court stepped in to prevent Governor Evers from postponing the election until June. Whether to risk safety to show up at the polls was a big question facing Wisconsin residents as they turned out to…

First Confirmed COVID-19 Case Reported in Sawyer County

Hayward Area Memorial Hospital CEO discusses pandemic preparations

April 8, 2020

Andrew Kirov,

SAWYER COUNTY, Wis. – Sawyer County, Wisconsin has its first confirmed COVID-19 case. We’re told one person there tested positive and is now at home in isolation. The Sawyer County Health Department is now working to contact anybody who the infected person may have been in contact with. Hayward Area Memorial Hospital has been preparing for coronavirus patients for months….

Pandemic Forces Duluth News Tribune’s Parent Company To Make Cuts

April 8, 2020

Dan Hanger,

DULUTH, Minn. — During a time when so many people are turning to television and newspapers for the latest on this historic pandemic, media companies are experiencing a drastic loss of advertising revenue from businesses facing their own uncertainties. And the Duluth News Tribune’s parent company – Forum Communications Co. out of Fargo, North Dakota — is one of those…

Additional Section of West Skyline Parkway Closed for Bike, Pedestrian Use

April 8, 2020

Site Staff,

DULUTH, Minn. – The City of Duluth announced on Wednesday that new road closures will go into effect Thursday as the city continues to identify stretches of road that can be made available for healthy outdoor activity. According to a press release sent out Wednesday, nearly two miles of road along West Skyline Parkway will be closed from Haines…

Enbridge Seeks Permits to Build Great Lakes Oil Tunnel

April 8, 2020

The Associated Press,

(AP Photo/Jim Mone, File) TRAVERSE CITY, Mich. (AP) — Enbridge Inc. applied Wednesday for state and federal authorization to construct an oil pipeline tunnel beneath the Michigan waterway that connects two of the Great Lakes. The Canadian company wants to build a roughly 4-mile-long tunnel beneath the Straits of Mackinac. It would replace the underwater segment of Line 5, a…

Live: Gov. Walz Extends Stay Home Order Until May 4

April 8, 2020

Site Staff,

ST. PAUL, Minn. -To continue Minnesota’s success in slowing the spread of COVID-19 across the state, Governor Tim Walz today extended the Stay Home Order until May 4. “What we are doing is working, Minnesota,” said Governor Walz. “We are taking this seriously, and we are staying home. While Minnesota is showing lower rates of infections than our peers across the country,…

Walz to Announce Extension of Minnesota’s Stay-at-Home Order

April 8, 2020

The Associated Press,

(Glen Stubbe/Star Tribune via AP, Pool) MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz is preparing to announce an extension to his stay-at-home order, which is aimed at slowing the spread of COVID-19. The governor told reporters Tuesday the extension would likely include some refinements, reflecting new data and modeling on how the outbreak is likely to develop but didn’t give…

St. Louis County to Provide Hotel Rooms for Those Without Safe Isolation Space

Hotel Rooms Will Be Available in Duluth, Hibbing, Virginia, and Ely

April 8, 2020

Brett Scott,

DULUTH, Minn. – St. Louis County Public Health along with AEOA and partners such as CHUM is working to make sure those without a safe place to shelter if they were to test positive for COVID-19 can self-isolate. Four hotels would be used at various locations throughout St. Louis County – one each in Duluth, Hibbing, Virginia, and Ely. According…

Midday Update 4-8-20

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Wednesday, April 8, 2020

April 8, 2020

Brett Scott,

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist William Seay for a local look at news and weather making headlines Wednesday, April 8, 2020. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Local News, midday update, William Seay

St. Louis Co. Jumps to 28 Confirmed COVID-19 Cases, 1,154 Total Cases in Minnesota, Includes 632 Recoveries

The total number of cases includes 632 recoveries

April 8, 2020

The Associated Press, Site Staff,

DULUTH, Minn. – According to the Minnesota Department of Health, St. Louis County now has 28 confirmed cases of COVID-19, up from 17 cases the day before. As of Wednesday morning, the MDH website reported 1,154 total cases in the state and 39 deaths. The total number of cases includes 632 recoveries. (courtesy: Minnesota Department of Health) Of those confirmed…

Sanders Drops 2020 Bid, Leaving Biden as Likely Nominee

April 8, 2020

The Associated Press,

WASHINGTON (AP) — Sen. Bernie Sanders, who saw his once-strong lead in the Democratic primary evaporate as the party’s establishment lined swiftly up behind rival Joe Biden, ended his presidential bid on Wednesday, an acknowledgment that the former vice president is too far ahead for him to have any reasonable hope of catching up. The Vermont senator’s announcement makes Biden…

Guard Members Activated to Help With Spring Flooding

April 8, 2020

The Associated Press,

(Glen Stubbe/Star Tribune via AP) ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) — Gov. Tim Walz has activated the Minnesota National Guard to help communities deal with spring flooding. Walz said COVID-19 is not the only emergency for which first responders are preparing. Guard members will support municipalities that are dealing with safety and public infrastructure challenges due to flooding, he said. “While…

Morning Update 4-8-20

Local News and Weather Headlines for Wednesday, April 8, 2020

April 8, 2020

Brett Scott,

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist William Seay for a local look at news and weather making headlines Wednesday, April 8, 2020. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Local News, morning update, William Seay

Worst-Case U of M Forecast Calls for $315M Loss From Virus

April 8, 2020

The Associated Press,

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — University of Minnesota administrators are bracing for a loss of as much as $315 million in expected revenue from a $3.8 billion budget because of the COVID-19 outbreak, according to the most severe forecast presented Tuesday to the Board of Regents. The virus forced the university to close the campus and switch indefinitely to online instruction, a…

Duluth Fire Marshall Investigating Three Separate Fires, Arson Suspected

April 8, 2020

Reece Lindquist,

DULUTH, Minn. – Fire crews in Duluth were busy Tuesday night responding to three fires- all of which could be linked to arson. Crews responded to a structure fire of a vacant two-story home at 213 Mesaba avenue. There was no one inside the structure. The damage is estimated at $25,000. While firefighters were working to contain the Mesaba Avenue…

Local Liquor Stores Taking Extreme Measures to Keep Customers Social Distancing, Avoid Closing

If customers crowd liquor stores as time goes on, they could be forced to close.

April 7, 2020

Arman Rahman,

Many people stuck at home in both Minnesota and Wisconsin are heading to liquor stores. But when those stores become crowded, business owners have to choose between serving customers, an following the law of public health by maintaining social distance. One sign in front of Shanty Bottle Shop in Duluth’s Hillside neighborhood says it best: “Do not rush into the…

Senior Assisted Living Facility Looking for Workers During Pandemic

April 7, 2020

Alexandra Burnley,

If you’re looking for a temporary or permanent job, New Perspective Senior Living is hiring at its multiple facilities in Superior, Cloquet, and Barnum. There are 20 job openings for caregivers, cooks, housekeepers, servers, and concierges. The business also bumped up hourly wages by $2 more per hour for hazard pay, which New Perspective calls ‘hero pay.’ “We have seen…

Home Healthcare Service Accepting More Patients to Decrease Need for Hospitalization

Recover Health hopes to eliminate patients' need to go back to the hospital.

April 7, 2020

Arman Rahman,

DULUTH, Minn.- A home health service in Duluth is doing its part to treat more people at home, while also lifting the burden off of local hospitals. Recover Health on Grand Avenue in Denfeld is currently accepting new patients at about 8 beds a week. They offer services such as physical therapy, occupational therapy, and help with medications. The service…

WI Voters Still Show Up To The Polls

April 7, 2020

Nachai Taylor,

SUPERIOR, Wis. – Wisconsin voters are taking their civic duty seriously even as Covid-19 poses a threat to public health This week, to protect the health of residents Governor Tony Evers attempted to have the Wisconsin presidential primary moved to June. That was shut down by a last-minute supreme court decision, which kept the elections from moving. This meant voters…

Best Buy Launches Curbside Pickup as More Customers Need Electronic Devices

Customers can purchase what they need online and when they arrive, workers will bring their products out and place it in their cars.

April 7, 2020

Claudia Chakamian,

DULUTH, Minn. – With many people taking classes or working from home and most places shut down, stores like Best Buy are staying busy to make sure everyone has the technology and resources they need. Best Buy has closed its doors to customers but launched a curbside pickup option. Customers can purchase what they need online and when they arrive,…

Local Addiction Help During Quarantine

During this time of quarantine, people with addiction issues may have a harder time dealing with self-isolation.

April 7, 2020

Jane Kim,

DULUTH, Minn. – During this time of quarantine, people with addiction issues may have a harder time dealing with self-isolation. According to the co-founder of Recovery Alliance Duluth, technology has been a good resource with helping with recovery. Face-to-face contact has been replaced with a virtual world where clients are receiving counseling and outreach. Among the topics discussed with patients,…