News

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….

Northland Physicians Encourage Vaccinations and Physicals for Kids

With the plans for the next school year still uncertain, local doctors still want to remind parents and their kids to get their immunizations and physicals before the fall.

DULUTH, Minn. – With the plans for the next school year still uncertain, local doctors still want to remind parents and their kids to get their immunizations and physicals before the fall. In May of this year, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention released a report stating that routine pediatric vaccinations have dropped because of the pandemic. The CDC…

Duluth Firefighter Cited in Woman’s Assault Placed on Paid Leave

  DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth firefighter cited for assaulting a woman on a Duluth trail last week has been placed on paid administrative leave. Assault victim According to Duluth Fire Chief Shawn Krizaj, Conrad Sunde, 48, was put on paid leave on Monday, July 13 pending the results of an internal investigation. According to police reports, the incident happened…

Pence Returning to Wisconsin for Stops in Ripon, Onalaska

MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Vice President Mike Pence planned to speak at Ripon College on Friday before touring a dairy farm near La Crosse. President Donald Trump’s campaign announced the planned visit on Wednesday. Pence was last in Wisconsin in June for a school choice round table and a faith-based event, both in Waukesha County. Ripon touts itself as the birthplace of…

Watch Live: Floyd Family Sues Minneapolis Officers Charged in his Death

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Attorneys for George Floyd’s family have filed a lawsuit against the city of Minneapolis and the four police officers charged in his death. The lawsuit filed Wednesday in U.S. District Court in Minnesota alleges that the officers violated Floyd’s rights when they restrained him and that the city allowed a culture of excessive force, racism and impunity…

Midday Update 7-15-20

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Wednesday, July 15, 2020

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist William Seay for a local look at news and weather making headlines Wednesday, July 15, 2020. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Local News, midday update, News, William Seay

Updated COVID-19 Numbers: Wednesday, July 15

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Minnesota health officials reported 43,742 confirmed COVID-19 cases in the state Wednesday morning and 8 new deaths bringing the death total to 1,518 in Minnesota. According to the Minnesota Department of Health website, 790,497 tests have been completed to date. There are 38,179 patients who no longer require isolation. So far, 4,495 patients have required hospitalization…

Black Bear Casino Now Smoke Free

(courtesy: Facebook/The Official Black Bear Casino Resort) CLOQUET, Minn. – Black Bear Casino says they are now 100 percent smoke-free. The casino announced in a Facebook post on Tuesday that beginning July 15 at 10:00 a.m. they “will no longer allow smoking inside of the building.” Guests will still be allowed to smoke outside of the building. Black Bear Casino…

Walmart and Sam’s Club to Require all Customers to Wear Face Masks Starting July 20

BENTONVILLE, Ark. – Walmart will require customers to wear face coverings at all of its namesake and Sam’s Club stores, making it the largest retailer to introduce such a policy that has otherwise proven difficult to enforce without state and federal requirements. The company said the policy will go into effect on Monday to allow time to inform stores and customers. The…

Great Outdoors: Mountain Biking Duluth

DULUTH, Minn. – Trails have been packed with bikers and hikers around the Northland with everyone just trying to get out and have some socially-distanced fun. “We were bored during quarantine and we decided to come down here and just mess around on our bikes and stuff and this is what it turned into,” said Arren and Henry, two mountain…

Two Seriously Injured in Silver Township House Explosion, Fire

SILVER TOWNSHIP, Minn. – The Carlton County Sheriff’s Office says two women were seriously injured in a home explosion and fire in Silver Township Tuesday evening. The incident happened around 8:53 p.m. at 4080 Korhonen Road. Authorities say initial reports indicated that a 75-year-old woman had been injured and another 52-year-old woman was trapped in the basement. The 52-year-old woman…

MPCA Warns of Blue-Green Algae Dangers for Dogs

Two Dogs Have Died in Minnesota This Summer After Coming into Contact with Blue-Green Algae

DULUTH, Minn. – A toxic form of algae continues to take over area lakes, rivers, and ponds. Just this summer, two dogs in Minnesota have died after swimming in water tainted by blue-green algae. As we reach the dog days of summer, officials who research the growth often are looking to alert pet owners of potential danger. “You can’t identify…

Morning Update 7-15-20

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Wednesday, July 15, 2020

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist William Seay for a local look at news and weather making headlines Wednesday, July 15, 2020. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Local News, morning update, News, William Seay

Floyd Attorneys to Announce Lawsuit Against City of Minneapolis, Officers Involved in Death

Attorney Ben Crump planned a late-morning news conference in Minneapolis to detail the lawsuit.

Credit: Fox 9 KMSP-TV MINNEAPOLIS (AP) – Attorneys for George Floyd’s family are set to announce a civil lawsuit Wednesday against the city of Minneapolis and the police officers involved in his death. Attorney Ben Crump planned a late-morning news conference in Minneapolis to detail the lawsuit. Floyd, a Black man who was handcuffed, died May 25 after Derek Chauvin,…

Head of Lakes Fair Still Happening with Extra Safety Precautions, Modified Activities

Along with hand sanitizing stations and staff monitoring people for social distancing, certain rides will not be there.

SUPERIOR, Wis.- Setup is underway for the only fair that seems to still be moving forward in the Northland — and perhaps the only event of the summer. The Head of the Lakes Fair on Tower Avenue is set to happen, open to the public next Tuesday at 4 p.m. Organizers say they are confident working with county health officials…

With Superior Mask Mandate on Horizon, Business Owners Prepare for its Passage

Some retail businesses like Annie's Attic already recommend masks, so making it a city-wide requirement will take some stress of enforcement, owner says.

SUPERIOR, Wis.- Across the bridge in Superior, businesses are preparing for a city wide mask mandate that could take effect July 27th, if the City Council approves a proposed ordinance at next week’s council meeting. All signs show it will be passed for indoor public places, as only Councilor Keith Kern, a bar owner himself, voted against moving forward with…

Wisconsin Youth Employment Down During Pandemic

ASHLAND, Wis.– With the unemployment rate at 12 percent in Wisconsin, area workforce leaders are pushing for more businesses to hire young people ages 15-19. The youth unemployment rate right now is at 32 percent. Experts say that number has been going up over the years but has grown during the pandemic. They say getting into the workforce early can…

Gov. Evers Gives COVID-19 Update Amid Increase in Cases

MADISON, Wis.– Tuesday, Wisconsin broke its own record for confirmed new COVID-19 cases for four out of six days, with 964 confirmed new cases. Governor Evers said more than 650,000 tests have been completed in the state so far. But state health officials said it’s not just more testing causing case numbers to rise, but that the public continues to…

Adult Day Centers Reopen in Minnesota

DULUTH, Minn. – Adult day centers in Minnesota have now been given the green light to reopen. and return to servicing those with disabilities. Many of those utilizing those services have not been able to participate since March due to the pandemic. Choice Unlimited, in Duluth, is a community-based day program for people with disabilities. The organization provides a variety…

Construction Continues on Future Burger King on London Road

There is still no exact date on when the fast food restaurant will open, but it is expected to be ready later this year. 

DULUTH, Minn. – Construction continues this week on Duluth’s newest Burger King which will be located on London Road. Back in September, the Wendy’s that was there and the one in Cloquet both permanently closed, with Burger Kings going in both locations. There is also a sign in front, saying the new Burger King location is hiring. There is no…