News

Duluth Airport Cancels Flights

DULUTH, Minn.– The Duluth International Airport is experiencing a severe drop in passengers and a delay to expand service from Delta. Airport Executive Director Tom Werner says flights in an out of DLH have dropped between 50 to 75 percent since the virus outbreak took hold. The little travel that is happening is coming from mostly business people. Delta is…

Kids Kitchen Serves To-Go Meals at Damiano Center

Prorgram is open every Monday-Thursday

DULUTH, Minn. – The Damiano Center is serving meals to kids through its ‘Kids Kitchen’ program. It normally provides academic support and interaction for the students, but now because of social distancing, they program is handing out meals and activity bags to-go. The meals include sandwiches, granola bars, milk, and other healthy snacks. “Without this, where else would they be…

‘Evergreen Storytime’ Encourages Minong Kids to Stay Positive During Pandemic

Library media specialist, Stephanie Birdsill, reading to kids online daily

MINONG, Wis. – At Northwood School in Minong, library media specialist Stephanie Birdsill started a daily Facebook live event called ‘Evergreen Storytime.’ She reads a picture book to younger elementary kids and a chapter book to older elementary and middle school students. She tells us it’s her way to encourage kids to stay positive during the pandemic. “We as teachers…

Bent Paddle, Local Businesses Host Free Farmer’s Market

Around 1,000 people came through the market on Tuesday and nearly 3400 pounds of food was given out. 

DULUTH, Minn. – Tuesday, Bent Paddle Brewing and Clyde Iron Works hosted a “Free Farmer’s Market” for the public in need. In partnership with Sysco Foods, Pier B Resort Hotel and the 2020 Census, the farmer’s market provided 120 large cases of fresh produce. The farmer’s market was organized for anyone but specifically for people and families in need in…

Duluth Public Schools Get Familiar With Distance Learning

District making sure all students have access to materials during shutdown

DULUTH, Minn. – Duluth Public Schools’ teachers and students are using this week to get familiar with online learning tools like Google Classroom. Superintendent Bill Gronseth tells us the district is making sure all students have access to materials. “Families that have internet service but maybe not a device for their student to use, we’re making sure that they are…

Grandma’s Marathon Cancellation Causes Major Impacts Runners & Community

A potential spike in the number of Covid-19 cases is being predicted for this spring by medical experts.

  DULUTH, Minn – One of Duluth’s largest events has now been canceled as Covid-19 continues to be a huge concern around the world. Grandma’s Marathon, which was scheduled for June, will no longer happen this year. This is the first time grandma’s marathon has had to be canceled out of the 44 years the race has existed. Every year…

Community Food Table for Those in Proctor and Surrounding Areas

A local business in Proctor is hosting a community food table for those in need.

PROCTOR, Minn. – A local business in Proctor is hosting a community food table for those in need. Troy’s Service Center is hosting the program, which is open to anybody in the surrounding areas, as long as they are in need. The food table includes not just food. Kids can also borrow movies and books, and return them after using…

Teachers Adjust to Teaching at a Distance

Even though the buildings are closed, the schools are still open.

SUPERIOR, Wis. – Even though the buildings are closed, the schools are still open. “We’re constantly trying to work with each other, meet with each other to figure out what the best ways to reach students to get them invested into their education and having some kind of accountability along the way,” said Trevor Sorensen, a high school math teacher…

Students Say University of Minnesota Shortchanged Refunds

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Students, regents and some state lawmakers are criticizing the University of Minnesota for shortchanging students with a refund of only $1,200 for room and board after having to move off campus because of the coronavirus pandemic. A semester roughly costs a student more than $5,000 for a combination of student housing and meal plans. The $1,200 covers…

Electric Fetus, Pizza Luce Businesses Damaged In Isolated Incident

  DULUTH, Minn. – On Monday night Duluth police responded to a report of criminal damage to property to two superior street businesses. Officers arrested a twenty-six-year-old individual for breaking windows at the Electric Fetus and Pizza Luce. Although this is considered an isolated incident, members of the department say during this pandemic they have responded to fewer calls for…

Some Minnesota Families Won’t Get $500 Stimulus Checks for Children

(FOX 9) – Minnesota families will not get $500 stimulus checks for dependent children over the age of 16, something that U.S. Rep. Angie Craig says is “a real problem” that Congress needs to address. Last week’s $2.2 trillion coronavirus package will deliver $1,200 to most adults and $500 per child under the age of 17.  But, it excludes older dependent children, including college students, from…

Bayfield County Confirms Third COVID-19 Case

BAYFIELD COUNTY, Wis. – The Bayfield County Health Department says they have identified a third case of COVID-19 in the county. Health department officials say the patient is currently hospitalized, had not traveled outside the area, and had no contact with any individuals diagnosed with COVID-19. “The third positive case received today reaffirms the presence of COVID-19 in our community…

Evers Seeks Disaster Declaration as Unemployment Grows

MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Gov. Tony Evers asked President Donald Trump on Tuesday to issue a major disaster declaration for the state of Wisconsin due to the coronavirus pandemic, as unemployment claims hit a daily high and the state’s health secretary warned lawmakers that Medicaid enrollments were going to increase dramatically. Evers said he hoped the declaration, which also would…

Clayton Jackson McGhie Memorial Commemoration Event Postponed Until 2021

DULUTH, Minn. – The Clayton Jackson McGhie Memorial commemoration ceremony has been canceled due to COVID-19 concerns. June 15, 2020 marks 100 years since the lynching of Elias Clayton, Elmer Jackson, and Isaac McGhie in the streets of Duluth. This year, CJM anticipated around 10,000 people would have been in attendance for the ceremony. The organization wrote a message to…

Midday Update 3-31-20

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Tuesday, March 31, 2020

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist William Seay for a local look at news and weather making headlines Tuesday, March 31, 2020. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Local News, midday update, William Seay

Two Additional MN Deaths Due to COVID-19 Complications

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) — The coronavirus outbreak in Minnesota continued to track upward Tuesday with dozens of new confirmed cases and additional deaths. The state Department of Health said 12 people have died from COVID-19 complications, up by two deaths since Monday’s toll. The state has 629 confirmed cases Tuesday, up 53 from Monday. (courtesy: MN Department of Health)…

Morning Update 3-31-20

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Tuesday, March 31, 2020

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist William Seay for a local look at news and weather making headlines Tuesday, March 31, 2020. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Local News, morning update, William Seay

2020 Grandma’s Marathon Canceled Amid COVID-19 Concerns

Race Weekend Was Scheduled for June 19-20, 2020

(courtesy: Grandma’s Marathon) DULUTH, Minn. – Grandma’s Marathon is canceled for 2020 amid growing concerns over coronavirus. Race weekend was scheduled for June 19-20, 2020. The decision comes after careful deliberation by the Grandma’s Marathon staff and board of directors along with medical and public agency leaders in an effort to keep participants, volunteers, partners, spectators, and the community as…

Driver Killed in UTV Crash in Northern Minnesota

BIWABIK, Minn. (AP) — Authorities in northern Minnesota say a driver was killed when a utility vehicle crashed near Biwabik. Benjamin Kaiser,37, of Gilbert was driving a utility side-by-side when the vehicle went off the road into a ditch and struck a tree, the St. Louis County sheriff’s office said. Deputies responded to the crash early Monday afternoon. Despite lifesaving…

Cloquet, Carlton County Prepares for Spread of COVID-19

City officials, emergency personnel and hospital personnel taking extra precautions.

CLOQUET, Minn.- As one positive case is confirmed at the Moose Lake Prison in Carlton County, the City of Cloquet and County Health officials are taking stronger precautions to try and minimize the virus’s presence. “We are preparing for the worst, and hoping for the best, and expecting something in-between,” Community Memorial Hospital CEO Rick Breuer said. The Hospital is…

Customers Buy Up Fridges, Kitchen Appliances at Appliance Stores

Daugherty Appliance sees increase in customers.

CLOQUET, Minn.- As more people are staying at home, some appliance stores have seen more customers. Owners of Daugherty Appliances in Cloquet said their fridges and freezers have been selling like hotcakes as people look for more storage to stock up more food. They also add that more people have been buying full kitchen suites to update their kitchen. The…

Knowing Your Neighbors: U-Roast-Em

SOLON SPRINGS, Wis. – U-Roast-Em sells more than forty kinds of green coffee beans sourced from growers and suppliers around the world. The company ships them to customers who roast their own coffee. “Once you’ve tried fresh roasted coffee, you will never go back to store bought again,” explained U-Roast-Em co-owner Jane Russo. Russo and her husband bought the business…

City of Superior Offers Curbside Voting

Curbside voting is available from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. through this Friday, and you can call the City Clerk's Office to pick a time to vote.

SUPERIOR, Wis. – The City of Superior launched curbside voting on Monday that will run for the rest of the week. People can call the City Clerk’s office to pick a time to come by and provide their information. Then, they pull up in front of the Government Center, call the office back, and the ballot will be brought to…

Coronavirus Concerns Impact Area Hotels

DULUTH, Minn.– As the warm weather approaches, hotels in the Twin Ports would normally be gearing up for their busiest time of the year. But concerns over Coronavirus have brought business for hotels and resorts to a halt. The governors of Wisconsin and Minnesota consider hotels an essential business during the Coronavirus pandemic. But not many visitors are checking in…

Essentia Health Placing 500 Employees on ‘Special Administrative Leave’

DULUTH, Minn. –  Essentia Health announced Monday a plan to reduce non-medical staffing levels by 500 employees next week as the company prepares for a surge of COVID-19 patients in the communities it serves.  The employees affected are not involved in direct patient care, according to hospital officials. “These plans include redeploying our workforce to best position Essentia Health to…

Itasca County Official Speak On Confirmed Covid-19 Case

"This positive case shows we are not invisible in Itasca County," said Grand Itasca Clinic's Vice President of Medical Affairs Dan Soular.

ITASCA COUNTY, Minn.- The first case of Coronavirus has been confirmed by Minnesota health authorities in Itasca County. The person, who tested positive for the coronavirus, is a man in his sixties. The individual was hospitalized at the Grand Itasca Clinic and Hospital in Grand Rapids. The patient was tested upon admission to the hospital and later confirmed positive. At…

Churches Find New Ways To Reach Parishioners During Pandemic

"I think part of it is people are really feeling a need to connect with their faith," said First United Methodist Pastor Jeanine Alexander.

DULUTH, Minn. – Many ministries have been looking for ways to spread their messages outside of normal church services. As the coronavirus continues to impact millions globally churches are shifting to virtual worship. The First United Methodist Church also known as The Coppertop in Duluth is one of many churches making the transition. Every Sunday parishioners can tune in to…

Healthy Routines Amidst the Coronavirus

While you watch what you eat, don't be afraid to have that cookie.

DULUTH, Minn. – It’s about maintaining a healthy routine and schedule during this time when normal routines are not always possible to help regulate weight and nutrition. Experts say getting too comfortable at home and not being able to go outside may result in inactivity. “When you are kind of trapped in your home or you’re not able to go…

DTA Takes Precautions and Adjusts Protocols During the Coronavirus

Ridership is down by almost 50 percent on all fixed routes.

DULUTH, Minn. – The DTA is taking precautions and is adjusting its protocols accordingly during the coronavirus. Ridership is down by almost 50 percent on fixed routes, which are all free. The fronts of the buses are also taped off and are used only for those with mobility impairments. Most customers are only allowed to get off and on the…

Hardware Stores Continue to Stay Open

Despite most businesses shutting down, hardware stores are still up and running as they are considered essential businesses.

SUPERIOR, Wis. – Despite most businesses shutting down, hardware stores, like Campbell Lumber in Superior, are still up and running as they are considered essential businesses. The president of the store tells us they are supplying construction crews for building projects around the community while other customers are coming in for home projects, like kitchen cabinetry, along with windows and…

Ashland County Reports First Case of COVID-19

ASHLAND COUNTY, Wis. – Ashland County Public Health announced Monday that there is a confirmed case of COVID-19 in Ashland County. It is believed the individual contracted the virus due to domestic travel to an area with known community transmission. The individual self-quarantined as requested and has since been cleared of COVID-19 infection and is recovering at home. “We are…

MN Department of Corrections: Moose Lake Inmate Tests Positive for COVID-19

ST. PAUL, Minn. – The Minnesota Department of Corrections has confirmed that an inmate at the Moose Lake Correctional Facility has tested positive for COVID-19. The facility says the individual is experiencing mild symptoms and does not require hospitalization at this time. “We have been working directly with epidemiology staff from the Department of Health for several weeks to plan…

Essentia Health Restricting Clinic Visitors Beginning Wednesday

DULUTH, Minn. – Essentia Health announced on Monday they will be restricting clinic visitors beginning April 1. Patients visiting any Essential Health clinics are being asked to attend their appointments alone. As an exception, one additional person will be allowed to accompany: Children Obstetric patients Adults patients that require assistance Essentia says anyone accompanying a patient to the clinic must…

St. Luke’s, Essentia Health Expand Patient Appointment Services

DULUTH, Minn. – Two Duluth hospitals announced today that they will be expanding options for patient appointments amid the coronavirus pandemic. Essentia Health says they fast-tracked their virtual visit technology that was originally scheduled to be unveiled later this spring to allow patients the option to schedule a video visit with their provider. The vital visit model is being used…

Live: City of Cloquet Hosts Press Conference Regarding COVID-19

LIVE: The City of Cloquet holds a press conference regarding COVID-19 Posted by Fox 21 News on Monday, March 30, 2020   CLOQUET, Minn. – The City of Cloquet is holding a press conference at Cloquet City Hall in the Council Chamber today to broadcast information to the public from our local and regional agencies regarding the COVID-19 pandemic. The press conference…

More Labs Helping With COVID-19 in Wisconsin

MADISON, Wis. – Wisconsin will be able to double its capacity to process COVID-19 tests with the addition of new laboratories that will assist with the effort, Gov. Tony Evers said Monday. The new public-private partnership includes laboratory support from Exact Sciences, Marshfield Clinic Health System, Promega, and UW Health. Existing labs that had been doing the testing were able…

Midday Update 3-30-20

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Monday, March 30, 2020

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist William Seay for a local look at news and weather making headlines Monday, March 30, 2020. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Local News, midday update, William Seay

Itasca County Confirms First Case of COVID-19

ITASCA COUNTY, Minn. – Minnesota health officials confirmed the first case of COVID-19 in Itasca County on Sunday. According to the Itasca County Health and Human Services, the individual is in their 60’s. “At this point, there has been no request for the County to provide any essential services to this person. The Minnesota Department of Health will conduct contact…

Wisconsin Dairy Farmers Hit Hard by Coronavirus

MILWAUKEE (AP) — The coronavirus has delivered a severe blow to Wisconsin dairy farmers who rely on selling milk to restaurants, schools and the hospitality industry. About one-third of Wisconsin dairy products, mainly cheese, are sold in the foodservice trade, the Journal Sentinel reported. Farmers say the coronavirus outbreak has caused milk prices to drop to unprofitable levels this spring, at…

Morning Update 3-30-20

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Monday, March 30, 2020

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist William Seay for a local look at news and weather making headlines Monday, March 30, 2020. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Local News, morning update, William Seay

Duluth Home Damaged in Monday Morning Fire

DULUTH, Minn. – A Duluth home sustained an estimated $45,000 in damage after an early morning fire broke out in the home on Monday morning. The Duluth Fire Department says they responded to the structure fire just after 1:00 a.m. Monday at 607 East 9th Street. The Duluth Police Department had already removed two occupants and two dogs from the…

Minnesota COVID-19 Death Total Reaches 9 on Sunday

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) — Minnesota reported four new deaths from COVID-19 on Sunday, bringing the state’s death toll from the new coronavirus to nine. State Health Commissioner Jan Malcolm said three of the new deaths were among people who lived in long-term care facilities in Hennepin County. The fourth death was in Martin County, in southern Minnesota, but was…

Country Singer Joe Diffie Dies After Contracting Coronavirus, Was To Perform At Bayfront

NEW YORK (AP) – Country singer Joe Diffie, who had a string of hits in the 1990s with chart-topping, rock-tinged singles such as “Home” and “Pickup Man” has died after testing positive for COVID-19. He was 61. A spokesman for Diffie on Friday announced he had contracted the coronavirus, becoming the first country star to go public with such a…

Schwan’s Home Delivery Sees Rise In Frozen Food Orders

ESKO, Minn. – Schwan’s Home Delivery has been swamped with orders due to the coronavirus outbreak. The Minnesota-based company has a depot in Esko, and their drivers are seeing a rise in customers wanting frozen foods delivered. Schwan’s management says their employees are even limiting interactions with customers by doing simple drop-offs right at their doors. “And that’s a change…

Five New COVID-19 Cases in St. Louis County Confirmed in One Day

Unlike the past five cases, the way these individuals were infected is not known at this time.

DULUTH, Minn.- St. Louis County saw a jump in COVID-19 cases over the weekend. Five new presumptive cases were confirmed, doubling the total number of cases to 10 in the county, in just one day. The newest cases include a woman in her early 60s who is being hospitalized for treatment–the first case severe enough to require hospitalization in the…