News

Kari Toyota Deals with Coronavirus Concerns

SUPERIOR, Wis.– Kari Toyota is making changes in how they operate to help everyone stay healthy. The sales team is wearing gloves during test drives, and the dealership removed chairs in the waiting area to create more space. The service department is still busy, but car sales have slowed down. “We’re trying to do it in a way that’s smart…

Wisconsin Updates Childcare Regulations Over Coronavirus

SUPERIOR, Wis.– On Wednesday Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers announced new regulations for childcare centers around the state, but now some of them have changed to help out parents and daycares. A change in policy from the state is a sigh of relief for childcare centers like New Horizons Children’s Center in Superior. Yesterday afternoon, owner Cindy Fennessey was told by…

St. Scholastica Extends Virtual Classes Through the Semester; Commencement Canceled

DULUTH, Minn.– In response to experts’ recommendations on halting the spread of the coronavirus, the College of St. Scholastica has announced that classes will be taught online for the rest of the spring semester, and that commencement exercises will not go forward as planned. In an announcement Thursday to faculty, staff and students, President Barbara McDonald said that the college…

City Officials Remind Residents To Only Call 911 For Emergencies During Pandemic

DULUTH, Minn. – Emergency services in Duluth are beginning to prioritize emergency calls based on the most immediate need during the coronavirus pandemic. Officials are now asking the public to think before they call 911. The Duluth Fire Department tell us there has been a surge in calls from people with questions about the coronavirus. They are asking even if…

Gas Prices Fall During Coronavirus

Gas prices are dropping around the nation, and the Northland is no exception.

DULUTH, Minn. – Gas prices are dropping around the nation, and the Northland is no exception. Around the local area, gas is falling. Demand is not meeting the amount of supply that is available. Duluthians say the gas prices are helpful, specifically for who are currently working. “They drive the company car, pay for the fixing of the car, and…

Hospitals and Medical Professionals Update on COVID-19

Area hospitals are busy preparing for the potential impact of coronavirus in the Northland.

DULUTH, Minn. – Area hospitals are busy preparing for the potential impact of coronavirus in the Northland. Earlier today, St. Luke’s and Essentia leaders came together to help address questions concerning the virus. Tests have been happening at both Essentia and St. Luke’s in Duluth for the past week. Hospital officials say they have enough equipment for medical personnel and…

Unemployment Encouraged After Many Workers Lose Jobs As A Result Of Covid-19

Applicants could receive their unemployment benefits within a week.

DULUTH, Minn. – Many workers across the nation have lost their jobs as a result of the Coronavirus pandemic. The City of Duluth is now encouraging people to apply for unemployment to help with their financial difficulties. CareerForce, which is part of the City of Duluth’s Workforce Development Department, has been seen an increase in calls from people hoping to…

Minnesota Bans Elective Surgeries in Response to COVID-19

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Minnesota health care providers must postpone elective surgeries and other medical procedures so they can focus their resources on responding to the anticipated surge of COVID-19 cases, Gov. Tim Walz ordered Thursday. The order, which also applies to non-emergency dental procedures, followed guidance issued by the federal government this week to delay elective procedures to conserve resources…

Former Red Cliff Vice-Chairman Charged With Intentional Homicide

BAYFIELD COUNTY, Wis. – Authorities in Bayfield County have arrested a 56-year-old Bayfield man in connection to a murder that happened in the summer of 2003. Former vice-chairman of the Red Cliff Band of Lake Superior Chippewa Michael John LaGrew was charged on Thursday with first-degree intentional homicide for the murder of 50-year-old Jody Ricard. According to the criminal complaint,…

Bayfield County Resident Tests Positive for COVID-19

BAYFIELD, Wis. – A Bayfield County resident has tested positive for COVID-19.  The Bayfield County School District has confirmed the resident is a high school student in the district and that the building has been thoroughly cleaned during the past week. As a precaution, the school building will be closed today and Friday, March 20. Families with high school students…

Minnesota COVID-19 Cases Hits 89

The New Cases Include One in Wadena County

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) – The number of confirmed COVID-19 cases in Minnesota rose to 89 on Thursday, up 12 from the day before.  The new cases include one in Wadena County in north-central Minnesota.  It’s the state’s first confirmed case so far north.  The count of confirmed cases from the Minnesota Department of Health is lower than the total number of…

Midday Update 3-19-20

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Thursday, March 19, 2020

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Brittney Merlot for a local look at news and weather making headlines Thursday, March 19, 2020. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, brittney merlot, community, Headlines, Local News, midday update

Mnuchin: White House Will Send Checks to Most Americans Within Three Weeks

(AP/Fox 9) – Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin said on Thursday the White House is working to send $1,000 checks to most adult Americans within three weeks to offset the coronavirus pandemic, which has forced life in the U.S. to come to a grinding halt. “We’re going to get out of this quickly,” Mnuchin told FOX Business’, Maria Bartiromo. The cash…

Morning Update 3-19-20

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Thursday, March 19, 2020

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Brittney Merlot for a local look at news and weather making headlines Thursday, March 19, 2020. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, brittney merlot, community, Headlines, Local News, morning update

City of Duluth Holds Press Conference With Community Partners Regarding COVID-19

DULUTH, Minn. – The City of Duluth is holding a 10:00 a.m. press conference with community leaders to update the public regarding COVID-19. This press conference will be closed to the public due to social distancing. Speakers:  Mayor Emily Larson Congressman Pete Stauber Shawn Krizaj, Duluth Fire Chief & Emergency Management Manager Elena Foshay, City of Duluth Workforce Development Director…

Courts Suspend Late Penalties, Collections Referrals and Drivers License Suspensions in Minnesota

ST. PAUL, Minn. (FOX 9) – The Minnesota Judicial Branch has temporarily suspended late penalties, collections referrals, and drivers’ license suspensions to help keep Minnesotans out of courthouses. Supreme Court Justice Lorie S. Gildea issued the order Friday in an effort to reduce in-person traffic at courthouses. The suspension will last for the next 30 days. “We are committed to…

Students Receive Free Breakfast And Lunch During Coronavirus Pandemic

DULUTH, Minn.- With all Minnesota schools being required to close its doors during Coronavirus pandemic, the Duluth Public School district is making sure students are continuing to be fed by giving out free breakfast and lunch. Starting Wednesday until May 4 any student 18 or younger from any school in Duluth can grab one of the to-go meals. Bagged breakfast…

Salons, Spas in Minnesota Ordered to Close Through March 27

Owners of Local Salons Speak Out Regarding the Impact of Business Closures

DULUTH, Minn. – If you get your hair cut in Minnesota, you won’t be able to anymore – at least until March 27 at 5:00 p.m. Affective Tuesday, March 17 at 5:00 p.m., under orders from Governor Tim Walz, hair and nail salons as well as spas have been ordered to close due to concerns over COVID-19. This news is…

Culver’s Gives Free Meals to Health Care Workers

Even during this uncertain time, businesses are helping out in the community.

DULUTH, Minn. – Even during this uncertain time, businesses are helping out the community. Culver’s locations in Duluth, Two Harbors, Ashland and Superior are providing value baskets free of charge to health care workers. This includes a choice of a free entree with fries and a beverage. All those who qualify have to do is show their ID badge at…

‘A Place for Fido’ Offering Pickup, Curbside, Delivery at Fitger’s Complex

A few businesses inside Fitger's Complex are still operating on a pickup and delivery basis for food for people and dogs.

DULUTH, Minn. – The Fitger’s Complex in Duluth is the latest mall to temporarily close amid coronavirus concerns. But a few businesses inside are still operating on a pickup and delivery basis for food for people and dogs. A Place for Fido supplies food for all kinds of dogs and even ones with sensitive stomachs. Customers cannot shop in the…

CHUM Food Shelf Offering To-Go Meal Boxes

The food shelf was helped by a big donation from the Rosary School.

DULUTH, Minn.- CHUM Food Shelf at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church in West Duluth is not letting the Coronavirus stop them from getting food to those in need. The food shelf is offering 20 to-go box meals everyday from 11-1:45 out of the West alley door. CHUM also received a large donation from the Holy Rosary School of 351 pints of…

Ruby’s Pantry Hosting Drive-Thru Service this Month

For this month, Ruby's will be operating outside the church in the parking lot with drive-thru service.

DULUTH, Minn. – Ruby’s Pantry is not stopping its food distribution on Thursday at Duluth’s Coppertop Church, but the way it’s being handed out is much different. Normally people are welcomed into the church basement where they can select their food. For this month, Ruby’s will be operating outside the church in the parking lot with drive-thru service. Cars will…

Superior Family Restaurant Offers Free Meals to Anyone in Need

Restaurant still offers normal takeout 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

SUPERIOR, Wis.- Only one day after Wisconsin Bars and Restaurants were abruptly ordered to close, one restaurant in Superior is offering all they can to those in need. Superior Family Restaurant off Tower Avenue is offering free meals to anyone facing hardship who are figuring out where their next meal is coming from. The offer is not limited to children…

Wisconsin Child Care Workers Saddened by Call for Limit on Staff, Children

Governor Evers's order puts a huge burden on employees and parents.

SUPERIOR, Wis.- One of Superior’s busier child care centers reacts to Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers’s decision to scale back staff and amount of children in child care settings. The order dictates that organizations are not allowed to operate with more than 10 staff and 50 kids present. Meanwhile in Minnesota on Tuesday, Governor Tim Walz offered support to child care…

Plumbers Warn of Flushing Alternative Items

DULUTH, Minn.– The toilet paper shortage has plumbing experts warning homeowners to be careful what alternatives are flushed down the pipe. ASP Plumbing in Duluth tells us crews have been busier since the Coronavirus outbreak. They say older sewer lines made with clay tile can crack and cause roots to pick up materials that don’t disintegrate right away, causing pipes…

How to Keep Your House Clean Amid Coronavirus Concerns

DULUTH, Minn.– As more and more people are staying home due to Coronavirus. Extra effort is being used to make sure homes are as germ-free as can be. Marianne’s Professional Cleaning has seen an increase of ten homes per week with a lot more calls for tips on how to keep their homes clean. They suggest disinfecting doorknobs, light switch…

Customers Pack Local Gun Stores, Stock Up on Ammunition

Superior Shooters Supply is now limiting ammunition purchases. Customers can only buy 100 rounds at a time.

SUPERIOR, Wis. – People are packing local gun stores to stock up on ammunition amid the coronavirus outbreak. In the last couple weeks, handgun ammunition sales have tripled at Superior Shooters Supply on Winter Street. The sales rush started with 9mm rounds and has expanded to all kinds of ammunition store-wide. People have recently started buying up handguns too. Owner…

Visit Duluth Launches ’30 Days of Giveaways’ to Help Support Local Businesses

They estimate $4 million has been lost by local tourism industry because of canceled events

DULUTH, Minn. – An estimated $4 million has already been lost by the Duluth tourism industry because of canceled sporting events, conferences, and performances. Tourism is the third largest industry in Duluth, so all those cancellations have been devastating to local businesses. Visit Duluth has been limiting its promotions while the shutdowns continue. “We are pulling back on our promotions…

St. Louis County Declares Local State Of Emergency

This state of emergency builds on state executive orders and federal declarations already imposed.

DULUTH, Minn – As the Coronavirus pandemic continues, the St. Louis County Board of Commissioners has now declared a local state of emergency. This state of emergency builds on state executive orders and federal declarations already imposed. Public access to all St. Louis County offices, including walk-up service windows, will now be suspended. Some St. Louis County employees will also…

Flying During the Coronavirus

The coronavirus outbreak has slowed down travel all over the world, but that doesn't mean everyone has stopped flying.

DULUTH, Minn. – The coronavirus outbreak has slowed down travel all over the world, but that doesn’t mean everyone has stopped flying. Flyers we spoke with are traveling on planes with many more open seats, and they are taking precautions as much as possible. The seating areas are sparse at the Duluth International Airport. People are not sitting next to…

Liquor Stores Busy Amidst Coronavirus

While bars are closing in the Northland, liquor stores are experiencing an uptick in business to accommodate those who want a drink or two.

DULUTH, Minn. – While bars are closing in the Northland, liquor stores are experiencing an uptick in business to accommodate those who want a drink or two. Lake Aire Bottle Shoppe in Duluth is currently open. It says it’s having a steady stream of people coming into the business. The store says all kinds of hard liquor are currently being…

St. Luke’s Scaling Back Nonessential Appointments, Elective Surgeries, Procedures

DULUTH, Minn. – Starting Thursday, March 19 St. Luke’s will be scaling back on nonessential clinic appointments, elective surgeries, and procedures.  The hospital says they will be rescheduling many of these appointments through April 1.  St. Luke’s says they will contact patients to let them know if their appointment is going to be rescheduled and patients with questions can contact their…

First Case of Coronavirus Confirmed in Minnesota House of Representatives

(AP Photo/Steve Karnowski) ST. PAUL, Minn. (FOX 9) – The first case of the COVID-19 coronavirus has been confirmed at the Minnesota House of Representatives, officials say. Right now, it’s not clear if the case is among a lawmaker or a staffer and officials say, due to privacy laws, they won’t release further information about the individual. “It is possible that…

UWS Students Will Continue Online Courses Through end of Semester

SUPERIOR, Wis. – University of Wisconsin-Superior students will continue alternative delivery of their courses through the end of the spring semester.  The announcement to continue online courses through the end of the semester, including finals, was made Wednesday afternoon in a campus update from Chancellor Renee Wachter.  In addition to the extension of online courses, the University is asking students who…

Update: Miller Hill Mall to Temporarily Close

DULUTH, Minn. – Simon Property Group announced Wednesday afternoon that it will be closing all of its malls in the U.S. in an effort to help stop the spread of COVID-19.  The measure means that Miller Hill Mall will close tonight at 7 p.m. and open Monday, Mar. 30.  “The health and safety of our shoppers, retailers, and employees are…

Duluth Diocese Suspends Mass to Help Stem the Spread of COVID-19

DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth Diocese announced on Wednesday that they will be suspending masses through April 20 to help stem the spread of COVID-19.  The suspension takes effect Friday, March 20.  According to the press release, All gatherings of more than 10 people will also be canceled.  Father Bissonette says confessions and office hours should continue to be made available…

Stocks Plunge Amid Recession Fears

NEW YORK-Stocks fell 7% on Wall Street and triggered another temporary halt to trading as fears spread that the coronavirus is causing a global recession. The Dow has lost all its gains since President Donald Trump’s inauguration. The price of crude oil dropped more than 15% as traders anticipate a sharp pullback in demand for energy. Even prices for longer-term…

Midday Update 3-18-20

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Wednesday, March 18, 2020

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott for a local look at news and weather making headlines Wednesday, March 18, 2020. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Local News, midday update

Minnesota Unemployment Claims Jump as COVID-19 Cases Rise to 77

(Glen Stubbe/Star Tribune via AP) MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Minnesota saw a sharp jump in applications for unemployment insurance after Gov. Tim Walz ordered restaurants, bars, theaters, fitness clubs and other places of public amusement closed to slow the spread of COVID-19. The Department of Employment and Economic Development took more than 2,000 applications per hour Tuesday, compared with about 40…

Animal Allies Taking Precautionary Measures Amid COVID-19 Pandemic

Animal Allies Humane Society in Duluth Postpones Humane Education Activities, Volunteer Trainings Until End of April

DULUTH, Minn. – The COVID-19 pandemic is now impacting the animals up for adoption in the Northland. Animal Allies Humane Society in Duluth announced Wednesday morning on FOX 21 Local News that all humane education activities and volunteer trainings will be postponed until the end of April. Michelle Carter, Development Officer at Animal Allies, said the shelter is experiencing shifts…

Miller Hill Mall Modifies Operating Hours Due to COVID-19

DULUTH, Minn. – The Miller Hill Mall is temporarily changing its operating hours amid the COVID-19 pandemic.  The mall says the changes were made to support retailers and the community and are in accordance with CDC guidelines.  Operating hours will now be 11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 12:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. Sunday.  The changes went into…

Emergency Steps Eyed to Help Wisconsin Deal With Outbreak

MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Gov. Tony Evers was expected to issue an executive order Wednesday to speed up unemployment benefits for workers affected by the COVID-19 pandemic as he meets with legislative leaders to discuss a more far-reaching emergency plan to help all of those struggling due to the outbreak. The coronavirus pandemic has shuttered schools, colleges, universities, bars, restaurants…

Morning Update 3-18-20

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Wednesday, March 18, 2020

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Brittney Merlot for a local look at news and weather making headlines Wednesday, March 18, 2020. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, brittney merlot, community, Headlines, Local News, morning update

US, Canada to Close Borders to Nonessential Travel

TORONTO (AP) — The U.S. and Canada have agreed to temporarily close their shared border to nonessential travel, President Donald Trump announced Wednesday as the two nations work to stem the spread of the coronavirus pandemic. Trump made the announcement on Twitter, saying the decision would not affect the flow of trade between the countries. “We will be, by mutual…

Judge Backs Minnesota’s Twin Metal Mines in Lease Dispute

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — A federal judge on Tuesday rejected a challenge by environmental groups against the proposed Twin Metals copper-nickel mine in northeastern Minnesota, saying the Interior Department had the authority to reverse itself and renew the project’s federal mineral rights leases. The Obama administration rejected the company’s application to renew its leases, citing the risk of acid mine drainage…

Grandma’s Marathon Still on for June, Officials Discussing Further Action

Officials recommend participants should look into cancellation plans for lodging in case race is postponed or cancelled.

DULUTH, Minn.- Grandma’s Marathon has not decided yet if the race of more than 9,000 runners will be cancelled because of the Coronavirus. Race officials told us they are right now discussing whether they need to cancel or postpone the race in June 19th. As for now, the race is still on. But officials are urging runners and spectators to…

Gov. Evers Shocks Bar, Restaurant Owners with Sudden Statewide Closure

Owners given just three hours notice, after being told they could close Wednesday.

SUPERIOR, Wis.- Wisconsin business owners had just three hours to get ready for a 5 p.m. hard shutdown of bars and restaurants ordered from the very top in Madison. “We all thought it was kind of a short notice, we all probably should’ve got a 24 hours notice,” said Superior Flame Nightclub owner Alvin Berg. “We’re gonna comply and we…