News

University of Minnesota: 7 Students Test COVID-19 Positive

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — The University of Minnesota said Tuesday that seven athletes from “multiple sports” have tested positive for the coronavirus. The Gopher Athletics Department conducted 170 COVID-19 tests during June, and seven athletes tested positive. The school said students who test positive are entered into a protocol and asked to self-isolate. Those students will have access to all necessary…

Wisconsin DNR to Allow Group Camping of 50 People or Less, Starting July 13

(FOX 9) – As COVID-19 restrictions loosen, Wisconsin campsites will also be taking more steps to reopen. Starting July 13, the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources will allow group camping for groups 50 or less. A reservation is required before setting up camp. Also, the DNR will start placing camp hosts at state park campgrounds and firewood at some state parks. While visiting the…

Former Hermantown Police Chief, Sons Among Injured In Hit-And-Run; Suspect Charged

Complaint: Suspect Rodney Scandin Jr. of Two Harbors drank two beers and got distracted before crash.

DULUTH, Minn. – A Two Harbors man was charged in St. Louis County Court Tuesday after a hit-and-run in Midway Township Friday that seriously injured five people — one of them critically. Suspect Rodney Scandin Rodney Scandin Jr., 35, of Two Harbors is charged with five felonies and a misdemeanor, including Criminal Vehicular Operation leading to bodily harm while also leaving…

Longview Tennis Club Resumes Operations

"I think tennis is for everybody. You don't have to be a professional at it."

DULUTH, Minn. – “I think tennis is for everybody. You don’t have to be a professional at it,” Longview Tennis Manager, Kirk Summers says. Whether you’re an ammeter or an expert, there’s no questioning how good it feels to get back outside. “We know we don’t have many days like this which is nice to come down and play outdoors,”…

Fireworks Stands Stay Busy

Northlanders are also continuing to prep for the fourth by buying up fireworks.

DULUTH, Minn. – Northlanders are also continuing to prep for the fourth by buying up fireworks. The owners at one stand at Cub Foods in Duluth says sales are up 300 percent higher than they were last year. Owners attribute this to coronavirus, saying since many celebrations are canceled, Northlanders are celebrating in their own ways, while keeping safety in…

Multiple Bars Voluntarily Close After Customers Test Positive for COVID-19

SUPERIOR, Wis.– At least five bars in Superior, South Superior and South Range have voluntarily shut their doors for the time being after getting notified they’ve each had a customer in their establishment recently who has tested positive COVID-19. The bar closures come as the health department recorded 30 positive cases in Douglas County since the pandemic began. Log Cabin…

Tutors Wanted For Duluth Area Schools

The deadline to apply is July 29th.

DULUTH, Minn. – As the Covid-19 crisis has already thrown a curveball in the way students receive their education there is a growing need to help students struggling with math are reading. The Math and Reading Corp of Minnesota is hoping to help fill those gaps. The organization is looking to hire nearly 2,000 tutors across the state and about…

Propane Prices Are Beginning To Go Up

In the last few months, the cost of propane has jumped by 30 cents.

DULUTH, Minn. – At the start of the pandemic, the cost for fuel and other energy resources dropped drastically. But as the world inches closer to an economic recovery those prices are steadily climbing. Fuel companies like Superior Fuel in Duluth are now urging their customers to take advantage of the low pricing while it lasts. In recent weeks, the…

ER Visits For Heart Attack, Stroke, And Diabetic Issues Drop During Pandemic

A national study found that visits for heart attack or stroke were down by at least 20% between March and May.

DULUTH, Minn. – Hospitals around the nation are experiencing declines in emergency room visits that are not Covid-19 related, but is a direct impact of the pandemic. A study conducted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is showing a noticeable drop in emergency room visits for people suffering from heart attacks, strokes, and those living with uncontrolled diabetes….

North Shore Scenic Railroad Poised to Reopen

DULUTH, Minn. – The North Shore Scenic Railroad and Lake Superior Railroad Museum are set to reopen on Wednesday. The two will open together after being shut down for several months allowing directors to take a look at other attractions open around the country to see what was working for them. Now, with an increased emphasis in safety and touchless…

Flag Business Getting Busy

As the Fourth of July approaches, you may be interested in getting a flag to celebrate. One local business is here to help.

DULUTH, Minn. – As the Fourth of July approaches, you may be interested in getting a flag to celebrate. One local business is here to help. True North Flags and Flagpoles sells both flags and poles to companies and to individuals. The business started about one year ago. Leadership says that it’s important for a flag to not be torn,…

Duluth Children’s Museum Opens This Week

After being closed for months, the Duluth Children's Museum is reopening Thursday.

DULUTH, Minn. – After being closed for months, the Duluth Children’s Museum is reopening Thursday. Since shutting down, leadership has had to come up with new ways for kids of all ages to enjoy the attractions, and now, safety precautions are in place, which should keep everyone comfortable. “Well, we’re so excited,” said Cameron Kruger, the president and CEO of…

Fauci: US ‘Going in Wrong Direction’ in Coronavirus Outbreak

WASHINGTON (AP) – The U.S. is “going in the wrong direction” with the coronavirus surging badly enough that Dr. Anthony Fauci told senators Tuesday some regions are putting the entire country at risk — just as schools and colleges are wrestling with how to safely reopen. With about 40,000 new cases being reported a day, Fauci, the government’s top infectious…

University of Minnesota, Edina, Rochester Adopt Face Mask Requirements

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — The University of Minnesota as well as the cities of Edina and Rochester have new requirements on wearing face masks in public places as the number of coronavirus cases and deaths continue to climb in Minnesota. University officials sent an e-mail to students Monday announcing that beginning Wednesday, all faculty, students, and visitors to the campuses will…

Two Harbors Man Charged With Hit-and-Run

TWO HARBORS, Minn. – A Two Harbors man has been charged with five felonies and a misdemeanor stemming from a Friday hit-and-run accident at an intersection in Midway Township. 35-year-old Rodney Drake Scandin, Jr. is charged with two counts of criminal vehicular operation causing great bodily harm – driver who causes collision leaves scene, three counts of criminal vehicular operation…

Midday Update 6-30-20

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Tuesday, June 30, 2020

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

Updated COVID-19 Numbers: Tuesday, June 30

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Minnesota health officials reported 36,303 confirmed COVID-19 cases in the state Tuesday morning and 6 new deaths bringing the death total to 1,441 in Minnesota. According to the Minnesota Department of Health website, 605,316 tests have been completed to date. There are 31,601 patients who no longer require isolation. So far, 4,054 patients have required hospitalization…

Morning Update 6-30-20

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Tuesday, June 30, 2020

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

WITC to Offer In-Person Classes for Fall Semester

SUPERIOR, Wis. – WITC says they will offer in-person classes for the 2020-2021 academic year. “WITC is committed to providing all of the essential degrees and diplomas that require hands-on training while following the health department and CDC guidelines that are in place,” the college said in a Tuesday press release. The college says they will offer in-person classes for…

Stokke’s Liquor Expands to Lakeside Neighborhood

Stokke's Liquor Store in Lakeside is located at 5631 East Superior Street. 

DULUTH, Minn. – After decades of being a dry neighborhood, there’s now an additional liquor store in Duluth’s Lakeside neighborhood. “I know that for a really long time, Lakeside didn’t have a liquor store. So it’s kind of cool to open in a certain period of time,” assistant manager of Stokke’s Liquor Store Destanie Michelizzi said. Stokke’s Liquor Store expanded…

New Owner of Greysolon Plaza Says Much Will Remain the Same

Historic downtown building sold for $17.45 Million.

DULUTH, Minn. – The Greysolon Plaza located in downtown Duluth has been sold to Orbach Affordable Housing Solutions for a reported $17.45 million. JLL Capital Markets announced the sale on Monday between Sherman Associates and Orbach Affordable Housing Solutions, based out of New Jersey. The Plaza currently offers 150 one-bedroom affordable housing apartments, along with the Greysolon Ballroom and Black…

State of Minnesota Gives Out Over 600,000 COVID-19 Tests

ST. PAUL, Minn.– In late May, Minnesota Governor Walz announced a partnership with two of the state’s top healthcare providers to help increase COVID-19 testing capacity. The ambitious partnership including the University of Minnesota, the Mayo Clinic, and the state announced that they have tested over 600,000 people after ramping up their efforts in late May. “This puts us in…

UMD To Require Masks On Campus While Indoors Starting July 1

DULUTH, Minn. – The University of Minnesota announced Monday that starting July 1, it will require all students, staff and visitors to wear a mask while in any indoor or enclosed space on campus. In an email sent to staff and students, officials wrote that “We now know that wearing a face covering provides valuable, albeit imperfect, protection against the spread…

Fireworks Disturbances Creating Need To Warn About The Dangers

Duluth Police officers have answered nearly one hundred fireworks-related calls since June 1st.

DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth Police Department is seeing an uptick in calls for fireworks disturbances. As those calls increase, the Duluth Fire Department is looking to remind fireworks users about the potential dangers and the importance of safety. As the Fourth of July inches closer, the use of illegal fireworks around Duluth has increased drastically compared to the same…

Virtual Driver’s Education Courses Helps Get Teens Prepared For The Road

Young drivers are required to take 30 hours of classroom instruction, but the pandemic has put limitations on in-person classes.

DULUTH, Minn. – Many teens hoping to begin the process of getting their driver’s license, may have thought they lost their chance this year, as the Covid-19 pandemic continues. Fortunately, a local driving school is offering virtual driver’s education courses, so those teens get that opportunity. Northern Lights Driver Education is accepting sign-ups for its upcoming virtual class. The course…

Construction Ahead of Can of Worms Project to Start in October

The first bit of construction in the fall will begin on the 27th Avenue West bridge which goes over to the wastewater treatment plant WLSSD.

DULUTH, Minn. – With each day, the Twin Ports Interchange, better known as the Can of Worms, project gets closer. Monday, the Minnesota Department of Transportation provided an update on those plans along with other projects going on in Duluth. After earlier postponing the Can of Worms project, design plans are now close to 100 percent complete to get started…

Lilly’s Asian Cafe Opens in Two Harbors

Lilly's, previously operated as the Vietnamese Lantern in a different location, is located in the former Blueberry House Bakery on Highway 61.

TWO HARBORS, Minn. – Lilly’s Asian Cafe is now open in Two Harbors as of Monday. Lilly’s, previously operated as the Vietnamese Lantern in a different location, is located in the former Blueberry House Bakery on Highway 61. The staff has been working to get the space up to speed for a restaurant instead of a bakery. They opened on…

Judy’s Cafe Reopens for Dine-In Service After COVID-19 Closure

The staff is taking precautions with some tables and chairs were taken out to promote social distancing as well as encouraging customers to do reservations. 

TWO HARBORS, Minn. – Judy’s Cafe reopened on Monday for dine-in service after more than three months. The staff is taking precautions with some tables and chairs were taken out to promote social distancing as well as encouraging customers to do reservations. The owner says she is happy to be back. “It feels good we’re all kind of a little…

Judge Warns of Possible Move of Trial in George Floyd Death

(Hennepin County Sheriff’s Office via AP) MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — A Minnesota judge on Monday warned that he’s likely to move the trials of four police officers charged in George Floyd’s death out of Minneapolis if public officials and attorneys don’t stop talking about the case. Hennepin County Judge Peter Cahill stopped short of issuing a gag order on attorneys, but…

Democrats Say no August Election Changes, Look to November

MADISON, Wis. (AP) — An attorney representing Democrats in a federal lawsuit seeking to make absentee voting easier told a judge Monday that his clients are no longer looking to implement changes in time for Wisconsin’s August primary and are now looking ahead to the November presidential election. The Democratic National Committee and the state Democratic Party filed a lawsuit…

One Dead in Weekend Motorcycle Crash

GORDON, Wis. – Authorities say a Gordon man died in a motorcycle crash on Saturday on CTH Y near Jackacki Road in Gordon. The Douglas County Sheriff’s Office says they responded to reports of a crashed motorcycle but no driver. When authorities arrived on the scene they found the crashed motorcycle about 300 feet off the pavement. First responders then…

Supreme Court Strikes Down Louisiana Abortion Clinic Law

WASHINGTON (AP) –The Supreme Court has struck down a Louisiana law regulating abortion clinics, reasserting a commitment to abortion rights over fierce opposition from dissenting conservative justices in the first big abortion case of the Trump era. Chief Justice John Roberts joined with his four more liberal colleagues in ruling that the law requiring doctors who perform abortions to have…

Midday Update 6-29-20

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Monday, June 29, 2020

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist William Seay for a local look at news and weather making headlines Monday, June 29, 2020. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Local News, midday update, William Seay

Updated COVID-19 Numbers: Monday, June 29

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Minnesota health officials reported 35,861 confirmed COVID-19 cases in the state Monday morning and 10 new deaths bringing the death total to 1,435 in Minnesota. According to the Minnesota Department of Health website, 592,955 tests have been completed to date. There are 31,225 patients who no longer require isolation. So far, 4,031 patients have required hospitalization…

Four Ex-Officers due Back in Court in George Floyd’s Death

(from left, Derek Chauvin, Tuo Thao, Thomas Lane, and J. Alexander Kueng) MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — The four former Minneapolis police officers charged in the death of George Floyd are due in court Monday for a hearing that could deal with bail amounts and other issues. It’s the second pretrial hearing for the men, who were fired after Floyd’s May 25…

Pick Your Own! Honeyberry Harvest in Full Swing at Farm LoLa

Honeyberries Have Rippened at Farm LoLa; Raspberries Will Soon Follow Suit

WRENSHALL, Minn. – In this week’s Coffee Conversation, Farm LoLa co-owner Lucie Amundsen chats about picking season as the honeyberry crops ripen and are ready to harvest. Honeyberries taste similar to a blueberry with notes of citrus toward the end. Farm Lola is located at 852 Cemetery Road in Wrenshall, Minnesota. You’re encouraged to visit Farm LoLa online, or call the…

Morning Update 6-29-20

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Monday, June 29, 2020

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist William Seay for a local look at news and weather making headlines Monday, June 29, 2020. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Local News, Morning Updatte, William Seay

Superior Garage Destroyed in Sunday Night Fire

SUPERIOR, Wis. – The Superior Fire Department says a garage in Superior was destroyed in a fire Sunday night. Fire crews responded to the fire around 8:30 p.m. Sunday. The fire department says the garage was already “well involved in fire” when crews arrived on the scene. The fire was quickly put out, however, the structure was destroyed with no…

Health Care Workers Forced to Reuse Masks Due to Shortage

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — 3M Co. says global demand for N95 masks continues to far exceed supply. The Maplewood-based conglomerate corporation says it has doubled the production of N95 masks this year. But, with too few N95 respirators to go around, nurses and other health care workers are being forced to reuse the masks even though the coronavirus can live on…

No Boat, No Problem! Friends Paddle Lake Superior in Blow-Up Pool

With snow shovels as ores and a backpack as an anchor, they set out on the choppy water.

DULUTH, Minn.- While beaches were crowded with swimmers, one pair of friends enjoyed the water in another way. They used a kiddie pool not filled with water, but on the water, as a makeshift raft. The “Floaty Floatilla” event behind Fitger’s Complex was canceled due to choppy water, but that didn’t stop Bryce Kelly and Sean Daly from setting out…

Cancellation of 2020 Apple Fest a Big Test for Bayfield Businesses

It is arguably the cities largest event, and at times, can bring in over 60,000 people to a town with a popular of under 500.

BAYFIELD, Wisc. – This year, the fall season in Bayfield will be looking different. “Certainly overwhelming. Very large crowds come into town over the weekend. When the weather is nice, typically the streets will be packed body to body with people,” Howl Owner, Mary Thiel says. That won’t be happening with the cancellation of the 59th annual Apple Fest, and…

Driver With Life-Threatening Injuries After Blatnik Bridge Rollover

DULUTH, Minn. – A Saginaw woman is being treated for life-threatening injuries after rolling her vehicle off the end of the Blatnik Bridge. The accident happened around 1 a.m. Sunday just before the I-35 exit to Duluth from Superior. The Minnesota State Patrol said the 25-year-old woman who was driving somehow lost control before rolling down into the train yard below….

Saharan Dust Cloud Moves Through Midwest; Not Very Visible Through Minnesota Clouds

The cloud of dust from Africa creates vibrant sunsets and hazy skies, but cloudy skies keep Minnesotans from seeing it.

DULUTH, Minn.- If you were hoping to catch a glimpse of a hazy sky or a vibrant sunset here in Minnesota Sunday or Monday, caused by the phenomenon known as the Saharan Dust Cloud, you may be out of luck due to our pesky clouds. The Saharan Dust Cloud is dust picked up by thunderstorms and winds in Africa’s Sahara…