News

Minnesotans Urged to Fish Close to Home to Slow COVID-19

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Minnesotans should fish close to home to help curb the coronavirus pandemic when the walleye season opens this weekend, avoiding overnight stays and driving no further than they can go on one tank of gas, Department of Natural Resources officials said Wednesday. A surge in fishing license sales indicates that many Minnesotans are getting antsy under the…

33 Million Have Sought US Unemployment Aid Since Virus Hit

WASHINGTON (AP) — Nearly 3.2 million laid-off workers applied for unemployment benefits last week as the business shutdowns caused by the viral outbreak deepened the worst U.S. economic catastrophe in decades. Roughly 33.5 million people have now filed for jobless aid in the seven weeks since the coronavirus began forcing millions of companies to close their doors and slash their…

Morning Update 5-7-20

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Thursday, May 7, 2020

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist William Seay for a local look at news and weather making headlines Thursday, May 7, 2020. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Local News, morning update, William Seay

Siblings Donate Meals to Duluth Police, Continue to Raise Money to Give More

DULUTH, Minn.- Some hungry police officers got a hearty meal donated by a local family Wednesday. The Parrott siblings have been raising money through their GoFundMe to give food to first responders. They have different fundraising goals, one of which involved Fire Chief Shawn Krizaj and Duluth Police Chief Mike Tusken jumping into the Minnesota Slip last week. The siblings…

Some Duluth Restaurants, Hotels Look Toward Uncertain Future

Hotels and restaurants try to stay afloat after decreased business for this long.

DULUTH, Minn.- As many local businesses in the hospitality industry make adjustments to continue staying open, for others that might not be an option. Dubh Linn Brew Pub in Downtown Duluth is changing their business model, offering delivery of growlers of their in-house brew, cider, wine, and food five days a week from 4pm-8pm. “People are looking for a reason,…

Bayfield Small Businesses Deal With Coronavirus Impact

As Bayfield's busy season gets closer, the town is already seeing a big hit from the coroanvirus pandemic.

BAYFIELD, Wis. – “It’s certainly been really slow and quiet downtown, kind of eerie, there’s no cars on the street, just much more quiet than usual,” co-owner of Howl Adventure Center Mary Thiel said. Bayfield’s busy season is getting closer, and the town is already seeing a big hit from the coronavirus pandemic. “So much of our economy is based…

Arrowhead Region Receives $600,000 Brownfields Grant

This is the first time the arrowhead region of Minnesota has been chosen for the grant.

DULUTH, Minn. – Several cities in Minnesota will be receiving a grant totaling $600,000 towards assessing and cleaning up abandoned industrial sites. Members of the EPA, along with Congressman Pete Stauber announced that the Arrowhead Regional Development Commission has been selected to help revitalize areas in Two Harbors including an ore dock there. Other areas include Grand Rapids, International Falls,…

Dozens of First Responders Parade by Hospitals for National Nurses Day

Nurses lined the streets waiting for the parade of sirens and honks to reach their hospitals.

DULUTH, Minn. – National Nurses Day was celebrated in Duluth when dozens of fire trucks, police cars, and ambulances paraded in front of St. Luke’s and Essentia Hospitals as a thank you to the brave nurses for their sacrifices. Nurses lined the streets waiting for the parade of sirens and honks to reach their hospitals. “Any feedback we get that’s…

Crime Rates Go Down As Opioid Overdoses Increase

This is the second spike in opioid overdoses this year. In February there was a total of 25.

DULUTH, Minn. – Since the Minnesota Stay-at-home order first took effect back in march, crime rates have gone down drastically in the city of Duluth. However, opioid overdoses are still happening during the pandemic. Duluth police say they have seen a rise in cases in the month of April. As many people are practicing social distancing and staying home during…

Limo Company Offers The Community A “Family Night Out”

Only six to eight people are allowed at a time on the buses to help follow CDC guidelines.

SUPERIOR, Wis. – Social distancing and Stay-at-home orders have been keeping many people from experiencing life outside the comforts of their own home. Road Trip limo in Superior is now offering a “family night out” special. For three hours, families can rent one of the company’s sanitized party buses to go anywhere they choose. The buses are equipped with TVs…

A New Bill Could Extend Off-Sale Purchases For Breweries And Distilleries

The bill would relax restrictions for 60 days.

DULUTH, Minn. – Local breweries and distilleries have been significantly impacted by Covid-19. A new bill could give them some relief in restrictions preventing the sale of their products. Minnesota Representatives Liz Olson and Sydney Jordan recently introduced a bill to help Minnesota craft breweries and distilleries to recover from the loss of business. The bill creates an economic opportunity…

Duluthians Celebrate “Bike to Anywhere” Day

DULUTH, Minn. – With the Covid-19 pandemic, the annual Bike to School Day put on by MNDoT and Minnesota Safe Routes to School has been changed to “Bike to Anywhere” Day. It occurs on the first Wednesday of May every year, and the day gives parents and children the opportunity to tune up their bikes and find the safest routes…

Northland High School Students use Signs to Celebrate

As regular graduations are being switched for the virtual variety, students are finding new ways to celebrate in the Northland.

DULUTH, Minn. – As regular graduations are being switched for the virtual variety, students are finding new ways to celebrate in the Northland. Students from Duluth East received yard signs to stick in their lawns last week. The signs signify their accomplishments and graduation. And now, Duluth East and Denfeld are putting together videos of their own virtual ceremonies, which…

Signing and Interpreting During a Pandemic

"I think one significant thing is that we don't feel isolated, that we're able to stay connected," said Hoppe.

DULUTH, Minn. – Maggie Hoppe is a deaf person who lives in Duluth. She says that she is used to having obstacles when talking to people. “I’m used to communication barriers with hearing people in general, and sometimes people will come up to me and talk to me and I won’t understand them because I can’t hear what they say…

Wisconsin National Guard Assisting Douglas County in Coronavirus Testing

SOLON SPRINGS, Wis.– This month, Governor Evers ordered temporary COVID-19 testing sites to pop up in northwestern Wisconsin counties for several days in each area. Today the National Guard was in Douglas County testing residents. Douglas County has tested around 500 people for Coronavirus. After today, that number is going to jump up. “I am glad that people are still…

Opponents File New Challenge to Proposed Twin Metals Mine

MINNEAPOLIS-Opponents of the proposed Twin Metals copper-nickel mine in northeastern Minnesota are suing to challenge the federal government’s renewal of the company’s mineral rights leases. The groups behind the new challenge lost an earlier lawsuit that claimed the Trump administration overstepped its authority by reversing an Obama administration decision not to renew the leases. The new lawsuit, filed Wednesday in…

Musky Fest Canceled This Year

HAYWARD, Wis.-The Hayward Chamber of Commerce has announced that this year’s Musky Fest is canceled due to the coronavirus. “After exploring various options and considering a number of factors, our Hayward Area Chamber of Commerce has made the difficult decision to cancel the 2020 Musky Festival due to the uncertainties associated with the current pandemic and the gathering of large…

State Veterans Cemeteries to Hold virtual Memorial Day Program

ST. PAUL, Minn.-The Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs will hold a virtual Memorial Day program this year in place of live events at the three State Veterans Cemeteries where past years drew thousands of visitors including for an event in Duluth. “The COVID-19 pandemic requires a new approach to our traditional Memorial Day events,” said MDVA Commissioner Larry Herke. “This…

Minnesota Tops 5,000 Daily Cornonavirus Tests for First Time

MINNEAPOLIS-Minnesota for the first time has exceeded Gov. Tim Walz’s goal of conducting 5,000 coronavirus tests a day. The Minnesota Department of Health said Wednesday that state and private labs administered 5,223 tests on Tuesday. Walz has said that hitting the 5,000 target consistently is a necessary condition for reopening the state’s economy. The department also reported 728 new confirmed…

Midday Update 5-6-20

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Wednesday, May 6, 2020

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist William Seay for a local look at news and weather making headlines Wednesday, May 6, 2020. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Local News, midday update, William Seay

St. Luke’s Reminds Patients to Seek In-Person Care for Medical Emergencies

Many Patients Are Receiving Mixed Messages About Medical Care Amid the COVID-19 Pandemic

DULUTH, Minn. – Staff at St. Luke’s Hospital in Duluth urge patients to come into their facilities if you are experiencing a medical emergency. They’ve received reports of patients receiving mixed messages when it comes to handling medical emergencies during the COVID-19 pandemic. “If you have a medical problem, it’s safe to come see your physician,” said Dr. Nick Johnson,…

Hospitality Groups Press Lawmakers for Economic Relief

MINNEAPOLIS-A coalition of Minnesota hospitality organizations is urging state legislators to provide an economic relief package to help save the industry’s businesses. The coalition includes Hospitality Minnesota, the Minnesota Licensed Beverage Association, the Community of Minnesota Resorts and the Craft Brewers Guild. A recent survey by Hospitality Minnesota says that more than half of hospitality businesses may be forced to…

Windy Weather Yields Smaller Bird Count During Spring Migration

Spring Bird Counters Set Up Near Enger Tower and Thompson Hill Depending on Wind Conditions

DULUTH, Minn. – Coronavirus has pretty much put a halt to humans traveling across the nation, but it’s not stopping birds and other wildlife from soaring back into the Northland for the summer season. “We have to be here regardless of the weather,” said John Richardson, a spring migration counter with Hawk Ridge Bird Observatory in Duluth. A windy, cold…

Morning Update 5-6-20

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Wednesday, April 6, 2020

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist William Seay for a local look at news and weather making headlines Wednesday, May 6, 2020. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Local News, morning update, William Seay

Wisconsin Regents to Vote on Scrapping ACT/SAT Submissions

MADISON, Wis.-The University of Wisconsin System regents are set to vote this week on whether to scrap requirements that students submit ACT or SAT scores as part of their admission applications. The regents are set to meet Thursday to consider lifting the requirement at all institutions except UW-Madison for the 2020-21 and 2021-22 academic years. System officials wrote in a…

Gov. Walz Allows Elective Surgeries Statewide; Essentia, St. Luke’s Say They’re Ready

The Governor signed an executive order Tuesday allowing elective surgeries and procedures, reversing an order from March.

DULUTH, Minn.- An executive order from Governor Tim Walz gave the green light for healthcare providers to resume elective surgeries and procedures on May 11th. A move officials at Essentia Health and St. Luke’s Hospitals in Duluth said they are ready for. Health systems statewide have lost about $1 billion a month since procedures and surgeries were banned in March,…

22 Cases of Coronavirus Now in Itasca County

GRAND RAPIDS, Minn.– Itasca County has recorded an increase in cases of Coronavirus. There are now 22 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the county. That’s up from only six cases last week. Officials say 18 of those cases came from an assisted living facility in Grand Rapids known as The Emeralds where nine staff members and nine residents tested positive….

Chilly Billy’s in Duluth Reopens

DULUTH, Minn.– After being closed for over a month, Chilly Billy’s on Woodland Avenue in Duluth opened its doors last week. Because the store is self-serve, customers who come in must wear gloves that are provided while they are getting frozen yogurt. The number of toppings has been cut in half to keep customers moving. Chilly Billy’s is only letting…

Flower Shops Prepare for Mother’s Day

Local flower shops are also busy, preparing for the big floral holiday coming up this weekend.

DULUTH, Minn. – Local flower shops are also busy, preparing for the big floral holiday coming up this weekend. Superior Blooms is taking orders right now for Mother’s Day. Management says the business is a bit busier than they usually are. They recently upgraded their website and have gotten more traffic. They also have been getting sales through Instagram and…

Douglas County Tourism Hits Record Season in 2019

SUPERIOR, Wis.– Tourism in Wisconsin last year created a record $22.2 billion boost in the state’s economy. But as the Coronavirus pandemic stretches closer to this summer, that number is expected to look a lot different. Tourism in Douglas County last year saw one of the best seasons ever but the pandemic is expected to do the opposite for 2020….

Lilac Hill Preps to Open Second Greenhouse

DULUTH, Minn.– Mother’s Day is right around the corner and greenhouses are opening back up just in time. Lilac Hill Greenhouse is getting ready to open a pop-up store in the parking at Super One on West Arrowhead Road in Duluth. The soft opening is tomorrow. 200 hanging baskets will be available along with annuals, perennials and more. The manager…

Great Outdoors: Trout Fishing

With the nicer weather and many businesses shut down, many people are using their free time to fish on Knife River. 

DULUTH, Minn. – With school classes virtual and many businesses shut down, many people are using their free time to fish on Knife River. “I don’t want to sit at home on the couch all day, I want to get out and do stuff because I’m getting bored with schoolwork and just sitting and watching Netflix,” said Justin, who was…

Grandma’s Marathon Kicks Off Virtual Races

More than 200 people have already submitted their race times.

DULUTH, Minn. – Grandma’s Marathon weekend may be canceled this year, but runners are still hitting the pavement to clock in their times. Beginning Monday, registered runners could run their races, including the William A. Irvin 5K, the Garry Bjorklund half marathon or the full marathon. Each participant can print out their own race bib and then submit their times…

CSS Students Make Masks While Getting Paid For On-Campus Jobs

One student has made about 100 masks, which she has already distributed to homeless shelters, grocery stores, and hospitals in her hometown.

DULUTH, Minn. – Many students at the College of St. Scholastica are no longer working their jobs on-campus as the college has moved to online teaching to help prevent the spread of Covid-19. But nearly 30 of those student employees are now getting a chance to get paid, while helping to make masks for essential employees and medical workers. Many…

Cinco De Mayo Celebrations Improvised Due To Covid-19

"This is sad, but in the meantime, it is good for our customers. We want everybody to be safe and healthy," said Co-owner Rebeca Marta.

SUPERIOR, Wis. – People may not be able to celebrate Cinco De Mayo the way they normally would… but Guadalajara Mexican Restaurant in Superior mad sure everyone could still enjoy the Mexican holiday. Customers ordering their favorite Mexican dishes were given a little something special to help them celebrate. Some customers received a sombrero and a Mexican family game called…

Bridgeman’s Restaurant Sells Sundae Kits

The restaurant has already sold hundreds of kits.

DULUTH, Minn – Good news for all the ice cream lovers. Bridgeman’s Restaurant in Duluth is now selling sundae kits as a way to help add some fun while you get through the coronavirus pandemic. Each kit comes with two pints of Bridgeman’s ice cream of your choosing, four homemade waffle bowls, five assorted toppings, and your very own Bridgeman’s souvenir…

UMD To Hold Virtual Graduation Commencement

DULUTH, Minn. – UMD graduating seniors won’t be getting the traditional in-person commencement ceremony this year. However, a virtual ceremony will go live on the universities website at 11 a.m. on May 16th. Each of the five university of Minnesota campuses have this option for students with family and friends able to watch. There will be a series of recorded…

Breweries Support Healthcare Workers

Local breweries are giving back to those on the front lines of the pandemic.

DULUTH, Minn. – Local breweries are giving back to those on the front lines of the pandemic. Bent Paddle, located on West Michigan Street, is offering a buy one get one free option for its Crowlers and Growlers. For first responders and for healthcare workers, grocery store employees as well as gas station clerks. Management says it’s about providing for…

How are Dentists Doing During the Pandemic?

Normal routines have changed a lot for area dentists during the coronavirus pandemic, with non-emergency procedures on hold.

DULUTH, Minn. – Normal routines have changed a lot for area dentists during the coronavirus pandemic, with non-emergency procedures on hold. “It’s a tough position because we’re trying to be here for patients that need us but we want to keep our staff and our patients safe and there’s a lot of limitations to things in society right now,” said…

Conservative Justices Bash Wisconsin Stay-at-Home Order

MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Conservative justices who control the Wisconsin Supreme Court raised doubts Tuesday about whether Democratic Gov. Tony Evers’ stay-at-home order is legal, asserting that the Legislature never intended to give the executive branch so much power. Justice Rebecca Bradley suggested during oral arguments over the order that state Department of Health Services Secretary Andrea Palm’s decision to…

Duluth High Schools Creating Virtual Graduation Ceremony Videos

DULUTH, Minn.- Duluth Public Schools will hold virtual graduations this year because of the COVID-19 pandemic, the school district announced on Tuesday. “Graduation from high school is a significant milestone, one that students anticipate and look forward to for years,” Bill Gronseth, the ISD 709 Superintendent, said in a press release. “In the face of the pandemic and the restrictions…

Gov. Walz Signs Order Allowing Elective Surgeries, Dental Work

(Article from our sister station Fox 9) (FOX 9)-Minnesota Governor Tim Walz signed an executive order Tuesday allowing elective surgeries to restart on May 11. According to the governor’s office, the executive order provides a roadmap for safely restarting elective surgeries. Starting next week, doctors, dentists, and veterinarians who create a plan to keep patients and healthcare professionals safe may begin offering…

Hayward’s Lumberjack World Championships Canceled for 2020

Hayward, Wis.-The Lumberjack World Championships Foundation and its board of directors announced today the 61st annual Lumberjack World Championships competition and festival has been canceled for 2020. “With the uncertainties associated with the spread of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) throughout the nation and around the globe, LWCF officials were forced to make the difficult decision to reschedule the 61st annual…

Minnesota Projects $2.4 Billion Budget Shortfall

ST. PAUL, Minn.-The Minnesota Management and Budget office is releasing an updated budget projection today for the current biennium (2020-2021), and according to initial reports, the economic outlook has significantly worsened since the coronavirus pandemic. A deficit of $2.426 billion is now projected for the current biennium, which is almost a $4 billion change compared to the February forecast. State…

Midday Update 5-5-20

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Tuesday, May 5, 2020

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist William Seay for a local look at news and weather making headlines Tuesday, May 5, 2020. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Local News, midday update, William Seay

Two Premier Northern Minnesota Camping Spots Won’t Open Overnight

DULUTH, Minn.-Minnesota’s two premier camping destinations will remain closed to overnight visitors for the duration of Gov. Tim Walz’s stay-at-home order. Voyageurs National Park and the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness announced Monday that they will be open for day recreation, but will not issue camping or houseboat mooring permits through May 17. The owner of Rainy Lake Houseboats in…