Hometown Heroes: 6/25
Categories: Hometown Hero – article, News, News – Latest News
News
Duluth’s Parks and Recreation Division Reinstates Some Staff — For Now
Only three-quarters of staff will be brought back.
DULUTH, Minn. – In April the City of Duluth laid off nearly 100 full-time, temp and seasonal employees, including park maintenance staff. The parks and recreation division announced Wednesday some of the park maintenance crew are being partially reinstated. City staff say with more people visiting the parks and trails, it is causing a need for continuous upkeep. Only about…
A Task Force Is Being Assembled To Help Spirit Mountain Through Financial Problems
Application closes on July 8th.
DULUTH, Minn. – Spirit Mountain in Duluth has suffered many economic blows within the last year. The City of Duluth is working in partnership with spirit mountain to put together a task force to help find solutions for the tourist attraction’s financial problems. Currently, the city is accepting applications to fill up to 11 positions on the task force. It…
City of Duluth Introduces New City Attorney
DULUTH, Minn.– Duluth Mayor Emily Larson introduced the city of Duluth’s newest attorney, who she says will bring a unique perspective to the position. Rebecca St. George was introduced during the city’s weekly presser earlier today. She has spent over six years as an attorney for the Fond du Lac Band of Lake Superior Chippewa. Some of St. George’s other…
Indigenous Leaders Discuss COVID-19 Impact, CARES Act Funding
Leaders from Minnesota’s Indigenous communities are discussing the impact of COVID-19 on their communities. It happened at a virtual gathering today along with state and federal leaders. Senator Tina Smith and Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flanagan held a virtual roundtable with leaders from Indigenous tribes around the state to discuss COVID-19’s impact and problems they are having with the CARES Act….
Maurices Brings Back Furloughed Employees
6,000 retail employees and 54 corporate office employees were temporarily laid off during shutdown
DULUTH, Minn. – Maurices has brought back almost all its employees who were temporarily laid off during the shutdown. The Duluth-based women’s clothing chain has already reopened most of its stores. The remaining stores are opening in the next week or so. 6,000 retail employees were furloughed in March. Maurices tells us they are all being hired back. The store…
Paddlers Hit the St. Louis River Near Oliver
OLIVER, Wis. – Paddlers hit the water near Oliver Wednesday. The Northland Paddlers Alliance brought a group on the St. Louis River. The group gives opportunities for fans of all paddle sports like canoeing, kayaking, and paddle boarding. Members say it’s a great way to see the water because you can get places power boats can’t. “I actually last week…
Adventure Zone Open To The Public
DULUTH, Minn. – Adventure Zone in Canal Park is settling in on their revamped protocols after opening nearly a week ago. The popular tourist attraction is restricted to about 25% of its capacity, which means only a little over 100 people are allowed to enter at a time. Adventure Zone has designated only one entry and exit into the building….
UWS Offers An Alternative Online Program For First-Year Students
DULUTH, Minn. – A recent national survey discovered one out of six high school seniors are unsure about their fall college plans as the Covid-19 pandemic continues to be a threat to health. This statistic is pushing the University of Wisconsin Superior to create alternative options for students to begin their college education. The university is introducing planU, which is…
Superior’s Spirit Room Reopens with ‘Bring Your Own Lawn Chair’ Area
SUPERIOR, Wis. – The Spirit Room cocktail bar in Superior is back open this week as it celebrates its sixth year in business. Outdoor tables now line the sidewalk along Broadway Street. Guests can sit there or bring their own lawn chair and enjoy the makeshift lawn in the parking lot. Staff are excited to be back open and say…
Bayfield Farmers Reflect on Cancellation of Apple Fest
"It's all the orchards together that makes Apple Fest what it is. It's not just one orchard or one property."
BAYFIELD, Wisc. – “Apple Fest is a lot of work and its the most fun I’ve ever had,” Bayfield Chamber of Commerce Executive Director, David Eades says. But because of Covid-19, the lack of Bayfield’s largest event will leave hole in the heart of city. “The energy. The community. The food vendors, the orchards, the parade the contests. There’s something…
Northlanders Visit Loved Ones in Nursing Homes
For months, restrictions have prevented visitors at group care facilities in Minnesota like nursing homes, but now, Northlanders are allowed to visit their loved ones in a limited fashion.
DULUTH, Minn. – For months, restrictions have prevented visitors at group care facilities in Minnesota like nursing homes, but now, Northlanders are allowed to visit their loved ones in a limited fashion. For weeks, Richard Smith and his wife Ronene have been regularly traveling more than 100 miles from their home on the Gunflint Trail outside of Grand Marais to…
Socially Distanced Storytime
Despite the pandemic, the Duluth Public Library is finding new ways to have storytime.
DULUTH, Minn. – Despite the pandemic, the Duluth Public Library is finding new ways to have storytime. Over at Leif Erikson Park today, the library hosted an event where kids were able to come with their parents and read a book in a socially distanced manner as they strolled around the park. Participants were also able to take home craft…
St. Luke’s Visitor Policy Upgraded
St. Luke's is now allowing patients to see loved ones in the hospital while also being able to attend appointments with them.
DULUTH, Minn. – St. Luke’s is now allowing patients to see loved ones in the hospital while also being able to attend appointments with them. For instance, one adult visitor is allowed for inpatient visitors, and for critically unstable inpatients, two visitors are allowed per day. “But at this time, things are going well,” said Kevin Nokels, the president and…
Wisconsin Governor Activates National Guard After Violence
(Emily Hamer/Wisconsin State Journal via AP) MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Wisconsin’s governor has activated the National Guard to protect state properties after a night of violence that included the toppling of two statues outside the state Capitol and an attack on a state senator. Protesters also threw a Molotov cocktail into a government building and attempted to break into the…
Minnesota Sues Oil Companies, Institute Over Climate Change
ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) — Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison is suing ExxonMobil, Koch Industries, and the American Petroleum Institute, alleging they deceived and defrauded Minnesotans about climate change. The lawsuit filed Wednesday in state court in Minnesota accuses the oil companies and trade group of consumer fraud and deceptive trade practices. “We’re here suing these defendants — API, ExxonMobil,…
Data: Minnesota Will See Increase in Food Insecurity
MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — More Minnesota residents will lack access to sufficient food in the coming months in wake of a disrupted economy amid the coronavirus pandemic. Food assistance needs will peak in September to 735,000 Minnesota residents who are “food insecure,” according to projections released Wednesday by Second Harvest Heartland and consulting firm McKinsey & Co. That number reflects 13%…
City of Duluth: Applications Now Open for Spirit Mountain Task Force
DULUTH, Minn. – The City of Duluth announced on Wednesday that they will be creating a Spirit Mountain Recreation Task Force to assist in drafting “a set of recommendations intended to help achieve financial stability” for Spirit Mountain moving forward, and applications are now open. In a recent press release, the city said Mayor Larson will be appointing nine to…
Midday Update 6-24-20
Local News and Weather Making Headlines Wednesday, June 24, 2020
Join FOX 21’s Arman Rahman and Meteorologist William Seay for a local look at news and weather making headlines Wednesday, June 24, 2020. Categories: Community, Minnesota, News, News – Latest News
Updated COVID-19 Numbers: Wednesday, June 24
ST. PAUL, Minn. – Minnesota health officials reported 33,763 confirmed COVID-19 cases in the state Wednesday morning and 5 new deaths bringing the death total to 1,397 in Minnesota. According to the Minnesota Department of Health website, 529,643 tests have been completed to date. There are 29,707 patients who no longer require isolation. So far, 3,897 patients have required hospitalization…
St. Luke’s Updates Policy to Allow Visitors
DULUTH, Minn. – St. Luke’s Hospital is updating its visitor’s policy so patients will, once again, be allowed to see loves ones. The hospital says the updates will allow also allow loved ones to accompany patients to appointments. “We take the health and safety of our patients, staff, and community very seriously,” St. Luke’s Chief Medical Officer Dr. Nick Van…
Morning Update 6-24-20
Local News and Weather Making Headlines Wednesday, June 24, 2020
Join FOX 21’s Arman Rahman and Meteorologist William Seay for a local look at news and weather making headlines Wednesday, June 24, 2020. Categories: Community, Minnesota, News, News – Latest News
Crowds Tear Down Statues, Attack Wisconsin State Senator
(credit: Fox 9/Storyful) MADISON (AP) – Crowds outside the Wisconsin State Capitol tore down two statues and attacked a state senator amid protests following the arrest of a Black man who was at a restaurant with a megaphone and a baseball bat. Video released by the Madison Police Department shows the man talking through the megaphone Tuesday while walking near the restaurant’s…
Local Food Truck Serves Gourmet Grilled Cheese Sandwiches
SUPERIOR, Wis. – Grilled cheese fans tasted some gourmet creations while listening to live music at the Cedar Lounge in Superior. Guests enjoyed culinary creations from the K&B Grilled Cheese Food Truck. The local business serves several original sandwiches like a bacon and cheddar grilled cheese, a spinach and artichoke grilled cheese, and a buffalo chicken grilled cheese. “No one…
Subaru of America Donates Over $100,000 in Automotive Equipment to Lake Superior College
Most graduates of the automotive program typically remain in the region to fill a growing demand.
DULUTH, Minn. – Lake Superior College is sending a big “thank you” to Subaru of American and Miller Hill Subaru for donating more than $100,000 worth of equipment for the automotive program. The extra equipment will help to further expand training for students to allow them to have a long-standing career. The automotive industry took a hit due to the…
Central Hillside Farmers Market Opens for the Season
DULUTH, Minn. – Duluth’s Central Hillside Farmers Market is open for the season. This year, the market is located outside the Damiano Center. It will host around eight local vendors every week selling fruits, baked goods, ceramics, and more. Kids will get $4 at each market to buy healthy veggies. Purchases made with EBT cards will be matched up to…
UMD Moves To No Longer Require ACT Or SAT Scores For Enrollment Applications
This new admissions option is available for applicants starting in the spring and fall of 2021.
DULUTH, Minn. – The University of Minnesota Duluth is making an effort to help remove barriers for students applying to attend the school. The university is testing a new admissions model, which would no longer require ACT or SAT scores to be submitted. Instead, students are being given the choice to decide whether or not they want the scores to…
First “Yappy Hour” of Summer Begins
DULUTH, Minn.– For the first time this year, Duluth residents and their dogs could enjoy a night out together. Yappy Hour was held for the first time this summer. The store A Place for Fido teamed up with The Boat Launch to host the event on the restaurant’s outdoor patio at Fitger’s in downtown Duluth. The event had dog-themed drinks…
Mayor Larson Gives Update on City Budget
DULUTH, Minn.– Duluth Mayor Emily Larson says most of the city’s COVID-19 budget shortfalls projections from April are in their predicted range right now. Larson and her team made headlines when they said the city could see a budget shortfall of $20-40 million for 2020. And with two additional months of data, the predicted loss of revenue is now around…
Final Phase of Mission Creek Restoration Project Delayed to Spring 2021
DULUTH, Minn.– The Minnesota Department of Transportation is pushing back the final phase of the restoration of a historic Native American burial site in the Fond du Lac neighborhood. MnDOT crews accidentally unearthed the site in 2017 while working to replace the Highway 23 Bridge over Mission Creek. With the partnership of the Fond du Lac Band of Lake Superior…
St. Luke’s Hospital Uses Technology To Identify Bacteria And Viruses Faster
"It allows us to deliver the right treatment and right therapy much soon than we have in the past," said Infectious Disease Physician Andrew Thompson.
DULUTH, Minn. – St. Luke’s Hospital is the first healthcare facility in the region to utilize a spectrometer to help identify microorganisms much faster. Traditional methods to classify bacteria, viruses, and fungi typically take days to return results. The equipment uses a laser to break down the microorganisms for identification in a matter of minutes. “It allows us to deliver…
Play It Again Sports Sees Increase in Sales as Sports Practices Resume
The new and used sporting goods store reopened fully to the public a little over a month ago and has been busy helping athletes get the gear they need.
DULUTH, Minn. – Play It Again Sports is mostly back to business as usual. “We closed down on March 27th and then offered curbside delivery/outdoor service and then reopened fully to the public the week after,” general manager of Play It Again Sports Steven Holappa said. The store, located in Kenwood Village in Duluth, is a new and used sporting…
Minnesota Senator Amy Klobuchar Says Get Your Kids Up-To-Date With Vaccinations
Measles vaccinations administered to children in Minnesota dropped by 70%.
DULUTH, Minn. – Recent studies show there has been a significant decrease in the number of vaccinations being given to children during the pandemic across the nation. Minnesota Senator Amy Klobuchar is pushing to address the troubling decline in the state. Doses of the measles vaccine administered in the state have dropped by 70% compared to last year. Health officials…
Cloquet Country Club Continues to Welcome Members Back to the Course
The Cloquet Country Club is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily and is asking members to request their tee times in advance.
CLOQUET, Minn. – The Cloquet Country Club has been filled with golfers over the past two months. The Country Club had to put in safety and social distancing measures like limiting carts and only doing outside drink service at first. But with being one of the few courses open locally, Cloquet immediately saw old and new members hitting the links….
Superior School District Hopes to Open for In-Person Learning This Fall
Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction issued guidelines for how schools can best reopen Monday
SUPERIOR, Wis. – The Superior School District hopes to open schools for in-person learning in some capacity this fall. That announcement comes after the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction issued guidelines for how schools can best reopen during the pandemic. Wisconsin’s Education Forward plan includes examples for how schools may have to change scheduling this fall. Plan examples include four-day…
Cloquet Skatepark Busy With Skateboard Riders
The skatepark has been open for just under two years but has been filled with kids who have been riding for years or some trying something new.
CLOQUET, Minn. – The Cloquet Skatepark has been busy with riders since summer started. The skatepark has been open for just under two years but has been filled with kids who have been riding for years or some trying something new. Those using the park say it gives kids a safe place to practice their hobby while also having fun…
MLB Plans 60-Game Slate, Shortest Since 1878
NEW YORK (AP) – Major League Baseball plans to unilaterally issue a 60-game schedule for its shortest season since 1878 after the players’ association rejected a negotiated deal of the same length, putting the sport on track for a combative and possibly unhappy return to the field amid the coronavirus pandemic. Six days after baseball Commissioner Rob Manfred and union…
MN Trooper Charged After Taking Woman’s Phone, Sending Himself Nude Photos
MINNEAPOLIS (FOX 9) – A Minnesota State Patrol trooper was charged with felony stalking for taking a woman’s cell phone and using it to send himself nude photos of her, the Hennepin County Attorney’s Office announced Tuesday. Albert Kuehne, 36, was charged with two counts of stalking with bias due to the fact the victim was a woman. According to the criminal complaint,…
Midday Update 6-23-20
Local News and Weather Making Headlines Tuesday, June 23, 2020
Join FOX 21’s Arman Rahman and Meteorologist William Seay for a local look at news and weather making headlines Tuesday, June 23, 2020. Categories: Community, Minnesota, News, News – Latest News
Minntac to Restart Production Lines Next Month
DULUTH, Minn. – U.S. Steel says they plan to restart production lines at its Minntac mine as early as next month. United Steelworkers Local 1938 representatives confirmed on Tuesday that production lines 6 and 7 are expected to restart on July 27. Operations for the lines were originally planned to be stalled until August. Union reps also say maintenance workers…
Updated COVID-19 Numbers: Tuesday, June 23
ST. PAUL, Minn. – Minnesota health officials reported 33,469 confirmed COVID-19 cases in the state Tuesday morning and 9 new deaths bringing the death total to 1,393 in Minnesota. According to the Minnesota Department of Health website, 520,045 tests have been completed to date. There are 29,399 patients who no longer require isolation. So far, 3,860 patients have required hospitalization…
Morning Update 6-23-20
Local News and Weather Making Headlines Tuesday, June 23, 2020
Join FOX 21’s Arman Rahman and Meteorologist William Seay for a local look at news and weather making headlines Tuesday, June 23, 2020. Categories: Community, Minnesota, News, News – Latest News
Amazon’s Fulfillment Center in Shakopee One of Larger Warehouse COVID Outbreaks
(AP Photo/Richard Drew, File) SHAKOPEE, Minn. (AP) – State health officials say the Amazon fulfillment center in Shakopee has one of the larger coronavirus outbreaks in a warehouse or distribution plant setting. At least 88 of its approximately 1,000 workers have tested positive for the disease caused by the virus. Another 99 workers at other Amazon sites in the…
Spirit Valley Days 2020 Canceled
DULUTH, Minn. – The 2020 Spirit Valley Days event in West Duluth has been canceled. According to a recent Facebook post, the Spirit Valley Days Coordinating Committee and the West Duluth Business Club Executive Board decided to cancel this year’s festival due to COVID-19 concerns. “Although we chose to hold on until the last possible timeframe to hold the event,…
Minnesota Small Businesses Can Apply for new Round of Grants Starting Tuesday
(FOX 9) – Small businesses can apply for a new round of $10,000 grants from the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development starting Tuesday. The Minnesota Small Business Relief Grants Program was approved by the state legislature and signed by the Governor earlier this month in an effort to support Minnesotan owned and operated businesses that suffered financial hardship related…
Man Dies Following ATV Crash in Cass County
CASS COUNTY, Minn. – Authorities say an Eden Prairie man Sunday night following an ATV crash earlier in the day. The Cass County Sheriff’s office says they received reports around 8:10 p.m. Sunday of a medical emergency at a home in Woodrow Township in rural Longville. When EMS arrived on the scene they learned the 57-year-old male had been in…
Essentia Health Changes Visitor Policy
DULUTH, Minn. – Essentia Health has lifted some of its visitor restrictions at their facilities. Effective immediately, one adult visitor is allowed per patient between 9 a.m. and 6 p.m. Chaplains and Clergy will also be allowed to visit patients. Restrictions for patients who are positive for Covid-19 will remain the same. No visitors will be allowed for those patients…
First Street to Become Two-Way Between Mesaba Avenue and 24th Avenue East
DULUTH, Minn. — Duluth City Council passed a resolution on Monday to change First Street from a one-way into a two-way road between Mesaba Avenue up to 24th Avenue East. City leaders have said in the past that the current set-up is confusing to the public, but Duluth’s Commission for Disabilities countered that it could hinder those with disabilities from…
Wade Stadium Reopens For Small Public Events
Parties are limited to 25 people.
DULUTH, Minn- If you are looking for ideas on where to host a party, now that small gathering are allowed to take place, Wade Stadium might be the perfect location. While the Duluth Huskies are on hiatus due to the pandemic, the City of Duluth’s Parks and Recreation Division is reopening the stadium to the public for small group events….
North Shore Federal Credit Union Opens In Lincoln Park
The branch is open Monday through Friday.
DULUTH, Minn. – The North Shore Federal Credit Union has now opened its newest branch location in Lincoln Park. North Shore Credit Union is a full-service banking institution, which now has seven locations between Grand Portage and Duluth. But this is the second location in the Duluth area. There are a variety of products and services, such as an on-site…
