News

Second Harvest North Central Food Bank Ready to Help Residents in Need

Resources Are Available for All Residents in Itasca County Facing Food Insecurities

ITASCA COUNTY, Minn. -With school out and the coronavirus pandemic continuing to have a lasting impact on communities, health officials in Itasca County want to stress the importance of nutrition and food access services in the region. Second Harvest North Central Food Bank continues to provide food to 130 agencies in the region, from International Falls to Princeton. Research shows…

Percentage of Positive COVID-19 Cases in Wisconsin Continues to Drop

MADISON, Wis. (AP) — The percentage of positive COVID-19 cases in Wisconsin continues to decline, based on the latest figures reported Friday by the state Department of Health Services. Only 3% of all test results were positive on Friday, continuing a downward trend over the past two weeks. In total, more than 20,200 people have contracted the virus in Wisconsin…

Gov. Walz Gradually Lifts Restrictions on Indoor Dining, Entertainment, Gyms Starting June 10

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Gov. Tim Walz announced on Friday phase 3 of the Stay Safe Plan, which includes gradually loosening restrictions of indoor dining, gyms, and entertainment venues. Starting June 10, limited re-openings will be allowed with occupancy rates limited based on risk. “Thank you, Minnesotans, for the sacrifices you’ve made to slow the spread of COVID-19,” Governor Walz said. “Thanks…

Watch Live: Walz to Announce Next Steps in States Reopening

UPDATE: ST. PAUL, Minn. (FOX 9) – Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz will announce he’s loosening more coronavirus-related restrictions on Minnesota businesses Friday afternoon. Walz will allow restaurant indoor dining, fitness centers, and some entertainment venues to reopen at a limited capacity on June 10, multiple sources said ahead of the governor’s news conference. ST. PAUL, Minn. (FOX 9) – Minnesota Gov. Tim…

College of St. Scholastica Announces More Budget Cuts

DULUTH, Minn. – The College of St. Scholastica announced more budget cuts on Thursday due to significant financial losses stemming from the COVID-19 pandemic. According to recent reports, the college experienced over $5 million in lost revenue during the spring semester. Bob Aschenmacher, Executive Director of College Communication for CSS says upcoming cuts will include a salary reduction for staff…

Midday Update 6-5-20

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Friday, June 5, 2020

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

Updated COVID-19 Numbers: Friday, June 5

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Minnesota health officials reported 26,980 confirmed COVID-19 cases in the state Friday morning and 33 new deaths bringing the death total to 1,148 in Minnesota. According to the Minnesota Department of Health website, 322,340 tests have been completed to date. There are 21,864 patients who no longer require isolation. So far, 3,289 patients have required hospitalization…

Morning Update 6-5-20

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Friday, June 5, 2020

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

Wisconsin State Campgrounds to Reopen Next Week

MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources officials plan to re-open state campgrounds next week. The department has kept campgrounds closed since March to slow the spread of the new coronavirus. The DNR announced Thursday that state campgrounds will re-open June 10 as infection rates trend downward. Park offices will remain closed, however, and campers can expect to…

Thomas the Train Canceled for 2020

Thomas usually attracts more than 17,000 kids and their parents to the Duluth Depot every year.

DULUTH, Minn. – COVID-19 is keeping Thomas the Tank Engine and his friend Percy from visiting Duluth this summer. Thomas usually attracts more than 17,000 kids and their parents to the Duluth Depot every year. The event is one of the North Shore Scenic Railroad’s biggest fundraisers of the year, but the loss goes beyond finances. The railroad’s general manager…

Polinsky Rehabilitation Moving to New Location

This July, Essentia's Polinsky Rehabilitation will have a new home at the healthcare provider's Miller Hill Mall hub.

DULUTH, Minn. – This July, Essentia’s Polinsky Rehabilitation will have a new home at the healthcare provider’s Miller Hill Mall hub. The center will be moving from its home on East Second Street to the old Younkers building, which already houses other Essentia services including their personal fitness and therapy center that moved to the mall last fall. Leaders from…

Community Garden Opens in Superior

SUPERIOR, Wis.– As the weather warms up, Superior residents have seen one community activity increase in popularity. Community Gardens in Superior have seen more people taking up spots than in recent years. The Oak Avenue Garden in Superior has doubled the amount of plots due to high demand. The garden was built in 2018 and has relied on volunteer support….

Businesses Board Up to Keep Property Safe

Keyport Liquor Store in the Super One Plaza on Belknap Street is boarding up to ensure employee and customer safety.

SUPERIOR, Wis. – The peaceful protest in Superior was a sigh of relief for businesses there that saw what happened in Minneapolis and decided to board up. One of them is the Keyport Liquor Store in the Super One Plaza on Belknap Street. “The most important thing is protecting our employees’ safety and then beyond that is our customers protecting…

Sara’s Table Chester Creek Cafe Opens Patio Seating

Many restaurants across the region have begun outdoor seating per the Minnesota governor's order including at Sara's Table Chester Creek Cafe.

DULUTH, Minn. – Many restaurants across the region have begun outdoor seating per the Minnesota governor’s order including at Sara’s Table Chester Creek Cafe. They have nine booths that can fit four people each along with a couple of tables out front. Owners say it’s a compromise between keeping people safe while having them enjoy their food on the patio….

Peaceful Protesters in Superior Demand End to Racism and Police Violence

Large group rallies for change outside the Douglas County Goverment Center

SUPERIOR, Wis. – More than a hundred people protested at Superior’s first major rally in the wake of George Floyd’s death in Minneapolis. Protesters are demanding an end to police violence and racism everywhere, including Superior. “We have had police brutality here on African American people,” said protester Taylor Whitaker. “Just because they haven’t been murdered doesn’t mean it won’t…

City of Duluth Gives Update on Beaches

DULUTH, Minn.– This week starts the beach season for the city of Duluth and they have made some changes for the season. There will be no lifeguards on duty at the beaches. Those wanting information on swimming conditions can find it on their website or by looking at the signs posted along the point. Older signs have also been replaced…

Canal Park Seeing Increase of People with Restrictions Lifted

DULUTH, Minn.– As Coronavirus restrictions around Minnesota have started loosening up, Canal Park in Duluth has been seeing bigger crowds lately. That’s welcome news for business owners as the summer tourist season begins. Canal Park isn’t as busy as usual for early June. Still, more people are visiting the area while businesses adapt to keep them safe. “It’s kind of…

Superior Fire Department Gives Update on Landfill Fire

SUPERIOR, Wis.– The Superior Fire Department is giving more details after last night’s fire at a landfill near Wisconsin Point. The cause of the fire is unknown but Superior Fire Department believes it was most likely caused by hot material at the landfill that smoldered and caught fire. Crews first used water to put out the fire before smothering the…

UWS Offers New Online Programs

While the coronavirus pandemic continues, one local college is offering up more online degrees.

SUPERIOR, Wis. – While the coronavirus pandemic continues, one local college is offering up more online degrees. UWS is providing two new undergraduate programs and master’s programs for this upcoming school year. The undergrad programs will be psychology and computer science while the master’s programs will focus on cybersecurity and school counseling. Officials want to make sure that people will…

2020 Itasca County Fair Canceled

ITASCA COUNTY, Minn. – The 2020 Itasca County Fair has been canceled, according to a Wednesday Facebook post from the Itasca County Agricultural Association President. Itasca County Agricultural Association President Melissa Johnson wrote: “This has not been an easy decision to make, but circumstances beyond our control have made it necessary. While disappointed that our gathering of friends and neighbors…

Judge: $750K Bail for Three Ex-Officers Accused in Floyd’s Death

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — A judge set bail at $750,000 apiece Thursday for three fired Minneapolis police officers charged with aiding and abetting in the killing of George Floyd, as a memorial service took place just blocks away. Tou Thao, Thomas Lane and J. Alexander Kueng made their first appearances in Hennepin County District Court as friends, relatives and celebrities gathered to memorialize…

Watch Live: George Floyd Memorial Service in Minneapolis

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Organizers of a Minneapolis memorial for George Floyd placed floral arrangements around a golden casket as mourners prepared to pay their respects. Memorial services to honor Floyd are taking place in three cities over six days. The first is Thursday afternoon in Minneapolis. The organizers want to acknowledge the meaning Floyd had in life to his large…

Midday Update 6-4-20

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Thursday, June 4, 2020

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist William Seay for a local look at news and weather making headlines Thursday, June 4, 2020. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Local News, midday update, weather, William Seay

3 of 4 Charged Minneapolis Police Officers to Make First Court Appearances

MINNEAPOLIS (FOX 9) – Three Minneapolis Police officers charged with aiding and abetting the murder of George Floyd will go before a judge for their first court appearances Thursday afternoon. J. Alexander Kueng, Thomas Lane, and Tou Thao will go before the judge at 12:45 p.m. for their first appearances since being taken into custody Wednesday. The three men were charged with aiding…

Updated COVID-19 Numbers: Thursday, June 4

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Minnesota health officials reported 26,273 confirmed COVID-19 cases in the state Thursday morning and 29 new deaths bringing the death total to 1,115 in Minnesota. According to the Minnesota Department of Health website, 275,622 tests have been completed to date. There are 21,490 patients who no longer require isolation. So far, 3,253 patients have required hospitalization…

Update: Superior Landfill Fire now Extinguished

SUPERIOR, Wis. — Superior firefighters battled a fire at the landfill on Wisconsin Point Wednesday night. Smoke could be seen billowing in the air from the shorelines across Lake Superior in Duluth. Superior Mayor Jim Paine said the landfill has caught on fire in the past, so firefighters are experienced in getting it under control. Authorities say dozens of heavy…

Morning Update 6-4-20

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Thursday, June 4, 2020

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist William Seay for a local look at news and weather making headlines Thursday, June 4, 2020. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Local News, morning update, weather, William Seay

Superior Residents to Protest George Floyd Murder, Racial Violence Thursday

(Elizabeth Flores/Star Tribune via AP) SUPERIOR, Wis. – Residents in Superior will hold a peaceful protest in the parking lot of the Government Center Thursday afternoon to protest the murder of George Floyd and demand an end to racial violence. In a recent Facebook post, Mayor Jim Paine said he and Police Chief Nicholas Alexander have been in contact with…

Cloquet 4th of July Festivities Cancelled; Pinehurst Park Pool Closed

CLOQUET, Minn.- Coronavirus continues to claim summer events throughout the Northland. Added to the list: the 4th of July fireworks and parade in Cloquet, along with the city’s Pinehurst Park natural ground pool. City officials decided to cancel the popular Independence Day festivities Tuesday, saying that it would be near impossible to limit the usual crowd of hundreds to whatever…

Veteran Cloquet Officer Named New Police Chief

After serving many roles including Commander and Interim Police Chief, Derek Randall is the new top cop.

CLOQUET, Minn.-. The Cloquet Police Department now has a new Police Chief. After a nine month search interviewing candidates from across the country, it is the former Commander and Interim Chief Derek Randall who is shedding the “interim” from his title and stepping into the top role. “It’s a breath of relief for sure,” Randall said. Cloquet City Council voted…

Protests May Cause Surge in COVID-19

Doctors say that outbreaks are expected even without protesting but there's a chance of the virus making a presence in the community through protesting.

DULUTH, Minn. – Experts say mask-wearing and keeping distance from others seems to be the best way to approach protesting during this pandemic. Doctors say that outbreaks are expected even without protesting. With more crowds of people gathering together, there’s a higher chance of the virus making a presence in the community. “So it’s likely and we are expecting to…

Farmers Market Opens in Superior

A local farmers market is back open in Superior.

SUPERIOR, Wis. – A local farmers market is back open in Superior. Superior Downtown Farmer’s Market is now open every Wednesday until the end of October. They have lots of garden plants, peppers, tomatoes, herbs, flowers, and baked goods for everyone to enjoy. Organizers say this year there is a bit of a change because of the pandemic. “This is…

Local Businesses Show Support for Twin Cities Protests

Pizza Luce drawing attention by suspending police discounts at all nine of its restaurants

DULUTH, Minn., and SUPERIOR, Wis. – Some businesses across the Northland are showing support for the protests happening in the Twin Cities, and some are turning heads with that support. Pizza Luce is one company that drew a lot of attention with a social media post made Tuesday night. The Minnesota-based pizza chain announced on Facebook it is suspending police…

Greater Downtown Council Plants Flowers at Canal Park

DULUTH, Minn.– The Greater Downtown Council in Duluth continued their annual tradition of beautifying the community today. The council, local businesses and other volunteers were in Canal Park today. They were planting flowers in over 20 pots they placed around the area. Normally all volunteers would be planting in one spot but to stay social distant, they were doing it…

Duluth City Hall Partially Reopens to Public

DULUTH, Minn.– The process of reopening Duluth City Hall to the public started today. It’s been closed for several weeks because of COVID-19 concerns. After a long wait, the city of Duluth is letting people back inside city hall. But that doesn’t mean safety precautions have ended. Duluth City Hall is now open again for the public in a limited…

St. Louis County Auditor’s Service Center Opens

The St. Louis County Auditor's Service Center located on the backside of Miller Hill Mall has been quite busy since reopening this week.

DULUTH, Minn. – The St. Louis County Auditor’s Service Center located on the backside of Miller Hill Mall has been quite busy since reopening this week. Right now, they are only allowing six people into the building at a time, making for a long line for those needing driver’s license renewals, tabs, or even paying your property taxes. “We have…

Prosecutors Charge Three More Officers in George Floyd’s Death

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Prosecutors on Wednesday expanded their case against the police who were at the scene of George Floyd’s death, charging three of the officers with aiding and abetting murder and upgrading the charges against the officer who pressed his knee on Floyd’s neck to second-degree murder. The most serious charge was filed against Derek Chauvin, whose caught-on-video treatment…

Duluth K9 Luna Receives Donation of Body Armor

DULUTH, Minn. – Duluth Police Department’s K9 Luna has received a donation of a bullet and stab protective vest from the non-profit organization Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. The donation came with a special sentiment embroidered on the vest which read, “In memory of K9 Haas, Duluth Police Department, MN.” Vested Interest in K9s, Inc was established in 2009. The…

Sen. Amy Klobuchar Announces Additional Charges Coming in George Floyd Case

DULUTH, Minn. – U.S. Sen. Amy Klobuchar says Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison is increasing charges against Derek Chauvin. According to a recent tweet from Sen. Klobuchar, Ellison is increasing charges against Derek Chauvin to second-degree murder and will also be charging the other three officers involved in the killing of George Floyd. Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison is increasing…

Midday Update 6-3-20

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Wednesday, June 3, 2020

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist William Seay for a local look at news and weather making headlines Wednesday, June 3, 2020. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Local News, weather, William Seay

Updated COVID-19 Numbers: Wednesday, June 3

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Minnesota health officials reported 25,870 confirmed COVID-19 cases in the state Wednesday morning and 14 new deaths bringing the death total to 1,086 in Minnesota. According to the Minnesota Department of Health website, 265,718 tests have been completed to date. There are 21,169 patients who no longer require isolation. So far, 3,203 patients have required hospitalization…