News

St. Louis County Board Approves Resolution to Help Bars and Restaurants Get Outdoor Seating

ST. LOUIS COUNTY, Minn. – The St. Louis County Board has unanimously approved a resolution that will speed up the process for bars and restaurants wanting to apply for outdoor seating, which they will need to be able to serve customers starting June 1. It usually takes 45 days for the county to approve applications, but the process will now…

Bar Owners Speak Out Against Ongoing State Restrictions During Shutdown

Many business owners want indoor service to open at 50 percent capacity or more

PROCTOR, Minn. – Minnesota bar owners are speaking out against the state not allowing them to open for indoor service. Many Minnesota bars have been closed for more than two months to comply with the state’s Stay-at-Home and Stay Safe MN orders. While bars can reopen outdoors on June 1, the owners are frustrated as they have no idea as…

Fitger’s Brewhouse Prepares For Outdoor Seating

Although not required, Fitger's Brewhouse recommends all patrons also wear masks when dining at the restaurant.

DULUTH, Minn. – Fitgers Brewhouse in Duluth is one of many restaurants getting their outdoor seating prepared to welcome customers starting June 1st, under the guidelines of the safe Minnesota executive order. To prepare for the safe return of customers the restaurant staff is taking on some new safety protocols. the restaurant is expanding its patio seating across the front…

City Officials Plans Slow Reopening Of City Hall

City leaders anticipate reopening the building to staff and the public starting next week.

DULUTH, Minn – Duluth City Hall has been closed to the public for about two months to help slow the spread of the coronavirus. The City of Duluth is looking into a phased plan to slowly begin reopening city hall to staff and the public. But there are going to be a few guidelines to follow to help keep the…

Suspect in Hayward Homicide Appears in Court; No Formal Charges Yet

Suspect's brother asks for highest bond, and for suspect to remain confined.

  HAYWARD, Wis.- It was around noon last Saturday when authorities discovered an elderly couple stabbed in their Hayward home. A 72-year-old man was dead, and a 65-year-old woman severely injured. The 34-year-old man accused of the crime is their son, and he appeared via video call in Sawyer County Court Wednesday. He has not been formally charged, but remains…

Students Face Financial Impact of Coronavirus

As the pandemic continues, students across the country are getting hit hard financially, including over at UWS.

SUPERIOR, Wis. – As the pandemic continues, students across the country are getting hit hard financially, including over at UWS. The rapid transition to remote learning left some students struggling to meet financial obligations and secure the technology and living arrangements they needed. In response to this need, the financial aid office at UWS was able to provide funding through…

Unique Graduation Ceremony Held for Hermantown High School Students

One local high school had a unique graduation ceremony today.

HERMANTOWN, Minn. – One local high school had a unique graduation ceremony today. Hermantown High School had a walk-through event where every senior had the chance to come in with five family members. They got to pick up their diplomas and stop for pictures as well. Each student will be recorded in an individual video and the videos will be…

UMD Students Hard at Work at Land Lab

UMD Land Lab is a research center located just five miles away from UMD's campus.

DULUTH, Minn. – UMD Land Lab is a research center located just five miles away from UMD’s campus. “It’s kind of a hub for student learning and community-based learning around sustainable agriculture, permaculture, and building a hub for food systems and local farming around here,” said Cole Grotting, a farm manager at UMD Land Lab. Students come and do hands-on…

Evers Makes $200 Million Available to Local Governments

MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Wisconsin local governments will share in $200 million from the federal coronavirus relief bill to help with expenses related to the pandemic, Gov. Tony Evers announced Wednesday. Evers announced that $190 million will be allocated to every Wisconsin county, city, village, and town based on a formula that takes into account population. Federally recognized American Indian…

Duluth News Tribune to Print Twice a Week Beginning in July

DULUTH, Minn. – According to a recent online Duluth News Tribune column by Rick Lubbers, the DNT newspaper will only print twice-a-week beginning in July. Starting July 8, the paper will only be printed on Wednesdays and Saturdays and will be delivered by mail instead of carriers. “Print advertising and subscriptions have been declining for years, all while digital readership…

Duluth Man Charged With Felony Arson

GRAND LAKE TOWNSHIP, Minn. – A Duluth man has been charged with two counts of first-degree arson after he set fire to two structures in Grand Lake Township on Monday. Authorities say 53-year-old James Phillip Shelton set a camper and a trailer home on fire around 6:15 a.m. on the 6400 block of Beckman Road. According to the criminal complaint,…

Wisconsin Supreme Court Tosses Lawsuit Challenging Order

MADISON, Wis. (AP) — The Wisconsin Supreme Court on Wednesday dismissed as moot a lawsuit that argued Gov. Tony Evers’ “safer at home” order was a violation of constitutional rights to worship, protest, and travel. The court earlier this month, in a different lawsuit, ruled that Evers’ health secretary exceeded her constitutional authority in issuing the “safer at home” order….

Midday Update 5-27-20

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Wednesday, May 27, 2020

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist William Seay for a look at local news and weather making headlines Wednesday, May 27, 2020. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Local News, midday update, William Seay

Updated COVID-19 Numbers: Wednesday, May 27

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Minnesota health officials reported 22,464 confirmed COVID-19 cases in the state Wednesday morning and 33 new deaths bringing the death total to 932 in Minnesota. According to the Minnesota Department of Health website, 216,532 tests have been completed to date. There are 16,314 patients who no longer require isolation. So far, 2,796 patients have required hospitalization…

Animal Allies Moves Forward With Reduced Summer Camp Class Sizes

Summer Camps Will Begin in June With Reduced Class Sizes Due to COVID-19

DULUTH, Minn. – Amid the COVID-19 pandemic, many summer events are canceled, but Animal Allies Humane Society in Duluth has figured out a way to still host educational summer camps with restrictions in place. “We worked really hard collaborating with other humane societies to see what we could offer our community after a stressful period of sheltering in place and…

Morning Update 5-27-20

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Wednesday, May 27, 2020

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist William Seay for a look at local news and weather making headlines Wednesday, May 27, 2020. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Local News, morning update, William Seay

“Land of 10,000 Masks” Campaign Sees Success, More Masks Still Needed

1,399 masks were donated in the first week. That number jumped to 3,354 masks in the second week, and 5,230 masks in the third week. 

DULUTH, Minn. – Weeks after the campaign launch, community members have donated more than 10,000 face masks. These homemade masks will help limit the spread of Covid-19. They are worn by staff, patients, and visitors to St. Lukes and Essentia Health facilities. 1,399 masks were donated in the first week. That number jumped to 3,354 masks in the second week,…

Duluth Council Approves Spirit Mountain Summer Closure; Extra $350K Still Needed for Winter Reopening

The adventure park's financial request comes while the city is facing a potential $38 million budget shortfall.

DULUTH, Minn.- The Duluth City Council unanimously passed Spirit Mountain’s annual multi-million dollar budget Tuesday evening, which is also calling for extra funding later this year to get the park reopened for the winter season after being shut down for the rest of the summer. Councilors just approved the adventure park’s $4 million operating budget for the 2020-2021 season, but…

Angler Management Charter Preparing to Take People Out on Lake Superior

Angler Management will start taking customers out for trips starting on June 1.

DULUTH, Minn. – Charter fishing in Minnesota is now allowed to operate under Governor Tim Walz “Stay Safe MN” order but under different guidelines. “We’re just ready to open up a little bit and get people outdoors again and enjoy our summer,” charter captain of Angler Management Charter Alex Cuzzo said. When Cuzzo found out he could reopen, he was…

Duluthians Speak Out After Deadly Use of Force Incident in Minneapolis

Duluth NAACP, local protesters, and St. Louis County Attorney weigh in on use of force incidents

DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth branch NAACP president calls it a “recurring nightmare.” Duluth protesters say deadly use of force incidents can happen anywhere, so people in every community need to take a stand against it. “Silence is compliance and we cannot stand for actions like this,” said protester Kathryne Ford. She and others organized a small protest at the…

Everything for Sale from London Road Wendy’s

Former Wendy's location will soon become a Burger King

DULUTH, Minn. – Duluthians have a chance to buy everything left in the old Wendy’s location on London Road before it becomes Duluth’s newest Burger King. Chairs, light fixtures, fryers, the giant Wendy’s sign, and more are all available for sale. People have reportedly had a lot of interest in the frosty machines. Two of them are available for $400…

Drive-In Movies Coming to DECC Parking Lot

DULUTH, Minn.– Coronavirus has been affecting many summer events in Duluth and the Greater Downtown Council has decided to put a twist on one of their summer traditions. Instead of movies in the park, they will be showing movies in the parking lot of the DECC. Movies will play every Friday night from July 17th to late August. Admission will…

Touchless Sensors Added to Lake Superior Railroad Museum

DULUTH, Minn.– Minnesota museums are still closed under Governor Walz’s current restrictions. While they are shut down, places like the Lake Superior Railroad Museum are making adjustments to be ready to open. The Lake Superior Railroad Museum has been closed since mid-March. Staff members are using this down time to add a new feature to keep everyone safe whenever they…

City Council Set To Discuss Proposal To Approve Funding For Lakewalk Reconstruction Project

If approved, the Lakewalk Reconstruction Project could reconvene within the next several weeks.

DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth City Council is expected vote on a proposal to approve two contracts amounting to $10 million to continue the Lakewalk Reconstruction project. The contracts will cover the cost to reconstruct more 2,000 feet of the Canal Park Lakewalk and the area’s shoreline, including adding wider trails and replacing stone along the shoreline. Nearly $8 million…

Summer Events Postponed in the Northland

One after the other. While large events like the Minnesota state fair have been canceled due to COVID-19, others right here in the Northland are also being hit by the virus.

TWIN PORTS – One after the other. While large events like the Minnesota state fair have been canceled due to COVID-19, others right here in the Northland are also being hit by the virus. The midwest’s largest outdoor blues festival at Bayfront Park that normally features international, national and regional music acts, will be silent for the first time in…

Earth Rider Moving Business Outside for Summer Months

The large swath of grass in between the brewery and taproom will be used for festival grounds.

SUPERIOR, Wis. – The past two summers Earth Rider Brewery has used the large swath of grass in between their brewery and taproom for festival grounds. Now, the land is coming in handy as COVID-19 has prompted brewery management to change its business model. “We just feel lucky we feel fortunate that we have the means to create a safe…

Duluth Proposes To Reduce Liquor Licensing Fees For Local Bars And Restaurants

The 20% reduction could mean some financial relief for bars and restaurants trying to recover from the recent economic blow.

DULUTH, Minn. – A lot of bars and restaurants are still dealing with the financial impacts of Covid-19. But many of them in Duluth could get some relief as city officials are proposing a plan to reduce liquor licensing fees. The owners of many of those businesses say every little bit of help the city is offering can bring them…

Lake Superior Dragon Boat Festival Canceled

SUPERIOR, Wis. – The 19th Annual Lake Superior Dragon Boat Festival has been canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The festival was scheduled to take place on August 21-22. “Each dragon boat contains 20 people in very close proximity to each other,” explains Patricia Finney, Co-Chair of the Lake Superior Dragon Boat Festival. “Since we don’t know where things will…

Four Minneapolis Police Officers Fired Following Death of George Floyd

(Elizabeth Flores/Star Tribune via AP) MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. (AP) – According to Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey, the four responding officers involved in the death of George Floyd have been fired. Frey announced the update on Twitter Tuesday afternoon saying that “This is the right call.” Four responding MPD officers involved in the death of George Floyd have been terminated. This is…

2020 Bayfront Blues Festival Canceled

DULUTH, Minn. – The Annual Bayfront Blues Festival has been canceled for 2020. According to event organizers, the festival has been postponed until August 13-15, 20201 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. According to the blues fest website, all tickets and VIP cash refund requests are currently suspended until June 1, 2021. At that time ticket holders will have until July…

Midday Update 5-26-20

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Tuesday, May 26, 2020

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist William Seay for a local look at news and weather making headlines Tuesday, May 26, 2020. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Local News, midday update, William Seay

Man Dies After Being Detained by Minneapolis Police, FBI Investigating

(Warning: Disturbing Video. The FBI has joined in the investigation after a man died after being detained by Minneapolis police officers. Video credit Darnella Frazier via Storyful) MINNEAPOLIS (FOX 9) – A man died Monday night after pleading with Minneapolis police officers that he could not breathe while he was being detained. The FBI and the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension are…

Updated COVID-19 Numbers: Tuesday, May 26

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Minnesota health officials reported 21,960 confirmed COVID-19 cases in the state Tuesday morning and 18 new deaths bringing the death total to 899 in Minnesota. According to the Minnesota Department of Health website, 209,898 tests have been completed to date. There are 15,523 patients who no longer require isolation. So far, 2,709 patients have required hospitalization…

Wisconsin Justices Allow Lower Courts to Resume With Virus Controls

MADISON, Wis. (AP) — The Wisconsin Supreme Court has decided to allow courts to resume in-person hearings and jury trials if they can come up with plans to protect participants and observers from the coronavirus. The justices suspended in-person hearings and jury trials in March, ordering judges to continue trials to a date after May 22. Chief Justice Patience Roggensack…

Morning Update 5-26-20

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Tuesday, May 26, 2020

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist William Seay for a local look at news and weather making headlines Tuesday, May 26, 2020. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Local News, morning update, William Seay

1 Arrested For Arson After 2 Structures Go Up In Flames

GRAND LAKE TOWNSHIP, Minn. – A 53-year-old Duluth man is in jail and accused of arson after two structures went up in flames Monday in Grand Lake Township. The fires broke out around 6:30 a.m. on the 6400 block of Beckman Road. A travel trailer and mobile home were destroyed. No one was inside either structure and nobody was injured….

No Decision Made Yet On Status of 2020 Bentleyville Tour of Lights

DULUTH, Minn. – It’s not a yes or a no for the 17th annual Bentleyville Tour of Lights at Bayfront Park this winter amid coronavirus concerns. Owner Nathan Bentley says it’s simply too early to know if or how the popular attraction will go on. So right now, year-long preparations continue. New fire pits are being constructed, and a new…

Retired Duluth Teacher Plays ‘Taps’ For Neighborhood

DULUTH, Minn. – Memorial Day was celebrated in a musical way for a neighborhood in Duluth Monday. Larry Danielson, 72, a retired Duluth public schools teacher, played “Taps” as his neighbors gathered in the street and sidewalks — social distancing — while honoring the military members who have died while serving in the United States armed forces. Larry’s father, Raymond, was…

Veterans Honored at Bong Center

SUPERIOR, Wis.– Veterans in Superior got together at the Richard I. Bong Veterans Historical Center to pay their respects for the soldiers who never made it home. The annual event took place earlier this afternoon. Veterans presented the American flag in front of the building with a 21 gun salute. Veterans say they’re glad to be representing those who can’t…

Hoops Brewing Pursuing Outdoor Drinking Area

Hoops Brewing is planning an outdoor area behind the business with a full view of the Minnesota Slip and the William A. Irvin for people to have a beer and safely socialize.

DULUTH, Minn. – Hoops Brewing in Canal Park is planning a brand new outdoor area in its back parking lot. Starting June 1, Governor Wawlz is turning back the dial for bars and restaurants by allowing those establishments to serve up to 50 people at a time outdoors only. “Doing this outdoors I think with the proper safety precautions I…

From Boats to Bottle Rockets: Summer Businesses See Busy Memorial Day Weekend

Marinas and Firework shops see increased business from families trying to have a good time in these tough times.

SUPERIOR, Wis.- Memorial Day is looking a lot different in the Northland with parades and firework shows cancelled due to the Coronavirus. So in addition to honoring fallen heroes, people flocked to more popular summer businesses in Wisconsin to get out of the house and try to do something special. “Folks are like ‘I’ve seen enough of my home, it’s…