News

Bayfield County Confirms Third COVID-19 Case

BAYFIELD COUNTY, Wis. – The Bayfield County Health Department says they have identified a third case of COVID-19 in the county. Health department officials say the patient is currently hospitalized, had not traveled outside the area, and had no contact with any individuals diagnosed with COVID-19. “The third positive case received today reaffirms the presence of COVID-19 in our community…

Evers Seeks Disaster Declaration as Unemployment Grows

MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Gov. Tony Evers asked President Donald Trump on Tuesday to issue a major disaster declaration for the state of Wisconsin due to the coronavirus pandemic, as unemployment claims hit a daily high and the state’s health secretary warned lawmakers that Medicaid enrollments were going to increase dramatically. Evers said he hoped the declaration, which also would…

Clayton Jackson McGhie Memorial Commemoration Event Postponed Until 2021

DULUTH, Minn. – The Clayton Jackson McGhie Memorial commemoration ceremony has been canceled due to COVID-19 concerns. June 15, 2020 marks 100 years since the lynching of Elias Clayton, Elmer Jackson, and Isaac McGhie in the streets of Duluth. This year, CJM anticipated around 10,000 people would have been in attendance for the ceremony. The organization wrote a message to…

Midday Update 3-31-20

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Tuesday, March 31, 2020

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist William Seay for a local look at news and weather making headlines Tuesday, March 31, 2020. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Local News, midday update, William Seay

Two Additional MN Deaths Due to COVID-19 Complications

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) — The coronavirus outbreak in Minnesota continued to track upward Tuesday with dozens of new confirmed cases and additional deaths. The state Department of Health said 12 people have died from COVID-19 complications, up by two deaths since Monday’s toll. The state has 629 confirmed cases Tuesday, up 53 from Monday. (courtesy: MN Department of Health)…

Morning Update 3-31-20

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Tuesday, March 31, 2020

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist William Seay for a local look at news and weather making headlines Tuesday, March 31, 2020. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Local News, morning update, William Seay

2020 Grandma’s Marathon Canceled Amid COVID-19 Concerns

Race Weekend Was Scheduled for June 19-20, 2020

(courtesy: Grandma’s Marathon) DULUTH, Minn. – Grandma’s Marathon is canceled for 2020 amid growing concerns over coronavirus. Race weekend was scheduled for June 19-20, 2020. The decision comes after careful deliberation by the Grandma’s Marathon staff and board of directors along with medical and public agency leaders in an effort to keep participants, volunteers, partners, spectators, and the community as…

Driver Killed in UTV Crash in Northern Minnesota

BIWABIK, Minn. (AP) — Authorities in northern Minnesota say a driver was killed when a utility vehicle crashed near Biwabik. Benjamin Kaiser,37, of Gilbert was driving a utility side-by-side when the vehicle went off the road into a ditch and struck a tree, the St. Louis County sheriff’s office said. Deputies responded to the crash early Monday afternoon. Despite lifesaving…

Cloquet, Carlton County Prepares for Spread of COVID-19

City officials, emergency personnel and hospital personnel taking extra precautions.

CLOQUET, Minn.- As one positive case is confirmed at the Moose Lake Prison in Carlton County, the City of Cloquet and County Health officials are taking stronger precautions to try and minimize the virus’s presence. “We are preparing for the worst, and hoping for the best, and expecting something in-between,” Community Memorial Hospital CEO Rick Breuer said. The Hospital is…

Customers Buy Up Fridges, Kitchen Appliances at Appliance Stores

Daugherty Appliance sees increase in customers.

CLOQUET, Minn.- As more people are staying at home, some appliance stores have seen more customers. Owners of Daugherty Appliances in Cloquet said their fridges and freezers have been selling like hotcakes as people look for more storage to stock up more food. They also add that more people have been buying full kitchen suites to update their kitchen. The…

Knowing Your Neighbors: U-Roast-Em

SOLON SPRINGS, Wis. – U-Roast-Em sells more than forty kinds of green coffee beans sourced from growers and suppliers around the world. The company ships them to customers who roast their own coffee. “Once you’ve tried fresh roasted coffee, you will never go back to store bought again,” explained U-Roast-Em co-owner Jane Russo. Russo and her husband bought the business…

City of Superior Offers Curbside Voting

Curbside voting is available from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. through this Friday, and you can call the City Clerk's Office to pick a time to vote.

SUPERIOR, Wis. – The City of Superior launched curbside voting on Monday that will run for the rest of the week. People can call the City Clerk’s office to pick a time to come by and provide their information. Then, they pull up in front of the Government Center, call the office back, and the ballot will be brought to…

Coronavirus Concerns Impact Area Hotels

DULUTH, Minn.– As the warm weather approaches, hotels in the Twin Ports would normally be gearing up for their busiest time of the year. But concerns over Coronavirus have brought business for hotels and resorts to a halt. The governors of Wisconsin and Minnesota consider hotels an essential business during the Coronavirus pandemic. But not many visitors are checking in…

Essentia Health Placing 500 Employees on ‘Special Administrative Leave’

DULUTH, Minn. –  Essentia Health announced Monday a plan to reduce non-medical staffing levels by 500 employees next week as the company prepares for a surge of COVID-19 patients in the communities it serves.  The employees affected are not involved in direct patient care, according to hospital officials. “These plans include redeploying our workforce to best position Essentia Health to…

Itasca County Official Speak On Confirmed Covid-19 Case

"This positive case shows we are not invisible in Itasca County," said Grand Itasca Clinic's Vice President of Medical Affairs Dan Soular.

ITASCA COUNTY, Minn.- The first case of Coronavirus has been confirmed by Minnesota health authorities in Itasca County. The person, who tested positive for the coronavirus, is a man in his sixties. The individual was hospitalized at the Grand Itasca Clinic and Hospital in Grand Rapids. The patient was tested upon admission to the hospital and later confirmed positive. At…

Churches Find New Ways To Reach Parishioners During Pandemic

"I think part of it is people are really feeling a need to connect with their faith," said First United Methodist Pastor Jeanine Alexander.

DULUTH, Minn. – Many ministries have been looking for ways to spread their messages outside of normal church services. As the coronavirus continues to impact millions globally churches are shifting to virtual worship. The First United Methodist Church also known as The Coppertop in Duluth is one of many churches making the transition. Every Sunday parishioners can tune in to…

Healthy Routines Amidst the Coronavirus

While you watch what you eat, don't be afraid to have that cookie.

DULUTH, Minn. – It’s about maintaining a healthy routine and schedule during this time when normal routines are not always possible to help regulate weight and nutrition. Experts say getting too comfortable at home and not being able to go outside may result in inactivity. “When you are kind of trapped in your home or you’re not able to go…

DTA Takes Precautions and Adjusts Protocols During the Coronavirus

Ridership is down by almost 50 percent on all fixed routes.

DULUTH, Minn. – The DTA is taking precautions and is adjusting its protocols accordingly during the coronavirus. Ridership is down by almost 50 percent on fixed routes, which are all free. The fronts of the buses are also taped off and are used only for those with mobility impairments. Most customers are only allowed to get off and on the…

Hardware Stores Continue to Stay Open

Despite most businesses shutting down, hardware stores are still up and running as they are considered essential businesses.

SUPERIOR, Wis. – Despite most businesses shutting down, hardware stores, like Campbell Lumber in Superior, are still up and running as they are considered essential businesses. The president of the store tells us they are supplying construction crews for building projects around the community while other customers are coming in for home projects, like kitchen cabinetry, along with windows and…

Ashland County Reports First Case of COVID-19

ASHLAND COUNTY, Wis. – Ashland County Public Health announced Monday that there is a confirmed case of COVID-19 in Ashland County. It is believed the individual contracted the virus due to domestic travel to an area with known community transmission. The individual self-quarantined as requested and has since been cleared of COVID-19 infection and is recovering at home. “We are…

MN Department of Corrections: Moose Lake Inmate Tests Positive for COVID-19

ST. PAUL, Minn. – The Minnesota Department of Corrections has confirmed that an inmate at the Moose Lake Correctional Facility has tested positive for COVID-19. The facility says the individual is experiencing mild symptoms and does not require hospitalization at this time. “We have been working directly with epidemiology staff from the Department of Health for several weeks to plan…

Essentia Health Restricting Clinic Visitors Beginning Wednesday

DULUTH, Minn. – Essentia Health announced on Monday they will be restricting clinic visitors beginning April 1. Patients visiting any Essential Health clinics are being asked to attend their appointments alone. As an exception, one additional person will be allowed to accompany: Children Obstetric patients Adults patients that require assistance Essentia says anyone accompanying a patient to the clinic must…

St. Luke’s, Essentia Health Expand Patient Appointment Services

DULUTH, Minn. – Two Duluth hospitals announced today that they will be expanding options for patient appointments amid the coronavirus pandemic. Essentia Health says they fast-tracked their virtual visit technology that was originally scheduled to be unveiled later this spring to allow patients the option to schedule a video visit with their provider. The vital visit model is being used…

Live: City of Cloquet Hosts Press Conference Regarding COVID-19

LIVE: The City of Cloquet holds a press conference regarding COVID-19 Posted by Fox 21 News on Monday, March 30, 2020   CLOQUET, Minn. – The City of Cloquet is holding a press conference at Cloquet City Hall in the Council Chamber today to broadcast information to the public from our local and regional agencies regarding the COVID-19 pandemic. The press conference…

More Labs Helping With COVID-19 in Wisconsin

MADISON, Wis. – Wisconsin will be able to double its capacity to process COVID-19 tests with the addition of new laboratories that will assist with the effort, Gov. Tony Evers said Monday. The new public-private partnership includes laboratory support from Exact Sciences, Marshfield Clinic Health System, Promega, and UW Health. Existing labs that had been doing the testing were able…

Midday Update 3-30-20

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Monday, March 30, 2020

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

Itasca County Confirms First Case of COVID-19

ITASCA COUNTY, Minn. – Minnesota health officials confirmed the first case of COVID-19 in Itasca County on Sunday. According to the Itasca County Health and Human Services, the individual is in their 60’s. “At this point, there has been no request for the County to provide any essential services to this person. The Minnesota Department of Health will conduct contact…

Wisconsin Dairy Farmers Hit Hard by Coronavirus

MILWAUKEE (AP) — The coronavirus has delivered a severe blow to Wisconsin dairy farmers who rely on selling milk to restaurants, schools and the hospitality industry. About one-third of Wisconsin dairy products, mainly cheese, are sold in the foodservice trade, the Journal Sentinel reported. Farmers say the coronavirus outbreak has caused milk prices to drop to unprofitable levels this spring, at…

Morning Update 3-30-20

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Monday, March 30, 2020

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

Duluth Home Damaged in Monday Morning Fire

DULUTH, Minn. – A Duluth home sustained an estimated $45,000 in damage after an early morning fire broke out in the home on Monday morning. The Duluth Fire Department says they responded to the structure fire just after 1:00 a.m. Monday at 607 East 9th Street. The Duluth Police Department had already removed two occupants and two dogs from the…

Minnesota COVID-19 Death Total Reaches 9 on Sunday

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) — Minnesota reported four new deaths from COVID-19 on Sunday, bringing the state’s death toll from the new coronavirus to nine. State Health Commissioner Jan Malcolm said three of the new deaths were among people who lived in long-term care facilities in Hennepin County. The fourth death was in Martin County, in southern Minnesota, but was…

Country Singer Joe Diffie Dies After Contracting Coronavirus, Was To Perform At Bayfront

NEW YORK (AP) – Country singer Joe Diffie, who had a string of hits in the 1990s with chart-topping, rock-tinged singles such as “Home” and “Pickup Man” has died after testing positive for COVID-19. He was 61. A spokesman for Diffie on Friday announced he had contracted the coronavirus, becoming the first country star to go public with such a…

Schwan’s Home Delivery Sees Rise In Frozen Food Orders

ESKO, Minn. – Schwan’s Home Delivery has been swamped with orders due to the coronavirus outbreak. The Minnesota-based company has a depot in Esko, and their drivers are seeing a rise in customers wanting frozen foods delivered. Schwan’s management says their employees are even limiting interactions with customers by doing simple drop-offs right at their doors. “And that’s a change…

Five New COVID-19 Cases in St. Louis County Confirmed in One Day

Unlike the past five cases, the way these individuals were infected is not known at this time.

DULUTH, Minn.- St. Louis County saw a jump in COVID-19 cases over the weekend. Five new presumptive cases were confirmed, doubling the total number of cases to 10 in the county, in just one day. The newest cases include a woman in her early 60s who is being hospitalized for treatment–the first case severe enough to require hospitalization in the…

Eveleth Feeling Broad Impacts of COVID-19

The streets of Eveleth were mostly empty Sunday as people were heeding the government's warnings and staying home and businesses there are doing their best to keep their bearings.

EVELETH, Minn. – The coronavirus and its far-reaching effects are hitting Iron Range businesses. Streets in Eveleth were mostly empty Sunday as people were heeding the government’s warnings and staying home and businesses there are doing their best to keep their bearings. “If somebody would have told me two weeks ago that this was going to happen I never would…

Thousands Without Power After Spring Storm

DULUTH, Minn.– An overnight March storm ripped through the Northland, bringing a mix of rain, snow, and flooding. One of the four pine trees on Brighton Beach, completely ripped from the ground. The added moisture on an already soggy ground uprooted four large pine trees on Brighton Beach. Meanwhile large waves battered the shore. Minnesota Power has been preparing to…

Thailand Elephant Park Promises to Scrap Tourist Rides because of Virus

(CNN) — Elephants forced to perform tricks and carry tourists in a Thailand park are to be liberated from their controversial work as a consequence of the coronavirus, the park’s owner says. Anchalee Kalampichit, the owner of Maesa Elephant Camp in Chiang Mai, northern Thailand, closed the park on Monday after tourist numbers plummeted from “hundreds” each day to less than 20, she told…

St. Louis County Recorder’s Office Offering Drive-Up Service By Appointment

DULUTH, Minn. – The St. Louis County Recorder’s Office in Duluth will begin offering drive-up service on Monday, March 30. The service is available by appointment between 9 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. Monday through Friday. Officials say the service is for people with an immediate need for a vital record, including marriage licenses, birth and death certificates, and real estate…

Storms, Tornadoes Damage Homes, Businesses in Midwest, South

Strong storms that brought tornadoes, high winds, hail and rain to parts of the Midwest and South caused extensive damage in some areas but no deaths, officials said Sunday. Tornadoes were spotted in Arkansas, Illinois and Iowa as thunderstorms swept through the area Saturday. High winds and a possible tornado were also reported in Indiana. The National Weather Service said…

Banks Experiencing Decrease in Transaction Volume During Pandemic

National Bank of Commerce tells Fox 21 that they have been experiencing a decrease in transaction volume, however, loan applications have picked up.

DULUTH, Minn. – Banks have been experiencing a mix of customer response amid the COVID-19 crisis. National Bank of Commerce tells Fox 21 that they have been experiencing a decrease in transaction volume, however, loan applications have picked up. Officials say the state of banks is better than they were during the subprime mortgage crisis. “The banking system is much…

Goodwill Closes Due to Shelter-In-Place Order

Goodwill is asking that people hold off on donations for now.

DULUTH, Minn.– Shelter-in-place orders in Minnesota and Wisconsin have caused Goodwill stores to shut down for the next two weeks. Goodwill is asking that people hold off on donations for now. People have been leaving donations by the buildings but they can’t be collected because there are no employees on site. This causes donated items to be damaged and thrown…

Angler’s Isolation: Fishing on the Brule River

Coronavirus doesn't keep anglers from fishing for steelhead trout.

BRULE, Wis.- Since solitary outdoor activities in state parks are considered essential in Governor Tony Evers’s Safer-at-Home order, some anglers took advantage of that, casting their rods on the Brule River. The babbling brooks feeding into the rushing river are the only sounds that greet you out along the Brule. “This is about as isolated as we can get,” Eric…

Nearly Naked Ruck Took Place Virtually In Light of COVID-19 Pandemic

Hundreds of ruckers across the country put on their packs and hiked the ten miles, but due to COVID-19, they did it on a video chatting software while on their separate hikes.

DULUTH, Minn. – The annual Nearly Naked Ruck March was postponed this year, but ruckers still got a chance to hike with each other virtually and support veterans. Hundreds of ruckers across the country put on their packs and hiked the ten miles, but due to COVID-19, they did it on a video chatting software while on their separate hikes….

Wussow’s Adds Drive-Thru Window

The coffee shop added curbside pick-up. They also moved part of their kitchen to make room for a temporary drive-thru window.

DULUTH, Minn.– Wussow’s Concert Cafe in West Duluth had to lay off all of their employees due to the state’s Coronavirus regulations. So owner Jason Wussow and his wife Tina got creative to keep their business open. The coffee shop added curbside pick-up. They also moved part of their kitchen to make room for a temporary drive-thru window. Wussow says…