News

Emergency Shelters and Food Shelves Get Federal Funding

Federal funds are now being funneled in to help support local food shelves and emergency shelters.

DULUTH, Minn. – Federal funds are being funneled in to help support local food shelves and emergency shelters. More than $300,000 in funding is now available for emergency funding and shelter in Saint Louis, Itasca, and Douglas counties through a federal act, which couldn’t have come at a better time for struggling Northlanders. “Right now with so many people having…

Evers Allows Nearly all Retail Stores to Open With Limits

(AP Photo/Jose Luis Magana, file) MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Gov. Tony Evers on Monday allowed nearly all nonessential retail stores to reopen as long as they serve no more than five customers at a time, partially lifting the restriction that has kept them closed for weeks to slow the spread of the coronavirus. The latest order, which took effect immediately,…

Midday Update 5-11-20

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Monday, May 11, 2020

Join FOX 21’s Arman Rahman and Meteorologist William Seay for a local look at news and weather making headlines Monday, May 11, 2020. Categories: News, News – Latest News

Updated COVID-19 Numbers: Monday, May 11

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Minnesota health officials reported 11,799 confirmed COVID-19 cases in the state Monday morning and 13 new deaths bringing the death total to 591 in Minnesota. According to the Minnesota Department of Health website, 115,781 tests have been completed to date. There are 7,536 patients who no longer require isolation. So far, 1,716 patients have required hospitalization…

Morning Update 5-11-20

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Monday, May 11, 2020

Join FOX 21’s Arman Rahman and Meteorologist William Seay for a local look at news and weather making headlines Monday, May 11, 2020. Categories: News, News – Latest News

Majority of Wisconsin School Districts Request Teaching Hours Waiver

MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Nearly 60% of school districts in Wisconsin have asked the state Department of Public Instruction to waive its requirement on a set number of instructional hours due to the coronavirus. The department has received waiver requests from 248 of the state’s 421 school districts. COVID-19 canceled in-person classes beginning March 18 for the remainder of the…

Ashley Grimm Lands DFL Endorsement For St. Louis County Board

Ashley Grimm DULUTH, Minn. – Ashley Grimm has landed the DFL endorsement for St. Louis County Commissioner Dist. 3, which represents the western portion of Duluth. Grimm received more than 69 percent of the votes cast by convention delegates at the first-ever electronic virtual convention.  This came after a 2-week balloting period. DFL competitor Noah Hobbs received the remaining votes….

Man Credited With Helping Save Neighbor’s Garage On Fire

DULUTH, Minn. – A neighbor is being credited for helping stop a fire from getting out of control in Lincoln Park. The Duluth Fire Department says the man saw his neighbor’s garage on fire, so he grabbed two fire extinguishers to tackle it before firefighters arrived. The fire happened around 1:30 p.m. Sunday. On the 2400 block of West 24th…

Welfare Checks Increase Slightly in Itasca County Amid COVID-19 Pandemic

Overall Calls For Criminal Activity Are Down in Many Iron Range Cities

GRAND RAPIDS, Minn. – During a press briefing Friday, Grand Rapids Police Chief Scott Johnson had a message for residents amid the COVID-19 pandemic — to remain calm, and check up on your family, friends, and neighbors. Overall calls for criminal activity are down in the City of Grand Rapids. Shoplifting crimes are now being dealt with electronically and through…

St. Scholastica Spring Commencement Goes Virtual, Seniors Look Back on Last Year

While disappointing, not having an in-person commencement doesn't change the fact that they completed four years of college, seniors say.

DULUTH, Minn.- Graduating seniors at the College of St. Scholastica are celebrating the end of their college lives a bit differently than they may have expected: with a virtual commencement ceremony. This time last year, there was a full gymnasium filled with caps and gowns. “I was homeschooled high school so I never had the ceremony so I was really…

Northland Wastewater Being Tested for Traces of COVID-19

15 wastewater sites from Duluth to International Falls are allowing the University of Minnesota Medical School in Duluth to test their wastewater for genetic material connected to COVID-19.

DULUTH, Minn. – The University of Minnesota Medical School in Duluth has started testing wastewater for coronavirus to better understand the pandemic. 15 wastewater sites from Duluth to International Falls are allowing the University of Minnesota Medical School in Duluth to test their wastewater for genetic material connected to COVID-19. Scientists say it’s an unbiased 10,000-foot view of the outbreak….

Flower Stand Popular on Mother’s Day Weekend

Derek Hoffbauer up a pop-up stand outside his parents' farm on Lindahl Road near Proctor to make buying easier for customers.

DULUTH, Minn. – It was a big weekend for flower businesses on this Mother’s Day weekend even though doing is a little different these days with the pandemic. Derek Hoffbauer owns the Duluth Flower Farm. He set up a pop-up stand outside his parents’ farm on Lindahl Road near Proctor to make buying easier for customers. He’s got everything from…

Quarry Park Creates Joke Trail

The jokes will be up in the park through Thursday.

DULUTH, Minn. – As more people are getting outside to enjoy some fresh air during the coronavirus pandemic, one park has added some extra fun to their adventure. Quarry Park now has a joke trail featuring jokes submitted from the public. Hikes can follow the Quarry floor clockwise to read the jokes, and find the answers on the back of…

Shutdown of Tribal Casinos Deals Blow to Indian Country

SPOKANE, Wash. (AP) — When the Kalispel Tribe of Indians closed its casino as the coronavirus took hold in Washington state, it essentially shut down its economy. That difficult choice has played out nationwide as some 500 Native American casinos have voluntarily closed during the pandemic, often taking away tribes’ main source of income in an effort to protect people’s…

Cloquet High Seniors Pick Up Graduation Cap and Gowns Drive-Thru Style

Teachers, Family and Community members wear purple and come out in support.

CLOQUET, Minn.- Picking up your graduation cap and gown is a big moment for high school seniors. So the Cloquet High School Administration and the surrounding community made it even bigger, while still maintaining social distance–having them available as a drive-thru. “It really boiled down to some form of togetherness,” said Principal Steve Battaglia. A chorus of honks greeted Cloquet…

Big Kahuna Water Park Set to Open at Mont Du Lac Resort

The Big Kahuna Water Park Is slated to make its debut Memorial Day weekend.

SUPERIOR, Wis. – The Big Kahuna Water Park has finally arrived at Mont Du Lac Resort in Superior and expecting to make its debut Memorial Day weekend. The waterpark, which will reside in the pond on the Mont Du Lac RV resort. The latest addition is filled with exciting fun for everyone. It features a slide, rock climbing wall, and…

Duluth Art Institute Introduces Art in Bloom

The Duluth Art Institute is connecting artists with the community in a special opportunity called Art in Bloom.

DULUTH, Minn. – One local organization is helping artists in the community. The Duluth Art Institute is connecting artists with the community in a special opportunity called Art in Bloom. The Institute posts artists’ names and shops on its website and Northlanders can then purchase the art. The art pieces range from $20 to $150. 100% of the proceeds go…

Hospitality Industry Hit Hard By Covid-19

DULUTH, Minn. – A recent survey conducted by Hospitality Minnesota shows more than half of businesses in the hospitality industry across the state including hotels, restaurants, and bars will likely shut down permanently as a result of financial impacts of Covid-19. With each passing day, it is getting more difficult for businesses to keep up with mounting obligations such as…

Bailey Builds Allows Customers to Shop from their Cars

Car-side shopping is in addition to curbside pickup and an online store.

DULUTH, Minn.- An arts studio and store on Grand Avenue in Duluth is changing the way they bring handmade gifts to customers. You can now shop Bailey Builds from your car. One of the staff members will meet you at your vehicle with a mask and gloves to find out what you’re looking for, come back with gift ideas, and…

Anglers Head to the Lakes for Minnesota Fishing Opener 2020

Even though some anglers say the fish are not biting like they used to be at Island Lake, many still come out to keep the tradition going.

DULUTH, Minn. – Walleye, bass, and catfish were the goal for eager anglers getting out to the lake for the first time this year during the Minnesota fishing opener. Island Lake was busy with people casting their lines and clearing their minds during the stay-at-home order. “Getting peace of mind a little tranquility just getting out of the house getting…

City of Superior Starting the Process of Reopening

Mayor Paine encourages people to get outside and enjoy themselves but cautions that this is just the beginning of the reopening process and that there is still a long way to go.

SUPERIOR, Wis. – Wisconsin is joining states across the country as many start to slowly reopen public life. The city of Superior is following along with guidance and will be opening some places next week. According to Superior Mayor Jim Paine, starting Monday the dog park, state park, and landfill will reopen. The Locals Only rule at Wisconsin Point has…

64-Year-Old Man Killed in Bayfield Shooting

BAYFIELD, Wis. – A 64-year-old man is dead after a shooting in Bayfield on Friday. The victim, Michael Kinney, was from the Township of Bayfield. The Bayfield County Sheriff’s Office tells us they received a report of a person being shot in the Township of Bayfield at about 10:00 p.m. on Friday, May 8th. Deputies determined a 64-year-old man was…

New Scenic Cafe Offering Mother’s Day Meal Kits

DULUTH, Minn. – A popular Northland restaurant is offering some special meal kits for mothers this weekend. New Scenic Cafe is delivering and offering pickup for about 100 meal kits for Mother’s Day with brunch, dinner or a land and sea grill options in each kit. Owners say, the goal is to bring these popular items out to celebrate Northland…

Drive-Thru Fundraiser Held for Local Veterans

CLOQUET, Minn.- Friday in Cloquet, veterans were out in force raising money for other veterans in need. Those organizing today’s burger and brat sale said they are following social distancing guidelines by operating a drive-thru in the Cloquet movie theater parking lot. They hope to raise between $6,000-$10,000. “It’s an honor to give back to our brothers and sisters that…

Duluth Community Walks To Honor An Unarmed Man Shot & Killed in Georgia

"I'm terrified as a mom. I can't sleep at night. I can't eat. It's a thing as a parent all you want to do is keep your kids safe," said Diana Oestreich.

DULUTH, Minn. – On Friday, the Duluth community came together to walk in honor of the life of an unarmed black man from Georgia who was tragically shot and killed while jogging back in February. Instead of celebrating what would have been his 26th birthday, the family of Ahmaud Arbery will now be mourning his death. Communities around the nation,…

Laura MacArthur Elementary Teachers Hold Parade for Students

Teachers and staff decorated their cars and paraded through West Duluth to wave and say hi to their students.

DULUTH, Minn. – Teachers and staff at Laura MacArthur Elementary school drove through West Duluth on Friday afternoon to wave and say hi to their students. Teachers decorated their cars and got dressed up to parade through town. As distance learning continues, the parade was a way to get the students and staff to connect again. “It is our nature…

Hundreds Celebrate 5-Year-Old Duluth Girl on Last Day of Chemotherapy

Kaya was diagnosed in 2018 with B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia shortly after her third birthday she is now in remission and done with her chemo treatments.

DULUTH, Minn. – Cars of all colors, shapes, and sizes came out to celebrate a party two years in the making for five-year-old Kaya Mulek who officially finished her chemotherapy treatments on Friday. “It means the world to us that all these people care so much about her and so many people have since the beginning of the journey,” said…

Denfeld Staff Deliver Caps, Gowns to Seniors

On Friday, Denfeld staff showed their appreciation for the seniors by getting them the materials they would normally receive before a diploma.

DULUTH, Minn. – For the 2020 class at Denfeld High School, their year has been different to say the least. “We’re really trying to add those special pieces that you’d think they would be missing out on but they are still getting to some degree,” Denfeld English Teacher, Mariah Macioce says. On Friday, Denfeld staff showed their appreciation for the…

Minnesota Businesses Prep for Fishing Opener

Minnesotans are getting ready for a weekend full of fishing. The Minnesota fishing opener is tomorrow and as people try to find ways to get outside and social distance, it’s coming at the right time. With license sales up 45 percent from this time last year, this year’s fishing opener in Minnesota is expected to be one of the biggest…

Minnesota Law Enforcement Seeing Spike in Speed Related Traffic Violations

DUI Traffic Citations Are on the Decrease Amid the COVID-19 Pandemic

GRAND RAPIDS, Minn. – Law enforcement authorities in Minnesota want to remind residents their main goal through the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic is to support local health officials and encourage safe social distancing practices. During a press briefing Friday by Itasca County law enforcement officials, the Minnesota State Patrol shared how troopers are seeing an uptick in speeding violations throughout the…

Unemployment Rate Rises: What Does this Look Like for Duluth?

The national unemployment rate landed to 14.7% for the month of April.

DULUTH, Minn. – The national unemployment rate landed to 14.7% for the month of April, the highest number since the Bureau of Labor Statistics started tracking the percentage in 1948. What does this look like for the Duluth area? In March, the unemployment rate for Duluth was 4.9% compared to 3.9% for the state of Minnesota. Local numbers for the…

Wisconsin: 72 Got COVID-19 After Being at Large Event

MADISON, Wis. (AP) — More than 70 people who tested positive for the coronavirus since an April 24 rally at the Wisconsin state Capitol indicated they had attended a large gathering, but the state Department of Health Services cant’ say if they were at the rally because it is not tracking specific events. Department spokeswoman Elizabeth Goodsitt said Friday that…

Updated COVID-19 Numbers: Friday, May 8

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Minnesota health officials reported 10,888 confirmed COVID-19 cases in the state Thursday morning and 26 new deaths bringing the death total to 534 in Minnesota. According to the Minnesota Department of Health website, 101,270 tests have been completed to date. There are 5,697 patients who no longer require isolation. So far, 1,549 patients have required hospitalization…

Midday Update 5-8-20

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Friday, May 8, 2020

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist William Seay for a local look at news and weather making headlines Friday, May 8, 2020. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Local News, midday update, William Seay

Corrections: Nearly 1,600 Inmates Released Due to COVID-19

MADISON, WI (AP) — The Wisconsin Department of Corrections says it’s released nearly 1,600 inmates since March to help reduce the possibility of spreading the coronavirus. Corrections spokeswoman Anna Neal says most of the inmates released since March 2 had been detained because they violated terms of their probation, parole or extended supervision. The State Journal reports the inmates were…

Minnesota Bans Large, In-Person Graduation Ceremonies for Class of 2020 Amid Pandemic

(FOX 9) – Minnesota education and health officials are banning large, in-person graduation ceremonies for the class of 2020 amid the COVID-19 pandemic, saying the safest way for schools to celebrate is for everyone to stay home. Officials released public health guidance Friday for high school and college graduation ceremonies amid the COVID-19 pandemic. The guidance was developing in consultation with school leaders…

Morning Update 5-8-20

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Friday, May 8, 2020

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist William Seay for a local look at news and weather making headlines Friday, May 8, 2020. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Local News, morning update, William Seay

Walz Outlines Virus ‘Battle Plan’ at Minnesota Nursing Homes

(Glen Stubbe/Star Tribune via AP, Pool) MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Gov. Tim Walz outlined a “battle plan” Thursday to keep Minnesota long-term care residents and workers safe against COVID-19, which so far has claimed the lives of more than 400 residents of nursing homes or assisted-living facilities in the state. Walz told reporters that the state is “prepared to go very…

Duluth Hospitals Confident Elective Surgeries Can Go On ‘Safely’

Both St. Luke's and Essentia Health Have Protocols in Place Before a Patient Receives a Surgical Procedure Amid COVID-19

DULUTH, Minn. – Minnesota Governor Tim Walz is allowing elective surgical procedures to start again on Monday, May 11 after hospitals take preventative measures to ensure continued safety. Before surgical dates, both St. Luke’s and Essentia Health will be testing patients for COVID-19 three days before their procedure. They will then ask patients to quarantine themselves up until the date…

Security Officer Films Encounter with Black Bear Lounging at Miller Hill Mall

Security officer Ryan Carlson watched the bear walk around the doors, look in, and even put his paws on a ledge to take a peek in Noodles and Co.

DULUTH, Minn. – Miller Hill Mall had an unexpected guest last night when a black bear decided to lounge at one of the entrances. Security officer Ryan Carlson watched the bear walk around the doors, look in, and even put his paws on a ledge to take a peek in Noodles and Co. Carlson even brought out some tunes and…

Grandma’s Restaurant Co. President Says Weekend Nightclub Scene at Sports Garden Likely Over; More Changes Expected at Other Restaurants

The Sports Garden is a popular nightclub atmosphere that attracts hundreds of college students on the dance floor.

DULUTH, Minn. – Grandma’s Restaurant Company has big changes coming its way with how the company operates says, president Brian Daugherty. One of the changes will affect operations at Grandma’s Sports Garden as well. The Sports Garden is a popular nightclub atmosphere that attracts hundreds of college students on the dance floor. “Nightclub and dancing is probably something that we…

Temporary Drive-Thru Site Offers Coronavirus Testing in Ashland

ASHLAND, Wis. – Temporary coronavirus testing sites are popping up in northern Wisconsin. As of May 7th, more than 9,200 people have tested positive for COVID-19 across Wisconsin. But in Ashland, Bayfield, and Iron Counties combined, there have been only seven positive test results. Now, the National Guard is bringing testing sites to that region to get an accurate look…