News Archives - Page 482 of 898

Gov. Walz Signs Alec Smith Insulin Affordability Act into Law

In 2017, 26-year-old Alec Smith died of diabetic complications because he was rationing his insulin which he could not afford to be uninsured. Legislators hope this law hopes will stop this from ever happening again.

April 15, 2020

Katharine Huntley,

ST. PAUL. – The Alec Smith Insulin Affordability Act was signed into law on Wednesday by Governor Tim Walz. In 2017, 26-year-old Alec Smith died of diabetic complications because he was rationing his insulin which he could not afford to be uninsured. Lawmakers and advocates took up this issue in Alec’s memory to stop this from happening again. The program…

Duluth International Is Receiving More Than $5 Million In Relief Funding

Typically the airport runs up to 12 daily flights, but that has since dropped to five flights per day.

April 15, 2020

Nachai Taylor,

DULUTH, Minn- The Duluth International Airport is receiving more than $5 million in relief funding to support operations during the pandemic. This comes after Congressman Pete Stauber recently announced nearly $30 million in funding to assist more than 25 airports in Minnesota’s 8th Congressional District. Those funds were made available through the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act. Duluth…

Local Restaurant Offers Affordable Kids Lunches During Pandemic

April 15, 2020

Nachai Taylor,

DULUTH, Minn – A local restaurant is making sure kids in the area have access to an affordable lunch during the pandemic. At the Trophy Cafe in Gary New Duluth, kids can receive a cheeseburger, chips, and a fruit cup all for just $3 for lunch. The cafe jumped into action as soon as the the pandemic hit. This was…

Goodwill Industries Of Duluth Lays Off Nearly 300 Employees

Most of the layoffs are impacting retail and donation processing workers.

April 15, 2020

Nachai Taylor,

DULUTH, Minn – More layoffs are spreading throughout the northland. Nearly 300 employees from Goodwill Industries locations around the area are out of work as a direct result of Covid-19. Goodwill’s core mission is to help people dealing with social and economic barriers, gain viable employment. With operations in the northland being closed for nearly a month, due to Covid…

Virtual Baby Showers: How the Coronavirus Impacts Gatherings

“It's probably the best thing that we can do right now and it's something that I can still look forward to," said Lynsey Haala.

April 15, 2020

Jane Kim,

DULUTH, Minn. – A lot of gatherings are being canceled these days because of the coronavirus, but people are still figuring out alternative ways to do things like baby showers. Lynsey Haala and her husband Chad are expecting a new baby in June. When they had to cancel their planned baby shower, they knew they needed to get creative. Then…

Lake Superior Zoo Accepting Donations While Closed

While you can't come visit the Lake Superior Zoo, you can still help out.

April 15, 2020

Jane Kim,

DULUTH, Minn. – The zoo is asking for monetary donations as well as selling membership extension and advanced tickets. Because the zoo is a nonprofit, it relies on revenue to keep animals fed. “It’s pretty much business as usual for them,” said Emily Perala, Lead Zookeeper. “Some of them seem to really miss having a lot of the folks come…

ACLU Sues to Release Moose Lake Inmates Due to COVID-19 Concerns

April 15, 2020

Site Staff,

MOOSE LAKE, Minn. – According to a recent press release, the American Civil Liberties Union of Minnesota filed a petition on Wednesday against the state Department of Corrections asking for the immediate release of Moose Lake inmates. The ACLU-MN says that the state DOC is not keeping prisoners and staff safe from the rapid spread of COVID-19. “The ACLU of…

Layoffs Expected at Keetac Mine Later This Week

April 15, 2020

Site Staff,

KEEWATIN, Minn. – Layoffs are expected this Sunday, April 19 at the US Steel owned Keetac Mine. According to a letter from the Steelworkers Union, the layoffs will affect employees who have been at the mine for three years or less. Maintenance staff who have been with the company for three years or less will continue to work until the…

FDA Approves Low-Cost Ventilator Developed by U of Minnesota

April 15, 2020

The Associated Press,

(Breanna Retherford/University of Minnesota via AP) MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — The U.S. Food and Drug Administration on Wednesday approved a low-cost ventilator developed by the University of Minnesota and aimed at helping COVID-19 patients breathe. The FDA authorized use of the compact device, known as the Coventor, that was quickly developed and designed by a team of university researchers, a…

BWCA To Close for Day and Overnight Use Through May 4

April 15, 2020

Site Staff,

DULUTH, Minn. – Officials with the Superior National Forest announced on Wednesday that the Boundary Water Canoe Area Wilderness will be closed for day and overnight use starting tomorrow. The closure will go through May 4 to help slow the spread of COVID-19. Officials say any reservations made through May 4 will receive a full refund including reservation fees. “In…

114 New COVID-19 Cases in Minnesota, 87 Total Deaths

April 15, 2020

Site Staff,

ST. PAUL, Minn. – The Minnesota Department of Health reported 114 new cases and eight additional deaths Wednesday morning. This brings the total number of COVID-19 cases in the state to 1,809 and the death total to 87. According to the MDH website, 940 of the 1,809 cases have recovered and no longer require isolation. On Wednesday, the Minnesota Department…

Local Leaders Ask for Rent, Mortgage Suspension

April 15, 2020

The Associated Press,

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) — Nearly two dozen local elected officials are calling on Gov. Tim Walz to suspend rent and mortgage payments and stop commercial property evictions during the coronavirus pandemic. In a letter to Walz, the officials say “mass displacement, home foreclosures, and the shuttering of businesses are imminent unless aggressive measures are taken immediately.” The officials include a…

Midday Update 4-15-20

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Wednesday, April 15, 2020

April 15, 2020

Brett Scott,

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist William Seay for a local look at news and weather making headlines Wednesday, April 15, 2020. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Local News, midday update, William Seay

Goodwill of Duluth Announces Layoffs Due to COVID-19 Pandemic

April 15, 2020

Site Staff,

DULUTH, Minn. – Effective Tuesday Goodwill Industries Vocational Enterprises of Duluth announced they will be laying off roughly 293 of its 312 workers due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Goodwill says the majority of these layoffs will be from their retail and donation processing enterprise. “Goodwill Industries has been forced to continue the closure of all retail stores and all operations…

Best Buy to Furlough 51,000 Store Employees Nationwide

April 15, 2020

Site Staff,

RICHFIELD, Minn. (FOX 9) – Best Buy announced Wednesday it will furlough approximately 51,000 employees in the U.S. as its stores remain closed nationwide aside from curbside pickup during the COVID-19 pandemic. The Richfield, Minnesota-based retailer said some corporate employees are also participating in voluntary reduced work weeks and resulting pay as well as voluntary furloughs. Best Buy CEO Corie Barry will forego…

Business Clamor for Exemptions to Reopen Amid COVID-19

April 15, 2020

The Associated Press,

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) — Nonessential business have inundated Gov. Tim Walz’s administration with requests to open their doors again as a stay-at-home order continues because of the coronavirus pandemic. Walz recently extended that order until at least May 4 but said he and his administration would look at exemptions for more businesses over the coming weeks. State officials would…

Wildwoods Rehabilitation Center Offers Phone, Virtual Education Support Amid COVID-19

The center was originally scheduled to re-open on March 21st. Now, the limited staff are continuing to answer phone calls and have put together an online education program for the public

April 15, 2020

Reece Lindquist,

DULUTH, Minn. – Wildwoods Rehabilitation Center in Duluth is taking a different approach to their teaching methods. “Wildwoods will not be accepting wild animals until at least through May 4 as we are trying to adhere to the Governors stay at home mandate,” Wildwoods Rehabilitation Center, Jessica LaBumbard says. The center was originally scheduled to re-open on March 21st. Now,…

Morning Update 4-15-20

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Wednesday, April 15, 2020

April 15, 2020

Brett Scott,

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist William Seay for a local look at news and weather making headlines Wednesday, April 15, 2020. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Local News, morning update, William Seay

Northland Bikers Get Ready to Ride

April 14, 2020

CJ Baumgartner,

DULUTH, Minn.– Duluth’s Lakewalk has been a busy place lately with more and more bikers showing up to ride. As the weather warms up, a lot of people in the Northland are anxious to get out and ride their bikes. Biking can be a great way for people to get around, lower stress, and get some exercise. The Lakewalk has…

Reduced Staff Keeping Great Lakes Aquarium Animals Cared For

April 14, 2020

CJ Baumgartner,

DULUTH, Minn.– A significantly reduced staff at the Great Lakes Aquarium is taking it one day at a time to keep the animals cared for and the facilities maintained. The aquarium was forced to furlough 46 employees after Governor Tim Walz closed all non-essential businesses in March. Right now 11 staff members are still reporting to work. The hope is…

Making the Neighborhood Safer

The Duluth Police Department was recently awarded a big grant to help keep the community safe.

April 14, 2020

Jane Kim,

DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth Police Department was recently awarded a big grant to help keep the community safe. The department awarded over $33,000 from the state for the safe neighborhood program. The funding will be used to organize a group to address repeat offenders, specifically with drug and violent crimes, and promote reentry for those criminals. The planning process…

A Local Junk Hauling Company Gives Back To Community

Over the next two weeks, Twin Ports Trailer Trash will be also collecting donations for CASDA and RAD.

April 14, 2020

Nachai Taylor,

Twin Ports Trailer Trash is known for doing exactly what its name implies, hauling away junk and trash. But like other small businesses in the area, the junk hauling company is being impacted by Covid-19. Spring is typically a busy time for Twin Ports Trailer Trash, but the pandemic has caused a change of pace. The company is now using…

$15,000 in Meat, Liquor Stolen From Black Water Lounge on Easter Sunday

April 14, 2020

Dan Hanger,

DULUTH, Minn. – More than $15,000 worth of inventory was stolen from the Black Water Lounge in downtown Duluth on Easter Sunday. This comes at a time when restaurant owners are trying to survive with only curbside and pick-up orders during the pandemic. The suspect is seen on surveillance video taking salmon, beef and liquor from the back storage area…

Senior Linkage Line: Here to Help

The Senior Linkage Line is helping older adults and caregivers with resources in their communities.

April 14, 2020

Jane Kim,

DULUTH, Minn. – The Senior Linkage Line is helping older adults and caregivers with resources in their communities. Services include helping with personal care or help around the house, chore homemaker services, roundabout rides to the doctor, rides to other locations and help with Medicare. Officials say it’s a one-stop shop for those who are growing older and how they…

Veterans Can Get Financial Support During Pandemic

Veterans can receive $1,000 each in financial relief.

April 14, 2020

Nachai Taylor,

DULUTH, Minn- Minnesota veterans are getting financial relief to help them recover from the impacts of Covid-19. In March, the Minnesota Legislature and Governor Tim Walz approved a one-time relief grant worth more than $6 million to be awarded to veterans. On a first come first served basis veterans in need of the support can receive $1,000 each to counter…

Duluth Police, Fire Departments Join Birthday Parade for Local Four-Year Old

The Duluth Police and Fire Departments, along with family and friends, joined a parade to celebrate a local four-year old's birthday.

April 14, 2020

Claudia Chakamian,

DULUTH, Minn. – Birthday parties are looking a lot different due to the coronavirus, but in some ways, they’re getting more creative. On Monday, one local family held a special parade for their son. The Duluth Police and Fire departments joined the celebration for Emerson, who turned four on Monday. The coronavirus canceled the original party plan, but the parade…

How to Sanitize a Cloth Face Mask Properly

April 14, 2020

Alexandra Burnley,

The CDC is recommending all Americans wear face masks when out in public because of COVID-19. If you have started wearing a cloth mask, make sure it’s protecting you and others by washing it after each time you wear it. The Minnesota Department of Health said you should also wash your hands before and after removing the mask from your…

Wisconsin Campgrounds Face Uncertainty During Pandemic

Campgrounds in rural areas can be packed with people from cities trying to social distance

April 14, 2020

Andrew Kirov,

WASCOTT, Wis. – People are trying to get out of cities as much as possible during the pandemic. That means campgrounds in rural areas can be packed. While the owners appreciate the business, they tell us it’s up to campers to act responsibly and maintain social distance. Rick Maas, owner of Up North Resort in Wascott, tells us there are…

Babbitt Mayor Reacts to Northshore Mining Going Idle

April 14, 2020

Andrew Kirov,

BABBITT, Minn. – Cleveland-Cliffs has announced Northshore Mining will shut down by the end of the month, leaving 470 workers without a job. Idiling the facility will have a big economic impact on the city of Babbitt, where the mine is located. The mayor of the small city of around 1,500 people says the mine shutting down will impact all…

Free Masks Bring Long Line to Vikre Distillery

Lake Superior Medical Equipment and Duluth Screen Printing team up to make 175 masks to distribute at Vikre.

April 14, 2020

Arman Rahman,

DULUTH, Minn.- The Center for Disease Control has updated its recommendations, advising people to wear masks while out in public. Now Vikre Distillery is partnering with local businesses to distribute free cloth masks to Northlanders, along with hand sanitizer. “Keeps us busy while we’re closed, and feels really nice to be able to help the community that way,” said Doug…

Hannah Johnson Fabrics Giving Out Masks to Those in Need

The local fabric store is selling mask making kits, while also giving out free masks to people who still need one.

April 14, 2020

Claudia Chakamian,

DULUTH, Minn. – Hannah Johnson Fabrics in Duluth has a few options for people who still need masks. People can purchase mask making kits, which includes the supplies for three masks, for six dollars. They also have people making and donating masks, that they’re giving out to places like hospitals or nursing homes. Hannah Johnson Fabrics also said they’re giving…

DRCC Takes Precautions To Prevent The Spread Of Covid-19

Organization is in need of more personal protective equipment.

April 14, 2020

Nachai Taylor,

The Duluth Regional Care Center, which is an organization that offers housing and community support for people with developmental disabilities is taking the necessary precautions to ensure the safety of those they serve as the coronavirus pandemic continues. DRCC runs 50 group homes in the Arrowhead Region and also offers in-home services, which have already been scaled back. As a…

Rose Garden Maintenance Begins

April 14, 2020

Reece Lindquist,

DULUTH, Minn. – City crews were out at Leif Erikson Park in the Rose Garden this afternoon getting rid of leaves they put on the roses last fall. Roses are not the most hearty plants so they need the bags of leaves for insulation during the colder months. Workers say, this is the time people should think about doing gardening…

All-Star Reading Program Continues

As students continue to do their school work from home, local leaders are stepping in offering up a unique event.

April 14, 2020

Jane Kim,

DULUTH, Minn. – As students continue to do their school work from home, local leaders are stepping in offering up a unique event. Recently the Duluth Public Library started it’s All-Star Storytime where leaders like Duluth Fire Chief Shawn Krizaj read a book to a public Facebook group. The fire chief told us it’s a good way to distract young…

Superior’s Restaurant Week is Still On

Restaurants are only doing delivery and carry out these days but that isn't stopping this year's event from happening.

April 14, 2020

Jane Kim,

SUPERIOR, Wis. – In the midst of the coronavirus pandemic, Superior’s restaurant week is still on. 23 restaurants are offering special dining deals all the way through Sunday. The goal is to raise awareness about the unique variety of tastes offered by Superior restaurants. “I think this is an industry that needs it and I think that this is an…

Relief Funds Set Up For 3 Grand Marais Businesses Destroyed By Fire

April 14, 2020

Dan Hanger,

GRAND MARAIS, Minn. – Relief funds have been set up to support three downtown Grand Marais businesses destroyed by fire Monday. One account is set up at Grand Marais State Bank, PO Box 100, 55604. Any contributions sent to “Fire Relief Fund” will be evenly distributed to the three businesses – Crooked Spoon Café, White Pine North and Picnic &…

Small Plane Makes Emergency Landing on Midway Road

April 14, 2020

Site Staff,

MIDWAY TOWNSHIP, Minn. – Officials say a small plane landed on Midway Road and Stark Road in Midway Township around 2:00 p.m. Tuesday afternoon. Authorities say the pilot made an emergency landing on Midway Road shortly after taking off from the Superior airport. The St. Louis County Sheriff’s Office says the lone pilot was flying at approximately 3,000 feet when…

One Killed in Eveleth Rollover Crash

April 14, 2020

Site Staff,

(courtesy: Northland FireWire) EVELETH, Minn. – According to the Eveleth Police Department, a 50-year-old Eveleth man was killed in a rollover crash around 6:55 a.m. Tuesday. Authorities say the semi tanker truck the man was driving rolled over at the intersection of Fayal Road and Kimberly Avenue. Eveleth and Fayal personnel responded to the scene of the crash along with…

Minnesota DNR Cancels 2020 Fish Egg-Taking Over Virus Concerns

April 14, 2020

The Associated Press,

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources has canceled this year’s egg-taking for walleye, northern pike, muskies, and steelhead because of concerns over the spreading the coronavirus. The agency says the work cannot be done safely under social distancing guidelines. According to the DNR, collecting eggs and sperm from spawning fish in the wild is labor-intensive and requires teams…

Duluth Diocese Extends Temporary COVID-19 Measures

April 14, 2020

Site Staff,

DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth Diocese announced Tuesday that they will be extending the temporary suspension of mass and gatherings of more than 10 people until May 4. The suspension has been in place since Friday, March 20. In a letter to the clergy Diocesan Administrator, Reverend James B. Bissonette wrote that during this time churches will remain open for…

More Wisconsin Farmers Filing for Bankruptcy

April 14, 2020

The Associated Press,

MILWAUKEE (AP) — The economic effects of the coronavirus appear to be pushing more Wisconsin farmers into bankruptcy. Court records show that 36 farmers have filed by Chapter 12 bankruptcy since the first of the year. In 2019, there were 57 similar filings for the entire year, the Journal Sentinel reported. Dairy farmers were already dealing with depressed milk prices…

Midday Update 4-14-20

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Tuesday, April 14, 2020

April 14, 2020

Brett Scott,

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist William Seay for a local look at news and weather making headlines Tuesday, April 14, 2020. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Local News, midday update, William Seay

Minnesota Lawmakers Ready COVID-19 Relief; Deaths Rise to 79

April 14, 2020

The Associated Press,

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Minnesota lawmakers prepared Tuesday to pass a COVID-19 relief bill on a day when health officials reported nine more deaths due to the coronavirus. The Minnesota Department of Health reported that the nine new deaths raised the state’s total to 79. The department also reported 45 new confirmed cases to increase Minnesota’s total to 1,695. As of…

Morning Update 4-14-20

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Tuesday, April 14, 2020

April 14, 2020

Brett Scott,

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist William Seay for a local look at news and weather making headlines Tuesday, April 14, 2020. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Local News, morning update, William Seay

KYN: 3D Printing

April 14, 2020

Reece Lindquist,

DULUTH, Minn. – Tyler Blom is using his time off from teaching at Proctor High School well. “This is a real-life situation. This is a real-life skill. And it ties nicely together with our pathways program that we have at proctor,” Proctor High School Teacher, Tyler Blom says. The industrial arts instructor has been teaching online and after being contacted…

Woman Dies After Being Found Unresponsive in Hinckley Hotel Bathtub

April 14, 2020

Site Staff,

HINCKLEY, Minn. – The Pine County Sheriff’s Office says a Wisconsin woman in her 50’s has died after being found unresponsive in a bathtub at America’s Best Hotel in Hinckley. According to reports, deputies and ambulance personnel arrived at the hotel just after 10:44 p.m. on Saturday and found the woman in the bathtub where life-saving measures were initiated. Authorities…

2020 Wisconsin Spring Election Results

April 14, 2020

Site Staff,

Categories: News, News – Latest News, Political, Wisconsin

Utility Providers Including Minnesota Power Suspend Disconnections, Late Fees

Citizens Utility Board and Minnesota Power Urge Customers to Call to arrange payment plan.

April 13, 2020

Arman Rahman,

DULUTH, Minn.- People struggling to keep up with heat, water, or electric bills due to the Coronavirus pandemic may find some relief from many utility providers. The Citizens Utility Board, a non-profit representing energy customers in Minnesota, is urging Minnesotans to contact their utility providers like Minnesota Power to work out a payment plan to avoid being disconnected. Many providers…

Cleveland-Cliffs To Idle Northshore Mining; 470 Employees Affected

The Northshore Mining Plant employees 570, only 100 remain employed.

April 13, 2020

Arman Rahman,

SILVER BAY, Minn.- Cleveland-Cliffs has announced it is idling two of its iron ore plants, including Northshore Mining in Silver Bay, which will be shutting down by the middle of this month. This will affect roughly 470 employees, a significant number for a city like Silver Bay with a population of only 1,800. Cleveland-Cliffs CEO Lourenco Goncalves said they’ve evaluated…

Radio DJ Records Show From Home

Some of your favorite on-air personalities are also working from home.

April 13, 2020

Jane Kim,

DULUTH, Minn. – Have you been listening to the radio a lot lately? Some of your favorite on-air personalities are also working from home, including Jill Mikkelson, a radio host for Life 97.3. She uses her room as her personal studio where she researches content and records her material. She works remotely while living with roommates. She says that she…