News

Gordy’s Hi-Hat Moves Opening Day to April 8

We can’t wait any longer… Opening on Wednesday, April 8th! We strongly encourage placing call-in orders and using our… Posted by Gordy’s Hi-Hat on Thursday, April 2, 2020   CLOQUET, Minn. – Gordy’s Hi-Hat will be opening for its 60th season on Wednesday, April 8. Gordy’s made the announcement on its Facebook page Thursday morning saying, “We can’t wait any longer……

Democrats Delay Nominating Convention Amid Virus Concerns

(AP) – Democrats announced Thursday that they were postponing their presidential nominating convention until August, an unprecedented move that shows how the coronavirus is reshaping the battle for the White House. The party had hoped that a mid-July convention would give them more time to rally behind a nominee and unify against President Donald Trump. But concerns that large crowds will spread the…

Midday Update 4-2-20

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Thursday, April 2, 2020

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist William Seay for a local look at news and weather making headlines Thursday, April 2, 2020. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Local News, midday update, William Seay

Minnesota: 742 Confirmed COVID-19 Cases, 38 Hospitalized in ICU

DULUTH, Minn. – The Minnesota Department of Health released updated numbers Thursday morning reporting there are a total of 742 COVID-19 cases in the state. According to the MDH website, there are currently 75 patients hospitals with 38 of those patients in the ICU. That is up from 54 hospitalized patients on Wednesday with 27 in the intensive care unit….

Gov. Whitmer: Michigan Schools Closed for Academic Year

LANSING, Mich. (AP) — More than 1.5 million Michigan students will not return to K-12 school buildings the rest of the academic year due to the coronavirus pandemic and instead will learn remotely, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer ordered Thursday. All public and private schools are more than halfway through a four-week shutdown ordered by Whitmer to combat the outbreak. She said…

Chef Arlene Coco Shares Quick, Easy Recipe for Pizzetta

Looking for Lunch or Dinner Ideas? Chef Coco Has You Covered!

DULUTH, Minn. – This week’s Cooking Connection features a quick, easy lunch or dinner item that anyone could make while stuck at home during the coronavirus pandemic. Pizzetta or ‘little pizza,’ would be a great way to pass some time while stuck inside. Regional cooking instructor Arlene Coco invites us into her kitchen to see how the delicious pizzetta is…

Morning Update 4-2-2020

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Thursday, April 2, 2020

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist William Seay for a local look at news and weather making headlines Thursday, April 2, 2020. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Local News, morning update, William Seay

A Record 6.6 Million Seek US Jobless Aid as Layoffs Mount

WASHINGTON (AP) — More than 6.6 million Americans applied for unemployment benefits last week — doubling a record high set just one week earlier — a sign that layoffs are accelerating in the midst of the coronavirus. The stunning report Thursday from the Labor Department showed that job cuts are mounting against the backdrop of economies in the United States and abroad…

Eric Erkkila Announces Candidacy for St. Louis County Commissioner

DULUTH, Minn. – Another candidate has joined the race for St. Louis County Commissioner in District 3. Duluth resident Eric Erkkila announced his candidacy Wednesday evening. “I’m running for this seat as I believe we need more focus on basic services, holding the line on property taxes, focusing on good-paying job growth so we can raise families and retain our…

Less Driving, Demand for Gas Causes Prices to Fall

Prices across Minnesota and Wisconsin drop below $2.

SUPERIOR, Wis.- Gas prices across the Northland have dropped below $2 as demand for gasoline falls, as drivers get out less while stay-at-home orders are in place. One of the cheapest places for gas right now is Kimmes Oil in Superior. It was $1.49 a gallon Wednesday for Regular Unleaded. One customer normally spends $100 filling his truck, but only…

Getting Out of House to Clean Up North Shore

Two friends spend their time without a job picking up garbage along Brighton Beach all the way to Two Harbors.

DULUTH, Minn.- As more people are enjoying activities outdoors, two folks decided to show the environment some love, and pick up trash along the North Shore. After losing their jobs at Duluth Woman’s Club, Lane Prekker and Karina Bite decided to get out of the house and head to Brighton Beach. “We came up here to get out in the…

Fond du Lac Band Says Casino Employees Would Be Laid Off First

CARLTON, Co. – The Fond du Lac Band is trying to avoid layoffs of its employees as its two casinos sit dark with zero cash flow. The tribe’s secretary treasurer, Ferdinand Martineau, addressed the financial concerns in a Facebook video Wednesday. He said leadership is discussing when and who could be laid off if the governor’s closure order lasts longer…

The Challenge Center Helps Make Masks

SUPERIOR, Wis.– As the fight against Coronavirus continues, the demand for supplies like masks has been huge. One organization in Superior is doing what they can to help. As more and more masks are being made, a group of people with special needs are working to help increase the supply. The Challenge Center in Superior has been giving adults with…

Private Campgrounds Face Uncertain Future

Private campgrounds are doing what they can to heed government orders while also hoping to open up soon.

DULUTH, Minn. – Along with everything else, local campgrounds are feeling the fallout from the COVID-19 pandemic. Campgrounds and even dispersed camping are closed at all state parks, forests, and recreational facilities. However, the mandate only covers DNR managed facilities. Private campgrounds are doing what they can to heed government orders while also hoping to open up soon. Many campgrounds…

PAVSA Offering Virtual Help During Sexual Assault Awareness Month, April, and Beyond

Advocates are working from home and are available online and via phone to survivors who need to seek help.

DULUTH, Minn. – April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month and this year, the Program for Aid to Victims of Sexual Assault (PAVSA) is making it easier to remotely help those who need it. PAVSA’s offices will remain closed until at least the end of April due to the pandemic. However, advocates are still working from home. Survivors of sexual assault…

Lake Superior Zoo Lays Off 12 Full-Time Staff Members Including CEO During Shutdown

Essential employees still working to care for animals

DULUTH, Minn. -The Lake Superior Zoo has been forced to lay off twelve full-time employees including its CEO. The coronavirus outbreak is to blame as the zoo has been closed to the public for the past two weeks with no signs of opening up anytime soon. Now, much of the staff is laid off and others have been reduced to…

Fundraising Effort Helps “Lift Up” Lincoln Park During The Pandemic

More than 250 cookbooks have already been sold.

DULUTH, Minn – During this tough time, business owners are looking to bring hope back to Lincoln Park. Just a few weeks ago, life was different for Tom Hanson, the owner of OMC Smokehouse, Duluth Grill and many other Lincoln Park businesses. Things have changed drastically due to Covid-19, which caused bars and restaurants to close to help prevent the…

Virtual Medical Appointments Spike Amid Pandemic

Both St. Luke's Hospital and Essentia Health offer this type of virtual service.s

DULUTH, Minn – Virtual medical appointments are now on the rise as more healthcare facilities are encouraging patients to use the new type of service. St. Luke’s telehealth offers patients a virtual exam room experience. Patients can have a video conference with their doctor to talk about their medical issues. Typical telehealth appointments can be used for annual wellness or…

148th Fighter Wing Airmen Return Home After 60 Day Mission

Coming home with a pandemic going on and being able to reunite with our families is very comforting," said 179th Fighter Squadron Commander Paul Thorton.

DULUTH, Minn. – Airmen from the 148th Fighter Wing in Duluth recently returned home after completing a 60 day mission. A group of aviators from the fighter wing were deployed to an undisclosed location to help support a northern air defense mission. This required them to help enforce temporary flight restrictions for the purpose of national defense. The Squadron Commander…

Bike Shops Considered an Essential Business

If biking is one of your favorite ways to relieve stress, you are in luck.

DULUTH, Minn. – If biking is one of your favorite ways to relieve stress, you are in luck as bike shops are considered an essential business. Stewart’s Bike Shop in Duluth specializes in mid-range bikes for the whole family. Management says people are still coming in to shop for a new bike, and their service departments are also still busy…

Amidst Coronavirus, Damiano Center Still Serves Meals

The Damiano Center is still serving meals to those in need in the Northland.

DULUTH, Minn. – The Damiano Center is still serving meals to those in need in the Northland, but just in a different way. A tent is set up in their parking lot where they serve up meals every day except Tuesday and Thursday. More than 100 free meals are served per day. Leadership from the group say they hope these…

ASL Interpreters Adjust to Help Students

There is a limitation to how 3D communication is done in a 2D format.

DULUTH, Minn. – With technology, interpreting services have been able to thrive. However, there is a limitation to how 3D communication is done in a 2D format. It’s about service deaf students in the local area and meeting their needs without meeting in person. “As far as education, that’s definitely an area that we don’t want to lose the kids…

Walz to Deliver Video State of the State Speech Sunday

(Glen Stubbe/Star Tribune via AP) ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) — Gov. Tim Walz has announced that he’ll deliver his postponed State of the State address on Sunday evening at 7 p.m., and he says he’s looking forward to speaking directly to Minnesotans during this uncertain time. The governor said Wednesday that he’ll deliver the speech alone with a remote camera…

Wisconsin: 1,550 COVID-19 Cases, 24 Total Deaths

MADISON, Wis. – The number of positive COVID-19 cases in Wisconsin crossed 1,500 on Wednesday, with 24 deaths. Douglas County is now reporting its seventh case. The latest figures from state and local health departments show the coronavirus continues to spread across the state. Of the positive cases, about 26% were hospitalized at some point. The data does not say…

City of Cloquet Closes Playgrounds, Athletic Facilities in Response to COVID-19

CLOQUET, Minn. – The City of Cloquet announced the closure of all outdoor play structures, including playgrounds and athletic facilities, effective immediately in continued response to the coronavirus pandemic. The city says sidewalks, trails, and other outdoor public areas will remain open, but the public should continue to practice safe social distancing. City-owned buildings remain closed at this time and…

Midday Update 4-1-20

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Wednesday, April 1, 2020

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist William Seay for a local look at news and weather making headlines Wednesday, April 1, 2020. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Local News, midday update, William Seay

Minnesota Department of Health Reports 5 More COVID-19 Deaths, 13 Cases now in St. Louis County

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) — The Minnesota Department of Health said Wednesday five more people have died of coronavirus complications, bringing the state’s death toll to 17. The number of confirmed COVID-19 cases continued to climb as expected with 70 additional cases announced Wednesday for a total of 689. The MDH reports that as of Wednesday morning St. Louis County…

Wimbledon Canceled for 1st Time Since WWII Because of Virus

(AP Photo/Kirsty Wigglesworth) (AP) – Wimbledon was canceled on Wednesday because of the coronavirus pandemic, the first time since World War II that the oldest Grand Slam tennis tournament won’t be played. Britain imposed a nationwide lockdown just over a week ago, and the All England Club announced after a two-day emergency meeting that the event it refers to simply…

Republicans Support Waiving Unemployment Waiting Period

MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Wisconsin Republican legislative leaders said for the first time Wednesday that they support temporarily waiving a one-week waiting period for people to receive unemployment benefits as part of a state aid package in response to the coronavirus pandemic. Assembly Speaker Robin Vos and Senate Majority Leader Scott Fitzgerald said in a conference call that work was…

Amid Decline in Business, PacKare Duluth Continues to Bring Pets Daily Joy

PacKare Duluth Experiences a More Than 50 Percent Decline in Business During COVID-19 Pandemic

DULUTH, Minn. – One thing you’re still allowed to do under a ‘Stay at Home’ order is get outside and enjoy the great outdoors with social distancing in mind. Many animals in the Northland are getting more walks than normal during this difficult time. One local pet care business is considered essential to stay open, but the owner is seeing…

Morning Update 4-1-20

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Wednesday, April 1, 2020

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist William Seay for a local look at news and weather making headlines Wednesday, April 1, 2020. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Local News, morning update, William Seay

Sara’s Table Chester Creek Cafe Fully Closes Amid Coronavirus Outbreak

DULUTH, Minn. – The owner of the popular At Sara’s Table Chester Creek Cafe in Duluth says she’s fully closing her restaurant until further notice. In a post on the restaurant’s Facebook page Tuesday, owner Carla Blumberg said take-out and delivery is no longer an option. She said cost and logistics “overwhelmed us.” Sara’s Table is just one of dozens…

Wal-Mart To Take Employees’ Temperatures Before Shifts

The company will also supply masks and gloves for employees.

DULUTH, Minn.- Businesses that have been deemed essential are trying to find the balance between protecting its workers while staying open for customers. Wal-Mart announced it’s going to start taking employees’ temperatures at stores and warehouses everyday before their shifts start. Any employee with a temperature over 100 degrees will be sent home. Wal-mart will supply face masks and gloves…

Wisconsin DWD Receives 115,679 New Unemployment Applications, 1.5 Million Calls In A Week

WISCONSIN – In Wisconsin, the Department of Workforce Development has seen new applications for unemployment go from a steady 6,000 a week to 115,679 just last week. The DWD said it received 1.5 million calls last week, which includes those who called multiple times. The requirement that you must apply to several jobs every week to receive your unemployment check…

Duluth Lakewalk Helps Keep Social Distancing

DULUTH, Minn.– The warm weather couldn’t have come at a better time. Coronavirus may be changing our normal routine but it isn’t keeping people from enjoying the trails around Duluth. “It’s a beautiful day. Don’t get very many days like this,” said Tyler Wieber, who was walking along the Lakewalk. Concerns over Coronavirus have shut down theaters, bars and restaurants….

Cloquet Public Schools Launches Distance Learning Plan

School has plans to utilize both paper packets and online resources.

CLOQUET, Minn.- Cloquet Public Schools launched their Distance Learning Plan for the rest of the year. Elementary School-aged children will receive paper packets weekly to work on at home. Staff will be in charge of picking up finished packets, while dropping off packets for the following week. Middle and High Schoolers will complete work online. The District has plans for…

Minnesota National Guard Delivers Cots to St. Louis County for Potential COVID-19 Shelter

250 cots from Camp Ripley will be stocked and distributed on a need-basis.

DULUTH, Minn.- The Minnesota National Guard arrived in St. Louis County Tuesday morning to deliver hundreds of cots for a potential COVID-19 shelter. According to officials, while they’ve planned for pandemics in the past, none come close to the magnitude of planning required for Coronavirus. The Minnesota National Guard assisted St. Louis County by delivering 250 cots, bringing their total…

Duluth Airport Cancels Flights

DULUTH, Minn.– The Duluth International Airport is experiencing a severe drop in passengers and a delay to expand service from Delta. Airport Executive Director Tom Werner says flights in an out of DLH have dropped between 50 to 75 percent since the virus outbreak took hold. The little travel that is happening is coming from mostly business people. Delta is…

Kids Kitchen Serves To-Go Meals at Damiano Center

Prorgram is open every Monday-Thursday

DULUTH, Minn. – The Damiano Center is serving meals to kids through its ‘Kids Kitchen’ program. It normally provides academic support and interaction for the students, but now because of social distancing, they program is handing out meals and activity bags to-go. The meals include sandwiches, granola bars, milk, and other healthy snacks. “Without this, where else would they be…