News Archives - Page 495 of 904

Thailand Elephant Park Promises to Scrap Tourist Rides because of Virus

March 29, 2020

Site Staff,

(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…

People Escape, Pets Die in Barnum Township Structure Fire

March 29, 2020

Alexandra Burnley,

BARNUM TOWNSHIP, Minn. — A fire broke out at a home on the 4100-block of Country Road 6 in the Barnum Township shortly after noon on Sunday, according to the Carlton County Sheriff’s Office. Everyone inside the home was able to get out. A man and two juveniles were brought to the Mercy Hospital in Moose Lake to be treated…

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

March 29, 2020

Dan Hanger,

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

March 29, 2020

The Associated Press,

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.

March 28, 2020

Katharine Huntley,

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.

March 28, 2020

CJ Baumgartner,

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.

March 28, 2020

Arman Rahman,

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.

March 28, 2020

Katharine Huntley,

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.

March 28, 2020

CJ Baumgartner,

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…

Mission Creek Church Hosts Pop-Up Pantry

For $20 each, people could purchase bundles of food. Bundles were picked up curbside this year to socially distance.

March 28, 2020

CJ Baumgartner,

DULUTH, Minn.– Ruby’s Pantry has been helping people in the Northland get affordable groceries. Today they were lending a hand at mission creek church in Fond du Lac. Ruby’s hosted a pop-up pantry there. For $20 each, people could purchase bundles of food. Bundles were picked up curbside this year to socially distance. Mission creek gave out 237 out of…

Gloria Dei Warming Shelter to Close March 31st

Until March 31st there will be more restrictive rules at Gloria Dei. CHUM Drop-In Center will remain open overnight after the 31st for those in need.

March 28, 2020

Katharine Huntley,

DULUTH, Minn. – The Gloria Dei Warming Shelter will close on March 31st, the shelter announced on Saturday in a press release. CHUM Drop-In Center will remain open overnight after March 31st but will have more restrictions on what the center calls “in and out movement”. Guests at CHUM can go in, sign up, and stay but once they leave…

Governor Walz Signs $330 Million COVID-19 Aid Package

March 28, 2020

Katharine Huntley,

(Glen Stubbe/Star Tribune via AP) ST. PAUL, Minn. – Governor Walz signed a COVID-19 aid package totaling $330 million for Minnesota’s response to the virus. The legislature passed the bill with broad bipartisan support on March 26. A press release from Governor Walz’s office states the law will help ensure Minnesota has the right supports in place to prepare for…

Minnesota Officials Report Fifth Coronavirus Death

March 28, 2020

The Associated Press,

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) – The Minnesota Department of Health on Saturday confirmed the state’s fifth death from the coronavirus. The recent health department report shows that COVID-19 cases have increased to 441, up 43 from Friday, with 30 patients hospitalized. The state has conducted 16,129 tests. Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, who is under a 14-day quarantine and is working from the…

City Prepares For Snow in the Weekend Forecast

"Just because there is a pandemic doesn't mean the city is stopping," said Public Information Officer Kate Van Daele.

March 27, 2020

Nachai Taylor,

DULUTH, Minn. – With more snow in the forecast for the Northland, city officials tell us plow drivers are at full capacity and are prepared to hit the roads. Crews are continuing to pay attention to the forecast to map out the best plan of action for the storm as it could have the potential for downed power lines and…

Local Businesses Team Up to Donate Meals to St. Luke’s Employees

The group dropped off more than fifty meals.

March 27, 2020

Nachai Taylor,

DULUTH, Minn. – A few local businesses in Duluth are working together to give back during this global pandemic. The owner of the Rambler and Mid Coast Catering has teamed up with the owner of Yellow Bike Coffee in Duluth to form the group called “Lookout for the Helpers”. Their mission is to remember those serving on the front lines…

B&B Market Donates Groceries to People in Need

March 27, 2020

Reece Lindquist,

CLOQUET, Minn. – It all started on Tuesday when a State Farm employee in Cloquet donated one-hundred pounds of ground beef to the local B&B market. “And the ball just started rolling. We’ve had just people come in and donating,” B&B Market Owner, John Lind says. After the market posted a push for donations on Facebook, hundreds of dollars worth…

Former Duluth City Councilor Among Navy Reserves Deployed to Aid Italy

March 27, 2020

CJ Baumgartner,

DULUTH, Minn.– Italy has been hit hard with the Coronavirus. The country has more 86,000 cases and about 9,000 deaths related to the pandemic. Now, the US is sending military reserves overseas to lend a hand and a Duluth resident got the call. While most are staying at home because of Coronavirus, former Minnesota state senator and Duluth city councilor,…

Canal Park Brewing Offers Beer Delivery

Canal Park Brewing has started a free delivery on their beer growlers and crowlers.

March 27, 2020

Claudia Chakamian,

DULUTH, Minn. – While many local restaurants have found ways to make their foods available for delivery and curbside service, some local breweries will now deliver beer right to your door. Starting Friday, Canal Park Brewing has started a free delivery on their beer growlers and crowlers. People can call in their order between noon to 3:00 p.m. Monday-Saturday and…

2020 Duluth Dylan Festival Canceled

This year's festival was scheduled to run May 16-24.

March 27, 2020

Claudia Chakamian,

DULUTH, Minn. – The 2020 Duluth Dylan Festival is the latest event to be canceled because of the Coronavirus. This year’s festival was supposed to run May 16-24, which would have been Bob Dylan’s 79th birthday. This would have been the 10th year of the festival that celebrates Duluth native Bob Dylan. With many other local and national events no…

Blue Heron Trading Company In Duluth Donates To CHUM Food Shelf

"We drove around and picked up 803 pounds. That's a record," said Owner Jane Jenkins.

March 27, 2020

Nachai Taylor,

DULUTH, Minn. – Blue Heron Trading Company in Duluth is also helping to give back to the community for its 35th anniversary. Every year the houseware store hosts an annual food drive at its location in the DeWitt-Seitz building, but the pandemic has caused the store to shut down. Instead, staff picked up food donations from community members and delivered…

Freezer Sales Jump As Pandemic Continues

There are no freezers. They have sold them out everywhere," said Owner Frank Mertz.

March 27, 2020

Nachai Taylor,

DULUTH, Minn – Appliance stores are getting a little more business these days. Freezer sales are skyrocketing as the coronavirus pandemic continues around the world. As people are spending more time indoors, they are purchasing more food that would require the use of a freezer. Johnson Mertz in Duluth has been selling out of their stock of the appliance since…

Duluth Changes Trails for Social Distancing Purposes

As everyone is being told to keep their distance from others, Duluth city leaders want to make that easier even while people are outside.

March 27, 2020

Jane Kim,

DULUTH, Minn. – As everyone is being told to keep their distance from others, Duluth city leaders want to make that easier even while people are outside. The city is hoping to route people to three additional trails. The goal is to help cut down on unsafe crowding that has been happening on local trails. One option includes Seven…

Shipping Takes Precautions for COVID-19

The shipping industry is yet another sector that is being impacted by the coronavirus.

March 27, 2020

Jane Kim,

DULUTH, Minn. – The shipping industry is yet another sector that is being impacted by the coronavirus. The Duluth Seaway Port Authority tells us that several precautions are being taken in the midst of the crisis. Approval to board the ships could be limited while all crew would be checked for symptoms of the virus. Ships coming to Lake Superior…

Douglas County Confirms New Cases of COVID-19

March 27, 2020

Site Staff,

DOUGLAS COUNTY, Wis. – Douglas County Public Health says there are now five individuals who have tested positive for COVID-19 in the county. Additionally, the public health department says three other family members are symptomatic but have not been tested as they are presumed to have the virus. All eight individuals are isolated at home and doing well. According to…

Costco Cancels Purchase Agreement for Arrowhead, Haines Road Location

March 27, 2020

Site Staff,

DULUTH, Minn. – Costco will no longer be building its long-awaited store in Duluth. According to Dave Holappa of Holappa Commercial Real Estate, earlier this week Costco canceled its purchase agreement for the Arrowhead Road location. Last year the planning commission unanimously approved a plot of land at the corner of Haines Road and Arrowhead Road for the development. Holappa…

Trump Signs $2.2T Stimulus After Swift Congressional Votes

March 27, 2020

The Associated Press,

WASHINGTON-President Donald Trump has signed an unprecedented $2.2 trillion economic rescue package into law, after swift and near-unanimous action by Congress this week. The package will support businesses, rush resources to overburdened health care providers and help struggling families during the deepening coronavirus epidemic. As he signed the bill Friday, Trump declared it “will deliver urgently needed relief.” He thanked…

Changes Made to Essentia Health Urgent Care, Convenient Care Locations

March 27, 2020

Site Staff,

DULUTH, Minn. – Essentia Health has announced new changes to their urgent care locations that will go into effect at 7:00 p.m. Friday until further notice. The changes include: Urgent care services will be offered at the Essentia Health-West Duluth Clinic and Essentia Health-Duluth Clinic 3rd Street Building. At both locations, hours of operation will be 10 a.m. to 6 p.m….

Wisconsin: 842 COVID-19 Confirmed Cases, 13 Deaths

March 27, 2020

Site Staff,

MADISON, Wis. (FOX 9) – Thirteen people have now died from COVID-19 and 842 others have tested positive for the virus in Wisconsin as of Friday afternoon. This marks the largest daily increase in Wisconsin, with 135 more confirmed cases and five more deaths than Thursday’s totals. The state has returned 13,140 negative tests as well. Earlier this week, Governor Tony Evers directed the Department…

Downtown Duluth Skywalk System to Close for Two Weeks

March 27, 2020

Site Staff,

DULUTH, Minn. – The City of Duluth announced the temporary closure of the downtown Duluth skywalk system. The entire skywalk will be shut down for two weeks starting at 7:00 p.m. Friday, March 27 until April 13 in accordance with Governor Walz’s Stay at Home Executive order. “We realize that this will be inconvenient, not only for essential workers working…

House Passes $2.2T Rescue Package, Rushes it to Trump

March 27, 2020

The Associated Press,

(House Television via AP) WASHINGTON (AP) – The House has approved a $2.2 trillion rescue package, rushing it to President Donald Trump for his signature. The measure tosses a life preserver to a U.S. economy and health care system left flailing by the coronavirus pandemic. The House approved the sweeping measure by a voice vote, as strong majorities of both…

Two More COVID-19 Deaths Reported in Minnesota

March 27, 2020

Site Staff,

(FOX 9) – Two more people have died from the coronavirus in Minnesota, bringing the total number of deaths in the state to four since the outbreak began. As of Friday, there are now 398 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Minnesota, although state health officials say that number is still an undercount due to a lack of testing. Approximately 14,003 people have been tested for…

Midday Update 3-27-20

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Friday, March 27, 2020

March 27, 2020

Brett Scott,

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Ryan Johnson for a local look at news and weather making headlines Friday, March 27, 2020. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Local News, midday update, ryan johnson

Duluth Dylan Fest 2020 Canceled

March 27, 2020

Site Staff,

DULUTH, Minn. – Duluth Dylan Fest 2020 has been canceled due to the coronavirus pandemic. Duluth Dylan Fest organizers announced the cancellation early Friday morning. “It is with heavy hearts that we announce that Duluth Dylan Fest 2020 will not be taking place this year,” said committee chair Zane Bail. The event was scheduled to run from Saturday, May 16…

COVID-19 Death Reported in Gogebic County

March 27, 2020

Site Staff,

GOGEBIC COUNTY, Mich. – The Western Upper Peninsula Health Department received notice on Thursday of the area’s first COVID-19 related death. WUPHD says the elderly male was a resident of Gogebic County and did have underlying health issues. He was also the first confirmed COVID-19 case in the county. “Our heartfelt sympathies and prayers go out to the family who…

OneClass Platform Helps Students Learn from Home Amid COVID-19 Pandemic

The OneClass Platform was Developed Back in 2011 by COO Kevin Wu

March 27, 2020

Brett Scott,

DULUTH, Minn. – Distance learning. It’s a platform rarely practiced by teachers, staff, and students in the Northland. But it’s now becoming ‘The New Normal,” at least until Monday, May 4 in Minnesota. It’s throwing teachers, students, and parents for a loop over the last few whirlwind weeks. Kevin Wu is the COO of OneClass. OneClass is a platform to…

Lakewood Elementary Students Show Support for Teachers, Staff

Governor Tim Walz Has Extended Distance Learning in Minnesota Through May 4, 2020

March 27, 2020

Brett Scott,

DULUTH, Minn. – COVID-19 is keeping students, staff, and teachers separated for the next few weeks. But that’s not stopping students Kyler and Keegan from showing up to Lakewood Elementary School in Duluth to help lift the spirits of those they miss. The boys’ mother, Cassondra, sent in the pictures to FOX 21’s Brett Scott. The boys are holding signs…

Morning Update 3-27-20

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Friday, March 27, 2020

March 27, 2020

Brett Scott,

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

Two Dane County Jail Inmates Have Coronavirus

March 27, 2020

The Associated Press,

MILWAUKEE (AP) – Two inmates in the Dane County Jail in Madison have tested positive for COVID-19 and results are pending on another six inmates who are in isolation. The Dane County Sheriff’s Office said Thursday night that all of the inmates were tested after they had fevers. The sheriff’s office said nine more inmates who had contact with some…

Some Students Heading Back to Class at Lake Superior College

Lake Superior College is resuming some classes this Monday on campus

March 27, 2020

Jane Kim,

DULUTH, Minn. – Lake Superior College is one of 37 colleges and universities in the Minnesota State system resuming some classes this Monday on campus. While the vast majority of classes will be online, some of the students coming back will be back for classes that are more hands on learning including welding and medical lab technician, or MLT. LSC…

Minong Grocery Store Owner Talks Wild Demand, Price Gouging, Summer Tourism Concerns

Owner Rob Henson believes snowbirds, cabin owners have all flocked to the area months earlier than usual because of the coronavirus outbreak

March 27, 2020

Dan Hanger, Marcus Asmus,

MINONG, Wis. – Small-town grocery stores are getting slammed with unusual demand amid the coronavirus outbreak. And for one grocery owner in Minong, there’s a fear there won’t be enough inventory out there to be stocked up for summer tourism season — a time that carries many small businesses through the slow winter months. “I don’t think anybody is prepared…

Cloquet Businesses Prepare For “Stay-at-Home” Order

March 26, 2020

Reece Lindquist,

CLOQUET, Minn. – Gordy’s Hi-Hat, a popular restaurant in the Northland still plans on being open during the order all while celebrating their 60th year. The owners, Gordy and Marilyn, are currently healthy and quarantining down in Florida. Although an opening date isn’t set in stone, Gordy’s is expected to welcome curbside customers in early April. With forty percent of…

Pine Knot News Receives Journalism Grant

March 26, 2020

Reece Lindquist,

CLOQUET, Minn. – Amid the Covid-19 crisis some small essential businesses, like newspapers, remain operational and one local publication has received a big grant. On Wednesday, the Facebook Journalism Project announced that several media outlets will receive money to help them cover the news while reporting on the coronavirus. The Pine Knot News, a locally owned publication out of Cloquet…

First Coronavirus Death Reported in Northland

March 26, 2020

Alexandra Burnley,

IRON COUNTY, Wis. — A person has died from coronavirus in Iron County, which is also the first known death caused by the virus in the Northland region. The Iron County Public Health Department did not name the city or town the victim was from. The person’s age and gender is also unknown. “We are saddened by this death and…

Memorial Blood Centers Need Donations During Pandemic

All blood drives have been canceled through April 30th, so a blood supply shortage is expected

March 26, 2020

Andrew Kirov,

DULUTH, Minn. – Memorial Blood Centers has canceled all blood drives through April 30th, so an extreme shortage in the blood supply is expected. Memorial is the only supplier of blood to more than thirty hospitals across the region, including Essentia and St. Luke’s. They are still collecting donations at donation centers and encourage everybody to keep donating, even during…

One Roof Receives Federal Grant

March 26, 2020

CJ Baumgartner,

DULUTH, Minn.– An organization in Duluth that has been helping people make repairs and renovations to their homes just got some much-needed help. One Roof Community Housing was awarded $225,000 from the Community Development Financial Institutions Fund. The federal program is designed to support lending for people who can’t get traditional loans. This isn’t the first time one roof has…

Duluth Fire Department Sees Changes Due to Coronavirus

March 26, 2020

CJ Baumgartner,

DULUTH, Minn.– While cases of Coronavirus keep going up, essential services like the Duluth Fire Department are still busy. The pandemic has caused some changes in how they operate to best serve the people of Duluth. The Coronavirus means changes for the Duluth Fire Department. While its has been a little more busy than normal, firefighters say they are still…

Healthcare Systems Prepare for COVID-19 Surge

Testing in this region remains limited, only available to specific groups

March 26, 2020

Andrew Kirov,

DULUTH, Minn. – Local healthcare systems are preparing for a surge in coronavirus cases in the Northland. Healthcare officials warn that more than two million Minnesotans could get COVID-19 before the end of the pandemic, so enough hospital beds and equipment have to be ready to take in a surge of patients. Both Essentia Health and St. Luke’s are offering…

Duluth School Board Selects A Finalist In The Hunt For A New Superintendent

If a final contract is approved, the new superintendent could assume his responsibilities starting July 1st.

March 26, 2020

Nachai Taylor,

DULUTH, Minn- The Duluth School Board has selected its final choice in their search for a new superintendent after the current superintendent in Bill Gronseth was offered a job in St. Peter, Minnesota. The board chose John Magas, who is an Associate Superintendent for the Green Bay Area School district. Magas says he is hoping to bring along his previous…

St. Luke’s Employee Tests Positive for Coronavirus

March 26, 2020

Site Staff,

DULUTH, Minn.-St. Luke’s has confirmed that one of their employees has tested positive for coronavirus. A spokesperson for the hospital said the infection was not a result of their work at St. Luke’s, but it was travel related. St. Luke’s leadership would not say where the employee traveled from, or if they had contact with any patients. “Contact tracing has…

Groups Serve Homeless Amidst Coronavirus

Duluth's Ordean Foundation is helping combat the impact of COVID-19 to vulnerable populations.

March 26, 2020

Jane Kim,

DULUTH, Minn. – Duluth’s Ordean Foundation is helping combat the impact of COVID-19 to vulnerable populations. The organization is providing emergency grants this week to groups like CHUM, Life House and Safe Haven. Life House in Duluth provides meals each day and also gives out hygiene products, deodorant and shampoo, to those who need them. It’s not easy maintaining precautions…