Community

CAD Staff: We’d rather have Community Action Duluth fail than see Classie Dudley succeed

Classie Dudley DULUTH, Min. – FOX21 has obtained a 2022 document from the Minnesota Department of Human Services where staff members at Community Action Duluth (CAD) allegedly said they wanted to see Classie Dudley fail as the organization’s Executive Director. It described CAD in late 2022 as a “chaotic organization.” The report says, ” company time to gather staff, write…

Lutsen residents address the loss of Lutsen Lodge and its lingering impact

LUTSEN, Minn.– Following the recent news regarding the Lutsen Lodge arson case, several community members told FOX 21, the potential bankruptcy, and the debt left behind, will impact numerous people. That being said, they’re all still mourning the loss of the historic landmark. One Lutsen resident is speaking out about the aftermath the charges bring the community. “Losing that piece…

The Original Louis’ Cafe closing its doors permanently

SUPERIOR, Wis. — Popular Greek restaurant The Original Louis’ Cafe in Superior is shutting down permanently. After serving the Twin Ports for over 50 years, the local favorite is closing its doors on Friday, December 5. “It’s been an incredible journey, and we’re so grateful for every moment we’ve shared with our amazing customers and community. The memories we’ve created…

Minnesota Ballet performs scenes of ‘The Nutcracker’ at Essentia

DULUTH, Minn. — Healthcare Workers and patients at Essentia saw some dazzling dances from the Nutcracker. The Minnesota Ballet visited the hospital ahead of their full performance at the DECC. They performed a few excerpts from the ballet in the atrium, then headed up to the pediatric unit to perform for the children. “It’s a wonderful way to appreciate the…

Bentleyville welcomes “Zoo Crew” to tour of lights

DULUTH, Minn. — People gathered at Bentleyville for a visit from some fluffy friends known as the “Zoo Crew”. The annual tour of lights brought in animals from “Cook’s Country Connection” to help spark some holiday cheer, with goats, mini horses, and alpacas braving the chilly weather. If you missed the critters during their Bentleyville stay, they’ll be back out…

Duluth Armory receives largest ever donation amid restoration

DULUTH, Minn. — For over 20 years, the Duluth Armory has been looking for funds and donations wherever they could them. However, thanks to a very generous anonymous local, the finish line is in sight. “We are so appreciative,” said Michelle Miller, co-executive director of the Armory Arts and Music Center. “This is a local supporter of the project who…

The Veterans Memorial Hall hosts 20th annual remembrance dinner

DULUTH, Minn. — People gathered at the Veterans Memorial Hall for the 20th annual remembrance dinner. The event was hosted by the St. Louis County Historical Society and is held every year to honor service members and our nation’s history. The evening featured keynote speakers, a silent auction, dinner, the Mike Colalillo Medal of Honor Scholarship, the unveiling of the…

The “Leif Erikson Viking Ship” to be back on public display after 40+ years

Viking Ship Restoration Project KNIFE RIVER, Min. – Following more than 40-years of restoration the “Leif Erikson Viking Ship” will be on display and open to the public. Save Our Ship, Inc. has been working on the restoration. It will debut at the annual “Julebyen Christmas Village” celebration in Knife River. The boat was built in Norway in 1926 as a…

Rare twin pygmy slow lorises born at Lake Superior Zoo

The Lake Superior Zoo is delighted to announce the birth of twin pygmy slow lorises to parents Colby and Georgio. DULUTH, Min. — The Lake Superior Zoo is announcing the birth of twin pygmy slow lorises. The infants were born on November 17, 2025 to parents Colby and Georgio. The the zoo says the babies have been, “steadily growing, exploring, and…

Esko-native to retire after more than 37-years of military service

Command photo of Command Chief Master Sgt. Lisa Erikson, the Minnesota National Guard’s Command Senior Enlisted Leader taken in Cottage Grove, Minnesota on Oct. 16, 2024. ST. PAUL, Minn. – The Minnesota National Guard is honoring Air Force Command Chief Master Sgt. Lisa Erikson. Chief Master Sgt. Erikson will be honored in a Saturday, December 6, 2025 ceremony. The ceremony…

Aldi celebrates grand opening in Hibbing Minnesota

HIBBING, Minn.– A popular European grocery chain has opened another location in the Iron Range. Aldi, the budget-friendly grocery store known for its fun finds, celebrated its grand opening today. The new location sits along highway 169 west. Shoppers can also enter a $500 gift-card sweepstakes throughout the opening weekend. One customer shared that she’s thrilled to see this new…

Resident pelican rescued in Ashland

Conservation Biologist Ryan Brady with the rescued pelican ASHLAND, Wis. — A pelican in Ashland was rescued Wednesday, Dec 3, as increasing ice cover threatened it. The pelican was first spotted back in September and stuck around for much longer than usual, becoming a bit of a local celebrity. Over the past couple of months, Conservation Biologist Ryan Brady had…

Grant provides St. Louis County Sheriff’s Office with new lifesaving device

LUCAS 3 DULUTH, Minn.– St. Louis County first responders will now be better equipped to save lives, thanks to a grant from the Helmsley Charitable Trust, the University of Minnesota Center for Resuscitative Medicine, and Stryker. The Lucas 3 machine is an automated chest compression device. The lifesaving device allows law enforcement to focus on other tasks, while the patient…

Local Police team up with the Salvation Army “Stuff the Squad” Toy Drive

CLOQUET, Minn. — Holiday cheer filled the aisles of Walmart and L&M in Cloquet as police officers partnered with local kids for the ninth annual “Stuff the Squad” and “Shop with a Cop” Salvation Army Toy Drive. The Cloquet Police Department and Fond du Lac Police Department kicked off the night by taking local kids on a holiday shopping trip,…

American Red Cross celebrates holiday season with blood drives

SUPERIOR, Wis. — The American Red Cross is hosting a special double-edition blood drive with their “Battle of the Badges” events. The two-part blood drive, the second part of which taking place at First United Methodist Church in Duluth on Dec. 4, allows each person donating to vote for their favorite department of Twin Ports first responders, in a friendly…

UMD hosts Big Band Jazz Concert

DULUTH, Minn. — The University of Minnesota-Duluth UMD treated both students and community members to a night of jazz with their Big Band Jazz Concert The big band was joined by the school’s vocal jazz ensemble “Lake Effect”. Tickets were free for all Bulldog students at the event, as all types of musicians got into the holiday spirit. Categories: Community,…

New catering company serving up smiles alongside home cooked food

DULUTH, Minn. — A new catering company in Duluth is serving up smiles alongside a good meal. “Cooking is my life. Cooking is like my breath, cooking is my heartbeat, cooking is the blood that flows through my veins,” Solomon Witherspoon, Unity Cooking Owner said. Duluth Native Solomon Witherspoon has always used cooking to spread joy. Now, following his fathers…

UMD Graphic design students painting a mural at Lake Superior Hall

Since 2019, graphic design students at UMD have been making student housing walls more colorful. And this year’s group includes Greta Feist, Albert Edumndson, Maria Owens, Autumn Gilligan and Maddie Larson, won a contest in class to give them this opportunity. For five UMD students, graphic design has been their passion. The semester long project is translating their digital experience,…

Duluth Firefighters held Mustache Madness competition, Winner Announced!

Captain Dan Smith, Mustache Madness Winner DULUTH, Minn. — Captain Dan Smith took home the trophy in the DFD’s first Mustache Madness competition. In the last week of November, the Duluth Fire Department has held a contest for which firefighter had the fan favorite mustache. Captain Smith narrowly won with 1,497, with less than fifty votes separating him from his…

Public input meeting held for St. Louis County’s 2026 budget

DULUTH, Minn. — The St. Louis County Board held a public input meeting on the proposed 2026 operating budget and property tax levy. The budget is expected to exceed $560 million to help fund essential public safety services, health and human services, infrastructure, and general government. It includes $202 million brought in through the property tax levy, which is a…

Fairlawn Mansion begins holiday tours

DULUTH, Minn. — The Fairlawn Mansion, in Superior, is back hosting its holiday tours and events. The mansion is elegantly decorated for the holidays, highlighting its rich Victorian history and an exhibit featuring rare artifacts from the Superior Historic Properties and the Douglas County Historical Society. The holiday tours run throughout Dec., alongside other events such as a quiet Santa,…

Scam Jam familiarizes community to help prevent fraud

DULUTH, Minn.– The Better Business Bureau teamed up with American Association of Retired Persons to familiarize over 100 people with detecting scams. Attendees at the scam jam got to learn from numerous outlets, including the St. Louis County Sheriff’s Department. and the Minnesota Department of Commerce. AARP officials told FOX 21us, individuals who are between the ages of 20 and…

DEDA approves future development of Lester Golf Course

DULUTH, Minn.–The Duluth Economic Development Authority held a meeting, and future plans were approved for the Lester Golf Course property. Over the course of 9 months, a land study will take place on the 250-acre property, allowing community members to voice opinions. Councilor Arik Forsman told FOX 21, it’s future will range from potential housing, conservation opportunities, as well as…

$50k Powerball winner in Virginia

ROSEVILLE, Min. & DULUTH, Min. – The Minnesota Lottery has announced someone bought a Powerball ticket in Virginia worth $50,000. It was purchased at the Short Stop at 1131 2nd Ave. S. The ticket was for the November 26, 2025 drawing. It had four out of the five numbers correct, plus the Powerball correct. In Minnesota, prize claims must be…

Chester Bowl seeking support on Giving Tuesday

DULUTH, Minn. — It’s Giving Tuesday, and local organizations like Chester Bowl are grateful for community support. Chester Bowl helps kids and families get out in nature and enjoy the seasons. They have their Ski and Snowboard programs, summer programming, concerts in the park and more. Currently they are preparing to build a new chalet with more accessibility and space….

Michael and Susan Dell donate $6.25 billion to encourage families to claim ‘Trump Accounts’

Michael and Susan Dell pose for photographs Nov. 26, 2025, in New York. NEW YORK (AP) — Billionaires Michael and Susan Dell pledged $6.25 billion Tuesday to provide 25 million American children under 10 an incentive to claim the new investment accounts for children created as part of President Donald Trump’s tax and spending legislation. The historic gift has little precedent,…

Hartel Disposal matching $75,000 in donations for Salvation Army

DULUTH, Minn.–Hartel Disposal, a local waste management company is wasting no time helping out the Salvation Army. Starting on Tuesday December 2nd Hartel Disposal will match up to $75,000 in donations towards the Salvation Army. Perfect for the occasion, a special Hartel garbage can is decorated, and ready to receive. Donations can only be dumped at the West Duluth location,…

UMD students hold ‘ICE Whistle Training Session’

DULUTH, Minn. — As Immigration and Customs Enforcement increases raids in cities across the country, the University of Minnesota-Duluth’s chapter of the Young Democratic Socialists of America are taking action of their own. The student organization’s most recent event is what they dub an “ICE whistle training session.” The event welcomed community members to campus as well, with the organizers…

Jeff Bezos awards $2.5M to Chum

DULUTH, Minn. — Duluth’s Chum Drop-In Shelter has landed its biggest grant in the history of the non-profit, thanks to the owners of one of the biggest companies in the world. Jeff Bezos and his wife, Lauren, issued a $2.5 million grant to Chum through its Day 1 Families Fund. That fund focuses on connecting families with housing and hope….

Merryweather Inn lights up the holidays

DULUTH, Minn. — The Merryweather Inn is back again, hosting Marcia Hales’ famous “spirit of the Lights” display. The Inn is festively decorated from top to bottom, inside and out, spreading holiday cheer throughout the community. Visitors are encouraged to drive up to the Inn for a quick view or take a walk along their lighted path. While exploring, people…

UMD stores preparing for finals weeks and holidays

DULUTH, Minn.– It’s a busy time of year with finals, and the holidays all wrapped together. And luckily, UMD is prepared for all of it. The UMD store will be celebrating cyber-Monday and continuing through finals week. For the occasion, they’re putting lots of UMD merchandise on sale. And to get through final exams, they’ve assembled ‘survival kits’ to purchase…

Farmer Doug’s Tree Farm gaining statewide attention

DULUTH, Minn.– Tis the season for trees, and many of the local tree farms are now in full swing. Some of the customers are traveling hours to make the trek for their perfect tree. Farmer Doug said, it’s been a slow fall season. Now, pumpkins are done, and winter has finally shown itself. They’re fully stocked with their supply of…

Farmers market vendors say they are still waiting on payments from Community Action Duluth

DULUTH, Minn. — During the ongoing tensions between Community Action Duluth and its employees, Twin Ports vendors with the Duluth Farmers Markets are still yet to be paid their promised fee by the organization. According to one of the vendors, many sellers attending these markets have yet to receive compensation from Community Action Duluth, as part of the non-profit’s EBT…

Santa and his reindeer begin meet and greets at Fitgers

DULUTH, Minn.– The holiday season has officially arrived, and Santa Claus and his reindeer are wasting no time getting into the spirit. Each weekend leading up to Christmas, Santa is stopping by Fitgers to visit with kids and families. He isn’t coming alone; Donner and Blitzen are tagging along for some extra holiday fun. Santa said he’s looking forward to…

Superior kicks off Small Business Saturday with annual Holiday tree lighting

SUPERIOR, Wis. — The community gathered at Center City Park in Superior’s downtown business district for the annual Holiday tree lighting, which also marked the official kickoff to Small Business Saturday. Before the countdown began, families and community members filled the park, sipping on hot cocoa, enjoying cookies, and listening to cheerful holiday music as Santa and his helpers greeted…

Rules: FOX 21 Days of Holiday Treasures

Fox 21 Days of Holiday Treasure Rules Promotion Period: November 28th to December 20th How to Participate: Tune In: Watch the 9pm News on Fox 21 during the promotion period. Code Word: Each night, a special code word will be announced. Email Entry: Once you see the code word, email it to happyholidays@kqdsfox21.tv. Submission Deadline: You have until 6am the following morning to submit your code word….

Free Minnesota state park entry November 28th

DULUTH, Minn. — Enjoy free entrance to Minnesota state parks and recreation areas on Friday, Nov. 28 The DNR offers fours Free Park Days a year, where vehicle fees to all 73 state parks and recreation areas are waived. “After Thanksgiving celebrations, we encourage friends and family to get outside and enjoy the sights and sounds of nature,” said Ann…

20th Annual Gobble Gallop raises nearly 10K for Safe Haven

DULUTH, Minn. — The 20th Annual Gobble Gallop had runners working up a Thanksgiving appetite. Hosted by Duluth Running Company this annual staple brings thousands together to kick off Thanksgiving Day. The run supports the Safe Haven Shelter and resources center. This year they raised nearly 10 thousand dollars in sponsorships and donations. The Gobble gallop features a variety of…

Bentleyville back open after storm damage

Bentleyville re-opens(credit: Bentleyville) DULUTH, Minn. — Bentleyville is set to open Thursday evening after it was temporarily closed due to damage sustained in Tuesday evening’s storm. Crews came together on Thanksgiving morning to repair what was damaged. SEE PREVIOUS: Bentleyville to close Wednesday night following storm damage Bentleyville will be open  5–9 PM. Categories: Community, Minnesota, News, News – Latest…

Winter storm brings relief for snowmobilers

DULUTH, Minn. — As the freshly fallen powder hits the ground, snowmobilers across the Northland are gearing up to hit the trails. Many groups, like the Hermantown Night Riders, are preparing to conduct a final sweep of the trails this weekend. This helps keep the paths smooth and clear of debris, which is crucial after snowstorms. The trails are set…