Community

Animal Allies shares successful adoption tips

DULUTH, Minn. — As the holidays come to a close, some people may realize that a well-intended gift came with more responsibility than expected. Those irresistible puppies and kittens can lead to impulsive decisions, especially during the holidays. Animal Allies in Duluth works year-round to promote successful pet adoptions and shared tips on surrender prevention. “So we, yeah, really discourage…

‘Hairball’ rocks their way into Kuwait to perform for service members

DULUTH, Minn.– If you’ve ever been to a Hairball show, you’ve seen their tributes to veterans, and active-duty service members and recently, they gave the ultimate tribute, overseas. The rock cover band, just returned from a trip to Kuwait, that they will never forget. During their visit, Hairball members got to spend time with different military departments, through educational tours,…

‘Merry and Bright’ holiday contest winners announced

SUPERIOR, WIS. — The Superior Chamber of Commerce announced the winners of the Merry and Bright Holiday Lighting Contest. In the spirit of the holiday season, homes and businesses participated in the contest, making for a festive and successful tour of lights. The awards included Best Residential Display, Best Business Display, Best Themed Display, and the Clark Griswold Award. To…

Actor with Twin Ports roots starring in bilingual children’s musical

DULUTH, Minn. — A former Twin Ports actor is taking his talent to the stage in the Twin Cities, for a show based on a classic children’s book. “Go, Dog Go!”, also known as “Ve Perro ¡Ve!”, is the latest production from the Children’s Theatre Company in Minneapolis, and is a musical adapted from the book of the same name…

Bentleyville celebrating arrival of Christmas as season nears end

DULUTH, Minn. — Many Twin Ports residents marking a Christmas tradition by visiting the Northland’s famous “tour of lights” on Christmas Eve, as folks made their journey to Bentleyville for what may be their final time this season. This year marked 22 years of the iconic Twin Ports light show, with the last 17 of those years being spent in…

Shoppers hunt for holiday gifts one book at a time at Fitgers Bookstore

DULUTH, Minn. — As Christmas inches closer, many Americans are scrambling to pick up last-minute gifts. One Duluth store staying busy this holiday season is the Fitger’s Bookstore. Aside from books, their most popular item this year is gift cards. Which they say gives shoppers an easy way to support local businesses and give back to the community. “We love…

Minnesota Power presents grant to Hartley Nature Center

DULUTH, Minn. — Minnesota Power showed their support for the Hartley Nature Center with the presentation of a new grant for the center. The gift is for $6,000, and will be used to help build classroom enhancements, which will help support the center’s outdoor education for thousands of area students and their families, many of which have their own roots…

Treecycling drop-off sites are open

DULUTH, Minn. — Resource Renew’s Treecycling program opened up over the past weekend. Drop-off locations have been set up around the area. People can just drop off their Christmas trees free of charge for composting. Because they can only process organic material, the tree must be real and not flocked. Wreaths, garlands and other evergreen decorations made with wire cannot…

Residents at Ecumen Lakeshore meet and greet with Santa Claus

DULUTH, Minn.– Santa made a special early visit in Duluth today to cap off a month full of holiday celebrations. The residents at Ecumen Lakeshore were clearly on the nice list, because Santa came prepared with treats and a chance to meet and greet. But before that, the month has been filled with laughter, sing-alongs, and musical performances. Staff said…

Reward offered for information on pelican shooting

WISCONSIN.  — A cash reward is being offered for information related to Pelicans being shot in Wisconsin, including one in Ashland that survived lead poisoning from being shot. ‘Animal Wellness Action and Center for a Humane Economy’ is offering $2,500 in this case. SEE PREVIOUS:Resident pelican rescued in Ashland SEE PREVIOUS: Rescued Pelican in Ashland was shot, rehabilitator says That…

Nominations open for the Good Neighbor Awards

DULUTH, Minn. — The City of Duluth wants to know about your neighbor that goes above and beyond to make our community great! Online nominations are now open for Duluth’s 2nd annual Good Neighbor Awards. From picking up litter, to lending a hand, this award recognizes neighbors that show they care. Nominations must be submitted by midnight on December 31….

Hibbing Police Dept. raises over $4,000 for local cancer patients

Angel Fund Members Kari Kilen and Nicole Freeman, Commander Tim Stauty, Chief Steve Estey, Pink Patch Project Organizer Officer Brittany Dillinger and Angel Fund Executive Director Kelly Grinsteinner. HIBBING, Minn. — The Hibbing Police Department(HPD) raised $4,160 for local cancer patients through its Pink Patch Project. The Pink Patch project ran throughout the month of October and raised money through…

Duluth Police Dept. sees significant spike in applications to join force

DULUTH, Minn. — Duluth Police Chief Mike Ceynowa is celebrating a significant increase in applications to become Duluth police officers. The winter application process recently closed with 41 applicants, which Ceynowa said is unheard of. He said the department usually gets around 10 to 12 applicants. And on top of that, there is an increase in interest from lateral officers…

Players compete for final roster spots during World Juniors Pre-Tournament Series

DULUTH, Minn. — Hockey fans from across the world gathered at the Amsoil Arena this weekend to watch the U.S. take on Germany in the World Juniors pre-Tournament Series. The 3-game series provides players with the opportunity to compete for final roster spots on their respective World Juniors team, with the final rosters expected to be announced on Dec. 24….

Strikepoint handbell ensemble rings in the holiday spirit

DULUTH, Minn. –Strikepoint is recognized as one of the world’s top handbell ensembles. The group continues to share their music globally and locally, using concerts like their annual Christmas one at First United Methodist Church to help fund their concerts across the globe. The funding, much of which comes from generous donations, means the world to the ensemble. “Through our…

Lake Superior “Zoo Lights” in final weekend

DULUTH, Minn. — The last weekend before Christmas marks the final time this holiday season that the Lake Superior Zoo’s “Zoo Lights” will be up for visitors to the zoo. The annual holiday tradition lets zoo-goers walk around the complex to see the “larger than life” critters along the paths, then head inside the zoo’s “Primate Conservation Center” to warm…

Lester Park Elementary Students Bring Holiday Cheer to Aspirus St. Luke’s Patients

Duluth, MN. — It’s the 23rd year of Students at Lester bringing the cheer to local hospital patients. Students delivered trees with handmade ornaments and gifts to patients at St. Lukes today. The students raised money for the gifts by doing chores. This yearly tradition began with a student that wanted to give back after his brothers life was saved…

Amazon Distribution Center tackling busy holiday season

DULUTH, Minn.– The holidays are here, and for many people, that means finding the perfect gift for their loved ones online. For the Amazon Distribution Center in Duluth, that means a significant increase in package deliveries. But the station manager said, it’s been like that for a while. “The holiday season for us started the day after Thanksgiving. We saw about…

Duluth Public Schools Superintendent releases statement in response to ICE being in Twin Ports-area

John Magas DULUTH, Min,. – Duluth Public Schools Superintendent John Magas sent a message to parents in the district titled, “Our Commitment to Student Safety and Belonging.” The statement said in part, “We understand that many in our community are currently experiencing fear and uncertainty regarding immigration enforcement.  While we cannot control the actions of outside agencies, we want to…

’12 Hours of Giving’ Blood Drive brings lifesaving blood during the holiday season

DULUTH, Minn. — People across the Twin Ports are giving the gift of life by donating blood during the Red Cross “12-Hours of Giving” Blood Drive at The Garden Event Center. As an official media sponsor, FOX21 is proud to be involved in Duluth’s first-ever 12 Hour Blood Drive, which began today and will continue throughout tomorrow. As a thank…

Hartel’s Disposal wraps up $75,000 gift for Salvation Army

DULUTH, Minn. — The Duluth Salvation Army and Hartel’s Disposal have wrapped up their “Hartel’s Holiday Impact Challenge”. The challenge invited local businesses to “dump their donations” into a trash bin at Hartel’s, with the disposal company matching up to $75,000 in donations. At the end of the 2-week campaign, the contributions totaled approximately $8,000. Despite not reaching the goal,…

Minnesota Hockey Hall of Fame set to build $70 million complex

INVER GROVE HEIGHTS, Minn. The Minnesota Hockey Hall of Fame officially announced its plans to build a $70 million complex in Inver Grove Heights. Natalie Darwitz, a former Eagan High School star and Hockey Hall of Famer, is leading the large project. The facility will feature a world-class interactive museum, an NHL-size sunken ice rink, event and performance space, and…

Portman Hockey’s 4th annual “Great Skate” postponed

DULUTH, Minn. — Messy weather has forced Portman Hockey to postpone their annual “Great Skate” fundraiser. The event typically signals the “official start” of Portman’s outdoor hockey season. The “Great Skate” fundraiser has consistently been a family-friendly, community-favorite event with food, games, and activities for all ages. Money raised goes toward the organization’s equipment, programs and rink improvements. More information,…

St. Lukes Foundation “Boot Drive” gives warm clothes to patients

DULUTH, Minn. — The re-freezing temperatures may be catching some people off guard, and for patients at Aspirus St. Lukes who may not have the best clothing for the cold, the St. Lukes Foundation is doing what they can to help. The foundation’s Boot Drive is focused on gathering new and lightly used winter clothing for patients at the clinic…

Grandma’s Marathon offers free youth entry for local races

DULUTH, Minn. — Grandma’s Marathon announced a new initiative offering free youth entries to five local races throughout next year. In celebration of the marathon’s 50th annual race, free youth entry is being offered for the Saint Fennessy 4K, Fitger’s 5K, Park Point 5-Miler, Minnesota Mile, and the Superior Nightmare 5K, all of which support the Young Athletes Foundation. “Offering…

Marshall School students showcase genius hour projects

DULUTH, Minn. — 7th and 8th-grade students presented their projects during the Genius Hour Showcase at Marshall School. Teachers instructed the students to focus on real-world problems and provide solutions. Students spent several weeks doing research and interviewing experts, helping to create the overall project, which includes visuals and interactive displays. The projects vary from student-produced podcasts, a deep dive…

Family Freedom Center hosts holiday market

DULUTH, Minn.– Right on time for the holidays, the Family Freedom Center gave entrepreneurs the chance to show off their products. The holiday market is filling the halls of the family center full of local vendors. Throughout the afternoon, entrepreneurs of all ages showed off items such as baked goods, earrings, wreathes, and sweatshirts. “My favorite part about this is…

Salvation Army in Duluth hosts distribution day for local families

DULUTH, Minn.– The Salvation Army is transformed into a Christmas wonderland, because of their busy distribution days. In years past, they’ve helped out 600 families. But this year, Community Engagement Director said, this year they had twice as many applicants. Throughout the course of the two days, the Salvation Army will be giving 1,000 families a Christmas. Each guest will…

Local organization get grants from Green Bay Packers Foundation

GREEN BAY, Wis. – The Green Bay Packers Foundation announced it has distributed $1.5 million in annual grants to 395 civic and charitable groups throughout the state of Wisconsin. “We’re pleased to award $1.5 million through our annual Packers Foundation grants this year,” said Packers President and CEO Ed Policy. The grants awarded by the foundation are not recurring and…

Behind the scenes: Duluth factory is the country’s only producer of popular ingredient

DULUTH, Minn.–Whenever you decide to crack open a bag of salt and vinegar chips or break into a bag of some sour candy you’ve likely tasted malic, or fumaric acid. For 47 years, a key ingredient found in many popular food items has been made right here in Duluth. The factory, Primient Duluth, is the country’s only producer of the…

Duluth East Choralaires treat Essentia patients to Christmas carols

DULUTH, Minn. — The Duluth East Choralaires brought some of their music to Essentia Health, as the performers spent time going from floor to floor singing to patients at the facility. For many of the students, getting to share their music with those around is one of the best parts of the holiday season. “My favorite part is just singing…

Family Freedom Center hosting first “Hillside Holiday Market”

DULUTH, Minn. — Family Freedom Center is welcoming in the Twin Ports community for its first Hillside Holiday Market. The market will be featuring over 30 different area vendors, as well as items designed and made by some of the children who are a part of the Freedom Center and their S.T.A.R.T program. The event is designed as a by-the-community, for-the-community…

Founding partner of Duluth Folk School passes away

DULUTH, Minn. — One of the founders of the Duluth Folk School, Tim Bates, has passed away. Since the inception of the school Bates, along with those around him, worked hard to establish a comforting environment where people could learn new skills. Bates was also a long-time figure within the University of Minnesota-Duluth’s outdoor education program, where he taught students…

Duluth Fire Department holds 25th employee toy drive

DULUTH, Minn. — The Duluth Fire Department has once again gotten into the holiday spirit, as firefighters both, current and retired, purchased toys for kids as part of its 25th annual employee toy drive. The department raised over $7,000 from employee donations in the lead-up to the shopping spree, the most ever raised in the drive’s history. For the firefighters…

Chum warming shelter sees record breaking numbers

DULUTH, Minn.– After a stretch of sub-zero temps, chum staff say record-breaking numbers of people are turning to the warming shelter, and they need extra support. The peer recovery specialist at chum told FOX 21 they’ve noticed a drop in winter gear donations. This has led to several cases of frostbite that could result in medical attention. In December, their…

RSM Duluth donates $21,000 to Duluth Area Family YMCA

DULUTH, Minn.– A recent $21,000 donation to the Duluth Area Family YMCA came largely from a place of love. RSM Duluth, part of a global accounting firm, has partnered with the YMCA for its annual ‘Power of Love Stewardship Campaign.’ Each year, the campaign focuses on selecting a youth-centered organization to support through volunteer service and fundraising efforts. A managing…

Arrowhead Ice Fishing & Winter Show takes over DECC

DULUTH, Minn. — Outdoors people of the Twin Ports united at the DECC once again for the annual Arrowhead Ice fishing and Winter Show. With the venue packed to the gills with goods and activities, the yearly event, which is now a decade old, has been a favorite of fishing and outdoors community in the Northland, as attendees get a…

Community Action Duluth now under ‘Enhanced Monitoring’ by the state

Community Action Duluth Logo DULUTH, Min. – The Minnesota Department of Children, Youth, and Families is now doing what they are calling “enhanced monitoring” of Community Action Duluth (CAD). Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF) tells FOX21, “DCYF observes board meetings as part of the standard grant monitoring and program oversight processes. Staff are conducting enhanced monitoring in response…

Salvation Army in Duluth celebrates Truckers for Tots and sock drive

DULUTH, Minn.– It was a big morning for the salvation army, in Duluth as they had two generous events take place, back-to-back. Truck drivers arrived at the salvation army following last night’s mission at fleet farm. There was a massive turn-out with cash donations, and people shopping. Ascendance Trucks in Duluth have made this shopping spree a tradition for 17…

Duluth’s Best Bread steps in to host farmers market after Lincoln Park cancellation

DULUTH, Minn.– Following the sudden cancellation of the ‘Community Action Duluth, Lincoln Park farmers market, the owners of Duluth’s Best Bread, took matters into their own hands. Duluth’s Best Bread is hosting a farmers’ market, at their Superior street location in Duluth. The vendor sales are independent, and they are simply using the space for the market. The owner of…

CHUM urgently seeking gloves and hand warmers as extreme cold weather approaches

  DULUTH, Minn.– With this weekend projecting to be the coldest in the season so far, CHUM is hoping to help prevent frostbite in the community. At this time, CHUM in Duluth is in desperate need for gloves and hand warmers. CHUM staff told FOX 21, they’ve already had several guests experiencing frostbite already. They’ve seen record numbers this season…