Community

Harbortown Rotary Helps Clean Up Vandalized GND Park

Members of the club say, they are always looking for different ways to have a positive impact on the community.

DULUTH, Minn. — Volunteers came together this morning to help clean up the Gary-New Duluth Recreational Area after it was vandalized almost a month ago. Several members of the Harbortown Rotary Club stopped by Memorial Park in Gary-New Duluth to help clean up the grounds, fill holes in the dog park and also install a new backboard on the basketball…

Superior Police Pursuit Ends in Two-Vehicle Crash in Hermantown, One Arrested

HERMANTOWN, Minn. – A police pursuit that began in Superior on Tuesday evening ended in a two-vehicle crash in Hermantown with multiple injuries. According to the Superior Police Department, officers attempted to stop the 25-year-old male suspect around 6:00 p.m. Tuesday that was involved in an assault that landed an adult male in the hospital. Authorities say the suspect is…

Essentia Health to Begin Vaccinating Children Aged 12-15

(courtesy: Essentia Health) DULUTH, Minn. – Essentia Health says it will soon begin vaccinating 12-15-year-olds with the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine. This follows the announcement on Monday that the Food and Drug Administration cleared the expanded use of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine citing evidence that the shot worked well in that age range. Essentia Health officials say shots are expected to begin…

Midday Update 5-12-21

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Wednesday, May 12, 2021

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Ken Slama for a local look at news and weather making headlines Wednesday, May 12, 2021. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Ken Slama, Local News, midday update, News, weather

Registration Now Open For Animal Allies Summer Camps

Camps Begin in Early June and Run Through August

DULUTH, Minn. – Animal Allies Humane Society in Duluth is preparing to host youngsters from all across the Northland for a new series of summer camps this year. The first camps begin in early June, and will follow current safety protocols and guidelines to help limit the spread of COVID-19. Camps range from puppy and kitten camps, to helping animals,…

Morning Update 5-12-21

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Wednesday, May 12, 2021

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Ken Slama for a local look at news and weather making headlines Wednesday, May 12, 2021. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Ken Slama, Local News, morning update, News, weather

Learning Life Lessons During Nature Night in Gary New Duluth

Nature Nights Will Continue Through the Summer for Youth in the Duluth Area

GARY NEW DULUTH, Minn. – Getting kids off cell phones, and into the forest. It’s a goal of one teacher in the Gary New Duluth neighborhood as the community’s rec center continues to host Nature Nights. “In spring, kids should smell like dirt,” said Leslie Bucar, youth director at the Gary New Duluth Rec Center. You can practically smell the…

Tortoise and Hare Footwear Gears Up For Grandma’s Marathon in June

As the buzz around Grandma's is growing, many more are coming in for running shoes and gear.

DULUTH, Minn.- Some local shoe stores are feeling the runner’s high from Grandma’s Marathon weekend approaching next month. Owners of Tortoise and Hare Footwear in Duluth’s Denfeld neighborhood say it’s been a pretty busy spring with many coming in for hiking shoes and boots to get out to places like the Superior Hiking Trail. But as the buzz around Grandma’s…

Grandmas Marathon to Allow Spectators and Post-Race Celebration at Bayfront Festival Park

DULUTH, Minn.– Since more restrictions were lifted, one of Duluth’s most popular events of the summer is back with an in-person race and more. It was a welcome turn of events for Grandmas Marathon, when they found out restrictions had been lifted, and they are more than excited to announce spectators will be invited, and the post-race celebration will go…

St. Louis County Public Health Prepares to Vaccinate Teens Aged 12-15

Vaccinations Would Begin Once the ACIP Votes to Move Forward with Pfizer Vaccinations for Teens Aged 12-15

DULUTH, Minn. – The FDA now says the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine is safe and offers strong protection for younger teens based on the testing of 2,000 volunteers. Shots could begin soon once a federal vaccine panel issues recommendations for using the vaccine in that age bracket. St. Louis County Public Health is already planning. Officials with the county say they’re…

Bait Shops Anticipating Busy Opener

With the earlier ice out, the expectations are for anglers to have some nice catches this opener.

DULUTH, Minn. — Bait shops are looking to capitalize on the busy fishing opener this weekend. With the earlier ice out, the expectations are for anglers to have some nice catches this opener. Bait shops are advising to get your license early to avoid the hassle of waiting in line during the opener on Saturday. “We’ll have a express line…

Midday Update 5-11-21

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Tuesday, May 11, 2021

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Ken Slama for a local look at news and weather making headlines Tuesday, May 11, 2021. Have a great day! Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Ken Slama, Local News, midday update, News, weather

Grandma’s Marathon Post-Race Celebration, Spectators Back On for 2021 Race

DULUTH, Minn. – Following Governor Tim Walz’s announcement last week to end restrictions on outdoor limits and indoor activities by the end of May, Grandma’s Marathon announced Tuesday that they will now be allowing spectators and a post-race celebration for the 2021 race. “Those things were crossed off pretty early in our planning process based on the previous guidelines, and…

Morning Update 5-11-21

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Tuesday, May 11, 2021

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Ken Slama for a local look at news and weather making headlines Tuesday, May 11, 2021. Have a great day! Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Ken Slama, Local News, morning update, News, weather

New Therapy Center for Children with Autism Opens in Hermantown

The center is filled with brightly colored, sensory-friendly spaces where therapists will work with kids on skills, relationships and confidence building.

HERMANTOWN, Minn.- The ribbon was cut Monday for a new therapy center in Hermantown for children on the autism spectrum. Caravel Autism Health celebrated its grand opening. The center is filled with brightly colored, sensory-friendly spaces where therapists will work with kids on skills, relationships and confidence building. According to specialists, Caravel staff will also work with families to continue…

Duluth Council Tables Vote on Spirit Mountain Debt Forgiveness Plan

Councilors heard the Mayor's plan the same night as the council meeting, and many said it was too short notice to vote on it just yet.

DULUTH, Minn.- The Duluth City Council Monday unanimously tabled a vote on Mayor Emily Larson’s plan to forgive $900,000 of Spirit Mountain’s $1.2 million line of credit it received from the city, to take up again at the next meeting May 24th. Councilors heard the Mayor’s plan in a Committee of the Whole meeting before Monday’s council, and many of…

Local Business Transforms From Catering to Food Truck Service Amid COVID-19 Pandemic

To Keep Business Booming, the Owners of 'Room at the Table' Have Turned to Food Truck Service

CLOQUET, Minn. – The past year has been interesting, to say the least for folks in the food service industry. From a lack of indoor dining to canceled events, many changes have had to occur for folks to make ends meet. “With COVID, we started flipping burgers and it worked out great,” said Paul Sapyta, owner of Room at the…

National Salvation Army Week begins in Duluth

DULUTH, Minn.– Today marks the first day of National Salvation Army week to fund-raise for the organization which has a budget of nearly three million dollars. 60% of that comes from private donors. Dan Williamson, the Development Director at the Duluth Salvation Army said that “2020 was the year of the giver, people just gave and we are just so…

The Historical Old Central High School Sells for $3 Million

DULUTH, Minn. — A famous landmark in Duluth is officially being sold. The historical Old Central High School is selling for $3 million dollars to Saturday Properties, which intends on restoring the property and maintaining its historic beauty while turning it into 121 housing units. Superintendent John Magas, says the school is one of the most iconic buildings in Duluth,…

Midday Update 5-10-21

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Monday, May 10, 2021

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Ken Slama for a local look at news and weather making headlines Monday, May 10, 2021. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Ken Slama, Local News, midday update, News, weather

Clinical Dietitian Reports Rise in Patients Dealing with Weight Gain, Eating Disorders

The COVID-19 Pandemic is Impacting Individuals on Different Levels Including Weight Gain & Eating Disorders

DULUTH, Minn. – If you’ve packed on a few pounds over the past year, you’re not alone. In a poll of more than 1,000 WebMD readers, nearly half of the women and almost one-quarter of the men said they’d gained weight “due to COVID restrictions.” St. Luke’s Clinical Dietitian, Mary Cherne, says she’s seeing an influx of patients coming in…

Morning Update 5-10-21

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Monday, May 10, 2021

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Ken Slama for a local look at news and weather making headlines Monday, May 10, 2021. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Ken Slama, Local News, morning update, weather

Families Get Out, Do More to Celebrate First Mother’s Day Out of Pandemic

The Duluth Children's Museum Pop-Up Play Place and the Lake Superior Zoo were busy with families.

DULUTH, Minn.- The Northland was busy this Mother’s Day, coming out the tail-end of the pandemic. After more traditional brunches, some families who reunited for the day decided this year was more special and spent time doing other activities. “We went out to lunch, and then we’re coming here to play with their friends,” said Stacy Cozzi at the Duluth…

Lack of Staff Impacting Local Business Owners Along the North Shore

Staff Shortages Prompting Many Small Businesses to Make Adjustments to Menus, Hours of Operation Along the North Shore

GRAND MARAIS, Minn. – It’s a serious, seasonal problem along the North Shore of Lake Superior. The struggle to find employees at often overflowing businesses. Frustration is high among business owners as the peak summer season is now just weeks away. “We’ve tried every possible avenue to attract staff,” said Abby Tofte, owner of The Fisherman’s Daughter. It’s a common…

Railroad Museum Celebrates National Train Day

DULUTH, Minn.– It was National Train Day on Saturday and plenty of families celebrated all things choo-choo over at the Lake Superior Railroad Museum in Duluth. The event honored the completion of the trans-continental railway, which connected the east and west coasts of the U.S. 150 years ago. Kids could take speeder rides, get tours of a locomotive engine, and…

Gary New Duluth Rec Center Looking for Donations to Match Pledge

DULUTH, Minn.- The Gary New Duluth Community Center and Recreation Area recently received a pledge to match up to ten thousand dollars in donations. The center, with operates through volunteer work and donations, is in the process of expanding their facilities with the construction of a skate park, small pavilion, and parking lot.  While the money will help go towards…

Premier Mini Golf Course Coming to Proctor

The course called Rogue Eagle Mini Golf is designed by a New Jersey based Harris Miniature Golf.

PROCTOR, Minn. — A new mini golf course is coming to Proctor this summer. After a conditional use permit was approved, a mother and son team found the ideal spot on Boundary Avenue on Waterview drive. The course called Rogue Eagle Mini Golf is designed by a New Jersey based Harris Miniature Golf. With the addition of a club house…

Animal Allies Offering Discount Adoption Fees

Because of an influx of dogs, the shelter is offering $50 off adoption fees for dogs and puppies from today going through Sunday.

DULUTH, Minn. —  Animal Allies Human Society is giving a little extra incentive to adopt this weekend. Because of an influx of dogs, the shelter is offering $50 off adoption fees for dogs and puppies from today going through Sunday. Although staff say it’s rare that they offer this type of discount, they hope it gives these pets a chance…

Midday Update 5-7-21

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Friday, May 7, 2021

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Ken Slama for a local look at news and weather making headlines Friday, May 7, 2021. Have a great day! Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Ken Slama, Local News, midday update, weather

Morning Update 5-7-21

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Friday, May 7, 2021

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Ken Slama for a local look at news and weather making headlines Friday, May 7, 2021. Have a great day! Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Ken Slama, Local News, morning update, News, weather

Superior Trailblazers Pool League Hosts Second Annual Tournament

The event recognizes the top eight players from the season.

SUPERIOR, Wis. – The Top Hat Tavern was the place to be Thursday night for the second annual Superior Trailblazers Pool League tournament. The event recognizes the top eight players from the season, and this year’s installment features a special cause. Local pool player Jim Dalton was recently diagnosed with COVID-19 so the league decided to raise funds to help…

Mayor Larson’s Plan: $24 Million For Duluth’s Spirit Mountain

Larson touts new jobs, more visitors and a larger economic impact from the investment.

DULUTH, Minn. – A historic shift in support for Spirit Mountain’s future was announced Thursday. Duluth Mayor Emily Larson said a proposed $24 million capital investment plan will take the city-owned attraction to its true potential, which includes adding hundreds of new jobs, six times the number of visitors and increasing the economic impact of more than $10 million. “We…

CHUM Announces A New Food Delivery Program Called CHUM2GO

DULUTH, Minn.– Churches United in Ministry announced a new food delivery program in Duluth on Thursday called CHUM2GO, an initiative that will be delivering pre-packed boxes of food to 120 households in Duluth a few times each month. The program’s deliveries will begin next Tuesday to help people experiencing food insecurity. “People are in dire need of fresh produce, fresh…

UMD Student Talks About What It’s Like To Take Finals Virtually

DULUTH, Minn.– UMD students are wrapping up the 2020-2021 academic year with finals ending tomorrow. One student we spoke to says some of the finals online make it especially tough, but she’s learned a lot about the distance learning process throughout the year which will help pull her through. “Keeping myself on track, like sitting down for 2 hours at…

Salvation Army Continues to Offer Resources for Homeless

With the cities low vacancy rate, and the extension of the eviction moratorium there have been few openings for housing.

DULUTH, Minn. — The Salvation Army is continuing to offer different resources for the homeless community in Duluth. With the cities low vacancy rate, and the extension of the eviction moratorium there have been few openings for housing. The rapid re-housing program, landlord incentive program and family transitional housing program are some of the resources the Salvation Army have been…

One of Duluth’s Top Event Promoters Reacts to Governor Walz’s Restriction Lift

DULUTH, Minn.– Duluth Event Promoter, Tracy Lundeen, says he is excited by Governer Walz’s remarks today, adding all of his events this Summer like, Festival by the Lake, the Duluth Fall Wedding Show, should go off without a hitch. He also offered Duluth a little bit of advice, “We always hear that saying tomorrow isn’t guaranteed so let’s get back…

Mayor Larson Outlines Recommended Plan for Next Steps at Spirit Mountain

DULUTH, Minn. – Duluth Mayor Emily Larson announced during a Thursday press conference her recommendations for the next steps in supporting Spirit Mountain Recreational Area. The mayor’s proposed plan includes launching a $24 million capital reinvestment program funded 50% by state bonding, 25% by the City from tourism taxes, and 25% by Spirit Mountain. “Now is the time to do…

Gov. Walz Announces Plan to End COVID-19 Restrictions in Minnesota by July 1

BY THEO KEITH, FOX 9 ST. PAUL, Minn.-Governor Tim Walz today announced a three-step timeline to end nearly all state COVID-19 restrictions by May 28, and end the statewide masking requirement once 70% of Minnesotans age 16 years and older get their vaccine, or by July 1. The announcement comes as more than 2.6 million Minnesotans have gotten their shot…

Midday Update 5-6-21

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Thursday, May 6, 2021

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Ken Slama for a look at local news and weather making headlines Thursday, May 6, 2021. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Ken Slama, Local News, midday update, News, weather

Duluth Police Investigating Two East Hillside Shots Fired Incidents

DULUTH, Minn. – Duluth Police are investigating two shots fired incidents in the East Hillside neighborhood late Wednesday night and early Thursday morning. According to police, officers responded to the first incident of shots fired around 11:45 p.m. Wednesday on North 3rd Avenue East and East 8th Street. When officers arrived at the scene they found multiple shell casings on…

Northland Newborns 5-6-21

FOX 21 and Essentia Health Team Up to Showcase Newborn Bundles of Joy Across the Northland

Every Thursday morning on FOX 21 Local News from 7 – 9 a.m., we’re teaming up with Essentia Health to showcase Northland Newborns. Calling all proud parents, grandparents, aunts, and uncles! Email a picture and date of birth to fox21morningcrew@kqdsfox21.tv for a chance to see your little one on the big screen. Click here for more information.  Categories: Community, Northland…

Spice Up Your Breakfast Routine with a Bite from Lift Bridge Bagels

Cooking Connection: Cream Cheese Filled Bagel Bites with Cinnamon Sugard on Top

SUPERIOR, Wis. – This week’s Cooking Connection features the perfect option for a quick bite to eat before your busy day begins. Lift Bridge Bagel creator, Lexy Land, shows FOX 21 Meteorologist Ken Slama how she whips up her mouthwatering cream cheese filled bagel bites with cinnamon sugar. Land also creates a variety of bagels perfect for any occasion. Click…

Morning Update 5-6-21

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Thursday, May 6, 2021

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Ken Slama for a look at local news and weather making headlines Thursday, May 6, 2021. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Ken Slama, Local News, morning update, News, weather

Major Construction Project Underway Along Highway 61 in Grand Marais

A Portion of Highway 61 Will Be Closed From Java Moose Heading East Through Grand Marais May 10 - Late July

GRAND MARAIS, Minn. – The downtown district of Grand Marais will be busier than usual this summer due to an ongoing extensive construction project years in the making. MnDOT is currently working to reconstruct the portion of Highway 61 just west of the city. Traffic will be reduced to one lane in both directions for those heading into and out…

Maya Mexican Restaurant Celebrates Cinco de Mayo with Authentic Mexican Cuisine

HERMANTOWN, Minn.– One Mexican restaurant in Hermantown is excited to welcome customers in on this Cinco de Mayo after not being able to last Spring. With only a take-out option last year during the first shut down, in-person dining means even more to Maya Mexican this year. The restaurant is offering different specials in honor of the holiday, such as…

Silver Bay’s Municipal Campground Prepares for Second Season

Reservations Are Now Open for Black Beach Municipal Campground

SILVER BAY, Minn. – The City of Silver Bay along the North Shore is thrilled to be welcoming guests back to the Black Beach Municipal Campground this summer. This will be the site’s second season in business. Newly elected Mayor, Wade LeBlanc, is optimistic for a strong tourism season along the shore. He says last year proved to be beneficial…

Vista Fleet Returns to the Water

DULUTH, Minn.– Vista Fleet opened its doors to the public on May 1st, and the crew says they’re thrilled to operate in a more normal capacity compared to last year. The business and cruises remained open during the COVID-19 pandemic last summer, but were not able to keep up with the demand, due to a lack of staff. Vista Fleet’s…