Community

Midday Update 4-13-21

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Tuesday, April 13, 2021

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Ken Slama for a local look at news and weather making headlines Tuesday, April 13, 2021. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Ken Slama, Local News, midday update, News, weather

Essentia, St. Lukes, Douglas County Public Health Department Halt the Use of Johnson & Johnson Vaccine

DULUTH, Minn. – Essentia Health, St. Luke’s, as well as the Douglas County Public Health Department have all announced Tuesday they will be halting the use of the Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine. The organizations made the decision following a recommendation from the CDC and the United States Food and Drug Administration while they review six reported cases of severe…

Duluth Denfeld, East Plan for In-Person Graduation Ceremonies

DULUTH, Minn. – Officials at Denfeld and Duluth East say they are planning in-person graduation ceremonies for the Class of 2021. Both schools are considering multiple options to accommodate for COVID-19 safety concerns. “Our principals and school staff are working hard to ensure graduation ceremonies are safe and meaningful,” said John Magas, ISD 709 Superintendent. “We ask everyone in our…

Morning Update 4-13-21

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Tuesday, April 13, 2021

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Ken Slama for a local look at news and weather making headlines Tuesday, April 13, 2021. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Ken Slama, Local News, morning update, News, weather

Unhealthy Eating Behaviors, Eating Disorders in Young People Rise During Pandemic

Experts say a variety of stressors like an increase in depression, fear of weight gain and outside factors like job loss and food insecurity are to blame.

DULUTH, Minn.- Researchers with the University Of Minnesota Medical School says they have discovered a rise in unhealthy eating behaviors and eating disorders among young adults during the pandemic. Up to 53% of young people transitioning out of high school experienced one or more unhealthy eating or weight control behaviors.  These ranged from binge eating or skipping meals to self-induced…

Incoming CHUM Executive Director Talks Goals, Priorities Ahead of New Role

John Cole Will Begin His Job at CHUM Effective June 1, 2021

DULUTH, Minn. – John Cole, the incoming executive director of CHUM, is preparing to take the reins on June 1, 2021. Cole currently serves as the interim director at Align in Minneapolis. The organization is similar to CHUM. He looks forward to making the move to Duluth and working with outgoing director Lee Stuart before fully transitioning into the role….

Spring Cleaning Made Easy at New Tommy’s Express Car Wash

Tommy's Express Car Wash Opened a Duluth Location in Late March

DULUTH, Minn. – When spring weather arrives, you’re guaranteed two things in the Northland — construction season and long lines at the car wash. Now one new business in Duluth is putting forth a dedicated team of deep cleaners who have a passion for saving you time and making your vehicle shine. “The flight deck is what we call it,”…

Essentia Health Makes Generous Donation to NYBA, Starks Academy

The partnership has been years in the making thanks to the work of Starks Academy found Dyami Starks, whose motto is giving local youth the opportunity to learn life skills through the lens of basketball. 

DULUTH, Minn. –  All year-round, the Northland Youth Basketball Alliance, along with Starks Academy, put on several fundraisers to help raise money for their various community programs. And on Monday, they got a very generous donation from a local organization. Essential Health presented them with a check for $5,000 during a special event at the Encounter Youth Center. The partnership…

Festival by the Lake Event Seeking Vendors

Organizers say, they will be adjusting to the governors new regulations.

DULUTH, Minn. – One upcoming event in Duluth during the heart of summer is currently looking for vendors. Festival by the Lake – previously called the Taste of Duluth – is currently looking for vendors for their 5th annual event in late July at Bayfront Festival Park. With this new event name, more than just food vendors will be there…

New Local Business Takes Over Flagship Pop-up Shop

The pop-up leases the space to smaller businesses in the area from two to four months.

DULUTH, Min.-A new pop-up shop has opened in the Flagship Apparel store in Canal Park. The new ship known as ‘The Hull’ is a branch off from the surf and coffee shop the ‘Back Alley’ in Lincoln Park. The pop-up leases the space to smaller businesses in the area from two to four months. “We were looking to open that…

Essentia Health Announces Drive-Thru Pharmacy Service at Downtown Duluth Campus

DULUTH, Minn. – Essentia Health announced Monday that the Third Street Pharmacy now offers a drive-thru service. The drive-thru is located inside the Green Parking Ramp at the Duluth Clinic Third Street building and is equipped with signs to direct patients where to go. “Our new drive-thru offers another socially distanced option for prescription dispensing for our patients,” said Amy…

Midday Update 4-12-21

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Monday, April 12, 2021

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Ken Slama for a local look at news and weather making headlines Monday, April 12, 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

New Book Showcases Best Wildflower Hotspots in Minnesota

"Minnesota's Best Wildflower Hikes," and "Wisconsin's Best Wildflower Hikes" are Available on Amazon

DULUTH, Minn. – A new travel guidebook describes more than 100 day hiking trails to enjoy wildflowers in Minnesota, including those in the Duluth-Superior area. Minnesota’s Best Wildflower Hikes, by hiking guidebook author Rob Bignell, covers trails from the North Shore to the state’s prairies and from the pine-covered Northwoods to the Driftless Area, as well as border counties in…

Morning Update 4-12-21

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Monday, April 12, 2021

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Ken Slama for a local look at news and weather making headlines Monday, April 12, 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

UPDATE: Outages Restored; 911 Disruption in Douglas County, Wisconsin

UPDATE: The 911 outages affecting Northwest Wisconsin have been restored. SUPERIOR, Wis. – The Douglas County 9-1-1 system is currently not functioning. If you have an emergency and you live within the city of Superior and have local phone service, attempt to call 715-394-4432. If you do not have phone service you will need to stop at any one of…

Volunteers Pick Up Dog Waste, Remind There’s No ‘Poop Fairy’ on Duluth Trails

City staff along with students from Harbor City International School picked up more than 50 pounds of doggie doo-doo

DULUTH, Minn.- Some Duluthians took advantage of Sunday’s stinky weather to do a crappy job — helping keep Duluth’s trials and waterways free of dog poop. City staff along with students from Harbor City International School picked up more than 50 pounds of doggie doo-doo in the first couple miles of the Hawk Ridge trail. Volunteers say they wanted to…

Residents ‘Get Flushed’ to Raise Money for Proctor High Grad Party

The All Night Grad Party committee restarted their "You've Been Flushed" fundraiser for Proctor students, using decorated toilets. 

PROCTOR, Minn.- The porcelain is taking over Proctor, as Proctor High School’s All Night Grad Party committee restarted their “You’ve Been Flushed” fundraiser for Proctor students, using decorated toilets. “It gets people’s attention, you’ll drive by and you’ll wonder why is there a really colorful toilet in somebody’s yard?” Proctor High Senior Wyatt Okstad knows the answer to that one…

Historic Old Central High School Could Become Mixed-Income Housing Units

Saturday Properties, a development company out of St. Louis Park, emerged as a front runner to purchase the school back in October.

DULUTH, Minn. — The Historic Old Central High School could soon be turned into 121 units of mixed-income housing. Saturday Properties, a development company out of St. Louis Park, emerged as a front runner to purchase the school back in October. The school is currently in danger of losing its historical tax credits, which go towards the rehabilitation of the…

Meals on Wheels Seeking Additional Volunteers

AEOA runs meals on wheels in the Twins Ports area and up on the range.

DULUTH, Minn. – The Arrowhead Economic Opportunity Agency is looking for more volunteers to help delivery meals on wheels. The program has been running in Duluth for about thirteen years. AEOA runs meals on wheels in the Twins Ports area and up on the range. Staff are looking for a few extra volunteers during the week which would take a…

Fourth and Final Phase of Superior Street Reconstruction to Begin Monday

Phase 4 of Superior Street Reconstruction will be done in two parts, with Phase 4A ending in June and Phase 4B ending in August.

DULUTH, Minn.- This summer will be the busiest road construction season in Duluth’s history with crews working on 12 miles of roadways; and Superior Street will once again be among those projects for the fourth and final year in a row. “I’m real happy with the way it turned out, so, but I’m also ready to be happy that it’s…

Eat Downtown Week Returns Highlighting 19 Duluth Restaurants

From April 19th to the 30th, 19 participating restaurants will be featuring more flexible menus to include takeout specials along with dine-in.

DULUTH, Minn.- Going into the summer months, eat downtown week is returning to highlight local Duluth establishments. From April 19th to the 30th, 19 participating restaurants will be featuring more flexible menus to include takeout specials along with dine-in. Greater Downtown Council officials say it’s more important than ever to show these businesses the community cares. “It’s just so important…

North Shore Businesses Optimistic for Strong Summer Tourism Season

From New Recreations Offerings, to Great Burgers and Brews, Two North Shore Businesses Optimistic Ahead of the Summer Season

TWO HARBORS, Minn. – Each year, hundreds of thousands of visitors venture up Minnesota’s North Shore, stopping along the way to help stimulate the various local economies in smaller communities. Two area businesses are optimistic for a better year ahead, as the COVID-19 pandemic hopefully reaches a more controllable level. “It’s probably one of the most beautiful places. You can…

Two Harbors to Welcome New Business This Summer

Burlington Station & Callie's Sweets Plan to Open by Memorial Day Weekend

TWO HARBORS, Minn. – A new place to purchase sweet treats and check out model trains is coming to the City of Two Harbors. Burlington Station is located along 7th Avenue, right before you leave the city to head up the North Shore. Inside the station, Callie’s Sweets will be offering handmade caramel, fudge, gourmet popcorn, and candy apples. The…

Community Vaccination Site to Open April 13 at UWS Wessman Arena

Registration is Now Open for the New Community-Based Clinic in Superior; Vaccinations Eligible for Residents 16+

SUPERIOR, Wis. – 64 percent of residents living in Douglas County have not been vaccinated against COVID-19. That’s why health officials in the county can’t wait for shots to start being administered into arms Tuesday, April 13th. The fifth community-based vaccination site will be located on the campus of UWS inside Wessman Arena. Appointments are now open, with the Pfizer…

Salvation Army Seeking Donations as FoodShare Month Continues

The final day for monetary donations for the extended foodshare month is Sunday April 11th.

DULUTH, Minn. – Minnesota’s FoodShare month in March has been extended. The Duluth Salvation Army is taking advantage of the extension with the last day to match donations in-person being on Friday. The organization is hopeful they can reach their goals which will be matched by the Minnesota FoodShare March campaign. “We have a goal locally of $9,000 and 8,000…

UMD Hosts Bulldog-Themed Blood Drive

Organizers say all 41 donation slots were filled.

DULUTH, Minn. – The American Red Cross and the UMD pre-med club hosted a Bulldog-themed blood drive at the University of Minnesota Duluth. Organizers say all 41 donation slots were filled. Although there is always a need for blood donations, this drive in particular is also geared towards promoting student engagement and volunteering on campus. Organizers also hope it helps…

Midday Update 4-8-21

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Thursday, April 8, 2021

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Ken Slama for a local look at news and weather making headlines Thursday, April 8, 2021. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Ken Slama, Local News, midday update, News, weather

Gov. Evers to Virtually Visit With Superior Middle School Students Friday

SUPERIOR, Wis. – Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers will virtually visit Superior Middle School students tomorrow, April 9. Superior Middle School Principal David Jensen says the governor will visit with 6th-grade teachers Mrs. Karly Caven and Mrs. Linda West’s classrooms through Google Meet Friday morning. During his virtual visit, the students will have the opportunity to share about themselves, their learning,…

American Cuisine with Authentic Mexican Flare at Bucktales Cantina and Grill

Cooking Connection: Bucktale's Quesadilla Burger

SUPERIOR, Wis. – This week’s Cooking Connection takes us to Bucktales Cantina and Grill located south of Superior along Highway 35. Owner Dee Morales specializes in whipping up authentic Mexican dishes, but the cantina also offers a wide variety of other foods such as burgers, gyros, appetizers and more. In this week’s segment, Morales prepares his delicious, mouthwatering Quesadilla Burger…

Northland Newborns 4-8-21

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…

Morning Update 4-8-21

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Thursday, April 8, 2021

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Ken Slama for a local look at news and weather making headlines Thursday, April 8, 2021. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Ken Slama, Local News, morning update, News, weather

COVID-19 Vaccination Clinic to Open Next Week at Wessman Arena

SUPERIOR, Wis. – University of Wisconsin’s Wessman Arena will be the site of a new community-based COVID-19 vaccination clinic next week. The university says the Douglas County Public Health clinic will open Tuesday, April 13 at 11:00 a.m. and will be run by AMI Expeditionary Healthcare who will be administering the Pfizer vaccine. Clinic hours will be Tuesday through Saturday…

New Hotel Opens in Duluth

With 82 rooms, staff say that they are excited to host people coming up to Duluth for the upcoming summer events and beyond.

DULUTH, Minn. — A new hotel has opened in Duluth. The Fairfield Inn and Suites on Maple Grove Road across the street from the Miller Hill Mall opened on March 25th. With 82 rooms, staff say that they are excited to host people coming up to Duluth for the upcoming summer events and beyond. “Knowing that we are the brand…

CHUM Announces New Executive Director

DULUTH, Minn. – CHUM has named a new Executive Director. In a recent press release, CHUM announced that John Cole will replace Lee Stuart as Executive Director. After eight years as the Executive Director Stuart will be retiring from the position effective June 30, 2021. Cole, who is currently the interim Director at Align Minneapolis, will begin with CHUM on…

Midday Update 4-7-21

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Wednesday, April 7, 2021

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

Demolition Begins at Site of Future Lincoln Park Flats Complex

DULUTH, Minn. – Demolition has started in Lincoln Park at the site of the future Lincoln Park Flats complex. P&R Companies new development will be at the former Robert’s Home Furnishings building located at 2104 West Superior Street. The company says Lincoln Park Flats will be a four-story complex that will house 74 residential apartment units including studio, one and…

Minnesota DNR Reminds Homeowners to be Mindful of Bears

There are Three Important Things to Remember if You're Looking to Avoid Bear on Your Property

DULUTH, Minn. – It’s the most wonderful time of the year for many residents in the Northland — Spring. It’s a time for new adventures when you can finally get outdoors more, and maybe even open up the cabin a little early. With the excitement, the local division of the Minnesota DNR is reminding folks to be on the lookout…

Surfers Enjoy Waves on Lake Superior

On Park Point, the waves and the sand are more forgiving than the rockier terrain as you head north.

DULUTH, Minn. – It’s not just the forces of Nature that call Lake Superior home. “Whenever there is a storm I definitely chase after it,” UMD RSOP Coordinator, Randy Carlson says. One of the largest bodies of fresh water in the world, It’s hard not to notice the growing Lake Superior surfing community. “We have a North Shore Minnesota Chapter…

Morning Update 4-7-21

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Wednesday, April 7, 2021

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

Felton Named Duluth Diocese Bishop

DULUTH, Minn. – The Very Rev. Daniel Felton, of the Diocese of Green Bay, has been named the tenth bishop of the Diocese of Duluth. His episcopal ordination and installation have been set for May 20. Bishop-elect Felton, 65, was ordained a priest in June of 1981 and has since had parish assignments at Holy Innocents in Manitowoc, St. Raphael…

Red Bull Snowmobile Rider Levi LaVallee Thrilled to Debut New Duluth Stunt Video

LaVallee Filmed Stunts in Duluth in Late February into Early March

DULUTH, Minn. – It’s something you don’t see every day in the City of Duluth – a man so full of adrenaline and excitement that he wants to jump his snowmobile over a moving train, or on a busy road such as Lake Avenue. Red Bull professional snowmobile rider Levi LaVallee isn’t thrilled unless boundaries are pushed to the max….

UWS Professor Nominated for Pulitzer Prize

The book is a long poetic verse called Roze and Blud and it dives into the two main characters Roze Mertha and William Blud.

SUPERIOR, Wis. — A University of Wisconsin-Superior writing professor has been nominated for the Pulitzer Prize award. The book is a long poetic verse called “Roze and Blud” and it dives into the two main characters Roze Mertha and William Blud. The motivation for these two characters comes from a culmination of author Jayson Iwen’s interactions with friends, and other…

Lake Superior College Opens In-Person Registration for Fall Semester

LSC will continue to enforce social distancing and mask wearing next semester.

DULUTH, Minn. — Lake Superior College has announced that school will resume all in-person courses for the upcoming fall semester. Current students began registering for courses on Monday while incoming students can get their first crack at registering Wednesday. Faculty at the campus say, students have been excited to get back on campus, especially for the courses that deal with…

Furniture Mart USA Buys Former Duluth ShopKo

DULUTH, Minn. – Furniture Mart USA has bought the former Shopko building in Duluth. According to public records the company bought the building and land for $3 million. The building, located in the Stone Ridge Shopping Center on West Central Entrance, was home to Shopko until 2019. In late August 2020, Spirit Halloween opened at the location for the Halloween…

Midday Update 4-6-21

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Tuesday, April 6, 2021

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Ken Slama for a local look at news and weather making headlines Tuesday, April 6, 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 4-6-21

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Tuesday, April 6, 2021

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

Mayor Larson’s ‘State Of The City’ Core Principles: Equity, Sustainability, Community

DULUTH, Minn. – Duluth Mayor Emily Larson held a virtual State of the City address Monday night acknowledging last year’s painful struggles through the pandemic and social justice issues surrounding George Floyd’s death — while praising the city’s determination to come together peacefully with a focus on being a stronger, more equitable community. “None of this will be easy. Last…