Community

CHUM Looking to Capitalize on Minnesota’s Annual FoodShare Month

The organizations are partnering with the greater Minnesota Council of Churches to match the donations coming through their doors.

DULUTH, Minn. – CHUM is looking to capitalize on Minnesota’s annual FoodShare month. Because it is typically a slow time for the CHUM food shelf and over 300 other food shelves across the state, the organizations are partnering with the greater Minnesota Council of Churches to match the donations coming through their doors. They are also partnering with local farms…

Midday Update 3-3-21

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Wednesday, Mar. 3, 2021

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Ken Slama for a local look at news and weather making headlines Wednesday, Mar. 3, 2021. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Ken Slama, Local News, midday update, News

Local Vet Witnessing Importance of In-Person Visits as Pandemic Continues

Many Pet Owners Prefer to be With Their Pet During Routine or Emergency Examinations

SUPERIOR, Wis. – If you’ve made an appointment for your pet in the past year, chances are you weren’t allowed inside the building as the animal receives medical attention. COVID-19 is to blame for the new protocols at many vet clinics in the northland, but it can be a frustration for those who prefer to be with their pet during…

Morning Update 3-3-21

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Wednesday, Mar. 3, 2021

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Ken Slama for a local look at news and weather making headlines Wednesday, Mar. 3, 2021. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Ken Slama, Local News, morning update, News

Some Cloquet Bar Owners Want Liquor License Relief for When Pandemic Dried Sales

While they're seeking a prorated or discounted fee, the City says reducing the liquor license fee would have other repercussions.

CLOQUET, Minn.- After months of pandemic-related shutdowns and restrictions where some or all of their establishments sat unused, some bar and restaurant owners in Cloquet are asking the City Administration for a break in liquor license fees. “Quite honestly at this point we’re just asking them to help us with something. Whether it be prorated by day, prorated by month,…

GO: Pop-Up Snowshoeing

- As part of last months cold front festival, the City of Duluth began offering pop-up snow shoeing as one of many outdoor activities.

DULUTH, Minn. – As part of last months cold front festival, the City of Duluth began offering pop-up snow shoeing as one of many outdoor activities. “It’s basically a couple hours where people can take some snowshoes and get out and about in their communities,” Recreation Instructor, Julianna Langlois says. Providing a great way to get outside, with social distancing…

Duluth School Board Hears Public Comment on Historic Old Central Sale

As the district nears the end of the sale process, on Tuesday they say they wanted to hear the public's thoughts related to the sale.

DULUTH, Minn.- The Duluth School Board heard public comment on the future sale and relocation of the Historic Old Central High School downtown. Last October the district entered into a purchasing agreement with “Saturday Properties” to redevelop the building into a mixed-income apartment building. As the district nears the end of the sale process, on Tuesday they say they wanted…

Northland Teen & Jr. Iditarod Winner Gets A Big Welcome Home

Martens walked away with a $6,000 scholarship and a new dog sled for winning the race.

SUPERIOR, Wis. – The Northland teenager who won the Junior Iditarod returned from Alaska on Tuesday and a group of local community members gave him a big welcome home. Finishing first in the Junior Iditarod is no easy task, but 14-year-old Morgan Martens from Brule brought home the trophy. Martens returned to the Northland to a crowd of supporters cheering…

Plans Move Forward In 15-Story Mixed-Use Building Project

Construction is scheduled to begin this fall on the project, which is expected to cost at least $75 million.

DULUTH, Minn. – Plans to construct a 15-story mixed-use building in downtown Duluth is moving forward after the project suffered several delays. The project was expected to begin construction back in December 2019, but was pushed back due to impacts caused by the coronavirus pandemic and the “uncertain financial market.” The building will stand on the site of the former…

Midday Update 3-2-21

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Tuesday, Mar. 2, 2021

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Ken Slama for a local look at news and weather making headlines Tuesday, Mar. 2, 2021. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Ken Slama, Local News, midday update, News

38th Annual First Ship Contest Now Open

DULUTH, Minn. – Visit Duluth and the Duluth Seaway Port Authority have teamed up once again for the 38th Annual First Ship Contest. To submit your guess for the exact date and time the season’s first “saltie” passes under the Aerial Lift Bridge, head to visitduluth.com/firstship or click here. The contest closes at midnight on March 24. This year, the…

Morning Update 3-2-21

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Tuesday, Mar. 2, 2021

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Ken Slama for a local look at news and weather making headlines Tuesday, Mar. 2, 2021. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Ken Slama, Local News, News

Historic J.B. Ford Freighter Catches Fire in Duluth Scrapyard

Firefighters were able to knock down the flames within an hour, and no one was injured.

DULUTH, Minn.- A busy day for the Duluth Fire Department brought them to a fire aboard the century-old J.B. Ford freighter in the Duluth port Monday — and age seemed to work against the ship, its old bones proving to be easily flammable. The J.B. Ford is the oldest intact lake freighter still floating, launching in 1903 in Ohio. It…

Dream Come True: New Owners Take Over The Backyard on Amnicon Lake

Chase and Amanda Nordby Have Dreamed of Owning Their Own Business for the Past Ten Years

SUPERIOR, Wis. – As warmer days start popping up in the forecast, many Northlanders are thinking spring and preparing for summer adventures. One family who recently moved to the area is now settling in as they prepare for their first year in business at The Backyard on Amnicon Lake. “This last year has been a different year for us, and…

Lyric Kitchen Bar Remaining Closed One Year into Pandemic

Growing cases, coupled with Superior Street Reconstruction, kept management from opening back up.

DULUTH, Minn.- While many restaurants have re-opened for limited indoor service after Minnesota’s last shutdown, one restaurant has remained closed since the pandemic began last march. Management at Lyric Kitchen Bar in Downtown Duluth’s Holiday Center says when businesses were first closed in response to coronavirus spreading they thought it would just be for a few weeks. But the cases…

Superior City Councilor Starts Conversation Hoping To Change Name Of Moccasin Mike Road

SUPERIOR, Wis. – Superior City Councilor Jenny Van Sickle is starting the conversation in hopes of changing the name of Moccasin Mike Road in Superior. It’s still unclear how the road got its name. It is believed to be named after Michael Bright, who was a former elected official in Superior. The road is on sacred native land and was…

Needed Upgrades At Wrenshall School Finishes, More Still To Come

The first stage cost more than $9 million and included adding a new HVAC system.

DULUTH, Minn. – The Wrenshall School has been getting some much-needed upgrades and now the first phase of the project is complete. The pandemic forced students to learn from home for the last year. Wrenshall school leaders took advantage of having an empty building to make the necessary changes. The first stage cost more than $9 million and included adding…

Search Continues To Find Two Individuals Caught On Camera Stealing A Catalytic Converter

The Superior Salvation Army typically uses the truck to pick up donations for its thrift store.

SUPERIOR, Wis.- The search is on to find two individuals, who were caught on camera stealing believed to be stealing the catalytic converter from a box truck owned by the Salvation Army in Superior on Friday night. Video given to Fox 21 by the Salvation Army shows two people walking up to the truck and looking to see if anyone…

Midday Update 3-1-21

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Monday, Mar. 1, 2021

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Ken Slama for a local look at news and weather making headlines Monday, Mar. 1, 2021. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Ken Slama, Local News, midday update, News

After COVID-19 Prompted Hiatus, Duluth Wedding Show Returns to the DECC

The Duluth Wedding Show is Taking Place Sunday, March 14, 2021

DULUTH, Minn. – After a one year hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the 33rd annual Duluth Wedding Show, in compliance with all current safety guidelines, will return to the DECC Sunday, March 14. “We have been working with the DECC and after reviewing the latest State of Minnesota guidelines regarding the COVID-19 pandemic we will be able to present…

Morning Update 3-1-21

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Monday, March 1, 2021

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Ken Slama for a local look at news and weather making headlines Monday, Mar. 1, 2021. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Ken Slama, Local News, morning update

9 Rescued in Downtown Virginia Apartment Fire, Cause Unknown

The Northland Chapter of the Red Cross is assisting those displaced tenants with lodging and necessities.

VIRGINIA, Minn.- An investigation is underway after an apartment building in downtown Virginia went up in flames Sunday morning. All tenants inside the apartment at the time of the fire got out alive without injuries. The cause of that fire is still under investigation by the state fire marshal. “We ask anybody that has any info to come forward, that…

BCA: Emergency Response Team Fatally Shot Man Who Killed K-9 Luna

The Midwest Medical Examiner's Office has identified the man as David Joseph Wayne Conwell, 37, of Duluth. 

  ST. PAUL, Minn.- The man who held Duluth Police and St. Louis County Sheriff’s crews in a 20-hour standoff from Thursday night to Friday evening was fatally shot, according to the Midwest Medical Examiner’s Office. The Midwest Medical Examiner’s Office has identified the man as David Joseph Wayne Conwell, 37, of Duluth. According to Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension,…

Midday Update 2-26-21

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Friday, Feb. 26, 2021

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Ken Slama for a local look at news and weather making headlines Friday, Feb. 26, 2021. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Ken Slama, Local News, midday update, News

Northland Newborns 2-25-21

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, News,…

Morning Update 2-26-21

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Friday, Feb. 26, 2021

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Ken Slama for a look at news and weather making headlines this Friday, Feb. 26, 2021. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Ken Slama, Local News, morning update, News

Minnesota Officer Deadly Force Working Group Gives One-Year Progress Report

They group was key in the bi-partisan passing of the Minnesota Police Accountability Act of 2020.

MINNESOTA- A working group looking at ways to reduce deadly force encounters between police and citizens in Minnesota says many of their recommendations are being implemented — but there is still work to be done. The group was organized last year by Attorney General Keith Ellison and Public Safety Commissioner John Harrington, before the killing of George Floyd under the…

COVID-Adapted American Birkebeiner Skis On

The course is closed to spectators to avoid spreading Coronavirus, and skiers can participate virtually.

CABLE , Wis.- The 47th American Birkebeiner Ski Race, the largest cross-country ski race in North America and third largest in the world, began in a completely new way Wednesday. Skiers for each race started in waves over five days in Cable, Wisconsin. Participants who come from across the globe can still take part virtually if they couldn’t make it…

Snowmobile Catches Fire at Gas Station in Tower, No Injuries Reported

TOWER, Minn. – According to the Northland FireWire, multiple fire crews responded to a fire at the Vermilion Fuel and Food in downtown Tower Thursday morning. Firefighters from Tower, Breitung Township, and Greenwood Township were dispatched to the area around 10:00 a.m. after a snowmobile caught fire at the gas pumps. No injuries were reported. The cause of the fire…

Midday Update 2-25-21

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Thursday, Feb. 25, 2021

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Ken Slama for a local look at news and weather making headlines Thursday, Feb. 25, 2021. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Ken Slama, Local News, midday update, News

UMD’s Annual Equity, Race, & Ethnicity Summit Going Virtual March 2-4

Registration is Now Open for the Summit Taking Place March 2, 3, & 4, 2021

DULUTH, Minn. – Northland residents are encouraged to register and take part in the 2021 Equity, Race, & Equality Summit at UMD. The event has taken place on the campus since 2003, but this year will move to a virtual platform due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Participants are welcome to attend for one day, one workshop, or for one…

Chef Arlene Coco’s Stuffed Cabbage Roll Recipe

Just in Time for St. Patrick's Day, Chef Arlene Coco Shares Her Tastefully Delicious Stuffed Cabbage Roll Recipe

Coco’s Stuffed Cabbage Leaves Serving size: 8 Calories per serving: 238 Ingredients: 1 head green cabbage frozen and thawed 2 cups cooked brown rice 1 each onions diced small 2 cups soy crumbles 8 ounces mushrooms chopped small 1 teaspoon cajun seasoning (optional) 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper 1 teaspoon kosher salt 1/2 cup fresh parsley minced 4 cups tomato…

Morning Update 2-25-21

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Thursday, Feb. 25, 2021

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Ken Slama for a local look at news and weather making headlines Thursday, Feb. 25, 2021. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Ken Slama, Local News, morning update, News

Spirit Mountain Thanks Community with “Spirit Loves Duluth Days” Discounts

Northlanders can go tubing, skiing, snowboarding and more for only $5.

DULUTH, Minn.- Northlanders can go tubing, skiing, snowboarding and more for only $5, as Spirit Mountain is hosting “Spirit Loves Duluth Days” Wednesday and Sunday the 28th. They say it’s a low-cost way for residents to experience what Spirit has to offer, and their way to say thank you for the public’s help and patience during the pandemic. “To let…

“Finding Answers” COVID-19 Vaccine Special: FOX21 Talks With The Experts

DULUTH, Minn. — FOX21 and other news media outlets in the Northland came together at the DECC on Wednesday to interview experts and community organizers about the vaccine and distributing it to the current priority groups in our community. We spoke with St. Louis County Public Health Division Director Amy Westbrook. Westbrook says that St. Louis County hasn’t lost a…

Duluth Labor Organizations to Distribute Thousands of Food Boxes at DECC Thursday

They'll go through two semi-trucks carrying about 24 wrapped pallets of food boxes.

DULUTH, Minn.- Duluth Labor unions and organizations teamed up Wednesday, preparing to distribute thousands of boxes of food to anyone in need, secured from the US Department Of Agriculture’s Farmers to Families Program. On Thursday at the DECC, The Duluth Building and Construction Trades, Central Labor Body, and United Food and Commercial Workers Union Local 11-89 will distribute those boxes…

Health Equity Groups Work to Vaccinate Northland’s Black, Indigenous, People of Color

According to the CDC, many racial and ethnic minority groups can face economic, social, and geographical barriers to healthcare, and therefore COVID Vaccines.

DULUTH, Minn.- As vaccine supplies and vaccination initiatives increase throughout the country and the Northland, efforts have started zeroing in on helping racial and ethnic communities disproportionately impacted by the pandemic. According to the CDC, many racial and ethnic minority groups can face economic, social, and geographical barriers to healthcare such as difficulties finding affordable and quality housing and health…

WATCH: COVID-19 Vaccines: Finding Answers

DULUTH, MN — Whether it’s safe to get vaccinated if you have an underlying health condition or learning about the differences between the available vaccinations, people no doubt have plenty of questions about the COVID-19 vaccine. As the Northland navigates the next chapter in the fight against COVID-19, Duluth media outlets are teaming up for a special report called “COVID-19…

St. Luke’s Processing Thousands of Vaccine Doses to Ship Out Statewide

The hospital is one of the medical facilities designated as hubs, shipping to five different smaller "spokes" across the state.

DULUTH, Minn.- St. Luke’s in Duluth is sharing how they process their vaccine shipments. The hospital is one of the medical facilities designated as hubs, shipping to five different smaller “spokes” across the state. St. Luke’s processes 1,120 doses per flat of vaccines, stored at negative 60 to negative 80 degrees Celsius. Pharmaceutical staff at St. Luke’s says it’s a…

Midday Update 2-24-21

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Wednesday, Feb. 24, 2021

FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Ken Slama share news and weather making headlines in the region Wednesday, Feb. 24, 2021. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Ken Slama, Local News, midday update, News

Essentia Health President: “Routine Care Essential, Safe Amid COVID-19 Pandemic”

Dr. Jon Pryor, President of Essentia Health in Duluth, Says Routine Care Appointments Shouldn't Be Put on the Back Burner

DULUTH, Minn. – Many Northlanders are left wondering what comes next in the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic. As concerns remain high, local hospital officials want to remind residents it’s safe, and important to continue scheduling routine medical exams and screening procedures. Dr. Jon Pryor, President of Essenita Health in Duluth, says his facility is seeing a 33 percent decrease…

St. Luke’s Hospitalist Depicts Daily Routine, Optimism as COVID-19 Vaccinations Continue

Dr. Jake Powell with St. Luke's Hospital in Duluth Discusses What It's Like to Work on the Frontlines Amid the COVID-19 Pandemic

DULUTH, Minn. – As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to wreak havoc on healthcare systems across the nation, locally, Northland hospitals are thankful to see a decrease in new cases and severe hospitalizations. Dr. Jake Powell is a hospitalist with St. Luke’s in Duluth. He says as COVID-19 cases are decreasing, his daily routine continues to be inundated with many patients…

Northland Doctor Reminds Residents COVID Vaccines Are Safe, Extremely Effective

Dr. Charles Kendall with Community Memorial Hospital in Cloquet Discusses Vaccine Safety and Efficacy

CLOQUET, Minn. – According to the Minnesota Department of Health, over one million Minnesotans have received at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine. Locally, in Carlton County, a region with a population of over 35,000, data shows more than 10,000 residents have received at least their first shot. Dr. Charles Kendall with Community Memorial Hospital in Cloquet says he’s…

Pressed For Time? The Duluth Dog Walker is Ready to Make a Routine Visit

The Duluth Dog Walker Started in January of 2021, Owner Traci Rutledge is Currently Accpeting More Four-Legged Clients

DULUTH, Minn. – It can be hard to find the motivation to keep active in the winter months, with the cold, snow, and ice creating hazardous conditions. However, our pets don’t care whether it’s raining, sleeting, or snowing or whatever the temp may be. “I’m the dog whisperer,” said Traci Rutledge, owner of The Duluth Dog Walker. It takes passion…