Community

Duluth’s Historic Chester Bowl Ski Hill Continues Providing Family Fun

Chester Bowl's First Ski Jump Opened in 1906; Alpine Skiing Began in the 1970s

DULUTH, Minn. – Chester Bowl is back open for business this winter and many families are taking advantage of all the activities the park has to offer. “The season has just been wonderful. People are excited to be out doing something active and social,” said Dave Schaeffer, Executive Director of Chester Bowl. Chester Bowl offers ski and snowboard lessons every…

Morning Update 2-1-21

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

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

Schouweiler Wins Beagrease Half Marathon

The mushers arrived at the Trestle Inn in Finland, Minnesota just before 6:30 a.m. Monday morning. 

FINLAND, Minn. – The John Beargrease Half Marathon officially has a winner. The mushers arrived at the Trestle Inn in Finland, Minnesota just before 6:30 a.m. Monday morning. Erin Schouweiler crossed the finish line first followed by Michael Bestgen in a close second. Rita Wehseler came in third. So far, ten total mushers have crossed the 120 finish line. Schouweiler…

Mushers Takeoff For 37th Beargrease Sled Dog Marathon Despite No Fans

The teams were wound up and ready to set out on the 300-mile journey to Grand Portage. 

DULUTH, Minn.-With a different starting line, warmer weather, and no spectators, the 37th John Beargrease Sled Dog Marathon looked different. But to mushers and their dogs, the trail experience looks to be the same. “Having this race happen is huge not only for the mushers and the fans but for the dogs,” said returning champ Ryan Redington. “You hear how…

Duluthian Uses Big Instagram Following to Teach Government Studies And Give Back

DULUTH, Minn.  – A Duluth woman is using her background as a former U.S. government studies teacher to not only educate her large Instagram following, but to do some good as well. Sharon McMahon spent years teaching U.S. government studies in different corners of the country and now runs a photography business in Duluth. This past fall, her passion for…

Beargrease Vets Examine Dogs On Race Day, One Last Time Before First Checkpoint

Last minute injuries can come from dogs getting antsy waiting, or even frostbitten tongues in colder weather.

DULUTH, Minn.- While mushers, handlers and the dog teams get blinded by excitement before they start on the trail, the Beargrease veterinarians were busy making sure the dogs were in race-shape Sunday. At Saturday’s final official vet check, mushers could get extra dogs checked and cleared, just in case one of them gets injured overnight or at the starting line….

Silver Bay PTO Encourages Shoe Donations for Fundraising Drive

The Shoe Drive will Run Through Feb. 28 with Donations Accepted During Schools Hours

SILVER BAY, Minn. – The Silver Bay Parent Teacher Organization (PTO) is looking to collect 2,500 pairs of shoes, and they need your help to put one foot in front of the other. Due to COVID-19, the PTO is unable to host many of their annual in-person fundraisers, so they’re adjusting. The organization is partnering with Orlando based “Funds2orgs.” The…

Second Harvest Food Bank Sees A Jump in The Number Of People In Need Of Food Assistance

More than 7 million pounds of food has been distributed this year, which equals over 6 million meals.

DULUTH, Minn. – The Second Harvest Food Bank has seen a jump in the need for food assistance across the region this year. Second Harvest officials say this year about 8% more people throughout Northeast Minnesota and Northwest Wisconsin needed help feeding their families. That’s an estimated additional 13,500 people for the year. Also, 20% of the people using the…

Car Thefts Continue To Jump During The Winter In Duluth

It believed people are leaving their keys in the car or leaving it running to warm up during chilly days.

DULUTH, Minn. – Duluth Police are continuing to see an uptick in car thefts during the winter months. Authorities say certain habits during the winter can make people’s cars a target for car thieves. It believed people are leaving their keys in the car or leaving it running to warm up during chilly days. DPD says there are a few…

Brewery Owners Sound Off Hoping To Make A Change To The Growler Cap Law

"Over 8,000 breweries in the country, we are the only five restricted from selling beer to-go to the consumer. That's crazy we need to make a change," said Lon Larson, the co-owner of Castle Danger Brewery in Two Harbors.

TWO HARBORS, Minn. – Some of the top beer makers in Minnesota are hoping to bring a change to restrictions preventing the sale of growlers. “We are actually the only five in the entire country. Over 8,000 breweries in the country, we are the only five restricted from selling beer to-go to the consumer. That’s crazy we need to make…

Midday Update 1-29-21

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Friday, Jan. 29, 2021

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Ken Slama for a local look at news and weather making headlines Friday, Jan. 29, 2021. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Ken Slama, Local News, midday update, News

Morning Update 1-29-21

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Friday, Jan. 29, 2021

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Ken Slama for a local look at news and weather making headlines Friday, Jan. 29, 2021. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Ken Slama, Local News, morning update, News

A UMD Program Is Helping 50 & Older Individuals Continue Lifelong Learning

"I never looked back," said Diane Kolquist, a student of the program.

DULUTH, Minn. – A University of Minnesota Duluth program is helping adults 50 and older continue the journey of lifelong learning. University for Seniors is a program at UMD that offers intellectual and cultural development to promote learning among the older population. The program is a peer-led learning program. It is run in a study group format and volunteers like…

“Mask Out Minnesota” Encourages People To Get Outdoors

"We want to encourage you to forget the four walls of your home this winter," said Renee Mattson, the executive director for the Greater Minnesota Regional Parks and Trails Commission.

DULUTH, Minn. – The Greater Minnesota Regional Parks and Trails Commission has started a new initiative to encourage people to get outdoors. Commission members visited the Hartley Nature Center in Duluth to promote a new campaign called “Mask Out Minnesota.” The campaign wants to motivate people to try out state parks and trails, which have gotten more popular during the…

Essentia Health Debuts Mobile COVID Vaccine Unit

(photo courtesy: Essentia Health) DULUTH, Minn. – Esssentia Health debuted its first mobile COVID-19 vaccine unit on Thursday that will be used to administer vaccines to groups in need of on-site vaccinations in the community. The mobile unit stopped at The Hills Youth and Family Services on Thursday where 45 staff members were vaccinated as part of the Phase 1A…

Midday Update 1-28-21

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Thursday, Jan. 28, 2021

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Ken Slama for a local look at news and weather making headlines Thursday, Jan. 28, 2021. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Ken Slama, Local News, midday update, News

Northland Newborns 1-28-21

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. If you would like to submit a photo with a description of a newborn in your life, click here, or email fox21morningcrew@kqdsfox21.tv. Categories: Community, Northland Newborns Tags: Brett Scott, community, Essentia Health, Local News, Northland Newborns

Beer Battered Shrimp & Chips with Ledge Rock Grille at Larsmont Cottages

Cooking Connection: Beer Battered Shrimp & Chips with Huli Huli Slaw

TWO HARBORS, Minn. – With Valentine’s Day right around the corner, Ledge Rock Grille at Larsmont Cottages has a new, redesigned menu to please any customer who walks through the door. In this week’s segment, Chef Richard Selz prepares a handcrafted Beer Battered Shrimp & Chips with Huli Huli Slaw. Shrimp Flour Flour 1 C. Corn Starch 1 C. Salt…

Morning Update 1-28-21

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Thursday, Jan. 28, 2021

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Ken Slama for a local look at news and weather making headlines Thursday, Jan. 28, 2021. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Ken Slama, Local News, morning update, News

The St. Louis County Sheriff’s Office Warns Residents About Scams

It is recommended if you do not recognize a phone number, do not answer.

ST. LOUIS COUNTY, Minn. – The St. Louis County Sheriff’s Office is sending a warning about a recent uptick in scam phone calls and email impacting northland residents. A handful of complaints have recently been made to the sheriff’s about the attempted scamming. Law enforcement believe the increase in calls and emails may be a result of stimulus money being…

Lake County Health & Human Service Will Soon Open Pop-Up Vaccine Clinics

People can call the Lake County Covid-19 Vaccine hotline at 218-834-8434.

LAKE COUNTY, Minn. – The distribution of COVID-19 vaccines continues throughout the Northland and now some more rural residents will soon be getting in on the action. Lake County Health and Human Services is working to get vaccines out to residents as quickly as possible. One way is by offering pop-up vaccine clinics, which gives the county the ability to…

Greenhouses Thinking Spring

The Lilac Hill greenhouse in Hermantown first began prepping some geranium plants in early January.

HERMANTOWN, Minn. – Green houses in the area are already thinking Spring. The Lilac Hill greenhouse in Hermantown first began prepping some geranium plants in early January. The greenhouse will receive even more plants in the coming weeks. “We start out twelve in hanging baskets which is our petunias and the large big baskets you see that we have available…

Midday Update 1-27-21

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Wednesday, Jan. 27, 2021

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Ken Slama for a local look at news and weather making headlines Wednesday, Jan. 27, 2021. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Ken Slama, Local News, midday update, News

The Snake Pit Experiences Spike in Business Amid COVID Pandemic

The Snake Pit is Located 5211 Miller Trunk Highway in Hermantown

HERMANTOWN, Minn. – Pet adoptions are on the rise amid the coronavirus pandemic, and The Snake Pit is experiencing the spike firsthand. Owner Roger Hill says business has picked up while restrictions have been in place. With more people stuck at home, they’re looking for companions to care for, and cold-blooded creatures are no exception. The snake pit offers a…

Morning Update 1-27-21

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Wednesday, Jan. 27, 2021

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Ken Slama for a local look at news and weather making headlines Wednesday, Jan. 27, 2021. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Ken Slama, Local News, morning update, News

Beargrease Silent Auction Goes Virtual Ahead of Sunday Race Start

Until February 7th you can bid on a variety of Beargrease memorabilia as well as gifts, and weekend giveaways to local resorts and venues. 

DULUTH, Minn.- Preparations continue for the John Beargrease Sled Dog Marathon ahead of the start just days away. Normally the big auction and opening ceremony takes place the first week, but this year the auction is virtual. Until February 7th you can bid on a variety of Beargrease memorabilia as well as gifts, and weekend giveaways to local resorts and…

GO: Positive Energy Outdoors

For 17 years, Positive Energy Outdoors has been offering programs for all ages.

DULUTH, Minn. – “We’re all about people and animal powered recreation,” Positive Energy Outdoors Co-Founder, Blake Cazier says. For 17 years, Positive Energy Outdoors has been offering programs for all ages. “So we have sled dogs and Draft horses. We teach kayaking, have rock climbing adventures,” Cazier says. With the goal of educating their customers about the outdoors with every…

A Tiger At The Wildcat Sanctuary Tests Positive For COVID-19

Veterinarians conducted a Coronavirus test after sedating her, revealing she had the virus.

SANDSTONE, Minn.- A rescue tiger living at the Wildcat Sanctuary in Sandstone tested positive for COVID-19, but has since recovered. A tiger named Sabrina is a rescue from Texas and upon her arrival showed signs of having possible respiratory issues. Veterinarians conducted a Coronavirus test after sedating her, revealing she had the virus. It is believed Sabrina contracted the virus…

Some Proctor Students Return To Hybrid Model

Teachers now wear a mask and a shield to help slow the spread of COVID-19.

PROCTOR, Minn. – Proctor schools welcomed some students back to the classroom after months of doing distance learning to help prevent the spreading of the coronavirus. Bay View Elementary kindergarten through fifth-grade students returned back to class and will resume a hybrid model for a few weeks before transitioning to full in-person learning. Some new rules have been put in…

A Twin Ports Mobile Detail Shop Gets A Storefront

Detail and Dash is located at 5913 Tower Avenue.

SUPERIOR, Wis. – A  local mobile car detailing company has opened a new storefront in the Twin Ports. Detail and Dash now has a permanent place in the South End of Superior. The company offers a variety of detailing services and cars can be dropped off or picked up from your home. The owner says opening a storefront best for…

Midday Update 1-26-21

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Tuesday, Jan. 26, 2021

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

Morning Update 1-26-21

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Tuesday, Jan. 26, 2021

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

Starks Academy After School Program Provides Homework Help, Place to Play During Pandemic

"Seal the Cracks" at the Encounter Youth Center features activities and games and help with schoolwork from tutors.

DULUTH, Minn.- As some elementary students across Duluth head back to the classrooms, some volunteers with the Northland Youth Basketball Alliance and Starks Academy are offering a place where kids of all ages can come to play, and get help with schoolwork. It’s called “Seal The Cracks.” For two hours after school at the Encounter Youth Center on First Street…

K-2nd Graders Welcomed Back Into Duluth Schools — With Precautions

While reassuring parents the school is taking many precautions, officials say a good portion of students have been kept at home by some moms and dads. 

DULUTH, Minn.- On Monday, Kindergartners through 2nd Graders in the Duluth School District returned to their classrooms for the first time since November, after Minnesota Governor Tim Walz officially allowed elementary schools to reopen starting January 18th. “I am truly elated to be back at school,” said Homecroft Elementary Principal Tom Cawcutt. In Duluth, the rest of elementary schoolers Grades…

Proctor Senior Awarded Medal of Honor Scholarship

DULUTH, Minn. – One lucky Proctor student received the Mike Colalillo Medal of Honor scholarship on Monday. Senior Courtney Werner was presented with the $1,500 scholarship after writing an essay about her great grandfather, Thomas Werner, who served during World War II. Courtney said she was able to learn more about her roots through the writing process while keeping her…

Maintenance On The Aerial Lift Bridge Begins

Traffic will be limited to one lane between the hours of 6 a.m. and 4 p.m.

DULUTH, Minn. – City crews began routine maintenance on the Aerial Lift Bridge on Monday. City officials say during the shipping off-season is a prime opportunity to make any necessary upgrades. Over the next few weeks, crews will be checking to make sure operations on the bridge are working properly. The city also received a grant for more than 400,000…

Misinformation About Covid-19 And Vaccine Can Lead To Bad Decision Making

"If you don't have good information, you can't make good choices for what you choose to do," said Dr. Kristina Krohn, an assistant professor of medicine at the University of Minnesota Medical School.

DULUTH, Minn. -The spreading of misinformation about the Coronavirus and its preventative vaccine is a common concern among medical experts. They’re worried misreporting of facts about the health crisis can make it harder to protect the public. There are plenty of rumors medical experts would like to clear up. “Anything that tells you it’s not something that we spread just…

City Looks For Public Feedback On Upcoming Reconstruction Project Of East Superior Street

A virtual meeting is being held on January 28th at 4 p.m.

DULUTH, Minn. – The reconstruction of East Superior Street between 45th and 60th Avenue East is expected to happen later this year and city officials are gearing up for the project by asking for public feedback. The project would include repaving that portion of East Superior Street. Construction crews will also be upgrading sidewalks to bring them up to standards…

Midday Update 1-25-21

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Monday, Jan. 25, 2021

FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Ken Slama provide a look at news and weather making headlines Monday, Jan. 25, 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

Dozens of Activities Planned for 2021 Lake Superior Ice Festival

The Lake Superior Ice Festival Will Take Place Friday, Jan. 29 and Saturday, Jan. 30

SUPERIOR, Wis. – Fire and ice will come together at the 2021 Lake Superior Ice Festival happening Friday, Jan. 29 – Saturday, Jan. 30. Event organizers are thrilled to be moving forward with this year’s festivities as the COVID-19 pandemic continues to cause many annual happenings to be canceled. Safety measures will be in place. Organizers will be utilizing the…

Morning Update 1-25-21

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Monday, Jan. 25, 2021

FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Ken Slama provide a look at news and weather making headlines Monday, Jan. 25, 2021. Have a great day! Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, FOX 21 Local News, Ken Slama, Local News, morning update, News

Fans Cheer on UMD Men’s Hockey at AMSOIL Arena for First Time in Months

In addition to family members, a limited number of tickets were available to students -- which reportedly sold out quickly.

DULUTH, Minn.- As the UMD Men’s Hockey Team returned from quarantine after a COVID situation postponed their series last week, cardboard cutouts weren’t the only ones cheering them on — fans welcomed the Bulldogs back to AMSOIL, for the first time since March. “It’s nice,” said young Noah Wise seeing the game with his dad Sunday. “We’ve been waiting for…

Rural Wisconsin Town Welcomes Two New Businesses

Owners say their goal is to have the coffee and cones portion of the business open by March 1st.

WASCOTT, Wisc. –  “I just like people. I like to be around people,” Wascott Coffee, Cones and Cuts Co-Owner, Lynn Anderson says. She has 27 years of experience in the cosmetology industry. “Doing hair makes people feel good,” she says. Anderson saw a need to open a salon with other options being a thirty minute commute. “I thought it would…

Dozens Protest Enbridge’s Line 3 Replacement on Streets Near Backus, MN

Enbridge maintains Line 3 has been repeatedly approved "based on six years of fact and science based regulatory and permitting review."

BACKUS, Minn.- A large protest near Backus, Minnesota Saturday called on President Joe Biden to stop Enbridge from constructing the Line 3 Pipeline Replacement, protesters said, just as he did the Keystone Pipeline this week. According to organizers, approximately 200 people gathered on the streets near Backus. This comes just a day after a protester was safely removed from a…

Blood Donations Are Critically Low; Health Experts Encouraging People to Donate

If you have had the vaccine, healthcare professionals say it is safe to give blood.

DULUTH, Minn. – Blood donations continue to be critically low during the pandemic. Donations are typically low in the winter, but as fewer people are choosing not to give blood during the pandemic the supply is becoming exhausted. Health officials say the U.S. blood supply is in stage yellow meaning there are only one to two days worth of blood…

Sacred Heart Music Center Struggling To Survive The Pandemic

"The pandemic has really hurt Sacred Heart," said Mark Nicklawske, a member of the board of directors for Sacred Heart.

DULUTH, Minn. – Sacred Heart Music Center and many other entertainment settings were among the first to shut down at the start of the pandemic. Now it is a big challenge to bounce back from the financial struggles. “The pandemic has really hurt Sacred Heart,” said Mark Nicklawske, a member of the board of directors for Sacred Heart. Sacred Heart…

Caribou Highlands Debuts Illuminated Winter Village

From Games to Fire Pits, Snacks and More, There's Something For Everyone to Enjoy

LUTSEN, Minn. – If you’re looking for something fun and exciting to do this weekend, you may want to take a trip up the North Shore. Staff at Caribou Highlands Lodge have created an outdoor Winter Village, complete with ice skating, giant ladder ball, and even a snow bocce ball court. The village is fully illuminated at night, and multiple…

Midday Update 1-22-21

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Friday, Jan. 22, 2021

FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Ryan Johnson provide a look at news and weather making headlines Friday, Jan. 22, 2021. Have a great day! Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Local News, midday update, News, ryan johnson