Community

Morning Update 12-14-20

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Monday, Dec. 14, 2020

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Ken Slama for a local look at news and weather making headlines Monday, Dec. 14, 2020. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Ken Slama, Local News, morning update, News

Bentleyville Founder Urges Weekday Visits as Saturday Nights Get Busy

The attraction started closing to new vehicles at 5:30 Saturday, and ended up turning people away through the rest of the night. 

DULUTH, Minn.- Bentleyville Tour of Lights is coming off another busy Saturday night. Ahead of the coming holiday weekend, founder Nathan Bentley is again asking future attendees to seriously consider coming during the week. The attraction started closing to new vehicles at 5:30 Saturday, and ended up turning people away through the rest of the night. Bentley has asked attendees…

UWS Student, Professor Track Waste of Disposable Masks, PPE in Superior

So far of the 200 pieces of data collected, most are concentrated in the East End and on the University Campus.

SUPERIOR, Wis.-Researchers at the University of Wisconsin Superior are tracking a different kind of waste that is newer in the city this year — personal protective equipment like masks and gloves. Those researchers said so far without the pandemic, the amount of plastics in the oceans is set to surpass the amount of fish by the year 2050. Now the…

UPDATE: Bentleyville Line Fills Up, Guests Turned Away Hours Early Saturday

Guests were asked to come back during the week for shorter wait times.

DULUTH, Minn.- Bentleyville Tour of Lights completely closed to new vehicles Saturday night, after reaching capacity early in the evening according to their website. Around 5:30 Saturday evening the attraction posted on their Facebook page that to “alleviate the number of vehicles on the roadways,” they would close the line until 7:30. But when 7:30 rolled around, that post changed…

Bentleyville Backed Up, Line Closes for Two Hours Saturday

The line for the Tour of Lights was at capacity, closing from 5:30-7:30 p.m.

DULUTH, Minn.- Traffic at Bentleyville once again backed up Saturday, forcing the line for the drive-thru attraction to close for part of the evening. According to a post on their Facebook page, the line was at capacity around 5:30 p.m. Saturday. They closed the line for two hours until 7:30 p.m., and asked guests to return after that to alleviate…

Superior Police Investigate Shooting in Fight Outside Tower Ave Businesses

One person had non-gunfire injuries after the fight, another was injured when some suspects crashed their vehicle fleeing.

  SUPERIOR, Wis.- The Superior Police Department is investigating a report of shots fired in an altercation Saturday morning resulting in two injuries and a car crash on the Blatnik Bridge. According to a department spokesperson, around 12:32 a.m. Saturday officers responded to a report of gunfire in the vicinity of 628 Tower Avenue and 702 Tower Avenue, the locations…

Essentia Health Hiring Healthcare Workers

"It's been an unbelievable amount of stress on our staff. We're used to taking care of people who are very sick and used to seeing people die, but not in these numbers," said Jon Pryor, president of Essentia Health.

DULUTH, Minn. – Demand for healthcare workers is becoming critical in the Northland. Essentia Health is now hiring, hoping to find skilled healthcare employees to fill the gaps brought on by the coronavirus pandemic. A shortage of frontline workers such as nurses is already creating a strain for hospitals in the region. Many hospital officials are getting concerned for the…

Families With Students At ISD 709 Says Learning During The Pandemic Is Challenging

A survey found about 75% of students and families have said they are having challenges.

DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth Public School District recently conducted a survey to learn the impacts of educating during the pandemic has had on families of students. The survey found about 75% of students and families have said they are having challenges. School district officials say the pandemic has changed the concept of what used to be the standards for…

Aging Population Could Create A “Silver Tsunami”

It is believed as people get older they are at higher risk of having chronic diseases.

DULUTH, Minn. – Recent research from the University of Minnesota Medical School shows the number of people over the age of 65 in the state is expected to double. The rapidly aging population has health professionals worried this could have major impacts. Clinical experts are calling it the “Silver Tsunami.” It is believed as people get older they are at…

Midday Update 12-11-20

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Friday, Dec. 11, 2020

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Ken Slama for a local look at news and weather making headlines Friday, Dec. 11, 2020. Have a great weekend! Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Ken Slama, Local News, midday update, News

Handmade in the Northland: Northern Exposure Art & Sjofn’s Musings

FOX 21 Local News is Highlighting Local Makers in the Northland Ahead of the Holiday Season

DULUTH, Minn. – Throughout the week of Dec. 7 – 11, FOX 21 Local News from 7:00 – 9:00 a.m. will be highlighting local makers in the Northland ahead of the gift-giving season. Throughout the season, many folks are working to pick out unique, locally made gifts for friends and loved ones while supporting local businesses amid a year of many…

Essentia Doctor Details COVID Reality in the Northland, Vaccine Progress

Dr. Melissa Simonson Encourages All Northland Residents to Receive the COVID Vaccine When Available

DULUTH, Minn.  – At Essentia Health in Duluth, capacity is stretched thin with both COVID patients and the normal patient population. Dr. Melissa Simonson, section chair of hospitalist services at Essentia Health, says over the last two weeks they have seen a slight improvement in the number of COVID patients. Right now,  20-25 percent of regular medical patients are COVID…

Morning Update 12-11-20

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Friday, Dec. 11, 2020

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Ken Slama for a local look at news and weather making headlines Friday, Dec. 11, 2020. Have a great weekend! Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Ken Slama, Local News, morning update, News

A Portion Of Lincoln Park Drive Closes For Pedestrian-Only Access

The road will be closed starting from the bridge on Lincoln Park Drive up to 10th street.

DULUTH, Minn. – A portion of Lincoln Park Drive will close on Friday to be used as a pedestrian-only trail for the winter. The road will be closed starting from the bridge on Lincoln Park Drive up to 10th street. Vehicle access will also be restricted at 6th street. This is the second time the city closed down a portion…

Holiday Gatherings Still Discouraged Even As A Vaccine Nears Approval

More than 50% of the total COVID-19 cases in the county since March were reported last month.

DULUTH, Minn. – A Coronavirus vaccine could be available in the Northland within the next few weeks. Although a treatment is on the way health officials are still urging the community to avoid holiday gatherings to help slow surges in COVID-19 cases. Demand for a Coronavirus vaccine in the northland is expected to be far greater than the doses available….

Fan Cutouts Available For Purchase For UMD Bulldog Hockey Games

The cutouts costs $75 each.

DULUTH, Minn. – This season, the University of Minnesota Duluth Bulldog hockey fans won’t be allowed into Amsoil Arena to watch any of the games, but you still have a chance to show your support for the teams in a creative way. Fans can now purchase a cardboard cutout of themselves to be displayed in the arena during the home…

Midday Update 12-10-20

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Thursday, Dec. 10, 2020

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Ken Slama for a local look at news and weather making headlines Thursday, Dec. 10, 2020. Have a great day! Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Ken Slama, Local News, midday update, News

Northland Newborns 12-10-20

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

Enjoy Handcrafted Grab-And-Go Lunch Options with Yellow Bike Coffee

Cooking Connection: Lunch with Yellow Bike Coffee

HERMANTOWN, Minn. – This week’s Cooking Connection takes us to Yellow Bike Coffee in Hermantown where they “Shmo Me The Love” by sharing how they make two of their house-made sauces. The smoke sauce is made with smoked tomato paste, smoked garlic, smoked paprika and honey. Each ingredient is carefully selected including the smoked tomato paste which comes from the…

Handmade in the Northland: Sprig Design Co.

FOX 21 Local News is Highlighting Local Makers in the Northland Ahead of the Holiday Season

DULUTH, Minn. – Throughout the week of Dec. 7 – 11, FOX 21 Local News from 7:00 – 9:00 a.m. will be highlighting local makers in the Northland ahead of the gift-giving season. Throughout the season, many folks are working to pick out unique, locally made gifts for friends and loved ones while supporting local businesses amid a year of many…

33rd Annual Duluth Wedding Show Postponed to March

DULUTH, Minn. – The 33rd annual Duluth Wedding show has been postponed to March due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. The Lundeen Group announced on Thursday that the show, originally scheduled for Saturday, January 9 at the DECC, has been pushed to Sunday, March 14. “We have reviewed the latest State of Minnesota guidelines regarding the COVID-19 pandemic and, as…

Morning Update 12-10-20

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Thursday, Dec. 10, 2020

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Ken Slama for a local look at news and weather making headlines Thursday, Dec. 10, 2020. Have a great day! Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Ken Slama, Local News, morning update, News

First Responders Are Feeling Strained From Impacts Of COVID-19

NORTHLAND, Minn. – First responders have been strained by this pandemic, especially ambulance crews that may respond to someone having symptoms. Communities rely on first responders when emergencies happen, but as coronavirus case numbers surge in the region, the job is becoming more challenging. “We need some help in being able to respond to the emergencies,” said Virginia Mayor Larry…

Highlighted Disparities During Pandemic Still Leaves People Of Color Uneasy About COVID-19 Pandemic

A recent survey shows only about 50% of African Americans are open to taking the coronavirus vaccine.

DULUTH, Minn. – A roll out for a coronavirus vaccine is expected before the end of the year. Beyond the issue of who gets the vaccine first, there is another obstacle many health professionals say still needs to be addressed. The COVID-19 pandemic has shined a brighter light on health disparities for people of color. A recent study shows about…

Mike’s Cafe and Pizzeria Opens in Esko

ESKO, Minn. – A familiar restaurant has moved into the building previously occupied by Eskomo Pizza Pies in Esko.  Mike’s Cafe and Pizzeria, which spent nearly four decades in western Duluth as Mike’s Western Cafe, opened up in early November. With the owner growing up in the town, he says that despite the pandemic, the community response has been uplifting…

Midday Update 12-9-20

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Wednesday, Dec. 9, 2020

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Ken Slama for a local look at news and weather making headlines Wednesday, Dec. 9, 2020. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Ken Slama, Local News, midday update

Better Business Bureau: 2020 Yields Rapid Rise in Puppy Scams

The Wisconsin Better Business Bureau Warns Online Puppy Scams Rising Sharply in 2020

DULUTH, Minn. – The COVID-19 pandemic has increased demand for pets as people seek to add an animal to the family to ease the loneliness and stress of prolonged time at home. Many feel they now have more time to train a puppy. However, with this rising demand, the Better Business Bureau (BBB) is reporting a spike in pet scams,…

Handmade in the Northland: Clover + Cotton

FOX 21 Local News is Highlighting Local Makers in the Northland Ahead of the Holiday Season

DULUTH, Minn. – During the week of Dec. 7 – 11, FOX 21 Local News from 7:00 – 9:00 a.m. will be highlighting local makers in the Northland ahead of the gift-giving season. Throughout the season, many folks are working to pick out unique, locally made gifts for friends and loved ones while supporting local businesses amid a year of…

Morning Update 12-9-20

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Wednesday, Dec. 9, 2020

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Ken Slama for a local look at news and weather making headlines Wednesday, Dec. 9, 2020. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Ken Slama, Local News, morning update

Gov Walz: ‘The end of COVID is out there’ with Vaccine Rollout Likely Next Week

If approved, the state would receive 46,800 shots from Pfizer by next week.

ST. PAUL, Minn.- Minnesota Governor Tim Walz unveiled the state’s plan for getting Minnesotans vaccinated against coronavirus, some as soon as the coming weeks. “This day is real, it’s happening, it is really here. In Minnesota, we’re prepared for it,” said the Governor in a press conference Tuesday. “We are on the doorstep of starting this.” According to the Minnesota…

Gov. Evers Asks Wisconsin for Caution Over Holidays As COVID-19 Surge Continues

Wisconsin is getting close to having 420,000 total cases since March with 3,800 deaths.

MADISON, Wis.- Wisconsin will get 50,000 vaccines to start once it’s approved and will first go to long-term care facility residents and healthcare workers. Governor Evers said in a virtual briefing Tuesday that even through the United States is closer to approving the vaccine, there’s no backing away from all the precautions we still need to take to keep ourselves,…

City of Virginia Closes City Hall For Covid-19 Precautions

VIRGINIA, Minn. – The Virginia City Hall has closed to the public after one city staff member tested positive for the coronavirus. The closure is just a precaution to prevent the spread of the virus. The individual exposed to the virus worked as an evidence technician for the police department as well as staffed the general public services window. Unfortunately,…

City Of Duluth Make Recommendations For Tourism Tax Dollars

"We are expecting to collect 25% less in 2021 than we anticipated collecting this year in 2020," said Duluth Mayor Emily Larson.

DULUTH, Minn. – As the pandemic continues to hurt many parts of the Northland tourism industry Duluth city leaders are starting the process of deciding how tourism generated tax dollars should be spent next year. Last year, about $12 million in tourism tax revenue ended up being set aside for Duluth community investments and to help pay for some of…

Hermantown Government Services Building Reopens After Covid-19 Related Closure

The Hermantown Government Services building is open Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

HERMANTOWN, Minn. – The Hermantown Government Services building has reopened to the public once again after some staff members were diagnosed or exposed to COVID-19. The facility is home to the Hermantown City Hall, Police, and Fire Departments. The building was closed for about a month as a precaution for the safety of the public, but staff continued to work…

Texas-Based Company Raising Money for Local Hockey Coach’s Cancer-Stricken Daughter

The girl's aunt reached out to the company, whose founder is originally from Kenosha, Wisconsin.

AUSTIN, Texas – Kendra Scott, a jewelry company based in Texas, is raising money for the family of Northland College men’s hockey coach Seamus Gregory, whose daughter Clare was diagnosed with cancer this past summer. Her aunt reached out to the company, whose founder is originally from Kenosha, Wisconsin. “Being that Kendra is a mom. She started this company as…

Midday Update 12-8-20

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Tuesday, Dec. 8, 2020

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Ken Slama for a local look at news and weather making headlines Tuesday, Dec. 8, 2020. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Ken Slama, Local News, midday update

Saginaw Man Continues Holiday Tradition with ‘Cut Your Own’ Tree Farm

Keith Miernicki Not Only Sells Christmas Trees, He's Also Dabbles in Stove Sales for Saunas

SAGINAW, Minn. – Finding the perfect Christmas tree begins with picking the best location to chop one down. One Saginaw man continues to spread Christmas cheer by opening up his many acres of land for families to take a drive and cut their own Tannenbaum. “I probably have a million trees,” said Keith Miernicki, owner of Duluth Saginaw Stove Works…

Handmade in the Northland: The Big Lake

FOX 21 Local News is Highlighting Local Makers in the Northland Ahead of the Holiday Season

GRAND MARAIS, Minn. – During the week of Dec. 7 – 11, FOX 21 Local News from 7:00 – 9:00 a.m. will be highlighting local makers in the Northland ahead of the gift-giving season. Throughout the season, many folks are working to pick out unique, locally made gifts for friends and loved ones while supporting local businesses amid a year…

Morning Update 12-8-20

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Tuesday, Dec. 8, 2020

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Ken Slama for a local look at news and weather making headlines Tuesday, Dec. 8, 2020. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Ken Slama, Local News, morning update, News

Wisconsin Health Officials Discuss How COVID-19 Vaccine Will Be Distributed

WI DHS stressed the safety of the vaccines, and how long they still have to go before reaching the public.

MADISON, Wis.- In Wisconsin Monday, health experts held a news conference answering COVID-19 vaccine questions. They say of the two vaccines awaiting FDA approval, Pfizer’s would require cold storage at -70°C±10°C for up to 10 days unopened in the state’s Healthcare Emergency Response Coalition (HERC) regions before going to clinics. Moderna’s, which does not require cold storage, would go directly to…

Gov. Walz, MDH Trim Recommended Quarantine to 10 or 7 Days After COVID Exposure

A full 14-day quarantine after being exposed to someone with COVID-19 is still the most safe, officials said.

ST.PAUL, Minn.- Governor Tim Walz and state health leaders announced changes Monday to how long people should quarantine if exposed to someone with coronavirus, and also prepped the state for new mitigation efforts to come within the week. “The fact of the matter is a 14-day quarantine is the best thing to do. But the science has been refined enough…

Storefront Windows Celebrate Cultural Traditions With Holiday Displays

DULUTH, Minn. – Some vacant storefronts in Lincoln Park are being dressed up with holiday displays created by local artists. The windows showcase holiday cultural traditions like Hanukkah and Kwanzaa. People passing by can read and learn more about those traditions. A local artist says she hopes the displays remind the community of the importance of sticking together. The first…

Funeral Homes Having A Hard Time Keeping Up With Rise In Covid-19 Deaths

"Were finding it more and more of a challenge to keep up with it," said Cody Downs, the manager of the Cremation Services of Superior.

SUPERIOR, Wis. – The COVID-19 pandemic is continuing to put a strain on the funeral industry. The rapidly rising case numbers are making it difficult for funeral homes just to keep up. Since the start of the pandemic, the Lenroot- Maetzold funeral home in superior has been getting hit hard. “We had a difficult time trying to get PPE. The…

Mailing And Shipping Stores Staying Busy For The Holidays

It is recommended to get those out as early as possible to make it in time for Christmas.

DULUTH, Minn. – Local mailing and shipping stores are keeping busy as more people are sending holiday gifts during the pandemic. The Pack and Mail on Grand Avenue has seen an uptick in customers sending packages all across the country. The steady business hasn’t left any downtime for the workers. A clerk says in the last couple of years mailing…

Midday Update 12-7-20

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Monday, Dec. 7, 2020

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Ken Slama for a local look at news and weather making headlines Monday, Dec. 7, 2020. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Ken Slama, Local News, midday update, News

Second Harvest Northern Lakes Food Bank Seeks Donations Amid Rising Demand

The Need for Assistance From Second Harvest Has Increased More Than 10 Percent Throughout 2020

DULUTH, Minn. – COVID-19 continues to cause huge financial strains on many Northland residents and families due to several reasons. Second Harvest Northern Lakes Food Bank is standing by and ready to help anyone in need of food assistance due to difficult circumstances. Right now, gifts are being matched up to $50,000 thanks to the generosity of the Joan M….

Handmade in the Northland: Beyond Nuts

FOX 21 Local News is Highlighting Local Makers in the Northland Ahead of the Holiday Season

FINLAND, Minn. – During the week of Dec. 7 – 11, FOX 21 Local News from 7:00 – 9:00 a.m. will be highlighting local makers in the Northland ahead of the gift-giving season. Throughout the season, many folks are working to pick out unique, locally made gifts for friends and loved ones while supporting local businesses amid a year of…

Morning Update 12-7-20

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Monday, Dec. 7, 2020

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Ken Slama for a local look at news and weather making headlines Monday, Dec. 7, 2020. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Ken Slama, Local News, morning update, News