Community

Hundreds Gear Up at 49th Annual Ski Swap at Spirit Mountain

By Sunday only a few skis, snowboards and boots sat in the room at the Spirit Mountain Chalet.

DULUTH, Minn.- Hundreds of experienced and novice skiers and snowboarders got their gear at the 49th Annual Team Duluth Ski Swap at Spirit Mountain over the weekend, keeping a nearly 50-year tradition alive. By Sunday only a few skis, snowboards and boots sat in the room at the Spirit Mountain Chalet. According to the staff of active Team Duluth skiers…

Duluth Police Department Helping Setup Bentleyville

Bentleyville is set to open November 21st and run through December 27th. 

DULUTH, Minn. – Several members of the Duluth Police Department were out helping setup Bentleyville Friday afternoon. It’s a yearly tradition where members of the command staff take time out of their days to come down and help set up some of the larger displays for the tour of lights. The chief of the department says engaging like this with…

North End Nightmare Returns with Two-Miler Instead of 5K

The event will take place in waves with staggered starts for the runners, similar to the other running events that took place this fall.

DULUTH, Minn. – This weekend, grab your favorite costume and head over to Superior for the 2nd annual North End Nightmare run. The event was initially supposed to be a 5K. But due to the pandemic, organizers have shortened it to a two-miler. The event will also take place in waves with staggered starts for the runners, similar to the…

Midday Update 10-23-20

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Friday, Oct. 23, 2020

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Ken Slama for a local look at news and weather making headlines in the Northland Friday, Oct. 23, 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

Morning Update 10-23-20

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Friday, Oct. 23, 2020

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Ken Slama for a local look at news and weather making headlines in the Northland Friday, Oct. 23, 2020. Have a great weekend! Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Ken Slama, Local News, morning update, News

Spirit Mountain Preparing For Ski Swap Event

Preparations for the 48th Annual Ski Swap are underway.

DULUTH, Minn. – Spirit Mountain is preparing for the 48th annual ski swap event. The resort will have hundreds of new and used equipment at the swap starting Friday and running through Sunday. The goal is to help people get excited for the winter season. “Helping kids get out in the snow. Skiing and snowboarding. Enjoying spirit mountain in the…

A New App Is Providing Easy Access To Help For Police Officers Dealing With Stress

DULUTH, Minn. – Working in law enforcement can be stressful for officers in the line of duty. Hoping to combat potential mental health concerns, the Duluth Police Department is testing out a new app called Peer Connect to help provide additional support for officers dealing with stressful situations. “Everybody in this organization, because of the type of work we do,…

A Large Drug Trafficking Ring Dismantled By Duluth Police & Other Law Enforcement Agencies

Nearly 50 people are now being charged after a year-long investigation focused in Duluth, Rochester, and on the Iron Range brought down this drug operation.

DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth Police Department and a string of other law enforcement agencies including the Lake Superior Drug and Violent Crime Taskforce have shut down a significant drug trafficking ring that extended throughout Greater Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Iowa. Duluth police say this is the largest drug bust in history for the region. Nearly 50 people are now being…

Superior Seeing Lower Unemployment Numbers

After high unemployment rates in the spring, the Mayor attributes the drop in those numbers to more businesses opening up.

SUPERIOR, Wisc. – The Wisconsin’s Department of Workforce Development has recently released unemployment numbers showing a decline in the month of September for Superior. After high unemployment rates in the spring, the Mayor attributes the drop in those numbers to more businesses opening up. The city saw numbers drop from 21% in April to just under 7% in September. That…

Midday Update 10-22-20

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Thursday, Oct. 22, 2020

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Ken Slama for a local look at news and weather making headlines in the Northland Thursday, Oct. 22, 2020. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Ken Slama, Local News, midday update

MISO Desserts and Catering Showcase Handcrafted Sweet Treats

Cooking Connection: Vanilla Bean Cheesecake

SUPERIOR, Wis. – Debuting a new business during a global pandemic is no easy task, but Cindy and Jonathan Katzmark were ready for the challenge. The duo has worked in the culinary industry for many years, and finally decided to branch off and begin an adventure of their own. The team works out of the kitchen space located inside the…

Northland Newborns 10-22-20

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, News, News – Latest News, Northland Newborns Tags: Brett Scott, community, Essential Health, Local…

Morning Update 10-22-20

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Thursday, Oct. 22, 2020

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Ken Slama for a local look at news and weather making headlines in the Northland Thursday, Oct. 22, 2020. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Ken Slama, Local News, morning update, News

Maple Schools Among Area Districts Facing Substitute Teacher Shortage

The district recently increased substitute teacher pay from $100 a day to $150.

MAPLE, Wisc. – The Maple School District is under pressure to add more substitute teachers. “If there were about half of our total population of subs before who said no, I’m not willing to do it even though I love kids. I don’t know what amount of money it’s going to take. I would be thrilled if we get all…

Harbortown Rotary Club of Duluth Helps Bentleyville Crews Deck the Halls

The Rotary Club members' job: putting up the "5th Avenue Tunnel" lights.

DULUTH, Minn.- Snow’s not the only thing getting Duluth in the winter spirit –setup is continuing at the Bentleyville Tour of Lights, and they are continuing to receive help from the community. About 15 volunteers from the Harbortown Rotary Club of Duluth came ready to deck the halls at Bayfront Park. Normally they help out with other parts of the…

Ministry Group Raises Money for Hurricane Relief Down South

Jesus is Life Ministries will be in the Hobby Lobby parking lot until Sunday raising money to bring supplies to Florida and Alabama.

DULUTH, Minn.- A Duluth church is once again collecting donations to give aid and supplies to those impacted by the hurricanes that have decimated the Southern United States. Every year Jesus is Life Ministries raises money in parking lots of various stores on Miller Hill. They will be in the Hobby Lobby parking lot until Sunday when they go to…

Duluth Police Advise Slow, Cautious Driving Ahead of More Snow

Police also remind drivers to leave room behind other to provide enough distance to brake in slippery conditions.

DULUTH, Minn.- As the Northland prepares for another blast of snow officials with the Duluth Police Department want to remind people that driving is going to have to change with the road conditions. They say that when there’s snow, drive slow. Many road accidents can be avoided just by doing that, they say, especially with Duluth’s hilly terrain. Police also…

Churches Collaborate To Offer Safe Halloween Alternative

DULUTH, Minn. – Trick or treating this Halloween, may not be the safest activity as the pandemic continues to cause health concerns. Several places of worship in the Twin Ports, including Coppertop Church and First Lutheran Church in Duluth, are partnering to provide a safer alternative for Halloween. Each church will host its own drive-thru event at the same time…

Flu Shots Available At Essentia Health Vaccination Clinic At Miller Hill

DULUTH, Minn. – Essentia Health is now offering a flu shot clinic at the Miller Hill Mall, to help accommodate the need for more people to be vaccinated. Patient volumes for Essentia Health’s walk-in vaccination clinic at the mall have been a little slower than anticipated so far. Health officials are expecting a surge to start soon. The pandemic poses…

Midday Update 10-21-20

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Wednesday, Oct. 21, 2020

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

A Place for Fido Expanding in Duluth’s Fitger’s Complex

Jamie Parent, Co-Owner of A Place for Fido, is Aiming to Open the New, Bigger Location by Mid-November

DULUTH, Minn. – Expanding a business is no easy task, but for the owners of one local pet supply store, this year has been full of first-time adventures. The COVID-19 pandemic isn’t putting a pause on expansion plans at A Place for Fido in the Fitger’s complex. “One thing that’s super exciting is we’re going to have a lake view,”…

Morning Update 10-21-20

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Wednesday, Oct. 21, 2020

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

Pumpkin Patch in Superior Raising Money for Church Community Outreach

Faith United Methodist Church is selling pumpkins in the Hardee's parking lot off Belknap. 

SUPERIOR, Wis.- A pumpkin patch outside a local church in Superior is raising money for community outreach. Faith United Methodist Church is selling pumpkins in the Hardee’s parking lot off Belknap. They’ve sold about 600 of the roughly 1,000 they’ve been selling since the beginning of October. “We got a lot of carving pumpkins, we got a lot of different…

New Black-Owned Beauty Salon in Central Hillside Aims to Serve Diverse Hair Types

"Without our hair being valued the way it is significant to us then it's almost like who are we?" the owner said. 

DULUTH, Minn.- A new black-owned salon in Duluth’s Central Hillside neighborhood is hoping to bring a new style and hair care catered to a more diverse part of the community. Natural Braiding and Beauty on East 4th Street opened this past week. While barbers work on all types of hair, owner Denisa Ford-Washington braids and cares for the African American…

‘Snow’ Place Like Home: Early Big Blast of Winter Brings Northlanders Out

The few inches that fell Tuesday was enough to blanket cars, driveways, parks -- pretty much everything.

DULUTH, Minn.- Whether enjoying the freshly fallen snow, clearing it off or preparing for more to come, Northlanders were out and about after the first big snowfall of the season. It was beginning to look a lot like winter at Leif Erickson Park Tuesday evening, the falling snow obscuring the Aerial Lift Bridge in the distance. But that didn’t stop…

Sacred Heart Music Center Needs Help Replacing Items Stolen After Break-Ins

A GoFundMe Page is set up to help raise $7,500.

DULUTH, Minn. – The Sacred Heart Music Center is looking to raise $7,500 to recover their losses after several break-ins during the pandemic. Some of the items stolen include a computer, speakers, several tv monitors, and a few guitars. Sacred Heart typically runs musical concerts, weddings, and youth programs at the facility several times a month. The pandemic has forced…

In-Person Early Voting Begins In Wisconsin

SUPERIOR, Wis. – As election day inches closer, the opening of polling locations in Wisconsin for in-person early voting is part of ensuring the opportunity for everyone’s voice to be heard. The polling site at the government center in superior typically sees a strong turn out for elections, but this year is different. So far, the Superior City Clerks office…

Toppers Opens in Superior

The opening brought more than 30 jobs to Superior.

SUPERIOR, Wis. – The popular pizza shop, Toppers, is officially open in Superior. The goal was to open back in March, but it wasn’t the right time. Unfortunately, the global pandemic put a pause on the plan for opening. Now that the restaurant is open to the public, it is providing job opportunities that may be desperately needed during this…

2020 UMD Homecoming Underway

This year they have an added focus on safety during the pandemic while still providing the same atmosphere Bulldogs are used to. 

DULUTH, Minn. – Members of the Kirby Student Board have put together a variety of events for current students complete with discounts and other giveaways during homecoming. This year they have an added focus on safety during the pandemic while still providing the same atmosphere Bulldogs are used to. “We have pretty much all the same events we’ve done in…

Midday Update 10-20-20

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Tuesday, Oct. 20, 2020

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Ken Slama for a local look at news and weather making headlines Tuesday, Oct. 20, 2020. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Ken Slama, Local News, midday update, News

Working, Playing From Home? These Tech Gadgets Help Make Your Life Easier

Remote Work and Learning Habits - Making Life Easier for Parents and Kids Amid the COVID-19 Pandemic

DULUTH, Minn. – Are you still working and playing mostly at home? Verizon Wireless has new tech for helping families who are doing all their daily tasks in one place. Samsung Galaxy A71 5G UW If you want a 5G-powered phone for as little as $20 a month (with additional trade-in options) – check out the Samsung Galaxy A71 5G UW….

Morning Update 10-20-20

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Tuesday, Oct. 20, 2020

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Ken Slama for a local look at news and weather making headlines Tuesday, Oct. 20, 2020. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Ken Slama, Local News, morning update

New City of Duluth Social Media Campaign Highlights ‘Locally Rooted’ Businesses

The city hopes to shed light on businesses the public may have not known existed. 

DULUTH, Minn.- The City of Duluth launched a new social media campaign encouraging more people to shop local. The “Locally Rooted” campaign highlights local restaurants, retail and hospitality establishments by featuring a photo of the business owner, a quote, and a link to the business’ social media pages. The City hopes to shed light on businesses the public may have…

Wisconsin Judge Reimposes Gov. Evers’ 25 Percent Capacity Limit for Indoor Places

While some business owners in Superior weren't happy with the order, "I think it's a good idea," said the owner of Thirsty Pagan Brewing.

SUPERIOR, Wis.- Once again a 25 percent capacity restriction on indoor public places in Wisconsin is back in effect Monday, reimposed by a Wisconsin judge. Governor Tony Evers issued the order on Oct. 6th, amid a surge of coronavirus cases across the state. More action must be done, he said, to avoid overwhelming Wisconsin’s healthcare systems. About a week later…

St. Louis County Plow Drivers Gear Up for First Heavy Snowfall

"You just never know what mother nature throws at us but whatever it is we're ready for, ready for the challenge," a county plow worker said.

DULUTH, Minn.- As much of the Northland is gearing up for Tuesday’s dumping of snow, St. Louis County plow crews say they’re ready to roll out. The County’s 34-truck fleet got their plow wings Monday, the last part the trucks are outfitted with ahead of the first snow. According to District Maintenance Superintendent Gordy Halverson, all of the sand and…

Community Service Officer Program Continues Expansion

The Community Service Officers squad has also recently received a wrapped vehicle complete with Duluth's flag.

DULUTH, Minn. –  After being around for almost 20 years, the Community Service Officer program in Duluth took a big leap in 2018. “We’ve gotten to the point where we have uniforms. We use radios. We even have access to a computer dispatch. It’s been an opportunity for us to learn the behind the scenes of the police department,” Community…

Midday Update 10-19-20

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Monday, Oct. 19, 2020

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Ken Slama for a local look at news and weather making headlines Monday, Oct. 19, 2020. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Ken Slama, Local News, midday update, News

Spooktacular Events Planned for Superior’s Annual Halloween Celebration

Superior Spooktacular Events Begin the Week of October 19

SUPERIOR, Wis. – Despite the COVID-19 pandemic, this year’s Superior Spooktacular will move forward, with safety guidelines and altered events in place. The fun kicks off the week of October 19 with home decorating contest. Nearly two dozen entries were selected this year. A list will be posted on the Superior Spooktacular Facebook page with addresses of the qualifying homes….

Morning Update 10-19-20

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Monday, Oct, 19, 2020

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Ken Slama for a local look at news and weather making headlines Monday, Oct. 19, 2020. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Ken Slama, Local News, morning update, News

Duluth Warming Center Locations Still Undecided for Winter

Warming centers face new challenges during the pandemic this year

DULUTH, Minn.- As the colder weather begins to come into the Northland, staff with the warming centers in Duluth are working on ways to open safely this winter. Officials with CHUM said no locations for warming centers other than the main CHUM shelter have been decided yet. “I do know that talks are going on they looked at a few…

Little Boat that Could: 2nd Grade Duluth Class Boat Survives 27 Years on Lake

An Ashland couple discovered the small wooden vessel on its journey to the ocean.

DULUTH, Minn.- Ships coming in off Lake Superior is a common sight on Northland shores. But a small wooden boat found on the Apostle Islands has a history as long as a barge, starting in Duluth in 1993. “We were just in the right place at the right time,” said Mike BeBeau Sunday. Mike and his wife Lynn happened upon…

East West Property Management Hosts Blood Drive

Blood donated by one person can help save the lives of at least three others.

DULUTH, Minn. – East West Property Management in Duluth took the opportunity to get more involved in the community by hosting a blood drive. The property company partnered with the American Red Cross to fill the need for blood. About forty people signed up to give blood for the event. A property manager at East West Property Management says donating…

WLSSD Expanding Compost Site Hours

The compost site at WLSSD is now open Thursday through Monday 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

DULUTH, Minn. – WLSSD is adding more hours to accommodate everyone in the community who need to get rid of yard waste and brush. The compost site at WLSSD is now open Thursday through Monday 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Staff with the site say the extended hours give people more of an opportunity to dispose of waste that can’t…

Midday Update 10-16-20

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Friday, Oct. 16, 2020

Join FOX 21’s Arman Rahman and Meteorologist Ken Slama for a local look at news and weather making headlines Friday, Oct. 16, 2020. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: community, Local News, midday update, News

Morning Update 10-16-20

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Friday, Oct. 16, 2020

Join FOX 21’s Arman Rahman and Meteorologist Ken Slama for a local look at news and weather making headlines Friday, Oct. 16, 2020. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: community, Local News, morning update, News

Essentia Health And St. Luke’s Hospital Overwhelmed With Patients

DULUTH, Minn. – Both St. Luke’s Hospital and Essentia Health are becoming overwhelmed with patients and most of them are non-COVID-19 related hospitalizations. On Thursday, leaders from the two hospitals hosted a press conference pleading with the public to get care when needed. Health officials from St. Luke’s Hospital say they have already reached capacity, while Essentia Health is also…