Community

Free COVID-19 Testing Event Planned in Itasca County

Free Drive-Thru Testing is Happening Sept. 23 at the Itasca County Fairgrounds from 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.

GRAND RAPIDS, Minn. – COVID-19 continues to take a toll on employers and employees across Minnesota. Thursday during a weekly update from Itasca County Public Health Department, local health officials and management from area companies expressed the importance of communications between employees and employers when it comes to COVID-19 cases in the workplace. Employees are encouraged to brush up on…

St. Luke’s Participates In COVID-19 Study Conducted By CDC

DULUTH, Minn. – St. Luke’s hospital is one of six national healthcare organizations and the only in Minnesota taking part in a study conducted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The study is an opportunity to learn more about COVID-19, which could be beneficial for the treatment of the virus. There are still many questions surrounding the coronavirus,…

LSC Makes COVID-19 Case Numbers Public Through Database

DULUTH, Minn.- Lake Superior College is one of many Northland higher education institutions choosing to keep the public informed of its COVID-19 case numbers. LSC along with other schools like Fond Du Lac Tribal and Community College have signed on to report case numbers to a public database. Every Wednesday, the colleges and universities will report their status and the…

Early Voting Begins On Friday In Minnesota

DULUTH, Minn- There are six weeks left until the general election, but early voting starts on Friday in Minnesota. As the global pandemic continues to create concerns, election officials for the City of Duluth are encouraging residents to vote by mail. The city has also implemented many safety protocols including frequent sanitizing practices, to still allow those who prefer to…

Midday Update 9-17-20

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Thursday, Sept. 17, 2020

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Ken Slama for a local look at news and weather making headlines Thursday, Sept. 17, 2020. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Ken Slama, Local News, midday update

Gourmet Fair Foods from Ledge Rock Grille at Larsmont Cottages

Cooking Connection: Ledge Rock Grill Creates Unique Version of State Fair Foods

TWO HARBORS, Minn. – With the cancellation of the Great Minnesota Get-Together (Minnesota State Fair) this year, many people were disappointed they’d miss out on fair food favorites. However, the creative chefs at Ledge Rock Grille at Larsmont Cottages in Two Harbors came up with their own unique spin on fair food staples. In this week’s Cooking Connection, Executive Chef…

Northland Newborns 9-17-20

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, News Update, Northland Newborns Tags: Brett Scott, community, Essentia…

Morning Update 9-17-20

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Thursday, Sept. 17, 2020

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Ken Slama for a local look at news and weather making headlines Thursday, Sept. 17, 2020. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Ken Slama, Local News, morning update, News

UMD Black Male Athletes Rally Hundreds to March Against Police Brutality, Racism

It's the first protest of its kind in the University's history, organized by a group called Black Men Serving Excellence (BMSE)

DULUTH, Minn.- Hundreds of UMD students, staff, and community members organized by Black male athletes at the school marched nonviolently Wednesday, with a loud and clear message spanning the whole campus to end police brutality and racism. “We are gathered here today to come together as people, we are gathered here today to fight for equality,” said UMD Defensive Backs…

The Lincoln Park Solar Garden Takes Shape

DULUTH, Minn. – The first two solar panels from the new Lincoln Park Solar Garden were lifted as part of the initial phase of the ongoing project. Last year, Ecolibrium3, a non-profit organization that works to create renewable energy programs, received a 50,000  grant from Minnesota Power to build the new solar garden. The 40-kilowatt energy resource will provide power…

Essentia Health’s Vision Northland Project Progresses

Patients will be able to begin utilizing the facility by the third quarter of 2023.

DULUTH, Minn. – Essentia Health’s Vision northland project is continuing to make strides. The hospital’s main goal is to build a facility that has longevity. Dozens of construction crews have been working tirelessly to make the Vision Northland project a reality. “This building is going to outlast me. it’s a landmark. It will be a fixture of Duluth for a…

Midday Update 9-16-20

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Wednesday, Sept. 16

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Ken Slama for a local look at news and weather making headlines Wednesday, Sept. 16, 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

2020 Fur Ball Gala Canceled Due to COVID-19, Donations Greatly Appreciated

The Annual Fur Ball Gala Typically Brings In Over $100,000 to Animal Allies Humane Society in Duluth

DULUTH, Minn. – The COVID-19 pandemic continues to have huge financial impacts on local businesses and non-profits across the Northland. The 2020 Fur Ball Gala, one of the largest fundraising events for Animal Allies Humane Society in Duluth is canceled. The harsh reality is shining a light on the importance of your donations, whether it be monetary, or in the…

Morning Update 9-16-20

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Wednesday, Sept. 16, 2020

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Ken Slama for a local look at news and weather making headlines Wednesday, Sept. 16, 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

DTA Buses Collecting Fares Again in October, Plexiglass Barriers Added

Service has been free since March, DTA officials said, because drivers lacked the protection needed to collect fares at the front door. 

DULUTH, Minn.- Starting October 1st, it’ll now cost you to ride DTA buses again. Fare collection is resuming as new plexiglass barriers have been installed to protect drivers. Service has been free since March, DTA officials said, because drivers lacked the protection needed to collect fares at the front door. “We started looking for a way to go back to…

New Black Male Group at UMD Hosting ‘Peaceful Protest and March’

DULUTH, Minn. – A new UMD student organization called Black Men Serving Excellence is calling on faculty, staff, students and Duluthians to attend what they are calling a “peaceful protest and march.” The event is happening at 5 p.m. Wednesday at UMD’s Malosky Stadium. The goal is to raise awareness of black students on campus and encourage social activism within…

COVID-19 Cases Confirmed at Three Duluth Schools in First Week Open

So far all that have been confirmed is at least one positive case each at Lincoln Park Middle School, Denfeld High School, and Lowell Elementary. 

DULUTH, Minn.- With just one week into the school year, at least three cases of coronavirus have been confirmed within the Duluth School District. So far all that have been confirmed is at least one positive case each at Lincoln Park Middle School, Denfeld High School, and Lowell Elementary. We reached out to ISD 709 Tuesday for a total count…

Pick Your Own Cream of the Crop at Farmer Doug’s Pumpkin Patch

The Hoffbauer Farm is located at 3361 Lindahl Road in Duluth

DULUTH, Minn. – Farmers battled against a dry growing season in the Northland, but it didn’t stop one local farm from producing a good quality yield of pumpkins this fall. “We know that sooner or later the frost is going to come for keeps,” said Doug Hoffbauer, owner of Hoffbauer Tree Farm. At Farmer Doug’s farm, Mother Nature gets the…

Wild State Cider Needs Your Backyard Apples For The “Duluth People’s Cider”

DULUTH, Minn. – Wild state cider is bringing back its “Duluth People’s Cider” and they want your help with creating this year’s batch. The cidery is asking community members to donate their backyard apples and a specialty “Duluth” flavored cider will be produced. This is the second time Wild State has created the “Duluth People’s Cider.” Staff believes this year…

Northland Catering Businesses Feeling Impacts Of Covid-19

DULUTH, Minn. – Many Northland catering companies are experiencing big impacts as the covid-19 pandemic continues. Midcoast Catering in Duluth is holding on strong in the midst of the global pandemic, but the business continues to face a lot of uncertainty. The ongoing health crisis has forced many area companies into having their employees work from home. With many more…

Trillium Services Celebrates Employees During Direct Support Professional Recognition Week

DULUTH, Minn. — An organization in Duluth called Trillium Services is taking part in Direct Support Professional Recognition Week, which shows appreciation for those who work with people who have intellectual and/or physical disabilities. Trillium Services has a staff of direct support professionals who help those who are disabled in the Duluth area connect to resources and live more independent…

Midday Update 9-15-20

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Tuesday, Sept. 15, 2020

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Ken Slama for a local look at news and weather making headlines Tuesday, Sept. 15, 2020. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Ken Slama, Local News, midday update, News

Morning Update 9-15-20

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Tuesday, Sept. 15, 2020

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Ken Slama for a local look at news and weather making headlines Tuesday, Sept. 15, 2020. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Ken Slama, Local News, morning update

Roger Reinert Selected by Gov. Walz for Minnesota 9/11 Anniversary Taskforce

Reinert and the taskforce will gather stories from service members and civilians about their experience on September 11th, 2001, and the years after.

DULUTH, Minn.- A veteran who’s been active in Duluth’s political world and is currently at the helm of the DECC — Roger Reinert — has been selected to help commemorate the 20th Anniversary of 9/11 next year. Reinert was chosen by Governor Tim Walz to serve on a taskforce to remember and record the Minnesota experience since that fateful day…

UMD Students Return to Campus on First Day of In-Person Classes

The halls were considerably bear on the first day of in-person classes with many students learning partially or completely online this year.

DULUTH, Minn.- After a two-week pause to work on safely welcoming students back, the University of Minnesota Duluth campus opened back up to students Monday. However, many instructors still have their classes completely online, leaving the few students present to seek out the campus as a place to study, and escape. “It’s been a little weird walking in and seeing…

Midday Update 9-14-20

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

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

Award-Winning Author Discusses New Book, “Wisconsin’s Best Autumn Hikes”

As Fall Approaches, Author Rob Bignell Helps Leaf-Lookers Explore Best Hiking Spots in Wisconsin

DOUGLAS COUNTY, Wis. – With autumn-like temperatures blanketing much of the Northland, soon fall colors will pop throughout the many forests in northeastern Minnesota and northwestern Wisconsin. It can be daunting to know where the best trails are when on the search for fall foliage, but one Wisconsin author is looking to help. Award-winning author and editor Rob Bignell spent…

Morning Update 9-14-20

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

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

Vikings, Packers Start NFL Season With Border Battle, Northland Fans Excited

Fans were excited to get back to the gridiron after a canceled preseason.

DULUTH, Minn.- Football fans in Minnesota and Wisconsin were pumped up for the first Football Sunday of the 2020 NFL season — a border battle between the Vikings and the Packers. The Reef Bar in Duluth was filled with purple and yellow for the first time since last year. Fans were excited to get back to the gridiron after a…

City of Duluth Proclaims ‘Ann Redelfs Day’ to Honor Late Community Advocate

Redelfs served as an educator at UMD, worked with neighborhoods and police, and more before she died suddenly in April. 

DULUTH, Minn.- A longtime member of the Duluth community, the late Ann Redelfs was honored at Glensheen Sunday for her contributions to the environmental, social, and political landscape of the city. Throughout her life Redelfs lived Oklahoma, Houston, Ithaca, New York, and San Diego before moving to Duluth in 2004. She served as an educator at UMD, organized regular meetings…

Socially Distant Walk to End Alzheimer’s

Instead of walking in large numbers down the Lakewalk, participants were encouraged to do their own version of the walk at home.

DULUTH, Minn.– Over 120,000 Americans died from Alzheimer’s in 2018 and today a popular annual event in Duluth helping raise awareness for the disease was still able to go on in a unique way during the pandemic. Walking to raise money and awareness for Alzheimer’s this year is more important now than ever. Those effected say with the added stress…

Midday Update 9-11-20

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

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Ken Slama for a local look at news and weather making headlines Friday, Sept. 11, 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

Morning Update 9-11-20

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

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Ken Slama for a local look at news and weather making headlines Friday, Sept. 11, 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

A New Education Co-op Fills Needs for Families During Pandemic

Any student from the region in K-12 can attend the program.

DULUTH, Minn. – The Eastridge Community Church in Duluth is making an effort to support families facing childcare and education needs during the global pandemic. The church has launched its new education co-op. The program is a consistent option for kids in area schools to learn and socialize together. Volunteers and tutors will be on hand to help fill this…

The Beargrease Sled Dog Marathon Will Happen Without Spectators

DULUTH, Minn. – The Beargrease Marathon is one of the most anticipated winter events in the Northland. While the marathon is scheduled to take place this coming January, it will happen without any spectators. This year, onlookers will have to view the live race from home. Minnesota guidelines only allow for a 250 person capacity for the event. Most of…

Duluth’s Best Bread Now Offering New Cheese Curd Creation

Cooking Connection: Fresh Cheese Curd Bread at Duluth's Best Bread

DULUTH, Minn. – While the ‘Unofficial Minnesota State Fair’ is now over at Duluth’s Best Bread, the creative bakers are choosing to keep one of the items they offered during the promotion. Co-owner Robert Lillegard and his brother Michael Lillegard have come up with Cheese Curd Bread. The dough is the same that’s used for their other specialty breads, but…

Midday Update 9-10-20

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

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

Northland Newborns 9-10-20

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

Morning Update 9-10-20

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

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

UMD Students Move-in After The University’s Two-Week Pause Ends

In-person classes are scheduled to begin Monday, while some students have already started many of their courses remotely.

DULUTH, Minn.- The University of Minnesota Duluth took a two-week pause to come up with better strategies to safely welcome students after similar universities across the nation were experiencing surges in coronavirus cases. The brief pause has since expired and UMD students have been given the green light to move on campus. Hundreds of students unpacked their cars filled to…

Bentleyville Tour Of Lights Will Look Different This year

The event is the country's largest walk-through lighting display.

DULUTH, Minn. – Thousands of people make the Bentleyville Tour of Lights part of their holiday season each year, but this year is going to be unlike any other with the pandemic still causing concern. “We made the decision as the board of the Bentleyville to offer something rather than nothing at all,” said Nathan Bentley, executive director for Bentleyville….

2021 Grandma’s Marathon Races to Be Held at Half Capacity

Registration will be open on October 1st at 7 p.m. central time and organizers expect it to fill up fast.

DULUTH, Minn. – This past year saw big changes for Grandma’s Marathon. The race was cancelled for the first time ever and runners were allowed to participate virtually. As for next year’s event, the plan is that it will be back to in-person, but with a few changes. The 45th annual Grandma’s Marathon, the Garry Bjorklund Half-Marathon and the William…

Midday Update 9-9-20

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

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

Morning Update 9-9-20

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

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

DECC Stage Set for Donald Trump Jr.’s Visit — With COVID-19 Restrictions

The Trump Campaign and Secret Service conducted a site visit and agreed to all rules in place.

DULUTH, Minn.- The stage is set in Duluth to welcome Donald Trump Jr. to the DECC Wednesday for a “Make America Great Again” event. In the ballroom where the President’s son will speak, a maximum of 250 people are allowed inside including campaign staff per Governor Tim Walz’s order during the pandemic. Seats are six feet apart, masks are required,…

First Frost Of Season Could Be Concerning For Gardeners

Gardeners say frost can cause a plant's growth rate to decline immediately.

SUPERIOR, Wis. – Temperatures are starting to drop for the season and maybe creating frost concerns for local gardeners. Experts say when frost hits the vegetation will go into conservation mode and save nutrients down into the roots. The pores on leaves will also close to prevent the cold from coming in, which could cause the plant’s cells to freeze…

A COVID-19 Inspired Exhibit Headed For UMD’s Tweed Museum of Art

The exhibition will showcase the art of more than a half dozen local artists.

DULUTH, Minn. – A COVID-19 pandemic inspired exhibit is coming to UMD’s Tweed Museum of Art. The exhibition is titled “Creating Apart.” It will showcase the art of more than a half dozen local artists. Each piece of artwork will also tell the artists stories and how the pandemic has impacted them differently. By sharing this artwork the exhibit’s curator…

The EPA Awards Funding To Restore Environmental Areas Of Concern In Twin Ports

"When you clean up the water, remove the contamination, and restore the habitat, it is an immediate benefit for the environment and the community," said Kurt Thiede, Regional Administrator for the EPA.

SUPERIOR, Wis. – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced it will be providing nearly $14 million in funding to help rehabilitate environmental areas of concern along the St. Louis River and the Great Lakes. The financial support is part of the EPA’s five-year plan to restore environments within the great lakes. The St. Louis River in the Twin Ports has…