Community

Morning Update 8-31-20

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Monday, August 31, 2020

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Ken Slama for a local look at news and weather making headlines Monday, August 31, 2020. Have a great day! Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update

Lake Superior Maritime Museum Gift Shop Drops Anchor Outside

Since July the gift shop has been right outside the museum on the sidewalk, as there are no plans to reopen the museum yet.

DULUTH, Minn.- As the Lake Superior Maritime Museum remains closed in Canal Park due to the pandemic, the gift shop is still finding a way to get little pieces of Duluth memories out to customers. Since July the gift shop has been right outside the museum on the sidewalk. The manager says while transitioning to an outdoor tent setting has…

One Year After Fatal Hit-and-Run, Nashwauk Remembers Toddler Logan Klennert by Planting Trees

Police say 39-year-old Jake Place was under the influence when he killed Logan and injured his aunt, his sentencing is set for October.

NASHWAUK, Minn.- It’s been one year since a fatal hit-and-run in Nashwauk by a driver under the influence took the life of 2-year-old Logan Klennert and injured his 16-year-old aunt. On Sunday, the community honored Logan while spreading the message to drive sober. Meanwhile, the man charged in the hit-and-run is set to be sentenced this Fall. “It’s been a…

Chief Tusken Responds to Duluth Police Officer’s Viral Facebook Post About Downtown Shooting Incident

In the post the Sergeant recounts the events, and his own thoughts, surrounding a call he responded to Wednesday, where he "almost shot an 'unarmed black man,'."

DULUTH, Minn.- A Duluth Police officer’s recent Facebook post has gone viral, along with Duluth Police Chief Mike Tusken’s subsequent response after sharing the post, regarding a call Police responded to Wednesday. Both are included below, and can be found on FOX 21’s Facebook Page.  The officer originally wrote on the Duluth Police Local 807 Facebook Page Thursday, signing as…

Vice President Mike Pence Makes A Stop In Duluth

"We got a clear vision for our second term, more jobs, and better wages," said Vice President Mike Pence.

DULUTH, Minn. – One day after ending the Republican National Convention, Vice President Mike Pence makes his first appearance back on the campaign trail in Duluth. He is hoping to gain the support of Minnesotans as the administration makes an effort to build a stronger economy. Hundreds of supporters rallied together at the Clure Public Marine Terminal in Duluth, to…

Minnesota DFL Leaders, Residents Respond to Vice President Pence Visit

Vice President Mike Pence Spoke in Duluth Friday at Clure Public Marine Terminal

DULUTH, Minn. – The visit to the Northland by Vice President Mike Pence drew sharp criticism from DFL leaders across Minnesota including Duluth Mayor Emily Larson and many residents. Members of the DFL party in Minnesota seem to agree the Trump administration has lacked leadership, allowing the COVID-19 pandemic to spiral out of control across the United States, while leaders…

Midday Update 8-28-20

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Friday, August 28, 2020

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Ken Slama for a local look at news and weather making headlines Friday, August 28, 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 8-28-20

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Friday, August 28, 2020

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Ken Slama for a local look at news and weather making headlines Friday, August 28, 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

UMD Staff Member Creates Unique Signs for Social Distancing

The goal is to help ease students transitioning back to campus

DULUTH, Minn. – When walking through the halls of UMD this year you may notice certain areas look a bit different. “This is the first year we’ve had to put a ton of signage up. So that kind of threw us for a loop,” Kirby Student Center, Mat Gilderman says. Out of the hundreds of signs across the campus, Mat…

Bremer Bank Opens In Downtown Duluth

The branch is open Monday through Friday.

DULUTH, Minn. – Bremer Bank has opened its newest location in downtown Duluth. The new branch, which is located in the Holiday Center, is a full-service banking institution. It offers traditional banking products and services such as checking and savings accounts. The branch was originally scheduled to open in march but the COVID-19 outbreak caused a delay. “We are opening…

Pride Fest Still Happening Virtually For Labor Day Weekend

The virtual festival runs through next Sunday.

DULUTH, Minn. – Some Labor Day fun may have already been canceled, but the Duluth-Superior Pride Festival will go on virtually. Starting next Thursday, everyone can participate in the festivities from the comfort of their homes. There are a wide array of fun activities on the schedule including a virtual parade, a drag show, and movie screenings. While the pandemic…

St. Louis County Launches Mask Up, COVID Down Campaign

The county enlisted the help from 25 local celebrities like Charlie Parr.

DULUTH, Minn. – St. Louis County has launched a new campaign called “Mask Up, Covid Down” to highlight the reasons why people are wearing face coverings other than being required and scientific justification behind it. The county enlisted the help of 25 local celebrities like Charlie Parr and UMD’s mascot Champ to share their individual purpose for wearing a mask….

Jury Trials Are Slowly Starting To Return Across The State

TWO HARBORS, Minn. – The global pandemic put a pause on jury trials and in-person court proceedings in Minnesota. These trials are slowly beginning to resume across the state including in the Northland, as courts are taking precautions to ensure everyone’s safety. The last time there was an in-person hearing with a jury at the Lake County Courthouse was back…

Duluth’s Best Bread to Host ‘Unofficial Minnesota State Fair’

State Fair Style Foods will be Severd for a Limited Time Only -- Eight Days!

DULUTH, Minn. – With the cancellation of the 2020 Minnesota State Fair, the creative minds at Duluth’s Best Bread couldn’t let Northlanders go without their favorite fair flavors before summer winds down. The locally owned company is thrilled to present the first ‘Unofficial Minnesota State Fair’ of 2020. For eight days, Duluth’s Best Bread will offer hungry customers state fair…

Midday Update 8-27-20

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Thursday, August 27, 2020

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist William Seay for a local look at news and weather making headlines Thursday, August 27, 2020. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Ken Slama, Local News, midday update, News

Zesty Lemon Layer Cake with Lift Bridge Baked Goods

Lift Bridge Baked Goods Operates as a Home Based Cottage Food Business

SUPERIOR, Wis. – This week’s cooking connection features a new business to the Twin Ports, Lift Bridge Baked Goods. The company was founded by Riley Perrella and Dylan Holt, a young couple currently residing in Superior. Holt studied marketing and business in college, and Perrella has a unique passion for baking and creating edible works of art. Lift Bridge Baked…

Morning Update 8-27-20

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Thursday, August 27, 2020

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Ken Slama for a local look at news and weather making headlines Thursday, August 27, 2020. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Ken Slama, Local News, morning update

Domestic Abuse Shelter Looking to Build Playground

The center is still seeking an additional $15,000 for the playground

ASHLAND, Wis. –  After moving into a new location in 2019 the New Day Advocacy Center in Ashland is now seeking donations to help them build a playground and more. With Covid-19 limiting what their clients can and can’t do, having an outdoor space would cater to those families who enter their facility. “Here if they go outside they are…

Spirit Room in Superior Sets Up ‘Wine Stand’ Every Wednesday Outside

You can order a cup or bottle of any of their wines with a cheese and olive plate and take it to-go or enjoy it at any of their outdoor tables. 

SUPERIOR, Wis.- One Superior cocktail bar is interacting with its neighborhood and selling products in a unique way every Wednesday. The Wine Stand outside the Spirit Room on Broadway Street is like a lemonade stand, but with something a bit stronger for adults. You can order a cup or bottle of any of their wines with a cheese and olive…

Northland Red Cross Sends Volunteers to Help with Hurricane Laura Relief, Seeking More

Officials with the Northland Chapter of the Red Cross in Duluth say so far more volunteers are needed for medical, logistics, and other roles.

DULUTH, Minn.- As Hurricane Laura nears landfall on the Gulf Coast, the American Red Cross is gearing up to dispatch their response teams to the hardest hit areas ready to pick up the pieces from what is projected to be a devastating hurricane. One nurse from International Falls just landed in Houston Wednesday, and four more volunteers from the Northland…

Friends of Mark Sertich Remember Their Time On The Ice With “Sertie”

Sertie would play hockey several times per week, all the way up until his passing

DULUTH, Minn. – The city of Duluth lost another legend this week as the world’s oldest hockey player Mark Sertich, passed away Monday morning at the age of 99. Sertie would play hockey several times per week, all the way up until his passing, which always surprised people who had heard of him and even the people who got the…

Midday Update 8-26-20

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Wednesday, August 26, 2020

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Ryan Johnson for a local look at news and weather making headlines Wednesday, August 26, 2020. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Local News, midday update, News, ryan johnson

Twin Ports Community Honors Four-Legged Soldier Lost Too Soon

Sarge Was an Honorary Member of the Superior Honor Guard

SUPERIOR, Wis. – Man’s best friend can impact humans in a unique and lasting way. On Friday, Aug. 21, the residents in the Twin Ports community took time out of the day to honor a four-legged soldier leaving a lasting impact on many in the region. This type of somber ceremony happens once in a blue moon at the Richard…

Former State Senator, Duluth City Councilor Named as DECC Interim Executive Director

DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth Entertainment Convention Center board has formally nominated former state Senator and Duluth City Councilor Roger Reinert as the Interim Executive Director. The decision was made during a Wednesday morning virtual meeting about the DECC’s status and plan for the remainder of the year. Reinert has acted as the interim liaison for the last two months…

Morning Update 8-26-20

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Wednesday, August 26, 2020

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Ryan Johnson for a local look at news and weather making headlines Wednesday, August 26, 2020. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Local News, morning update, News, ryan johnson

DEED Commissioner Steve Grove Visits Duluth

DULUTH, Minn. – Small businesses in the Northland have been taking huge financial hits due to the global pandemic. The Department of Employment and Economic Development Commissioner visited Duluth on Wednesday to hear first-hand stories from some of those business owners and how grant funding has helped them rebuild. India Palace in Duluth has been serving traditional Indian cuisine to…

Mentors Needed To Help Support Students During The School Year

DULUTH, Minn.- A local non-profit is searching for mentors to help provide additional support to families as they navigate through the upcoming school year. Mentor North in Duluth is a one on one community based mentoring program. The organization is launching its new academic mentoring program to be a positive re-enforcement as many students and their families may be facing…

Northland School Districts Switch Plans To Safely Resume Academic Year

The first day of class is September 8th for both Duluth and Proctor Public Schools.

NORTHLAND – COVID-19 cases are continuing to spike across the northland. Now several schools in the region are making adjustments to plans originally put in place for the start of the academic year. Minnesota schools were given three options to choose from to safely resume the 20-21 school year. Many Northland school districts had planned on implementing a hybrid model,…

Firefighters Battle Hours-Long Fire at Historic Downtown Hibbing Building

The cause of the Moose Event Center fire is still unknown and under investigation.

HIBBING, Minn.- No one was injured fighting an inferno Tuesday that collapsed the roof of the Moose Event Center on Howard Street in Hibbing, according to fire officials. But what does hurt to the small town, is the loss of a building that houses many businesses and memories. “As I stood outside and watched it just kept, no matter how…

Midday Update 8-25-20

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Tuesday, August 25, 2020

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Ryan Johnson for a look at news and weather making local headlines Tuesday, August 25, 2020. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Local News, morning update, News, ryan johnson

Morning Update 8-25-20

Local News and Waether Making Headlines Tuesday, August 25, 2020

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Ryan Johnson for a look at news and weather making local headlines Tuesday, August 25, 2020. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Local News, morning update, News, ryan johnson

Iron Range Communities, Officials Rally in Nashwauk to Keep Togo Prison Open

They say if the Governor needs to make cuts to address the state's budget, a big source of jobs and criminal reform on the Range isn't the place to do it.

DULUTH, Minn.- A packed crowd in Nashwauk rallied around keeping the Minnesota Correctional Facilities in Togo and Willow River open. “Keep the program that is actually putting people, taking people out of prisons and putting them to work,” said District 6 Senator David Tomassoni. Hundreds from both sides of the political aisle packed the Nashwauk Area Veterans Memorial Park, including…

Duluth Police Take A Deeper Look At Types Of People They Want To Hire

DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth Police Department has been scouting to potentially fill openings for officers. In the wake of such tragedies like the death of George Floyd, the department has had to a deeper look into the types of people they are looking to hire. The department is focusing more on finding people with a strong character, extensive critical…

Thrift Stores Are Busy Helping Those In Need

SUPERIOR, Wis. – Thrift stores in the Twin Ports are staying busy as people are continuing to deal with the financial struggle of the COVID-19 pandemic. The Salvation Army Thrift Store in Superior has seen an increase in sales in the last several weeks. The most popular items being purchased are clothing and household items. “Some people aren’t working and…

Students At UMD Will Have To Wait To Return To Campus

"Despite extensive preparation research planning and advice, the landscape is shifting yet again and we need to reevaluate our fall plans," said U of M system President Joan Gabel.

DULUTH, Minn. – The University of Minnesota’s Board of %egents voted in favor of a proposal to pump the brakes on the start of the fall semester as a way to further evaluate the potential impacts the global pandemic could have on students if they return to campus. 18- 24-year-olds are among the fastest-growing age group testing positive for COVID-19….

Midday Update 8-24-20

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Monday, August 24, 2020

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Ryan Johnson for a look at news and weather making local headlines Monday, August 24, 2020. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Local News, midday update, News, ryan johnson

Poetry Event at Wussow’s Cafe Uses Art to Talk Climate Change

The goal is to remind people that climate change should be local concern, not just a national one. 

DULUTH, Minn. – Poets in Duluth got together to share some of their art while raising awareness of climate change. The local band Woodblind opened up the Climate Emergency Poetry Night at Wussow’s Cafe in West Duluth. Both new and experienced local poets got up and shared their original works about climate change. The goal is to remind people that…

‘Strong Northland’ Restaurant Voucher Campaign Nearing End

Participants Are Encouraged to Use Strong Northland Vouchers by Monday, August 31

DULUTH, Minn. – In early spring, the Greater Downtown Council in Duluth, along with the support of multiple sponsors, kicked off the Strong Northland Campaign. The campaign is meant to help support area restaurants and boost the local economy during a time when business is down due to COVID-19. Council President Kristi Stokes is reminding those participating in the program to…

Morning Update 8-24-20

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Monday, August 24, 2020

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Ryan Johnson for a look at news and weather making local headlines Monday, August 24, 2020. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Local News, morning update, ryan johnson

Families Hit the Ice at Duluth Parks and Rec Open Skate

Families must pre-register on the Parks and Rec website for the time slot Sunday. Only 25 people at a time are allowed inside the arena. 

DULUTH, Minn.-The rink at the Essentia Health Duluth Heritage Sports Center was alive with ice skaters at Duluth Parks and Recreation’s open skate Sunday. Families must pre-register on the Parks and Rec website for the time slot Sunday. Only 25 people at a time are allowed inside the arena. At the door they are required to fill out a COVID-19…

UMD, UWS, LSC Students Gear Up for Academic Year Full of Changes as School Starts

All schools are taking precautions such as increased signage for social distancing, hand sanitizing stations throughout campus, and extra staff to sanitize spaces and classrooms routinely. 

DULUTH, Minn.- Online v.s. in-person class settings, class sizes, and even semester start dates are all being changed at Northland colleges and universities this year, as students gear up for an academic year like no other. The August 31st starting date at UMD hangs in uncertainty as the Board of Regents is set to vote Monday on whether or not…

Haunted Ridge Still Going On For Halloween

Opening night is October 9th.

CARLTON, Minn. – All of the ghouls and goblins at the Haunted Ridge in Carlton are gearing up to give Halloween lovers a good scare this year. Despite the pandemic, the terrors must go on, but in a different way. Instead of using live actors, there will be animations displayed to give a haunting experience. Anyone visiting must get their…

Marcus Duluth Cinema Reopens To Movie-Goers

Marcus Duluth Cinema will continue discount days like $5 Tuesday or Student Thursdays.

DULUTH, Minn. – It may have felt like forever, but the Marcus Duluth Cinema is open and ready to offer a safe distraction to everyone. Going to the movies just might be everyone’s favorite entertainment activity. Unfortunately, the COVID-19 pandemic put a pause of a lot of extracurricular fun. The Marcus Duluth Cinema has finally reopened its doors, but not…

Dermatologists Are Noticing “Maskne” Is Becoming A Problem For Many People

Experts say sweat, oils, and bacteria can become trapped under the skin leading to a person to see a change.

DULUTH, Minn. – If you have been experiencing unexplained changes to the skin on your face you may be developing “maskne” or mask acne. Dermatologists have been seeing an increase in patients being treated for skin irritation and acne breakouts due to continuous mask-wearing. The skin acts a barrier, but when wearing a face covering, the skin becomes impaired. Experts…

Lake Avenue Bridge Reopens to Traffic After Three Months of Reconstruction

The new left turn lane to West Superior Street from the bridge will stay closed until the Superior Street Project is complete in November. 

DULUTH, Minn.- The road between Downtown Duluth and Canal Park is open for the first time since April as crews finished the Lake Avenue bridge and part of the intersection on Friday. Crews spent the past few months repairing water and sewer lines underground and replacing the old bricks with brand new concrete. Turn lanes have also been reconfigured. While…

Rallies Outside Post Offices in Duluth Deliver Thanks, Support for Postal Workers

The rallies come as Postmaster General Louis DeJoy is accused of making changes that could slow the delivery of mail-in ballots for this year's General Election.

DULUTH, Minn.- Various community groups gathered by two post offices in Duluth Friday, to picket in support of local postal workers as the future of the United States Post Office hangs in contention in Washington. “I feel like the Post Office, the USPS is an essential Public Service,” said Jon Phipps, a recent UMD Grad from West Duluth. Signs and…

Midday Update 8-21-20

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Friday, August 21, 2020

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist William Seay for a local look at news and weather making headlines Friday, August 21, 2020. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Local News, midday update, News, William Seay

Morning Update 8-21-20

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Friday, August 21, 2020

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist William Seay for a local look at news and weather making headlines Friday, August 21, 2020. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Local News, morning update, News, William Seay

Enrollment Up to Last Year’s Levels at LSC, Students Take Advantage of Last Minute Registration

Early Bird events are at full capacity the next couple days, so the college anticipates enrollment continuing to grow. 

DULUTH, Minn.-Enrollment at Lake Superior College has shot up in the past two weeks, putting them at levels similar to last year according to school officials. In the past week alone enrollment has increased 6%. Officials say that is because more students are choosing a more local, cheaper option with the year uncertain. On Thursday, one of the college’s Early…