Community

Spring Creek Manufacturing Seeing Increase in Business Amid COVID-19 Pandemic

The Company Dates Back to 1985, With Tom and Grant Sega Purchasing the Business Back in 2017

MOUNTAIN IRON, Minn. – Taking a business from point A to point B is no easy task – toss in a global pandemic, and things can get messy. For one company with deep roots on the Iron Range, sales show huge growth in the past year, and the product that helped get it all started decades ago could be one…

Morning Update 9-22-20

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Tuesday, Sept. 22, 2020

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

DFL Elected Officials Come Together To Shed Light On The Importance Of Early Voting

"Everybody needs to vote. Its our right to vote. Its our duty to vote. Voting matters," said Duluth City Councilor Janet Kennedy.

DULUTH, Minn. – Several Democratic elected officials banded together outside Duluth City hall to highlight the importance of early voting. Early voting in the state began on Friday. Nearly 950,000 Minnesotans have already requested absentee ballots for this year’s election compared to about 70-thousand the same time in 2018. For Duluth city councilor Janet Kennedy voting has a strong significance…

DECC, Visit Duluth Discussing Potential Merger

DULUTH, Minn. – The advisory boards for the Duluth Entertainment Convention Center and Visit Duluth are starting conversations about potentially merging together as they face severe financial setbacks from the COVID-19 pandemic. Both entities have assembled their own sub-committees to discuss what a merger could look like. The committees would develop an idea for an organizational structure that would serve…

Visitors Look To State Parks For Fall Activities

Visitation is up compared to last fall.

CARLTON, Minn. – Fall is typically a busy time for many state parks and Jay Cooke State Park is already seeing a spike in visitors looking to enjoy the start of the fall season. Park staff say they have seen a jump in daily park and campground visits going into the fall. In the midst of the pandemic, staff also…

Health Officials Urging People To Get Flu Shots Early

Each year, on average one in five people catch the flu.

DULUTH, Minn. – Health officials are urging people to get their flu shots early to help prevent potential impacts during the ongoing global pandemic. Both the flu and COVID-19 are illnesses that affect a person’s respiratory system. Each year, on average one in five people catch the flu. Having an outbreak of both at the same time could have major…

Midday Update 9-21-20

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Monday, Sept. 21, 2020

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

Visit Cook County Talks Fall Foliage, Upcoming Autumn Events

Fall Foliage in Parts of Cook County is 50 - 75 Percent Changed as of Monday, Sept. 21

GRAND MARAIS, Minn. – Cook County is open, with safety measures in place to curb the spread of COVID-19. Thousands are taking trips up the North Shore this fall to see the multi-color foliage change daily. According to the Minnesota DNR, some areas in Cook County are already 50 – 75 percent changed. Click here to see the up-to-date fall…

Morning Update 9-21-20

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Monday, Sept. 21, 2020

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

Wild State Cider Collects Apples For Community Cider

DULUTH, Minn. – Wild State Cider is working on creating this year batch of “Duluth People’s Cider”, which is being made from backyard apples. Community members dropped off their donations of apples on Friday. This is the second time the cidery has created this community-based beverage. Every year the flavor comes out differently due to the multiple varieties of apples….

Cloquet Airport Gets Financial Support To Build on Emerging Aviation Industry

CLOQUET, Minn. – The Carlton County-Cloquet Airport is receiving some extra financial support to help it continue to be a valuable asset to the community. The U.S. Economic Development Administrations is awarding the county a $1 million grant to establish a new aviation workforce training center. The aviation industry is rapidly growing in the region and the EDA recognizes investing…

St. Louis County Reports Its Highest Daily Increase Since Beginning Of Pandemic

DULUTH, Minn. – 50 new COVID-19 cases have been confirmed by the St. Louis County Public Health Division… This the largest day increase in the county since the start of the pandemic. 40 of those cases being reported in the Duluth area alone, while the rest are confirmed from communities throughout the county. More than 60% of the people diagnosed…

Midday Update 9-18-20

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Friday, Sept. 18, 2020

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Ken Slama for a local look at news and weather making headlines Friday, Sept. 18, 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 9-18-20

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Friday, Sept. 18, 2020

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Ken Slama for a local look at news and weather making headlines Friday, Sept. 18, 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

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