Community

Midday Update 8-12-20

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Wednesday, August 12, 2020

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist William Seay for a local look at news and weather making headlines Wednesday, August 12, 2020. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Local News, midday update, News, William Seay

Morning Update 8-12-20

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Wednesday, August 12, 2020

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist William Seay for a local look at news and weather making headlines Wednesday, August 12, 2020. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Local News, morning update, News, William Seay

Static Clean Duluth Gives Back To Non-Profits

The company is planning to offer its services to the Damiano Center next month.

DULUTH, Minn. – Static Clean Duluth is giving back to local non-profits in the area to help them stay safe during the pandemic. The company uses electrostatic technology to disinfect surfaces in establishments like bars and restaurants. Each month static clean will choose one organization to receive its service free of charge. Chester Creek Academy in Duluth is the lucky…

A 36-Year-Old Man Dies In Fire In Hillside Neighborhood

"He is going to be sadly missed. I just can't believe it. It's not real to me. It just doesn't seem real," said Amy Granholm, friend of the victim.

DULUTH, Minn. – A 36-year-old Duluth man has died after an overnight fire at an apartment building in the East Hillside neighborhood. The man has been identified as Michael Simone. Fire crews responded to the fire early Tuesday morning. They found smoke coming from the first and second floors of the apartment building where the victim lived. Before the fire…

Morning Update 8-11-20

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Tuesday, August 11, 2020

Join FOX 21’s Arman Rahman and Meteorologist William Seay for a local look at news and weather making headlines Tuesday, August 11, 2020. Have a great day! Categories: Community, Minnesota, News, News – Latest News

Youth Singing Camp Gives Hope

DULUTH, Minn. – Several kids in Duluth learned how to make beautiful sounds with their voices during the Lake Superior Youth Chorus’ “Summer Sing” camp. Youth singers learned basic music concepts and movement-based activities to help them develop their voices. This year students were required to wear face masks and to social distance. The theme for this week’s group of…

Safety Protocols Put In Place For Primary Elections

DULUTH, Minn. – In the midst of the uncertain times of the pandemic, the primary elections in Minnesota and Wisconsin must carry on. On Tuesday, voters will be heading to the polls for these elections. Duluth city officials are spreading the word on what to look out for as this year’s primary might look a little different. The city has…

Midday Update 8-10-20

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Monday, August 10, 2020

Join FOX 21’s Arman Rahman and Meteorologist William Seay for a local look at news and weather making headlines Monday, August 10, 2020. Have a great day! Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update

Morning Update 8-10-20

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Monday, August 10, 2020

Join FOX 21’s Arman Rahman and Meteorologist William Seay for a local look at news and weather making headlines Monday, August 10, 2020. Have a great day! Categories: Community, Minnesota, News, News – Latest News

Coalition of Downtown Duluth Businesses Kick off Friday ‘HART Happy Hour’

HART Happy Hour Takes Place Every Friday in August

DULUTH, Minn. – A coalition of businesses located in the Historic Arts and Theater District in Downtown, Duluth, also known as HART, have come together to create HART Happy Hour every Friday in August. HART Happy Hour is meant to provide an atmosphere for the community to connect, socialize, and help stimulate the local economy. Every Friday in August from…

Douglas County Humane Society Seeking Donations

The Douglas County Humane Society has received even more Saint Bernard lab mix puppies

SUPERIOR, Wisc. –  The Douglas County Humane Society has received even more Saint Bernard lab mix puppies. This litter of nine, fourteen week old puppies are part of the same batch that came from a Douglas County Residence due to not spaying or neutering. In total, the humane society will receive 30 dogs from the residence. Even though some of…

Pattison State Park Trails Busy During First Weekend Open After 2018 Flood Damage

Visitors from as far as Utah came to check out the waterfalls along the newly renovated trails.

SUPERIOR, Wis.- Hikers, families and nature lovers wasted no time getting back to Pattison State Park over the weekend as it reopened after two years, after flood waters tore through the trails on Father’s Day 2018. “Very, very excited not only to be on the trails but to be outside, to be around people,” said David Zander, a Minneapolis native…

New Boat, Minnesota-Themed Retail Store Opens in Duluth’s Lincoln Park

DULUTH, Minn.- A new retail store held its grand opening in Duluth’s Lincoln Park neighborhood Saturday. The blast of a real ship’s foghorn signaled the opening of Boathouse Treats and Treasures. The store is packed with vintage books and home goods, along with some nautical and Minnesota-themed knick knacks. Owner Beth Petrowske, a former public affairs official for MnDOT, said…

Boy Scouts Build Bat Houses To Help Declining Bat Population in Northern Minnesota

Bats are a crucial part of the Northern Minnesota ecosystem.

HERMANTOWN, Minn.- Boy Scouts at the Voyageurs Area Council partnered with the Sustainable Forestry Initiative and Minnesota Power to start making 70 houses for a different type of resident in need — bats. “It’s kind of a little condo for bats,” said Michael Jenkins, Scout Executive. The sound of machines cutting wood and the smell of fresh wet paint are…

Governor Tim Walz Sheds Light On Making Masks Available Across The State

Second Harvest will be distributing hundreds of faces masks to more than 30 food shelves in northern Minnesota.

DULUTH, Minn. – Minnesota Governor Tim Walz visited the Second Harvest Food Bank in Duluth on Friday to shed light on how the state is using food distribution organizations to get thousands of reusable masks into the hands of Minnesotans in need. Mask wearing is widely considered to be one of the keys to slowing the spread of the Coronavirus….

Real Estate Company Makes Donation To Help Fight Food Insecurities

DULUTH, Minn. – Food insecurity is becoming one of the biggest disparities impacting the Northland. A local real estate agency is taking the initiative to help fight the growing number of people missing out on their next meal. today… Real Living Messina and Associates in Duluth presented the Damiano Center with a check to help its continued effort to feed…

Midday Update 8-7-20

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Friday, August 7, 2020

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Ryan Johnson for a local look at news and weather making headlines Friday, August 7, 2020. Have a great day! Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Local News, midday update, News, ryan johnson

“Black Is Beautiful” Beer Debuts At Bent Paddle

The new beer flavor is being shared to shed light on injustice impacting people of color.

DULUTH, Minn. – Bent Paddle Brewing Company in Duluth is bringing awareness to injustices impacting people of color. The brewery is collaborating with more than 1,000 other breweries in the nation by creating their own version of a beer called “Black is Beautiful.” The beer is an imperial stout with hints of chocolate and roasted coffee. The original recipe was…

Morning Update 8-7-20

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Friday, August 7, 2020

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Ryan Johnson for a local look at news and weather making headlines Friday, August 7, 2020. Have a great day! Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Local News, morning update, News, ryan johnson

‘Fill The Boot’ Fundraiser Going Virtual

With the fundraiser normally taking place on the sidewalks throughout Duluth, they will now be doing it virtually.

DULUTH, Minn. – Local fire departments participating in their annual ‘fill the boot’ campaign will be doing things a bit differently this year. Because of Covid-19, the Duluth Fire department couldn’t find a way to space people out. With the fundraiser normally taking place on the sidewalks throughout Duluth, they will now be doing it virtually. With all of the…

UMD Prepares To Welcome Students In The Fall

DULUTH, Minn. – The University of Minnesota Duluth has put new safety protocols as it prepares to welcome students back to campus. There are about three weeks remain before students can get back to in-person instruction at the university. But when student return, there will be a wide array of noticeable differences including plexiglass partitions at information desks. About 50…

St. Louis County Adds New COVID-19 Cases Faster Than Any Other County In The State

We are seeing almost 40% reporting to have visited restaurants and bars," said Amy Westbrook, public health director for St. Louis County.

DULUTH, Minn.- St. Louis County has added new Coronavirus cases faster than any other county in the state by reaching nearly 500 total. Initially, the county had a pretty low rate of COVID-19 cases at the start of the pandemic. Most cases were found in long term facilities. Now the numbers are growing as a result of community transmission. County…

Midday Update 8-6-20

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Thursday, August 6, 2020

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist William Seay for a local look at news and weather making headlines Thursday, August 6, 2020. Have a great day! Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Local News, midday update, News, William Seay

Schools in Itasca County Provide Update on Fall Learning Plans

School Leaders in Itasca County Provide Update on District Plans for Back-to-School Learning Amid COVID-19

ITASCA COUNTY, Minn. – On Thursday, Superintendents from multiple school districts in Itasca County provided an update on back-to-school plans amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Minnesota Governor Tim Walz recently announced a statewide decision to leave reopening plans up to district officials based on current COVID-19 data per county. Independent School District 318 (Bigfork and Grand Rapids) Based on current COVID-19…

Bucktales Cantina & Grill Expands Menu to Include Keto Option

Cooking Connection: Pollo Keto at Bucktales Cantina & Grill

SUPERIOR, Wis. – This week’s Cooking Connection takes us to Bucktales Cantina and Grill located south of Superior along Highway 35. Owner Dee Morales specializes in whipping up authentic Mexican dishes, but the cantina also offers a wide variety of other foods such as burgers, gyros, appetizers and more. In this week’s segment, Morales prepares his newest item on the…

Morning Update 8-6-20

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Thursday, August 6, 2020

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist William Seay for a local look at news and weather making headlines Thursday, August 6, 2020. Have a great day! Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Local News, morning update, News, William Seay

Essentia Health Bills Approximately 1,000 Uninsured Patients For COVID-19 Tests

DULUTH, Minn. — A representative with Essentia Health in Duluth has admitted that the health care provider charged approximately 1,000 uninsured patients for COVID-19 tests, which are free under the federal CARES Act. The issue came to light after one patient told FOX21 he received a $171 bill for his COVID-19 test in July. That patient, Superior resident Nick Dalbec,…

St. Louis County Wants To Help Fund Initiatives To Fight Major Community Disparities

Community-based groups can apply for between $20,000 to $100,000 to help contribute to their initiatives.

DULUTH, Minn. – The St. Louis County Public Health Department is looking to help financially support the efforts of local organizations as they work to address key issues affecting the community. A community health assessment conducted in St. Louis County found mental health, youth substance abuse, and food insecurities are among some of the key disparities impacting the area. The county…

The College Of St. Scholastica Offers Tuition Discount

The COVID-19 Saints Succeed award is a type of financial aid that will provide those new students with a 15% tuition discount for the upcoming academic year.

DULUTH, Minn. – The College of St. Scholastica is offering tuition help to new students, who may have lost their job as a result of the global pandemic. The COVID-19 Saints Succeed award is a type of financial aid that will provide those new students with a 15% tuition discount for the upcoming academic year. New graduate, non-traditional undergraduate, and…

Midday Update 8-5-20

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Wednesday, August 5, 2020

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist William Seay for a local look at news and weather making headlines Wednesday, August 5, 2020. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Local News, midday update, News, William Seay

Minnesota Bigfoot Research Team Hosting Inaugural Conference

The Minnesota Bigfoot Conference is Happening Friday, August 7 - Sunday, August 9

GRAND RAPIDS, Minn. – Over the past 20 years, Minnesota Bigfoot Research Team has grown as an organization, and now the founder is looking to celebrate in a big way. Founder Abe Del Rio is thrilled to host the first-ever Minnesota Bigfoot Conference beginning Friday, August 7, running through Sunday, August 9. The home base for the event is at…

Spirit Halloween to Open in Former Duluth Shopko Location Later This Month

DULUTH, Minn. – A new Halloween store is opening in Duluth later this month. Spirit Halloween says they plan to be open August 27 at the former Shopko located at 801 West Central Entrance. The store will be offering “a wide variety of Halloween costumes and decor including animatronics and accessories that are perfect for trick-or-treating or throwing a Halloween…

Recent Incident Sparks Plea from Wildwoods: “Stop Littering”

The Canadian Goose Caught in String Was Cut Free, Then Transferred For Further Medical Care

DULUTH, Minn. – Millions of animals are injured or even killed annually due to the careless actions of human beings. Littering – whether it be cans, containers, string, or fishing line, these materials don’t mix well when coming into contact with animals. Wildwoods Wildlife Rehab Center in Duluth is speaking out regarding a recent incident that could have taken the…

Morning Update 8-5-20

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Wednesday, August 5, 2020

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist William Seay for a local look at news and weather making headlines Wednesday, August 5, 2020.   Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Local News, morning update, William Seay

Hands-Free Law One Year Later

During the first eleven months of hands-free law, officials have cited over 19,000 drivers for in Minnesota for violating the law.

DULUTH, Minn. –   August 1st marked the one-year anniversary of the hands-free driving law taking affect in Minnesota. During the first eleven months of hands-free law, officials have cited over 19,000 drivers for in Minnesota for violating the law. Because of this, over 300 law enforcement agencies across the state will be participating in an extra enforcement campaign. “Drive smart. Park…

Midday Update 8-4-20

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Tuesday, August 4, 2020

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist William Seay for a local look at news and weather making headlines Tuesday, August 4, 2020. Have a great day! Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Local News, midday update, News, William Seay

Morning Update 8-4-20

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Tuesday, August 4, 2020

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist William Seay for a local look at news and weather making headlines Tuesday, August 4, 2020. Have a great day! Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Local News, morning update, News, William Seay

Midday Update 8-3-20

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Monday, August 3, 2020

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist William Seay for a local look at news and weather making headlines Monday, August 3, 2020. Have a great day! Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Local News, midday update, News, William Seay

Duluth Superior Pride Festival Going Virtual Amid COVID-19 Pandemic

Duluth Superior Pride Virtual Festival Begins Thursday, September 3, 2020

DULUTH, Minn. – The 34th annual Duluth Superior Pride Festival will go on virtually this year amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Event organizers say after months of discussion, it simply wasn’t responsible to move forward with an in-person celebration as in year’s past. “I think it’s extremely important to host a virtual celebration. Pride is based on community and taking a…

Morning Update 8-3-20

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Monday, August 3, 2020

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist William Seay for a local look at news and weather making headlines Monday, August 3, 2020. Have a great day! Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Local News, morning update, News, William Seay

Man Missing From Hermantown Senior Living Facility

(courtesy: Hermantown Police Department) UPDATE: According to the Hermantown Police Department, the 80-year-old male missing from the Golden Oaks Senior Living Facility has been safely located. The police department provided the update on their Facebook page Monday morning. HERMANTOWN, Minn. – Just after two o’clock Monday morning, Hermantown Police Officers Responded to Golden Oaks Senior Living Facility in Hermantown. Staff…

Blacksmiths Forge Interest in Metalworking at Glensheen Mansion

DULUTH, Minn.- Visitors at Glensheen Mansion Saturday got to learn about an old-fashioned trade — being a blacksmith. Forging Community’s blacksmiths were on the mansion grounds demonstrating metal working and smithing. Glensheen staff say they appreciate having them every year and they are an even more valuable attraction during the pandemic. “For the public it’s always kind of fun to…

Pro-Police, ‘Reconstruct Police’ Groups Both Protest Outside Superior Government Center

The two protests converged to speak out on what they see as two very different sides of a police badge. 

SUPERIOR, Wis.- Signs and flags, conversations and tensions filled the grounds of the Government Center as a group in support of Superior Police, and a group pushing to restructure their local law enforcement protested in the same space. “We believe that there’s a lot within SPD that needs to be changed,” said Waylon J of the Expose the Gap group….

Produce Stand on Central Entrance in Duluth Busy During Pandemic

DC's Best Produce Farms has been selling their fresh-picked tomatoes, cucumbers, and watermelon there for years. 

DULUTH, Minn.- Fresh produce is in full bloom throughout the Northland, including at a stand on Central Entrance Road. DC’s Best Produce Farms in Esko has been selling their fresh-picked tomatoes, cucumbers, and watermelon there for years. They say during the pandemic, they’ve seen more people stopping by for some locally-grown goodies. “It’s coming straight from the farm to here…

Duluth City Crews Clear Heavy Chunks of Metal Culvert from Lester River

Crews said they were pieces of culverts washed out from the 2012 flood. 

DULUTH, Minn.- Among the swimmers in the river and hikers on the trail, some may have spotted city crews at Lester Park clearing metal debris out of the river. Public works responded to a citizen report of chunks of metal floating downstream. Crews said they were pieces of culverts washed out from the 2012 flood. Some of those pieces weiged…

Trampoline Park Re-Opens Under New Name

After opening back up in 2017, the tramponline park has been undergoing some changes including its name.

DULUTH, Minn. – The entertainment venue known as Planet 3 is no more. After opening in 2017, the trampoline park has been undergoing some changes including its name after reopening in mid-June. “Anywhere hands can touch is being sanitized. We’re spraying down all the trampolines, pads. All of the hard surfaces are being wiped down every half an hour or…

Lake Superior Art Glass Hosts Terrarium Design Class

Organizers say, that the designer classes have become more accessible then ever. 

DULUTH, Minn. – Lake Superior Art Glass has been hosting new designer events since October, one of those being for designing your own terrarium. The program is one of several put on by the shop, allowing anyone to design the globe which would then house a plant. Organizers say that the designer classes have become more accessible then ever. “For…

Midday Update 7-31-20

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Friday, July 31, 2020

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist William Seay for a local look at news and weather making headlines Friday, July 31, 2020. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Local News, midday update, William Seay

Hartley Nature Center Launches August Fundraising Campaign

"We Heart Hartley" Campaign Runs August 1 - 31, 2020

DULUTH, Minn. – As July wraps up, the folks at Hartley Nature Center in Duluth are thrilled to announce a month-long fundraising effort called “We Heart Hartley.” Hartley Executive Director, Tom O’Rourke said the announcement comes after the cancellation of the center’s annual August fundraiser called “Wine in the Woods.” The cancellation is due in part to the ongoing coronavirus…