Community

Bearboo Coffee Escape and Car Wash Gets New Owners

Previous employee became owner on New Year's Day.

CLOQUET, Minn.- Cloquet’s only combination coffee shop and car wash is seeing new ownership this year. Natalie and Chris Swanson officially owned Bearaboo Coffee Escape and the adjacent car wash as of New Year’s Day. Natalie had been working at the hangout since February, she said customers warned not to change much and she respects that. So people can still…

Public Input Wanted Involving Changes To IDS 709’s School Boundaries

Survey available online through Feb. 3

DULUTH, Minn.- Duluth Public Schools is looking for public feedback to possibly re-do boundaries within the district, which could affect where your child attends school in the future. According to district officials, Congdon Elementary and Lester Park Elementary schools are currently over capacity, while Lowell Elementary is on track to be as well because of the addition of its immersion…

Cloquet Fire Sees Most Calls Ever in 2019

The Cloquet Area Fire District responded to just under 3200 calls last year.

CLOQUET, Minn.- The Cloquet Area Fire District has seen a very busy 2019, with the largest number of calls in the Department’s history. The Department has responded to just under 3200 calls last year, and 2020 is shaping up to be just as busy. Just last Sunday, they received two calls for fires in one day. But according to Fire…

Midday Update 1-14-20

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Tuesday, January 14, 2020

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Brittney Merlot for a local look at news and weather making headlines Tuesday, January 14, 2020. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, brittney merlot, community, Headlines, Local News, midday update

2020 Brings Changes to Retirement Savings

Financial Professional Barry Bigelow Explains the New SECURE Act (Setting Every Community Up for Retirement Enhancement Act)

DULUTH, Minn. – It’s the first major law impacting retirement savers in more than a decade. The SECURE Act took effect January 1, which means big changes for anyone with a 401(k) or IRA. Financial Professional Barry Bigelow from Great Waters Financial recently stopped by FOX 21 Local News from 7 – 9 a.m. to discuss how the changes will…

Morning Update 1-14-20

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Tuesday, January 14, 2020

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Brittney Merlot for a local look at news and weather making headlines Tuesday, January 14, 2020. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, brittney merlot, community, Headlines, Local News, morning update

Many in Hoyt Lakes Frustrated as Court of Appeals Halts PolyMet Permits

Many in town say after 15 years work, more delay is detrimental to the town.

HOYT LAKES, Minn.- A three judge panel said the Minnesota DNR made a mistake regarding the PolyMet NorthMet project, as the Minnesota Court of Appeals put a halt on two crucial permits. “It feels like a slap in the face, to tell you the truth. It really does,” said Hoyt Lakes Mayor Chris Vreeland. The word on the streets of…

Midday Update 1-13-20

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Monday, January 13, 2020

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Brittney Merlot for a local look at news and weather making headlines Monday, January 13, 2020. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, brittney merlot, community, Headlines, Local News, midday update

International Falls Community Prepares to Celebrate 40th Annual Icebox Days

Icebox Days Festival is Happening January 16 - 19 in International Falls

INTERNATIONAL FALLS, Minn. – Many in the Northland travel south when temperatures drop below zero, but one community in Northern Minnesota looks to celebrate the cold with a three day festival jam packed with fun events. Icebox Days Festival is happening Friday, January 16 – Sunday, January 19 in International Falls. This will mark the 40th year of the celebration,…

Frozen Jr. Takes Over Duluth Playhouse Throughout January

Frozen Jr. is Happening January 10 - 26 at the Duluth Playhouse Family Theatre

DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth Playhouse kicks off the new year with the regional premiere of the enchanting modern classic, Disney’s Frozen JR, at the Playhouse Family Theatre. The show runs at the Depot January 10 – 26. Shows are available Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. “This will be the regional premiere of Frozen JR in our area, and we are…

Morning Update 1-13-20

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Monday, January 13, 2020

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Brittney Merlot for a local look at news and weather making headlines Monday, January 13, 2020. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, brittney merlot, community, Headlines, Local News, morning update

Superior Curling Club Hosts Curling Instructor Course

SUPERIOR, Wis. – Representatives from the United States Curling Association were in Superior on Sunday to help people learn the ins and outs of coaching curling. About 20 people participated in the program with the goal of becoming a certified curling instructor. Proper form, and also proper instructing techniques were the main focus of the class. “A lot of the…

Thousands Attend Annual Duluth Wedding Show

DULUTH, Minn. –  Thousands of people flooded the DECC in Duluth looking for the latest and greatest ideas for their big day. The 32nd annual wedding show was in full swing with hundreds of exhibitors for the future brides and grooms. One bride to be we spoke with says, events like these are essential for planning such an important day….

Lifehouse Welcomes New Executive Director

DULUTH, Minn. – Lifehouse officially has a new executive director. Duluth native, Jordan Johnson took over on Monday after former Lifehouse director Maude Dornfeld retired. Johnson previously spent over 15 years in New Mexico doing public health and community advocacy work. He says, he’s hit the ground running so far and is ready to continue the Lifehouse legacy. “My goal…

Midday Update 1-10-20

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Friday, January 10, 2020

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Brittney Merlot for a local look at news and weather making headlines Friday, January 10, 2020. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, brittney merlot, community, Headlines, Local News, midday update

Climbing Cliffs in Snowshoes

ACTIVE ADVENTURES: Bluefin Bay Resort Activites Takes Us Along The Superior Hiking Trail

TOFTE, Minn. — In this weeks Active Adventures Bluefin Bay Resorts on Lake Superior takes Fox 21’s Brittney Merlot on a snowshoe hike up the Superior Hiking Trail Section 13, climbing cliffs to enjoy wonderful views of the Baptism River Valley. Join them as they blaze a trail through deep snow, on an advanced trail that goes uphill 450 feet….

Tips for Making Your Goals Stick in 2020

Coach for Success, Pam Solberg-Tapper, Provides Tips to Help Make Your Goals Stick in 2020

DULUTH, Minn. – Many people set resolutions in the New Year, but how many truly follow through? It can be difficult to even think about making a drastic change in your life let alone following through with it, but thankfully there are local professional in the Northland looking to help you achieve success. Pam Solberg-Tapper, Founder of Coach for Success,…

Morning Update 1-10-20

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Friday, January 10, 2020

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Brittney Merlot for a local look at news and weather making headlines Friday, January 10, 2020. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, brittney merlot, community, Headlines, Local News, morning update

Proposed Solar Garden Could Power Over 100 Homes

Superior Water, Light & Power submitted proposal for 470 kilowatt solar garden.

SUPERIOR, Wis.- Solar energy could soon be powering a large portion of homes in Superior. Superior Water, Light & Power submitted a proposal to the Public Service Commission last week for a community solar garden. The proposed site is at the corner of Hammond Avenue and 28th Street beside Heritage Park. At 470 kilowatts, it would be large enough to…

Superior Fire Department Sees Youngest Force in Years

Half of the department is in their 20s, with less than a year of experience.

SUPERIOR, Wis.- The Superior Fire Department started the new year with a new building and new blood, as this is the youngest the Department has been in years. According to Fire Chief Scott Gordon, the last firefighters to retire took with them years of experience. “The three people that just retired we lost 80 years of experience with those three…

Whooping Cough Death Puts Minnesota Doctors, Parents on Alert

Whooping cough, or pertussis, can be prevented through vaccination.

DULUTH, Minn.- Minnesota Health Officials are on alert after whooping cough took the life of an infant in November, the first case in many years. The last pediatric death related to whooping cough in Minnesota was in 2013. According to pediatricians at Essentia Health, you should bring your infant or child in if they develop prolonged cold symptoms past a…

Midday Update 1-9-20

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Thursday, January 9, 2020

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Brittney Merlot for a local look at news and weather making headlines Thursday, January 9, 2020. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, brittney merlot, community, Headlines, Local News, midday update

The Noble Pour Cocktail Lounge Features Vita Excelenta

Cooking Connection: The Noble Pour Cocktail Lounge

DULUTH, Minn. – Nearly one month after opening date, Noble Pour Cocktail Lounge in the Lincoln Park Craft District joins FOX 21 Local News for this week’s Cooking Connection. While there are no stovetops or ovens involved this week, the handcrafted beverage is stirred, and strong! The Vita Excelenta cocktail is crafted with tequila, St. Germain Elderflower Liqueur, Bodega Vermouth,…

Explore Latest Trends in Wedding Planning Saturday at the DECC

The Duluth Wedding Show is Happening Saturday, January 11, 2020

DULUTH, Minn. – On Saturday, January 11 from 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m., local brides and grooms to be are invited to stop by the DECC to take part in the 32nd annual Duluth Wedding Show. Kynze Lundeen, Show Coordinator, stopped by FOX 21 Local News from 7 – 9 a.m. to chat about this year’s show. The show features…

Morning Update 1-9-20

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Thursday, January 9, 2020

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Brittney Merlot for a local look at news and weather making headlines Thursday, January 9, 2020. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, brittney merlot, community, Headlines, Local News, morning update

Bluestone Developer Talks About Vue Project, Why Developers Are Building Luxury Over Basic Housing

DULUTH, Minn. — In the next few years, Duluth will see more luxury housing than ever before popping up all over the area, from up on the hill to down by the lake. One of the luxury properties popping up in less than two years is Bluestone Vue by developer Mark Lambert. Since acquiring the 27 acres of land in…

Superior Snow Removal on Hammond a Relief for Local Businesses

Local chiropractor said until now, it has been difficult for clients to get to their building.

SUPERIOR, Wis.- Public Works crews in Superior spent their Wednesday clearing large snow and ice banks along Hammond Avenue. Staff at Luke Chiropractic along the busy street said they haven’t seen the tall banks touched since the snowstorm over Thanksgiving. It has been a big obstacle, they said, for handicapped clients or those with injuries. So to have them cleared…

Smoking Out Superior’s ‘SOUP-erior’ Soup

All month long you can vote on the best soup in Soup Town.

SUPERIOR, Wis.- A new event this month is putting a warm spin on Superior’s nickname, “Soup Town.” SOUP Superior First is a survey open all month long for people to get out and try different handmade soups at any restaurant throughout the city. You can then vote for the restaurant and that specific soup online for it to be declared…

In Case of Iranian Cyber Attack, How to Keep Your Data Secure

Officials say a cyber attack is possible, local expert shares tips on how to protect yourself.

DULUTH, Minn.- President Trump has said Iran appears to be standing down after their missile attack on U.S. bases in Iraq, but experts say they could hit us with a different type of attack. An FBI and Homeland Security Intelligence Bulletin sent to law enforcement nationwide said a cyber attack in retaliation is possible, due to Iran’s long history of…

MPCA Celebrates Ten Years of “GreenStep Cities” Program

DULUTH, Minn. – On Wednesday Duluth Mayor Emily Larson helped celebrate the 10th anniversary of a statewide program aimed at helping cities become more green. The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency is behind the effort called “GreenStep Cities.” It’s designed to make communities more energy efficient, healthy and environmentally conscious. In Duluth: solar panels, L-E-D lights and electric car charging stations…

Midday Update 1-8-20

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Wednesday, January 8, 2020

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Brittney Merlot for a local look at news and weather making headlines Wednesday, January 8, 2020. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, brittney merlot, community, Headlines, Local News, midday update

A Place for Fido to Begin Delivery Service in Duluth, Superior

A Place for Fido will Deliver to Customers Within a Six Mile Radius of Fitger's

DULUTH, Minn. – After eight years of operation, a Duluth pet supply business located in the Fitger’s complex is expanding. A Place for Fido will officially kick off delivery service on Friday, January 10. The service operates within a six mile radius of the Fitger’s location. Customers can visit A Place For Fido online to check availability. A delivery charge…

Morning Update 1-8-20

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Wednesday, January 8, 2020

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Brittney Merlot for a local look at news and weather making headlines Wednesday, January 8, 2020. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, brittney merlot, community, Headlines, Local News, morning update

Northland’s Largest Baby Shower Helps Mothers with Donations

Life 97.3 and St. Luke's Hospital partnering to accept donations of "baby shower items."

DULUTH, Minn.- All throughout the month of January, Life 97.3 Radio and St. Luke’s Hospital are partnering to throw what they call the “Northland’s Largest Baby Shower.” All month long they will be accepting donations of things like diapers, baby towels and onesies to be distributed at various organizations for women throughout the Northland, from Duluth to Hayward, Wisconsin. “For…

Minnesota Fire Deaths on the Rise, Mostly Smoking-Related

Duluth Fire Officials share with us why, and how to further prevent one from starting.

DULUTH, Minn.- According to the Minnesota State Fire Marshal, 42 people died in fires statewide in 2019, a 14% increase from 2018, preliminary numbers say. The leading cause of these fires is smoking, with at least seven people dying in smoking related fires last year. According to Duluth Fire Department leaders, these fires tend to start outside by people improperly…

Tips to Keep Pipes from Freezing in Subzero Temps

ASP Plumbing shares how to protect your pipes from the cold.

DULUTH, Minn.- As temperatures are expected to drop below zero Tuesday night, pipes in your home are more likely to freeze, causing serious problems with your plumbing. Plumbers at ASP Plumbing say if you have pipes close to an outside wall, you should insulate the wall and around the pipes. Covering the pipes with insulation will trap the cold air,…

Midday Update 1-7-20

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Tuesday, January 7, 2020

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Brittney Merlot for a local look at news and weather making headlines Tuesday, January 7, 2020. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, brittney merlot, community, Headlines, Local News, midday update

Mighty Pups Are Ready to Go! PAW Patrol LIVE! at the DECC

PAW Patrol LIVE! is Happening at the DECC Symphony Hall January 7 - 8

DULUTH, Minn. – No job is too big, no pup is too small! PAW Patrol LIVE! is taking place inside DECC Symphony Hall January 7 – 8. The PAW Patrol pups have a mission to accomplish in Duluth. Ahead of the upcoming three performances in the Northland, mighty pup Chase and spokesperson Michael Bartkiewicz stopped by FOX 21 Local News…

Morning Update 1-7-20

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Tuesday, January 7, 2020

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Brittney Merlot for a local look at news and weather making headlines Tuesday, January 7, 2020. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, brittney merlot, community, Local News, morning update

Lake Superior Levels High but Dropping This Winter

Experts say levels have dropped, and evaporation is expected to occur.

DULUTH, Minn.- The recent snow and rain the Northland has been getting has put experts on alert, watching Lake Superior lake levels. According to experts at the Minnesota Sea Grant, lake levels have remained about 20 inches above average, but decreased six inches since October. Levels are expected to drop another three inches through this month. Ice cover on the…

New Breastfeeding Suites Unveiled at Essentia Health

Four new breastfeeding suites aim to make feeding easier and more comfortable for mothers.

DULUTH, Minn.- Essentia Health unveiled a new set of breastfeeding suites, to help mothers with newborns who are either patients, family or employees. Four new Mamava suites–two in the Duluth Clinic on Third Street, one in St. Mary’s Hospital and one in the Miller Dwan Building–will be installed by the end of this week, with funding provided by donors of…

Duluth City Councilors, Mayor Emily Larson Officially Sworn In

Three fresh faces to the council gave their remarks.

DULUTH, Minn.- Duluth’s newly elected City Councilors, and twice-elected Mayor Emily Larson were officially sworn in at the DECC Monday. All eyes were particularly on the three fresh new faces joining the council: Derek Medved, Janet Kennedy, and Roz Randorf. After songs from the Duluth Denfeld Maroon 16 Choir, Duluth’s new councilors took the oath and were sworn in. “…I…

Midday Update 1-6-20

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Monday, January 6, 2020

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Brittney Merlot for a local look at news and weather making headlines Monday, January 6, 2020. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, brittney merlot, community, Local News, midday update

Local Author Sheds Light on Divorce Woes

Local Author Angela Paulson Chats About Her New Book, "Divorce is Awesome"

DULUTH, Minn. – “You are in charge of your own happiness, so eliminate negativity and live joyfully!” This is the message local author Angela Paulson is looking to spread with her new book, “Divorce is Awesome.” The Esko native recently stopped by FOX 21 Local News to chat about why she wrote the book, and how she’s hoping to help…

Blood Donations Strongly Encouraged During Winter Months

The American Red Cross Says Blood Donations Dwindle During Cold Months and After the Holidays

DULUTH, Minn. – If you’re eligible to donate blood, the American Red Cross is in need of your help this winter. The American Red Cross urges people to share their good health and resolve to give blood regularly, beginning in January with National Blood Donor Month. January is known as National Blood Donor Month, which officials with the American Red…

Morning Update 1-6-20

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Monday, January 6, 2020

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Brittney Merlot for a local look at news and weather making headlines Monday, January 6, 2020. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, brittney merlot, community, Headlines, Local News, morning update

Mala Beadmaking Helps People Keep New Year’s Resolutions

Beadmaking workshop aims to keep people in touch with their intentions.

DULUTH, Minn.- If you have some trouble keeping up with your New Year’s Resolutions, Mala Beads may be able to help. It Takes a Village Healing Collective Downtown held its monthly Mala beadmaking workshop Sunday. Malas are strings of 108 beads used as a tool to help meditation practice. No one else is to touch your beads but you, so…

Community Day Brings Hundreds to Glensheen

Free day of admission attracted many to the mansion.

DULUTH, Minn.- Glensheen Mansion saw quite a few people come through Sunday, as it was the next stop on the list of the City’s Community Day destinations. Tourist destinations that benefit from the tourism tax revenue each have a Community Day where special offers are available for anyone to attend. On Sunday Glensheen offered free admission for tours, including the…