Community

Brewster’s Birthday Bash Raises $2K For Animal Allies

DULUTH, Minn. — Brewster, Dan Hanger’s adopted dog, has turned 15!  The community celebrated his big milestone Tuesday in the Fitger’s Courtyard while raising money for Animal Allies Humane Society.  Around 200 people stopped by for Brewster’s Birthday Bash, and that included dogs! A Place For Fido, which is located in Fitger’s, helped organize the event during its Tuesday evening…

Minnesota Nurses Association Votes on Strike Authorization

DULUTH, Minn. – Members of the Minnesota Nurses Association vote for whether or not to authorize a strike. Members of the Minnesota Nurses Association (MNA) voted Monday over whether or not to authorize the union to strike. A vote ‘to authorize’ would allow the union to strike after giving a 10-day notice to hospital employers. Local members could cast their…

Peregrine Falcon Chicks Receive Identification Bands

DULUTH Minn. – Peregrine falcon chicks in Duluth and Cohasset are now sporting identification bands as they gear up to spread their wings. Seven Peregrine falcon chicks born at Minnesota Power’s Hibbard Renewable Energy Center and Boswell Energy Center were recently named and fitted with identification bands by experts from the Raptor Resource Project and volunteer employees at Minnesota Power….

Damage Assessment Begins on Properties Affected by Brimson Fire Complex

Photo CourtesyMinnesota National Guard BRIMSON, Minn. — St. Louis County Assessors are going to start apprising property damage from the Jenkins Creek and Camp House fires. Staff are beginning the process in Brimson and Fairbanks Township today. They will be assessing and documenting the level of damage, which will be used to determine the percentage of value lost. Owners could…

Hayward Musky Fest Returns for 75th Year

HAYWARD, Wis. — The Musky Fest returned to Hayward, Wisconsin this past weekend, for its 75th year. The festival was started 75 years ago as a way to celebrate the town of Hayward’s fishing history, which includes the world record musky that inspired the name of the event. The multi-day festival draws in people from across the region. “I mean,…

Medical Tents Gearing Up Ahead of Grandma’s Marathon

DULUTH, Minn.– All volunteers for the big race are preparing for everything. And with the medical tents set up, they are no exception. Over 250 medical volunteers will participate for Grandma’s Marathon. Essentia Health is stocked up with cots, wheelchairs, air conditioning, and hydration stations. The ski patrol from Giant’s Ridge will also be stationed throughout the course to aid…

Mesabi Metallic’s Welcomes Community to Tour New Facility

NASHWAUK, Minn. — On Thursday night, Mesabi Metallic’s welcomed more than 3-hundred 70 people to tour the progress on their new state-of-the-art mine and pellet plant in Nashwauk. Both community members and state lawmakers were invite to Mesabi Metallic’s open house and town hall. The new facility is Minnesota’s newest mine in nearly 50 years and the company has visions…

Camp House & Jenkins Creek Wildfire Inspections Start Next Week

Burned area of Forest with smoking hot spots on the Camp House Fire. BRIMSON/FAIRBANKS TOWNSHIPS, Minn. — Next week the St. Louis County Assessor’s Department will start inspections of wildfire damaged properties by the Camp House and Jenkins Creek fires. Staff will begin their inspections to home and property owners in Brimson and Fairbanks Township to determine the estimated market…

Two People Inducted into Grandmas Marathon Hall of Fame

DULUTH, Minn. — A longtime board member and a men’s event record holder are both receiving the honor of being two of this year’s Grandmas Marathon Hall of Fame inductees. Dave Malban, a founding board member, and Dominic Ondoro, a 2014 men’s record holder are this year’s Grandmas Hall of Famers. Malban was responsible for making Grandmas Marathon into the…

Benedictine Living Community Hosts Juneteenth Celebration

DULUTH, Minn. — In honor of Juneteenth, Benedictine Living Community held their first ever Juneteenth Chapel Service and Soul Food Celebration. Juneteenth is recognized as the day that ended slavery in the United States two years after the Emancipation Proclamation was issued which freed black people throughout the country. Guest speakers with the NAACP spoke in front of seniors and…

Popular ‘Hairball’ Rock Cover Band Celebrates 25 Years

DULUTH, Minn.– In a few short weeks, a longtime performer at Bayfront Park is gearing up to ‘Party in the Park’ once more. Alongside celebrating rock and roll, ‘Hairball’ is hitting a major milestone. For a quarter of a century, ‘Hairball’ has been rocking the nation. Getting their start at small bars, their band covers favorites such as ‘Motley Crue’…

Essentia Health Fitness Expo Marks the Start of Grandma’s Marathon Weekend

DULUTH, Minn. – Grandma’s Marathon weekend kicked off with the Essentia Health Fitness Expo. Runners and community members filled the Duluth Entertainment Convention Center to pick up race information packets, which include official race bibs and other essential race materials. The expo featured vendors and exhibitors highlighting the latest running and athletic gear, technology, and services, along with guest speakers…

Chicken Hat Plays Return: 8 Plays Written, Directed, Performed In 24 Hours

DULUTH, Minn. – Eight writers, eight directors and 40 actors got together last Friday to create eight different sketches with Rubber Chicken Theater that were performed in front of a live audience within 24 hours. Common Cameo Dan Hanger FOX 21’s Dan Hanger was the common cameo for all sketches. It was a lot of dedication and a lot of…

51st Juneteenth Jamboree Brings Celebration to Central Hillside

Duluth, Minn. –  Duluth’s NAACP held its 51st annual Juneteenth Jamboree Today. Community members gathered at the Central Hillside Community Center and Park for an afternoon centered on honoring the historic significance of Juneteenth and celebrating freedom. The Jamboree featured music, free food, performances, and a variety of vendors. “Juneteenth, you know what I mean, is a nice celebration for…

Volunteers & Staff Prepping for Annual ‘Michelina’s Spaghetti Dinner’

DULUTH, Minn.– The volunteers and staff for this weekend’s big race is running a marathon of their own. They’re working around the clock to make the city’s largest batch of spaghetti. Chef Jerry, and his brigade of volunteers and staff are working around the clock to chop up the oregano, basil and rosemary. By the time they’re finished, they will…

Volunteers Prepping for CHUM’s 20th ‘Rhubarb Festival’

  Duluth, Minn.– The 20-yearlong beloved rhubarb tradition for Duluth is right around the corner. And CHUM is excited to continue the traditions, both new and old. For this year’s ‘Rhubarb Festival’ celebration, it will take place at the Asbury United Methodist Church in West Duluth. Before the festival on June 28th, an official told FOX 21 an impressive 1,000…

Patty Salo Downs retiring from Alworth Memorial Fund

DULUTH, Minn. – Patty Salo Downs is retiring as executive director of the Marshall H. and Nellie Alworth Memorial Fund. She had held the role for nearly 19 years. Salo Downs helped the organization grant more than $26 million in scholarships to over 1,400 northern Minnesota high school students. She said, “Whether they’re participating in study abroad, installing a water distribution…

Church’s Natural Burial Cemetery Idea Causes Controversy

BARNUM, Minn.– There is controversy tonight involving a church in Barnum and its plan to open a natural burial site. The site’s planner says natural burials are better for the environment without embalming chemical used in traditional burials. Matt Connell, cemetarian at Loving Earth Memorial Gardens, and a member of the Steelmantown Church has a passion for the outdoors and preserving…

People impacted by Wildfires access multiple resources in one Place

HOYT LAKES, Minn. – People impacted by recent wildfires access multiple resources at an event organized by United Way of Northeastern Minnesota. The Multi-Agency Resource Center (MARC) established at the Hoyt Lakes Arena provides those impacted by recent wildfires with a single place to access governmental and non-government organizations. Hosted by the United Way of Northeastern Minnesota, organizations at the…

Music in the Park Series Returns for 42nd Summer

DULUTH, Minn. – The 42nd annual Music in the Park concert series kicked off this evening at Chester Park. The beloved summer music series, presented by Duluth Parks and Recreation in partnership with Chester Bowl, features family-friendly performances. Each concert showcased local artists from different genres. The concerts will be held every Tuesday at 6:30 to 8 p.m. from now until…

Cross City Trail Tour Teaches Locals about the St. Louis River

DULUTH, Minn. – Locals strapped on their helmets and toured the St. Louis River this evening. Community members were invited to participate in biking the Cross-City Trail, which consisted of a 4-mile round-trip tour put on by the St. Louis River Alliance. The bike tour showcased the natural beauty of the St. Louis River while teaching locals about the areas…

Iron Range Sees Increase in THC, CBD Beverages

DULUTH, Minn. – An influx of THC and CBD drinks is headed to the Iron Range this summer. The Iron Range is going to see an increase in THC and CBD drinks from local vendors to meet the rising demand for alcohol alternatives and functional beverages. This expansion will be conducted through Bernick’s, one of the leading beverage distribution companies…

S.S. Meteor Museum Re-opens!

  DULUTH, Minn. — The S.S. Meteor Museum has announced its re-opening for the season June 18th! Opening was delayed due to a crack appearing in the ship’s expansion hold. The crack appeared from shifting sediment underneath the ship and fluctuating temperatures. After repairs and inspections, the ship is now ready for tours again. In a statement on the Superior…

Traffic Advisories and Road Closures for 49th Annual Grandmas Marathon Weekend

  DULUTH, Minn. — With Grandmas Marathon just days away, detours and delays are expected across the city. Canal Park and the Downtown area east of Lake Avenue will see the heaviest impact within the city. Watch for No Parking signs, temporary signage, officials directing traffic, and barriers. For other race information visit GrandmasMarathon.com WEEKDAY PREPARATION ADVISORIES: Tuesday, the Northwest…

Lincoln Park Celebrates Summer Fest

DULUTH, Minn. — Lincoln Park’s annual Summer Fest kicked off the start of the season on Saturday! The festival featured everything Lincoln Park has to offer, from live music, to vendors, food trucks, activities and more. It celebrated the community, local creativity, and summer fun. “This day has been a really great combination of both highlighting Lincoln Park businesses and,…

Community Leaders Mark Gun Violence Awareness Day in Duluth

DULUTH, Minn. — After recent gun violence in Minnesota, city leaders and gun safety advocates gathered in Central Hillside to discuss and reinforce gun safety measures. At the event, Duluth Mayor Roger Reinert declared June 3 to be gun violence awareness day in Duluth. Gun safety advocates and local law enforcement talked about the recent tragedy that happened in Hermantown…

“No Kings Day” Protest Highlights Federal Opposition

DULUTH, Minn. — Hundreds of people in the Twin Ports protested against President Trump’s military parade over weekend in “No Kings Day” rallies. In Duluth, People peacefully gathered along Lake Ave. and Superior St. to show their opposition against the current administration. Like recent cuts from the federal government involving health care, the environment, and family assistance. Over 1,800 “No…

Lincoln Park Farmers Market Starts

DULUTH, Minn. — The Lincoln Park Farmers Market is back for the summer! Thursday was opening day for the Lincoln Park Farmers Market at Harrison Park. The market featured local vendors selling food, crafts, health products, and other goods. This farmers market works with those participating in the SNAP benefits and the Power of Produce program to increase access to…

Glensheen’s Beer Garden Returns on Wednesdays

DULUTH, Minn. — Glensheen’s Beer Garden invites locals to enjoy and learn about local craft beers. Wednesday evening, the Beer Garden at Glensheen teamed up with Castle Danger Brewery to put on a family-friendly event featuring local craft beers, food from Bowlz and Thangz, and fun activities for all ages. The event featured a brew talk where breweries shared insights…

Signatures for ‘Right to Repair’ ballot initiative delivered to Duluth City Hall

CITY HALL – Duluth Tenants Union deliver signatures in support of their “Right to Repair” ballot initiative to the City Clerk. Nearly 6,000 signatures in support of the Duluth “Right to Repair” ballot initiative, were presented to the City Clerk’s office Thursday afternoon. The signatures were delivered by members of the Duluth Tenants Union, a group comprised of renters and…

Brookston Community Center Biomass Heating Facility Finally Unveiled

BROOKSTON, Minn.– The Fond du Lac Reservation in Brookston is celebrating the completion of its newest biomass heating facility. The project has been a work in progress since 2011. And one official told FOX 21, this brought the opportunity to introduce updated technology. The biomass heating facility is now using woodchips from Fon du Lac Forestry to power its heat. “Well,…

Duluth Police Welcomes K9 Fitz onto the Department

DULUTH, Minn. — The Duluth Police Department is welcoming a new furry face as part of their K9 Division. K9 Fitz is a 1.5-year-old German Shephard/Malinois from Hungary. Fitz is a dual-purpose dog specializing in narcotic detection, tracking, article searching, and criminal apprehension. K9 Fitz is being handled by Officer Shane McKee and began K9 School this past February. The…

First Witness Child Advocacy Center Receives Support with Fundraiser

HERMANTOWN, Minn. —  A local non-profit received community support on Wednesday for a fundraiser. First Witness provides resources and support to children, teens, and vulnerable adults who have experienced abuse, along with advocacy and prevention education. They teamed up with The Title team, a title insurance company, to host a fundraiser at Skyline Social and Games to help raise awareness…