Community

Morning Update 11-19-19

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Tuesday, November 19, 2019

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Brittney Merlot for a local look at news and weather making headlines Tuesday, November 19, 2019. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, brittney merlot, community, Local News, morning update, News

Northland Winter Weather Outlook 2019-2020

The Northland Gears Up for Another Long Winter

DULUTH, Minn. — It’s time for the 2019-2020 Winter Weather Outlook from our Fox 21 Meteorologists! While we’re still a month away from the official start of winter, snow arrives earlier in the Northland and sticks around beyond March!  We’ve already seen big snow events this season with a “Winter Storm Warning” across the Snowbelt with more than a foot…

Knowing Your Neighbors: Buy and Sell Gear at Great Lakes Gear Exchange

New outdoor gear consignment store opens in East Hillside.

DULUTH, Minn.- Here outdoor activities are a part of life in any season. But all of that equipment can get pricey. Great Lakes Gear Exchange is hoping to change that. “Our mission is to make outdoor adventure financially and culturally accessible while promoting sustainability in the outdoor industry,” said co-owner Brooke Wetmore. Before occupying their new storefront on East 4th…

Minnesota Power Strings Lights on 35th Christmas Tree

3400 ft of LED lights strung on tree.

DULUTH, Minn.- It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas throughout the rest of Duluth as crews decorated the Minnesota Power Christmas Tree in lights for the 35th year. The 54 ft tree will be strung in 3400 feet of LED lights, to be lit Friday at five before the Christmas City of the North Parade. The tree will be…

Bentleyville Prep Wraps Up Five Days Before Opening

Volunteers finish setting up gift shop.

DULUTH, Minn.- The Bentleyville Tour of Lights is almost done setting up in Bayfront Park, for opening night this Saturday. Over the last eight weeks, about 15 hundred volunteers helped set up the 21 acres of over 5 million lights. Founder Nathan Bentley said the display wouldn’t happen without all of that help. “I sometimes believe the public maybe doesn’t…

Midday Update 11-18-19

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Monday, November 18, 2019

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Brittney Merlot for a local look at news and weather making headlines Monday, November 18, 2019. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, brittney merlot, community, Local News, midday update

Bluebird Foundation Inc. Hosts 2019 Christmas By The Lake CD Release Party

The CD Release Party is Happening Wednesday, November 20 from 5:00 - 9:00 p.m. at Greysolon Plaza Ballroom

DULUTH, Minn. – In its first five years of existence, The Bluebird Foundation, a 501 (c) (3) non-profit, has awarded nearly $50,000 in grants and scholarships to regional high school age youth in the performing arts. The foundation’s major annual fundraiser is the Christmas by the Lake Album. The annual music album (two CD’s or digital download) consisting of 33…

Morning Update 11-18-19

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Monday, November 18, 2019

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Brittney Merlot for a local look at news and weather making headlines Monday, November 18, 2019. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, brittney merlot, community, Headlines, Local News, morning update

Volunteers Needed for Annual Thanksgiving Day Buffet at DECC

The Annual Thanksgiving Day Buffet at the DECC is Happening Thursday, November 28

DULUTH, Minn. – More than 5,000 Northlanders will receive a free, home cooked meal on Thanksgiving thanks to help from hundreds of local volunteers. Organizers of the annual Thanksgiving Day Buffet at the Duluth Entertainment Convention Center are in crucial need of volunteers to help make the event a success once again this year. Organizer Monica Hendrickson says volunteers are…

Out-of-State Trainer Visits Spring Hill Farm for Horseback Riding Clinic

Paul Belasik helps riders with Dressage riding skills.

DULUTH, Minn.- Some Northland horseback riders spent time working with a trainer from out of state this weekend. Paul Belasik flew in from Pennsylvania to Spring Hill Farm on Jean Duluth Road for the weekend. He helped riders with their Dressage riding, where the horse and rider are expected to perform a series of pre-planned movements from memory. “It’s often…

UFC Star Teaches Families Self Defense with Jiu Jitsu

6 time UFC Star and Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Black Belt at Inner Strength in Superior.

SUPERIOR, Wis.- Marcus Aurelio is a 5th degree black belt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, and a 6-time UFC star. But Sunday night he was an instructor for an all ages Self-Defense Seminar in Superior. “I wanna help people in a way that they need to have understanding about what’s gonna happen, what can happen with them on the street,” Aurelio…

International Students Serve Up a Taste of UMD Cultures

15 countries represented at Taste of UMD

DULUTH, Minn.- The UMD International Club took people on a trip around the world with their annual International Taste of UMD event. About 15 countries had their cuisine represented, made by the students themselves. According to the President of the International Club, the event makes international students feel like part of the community. “I think it creates a sense of…

Duluth Heights Hockey Rink Opens, Community Center Still Closed

Hockey Association has quotes on roof repair.

DULUTH, Minn.- The sound of metal skates on ice mean it’s that time of year: hockey season is back again. And the Duluth Heights Community Center is the first to open their outdoor rink this season. “The kids spend 4–6 days here every week in the winter I would say,” said Duluth Heights Hockey Association President Kim Oppelt. “So it’s…

Midday Update 11-15-19

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Friday, November 15, 2019

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Brittney Merlot for a local look at news and weather making headlines Friday, November 15, 2019. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, brittney merlot, community, Local News, midday update

More Than 180 Vendors Set Up for Festival of Trees at the DECC

The Junior League of Duluth is Hosting the Annual Festival of Trees Saturday, November 16 and Sunday, November 17

DULUTH, Minn. – The 2019 Junior League of Duluth (JLD) annual Festival of Trees at the Duluth Entertainment and Convention Center (DECC) is happening Saturday, November 16 and Sunday, November 17. This year’s event includes more than 180 vendors for shoppers to enjoy. Festival of Trees is the JLD’s largest fundraiser. Proceeds go to support JLD and community projects, including…

Morning Update 11-15-19

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Friday, November 15, 2019

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Brittney Merlot for a local look at news and weather making headlines Friday, November 15, 2019. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, brittney merlot, community, Local News, morning update

Chester Bowl Fires Up Snow Guns

DULUTH, Minn. – Chester Bowl began making snow Thursday morning. The ski hill fired up their guns with the expectation of opening on December 7th. Management says, the help of the volunteers makes this all possible. “There are two of us that are permanent staff at Chester Bowl. We rely so heavily on volunteers. 24 hours a day someone is…

Midday Update 11-14-19

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Thursday, November 14, 2019

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Brittney Merlot for a local look at news and weather making headlines Thursday, November 14, 2019. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, brittney merlot, community, Local News, midday update

UWS Theatre Presents Production of “Gaslight”

The Production will Open Friday, November 15 on the Campus of UW-Superior

SUPERIOR, Wis. – UWS Theatre is proud to present its latest production, “Gaslight.” Written in 1938 and set in a foggy, dreary London, “Gaslight” follows the shady Jack Manningham and his search for hidden jewels all while hiding this quest from his wife, Bella, by attempting to convince her that she is going insane. Luckily, a police detective becomes involved…

Morning Update 11-14-19

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Thursday, November 14, 2019

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Brittney Merlot for a local look at news and weather making headlines Thursday, November 14, 2019. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, brittney merlot, community, Local News, morning update

Roasted Olives, Quick Holiday Dish

COOKING CONNECTION: Coco's Latest Bites Makes A Long Lasting Appetizer For Parties

DULUTH, Minn. – Coco’s Latest Bite’s made Roasted Mediterranean Olives in this week’s Cooking Connection. It’s great for appetizers and party foods as the holidays are right around the corner. These olives will keep in the fridge for up to 3 months if they last that long! RECIPE: 3 cups pitted kalamata olives, drained 1 lemon, thinly sliced 2 teaspoons…

UMD Students Meet Industry Reps At Insurance Career Day

DULUTH, Minn- UMD students got the chance to future career opportunities today. The Labovitz School of Business held the first-ever Insurance Career Day. There, students got the were able to network with UMD Alumni currently working in the industry. Staff say, the whole day is to set students up for success when it comes to the variety of careers in…

American Heart Association Wants You to Eat Smart, Live Smart

AHA partnered with Essentia Health and St. Luke's at Super One.

DULUTH, Minn.- It’s Eat Smart Month, and the American Heart Association, St. Luke’s and Essentia Health partnered together to get Super One customers to eat healthier. The three had a display inside of the Duluth Kenwood Super One. Shoppers could talk to registered dieticians, be trained in hands-only CPR, and receive gift cards to purchase healthy foods. “Just to build…

UMD Undergrad First to Perform Drop Test on Building Material

Test dropped 250 lbs on material from a height of one foot.

DULUTH, Minn.- For the first time at UMD, an undergraduate student measured the resilience of a material using a drop tower test. As part of his Undergraduate Research Opportunities Program (UROP), senior Tom DeMars dropped 250 lbs on material sent in from a building company, from a height of one foot. It measures how well the material handles under different…

Companies Show Superior High Students Manufacturing Careers

Five Companies and Lake Superior College stopped by the high school.

SUPERIOR, Wis.- Five companies and Lake Superior College stopped by Superior High School to talk to students about manufacturing careers. This, at a time when the industry is also dealing with an aging labor force. Students stopped by each company’s table to learn about the different types of positions within those companies. According to the school’s Transition Coordinator, many of…

Midday Update 11-13-19

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Wednesday, November 13, 2019

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Brittney Merlot for a local look at news and weather making headlines Wednesday, November 13, 2019. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, brittney merlot, community, Local News, midday update

Heavy Lake Effect Snow Benefits

GREAT OUTDOORS: Ironwood Slammed with Over A Foot of Lake Effect Snow

IRONWOOD, Mich. — In this weeks Great Outdoors, Fox 21’s Meteorologist Brittney Merlot takes us to the snowbelt that’s just finishing digging out of their recent lake effect winter storm. Plows and loaders filled the streets of Ironwood on Tuesday, clearing over 14 inches of snowfall that dropped in just 24 hours. Arctic air with temperatures in the single digits…

Ho, Ho, Ho! Santa Returns to Miller Hill Mall Saturday

With the Return of Santa Claus to the Miller Hill Mall, Legacy Toys will Also Kick off Their Annual Toy Drive

DULUTH, Minn. – Happening Saturday, November 16, you’re encouraged to bring the kiddos to enjoy Breakfast with Santa, Mrs. Claus, and a few other well-known characters. The event is kicking off the holiday season at the Miller Hill Mall in Duluth. Janet Fawcett with the Miller Hill Mall, and Peter Cpin, Owner of Legacy Toys, stopped by FOX 21 Local…

Phase One of Lake Superior Zoo’s New Bear Country Exhibit Almost Complete

CEO Erik Simonson Says Phase One of Bear Country Should be Complete in Roughly Eight Weeks

DULUTH, Minn. – The new Bear Country Exhibit at the Lake Superior Zoo has been years in the making. Construction crews are currently on site, work is being completed as quickly as possible, and four of the zoo’s new animals have arrived. “Essentially, we have become the parents to our two new bears,” said Dave Thompson, Director of Animal Management…

Morning Update 11-13-19

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Wednesday, November 13, 2019

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Brittney Merlot for a local look at news and weather making headlines Wednesday, November 13, 2019. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, brittney merlot, community, Local News, morning update

Great Lakes Gear Exchange Moves to East 4th Street

Consignment equipment store went from pop-up shop to storefront.

DULUTH, Minn.- A new store in Duluth’s Hillside neighborhood is aiming to offer outdoor gear at lower prices, by selling them on consignment. Great Lakes Gear Exchange started as a pop-up shop at the Duluth Folk School before moving to its location on East 4th Street. The consignment store will accept any non-motorized, gently used, clean clothing and gear to…

Duluth Council Tables Plastic Bag Ordinance Again to Hear from Dept. of Revenue

Some councilors want questions about taxability to be answered, others say it's time to vote.

DULUTH, Minn.- The Duluth City Council has once again tabled a plastic bag ordinance that would require businesses to charge customers five center per single-use bag. This time, councilors want to hear back from the Minnesota Department of Revenue, to find out whether or not the fee would need to be taxed. The bag fee has been in front of…

Midday Update 11-12-19

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Tuesday, November 12, 2019

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Brittney Merlot for a local look at news and weather making headlines Tuesday, November 12, 2019. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, brittney merlot, community, Local News, midday update

U.S. Olympic Gold Medalist Kikkan Randall to Visit Duluth Saturday

Duluth Cross-Country Ski Club Hosting Two Events Saturday, November 16, 2019

DULUTH, Minn. – Two big events are happening Saturday, November 16, put on by the Duluth Cross-Country Ski Club. Club President Dan Maki and committee member Annalisa Peterson stopped by FOX 21 Local News to chat about how the public can get involved. U.S. Olympic Gold Medalist, U.S. Nordic Ski Team legend, and breast cancer survivor Kikkan Randall will first…

Morning Update 11-12-19

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Tuesday, November 12, 2019

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Brittney Merlot for a local look at news and weather making headlines Tuesday, November 12, 2019. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, brittney merlot, community, Local News, morning update

More Snow Means More Business Up North Shore

Different North Shore Businesses prepare for winter tourists after last week's snowfall.

NORTH SHORE, Minn.- It seems Jack Frost made an early stop up the North Shore, and businesses couldn’t be happier. “We all live here for a reason. So we’re big fans of the snow and the cold,” said Jordyn Timberlake. The Bartender and Housekeep at Knotted Pine Inn and Tavern in Isabella is looking at increased business for both the…

Midday Update 11-11-19

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Monday, November 11, 2019

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Brittney Merlot for a local look at news and weather making headlines Monday, November 11, 2019. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, brittney merlot, community, Local News, midday update

Lake Superior Zoo Hosting Annual Uncorked and Tapped for Conservation Fundraiser

The Fundraiser is Happening Thursday, November 14, 2019

DULUTH, Minn. – The Lake Superior Zoo invites you to the annual Uncorked and Tapped for Conservation Fundraiser on Thursday, November 14 from 5:00 – 8:00 p.m. The event is happening at Clyde Iron Works in Duluth. The evening will include wine and beer tasting, food from local restaurants, live music, raffles, and more. Proceeds from this event go towards…

Chester Bowl Improvement Club Hosting Annual Skis, Suds, Slices Fundraiser

Skis, Suds & Slices Fundraiser is Happening Friday, November 15

DULUTH, Minn. – The 12th Annual Skis, Suds and Slices fundraiser is happening Friday, November 15 from 6:00 – 9:00 p.m. at Clyde Iron Works in Duluth (2920 West Michigan Street). Skis, Suds and Slices is a pizza, wine, and beer tasting event with a silent auction. Participants will get to vote on the “Twin Ports’ Best Pizza” to help…

Morning Update 11-11-19

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Monday, November 11, 2019

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Brittney Merlot for a local look at news and weather making headlines Monday, November 11, 2019. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, brittney merlot, community, Local News, morning update

Hundreds of Pets Adopted at Miller Hill Subaru ‘Love-A-Pet’

117 animals adopted, including 55 dogs.

DULUTH, Minn.- Miller Hill Subaru was crawling with pets this weekend for their annual Love-A-Pet Adoption event. 117 animals were adopted at discounted fees over the course of the weekend. Saturday was “Cat-ur-day,” and Sunday was “Pup Day,” where 55 dogs went home with their new families. Five different organizations including Animal Allies Humane Society came together to get these…

Remembering the Lives Lost on the Edmund Fitzgerald

Split Rock Lighthouse holds their annual Muster Roll and Beacon Lighting.

TWO HARBORS, Minn.- On this day in 1975, tragedy rocked Lake Superior. The Edmund Fitzgerald sank, taking all 29 crew members with it. At Split Rock Lighthouse, a crowd gathers in front of the lighthouse, in front of a lone gray ship’s bell. “Frederick J. Beecher, Porter.” The bell tolls. “Very, very sad. All the people who died. And the…

Legacy Toys Packed with Families for Neighborhood Toy Store Day

Day is a chance to celebrate local toy stores.

DULUTH, Minn.- It’s National Neighborhood Toy Store Day, and toy stores throughout the country are celebrating with the little customers who love them so much. Legacy Toys in Miller Hill Mall celebrated with a 25% discount on any item, and other sales. They also had free arts and crafts and coloring for anyone who came in. Legacy Toys’s Store Manager…

St. Scholastica Honors Veterans with Music

Let Freedom Ring concert by band and orchestra.

DULUTH, Minn.- With Veterans Day just two days away, the College of St. Scholastica honored those who served our country with some music. On Saturday they hosted their Let Freedom Ring Band and Orchestra Concert. Two of their students weren’t playing tonight, as they have just been deployed themselves. So the concert was a chance to honor them, along with…

Bucks Beware: Minnesota Firearm Deer Season Begins

Nearly 500,000 hunters expected to bring in about 100,000 deer, according to DNR.

DULUTH, Minn.- Bucks Beware as nearly 500,000 hunters throughout the state are taking to the woods for the start of Firearm Deer Hunting Season. The Minnesota DNR reminds hunters that a deer license purchased after opening day is valid starting the next day after being issued, not the same day. You can register your deer in-person, over the phone, or…

Neuroscience Lab Helps Middle Schoolers Have Fun with Brains

Lab visits Cloquet Middle School, with sheep brains.

CLOQUET, Minn.- Kids at Cloquet Middle School got an in-depth look at the inner workings of the brain. The UMD Mobile Neuroscience Lab made a stop at the school with some sheep brains. 13 UMD psychology undergrad and graduate students used the brains to help the middle schoolers learn about the functions and parts of the human brain. “They’re, I…

Community Breaks Ground of Extension of Cloquet Library

7,000 foot expansion costs roughly $2 million.

CLOQUET, Minn.- On Friday ground was broken on a major expansion to the Cloquet Public Library, which should be completed next summer. This 7,000 foot library extension is 10 years in the making but after getting a grant from the Minnesota Department of Education last fall, the plans are now becoming a reality. The library expansion is expected to cost…

UWS Students Honor Local Veterans

SUPERIOR, Wisc. – With Veterans Day just around the corner, one UWS class has partnered with the Red Cross to help show support for area veterans. The public relations course at UWS is putting the finishing touches on a banner and holiday cards for Northland veterans. This project is something they have been working on all semester. Students say, it’s…