Community

FOX21 donation to help Northwoods Children’s Services ‘Winter Wishes’ program

DULUTH, Minn. — Northwood Children’s Services receives $200 donation ahead of the Holidays As part of the kicking off the Arrowhead Ice Show, Fox21 participated in an Ice Bocce tournament among area media broadcasters. Fox took 2nd place, winning $200 to donate and we selected Northwood Children’s Services as the recipient. FOX21 Northwoods Children’s ServicesL to R: Jason Van Horn,…

FOX 21 morning crew takes 2nd place at ice bocce tournament

  DULUTH, Minn. — Maria Vollom, along with some of our other Fox 21 morning crew, participated in the media ice bocce tournament at the DECC. The tournament is helping to kick off tomorrow’s ice show. The team had a blast playing against other local TV and radio stations while keeping it friendly. The first-place winner received a check for…

Wisconsin congressional candidate tours Northland

SUPERIOR, Wis. — Wisconsin congressional candidate Paul Wassgren visited Superior as the Republican continues on a tour through Wisconsin’s 7th district. The tour first hit Merrill, WI, on Dec. 10, before stopping in Chippewa Falls and Ace’s on 29th in Superior, with the final stop happening Dec. 12 in Balsam Lake, where he’ll once again speak on how he plans…

Governor Walz to announce new anti-fraud chief

Minnesota Governor Tim Walz DULUTH, Min. – Minnesota Governor Tim Walz is expected to announce a new Director of Program Integrity for Minnesota on Friday, December 12, 2025. The director’s goal is to address and prevent fraud. The governor is also expected to announce the hiring of outside experts to create a statewide fraud prevention program. Fraud in government programs have…

Lake Superior Zoo welcomes a pair of Canadian lynx brothers

  DULUTH, Minn.– The Lake Superior Zoo was thrilled to announce two new big cats, after they arrived back in October. Canadian lynx brothers six-year-old Bjorn and seven-year-old Floki traveled to Duluth from the Pittsburgh Zoo. The boys are right at home, as they originated in this region, but they also live all over Canada. Zoo staff telling us, they…

American Legion Post 109 hosts annual lutefisk and Swedish meatball dinner

TWO HARBORS, Minn. — The American Legion Post 109 in Two Harbors hosted its 21st annual Lutefisk and Swedish Meatball Dinner, a tradition that brings together locals, travelers, and longtime supporters. Guests purchase meals, choosing either lutefisk or Swedish meatballs, to support veterans. Lutefisk is a Scandinavian tradition stretching back hundreds of years, and with its deep roots in the…

St. Louis River Alliance hold ‘River Appreciation’ party

DULUTH, Minn. — The St. Louis River Alliance set up shop at Clyde Iron Works for a “River Appreciation” party. The party was free and open to the public, with cake served to the attendees before a presentation, recapping the organization’s 2025. A focus of the event and others like it for the alliance is the organization’s ongoing “Membership Drive,”…

’12 Hours of Giving’ Blood Drive nearing Twin Ports debut

DULUTH, Minn. — In continuing with Fox 21’s partnership with the Red Cross’ 12 Hours of Giving Blood Drive, Fox 21 is taking the weeks leading up to the event to tell the stories of those whose lives have been affected for the better through blood donation. The event itself will be Dec. 18. and 19, at The Garden Event…

Injured Pelican highlights the costs of cruelty

ANTIGO, Wis. — A pelican that was recently rescued from Chequamegon Bay in Ashland is currently being treated for lead poisoning following a gunshot wound. SEE PREVIOUS: Resident pelican rescued in Ashland Officials say Lead poisoning in birds is complex. “We have to use injections, chelating injections, twice a day to remove the lead from the blood, and then we…

Norma Hoffbauer celebrates 100th birthday

DULUTH, Minn. — Norma Hoffbauer turned 100 today. She celebrated this milestone surrounded by friends and family, with some guests traveling from as far away as Alaska. Cupcakes and drinks were shared all around as everyone mingled, and the kids decorated some festive gingerbread houses. Norma shared one important piece of advice. “Live one day at a time, and make…

Lake Superior Zoo shows off pygmy slow loris babies

DULUTH, Minn.– The Lake Superior Zoo welcomed two new pygmy slow loris babies, and they’re growing fast! The little critters were born unexpectedly back on November 17th. And since then, zoo staff has been carefully managing their care with supplemental feeding, and health monitoring. Slow Pygmy Lorises are the only venomous primates in the world, and they’re critically endangered. This…

148th Fighter Wing honors TSgt Ryan Ewald with 13th annual toy drive

DULUTH, Minn.– For thirteen years, the 148th Fighter Wing has honored Tech Sergeant Ryan Ewald through their annual toy drive. And this year’s toy haul was quite successful. Two truckloads of toys were brought in for the salvation army distribution. One of the airmen said Ewald passed away from an ATV crash and was known for toy drive involvement every…

Solvay Hospice House receives nearly $45,000 from Super One’s register round-up

DULUTH, Minn. — Super One raised nearly $45,000  for Solvay Hospice House. These funds were raised during their recent Register Round-up campaign, where customers could choose to round up their change or donate more when checking out. This campaign was at 19 regional stores. Solvay has been a register roundup participant for 18 years now, raising more than $373,000  in…

Philanthropist MacKenzie Scott gave $7.1 billion to nonprofits in 2025, a major increase

Mackenzie Scott NEW YORK (AP) — The author and philanthropist MacKenzie Scott revealed $7.1 billion in donations to nonprofits in 2025 Tuesday, marking a significant increase in her annual giving from recent years. Writing in an essay on her website, Scott said, “This dollar total will likely be reported in the news, but any dollar amount is a vanishingly tiny fraction of the personal…

Lake Superior Train Museum hosts holiday party

DULUTH, Minn. — The Superior Railroad Museum held its after-hours annual holiday party alongside the History in a Pint event put on by the Veterans Memorial Hall. The family-friendly events featured crafts, festive Christmas decorations, and plenty of photo opportunities. While some browsed the trains, others sat down to enjoy a pint of beer from a local brewery and listen…

UW-Superior music celebrates annual “Season of Song” holiday concert

SUPERIOR, Wis. — A musical Twin Ports holiday tradition happened once again in Superior as UW-Superior’s “Season of Song” concert held its final performance of season. The performances all taking place at The Cathedral of Christ the King Church, with saw hundreds of people braving notable poor weather to make it to the annual event. The concert caps the Fall…

City Council approves transfer of former Lester Park Golf Course

DULUTH, Minn. — The Duluth City Council has approved an ordinance allowing the transfer of the former Lester Park Golf Course property to the Duluth Economic Development Authority. After extensive debate among a roomful of Duluth residents, the ordinance passed by an 8-to-1 vote. The ordinance approves the transfer of the 230-acre parcel to DEDA, but the transfer will only…

Lake Superior College hosts student art show for Fall ’25 semester

DULUTH, Minn. — Lake Superior College is treating Twin Ports residents to the artistic visions of their students with a campus-wide art show. The free-to-the-public art show runs through the college’s main campus building, showing off art produced by the school’s students during the Fall 2025 semester. With the art forms ranging from photography, to painting, to jewelry, the show…

Duluth Area YMCA to integrate Superior location

DULUTH, Minn.– For over 150 years, the YMCA has graced its presence in Duluth, and 72 years in Superior. Going forward exciting changes have been announced. The Duluth location has now acquired the Superior YMCA location. The employees over in Wisconsin will temporarily be laid off but are expected to immediately be re-hired under the new Duluth ownership of the…

Nearly a quarter million visits to Great Lakes Aquarium in 2025

Great Lakes Aquarium Logo DULUTH, Min. – The Great Lakes Aquarium is projecting a record number of visits in 2025. 2025 is the aquarium’s 25th anniversary year with a projected 235,000 visitors. It’s the fifth consecutive year of attendance growth. Great Lakes Aquarium commissioned the Bureau of Business and Economic Research (BBER) at UMD’s Labovitz School of Business and Economics…

Filter with special guests Finger Eleven and Local H coming to Duluth

Richard Patrick of Filter DULUTH, Min. – Rock bands Filter, Finger Eleven and Local H are coming to Duluth. They’ll be taking the stage at DECC on Wednesday, March 25, 2026 at 7:30 PM. Filter is an industrial rock band formed in 1993 by former Nine Inch Nails guitarist Richard Patrick.  Take a Picture, Hey Man Nice Shot and Welcome…

Carlton County Animal Rescue hosts open house for interested families

CLOQUET, Minn. — The Carlton County Animal Rescue held an open house to showcase some cats and kittens who are looking for their future homes. Those in attendance were treated to some quality time with their potential forever friends, as well as a presentation in which they could learn more about the organization and the people behind it. Through donations…

Union Gospel Mission unveils new resting area for community

DULUTH, Minn.– Union Gospel Mission, a nonprofit dedicated to helping out the homeless community, has unveiled a new space for anyone to take advantage of. The Nest resting area is in response to the mission’s goal to accommodate their growing population. Union Gospel Mission officials said they have 75 seats in their dining facility. But they have been seeing up…

Parent speaks out following Superior Middle School incident

SUPERIOR, Wis.– Following the incident that ended up involving the Superior Middle School, one mother is making her voice heard about the aftermath of this situation. During the difficult moments, Katie Hagglund of Duluth said she was impressed with how the City of Superior handled the situation. However, she’s still feeling confusion and mixed emotions after everything played out. But…

Nemadji Trail Rally brings racing to the Northland

DUQUETTE. Minn — Cars flew through the Nemadji State Forest Saturday in a test of skill and speed. The Nemadji Trail Rally brought together 13 different cars from around the region to compete on the snowy course. Nemadji Trail Rally The race, officially sanctioned by the American Rally Association(ARA), spanned 33 miles of state forest road closed off for the event….

Santa eats breakfast with local families

DULUTH, Minn. — Families gathered at the Miller Hill Mall Applebee’s this Saturday to have breakfast with Santa. Seating was first-come, first-served, with each plate of food costing $10. Alongside breakfast, Santa spoke with the children about Christmas lists and checked who had been naughty or nice. “I really had a lot of nice kids all the time, and I asked…

CAD Staff: We’d rather have Community Action Duluth fail than see Classie Dudley succeed

Classie Dudley DULUTH, Min. – FOX21 has obtained a 2022 document from the Minnesota Department of Human Services where staff members at Community Action Duluth (CAD) allegedly said they wanted to see Classie Dudley fail as the organization’s Executive Director. It described CAD in late 2022 as a “chaotic organization.” The report says, ” company time to gather staff, write…

Lutsen residents address the loss of Lutsen Lodge and its lingering impact

LUTSEN, Minn.– Following the recent news regarding the Lutsen Lodge arson case, several community members told FOX 21, the potential bankruptcy, and the debt left behind, will impact numerous people. That being said, they’re all still mourning the loss of the historic landmark. One Lutsen resident is speaking out about the aftermath the charges bring the community. “Losing that piece…

The Original Louis’ Cafe closing its doors permanently

SUPERIOR, Wis. — Popular Greek restaurant The Original Louis’ Cafe in Superior is shutting down permanently. After serving the Twin Ports for over 50 years, the local favorite is closing its doors on Friday, December 5. “It’s been an incredible journey, and we’re so grateful for every moment we’ve shared with our amazing customers and community. The memories we’ve created…

Minnesota Ballet performs scenes of ‘The Nutcracker’ at Essentia

DULUTH, Minn. — Healthcare Workers and patients at Essentia saw some dazzling dances from the Nutcracker. The Minnesota Ballet visited the hospital ahead of their full performance at the DECC. They performed a few excerpts from the ballet in the atrium, then headed up to the pediatric unit to perform for the children. “It’s a wonderful way to appreciate the…

Bentleyville welcomes “Zoo Crew” to tour of lights

DULUTH, Minn. — People gathered at Bentleyville for a visit from some fluffy friends known as the “Zoo Crew”. The annual tour of lights brought in animals from “Cook’s Country Connection” to help spark some holiday cheer, with goats, mini horses, and alpacas braving the chilly weather. If you missed the critters during their Bentleyville stay, they’ll be back out…

Duluth Armory receives largest ever donation amid restoration

DULUTH, Minn. — For over 20 years, the Duluth Armory has been looking for funds and donations wherever they could them. However, thanks to a very generous anonymous local, the finish line is in sight. “We are so appreciative,” said Michelle Miller, co-executive director of the Armory Arts and Music Center. “This is a local supporter of the project who…

The Veterans Memorial Hall hosts 20th annual remembrance dinner

DULUTH, Minn. — People gathered at the Veterans Memorial Hall for the 20th annual remembrance dinner. The event was hosted by the St. Louis County Historical Society and is held every year to honor service members and our nation’s history. The evening featured keynote speakers, a silent auction, dinner, the Mike Colalillo Medal of Honor Scholarship, the unveiling of the…

The “Leif Erikson Viking Ship” to be back on public display after 40+ years

KNIFE RIVER, Min. – Following more than 40-years of restoration the “Leif Erikson Viking Ship” will be on display and open to the public. Viking Ship Restoration Project Save Our Ship, Inc. has been working on the restoration. It will debut at the annual “Julebyen Christmas Village” celebration in Knife River. The boat was built in Norway in 1926 as a…

Rare twin pygmy slow lorises born at Lake Superior Zoo

The Lake Superior Zoo is delighted to announce the birth of twin pygmy slow lorises to parents Colby and Georgio. DULUTH, Min. — The Lake Superior Zoo is announcing the birth of twin pygmy slow lorises. The infants were born on November 17, 2025 to parents Colby and Georgio. The the zoo says the babies have been, “steadily growing, exploring, and…

Esko-native to retire after more than 37-years of military service

Command photo of Command Chief Master Sgt. Lisa Erikson, the Minnesota National Guard’s Command Senior Enlisted Leader taken in Cottage Grove, Minnesota on Oct. 16, 2024. ST. PAUL, Minn. – The Minnesota National Guard is honoring Air Force Command Chief Master Sgt. Lisa Erikson. Chief Master Sgt. Erikson will be honored in a Saturday, December 6, 2025 ceremony. The ceremony…

Aldi celebrates grand opening in Hibbing Minnesota

HIBBING, Minn.– A popular European grocery chain has opened another location in the Iron Range. Aldi, the budget-friendly grocery store known for its fun finds, celebrated its grand opening today. The new location sits along highway 169 west. Shoppers can also enter a $500 gift-card sweepstakes throughout the opening weekend. One customer shared that she’s thrilled to see this new…

Resident pelican rescued in Ashland

Conservation Biologist Ryan Brady with the rescued pelican ASHLAND, Wis. — A pelican in Ashland was rescued Wednesday, Dec 3, as increasing ice cover threatened it. The pelican was first spotted back in September and stuck around for much longer than usual, becoming a bit of a local celebrity. Over the past couple of months, Conservation Biologist Ryan Brady had…