Community

Surfers spend the snow day catching some waves

DULUTH, Minn.– During a snow day, you may find people outside making snowmen, and snow angels. But for some people, they’re hoping to do something a little more adventurous. All around Brighton beach and French River Wayside, handfuls of surfers kept busy catching some waves. Before hitting the water, they make sure to have good wetsuits, leashes for boards, and…

Lutsen expects to open first runs of the season Friday

Lutsen Skiing LUTSEN, Min. – The team at Lutsen Mountains expect the first runs of the season to open on Friday, November 28, 2025. They say the expected snow over Thanksgiving should be enough to open a few runs. In a news release, “For opening day, our plan is to operate Raptor Express along with the Flapjack Conveyor, giving us a blend…

Bentleyville to close Wednesday night following storm damage

DULUTH, Minn. — Bentleyville’s ‘Tour of Lights’ will be closed Wednesday night due to damage sustained in Tuesday evening’s storm. According to their Facebook, they will remain closed while crews work to assess and repair the damage. They state this is for the safety of their guests, volunteers, and staff. Bentleyville storm damage. Officials with Bentleyville say repairs will start…

City of Duluth snowplow drivers say they’re ready for first major snowfall

DULUTH, Minn. — With snowplows officially out on Duluth roads assisting Twin Ports commuters, there’s some interesting science that goes along with the first plowable snowfall. While the snow has been few and far between so far during the season, the noticeable lack of snowfall has helped plow drivers be extra ready for whatever comes their way. “The city takes…

Stempathy Career Fair inspires middle schoolers

DULUTH, Minn. — Ordean East Middle Schoolers are getting inspired at the STEMpathy Career Fair. The career fair aims to connect the students with professionals in the science, technology, engineering, and math fields. The event showcases diverse STEM career pathways, allowing students to explore career options, learn about educational pathways, and see how these fields contribute to the community’s economic…

Volunteers at the DECC preparing for Thanksgiving buffet

DULUTH, Minn.– The biggest Thanksgiving dinner in the Northland is currently receiving it’s finishing touches. The DECC’s free Thanksgiving meal is staffed by volunteers from the college of St. Scholastica, Minnesota Power, and Mid Coast Catering. They’re preparing more than 2,200 pounds of turkey and mashed potatoes, 500 gallons of gravy, and 100 pounds of stuffing. The team is ready…

Kirby Board Program at UMD kicks off Turkey Eggstravaganza

DULUTH, Minn.– UMD students are burning off some pre-holiday steam, because the Kirby Board Program brought back its ‘Turkey Eggstravaganza’. The annual hunt began four years ago to get students into some holiday fun. 40 little turkeys are scattered around campus, waiting to be found. If students can’t find a turkey, they’re also holding a hand turkey contest. Hand turkey…

Chester Bowl prepping to have new building by ’26-’27 winter season

DULUTH, Minn. — We could finally be seeing a new chalet at Chester Bowl come next winter. The Chester Bowl team are finalizing design plans, and they intend to start contract bidding in February. Once they award the contractor and close for the winter season on March 13th, construction can finally start rolling. It’ll be about a six-month project, so…

Mannheim Steamroller Christmas coming to Duluth

DULUTH, Min. – Mannheim Steamroller Christmas by Chip Davis is back in Duluth.  The holiday tradition for 4-decades features their distinctive Mannheim sound. They’ll be playing Wednesday, December 17 at 7:00pm in the DECC Symphony Hall. FOX21 talked to Roxanne Layton, who plays percussion and recorder for the band. She’s very proud their sound and the whole show experience.  People with varying…

CHUM distributing 300 Thanksgiving dinners throughout the week

DULUTH, Minn.– Since June, CHUM has been planning and organizing their plan to give over 300 Northlanders a Thanksgiving dinner. Around fifteen volunteers gathered at our Saviors Lutheran Church for the distribution. Most of their canned goods came from donations from churches and schools around the area. Each family will receive a turkey, stuffing, potatoes, canned fruits and veggies, and…

Die Hard part of Zeitgeist’s holiday film selection

Die Hard movie poster DULUTH, Min. – Zeitgeist has announced their holiday film line-up. The Muppet Christmas Carol will have four showings between November 29 and December 7. It’s A Wonderful Life will get three weekend showings between December 13 and 21. Scrooged will have a single showing on December 16. Die Hard will have its sole opportunity to save…

Hermantown grad awarded 2025 Mike Colalillo Medal of Honor Scholarship

Ely Young DUUTH, Min. – Ely Young of Hermantown has been awarded the 2025 Mike Colalillo Medal of Honor Scholarship. The honor comes from the St. Louis County Historical Society. Young wrote his winning essay about his great aunt, Shirley Hedin (nee, Armstrong), who appeared on the cover of LIFE Magazine in 1943 as part of the Women’s Land Army….

Thanksgiving meals and buffets in the greater Twin Ports area

DULUTH, Minn. — Various Thanksgiving meals available both free and paid. Free Thanksgiving Meals St. Scholastica Annual Thanksgiving Meal at the DECC – Thursday, Nov. 27 from 11am to 3pm Free dinner for anyone in the community Turkey dinner with homemade mashed potatoes and gravy, stuffing, vegetables, dinner roll, and cake for dessert DECC — Lake Superior Ballroom Free parking…

UMD Rocketry performs static motor test

DULUTH, Minn. — After months of hard work, dedication, and teamwork, members of UMD Bulldog Rocketry finally had their moment, putting their brand-new rocket motor to the test before their competition in June. “We do this for our competition in order to prove that our rocket, that the motor that we make ourselves will perform nominally and without any catastrophic…

More than 300 community members gather for Epilepsy Awareness Month

DULUTH, Minn. — More than 300 community members gathered at the Great Lakes Aquarium on the evening of Saturday, Nov. 22, during National Epilepsy Awareness Month. The event, hosted by the Epilepsy Foundation of Minnesota, featured a catered dinner, arts and crafts, and opportunities for people in the epilepsy community to connect. More than 55,000 Minnesotans live with epilepsy. Epilepsy…

Bentleyville Tour of Lights powers on for 22nd season

DULUTH, Minn. – The Christmas spirit has come alive at Bayfront Festival Park in Duluth for the 22nd- annual Bentleyville Tour of Lights. The tour is America’s largest free walk-through lighting display. Santa and Mrs. Claus arrived by helicopter to flip the lights on Saturday night. Bentleyville shines bright with more than five-million lights, including a 128-foot LED tree that…

Iron Range film Small Town Girl releases its theme song

Small Town Girl Poster DULUTH, Min. – The film “Small Town Girl” now has a theme song. Director Bill Cooper made the announcement in an e-mail message. Cooper had previously announced that Brian Bryson would be working on music for the production. Now the song “Rudy” by Bryson has been released. The song of about one and a half minutes….

Home demolitions begin for future London Road roundabout

DULUTH, Min. – Construction crews have begun demolishing homes on the future site of a London Road roundabout. Homes at the corner of N. 40th Avenue East and London Road are now being torn down. Home demolition at corner of N. 40th Ave E & London Road for future roundabout The teardown began Friday, November 21, 2025. Traffic lights at…

Jay Cooke State Park to have limited access during special deer hunt

Jay Cooke State Park Bridge DULUTH, Min. – Jay Cooke State Park will have limited public access during special deer hunt. The hunt will be December 6-10, 2025.  It will be muzzleloader-only. During that window visitors should not access any areas south of the swinging bridge. Hiking trails throughout the park will be closed. Visitors are advised to wear blaze…

Community Action Duluth to hire external third party consultant to investigate problems

Community Action Duluth Logo DULUTH, Min. – The Community Action Duluth Board of Directors has announced they have hired an “external third party consultant” to investigate the claims that are be made about their organization. The unnamed third party will be ask to investigate “interpersonal conflicts between employees and the Executive Director”. A news release from the Board of Directors…

Life House Celebrates new Expansion

DULUTH, Minn. — The Duluth Area Chamber of Commerce hosted an open house and ribbon-cutting ceremony celebrating the completion of Duluth’s Life House’s new expansion. The event taking place at Life House highlights the new mental health and wellness center, a space dedicated to providing mental health support for area youth and young adults. The program offers free mental health…

Duluth Art Institute hosts parade watch party 4 floors above route

DULUTH, Minn. — While the Northland’s favorite holiday tradition travels along Superior St, the Duluth Art Institute, used the parade of lights next door to help raise money for the non-profit. The institute offered cozy, aerial views of the Christmas City of the North Parade, welcoming guests in for a fundraising watch party. The evening serves as a major fundraiser for…

Farmer’s Markets vendors respond to Community Action Duluth’s statements

DULUTH, Min. – A group of vendors from Lincoln Park and Hillside Farmer’s Markets are responding to recently release of information from Community Action Duluth (CAD). CAD’s board of directors released a six page document trying to clear-up what they called “misinterpretations, inaccuracies, and plainly false claims” that have been reported and talked about in recent days. The statement from…

Give to the Max raises more than $37,000,000 in one day

DULUTH, Min. – The 24-hours of statewide giving in Minnesota raised millions of dollars going to thousands of non-profits. One Thursday November 20, 2025 donors across Minnesota gaeve $37.8 million. It was a record breaking the 2024 number of $37.1 million raised. Contributions and participation to Give to the Max Day 2025 spanned all 87 Minnesota counties and every U.S….

Community Action Duluth employees host press conference amid management complaints

DULUTH, Minn. — Community Action Duluth, a non-profit since 1982, prides itself on empowering and engaging the community to eliminate poverty, however that pride is currently being clouded by controversy. On Nov. 20, AFSCME and some of the organization’s employees held a press conference in front of the Community Action building protesting Executive director Classie Dudley. Employees both present and…

Bent Paddle hosts 10th annual Great Outdoors Party

DULUTH, Minn. — Outdoor enthusiasts packed Bent Paddle Brewing Company for its 10th annual Great Outdoors Party for Give to the Max Day. The annual event featured local outdoor nonprofits like Duluth Area Horse Trail Alliance, Cyclists of Gitchee Gumee Shores, and Duluth DEVO. The fundraiser allowed the community to meet and support the groups that build and maintain local…

Community Action Duluth responds to recent criticism

DULUTH, Minn. – There have been recent allegations made against the leadership of Community Action Duluth (CAD) and its staff. A news release was sent by Executive Director Classie Dudley said there have been public misrepresentations of Executive Director Compensation, Farmers Market Operations & Vendor Payments, Board Member Transitions, Employee Medical Insurance. along with Commitment to Equity, Transparency, and Community….

Unified Bocce Ball Tournament brings students together

Unified Bocce Tournament (November 20, 2025) PROCTOR, Minn. — Local High Schools and Special Olympics Minnesota teamed up to hold a Unified Bocce Tournament. Rather than separating students based in intellectual ability, the Unified sports initiative teams up the students to foster friendships and support the students’ social skills. “It makes a big difference these kids being getting the chance…

Section of Munger State Trail in Duluth to be temporarily closed for improvements 

Willard Munger Trail DULUTH, Min. – The first mile of the Willard Munger State Trail in Duluth will be closed starting Monday, November 24, 2025. It’s the area between Pulaski Street and Riverwest Drive. The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources is removing “a significantly undersized culvert and replacing it with a bridge over Lower Knowlton Creek”. The bridge installation will…

Animal Allies honoring “Lovebug” through annual fundraiser

DULUTH, Minn.–Animal Allies in Duluth is making light out of what they called the worst case of neglect they’ve seen. The story of Lovebug begins two years ago, when the shelter desperately tried to help, and save the neglected surrender. The community quickly supported the dog and raised $14,000 in under 24 hours. Unfortunately, Lovebug passed away the next morning,…

Five St. Louis County election workers earn Excellence in Elections Award

St. Louis County Seal on podium DULUTH, Minn.– Following the most recent election season, several St Louis County election workers were recognized and awarded for their efforts. In today’s ceremony, 4 election workers received the Excellence in Elections award. Jon Blevins, St. Louis County information Specialist Amanda Inman, Municipal Services Secretary, City of Mountain Iron Dawn Kehoe, Deputy Clerk Treasurer,…

Piedmont Youth Hockey Association hosts ‘Piedmont Paint Night’

DULUTH, Minn. — Four days after vandals tore through the Piedmont Youth Hockey Association’s main hub, the clean-up continues. Vandals caused significant damage at this community center, which serves as the home base for the Piedmont Youth Hockey Association. Paint on the floors, graffiti on the walls, broken glass, garbage, and toilet paper everywhere. A board member discovered all of…

Lakewood Township hosts discussion on potential St. Louis County zoning transfer

LAKEWOOD TOWNSHIP, Minn. — Lakewood Township’s supervising board hosted a meeting in order to engage with residents about the potential zoning change that the board is considering. The singular item on the agenda for the evening’s meeting was the discussing of the possibility of transferring the town’s local zoning control over to St. Louis County, with many of the town’s…

Community Action Duluth employees claim hostile work environment, mismanagement and leadership failures

DULUTH, Minn. – A news release from AFSCME-represented workers at Community Action Duluth (CAD) says they will hold a news conference to raise concerns about Community Action Duluth. They say there is a “growing crisis” within the organization. The news release claims, “hostile working conditions, financial mismanagement, a newly-filed Unfair Labor Practice (ULP) against management, and the ongoing refusal by…

2,700 pounds of food donated at Festival of Trees

DULUTH, Minn. — The 38th annual Festival of Trees fundraising event took place at the DECC over the weekend of Nov. 15, wrapping up with a strong attendance and a successful outcome. Organized by the women’s volunteer and leadership training organization, the Junior League of Duluth, the event featured more than 170 vendors, including retail shops and nonprofits. The festival…

Western Bank Duluth locations collecting pet supplies donations for CHUM

DULUTH, Minn.– Inspired by recent difficulties with snap benefits and expensive cost of living, Western Bank in Duluth is ‘banking on kindness’ At both the Hermantown, and West Duluth locations, Western Bank is collecting any and all pet supplies and money for this fundraiser. The mission is to help prevent surrenders resulting from hardships. Happy Tails Animal Hospital in Superior…

‘Get up and boogie!’ George Thorogood & The Destroyers coming to Duluth

George Thorogood DULUTH, Min. – George Thorogood & The Destroyers are hitting the road for more shows in 2026, one of them is coming to Duluth. The show is scheduled for Wednesday, March 25, 2026 at 7:30pm at the DECC Symphony Hall.  He told FOX21 that he wants the fans dancing and laughing at the concert, “Get up and boogie!”…

Glensheen decorates for the Christmas season

DULUTH, Minn. — Glensheen is gearing up for the holiday season, showcasing its ‘Joy to the World’ Christmas theme. The mansion and estate are uniquely decorated, offering guests a chance to experience the Congdon family’s travels combined with Christmas. Twelve rooms throughout the mansion have been transformed, representing different countries the Congdons visited, featuring original artifacts the family collected abroad….

Neighborhood Youth Services hosting annual Thanksgiving Fundraiser

DULUTH, Minn.– A local nonprofit serving Duluth youth and families is bringing back its Thanksgiving tradition. For six years, Neighborhood Youth Services has been collecting donations to go towards Thanksgiving meals. Last year alone, the organization helped out 150 families. The organizer of this fundraiser said, they will accept cash and Venmo donations until Friday November 21st. And to reach…

Lake Superior College hosts first ever winter safety fair

DULUTH, Minn.– With winter well on its way, Lake Superior College wasted no time to put on its first ever winter safety fair. Resources such as Duluth Fire and Police Departments, MNDOT, and Minnesota State Patrol came prepared to help educate students. Topics ranged from navigating winter driving, checking smoke detectors, and safely heating homes. In addition, the college was…

Second Harvest Northland feeds 313,000 meals thanks to Super One Foods customers

DULUTH, Minn. — Super One Foods’ Annual Bag Hunger Campaign resulted in over $100,000 being raised for Second Harvest Northland. After an extended 3-week campaign, Second Harvest can now provide over 313,000 meals thanks to the efforts of Super One customers. Customers could choose to donate between $1, $3, and $5 or round up their change. The campaign occurred during…

Fishin’ Chicks donates $5,000 to NorthLakes Community Clinic

IRON RIVER, Wis. — Fishin’ Chicks, an organization out of Iron River, donated $5,000 to NorthLakes Iron River Community Clinic. The organization raises funds through its annual women’s ice fishing tournaments, which benefit the community of Iron River. The 2025 tournament brought in $5,000, which will be used to help patients access essential services. Fishin’ Chicks will hold its next…

LNPK Grocery set to resume construction

DULUTH, Minn. — Ecolibrium3 is set to continue construction on the LNPK Grocery store after receiving the necessary permits. The store, originally set to open this past summer, encountered various snags in the construction process, delaying the opening. SEE PREVIOUS: Completion of LNPK Grocery delayed to early 2026 Now that Eco3 has the building permits, they can start renovation and…

Grandmothers for Peace to host 40th annual book and art supply drive

TWIN PORTS — The Northland Grandmothers for Peace are gearing up for their 40th annual book and art supply drive this holiday season. The organization is collecting gifts that promote peaceful play and creativity for children. There are eight locations across the Twin Ports sponsoring donation boxes, making it simple and easy for people to drop supplies throughout the region….

Piedmont Youth Hockey Association seeking publics help after vandalism

DULUTH, Minn. — The Piedmont Youth Hockey Association is seeking the publics help after vandalism took place at its warming house. The hockey club posted to Facebook showing the damage to the inside of the building at Piedmont Park. The interior was covered in toilet paper, garbage, glass and graffiti, written in paint, on the walls. Many community members have…