Community

10 Days Later, Cloquet House Fire Survivor Speaks Out

Still Recovering, Thankful to Be Alive

CLOQUET, Minn.-Firefighters worked three hours to put out a house fire in Cloquet 10 days ago. Now, the woman who survived it all shares her experience. Terri Cordell now lives in the Super 8 Motel in Cloquet. Scattered around her room are the belongings she salvaged from the flames. Unfortunately, her health did not make it out unscathed. Her breathing,…

Early Morning Break-In at Iron Mug Coffeehouse

Burglar Stole a Few Items from Mike Letica's Restaurant

DULUTH, Minn.- Mike Letica, owner of the Iron Mug, awoke to a startling call at 2am. His restaurant had been broken into, the side door glass smashed to pieces. Initially, both Letica and the police found nothing stolen. He posted his unfortunate morning on Facebook, and got over 500 shares by midday. The outpouring of support even led some to…

Candlelight Vigil Honors Memory of Shooting Victim

Victim Shot in Gary New Duluth

DULUTH, Minn.-  Over two weeks have past since 35–year–old Kevin Weiss was shot outside a home in Gary-New Duluth. On Saturday night, the community turned out to honor Kevin with a candlelight vigil. After losing one of their own, the community as well as friends and family of Kevin John Weiss came out to celebrate his life, and bring awareness…

Minnesota Minimum Wage Hiking Up in 2019

Second Year Wage Goes Up With Inflation

DULUTH, Minn.- The New Year will bring some big changes for businesses, including an increase in the Minnesota minimum wage. Starting in January, the minimum wage will increase to $9.86 for large employers, and $8.04 for small employers. This will be the 4th year the wage has increased, but only the second where it has increased based on inflation, going…

Rock In the New Year at Silo’s Restaurant

Night of Live Music and Fun

DULUTH, Minn.- Silo’s Restaurant at Pier B Resort is gearing up for a night of jams and joy this New Year’s Eve. They will be featuring live music by rock group G.B. Leighton, as well as Country singer Shane Martin. According to the staff, it’s sure to be a rockin’ night. “The atmosphere that we build there, as the night’s…

Todd Eckart to Ring in 2019 at Historic NorShor Theatre

Todd Eckart is Proud to be a Part of the 2018 New Year's Eve by the Lake Celebration

DULUTH, Minn. – Lundeen Productions & Twin Ports Entertainment, in conjunction with the Black Woods Group, are proud to present New Year’s Eve by the Lake on December 31, 2018 in downtown Duluth. Venues will include Greysolon Ballroom, The Moorish Room at Greysolon, The Historic Norshor Theater and Black Water Lounge. Music and entertainment will be in full force throughout every venue,…

Set Standards, Not Resolutions for the New Year

Coach for Success Pam Solberg-Tapper Stops by FOX 21 Local News to Chat about Setting Standards, Not Resolutions in the New Year

DULUTH, Minn. – According to Tony Robbins, “Any time you sincerely want to make a change, the first thing you must do is to raise your standards.” This New Year, if you think you should lose weight, improve finances, stop procrastinating or be kinder this year set standards, not resolutions. A standard is a rule you set for yourself. It…

12-28-18 Closing and Delays

Closings and Delays Received by FOX 21 Local News for Thursday, December 28, 2018

Essentia Health, Deer River, Open at 10 a.m. Essentia Health, Grand Rapids, Open at 10 a.m. UMD Campus – 2 hour late start – Opening at 10:00 a.m. Cornerstone Preschool and Childcare Center – Closed Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News

Cross Country Skiers Excited for Snow

Snowflake Nordic Ski Center has been busy compacting snow on trails

DULUTH, Minn. – All the recent snow is a very welcome sight for cross country skiers. Staff at the Snowflake Nordic Ski Center in Duluth spent hours Thursday morning compacting the snow on their trails to make it ski-able. They tell us each trail was compacted multiple times. In total, staff went over more than seventy kilometers of snow on…

Duluth Library’s Winter Job: Part Time Movie Theater

Movies in the Library Caters to Kids Home on Break

DULUTH, Minn.- Not all families can make it to the slopes for skiing. Parents with jobs, or lack of ski-lodge money can make it difficult to entertain kids on Winter Break, so the Duluth Public Library has got a free solution. Movies at the Library allows kids of all ages to come and watch a family friendly movie with other…

Duluth Says Bye Bye to Bentleyville

Holiday Attraction Packs Its Bags, and Unplugs the Lights

DULUTH, Minn.-That’s a wrap! Well, time to wrap up a lot of Christmas lights that is. Christmas only comes once a year, and unfortunately, so does Bentleyville Tour of Lights. Another year in the books for Duluth’s largest holiday attraction, as it unplugs its lights, closed for the year. On Thursday crews were seen packing up supplies and taking down…

When Snow Falls and Piles, the Northland Skis and Snowboards

Spirit Mountain Hectic with Skiers and Snowboarders on Break

DULUTH, Minn.-The flakes are falling, which means winter has officially arrived in the Northland, and no one is happier about it than the skiers and snowboarders of Spirit Mountain. Hundreds flocked to the popular winter destination on Thursday. Left and right, the “crunch” of boots trudging through snow, and the “choom” of snowboards wedging into the snow create a winter…

Cooking Connection: Corktown Deli’s ‘Hot Mess’ Breakfast

Corktown Deli and Brews in the Duluth Lincoln Park Neighborhood is Now Serving a Breakfast Menu

DULUTH, Minn. – Just months after opening, Corktown Deli and Brews is expanding their menu to include breakfast items. The menu ranges from hot items, to gourmet bagels and breakfast bruschetta. For this week’s Cooking Connection, FOX 21’s Brittney Merlot had the chance to cook up the ‘Hot Mess’ as it’s called with chef Conor Maki. This breakfast item includes deli…

12-27-18 Closings and Delays Due to Winter Weather

Closings and Delays Received by FOX 21 Local News for Thursday, December 27, 2018

Senior Connections – Closed (There will be no meals or transportation services) Lake Superior College – Closed Cloquet Area Alternative Education Program – Closed Animal Allies – Closed YWCA Cornerstone Preschool and Childcare Center – Closed Bubbling Brook Childcare Center – Closed Kidz Kollege Learning Center – Closed Fond du Lac Tribal and Community College – Closed UDAC Categories: Community,…

Heritage Center Announces Holiday Skate Hours

Organizers say it's a chance for local skaters to take advantage of the earlier times to hit the ice.

DULUTH, Minn. – The Essentia Health Duluth Heritage Center announced their holiday skating hours for the rest of this week. The rink will be open Thursday and Friday morning from 9:15 a.m. to 10:45 a.m. Organizers say it’s a chance for local skaters to take advantage of the earlier times to hit the ice. “Parks and recreation offers these daytime…

Reflections on 2018, Intentions for 2019 at The Strength Factory

Owners of The Strength Factory and Rooted in Wellness Invite Twin Ports Residents to Reflect on the Past Year Sunday, December 30, 2018

SUPERIOR, Wisc. – This time of year is a great time to take a look back on the year and reflect of where we’ve come in the last 12 months and also to take some time to look forward to the new year and where we would like to go on the wide open road ahead in 2019. During this…

Gifts for Teens Toy Drive Making a Difference in the Northland

FOX 21 Local News Took Part in the Annual Gifts for Teens Toy Drive, Supporting the Boys and Girls Club of the Northland

DULUTH, Minn. – More than 500 boys and girls in the Northland were receiving a little holiday cheer Friday evening in Duluth as the Boys and Girls Club of the Northland hosted holiday parties at multiple branches in the area. FOX 21 Local News taking part in the annual Gifts for Teens Toy Drive once again. Officials at the Boys…

Ursa Minor Brewing to Host Winter Solstice Event Saturday

The Event Sponsored by Ursa Minor Brewing will be Family Friendly and Feature a Wide Variety of Events, Live Music and Brews

DULUTH, Minn. – Staff at Ursa Minor Brewing is excited to announce they’ll be hosting their first community event on Saturday, December 22. The event is known as the Winter Solstice Celebration and Inaugural DiffeRUNce. The Winter Solstice Celebration is an all-day celebration of winter in Duluth and all the people that make the community such a great place to live,…

Holiday Cranberry Chutney, Quick & Easy Appetizer

Cooking Connection: Regional Cooking Instructor Teaches Us How To Make A Holiday Appetizer Friends & Family Will Devour!

DULUTH, Minn. — In this week’s Cooking Connection we are joined by Regional Cooking Instructor Arlene Coco and we are baking a holiday appetizer, Cranberry Chutney! It’s a perfect dish to bring for the holidays and bursting with flavor. RECIPE: Holiday Cranberry Chutney (Makes 12 Servings) Canned cranberries; can be substituted for fresh when they are not in season, just…

Explore the North Shore this Holiday Season

Visit Cook County Staff Chat About Upcoming Events in the Area Through the Holiday Season

GRAND MARAIS, Minn. – Skiers and snowboarders are hitting the slopes at Lutsen Mountains! But that’s not all the vast wilderness in Cook County has to offer this winter season. Linda Jurek and Kjersti Vick spent their morning chatting with FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Brittney Merlot about upcoming events in the Cook County region over the Christmas holiday…

Superior Fire Department Receives Grant for Hazmat Equipment

Grant Comes from Wisconsin Emergency Management

SUPERIOR, Wis.- Superior firefighters took on the Globe grain elevator fire with some new gear. After last year’s Husky Refinery explosion, the Superior Fire Department received a $62,000 to be better equipped for large–scale emergencies and hazmat situations. The grant came from Wisconsin Emergency Management. With the new equipment the department can better monitor and understand flammability, oxygen levels, carbon…

Animal Answers: Give the Gift of Adventure this Holiday Season

Staff at the Lake Superior Zoo Invite You to Purchase a Zoo Membership for a Family Member this Holiday Season

DULUTH, Minn. – When it comes to picking out the perfect gift this holiday season, more and more people are picking experiences or adventures, creating memories to last a lifetime. Staff at the Lake Superior Zoo are inviting folks to think about purchasing a Zoo membership this holiday season. Details: A Zoo membership pays for itself in two times, and with…

Cut Down Your Own Christmas Tree!

Active Adventures: Hike Into The Superior National Forest For A Family Tradiation!

SUPERIOR NATIONAL FOREST, Minn. — In this week’s Active Adventures we are headed into the thick of the woods, to cut down our own Christmas Tree! First things first, MAKE SURE TO GET YOUR PERMIT! On average, 200-300 permits are sold annually! It’s only $5, cash or check only. It can be quickly picked up at the Superior National Forest…

Five Financial Tips to Consider Before 2019

Barry Bigelow with Great Waters Financial Stopped by FOX 21 Local News Wednesday Morning to Offer Five Easy Tips to Consider Before 2019

DULUTH, Minn. – The confetti will fly as we soon sing and ring in 2019! But we can’t let the ball drop before setting ourselves up for financial success. Local financial professional Barry Bigelow from Great Waters Financial stopped by FOX 21 Local News Wednesday morning to offer tips to consider before we jump into 2019. Prep for Tax Season…

Iron Mug Hands Out $10K Worth Of Toys for Christmas

DULUTH, Minn. – For the last three weeks Iron Mug owner Mike Letica has been accepting donations and collecting gifts for the third annual Make Every Child Smile Toy Drive. This year alone Letica has collected around $10,000 worth of items to give back to the community giving them something to smile about this holiday season. “The line behind me kind…

School Board Approved Levy, After Public Voted to Raise It

School Board Meeting Held in Old Central High School

DULUTH, Minn.-The Duluth Public School Board approved a 2019 levy which was voted on by the public in the November elections. The public voted on raising an existing 2013 levy by about $8,000,000 due to updated pupil counts, facilities maintenance project approvals, and a change in unemployment adjustment, among other reasons. The board met tonight, hearing a presentation titled Truth…

Cloquet Cops Spread Christmas Cheer with Stuff the Squad

Cloquet Police Department Holds Stuff the Squad Toy Drive and Shop with a Cop

CLOQUET, Minn.- The Cloquet Police Department spread some Holiday Cheer with their annual “Stuff the Squad” Toy Drive. Officers parked outside the Walmart, and L&M stores with their squad cars, ready to be stuffed with toys to be distributed by the Salvation Army. Last year, the department loaded up three squad cars: a Dodge Charger, Ford Explorer, and a pickup…

Coffee Conversation: Staying Heart Healthy this Winter

Dr. Leif Christianson, St. Luke's Cardiologist, Offers Tips to Stay Heart Healthy this Winter Season

DULUTH, Minn. – For this week’s Midwest Roaster’s Coffee Conversation, St. Luke’s Cardiologist, Dr. Leif Christianson, stopped by FOX 21 Local News to chat about ways to stay heart healthy this winter. The Northland is suffering a lack of snowfall so far this year, but that doesn’t mean we won’t make up for it as the season goes on. Christianson wants to…

Annual Blue Santa Shop With A Cop

The Duluth Police Department partnered with Salvation Army to give back to the community.

DULUTH, Minn.- The annual Blue Santa Shop with a cop event was held at Target in Duluth. Every year the Duluth police department partners up with the Salvation Army to select children and their families that may be in need this giving season. Each child receives a two hundred and fifty dollar target gift card to buy presents for loved ones…

Korner Store and Adolph Meat Shop Donate to Valley Youth Center

After being robbed, two local businesses decided to put the reward money towards the Valley Youth Center in West Duluth.

HERMANTOWN, Minn.- Two local businesses were recently targets of burglars by the same thieves. Now those same businesses, The Korner Store and Stokke’s Adolph Store have taken their negative situation and turned it into a positive by donating eight thousand dollars to a charity. A five thousand dollar reward was offered by Korner Store owner Derek Medved to whoever caught the…

Iron Mug Arranges Gifts for Christmas Giveaway

Mike Letica Hosting Toy Giveaway

DULUTH, Minn.- As the holidays fast approach, many families are forced to sit with the realization that they can’t afford to buy Christmas presents. Well, Mike Letica and his team at Iron Mug Coffehouse is trying to change that again this year. They’re currently sorting through $10,000 worth of toys, to hand out to families in need this Christmas. The…

Marcia Hales’ Holiday Lights Up Till 31st

Hales Says, It Must Come to an End

DULUTH, Minn- As you are out enjoying the warm weather, you might consider stopping for some holiday cheer at Park Point. Marcia Hales’s Holiday Spirit in the Lights display opened on the 14th, and runs through the 31st. Families can take a tour of the different lights and head down to the beach, where even the sand is dressed in…

NAACP Holds Election, First Meeting

Elections Uncontested

DULUTH, Minn.- The Duluth branch of the NAACP hosted elections on Sunday. Members voted on a new President, first and second Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer and up to 24 executive board members. The elections ran uncontested. But leaders say that is no reason to not get out, and vote. “When it’s uncontested, I think it’s still important that folks engage…

Unseasonable Warmth Brings Duluth Outside

High Temps Mean Comfortable Outdoor Fun

DULUTH, Minn.- Despite how the song goes, it’s beginning to look anything but like a White Christmas. Unseasonably warm weather is gripping the Northland, with temperatures reaching nearly 50  degrees today. Quite a few spots around Duluth were bustling with folks living it up in the hot winter sun. If you took a look at the thermometer in your car,…

Under the Tree, Under the Sea

Swim Team Decorates Tree at YMCA

DULUTH, Minn.- Decorating the Christmas tree is a tradition in many families. Unboxing their longtime favorite ornaments, sipping some hot cocoa, getting tangled in all the lights. Now take all of that, and put it underwater. And you have the Duluth YMCA’s holiday tradition. The North Swim Team decorated the tree as a fun part of their normal Friday practice,…

Hales Lights Brighten Park Point for the Last Year

Hales Says, It Must Come to an End

DULUTH, Minn.- A Park Point tradition seems to be coming to a close this year. Marcia Hales ‘s “Holiday Spirit in the Lights” display opened Friday night, for the final time according to Hales. With a heavy heart from all, Hales is switching on her lights for the last time, after two decades bringing smiles to young and old, brighter…