Community

Electronics Recycling Event to Take Over Bayfront Park

DULUTH, Minn. – This weekend you have the chance to get rid of old electronics in a way that’s healthy for the environment. Global Ewaste Solutions is hosting the 2nd Annual Electronic Collection Event in the Bayfront Festival Parking Lot. The event will be from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Community members can bring cords, laptops, tv’s, and more. The…

Duluth to Celebrate Music and Passions of Bob Dylan

Duluth Dylan Fest to Kick-Off Saturday

DULUTH, Minn. – Starting Saturday and lasting through the following week, Bob Dylan and his music will be the talk of the town. It’s all part of the Annual Duluth Dylan Fest. The week-long celebration honors Bob Dylan’s music, passions and influence on the Northland. Events will be taking place throughout the Northland May 19 – 27 in conjunction with…

Adding Heat to Your Salad with JJ Astor

Cooking Connection: JJ Astor

DULUTH, Minn. – As the weather begins to warm there are more and more vegetables available to take advantage of in the kitchen. For this week’s cooking connection Robert Boyd, the Director of Food and Beverage for JJ Astor, showed William Seay how to make a warm salad using those vegetable options. JJ Astor Restaurant and Lounge is located in…

Fire Rips Through Home on Chester Parkway in Duluth

One Resident was Transported to a Nearby Hospital for Minor Injuries; Official Cause Unknown

DULUTH, Minn. – Shortly before 2:30 a.m. Thursday, the Duluth Fire Department responded to a report of a structure fire at 114 Chester Parkway. Officials say crews found a heavily engulfed front porch on a two-story single family home. One of the occupants was reportedly still inside the structure, while the other had safely made his way out. Responders were able…

First Responders Return to Chetek for Anniversary Ceremony

About 20 Team Rubicon volunteers spent five days taking down trees and removing them resident's homes.

Chetek, Wis. – The Barron County Sheriff’s Office says within one hour of the tornado hitting the ground 100 first responders came to the scene. Another 100 arrived within the second hour. Those who helped in the disaster relief efforts were invited back like volunteers from Team Rubicon who helped out. About 20 volunteers spent five days taking down trees…

Chetek Community Reflects On Historic Tornado One Year Later

The tornado hit Barron, Polk, Rusk and Rice counties, winds were estimated at 130 mph and caused more than $10 million in damage.

Chetek, Wis. – One year ago a violent EF-3 tornado struck and ripped apart Chetek, Wisconsin and surrounding communities changing lives forever. and now the rebuilding process continues. Most of the damage from the tornado happened here at the Prairie Lakes Estates Trailer Park. You can still see much of them destruction and the piles of trees that still remain. When tragedy strikes it’s something you can’t forget. On…

FOX 21 to Host Blood Drive Inspired by Young Boy’s Cancer Battle

Bennett's Blood Drive to be Held at FOX 21 on Saturday

DULUTH, Minn. – Everyday patients at local hospitals rely on donated blood, but blood doesn’t last forever. Donated red cells last only 42 days. That’s why FOX 21 is partnering with Memorial Blood Centers to host a blood drive this weekend. Bennett’s Blood Drive is being held on Saturday, May 19 from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at FOX 21….

Time to Register for Summer Camp at Animal Allies

Staff at Animal Allies Humane Society Advise Signing up for Summer Camp Sooner Rather than Later

DULUTH, Minn. – Just a few days remain before summer camp will be full at Animal Allies Humane Society in Duluth. Humane Education Manager Shawna Weaver stopped by FOX 21 Local News to chat about what your child will take part in during camp. Aside from getting to pet animals and work to make sure they’re happy and healthy on…

Chester Creek Restoration Almost Complete

Chester Bowl Welcomes a New Landscape Nearly Six Years After Historic Flooding Wiped out Parts of Chester Creek

DULUTH, Minn. – Every year thousands of people stroll through Chester Bowl along Duluth’s scenic Skyline Parkway, but six years ago, massive flooding made for a big mess in the park. Now, reconstruction work is close to being complete. “Just that gurgling noise you can hear in the background, people love that as a relaxing sound,” said Dave Schaeffer, Executive…

Lake Nebagamon Man Creates Custom Rides

Walt Moss Shares Passion for Custom Vehicles

LAKE NEBAGAMON, Wis. – A Wisconsin man is known around his small town for his custom creations. They’re vehicles not seen before, because they’re creations Walt Moss has come up with himself. Moss is the owner of Walt Moss Trucking, Inc., but his obsession with going fast started many years ago. “Probably when I was about 12 years old when…

Emergency Preparedness Training in the Northland

The 2019 Under One Roof Conference is scheduled for May 14 & 15, 2019.

DULUTH, Minn. – Emergencies can happen in the blink of an eye and the Northland is no stranger to that. Being prepared in case of an emergency is the big theme at a unique conference in Duluth this week. Organizers say the husky refinery explosion and fire were still on many people’s mind as disaster response and management experts took part…

Companies to Classrooms Has Been Helping Teachers for Five Years

Organization has a free school supplies store for Northland educators

DULUTH, Minn. – An organization in Duluth has spent five years giving free school supplies to area teachers. Companies to Classrooms recently moved to a new location in the basement of the Old Central High School building. It is a free store filled with new and slightly used items donated by people and businesses to help students’ educational experience. “This…

Duluth Celebrates National Salvation Army Week

Two-thirds of the Salvation Army's meals in Duluth go toward the food shelf.

DULUTH, Minn. – It’s National Salvation Army Week and Duluth is among the places marking the occasion. Staff members came to the Salvation Army thrift store in Duluth to say thank you to the people who support them. National Salvation Army week recognizes what the Salvation Army has done in communities all across the country. More than 150 years later…

Council Members Deny Vacation Rental Extension

The vacation rental cap will remain at 60 units.

DULUTH, Minn.-The Duluth City Council voted again adding additional vacation rentals. At the City Council meeting Monday night, the ordinance to add more vacation rentals in the city of Duluth was turned down 5-4.  Currently, the city allows 60 vacation rental units. The ordinance would have increased the rentals to 114. Council members Anderson, Russ, Sipress, Van Nett, Westerlund voted against….

Parklets Taking Over Downtown Duluth

Parklets are a deck like platform in a parking space, which can be used for a variety of purposes.

DULUTH, Minn.- Parking spots in downtown Duluth are being taken over, not just by tourists, but being transformed into spaces known as “parklets.” Parklets are a deck like platform in a parking space, which can be used for a variety of purposes. Zeitgeist Café is constructing its own parklet right now and plans to utilize the space every way they…

How to Show Support for Your Local Police Officers

One community is hosting a luncheon to show they are thankful for the departments services.

SUPERIOR, Wis.- National Police Week is a time dedicated to honoring fallen officers, but in Superior the community is taking this opportunity to honor those that have passed away along with officers currently serving. Reaching out to the police department on Facebook letting them know who helped you and how is a great way to show you’re thankful. But acknowledging their…

National Bank of Commerce & FOX 21 to Award $10,000 to Northland Student

Strength in Community Scholarship to be Awarded in June

DULUTH, Minn. – With the help of the National Bank of Commerce and other sponsors, FOX 21 is giving away several scholarships to help local students afford the cost of college. Ten students throughout the Northland have been chosen to receive a $1,000 scholarship. At a banquet on June 12, one of those winners will find out they’ve won the…

International Music History Can be Found in Superior Museum

A World of Accordions Museum Displays Evolution of Instrument

SUPERIOR, Wis. – International music history is alive in the Twin Ports. Some refer to the Harrington Arts Center as a hidden gem. The center has featured musicians from all over the world and the World of Accordions Museum also has international flair through their instruments that are on display. “They’re all individual personalities. They play, they handle differently, but…

Duluth Woman Looks to Perfect Beauty Sleep

DeBora Rachelle is a Native Duluth Resident Looking to Keep Health, Wellness and Comfort in Mind While You Sleep

DULUTH, Minn. – Do you toss and turn all night long or wake up drenched in sweat? If so, one Duluthian is looking to make a difference in your life. “I may not be walking the red carpets in California and Hollywood anymore but I’ll be the hottest chick at a toga party,” said DeBora Rachelle, Founder, DeBora Rachelle Inc….

City Council Votes On Latest Earned Sick and Safe Time Amendments

There have been more than 18 amendment to the ESST ordinance.

DULUTH, Minn. – It’s been debated for months, whether to establish new minimum standards for Duluth workers to Earn Sick and Safe Time (ESST) at their jobs. The Duluth City Council is once again discussing the issue with two new amendments being introduced. Several small business owners were in downtown Duluth in support of this ordinance. They’re ready for this ordinance…

Housing Tax Credits and Nordic Center Also On Duluth City Council Agenda

DULUTH, Minn. – The City Council is also expects to make a decision on low–income housing tax credits. There are five projects on the agenda for discussion. One Roof Housing has proposed a nine percent tax credit for the Decker and Brewery Creek Apartments. The three projects under construction for a four percent tax credit include re-purposing certain floors of the Board of…

Public Invited To Listening Session On Husky Refinery Incident

The meeting will happen from 6 p.m to 8 p.m. at Superior Middle School.

SUPERIOR, Wis. – A lot of unanswered questions still remain nearly three weeks after the Husky Refinery explosion and fire in Superior. A community listening session is being held at Superior Middle School to address some of these issues. The meeting will happen from 6 p.m to 8 p.m. Community members will have an opportunity to voice their concerns and ask questions about…

Pedestrian Bridge Now Open at Chester Bowl

Safety and Environmental Improvements are Being Made at Chester Bowl, One of Duluth's Most Popular Parks

DULUTH, Minn. – Safety and environmental improvements are helping to beautify Chester Bowl in Duluth. The City has finished installing a new pedestrian bridge spanning across Chester Creek. Before construction, Chester Bowl Executive Director Dave Schaeffer says there was simply an old dam visitors would use to walk across to get to the other side of the creek. Aside from safety,…

Verizon Wireless Devices to Support Training Goals for Athletes

Verizon Wireless Recommends Spring Activity Devices

DULUTH, Minn. – As Spring fully gets underway people are getting outside to exercise. With Grandma’s Marathon just over a month away, many runners are also taking advantage of this time to get active. This morning, Verizon Wireless Solutions Specialist Rachel Agurkis stopped by FOX 21 to talk through gadgets that can be helpful during this training period. Bose Soundsport…

Twin Ports Walleye Association Promotes Fishing & River Restoration Through Tournament

Coffee Conversation: Walleye Fishing Tournament

DULUTH, Minn. – The Minnesota Fishing Opener just took place this past weekend and thousands of fishermen and women took to the lakes to reel in a big one. A group of walleye lovers is also feeling that enthusiasm. The Twin Ports Walleye Association (TPWA) will be hosting its 6th Annual Walleye Fishing Tournament on the St. Louis River May…

Moms Spend Time with Their Kids at Popular Duluth Attractions

Vista Fleet and North Shore Scenic Railroad host Mother's Day specials

DULUTH, Minn. – Moms and their kids are out celebrating Mother’s Day at some popular Duluth attractions. The North Shore Scenic Railroad offered a special Mother’s Day Luncheon aboard a dining car riding up and down the North Shore. One mom told us she lives out of town so it was a great way to spend the day with her…

Munger Trail Revamped After 2012 Flood Damage

North Shore Inland Marathon celebrates its reopening with a ribbon cutting ceremony

DULUTH, Minn. – A five mile section of the Willard Munger State Trail was heavily damaged in the 2012 flood. That section has now been revamped by the Minnesota DNR and the North Shore Inland Marathon celebrated its reopening with a ribbon cutting ceremony. The ceremony kicked off the Mother’s Day Skate, Ride, and Run. The seventy mile trail is…

‘Run Smelt Run’ Parade Marches Down Duluth Lakwalk

Annual celebration pays tribute to the smelt running through Lake Superior waters

DULUTH, Minn. – A tradition like no other filled the Duluth Lakewalk with colorful characters and a celebration of the smelt run. “I don’t know of anything like this anywhere else,” said Karin White, the parade’s Olympic presenter. “It’s region specific.” The parade celebrates spring in the Northland. “The smelt are running,” said John Finkle, one of the parade’s smelt…

Local Organization Takes A Ride For Motorcycle Safety Awareness Billboards

May is Motorcycle Awareness Month

SUPERIOR, Wis. – Motorcyclists in Superior went for a ride to raise money for a creative campaign on motorcycle safety awareness. About 30 riders hit the road with Abate of Wisconsin, an organization that promotes motorcycle safety. Organizers hope to put six billboards up, three in Superior and three in Duluth. “Messages on the billboard are: “Look for motorcycles. Motorcycles are everywhere,” said…

Minnesota Fishing Opener Kicks Off

Half a million anglers are expected to hit the water this weekend

DULUTH, Minn. – The Minnesota Fishing Opener is finally here and it’s a day many people have been waiting for. Half a million anglers are expected to hit the water this weekend. Several people were at Island Lake in Duluth. One fisherman was looking to reel in walleye. He used the opener as a way to bond with his younger cousin….

Volunteers Help Clean Up One of Duluth’s Most Popular Tourist Attractions

Recent storms have caused significant damage to the Lakewalk and now volunteers are cleaning it up

DULUTH, Minn. – One of Duluth’s  most popular tourist areas has seen better days. Recent storms have caused significant damage to the Lakewalk and now volunteers are cleaning it up. One volunteer told me some people take the Lakewalk for granted, so coming together to help clean it up was the right thing to do. If you ask Tim Carroll what…

Community Helps Raise Funds for International Adoption

The Dalhbergs have the mounds of paperwork filled out, their hearts, and home ready for little Anna.

SOLON SPRINGS, Wis.- Nearly one year ago today a family in Solon Springs Wisconsin decided to add another member. Now the Dahlberg’s are finalizing finally bringing an 8-year-old girl home from China. The adoption process has been challenging but fox 21’s Lauren Leigh reports it has been made possible through the help of the community. The Dalhbergs have the mounds of…

Minnesota Fishing Season Opens Saturday

Mothers aren't required to have a fishing license during

DULUTH, Minn. – We are less than 24 hours away from the 2018 Minnesota Fishing Opener. Nearly 1.5 million anglers are licensed in the state and people here in Duluth and across Minnesota are getting ready to hit the water. According to the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Males account for 65 percent of fishing license holders. Females account for 35 percent. We…

It’s A Festiversary at Bent Paddle Brewing Company

Fourteen specialty infusion beers will be available for Festiversary.

DULUTH, Minn. – Bent Paddle Brewing Company is turning five years old and you’re invited to the party. It’s a Festiversary. This year’s event will be the first one held at the new taproom. You’ll find live music and other community partners. Bent Paddle staff say it’s the seventh largest brewery in Minnesota. Fourteen specialty infusion beers will be available for…

Junk Hunting Takes Over Essentia Duluth Heritage Sports Center

The Duluth Junk Hunt runs from Friday, May 11 until Saturday, May 12; The Event is in It's 6th Year

DULUTH, Minn. – The Minnesota fishing opener may be Saturday, but on Friday hundreds of folks started hunting for junk at the 6th annual Duluth Junk Hunt. The two day event is taking place at the Essentia Duluth Heritage Sports Center at 120 North 30th Avenue West. Founder Emily Broman started the event back in 2012 because she realized there…

“Make it OK” Campaign Stops at Duluth Area Family YMCA

A Full List of Events is Planned by Northland Healthy Minds throughout the Month of May to Combat Mental Illness Stigma

DULUTH, Minn. – Folks visiting the Duluth Area Family YMCA on Friday had the chance to learn more about the stigma surrounding mental illness, and even sign a pledge to speak up about the ongoing issue. Northland Healthy Minds is a volunteer group that has come together to bring the “Make it OK” campaign to the Duluth area. The group…

Theater Group Brings Dark Comedy to Life at The Underground

Rubber Chicken Theater to Perform "Dr. Strangelove" Live Read

DULUTH, Minn. – Rubber Chicken Theater is bringing the laughs this weekend as they perform another Live Read. The groups stages readings of classic movie scripts and this year they’re presenting the dark comedy, Dr. Strangelove. The event will begin at 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, May 12 at The Underground, 506 West Michigan Street, in downtown Duluth. Tickets are $10….

Climbing Ely’s Peak with Vertical Endeavors

Active Adventures: Rock Climbing

DULUTH, Minn. – As the weather begins to warm Northlanders are venturing outside to enjoy the nature and all the activities that come with it. For this week’s Active Adventures FOX 21 went rock climbing with Vertical Endeavors at Ely’s Peak. Vertical Endeavors offers several outdoor climbing options and can be reached at (218) 279-9980, or www.verticalendeavors.com/outdoor. The Duluth Climbers…

Daycare Shortage Leaves Northland Families With Limited Options

St. Louis Co. Public Health and Human Services hosted a public meeting to discuss possible solutions

DULUTH, Minn. –  The recent announcement that a major daycare facility is closing its doors in Duluth has left some parents feeling stressed out about what to do next. Last week, the Benedictine Health System announced they’ll be shutting down their infant and toddler center in mid-June. Northland parents say there is a major shortage of affordable daycare available. After…

Congdon Students Continue Getting in Gear

Rainy Weather Postponed Bike, Walk to School Day for Students at Congdon Park Elementary; Event Continues to Grow

DULUTH, Minn. – Back in 1997 students, staff and parent organizers took part in the first ever National Walk to School Day. In 2012, National Bike to School Day became a reality. The day technically happened on Wednesday, May 9 this year, but due to rainy, cold weather in the Northland, students held off to celebrate until the following day….

Realty Company Hosts Kids Day Party

Keller Williams Realty holds a day every year to give back to the community

DULUTH, Minn. – Kids got the chance to play some games and have some fun at Keller Williams Realty on Thursday. Every year, Keller Williams Realty holds Red Day, where they invite the community to come and share in activities and togetherness. “We just want to do as much as we can to give back and get to know people,” realtor…

Digging In For Groundbreaking of New Virginia Government Services Center North Building

The $19 million project is a 63,000 square foot building, which will house more than 10 departments and 180 employees.

Virginia, Minn. – It was an exciting day in the city of Virginia. Ground was broken for a new multi–million dollar government services center. It’s a project that’s been in the works for years to better meet the needs of people living in northern St. Louis County. The city of Virginia is getting the new government services building because the existing facilities are too old to renovate….

Knowing Who and Where Your Food is From

Market Day Duluth hosts a meet and greet to sign-up for a CSA.

DULUTH, Minn.- It’s that time of year for locally grown fresh produce to start hitting the stands, one local market is helping you know where and who your food comes from. Starting in June Market Day Duluth will host its own farmers market, through Community Supported Agriculture. To prepare for the season today individuals could come in and signup for…

SLRA Seeks Volunteers for River Clean-up

St. Louis River Alliance to Host Annual Event on Saturday

DULUTH, Minn. – This weekend several Northlanders are stepping up once again to keep the St. Louis River clean. The St. Louis River Alliance is looking for volunteers to take part in their annual river clean-up event. It’s taking place on Saturday, May 12 from 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Interested individuals and organizations may contact the St. Louis River…

Making a Fresh Appetizer with JJ Astor

Cooking Connection: Bruschetta

DULUTH, Minn. – When entertaining guests it’s always tough to come up with a dish everyone will enjoy eating. A commonly-liked appetizer is actually much easier to put together than may be expected. For this week’s Cooking Connection Robert Boyd, the Director of Food and Beverage for JJ Astor, showed FOX  21’s William Seay how to make Bruschetta. BRUSCHETTA Remove…

Hermantown Rebuilding New Fire Halls

In March 2018, Hermantown awarded the contract to TNT Aggregates, LLC.

HERMANTOWN, Minn. – Hermantown is making room for new fire halls and the demolition of the old fire halls has already started this week. Fire Hall #3 is no longer standing and by Thursday, May 10, Fire Hall #2 will begin to come down. City officials say those fire halls didn’t meet proper Hermantown Fire Department operational needs any longer….

Superior Police Take It To the Sky With Drone Technology In Husky Fire Response

The four member Tactical Technology Unit linked up with the Husky Emergency Response Team to get better views from the air.

SUPERIOR, Wis. – It turns out new technology high in the sky was a big help in battling the Husky Refinery fire last month. Drone footage from the Superior Police Department made it easier to determine if the scene was safe for firefighters. The Superior Police Department has a Tactical Technology Team. Some of these officers fly a drone in…

What Local Farmers Hope to Find on the New Farm Bill

Senator Tina Smith's staff is asking the community to voice concerns and ideas.

CLOQUET, Minn.- As the 2018 Farm Bill works its way through Congress, Northland farmers are making sure their priorities are being heard. Members of the agriculture community joined political representatives at Fond Du Lac Community College on Wednesday to talk about farming needs. Senator Tina Smith is a member of the Senate Agricultural Committee, some of her staff members were among…

Search for Missing Woman Ends in Lake County, No Foul Play Suspected

Lake County Sheriff's Office Reports the Body of Missing Tawhna Jolee Pringle Found, No Foul Play Suspected

LAKE COUNTY, Minn. – Officials say the body of Tawhna Jolee Pringle, 30,  was located Tuesday, May 8 at approximately 11:00 a.m. According to authorities, Pringle was found roughly 100 feet off the Dunka River Road near Babbitt and approximately 2.2 miles from where officials found her vehicle on February 7, 2018. Officials say there does not appear to be foul…

Financial Expert Gives Tips for College Graduates Entering Workforce

Managing Finances with Great Waters Financial Lead Advisor

DULUTH, Minn. – It’s graduation time and thousands of college grads are now heading into the workforce. Unfortunately, many of these millennials are moving forward in life with college loan debt and not much knowledge on managing finances. This morning, Lead Advisor for Great Waters Financial Barry Bigelow stopped by FOX 21 to give some tips. Here are four subjects…