Community

Glensheen Mansion Celebrates Christmas in True Congdon Form

More than 25 Christmas Trees Fill Historic Mansion

DULUTH, Minn. – Christmas is just a few weeks away and the folks over at Glensheen Mansion are already celebrating. The Historic Congdon Estate is decked out with lights, garland, and more than 25 Christmas trees. Christmas tours are in full swing at the mansion. All tours have a little Christmas flair with the beautiful decorations, and there’s even a…

Strength in Community Scholarship Supports Northland Education

FOX 21 Offers $21,000 Worth of Scholarships

DULUTH, Minn. – FOX 21, along with partners, is once again giving back to students in the Northland. This is through Fox 21’s Strength in the Community Scholarship. It aims at educating students in the Northland who are looking for jobs in the Northland. If you’re a high school senior with a GPA between 2.5 and 3.5, be sure to…

Families Shop at Christmas Market in Superior

Eighth Annual Event Features Local Vendors

SUPERIOR, Wis. – Families shopped local for the holidays at the Christmas Market in Superior this weekend. The eighth annual event is in the community gardens at the corner of Hammond and Broadway. People can buy everything from arts and crafts to pet grooming supplies. The event organizer says she missed the Christmas markets in her native Germany, so she…

‘Tree of Lights’ Ceremony Helps Grieving Families

Essentia Health's Annual Ceremony Is a Fundraiser for Grief Support Services

DULUTH, Minn. – A ceremony at Essentia Health helps grieving families get through the holiday season. The holidays can be difficult for families experiencing the loss of a loved one. At Essentia Health’s Tree of Lights Ceremony, people experiencing grief come together to connect with others going through the same emotions. At the ceremony, families remember, honor and thank special…

Get It Local Fair a Chance to Shop Small

Annual Gift Fair Had More Than 35 Twin Ports Vendors

DULUTH, Minn. – Families had another chance to shop small this holiday season at the Get It Local Fair in Duluth. The fair had more than thirty-five vendors selling locally made gifts and artwork. About three hundred people filtered through the Peace United Church of Christ finding hand made crafts and meeting the artists. “It’s such an opportunity this time…

Winter Village a Taste of Duluth

The first day of Winter Village brought in a large crowd.

DULUTH, Minn.- Northlanders supporting small businesses and got into the holiday spirit at Winter Village. The event brings together popular local vendors to spark shopping small during the giving season. Families and friends can browse the vendors, which are set up outside at Glensheen Mansion. Coordinators told FOX21 it’s a great place to find a gift made right here in the…

A Look Inside Throw-A-Thon From the Turntable

The Throw-a-Thon is open to the public and is a unique way to help feed hungry Northlanders.

DULUTH, Minn.- It’s the giving time of year, local artists are helping feed hungry Northlanders in a creative way during the 18th annual Throw-A-Thon. Over the past 17 years the Throw-A-Thon has donated nearly $155,ooo from Empty Bowls. “It’s definitely out of the ordinary,” student Faith Runquisd said. “I mean somebody wouldn’t think okay I’m going to contribute to the…

Hmong Community Prepares to Celebrate New Year

Coppertop Church will be the place to be to celebrate Hmong culture Saturday

DULUTH, Minn. –  The people of the local Hmong community are getting ready for a celebration this Saturday.  The Hmong New Year celebration is happening on Saturday at the First United Methodist Church, also known as the Coppertop Church in Duluth. It will be a celebration of Hmong culture with traditional music, clothing and of course, great food. “Coming here…

Hermantown Students Graduate from D.A.R.E.

More than 170 sixth graders graduated the program

HERMANTOWN, Minn. – Hermantown kids are ready for some of life’s toughest lessons, thanks to the D.A.R.E program. More than 170 sixth grade students graduated from the 2017 D.A.R.E program In Friday. Hermantown police handed out certificates and prizes. The program teaches kids about the effects of drugs and alcohol, but it doesn’t stop there. “The D.A.R.E. program is so much…

Northlanders Raise Awareness on World AIDS Day

More than 36 million people are living with HIV

DULUTH, Minn. – A candlelight vigil took place in  Downtown Duluth to commemorate the lives lost to HIV and AIDS, as well as draw attention to the illness as a way to de-stigmatize the topic. “People with HIV and AIDS are just that – They’re people,” advocate Will McGraw said. “I think that all people deserve to feel safe and respected…

New City Budget Could Increase Your Property Taxes

Mayor Emily Larson's budget proposal is nearly a six percent increase from 2017's budget

DULUTH, Minn. -Along with drawing from the city’s reserve fund, the typical Duluth homeowner could see a $30 property tax increase if a city budget proposal passes. Duluth Mayor Emily Larson’s proposal would try to fill the budget gap partially through cutting staff from city departments and increasing your property taxes. Part of the proposal includes spending an additional $1…

UMD Wants You To Go Biking In the Winter

Students also got on a Fender Blender, where students pedaled to blend the food that was in the blender

DULUTH, Minn. -Winter is here and UMD wants you to get in gear. Students from an environmental group on campus are trying to get more people to participate in winter biking activities. “Growing up in Minnesota a lot of people don’t think about going roller skating during the winter or doing a lot of those outside activities that don’t involve snow and so…

Vikre Distillery Helping Plant Trees One Bottle At a Time

Bottles from the liquor stores, cocktail room or from the bar all qualify for the tree planting

DULUTH, Minn. – For the month of Dec. if you buy a bottle from the Vikre Distillery they’ll plant a tree. The bottles are priced between $23 and $35. Even the gin is named after, you guessed it, trees like spruce and cedar. “We’re really committed to sustainability,” said Vikre Distillery Visitor Experience & Events Manager Chelsy Whittington. “We’re a triple bottom…

Cloquet’s B&B Market Lends A Helping Hand For Best Christmas Ever

B&B will also sponsor single families and this is the 10th year they've done it

CLOQUET, Minn. – Cloquet’s B & B  Market wants to help deserving families have the best Christmas ever. Proceeds from the trees and wreaths they sell will make that happen. When you walk inside you’re greeted by a Best Christmas Ever tree that lets the public pitch in. The tags on the trees are gifts that you can buy and…

Winter Village Encourages Shopping Small

Nearly 40 of Duluth's local vendors will sell special Holiday crafts.

DULUTH, Minn.- Coming up this weekend, locals can experience a special taste of the holidays during the Northland’s second Winter Village. The celebration is on the grounds of the Glensheen Mansion on Dec. 1st to Dec. 2nd. The event brings together Duluth’s small shops. More than 40 vendors will be showing off their crafts. It’s the second time the Lake Superior…

Locals Returning Home Thanks to New Job Opportunities

The job opportunities are allowing Northlanders to stay closer to home.

VIRGINIA, Minn.- The employment opportunities on the Iron Range, are allowing more Northlanders to stay where their roots are. “Everybody is employed, it’s a great thing for us and we’ve seen that economic boom,” Virginia Mayor Larry Cuffe said. The mines are in full swing, the health care industry is also providing jobs for many workers. Mayor Cuffe said part…

Annual USO Variety Show Honors Military Veterans

Partial Proceeds Support Honor Flight Northland

SUPERIOR, Wis. – Superior is heading back to the 1040s this weekend as the USO Variety Show is performed for the tenth year. It’s a recreation of a USO radio show and canteen to remember the anniversary of Pearl Harbor and honor all World War II veterans. The show is co-produced by Time Arc Theatre and Twin Ports Stage. Featuring…

Expert Tips for Sticking to a Diet and Exercise Plan During the Holidays

Active Adventures: Anytime Fitness Duluth

DULUTH, Minn. – -Sticking to a diet and exercise plan can be difficult during the holiday season. FOX 21 spoke with a personal trainer from Anytime Fitness in Duluth. The trainer, Andy Schobert, says it’s important to manage your portions when at holiday events. Schobert says using a fitness tracker can help because people can know how many calories they’re…

Homeless Mother: ‘Filthy’ Conditions At Steve O’Neil Apartments; CHUM Takes Action

Steve O'Neil Apartments Have Been Open Since Dec. 2014

DULUTH, Minn. – As the coldest days of winter approach next week, the homeless population will be at the greatest need. FOX 21’s Dan Hanger introduces you to a family not living in the woods and not out of a job, but trying to survive. And through this process, the mother reveals a disturbing look at her emergency housing unit inside…

Minnesota Ballet Performs at Essentia Health

DULUTH, Minn. — Today – a special treat for patients and staff at Essentia Health; a visit from the Minnesota Ballet! Essentia is the sponsor for this season of the ballet in Duluth, and these dancers are performing excerpts from The Nutcracker. As an artistic non-profit, the Minnesota Ballet relies on partners and sponsorships to keep their organization going. This…

Annual Julebyen Fest to Attract Thousands

Julebyen (YOOL-eh-BE-en) Means "Christmas Village" and is a Centuries-Old Scandinavian and German Tradition

DULUTH, Minn. – For those of you looking for festive, holiday fun this weekend, Knife River will be the place to check out. The community of just over 300 members is expecting more than 4,000 visitors to check out the 5th annual Julebyen Fest. Organizers say the festival helps put their small community on the map each year and also…

Gift & Craft Show Kicks Off Winter Fest In Cloquet

CLOQUET, Minn. -The Winter Fest Gift and Craft Show kicked off Santa’s Home For the Holidays celebration in Cloquet. The Armory was lined up with vendors galore as they showed off their creations. You could find anything from holiday decorations, mittens and hats. “You get wonderful Christmas presents for families and friends,” said It Works Distributor Sue Trettel. “You’re helping support local crafters with…

Fon du Lac Band Closes Out Native American Heritage Month

The ceremony helps the Native Americans maintain their identity and way of life

CLOQUET, Minn. – Nov. is Native American Heritage Month and although the month is coming to a close the festivities don’t end yet. A closing ceremony at Black Bear Resort capped off the month. It featured a pipe ceremony, drum songs and a performance by royalty dancers. The young dancers are looked at as the future leaders. It’s a gathering….

Fon du Lac Tribal & Community College Holds Opioid Overdose Training

Signs of an opioid overdose include difficulty breathing, small pupils and pale and clammy skin

CLOQUET, Minn. -Many people living in St. Louis and Carlton County know the effects of the opioid all crisis too well. They might have dealt with or have family members dealing with an addiction. Naloxone or Narcan is one drug that reverses the effects of an opioid overdose. Several people were at Fon du Lac Tribal & Community College for…

UW-Superior to Present 20th Annual “Season of Song” Concerts

Concerts Feature Choir and Orchestra

SUPERIOR, Wis. – This weekend a holiday tradition is continuing in Superior with the Season of Song concerts. The 20th Annual “Season of Song” concerts are being held Sunday, December 3 at 4 p.m. and Tuesday, December 5 at 7:30 p.m. Both concerts will be at Cathedral of Christ the King in Superior. Dr. Katherine Chan, the Director of Choral…

Preparing Prime Rib with Texas Roadhouse

Cooking Connection: From Ribeye Loin to Prime Rib

DULUTH, Minn. – Prime rib is often a holiday treat for many, but at Texas Roadhouse it’s a year-round delicacy. Kitchen Manager Manny Gotchie says they “go fast”, so it’s best to be on the early end of the dinner rush. For this week’s Cooking Connection we learned what it takes to make the ribeye loin into prime rib. PRIME…

National Sexual Misconduct Allegations Spark Conversation on Campus

Addressing sexual misconduct now can prevent issues later in the workforce.

TWIN PORTS–  Women across the nation are coming forward with accusations against high profile men, which has created a ripple effect for college students in the Northland. The Women’s Resource and Action Center at the University of Minnesota Duluth has seen an increase in students reporting sexual misconduct. The incidents range from test messages to assaults that have occurred at…

Red Cross Sending Holiday Cards to Service Members

Volunteers Are Bundling 15,000 Cards for Local Veterans and Military Personnel

DULUTH, Minn. – Volunteers are bundling thousands of holiday cards written to local military service members and veterans. The American Red Cross of Northern Minnesota sent out about 15,000 holiday cards in their “Cards for Heroes” program last year. They hope to match that number this holiday season. Volunteers are busy sorting and making bundles of three to five cards…

Award Winning Quilt Raffled Away To A Good Home

Northern Lights Machine Quilters Guild Sewed A Unique Quilt And Raffled It Off To Raise Funds For A Local Non-Profit.

DULUTH, Minn. — One lucky woman from Saginaw is now the owner of an award winning quilt. Stitch by stitch the Northern Lights Machine Quilters Guild sewed a unique quilt to raffle off and raise money for a local non-profit. This has taken place the past 4 years and this year, the funds are going to the YWCA Duluth’s Girl…

Duluth Police Grow Beards For Good Cause

The money raised from the Hairy Holidays Campaign will go to local charities

DULUTH, Minn. – Duluth police officers are breaking the rules and getting away with it. For 120 years officers have followed a policy that permits just a mustache or a clean shaven look. Officers who paid $25 for the month of Nov. and Dec. can now grow out a beard. They came together today to recreate a photo of Duluth police officers from the 1890s…

New Sushi Spot Coming To Superior

Oneill's Pub & Liquor had been in business for about 10 years

SUPERIOR, Wis. – New flavors are coming to Soup Town in the form of a wasabi sushi restaurant. It’ll be located at the former site of  Oneill’s Pub & Liquor on Tower Avenue. The popular spot was known for being Superior’s only drive thru liquor store. It closed down in Jan. and had been vacant ever since. “Tower Avenue is a busy location there’s…

Idling Your Vehicle Could Cost You

Idling also causes damage to the environment by increasing the amount of vehicle exhaust in the air

DULUTH, Minn. -You might want to think twice about leaving your keys in the ignition during the cold weather when trying to warm it up. You could end up with a ticket or walk out to something worse. We may have all done it before. It’s cold so you start your car, leave it running and walk away. Well you…

UMD Dance Students to Perform Pieces Inspired by Jazz

"In a Jazz Way" Opens Thursday Evening

DULUTH, Minn. – This weekend UMD students will be performing to show off their talents and it’s all inspired by the spirit of jazz. The Artistic Director of the performance, Rebecca Katz Harwood visited FOX 21 to discuss the show, “UMD Dance Concert: In a Jazz Way”. Katz Harwood tells us, “Jazz dance is so connected to popular music and…

Twin Ports Mayors Unite For AIDS Proclamation

Only 60 percent of people living with HIV know their status

SUPERIOR, Wis., – Dec. 1 is recognized as World AIDS Day. Twin Ports Mayors Emily Larson and Jim Paine held a dual proclamation to show how they’re working together to place the spotlight on the disease in the Northland. Both mayors agree that HIV and AIDS is a big problem and it affects millions, but it also hits close to…

Moose Lake Cooperative to Close After 97 Years

The Co-op General Manager Says the Store is Closing Due to Rising Debt, Diminishing Revenue and a Unprofitable Fertilizer Season

MOOSE LAKE, Minn. – After much thought, the Board of Directors tell FOX 21 with a diminishing source of revenue, an unprofitable fertilizer season and mounting debt, it’s time to say farewell after 97 years in the agriculture industry. Customers and employees now share a lack of words as they continue coming into the Moose Lake Cooperative. “We’ve had an…

KD’s Family Restaurant to Open New Location in Superior

New KD's Will Be on Tower Avenue and 17th Street at the Former Cenex Location

SUPERIOR, Wis. – The City of Superior is getting ready to welcome in a new family friendly restaurant that’s nothing new to the people of Solon Springs. It’s called KD’s Restaurant and it’s expanding on Tower Avenue in place of a shut down gas station. KD’s Family Restaurant has been a staple of Solon Springs since 1994 and now their…

Duluthians Weigh In on How City Should Spend Federal Funds

$2.8 Million Will Go to Help Low and Moderate Income People in Duluth

DULUTH, Minn. – Duluthians gave their input as to how the city should spend $2.8 million in federal funding to help low and moderate income people. The Community Development Committee got more than sixty written and verbal comments as to how the money should be spent. The suggestions ranged from increased funding to low income housing, to the Keen Creek…

Bentleyville Numbers Up, Donations Down

DULUTH, Minn. – High winds toppled over some displays in Bentlyville, but the warmer temperatures coming along with them have kept the place hoppin’! According to officials, 7,000 more people have come to see the lights than this time last year. However, organizers say what they aren’t seeing are donations. The attraction looks for visitors to bring food and toys…

August Church Fire Cause Undetermined

Fire Department Looking for More Evidence in Case

DULUTH, Minn.-A cause for a fire that ripped through an abandoned church on the 900 block of Third Street in Duluth in August, is still up in the air for the Duluth Fire Department. Fire officials are telling us the cause of the fire is undetermined. They said unless more evidence comes forward, they won’t be able to provide a…

Giving Tuesday Lets You Give Back to Local Non-Profits

In 2016, more than $180 million was raised on Giving Tuesday

DULUTH. Minn. – Now that the hoopla from Black Friday and Cyber Monday has eased off, now is the time to be in the giving spirit. Giving Tuesday happens after the American shopping holidays and it’s the largest day of giving where people are encouraged to donate to a local non-profit organization. Age Well Arrowhead in Duluth is one of the many organizations that benefit from Giving Tuesday….

City of Duluth Offering Free Downtown Parking

After the first free hour regular parking ramp rates will apply

DULUTH, Minn. – Going downtown and searching for a parking spot can be a hassle and sometimes expensive. The City of Duluth wants to make it convenient for you. During the holiday season you can park in the downtown ramps and the first hour won’t cost you a dime. “You have to enter and exit within that hour to take…

Thousands Expected for Duluth Winter Village

Local Businesses to Sell Goods out of Wooden Cabins

DULUTH, Minn. – Last year, thousands of eager Northlanders descended upon Glensheen mansion to check out local businesses selling their goods in a new winter village. That experience is back this weekend. The Duluth Winter Village is being held December 2 and 3 at Glensheen Mansion. The village will be open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. both days. Local…

Holiday Traditions Continue at Fairlawn Mansion

Northland Uncovered: Superior Public Museums

DULUTH, Minn. – Families around the world are taking part in holiday traditions and Superior Public Museums hopes some people in the Twin Ports participate in theirs. Fairlawn mansion is hosting several holiday events that have become a tradition Holiday Sampler: Thursday, December 7, 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Enjoy a festive evening of wine & beer tasting. The evening…

Duluth Businesses Are All In For Cyber Monday

Lots of shoppers have been using mobile devices to make online purchases

DULUTH, Minn.- It’s another day to shop until you drop, or in this case click your pick. That’s because it’s Cyber Monday. Duluth retailers tell us it’s one of their busiest days of the year when it comes to online traffic. You’ve survived Black Friday, Small Business Saturday, but you can’t forget about Cyber Monday. The businesses I spoke to…

Giving Tuesday Looks to Impact Hundreds of Local Organizations

Multiple Non Profit Organizations to Benefit from Giving Tuesday

DULUTH, Minn. – There will be a lot of giving going on in the Twin Ports Tuesday. That’s because it’s tradition for millions of people to follow Black Friday and Cyber Monday with a generous donation on Giving Tuesday to a local non profit organization. People across all 50 states and 98 countries are expected to participate, likely surpassing last year’s…

‘Hunger Heroes’ Program Aims to End Hunger in the Northland

North Shore Federal Credit Union Hopes to Raise More Than $40,000 This Year

TWO HARBORS, Minn. – For as little as a dollar a month, a local credit union has organized a drive to get their members to help eliminate hunger right here in the Northland. North Shore Federal Credit Union started an initiative last year called ‘Hunger Heroes.’ It’s an effort to raise money to combat hunger in Lake and Cook Counties…

Wisconsin Kids Hunt for the First Time

Meet Two Young Hunters Who Were Successful Their First Year

BRULE, Wis. – For the first time this year, kids under the age of ten could hunt in Wisconsin. The Mentored Hunting Program gives kids the chance to try hunting while being closely supervised by an adult. Lauryn Vee is eight years old. She experienced hunting for the first time this year with her dad. “Daddy said that I’ve been…

Superior Middle School Students Get Hands On Health & Safety Training

There were four stations including an Automatic External Defibrillator and firefighter as a career station

SUPERIOR, Wis. – Students as young as 12 learned how to save a person’s life. Superior Middle School turned into a hub for heart and health safety. In its second year, 325 seventh grade students were taught hands on training in CPR and first aid basics by off duty Superior Fire Department firefighters. “The idea is for us, the Fire Department,…

Volunteers Needed to Ring Bells this Holiday Season

The Salvation Army of Duluth is Looking to Recruit Ringers This Holiday Season

DULUTH, Minn. – The Salvation Army of Duluth is now into its largest fundraiser of the year and organizers need your help. This year they hope the Red Kettle Campaign will raise $300,000 dollars; a goal which won’t be possible without many volunteers. With a mission of “Doing The Most Good,” the Salvation Army of Duluth is looking to recruit…