Community

LOCATED: Todd Sarkela, of Duluth

Todd Sarkela (Facebook) UPDATE: Todd Sarkela has been found safe. DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth Police Department is seeking the public’s assistance in locating 55-year-old Todd Sarkela, of Duluth. Todd is described as a white male, 5’9″, 120 pounds, with hazel eyes and sandy hair; and typically walks with a cane. He was reported missing to police on Sunday, Nov….

Technology Tips to Help with Holiday Travels

DULUTH, Minn. – Many Northlanders will be taking to the skies and the roads to visit family and friends for Thanksgiving. Verizon Wireless Solutions Specialist Rachel Agurkis stopped by FOX 21 to give tips for keeping the home and vehicle safe during these trips. Some technology that can be picked up at Verizon Wireless includes: Arlo Cam: Protect your home…

Northland Breweries Helping Habitat for Humanity

Northlanders can grab a cold one for a good cause.

DULUTH, Minn.- Breweries in the Northland are teaming up to help out a local non–profit. The Suds for Shelter Benefit is giving craft brew lovers a good reason to grab a cold one. Participating breweries are donating a portion of pint sales to the Western Lake Superior Habitat for Humanity. This Tuesday, Nov. 21st.  the benefit will be held at Blacklist Brewery….

Shuster Skates to Fourth Winter Olympics

Shuster Joins Multiple Duluthians Headed to South Korea

OMAHA, Neb- Chisholm native John Shuster is heading back to the Winter Olympics for an incredible fourth time. Shuster bested Heath McCormick in the final of a best of 3 series to win the U.S. Olympic trials. Duluth natives, and teammates Tyler George and John Landsteiner, as well as Wisconsin native Matt Hamilton, will join him. The 2018 Winter Olympics will…

Christmas Trees Take Over Duluth Farmers’ Market

Northlanders can now decorate for the holiday season before Thanksgiving.

DULUTH, Minn.- Are you eager to spruce up your house for the holiday season? Christmas trees are now for sale at the Duluth Farmers’ Market.  This is the first year Hoffbauer Tree Farm is selling Christmas trees before Thanksgiving. At the market, Northlanders can pick out the perfect tree for their home with sizes ranging from eight feet high to a…

Love–A–Pet Day Gives Animals a New Home

Local event highlights animals up for adoption.

HERMANTOWN, Minn.- Saturday was one for the dogs at Miller Hill Subaru. Dogs and cats from Animal Allies Humane Society and Lake County Humane Society found their new families at Love–A–Pet day. It’s Animal Allies largest off site adopt event. If you’re looking for a furry friend more pets will available on Sunday. “Adoption is so important because when you…

Festival of the Season Held in Duluth

Northlanders prepare for the holiday season at the last farmers market of the winter season.

DULUTH, Minn.- The Duluth Farmers Market is filled with Christmas spirit during the 11th annual Festival of the Season. vendors show off their holiday decorations at the market. Although some Northlanders may be holding off on decorating for the Christmas season, one vendor told FOX21 it’s never too early to decorate. “It’s never, especially a year like this year when winter…

Northlanders Help Create Gingerbread City

Families learn Nordic and Minnesota Christmas traditions while constructing the Gingerbread City.

DULUTH, Minn.- Little Northlanders gathered Saturday constructing a Gingerbread Village. The 6th annual Pepperkakebyen Gingerbread City is on display at the Nordic Center. Families got in to the holiday spirit making traditional Nordic crafts. Art education students from the University of Minnesota Duluth volunteered, helping create the winter wonderland. “I find it very interesting because a lot of this information I…

Bentleyville Tour of Lights Officially Open

Northlanders attended the first opening night of Bentleyville Tour of Lights.

DULUTH, Minn.- The Bentleyville Tour of Lights is now open to shine throughout the holiday season. Duluth is beaming with holiday spirit; families, couples, and friends stayed warm with hot chocolate while admiring the bright lights. With so many different attractions picking a favorite light display can be tough. What’s your favorite display at Bentleyville Tour of Lights? “The big…

Duluth Hits the Trail For National Take a Hike Day

Duluth Has More Than 10 Trails Including: Park Point Trail and the Western Waterfront Trail

DULUTH, Minn. – Hiking in Duluth is a big deal, rain or shine, so when it’s National Take A Hike Day it calls for a celebration. The Duluth Experience was at Chester Park helping promote the city’s parks and trails. They encourage people to go outside and become familiar with exploring their city. “There is this day where we should…

45 Foot Tree Lit For The Season

Christmas Tree Is Located In Downtown Duluth

DULUTH, Minn- Let there be light in downtown Duluth! The official lighting of the Christmas tree took place Friday evening. The ceremony is a 33 year old tradition for the city of Duluth. This year the white spruce tree is about 45 feet tall. 26 nominations from the community were received before this beauty made the final cut. After the…

Northlanders Spread Thanksgiving Cheer

Northlanders come together during the Thanksgiving season, ensuring everyone has a hot meal.

DULUTH, Minn.- Nearly 5,000 meals are given out on Thanksgiving at the 28th annual Twin Ports Thanksgiving Buffet. Preparations to feed Northlanders at the Thanksgiving feast, begin back in August. Friday volunteers brought in 2,200 pounds of turkey and nearly 1,900 pounds of mashed potatoes. The group of volunteers lending a hand, come from many different backgrounds. “We really all…

Bentleyville Brings in New Attractions

This year Northlanders are encouraged to use their cameras and capture moments at Bentleyville.

DULUTH, Minn.- Volunteers are working on the final preparations for Bentleyville, before the holiday season kicks off Saturday. Final touches are being perfected, before Santa parachutes in Saturday night. This year families and friends can cherish Bentleyville memories for years to come. The light festival has a variety of new photo spots set up as you walk through the Winter Wonderland….

Fighting Domestic Violence in the Northland

One local organization gives locals an opportunity to make a direct impact on abuse within the community.

DULUTH, Minn.- The organization Men as Peacemakers, aims to make a  direct impact on the domestic violence within our community. The organization is hosting domestic violence restorative circles, which rely on community support. The classes needed to be a volunteer are currently underway this weekend. Around four to six community members are needed during each circle meeting. This weekend the training…

Give to the Max Day Raises $20.6 Million for Minnesota Organizations

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Minnesota set a new record during the state’s annual giving holiday. Roughly 5,400 nonprofits and schools across the state raised $20.6 million during the ninth annual Give to the Max Day. The day’s total was approximately $500,000 higher than the previous record set in 2016. Donations were made from 87 Minnesota counties, all 50 states, and…

Local Farmers Prepare for Holiday Decor Sales

DULUTH, Minn. – With Thanksgiving just next week, many Northlanders are close to purchasing their fresh Christmas tree. Derek Hoffbauer, Owner of the Duluth Flower Farm, says they have been busy preparing for the holiday season. Already they’ve received several orders online for wreaths, garland and more. Their products can be picked up in person at Dan’s Feed Bin in…

Working Out with Kettlebells

Active Adventures: Duluth YMCA

DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth YMCA in downtown offers several options for exercise. They have offerings from group classes, rock climbing, racquetball, to swimming lessons, pickleball, basketball, and much more. For this week’s Active Adventures, FOX 21’s William Seay learned how to work with kettlebells. Alisha Bradley, Director of Healthy Living for the YMCA, says it’s a strength training device…

Duluth Organizations Take Advantage of Give To the Max Day

Most of the Organizations Set A Goal and Donors Can Match It

DULUTH, Minn. – When you add thousands of people and they give millions of dollars in donations that equals to Give To the Max Day in Minnesota. It’s the ninth year for the campaign where anyone can donate to causes they support. More than $14 million have been raised so far and it doesn’t seem to be slowing down anytime…

Northlanders raise money for hurricane victims in the Virgin Islands

The benifit was held to raise funds and awareness of the rebuilding efforts in the Virgin Islands

DULUTH, Minn. – A couple of Northlanders with ties to the virgin islands are hosting a fundraiser for hurricane victims there. It featured many live musical acts, as well as a silent auction. Organizers hope that this event can bring awareness to the recovering efforts that are still going on in those heavily affected areas. “The U.S. Virgin Islands is…

City of Duluth hosts open house to discuss Superior Street reconstruction

The Superior Street reconstruction project is set to begin in early 2018

DULUTH, Minn. -Plans for the major Superior Street reconstruction project in the Duluth is one step closer to being finalized. The city held an open house on Thursday for the public to see the plans for the downtown project. Residents, Superior Street business owners were on hand to share their input about the upcoming transformation. “This is the transition from…

Lincoln Park Business Business Group hosts annual Turkey Bingo

It was the 69th annual Turkey Bingo

DULUTH, Minn. – The Lincoln Park community came together a the VFW for the annual Turkey Bingo. It was the 69th year for the Turkey Bingo. The event is put on by the Lincoln Park Business Group as a way to bring people together, share some laughs, and hear about all the ways Lincoln Park is growing. “We got some…

Workforce Housing Project Coming To Duluth

The Property Is An Energy Star Rated Apartment Building

DULUTH, Minn – Imagine coming home after a long day of work to your 50 inch Smart TV or cooking on stainless steel appliances. Those are some of the several amenities you can expect at the District Flats at Miller Hill. “Think about all the retail and all the businesses that have been built that need housing as well,” said…

The Great American Smokeout Reaches Out to Northlanders

The American Lung Association shows Northlanders options to use while quitting smoking.

DULUTH, Minn.-  The American Lung Association has been helping smokers put down cigarettes for over 35 years. The Great American Smokeout offers Northlanders looking to quit smoking cigarettes, many suggestions. The Minnesota Medicaid program covers; NRT Gum, NRT Patches, counseling, and other options to make the process a little easier. “I did the lozenges, I did the patch, and made…

Northlanders Renovate Old Buildings

Old abandoned buildings in Two Harbors are being restored and filled.

TWO HARBORS, Minn.- Two Northland sisters are fixing up abandoned buildings, with hopes a small business will move in. Sharon Erickson Ropes and her sister are doing their part to clean up Two Harbors. The sisters purchased a small building and are in the process of flipping it. Ropes told FOX21 it’s exciting being on the first floor of restoration. “I think…

Creating Chicken Saltimbocca

Cooking Connection: JJ Astor

DULUTH, Minn. – A Duluth restaurant is cooking up a new menu. JJ Astor has hired a new Food and Beverage Director, Bob Boyd, who is working on spicing up the menu. For this week’s Cooking Connection, Boyd showed FOX 21’s William Seay how to create Chicken Saltimbocca. CHICKEN SALTIMBOCCA: Place chicken breast skin side down on plastic wrap Place…

Johnson’s Bakery Prepares for Busy Holiday Season

Manager Megan Spitzley says Orders Should be Placed This Week or Early Next Week

DULUTH, Minn. – Northlanders looking for fresh bakery items are being advised by Johnson’s Bakery in Duluth to pre-order bakery items now before the big Thanksgiving meal on Thursday. Megan Spitzley, Manager Johnson’s Lakeside Bakery, stopped by FOX 21 Local News at 7 Thursday morning to chat about how busy the business gets once the holidays arrive. Spitzley says Wednesday before Thanksgiving is…

St. Luke’s Plastic Surgery Associates Hosts Black Friday Sale

Discount on Make Up and Skin Care Products

DULUTH, Minn. – Thanksgiving is a week away meaning Black Friday sales are also right around the corner. St. Luke’s Plastic Surgery Associates is hosting another Black Friday sale. All make up, skin care and injectables gift certificates will be 25 percent off on Friday, November 24. Also, if a customer spends $30, they’ll receive a $15 coupon for future…

Special Report: Finding Pet Friendly Housing in the Northland

Landlords and Pet Owners Open Up Regarding Pet Friendly Rules and Regulations When it Comes to Renting in Duluth

DULUTH, Minn. – According to the American Pet Products Association, nearly 85 million families in the United States own a pet. As more and more people are purchasing animals, many are also deeming it difficult to find their family a forever home. Every year, thousands are descending on Duluth; human beings constantly on the move in today’s ever changing world….

Kids Skate at the Turkey Bowl on Ice

Skaters Bowled Frozen Turkeys Into Pins

DULUTH, Minn. – Kids were getting their skate on Wednesday night at the Turkey Bowl on Ice at the Duluth Heritage Sports Center. Skaters bowled frozen turkeys into pins, trying to knock them all down. Families wrote holiday cards for military members overseas, and kids had a ball practicing their skating skills. “We want to skate!” said Jaidy and Jake,…

Thanksgiving Burrito Returns to Burrito Union

Seasonal Meal Takes a Thanksgiving Dinner and Wraps It in a Tortilla

DULUTH, Minn. – November is here and that means the Thanksgiving Burrito is back at Burrito Union. It’s packed full of all your favorite Thanksgiving dinner favorites: Turkey, mashed potatoes or sweet potatoes, stuffing, corn, and a cranberry salsa. The ten dollar burrito is served with chips and a side of gravy. Burrito Union staff say it’s their most popular…

11th Annual ‘Christmas By the Lake’ CD Released

Local Music Album's Sales Benefit Bluebird Foundation

DULUTH, Minn. – The eleventh annual ‘Christmas By The Lake’ CD was released. The holiday-themed album includes music by a lot of local artists. It also has an original song mastered at Abbey Road Studios in London. “Everybody in Duluth and the surrounding area have all this music from area musicians for years,” said Kim Olson, a singer/songwriter featured on…

Holiday Tree Lights Up Superior

Santa Claus Attended the Event, Handing Out Candy

SUPERIOR, Wis. – The Superior Holiday Tree was lit tonight at City Center Park just outside the Superior Public Library. Mayor Jim Paine was joined by Santa Claus and a bunch of kids to count down the tree lighting. Families at the event could sing Christmas carols and enjoy holiday themed refreshments. “Just watching everybody come join in,” said Kathy…

Marine General Helping Provide Bikes For Kids With Fried Turkeys

The turkey flavors were: creole garlic, creole butter, lemon butter pepper and barbecue mesquite.

DULUTH, Minn. – The folks over at Marine General in Duluth were up at 5:30 a.m. dropping 60 turkeys in the fryer for their annual Turkey Fry. In it’s 18th year, Marine General partnered up with Bob’s Bike Drive to raise money and donate Huffy bikes to kids in the Northland. “It’s just one of those things getting kids outside,…

Duluth Fire Department To Receive Emergency Response Boat

The boat can hold up to eight firefighters in a remote area and four if it's for a common response and not a firefighting need.

DULUTH, Minn. – The U.S. Coast Guard recently identified several gaps in resources in the port of Duluth and Superior. But now both fire departments will have an extra boost. “We will train with Superior Fire Department at some point, so they get an understanding of what the vessel’s capability is and where it’d be most useful in their area,…

Duluth Beach Clean Up Scheduled for Nov. 19 Canceled

DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth Parks and Rec division tentatively rescheduled a beach clean up at four locations for Nov. 19 from 10-11:30 a.m. but has canceled due to predicted weather conditions. The first clean up event had been scheduled for Nov. 12, but was canceled due to snowfall. Despite the cancellation, over 50 volunteers showed up and collected over…

Shelters Team Up For Annual “Love A Pet” Adoption Event

The Adoption Event is Happening Saturday, November 18 and Sunday, November 19

DULUTH, Minn. – Northlanders have the chance to “Love a Pet” this weekend at Miller Hill Subaru. Happening Saturday, November 18 from 10:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. and Sunday, November 19 from 11:00 a.m. until 3 p.m., three local shelters will come together for the Northland’s biggest adoption event of the year. Star of the North Shelter in Grand Rapids,…

Gingerbread City Offers Nordic Experience for Northlanders

6th Annual Pepperkakebyen Gingerbread City

DULUTH, Minn. – This weekend the holiday spirit will be in full swing at the Nordic Center in Duluth. The 6th Annual Pepperkakebyen Gingerbread City opens to the public on Saturday, November 18. A gingerbread village will fill the Nordic Center and there will also be a chance for families to make some traditional Nordic-Minnesota crafts. The event is free,…

Police: Firearm Recovered In Morgan Park Believed To Be Connected To Weekend Shootings

Woman Shows Up In Hospital Reported Being Shot

DULUTH, Minn- Duluth Police investigators told Fox 21 that two separate shooting incidents over the weekend are connected to a gun incident in Morgan Park on Tuesday night. Police responded this evening to the area of 89th Ave W and Edward St. on reports of people in the neighborhood with guns. Lt. Robert Shene said his officers did recover a…

UMD Hosts 24th Annual Undergraduate Research & Artistic Showcase

Some students will have their work published in Civil Engineering's Hydraulics Engineering Magazine.

DULUTH, Minn. – After months and long hours of research more than 40 University of Minnesota of  Duluth students had their projects on display. It’s all a part of the 24th Annual Undergraduate Research & Artistic Showcase. Students work alongside a faculty member and conduct research outside of their regular courses. The showcase featured topics ranging from long-term effects to…

State Legislators Visit Lake Superior College

Lawmakers also had lunch with students and spoke to a political science class.

DULUTH, Minn. – Students at Lake Superior College in Duluth want to bring politicians to a local level, so they hosted A Know Your Legislators forum today. It’s the first time LSC has done something like this on campus. Members of the Student Senate were behind the idea. “This was a really awesome opportunity and I think that some of…

Helpful Hands Prepare for ‘A Glensheen Christmas’

A Glensheen Christmas will Open Saturday, November 18 for Tours at the Historic Estate

DULUTH, Minn. – A crew of roughly 20 students and staff are working to deck the halls of the Glensheen Mansion in Duluth this week. When touring through “A Glensheen Christmas,” guests will be able to experience 25 Christmas trees and hundreds of feet of garland. Visitors will have the chance to find dozens of hidden elves during holiday tours. Many decorations…

Christmas Charity Drive Gives Gifts to Third World Countries

DULUTH, Minn. — One church in Duluth is spreading the love for the holiday season. Mount of Olives Baptist Church is a collection site for “Operation Christmas Child.” It’s a nationwide effort to send Christmas gifts to children in third world countries. Central Collection Point Manager Jack Burklund says cardboard boxes can be stuffed with anything from toys and dolls…

Christmas by the Lake XI to be Released Wednesday

Local and Homegrown Musicians Create Christmas Music for Bluebird Foundation

DULUTH, Minn. – For months local and homegrown musicians have been working to produce a Christmas album that spreads cheer and supports aspiring artists. All of this work is for Christmas by the Lake Volume XI. The album features more than 200 musicians. The CD release party is being held on Wednesday, November 15 from 5-9 p.m. at Clyde Iron…

Spirit of Duluth Dinner and Film Series hosts A Taste of Russia

The event included a Russian dinner and a screening of a Russian film

DULUTH, Minn. – Northlanders had the chance to enjoy a taste of another culture at the Zeitgeist Arts Building on Monday. The Spirit of Duluth Dinner and Film Series, hosted by Zeitgeist held “A Taste of Russia,” where community members enjoyed an authentic Russian dinner, followed by a Russian film screening. The series is meant to showcase some of Duluth’s…

Newer, bigger coffee roaster arrives at Duluth Coffee Company

Duluth Coffee Company's new roaster will substantially increase output

DULUTH, Minn. –  It was an exciting day for Duluth Coffee Company on Monday. A custom built coffee roaster arrived at the Duluth Coffee Company’s new second location on Superior Street. Owner Eric Faust said the big new roaster is in response to the community embracing the local coffee company, and this new addition is going to expand their reach…

UWS Faculty Hold Teach In

Instructors are Protesting the University's Decision to Suspend Academic Programs

SUPERIOR, Wis. – Faculty at the University of Wisconsin-Superior are holding a teach in on Monday and Tuesday to protest the University’s recent decision to suspend 25 academic programs. The teach in is an open public classroom taught by faculty members from many different programs. It’s a discussion about why the suspensions happened and it’s designed to help the campus…