Community

Northlanders Discuss “MinnesotaCare Buy-In” Proposal

Lieutentant Governor Tina Smith and Commissioner Emily Piper Host Town Hall for Residents in Northeastern Minnesota

DULUTH, Minn. – Minnesota Lieutenant Governor Tina Smith started the workweek with a stop in Duluth to talk healthcare Monday morning. Smith along with Commissioner Emily Piper chose to host a town hall in Duluth on the MinnesotaCare Buy-In Proposal. For Lt. Governor Smith, the goal of Monday’s meeting at Duluth City Hall was to inform residents of the plan…

Wisconsin Girl Scouts Create Small Food Pantry

(Wisconsin State Journal) DEFOREST, Wis. (AP) – Girl Scouts in southern Wisconsin are stocking the shelves of a small food pantry they created. The Wisconsin State Journal reports a seven-member Girl Scouts troop largely funded the installation of the Little Free Pantry box outside Christ Lutheran Church in DeForest. The wooden box is a place where community members can pick…

Christmas Lighting Challenge Begins this Week

Twin Ports Area Christmas Lighting Challenge Starts Wednesday

DULUTH, Minn. – It may be Halloween on Tuesday, but registration for the Twin Ports Area Christmas Lighting Challenge begins this week. Families and business owners are encouraged to decorate their buildings in Christmas lights and enter them in the competition. Once the establishments are entered, families can see the list online, tour the displays and vote for their favorites….

Storm Damage Closes Parts of Lakewalk

Brighton Beach Closed Due to Storm Damage

DULUTH, Minn. – Friday’s snowstorm brought devastation to Duluth and this weekend FOX 21 got a first look at the damage left behind. The City of Duluth has been forced to close down parts of two popular attractions. At Duluth’s lakewalk, parts of the boardwalk have been completely ripped up, benches damaged and rocks have taken over what was once…

Bars open early for Vikings fans

Bars were able to open one hour early to accommodate the 8:30 a.m. kick-off.

DULUTH, Minn. –  Fans of the Minnesota Vikings made the early morning trek to their favorite bar to catch that 8:30 a.m. kickoff Sunday morning. With the Vikings playing the Cleveland Browns in London, England, the time difference made for an early start to football Sunday. Thanks to a state exemption, made only for today, bars in St. Louis county…

Last day for corn maze at Ru Ridge

Despite the snow, Ru Ridge Corn Maze stayed open until the end

CARLTON, Minn. – The weather didn’t stop the folks out at the Ru–Ridge Corn Maze from staying open another day. It was the last day for the corn maze at the Ru-Ridge Produce in Cartlon. It was Ru–Ridge’s first year having the corn maze, and the owners were pleasantly surprised by the show of support from the community, even on the…

2018 Superior Days Just Around The Corner

Leaders and Residents Meet To Kick Off Legislative List

SUPERIOR, Wis- Superior leaders and residents are making a list, getting ready to head to the statehouse in a few months, to ask for legislative changes. In February, hundreds of people from 5 northwest Wisconsin counties will head down to Madison. There they will lobby for the top legislative issues deemed most important in northwest Wisconsin. During last year’s superior…

Biggest Scarium at the Aquarium yet for Great Lakes Aquarium

Kids dressed up in costumes and enjoyed some family-friendly fun and games

DULUTH, Minn. – Hundreds of kids and their families made their way to the Great Lakes Aquarium for the annual Scarium at the Aquarium.  There were fun and games, a dance party, and super hero divers. Families dressed up in their favorite costumes and trick or treated through the aquarium. “It’s really a family party,” Great Lakes Aquarium’s Allison Iacone said. “We…

Kids Skate in Halloween Costumes

The Duluth Figure Skating Club Held Their Annual Halloween Party

DULUTH, Minn. – Kids were figure skating in their costumes today at Mars Lakeview Arena. The Duluth Figure Skating Club held their annual Halloween party out on the ice. Skaters in the club and the Learn to Skate Duluth program were decked out in costumes, getting to know each other while having a lot of fun. “It’s kind of a…

Trunk or Treat Event Held at Duluth Gospel Tabernacle

Kids in Costumes Got Free Candy from Cars in the Church Parking Lot

DULUTH, Minn. – Before trick or treating on Tuesday, kids in Duluth’s Lincoln Park neighborhood got to “trunk or treat” on Sunday. The Duluth Gospel Tabernacle put on the Halloween-themed event. Hundreds of kids dressed in their costumes and got candy from the trunks of twenty-seven cars in the church’s parking lot. There were costume contests all day and food…

Winter Storm Has Duluth’s Water Still Abnormal

Full Press Release Of The Situation In Story

The storm may be over but it has left its lasting presence on Duluth’s drinking water. The City of Duluth water system recently violated a drinking water standard related to turbidity. Although the levels have continued to drop throughout the day, Duluth’s water is still not at a level that we would normally come to expect. What should you do?…

Halloween Fun at Wade Stadium

DULUTH, Minn. – Wade Stadium was transformed into one of the biggest Halloween bashes in town, Saturday. Benefiting Noteworthy kids, the first year of Hallowade featured both inside and outside stages for local live music, thousands of dollars in prizes for the costume contest winners, and a haunted locker room. The Lake Superior Zoo stopped by with their mobile animal…

Duluth Police Investigating Man Found Outside Deceased

Not Many Details At The Moment

UPDATE: The Duluth Police have reported that preliminary autopsy results suggest the man died from accidental death due to exposure. Currently, toxicology results are pending. DULUTH, Minn- The Duluth Police Department is investigating the death of a man found near the 10 block of E 4th St.  According to police, they were notified of a man down at 9:43 a.m….

Morgan Park Halloween Carnival

United Protestant Church Held Event

MORGAN PARK, Minn- The United Protestant Church in Morgan Park brought back a family fun event tonight. After a 3 year hiatus, members of the church thought it was important to bring back the annual Morgan Park Halloween Carnival. Kids and even some grownups dressed up in their customs came to enjoy games and family fun. The organizer of the…

Haunted Ravine on Sunday in Ashland

Northland College Event Donates Food to the Brick Food Shelf

ASHLAND, Wisc. – On Sunday, students at Northland College will be scaring people in their haunted ravine. At the annual event, guests are led on a fifteen to twenty minute walk down a trail filled with people in costumes trying to scare them. It’s free to attend if you bring a non-perishable food item to be donated to the Brick…

Mother Nature Leaves Trail of Destruction Along Shoreline

The First Snow of the Season Caused Much Destruction for Many in the Duluth Area

DULUTH, Minn. – Mother Nature knocked the Northland with a punch Friday, leaving thousands without power and many left to cleanup after the first blast of winter. FOX 21 Photojournalist Adam Jagunich brings us to the sights and sounds as people assess the damage. Categories: Community, Environment, Minnesota, News, News – Latest News Tags: Adam Jagunich, Brett Scott, Destruction, First,…

Company Gives Northlanders Opportunity to Recycle Electronic Waste

Twin Ports Recycling Rendezvous

DULUTH, Minn. – Friday and Saturday some Minnesotans will be working together to reduce e–waste dumping. Dave Potter, the Managing Partner of Global E–Waste, visited FOX 21 this morning to chat about the initiative. The Twin Ports Recycling Rendezvous is being held Friday, October 27 from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. and on Saturday, October 28 from 10:00 a.m. to…

Searching for Geocaches at Jay Cooke State Park

Active Adventures: Geocaching

CARLTON, Minn. – For this week’s Active Adventures, we went on a nature treasure hunt. FOX 21’s William Seay went geocaching with Park Naturalist Kristine Hiller at Jay Cooke State Park. The state–wide geocache hunt will go through Tuesday, October 31. Another state–wide geocache will start in the Spring. To learn more about visiting Minnesota state parks, head to the…

Semi Slides into St. Louis River from I-35

Crews Remove Truck from River

UPDATE: Authorities have recovered the body of the driver, who has been identified as 44-year-old Chris Lucia, of Duluth. ESKO, Minn. – Scary moments Friday morning on Interstate 35 North. A semi-truck driving off I-35 into the St. Louis River. Fire and Police officials on scene told FOX 21 this is an active scene and investigation. This morning crews pulled…

Apricot Boutique Vacates Downtown, Moving To Miller Hill Mall

Less Foot Traffic And Other Factors Prompted Move

Apricot Lane Boutique announced today that they will be making the move to the Miller Hill Mall. Leaving another vacant spot in downtown Duluth. Wendy Myers, owner of Apricot Lane says that it’s not just one factor for why she’s making the move it’s a combination of many. Myers says that she has seen her ups and downs in the…

Oscar Mayer Wienermobile Arrives in Northland

The Wienermobile will be Appearing at a Number of Events From Friday Until Halloween

DULUTH, Minn. – Oscar Mayer Wiener fans you have the next five days to snap a memorable keepsake picture with the famed Wienermobile. The vehicle arrived in the Northland Tuesday, but won’t start making public appearances until Friday. The Wienermobile will be driving through the Duluth area to various events up until Halloween. Friday it’ll be parked outside Super One…

Miracle 11 Continues Giving Back

Miracle 11 gives out seven thousand dollars in donations.

DULUTH, Minn.- Miracle 11, a non-profit organization that is continuing to turn a bad situation into a good cause. Thursday a total of $7,000 was donated by Miracle 11 to nine different organizations. Local organizations here in Duluth include; the Second Harvest Northern Food Bank, Northern Lights Foundation, Minnesota Assistance Council for Veterans, and First Witness. Donations were also made…

Solving the Healthy Food Access Issue

The Minnesota Food Access Summit discusses local issues, to make healthy food more available.

DULUTH, Minn.- Minnesotans working to change the flow of food through laws, policies, and systems are meeting this week. The Minnesota Food Access Summit brings together around 550 individuals from different fields, aiming to solve the issue of healthy food access. “When you have an opportunity to work with different sectors, it really helps you expand and creatively think of…

City Roads Ready for Winter

The roads are clear right now, but soon Northlanders will have their first snowy drive of the season.

DULTUH, Minn.- The first snowfall can be excited, but it requires some extra attention on the road. The roads are clear right now, but soon Northlanders will have their first snowy drive of the season. The city of Duluth is prepared for the conditions. Trucks started off the morning laying black top to fill potholes, within a couple hours its…

Community Connect Held at Damiano Center

Event Brings Service Providers Together to Help People in Need

DULUTH, Minn. – Community Connect, an event which helps low income people and those experiencing homelessness, was put on today at the Damiano Center in Duluth. The event’s goal was to bring many different service providers together in one place. It offered free flu shots, warrant resolution, foot care, and winter clothes and blankets. “People who are low income have…

Sclavi’s Italian Restaurant & Bar Introduces New Menu Items

Cooking Connection: Braised Cauliflower

SUPERIOR, Wis. – Sclavi’s Italian Restaurant and Bar is has made a few menu tweaks, so FOX 21 worked in the kitchen with them in this week’s Cooking Connection. Owner Anthony Sclavi showed FOX 21 how to make braised cauliflower. This is a healthy and vegan dish. Sclavi’s is located at 1006 Tower Ave. in Superior, WI. They are open…

St. Croix Inn to Hold Diabetes Fundraiser

ATV Poker Ride for Research

SOLON SPRINGS, Wis. – This weekend the St. Croix Inn is hosting their 1st Annual Diabetes Fundraiser. All money raised from the event will go to diabetes research. There will be an ATV Poker ride on Saturday, October 28, 2017. At the end of the day riders are invited to meet in the “Diggers” lakeside lounge and enjoy music, food…

UMD Theatre Prepares to Present Comedic Play

Students to Perform "Noises Off"

DULUTH, Minn. – UMD Theatre’s next production starts up next week. “Noises Off” actors Amelia Barr and Sarah Dickson visited FOX 21 to talk about the plot. They tell us the story follows a theater company that continues to run into problems while trying to get a show complete. The show will be running November 2-4 and 8-11 at 7:30…

Chisholm City Council Votes to Remove Kevin Scaia

Council Approved Code of Conduct at Wednesday Meeting

CHISHOLM, Minn. – Wednesday night Chisholm residents spoke out at the city council meeting calling for councilor Kevin Scaia’s resignation. Later in the meeting, Councilor Tracy Campbell proposed a resolution also calling for his resignation. Campbell also proposed a values guide and code of conduct for the council. Both were approved by the council. Scaia is accused of groping a…

Chaplain Training Underway in Duluth

Training underway for chaplains, who help our community and local law enforcement.

DULTUH, Minn.- Chaplains from across the region are in Duluth this week. Chaplains are participating in training at the Public Safety Office by the St. Louis County Sheriff’s office, to be the best chaplains possible. FOX21 is told their role is to offer emotional and spiritual support to all people. Chaplains serve as a listening ear to police officers, their…

Superior Farmers Market Closes for Season

Superior's Downtown Farmers Market closes for the winter season.

SUPERIOR, Wis.- Today was the final day of the season for the Superior Downtown Farmers Market. This summer the market moved to Banks Avenue due to road construction at the previous location. Thanks to Northlanders shopping local it was still another successful season for the market. “They are incredibly supportive; they are complimentary about the produce farmers bring, complimentary about…

Burial Sites Continue To Stall Bridge Replacement Project

MnDOT Mistake Of Unearthing Grave Sites Will Prolong Project

DULUTH, Minn- Construction on the Fond du Lac reservation to replace the Mission Creek bridge continues to be at a stand still. This because of mishandling of the project from MnDOT that lead to the discovery of an ancient Native American burial ground on Hwy 53 that runs through the Fond du Lac neighborhood. The original plan was to have…

Duluth Pack Launches New Collaboration with Minnetonka Moccasin

Collection Includes Moccosins and Bags

DULUTH, Minn. – Duluth Pack is touting an exciting new collaboration with another Minnesota-based company. President and Owner of Duluth Pack, Tom Sega, says the company has been working with Minnetonka Moccasin Company for about a year to develop the new line. The companies used Duluth Pack’s canvas fabric for Minnetonka moccasins and Minnetonka leather on a Duluth Pack bags….

City of Superior Announces ‘Name That Park Contest’

Winner receives a $100 gift card!

SUPERIOR, Wis. – Mayor Jim Paine and 8th District Councilor Craig Sutherland announced the City of Superior’s “Name That Park Contest” on Wednesday. Residents of Superior are invited to enter the contest to rename the North 18th Street and Oakes Avenue Play Area. “I think it’s a great idea to get the community involved. Give it a name that can…

Matilda’s Dog Bakery to Host Bark-tober Fest

On Saturday, October 28, Matilda's Dog Bakery in Duluth's Lakeside Neighborhood will Host a Bark-tober Fest and Howl-O-Ween Costume Contest

DULUTH, Minn. – Calling all dogs, cats and owners! Matilda’s Dog Bakery in Duluth’s Lakeside Neighborhood will host their 2nd Annual Bark-tober Festival and Howl-O-Ween Costume Contest Saturday, October 28. The event will start at 10 a.m. and go until 3 p.m. Owner Joanne Elliot says the event last year was a hit for many pet owners and their companions….

Energy Awareness Expo Helps Northlanders

The 14th annual Energy Awareness Expo was packed full of eager customers.

DULUTH, Minn.- The 14th annual Energy Awareness Expo kicked off today at the Salvation Army. The event is hosted by the Minnesota Board of Light and Power, AEOA, and Comfort Systems. The organizations invited income eligible customers to meet with energy providers ask questions and learn tips on energy conservation. The event is popular with customers, the line to get…

City Snow Plow Training Underway

The city is prepping workers for the winter months during snow plow training.

DULUTH, Minn.- On Tuesday city workers in Duluth prepared for the upcoming snow during a training session at Spirit Mountain. The course gives workers an opportunity to operate the machinery, before work will be in full swing during winter in the Northland.  City employees are practicing maneuvering graters and plows for snow removal.  “What we do here is we get them…

The Sweet Spot Indoor Golf Celebrates Grand Opening

The Sweet Spot Indoor Golf has Moved Locations to 2711 West Superior Street in Duluth

DULUTH, Minn. – Cooler temperatures and even snow will soon force golfers off local courses, but one business in Duluth is looking to keep your swing up to par all winter long. The Sweet Spot hosted their grand opening celebration Tuesday afternoon. Co-owner Stephanie LaFleur and her husband bought the business last Christmas and decided to move locations. The new…

Grounds Crew at Glensheen Prepares for First Snow

Northland Uncovered: Prepping Plants for Winter Freeze

DULUTH, Minn. – The grounds crew at Glensheen Mansion is preparing for the upcoming freeze. It’s big undertaking as the workers winterize the fountain in the formal garden by draining and scrubbing it, then covering it in plastic. They also harvest the rest of the vegetables and rake leaves. “The changing of the season always happens at different times this…

North Shore Scenic Railroad Prepares Trains for Winter

Northland Uncovered: Transitioning Trains for Cold Months

DULUTH, Minn. – As the leaves continue to fall of trees and temperatures stay chilly, many of us are getting ready for winter. Some museums in town are also making a transition for the cold months. North Shore Scenic Railroad officials tell us they need to use several hundred gallons of antifreeze to get all the radiators ready for winter….

Naloxone “Narcan” Training For Medical Professionals Held In Duluth

Training Possible Through Newly Obtained Grant

DULUTH, Minn- Medical professionals in Duluth are getting some hands on training with Narcan. It’s a drug that can save lives by reversing the effects of an opioid overdose. Pharmacists, dentists, nurses, and doctors all got training as part of the Minnesota Targeted Response Grant. The goal of the grant is to expand the use of Narcan and create more…

Superior’s Hampton In Celebrates Ribbon Cutting

Hotel Competes With Duluth Hotels

SUPERIOR, Wis- Monday, the City of Superior is celebrating a newly built Hampton Inn. The hotel is located on highway 53 across from the Perkins. This is the third hotel in superior owned by Oliver companies which also owns nearby the Holiday Inn and Barkers Island Inn. Company officials tell us they’re finding new ways to compete with hotels in…

Best Christmas Ever is Seeking Family Nominations

Group Looks to Provide Families with Surprise Gifts

DULUTH, Minn. – This year Best Christmas Ever has a goal of blessing 100 families with a perfect Christmas. BCE is a group dedicated to providing families who have fallen on hard times with a surprise delivery of Christmas presents and money that are used for the family’s specific needs. Right now, BCE is in need of family nominations. If…

Detour in Place on Superior Street for Water Main Project

DULUTH, Minn. – The City of Duluth Public Works and Utilities Department is informing the public of a temporary detour on Superior Street at 15th Avenue East. The detours begins today, Oct. 24 and is necessary for a water main connection. Traffic is expected to be detoured the entire week for the connection and road repairs. The detour is directing…

Beastie Bash Expected to Bring Big Bucks for Friends of Animals Humane Society

Event to Include Silent Auction and Raffle

CLOQUET, Minn. – This weekend many Northlanders will be supporting shelter animals from Friends of Animals Humane Society. The Annual Beastie Bash is being held at the Black Bear Otter Creek Event Center on Saturday, October 28. There are advance ticket sales only and the sales end on Wednesday, October 25. Tickets can be purchased at the humane society, or…

New Shop in Carlton Offers Handcrafted Goods and Gifts

Gateway Goods Offers a Variety of Handmade Goods and Gifts for Everyone to Enjoy

CARLTON, Minn. – As the season of gift giving soon returns, many of us may think of big box stores for the latest and greatest gadgets and goods. However, one dynamic sister duo in Carlton is looking to shine a spotlight on local businesses. If you get a chance to take a break along Chestnut Avenue in Carlton, chances are…

Area Goodwills hold Halloween sales

The Goodwill stores have discounts on costumes and halloween supplies

DULUTH, Minn. – Halloween is just around the corner, and many folks still haven’t picked out their costumes yet. So, if you need some help, Goodwill stores in the Twin Ports area might be a nice stop. The stores are packed with Halloween gear, and right now those items are up to 50 percent off. “We have that unique, one…

Earned sick and safe time advocates express disappointment with Duluth City Council

The Duluth City Council voted to postpone hearing taskforce recomendations.

DULUTH, Minn. – Supporters of earned sick and safe time showed up at the Duluth City Council meeting to express disappointment in the council’s decision to postpone hearing recommendations from the earned sick and safe time task force. Last year, Duluth City Council voted to assemble a task force to investigate the possibility of passing an earned sick and safe…

Wisconsin Man Claims to Have Made World’s Largest Ball of Twine

James Frank Kotera (JFK) Has Been Working on the Ball for 38 Years

HIGHLAND, Wis. – A Highland man claims to have made the world’s largest ball of twine. He’s been working on it for thirty-eight years and says the twine ball now weighs more than eleven tons. James Frank Kotera, or JFK as he calls himself, is one of a kind. “I was born February 2nd, 1947. Groundhog’s day. The world’s walking…