Community

Zoo Receives Tourism Tax Fund Grant

A Tourism Tax Fund Grant of up to $200,000 will Help Keep the Zoo's Doors Open Through the End of 2017

DULUTH, Minn. – Monday evening the Duluth City Council voted to once again help financially keep the doors open at the Lake Superior Zoo. The City approved a Tourism Tax Fund up to $200,000 dollars to help cover operational costs at the facility through the end of 2017. The Zoo’s CEO Erik Simonson says the facility is now in a…

Masquerade Ball Supports Harbor House Crisis Shelters

Saturday: Angels and Demons Masquerade Ball

SUPERIOR, Wis. – This weekend some folks in the Twin Ports will be dressing up for Halloween and a good cause. Rev. Barbara Certa-Werner visited FOX 21 to chat about the upcoming Angels and Demons Masquerade Ball. The night of music and fun benefits the Harbor House Crisis Shelters. The event is taking place on Saturday, October 14 at 6:30…

Local Preservation Corps Works Life Back into Historic Log Church

Northland Uncovered: Sts. Mary and Joseph Church

SAWYER, Minn. – A church in Sawyer on the Minnesota Registry of Historic Places has been under construction for about a year as a preservation corps puts life into the structure. Northern Bedrock Historic Preservation Corps members are working to restore the Saints Mary and Joseph Church which was built in 1884. The goal was to provide a place of…

Body Found in Storm Sewer on Lakewalk Identified

Authorities Confirm the Body is that of 50-Year-Old William Robert Saker, Missing Since March 13, 2017

DULUTH, Minn. – The Midwest Medical Examiners Office has identified the body found in the storm sewer on Duluth’s Lakewalk on September 28, 2017. The body was that of 50-year-old William Robert Saker. Saker was reported missing to the Duluth Police Department on March 13, 2017. Authorities say Saker needed prescribed medications. Authorities are still waiting on toxicology reports to determine…

Duluth Gets “A Taste of India”

It Was the First Cultural Night in Zeitgeist Arts' "Spirit of Duluth" Program

DULUTH, Minn. – Duluthians had the chance to stop at the Zeitgeist Arts Building Monday and get a taste of India. It was the first cultural night in Zeitgeist’s “Spirit of Duluth” program. The program showcases lesser-known cultures in the city. On Monday, guests enjoyed a three course Indian meal and watched an Indian movie to learn more about that…

“Entrepreneurs on Tap” Held in Superior

Program Helps Business Owners and Inventors Market their Products

SUPERIOR, Wis. – Inventors and business owners came together at Vintage Italian Pizza on Monday night. The “Entrepreneurs on Tap” program helps Superior inventors and patent holders learn how to market their inventions. Monday, two staff members from UW-Stout talked to the entrepreneurs about product innovation. “Whether they’re running a retail or a service business in the city or the…

Indigenous Peoples Day Celebrated in the Northland

Superior Recognizes Holiday for the First Time

SUPERIOR, Wis. – The second Monday of October has traditionally been called Columbus Day. It’s been a federal holiday in the United States since 1837. But in recent years, more and more cities and states have also celebrated Indigenous Peoples Day. Indigenous Peoples Day celebrates the history and culture of Native Americans. Superior’s new mayor, Jim Paine, said he feels…

Healthy Options are Celebrated in Minnesota for National School Lunch Week

DULUTH, Minn. – This week schools across the country are celebrating National School Lunch Week. This is all with a goal of educating students and encouraging them to eat healthy foods. Northland schools offer farm-to-school initiatives, customizable meals, and innovative ways to help kids make healthy choices. The Minnesota School Nutrition Association (MSNA), founded in 1956 as a state–wide association…

Local Businesses Offer Specials for “Get Downtown Week”

Coffee Conversation: Get Downtown Week

DULUTH, Minn. – Local business owners are hoping patrons shop local this week for Get Downtown Week in Duluth. It’s a week developed to highlight the shops in Duluth’s downtown waterfront area. The participating stores will be featuring specials and Buy One Get One deals. More than 30 businesses are taking part in the bi-annual event. Get Downtown Week specials…

German Wirehaired Pointers Compete in Solon Springs

National Specialty Show and Field Events Being Held This Week

SOLON SPRINGS, Wis. – Seventy-five dogs and their owners are in Solon Springs this week for the National German Wirehaired Pointer Show and Field Events. The national specialty show has brought hundreds of dog owners from across the country to Solon Springs to show off what their dogs can do. “I love their temperament, their personalities, their go lucky attitudes…

Oktoberfest Celebrated in Fitger’s Courtyard

The Boat Club Restaurant Put on Their First Ever German Fall Festival

DULUTH, Minn. – Fall is here and to celebrate this time of year, the Boat Club Restaurant in Duluth held their first ever Oktoberfest celebration. Oktoberfest is a traditional German folk festival held annually in Bavaria. That’s a long way from Duluth, but the Fitger’s courtyard felt a lot like Germany today at the Boat Club’s own Oktoberfest celebration. “There…

Birds Migrating over Hawk Ridge

Observatory Staff Counts and Band Birds to Monitor Population

DULUTH, Minn. – Birds are migrating to their winter homes, so now is the time for many Northlanders to watch them fly by. Hawk Ridge Bird Observatory in Duluth is a great place to see birds flying overhead. Classes for kids and adults are offered there that teach all about our friends in the skies. The Hawk Ridge staff count,…

Apple Lovers Flock to Erickson Orchards and Country Store

Bayfield Apple Festival will Run Friday, Saturday and Sunday October 6 - 8

BAYFIELD, Wisc. – This weekend thousands are making their way to Bayfield, Wisconsin, as the community will once again host their 56th Annual Apple Festival. The Bayfield Chamber of Commerce predicts nearly 60,000 visitors to make their way through the town during the three day festival. With all the hustle and bustle comes excitement from the Erickson family. Erickson Orchards…

Craft Sale Benefits Local Food Shelves

Saturday: Annual HCE Craft Sale

SUPERIOR, Wis. – This weekend you can collect some cool crafts for a good cause. The HCE (Douglas County Association for Home and Community Education) Annual Craft Sale is Saturday, October 7 from 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. You can find it at the Head of the Lakes Fairgrounds in the multipurpose building, which is located at 4700 Tower Ave.,…

Active Adventures: Keeping Your Body Healthy in Cool Weather

In Motion Therapy Physical Therapist Gives Exercise Tips

DULUTH, Minn. – As Fall ushers in cool weather, many Northlanders may feel a change in their body. Annita Winkels, DPT, visited FOX 21 to give some tips on keeping the body feeling great throughout Fall and Winter. Winkels says in temperatures between 35 and 45 degrees the body needs an extra 10 minute warmup before any type of exercise….

Duluthians Survive Mass Shooting In Vegas, Talk Post Trauma

'Oh My Gosh, We Could Die Right Now'

DULUTH, Minn. – Four Duluthians are sharing their stories of survival – people who feel lucky to be alive after dodging bullets at the Jason Aldean concert in Las Vegas. Nearly 60 people were killed and hundreds more injured. And while the four survivors made it out alive, the post traumatic streets is very real, as FOX 21’s Dan Hanger…

Sprout Film Festival

Films Based Around People With Disabilities

DULUTH, Minn- ARC Northland hosted the highly celebrated and award winning Sprout Film Festival tonight. Based around people with disabilities, the festival provides an enlightening that break the stereotypes of people with disabilities. The event promotes greater acceptance, community integration, and awareness. Each film chosen exclusively showcases the diverse lives and creativity of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. “Seeing…

Grandparents Parenting Over Again

Parents That Lose Kids Over Opioids Or Alcohol Have Kids Sent To Grandparents

PROCTOR, Minn- Some would say that parenting is tough to begin with, but what if you had to do it all over again as a grandparent? Sadly it’s not uncommon in the Northland for grandparents to have to become a parent once again because of the choices made by their children. Parents that abuse drugs or alcohol are seeing their…

Pints for Puerto Rico Raises Money for Hurricane Recovery

Breweries Across Minnesota Donate a Dollar for Every Pint Sold

MINNESOTA – All across the state today, Minnesotans could give back to victims of hurricanes Irma and Maria by having a pint for Puerto Rico. Nineteen Minnesota breweries participated in the fundraiser by donating a dollar for every pint sold in their taprooms on Thursday. All the money raised will be donated to the relief organization United for Puerto Rico….

History of Weapons on Display at the Depot

Exhibit Tells the Story of Weapons from Worldwide Cultures

DULUTH, Minn. – A new exhibition showing the history of weapons opened Thursday at the Depot in Duluth. The display is called “From Homestead to War’s End.” It tells the stories of many different weapons made by cultures around the world. The weapons on display belong to the Duluth Children’s Museum. The exhibit is curated by a Harbor City International…

Quarantine Duluth Brings Zombies Back to the City

4th Annual Quarantine Duluth is Saturday

DULUTH, Minn. – This weekend zombies will be filling the streets of Duluth for an annual pub crawl. The 4th Annual Quarantine Duluth is Saturday, October 7. The crawl starts up at 7:00 p.m. and heads to 7 West Taphouse, Aces on First, Carmody Irish Brew Pub, Dubh Linn Irish Brew Pub, Flame Nightclub, Red Herring and Spurs on First….

Horror Play Premieres at Zeigeist Arts

Cooking Connection: Recipe for Edible Blood

DULUTH, Minn. – Renegade Theater’s latest production is starting up, and the horror-themed play is sure to bring a fright. Halloween decorations are starting to pop up at homes across the Northland and the theater is making something scary a little tasty. “Flaming Guns of the Purple Sage” opens on Thursday, October 5th. This show is a horror-western featuring comic…

CSS Celebrates Homecoming This Week With Unique Match

Students Were Able To Learn A New Game

DULUTH, Minn- St. Scholastica is celebrating homecoming this week. This year’s theme was the “Wizarding World of Saints” which can relate to all those Harry Potter fans out there. Wednesday the students had the day off from school and as part of this week’s celebration, CSS held Quidditch match just like the game most Harry Potter readers have come to…

UMD Takes Back The Night

Public Forum To Unite Efforts For Those Impacted By Violence

DULUTH, Minn- Wednesday, the campus of UMD vowed to ‘Take Back the Night.’ It’s an event held every year where students and faculty gather to show their support for survivors of sexual and domestic violence. Take Back the Night is a public forum to unite efforts to provide the space for individuals who have been impacted by violence to heal….

Walk With Walker Returns To Northland

Spreading The Message Of Health And Fitness In A Nature Trail Walk With The Public

CABLE, Wis. — The “Walk with Walker” campaign is once again in the Northland. It’s goal is to spread the message of health and fitness throughout the state. For the 61st time, many people walked along side First Lady Tonette Walker Wednesday morning. The walk took place on the North Country Trail, which is the longest in the nation. They…

New Sports Courts Coming to Grand Rapids

Six Pickelball Courts, a Full Basketball Court, and Four Foursquare Courts Being Built

GRAND RAPIDS, Minn. – Pickleball and basketball players in the Grand Rapids area could soon have new courts to play on. The Itasca County Family YMCA broke ground Tuesday on a new development that will six pickleball courts, a full sized basketball courts, and four foursquare courts. YMCA officials hope the new space will lead to more organized sports for…

Duluth Vigil Held In Honor Of Those Killed In Vegas Massacre

Vigil Was Held At Peace United Church of Christ

DULUTH, Minn. – America and the Northland continue to mourn after one of the deadliest shootings in U.S. history.  Dozens of Duluthians were invited Wednesday to Peace United Church of Christ to remember the lives lost in Las Vegas. People lit candles and emotions built up during prayer. Members of the church even read the names of dozens of victims…

Haunted Ship Prepares for Opening Day

The William A. Irvin will Open for Spooktacular Tours Starting Thursday, October 5

DULUTH, Minn. – Ghosts and goblins will be unleashed starting Thursday evening aboard the William A. Irvin in Duluth’s Canal Park. The annual Haunted Ship starts at 6:30 p.m. Organizers say they start crafting new decorations and props in May after planning begins in November. This year Northlanders will be spooked and filled with terror as they make their way…

New County Building Coming to Virginia

At Least 160 Jobs Saved

VIRGINIA, Minn.-Multiple St. Louis County jobs were saved last night, as the Virginia City Council agreed to vacate the 300 block of First Street to make way for construction of a new county building there. Virginia’s mayor told us today the county was talking of moving the building to another city if the road wasn’t closed for construction. The move…

Power Outage on Central Entrance

DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth Police Department has notified FOX 21 of a power outage up on Central Entrance in Duluth. This outage has also impacted traffic signals in the area. Duluth PD says they are not currently directing traffic in the area and Public Works has not put signage out. Drivers are asked to pay attention and be alert…

Northern Minnesota is Highlighted in the 2017 Twin Cities Film Fest

Annual Film Fest Starts October 18

ST. LOUIS PARK, Minn. – Hollywood is coming to Minnesota and the Northland is highlighted in some of the films at the 2017  Twin Cities Film Fest. This morning, the Managing Director of the Twin Cities Film Fest, Bill Cooper, stopped by FOX 21. Films about Northern Minnesota are featured in this year’s film fest. They include: Cold November –…

Zookeepers Help Animals Prepare for Colder Months Ahead

In This Week's Animal Answers, Lead Zookeeper Emily Perala Talks Winter Preparation for the Animals

DULUTH, Minn. – Colder temperatures are sinking in across much of the Northland. As humans begin bundling up, it’s also time for animals to do the same. While many of them grow thicker coats of fur, some aren’t able to adapt as quickly as others. Zookeepers at the Lake Superior Zoo tell FOX 21’s Brett Scott they’re working to ensure…

Staying Safe This Season in the Woods

Minnesota DNR Offers Tips to Stay Safe When Hunting, Hiking or Spending Time in the Forest

DULUTH, Minn. – Within the past month, search and rescue teams have been dispatched to numerous calls involving lost individuals in the woods. The calls, coming weeks before thousands more people will enter into the forest for the firearm deer season. As the season pushes closer, local law enforcement and the Minnesota DNR want to remind anyone heading into the…

Local Relief Heading to Hurricane Victims in the Caribbean

International Falls Nurse Going to Caribbean to Help Hurricane Victims

DULUTH, Minn. – Last month multiple hurricanes blasted their way through much of the Caribbean including the Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico. Recovery efforts are just beginning down there and today, one International Falls resident decided to lend a hand. John Decker is a registered nurse and isn’t sure which location he’s going to yet, as he heads out today….

Duluth Crews Work to Correct Sanitary Sewer Release on Park Point

DULUTH, Minn. – The City of Duluth Public Works and Utilities has identified minor sanitary sewer releases along Minnesota Avenue from 18th to 20th Streets and is working to address the situation. Officials say the release is a result of high levels of ground water that is infiltrating the sanitary sewer from the record levels of Lake Superior. The public…

Glensheen Mansion to Open Doors for Free Tours Wednesday

Wednesday: Night at the Museum

Courtesy: Glensheen MansionDULUTH, Minn. – Glensheen Mansion is opening its door to the public Wednesday, and lucky for visitors, it’s for free. This is all part of the annual Night at the Museum event. The gates will be open from 6:00 – 9:00 p.m. on Wednesday, October 4, but Glensheen officials recommend getting in line early. Other than the free,…

Fairlawn Mansion Goes Dark for October Tours; Closes Seasonal Museums

SS Meteor and Police and Fire Museum to Close for Season on Sunday

SUPERIOR, Wis. – A couple tourist attractions are closing up for the season in Superior. This coming weekend will be the last chance to tour the SS Meteor and Firehouse Museum before they close for the winter. The museums will close their doors following tours on Sunday, October 8. In turn, tours at Fairlawn Mansion are ramping up for the…

Duluthians Share First Hand Experience During Vegas Shooting

LAS VEGAS, NV- FOX 21 sat down with two Duluthians via Facebook messenger earlier this afternoon, who described first hand the horrible events from last night’s attack. 28-year-old Briana Hess and 32-year-old Jolene Luczak share their story. “It started again, da da da da da da da and Jason Aldean, he kind of hesitated and then he turned around and…

Life House Unveils ‘The Loft’ For Homeless Teens

'The Loft' will hold teens 15 to 19 years old

DULUTH, Minn. – Life House unveiled its new 10 bed emergency shelter for homeless teens Monday. Life House is an organization that provides services to homeless youth in Duluth. They held a ribbon-cutting ceremony at the new emergency shelter on Monday. Once all the paperwork is in order, Life House hopes to be sheltering teens by the end of October….

Little Angie’s Employees Help Co-Worker In Need

After Bobby Poirier needed emergency neck surgery, his co-workers are coming to his aid

DULUTH, Minn. – The employees at Little Angie’s in Canal Park are stepping up to help a co–worker in need. Prep cook Bobby Poirier needed to have emergency neck surgery, which left him out of commission for five weeks. His co–workers decided to help him out by donating all the tips they earned on Monday, to help bobby recover some…

Garry Bjorklund Half Marathon Sold Out

DULUTH, Minn. – Registration is officially closed for the Garry Bjorklund Half Marathon. In less than 24 hours, all 7,500 possible entries have been filled. For the first time in 24 years, the registration process for the half marathon, was on a first come first serve basis. Open spots for the Charity Partner Program are still available. Registration is still…

Local Agencies Crack Down for Domestic Violence Awareness Month

The Center Against Sexual and Domestic Abuse is Partnering with Agencies in Douglas County Throughout October

SUPERIOR, Wisc. – In 2016 law enforcement in Douglas County responded to 585 calls related to domestic abuse. During the month of October their looking to spread a message of change throughout Twin Ports. Monday, elected officials along with the Center Against Sexual and Domestic Abuse (CASDA) in Superior kicked off a month long campaign. Authorities say over four million…

Lake Superior Research Institute Celebrates 50 Years at UW-Superior

Coffee Conversation: 50 Years of LSRI

SUPERIOR, Wis. – The Lake Superior Research Institute is honoring 50 years at UW-Superior. They are celebrating with a free conference open to the public featuring keynote speaker Alexandra Cousteau. The LSRI was created in 1967 and formally recognized by the University of Wisconsin’s Board of Regents in 1969. LSRI’s mission is to conduct environmental research and provide services that…