Community

Chum Holds Annual Homeless Memorial Vigil and March

Last night, Duluthians gathered to march, sing, and honor the lives lost while experiencing homelessness

DULUTH, Minn. — Chum Food Shelf held their annual Homeless Memorial Vigil, which included a march to Duluth City Hall. People gathered to recognize 77 people in the Greater Duluth Area who lost their lives in the past year. The names read at the vigil represented both people who experienced homelessness and their advocates. The vigil has been held for…

Dabinoo’igan Emergency Domestic Violence Shelter Receives $90,000 Grant

The Ordean Foundation's donation will help expand AICHO's outreach and the shelters capacity

DULUTH, Minn. — The Dabinoo’igan Emergency Domestic Violence Shelter in Duluth is more than doubling its bed capacity thanks to a generous donation. The Ordean Foundation made a $90,000 donation to celebrate its 90th Anniversary to American Indian Community Housing Organization or AICHO. According to AICHO Board Chair Mary Owen, the funds will not only help Dabinoo’igan grow from 10…

Lester Park Students Donate Trees and Gifts to Hospitals

The 21st Annual Giving Tree Project Spread the Holiday Spirit at Hospitals and Assisted Living Facilities

DULUTH, Minn. — Across Duluth Tuesday, Santa’s helpers from Lester Park Elementary spread holiday cheer. Students delivered gifts and Christmas trees to patients at Essentia Health and St. Luke’s, as well as Ecumen Senior Living. The children raised money through helpful acts at home, donating their extra allowances. It was all a part of the 21st Annual Giving Tree Project,…

Duluth Essentia Health Employees Auction Off Christmas Trees to Help Local Organizations

DULUTH, Minn. — Duluth Essentia Health employees are using Christmas trees as a way to donate to local non-profits. The holiday tradition started 4 years ago, when the case management team thought decorating trees would be a great way to bring joy during the pandemic. People can come in and bid on a tree they like, with the proceeds going…

Duluth Salvation Army Christmas Distribution Helps Families In Need

DULUTH, Minn. — Families across the Northland are receiving gifts, toys and food assistance just in time for the holidays. Volunteers came together with Salvation Army staff and met the children and families they have been serving all year. Over 680 families will choose donated items, smorgasbord style. “They start in the Chapel, they get socks from the Casino, then…

Big Red Shelf Book Drive Underway

DULUTH, Minn. — The Big Red Bookshelf program has a mission of encouraging reading at an early age. The public is encouraged to donate any gently used books or even new ones for kids up to eight years old. Typically, over 2,000 books are given to children in the Twin Ports area each year. It’s a program of the Children…

Duluth Salvation Army Receives Toys And Socks, Still In Need Of Red Kettle Donations

DULUTH, Minn. — The Duluth Salvation Army was feeling the Christmas cheer on Monday. Local organizations are giving to the non-profit. The Duluth Fire Department, along with the Duluth Firefighters Local 101 donating toys for people in need. This is the 23rd year of fundraising. The first year they raised under $500. And this year they had just over $6,800…

The Perfect Christmas Tree

Duluth MN – Monte Miller says business is booming. Even with the proliferation and convenience of artificial, he says, real trees seem to be making a comeback. ” Now we have quite a few people in their 30s with children getting out of their mini vans, Suvs and stuff like that. So yeah, I’ve been pretty pleased with that. There…

Problematic Downtown Duluth Parking Ramp Secured With Fencing

DULUTH, Minn. — A problematic downtown Duluth parking ramp has been secured with new fencing to help curb unwanted behavior — and more improvements are on the way. The fencing at the HART District Ramp on East Superior Street now covers all open areas, except where vehicles enter and leave. In May, the city council approved $165,000 to install an…

Superior Firefighters Help Over 500 Kids During Annual Toys For Tots Fundraiser

SUPERIOR, Wis. — Superior Firefighters Local 74 were in the giving mood this weekend. The Toys for Tots fundraiser wrapped up helping over 560 kids from around 240 families in Douglas County. Many volunteer hours go into making sure the joy of Christmas is spread all around. Fire crews say they are thankful for the communities support each year. Categories:…

Rubber Chicken Theater Produces ‘Mayor Mia! – Emily’s Christmas Musical’

DULUTH, Minn. — The annual holiday sketch comedy revue by the Rubber Chicken Theater returns this Friday with “Mayor Mia! – Emily’s Christmas Musical.” Rehearsals were underway Sunday evening at Stage Four (former Underground Theatre) in the Duluth Depot. The revue is all about looking back at the past year by creating sketch comedy, much like Saturday Night Live. Topics…

People Pack Bentleyville As Christmas Nears

DULUTH, Minn. — With Christmas one week away, Bentleyville Tour of Lights was busier than ever Sunday at Bayfront Park. Thousands of families enjoyed all of the lights, displays and joy Bentleyville has to offer. It’s the attraction’s 20th season at Bayfront. And while it’s the largest free walk-through display in America, some decided to run through it Sunday evening,…

Gary-New Duluth Christmas Displays Bring Holiday Joy

Christmas decorations are plentiful as generations carry on the tradition

GARY NEW DULUTH, Minn. – The lack of snow certainly isn’t hindering the Christmas spirit in Gary-New Duluth. While some are happy with just a Christmas tree in their window or a simple string of white lights, others take decorating to the extreme. Shelly Wick-Zeman said her husband has been putting decorations up outside their home since before Halloween. “People…

There’s Still Time To Donate To Make Every Child Smile Toy Drive

The distribution event is happening December 17.

DULUTH, Minn. — A community event is making sure every kid gets a Christmas present this year. The Make Every Child Smile toy drive is an opportunity to be the ultimate Secret Santa by getting gifts so infants through teens have something to unwrap over the holidays. This year a woman donated hundreds of beanie babies to give to the…

Iron Range Hells Angels “President” Charged in Eveleth Alleged Kidnapping and Assault

Criminal complaint includes two felony charges; says accused is "President" of Hells Angels Iron Range Charter.

A man described as the head of the Hells Angels on the Iron Range was charged Wednesday in an alleged kidnapping and assault case. He is charged with two felonies, including kidnapping and false imprisonment. He’s also charged with assault. A criminal complaint filed in U.S. District Court says the man is Jerand Paul French. The complaint says French, 38,…

DSGW Architecture Creates Annual Gingerbread Village

DULUTH, Minn. — An architectural firm in Duluth is bringing the holiday spirit to the Northland. DSGW Architecture has built their annual Gingerbread Village. The company started this tradition during the pandemic as a way to get together and celebrate when they couldn’t have their Christmas parties. It has expanded over the years with themes such as a ski village…

Northwood Children’s Service Receives Support From RSM

DULUTH, Minn. — Northwood Children’s Services received a big check Tuesday, thanks to a generous donation from RSM Duluth. It’s all part of the financial service’s Power of Love, nationwide fundraising initiative supporting youth in the areas of education, hunger, housing, and health. They chose Northwood Children’s Services because the non-profit aligns perfectly with those areas. And along with the…

Lincoln Park Boys & Girls Club Remodels Cafeteria

The Club Partnered with Bell Bank to Upgrade the Multi-Purpose Space

DULUTH, Minn. — The Boys and Girls Club in Lincoln Park just got a much-needed refresh to its Game Room and Cafeteria. New flooring, cabinets, and a colorful paint were added to the space to create a more functional serving area. Tim McShane, president of Bell Bank Twin Ports, said the remodel was possible thanks to their $25,000 donation. “The…

First Witness Opens New Center in Duluth

The Child Advocacy Group Held a Ribbon Cutting Ceremony

DULUTH, Minn. — The sound of drums opened the opening ceremony at the new First Witness Child Advocacy Center this afternoon. Community leaders and child advocates joined the Cedar Creek Drummers in the full room at the center to celebrate the new location’s opening. First Witness helps investigate child abuse and coordinate services said Executive Director Tracie Clanaugh. “We stand…

Hibbing Man, 20, Killed In Head-On Crash; ‘You Are Loved By So Many’

HIBBING, Minn. –  Family and friends on the Iron Range are in mourning after a young man was killed over the weekend in a head-on crash. Levi Greenwood, 20, of Hibbing graduated last year from East Range Academy of Technology and Science. Levi and family The Minnesota State Patrol said the accident happened around 4:30 a.m. Saturday. They said Greenwood…

USW Local 9460 Rally Over Essentia Tech Workers’ Contract

DULUTH, Minn. — Tech workers at Essentia Health rallied in Downtown Duluth Sunday afternoon, wanting what they call a new, fair contract agreement. The United Steelworker Local 9460 has been trying to reach an agreement with Essentia for the past six months.  Click the video above for more. Meanwhile, Essentia Health released a statement Sunday: “Essentia Health and the United…

Newest Caribou Coffee Open In Hermantown

HERMANTOWN, Minn. — There’s a new place for you to get your Bou’ in Hermantown. After many requests for a location in Hermantown, the new spot for Caribou Coffee is officially open. The shop serves more than just coffee with plenty of options including baked goods, smoothies, teas, and more. It is drive-thru and walk up only with a mission…

Cloquet Police Department Investigating Shooting Incident, Asking Public For Help

CLOQUET, Minn. — The Cloquet Police Department is asking the public for help following a shooting incident that is believed to have happened Wednesday night. Police say the report came in on Thursday of a house struck by bullets in the tenth block of 14th Street in Cloquet. When officers arrived, they found several bullet casings and at least one…

Proposed Passenger Train Between Duluth and Twin Cities Gets Limited Federal Funding

Northern Lights Express misses out on biggest chunk of federal funds announced Friday.

Ten rail projects across the country received over $8 billion in funding Friday, but the proposed Northern Lights Express was not one of them. The Federal Railroad Administration announced its choices Friday. While not included in the major funding for projects, the Duluth/Superior to the Twin Cities proposal was among dozens of ideas that will receive much smaller funding of…

On Stage Dec. 8-17: ‘A Don’t Hug Me Christmas Carol’

DULUTH, Minn. — If you like Charles Dickens’ famous “A Christmas Carol,” there’s a Minnesota spoof of the production hitting the stage in Duluth this weekend. “A Don’t Hug Me Christmas Carol” takes place Christmas Eve in Bunyan Bay, Minnesota.  Jason Vincent, of Boat Club Productions, explains the rest! “So, the bar owner, Gunner Johnson, gets into a snowmobile accident…

Radio DJs Annual Day of Giving Helps Second Harvest Food Bank

Midwest Communications Radio Stations Join Together with Super One Foods

DULUTH, Minn. — If you shop at Super One Foods, you might have seen — and heard — some familiar voices near the check out lanes today. Radio DJs from some of the Northland’s most popular stations were at the Miller Hill location, inviting the community to donate to Second Harvest Food Bank. Midwest Communications Radio Operations Manager Rich Cannata…

Duluth’s Planet Fitness Newest Chamber Member

DULUTH, Minn. — The Duluth Area Chamber of Commerce welcomed Planet Fitness to the community Wednesday. A ribbon cutting was held as a way to officially announce the fitness center as the newest Chamber members. Planet Fitness prides itself on being a judgement free zone meaning they offer a clean, comfortable, and non-intimidating environment. They are open 24 hours and…

10th Annual Scholarship Awards Spread Holiday Cheer and Music

Northland Musicians and Bluebird Foundation Fundraise for Youth in Performing Arts

Christmas music and the giving spirit filled the air at Clyde Iron Works earlier tonight. Northland artists, like Tom O’Hara, joined together to help the Bluebird Foundation spread holiday cheer. It was also the 10th Annual Scholarship Awards. It recognizes an outstanding student in the performing arts with a scholarship and also offers six different grants. The Holiday Celebration also…

Domestic Violence Prevention Gets Christmas Gifts and Big Check

Cenovus Energy teams up with United Way to help CASDA families.

It is the time of year when a lot of people are doing good things for one another. And Wednesday was another example of that. Gift paper and gift wrappers came together in Superior to bring some Christmas to clients of CASDA, the Center Against Sexual and Domestic Abuse. Cenovus employees and their families were wrapping gifts for twenty CASDA…

Duluth Mayor-Elect Reinert On Inheriting 2024 Budget, Securing Leadership Team, Campaign Promises

DULUTH, Minn. – With one month to go before a change in office at Duluth City Hall, Duluth Mayor-Elect Roger Reinert is wrapping up his civilian life and securing a core leadership team to join him in January.  Beyond that, he told FOX 21 how he’ll handle inheriting Mayor Emily Larson’s budget for 2024, and he addressed his critics who…

Bemidji Schools Move To E-Learning Day Due To Threats

BEMIDJI, Minn. — Bemidji Schools are having an e-learning day Wednesday, due to a credible threat made to an ISD 31 school and a specific staff member. The Bemidji Police Department says Tuesday evening the Beltrami County Emergency Communications Center received several text-to-911 messages of a threat. They then recommended schools close for the day after not being able to…

Lake Superior College Art Show On Display

DULUTH, Minn. — Hundreds of pieces of student-made artwork is on display at Lake Superior College. The show includes drawings, paintings, ceramics, jewelry, metal art, and graphic design all there. Many of the students are using the creativity to fulfill their fine arts and humanities. “The majority of our students are not art majors. Many of them like art. Some…

Knowing Your Neighbor: Morgan Music

SUPERIOR, Wis. — Whether you’re playing the Amsoil or just learning the chords, Morgan Music on Banks Avenue in Superior is here for you. “We employ friendly gear gurus,” said Tal Morgan, owner of Morgan Music. “Noncommissioned. They’re just here to help you on your journey.” Opening their doors in November they’ve already seen a healthy flow of local musicians….

Finally: Fall Graduation at Lake Superior College!

Many students with some fall classes remaining didn't have to wait for spring to celebrate.

When it comes to graduation, many of us think of spring and the end of the school year. But for some college students, it’s the fall when they finally take that last class. Celebrating that is what brought students and faculty together at Lake Superior College Monday afternoon. Although there was a spring graduation ceremony, many students still had a…

Julebyen, Centuries Old Traditions Still Celebrated

KNIFE RIVER, Minn. — “It’s a small community. It started off as a fishing village. A lot of Scandinavian residents got it started and that trend has continued,” said Chair of Julebyen Helene Hedlund. Knife River celebrated ten years of Julebyen, an event which translate to “Christmas Village.” Both Scandinavian and German traditions kept alive in the community through the…

Be A Santa To A Senior A Success In The Twin Ports

DULUTH, Minn. — A local organization is making sure seniors are not forgotten this holiday season. Home Instead is a supportive services home care provider for senior citizens. Every year they gather specialized requests from different facilities around Duluth and Superior to make the holidays a little brighter for seniors. It’s called Be a Santa to a Senior. Those requests…

Agreement Reached For Sale of KQDS-TV, FOX21

Duluth, MN – The owners of KQDS-TV, FOX21, have entered into an agreement for the sale of the station. Red River Broadcast Co., LLC has signed an asset purchase agreement with Coastal Television. Coastal Television operates ten television stations in seven states; Alaska, Wyoming, New York, Mississippi, Tennessee, Arkansas and Indiana. “We think Coastal will be a good fit for…

DECC Getting Ready For Duluth Winter Village

DULUTH, Minn. — Thursday, organizers are preparing to turn Harbor Drive into the Duluth Winter Village. The event takes place this Saturday and Sunday and will look like a German Christmas market. With 25 cabins decorated by local vendors, bonfires, music, festive beverages, llamas, and more. New this year is a children’s shopping adventure where for a flat fee kids…