Community

Full Transcript: Mayor Emily Larson’s State Of The City Address

DULUTH, Minn. — Duluth Mayor Emily Larson held her State of the City Address Wednesday evening at The West Theatre.  Click here for the complete transcript from that speech. The mayor covered a broad range of topics which she believes need to be addressed. Larson has served as Duluth’s mayor for the past seven years. She’s running for another term,…

Roger Reinert, Duluth Mayoral Candidate Hosts Coffee And Conversations

DULUTH, Minn. — Roger Reinert is one of the candidates running for the Duluth mayoral election coming up this fall. Reinert is hosting a total of 6 “Coffee and Conversations” meet-ups with the public, and one of them happened Wednesday. He says it’s an open invitation for anyone to join him for small group conversations on issues they’re concerned about…

Mentorship Program Fundraiser Kicks Off At Hoops Brewing

DULUTH, Minn. — Mentor North kicked off a month-long fundraising drive at Hoops Brewing Monday night. The nonprofit matches kids and teens with adult mentors who inspire creativity and learning. Throughout the next month, Hoops Brewing is hosting a variety of events, closing with a comedy show. One of the leaders of the organization explained how role models who take…

Mall Businesses and Employees Feeling Economic Impact of Roof Collapse

DULUTH, Minn — Ever since the roof collapse at the Miller Hill Mall last Tuesday, dozens of businesses ranging from local stores to chain stores to Essentia have been waiting for the go to reopen their doors.  While some have been given the green light, others remain closed as workers continue to repair the damage and ensure the structural integrity…

Grant Given To Family Freedom Center Will Boost Opportunities For Kids And Teens

DULUTH, Minn. — $100,000 was given to the Family Freedom Center Monday for a new program they’re starting. The Ordean Foundation made this happen with a major legacy grant. The grant was in honor of Joe Everett, who worked for the Ordean Foundation for more than 30 years. The grant will allow the Family Freedom Center, a black non-profit organization,…

Changes For Drivers On I-35 Happening Friday

Northbound Changes DULUTH, Minn. — If you use I-35 through the Twin Ports Interchange, also known as the “can of worms,” here’s a heads up. Starting this Friday at 7 p.m. southbound lanes between Garfield Avenue and 27th Avenue West will be moved to single lane. Those going northbound on I-35, it’ll close completely between 40th Avenue West and Garfield…

Miller Hill Mall Management Informs Tenants Of Phased Reopening After Roof Collapse

DULUTH, Minn. —  Management for the Miller Hill Mall sent the following email to its tenants late Sunday evening about the phased reopening of the mall property after a partial roof collapse last Tuesday shut the mall down. Thank you for your continued patience as we work to safely reopen the Miller Hill Mall. We are returning leased premises to…

Maria Bamford To Honor Late Father With Stand-Up Show In Duluth

The one-hour show will raise money for CHUM

DULUTH, Minn. – Duluth comedian Maria Bamford is getting ready to put on a special one-hour comedy show at Zeitgiest Thursday in honor of her father, Dr. Joel Bamford, who died over the weekend. FOX 21’s Dan Hanger interviewed Joel in 2016, along with Bamford’s late mother, Marilynn, and sister, Sarah.  It was all about Bamford’s Netflix series “Lady Dynamite.”…

City Of Duluth Provides Winter Storm Update

DULUTH, Minn. — The following information below is a Wednesday afternoon update from the city of Duluth about the upcoming winter storm for tonight and into Friday. City of Duluth staff are monitoring the weather forecasts provided by NWS Duluth. The National Weather Service in Duluth is forecasting a Winter Storm Warning for all of northeast Minnesota that will begin…

Students, Potential Employers Converge At Spring Career Fair

The Northeast Minnesota Office of Job Training hosted dozens of businesses at a career fair Tuesday. The primary focus was to highlight careers that are accessible with general education and also provide a ladder of opportunities. The event was held at Black Bear Casino. Employers ranged in fields like human services, business and natural resources. Rowdy Egger, a senior at…

FOX 21 Participates In ‘Hunger Bowl Twin Ports’ Bowling Tourney

FOX 21 was once again representing at this year’s Hunger Bowl Twin Ports bowling tournament. The event raised money for Second Harvest Northern Lakes Food Bank. FOX 21’s Dan Hanger, Rusty Mehlberg and Ken Slama greased up their bowling shoes for the cause.  News Director Steve Goodspeed cheered them on. The tournament was held a Superior Lanes in Superior. For…

Amateur Weather Observers Help Communities in Measurable Ways

DULUTH, Minn — In 1997, Fort Collins, Colorado saw 14.5 inches of rain in a span of 31 hours leading to flash flooding and several deaths.  A year later, Colorado State University started the Community Collaborative Rain, Hail and Snow Network, or CoCoRaHS.  It was created to hopefully prevent another similar tragedy. In the decades since, CoCoRaHS has grown into…

Duluth Figure Skating Club Holds ‘Learn to Skate’ Classes for Adults

Fox 21's Cam Derr gives the Duluth Figure Skating's 'Learn to Skate' for adults class a try.

DULUTH, Minn.- The Duluth Figure Skating Club holds ice skating classes for adults twice a week through their ‘Learn to Skate’ program. Fox 21’s Cam Derr laces up the skates and gives the class a try. For more information, or to sign up click here.  Categories: Community, Friday Night Frenzy, News – Latest News, Sports

8th Cabin Fever Reliever Will Celebrate Local Music and Radio This Sunday

TWO HARBORS, Minn — Two Harbors Community Radio will be hosting their 8th Cabin Fever Reliever this Sunday at Two Harbors High School. A wide array of local musical talent will be showcased ranging from folk music to classical. Solo artists as well as full on band ensembles will be performing in this celebration of local artists and community radio. …

6th Annual Rosie Awards

DULUTH, Minn. – A celebration of extraordinary women in the Northland was held at the DECC Wednesday for the 6th annual Rosie Awards. Put on by ‘The Women Today’ magazine, over 200 hundred people attended to see who would be recognized for six awards. The mentor award, trail blazer, silent advocate, most engaged volunteer, leadership, and the Rosie award. Those…

DECC In Need Of Concessions Workers For Women’s Frozen Four, Offering Incentive

DULUTH, Minn. — The DECC is hosting the NCAA Division I Women’s Frozen Four next weekend and they badly need help keeping concession stands open for thousands of hockey fans from across the country. A spokesperson at the DECC tells FOX21 they’ve gotten 50 organizations to volunteer through the DECC’s paid fundraising program, but it’s still not enough. So, to…

Former County Atty., Former Legal Partner Remember Duluth Judge Sally Tarnowski

DULUTH, Minn. – The legal community in Duluth was reflecting Tuesday on Judge Sally Tarnowski’s impact within Minnesota’s 6th Judicial District one day after she died in Florida was on vacation. According to the Star Tribune, Tarnowski was stuck by a vehicle while out on a jog in Venice, Florida. Duluth Lawyer Joe Roby worked with Tarnowski when she first…

Parents Express Concern Over Superior School Dist. Consolidation Plan

SUPERIOR, Wis. — Some concerned parents in Superior spoke up at Monday night’s school board meeting about the district’s plans to possibly consolidate its elementary schools from six to five. A half-dozen parents took to the podium to speak against closing either Lake Superior or Four Corners elementary schools. They said they want more information about the financial benefit of…

Singing With The Stars: Ness, Hanger Are Nervous But Excited

DULUTH, Minn. — FOX 21’s Dan Hanger and former Duluth Mayor Don Ness discussed their nerves Thursday night about the Duluth Playhouses’ ‘Singing With The Stars’ event happening Friday night at the NorShor Theatre. Needless to say, they are both nervous but excited to help raise money for the Playhouse.  Click the video for a listen. For tickets, click here. …

Robotics and the Brains Behind Them at the DECC

Multi-State High School Competition Brings Out the Best

If you’ve ever wondered who all the smart people are who design the machines around us…they are at the DECC for the next two days. One hundred and twenty teams have gathered for an electronic gladiator competition of sorts. It is called the FIRST Robotics Regional Competition and it is part of an international program involving high school students. This…

Creativity in the Kitchen at the Harrison Community Center

DULUTH, Minn. – The Harrison Community Center puts on weekly programs to engage families in the community through artistic play. Thursday, kids and their parents got to spend the evening taste-testing girl scout cookies. The program called Creativity in the Kitchen was put on for the first time to teach families about nutrition and healthy eating. After taste testing each…

UMD Hosts Summit On Equity, Race & Ethnicity

DULUTH, Minn. — UMD hosted its annual Summit Wednesday on Equity, Race and Ethnicity with the goal of inspiring change for greater equality for all. The Summit’s theme was “Decolonizing Our Institutions and Communities.” It included workshops and a play inspired by the Black Lives Matter movement. UMD’s Commission on Equity, Race and Ethnicity put on the conference and is…

Special Report: Heart And Hope, From Ukraine To Duluth

Russia continues to destroy parts of Ukraine, killing innocent men, women and children. In a special report – Heart And Hope – we’re bringing you the story of a Ukrainian family that found refuge in Duluth. Kupriichuk and Gasele families The family arrived this summer, and a Northland couple opened their home and hearts – offering hope when it was…

Minnesota FoodShare Month Kicks Off

DULUTH, Minn. – CHUM along with more than 300 other food shelves across Minnesota are asking for your help with donations of both food and money during a time of year when it may be needed the most. “In the coming months, the need will increase, and we’ll see an incredible demand for supply in a normal time of year…

Coffee Conversation: Singing With The Stars Happening Friday

DULUTH, Minn. — A one-night event is happening this Friday at the NorShor Theatre to raise money for the Duluth Playhouse. It’s called “Singing with the Stars” and Wes Drummond, Executive Director of the Duluth Playhouse came on the morning show to talk about it. FOX 21’s Dan Hanger will be kicking off the show with a song from Disney’s…

Award And Author Event Supporting Duluth Public Library

DULUTH, Minn. — The Greysolon Ballroom was packed Sunday afternoon with the Duluth Public Library’s supporters. The Olga Walker Awards were presented to some of the biggest donors to the library. The event also featured Korean American author Maria Myung-Ok Lee who read an excerpt from her novel titled “The Evening Hero,” which she also signed copies of. Lee also…

UPDATE: Winter Storm Shuts Down Ashland Roadway For 9 Hours

Highway 2/13 was declared "impassable."

UPDATE (Feb. 24, 8:30 a.m.) — The Wisconsin Department of Transportation says the stretch of US 2/Wisconsin 13 is open. The roadway had been closed for about 9 hours Thursday. It opened back up at 4:05 p.m. ORIGINAL POST: Howling winds and driven snow are blowing through Ashland, and at least one roadway has said, “Okay, Enough Already!” The Wisconsin…

Third Annual “Spirit Loves Duluth Days”

DULUTH, Minn. — A local ski resort is saying thank you to Duluth residents by offering special discounted rates Thursday and Sunday. Spirit Mountain is putting on its third annual Spirit Loves Duluth Days. They’re offering $5 passes on lift tickets, Nordic passes, rentals, and tubing. The hill puts this on to show appreciation for the City of Duluth, which…

Duluth Public Library Partnership in Remodel Plans

DULUTH, Minn.– The Duluth Public Library will soon upgrade their community service center. Mayor Emily Larson revealed a partnership with the Library Foundation at a press conference on Wednesday. Redesign on the facility is expected to start late 2024, with construction hoping to start soon after. The extent of the remodel has not be determined yet, but will be centered…

St. Louis County Unveils New 911 Dispatch Center

Duluth, Minn. — The new 911 Emergency Communications Center in St. Louis County has 14 working stations that support 180 user agencies – police, fire and EMS. On an average year, dispatchers answer 205,000 calls throughout the county. The new state-of-the-art took a year of planning, and the actual switchover took about five months.  During that time, the dispatch center…

Local Library Hosts Mini Golf For Families

DULUTH, Minn. — Kids were putting their putt-putt skills to the test Tuesday at the Duluth Public Library. The library is taking advantage of many kids having the week off of school for winter break. And to get families to come out they set up 9-holes of mini golf that is absolutely free. Kids will even get to pick a…

UMD Medical School Graduates the Second Highest Number of Indigenous Doctors

Duluth, Minn. –The University of Minnesota Duluth’s Medical School has the distinction of having graduated the second largest number of native or indigenous medical professionals in the nation.  Only Oklahoma State University has more. The Center of American Indian and Minority Health Department has been a part of UMD’s Medical School for more than 40 years. Dr. Mary Owen, an…

UMD Student-Athlete DEI Council Holds Watch Party and Discussion Panel

The panel included current UMD basketball players Joshua Brown and Isaiah Watts, alongside former Bulldogs Dr. Harry Oden and Yusuf Abdullah.

DULUTH, Minn.- In honor of Black History Month, student-athletes from UMD’s Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Council hosted an event, Sunday evening, discussing how one college basketball team, during the height of the Civil Right Movement, shattered racial barriers, changing collegiate athletics forever. The event was a watch party of the film “The Loyola Project”, a documentary that follows the Loyola…

Maple School Dist. Plans To Eliminate Teacher Positions Amid $575K Deficit

MAPLE, Wis. – More than a half-dozen teacher positions are planning to be eliminated within the Maple School District next school year because of an anticipated $575,000 deficit, according to Supt. Sara Croney. As of Friday’s announcement, a full-time math teacher, social studies teacher and part-time library aide are being eliminated at the high school. At the middle school a…

Duluth’s Amazing Grace To Host ‘Last Hurrah’ After 27 Years In Business

Amazing Grace Cafe & Grocery, a staple in Canal Park for 27 years, will close the doors for good at the end of February. The decision to close, according to the owner Connor riley, was very difficult to make but the right one after trying to fight through the pandemic and its aftermath. Amazing Grace has been providing locally sourced,…

Ojibwe Winter Games Much More Than Games

Children learn skills tied to history and ancestors

Winter is what you make of it. And for Native Americans, it is an important time for their culture. That was on full display Friday in the cold and sunshine of February. It was the Ojibwe Winter Games at UMD’s Bagley Nature Area. In the form of very specific and unique games, school children were learning skills that native ancestors…

Bent Paddle Turns Original Tap Room Into THC, CBD ‘Cann-A-Lounge’

DULUTH, Minn. – Gov. Tim Walz declared Feb. 16 Beer Day in Minnesota.  That means breweries in Duluth were celebrating with specials. The Minnesota Craft Brewers Associations said it’s a day to celebrate not just the past of beer in the state, but also how far it has come, and what the future holds. In the past 20-plus years, more…

Boys and Girls Clubs Youth of the Year

DULUTH, Minn.–The Boys and Girls Clubs held their annual Youth of the Year event at Clyde Iron Works. Two boys gave speeches on their experiences and lessons learned while at the clubs. The speeches were performed for judges who could also interview the boys. The winner of tonight’s competition gets to compete for a chance at a fifty thousand dollar…

UMD, UWS Offer Support After Fatal Michigan State University Shooting

UMD and UWS sent emails to students, faculty and staff to offer support and guidance following the fatal Michigan State University shooting. The following message was sent by UMD Interim Chancellor Dave McMillan: “The events of last evening at Michigan State University are horrifying. UMD shares in the sadness and sorrow of the Michigan State University community. We honor the…

Jungle Gym Announces March Pro Boxing Match In Duluth

FOX 21's Dan Hanger will be the event's ring announcer

DULUTH, Minn. — Duluth’s Jungle Boy Boxing has announced a pro boxing match at The Garden in Canal Park next month. Zach Walters, head coach of Jungle Gym in downtown Duluth told FOX 21 Wednesday that he’s more than pumped to get this fight night in front of hundreds of people March 10th. And if you’ve never been to a…

Indigenous Families Seek Support/Understanding in Loss of Loved Ones

Feel there is more urgency when other groups need help

The effort to remember Native American women who have been murdered or are missing was the focus of a community event in Duluth Tuesday.  But the issue of violence affects not only women, but also men and entire families. Sage Matthews of Duluth still mourns the loss of her niece and nephew who died separately four years ago.  She and…

Two Harbors Residents Vote For 2 Mayoral Candidates On April Ballot

TWO HARBORS, Minn. – Residents voted Tuesday in a special primary election for mayor of Two Harbors. Former mayor and current council vice president, Robin Glaser, got the most votes at 289. Lew Conner came in second with 194 votes. Jay Cole got 15 votes and Jillouise Simonson got 10. Glasser and Conner will not head to a special election…

Indigenous Women Missing and Murdered Are Remembered

Family and supporters ask that women not be forgotten and encourage action.

Tuesday was a day of remembering and honoring for the Native American community. Specifically, it was a day focused on indigenous women who have been murdered or are missing. The day began at the Robert Powless Cultural Center. A cross-section of groups and people gathered to talk about the issue, remember those who are gone, and to unite in going…

Local Pizzeria Offers Heart Shaped Pizza For Valentine’s Day

DULUTH, Minn. — If you’re looking for something Valentine’s Day themed to eat Tuesday, a local pizza place in Duluth is offering some romance. Vitta Pizza, a Neapolitan Pizzeria is offering heart shaped pizza upon request. Vitta is offering these love themed meals at both of their locations in Canal Park and on West Central Entrance. Check out their menu…