Community

Duluth’s Esmond Building Demolition Begins To Make Way For Affordable Housing, Retail

DULUTH, Minn. – The condemned Esmond Building in Duluth’s Lincoln Park neighborhood began to be demolished Wednesday to make way for a new affordable-housing development with retail space, too. In 2014, the Housing and Redevelopment Authority created a three-step plan for the site on West Superior Street that started with maintaining the building to keep current residents satisfied. Then Center…

Duluth Polar Plunge Set for Saturday

DULUTH, Minn. – The 21st annual Duluth Polar Plunge is set to take place Saturday, February 19, at Park Point Recreation Area. Over 500 people are expected to take the plunge into Superior Bay starting at 2 p.m. “Everybody that has raised $75 for Special Olympics is going to have that opportunity to run out, jump into the lake, and come…

Midday Update 2-16-22

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Wednesday, February 16, 2022

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Ken Slama for a local look at news and weather making headlines Wednesday, February 16, 2022. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Ken Slama, Local News, midday update, News, weather

Local Veterinarian Launches New Service, ‘Ask Vet Christine’

Dr. Christine Wickenheiser is Looking to Help Animal Owners as a Shortage of Workers Hits the Veterinarian Field

DULUTH, Minn. – The COVID-19 pandemic has prompted many to adopt animals, but the amount of veterinary staff in the Northland has remained the same. Dr. Christine Wickenheiser has developed a solution to combat the shortage of vets. She recently launched a new service called, ‘Ask Vet Christine.’ Vet Christine has developed an online platform intended to give ongoing professional…

Morning Update 2-16-22

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Wednesday, February 16, 2022

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Ken Slama for a local look at news and weather making headlines Wednesday, February 16, 2022. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Ken Slama, Local News, morning update, News, weather

Duluth Fire Officials to Anglers: Be Prepared, Think Twice Before Fishing on Lake Superior Ice

If the ice is at least 4 inches thick, and the wind isn't coming out of the West-Northwest, proceed with caution and the right gear.

DULUTH, Minn.- As winter continues Lake Superior is getting more frozen. But emergency officials and experts encourage people to think twice before venturing out on that ice. “That ice is always shifting in there too so you definitely have to watch what’s going on,” said Marques Hoglund, who works at Marine General. And the ice was on the move off…

Midday Update 2-15-22

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Tuesday, February 15, 2022

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Ken Slama for a local look at news and weather making headlines Tuesday, February 15, 2022. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Ken Slama, Local News, midday update, News, weather

Morning Update 2-15-22

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Tuesday, February 15, 2022

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Ken Slama for a local look at news and weather making headlines Tuesday, February 15, 2022. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Ken Slama, Local News, morning update, News, weather

Advocates, City Officials Gather Virtually for 7th Annual Missing, Murdered Indigenous Women March

The march was once again virtual this year, organized over zoom by the Native Lives Matter Coalition with speakers, honor songs, and performances from across the northland.

DULUTH, Minn.- Advocates honored the lives lost and raised awareness of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, and Two-Spirit People, with the Twin Ports 7th Annual March. The march was once again virtual this year, organized over zoom by the Native Lives Matter Coalition with speakers, honor songs, and performances from across the northland. Representatives from the Mayor’s Offices of…

Derek Medved Says Farewell, Council to Begin Reviewing 27 Applications Received

At his last council meeting tonight, Medved thanked his fellow councilors and the public for what he called the honor of a lifetime.

DULUTH, Minn.- The City of Duluth closed applications for City Councilor Derek Medved’s Councilor-At-Large seat at 4:30 today and will now start reviewing the almost 30 candidates who applied. So far, 27 candidates have filed for the open seat, including community leaders like Pez Davila, and former City Councilor Noah Hobbs. At his last council meeting tonight, Medved thanked his…

Locally Laid Egg Company ‘Scrambling’ For More Egg Cartons

Since the pandemic all paper products -- not just toilet paper -- have been at a premium, including cartons.

WRENSHALL, Minn.- A Northland egg farm has found itself in a bit of a scramble, in desperate need of egg cartons due to the supply chain crisis. Locally Laid Egg Company out of Wrenshall goes through hundreds of cartons a week. But now they’re running out, and not sure how they’re going to fill their orders this week. Since the…

UMD Engineering Students Offering Chocolates Made in an On-Campus Lab this Valentine’s Day

The students were able to model the chocolate-making process starting with cocoa beans they harvested themselves.

DULUTH, MN – Several chemical engineering students at UMD have created a chocolate lab to put some of the concepts they have learned to practical use. The students were able to model the chocolate-making process starting with cocoa beans they harvested themselves. The lab itself comes as a surprise to many who venture through the halls of the engineering building….

City Of Duluth Looking To Hire Blight Mitigation Specialist to Address Vacant Buildings

Recently, the Esmond Building which formerly housed the Seaway Hotel caught fire for the second time in two months, suspected to be caused by squatters inside.

DULUTH, Minn.- Duluth has seen more than one abandoned building catch fire this winter. Now the city is proposing a new job to reduce how long these buildings sit around as potential hazards. The Blight Mitigation Specialist would work with the Duluth Fire Department, Office of Life Safety, and Duluth Planning and Economic Development. The City plans to hire someone…

Local Flower Shops Busy with Last Minute Valentine’s Day Shoppers

For "Artistic Florals by Leslie" on Tower Avenue, this is the busiest day of the season, with plenty coming in for last-minute flowers.

SUPERIOR, Wis.- Even though Valentine’s Day is today some flower shops are still busy helping people get the perfect bouquet for their “boos.” For “Artistic Florals by Leslie” on Tower Avenue, this is the busiest day of the season, with plenty coming in for last-minute flowers. Owner Leslie Hietana said she’s seen supply chain issues impact some of the containers…

Midday Update 2-14-22

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Monday, February 14, 2022

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Ken Slama for a local look at news and weather making headlines Monday, February 14, 2022. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Ken Slama, Local News, midday update, News, weather

Morning Update 2-14-22

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Monday, February 14, 2022

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Ken Slama for a local look at news and weather making headlines Monday, February 14, 2022. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Ken Slama, Local News, morning update, News, weather

Hot and Cold Valentine’s Day Weekend: Couples Take Glass-Blowing Classes, Snowshoe through Glensheen

Glass-Blowing Classes and Snowshoe with Your Sweetie continue on Monday.

DULUTH, Minn.- Valentine’s Day falls on a Monday this year, which might only make room for a dinner date night. But some local lovebirds and sweethearts from out of town stretched the holiday over the weekend maximizing together time getting hot and cold with activities throughout Duluth. Things heated up –literally — at Lake Superior Art Glass’s Hot Shop. They…

Restaurant Association Pres. Pleased Duluth 30-Day-Mask Mandate Ends

DULUTH, Minn. — Mayor Emily Larson imposed the 30-day mask mandate after a tense council meeting about the subject, in January. Now some in the restaurant industry welcome its end, while others say their employees will keep their masks on for some time. Mayor Larson imposed the mandate to take some of the pressure off of overwhelmed healthcare systems, with…

Couples Celebrate Love, Learn about Animals at Lake Superior Zoo’s ‘Best Date Ever’

Adults could sign up for 11 different tours going behind the scenes.

DULUTH, Minn.- Love was in the air this weekend even at Lake Superior Zoo and dozens of couples felt it at the zoo’s best date ever event. Adults could sign up for 11 different tours going behind the scenes of their Bear County exhibit and their Animal Care Center and glimpsing into unique animal experiences like checking out the nocturnal…

Second Saturday Marketplace Showcases Local Female Artists, Crafters

Roughly a dozen vendors were there at the Spirit of the Lake Community School in Duluth and some change at each marketplace.

DULUTH, Minn.- Local female-owned businesses shined as the Nice Girls of the North’s Monthly Marketplace returned. The Second Saturday Marketplace showcases the work of local female artists and crafters. Roughly a dozen vendors were there at the Spirit of the Lake Community School in Duluth and some change at each marketplace. Organizers say while shopping small local businesses is always…

Duluth Pack Supports Head of Lakes Fair United Way’s ‘Experience Auction’

A daily experience with be released for bid from 6 a-m – 11 p-m daily.

DULUTH, Minn.- Two local organizations are once again partnering up to give back to the community this year. Duluth Pack is once again supporting Head of the Lakes Fair United Way’s 100-Day Experience Auction. The auction runs for 100 days through May 11th. A daily experience with be released for bid from 6 a-m – 11 p-m daily. Duluth Pack…

‘If the Dress Fits’ Back with Prom Dress Giveaway

They only ask they pay $10 for an appointment, as they have a new “dress garage” location in Carlton they need some help heating.

CARLTON, Minn.- Finding a prom dress can be stressful for many families, not to mention costly. But one local mother-daughter duo is back helping with that. Amy Arntson and her daughter founded “If the Dress Fits” 7 years ago, providing free prom dresses to hundreds of teens across the northland. After taking a break due to the pandemic, they’re back…

Morning Update 2-11-22

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Friday, February 11, 2022

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Ken Slama for a look at local news and weather making headlines Friday, February 11, 2022. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Ken Slama, Local News, morning update, News, weather

Downtown Duluth Library Worker Assaulted, Highlights Years-Long Safety Concerns By Staff

Mayor Emily Larson's administration is expediting plans to create two "Library Safety Specialist" positions to tackle the problem better.

DULUTH, Minn. – Staff at Duluth’s downtown main library tell FOX 21’s Dan Hanger safety and security concerns are at a boiling point after a second employee was recently assaulted on the job.  This time, a punch to the face after the worker asked a patron to put on his mask. While physical violence at the downtown library has never…

Richard I. Bong Brings 4th Annual ‘Escape The Bong’ to the Museum

SUPERIOR, Wis. — This weekend, the Bong Center is bringing back its 4th annual Escape the Bong event. The Bong Center is bringing 4 different escape rooms to the museum like FDR’s bunker, which is a fan favorite, along with an under the sea adventure room, escape from Alcatraz jail break, and save your parents prom. The executive director says…

Duluth Exploring Ways to Continue Drawing Film Industry to the Northland

Experts talked about the economic impact of productions shot locally, and how to keep the lights, camera and action here as much as possible, instead of pricier Los Angeles.

DULUTH, Minn. — Movie making in the Northland was the focus of a round table discussion Thursday hosted by the Duluth Area Chamber of Commerce. Experts talked about the economic impact of productions shot locally, and how to keep the lights, camera and action here as much as possible, instead of pricier Los Angeles. Just in the last year local…

Itasca County Public Health Warns Residents Are ‘Not Out of the Woods’ Just Yet

GRAND RAPIDS, Minn. – New COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations in Itasca County continue to decline, but public health officials warn residents they’re not out of the woods just yet. Kelly Chandler, Division Manager with Itasca County Public Health, says with the spread of the Omicron variant, the county has experienced difficult fall and winter months. Just over 62 percent of…

Midday Update 2-10-22

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Thursday, February 10, 2022

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Ken Slama for a local look at news and weather making headlines Thursday, February 10, 2022. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Ken Slama, Local News, midday update, News, weather

Morning Update 2-10-22

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Thursday, February 10, 2022

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Ken Slama for a local look at news and weather making headlines Thursday, February 10, 2022. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Ken Slama, Local News, morning update, News, weather

City Crews Responding to Another Water Main Break at Mt. Royal Shopping Circle

DULUTH, Minn. – City of Duluth Utility Operations crews are responding to another water main break in Kenwood. The break was reported Thursday afternoon and is located at the Mt. Royal Shopping Circle. Crews responded to a water main break at this address on Tuesday but say this break is in a different location. City officials say water has been…

Duluth Public Library Purchases Virtual Reality Devices

DULUTH, Minn. — The Duluth Public Library was just able to purchase a new interactive device they can’t wait to share with the public. An anonymous donation to the library foundation has allowed them to purchase three virtual reality devices. A Senior Library Technician tells us, these devices have allowed her to connect with other people in the country over…

Duluth Mask Mandate Set To Expire

"We are now moving not towards ending this pandemic, but finding ways to co-exist with it,” Duluth Mayor Emily Larson said.

DULUTH, Minn. — With the Duluth mask mandate ending Saturday, businesses are looking forward to serving their community face to face, once again. “We are now moving not towards ending this pandemic, but finding ways to co-exist with it,” Duluth Mayor Emily Larson said. The past 30 days, Duluth has had to mask up in attempts of trying to slow…

CHUM Food Shelf Keeping Up with Demand, Winter Cold

DULUTH, Minn. – Wednesday saw CHUM’s location in downtown Duluth busy as they held their latest food shelf distribution.  Despite a persistent breeze, boxes filled with canned goods, pantry staples, meat, dairy, and other times were waiting for people who were seeking this help to take it and go on their way. Even with temperatures at times dipping below zero this…

Ronald McDonald House Northland Celebrating 1st Anniversary

DULUTH, Minn. – Thursday marks the one year anniversary of the opening of the Ronald McDonald House Northland. They have provided 739 nights of free lodging and amenities to parents and guardians as their child received treatment at Essentia Health.  That translates to families saving more than 190-thousand dollars if they had to pay for their own hotel rooms, meals, and…

Mayor Larson to End Duluth’s Mask Mandate on Saturday

DULUTH, Minn. – Duluth Mayor Emily Larson announced at a Wednesday press conference that she will allow the local state of emergency declaration and face-covering requirement to end on Saturday. “This declaration expires at 5:00 pm on February 12, and I am not extending it,” Mayor Larson said. “I have based this decision on conversations with health care providers and…

Midday Update 2-9-22

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Wednesday, February 9, 2022

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Ken Slama for a local look at news and weather making headlines Wednesday, February 9, 2022. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Ken Slama, Local News, midday update, News, weather

Morning Update 2-9-22

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Wednesday, February 9, 2022

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Ken Slama for a local look at news and weather making headlines Wednesday, February 9, 2022. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Ken Slama, Local News, morning update, News, weather

Business at Local Flower Shops Blooming Ahead of Valentine’s Day

The owner of the Rose Man on Central Entrance says in a typical Valentine's Day week she can sell upward of 12,000 flowers.

DULUTH, Minn.- With Valentine’s Day less than a week away local flower shops are seeing more business. The owner of the Rose Man on Central Entrance says in a typical Valentine’s Day week she can sell upward of 12,000 flowers. But this year, she says due to the supply chain shortage her wholesalers are sending her fewer flowers per box….

Warm Winter Day Makes Ely Winter Festival Snow Sculptures Shine

The almost month-long event includes an art walk, ice fishing tournament, and broomball competition.

ELY, Minn.- A fan-favorite Northern Minnesota festival is back showing off all the things you can do in, and with, the snow. The big snow sculptures are back in town marking the return of the Ely Winter Festival. The almost month-long event includes an art walk ice fishing tournament and broomball competition. But with the warmer sunny day Tuesday even…

Visitors from Near and Far Enjoying Winter Fun in Northwestern Wisconsin

ASHLAND, Wis. – Tis the season for winter fun, and the options are endless especially when you take a trip to Northwestern Wisconsin. “I think Ashland is a great escape,” said Mary McPhetridge, executive director of Visit Ashland. It’s a four-season destination that flourishes year-round. “We have this wonderful little mural, self-guided tour that you can pick up,” said McPhetridge….

City of Duluth Looking to Fill 25 Openings on Boards, Commissions

DULUTH, Minn.- The City of Duluth is looking for a couple dozen people to fill open positions on city-run boards, commissions, and authorities. There are currently 25 openings, some of them carried over from the year before, but a majority are due to staffing changes after the New Year. Vacancies include one on the Indigenous Commission, one on the Parks…

Light Art Projections in Lincoln Park This Weekend

DULUTH, Minn. – The Lincoln Park Business District will have a new public art display starting February 10. Four drawings from three artists will be projected by light onto the sides of the Duluth Children’s Museum and Aerostich buildings. “Light displays are a way to have the awestruck moment of a mural that is not permanent,” says Noah Hobbs, member…