Community

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…

Midday Update 2-8-22

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Tuesday, February 8, 2022

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Ken Slama for a local look at news and weather making headlines Tuesday, February 8, 2022. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Ken Slama, Local News, midday update, News, weather

Morning Update 2-8-22

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Tuesday, February 8, 2022

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Ken Slama for a local look at news and weather making headlines Tuesday, February 8, 2022. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Ken Slama, Local News, morning update, News, weather

Duluth Opens City’s First-Ever Permanent Warming Center in Lincoln Park

The facility in the basement of the Lincoln Park Community Center on West 3rd Street includes 3 showers and handicap-accessible restrooms

DULUTH, Minn.- Duluth opened its first-ever permanent warming center Monday, located in Lincoln Park. While acknowledging the major step forward in bringing more people across the city inside from the cold, advocates said this new facility barely scratches the surface of housing the 600+ people without a permanent place to live in Duluth right now. “It is good to have…

New Lincoln Park Coffee, Tea Shop Attracting Roasters from Across the U.S.

190 Coffee and Tea is Located at 1831 West Michigan Street in Duluth

DULUTH, Minn. – They’re beverages enjoyed all year long in the Northland, however, a hot cup of tea or coffee on a bitter winter day can be satisfying beyond words. “This is exactly what I signed up for is negative ten-degree weather, that is what I wanted,” said Corey Roysdon, general manager at 190 Coffee and Tea. You could say…

‘Unity Fund’ Launches In Twin Ports To Strengthen African Heritage Communities

To celebrate Black History Month, the Unity Fund has launched in the Twin Ports to help strengthen African Heritage communities through current and future projects. The Duluth Superior Area Community Foundation and the Ordean Foundation are supporting the fund by each matching up to $50,000 in donations. Organizers say it’s critical to acknowledge racism and our nation’s dark history with…

Majority of Jobs Lost During Pandemic Recovered, Twin Ports Employers Still Short on Labor, Officials Say

So employers have been trying to make themselves more appealing. For example, wages have gone up 10% on average.

DULUTH, Minn.- The Twin Ports job market is headed in the right direction. That’s according to Duluth Workforce Development officials, who say 76% of the jobs lost since the pandemic began have been recovered. But according to the Director of Workforce Development, Elena Foshay, every industry is still experiencing labor shortages with about 2 jobs per seeker for each field….

Duluth Public Schools and Marnita’s Table share Community Feedback on School Resource Officers and Safety in Schools

DULUTH, Minn. – Last May, the Duluth School district hired Marnita’s Table to conduct a participatory action research survey to better understand how the community feels about police officers in schools. On Monday, the results of the survey were presented at Fitger’s Spirit of the North Theatre in front of a public audience. Over 500 people responded to the survey…

Author Raising Funds For Suicide Prevention

DULUTH, Minn. – As author Thomas Fellows says, the main thesis of this book, “Mrs. Dubose’s Last Wish: The Art of Embracing Suffering,” is that while 99% of the world tries to avoid suffering, the most successful people and people that will be remembered for generations to come, not only choose to suffer but embrace it fully, often asking for more….

Midday Update 2-7-22

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Monday, February 7, 2022

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Ken Slama for a local look at news and weather making headlines Monday, February 7, 2022. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Ken Slama, Local News, midday update, News, weather

Morning Update 2-7-22

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Monday, February 7, 2022

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Ken Slama for a local look at news and weather making headlines Monday, February 7, 2022. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Ken Slama, Local News, morning update, News, weather

Chester Bowl Celebrates 54th Alpine Races with 93 Competitors, $30K Donation

Orthopedic Associates in Duluth donated a check of $30,000 for the Chester Bowl Improvement Club to use on programs and outdoor and indoor infrastructure.

DULUTH, Minn.- While Olympic skiers took to the slopes in Beijing Sunday, some younger athletes tackled the slopes at Chester Bowl in Duluth, for the 54th Annual Kiwanis Alpine Ski Races. “To see the energy of all the kids out here ready go fast on their skis and snowboards so much fun,” said Dave Schaeffer, Chester Bowl Director. The 93…

Duluth YMCA Bans Official, Stands with Girl Wearing ‘Black Lives Matter’ Swimsuit

An independent volunteer race official claimed the 12-year-old's suit went against USA Swimming's policy of no political language. The YMCA said that was inappropriate.

SUPERIOR, Wis.- The Duluth YMCA has banned an independent volunteer official from all future swim meets after that person nearly disqualified a young girl for wearing a swimsuit sporting the words “Black Lives Matter” at an event at Superior High School Sunday. “I was like, why do I have to take my suit off if like my life matter, other…

Snowmobiling Blizzard Tour Raises More Than $1.5 Million To Support Those With ALS

PROCTOR, Minn. — The Black Woods Blizzard Tour just raised more than $1.5 million to support the needs of those diagnosed with ALS. The three-day snowmobiling ride ran from this past Thursday through Saturday. Riders go up to Lake Vermillion, then over to Two Harbors and Proctor. Participants must raise or donate the money, and they clearly have a lot…

Lundeen Productions, Women’s Expo Hold Hygiene Drive for Safe Haven

DULUTH, Minn. — With the Women’s Expo coming up in 2 weeks, Lundeen Productions is bringing back their hygiene drive to help support the Safe Haven Shelter and Resource Center. Women, children and sometimes their pets, seek out the services of Safe Haven to escape the threat of at-home abuse or violence. 2020 was the last time Lundeen Productions held…

Animal Allies Drawing Attention to Shelter Through Tik Tok

Animal Allies partners with 'The Hockey Guys' for Tik Tok to promote donations and adoptions at the shelter.

DULUTH, Minn. — Animal Allies is using their social media platforms as well as new partnerships to encourage more donations for animals after the pandemic. Donations were one of the many areas impacted heavily by covid, and at the start of 2020, Nicole Facciotto, the Humane Education Manager and Communications Director at the shelter decided to start a Tik Tok…

Former Duluth Native Set to Ski in Her First Olympic Games

Katie Vesterstein, a division one alpine skier for Utah, lived in Duluth until she was 10, when she decided to pursue ski racing further.

DULUTH, Minn. — Many skiers around here grow up on the trails of Spirit Mountain or Mont du Lac, but one former Duluth native is taking her alpine talents to the 2022 winter Olympic Games in Beijing. Besides John Shuster, another Olympian with a Duluth connection walked the grand stage in Beijing. Katie Vesterstein, a division one alpine skier for…

Duluth Boy Scouts Clear Hydrants of Snow to Help Firefighters have Clear Access

DULUTH, Minn.- Some young Duluthians decided to get out and shovel Saturday around some fire hydrants. 8 Boy Scouts with Troop 25 and several troop leaders cleared 10 hydrants in just 3 hours around West Duluth as a service project. Duluth Firefighters say it’s important residents clear three feet of snow around entire hydrants and make sure a path is…

‘Cold Front’ Blows Flurry of Winter Family Fun through Bayfront Festival Park

DULUTH, Minn.- Plenty of Northlanders took advantage of the snowy Saturday to get out and enjoy everything “winter” at Bayfront Festival Park’s Cold Front. FOX 21 Photojournalist Owen Zagrabelny takes us there. Categories: Community, Entertainment, Minnesota, News, News – Latest News, Weather in the News Tags: Bayfront Festival Park, Cold Front

Belgian Club Offers One-Stop-Shop for Local Valentine’s Day Gifts

SUPERIOR, Wis.- Valentine’s Day is just around the corner, and the Belgian Club held a one-stop-shop for anyone looking for a gift for a locally-crafted gift for their sweetheart. 30 tables with dozens of vendors were on hand. One specialized in gifts soft to the touch for the soft at heart. “I do crocheted items, they’re all handmade. It started…

Veterans Among Duluth Rally for Peace in Russia-Ukraine Tensions

DULUTH, Minn. — In downtown Duluth, a group gathered to rally for a peaceful resolution to the standoff between Russia and Ukraine. Fears of a Russian invasion have been growing as the Kremlin continues to build up more than 100,000 troops near Ukraine’s Northern and Eastern borders. Representatives from the twin ports democratic socialists, veterans for peace, and grandmothers for…

Duluth Public Library Brings Back ‘Blind Date with a Book’

DULUTH, Minn. — The Youth Services Department in the Duluth Public Library is bringing back an old favorite program, just in time for Valentine’s Day. “Blind Date with a Book” always proves to be a hit for the library, staff select different books from all genres, and hand-wrap them. The tag on the outside tells the reader the genre, themes,…

Nurses and Lawmakers Come Together To Promote New Legislation

DULUTH, Minn. — Nurses are joining Minnesota lawmakers, desperately urging support for a bill to address the short staffing and retention of employees in hospitals statewide. The “Keeping Nurses at The Bedside” Act is being introduced to correct an already-existing staffing crisis, nurses say existed long before the pandemic. The bill hopes to set a maximum number of patients any…

Midday Update 2-4-22

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Friday, February 4, 2022

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Ken Slama for a local look at news and weather making headlines Friday, February 4, 2022. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Ken Slama, Local News, midday update

Morning Update 2-4-22

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Friday, February 4, 2022

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Ken Slama for a local look at news and weather making headlines Friday, February 4, 2022. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Ken Slama, Local News, morning update, News, weather

GoFundMe Organized for Local Entrepreneur, Charity Fundraiser Mike Letica

DULUTH, Minn. – A longtime event organizer and businessman in Duluth, known for giving so much to others is now in need of community support. In November, Mike Letica was diagnosed with Respiratory Syncytial Virus. While his symptoms were much like a cold, Mike faced the more serious side effects. He ended up with broken ribs from the intensity of…

Winter Bike Week 2022 Kicks Off

DULUTH, Minn. — Winter bike week 2022 has kicked off in Duluth, it’s a week-long series of community led events, celebrating, educating and empowering people-powered ways to get around town, while also promoting winter activity. Zeitgeist is hosting a series of in-person and virtual events. “So we have a lot of people in our community that can help inspire and…

Duluth to Observe Transit Equity Day Friday, DTA Offers Free Rides

DULUTH, Minn. – Friday would have been Rosa Parks’ 109th birthday.  The civil rights icon will be remembered in Duluth and dozens of other communities nationwide through Transit Equity Day. A proclamation from Mayor Emily Larson honors Parks’ role in pushing for equal rights on public transit, which also comes during Black History Month. “Making sure that we are affirming and…

Midday Update 2-3-22

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Thursday, February 3, 2022

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Ken Slama for a local look at news and weather making headlines Thursday, February 3, 2022. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Ken Slama, Local News, midday update, News, weather

Morning Update 2-3-22

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Thursday, February 3, 2022

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Ken Slama for a local look at news and weather making headlines Thursday, February 3, 2022. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Ken Slama, Local News, morning update, News, weather

23rd Annual Black Woods Blizzard Tour Takes Off

The goal is to raise 1.5 million dollars this year, and they have already reached 81% of that goal.

PROCTOR, Minn. — A big group of snowmobilers will be heading out in cold conditions Thursday morning raising money for a good cause. They’ll be taking off for the Black Wood’s Blizzard Tour, which is a 3 day snowmobiling fundraiser that collects money to help those fighting ALS. Wednesday evening, the annual reception that opens the weekend, took place at…

Sen. Smith Introduces Legislation to Improve Veteran Hearing Benefits

DULUTH, Minn. – Minnesota Senator Tina Smith (D) is trying her hardest to make sure veterans have quick, easy access to obtaining care for hearing loss. Smith recently introduced legislation to reduce the red tape many vets face when trying to get care for hearing loss as a result of their service. Right now, if veterans wish to receive benefits…

Cold Front Duluth Returns to Bayfront Festival Park

DULUTH, Minn. – After taking last year off due to the pandemic, Duluth Parks and Recreation will be holding their annual Cold Front Duluth event at Bayfront Festival Park Saturday. “We’re just excited to be able to provide a great opportunity for people to come together in an outdoor park space,” says Megan Lidd, City of Duluth’s Recreation Specialist, “and then…

Superior Police Receive Reach Bags to Help Kids at Emergency Sites

SUPERIOR, Wis. – The Superior Police Department is the latest emergency responders in Wisconsin to get a donation from Reach a Child. The Madison-based organizations gave them 35 backpacks, one for each squad vehicle.  They contain around 15 books that can be handed out to kids to help distract them from emergency calls like fires and domestic situations. “The police officer…

City of Duluth Gives Update on Gas Line Incident That Caused Thousands of Residents to Turn Down Their Thermostats

DULUTH, Minn. – The City of Duluth is providing more details about last week’s gas line incident that had thousands of residents turning down their thermostats after a contractor hit a gas line within the can of worms project in Lincoln Park. According to a Wednesday joint news release between the city, MnDOT, and Ames/Kraemer Joint Venture, an Ames/Kramer contractor…

Midday Update 2-2-22

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Wednesday, February 2, 2022

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Ken Slama for a local look at news and weather making headlines Wednesday, February 2, 2022. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Ken Slama, Local News, midday update, News, weather

JJ Astor, Bowery Bros. to Receive Rebranding, $500,000 in Renovations

Both Establishments Are Expected to Open in the Spring of 2022

DULUTH, Minn. – A Twin Cities-based restaurant company is looking to invest over a half-million dollars into the two restaurants associated with the iconic Radisson hotel in Duluth. Purpose Driven Restaurants will be taking over, and renovating the current JJ Astor Restaurant and Lounge and Bowery Bros. The iconic rotating restaurant atop the Radisson will continue to spin when renovations…

Morning Update 2-2-22

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Wednesday, February 2, 2022

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Ken Slama for a local look at news and weather making headlines Wednesday, February 2, 2022. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Ken Slama, Local News, morning update, News, weather