Community

Truckers for Tots Aims to Help Families for Christmas

DULUTH, Minn. — Some trucks unloaded more fun cargo for Northlanders on Friday. The Salvation Army once again partnered with Mid-State Truck services to bring Christmas cheer to families in need this holiday season. The Truckers for Tots campaign started over a decade ago in Wisconsin and came to Duluth just last year. Mid-State Truckers raised $55,000 total at all…

St. Scholastica Raising Funds for New Student Center

DULUTH, Minn. — The College of Saint Scholastica could soon get its first-ever brand new student center on campus. Administrators identified it as a need over a decade ago because there is currently no specific area designated for students to congregate. Although the current layout has worked for staff and students, back in 20-14 they started a silent campaign to…

Midday Update 12-3-21

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Friday, December 3, 2021

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Ken Slama for a local look at news and weather making headlines Friday, November 3, 2021. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Ken Slama, Local News, midday update, News, weather

Morning Update 12-3-21

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Friday, December 3, 2021

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Ken Slama for a local look at news and weather making headlines Friday, November 3, 2021. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Ken Slama, Local News, morning update, News, weather

City of Duluth Seeking Affordable Housing Development Proposals

Deadline to Apply is Jan. 30, 2022

DULUTH, Minn. – The City of Duluth is looking to fund up to four proposals from developers across the area to build affordable, multifamily, residential structures in Duluth that are in need of financial assistance. This past July, the city received federal funds through the American Rescue Plan Act. From the $50 million received, $19.2 million has been set aside…

Omicron Variant Appears in Minnesota as Pandemic Continues Burdening Healthcare Systems

A man in Minnesota contracted the variant after attending an anime convention in New York in November.

DULUTH, Minn.- The Omicron variant was discovered in Minnesota Thursday, contracted by a man who attended an anime convention in New York City last month — casting a shadow of concern over the already overwhelmed healthcare systems everywhere, including the Twin Ports. “This will never end until we get 100%– until we get virtually everyone vaccinated,” said Dr. Jon Pryor,…

Duluth Cider Starts Weekly Holiday Market to Keep Shopping Local

Donations will also be accepted at the holiday markets for the Safe Haven Shelter and Resource Center.

DULUTH, Minn.- Those looking to continue shopping local for the holidays have a new weekly option at Duluth Cider. The Cidery in the Lincoln Park neighborhood is hosting a holiday market every Thursday. Live music and about 6 to 10 local vendors showcasing their goods will be on-site each week. Organizers say they wanted to provide a central location where…

Superior Fire Department’s Toys for Tots Program Underway

SUPERIOR, Wis. – The Superior Fire Department’s Toys for Tots campaign is in full swing. People can drop off new, unwrapped toys at their headquarters and over a dozen business locations through December 13th.  A complete list, as well as online wish lists for toys can be found here. “We will service whoever gets signed up,” says firefighter John Lundberg, a…

Lincoln Park Flats Now Leasing Apartment Units

DULUTH, Minn. — A new Duluth apartment complex called Lincoln Park Flats is scheduled to open this summer. “People have been excited about it. It’s not too often that we do have brand new housing coming into areas that are coming into areas that are so developed and in such as need,” P&R Companies Operations Manager, Megan Holsclaw says. With…

New Record Raised During Guest Server Event

SUPERIOR, Wis. – A new record amount was raised when some of Superior and Douglas County’s top public safety officials were guest servers at The Kitchen Thursday. Police Chief Nicholas Alexander, Fire Chief Scott Gordon, Sheriff Thomas Dalbec, and District Attorney Mark Fruehauf spent the lunch rush taking orders, handing out prime rib meals, and refilling drinks as part of…

Midday Update 12-2-21

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Thursday, December 2, 2021

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Ken Slama for a local look at news and weather making headlines Thursday, December 2, 2021. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Ken Slama, Local News, midday update, News, weather

Ski, Snowboard, Then Enjoy a Little Mexican Flare from Riverside Bar & Grill

Cooking Connection: Chicken Street Tacos from Riverside Bar & Grill

DULUTH, Minn. – This week’s Cooking Connection takes Meteorologist Ken Slama to Spirit Mountain, home of the Riverside Bar and Grill. Their family-friendly menu offers a variety of food to help reenergize you before returning to the slopes this winter season. This week we tried their take on street tacos, which are chicken with a hint of curry along with…

Morning Update 12-2-21

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Thursday, December 2, 2021

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Ken Slama for a local look at news and weather making headlines Thursday, December 2, 2021. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Ken Slama, Local News, morning update, News, weather

Bluebird Foundation Celebrates Youth in Arts, Local Holiday Album Release

6 regional high school-aged students were awarded $5,000 in grants and scholarships for excelling in dance, music, theater, and new this year, the culinary arts.

DULUTH, Minn.- Local high schoolers in the performing arts were celebrated while rocking out to the newest local holiday hits at the Greysolon Ballroom in Downtown Duluth. At their Fall Scholarship Ceremony, the Bluebird Foundation premiered their annual “Christmas by the Lake” album, featuring music from 14 local performers. 6 regional high school-aged students were awarded $5,000 in grants and…

First Lutheran Church Holds Swedish Meatball Dinner

It was all about the Lutefisk’s side dishes of meatballs and lefse Wednesday night, held outside the church.

DULUTH, Minn.- It’s been more than a year since lutefisk has made its way to the gullets of the northland for the annual Lutefisk dinner, so First Lutheran Church honored it this year with the next best thing – Swedish meatballs and Lefse. It was all about the Lutefisk’s side dishes of meatballs and lefse Wednesday night, held outside the…

Superior’s Christkindlemarkt Back this Weekend

DULUTH, Minn. — A holiday market will be taking place this weekend in Superior. The Thirsty Pagan will be hosting the 10th annual Christkindlmarkt. It is the first time they will be hosting the event. Attendees can expect several local vendors and events with german flare such as mulled wine and the Minnesota Krampus organization. Founders say, with the heavy…

Small Businesses Encouraging Shopping Local for the Holidays

According to stores in West Duluth, more people are shopping local and going more sustainable by thrifting and repurposing gifts.

DULUTH, Minn.- As the holiday shopping season gets in full swing, small businesses in the area are seeing more customers shop local for their Christmas gifts this year. It’s the busiest time of the year for retail businesses, kicking off with Black Friday and Small Business Saturday last week. “I really believe that people come here to just fine really…

Superior Unveils Plow Tracking Website

SUPERIOR, Wis. – With the Twin Ports waiting to see its first major snowstorm of the season, Superior is ready to show people which streets have been recently plowed and treated. Thanks to a partnership with Verizon Connect, GPS tracking devices have been added to their four sanders to show their current location and direction they are traveling.  It can be…

Area School Districts Facing Staffing Shortages

DULUTH, Minn. — As we approach the end of the 2021 school year area districts like Duluth and Hermantown are concerned about their substitute teacher staffing moving forward. Not only subs but bus drivers, paraprofessionals, custodians people behind the scenes who lift the educations system for the students. It all affects the district’s ability to keep students learning in person,…

Chester Bowl Preparing to Open for Winter Season

DULUTH, Minn. — Chester Bowl will start making snow soon. The ski hill hopes to start making snow this Friday with the goal of opening up by December 18th or earlier depending on the temperature. Chester bowl has also upgraded its upper lift house at the top of the hill and added a new electrical system. Staff are excited to…

Friends of Superior Public Library To Hold Christmas Book Sale

SUPERIOR, Wis – The Friends of the Superior Public Library are holding their annual Merry Little Christmas Book Sale this Friday and Saturday. Craig Scherf, a member of the group’s Executive Committee, says this is one of the main fundraisers during the year.  “This, unlike our fall sale, is items that we have selected throughout the course of the year that are…

Scandinavian Christmas Village Returns to Knife River Dec. 4, 5

KNIFE RIVER, Minn. – You’ll be in for a great time on Dec. 4 and 5 in the community of Knife River located along Scenic Highway 61. The Knife River Recreational Council is hosting its annual Julebyen festival. It’s modeled after a centuries-old Scandinavian and German tradition celebrated with ethnic foods, crafts, holiday decorations, and music. Funds raised from the…

Midday Update 12-1-21

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Wednesday, December 1, 2021

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Ken Slama for a local look at news and weather making headlines Wednesday, December 1, 2021. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Ken Slama, Local News, midday update, News, weather

Morning Update 12-1-21

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Wednesday, December 1, 2021

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Ken Slama for a local look at news and weather making headlines Wednesday, December 1, 2021. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Ken Slama, Local News, morning update, News, weather

Duluth Indoor Sports Complex Staying Busy During Winter Months

DULUTH, Minn. — The multi-sport facility on rice lake road hosts different sports from soccer, volleyball, tennis and pickleball. “We kind of adapt to the time of year. Our primary thing is tennis. We do that generally from September through May. Late May-early June,” Duluth Sports Complex Assistant Manager, Nikoli Wiens says. With being shut down most of 2020, complex…

Directors of Local Attractions Plunge into Lake Superior to Show Thanks

DULUTH, Minn. — The CEO the Lake Superior Zoo and the Executive Director of the Great Lakes Aquarium both took a dive into Lake Superior today to celebrate surpassing their fundraising goals for the annual Minnesota ‘Give to the Max’ Campaign. The CEO’s say this plunge helps show their appreciation for the donors who opened their wallets back on November…

CSS Reveals Major Fundraising Accomplishment with Annual Lighting Ceremony

DULUTH, Minn. — The College of Saint Scholastica held its 26th annual lighting ceremony Tuesday evening which was followed by the president’s holiday reception, where a major fundraising announcement was made. CSS held their annual advent vespers service, and lighting tradition ceremony Tuesday evening. Crowds showed up to listen to President Barbara McDonald speak along with Christmas carols sung by…

MnDOT Crews Transitioning to Winter Construction Mode

DULUTH, Minn. — “We’re standing in what will be a very active construction zone in the summer. All that, we will need to get the bridge structures in place so we can do what we need to do in the summertime,” Twin Ports Interchange Construction Manager, Pete Marthaler says. The construction on the Twin Ports Interchange is now shifting into…

Unemployment Rate in Area Down, Job Openings Up

DULUTH, Minn. — Duluth’s unemployment rate is at the lowest percentage since 1990, but there are still a whole lot of jobs that need to be filled. The unemployment rate is sitting at about 2.8 percent throughout northeastern Minnesota. There are still 13,000 jobs openings in the area. That’s because during the pandemic some workers decided to take the early…

Giving Tuesday Encourages People to Donate

Duluth, Minn. – Following the Thanksgiving holiday weekend, people are encourage to donate to their favorite organizations as part of Giving Tuesday. For the Salvation Army in Duluth, donations help them provide their wide array of services such as their food shelf, weekday hot lunches, housing assistance, disaster support units, and items for their retail store. “Sometimes it’s the people…

Christmas by the Lake Fundraising Gala Returns Wednesday, Dec. 1

DULUTH, Minn. – Tis the season for your favorite holiday tunes! The Bluebird Foundation invites the public to their fundraising gala Wednesday, Dec. 1 at Greysolon Ballroom in downtown Duluth. The event serves as the release for this year’s Christmas by the Lake album. Local musicians collaborate to share roughly 14 tracks on the CD. All of the funds raised…

Midday Update 11-30-21

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Tuesday, November 30, 2021

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Ken Slama for a local look at news and weather making headlines Tuesday, November 30, 2021. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Ken Slama, Local News, midday update, News, weather

Morning Update 11-30-21

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Tuesday, November 30, 2021

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Ken Slama for a local look at news and weather making headlines Tuesday, November 30, 2021. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Ken Slama, Local News, morning update, News, weather

Winter Village In Need of Volunteers

DULUTH, Minn. — For the first time, the annual Winter Village Festival won’t be held at Glensheen this year. The DECC will be hosting the upcoming festival this weekend instead. Now in its 6th year, staff at the DECC call the Winter Village event the perfect time to shop and support local businesses before the holidays. And with over 40…

Pure Hockey Takes Over Duluth Hockey Company

DULUTH, Minn. — On august 23rd, the Duluth Hockey Company on Maple Grove Road closed its doors, and opened as Pure Hockey the next day. And even though the name has changed, the services have not. Pure Hockey will sell the same gear as before, also skate fittings and repairs as well as skate sharpening’s. But after wanting to expand…

Boulder Lake Environmental Learning Center Brings Holiday Activities Back

DULUTH, Minn. — Some opportunities for people to get into the holiday spirit are coming up through the Boulder Lake Environmental Learning center. These holiday activities allow families to get out and make memories while helping support the environmental learning center. Starting Monday, a four year long tradition at Glensheen Mansion continued as wreath making is going on through Thursday,…

How to Prevent Package Thieves During The Holiday Season

DULUTH, Minn.  — Tis the season for front porch theft. The Duluth Police Department is reminding those buying gifts, how to prevent their purchases from being stolen. Shopping online has become more popular over the years especially with online and delivery services making it so easy, but the amount of packages that get swiped from peoples doors leave many upset….

Frost River Has Successful Small Business Saturday

DULUTH, Minn. — Local outdoors shop Frost River is having a strong holiday season. Staff say they have one of the most successful small business Saturdays ever and expect next year to be even bigger. The store has also introduced a second website with more items for customers. “Which is sort of a one of a kind unique items that…

North Shore Hunger Heroes Campaign Raises Over $186K Since 2016

Donations of Any Amount will be Matched Throughout December

SILVER BAY, Minn. – Since 2016, a campaign known as ‘North Shore Hunger Heroes’ has helped raise over $186,000 for food banks and programs in Northeastern Minnesota. Started by North Shore Federal Credit Union, the brand’s seven offices from Grand Portage to Duluth continue to accept donations to help fight food insecurities in small Northland communities. Members and non-members are…

Midday Update 11-29-21

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Monday, November 29, 2021

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Ken Slama for a local look at news and weather making headlines Monday, November 29, 2021. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Ken Slama, Local News, midday update, News, weather

Morning Update 11-29-21

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Monday, November 29, 2021

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Ken Slama for a local look at news and weather making headlines Monday, November 29, 2021. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Ken Slama, Local News, morning update, News, weather

Twin Ports Political Leaders, Activists Come Together For Native American Lives

SUPERIOR, Wis. – Native American Heritage Month is throughout November, and this weekend political leaders from the Twin Ports came together with proclamations and cultural awareness. The event was held at the Richard I. Bong Veterans Center in Superior to raise awareness around Native American lives, and some of the serious struggles they are facing like missing and murdered Indigenous…

Reviving Ojibwe Spiritual Traditions, One Pet At A Time

CASS LAKE, Minnesota (AP) – Several members of the Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe in northern Minnesota are working to address animal neglect on their tribal lands – and in doing so bringing their community closer to its spiritual roots. Kids are helping their elders in animal rescues, pet food and supplies are routinely distributed in the community and the…