Community

Ski Hills Gearing Up for Winter Season

Right now, Lutsen Mountain's top priority is snowmaking which will happen when we get consecutive colder.

DULUTH, Minn. — The Northland’s Ski mountains are getting ready for the winter season. Right now, Lutsen Mountain’s top priority is snowmaking which will happen when we get consecutive colder days. With snow-making staff on standby, they have a goal of people coming in and skiing by Thanksgiving and are expecting a big season. “Last year we were in the…

Firefighters Urge Residents to Take Preventative Measures as Temperatures Drop

Members of the Duluth Fire Department want people to use Daylight Savings as an opportunity to check on their smoke detectors as well.

DULUTH, Minn. — While most people get ready to turn their clocks an hour back for Daylight Savings this Sunday, members of the Duluth Fire Department want people to use it as an opportunity to check on their smoke detectors as well. A general rule of thumb is to check the batteries on your carbon monoxide and smoke detectors and…

UMD Holding Pumpkin Compost Drive

UMD held a compost drive for people looking for a place to ditch those gourds.

DULUTH, Minn. — With Halloween in the rearview mirror, it’s time to say goodbye to your pumpkins and hit the road jack-o-lanterns. UMD held a compost drive for people looking for a place to ditch those gourds. Starting Friday, people can visit two locations on the campus to dispose of their pumpkins. One in the parking lot near the new…

At-Large Council Members Tomanek, Awal Speak Out After Election Victory

New Council Members will be Sworn in Come January 2022

DULUTH, Minn. – Two new at-large Duluth city council members have been elected to their positions earlier this week. We caught up with Terese Tomanek, who was previously appointed to fill the position of councilor Barb Russ last year, and newly elected Azrin Awal, Duluth’s first Asian American to sit on the council. For Tomanek, she looks forward to continuing…

Midday Update 11-5-21

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Friday, November 5, 2021

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Ken Slama for a local look at news and weather making headlines Friday, November 5, 2021. Have a great day! Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Ken Slama, Local News, midday update, News, weather

Annual Rivet Run Happening Sunday at Pattison State Park

Participants Must Register by Saturday, Nov. 6 at Noon

SUPERIOR, Wis. – In this week’s Active Adventures we are getting ready for the Rivet Run with Eve Graves which happens this Sunday, Nov. 7 at 12 p.m. The Rivet Run is a 5k trail run/walk fundraiser for the upkeep of hiking and ski trails at Pattison State Park. Registration is $20 and must be completed online by noon Saturday,…

Morning Update 11-5-21

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Friday, November 5, 2021

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Ken Slama for a local look at news and weather making headlines Friday, November 5, 2021. Have a great day! Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, Ken Slama, Local News, morning update, weather

Duluth School District Begins Voluntary Vaccine Clinics at Elementary Schools

On Thursday, the Duluth school district began hosting voluntary vaccination clinics starting at Laura MacArthur Elementary school.

DULUTH, Minn. — After FDA and CDC approval, the Pfizer vaccine is now available for 5 to 11-year-olds. The Duluth school district is one of the first districts in Minnesota to offer a vaccine clinic to those who want to get the shots. “We are one of the first sites in the state of Minnesota to give vaccinations for our…

Life 97.3 Hosts Winter Clothing Drive

Farmers Insurance on Superior street and DLH Clothing in West Duluth were also part of the drive.

DULUTH, Minn. — The Christian radio station life 97.3 partnered with other businesses to hold a clothing drive on Thursday. It was the third annual event and the first time the radio station has hosted it. The drive was looking for jackets, gloves, hats, mittens and other articles of clothing to help get kids ready for the winter season. Staff…

Falling into Healthier Habits with ‘Oh So Smoothie’

Cooking Connection: Super Green Smoothie

DULUTH, Minn. – We’re making smoothies in this week’s Cooking Connection with ‘Oh So Smoothie.’ This time we are taking the healthier option as we head into the season full of sweets and treats. In addition to using all fresh ingredients, Katie uses her young children for taste testing. So, if you don’t trust Ken’s word on how the Super…

Midday Update 11-4-21

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Thursday, November 4, 2021

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Ken Slama for a local look at news and weather making headlines Thursday, November 4, 2021. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Ken Slama, Local News, midday update, News, weather

Morning Update 11-4-21

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Thursday, November 4, 2021

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Ken Slama for a local look at news and weather making headlines Thursday, November 4, 2021. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Ken Slama, Local News, morning update, News, weather

120 Foot Tall Snowman Postponed From Bentleyville

DULUTH, Minn. — The cost of building material is now partly responsible for the delay in the debut of one of Bentleyville’s newest and biggest attractions. Back in May, the founder of Bentleyville announced that a 120-foot lit-up iron snowman was going to be built for the site. Bentleyville was partnering with LHB, Braun Intertech, and the local ironworkers 512…

Two Harbors Area Food Shelf Getting Ready for Holiday Season

Employees pre-packaged boxes of meals with all the essentials.

TWO HARBORS, Minn. — The two harbors area food shelf has continued to be in high demand in the community. The non-profit originally started with curbside pickup last year with the pandemic, but then shifted to a drive-thru model which they say has been very successful. Employees pre-packaged boxes of meals with all the essentials. Right now, they’re boxing up…

Approved Referendum Means Big Improvements For Lake Superior School District

There is no time frame for the completion of the projects. 

TWO HARBORS, Minn. — The Lake Superior School District up the north shore received the go-ahead on one part of a two-question referendum Wednesday night. 61% of voters approved a multi-million dollar plan to make major improvements to the infrastructure of three schools. “I floated out of the building to be honest last night to be honest,” Lake Superior School…

Midday Update 11-3-21

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Wednesday, November 3, 2021

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

Minnesota Pit Bull Rescue Searching for More Foster Homes, Adopters

Based in the Twin Cities Metro Area, Minnesota Pit Bull Rescue Serves the Entire State

DULUTH, Minn. – Serving the Land of 10,000 Lakes, Minnesota Pit Bull Rescue has worked for years to pair stigmatized bully breeds with the right families after they’re moved from states such as Texas, Tennessee, Alabama, and Georgia. Just last year, they helped rescue a record number of 200 pit bulls from life-threatening situations. On average, they help place over…

Morning Update 11-3-21

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Wednesday, November 3, 2021

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

Loose Cat Dumped Outside Animal Allies Highlights Issue of Illegal Abandonment

A cat let loose outside of a car prompted a day-long search and renewed calls for the proper drop-off of animals.

DULUTH, Minn.- Duluth’s Animal Allies Humane Society is used to seeing animals brought in, but not animals jumping out of a car in their parking lot. That’s how one person dumped a cat there Tuesday, prompting staff to plea for people to properly drop off animals. In surveillance video, around 11:45 a.m. Tuesday, someone just pops open a door, lets…

Bent Paddle Helping Raise Money, Awareness of Mental Health Services with New Beer Launch Thursday

$1 for each pint and $5 for every growler or crowler of the new Pay It Forward pale ale purchased will go back to Amberwing.

DULUTH, Minn.- Experts say mental health issues in kids and teens are rising, so one organization and brewery are teaming up to promote a new beer that raises money for mental health resources. Bell Bank’s Pay-It-Forward Launch Party at Bent Paddle Brewing this Thursday is raising funds for Amberwing, a Duluth-based center for youth and family wellbeing. In a survey…

Indigenous Business Owners Network at First-Ever Tribal Contractors Council Summit in Duluth

They also hope the event will help them connect and build relationships not only within the more than 65 industry members present but with other outside businesses or entities.

DULUTH, Minn.- Indigenous business owners throughout Northern Minnesota got together to network and discuss their industry at the first-ever Minnesota Tribal Contractors Council Summit at Pier B Resort in Duluth. Organizers say many tribal contractors and businesses who worked on the Enbridge Line 3 Pipeline replacement project are in need of new work. They also hope the event will help…

Deer Processors Ready For Upcoming Hunting Season

The meat processing fee is $110. 

POPLAR, Wis. — Meat processing plants around the Northland are gearing up for the upcoming Minnesota and Wisconsin firearm hunting seasons. “We start with the bear season so that’s pretty fast and furious. Then it cuts back a little for the bow season. We take both from Minnesota and Wisconsin,” Hursh Meat Processing Owner, Robert Hursh says. With bow season…

New London Cafe Under New Ownership

The renovations are expected to wrap up by early next year.

DULUTH, Minn. — New London Cafe in Duluth’s Lakeside neighborhood is now under new ownership. They’re wasting no time putting their ideas in motion. The restaurant will be getting a facelift including new coffee equipment, tables, artwork and more. They’re also in the process of getting their liquor license. The renovations are expected to wrap up by early next year….

City Seeing More In-Person Voters

DULUTH, Minn. — With 30% of voter turnout staff with the city say this is a similar election to 2017 with the slate of positions on the ballot. The Duluth city administrator says, more people are getting out to vote in-person. This after last year saw a boost in early and absentee ballot votes. These hyperlocal elections are what can…

Midday Update 11-2-21

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Tuesday, November 2, 2021

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

Morning Update 11-2-21

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Tuesday, November 2, 2021

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

Blatnik Bridge Commute to Duluth Diverted for at Least a Year

Crews have also installed a temporary traffic light at the intersection of Garfield Avenue and Railroad Street to help control the added traffic.

DULUTH, Minn.- Some big road closure signs are dotting the Blatnik Bridge as you drive into Duluth, as the Twin Ports Interchange or Can of Worms reconstruction project will divert traffic onto the Garfield Avenue exit for at least the next year. A big light-up sign greets drivers getting on the Blatnik in Superior, warning them of the big change…

U of M Offering Free, Reduced Tuition to Native American Students on All Campuses

First-year or tribal college transfer undergrads from families making under $75,000 will be eligible to have 100% of their tuition waived. 

DULUTH, Minn.- The University of Minnesota will be offering free or reduced tuition for Native American students at all five campuses, including UMD. In the Native American Promise Tuition Program, first-year or tribal college transfer undergrads from families making under $75,000 will be eligible to have 100% of their tuition waived. Students from higher-earning families (up to $125,000 annually) will…

Minnesota Power Requesting 18% Rate Increase to Offset Clean Energy Investments

An interim rate increase of 14% will start January 1st lasting until the Commission approves 18%.

DULUTH, Minn.- Minnesota Power is filing a request with the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission to increase its annual operating revenue by $108 million. This would mean an 18% increase or about $15 dollars more on customers’ monthly bills. But as the commission takes up to a year to approve their request, the company asked for an interim rate increase of…

New Boutique Opens in Superior

The mother-daughter-run boutique also has home decor with weekly transitions as they gear up for the holidays.

SUPERIOR, Wisc. — A new boutique is open in Superior. “We just want it to be kind of like an experience when you walk into the door,” Kindred Stone & Co Part Owner, Jami Konkler says. Kindred Stone and Co first opened their doors in early October. “Whether you’re here for a gift or clothing for yourself or somebody else….

Duluth Taking New Measures for First Snow Emergency

The city of Duluth is taking extra precautions ahead of this winter. 

DULUTH, Minn. — The city of Duluth is taking extra precautions ahead of this winter. More than 40,000 brochures will be mailed to residents this week laying out the timeline of a snow emergency. The goal is to provide more information to homeowners about when cars need to be moved, where to park during snow emergencies and snow removal tips….

Lake Superior Brewing Nears Grand Reopening

That neighborhood used to prohibit alcohol up until 2016.  

DULUTH, Minn. — One of the oldest breweries in Minnesota is close to reopening. Since 2019, Lake Superior Brewing has sat idle but recently a couple purchased the company. They decided to relocate to the building formerly occupied by Xcel Xercise and Sun City Tanning Center on superior street That neighborhood used to prohibit alcohol up until 2016. Even though…

General Election Takes Place Tuesday

If you still have your mail-in-ballot they are due at city hall by 3 p.m. tomorrow.

DULUTH, Minn. — The general election gets underway on Tuesday in Duluth. Beginning at 7 a.m. Tuesday morning and running until 8 p.m. at night the polls will be open. The municipal primary held back in August had just over 12% voter turnout. It was an increase from the previous primary in an off-year. City staff want to encourage people…

Duluth School District to Start Voluntary Vaccination Clinics for Elementary Students

It would allow students a better chance of not contracting the virus and learning in person.

DULUTH, Minn. — The Duluth school district could become one of the first districts in the state to host voluntary vaccine clinics for 5 to 11-year-olds. Pending FDA approval of the Pfizer vaccine for that age group on Tuesday, the district is poised to become one of three districts in the state of Minnesota to offer these clinics. The superintendent…

Midday Update 11-1-21

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Monday, November 1, 2021

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

Wisconsin Gun Dealers Continue to Struggle with Ammo Shortage

Gun Dealers Report Ammo Continues to be in Short Supply

MADISON, Wis. (AP) – Wisconsin gun dealers continue to struggle with keeping shelves stocked with ammunition. Supply chain disruptions from the coronavirus pandemic and increased demand for guns and ammunition have left shelves empty in some cases. And when a shipment does arrive at local gun stores, ammunition is quickly snapped up. The National Shooting Sports Foundation estimates about 8.4…

MNsure Open Enrollment Period Begins Nov. 1

Open Enrollment for MNsure Runs Through Jan. 15, 2022

ST. PAUL, Minn.— Nov. 1 marks the beginning of MNsure’s open enrollment period. Open enrollment refers to the once-a-year opportunity when all Minnesotans can enroll in affordable, comprehensive health and dental coverage through MNsure, Minnesota’s health insurance marketplace. This year, Minnesota’s open enrollment will run from Nov. 1 until Jan. 15, 2022, with two important deadlines: Minnesotans must enroll by…

Morning Update 11-1-21

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Monday, November 1, 2021

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

Trunk or Treat Brings Candy, Smiles to Hundreds in Canal Park

The trunks were open and the candy flew out as 43 vendors and hundreds of families got dressed up for the party in Canal Park.

DULUTH, Minn.- Hundreds of families got a head start on Halloween candy-collecting, filling up a Canal Park parking lot for Neighborhood Youth Service’s 2nd annual Trunk or Treat event Sunday. The trunks were open and the candy flew out as 43 vendors and hundreds of families got dressed up for the party in Canal Park. “We can all come together…

DFL Candidates Urge Duluthians to Vote in General Election Tuesday

Duluth's general election is this Tuesday. Polls stay open Monday until 5 pm.

DULUTH, Minn.- Duluth’s General Election is just a few days away, and some local DFL endorsed candidates and supporters held a rally before going door to door Sunday, urging people to head to the polls. Candidates for City Council as well as Mayor Emily Larson and State Representative Liz Olson joined campaign volunteers at Enger Tower for a rally and…

Trick or Treaters Going Strong from East to West Duluth

People from all over the city came to 8th Street to check out the events, but there's one house in particular that tends to catch the eye of those who come to visit.

DULUTH, Minn. — It is Halloween night, and thousands of trick or treaters across the Twin Ports are knocking on doors collecting their treats, but West 8th Street in Duluth is the spot to be as these houses put on some of the best Halloween decorations for all ages to enjoy. People from all over the city came to 8th…

Malloween At The Miller Hill Mall

DULUTH, Minn. — There were hundreds of people in character walking around the mall Sunday afternoon as the Duluth Miller Hill Mall held its annual Malloween. Dozens of stores and kiosks set up with buckets of candy for trick or treaters to stop by and get a treat today. Although its fun for the families and trick or treaters, the…

Church’s Halloween Walk-Through Takes Families to Magical World of Harry Potter

Before any activities, families had to run through Platform 9 ¾, the portal to the wizarding world in the Harry Potter books.

DULUTH, Minn.- No matter what the Halloween costume, everyone got to be witches and wizards for a day, taking a trip to Hogwarts at Pilgrim Congregational Church’s Harry Potter themed Halloween walk-through in Duluth. Before any activities, families had to run through Platform 9 ¾, the portal to the wizarding world in the Harry Potter books. Then they could tour…

UMD Students Help Connect Hillside Residents to Healthy Food Sources

Organizers say they hope to take steps in improving food security in the Hillside neighborhood which has direct impacts on health and life expectancy.

DULUTH, Minn.- UMD students hoped to connect some residents of the Steve O-Neil Apartments in Duluth with healthier food options at their Land Lab near Jean Duluth Road, for Healthy Lives Day. Growers from local farms joined families in touring the UMD farm. They hope to improve those families’ access to healthy food from local sources. Organizers say they hope…

Haunted Yard in Cloquet Raises Money for County Seat Theater, Donations for Food Shelf

CLOQUET, Minn.- One man in Cloquet decked out his yard for a fun trick-or-treat destination, while also raising funds for the County Seat Theater and donations for the local food shelf. FOX 21 Photojournalist Marcus Asmus takes us to the Nicholson Haunted Yard. Categories: Community, Entertainment, Minnesota, News, News – Latest News Tags: Bil Nicholson, Halloween, Halloween Decorations, haunted yard

Haunted Barn Bringing Frights, Funds for Rice Lake Fire Department Saturday

Organizer Katie Engen says her older daughter wanted to help after seeing the fires up north.

DULUTH, Minn. –  If you were looking for a Halloween activity Saturday a bit more out of town, one family is continuing their tradition while also helping out first responders. The Haunted Barn at 3974 Hicken Road in Rice Lake Township is back this year, free for kids. Donations are encouraged, which go towards the Rice Lake Fire Department. Organizer…

Law Enforcement Prepared For Busy Halloweekend

DULUTH, Minn. –The Minnesota State Patrol is not messing around this Halloween. Normally a pretty busy night for them, they want to make sure the holiday doesn’t contribute to the record-breaking number of traffic deaths the state’s seen so far this year. Last year they reported 318 arrests state-wide, averaging three per hour on Halloween. A Lieutenant with the State…