Community

Camp House & Jenkins Creek Wildfire Inspections Start Next Week

Burned area of Forest with smoking hot spots on the Camp House Fire. BRIMSON/FAIRBANKS TOWNSHIPS, Minn. — Next week the St. Louis County Assessor’s Department will start inspections of wildfire damaged properties by the Camp House and Jenkins Creek fires. Staff will begin their inspections to home and property owners in Brimson and Fairbanks Township to determine the estimated market…

Two People Inducted into Grandmas Marathon Hall of Fame

DULUTH, Minn. — A longtime board member and a men’s event record holder are both receiving the honor of being two of this year’s Grandmas Marathon Hall of Fame inductees. Dave Malban, a founding board member, and Dominic Ondoro, a 2014 men’s record holder are this year’s Grandmas Hall of Famers. Malban was responsible for making Grandmas Marathon into the…

Benedictine Living Community Hosts Juneteenth Celebration

DULUTH, Minn. — In honor of Juneteenth, Benedictine Living Community held their first ever Juneteenth Chapel Service and Soul Food Celebration. Juneteenth is recognized as the day that ended slavery in the United States two years after the Emancipation Proclamation was issued which freed black people throughout the country. Guest speakers with the NAACP spoke in front of seniors and…

Popular ‘Hairball’ Rock Cover Band Celebrates 25 Years

DULUTH, Minn.– In a few short weeks, a longtime performer at Bayfront Park is gearing up to ‘Party in the Park’ once more. Alongside celebrating rock and roll, ‘Hairball’ is hitting a major milestone. For a quarter of a century, ‘Hairball’ has been rocking the nation. Getting their start at small bars, their band covers favorites such as ‘Motley Crue’…

Essentia Health Fitness Expo Marks the Start of Grandma’s Marathon Weekend

DULUTH, Minn. – Grandma’s Marathon weekend kicked off with the Essentia Health Fitness Expo. Runners and community members filled the Duluth Entertainment Convention Center to pick up race information packets, which include official race bibs and other essential race materials. The expo featured vendors and exhibitors highlighting the latest running and athletic gear, technology, and services, along with guest speakers…

Chicken Hat Plays Return: 8 Plays Written, Directed, Performed In 24 Hours

DULUTH, Minn. – Eight writers, eight directors and 40 actors got together last Friday to create eight different sketches with Rubber Chicken Theater that were performed in front of a live audience within 24 hours. Common Cameo Dan Hanger FOX 21’s Dan Hanger was the common cameo for all sketches. It was a lot of dedication and a lot of…

51st Juneteenth Jamboree Brings Celebration to Central Hillside

Duluth, Minn. –  Duluth’s NAACP held its 51st annual Juneteenth Jamboree Today. Community members gathered at the Central Hillside Community Center and Park for an afternoon centered on honoring the historic significance of Juneteenth and celebrating freedom. The Jamboree featured music, free food, performances, and a variety of vendors. “Juneteenth, you know what I mean, is a nice celebration for…

Volunteers & Staff Prepping for Annual ‘Michelina’s Spaghetti Dinner’

DULUTH, Minn.– The volunteers and staff for this weekend’s big race is running a marathon of their own. They’re working around the clock to make the city’s largest batch of spaghetti. Chef Jerry, and his brigade of volunteers and staff are working around the clock to chop up the oregano, basil and rosemary. By the time they’re finished, they will…

Volunteers Prepping for CHUM’s 20th ‘Rhubarb Festival’

  Duluth, Minn.– The 20-yearlong beloved rhubarb tradition for Duluth is right around the corner. And CHUM is excited to continue the traditions, both new and old. For this year’s ‘Rhubarb Festival’ celebration, it will take place at the Asbury United Methodist Church in West Duluth. Before the festival on June 28th, an official told FOX 21 an impressive 1,000…

Patty Salo Downs retiring from Alworth Memorial Fund

DULUTH, Minn. – Patty Salo Downs is retiring as executive director of the Marshall H. and Nellie Alworth Memorial Fund. She had held the role for nearly 19 years. Salo Downs helped the organization grant more than $26 million in scholarships to over 1,400 northern Minnesota high school students. She said, “Whether they’re participating in study abroad, installing a water distribution…

Church’s Natural Burial Cemetery Idea Causes Controversy

BARNUM, Minn.– There is controversy tonight involving a church in Barnum and its plan to open a natural burial site. The site’s planner says natural burials are better for the environment without embalming chemical used in traditional burials. Matt Connell, cemetarian at Loving Earth Memorial Gardens, and a member of the Steelmantown Church has a passion for the outdoors and preserving…

People impacted by Wildfires access multiple resources in one Place

HOYT LAKES, Minn. – People impacted by recent wildfires access multiple resources at an event organized by United Way of Northeastern Minnesota. The Multi-Agency Resource Center (MARC) established at the Hoyt Lakes Arena provides those impacted by recent wildfires with a single place to access governmental and non-government organizations. Hosted by the United Way of Northeastern Minnesota, organizations at the…

Music in the Park Series Returns for 42nd Summer

DULUTH, Minn. – The 42nd annual Music in the Park concert series kicked off this evening at Chester Park. The beloved summer music series, presented by Duluth Parks and Recreation in partnership with Chester Bowl, features family-friendly performances. Each concert showcased local artists from different genres. The concerts will be held every Tuesday at 6:30 to 8 p.m. from now until…

Cross City Trail Tour Teaches Locals about the St. Louis River

DULUTH, Minn. – Locals strapped on their helmets and toured the St. Louis River this evening. Community members were invited to participate in biking the Cross-City Trail, which consisted of a 4-mile round-trip tour put on by the St. Louis River Alliance. The bike tour showcased the natural beauty of the St. Louis River while teaching locals about the areas…

Iron Range Sees Increase in THC, CBD Beverages

DULUTH, Minn. – An influx of THC and CBD drinks is headed to the Iron Range this summer. The Iron Range is going to see an increase in THC and CBD drinks from local vendors to meet the rising demand for alcohol alternatives and functional beverages. This expansion will be conducted through Bernick’s, one of the leading beverage distribution companies…

S.S. Meteor Museum Re-opens!

  DULUTH, Minn. — The S.S. Meteor Museum has announced its re-opening for the season June 18th! Opening was delayed due to a crack appearing in the ship’s expansion hold. The crack appeared from shifting sediment underneath the ship and fluctuating temperatures. After repairs and inspections, the ship is now ready for tours again. In a statement on the Superior…

Traffic Advisories and Road Closures for 49th Annual Grandmas Marathon Weekend

  DULUTH, Minn. — With Grandmas Marathon just days away, detours and delays are expected across the city. Canal Park and the Downtown area east of Lake Avenue will see the heaviest impact within the city. Watch for No Parking signs, temporary signage, officials directing traffic, and barriers. For other race information visit GrandmasMarathon.com WEEKDAY PREPARATION ADVISORIES: Tuesday, the Northwest…

Lincoln Park Celebrates Summer Fest

DULUTH, Minn. — Lincoln Park’s annual Summer Fest kicked off the start of the season on Saturday! The festival featured everything Lincoln Park has to offer, from live music, to vendors, food trucks, activities and more. It celebrated the community, local creativity, and summer fun. “This day has been a really great combination of both highlighting Lincoln Park businesses and,…

Community Leaders Mark Gun Violence Awareness Day in Duluth

DULUTH, Minn. — After recent gun violence in Minnesota, city leaders and gun safety advocates gathered in Central Hillside to discuss and reinforce gun safety measures. At the event, Duluth Mayor Roger Reinert declared June 3 to be gun violence awareness day in Duluth. Gun safety advocates and local law enforcement talked about the recent tragedy that happened in Hermantown…

“No Kings Day” Protest Highlights Federal Opposition

DULUTH, Minn. — Hundreds of people in the Twin Ports protested against President Trump’s military parade over weekend in “No Kings Day” rallies. In Duluth, People peacefully gathered along Lake Ave. and Superior St. to show their opposition against the current administration. Like recent cuts from the federal government involving health care, the environment, and family assistance. Over 1,800 “No…

Lincoln Park Farmers Market Starts

DULUTH, Minn. — The Lincoln Park Farmers Market is back for the summer! Thursday was opening day for the Lincoln Park Farmers Market at Harrison Park. The market featured local vendors selling food, crafts, health products, and other goods. This farmers market works with those participating in the SNAP benefits and the Power of Produce program to increase access to…

Glensheen’s Beer Garden Returns on Wednesdays

DULUTH, Minn. — Glensheen’s Beer Garden invites locals to enjoy and learn about local craft beers. Wednesday evening, the Beer Garden at Glensheen teamed up with Castle Danger Brewery to put on a family-friendly event featuring local craft beers, food from Bowlz and Thangz, and fun activities for all ages. The event featured a brew talk where breweries shared insights…

Signatures for ‘Right to Repair’ ballot initiative delivered to Duluth City Hall

CITY HALL – Duluth Tenants Union deliver signatures in support of their “Right to Repair” ballot initiative to the City Clerk. Nearly 6,000 signatures in support of the Duluth “Right to Repair” ballot initiative, were presented to the City Clerk’s office Thursday afternoon. The signatures were delivered by members of the Duluth Tenants Union, a group comprised of renters and…

Brookston Community Center Biomass Heating Facility Finally Unveiled

BROOKSTON, Minn.– The Fond du Lac Reservation in Brookston is celebrating the completion of its newest biomass heating facility. The project has been a work in progress since 2011. And one official told FOX 21, this brought the opportunity to introduce updated technology. The biomass heating facility is now using woodchips from Fon du Lac Forestry to power its heat. “Well,…

Duluth Police Welcomes K9 Fitz onto the Department

DULUTH, Minn. — The Duluth Police Department is welcoming a new furry face as part of their K9 Division. K9 Fitz is a 1.5-year-old German Shephard/Malinois from Hungary. Fitz is a dual-purpose dog specializing in narcotic detection, tracking, article searching, and criminal apprehension. K9 Fitz is being handled by Officer Shane McKee and began K9 School this past February. The…

First Witness Child Advocacy Center Receives Support with Fundraiser

HERMANTOWN, Minn. —  A local non-profit received community support on Wednesday for a fundraiser. First Witness provides resources and support to children, teens, and vulnerable adults who have experienced abuse, along with advocacy and prevention education. They teamed up with The Title team, a title insurance company, to host a fundraiser at Skyline Social and Games to help raise awareness…

Family of Duluth Murder Victim Keeping His Memory Alive Through Memorial 5k

DULUTH, Minn. — Nearly one year after the tragic loss of 25 year old Maxton Gudowski, his family, loved ones and community members are continuing to keep his memory alive. “It’s been definitely an up and down roller coaster of emotions. We’re so thankful. We have so much family and friends with support that’s truly what gets us through,” Maxton’s…

Phase 1 of Safer 6th Ave. East Reconstruction Project Now Underway

DULUTH, Minn. — One of Duluth most dangerous Avenues is starting phase one of a safer reconstruction plan. Construction crew started resurfacing along 6th Avenue East, which connects Central Hillside to Central Entrance and Mesaba Avenue. The project looks to address safety concerns for pedestrians, like students at Myers-Wilkins, as a recent study on 6th Ave. found close to 12,000…

United Way Day of Caring – Volunteers Clean Up at Companies to Classrooms

  DULUTH, Minn. — Over at Companies to Classrooms, volunteers worked to do some deep cleaning inside and tidying up the garden outside. Companies to classrooms is a program that takes donations for teachers to shop for their classrooms. The extra care and cleaning helps make the spot look nicer for the neighborhood and builds connections in the community. “We’ve…

‘Boys and Girls Club of the Northland’ Kicks Off Summer Events

GARY NEW DULUTH, Minn.– The sun is shining, and school is done for the year. With that, there are many opportunities opening up to get kids outside. The Boys and Girls Club of the Northland is kicking off their summer festivities. Children who are 6-18 can participate, and the program is described as “fun with a purpose” Kids involved can…

Over $41,000 To Benefit Local ALS Patients

  DULUTH, Minn. — Never Surrender received a massive donation from Super One Foods and the community today. $41,237.93 was donated by the community rounding up at the register. Never Surrender Inc is a non-profit that supports Northlander’s suffering from ALS. The donations stay local, providing treatments, equipment, and more. “We want to make sure we have the best of…

AFGE Union Members Urges Council to Protect Duluth’s EPA Lab

DULUTH, Minn. — Employees from the Duluth’s EPA Lab spoke at Monday night’s council meeting about fears of DOGE cuts shutting down their facility. The president of the American Federal of Government Employees (AFGE) and Duluth EPA employees spoke before the Duluth City Council on the possibility of the facility’s closure. DOGE cuts has asked Office of Research (ORD) scientists…

Superior Police Chief Notes Positive Trend with Addiction & Drug Related Crime

SUPERIOR, Wis.– Superior Mayor Jim Paine shared online that after years of addressing addiction and drug related crime, their hard work is paying off. Superior Police Chief Paul Wintersheidt also stated that Superior is not alone and said that this is a national trend. Reasons for this upward trend relates to programs such as ‘Pathways to Hope’, and diligent outreach…

Duluth City Council Passes Renters Rights Proposal

DULUTH, Minn.– On Monday night, Duluth City Council discussed a proposal mandating landlords more information about rights and resources before signing a lease. The proposal says landlords must provide tenants a summary of tenants’ rights protected by Minnesota Laws, as well as contact information for the City of Duluth’s Life Safety Division and One Roof Community Housing. During this meeting, City…

Duluth Planning Commission moves to ease ‘Special Use Permits’ for some Childcare Facilities

CITY HALL – The Duluth Planning Commission makes changes to ease requirements of “Special Use Permits” for new childcare facilities. At Tuesday’s meeting, the Duluth Planning Commission voted unanimously to adopt an ordinance changing the zoning definitions of certain childcare facilities. The changes will make it easier for some facilities to operate in residential-zoned areas without a “Special Use Permit.”…

Officials celebrate completion of Perch Lake habitat restoration project

  DULUTH, Minn. –   The completion of the Perch Lake Habitat Restoration Project is celebrated, marking a major milestone in improving fish and wildlife habitat. Members of the community joined state and local leaders in celebrating the Perch Lake habitat restoration project along Highway 23 near Gary-New Duluth. The project consisted of dredging and associated site restoration, the installation of…