Community

Duluth Preservation Alliance Annual Awards Recognize Cities History

DULUTH, Minn. — The West Theater held the 40th Duluth Preservation Alliance Awards this week which help recognize some historical properties in the area and how they have been preserved. Some of these properties have been standing since the 1800’s, and have gone through heavy preservation work. Award recipients include places like the George A. Tomlinson house on Hawthorne Road,…

MEA Weekend Drawing In Crowds

DULUTH, Minn. — MEA weekend comes at the perfect time of year, where students and teachers K-12, get a few extra days off to enjoy the fall. People and families from all over the state travel this weekend, and the preferred destination for many seems to be the North Shore. Crowds gathered on the Lakewalk Friday in Canal Park to…

Duluth Children’s Museum Costume Drive Aims to Help All Families Have a Fun Halloween

The costumes are free to anyone in need and will be available for pick up Friday through Sunday during regular business hours.

DULUTH, Minn.- The Duluth Children’s Museum is hosting a costume drive so all families can look forward to a fun Halloween. The museum is accepting all gently used or new children’s costumes from size birth and up. The costumes are free to anyone in need and will be available for pick up Friday through Sunday during regular business hours. Organizers…

2nd Annual Dulucon Begins

It will continue throughout the weekend at the mall and at the Encounter Youth Center. 

DULUTH, Minn. — The second annual Dulucon began on Friday at the Miller Hill Mall. It will continue throughout the weekend at the mall and at the Encounter Youth Center. For more information, click here.       Categories: Community, Minnesota, News Tags: DuluCon, duluth, Miller Hill Mall

National Take Back Prescription Drug Day Held Saturday

Experts say there has been a 31% increase in opioid use since the start of the pandemic.

DULUTH, Minn. — Saturday is the annual ‘Take Back Prescription Drugs Day’ hosted by local law enforcement agencies across the country. On Friday, state leaders got together virtually urging people to properly dispose of their unwanted or unused prescription medication. Experts say there has been a 31% increase in opioid use since the start of the pandemic. All the more…

Tri-State Band Festival Underway

The concert at 7 is happening over at UWS Thorpe Langley auditorium with free admission for students, $3 for seniors, and $5 for adults.

SUPERIOR, Wisc. — It’s a big day for talented high school musicians in the region. More than 120 of them were invited to the tri-state band festival hosted at UW-Superior Thursday evening. The students are coming in from about two dozen schools around the northland. They’ll rehearse with the university’s faculty from the music department, along with a special guest…

The Great Pumpkin Train Stops in Duluth

The event is completely sold out.

DULUTH, Minn. — The North Shore Scenic Railroad is winding down its 2021 season, but not before capping it off with one of its most popular events before Halloween. The yearly “Pumpkin Train Express” went full steam ahead on Thursday. It brings passengers to a pumpkin patch to pick out some of the orange gourds. New this year, guests can…

UW System President Visits Area College

The clinic is also open to the public.

SUPERIOR, Wisc. — The President of the University of Wisconsin system was in Superior today to tour the campus vaccination clinic. The former governor of Wisconsin Thommy Thompson was also in town promoting students to get their Covid-19 vaccine. The UW System president set up 70 scholarships for universities in the system that get seventy percent of their students vaccinated….

St. Louis County Public Health Updates Online COVID Dashboard To Include New Regional Data, Pediatric Information

ST. LOUIS COUNTY, Minn. – St. Louis County Public Health has updated its online COVID-19 dashboard to include new and updated regional data as well as pediatric COVID information. Health officials say the dashboard now includes clearer data about transmission rates and trends in the county. New graphs have also been added showing the total number of new cases added…

Duluth Reminds Public of Snow Emergency Routes With Winter Approaching

DULUTH, Minn. — The snow isn’t here yet, but the cities of Duluth and Superior are in snow-prepping mode right now, and they’re sending out a few reminders for the community to be aware of what to do as the snow begins to fall. A snow emergency is when the city anticipates heavy snowfall to make driving conditions unsafe so…

Truck Drivers Seeing Workforce Shortage

Faculty say, that the course has been thriving with a current waiting list for students. 

DULUTH, Minn. — Technical Fields at Lake Superior College are going strong as several industries in the area and across the country are experiencing a workforce shortage. Specifically, the truck driving course at the college which is a 9-10 week course that combines online and in-person learning as students get to drive the trucks at the college’s site in Gary…

St. Luke’s Birthing Center Reminds Grieving Parents They’re Not Alone

October is National Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month

DULUTH, Minn. – Many parents who are grieving the loss of an infant feel like they are alone and don’t have anyone who understands what they are going through. During the National Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month, St. Luke’s is reminding parents they’re ready and willing to help. Statistics show one in four families will suffer a pregnancy or…

October is National Adopt a Shelter Dog Month

Humane Society of Douglas County is Seeing an Increase in Dog Adoptions

SUPERIOR, Wis. – October is Adopt a Shelter Dog Month, and there’s no better way to celebrate than by bringing home a furry friend from your local shelter. The Humane Society of Douglas County is seeing more dogs come into the shelter this month, providing potential adopters with a variety of furry friends to choose from. Click here to see…

Midday Update 10-20-21

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Wednesday, October 20, 2021

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Ken Slama for a local look at news and weather making headlines Wednesday, October 20, 2021. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Ken Slama, Local News, midday update, News, weather

City of Superior Announces New Sidewalk Snow Removal Program

(courtesy: Facebook/Jim Paine, Mayor of Superior) SUPERIOR, Wis. – In an effort to maintain safe routes to school for students this winter, the City of Superior announced a new sidewalk snow removal program. According to a Wednesday morning press release, the city will help with clearing snow from sidewalks on specific streets, and specific sides of streets, that are connected…

Morning Update 10-20-21

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Wednesday, October 20, 2021

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Ken Slama for a local look at news and weather making headlines Wednesday, October 20, 2021. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, Headlines, Ken Slama, Local News, morning update, News, weather

Outdoor Retailers Struggling to Keep Up as Ammo Shortage Continues

Firearm Deer Season Begins Nov. 6 in Minnesota, Nov. 20 in Wisconsin

DULUTH, Minn. – Whether it’s a family tradition or new memories in the making, hunting season provides activity for many Northland residents as autumn unfolds. This year, you may want to think ahead before bagging the big buck. “It’s a lot of good memories and it’s something — you’re outside enjoying the resources we have,” said Matt King, owner of…

Life 97.3 Looking to Spread Kindness in the Northland

So far, the station has already received hundreds of stories and video submissions on their website. 

DULUTH, Minn. — One local radio station is looking to spread kindness around the Northland. Earlier this month, Life 97.3 asked its listeners to submit videos to the station’s website of themselves or others doing acts of kindness. The radio station has a goal of reaching 973 acts by World Kindness Day on Nov. 11, and they are also sharing…

Carlton County Advocacy Group Created to Promote Animal Shelter Need

The group of almost 200 members held their first information meeting last week.

CARLTON COUNTY, Minn. — Since the closure of the friends of animal’s humane society in Cloquet back in 2018 the city, and county have been looking to fill that void. After the loss of the only animal shelter in the Carlton County area, city and county staff have stepped in to provide free microchip clinics to residents. Local law enforcement…

Artists Create Mural To Support Fire-Damaged Bar & Grill

The restaurant is still months away from opening the kitchen, but Witherspoon says opening the bar in a few weeks is the first step to get back to interacting with the folks he loves to see.

DULUTH, Minn. — Spoon’s Bar and Grill in Duluth is getting closer to reopening. This after two fires in August and September caused over $400,000 worth of damage to the building. Now, the restaurant is getting a special new makeover on its siding. “It’s amazing how the smallest things in life mean the most ya know,” Spoon’s Bar & Grill…

Midday Update 10-19-21

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Tuesday, October 19, 2021

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Ken Slama for a local look at news and weather making headlines Tuesday, October 19, 2021. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Ken Slama, Local News, midday update, News, weather

Legacy of F and D Meats Continues Under New Ownership

The Previous Owners Left the Business in December of 2020

VIRGINIA, Minn. – After nearly 50 years in business, it can be difficult and nerve-wracking for new ownership to take over a strongly rooted establishment. “I just wanted to keep my shoulder behind the wheel and my toes out of the way,” said Joseph Walls, co-owner of F and D Meats in Virginia. Whether you’re a local, or just passing…

Morning Update 10-19-21

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Tuesday, October 19, 2021

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Ken Slama for a local look at news and weather making headlines Tuesday, October 19, 2021. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Ken Slama, Local News, morning update, News, weather

Duluth Police: ‘Real Men Wear Pink’ Campaign Canceled

DULUTH, Minn. – The ‘Real Men Wear Pink’ campaign hosted by the Duluth Police Department has been canceled, the department announced on its Facebook page Tuesday morning. The campaign was scheduled to take place at the Texas Roadhouse from 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. The campaign raises funds for the American Cancer Society to help combat the fight against cancer…

Gov. Walz Announces Bid for Second Term

Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan Also Announced Re-Election Tuesday Morning

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) – Minnesota’s Democratic Gov. Tim Walz has launched his campaign for a second term in an increasingly divided state, saying he made the tough calls necessary to beat back the COVID-19 pandemic and revive the economy. The former high school football coach made the announcement in a YouTube video posted Tuesday that shows him standing on a football…

Mayor Larson, City Officials to Talk Snow Emergencies in Virtual Public Meeting Tuesday

Officials say they're posed to declare the city's first-ever snow emergency this winter.

DULUTH, Minn.- With winter around the corner, the City Of Duluth is hoping to get information out on navigating parking and emergency plow routes to avoid tickets and fines. Mayor Emily Larson and city staff will host a “City Hall in the City: Let’s Talk about Snow” meeting Tuesday evening. Officials say they’re posed to declare the city’s first-ever snow…

Gov. Walz Announces Gift Cards, Shot at Scholarships for Vaccinated 12-17 Year-Olds

Those between the ages of 12 to 17 can get a $200 VISA gift card if they get vaccinated, and a shot at one of 5 $100k scholarships

ST. PAUL, Minn.- Governor Tim Walz just rolled out a new incentive program for Minnesota pre-teens and teens to get the COVID vaccine. The program is called “Kids Deserve a Shot.” Those between the ages of 12 to 17 can get a $200 VISA gift card if they get vaccinated. The Governor says with covid-19 cases surging in the state…

Costco Shelves Filling Up as Duluth Location Prepares to Open in 10 Days

With $10 million of inventory stocked to date and liquor shipments arriving this week, the big-box store is gearing up to open.

DULUTH, Minn.- Finishing touches are going into Duluth’s new Costco, set to open in just 10 days. It’s all coming together inside the Costco building on Arrowhead Road. With shelves filling up, the warehouse floor is bare no more. “Kind of the final process right now is setting up our checkout lanes and receiving the remainder of our inventory in…

Kitchi Gammi Park Lakewalk Trail Extension Now Open

No events will take place at the park until the spring of 2023 at the earliest.

DULUTH, Minn. — The New Brighton Beach lakewalk trail extension is now open to the public. The paved trail is for bicycle and pedestrian use. City officials say the new section of trail is an extension of the existing lakewalk connecting to bike route 41 which follows scenic highway 61 from Duluth to Two Harbors. Brighton Beach will fully close…

Midday Update 10-18-21

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Monday, October 18, 2021

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Ken Slama for a local look at news and weather making headlines Monday, October 18, 2021. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Ken Slama, Local News, News, weather

All Aboard! The Great Pumpkin Train Returns MEA Weekend

The Great Pumpkin Train Runs Along the North Shore Scenic Railroad Oct. 21 - 24

DULUTH, Minn. – The North Shore Scenic Railroad in Duluth is thrilled to be bringing back the annual Pumpkin Train Express Oct. 21 – 24. Each passenger will have the chance to pick out their own pumpkin to take with them. The train ride is about 90 minutes total. Passengers will return to the Duluth Depot where you can stay…

Morning Update 10-18-21

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Monday, October 18, 2021

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Ken Slama for a local look at news and weather making headlines Monday, October 18, 2021. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Ken Slama, Local News, morning update, News, weather

Duluth Police Department Announces Catalytic Converter Initiative

DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth Police Department on Monday announced a new initiative to limit the number of catalytic converter thefts in the area. Between September 1 and October 13 of this year, authorities say they took roughly 12 reports of catalytic converter thefts within Duluth. Thieves cut off catalytic converters and sell them because they contain high-value precious metals….

Ret. Gen. Colin Powell Dies of COVID-19 Complications

WASHIINGTON (AP) – Colin Powell, former Joint Chiefs chairman and secretary of state, has died from COVID-19 complications, his family said Monday. In an announcement on social media, the family said Powell had been fully vaccinated. Powell was the first African American to serve as chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and secretary of state. But his reputation also…

October Angel of Hope Vigil Provides Extra Light for Parents Grieving Loss of Child

Normally held in December for Worldwide Candle Lighting Day, the Duluth organization wanted to have an additional vigil this year after postponing 2020's.

DULUTH, Minn.- Not every event which restarts after the pandemic is a joyous festival or celebration. Yet, somber as it was, an Angel of Hope Vigil Sunday was one welcomed by parents grieving the loss of a child. “I think a lot of people really missed that,” said Debbie Davis, one of the founders. “I think a lot of people…

‘Paint ‘Til You Faint’ at Pottery Burn Celebrates National Paint Your Own Pottery Day

People could pick and design their own pieces for about 12 hours, which staff then glaze and burn for pick up 7 days later.

SUPERIOR, Wis.- The Pottery Burn Studio in Superior celebrated National Paint Your Own Pottery Day with a marathon event Saturday. From 11 a.m. until midnight the 7th annual Paint ‘Til You Faint featured pizza and a pajama party. People could pick and design their own pieces which staff then glaze and burn for pick up 7 days later. Owner Amanda…

Food Banks Gearing Up for Holiday Season

They say there is typically more than enough food to go around.

GRAND RAPIDS, Minn. — Food banks in the Northland are getting ready for the holiday season. Throughout the pandemic, area food banks have had the tough task of helping more families out. Even though food banks like Second Harvest North Central in Grand Rapids experience shortages every year around the holidays. They say there is typically more than enough food…

North Shore Scenic Railroad Impacted by Supply Chain Issues

For the Remainder of the Season, All Monday Rides will be Canceled

DULUTH, Minn. – The North Shore Scenic Railroad is inching closer to its final week of operation for the 2021 season. For the remainder of this season, all Monday excursions have been suspended due to a lack of new parts and people to volunteer at the attraction. Already, there’s a concern for next year. The depot is looking to focus…

‘The Forge’ Set to Give Innovators, Entrepreneurs Space to Excel

The facility will give students another outlet for those interested in engineering and manufacturing fields.

GRAND RAPIDS, Minn. — The Itasca Economic Development Corporation has received over one million dollars in grants to turn one of their multi-use buildings they have owned since 2005 into what they are calling ‘The Forge.’ “The Forge will provide an opportunity for entrepreneur innovators as well as education training and workforce development all in the same roof,” Itasca Economic…

Midday Update 10-15-21

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Friday, October 15, 2021

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Ken Slama for a local look at news and weather making headlines Friday, October 15, 2021. Have a great day! Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Ken Slama, Local News, News, weather

Intersection Closure to Impact Essentia Health’s Downtown Campus

The Intersection Closure will Begin Tuesday, Oct. 19

DULUTH, Minn. – Essentia Health says an intersection closure near the downtown Duluth campus will be impacting traffic for the next several weeks. Starting Tuesday, Oct. 19, the intersection of Second Street and Sixth Avenue East in Duluth will close. The intersection will reopen the week of Nov. 22. Ahead of the closure, crews will complete paving work on Fifth…