Community

Downtown Virginia Rebuilding After Structure Fire, Cause Still Unknown

Nine area fire departments and more than 30 first responders worked the fire.  

VIRGINIA, Minn.- The community of downtown Virginia is rebuilding after a fire destroyed multiple businesses there last Friday — the cause still unknown. According to Virginia Fire officials, the fire stated above the Rocks the Jewelers store on the 300 Block of Chestnut Street. Other businesses that suffered damages include a nearby bakery and florist. After the small town came…

Historic St. Louis County Jail Could Become Apartments

The building could be converted into 33 apartment units with a portion demolished for parking space.

DULUTH, Minn.- A Historic Downtown Duluth building that has been empty for decades and once housed some of the Northland’s toughest criminals could soon serve a new purpose. The Historic St. Louis County Jailhouse on Second Street behind the courthouse was built back in 1923 and decommissioned in 1995. It has sat unused since. Now it could be converted into…

Midday Update 7-14-21

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Wednesday, July 14, 2021

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Ken Slama for a local look at news and weather making headlines Wednesday, July 14, 2021. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Ken Slama, Local News, midday update, News

Update: Harbor Drive Reopens Following DECC Ammonia Leak

DULUTH, Minn. – Harbor Drive has re-opened to vehicular traffic following an ammonia leak at the DECC that caused an evacuation of the building Tuesday night. According to city officials, the Minnesota Slip Bridge is also now re-opened to pedestrian traffic. DECC officials also say the majority of the DECC has reopened Wednesday morning as well. Duluth Fire crews remained…

Lake Superior Zoo Hosting First-Ever ‘Backyard Bash’

The Backyard Bash is Happening Friday, July 30 at the Lake Superior Zoo

DULUTH, Minn. – This summer the call of the wild is calling you to the Lake Superior Zoo. On Friday, July 30, the Zoo is celebrating summer with an inaugural fundraising event. The Backyard Bash will include live music, yard games, free s’mores, and more. The staff invites you to bring your friends and family. There will be local food…

Over 100 Minnesota Breweries, Cideries Prepare for All Pints North Brew Fest

All Pints North Brew Festival is Happening Saturday, July 31 at Bayfront Festival Park in Duluth

DULUTH, Minn. – Good beer, beautiful sights, and fun sounds will return to Bayfront Festival Park on Saturday, July 31 for the annual All Pints North Brew Festival. After a cancellation in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, more than 100 Minnesota breweries and cideries are thrilled to be taking part in this year’s event. Organizers expect this year to…

Morning Update 7-14-21

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Wednesday, July 14, 2021

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Ken Slama for a local look at news and weather making headlines Wednesday, July 14, 2021. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Ken Slama, Local News, morning update, News, weather

GO: Honeyberry Picking

First planted in 2016, the first and only commercial honeyberry orchard in the united states is just a short drive from the twin ports in Wrenshall.

WRENSHALL, Minn. — First planted in 2016, the first and only commercial honeyberry orchard in the united states is just a short drive from the twin ports in Wrenshall. “So if you can envision a blueberry that kind of fell in love with a pack of sweet tarts. Some are sweet. Some are sour and some are tart. Every variety…

Normal Race Operations Expected for 50th Annual Park Point 5-Miler

This year's installment will also mark the return to a more normal version of the race with a traditional mass start.

DULUTH, Minn. – This Thursday, the Park Point 5-Miler will celebrate its 50th anniversary as the oldest race in Northern Minnesota. This year’s installment will also mark the return to a more normal version of the race with a traditional mass start. Organizers say they’ve used the past year to improve race operations for the runners. “You look at some…

‘Let’s Taco ‘Bout a Job’ Fair at Bayshore Residence and Rehabilitation Center

DULUTH, Minn.– The Bayshore Residence and Rehabilitation center hosted “Let’s Taco ‘Bout a Job” Tuesday on Saint Louis Avenue of Park Point, from 12:00 noon to 4:00 PM, which is a job fair to recruit new employees for the center. Healthcare professionals have predicted a “burnout period” for current workers in the industry who have been working hard through the…

‘Raise Our Standards Tour’ Held on Park Point with Community Resistance

DULUTH, Minn.– Tuesday evening on Park Point, The Center of the American Experiment held an event at the Lafayette Park Community Center, after being denied at four Duluth locations in one month because of pressure from some in the community. The is the 17th stop in Minnesota for the “Raise Our Standards Tour” focusing on the state’s draft social studies…

Majority Of Duluth’s Central High School Sold To Property Developer

DULUTH, Minn. — The Duluth School Board approved the sale of Central High School to Saturday Central Heights, LLC on Tuesday for $7.4 million. During a special meeting, the board unanimously signed off of selling 52 or more acres to the developer. The school district has been trying to sell the property for the past 11 years after the school…

Midday Update 7-13-21

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Tuesday, July 13, 2021

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Ken Slama for a local look at news and weather making headlines Tuesday, July 13, 2021. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Ken Slama, Local News, midday update, News, weather

City Crews Responding to Water Main Break in Lincoln Park Neighborhood

DULUTH, Minn. – City of Duluth Utility Operations crews are responding to a water main break in the Lincoln Park neighborhood. The break was reported Tuesday morning and is located at the intersection of Vernon Street and Grand Forks Avenue. City officials say the areas impacted are Vernon Street from West 1st Street to Chestnut Street, West 1st Street from…

Morning Update 7-13-21

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Tuesday, July 13, 2021

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Ken Slama for a local look at news and weather making headlines Tuesday, July 13, 2021. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Ken Slama, Local News, morning update, News, weather

Lake Superior Day Returns This Weekend

The event is geared towards educating the public on the lake with interactive kids activities.

SUPERIOR, Wis. — The annual Lake Superior Day on Barkers Island is back in action this coming weekend. It’s held every third weekend in July. The event is geared toward educating the public on the lake with interactive activities for kids. Organizations that work on Lake Superior hope people can come and learn more about the largest of the Great…

Ruth’s Local Greens Makes a Nutritional Impact in the Twin Ports

Two Students from UMD started a business only 5 months ago, and are making an impact already through the Twin Ports.

DULUTH, Minn.– Two UMD students came together earlier this year to figure out how to bring a little more green to the Twin Ports in a local and sustainable way. Wanting to explore ways to provide nutritious food to the Northland led them to find a creative and year-round way to provide these healthy products. “We always had an interest…

Spirit Mountain Offering Events Through the Summer

DULUTH, Minn.– Back in May, Mayor Larson proposed a $24 million dollar plan to help bring Spirit Mountain back to its full potential. The $24 million dollar proposed plan would be funded 50% by state bonding, 25% by Duluth tourism tax revenue, and 25% by Spirit Mountain. By doing so, Mayor Larson says hundreds of new jobs would be made,…

Fire at AmericInn Hotel Still Under Investigation

PROCTOR, Minn.– An investigation is underway in Proctor after fire broke out this morning at a hotel in town. Crews responded to the AmericInn Hotel around 10:45 AM on Monday morning along US highway 2, near Blackwoods. The hotel was fully booked at the time, but everyone was evacuated safely with no injuries. The flames were limited to the exterior…

Midday Update 7-12-21

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Monday, July 12, 2021

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Ken Slama for a local look at news and weather making headlines Monday, July 12, 2021. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Ken Slama, Local News, News, weather

Douglas County Employee Killed in “Work-Related Accident”

SUPERIOR, Wis. – Douglas County officials say a county Buildings & Grounds employee was killed Sunday in a “work-related accident.” The accident happened Sunday morning at the County’s Government Center, according to the Douglas County Administrator Ann Doucette. The incident is currently under investigation by Douglas County and the State. County officials have not yet identified the employee or provided…

Late Night Laughs Returning to Fitger’s Complex

Stand Up Comedy Begins Friday, July 16 at Fitger's in Duluth

DULUTH, Minn. – Professional stand-up comedy returns to the Fitget’s complex Friday, July 16. The event will take place on the third floor of the complex inside the Fitger’s Comedy Lounge. Tickets are $20 per person, and reservations are highly encouraged. Professional comedians Ryan Kahl and Mike Brody will be performing on Friday, July 16. The comedy kicks off at…

Morning Update 7-12-21

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Monday, June 12, 2021

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Ken Slama for a local look at news and weather making headlines Monday, July 12, 2021. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Ken Slama, Local News, morning update

‘A mass of flame’: Lake Vermillion Resort Owners Will Rebuild After Fire Destroys 4 Buildings

Resort owners the Gillson family say the fire started in the gazebo's enclosed fireplace, spreading to the bait house, resort store, and game room.

BUYCK, Minn.- An early Sunday morning scare at Life of Riley Resort on Lake Vermillion — fire ripping through a gazebo, and two other buildings, leaving charred ashes behind. “I tell ya dude, I came over the hill and it’s like ‘oh man.’ I was in the Twilight Zone,” said Life of Riley owner Rock Gillson. “It reminded me, first…

Zeitgeist Café Hosts First-Ever Drag Brunch

Guests got to sip some mimosas while watching the drag performers dance to top 40 hits.

DULUTH, Minn.- Zeitgeist Arts Café played host to some live brunch entertainment normally seen in places like the Twin Cities Sunday. Zeitgeist hosted its first ever drag brunch featuring performers from the Twin Ports’ Zenith City Horror and some from Minneapolis. Guests got to sip some mimosas while watching the drag performers dance to top 40 hits. “Fun songs, y’know…

40th Annual Heritage Days Wraps Up Successful Weekend

The popular festival will continue next year with even more vendors.

TWO HARBORS, Minn. — The annual festival and class reunion in Two Harbors came roaring back this weekend. “It’s the largest festival in Two Harbors that is a city sanctioned event,” Heritage Days Chairman, Cheryl Sundstrom says. Complete with a parade, fireworks and 42 vendors throughout the weekend. “We didn’t know what to expect but it’s been phenomenal. We’ve got…

Superior Fuel Company Adds Four 80,000 Gallon Fuel Tanks to Rail Terminal Site

The tanks should be up and running within the next two months.

DULUTH, Minn. — Superior Fuel have added four 80,000 gallon propane tanks at their rail terminal site in West Duluth. The 2.5 million dollar project is expected to help heat more homes during the winter season. With each tank able to provide fuel refills to over three-hundred homes. Throughout the next few weeks the tanks will be gearing up to…

First-Ever Bienvenue Coffee Fest Brews Excitement, Crowds at Depot

The next big event coming to the depot will be the Duluth Art Institute's member show next month.  

DULUTH, Minn.- The debut of a new festival at Duluth’s St. Louis County Depot *brewed* up excitement and big crowds today. It was the first ever “Bienvenue” Coffee Fest at the Depot. Hundreds of coffee roasters and enthusiasts poured in to talk beans and check out local vendors civil war re-enactors talking the importance of coffee in the war, and…

AICHO Holds First Indigenous Food, Art Market in Hillside

More than a dozen vendors showcased fresh locally farmed food or handmade goods and artwork.

DULUTH, Minn.- People in Duluth’s Central Hillside neighborhood could browse food art and other products from local diverse sources at the American Indian Community Housing Organization or “AICHO’S” Indigenous Food and Art market. More than a dozen vendors showcased fresh locally farmed food or handmade goods and artwork. SNAP and EBT food stamps were also accepted. It was one of…

67th Annual Spooner Rodeo Continues

Tickets for the 2022 rodeo will be available in October. 

SPOONER, Wisc. —  The main event kicked off at 7:30 p.m. Saturday night. The fast paced event brings in participants from all over the country. Coordinators have met weekly to prepare for the big event with planning ramping up during the spring season. During the event, judges score both riders and the animals. “We are probably the only sporting event…

Spooner Businesses See Boost With Return of Rodeo Festivities

The parade kicked off the rodeos festivities, bringing people from all over back into the heart of town.

SPOONER, Wisc. — It is arguably one of the largest and longest traditions Spooner has to offer. “This is probably one of the biggest weekends of the year. From a seasonal community and county we really look forward to these events to help support us year round,” Washburn County Tourism Board Vice President, Sue Churchill says. After the cancellation of…

Cork Trees to be Removed on 4th Street

18 cork trees in total will need to be removed.

DULUTH, Minn. — The city of Duluth will be removing several trees on 4th street throughout the next several weeks. 18 cork trees in total will need to be removed. They were planted after the completion of the 4th street reconstruction. Afterwards, the Minnesota Department of Agriculture conducted research on the cork trees and found that they could be invasive….

Duluth Based Boomerang Energy to Partner with Life Time Athletic Clubs

Life Time Currently Has Over One Million Members

DULUTH, Minn. – A local energy drink company is soaring to new heights after announcing they’ve partnered with nationally known Life Time athletic clubs. Boomerang Energy will soon be available for purchase in over 140 Life Time Cafe’s across the nation. The company first started in Duluth back in 2016. Unlike its competitors, Boomerang Energy consists of four natural sweeteners…

Burns Restricted in Superior National Forest

Due to dry conditions, fire activity, and limited resources, the Superior National Forest has prohibited campfires on Superior National Forest. 

DULUTH, Minn.- Due to dry conditions, fire activity, and limited resources, the Superior National Forest has prohibited campfires on Superior National Forest. Effective Friday, igniting, building, maintaining or using a campfire, including charcoal grills and barbecues, coal, and wood-burning stoves are prohibited, according to the order. Campfires are allowed in approved fire structures that have been installed a maintained by…

Local Union Volunteers Help Restore Wellstone Memorial

EVELETH, Minn. — Almost 20 years after the plane crash that killed Paul and Sheila Wellstone, their son David, and local volunteers came out to restore portions of the memorial and paid their respects. On October 25th, 2002, the plane that Paul, Sheila, their daughter, and three staff members were on crashed just before reaching the Eveleth airport. The memorial…

Destructive Fire in Downtown Virginia

VIRGINIA, Minn.– Fire crews in Virginia spent several hours battling a structure fire earlier today, which burned near several downtown businesses. The fire started around 10:30 this morning on the 300 block of Chestnut street in Virginia above the “Rocks the Jewelers” store building. The jewelry store owners heard a pop from the back of the building in one of…

DECC Hosts First Ever Paraunity Convention

Organizers are expecting a big weekend at the convention with people coming to see the over 50 vendors along with some celebrities and the top names in the paranormal field.

DULUTH, Minn. — The first ever paraunity convention began at the DECC Friday morning. Fans of the paranormal can expect presentations on UFOS, demonology and anything supernatural. Organizers are expecting a big weekend at the convention with people coming to see the over 50 vendors along with some celebrities and the top names in the paranormal field. “Their going to…

Midday Update 7-9-21

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Friday, July 9, 2021

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Ken Slama for a local look at news and weather making headlines Friday, July 9, 2021. Have a great day! Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Coronavirus, duluth, Headlines, Ken Slama, Local News, midday update, News, superior, weather

Local Nonprofit ‘Wags & Kisses’ Hosting Adoption Event at Kolar Chevrolet

The Adoption Extravaganza is Happening Saturday, July 10 at Kolar Chevrolet in Hermantown

HERMANTOWN, Minn. – Wags & Kisses Rescue is a local nonprofit 501c3 organization providing in-home foster care, vetting, and training for dogs that are abandoned, surrendered or coming from hoarding situations with abuse involved. The organization is fortunate to have partnered with Kolar Totota to help educate the public on caring for their pets, offering assistance when needed, and looking…

Jam Packed Weekend of Events Offered at Silver Bay’s ‘Bay Days’ Celebration

Silver Bay is Hosting the Celebration July 9 - 11

SILVER BAY, Minn. – Food, fun, fireworks, and live entertainment are just some of the activities on the agenda for this weekend’s Bay Days celebration in Silver Bay. After a COVID-19 prompted cancellation in 2020, the weekend of events is back and better than ever before in 2021. As folks enter the City of Silver Bay, they’ll notice the celebration…

Morning Update 7-9-21

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Friday, July 9, 2021

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Ken Slama for a local look at news and weather making headlines Friday, July 9, 2021. Have a great day! Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, duluth, Headlines, hibbing, Ken Slama, Local News, morning update, superior, weather

St. Louis, Carlton County 911 Lines Down Due to Power Outage

St. Louis County 911 can be reached at 218-625-3581, and Carlton County at 218-451-6843.

UPDATE: The 911 system for St Louis County is now operational and functioning properly. Most phones lines in Carlton County are now working. The cities of Kettle river and Wright are working on a limited capacity and will still need to use an alternate number of 218-384-4185 or 218-451-6843 if they can not get through to 911 with cell or…

City Urges Public to be Aware of Swim Condition Warnings

DULUTH, Minn.– Last year there were 25 water emergencies through the city of Duluth, and this year there are already 20. But with two of the most recent happening last week, the Duluth Fire Department and Park Point lifeguards who are urging swimmers to be aware of quickly changing conditions. In one of the most common areas for rip currents…

Midday Update 7-8-21

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Thursday, July 8, 2021

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Ken Slama for a local look at news and weather making headlines Thursday, July 8, 2021. Have a great day! Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, duluth, Headlines, Ken Slama, Local News, midday update, News, superior