Community

New Therapy Center for Children with Autism Opens in Hermantown

The center is filled with brightly colored, sensory-friendly spaces where therapists will work with kids on skills, relationships and confidence building.

HERMANTOWN, Minn.- The ribbon was cut Monday for a new therapy center in Hermantown for children on the autism spectrum. Caravel Autism Health celebrated its grand opening. The center is filled with brightly colored, sensory-friendly spaces where therapists will work with kids on skills, relationships and confidence building. According to specialists, Caravel staff will also work with families to continue…

Duluth Council Tables Vote on Spirit Mountain Debt Forgiveness Plan

Councilors heard the Mayor's plan the same night as the council meeting, and many said it was too short notice to vote on it just yet.

DULUTH, Minn.- The Duluth City Council Monday unanimously tabled a vote on Mayor Emily Larson’s plan to forgive $900,000 of Spirit Mountain’s $1.2 million line of credit it received from the city, to take up again at the next meeting May 24th. Councilors heard the Mayor’s plan in a Committee of the Whole meeting before Monday’s council, and many of…

Local Business Transforms From Catering to Food Truck Service Amid COVID-19 Pandemic

To Keep Business Booming, the Owners of 'Room at the Table' Have Turned to Food Truck Service

CLOQUET, Minn. – The past year has been interesting, to say the least for folks in the food service industry. From a lack of indoor dining to canceled events, many changes have had to occur for folks to make ends meet. “With COVID, we started flipping burgers and it worked out great,” said Paul Sapyta, owner of Room at the…

National Salvation Army Week begins in Duluth

DULUTH, Minn.– Today marks the first day of National Salvation Army week to fund-raise for the organization which has a budget of nearly three million dollars. 60% of that comes from private donors. Dan Williamson, the Development Director at the Duluth Salvation Army said that “2020 was the year of the giver, people just gave and we are just so…

The Historical Old Central High School Sells for $3 Million

DULUTH, Minn. — A famous landmark in Duluth is officially being sold. The historical Old Central High School is selling for $3 million dollars to Saturday Properties, which intends on restoring the property and maintaining its historic beauty while turning it into 121 housing units. Superintendent John Magas, says the school is one of the most iconic buildings in Duluth,…

Midday Update 5-10-21

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Monday, May 10, 2021

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Ken Slama for a local look at news and weather making headlines Monday, May 10, 2021. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Ken Slama, Local News, midday update, News, weather

Clinical Dietitian Reports Rise in Patients Dealing with Weight Gain, Eating Disorders

The COVID-19 Pandemic is Impacting Individuals on Different Levels Including Weight Gain & Eating Disorders

DULUTH, Minn. – If you’ve packed on a few pounds over the past year, you’re not alone. In a poll of more than 1,000 WebMD readers, nearly half of the women and almost one-quarter of the men said they’d gained weight “due to COVID restrictions.” St. Luke’s Clinical Dietitian, Mary Cherne, says she’s seeing an influx of patients coming in…

Morning Update 5-10-21

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Monday, May 10, 2021

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Ken Slama for a local look at news and weather making headlines Monday, May 10, 2021. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Ken Slama, Local News, morning update, weather

Families Get Out, Do More to Celebrate First Mother’s Day Out of Pandemic

The Duluth Children's Museum Pop-Up Play Place and the Lake Superior Zoo were busy with families.

DULUTH, Minn.- The Northland was busy this Mother’s Day, coming out the tail-end of the pandemic. After more traditional brunches, some families who reunited for the day decided this year was more special and spent time doing other activities. “We went out to lunch, and then we’re coming here to play with their friends,” said Stacy Cozzi at the Duluth…

Lack of Staff Impacting Local Business Owners Along the North Shore

Staff Shortages Prompting Many Small Businesses to Make Adjustments to Menus, Hours of Operation Along the North Shore

GRAND MARAIS, Minn. – It’s a serious, seasonal problem along the North Shore of Lake Superior. The struggle to find employees at often overflowing businesses. Frustration is high among business owners as the peak summer season is now just weeks away. “We’ve tried every possible avenue to attract staff,” said Abby Tofte, owner of The Fisherman’s Daughter. It’s a common…

Railroad Museum Celebrates National Train Day

DULUTH, Minn.– It was National Train Day on Saturday and plenty of families celebrated all things choo-choo over at the Lake Superior Railroad Museum in Duluth. The event honored the completion of the trans-continental railway, which connected the east and west coasts of the U.S. 150 years ago. Kids could take speeder rides, get tours of a locomotive engine, and…

Gary New Duluth Rec Center Looking for Donations to Match Pledge

DULUTH, Minn.- The Gary New Duluth Community Center and Recreation Area recently received a pledge to match up to ten thousand dollars in donations. The center, with operates through volunteer work and donations, is in the process of expanding their facilities with the construction of a skate park, small pavilion, and parking lot.  While the money will help go towards…

Premier Mini Golf Course Coming to Proctor

The course called Rogue Eagle Mini Golf is designed by a New Jersey based Harris Miniature Golf.

PROCTOR, Minn. — A new mini golf course is coming to Proctor this summer. After a conditional use permit was approved, a mother and son team found the ideal spot on Boundary Avenue on Waterview drive. The course called Rogue Eagle Mini Golf is designed by a New Jersey based Harris Miniature Golf. With the addition of a club house…

Animal Allies Offering Discount Adoption Fees

Because of an influx of dogs, the shelter is offering $50 off adoption fees for dogs and puppies from today going through Sunday.

DULUTH, Minn. —  Animal Allies Human Society is giving a little extra incentive to adopt this weekend. Because of an influx of dogs, the shelter is offering $50 off adoption fees for dogs and puppies from today going through Sunday. Although staff say it’s rare that they offer this type of discount, they hope it gives these pets a chance…

Midday Update 5-7-21

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Friday, May 7, 2021

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Ken Slama for a local look at news and weather making headlines Friday, May 7, 2021. Have a great day! Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Ken Slama, Local News, midday update, weather

Morning Update 5-7-21

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Friday, May 7, 2021

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Ken Slama for a local look at news and weather making headlines Friday, May 7, 2021. Have a great day! Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Ken Slama, Local News, morning update, News, weather

Superior Trailblazers Pool League Hosts Second Annual Tournament

The event recognizes the top eight players from the season.

SUPERIOR, Wis. – The Top Hat Tavern was the place to be Thursday night for the second annual Superior Trailblazers Pool League tournament. The event recognizes the top eight players from the season, and this year’s installment features a special cause. Local pool player Jim Dalton was recently diagnosed with COVID-19 so the league decided to raise funds to help…

Mayor Larson’s Plan: $24 Million For Duluth’s Spirit Mountain

Larson touts new jobs, more visitors and a larger economic impact from the investment.

DULUTH, Minn. – A historic shift in support for Spirit Mountain’s future was announced Thursday. Duluth Mayor Emily Larson said a proposed $24 million capital investment plan will take the city-owned attraction to its true potential, which includes adding hundreds of new jobs, six times the number of visitors and increasing the economic impact of more than $10 million. “We…

CHUM Announces A New Food Delivery Program Called CHUM2GO

DULUTH, Minn.– Churches United in Ministry announced a new food delivery program in Duluth on Thursday called CHUM2GO, an initiative that will be delivering pre-packed boxes of food to 120 households in Duluth a few times each month. The program’s deliveries will begin next Tuesday to help people experiencing food insecurity. “People are in dire need of fresh produce, fresh…

UMD Student Talks About What It’s Like To Take Finals Virtually

DULUTH, Minn.– UMD students are wrapping up the 2020-2021 academic year with finals ending tomorrow. One student we spoke to says some of the finals online make it especially tough, but she’s learned a lot about the distance learning process throughout the year which will help pull her through. “Keeping myself on track, like sitting down for 2 hours at…

Salvation Army Continues to Offer Resources for Homeless

With the cities low vacancy rate, and the extension of the eviction moratorium there have been few openings for housing.

DULUTH, Minn. — The Salvation Army is continuing to offer different resources for the homeless community in Duluth. With the cities low vacancy rate, and the extension of the eviction moratorium there have been few openings for housing. The rapid re-housing program, landlord incentive program and family transitional housing program are some of the resources the Salvation Army have been…

One of Duluth’s Top Event Promoters Reacts to Governor Walz’s Restriction Lift

DULUTH, Minn.– Duluth Event Promoter, Tracy Lundeen, says he is excited by Governer Walz’s remarks today, adding all of his events this Summer like, Festival by the Lake, the Duluth Fall Wedding Show, should go off without a hitch. He also offered Duluth a little bit of advice, “We always hear that saying tomorrow isn’t guaranteed so let’s get back…

Mayor Larson Outlines Recommended Plan for Next Steps at Spirit Mountain

DULUTH, Minn. – Duluth Mayor Emily Larson announced during a Thursday press conference her recommendations for the next steps in supporting Spirit Mountain Recreational Area. The mayor’s proposed plan includes launching a $24 million capital reinvestment program funded 50% by state bonding, 25% by the City from tourism taxes, and 25% by Spirit Mountain. “Now is the time to do…

Gov. Walz Announces Plan to End COVID-19 Restrictions in Minnesota by July 1

BY THEO KEITH, FOX 9 ST. PAUL, Minn.-Governor Tim Walz today announced a three-step timeline to end nearly all state COVID-19 restrictions by May 28, and end the statewide masking requirement once 70% of Minnesotans age 16 years and older get their vaccine, or by July 1. The announcement comes as more than 2.6 million Minnesotans have gotten their shot…

Midday Update 5-6-21

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Thursday, May 6, 2021

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Ken Slama for a look at local news and weather making headlines Thursday, May 6, 2021. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Ken Slama, Local News, midday update, News, weather

Duluth Police Investigating Two East Hillside Shots Fired Incidents

DULUTH, Minn. – Duluth Police are investigating two shots fired incidents in the East Hillside neighborhood late Wednesday night and early Thursday morning. According to police, officers responded to the first incident of shots fired around 11:45 p.m. Wednesday on North 3rd Avenue East and East 8th Street. When officers arrived at the scene they found multiple shell casings on…

Northland Newborns 5-6-21

FOX 21 and Essentia Health Team Up to Showcase Newborn Bundles of Joy Across the Northland

Every Thursday morning on FOX 21 Local News from 7 – 9 a.m., we’re teaming up with Essentia Health to showcase Northland Newborns. Calling all proud parents, grandparents, aunts, and uncles! Email a picture and date of birth to fox21morningcrew@kqdsfox21.tv for a chance to see your little one on the big screen. Click here for more information.  Categories: Community, Northland…

Spice Up Your Breakfast Routine with a Bite from Lift Bridge Bagels

Cooking Connection: Cream Cheese Filled Bagel Bites with Cinnamon Sugard on Top

SUPERIOR, Wis. – This week’s Cooking Connection features the perfect option for a quick bite to eat before your busy day begins. Lift Bridge Bagel creator, Lexy Land, shows FOX 21 Meteorologist Ken Slama how she whips up her mouthwatering cream cheese filled bagel bites with cinnamon sugar. Land also creates a variety of bagels perfect for any occasion. Click…

Morning Update 5-6-21

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Thursday, May 6, 2021

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Ken Slama for a look at local news and weather making headlines Thursday, May 6, 2021. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Ken Slama, Local News, morning update, News, weather

Major Construction Project Underway Along Highway 61 in Grand Marais

A Portion of Highway 61 Will Be Closed From Java Moose Heading East Through Grand Marais May 10 - Late July

GRAND MARAIS, Minn. – The downtown district of Grand Marais will be busier than usual this summer due to an ongoing extensive construction project years in the making. MnDOT is currently working to reconstruct the portion of Highway 61 just west of the city. Traffic will be reduced to one lane in both directions for those heading into and out…

Maya Mexican Restaurant Celebrates Cinco de Mayo with Authentic Mexican Cuisine

HERMANTOWN, Minn.– One Mexican restaurant in Hermantown is excited to welcome customers in on this Cinco de Mayo after not being able to last Spring. With only a take-out option last year during the first shut down, in-person dining means even more to Maya Mexican this year. The restaurant is offering different specials in honor of the holiday, such as…

Silver Bay’s Municipal Campground Prepares for Second Season

Reservations Are Now Open for Black Beach Municipal Campground

SILVER BAY, Minn. – The City of Silver Bay along the North Shore is thrilled to be welcoming guests back to the Black Beach Municipal Campground this summer. This will be the site’s second season in business. Newly elected Mayor, Wade LeBlanc, is optimistic for a strong tourism season along the shore. He says last year proved to be beneficial…

Vista Fleet Returns to the Water

DULUTH, Minn.– Vista Fleet opened its doors to the public on May 1st, and the crew says they’re thrilled to operate in a more normal capacity compared to last year. The business and cruises remained open during the COVID-19 pandemic last summer, but were not able to keep up with the demand, due to a lack of staff. Vista Fleet’s…

Fishing License Sales Rise Ahead of Opener

With lack of inventory being an issue last season, owners say that this year they purchases their products in advance.

DULUTH, Minn. — As fishing opener approaches, anglers have been purchasing fishing licenses at increasing rate at Marine General in Duluth. The store started selling licenses back in mid September because of the early ice-out on Lake Superior and the smelting season. With lack of inventory being an issue last season, owners say that this year they purchases their products…

Midday Update 5-5-21

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Wednesday, May 5, 2021

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

Duluth City Council to Vote Monday on Spirit Mountain Debt Forgiveness Plan

DULUTH, Minn. – On Monday, the Duluth City Council will vote on a resolution to forgive up to $900,000 of Spirit Mountain’s existing debt. The proposed debt forgiveness and repayment plan is a recommendation provided by the Spirit Mountain Task Force which was created by Mayor Larson last year. The 16-member task force was appointed by Mayor Larson last June…

Richard I. Bong Veterans Historical Center Offering Trip of a Lifetime for Area Veterans

The First Round of Applications is Due by Friday, May 14, 2021

SUPERIOR, Wis. – Northland veterans are urged to apply for the trip of a lifetime now through Friday, May 14. A final deadline for consideration is set for Friday, May 21 for those who miss the first review date. The 4th and 5th trips for veterans to the Boundary Waters Canoe Area in Northern Minnesota are slated for this summer. The trips…

Friendly Reminders from Wildwoods as Spring Newborn Season Arrives

Wildwoods Would Like to Remind the Public to Contact Their Office Before Dealing with Wildlife, Especially Newborn Animals

DULUTH, Minn. – Spring is a time for new life, and new beginnings, especially in the animal kingdom. Come late May and early June, fawns will start to be born, and oftentimes people end up getting in between the newborns and their mother. Staff at Wildwoods Rehabilitation Center in Duluth are currently dealing with calls for baby birds, squirrels, and…

Morning Update 5-5-21

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Wednesday, Wednesday, May 5, 2021

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

Canal Park Brewing Co. Reopens, Joins Businesses Anxious for Post-Pandemic Summer Tourism

After so much was canceled last summer, the businesses say with Bayfront Park's slate of events and the weather, traffic should increase.

DULUTH, Minn.- Canal Park Brewing Company has reopened for indoor dining after six months closed, just in time for a post-pandemic summer set to be busy with Bayfront festivals and events in the Canal. “It’s been really awesome just to have the energy back in the building and beer on tap and the kitchen fired up for the first time…

St. Louis County, DTA Open Vaccine Clinic at Downtown Transit Center

Health officials hoped to bring the shots to more people, and answer questions to help stop any vaccine hesitancy.

DULUTH, Minn.- On Tuesday and Wednesday Duluthians could not only catch a bus at the Duluth Downtown Transit Center — but also get a COVID vaccine there if they wanted. St. Louis County partnered up with the Duluth Transit Authority to open up a clinic at the DTC, the latest in their vaccine outreach efforts. Health officials say they have…

UMD Recreational Sports Outdoor Program Providing Opportunities for Students, Community

This Summer the Program will Expand Its Offerings to Your Camping Destination

DULUTH, Minn – Over the past year, many have turned to the outdoors as a source of solace amid a global health crisis and other stressors in our everyday lives. “It’s perfect. I couldn’t be any more grateful,” said Hannah Holmberg, a senior at UMD. It’s a source of gratitude only Mother Nature can provide. “We have three extra days…

Superior Begins Annual Spring Cleanup Schedules

SUPERIOR, Wis.  —  The city of Superior has begun its annual spring cleanup schedules. It’s a chance for residents to get rid of certain extra junk they have in their house or on their property that can’t fit in a trash can. It’s also an opportunity for people to dispose of yard waste like brush and tree piles. “For the…

St. Louis County Board Issues ‘Year of Dylan Proclamation’

There will also be a front lawn party at Bob Dylan's childhood home in Hibbing on May 24th.

HIBBING, Minn.-Northlanders wanted to go bigger for this year’s Dylan Festival. The plans have been in the works for a few years making it the “Year of Dylan” starting from his birthday in late May and ending on the same date in 2022. It all kicks off with the Hibbing Dylan projects monument honoring Bob Dylan followed by a proclamation…

Duluth Fire Chief Talks Diversity and Hiring on International Firefighters’ Day

DULUTH, Minn.–With an unprecedented number of fire calls during the pandemic last year, the Duluth Fire Department continues to face an uphill climb in 2021. Fire Chief Shawn Krizaj says International Firefighters Day is great recognition for those on the front lines, but right now the department does have some concerns about the future interest in firefighting as a career….

The DECC Hosts Annual Visit Duluth Meeting

DULUTH, Minn.-With the first week of May being National Travel and Tourism Week, Visit Duluth hosted their annual meeting to talk about the state of the tourism industry, and future plans for the summer, which includes some major events like Grandma’s Marathon, and all the concerts at Bayfront Festival Park. This was the first time the meeting has taken place…

College of St. Scholastica Planning for Modififed In-Person, Virtual Commencement Ceremony

(courtesy: College of St. Scholastica) DULUTH, Minn. – The College of St. Scholastica announced on Tuesday that it will be holding a modified in-person commencement ceremony next week as well as a virtual ceremony for graduates from the classes of 2020 and 2021. The in-person ceremony will be held at the Amsoil Arena on Saturday, May 15. The college says…

Midday Update 5-4-21

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Tuesday, May 4, 2021

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