Community

Duluth City Council Approves Adding A Third Deputy Police Chief

The department will reduce one lieutenant position to add a third deputy chief.

DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth City Council has voted unanimously to add a third deputy police chief to its roster through a change of the city’s charter. Police Chief Mike Tusken has said the goal of the re-organized position is to help transform the department while focusing on better policies and community engagement. The death of George Floyd and the…

Duluth Woman Starts Backpack Giveaway To Help Kids In Need

Headphones and duffel bags are on the list of requested donations.

DULUTH, Minn. – A Duluth woman is going above and beyond to help children in foster care or experiencing homelessness. Paige Anderson has been collecting donations to fill backpacks for those children in need. Anderson has been a foster mom for about 10 years and has fostered nearly 50 kids over the years. Many of those children came to her…

Duluth Police Partners With Tip 411 To Help People Give Tips Anonymous

The form is filled out online.

DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth Police Department is partnering with tip 411, which will provide a way for the public to submit tips anonymously. The form is filled out online and asks questions like what happened, where it was seen, and a brief description. You can also attach videos and pictures when making your submission. “We don’t want any barriers….

KYN: Blue Rock Coffee & Wine Cafe

DULUTH, Minn. – Although the cafe struggled shortly after opening, now they are becoming a Northland staple. “People are knowing our name and coming in,” Blue Rock Coffee & Wine Cafe Barista, Molly Henderson says. With the cafe split in two- half of the building for coffee and the other a wine bar, customers have different choices of scenery. “It’s…

Midday Update 2-22-21

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Monday, Feb. 22, 2021

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Ken Slama for a local look at news and weather making headlines Monday, Feb. 22, 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

Duluth Playhouse Welcoming In-Person Audience For The First Time In Months

'Charlotte's Web' will Take Center Stage Starting Saturday, Feb. 27

DULUTH, Minn. – For the first time since the COVID-19 pandemic began, excitement is bursting through the curtains at the Duluth Playhouse. The facility will welcome an in-person audience starting Saturday, Feb. 27 with the production of Charlotte’s Web. The production is taking place Feb. 27 – 28, and again during the first weekend in March. Showtimes are at 1:00…

Morning Update 2-22-21

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Monday, Feb. 22, 2021

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Ken Slama for a local look at news and weather making headlines Monday, Feb. 22, 2021. Have a great day! Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Ken Slama, Local News, morning update

Phase 4 Lakewalk Reconstruction, Police Opioid Officer on Duluth Council Agenda Monday

The tail end of Lakewalk Reconstruction and new initiatives to combat the opioid epidemic are on the docket.

DULUTH, Minn.- The end is in sight for Duluth’s Lakewalk Reconstruction Project as Duluth City Council will look at designs for Phase 4. They’ll also vote on changes to the Duluth Police Department, including adding a civilian opioid officer position. On Monday Council will look at design work for Phase 4 of rebuilding Duluth’s Lakewalk primarily behind the DECC, after…

RJ Sport And Cycle Hosts First Annual Boat Show

Their supply of boats are typically showcased during the yearly boat show at the DECC, but the pandemic forced RJ Sport and Cycle to host their own.

DULUTH, Minn – RJ Sport and Cycle in Hermantown is helping boat enthusiasts fantasize about warmer weather and spending time out on the water. The shop hosted its first annual boat show. Their supply of boats are typically showcased during the yearly boat show at the DECC, but the pandemic forced RJ Sport and Cycle to host their own. A…

MDH Postpones Sunday Vaccine Appointments at DECC; Winter Storms Delay Shipments

A spokesperson with the Minnesota Department of Health said the winter storms have delayed the Federal Government's ability to ship at least part of this week's COVID-19 vaccine doses to Minnesota. 

  DULUTH, Minn.- The severe winter weather across other parts of the country has once again delayed  COVID vaccine appointments at the DECC and other sites in the state Sunday. A spokesperson with the Minnesota Department of Health said the winter storms have delayed the Federal Government’s ability to ship at least part of this week’s COVID-19 vaccine doses to…

Boy Scouts celebrate the first group of female Eagle Scouts

One of the new Eagle Scouts is 16-year-old Isabella Tunney of Minneapolis.

This Oct. 1, 2020 photo provided by Edmund Tunney shows his daughter, Isabella, center, with Bev Verweg, her scoutmaster, and Brian Reiners, the scoutmaster of the corresponding linked boy troop, in Edina, Minn. (Edmund Tunney via AP) by DAVID CRARY (AP) – The Boy Scouts of America is celebrating a major milestone this weekend with a virtual event honoring the…

Duluth Fire Department Share Ice Safety Tips Ahead Ice Fishing Tournament

It is recommended to monitor the weather and paying attention to the wind direction before and during time on the ice.

DULUTH, Minn.- More people have been going ice fishing in recent weeks and the Duluth Fire Department is sharing a few tips on how to stay safe to help avoid potential water rescues, like the one last week on lake superior. It is recommended to monitor the weather and paying attention to the wind direction before and during time on…

An City-wide Alert System Helps Inform Residents Of Public Safety Incidents

Northland Alert is a free tool available for residents to use.

DULUTH, Minn. – After multiple water main breaks occurred in the last few weeks, the City of Duluth is reminding the community of an alert system that helps them stay informed of public safety incidents. Northland Alert is a free tool available for residents to use. It pushes out notifications informing of incidents like water main breaks or floods that…

Chester Bowl Gets A Helping Hand From Spirit Mountain

"The cold is very hard on machines and that's exactly what the chair lift is," said Sam Luoma, the programs and operations manager for Chester Bowl.

DULUTH, Minn. – The chairlift here at Chester Bowl suffered a mechanical difficulty after more than a week of frigid temperatures, but thankfully, crews at Spirit Mountain came to the rescue. “The cold is very hard on machines and that’s exactly what the chair lift is,” said Sam Luoma, the programs and operations manager for Chester Bowl. Just like most…

UPDATE: Suspicious Device at Line 3 Protest Site Not an Explosive

Update: According to the Carlton County Sheriff's Office "after careful examination, it was determined that the device was not an explosive agent."

  Update from Carlton County Sheriff’s Office: In the afternoon hours of Friday, Feb. 19th, bomb squad personnel responded to a suspicious device on the 3200 block of Ditchbank Road in Perch Lake Township. After careful examination, it was determined that the device was not an explosive agent. During the incident, forty residences were evacuated within a ½ mile radius…

Midday Update 2-19-21

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Friday, Feb. 19, 2021

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Ken Slama for a local look at news and weather making headlines Friday, Feb. 19, 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

Beating the Winter Blues with Outdoor Activities in Duluth

From Sled Sheds to Skating and Skiing, There Are Plenty of Activities to Help Beat Cabin Fever in the Northland

DULUTH, Minn. – The doldrums of winter are setting in for many, and the Duluth Parks and Recreation Department is ready to help you stay active and healthy. Residents and visitors in the City of Duluth now have a new reason to enjoy three local parks. Free sled use is being offered at Leif Erickson, Lincoln Park, and Portland Square…

Morning Update 2-19-21

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Friday, Feb. 19, 2021

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Ken Slama for a local look at news and weather making headlines Friday, Feb. 19, 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

Pet Chiropractic Care Helps Promote Better Wellness For Animals

Visiting an animal chiropractor can help address chronic issues such as arthritis.

DULUTH, Minn. – It’s National Responsible Pet Owner month and one responsibility some pet parents may not think of is taking the animal to a chiropractor. Chiropractic for Body and Life in downtown Duluth partnered with Animal Kingdom Chiropractic to host an event offering pet screenings. Screenings can typically help check the mobility and flexibility of the spine in most…

Remembering Entrepreneur Joel Labovitz

"He was really larger than life and extremely optimistic," said daughter Anne Labovitz.

DULUTH, Minn. – Duluth entrepreneur and community leader Joel Labovitz passed away over the weekend at the age of 93 and now he is being remembered. “He was really larger than life and extremely optimistic,” said Anne Labovitz. Anne and Mark Labovitz go down memory lane expressing the type of person their father Joel Labovitz was just days after his…

Nearly 16 Percent of Residents in Itasca County Have Received the COVID-19 Vaccine

Clinics Continue to Offer COVID-19 Vaccinations, But Demand is Far Greater Than Supply Received

GRAND RAPIDS, Minn. – The vaccine rollout continues in Itasca County, but demand is still far greater than the supply they’ve received. Health officials say nearly 16 percent of the population in Itasca County has received at least one shot of the COVID-19 vaccine. According to Itasca County Public Health, phase 1a of vaccinations should be complete within the next…

Woman Helps Rescue Injured Coyote Found on Side of Road

Wildwoods employees helped secure the animal and provide it a safe place to rest

(courtesy: Facebook/Wildwoodsrehab) DULUTH, Minn. – On Thursday, Wildwoods wildlife rehabilitation center shared a story on their Facebook page of how a woman helped rescue an injured coyote she found lying in a snowbank on the side of the road. According to Wildwoods, the woman was driving down the road and saw the wild animal who was clearly injured. Rather than…

Northland Newborns 2-18-21

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…

Midday Update 2-18-21

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Thursday, Feb. 18, 2021

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

Duluth Dentist Explains Importance of National Children’s Dental Health Month

Dr. Kyle Hammer Suggests Taking Children to the Dentist After the First Tooth Comes Through

DULUTH, Minn. – February serves as National Children’s Dental Health Month. Dr. Kyle Hammer with Port City Dental and Miller Hill Dental in Duluth says it’s a time to raise awareness and educate patients about what they should be doing at home, when to start routine dental care for children, and how to keep good oral health throughout your lifetime….

Searching For New Dinner Ideas? Try This Light, Easy Pasta Recipe

Chef Arlene Coco Shares a Simple One Pot Pasta Recipe to Make Dinner Delicious Any Night of the Week

DULUTH, Minn. – What’s for dinner? It’s a common question throughout many households, especially during the week when time is already tight for many working Northlanders. In this week’s Cooking Connection, Chef Arlene Coco shares a light, easy one pot pasta recipe that’ll have your taste buds watering. Light and Easy Pasta Recipe Serves 4 Cooked as a one pot…

Morning Update 2-18-21

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Thursday, Feb. 18, 2021

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

Birkie Organizers Create More Virtual Race Options

Organizers say that in an effort to keep everything socially distanced, participants will start in waves.

HAYWARD, Wisc. – The 47th annual Birkie will be looking a lot different this year. Organizers say that in an effort to keep everything socially distanced, participants will start in waves throughout the week. With around thirty-thousand people in attendance in past years, this year spectators will be able to view the race virtually. Skiers will also be encouraged to…

Carbon Monoxide Concerns Arise As People Get Creative Trying To Warm Up

Carbon monoxide is an odorless and tasteless gas.

DULUTH, Minn. – Chilly weather sweeping the nation could cause people to get creative when trying to stay warm, but those alternatives mean increased carbon monoxide deaths. Many people will do everything they can to stay warm including using an oven or running a car in closed spaces to avoid chilly temperatures. Carbon monoxide is an odorless and tasteless gas….

City of Duluth Issues Apology for Incorrectly Charging Residents Higher Stormwater Rates

DULUTH, Minn. – On Wednesday, the City of Duluth issued an apology for charging residents a higher stormwater rate six months before the rate increase was set to go into effect. The rate increase was approved by the Public Utilities Commission and City Council last summer. The city says the original proposal was for the increase to begin on January…

City of Duluth Offering Third Round of Free IT Support Classes

Anyone 18 and older, living in St. Louis County with a computer connected to the internet can register.

DULUTH, Minn.- Northlanders looking to start jobs in the IT field can now take a free class in Duluth to refine their skills and get them started. Duluth Workforce Development is once again partnering with SOAR Career Solutions to hold its third set of online IT Support Specialist Classes. Anyone 18 and older, living in St. Louis County with a…

Lake Superior Railroad Museum Gearing Up For Reopen

"I think when people come back they will be surprised and very very happy with what we have done," Buehler says. 

DULUTH, Minn. – With plans to reopen April first, the Lake Superior Railroad Museum is getting the chance to make some much-needed changes. “Right now when people come in they will be able to come to the brand new ticket window here in the lobby of the north shore scenic railroad. Be able to buy train tickets for the north…

DPD K-9 Receives Bulletproof Vest Embroidered with Tribute to Fallen K-9 Haas

It's made by the charity "Vested Interest in K-9's."

DULUTH, Minn.- Another K-9 with the Duluth Police Department has its own protective gear, carrying a special tribute to a Duluth K-9 shot and killed in the line of duty. K-9 Villi received a ballistic and stab protective vest. It’s made by the charity “Vested Interest in K-9’s.” with the help of tax-deductible donations from across the country the company…

Burst Pipe Sends Water Gushing Through Skywalk, Into Greysolon Plaza

According to Duluth Fire Crews, no one was injured or displaced from Greysolon.

DULUTH, Minn.- A scare at Duluth’s Greysolon plaza on East Superior Street downtown on Tuesday, after water came gushing into part of the building and out onto the alley behind, a burst water pipe in the Skywalk to blame. According to Duluth Fire Crews, no one was injured or displaced as a result of this. The recent extreme cold, coupled…

DPD K9 Vili Receives Bullet and Stab Protective Vest

DULUTH, Minn. – On Tuesday, Duluth Police Department K9 Vili received his bullet and stab protective vest. The vest was thanks to a donation made from the non-profit organization Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. The police department says K9 Vili’s vest was embroidered with “In memory of K9 Haas, Duluth Police Department, MN.” Vested Interest in K9’s, Inc is a…

Midday Update 2-16-21

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Tuesday, Feb. 16, 2021

Join FOX 21’s Nachai Taylor and Meteorologist Ken Slama for a local look at news and weather making headlines Tuesday, Feb. 16, 2021. Categories: Community, Minnesota, News, News – Latest News

Betty’s Pies Busy on President’s Day, Excited for Better Weather to Bring More Customers

The owner says even with limited dine-in seating takeout orders have remained steady throughout the winter.

TWO HARBORS, Minn.- One popular restaurant along the North Shore, Betty’s Pies has adapted to the pandemic well. But owners say they’re ready for the spring and summer months to bring more traffic again. Betty’s was bumping Monday, staying open an extra day for the President’s Day Weekend. The owner says even with limited dine-in seating takeout orders have remained…

Warming House at Bayfront Ice Rink Opens for the Season

25 people are now allowed inside at a time, social distancing markers are on the benches.

DULUTH, Minn.- The Warming House at the Bayfront Park Ice Rink is back open for the season — with limited capacity. 25 people are now allowed inside at a time, social distancing markers are on the benches. The Parks and Rec. Department hopes the opening encourages more people to use the outdoor space. “The ice is usually very nice, and…

UW-Superior Reopens COVID-19 Testing Site

The state-funded nasal swab testing site has moved from the gymnasium to UWS' Marcovich Wellness Center.

SUPERIOR, Wis.- A free COVID-19 testing site is back open on the campus of U-W Superior for anyone in the area. The state-funded nasal swab testing site has moved from the gymnasium to UWS’ Marcovich Wellness Center. The new location is away from student traffic, and makes room in the gym for basketball practice. According to campus staff, the smaller…

Extreme Cold Keeping Some Property Managers Busy with Repairs on Houses, Apartments

At ShipRock Management maintenance staff offers to check on homes when tenants are away, to catch cold weather damage before it escalates.

DULUTH, Minn.- The recent arctic weather has been harder on homes in the area, especially Duluth’s older, more heat-inefficient houses and apartments. And some property managers say they’re finding their hands full with maintenance. At ShipRock Management, maintenance staff says their 10 full-time crew members have been working around the clock to combat frozen water lines and drains. “This past…

Pandemic Could Cause People To Delay Cancer Screenings And Treatment

Research suggests even a two-month delay in cancer screenings or treatments could lead to a more progressive diagnosis and increased deaths.

DULUTH, Minn. – As the coronavirus pandemic continues to have a grip on the nation, health experts are now worried it could cause patients to delay cancer screenings or treatments. Research suggests even a two-month delay in cancer screenings or treatments could lead to a more progressive diagnosis and increased deaths. The shutdown of cancer screenings at local health facilities…