Community

School Closings, Delays: Monday, Feb. 15, 2021

School Closings & Delays   The following cancellations or delays have been reported to FOX 21 for Monday, Feb. 15, 2021: Birchwood School District – Closed Superior School District – Closed, virtual and in-person learning. Drummond Area School District – Closed, virtual and in-person learning. Maple School District – Closed. Washburn School District – Closed. ELC daycare will remain open….

Love, Much-Needed Business in the Air for Northland Restaurants on Valentine’s Day

Both Va Bene and New Scenic Cafe were open for limited dine-in options on the holiday.

DULUTH, Minn.- It seemed Valentine’s Day was the first, closest-to-normal holiday in almost a year, especially for restaurants in the Northland. For some, it was the first time opening up to dine-in customers during the pandemic. “Love is in the air and we’re happy to be a part of it,” said Patrick Moore, co-owner of Va Bene Caffe. The Italian…

Winterfest Medallion Hunt Canceled Due to Alleged Property Damage by Participants

Superior Mayor Jim Paine said some participants disturbed indigenous burial grounds on Wisconsin Point looking for the medallions.

DULUTH, Minn.- The 12th Annual Winterfest Medallion Hunt, hosted by Northland radio stations, has been canceled. According to organizers, it’s due to the alleged actions of some participants. A spokesperson from Midwest Communications said the Hunt was canceled because of alleged damage to public property by participants. According to a post on his Facebook Page, Superior Mayor Jim Paine said…

Animal Allies Receives Wrapping on New Transport Van

The non-profit was able to raise $60,000 through their 2019 Fur Ball fundraiser

DULUTH, Minn. – Animal Allies Humane Society has just received wrapping on their brand new transport vehicle. The non-profit was able to raise $60,000 through their 2019 Fur Ball fundraiser and just received the new transport van in May of 2020. This past week, Animal Allies received new wrapping. The van will be used to take animals for vet appointments…

Superior Warming Sheds Closed Due to Cold Weather

SUPERIOR, Wis. – Warming Sheds in Superior will be closed this weekend due to forecasted cold temperatures. According to the City of Superior website, all Warming Sheds in the city will be closed February 12-14. The Warming Sheds will be open again on Monday as long as the weather permits. For more information, you can visit http://www.ci.superior.wi.us/. Categories: Community, News,…

Midday Update 2-12-21

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Friday, Feb. 12, 2021

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

Morning Update 2-12-21

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Friday, Feb. 12, 2021

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

Local Businesses Suggest Shopping Local For Your Sweetie This Valentine’s Day

Northland Chocolate and Flower Shops Encourage Customers to Order Early This Year

DULUTH, Minn. – The clock is ticking before time runs out to pre-order your significant other something special. If you’re unaware, Valentine’s Day is coming up this Sunday! Two local businesses in the Northland are doing all they can to make sure your experience is beyond excellent and easy. “You have that instant good feeling when you walk into the…

Midday Update 2-11-21

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Thursday, Feb. 11, 2021

FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Ken Slama take a look at news and weather making headlines Thursday, Feb. 11, 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

Looking for Adventure? Try Escaping The Bong Center This Weekend

The Third Annual 'Escape the Bong!' Experience is Happening Feb. 12 - 14, 2021

SUPERIOR, Wis. – If you’re looking for an action-packed fun time or date night this weekend, the Richard I. Bong Veterans Historical Center in Superior is the place to be. ‘Escape the Bong!’ is returning for its third year on Feb. 12 – 14. The three day event will feature four escape rooms to test your knowledge and puzzle solving…

Northland Newborns 2-11-21

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, Links,…

Local Mallow Maker Offers Sweet Treat Ideas For Valentine’s Day

Cooking Connection: Meet the Maker Behind 'The Minnesota Marshmallow,' Amy McMillan

DULUTH, Minn. – If you have yet to buy your honey something special this Valentine’s Day, then you’re looking for sweets in all the wrong place. Duluth resident Amy McMillan had the idea of starting her own side business in the summer of 2020. Fast forward to today, and The Minnesota Marshmallow has taken off. McMillan says business is booming,…

Morning Update 2-11-21

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Thursday, Feb. 11, 2021

FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Ken Slama take a look at news and weather making headlines Thursday, Feb. 11, 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

City Crew Respond to 6th Water Main Break in Duluth

Traffic has been limited to one lane during the fix. 

DULUTH, Minn. – Crews responded at 7:30 p.m. last night to the water main break on Grand and Seaver Ave in West Duluth. They were able to plug the small leak temporarily. Works continued the work at 7:30 a.m. Thursday morning to fix the break permanently. City officials are thankful that the break was so small. Water is not expected…

Walmart and Sams Club to Begin Offering Vaccines for Eligible Recipients

The two stores will begin administering the vaccinations in Minnesota starting on Friday

DULUTH, Minn. – Walmart and Sams Club Pharmacies will be yet another location for people to get Covid-19 vaccinations. The two stores will begin administering the vaccinations in Minnesota starting on Friday as part of the U.S Federal Retail Pharmacy Program. Any eligible customers are urged to schedule an appointment via the companies websites once they are available. For more…

U of M Medical School Researchers May Have Found A Way To Detect Ovarian Cancer Early

If ovarian cancer is not detected early, there is about a 25% survival rate.

DULUTH, Minn. – The American Cancer Society estimates more than 13,000 women will die from ovarian cancer this year. Researchers at the University of Minnesota Medical School may have found a way to help detect disease earlier. A new study shows the possibility of detecting the disease using a pap test, which is a process already being used to diagnose…

Moose Lake Businesses Adapting During Pandemic

Managers are thankful that they don't have to rely on just dine-in during these times.

MOOSE LAKE, Minn. – Dee Jirovec  and her husband have owned Gampers in Moose Lake for eight years and are grateful to be back open following a second shut down. “It’s wonderful to be open again and have the customers come in to be able and talk and have a good time with them,” Gampers Owner, Dee Jirovec says. And…

Update From City: No Water Main Break in Denfeld Neighborhood

Update: DULUTH, Minn. – City officials issued a correction Wednesday afternoon stating: “*Correction-The City received bad information in regards to a water main break noted below. There is no break at this location.” DULUTH, Minn. – City crews responded to a water main break in the Denfeld neighborhood just before 9:00 a.m. Wednesday. The City of Duluth Utility Operation crews…

Midday Update 2-10-21

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Wednesday, Feb. 10, 2021

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Ken Slama for the latest news and weather making headlines Wednesday, Feb. 10, 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

Lake Superior Zoo Offers Unique Date Night Opportunity

"Best Date Ever" Tours Take Place Feb. 12 - 14

DULUTH, Minn. – Just in time for Valentine’s Day weekend, the Lake Superior Zoo in Duluth is offering a fun activity that allows you to spend quality time with a special someone, and your favorite furry friends inside the facility. The zoo’s annual “Best Date Ever” tours take visitors to meet the barn and Australian animals, as well as a…

Morning Update 2-10-21

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Wednesday, Feb. 10, 2021

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Ken Slama for the latest news and weather making headlines Wednesday, Feb. 10, 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

DECC, Range Recreation Civic Center Among Minnesota Convention Centers Receiving State Grants

The DECC was given $500,000 and the RRCC, $105,000.

DULUTH, Minn.- Convention Centers and Theaters across Minnesota received their own share of $13 million in grants from the state Monday, and two convention centers in the Northland say it is a much needed relief from the effects of the pandemic. The DECC was a recipient of the highest grant amount allowed by the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic…

Workers On Two Ends Of The Spectrum Speak About Working On Chilly Days

"Even if you don't think it's going to be cold, be prepared," said Gordon Eggen, a junk removal specialist for Twin Ports Trailer Trash.

DULUTH, Minn. – A blustery cold day with below zero temperatures in the Northland can make indoor work much more appealing. “I am really lucky to work inside here at Vitta,” said Logan Conley, the assistant general manager for Vitta Pizza. Those with outdoor jobs know they need to be prepared for the elements. For many in this area, facing…

Multiple Anglers Rescued from Lake Superior After Ice Breaks Free

Angler Jack Norquist Tells FOX 21 Ice Was Roughly 8 - 10 Inches Thick at the Time of the Incident

DULUTH, Minn. – The Northland is a playground for many winter enthusiasts, especially for anglers when temps dip well below zero. On Tuesday, entertainment turned into an extreme rescue operation as roughly 30 anglers had to be brought back to land after ice on Lake Superior broke free. “We were out fishing and heard a big loud boom,” said angler…

Additional Cold Front Event Postponements Announced Due to Cold Temps

(courtesy: Facebook/DuluthParksMN) DULUTH, Minn. – Cold Front activities are being postponed once again due to extremely cold weather. According to a Tuesday press release from the city, the revised schedule of events is as follows: Yeti Hunt: Saturday/Sunday, Feb. 20-21 and Saturday/Sunday, Feb. 27-28. Clues released hourly on Facebook and Instagram (@DuluthParksMN) at 10 a.m Luminary Walk: Thursday, February 18:…

Midday Update 2-9-21

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Tuesday, Feb. 9, 2021

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Ken Slama for a local look at news and weather making headlines Tuesday, Feb. 9, 2021. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Ken Slama, Local News, midday update, News

Morning Update 2-9-21

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Tuesday, Feb. 9, 2021

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Ken Slama for a local look at news and weather making headlines Tuesday, Feb. 9, 2021. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Ken Slama, Local News, morning update, News

DECC, Local Theaters Land Thousands in State COVID Relief Grants

It's part of more than $13 million in COVID relief grants, being spread out to convention centers and movie theaters across the state.

DULUTH, Minn.- The Duluth Entertainment Convention Center — hit hard by the pandemic — has finally landed some relief from the state in the amount of $500,000. The grant is coming from the Minnesota Department Of Employment And Economic Development (DEED). It’s part of more than $13 million in COVID relief grants from DEED, being spread out to convention centers…

Yellow Bike Coffee Cafe Expands To Lake Superior College

DULUTH, Minn. – Yellow Bike Coffee Cafe officially opened its new permanent location at Lake Superior College. The café offers a variety of beverages and food options made to order for students to grab while on campus. Yellow Bike Coffee Cafe has a flagship store in Hermantown. The general manager believes opening a location on LSC’s campus reminds people the…

Bong Veterans Historical Center Unveils New Permanent Exhibit

The Bong Historical Center in Superior is putting the finishing touches on its new $50,000 exhibit on the Korean and Vietnam wars.

SUPERIOR, Wisc. – The Bong Veterans Historical Center is on the home stretch of a nearly two-year project of a brand new exhibit about the Korean and Vietnam wars. Because of grant funds and private donations, the center was able to make this exhibit the largest built since it opened in 2002. “We had some veterans come to us and…

St. Louis County Sees 900 Small Businesses Apply for Phase 3 Grants

The total amount of aid requested comes out to $16.4 million. The county has $3.8 million dollars in grant funding from the state to distribute.

DULUTH, Minn.- 900 businesses in St. Louis County have sought relief through Phase 3 of the county’s small business relief grants. The total amount of aid requested comes out to $16.4 million. The county has $3.8 million dollars in grant funding from the state to distribute. So 200 “first tier” businesses forced to close back in November that received no…

Pandemic Ignites Passion for Many Hobby Enthusiasts

This Week's Knowing Your Neighbors Take You Inside HobbyTown

HERMANTOWN, Minn. – From knitting to sewing, to books and puzzles, hobbies have helped keep the sanity for many Northlanders during a year we’d all like to forget. “We’ve had an excellent year,” said Dan Ring, franchise owner of HobbyTown. Tucked away alongside Miller Trunk Highway in Hermantown, you’ll find this hobbyist’s haven. “I think people are spending time at…

Extreme Cold Frightful for Humans, Delightful for Animals at Zoo

According to Lake Superior Zookeepers, their animals are no strangers to climates like this.

DULUTH, Minn.- While humans have to take extra safety measures in this extreme cold, many animals at the Lake Superior Zoo love to be outside – but with windchills this low, things like frostbite are a still a danger, regardless of species. “Most all of the animals that we have here if they’re outside this is gonna be similar to…

Recent Cold Temperatures Serve As Good Reminder To Check On Older Adults

"Just be mindful. If you have a neighbor that you know is elderly, it doesn't hurt to go check on them to make sure they have everything that they need," said Mary Bovee, the executive director for Age Well Arrowhead.

DULUTH, Minn. – The freezing cold hitting the Northland, this week, can be a strong reminder to check up on older individuals. Elderly adults are among the most vulnerable to extreme temperatures and cold conditions. Recently Duluth Police dispatched a community service officer to help a 79-year-old woman, who called 911 to get assistance shoveling herself out of her home…

An Ice Sauna Is Opening In Canal Park

It stands eight feet tall with about 100 ice bricks weighing in at nearly 200 pounds each.

DULUTH, Minn. – Frigid temperatures are sticking around in Northland, this week, and a local sauna company is helping people embrace the cold. Cedar and Stone Nordic Sauna has built a sauna made completely out of ice. It took roughly five days to create and stands eight feet tall with about 100 ice bricks weighing in at nearly 200 pounds…

Minnesota DEED Awards $13 Million in COVID Relief Grants to Theaters, Convention Centers

DULUTH, Minn. – On Monday, the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development awarded over $13 million in COVID relief grants to various convention centers and movie theaters across the state. One of the grant recipients listed is the Duluth Entertainment Convention Center which is to be awarded $500,000. The grants include $4.6 million for 15 convention centers and $8.54…

Essentia Health Eases Visitor Restrictions

DULUTH, Minn. – Essentia Health is making updates to its visitor policy as cases of COVID-19 in the area have started to slow down. According to a Monday press release, beginning Tuesday the hospital will allow one adult visitor per patient per day in all clinics and hospitals. The hospital says this update will also include emergency departments. The changes…

Midday Update 2-8-21

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Monday, Feb. 8, 2021

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Ken Slama for a local look at news and weather making headlines Monday, Feb. 8, 2021. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Ken Slama, Local News, midday update, News

UMD Theatre to Host Free, Virtual Performance of “Love and Information”

"Love and Information" Will Begin Streaming LIVE on YouTube Thursday, Feb. 11, 2021

DULUTH, Minn. – In March of 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic sidelined LIVE performance put on by UMD Theatre. Now for the first time this year, the theatre will host a free, virtual performance of “Love and Information” starting Thursday, Feb. 11. The performance will take place via live stream on Feb. 11, 12, 13 & 14 at 7:30 p.m. The…

Morning Update 2-8-21

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Monday, Feb. 8, 2021

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Ken Slama for a local look at news and weather making headlines Monday, Feb. 8, 2021. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Ken Slama, Local News, morning update, News

Bayfield Businesses Report Steady Sales as Pandemic Continues

From Lodging to Entertainment, Many Businesses in Bayfield Say Sales Have Remained Stable as the Pandemic Continues

BAYFIELD, Wis. – Nearly one year into the global pandemic and travel is still frowned upon by many health officials. However, there is one silver lining when it comes to folks avoiding longer vacations. Local businesses in Northland communities are seeing an increase in people taking smaller weekend getaways to escape for a few days. “Outdoor rec is the name…