Community

Northland Newborns 1-14-21

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. If you would like to submit a photo with a description of a newborn in your life, click here, or email fox21morningcrew@kqdsfox21.tv. Categories: Community, Northland Newborns Tags: Brett Scott, community, Essentia Health, Local News, Northland Newborns

Shaking Your Way Into the New Year With London Road Nutrition

Cooking Connection: London Road Nutrition

DULUTH, Minn. – With healthy eating on the minds of many in the New Year, London Road Nutrition is looking to help you cut down on calories and receive an extra boost of energy. The business offers a wide variety of meal replacement shakes in over 30 different flavors. The shakes are roughly 200-250 calories, and include 24 grams of…

Morning Update 1-14-21

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Thursday, Jan. 14, 2021

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

Red Cross Seeking Blood Donors, Anticipate Drop in Winter Donations

With their added push for blood donations in this critical time period, the Red Cross is also testing blood for Covid-19 antibodies.

DULUTH, Minn- It’s National Blood Donor Month and the Red Cross is continuing to look for extra support as they typically see a drop in donations around the winter months. With their added push for blood donations in this critical time period, the Red Cross is also testing blood for Covid-19 antibodies. They started doing this back in June and…

Opening Week At Great Lakes Aquarium Brings Strong Turnout

The aquarium is open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily.

DULUTH, Minn. – The Great Lakes Aquarium reopened to the public this week after being shutdown due to state guidelines to prevent the spread of the COVID-19. During the shutdown, aquarium staff have been polishing up exhibits and making sure safety protocols were up to date in order to prepare for the reopening. Just in the last few days of…

Animal Allies Needs Help Paying For Heart Surgeries For Two Young Pups

The surgeries are estimated to cost $8,000.

DULUTH, Minn. – Animal Allies in Duluth is asking for some community support. A pair of recently rescued pups both need a pricey operation to help save their lives. Animal Allies is looking for donations to pay for the surgeries. Gus and Precious are two dogs waiting to have a life-saving procedure. Animal Allies is hoping community members can help…

A New Pop-Up Restaurant Set To Open At Zeitgeist

Hotbox Duluth is expected to open for takeout on January 27th.

DULUTH, Minn. – Hotbox Duluth has called Zeitgeist a home since January 27th. “Right now we’ll just to to-goes and try to give people a good time,” HotBox Duluth Owner, Rob Abrahamson says. The restaurant has a nostalgic, throwback feel. “We’re going to elevate the food a little bit. Like the term that we came up with at home is…

St. Luke’s Updates Its Visitor Policy

DULUTH, Minn. – St. Luke’s announced on Wednesday that it has updated its visitor policy due to the arrival of the highly transmittable variant of COVID-19 in the state. Under the updated inpatient visitor policy, no visitors are allowed at St. Luke’s Hospital. Limited exceptions will be made. Visitor exceptions include: Pediatric patients will be allowed one parent/guardian All other…

Midday Update 1-13-21

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Wednesday, Jan. 13, 2021

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

Animal Allies Expands Goal of Rescuing Animals from Dire Situations

Staff at Animal Allies Humane Society Would Like to Complete More Transport Rescue Missions in 2021

DULUTH, Minn. – Can you imagine taking a road trip across the country with 14 animals in the back of your vehicle? For the staff at Animal Allies Humane Society in Duluth, it’s a sight they’re thrilled to see happen more often as the New Year begins. “It’s not cheap, but it’s something we want to invest in,” said Nicole…

Morning Update 1-13-21

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Wednesday, Jan. 13, 2021

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

Carlton County Public Health Works To Keep Up With Challenges During Vaccination Process

Public health officials are being spread thin while trying to get the vaccines distributed to the priority groups.

CARLTON COUNTY, Minn. – The COVID-19 vaccine has been going into arms around the Northland for a few weeks now. Over in Carlton County, public health officials are being spread thin while trying to get the vaccines distributed to the priority groups. Vaccine administration continues to be a top priority across the state and in the region, but getting the…

Minnesota Discovery Center Reopens With Optimism for Brighter Year Ahead

MDC Will Be Open 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday, and 10 a.m. - 8 p.m. Thursdays

CHISHOLM, Minn. – The doors are officially back open for business at the Minnesota Discovery Center (MDC) in Chisholm. Staff was thrilled to welcome back guests to their campus which features more than 650 acres of space to explore. The center is kicking things off with five-dollar snowshoe rentals and encourages visitors to use the Redhead Mountain Bike Park which…

MN Power Pushes To Provide More Clean Energy

Minnesota Power has set a goal to reduce carbon emission by 80% by 2035 and be 100% carbon-free by 2050.

DULUTH, Minn. – Minnesota Power plans to provide more clean energy in the future for the region. The energy company is looking to go carbon-free. The plans include adding about 400 megawatts of wind and solar energy resources. They will also be transitioning from using coal at one of its energy centers. “We hit a key milestone. We hit 50%…

Midday Update 1-12-21

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Tuesday, Jan. 12, 2021

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

Minnesota Power Shares Vision for 100% Carbon-Free Future by 2050

DULUTH, Minn. – Minnesota Power, an ALLETE company, announced in a Tuesday press release its vision to provide 100 percent carbon-free energy to its customers by 2050. The company says the vision is a continuation of its recent achievement of providing 50 percent renewable energy to its customers and its commitment to climate, customers, and communities. The company will be…

Northland Entrepreneur Develops Crud Cloth for Outdoor Enthusiasts

Crud Cloth was Developed Two Years Ago by Hermantown Resident Tim White

HERMANTOWN, Minn. – If you ever feel the need to freshen up after a long day outdoors or a muddy trip down the bike trail, Northland entrepreneur Tim White is here to help. White developed the Crud Cloth after having dealt with his own messy outdoor adventures. “As a resident of Duluth and enjoyer of the activities here, I developed…

Morning Update 1-12-21

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Tuesday, Jan. 12, 2021

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

Eased Restrictions Allow Duluth Bars, Indoor Entertainment to Welcome People Back In

The Caddy Shack in Lincoln Park and Incline Station Downtown said they're excited to reopen for the first time since November.

DULUTH, Minn.- As Minnesota bars and restaurants are allowed to open with a limited indoor capacity, businesses with entertainment features said they’re looking forward to have people inside again safely. “Being able to open the bar is equal parts exciting and, I think we’re a bit wary,” said Katherine LaFleur of the Caddy Shack Indoor Golf and Pub. The Caddy…

Bent Paddle Reopens Indoor Seating While Unveiling Heated Outdoor ‘Patio Camp’

In addition to the roughly 120 people they can safely have inside the brewery, management said the patio is a big help for those who not be ready to sit indoors yet.

DULUTH, Minn.- While reopening their indoor seating per Gov. Tim Walz’s loosened restrictions Monday, Bent Paddle Brewing in Duluth’s Lincoln Park neighborhood also unveiled their new patio seating. “Patio Camp” as they call it is a pet-friendly, heated patio covered in a tent from Frost River down the street. Heat lamps warm the 20-24 people that can sit socially distanced….

Northland Restaurants Open Back Up For Indoor Dining With Some Restrictions

"We're very glad to have customers dine and get us back to a sense of normalcy," said Alina Oswald, the general manager at Vitta Pizza in Duluth.

DULUTH, Minn. – Minnesota restaurants now can reopen for indoor dining at 50 percent capacity. The change comes after Governor Tim Walz announced his plans to scale back some COVID-19 restrictions last week. “We’re very glad to have customers dine and get us back to a sense of normalcy,” said Alina Oswald, the general manager at Vitta Pizza in Duluth….

A New Housing Option Planned For Central Hillside Neighborhood Helps Homeless Youth

The project is slated to begin construction in the fall.

DULUTH, Minn. – A new housing option is being planned for the Central Hillside neighborhood. Brewery Creek Apartments is expected to be developed on site of the former Mobil lube station and the Last Chance Liquor store at the corner of Sixth Avenue East and Fourth Street. The new facility will have 52 apartments. About 10 apartments will be set…

Popeyes Eyeing Possible New Duluth Location

DULUTH, Minn. – The popular fast-food chain Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen is settings its sights on a possible new Duluth location. The City of Duluth has confirmed that Popeyes reached out to the city for inquiries about a potential location going into a new development site which will be located on the corner of Central Entrance and Anderson Road. The city…

Midday Update 1-11-21

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Monday, Jan. 11, 2021

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

Donations Encouraged for 3rd Annual Northland’s Largest Baby Shower

Donations Will Be Collected Throughout January

DULUTH, Minn. – Local radio station Life 97.3 and St. Luke’s Hospital are teaming up to host the third annual Northland’s Largest Baby Shower. The event is taking place throughout January with a goal of collecting typical baby shower items such as diapers, wipes, and clothing from donors in the community. Life 97.3’s station manager says during these tough times…

Morning Update 1-11-21

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Monday, Jan. 11, 2021

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

Brighton Beach to Close for Trail Construction

Work is expected to be completed by Monday, January 25.

DULUTH, Minn. – Starting on Monday, Brighton Beach will be closed for the next two weeks. Crews will begin clearing and grubbing the area in preparation for trail construction taking place this spring. The park will be closed to vehicular traffic, in addition to parking lots in the park will also be closed. Traffic control will be set up at…

First Lady Issues Statement on Capitol Riot

Melania Trump says she's “disappointed and disheartened" by the deadly riot at the Capitol by supporters of her husband.

WILMINGTON, Del. (AP) – Melania Trump says she’s “disappointed and disheartened” by the deadly riot at the Capitol by supporters of her husband. As she breaks her silence, she’s also lashing out at those she says have used the tragic event to spread “salacious gossip, unwarranted personal attacks and misleading accusations” about her. Her statement on the White House blog…

Formalities, Election of New Officers for First Duluth City Council of 2021 Monday

Councilor Renee Van Nett is set to be elected the first indigenous woman Council President.

DULUTH, Minn.- After 2020 brought more resolutions and ordinances for relief and safety to Duluth City Council’s docket, councilors say they are starting 2021 on a quieter note. The first council meeting Monday, according to Councilor Joel Sipress, will be focused on beginning-of-the-year formalities. Still, after a year of passing ordinances like the mask mandate and COVID-19 related relief to…

Rapid Fire Hockey Holds Tryouts for Girls Team at Superior Ice Arena

The Rapid Fire Hockey Association held tryouts for what they call 10U and 12U girls

SUPERIOR, Wis.- Young girl hockey players in Superior got to try out Sunday for a local hockey organization at the Superior Ice Arena. The Rapid Fire Hockey Association held tryouts for what they call 10U and 12U girls, those born between the years of 2008 and 2011. Owners of the association said that pandemic or not, boys and girls that…

Duluth Six-Year-Old Gets Big-Rig Birthday Parade with Fire, Tow Trucks

The Duluth Fire Department as well as local tow trucks lined the streets in front of Fenix's house.

DULUTH, Minn.- One young boy in Duluth got a special surprise his birthday Sunday — a parade full of trucks. The Duluth Fire Department as well as local tow trucks lined the streets in front of young Fenix’s house on Second Street and 18th Avenue West in the Endion Neighborhood. Due to COVID-19 restrictions on gatherings, Fenix couldn’t have a…

CHUM Food Shelf Sees Record Demand in 2020, Year Ahead Looks No Better

The food shelf served more than 16,000 people in 2020, and staff expects the need to go up as much as 20% in 2021.

DULUTH, Minn.- The effects of the Coronavirus pandemic left more than 15,000 people in the Twin Ports to rely on CHUM’s Food Shelf to put food on the table — an increased demand they haven’t seen in more than a decade. “In my tenure it was a pretty big record setting year on my terms,” Distributive Services Director Scott Van…

Seats Open on Many City of Duluth Boards, Commissions

Those needing seats filled include the Duluth Human Rights Commission, Parks and Recreation Commission and Civil Service Board.

DULUTH, Minn.- The City of Duluth has openings for citizens to be a part of decision-making on many of their boards and commissions this year. More than a dozen of the City’s boards and commissions have open seats such as the Duluth Human Rights Commission, Parks and Recreation Commission, Civil Service Board and more. According to City officials, it’s a…

Birkie Drops Enbridge Energy Sponsorship, Says Relationship Doesn’t Align with Race’s Values

The dissolving of this agreement comes months after Enbridge started its controversial Line 3 Pipeline replacement project.

HAYWARD, Wis.- The largest cross-country ski race in the country, the American Birkebeiner or “Birkie” is taking a stand against what they see as environmental concerns with Enbridge Energy — dropping the corporation as a sponsor for this year’s race. According to a letter on the Birkie website, they are dissolving their previous agreement, after “we heard from some in…

Sporting Good Stores Anticipate Rise in Business With Youth Sports Returning

With youth sports returning the expectations are for stores to get even busier.

DULUTH, Minn. – Sporting good stores have seen a rise in business lately. At Play It Again sports located in the Kenwood Shopping Center, managers have seen up to a 45 minute wait to get your skates sharpened on the busiest days. Although that hasn’t stopped customers from coming in during the pandemic, with youth sports returning the expectations are…

Washington Center Gym Reopened for Rental Use

The Washington Center Gym is reopened for rental use after the governor’s most recent orders.

DULUTH, Minn. – The Washington Center Gym is reopened for rental use after the governor’s most recent orders. Some rules will be enforced if you decide to use it. Face coverings must be worn at all times including during play by all participants in the gym. Practices will be allowed but social gatherings will not be. Participants should arrive and…

Boomtown Delays Duluth Restaurant Opening

The Duluth restaurant is expected to open in the old Sunset Bar and Grill on Martin Road.

DULUTH, Minn. – Diners will have to wait a little longer before they can enjoy food at the new Boomtown Woodfire Bar & Grill location, which was slated to open this month. The grand opening is now being pushed back until the spring. Boomtown currently has two other locations gearing up to reopen now that Governor Tim Walz is allowing…

A Twin Ports Facebook Group Helps Local Restaurants Survive

"It's helped us immensely. Any avenue an owner can get to reach the public during this time is so important," said Matt Berthiaume, the owner of The Social House in Hermantown.

DULUTH, Minn. – Social media is helping many Twin Ports restaurants stay in the spotlight. The “Duluth and Superior Food To-Go During COVID-19” Facebook group is spreading the word by helping restaurants reach customers during these trying times. Restaurants all over the Twin Ports have been fighting just to stay afloat during the pandemic after shutting down to prevent the…

Ice Festival In Superior Goes On

The festival takes place on January 29 and 30 on Barker's Island.

SUPERIOR, Wis. – The Ice Festival in superior is still happening at the end of the month. This year, everything will be mostly outdoors. There will be two dozen ice carvings set up around town for people to check out and play some trivia for a chance to win cash. Families can also take a cruise down the superior snow…

Essentia Health, Common Spirit Health Sign Letter of Intent

DULUTH, Minn. – Essentia leaders say negotiations are moving forward for CommonSpirit Health owned facilities in North Dakota and Minnesota to join Essentia Health. In a Friday afternoon announcement, the hospital says Essentia Health and Commonspirit Health have signed a letter of intent for the facilities, operating under the CHI brand. The facilities include CHI St. Alexius Medical Center in…

Midday Update 1-8-21

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Friday, Jan. 8, 2021

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

Morning Update 1-8-21

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Friday, Jan. 8, 2021

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

Duluth Fire Marshall Investigating Friday Morning Fire

Initial damage to the building is estimated at $35,000. 

DULUTH, Minn. –  At 12:28 a.m. Friday morning the Duluth Fire Department responded to a structure fire at 1801 East 2nd Street. All of the residents made it out of the building safely and no injuries were reported. Initial damage to the building is estimated at $35,000. The fire is currently under investigation by the Duluth Fire Marshalls office. Categories:…

UWS Awards 400 Students With About $150,000 In Grant Funding

SUPERIOR, Wis. – 400 students at the University of Wisconsin Superior are getting a little extra financial help to continue their education. UWS recently awarded nearly $150,000 in emergency grant funding to those students. The awards ranged from $200 to $500 per student. The funds were made possible by some fundraising and repurposing state and federal money. “We knew that…

Entertainment Venues Will Take Time To Reopen

Minnesota Governor Tim Walz is now allowing these businesses to reopen at 25% capacity.

DULUTH, Minn – Minnesota Governor Tim Walz has now given the green light, but many of those running Northland entertainment venues and tourist attractions say its going to take some time to reopen. Like many other entertainment settings in the Northland, Zeitgeist Arts Café and Zinema in Duluth has been strongly impacted by the pandemic. “It’s been really difficult. It’s…

Rapid COVID Testing Available At St. Luke’s Hospital

According to the CDC, the most reliable COVID-19 tests are still PCR nasal tests as antigen tests are less trustworthy to catch asymptomatic cases.

DULUTH, Minn. – Patients of St. Luke’s Hospital can now get a rapid COVID-19 antigen test that can return same-day results. The testing is available for patients of the respiratory clinic in Hermantown or those utilizing the drive-thru testing garage located on the 900 block of East First Street. People of all ages can have access to the testing, but…

Hauling Company Helps Community Get Rid Of Christmas Trees

The free service ended on Thursday, but Twin Ports Trailer Trash will haul away any trees you still have for just $25.

DULUTH, Minn. – A local hauling company is lending a hand by helping families get rid of their Christmas trees for free. In the last couple of days, Twin Ports Trailer Trash picked about 175 trees from residents in the area. This is the second year the company has offered this free service. It started as a way for the…

Life 97.3 Hosts Third Annual Northland’s Largest Baby Shower

Donations are being collected all month.

DULUTH, Minn. – A local radio station is once again working to help families in need. Life 97.3 is partnering with St. Luke’s hospital for the third annual Northland’s Largest Baby Shower. The goal is to collect typical baby shower items such as diapers, wipes, and clothing from local community donors. Life 97.3’s station manager says during these tough times…

Free COVID-19 Testing Event Happening at Grand Rapids High School

The Event Takes Place as Cases of COVID-19 Have Decreased in Itasca County Throughout December

GRAND RAPIDS, Minn. – The first COVID-19 briefing of 2021 comes with uplifting news from Itasca County. The county’s public health officials are reporting a steady decrease in cases throughout December. Over the past seven days, 53 new cases have been identified in the county. Since the start of the pandemic, a total of 2,751 residents have tested positive, and…

Midday Update 1-7-21

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Thursday, Jan. 7, 2021

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