Community

St. Luke’s Respiratory Clinic, Drive- Thru Garage Now Offering Rapid COVID Testing

DULUTH, Minn. – St. Luke’s Respiratory Clinic and Drive-Thru garage is now offering patients rapid antigen testing. The hospital says patients who are showing symptoms and have had symptoms for five days or less are eligible for testing at the Respiratory Clinic while individuals with a provider’s order can get the rapid test at the Drive-Thru garage. Rapid tests are…

Northland Newborns 1-7-21

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

Kicking Off the New Year With Healthy Meal Replacement Shakes

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 1-7-21

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, morning update, News

Experts Warn Of Changes In Child Behavior As They Prepare To Head Back To School

DULUTH, Minn. – As COVID-19 restrictions are starting to loosen, many students in the Northland will soon be heading back-to-school. Unfortunately, changing from remote learning to in-person instruction means some kids may show bad behavior. Mental health experts say to help prevent this kids need to get back into a routine to prepare them for school. This includes getting them…

Local Elks Lodge Donates To Five Area Schools

The Elks typically host a back-to-school carnival every year, which provides kids in the area backpacks filled with school supplies.

DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth Elks Lodge is giving back by awarding five area schools $1,100 each. The Elks typically host a back-to-school carnival every year, which provides kids in the area backpacks filled with school supplies. Due to the pandemic, the event was canceled. Instead, the organization applied for a $5,500 grant to help schools stock up on necessary…

Bar And Restaurant Owners React To Loosened Restrictions on Indoor Dining

"I cannot wait. I am elated. Literally, I cannot wait for people to come into this beautiful restaurant to enjoy what we enjoy, which is beautiful food," said Solomon Witherspoon, the owner of Spoons Bar and Grill.

DULUTH, Minn. – Minnesota Governor Walz announced on Wednesday that he is loosening restrictions on indoor dining. Minnesota bar and restaurant owners are happy about the governor’s decision to allow inside dining for the first time since late November. “I cannot wait. I am elated. Literally, I cannot wait for people to come into this beautiful restaurant to enjoy what…

Midday Update 1-6-21

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Wednesday, Jan. 6, 2021

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

Essentia Health President Optimistic, Yet Cautious as Pandemic Continues in 2021

Dr. Jon Pryor, President of Essentia Health, Says Northlanders Must Remain Cautious as COVID Vaccinations Continue

DULUTH, Minn. – While cases of COVID-19 continue to slightly decrease across Minnesota, hospitals in the Northland are still feeling the strain. Dr. Jon Pryor, President of Essentia Health, chatted with FOX 21’s Brett Scott Wednesday morning about vaccine distribution, the current situation inside Northland hospitals, and the outlook for 2021. “I want to thank everyone in the Northland for…

Morning Update 1-6-21

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Wednesday, Jan. 6, 2021

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

Part Stolen From Humane Society Transport Vehicle, Community Rallies in Support

According to staff, their one transport van had its catalytic converter stolen sometime over the weekend.

SUPERIOR, Wis. – The Douglas County Humane Society is in a bit of a jam. According to staff, their one transport van had its catalytic converter stolen sometime over the weekend. The converter’s main function is to burn out emissions before they are released into the atmosphere. The van is used to take animals to and from appointments among other things….

Warnock Makes History With Senate Win as Democrats Near Majority

The Race Between Republican David Perdue and Democrat Jon Ossoff is Still Too Close to Call

ATLANTA (AP) – This morning, Democrat Raphael Warnock has won one of Georgia’s two Senate runoffs, becoming the first Black senator in his state’s history and putting the Senate majority within the party’s reach. Warnock, a pastor who spent the past 15 years leading the Atlanta church where Martin Luther King Jr. preached, defeated Republican incumbent Kelly Loeffler. It’s a…

Gov. Evers, Health Officials Ask for Patience During Wisconsin Vaccine Distribution

Health officials said the demand is going to exceed the supply for a while.

MADISON, Wis.- The Wisconsin Governor and health leaders addressed obstacles and delays in the state’s vaccine distribution Tuesday. So far 85,609 vaccines have been administered and as of Monday 266,675 doses had been shipped to Wisconsin. According to health officials, the demand is going to exceed the supply for a while. Gov. Tony Evers emphasized that focus should not divert…

Boys and Girls Clubs of Northland Gets Big Donation to Start New Year

Since August the RSM Office in Duluth hosted fundraising events like a Cutest Puppy Contest and Dine with Chipotle Event.

DULUTH, Minn.- A local consulting firm has raised more than $11,000 to support the Boys and Girls Clubs of the Northland for this new year. Since August the RSM Office in Duluth hosted fundraising events like a Cutest Puppy Contest and Dine with Chipotle Event. The crew at RSM said they hope the extra money will help during these tougher…

Duluth Businesses Start Planning for Gov. Walz to Loosen Dining Restrictions Wednesday

Some bar and restaurant owners wait to see if restrictions loosen enough to make reopening profitable.

DULUTH, Minn.- As Minnesota Governor Tim Walz is expected Wednesday to loosen some restrictions for businesses such as restaurants, some in Duluth wait to see if restrictions loosen enough to make reopening profitable. “Now what loosening means is still to be determined but let’s be honest, something is better than what we’re doing now,” said Jason Vincent, restaurant owner and Vice…

The Homegrown Music Festival Will Be Virtual For 2021

"Homegrown is the anchor that keeps all these bands in the Twin Ports coming together," said Matthew Sjelin, a member of the Trash Cats Band.

DULUTH, Minn. – The Coronavirus pandemic is already causing organizers of many entertainment events to make difficult decisions about their upcoming scheduling plans in the new year. It has now been announced the Duluth Homegrown Music Festival is going virtual for 2021. The music festival has been a big staple in the community for more than 20 years. “Our planning…

Lake Superior Research Institute Gets Matching Donation For Floating Classroom

The organization has been wanting to get a new boat to re-establish hands-on learning and research on Lake Superior.

SUPERIOR, Wis. – Generous donors are helping the Lake Superior Research Institute and the University of Wisconsin Superior, inch closer to making a floating classroom a reality. The organization has been wanting to get a new boat to re-establish hands-on learning and research on Lake Superior. Alumni Bill and Lynne Rogers will be matching donations up to $100,000 to help…

Midday Update 1-5-21

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Tuesday, Jan. 5, 2021

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

Video Goes Viral After Family Receives ‘Best Christmas Ever’

The Best Christmas Ever Movement Began in 2010

DULUTH, Minn. – For the past ten years, the Best Christmas Ever (BCE) movement has provided families who have fallen on tough times due to no fault of their own with a magical experience filled with joy and gratitude. Recently, Tony Jr. and his six children, all under the age of ten, received notice that they were nominated to receive…

Morning Update 1-5-21

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Tuesday, Jan. 5, 2021

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

Duluth Homegrown Music Festival to be Held Virtually

DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth Homegrown Music Festival will be going virtual for 2021. The festival made the announcement Monday on their Facebook page saying, “In response to the Center for Disease Control COVID-19 mitigation recommendations to limit large gatherings, and in the interest of public health and safety, Homegrown Music Festival made the decision that any Festival programming will…

Vikre Distillery Offers Toasty ‘Winter Wunderbar’ Outdoor Seating

The "Winter Wunderbar" consists of six fire pits and sets of warmed benches. 

DULUTH, Minn.- Vikre Distillery in Canal Park is joining the list of local bars and restaurants with warm places to sit outside for some food and drink while indoor dining is restricted statewide. Vikre constructed their outdoor seating area: the “Winter Wunderbar,” consisting of six fire pits and sets of warmed benches. Management hopes customers keep toasty while enjoying hand-crafted…

Local Videogame, Book Stores Busy as More Crave At-Home Entertainment

Games Then and Now and The Bookstore at Fitger's are experiencing boosts in sales recently.

DULUTH/SUPERIOR- With so many still schooling and working from home, entertainment has also had to happen at home — so local businesses offering activities like videogames and books are seeing an influx in customers. “As you can see when you guys came in it was constant people in and out of here,” said Jason Matic. co-owner of Games Then and…

KYN: Weeping Willow Heartfelt Gifts

Starting next week Weeping Willow Heartfelt Gifts will be open from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday-Friday and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturdays.

DULUTH, Minn. – After opening less than one month ago, Weeping Willow Heartfelt gifts has had a steady flow of customers who want something local and unique. “Especially with the holidays and everything that is going on people are really trying to go for the shop local.  And just the response has been really awesome,” Weeping Willow Heartfelt Gifts Manager,…

Northland Public Health Officials Worry For Another COVID-19 Spike

"We probably will be seeing effects or see trends in our case count in the next couple of weeks. It's still really too early to tell if there was an impact from holiday gatherings yet," said Westbrook."We probably will be seeing effects or see trends in our case count in the next couple of weeks. It's still really too early to tell if there was an impact from holiday gatherings yet," said Westbrook.

NORTHLAND – Now that the holidays are over, public health officials in the Northland are bracing for the potential for another spike in COVID-19 cases. The pandemic has already had a deep impact on the Northland. Health experts strongly advised people to avoid holiday gatherings to help keep new COVID-19 case numbers down. “Our numbers have been going in the…

Some People Enjoy Sledding At Proctor Golf Course

"It's just what the doctor ordered," said Sandra Benney, a parent with her kids visiting the sledding hill at Proctor Golf Course.

PROCTOR, Minn. – Some folks were making the most of a Minnesota winter while spending time at the sledding hill on the Proctor Golf Course. One family, with sleds in tow, made a trip to the hill to find a little excitement. Sandra Benney says this is a weekly activity for her family as a way to make up for…

Local Organizations Host Virtual Opening Ceremony For Human Trafficking Prevention Month

DULUTH, Minn. – January is Human Trafficking Prevention Month. Local community organizations kicked off the month with the annual opening ceremony to shed light on this ongoing issue. This is the first year the event had to be held virtually due to the pandemic. Traditions such as the ceremonial indigenous prayer and the dancing women in red shawls continued through…

Midday Update 1-4-21

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Monday, Jan. 4, 2021

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Ken Slama for a local look at news and weather making headlines Monday, Jan. 4, 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

Deadline Looms to Apply for ‘FOX 21 Strength in the Community Scholarship’

The Deadline to Apply is Friday, Jan. 15

DULUTH, Minn. – Are you a high school senior graduating in 2021? If so, FOX 21 Local News in partnership with many fine sponsors invite you to apply for the 2021 Strength in the Community Scholarship. The Fox 21 Strength in the Community Scholarship Fund provides financial assistance to deserving students in the Fox 21 viewing area who are pursing…

Morning Update 1-4-21

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Monday, Jan. 4, 2021

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Ken Slama for a local look at news and weather making headlines Monday, Jan. 4, 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

Beargrease Without Fans Hard But Better Than Canceled Mushers, Businesses Say

Bar and restaurant owners said Beargrease is the busiest time of their year, so not having spectators will hurt business.

DULUTH, Minn.- The effects of the COVID-19 pandemic are stretching to the Beargrease Sled Dog Marathon, causing changes including not allowing fans to watch in-person. “Safety has always been the #1 priority for our organization whether it’s a COVID year or non-COVID year,” race spokesperson Monica Hendrickson said. Some of this year’s changes include closing all buildings used along the…

No Spectators for 2021 John Beargrease Sled Dog Marathon

Officials say they see no way to properly social distance the thousands that come out to the start.

DULUTH, Minn.- The 41st Annual John Beargrease Sled Dog Marathon is planned to go on this year, but it will look different as no spectators will be allowed due to COVID-19 restrictions on gatherings. Every year thousands of spectators gather at the start of the race at Billy’s Bar in Duluth. But according to Beargrease spokesperson Monica Hendrickson, organizers saw…

Renovations Coming To Historic Wilmarth Mansion

The total would cost of the proposed renovations and townhomes would be roughly $7.5 million. 

ASHLAND, Wisc. – The building is currently owned by impact-7, a non-profit in Ashland with the goal to provide affordable housing in Ashland. “The Wilmarth mansion has gone through a number of uses over the years. There are people in town that grew up in it just like their home,” City of Ashland Planning and Development Director, Megan McBride says….

Natural Black Hair Stylist, Supply ‘Loc’d Up Kreationz Studio’ in Duluth Expanding

LUKS Beauty Supply will hold the grand opening of their new space in the old Pineapple Arts Supply this weekend.

DULUTH, Minn.- A small braiding and dreadlock stylist and supply store in Downtown Duluth will be expanding in the first days of 2021, to better fill the need they see to serve black hair types in the Northland. Tammy Moll opened up Loc’d Up Kreationz studio on First Street two years ago after hair braiding and dreadlock styling in the…

Year In Review Part Four

DULUTH, Minn. – FOX 21 Local News is taking a look back at the top stories that made headlines in 2020. Here are some of those stories from October, November and December. Categories: Community, Crime, Education, Minnesota, News Tags: Bentleyville, biden, crime, duluth, Election, shooting, Trump, year in review

COVID-19 Testing At DECC To Run Through January, But Future Is Uncertain

DULUTH, Minn. — COVID-19 saliva tests at the DECC in Duluth will continue through the month of January, but it’s unclear if Minnesota will have enough funding to continue it after that. Testing sites in the state are set up by the Minnesota Department of Health. In the latest economic relief package that was just signed into law, the federal…

Duluth Experiences Quiet New Year’s Eve Without Big Venue Celebrations

Normally filled with about 700 people ringing in New Year's, Greysolon Ballroom and other Downtown businesses were empty this year.

DULUTH, Minn.- The streets of Duluth were uncharacteristically quiet this New Year’s Eve as the city’s big bashes were all canceled due to COVID-19, including New Year’s on the Lake at Greysolon Ballroom. This time last year the ballroom was decked out in decorations and minibars and filled with suits and gowns for a night of entertainment. New Year’s on…

Northland Newborns 12-31-20

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, News, News – Latest News, Northland Newborns Tags: Essentia Health, Local News, Northland Newborns

Tubing Season at Spirit Mountain Slides in with Blizzard Snow

Duluth's Christmas Eve Blizzard brought with it the perfect weather for tubing.

DULUTH, Minn.- The Northland’s recent snowstorm, while a nuisance for some, was perfect to usher in the tubing season at Spirit Mountain. “The tubing hill’s fun,” said Jon Regenold, co-director of Resort Services. “You hear laughter and smiles all over the place. And then the ride is exhilarating too.” As of Tuesday those looking for a winter thrill a bit…

After 52 Years in Business, Cloquet’s Pete & Sons, Inc. Set to Close

The Final Day of Business for Pete & Sons, Inc. will be Dec. 31, 2020

CLOQUET, Minn. – Do you remember the last time you went to gas up your vehicle and an employee at the station did it for you? For one family in Cloquet, they never bat an eye at going above and beyond when it came to serving those who stopped by their business. After more than 50 years in business, the…

Duluth YMCA Wraps Up Distribution of Thousands of Meal Kits During Pandemic

The need has always been there, they said, but was exacerbated by the effects of the pandemic. 

DULUTH, Minn.- This week is the last for the Duluth Area Family YMCA’s Meal Kit Distribution Program, which donated thousands of meals to people in need during the COVID-19 pandemic. Leadership with the YMCA said since March of this year they have given out more than 45,000 meal kits at the Downtown Duluth YMCA, Gary New Duluth Recreation Center, Harbor…

MN Veteran’s Home in Silver Bay Gives Out Covid-19 Vaccine

"I am happy I got it," said Frank Stella, an army veteran and resident of the home. "I feel good."

SILVER BAY, Minn. – More than 100 doses of the COVID-19 vaccine were given out to help protect employees and residents. Dozens of residents and staff at the Minnesota Veterans Home in Silver Bay rolled up their sleeves to be some of the first to receive COVID-19 vaccines. “I am happy I got it,” said Frank Stella, an army veteran…

Families Head Up The Shore For NYE

"I am hoping COVID-19 will be over," said Wynnie Howard, a 10-year-old visiting from Texas.

TWO HARBORS, Minn. – Families headed up the North Shore to welcome in the New Year, which is keeping some hotel busy for the weekend. Several hotels, cottages, and cabins up the shore were already filled up for the New Year’s weekend. Some on the other hand, still have a few vacancies. One girl from Texas visiting her family in…

WLSSD Discovers Explosive Device at Materials Recovery Center

DULUTH, Minn. – Western Lake Superior Sanitary District is cautioning residents to not transport or dispose of explosive materials they may find after staff discovered a hand grenade in the mixed waste area at WLSSD’s Material Recovery Center earlier this week. According to a recent press release, staff discovered the explosive device on Saturday wrapped in bubble wrap and found…

Midday Update 12-30-20

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Wednesday, Dec. 30, 2020

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Ken Slama for a local look at news and weather making headlines Wednesday, Dec. 30, 2020. Have a great day! Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Ken Slama, Local News, midday update, News

Morning Update 12-30-20

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Wednesday, Dec. 30, 2020

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Ken Slama for a local look at news and weather making headlines Wednesday, Dec. 30, 2020. Have a great day! Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Ken Slama, Local News, morning update, News

Silver Bay Veterans Home to Administer Covid-19 Vaccine to Residents and Staff

The Minnesota Veterans Homes are using the Moderna vaccine. 

SILVER BAY, Minn. – On Wednesday, the Minnesota Veterans Home in Silver Bay will begin to administer the COVID-19 vaccine to Residents and staff. The Minnesota Veterans Homes are using the Moderna vaccine. The vaccine is being administered by clinical leaders at each location. Other veterans homes across the state will begin their vaccinations this week. The vaccinations come after…