Community Archives - Page 132 of 305

Firefighters Urge Caution Over Busy Holiday Season

Smoke detectors have a shelf life of ten years while carbon monoxide detectors last about seven years.

December 22, 2020

Reece Lindquist,

DULUTH, Minn. – Firefighters are urging families celebrating the holidays to take the extra steps to keep their home safe from fires. Duluth Fire Marshal John Otis says there’s usually bigger opportunities for fires this time of year with people cooking more and lighting more candles. And while smoke detectors are always important, Otis says adding a home fire sprinkler…

Habitat for Humanity 2020 Home Near Completion

December 22, 2020

Reece Lindquist,

DULUTH, Minn. – The Western Lake Superior Habitat for Humanity is putting the finishing touches on a new energy efficient home built throughout 2020. The organization hit a few roadblocks from increased construction costs to lack of volunteers, and organizers are currently looking for partners to help cover the costs of their leftover projects. With the house being built from…

WLSSD Kicks Off Treecycling Program This Week

December 22, 2020

Site Staff,

DULUTH, Minn. – WLSSD and area partners announced Tuesday that they have kicked off their annual Treecycling program this week. The free holiday tree cycling program offers multiple locations available 24-hours a day throughout the region. “Holiday trees, like yard and garden waste, are banned from the trash in Minnesota,” said Karen Anderson, WLSSD’s director of community relations. “Trees contain…

Midday Update 12-22-20

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Tuesday, Dec. 22, 2020

December 22, 2020

Brett Scott,

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

Duluth City Council Votes to Delay Fee on Plastic Bags

December 22, 2020

Site Staff,

DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth City Council voted on Monday night to delay the five-cent plastic bag fee that was set to go into effect on January 1, 2021. It will not take effect 90 days after emergency COVID-19 declarations by the City of Duluth or the State of Minnesota expire. The new fee was to begin in April of…

Morning Update 12-22-20

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Tuesday, Dec. 22, 2020

December 22, 2020

Brett Scott,

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

Duluth City Council to Establish LGBTQ+ Commission

The ordinance was introduced by Council President Anderson and Councilors Van Nett and Forsman.

December 22, 2020

Reece Lindquist,

DULUTH, Minn. – On Monday night, the Duluth City Council voted unanimously to establish a non-binary, Queer, Trans, Two-Spirit , Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual commission. This commission was identified by grassroots LGBTQIA2S+ community members who see a long list of unmet needs in the community and nowhere in the city of Duluth to bring these issues they face. According to members…

Cloquet Homes Light Up For Holiday Season

December 21, 2020

Marcus Asmus,

CLOQUET, Minn. – Neighborhoods around the Northland are lit up for the holiday season, and we’re showing those homes off through Christmas. FOX 21 Photojournalist Marcus Asmus takes you to Cloquet. Categories: Community, Entertainment, Minnesota, News, News – Latest News

Van Nett Nominated to be First Indigenous Woman City Council President

Van Nett will be in her final term in 2021.

December 21, 2020

Reece Lindquist,

DULUTH, Minn. – Duluth City Council Vice President Renee Van Nett is likely to become the first Indigenous woman city council president in 2021. Van Nett will be in her final term in 2021. She says she recognizes that her upcoming seat should represent inclusion for all, and if elected she’s looking forward to helping Duluth through the rest of…

Some Residents Look On The Bright Side Of Things After Recent Snowfall

"We're happy to see the snow and enjoy it," said Richard Gurske, a resident of Hermantown.

December 21, 2020

Nachai Taylor,

DULUTH, Minn. – After several inches of snow fell overnight in the Northland, a lot of people spent their day digging out. “We’re happy to see the snow and enjoy it,” said Richard Gurske, a resident of Hermantown. And the recent snowfall is spreading a little bit of cheer for the holidays. “It’s a sign of a white Christmas you…

Mental Health Experts Concerned About Loneliness This Holiday Season

Health experts say it's common for many people not to recognize they are feeling lonely.

December 21, 2020

Nachai Taylor,

MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. – The pandemic is preventing many people from spending time with their loved ones during the holidays. Mental health experts are now concerned this holiday season may be rough for some people. A national survey found that out of the 20,000 people surveyed, more than half reported they sometimes or always feel alone. Adding the impacts of the…

Two Essentia Health Employees Had Allergic Reactions To COVID-19 Vaccine

Some of the symptoms that brought concern for health experts included hives, swelling of the lips or mouth, and shortness of breath.

December 21, 2020

Nachai Taylor,

DULUTH, Minn. – About 2,500 doses of the COVID-19 vaccine have already been given to frontline workers at Essentia Health. So far, only two employees had allergic reactions to the vaccine. Essentia Health officials say the reactions weren’t severe, but out of caution each worker was treated and evaluated. It is believed the reactions to the COVID-19 vaccine may be…

Duluth Warming Center to Stay Open Longer During Holidays

December 21, 2020

Reece Lindquist,

DULUTH, Minn. – The city of Duluth’s warming center will be open all week as temperatures get dangerously cold. It’s located in the Rainbow Center on the 200 block of Third Avenue East. Hours of operation are from 8 p.m. to 8 a.m., except for 6 p.m. Dec. 24 through 8 a.m. Dec. 26. Thanks to a new partnership with…

CHUM’s Free Pre-Packaged Food Boxes Remain in High Demand

December 21, 2020

Reece Lindquist,

DULUTH, Minn. – Demand for free food in Duluth continues to be stronger than ever during this pandemic and holiday season. And the CHUM Food Shelf is working hard to make sure people don’t go hungry. Since July, CHUM has been delivering pre-packaged boxes of food to people in need at Our Saviors Lutheran Church every Monday from 10 a.m….

Midday Update 12-21-20

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Monday, Dec. 21, 2020

December 21, 2020

Brett Scott,

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

Rubber Chicken Theater Looks to Make You Laugh This Christmas Eve

Rubber Chicken Theater is Hosting a Virtual Holiday Show, Streaming LIVE on Facebook Christmas Eve

December 21, 2020

Brett Scott,

DULUTH, Minn. – Duluth’s very own Rubber Chicken Theater is about to do their first and only production of 2020 due to circumstances brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic. This Christmas Eve you’re invited to laugh and sing carols with the crew at Rubber Chicken. “Here We Come A-Quarantining, or, We’ll Be Home For Christmas is a short, virtual production…

Morning Update 12-21-20

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Monday, Dec. 21, 2020

December 21, 2020

Brett Scott,

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

Chequamegon Humane Association Seeing Influx of Animals

After starting in 2013 with animal intakes around 200, the executive director has seen a large increase of animals coming through the facility this year.

December 21, 2020

Reece Lindquist,

ASHLAND, Wisc. – Ever since the Chequamegon Humane Association moved into their new location in 2017 they haven’t looked back. “It seems like every year. we’re able to help out more and more animals. It’s been progressively growing,” Chequamegon Humane Association Executive Director, Kari Olinger says. This year was one of their biggest yet. After starting in 2013 with animal…

Young Duluth Native Singer’s Christmas Music Video Gets Thousands of Views

He hopes it reminds people of the little things to be thankful for during the holidays.

December 21, 2020

Arman Rahman,

DULUTH, Minn.- A young, up-and-coming singer originally from Duluth decided to make a fun Christmas song and music video which is starting to gain popularity on Youtube. Tanner Zahn moved to Los Angeles with his family to pursue a career in music. “We normally come back even during Christmas. So this year because of COVID it’s been really weird being…

Chester Bowl Ski Hill Packed for Opening Weekend

This year they started the season with a check donation of $25,000 from local design company Loll Designs.

December 21, 2020

Arman Rahman,

DULUTH, Minn.- The weather was perfect for opening weekend at Chester Bowl’s ski hill, the ski lifts and slopes alive for another season. Greg Benson of Loll Designs skis down the hill with their donation. New COVID-19 protocols involve masks being required in certain areas, and letting only members of the same household to ride ski lifts together. This year…

Santa Makes Social Distanced Stops in Duluth, Two Harbors

A Duluth couple and the city of Two Harbors got creative with drive-thru's to have Santa safely spread cheer.

December 21, 2020

Arman Rahman,

TWO HARBORS/DULUTH, Minn.- While the traditional ways to see Santa Claus are paused this year due to the pandemic, Santa always finds a way — with a little help from a Duluth couple and the city of Two Harbors. “Big smiles. We like big smiles. Parents are happy, kids are happy, what more can you ask for at Christmas?” said…

Christmas City Express Goes Full Steam Ahead as Virtual Webcast This Year

About two thousand people were signed up to watch the webcast according to the Lake Superior Railroad Museum.

December 19, 2020

Arman Rahman,

DULUTH, Minn.- The Christmas City Express in Duluth still went on full steam ahead this year, just as a different experience. The Lake Superior Railroad Museum’s annual holiday event went virtual with a webcast, completely free. About two thousand people were signed up according to the Museum’s Executive Director, to watch the performance of the Christmas City Express book done…

Sir Ben’s Welcomes Back Customers for Outdoor Dining with Fire Pit Tables

The new toasty furniture makes it easier for customers to come and follow Gov. Walz's updated orders.

December 19, 2020

Arman Rahman,

DULUTH, Minn.- Sir Benedict’s Tavern on the Lake in Duluth’s Central Hillside got creative to welcome customers back outside, per Governor Tim Walz’s updated restrictions on Minnesota businesses which went into effect Saturday. New fire pit tables powered by propane tanks replaced most of their patio furniture, giving customers a toasty way to enjoy a beverage and food. On Wednesday…

Estate Planning Increases During Pandemic

December 19, 2020

CJ Baumgartner,

DULUTH, Minn.– As the pandemic continues into its ninth month, local lawyers say more people have begun the process of getting your affairs in order. Dahlberg Law Office has seen an increase in estate planning during the pandemic. The head of Dahlberg says estate planning makes up most of his business. And that it takes a crisis event like Coronavirus…

Duluth Police Investigate Two Separate Shootings in One Night

One shooting left a female with three gunshot wounds, the other with no reported injuries.

December 19, 2020

Arman Rahman,

DULUTH, Minn.- The Duluth Police Department responded to two separate shootings Friday night — bringing the city’s total this year to 40. One of Friday’s shootings left a female with three non-life threatening gunshot wounds. In the first, according to a department spokesperson, shortly after 10 p.m. officers responded to a report of the sound of gunshots at a residence…

Ashland Residents, Businesses Deck the Halls for Decorating Contest

57 homes and businesses in the city limits of Ashland joined up to see which is the most festive in the area.

December 18, 2020

Reece Lindquist,

ASHLAND, Wis.- The city of Ashland won’t behaving their long-standing Garland City of the North Parade this year because of the pandemic. Instead, it was replaced by a Christmas decorating contest. 57 homes and businesses in the city limits of Ashland joined up to see which is the most festive in the area, with the winners receiving a prize package….

Cloquet Business Partners Up with Fire Department for Toy Donation

Patients in need of a new retainer would donate a toy in exchange for a new retainer.

December 18, 2020

Reece Lindquist,

CLOQUET, Minn. – Carlson Orthodonics and the Cloquet Fire Department paired up to help families in need over the holidays. For many years, Carlson Orthodonics has been collecting toys up until the holiday season. Patients in need of a new retainer would donate a toy in exchange for a new retainer. In all, just under 200 toys were collected this…

Midday Update 12-18-20

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Friday, Dec. 18, 2020

December 18, 2020

Brett Scott,

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Ken Slama for a local look at news and weather making headlines Friday, Dec. 18, 2020. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Ken Slama, Local News, midday update, News

New App to Launch in Wisconsin Letting Residents Know of COVID-19 Exposure

Residents Will Receive a Push Notification Before the App Goes Live

December 18, 2020

The Associated Press,

MADISON, Wis. (AP) – A new mobile app will launch next week in Wisconsin that will let people know if they have been in close contact with someone who tested positive for COVID-19. Gov. Tony Ever announced the new app on Thursday. The app, which launches Wednesday, is meant to bolster the state’s contact tracing efforts. The app is voluntary…

Morning Update 12-18-20

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Friday, Dec. 18, 2020

December 18, 2020

Brett Scott,

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Ken Slama for a local look at news and weather making headlines Friday, Dec. 18, 2020. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Ken Slama, Local News, morning update, News

Cooking Connection: Homemade Chai and Pastries from Yellow Bike Coffee

We take you to Yellow Bike Coffee for some beverages and treats to warm you up.

December 17, 2020

Arman Rahman, Ken Slama,

In this week’s Cooking Connection Meteorologist Ken Slama sits down with the owner of Yellow Bike Coffee in Hermantown, Shannon Tanski Cornelius, to learn about some of their recipes for Chai, Cinnamon Rolls, and other bakery items. Categories: Community, Cooking Connection

Northland Newborns 12-17-20

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

December 17, 2020

Brett Scott,

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

Minnesota Power Installs Wind Turbine Blade Outside Duluth Headquarters

December 16, 2020

Reece Lindquist,

DULUTH, Minn. – It was quite the scene Wednesday outside Minnesota Power in downtown Duluth as a giant wind turbine blade was lifted into place on the building. Two cranes were called in to lift the 82-foot, 6,000-pound blade. Allete said the blade symbolizes the company’s focus on sustainability as Minnesota Power is on the cusp of reaching 50 percent…

Duluth Man Needing Living Kidney Donor Brings Back Epic Christmas Displays

December 16, 2020

Alexandra Burnley,

DULUTH, Minn. — A Duluth man known in his neighborhood for his bright Christmas lights and decorations is bringing back the tradition again after stopping for a few years, while also searching for a living kidney donor. Pat Stojevich has more than 20,000 Christmas lights strung around his property and counting. “I figure by the time we’re done we’ll be…

Covid-19 Vaccines Distributed Throughout Wisconsin

Almost 50,000 doses were given to eight hubs throughout the state of Wisconsin so far this week to a small amount of healthcare providers.

December 16, 2020

Reece Lindquist,

MADISON, Wisc. – According to Wisconsin’s Department of Health, thousands of vaccines have been distributed across the state. Almost 50,000 doses were given to eight hubs throughout the state of Wisconsin so far this week to a small amount of healthcare providers. So far, almost two hundred vaccines have been administered, but how the vaccine will be administered in nursing…

Boys & Girls Clubs of the Northland Receive Dozens of Toy Donations

FOX 21 Partnered With the Organization to Host the Annual Gifts for Teens Toy Drive Throughout December

December 16, 2020

Brett Scott,

DULUTH, Minn. – It’s the most wonderful time of the year for the Boys and Girls Clubs of the Northland. The FOX 21 Morning Crew wrapped up their annual Gifts for Teens Toy Drive Wednesday morning. This year, dozens of toys were collected throughout four locations in the Twin Ports. Each year, the organization provides gifts for up to 300…

Midday Update 12-16-20

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Wednesday, Dec. 16, 2020

December 16, 2020

Brett Scott,

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Ken Slama for a local look at news and weather making headlines Wednesday, Dec. 16, 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

Lake Superior Zoo Debuts New Children’s Book Just in Time for the Holidays

Donate Today to Receive Your Copy of "New Friends Arrive at the Lake Superior Zoo"

December 16, 2020

Brett Scott,

DULUTH, Minn. – A new book is bringing the education and entertainment of the Lake Superior Zoo into your home this holiday season. The book “New Friends Arrive at the Lake Superior Zoo” was written by local author and artist Joe Klander. It’s all about the arrival of the Zoo’s new bears, Tundra and Banks, and how the other animals plan…

Duluth Cider Receives Gold Medal at 2020 US Open Cider Championship

Duluth Cider is Also Giving Back to the Community by Donating $1 of Every Cider Sold to the Children's Museum

December 16, 2020

Brett Scott,

DULUTH, Minn. – Despite all of the negative news in 2020, Duluth Cider is ending the year on a positive note, and they’re also helping give back to our community. Jake Scott, owner of Duluth Cider, says their Greenstone Hopped Semi-Dry Cider has won a Gold Medal at the 2020 US Open Cider Championship. This is the second US Open…

Morning Update 12-16-20

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Wednesday, Dec. 16, 2020

December 16, 2020

Brett Scott,

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Ken Slama for a local look at news and weather making headlines Wednesday, Dec. 16, 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

Duluth Police Department Receives Funding To Help Support Opioid Recovery Efforts

There have been 200 overdoses in the area this year as reported by the Duluth Police.

December 16, 2020

Nachai Taylor,

DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth Police Department has received some major funding to help fight opioid addictions and start the recovery process for some people in the Northland. The department received a grant for almost $900,000. which will fund the Lake Superior Diversion and Substance Abuse Response team over the next three years. The funding will be used to expand…

City Council Approves Tourism Tax Funding For Glensheen Mansion And Duluth Children’s Museum

Nearly 60% of the tourism tax budget will help fund many of the city's debt obligations.

December 16, 2020

Nachai Taylor,

DULUTH, Minn- The tax money generated from hotels, food, and beverage sales in the city of Duluth, is down by nearly 30% due to the financial impacts of the pandemic. This loss of revenue is forcing the city to tighten the belt on the distribution of money collected from tourism. Nearly 60% of the tourism tax budget will help fund…

Iron Range Restaurant Owners React to Second Shutdown Order

Restaurant Owners on the Iron Range are Feeling the Financial and Emotional Strain From Minnesota's Second Shutdown Amid the COVID-19 Pandemic

December 15, 2020

Brett Scott,

EVELETH, Minn. – Hundreds who work in the service industry continue to be impacted by the second COVID-19 shutdown in Minnesota. As Christmas comes quickly, the financial strain is not only impacting restaurant owners but the many employees who rely on tips to make ends meet. “It’s upbeat, it’s fun, there are people everywhere,” said Jessica Lietz, owner of Boomtown…

Toy Drive Expecting Large Turnout, Still in Need of Monetary Donations

The toy drive will be held on Sunday at 2 p.m.

December 15, 2020

Reece Lindquist,

DULUTH, Minn. – The Make Every Child Toy drive is still happening this year, but it will look a bit different. After previously holding the toy drive in other buildings, organizer Mike Letica almost called it quits this year until he reached out to the owner of Shake It. Letica was told he could use their facility in West Duluth across…

Midday Update 12-15-20

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Tuesday, Dec. 15, 2020

December 15, 2020

Brett Scott,

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Ken Slama for a local look at news and weather making headlines Tuesday, Dec. 15, 2020. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Ken Slama, Local News, midday update, News

Duluth Salvation Army Encouraging Final Donations to Help Rescue Christmas

Monetary Donations Are Being Matched as Toy Distribution Begins for Families in Need

December 15, 2020

Brett Scott,

DULUTH, Minn. – With Christmas just over one week away, the Duluth Salvation Army is making a final push for toy and monetary donations to help Northland families in need this holiday season. On Monday, the Salvation Army in Duluth began their food distribution which will continue throughout the rest of the week with toy distribution as well. Dan Williamson,…

Morning Update 12-15-20

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Tuesday, Dec. 15, 2020

December 15, 2020

Brett Scott,

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Ken Slama for a local look at news and weather making headlines Tuesday, Dec. 15, 2020. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Ken Slama, Local News, morning update, News

Minnesota Legislature Passes Virus Aid for Businesses, Workers

The Bill Now Moves to the Governor's Desk for Final Approval

December 15, 2020

The Associated Press,

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) – The Minnesota Legislature has voted to pass a package of coronavirus relief measures aimed at businesses and workers who took the biggest hit from a four-week “pause” ordered by Gov. Tim Walz last month. The Senate voted 62-4 to approve the bill and send it to the House, which was passed it 117-13 late Monday night and…

Duluth Council Talks Commission to Focus On Concerns of LGBTQ+ Community

Council read an ordinance which would establish the Duluth LGBTQ+ Commission.

December 15, 2020

Arman Rahman,

DULUTH, Minn.- A new commission focused on the concerns of Duluth’s LGBTQ+ community was on the docket of Monday nights Duluth City Council meeting. Council read an ordinance by President Gary Anderson which would establish the Duluth Nonbinary, Queer, Trans, Two Spirit, Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Intersex and Asexual Commission. It would advise city administration and council on issues impacting that…

Wisconsin Health Leaders Explain Vaccine Distribution as State Gets First Shipment

Meanwhile, the spread of the virus isn't slowing down in the state.

December 15, 2020

Arman Rahman,

MADISON, Wis.- Wisconsin received 10,000 doses of the COVID-19 vaccine Monday, with about 35,000 more doses expected by the end of the week. The first rounds are going to frontline healthcare workers and to nursing home residents in a couple weeks. The general public will not have access to the vaccine for months as the state deploys this historic rollout…