Community

Businesses on Iron Range Work to Recover After Slower Summer Due to COVID-19

Businesses owners say they're keeping their heads up, while local officials say the Fall and Winter seasons look bleak.

VIRGINIA, Minn.- As it has everywhere, the pandemic has put a damper on business on the Iron Range this summer — a time when many businesses just began opening back up after three months shut down. “It’s hard to know what’s going to happen with the virus,” Brooke Forseen, an employee at Canelake’s Candies in Virginia said. “It’s really just…

Pregnancy Stress During Pandemic Can Have Impacts

Health professionals recommend at least 30 minutes of exercise a day can help improve your mood.

DULUTH, Minn. Stress can be a normal reaction to life changes. In the midst of a pandemic, pregnant women experiencing stress just might be too overwhelming. Pregnancy is supposed to be a happy time in a woman’s life. “I kind of felt like my part of my pregnancy taken from me,” said Dakota DeFoe. When the coronavirus pandemic hit the…

The Superior Spooktacular Goes On Despite Pandemic

The event starts October 24th and runs through Halloween.

DULUTH, Minn. – Halloween isn’t cancelled as of now, but it might look a little different. In just a few months, the Superior Spooktacular will take place downtown despite the global pandemic. This year, the Halloween event will have a variety of activities, including a drive-in movie night. The Spooktacular committee is also partnering with Grandma’s Marathon to put on…

“Bikes For Basketball” Fundraiser Looks To Provide Opportunities For Young Boys And Girls

  DULUTH, Minn. – The Rookie Basketball Association, which is a year-round basketball program for young boys and girls through the salvation army, is hoping to raise money to keep kids playing the game. One of the RBA players came up with the idea to host a fundraiser called “Bikes for Basketball.” More than a dozen bikes and tons of…

Itasca County Educators Stress Preparation Before School Begins

Parents and Caregivers Are Encouraged to Practice Masking Ahead of Return to the Classroom

ITASCA COUNTY, Minn. – Health and school leaders in Itasca County are urging parents to practice what local medical professionals are preaching to better help their children prepare for the upcoming abnormal school year. Officials stress the need for preventative action at home before students return to the classroom come September. Per Minnesota state guidelines, all students returning to in-person…

Midday Update 8-20-20

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Thursday, August 20, 2020

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist William Seay for a local look at news and weather making headlines Thursday, August 20, 2020. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Local News, Morning News, News, William Seay

Marketing, Baking Experience Help Kick Start New Company Based in Superior

Lift Bridge Baked Goods Operates as Home Based Cottage Food Business

SUPERIOR, Wis. – This week’s cooking connection features a new business to the Twin Ports, Lift Bridge Baked Goods. The company was founded by Riley Perrella and Dylan Holt, a young couple currently residing in Superior. Holt studied marketing and business in college, and Perrella has a unique passion for baking and creating edible works of art. Lift Bridge Baked…

Morning Update 8-20-20

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Thursday, August 20, 2020

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist William Seay for a local look at news and weather making headlines Thursday, August 20, 2020. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Local News, morning update, News, William Seay

Iron Range Businesses Recognized by Chamber of Commerce with Awards Ceremony

The normal awards banquet scheduled this year was canceled due to coronavirus-related restrictions, but the chamber still found a way to honor Range businesses. 

VIRGINIA, Minn.- Businesses on the Iron Range were recognized for their contributions to the community at Olcott Park in Virginia Wednesday. The Laurentian Chamber of Commerce Honored them as part of this year’s award ceremony. The normal awards banquet scheduled this year was canceled due to coronavirus-related restrictions, but the chamber still found a way to honor Range businesses. The…

Fitger’s Bookstore Shows Support For Local Educators

Teachers can receive a discount at Fitger's Bookstore every day.

DULUTH, Minn. – The Fitger’s Bookstore is helping teachers get ready for the upcoming school year. Wednesday was dedicated specifically to show support to those educators. Twice a year the bookstore hosts a teacher’s day to help them learn more about the benefits of shopping at an independent bookstore. Some educators also had the opportunity to have a one-on-one shopping…

The Damiano Center Is In Need Of Donations

The center serves 19 meals a day to the people they serve.

DULUTH, Minn. – If you have any extra household items you no longer need, the Damiano Center in Duluth is asking to take them off your hands. The center is in need of variety of items such as men’s clothing, pots & pans, blankets, and winter coats that can be given to help the people they serve. The organization has…

Tech-Up Program Helps Give Laptops To Those In Need

The program has given out nearly 150 laptops.

DULUTH, Minn. – Community Action Duluth is hoping to narrow the technology gap one person at a time. The organization’s Community Tech-Up program aims to provide free laptops and wifi to those who may not be able to afford it. The program is geared towards giving those individuals more access to educational and employment opportunities. The digital divide has already…

Walz to Have Flags Flown at Half-Staff

This is to honor and mourn the lives of individuals who have lost their lives to Covid-19.

DULUTH, Minn. – Governor Tim Walz has directed flags at all federal and state buildings be flown at half-staff on Wednesday. This is to honor and mourn the lives of individuals who have lost their lives to Covid-19. Flags will be flown at half-staff from sunrise to sunset on the 19th of each month for the remainder of 2020. Categories:…

Midday Update 8-19-20

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Wednesday, August 19, 2020

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist William Seay for a local look at news and weather making headlines Wednesday, August 19, 2020. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Local News, midday update, News, William Seay

Cast Iron, Stokke’s to Host Boys & Girls Clubs of the Northland Fundraiser

The Fundraiser is Happening Thursday, Aug. 27 at Cast Iron Bar & Grill

DULUTH, Minn. – The COVID-19 pandemic is impacting many local businesses financially, but also non-profit organizations such as the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Northland. Many of the organizations big donors are unable to make such contributions this year due to financial issues caused by the coronavirus pandemic. Thankfully, the Cast Iron Bar & Grill along with Stokke’s Meat…

Wildwoods Requesting Chokecherry, Raspberry Branches to Aid in Rehabilitation

Branches, Berries Help Teach the Birds How to Forage in the Wild

DULUTH, Minn. – The staff at Wildwoods Wildlife Rehabilitation Center in Duluth is asking for the public’s support as summer comes to a close. If you have any chokecherry or raspberry bushes and don’t know what to do with your bounty, you’re encouraged to drop them off at Wildwoods. The berries are used to help retrain birds how to forage…

Morning Update 8-19-20

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Wednesday, August 19, 2020

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist William Seay for a local look at news and weather making headlines Wednesday, August 19, 2020. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Local News, morning update, News, William Seay

Great Outdoors: Blueberry Picking

In the past, each field would be picked out within a day. Now, customers had to sign up by appointment... allowing for a slower season on the farm.

CLOQUET, Minn. – The Blackbirds and Blueberries farm has been doing their berry picking events a bit differently this year. “This year because we’re having to do one side at a time and limiting the number, it’s taking about three to four days to pick out a field,” Farm Owner, Lori Eaton says. In the past, each field would be…

City Gives Extension To Lake Superior Zoo To Pay Back Debt

Lake Superior Zoo has set a fundraising goal of 150,000 to help minimize its current deficit.

DULUTH, Minn. – As the Lake Superior Zoo continues to catch up from the impacts of COVID -19, the Duluth city council is throwing them a lifeline. The council voted on Monday to extend the deadline on a credit line that was scheduled to be repaid to the city by October. The extension will give popular tourist attraction an additional…

Local Tattoo Shop Helps Collect Donations For Toy Drive Honoring A Child That Lost His Life Too Soon

"He was the silliest funniest little boy ever. His personality was so unique. It was honestly indescribable," said Tayteaona Boykin, Baby J's mother.

SUPERIOR, Wis. – A Twin ports tattoo shop is giving back by helping to collect donations for a toy drive honoring the memory of a child that lost his life way too soon. 13-month-old  Jamarr Harkins Jr., also known as Baby J, was born with a congenital heart defect. In his short lifetime, he fought to survive even after having…

Midday Update 8-18-20

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Tuesday, August 18, 2020

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

Morning Update 8-18-20

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Tuesday, August 18, 2020

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist William Seay for a local look at news and weather making headlines Tuesday, August 18, 2020. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Local News, morning update, New, William Seay

Encore Music Studio Moves Locations, Hosts Virtual Classes

The studio is now wrapping up its summer session and is now looking forward to the upcoming fall semester which begins in mid September.

DULUTH, Minn. – The phrase music is good for the soul takes on a whole new meaning during this pandemic. “When we’re going through this collective trauma of not being able to see the people we love safely. It’s a wonderful outlet to really look inward to yourself,” Encore Music Studio Owner, Brian Kapp says. These two instructors have been…

Hospitality Industry Businesses In The Northland Are In Need Of Workers

DULUTH, Minn.- In ordinary times, employers filling open jobs may have been an easier task, but with so much uncertainty surrounding the ongoing global pandemic, finding those job seekers has become much more difficult for many Northland hospitality businesses. The pandemic continues to force people to adjust to new normals. One of those is how businesses such as hotels and…

Tutors Are In Demand As Parents Look For Support With Homeschool

The homeschool support program will help students with reading, writing, and spelling.

Tutoring services are becoming in high demand as many Northland parents are looking for help homeschooling their kids. Duluth Core Learning is now adding homeschooling support to its list of services. The organization typically offers one-on-one therapy services to children to strengthen skills that help them function through the school year such as attention and memory processing. The need for…

Lake Superior & Mississippi Railroad Officially Shuts Down, Optimistic About 2021 Season

The Lake Superior and Mississippi Railroad has been in operation since 1985. 

DULUTH, Minn. – Covid-19 is officially derailing the Lake Superior and Mississippi Railroad’s Season. Organizers say, they simply can’t operate safely during the pandemic in part because of a volunteer staff which are all considered in the high-risk category. The railroad’s president says the closure is a disappointment. “Because our people enjoy doing this. We enjoy sharing the ride with…

Midday Update 8-17-20

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Monday, August 17, 2020

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Ryan Johnson for a local look at news and weather making headlines Monday, August 17, 2020. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Local News, midday update, News, ryan johnson

Morning Update 8-17-20

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Monday, August 17, 2020

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Ryan Johnson for a local look at news and weather making headlines Monday, August 17, 2020. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Local News, morning update, News, ryan johnson

DECC Chef Brings Barbecue to Hillside with Pop-Up ‘Howard’s Q’ to Stay Afloat Without Work

Howard's Q is serving fresh ribs, rib tips, Jerk Chicken and more right next to the Shanty Bottle Shop on 4th Street on weekends. 

DULUTH, Minn.- A local cook is bringing barbecue to the East Hillside Neighborhood in Duluth while making the most of being out of work during the pandemic. Howard’s Q is serving fresh ribs, rib tips, Jerk Chicken and more right next to the Shanty Bottle Shop on 4th Street on weekends. The cook, Howard Ross, was a Sous Chef at…

Northland Fallen Soldier Honored with Memorial Garden at Dairyland Outdoor Veterans Retreat

Sgt. Chad Allen, a marine, was just in his 20s when he was killed on a tour in Iraq in 2007.

DAIRYLAND, Wis.- Local veterans, friends and family, and others in the small rural Wisconsin town of Dairyland gathered at the Dairyland Outdoor Veterans Retreat and campground to pay a special tribute to one of their own young men killed in action in Iraq. “After 13 years, his memory still grows stronger and stronger,” said Brandon Allen, there recognizing his brother’s…

Severe Storms Batter Superior with Downed Trees, Damaged Homes

Two homeowners awoke to find a giant tree toppled onto their rental property.

SUPERIOR, Wis.- Many homeowners in Superior awoke Saturday morning to see their lawns and property battered with branches and trees due to Friday night’s storms. “The storms we’ve had earlier this year haven’t been as severe,” said Battalion Chief Bob Zimmerman of the Superior Fire Department. “When you start to rank it with regard to severe storms, we saw the…

Someone Drove Through Turf At GND Rec Center Causing Damage

The cost to fix the damage is estimated in the thousands.

DULUTH, Minn.- The Gary New Duluth Recreational Center, which serves a safe space for the community in that neighborhood, was recently vandalized. Someone drove their car through the turf near the center causing some damage. The Gary New Duluth Development Alliance has spent tons of money and resources revitalizing the area. A board member of the organization says it is…

Douglas County Dept. Of Public Health Face Challenges When Trying To Conduct Contact Tracing

"One of the biggest challenges is incorrect phone numbers, voicemails that are full, so you can't leave a message," said Kathy Ronchi, health officer for Douglas County Department of Public Health.

SUPERIOR, Wis. – If you receive a phone call from an unfamiliar number, health officials at the Douglas Department of Public Health as you may not want to ignore it. The phone call could be the one informing you may have been exposed to COVID-19. Contact tracing is a key method health experts use to help contain the spread of…

A New Ice Cream Shop Opens in Lincoln Park

Camp Creemee is open daily.

DULUTH, Minn. – In the midst of the global pandemic ice cream just might make life a little bit sweeter. A new ice cream shop in Lincoln Park helping to add that extra sugar to life. Camp Creemee, which resides inside wild state cider in Duluth, officially opened for business. The Vermont-style soft serve offers a creamier texture than most…

North Shore School Districts Release Fall Learning Plans

Cook County, Silver Bay, and Two Harbors Release Back-to-School Plans Amid COVID-19 Pandemic

COOK COUNTY, Minn. – The Cook County School Board voted Thursday evening to begin the academic year for ISD 166 on a distance learning model for all students grades K – 12. Superintendent Bill Crandall says the School Board not only took into consideration the current COVID-19 case numbers in Cook County, but what health experts are predicting could happen…

Midday Update 8-14-20

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Friday, August 14, 2020

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist William Seay for a local look at news and weather making headlines Friday, August 14, 2020. Have a great day! Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Local News, midday update, News, William Seay

Morning Update 8-14-20

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Friday, August 14, 2020

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist William Seay for a local look at news and weather making headlines Friday, August 14, 2020. Have a great day! Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Local News, morning update, News, William Seay

Apartment Where 36-Year-Old Man Dies In Fire Gets Burglarized

The items needed are hygiene products and clothing.

DULUTH, Minn. – More than a half dozen residents displaced by a fire that killed a 36-year-old man are now dealing with yet another difficulty. Duluth police confirmed to fox 21 that they responded to a burglary at that housing unit. Some of those without a home are asking for help. A friend to one of the residents posted on…

Fruit Truck Stops In Duluth

The semi-truck full of fresh fruit from farms and orchards all across the upper Midwest.

Duluth, Minn. –  The fruit truck made a stop in West Duluth on Thursday. The semi-truck full of fresh fruit from farms and orchards all across the upper Midwest. Today, the hot ticket items were plums, peaches and nectarines all of which are sold in bulk. “It’s for canning or freezing. Nothing like something you’d buy a little bit of…

Local Insurance Company Says Thank You To Customers

DULUTH, Minn. – a local insurance company gave thanks to its loyal customers. The Patrick Shelton Insurance Agency hosted a customer appreciation event to show how much they value those they serve. The first 15 customers at the event received free lunch from Tig’s Smok’n Pig BBQ. There were also tons of giveaways and prize drawings. “You have to show…

Local Preschool Looking For Help To Raise $50,000

More than $2,000 has already been raised through a Go Fund Me page.

DULUTH, Minn. – A Northland preschool is hoping to remain open to stay a reliable resource for parents as the need for childcare in the area continues to grow. The school is now looking for help from the community to raise money to purchase the building they now use. Lakeside Early Learning in Duluth hopes to raise $50,000 for a…

Midday Update 8-13-20

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Thursday, August 13, 2020

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist William Seay for a local look at news and weather making headlines Thursday, August 13, 2020. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Local News, midday update, News, William Seay

Authentic Mole Poblano at Bucktales Cantina and Grill

Cooking Connection: Dee's Delicious Mole Poblano

SUPERIOR, Wis. – This week’s Cooking Connection takes us to Bucktales Cantina and Grill located south of Superior along Highway 35. Owner Dee Morales specializes in whipping up authentic Mexican dishes, but the cantina also offers a wide variety of other foods such as burgers, gyros, appetizers and more. In this week’s segment, Morales prepares a recipe with deep family…

Morning Update 8-13-20

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Thursday, August 13, 2020

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist William Seay for a local look at news and weather making headlines Thursday, August 13, 2020. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Local News, morning update, News, William Seay

Olmsted County Resident Crowned ‘Princess Kay of the Milky Way’

19-year-old Brenna Connelly, a college student from Byron Minnesota has been crowned the 67th Princess Kay of the Milky Way.  

Photo credit: Matt Addington. BYRON, Minnesota. – Despite this year’s cancellation of the Minnesota State Fair, there’s a new princess in the land of 10,000 lakes. 19-year-old Brenna Connelly, a college student from Byron Minnesota has been crowned the 67th Princess Kay of the Milky Way. Connelly represents Minnesota’s Olmsted County. The crowning took place on Wednesday night during a…

New Scenic Cafe Hitting the Road with ‘Scenic 61’ Food Truck

Restaurant owner adds food truck to methods of staying afloat while dine-in restaurant remains closed.

DULUTH, Minn.- After months shut down due to the pandemic, food is available at New Scenic Cafe on Highway 61 again — this time on wheels, as the Scenic 61 food truck opened Wednesday. Originally set up to carry food down to the now canceled Minnesota State Fair, Scenic 61 is now carrying the business through the summer as its…

New Guidelines For Long Term Care Facilities Released By MN Dept. Of Health

DULUTH, Minn. – The Minnesota Department of Health recently released new COVID-19 guidelines for longterm care facilities in the state. Long term care centers can be in either level one or level two. Each facility must factor in if they have had a case within the last 28 days before restrictions for visitation can be relaxed. Other factors such as…

Carnegie Library Looking For Tenants Before Starting Construction

SUPERIOR, Wis. – After being bought nearly two years ago by a North Carolina-based architectural company, the Carnegie Library in superior is a step closer to starting construction. The plan for the historic landmark is to turn it into a co-working space. There has been a growing need for commercial space in Superior, which has helped expand the plans for…