Community

“Pilgrim” Tall Ship Attracts Many for Free Tours, Stories of Three-Year Journey

In three years the four-person crew made their way across the Atlantic and then through the Great Lakes to Duluth.

DULUTH, Minn.- The Pilgrim tall ship that arrived to Duluth Monday on a three-year journey from Russia was full of Northlanders Tuesday touring the ship, getting a taste of the sea. The Pilgrim was built in Duluth’s Sister City of Petrozavodsk, Russia in 2015. It made its way across the Atlantic and then through the Great Lakes to Duluth with…

UW-Superior Students Remain Optimistic For First Day Of Class

This is the 125th time UW-Superior will be starting a fall semester.

SUPERIOR, Wis. – Classes for the fall semester begin on Wednesday at the University of Wisconsin Superior. Going to the first day of class can be an exciting moment for many students attending a university Unfortunately, the COVID-19 pandemic has thrown a curveball in what some students expected for the academic year. “I’m excited, but I am disappointed it’s all…

Despite Changes Teachers, Students Excited for Year After First Day of School in Superior District

Half of Northern Lights Elementary School started Tuesday while the rest have their first day on Thursday.

SUPERIOR, Wis.- Some kids in Superior got back to their classrooms Tuesday as the academic year began for the Superior School District. Many students started the year in a hybrid of in-person and virtual learning. At Northern Lights Elementary School hybrid learning students with the last names A through L went back to school Tuesday, while the remaining students’ first…

Onewheel Riders Express Passion For The Adventurous Activity

Learn More Information at Onewheel MN - Duluth Area on Facebook

From hiking to biking, Northlanders are doing all they can this summer to experience the great outdoors and keep somewhat sane amid the COVID-19 pandemic. One small group in the area is branching out with a need for speed, and a passion for sightseeing on one wheel. “If you’re ever bored, you’ll never be bored again,” said Eric Hester, a…

Downtown Farmers Market Continues with Season Dwindling

The leftover produce gets donated to local food shelves.

DULUTH, Minn. – Customers were able to pick their fresh local produce grown from farmers around the area today at the downtown Duluth Farmers Market. Some vendors say, that because of the pandemic they are keeping their booths up longer through the fall to help make a profit. The leftover produce gets donated to local food shelves. “I pay for…

COVID-19 Creates New Connections in the World of Ballroom Dance

Superior Ballroom Dance Studio is Seeing a Slight Increase in Customers Amid the COVID-19 Pandemic

DULUTH, Minn. – Small businesses across the Northland are facing extreme financial challenges amid the COVID-19 pandemic. From restaurants to boutiques, and even ballroom dance studios, changes are being made daily to keep clients engaged and revenue coming in. “I like to dance all day long and share knowledge,” said Benjamin Welch, head instructor at Superior Ballroom Dance Studio. “I…

Morning Update 9-1-20

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Tuesday, September 1, 2020

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Ken Slama for a local look at news and weather making headlines Tuesday, September 1, 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

Sports Card Sales Going Up Throughout Pandemic

Record setting sales of high-profile sports cards illustrates the high demand.

DULUTH, Minn.- Just this month LA Angels center fielder Mike Trout’s rookie baseball card sold for a record $3 million at auction. That’s on trend with a growing demand for sports cards according to local card shops. The manager at Collector’s Connection by the Miller Hill Mall in Duluth said Minnesota Twins and Vikings Players cards have typically been popular….

Superior Mayor’s 2021 Budget Proposes More Officer Training, Adding Social Worker to Police Dept.

The budget makes use of the roughly $385,000 surplus from last year.

SUPERIOR, Wis.- Superior Mayor Jim Paine announced his 2021 budget proposal Monday. Calling it the most ambitious budget of his administration, it includes the largest investment into police training in the city’s history, and adding a social worker to the department. According to Mayor Paine, excess funds of $385,468 from the year 2019 will help the city forward through the…

Next Stages For Can Of Worms Project Could Begin In October

DULUTH, Minn. -Tthe next phases of construction on the “Can of Worms” could start this fall. One of the goals for this round of construction is to enhance safety by eliminating merging lanes that create blind spots. The project would replace aging infrastructure such as the 27th Avenue West overpass. The Minnesota Department of Transportation plans to improve freight mobility…

Iron Range Mayors Endorse U.S. Senate Candidate Jason Lewis

"Mining is the engine that runs our economy. We don't have a lot of adversity in the city of Virginia," said Larry Cuffe Jr., mayor of Virginia.

EVELETH, Minn. – More than five Iron Range mayors endorsed President Trump for re-election during Vice President Mike Pence’s visit on Friday. Some of those politicians sat down for a round table discussion with republican U. S. Senate candidate Jason Lewis to talk about key issues impacting the area. The Iron Range can be mostly known for its mining industry….

Rebuild Duluth Program Accepting Applications To Fill Housing Needs

DULUTH, Minn. – The City of Duluth’s Planning and Economic Development Department is going for round two of its Rebuild Duluth program. The program was started to help reduce the cost of building new housing within existing residential areas. Applications are currently being accepted from individuals and organizations. More than a half dozen vacant lots that are capable of being…

Midday Update 8-31-20

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Monday, August 31, 2020

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Ken Slama for a local look at news and weather making headlines Monday, August 31, 2020. Have a great day! Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Ken Slama, Local News, morning update

Therapist Offers Advice on When to Seek Help With Mental Health Concerns

Coffee Conversation: Dealing with Mental Health Amid COVID-19 Pandemic, Social Unrest

DULUTH, Minn. – The COVID-19 pandemic is impacting individuals on many different levels. Toss in political and social unrest across the country, and stress/anxiety have skyrocketed this year. Maren Barootian , a psychotherapist at Essentia Health in Duluth, says it’s important for those struggling with mental health issues to know they’re not alone. Barootian says it’s easy for many adults…

Morning Update 8-31-20

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Monday, August 31, 2020

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Ken Slama for a local look at news and weather making headlines Monday, August 31, 2020. Have a great day! Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update

Lake Superior Maritime Museum Gift Shop Drops Anchor Outside

Since July the gift shop has been right outside the museum on the sidewalk, as there are no plans to reopen the museum yet.

DULUTH, Minn.- As the Lake Superior Maritime Museum remains closed in Canal Park due to the pandemic, the gift shop is still finding a way to get little pieces of Duluth memories out to customers. Since July the gift shop has been right outside the museum on the sidewalk. The manager says while transitioning to an outdoor tent setting has…

One Year After Fatal Hit-and-Run, Nashwauk Remembers Toddler Logan Klennert by Planting Trees

Police say 39-year-old Jake Place was under the influence when he killed Logan and injured his aunt, his sentencing is set for October.

NASHWAUK, Minn.- It’s been one year since a fatal hit-and-run in Nashwauk by a driver under the influence took the life of 2-year-old Logan Klennert and injured his 16-year-old aunt. On Sunday, the community honored Logan while spreading the message to drive sober. Meanwhile, the man charged in the hit-and-run is set to be sentenced this Fall. “It’s been a…

Chief Tusken Responds to Duluth Police Officer’s Viral Facebook Post About Downtown Shooting Incident

In the post the Sergeant recounts the events, and his own thoughts, surrounding a call he responded to Wednesday, where he "almost shot an 'unarmed black man,'."

DULUTH, Minn.- A Duluth Police officer’s recent Facebook post has gone viral, along with Duluth Police Chief Mike Tusken’s subsequent response after sharing the post, regarding a call Police responded to Wednesday. Both are included below, and can be found on FOX 21’s Facebook Page.  The officer originally wrote on the Duluth Police Local 807 Facebook Page Thursday, signing as…

Vice President Mike Pence Makes A Stop In Duluth

"We got a clear vision for our second term, more jobs, and better wages," said Vice President Mike Pence.

DULUTH, Minn. – One day after ending the Republican National Convention, Vice President Mike Pence makes his first appearance back on the campaign trail in Duluth. He is hoping to gain the support of Minnesotans as the administration makes an effort to build a stronger economy. Hundreds of supporters rallied together at the Clure Public Marine Terminal in Duluth, to…

Minnesota DFL Leaders, Residents Respond to Vice President Pence Visit

Vice President Mike Pence Spoke in Duluth Friday at Clure Public Marine Terminal

DULUTH, Minn. – The visit to the Northland by Vice President Mike Pence drew sharp criticism from DFL leaders across Minnesota including Duluth Mayor Emily Larson and many residents. Members of the DFL party in Minnesota seem to agree the Trump administration has lacked leadership, allowing the COVID-19 pandemic to spiral out of control across the United States, while leaders…

Midday Update 8-28-20

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Friday, August 28, 2020

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Ken Slama for a local look at news and weather making headlines Friday, August 28, 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 8-28-20

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Friday, August 28, 2020

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Ken Slama for a local look at news and weather making headlines Friday, August 28, 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

UMD Staff Member Creates Unique Signs for Social Distancing

The goal is to help ease students transitioning back to campus

DULUTH, Minn. – When walking through the halls of UMD this year you may notice certain areas look a bit different. “This is the first year we’ve had to put a ton of signage up. So that kind of threw us for a loop,” Kirby Student Center, Mat Gilderman says. Out of the hundreds of signs across the campus, Mat…

Bremer Bank Opens In Downtown Duluth

The branch is open Monday through Friday.

DULUTH, Minn. – Bremer Bank has opened its newest location in downtown Duluth. The new branch, which is located in the Holiday Center, is a full-service banking institution. It offers traditional banking products and services such as checking and savings accounts. The branch was originally scheduled to open in march but the COVID-19 outbreak caused a delay. “We are opening…

Pride Fest Still Happening Virtually For Labor Day Weekend

The virtual festival runs through next Sunday.

DULUTH, Minn. – Some Labor Day fun may have already been canceled, but the Duluth-Superior Pride Festival will go on virtually. Starting next Thursday, everyone can participate in the festivities from the comfort of their homes. There are a wide array of fun activities on the schedule including a virtual parade, a drag show, and movie screenings. While the pandemic…

St. Louis County Launches Mask Up, COVID Down Campaign

The county enlisted the help from 25 local celebrities like Charlie Parr.

DULUTH, Minn. – St. Louis County has launched a new campaign called “Mask Up, Covid Down” to highlight the reasons why people are wearing face coverings other than being required and scientific justification behind it. The county enlisted the help of 25 local celebrities like Charlie Parr and UMD’s mascot Champ to share their individual purpose for wearing a mask….

Jury Trials Are Slowly Starting To Return Across The State

TWO HARBORS, Minn. – The global pandemic put a pause on jury trials and in-person court proceedings in Minnesota. These trials are slowly beginning to resume across the state including in the Northland, as courts are taking precautions to ensure everyone’s safety. The last time there was an in-person hearing with a jury at the Lake County Courthouse was back…

Duluth’s Best Bread to Host ‘Unofficial Minnesota State Fair’

State Fair Style Foods will be Severd for a Limited Time Only -- Eight Days!

DULUTH, Minn. – With the cancellation of the 2020 Minnesota State Fair, the creative minds at Duluth’s Best Bread couldn’t let Northlanders go without their favorite fair flavors before summer winds down. The locally owned company is thrilled to present the first ‘Unofficial Minnesota State Fair’ of 2020. For eight days, Duluth’s Best Bread will offer hungry customers state fair…

Midday Update 8-27-20

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Thursday, August 27, 2020

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist William Seay for a local look at news and weather making headlines Thursday, August 27, 2020. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Ken Slama, Local News, midday update, News

Zesty Lemon Layer Cake with Lift Bridge Baked Goods

Lift Bridge Baked Goods Operates as a 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 8-27-20

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Thursday, August 27, 2020

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Ken Slama for a local look at news and weather making headlines Thursday, August 27, 2020. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Ken Slama, Local News, morning update

Domestic Abuse Shelter Looking to Build Playground

The center is still seeking an additional $15,000 for the playground

ASHLAND, Wis. –  After moving into a new location in 2019 the New Day Advocacy Center in Ashland is now seeking donations to help them build a playground and more. With Covid-19 limiting what their clients can and can’t do, having an outdoor space would cater to those families who enter their facility. “Here if they go outside they are…

Spirit Room in Superior Sets Up ‘Wine Stand’ Every Wednesday Outside

You can order a cup or bottle of any of their wines with a cheese and olive plate and take it to-go or enjoy it at any of their outdoor tables. 

SUPERIOR, Wis.- One Superior cocktail bar is interacting with its neighborhood and selling products in a unique way every Wednesday. The Wine Stand outside the Spirit Room on Broadway Street is like a lemonade stand, but with something a bit stronger for adults. You can order a cup or bottle of any of their wines with a cheese and olive…

Northland Red Cross Sends Volunteers to Help with Hurricane Laura Relief, Seeking More

Officials with the Northland Chapter of the Red Cross in Duluth say so far more volunteers are needed for medical, logistics, and other roles.

DULUTH, Minn.- As Hurricane Laura nears landfall on the Gulf Coast, the American Red Cross is gearing up to dispatch their response teams to the hardest hit areas ready to pick up the pieces from what is projected to be a devastating hurricane. One nurse from International Falls just landed in Houston Wednesday, and four more volunteers from the Northland…

Friends of Mark Sertich Remember Their Time On The Ice With “Sertie”

Sertie would play hockey several times per week, all the way up until his passing

DULUTH, Minn. – The city of Duluth lost another legend this week as the world’s oldest hockey player Mark Sertich, passed away Monday morning at the age of 99. Sertie would play hockey several times per week, all the way up until his passing, which always surprised people who had heard of him and even the people who got the…

Midday Update 8-26-20

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Wednesday, August 26, 2020

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Ryan Johnson for a local look at news and weather making headlines Wednesday, August 26, 2020. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Local News, midday update, News, ryan johnson

Twin Ports Community Honors Four-Legged Soldier Lost Too Soon

Sarge Was an Honorary Member of the Superior Honor Guard

SUPERIOR, Wis. – Man’s best friend can impact humans in a unique and lasting way. On Friday, Aug. 21, the residents in the Twin Ports community took time out of the day to honor a four-legged soldier leaving a lasting impact on many in the region. This type of somber ceremony happens once in a blue moon at the Richard…

Former State Senator, Duluth City Councilor Named as DECC Interim Executive Director

DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth Entertainment Convention Center board has formally nominated former state Senator and Duluth City Councilor Roger Reinert as the Interim Executive Director. The decision was made during a Wednesday morning virtual meeting about the DECC’s status and plan for the remainder of the year. Reinert has acted as the interim liaison for the last two months…

Morning Update 8-26-20

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Wednesday, August 26, 2020

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Ryan Johnson for a local look at news and weather making headlines Wednesday, August 26, 2020. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Local News, morning update, News, ryan johnson

DEED Commissioner Steve Grove Visits Duluth

DULUTH, Minn. – Small businesses in the Northland have been taking huge financial hits due to the global pandemic. The Department of Employment and Economic Development Commissioner visited Duluth on Wednesday to hear first-hand stories from some of those business owners and how grant funding has helped them rebuild. India Palace in Duluth has been serving traditional Indian cuisine to…

Mentors Needed To Help Support Students During The School Year

DULUTH, Minn.- A local non-profit is searching for mentors to help provide additional support to families as they navigate through the upcoming school year. Mentor North in Duluth is a one on one community based mentoring program. The organization is launching its new academic mentoring program to be a positive re-enforcement as many students and their families may be facing…

Northland School Districts Switch Plans To Safely Resume Academic Year

The first day of class is September 8th for both Duluth and Proctor Public Schools.

NORTHLAND – COVID-19 cases are continuing to spike across the northland. Now several schools in the region are making adjustments to plans originally put in place for the start of the academic year. Minnesota schools were given three options to choose from to safely resume the 20-21 school year. Many Northland school districts had planned on implementing a hybrid model,…

Firefighters Battle Hours-Long Fire at Historic Downtown Hibbing Building

The cause of the Moose Event Center fire is still unknown and under investigation.

HIBBING, Minn.- No one was injured fighting an inferno Tuesday that collapsed the roof of the Moose Event Center on Howard Street in Hibbing, according to fire officials. But what does hurt to the small town, is the loss of a building that houses many businesses and memories. “As I stood outside and watched it just kept, no matter how…

Midday Update 8-25-20

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Tuesday, August 25, 2020

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Ryan Johnson for a look at news and weather making local headlines Tuesday, August 25, 2020. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Local News, morning update, News, ryan johnson

Morning Update 8-25-20

Local News and Waether Making Headlines Tuesday, August 25, 2020

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Ryan Johnson for a look at news and weather making local headlines Tuesday, August 25, 2020. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Local News, morning update, News, ryan johnson

Iron Range Communities, Officials Rally in Nashwauk to Keep Togo Prison Open

They say if the Governor needs to make cuts to address the state's budget, a big source of jobs and criminal reform on the Range isn't the place to do it.

DULUTH, Minn.- A packed crowd in Nashwauk rallied around keeping the Minnesota Correctional Facilities in Togo and Willow River open. “Keep the program that is actually putting people, taking people out of prisons and putting them to work,” said District 6 Senator David Tomassoni. Hundreds from both sides of the political aisle packed the Nashwauk Area Veterans Memorial Park, including…

Duluth Police Take A Deeper Look At Types Of People They Want To Hire

DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth Police Department has been scouting to potentially fill openings for officers. In the wake of such tragedies like the death of George Floyd, the department has had to a deeper look into the types of people they are looking to hire. The department is focusing more on finding people with a strong character, extensive critical…