Community

Morning Update 6-17-20

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Wednesday, June 17, 2020

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist William Seay for a local look at news and weather making headlines Wednesday, June 17, 2020. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Local News, morning update, William Seay

Aunt Jemima to Change Logo

After 130 years, Aunt Jemima will vanish from packaging.

(Paul Taggart/Bloomberg via Getty Images) NEW YORK (AP) – Pepsico is changing the name and marketing image of its Aunt Jemima pancake mix and syrup. A spokeswoman for Pepsico-owned Quaker Oats Company said it recognized Aunt Jemima’s origins are based on a racial stereotype and that the 131-year-old name and image would be replaced on products and advertising by the…

7 West Taphouse Re-Opens Amid Superior Street Reconstruction Downtown

Longtime customers say they're still excited to get back to their favorite restaurant.

DULUTH, Minn.- 7 West Taphouse is one of the bars and restaurants which has opened their locations this week, including in downtown Duluth  — on top of the reconstruction of a portion of Superior Street happening right outside their door. On their first day open Monday, about 20-30 people came in for lunch. Customers are asked to wait at the…

Visit Duluth Furloughs Six Employees, As Summer Tourism Remains Uncertain

Six out of the 11 employees were temporarily furloughed.

DULUTH, Minn.- Six employees have been temporarily furloughed at Visit Duluth, the tourism bureau tasked with marketing the city to outsiders. “We are at a point now where it was the harsh reality of what we’re facing in our industry,” said President Anna Tanski. “We have the resources and took these steps to stretch our operation at least through the…

Water Safety Tips To Follow As Temperatures Warm Up

The need to enjoy nice summer weather can cause people to use poor judgment,

DULUTH, Minn. – As temperatures continue to warm up, many Northlanders are attracted to spending their days around water. That’s why the Superior Fire Department is giving out some tips to help keep everyone safe while enjoying Lake Superior. Warmer weather can be all the motivation many people need to indulge in water-related activities. Sometimes the need to enjoy nice…

Frost River Opens A Pop-Up Shop

The pop-up shop is open from noon to 6 p.m.

DULUTH, Minn. – Frost River in Lincoln Park is offering a new shopping experience for its customers. The outdoor accessory and apparel store has now opened up a new pop up shop. The pop-up is run out of a vintage camp trailer, which is parked right outside of its retail location. The idea of a mobile store has been on…

Midday Update 6-16-20

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Tuesday, June 16, 2020

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist William Seay for a local look at news and weather making headlines Tuesday, June 16, 2020. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Local News, midday update, William Seay

Morning Update 6-16-20

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Tuesday, June 16, 2020

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist William Seay for a local look at news and weather making headlines Tuesday, June 16, 2020. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Local News, morning update, William Seay

Fond-du-Luth, Black Bear Casinos Open After Three Months Closed

The casino has increased the space between people at machines, and is not allowing smoking on the gaming floor.

DULUTH, Minn.- After being closed for three months, Fond-du-Luth Casino in downtown Duluth and Black Bear Casino in Cloquet are now back open for businesses, with some noticeable changes. Fond-du-Luth was busy on its first day re-opened. The slot machines were ringing, and their colorful screens flashing once again. But before getting to the excitement, guests must be checked. “When…

Oldenburg House Gearing Up for Re-Opening

"We could have three suits open every night. We're not likely to do that. We want to have enough down time between the stays that we can completely sanitize the suite."

CARLTON, Minn. – “When you’re around good players, your ears start to hear the right stuff,” Oldenburg House Proprietor, Glenn Swanson says. At five years old, Glenn Swanson developed a love for music. In his later years, began using his skills for fundraisers… And then, the pandemic hit. “In March and in April had cancelled our indoor events for our…

‘Tribute Fest’ Concert Fundraiser for Homeless Veterans Canceled

Tickets can either be deferred for next year, donated to MACV, or refunded.

DULUTH, Minn.- COVID-19 has claimed another summer event at Bayfront Festival Park: the Tribute Fest fundraiser. Organizer Lou Campbell says the current outdoor gathering cap of 250 people just isn’t possible. The three-day festival usually attracts between 2,000-4,000 people, raising about $20,000 every year for the Minnesota Assistance Council for Veterans, or MACV. Campbell hopes to raise money for homeless…

Governor Tim Walz Visits CJM Memorial On 100th Anniversary Of Lynchings

"You can't help but think of that horror that night. You can't help but think of the terror they must've gone through as those three young men were drug out of that jail," said Governor Tim Walz.

DULUTH, Minn. – Elias Clayton, Elmer Jackson, and Isaac Mcghie are still being commemorated through this memorial. 100 years later many are hopeful change will come as racial injustices and inequalities still plage the nation.” This day of remembrance is a chance for many in the Duluth community to take a moment to pause and reflect on what happened back…

Community BBQ Draws Many To CJM Memorial To Commemorate 100th Anniversary

DULUTH, Minn- Dozens of people gathered at the Clayton Jackson McGhie Memorial for a community barbecue. The event was hosted by the group called the Young African Heritage Men. Numerous guest speakers stopped by to continue to shed light on the importance of the memorial. They say it was an opportunity to provide healing on the day these young men…

Midday Update 6-15-20

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Monday, June 15, 2020

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

Morning Update 6-15-20

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Monday, June 15, 2020

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

Amazing Grace to Become Canal Park’s First Grocery Store and Cafe

The longstanding bakery and cafe is doing a total overhaul, changing what it offers to the area.

DULUTH, Minn.- The bakery and cafe that has sat in the basement of the DeWitt-Seitz Marketplace for 25 years is not only getting a makeover, but a do-over — from a bakery to a grocery store. “Changing with the times you have to just, you can’t dig in your heels cause then those are the places that don’t survive,” said…

Lakewalk Portion Below Sister Cities Park Temporarily Closing for Construction

DULUTH, Minn.- A portion of the lakewalk will be temporarily closed Monday and Tuesday below the Sister Cities Park. Contractors will be onsite welding a steel plate extension to the existing sheet pile wall. A detour is posted through Gichi-ode’ Aking Park and reconnect the lakewalk to the Vietnam Veterans Memorial. Categories: Community, Minnesota, News, News – Latest News, Road…

Dozens Peacefully Protest Outside Duluth City Hall; Calling to Defund Police

Despite the crowd, the number of people of color present was lacking.

DULUTH, Minn.- Voices demanding change after the death of George Floyd once again filled the grounds of Duluth City Hall Saturday, but this group of dozens organized under a slightly different version of the message than the group of thousands did two weeks before. Chants of “Defund the Police!” took on a very literal meaning aiming at the city’s budget….

It’s National Red Rose Day

The Rose Man in Duluth sells roughly 100,000 roses a year.

DULUTH, Minn. – The flower of love doesn’t have to only be given to those you care for on Valentine’s Day. It can also share the love on National Red Rose Day. The red rose has been dubbed the symbol of love for many years. The popular flower is typically given by the dozen. The long-standing history suggests each rose…

MN Board Of Pardons Issues A Posthumous Pardon For A Wrongfully Convicted African American Man in 1920 Rape In Duluth

It's the first time Minnesota has granted this type of pardon.

DULUTH, Minn. – The State of Minnesota is making amends for wrongfully convicting a man of committing a rape in Duluth back in 1920. The board unanimously voted to award Max Mason a posthumous pardon. This comes as the 100th anniversary of the lynching of three African American men in Duluth. It’s the first time Minnesota has granted this type…

The City Of Duluth Wants To Help Laid Off Workers

Those on the job hunt can also utilize services such as resume building and workshops.

DULUTH, Minn – Many companies throughout the northland have recently laid off hundreds of employees as a way to recover from the financial difficulties of the Covid-19 pandemic. And the City of Duluth and CareerForce is stepping in to help It can be difficult for many of the laid-off employees to know where to start. CareerForce staff says they are…

City of Duluth Updates Parks and Recreation Policies

DULUTH, Minn. – After Minnesota Governor Tim Walz loosened more restrictions on recreational actives this past week, the city of Duluth has re-opened many of their parks to the public. In all, there are 38 playgrounds and close to 130 parks in Duluth. Management says, because crews won’t be sanitizing the equipment, people should come prepared. “Folks should remember to…

New Businesses Open In Lincoln Park During Uncertainty Of The Pandemic

DULUTH, Minn. – Opening a new business during a pandemic can definitely be a challenge, but some business owners are willing to take that leap of faith. The up and coming Lincoln Park neighborhood is home to a variety of businesses. Many have been hit hard by financial setbacks caused by Covid-19. With the pandemic curve starting to slightly flatten,…

King Of Creams Deploys Ice Cream Truck For Summer

Ice cream truck has a GPS for community access to find its location when riding around town.

DULUTH, Minn. – King of Creams in Duluth has deployed its ice cream truck for the summer. The truck has been serving up ice cream throughout neighborhoods in Duluth and Superior since 2008. The truck offers novelty bars and hand scooped ice cream. King of Creams typically lauches its ice cream truck in early April, but the pandemic put a…

Volunteers Assemble Face Shields for Frontline Workers

DULUTH, Minn. – Volunteer groups are assembling face shields for frontline workers during the COVID-19 pandmeic. The Heritage Center in Duluth’s Lincoln Park neighborhood has been filled with people making more than 30,000 face shields for Essentia Health. The volunteer drive is being organized by Ecolibrium3 and materials have been provided by Frost River Trading. The Duluth Woman’s Club is…

Midday Update 6-11-20

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Thursday, June 11, 2020

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist William Seay for a local look at news and weather making headlines Thursday, June 11, 2020. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: midday update

Morning Update 6-11-20

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Thursday, June 11, 2020

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist William Seay for a local look at news and weather making headlines Thursday, June 11, 2020. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: morning update

Second Harvest Hosts New Food Assistance Program

In all, 45,000 pounds were donated, with boxes full of all the essentials.

SUPERIOR, Wisconsin. – Members of Second Harvest Northern Lakes Food Bank, and UWS volunteers participated in there first ever coronavirus food assistance program drop off. Hundreds of cars were lined up lined up several blocks to get the food. In all, 45,000 pounds were donated, with boxes full of all the essentials. With no income restrictions, people could just pull…

Midday Update 6-10-20

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Wednesday, June 10, 2020

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist William Seay for a local look at news and weather making headlines Wednesday, June 10, 2020. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Local News, midday update, William Seay

Lake Superior Zoo Plans ‘A Walk on the Wild Side’ Reopening

Indoor Exhibits Will Remain Closed as the Zoo Takes a Phased Approach to Reopening

DULUTH, Minn. – Under the latest phase of Minnesota’s ‘Stay Safe’ executive order, many public facilitates are allowed to reopen with health restrictions in place. On the list to reopen is the Lake Superior Zoo. Staff is breathing a sigh of relief after losing roughly $500,000 in earned revenue since being forced to close doors almost three months ago. Before…

Morning Update 6-10-20

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Wednesday, June 10, 2020

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist William Seay for a local look at news and weather making headlines Wednesday, June 10, 2020. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Local News, morning update, William Seay

Verso Corporations Shutting Down Operations At Duluth Paper Mill

The pandemic has caused many industries to move to a digital platform creating a big drop in demand for paper.

DULUTH, Minn. – One of the leading producers in the paper industry is falling victim to the financial strains of the Covid-19 Pandemic. Ohio-based Verso Corporation announced it is stopping production at its mills in both Duluth and Wisconsin Rapids, indefinitely. Verso Corporation’s decision to cease production in both Duluth and Wisconsin Rapids is due to the growing decline in…

Bridgman’s Restaurant Adds A New Patio

The new patio is expected to open within a week.

DULUTH, Minn. – Bridgeman’s in Duluth is adding a new feature to its restaurant, just in time for summer. Coming soon, the popular restaurant will have a brand new patio. It will give customers a chance to take part in outdoor dining or have a quick sit down to enjoy some of Bridgeman’s delicious ice cream. Adding a patio was…

Skyline Lanes Prepares for Re-Opening

Skyline lanes will re-open tomorrow at 11 a.m.

HERMANTOWN, Minn. – Skyline Lanes is ready to re-open after over 70 days of being shut down. Customers will soon be back in the newly renovated facility, but there have been some big changes made to ensure the safety of all customers. Bowling will now be every other lane, and the arcade will now have games separated to ensure six…

Midday Update 6-9-20

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Tuesday, June 9, 2020

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist William Seay for a local look at news and weather making headlines Tuesday, June 9, 2020. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Local News, midday update, William Seay

Morning Update 6-9-20

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Tuesday, June 9, 2020

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist William Seay for a local look at news and weather making headlines Tuesday, June 9, 2020. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Local News, morning update, William Seay

Spirit Bay Trading Company Shutting Its Doors After More Than 20 Years

"I guess I'm getting up there where I want to spend time just to enjoy life," said Owner Terry Smith.

DULUTH, Minn. – The growing number of business owners choosing not to reopen as the pandemic is becoming more of a reality in the Northland. Spirit Bay Trading Company in Duluth is shutting its doors. For nearly a quarter of a century, Spirit Bay has been one of the only retail businesses in Duluth specializing in spreading the Native American…

Students Return Laptop After School Year Ending

More than 1,000 laptops were issued to elementary and middle school students.

SUPERIOR, Wis. – Families and students at the Superior Middle School returned their borrowed laptops. More than 1,000 laptops were issued to elementary and middle school students. Upon return, the devices will be evaluated and updated for use next year. Superior Middle School was already allowing the use of laptops before the pandemic, but once the school moved to long…

Pier B Expands For A More Fun-filled Experience

"We just added another amenity. It's just another reason to stay in Duluth and at Pier B," said General Manager Jon Driscoll."

DULUTH, Minn. – Pier B Resort Hotel in Duluth is expanding to help give guests a more fun-filled experience during their stay. Pier B has now added a new sports court. The 5,00 square foot space will offer guests the chance to take part in activities such as corn hole or pickleball. The space also offers a courtside bar and…

Midday Update 6-8-20

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Monday, June 8, 2020

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist William Seay for a local look at news and weather making headlines Monday, June 8, 2020. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Local News, midday update, William Seay

Strength in the Community Scholarship: Carsen Nykanen

POPLAR, Wis. – Carsen Nykanen is the next winner to be announced in the FOX 21 Strength in the Community Scholarship Series. Nykanen is headed to WITC in Superior in the fall and says he’s learned a lot not just in the classroom, but from playing sports as well. In his time at Northwestern High School, Nykanen played football and…

Morning Update 6-8-20

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Monday, June 8, 2020

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist William Seay for a local look at news and weather making headlines Monday, June 8, 2020. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Local News, morning update, William Seay

Amble For Anders: A Fundraiser Aiming To Continue Boy’s Journey

"He actually spends a lot of time making us feel better just because of his nature of being happy and positive in finding the good in things."

DULUTH, Minn. – At 12-years-old…. “I’ve been in the school spelling Bee every year since fourth Grade.” In a way, Anders Breidenbach has experienced more than most Adults have in their lifetimes. “He was diagnosed at age nine months and through treatment until he was two,” Anders Mother, Gini Breidenbach says. And after that diagnosis of a rare form of…

Events Remembering Clayton, Jackson, and McGhie Moved Partially Online

DULUTH, Minn. — The organization that educates the community about the Isaac McGhie, Elmer Jackson and Elias Clayton Memorial in Duluth has announced that the 100-year commemoration of the wrongful lynchings of the three men will be moved partially online because of the pandemic. The organization said that the original plan included hosting 10,000 people on June 15th of this…

OMC Smokehouse Expanding into Next-Door Noble Pour; Now Called ‘OMC Whiskey Bar’

A hole in the wall now connects the restaurant to the bar, increasing seating.

DULUTH, Minn.- Governor Walz announcing that bars, restaurants and other business can open at 50% capacity Wednesday is a relief for many restaurant owners. But for one in Lincoln Park, that meant scrapping a newly opened business to give new life to an existing favorite. “We’re kind of calling an audible on every play that we’ve made in the last…

Diverse Crowd in Cloquet Says ‘Black Lives Matter’ By Peacefully Marching Streets

A diverse group gathers with signs protesting the death of George Floyd, and other black men and women at the hands of police.

CLOQUET, Minn.-Signs in support of communities of color held by a diverse group of peaceful protesters crowded Veterans Memorial Park in Cloquet. “It’s beautiful to see all these people out here even if there aren’t that many people of color it’s beautiful to see that we do have advocates out there,” said Melinda Nelms. According to organizer Taysha Martineau, it…

Remembering D-Day at the Richard I. Bong Veterans Historical Center

SUPERIOR, Wis.- Saturday marked the 76th anniversary of when the Allied Forces clenched a pivotal victory in World War II. June 5th, 1944– the Allies invaded Europe through Normandy Beach. At the Richard I. Bong Veterans Historical Center in Superior, through their preserved P-38 plane and the replica of a paratrooper, the sacrifices of those soldiers live on for future…

Tent Rental Company Sees Increase in Business

Although the business has been around for almost 30 years they don't typically sell tents to restaurants.

DULUTH, Minn. – You may have noticed some local restaurants have tents outside of their business to keep taking in business rain or shine. Well, several of them including OMC and Duluth grill have purchased them for Doucette’s, a local party rental company outside of Duluth. Although the business has been around for almost 30 years they don’t typically sell…