Community

Essentia Health Moves Mobile Testing Site To Old Sears Building At Miller Hill Mall

The testing site is open seven days a week.

DULUTH, Minn. – Essentia Health in Duluth has moved its mobile COVID-19 testing site from West Duluth to the former Sears building at Miller Hill Mall. Hospital leaders say the mobile site has outgrown the area as testing volumes are increasing. With more people visiting the site, it caused traffic disruption for the West Duluth neighborhood, including drivers blocking a…

A Unanimous Vote For Mask Wearing In Cloquet Could Be a Longshot

Enforcement is one of the biggest issues which could cause the vote to fail.

CLOQUET, Minn. – The Cloquet City Council is expected to vote on Tuesday on a proposal that could force everyone to use face coverings while indoors. The possible new rule could be shot down as some council members do not agree with implementing the proposed ordinance. Duluth is the latest Northland community to move forward with a face covering requirement….

Oasis Del Norte Serving Authentic Mexican Food Across the Northland

Cooking Connection: Mexican Street Tacos

DULUTH, Minn. – One Northland business seeing an increase in sales amid the COVID-19 pandemic is Oasis Del Norte. The food truck pops up frequently in the Northland, from Superior Street in Duluth to Castle Danger Brewery in Two Harbors. Eduardo Sandoval Luna says business is booming this summer. His recipes are authentic, coming from his mother many years ago. “These…

Midday Update 7-16-20

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Thursday, July 16, 2020

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Ryan Johnson for a local look at news and weather making headlines Thursday, July 16, 2020. Have a great day! Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Local News, midday update, News, ryan johnson

Morning Update 7-16-20

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Thursday, July 16, 2020

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Ryan Johnson for a local look at news and weather making headlines Thursday, July 16, 2020. Have a great day! Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Local News, morning update, News, ryan johnson

Chester Bowl Fall Fest 2020 Canceled

DULUTH, Minn. – The Chester Bowl Fall Fest 2020 has been canceled. Event organizers announced their decision to cancel the event Thursday morning saying they would be unable to safely hold such a large event during the COVID-19 pandemic. Program Manager Sam Luoma says “We look forward to this event all year as a celebration of community and the change…

Johns Hopkins Center for American Indian Health Sending COVID Care Packages to Northland Tribal Communities

Researchers at the Great Lakes Hub in Duluth say the care packages are short term solutions, while they work to address lack of public health care in tribal communities.

DULUTH, Minn.- As the pandemic continues to rip through communities throughout the Northland, the Johns Hopkins Center for American Indian Health Great Lakes Hub in Duluth is providing aid to the indigenous communities effected by the virus. The Center has sent out about 100 care packages with food supplies, and about 100 what they call Holistic Wellness Boxes with items…

Classic, Custom Cars on Display at Airport Auto Sales Car Show

Hundreds of car owners showed off their machines.

DULUTH, Minn,- Classic cars were on display in Duluth at Airport Auto Sale’s annual Wednesday Nighter Car Show. For about 14 years the used car and truck dealer has had hundreds of hot rods, vintage and custom car owners from across the Northland in their lot to show off their machines. According to organizers, the variety of vehicles on display…

Auctioned Classic Car Raises Money for Combat Wounded Northland Veterans

LSC Students fixed up the 1976 Chevy, which sold for $14,750.

SUPERIOR, Wis.- At Benna Ford on Tower Avenue in Superior Wednesday, a 1976 Chevrolet Laguna S-3 was auctioned off as a fundraiser for combat wounded veterans in the Northland. For $14,750 the vintage vehicle was sold with proceeds going to the Military Order of the Purple Heart Chapter 56, an organization of 48 Northland veterans wounded in combat. “We’ve got…

Two Women Are In The Hospital After Their Home Exploded In Kettle River

"Everybody in town could hear the explosion and some people could even feel it," said Kyle Riel, fire chief of Kettle River Volunteer Fire Department.

KETTLE RIVER, Minn. – Two Kettle River women are being hospitalized with serious injuries after their home exploded and burned. The home that used to stand here on Korhonen Road in Kettle River no longer exists because of an explosion after those who lived her were simply trying to warm it up on a chilly night. “It was like some…

Duluthian Starts Virtual Curling Program

Open registration is currently available with the programs kicking off in the first week of August.

DULUTH, Minn.-It’s never too early to talk about curling in the Northland and one Duluthian is helping junior curlers do just that. 2022 Olympic hopeful Korey Dropkin  has been curling almost his entire life and has now begun putting on his own virtual clinic. The program provides an opportunity for curlers to connect with others their age around the U.S…

Midday Update 7-15-20

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Wednesday, July 15, 2020

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

MPCA Warns of Blue-Green Algae Dangers for Dogs

Two Dogs Have Died in Minnesota This Summer After Coming into Contact with Blue-Green Algae

DULUTH, Minn. – A toxic form of algae continues to take over area lakes, rivers, and ponds. Just this summer, two dogs in Minnesota have died after swimming in water tainted by blue-green algae. As we reach the dog days of summer, officials who research the growth often are looking to alert pet owners of potential danger. “You can’t identify…

Morning Update 7-15-20

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Wednesday, July 15, 2020

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

Head of Lakes Fair Still Happening with Extra Safety Precautions, Modified Activities

Along with hand sanitizing stations and staff monitoring people for social distancing, certain rides will not be there.

SUPERIOR, Wis.- Setup is underway for the only fair that seems to still be moving forward in the Northland — and perhaps the only event of the summer. The Head of the Lakes Fair on Tower Avenue is set to happen, open to the public next Tuesday at 4 p.m. Organizers say they are confident working with county health officials…

With Superior Mask Mandate on Horizon, Business Owners Prepare for its Passage

Some retail businesses like Annie's Attic already recommend masks, so making it a city-wide requirement will take some stress of enforcement, owner says.

SUPERIOR, Wis.- Across the bridge in Superior, businesses are preparing for a city wide mask mandate that could take effect July 27th, if the City Council approves a proposed ordinance at next week’s council meeting. All signs show it will be passed for indoor public places, as only Councilor Keith Kern, a bar owner himself, voted against moving forward with…

Adult Day Centers Reopen in Minnesota

DULUTH, Minn. – Adult day centers in Minnesota have now been given the green light to reopen. and return to servicing those with disabilities. Many of those utilizing those services have not been able to participate since March due to the pandemic. Choice Unlimited, in Duluth, is a community-based day program for people with disabilities. The organization provides a variety…

Midday Update 7-14-20

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Tuesday, July 14, 2020

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

Morning Update 7-14-20

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Tuesday, July 14, 2020

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

Lightning Strikes Home Overnight

The fire resulted in smoke damage, heavy water damage, and a portion of the roof was burned. 

DULUTH, Minn. – A lightning strike is to blame for a three-story home fire on the 5000 block of Lakeview Drive in Lakewood Township. Residents reported the house was struck by lightning around 1:20 a.m. The fire resulted in smoke damage, heavy water damage, and a portion of the roof was burned. All residents were able to exit the house…

Duluth Becomes First City in Northland to Approve Mask Mandate for Indoor Public Places

Duluth City Council voted unanimously to require masks indoors in public, with penalties for businesses and individuals that don't comply.

DULUTH, Minn.- Duluth is now the first city in the Northland to require masks in all public indoor spaces to stop the spread of the Coronavirus, after City Council voted unanimously to pass the historic ordinance Monday night, effective immediately. Face coverings will now be required in such places as retail spaces, DTA buses, the Skywalk, and in apartment building…

A New CBD Store Opens In Canal Park

The Superior Cannabis Company also has store in southern Minnesota.

DULUTH, Minn. –  A new CBD is store is now open in Canal Park. Superior Cannabis Company, which also has a flagship store in southern Minnesota sells a wide range of products used mainly for health and wellness. This includes CBD infused creams for body ailments and pet health products. The co-owner says opening in the middle of a pandemic…

Duluth City Council Unanimously Passes Ordinance Requiring Masks Indoors Citywide

DULUTH, Minn.- The Duluth City Council has unanimously passed a resolution requiring masks in indoor public places in the city, effective immediately, to slow the spread of COVID-19. Face coverings will now be required in such places as retail spaces, DTA buses, the Skywalk, at restaurants and bars when not eating or drinking, and in apartment building common areas such…

A Morgan Park Woman Is Being Displaced After Fire Takes Her Home

The fired caused an estimated $200,000.

DULUTH, Minn. – A Morgan Park woman is without a home after an electrical fire sparked an explosion causing her home to burn. Charred debris is what remains after the fire took over the home. The owner  says she is grateful to be alive after neighbors jumped into action to save her.” “It’s unbelievable. I am still in shock. I…

Midday Update 7-13-20

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Monday, July 13, 2020

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

2020 Park Point 5-Miler Includes Several Options for Runners

Park Point 5-Miler In-Person Race Happening Thursday, July 16

DULUTH, Minn. – This year’s Park Point 5-Miler will go forward with multiple options for runners amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Grandma’s Marathon has been working for weeks with guidance from the City of Duluth and the Grandma’s Marathon Medical Director to come up with a safe way to host the annual event. The plan allows the event to move forward…

Morning Update 7-13-20

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Monday, July 13, 2020

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

Lester River Rendezvous Canceled For First Time in Over 20 Years

Annual event gathers about 10,000 people every year.

DULUTH, Minn.- For the first time in more than 20 years, the Lester River Rendezvous is canceled this September due to the coronavirus pandemic. According to organizers, the weekend event gathers about 10,000 people every year. One of their more popular events is the Voyageur Village, which re-enacts an 18th-19th century fur trade village. Coordinator Don Mendoza said while he’ll…

Mayor Emily Larson Responds After Duluth Firefighter Accused Of Assaulting Woman

"I share the community outrage at this behavior. It's horrifying and causes the public to question the character of our staff," said Mayor Larson.

DULUTH, Minn. – Duluth Mayor Emily Larson is responding after a city firefighter is accused of assaulting a 65-year-old woman. The attack happened Friday morning during a dispute about the firefighter’s unleashed dogs while both were at the Traverse Trail near 84th Avenue. Authorities say Duluth firefighter Conrad Sunde, 48, a nearly 20-year veteran of the department, struck the victim…

DECC Opens Up For Dance Competition

Ovation Dance Challenge is the DECC's first event since the pandemic started.

DULUTH, Minn.- On Saturday the DECC in Duluth held its first event since the pandemic started. The Ovation Dance Challenge took place in Symphony Hall. About 200 dancers participated between Friday and Saturday and were watched by no more than 250 people, as per state guidelines. Masks were required and the stage and other areas were routinely sanitized. Organizers say dancers…

Two Harbors Lighthouse Beacon Replaced After 20 Years

The Lake County Historical Society is raising funds for a permanent replacement.

TWO HARBORS, Minn.- The Two Harbors Lighthouse which has stood for over a century overlooking Agate Bay now has a new beacon after 20 years. “We just removed the old beacon this morning, lowered it down from the tower,” said Sam Gangi, Board President for the Lake Superior Historical Society. On Saturday the beacon was belayed down by rope by…

Seven More People Test Positive For COVID-19 In Douglas County

This brings the county's total to 55.

DOUGLAS COUNTY, Wis., – In the last 72 hours, seven more people, in Douglas County, have tested positive for the coronavirus. This brings the county’s total to 55. Out of those cases, 41% are in the City of Superior. County officials tell us the spike is following a continuous trend of people spending more time in public indoor spaces. Officials…

Chisholm Man Dies In Dirt Bike Accident

Authorities believe victim may have been under the influence of alcohol.

CHISHOLM, Minn. – A 29-year-old man dead has died after suffering injuries from a dirt bike accident in Chisholm, Saturday morning. The accident happened around 2 a.m. near the intersection of Lake Street and First Avenue. Authorities say the driver was ejected from his bike after hitting a curb while riding. Chisholm police discovered the young man was not wearing…

Douglas County Sheriff’s Office Receives Donation in Honor of Former K-9 Handler

SUPERIOR, Wis. – The Douglas County Sheriff’s Office received a very special donation in honor of a former K-9 officer and founder of the Arrowhead Chapter of the Nam Knights Motorcycle Club. Dick Gudowski, was better known as Scrap Iron to the biker crew. He was a K-9 handler of the sheriff’s department back in the 1980s and had been…

City Wants To Help Get People Back Into The Workforce

DULUTH, Minn. – Only 15 days remain until the $600 bonus now being added to weekly unemployment checks is scheduled to end. This is why the city of Duluth’ s Workforce Development Department wants to connect people who are unemployed with available opportunities. For many of those people out of a job, the weekly unemployment bonus has helped give them…

Duluth Public Schools Welcomes Newest Assistant Superintendent

Anthony Bonds is expected to start his new position on July 27

DULUTH, Minn. – Duluth Public Schools will soon welcome its newest assistant superintendent. Anthony Bonds comes to Duluth from the Anniston School District in Alabama. During his time there, he served as executive director of curriculum and instruction, where he was responsible for overseeing teaching and learning practices while in that role. Bonds is also a former assistant superintendent for…

Midday Update 7-10-20

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

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

Morning Update 7-10-20

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Friday, July 10, 2020

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

Portion of Michigan Street to Close Friday

DULUTH, Minn. -A section of Michigan Street at 2nd Avenue West will be closed for critical utility tie-in work. The work will be done on the water main. The closure will start at 7 p.m. Crews will work for a full 24 hours and reopen the street on Saturday, July 11th. Categories: Business, Community, Minnesota, News Tags: closures, duluth, traffic

Hills Youth And Family Services Is In Need Of Masks

The group is hoping for a donation of 100 masks.

DULUTH, Minn. – Hills Youth and Family Services in Duluth is looking for the community’s help. The organization is still in need of masks to give to the children they serve. Hills Youth is hoping to receive a donation of at least 100 of the protective wear. Each one will go to protect children and their families visiting the Neighborhood…

Northland School Districts Still Preparing For The Fall

"We are running a lot of different scenarios, but it's really based upon what the state actually tells us what we can do. We don't actually get to decide," said Wayne Whitwam, superintendent of Hermantown Schools.

NORTHLAND, Minn. – The uncertainty of the COVID-19 crisis is causing school districts across the nation, including in Minnesota, to create appropriate plans for the upcoming school year. School districts in Minnesota have been given three options from the state for possible strategies to implement in the fall, but all come with their own challenges. Both Duluth and Hermantown school…

Midday Update 7-9-20

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Thursday, July 9, 2020

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

Decadent Layer Chocolate Cake Offers Sweet Tooth Satisfaction

Cooking Connection: Sweet Exchange Triple Chocolate Cake with Raspberry Filling, Chocolate Ganache

DULUTH, Minn. – If you’ve been craving sweets more than ever during the COVID-19 pandemic, you’re not alone! In this week’s Cooking Connection, Lisa Quarles, pastry chef and owner of Sweet Exchange, teaches FOX 21’s Brett Scott how to make and decorate the company’s triple chocolate cake with raspberry filling, and of course, chocolate ganache to top it off. Sweet…

Morning Update 7-9-20

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Thursday, July 9, 2020

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

Tornado in Western Minnesota Leaves One Dead, Several Structures Flattened

The Tornado Struck at 5:30 p.m. Wednesday Near Dalton, Minnesota

DALTON, Minn. (AP) – Authorities say a powerful tornado damaged farms and left one person dead in western Minnesota as severe storms moved across parts of the Midwest. The National Weather Service says the tornado struck at 5:30 p.m. Wednesday near Dalton. Three farmsteads were hit, and one of those farmhouses was flattened. Otter Tail County says two people were…

Dance Competition to be First Event at DECC Since Start of Pandemic

While DECC is excited to open back up, the dance community is excited that they might be getting platforms to perform again.

DULUTH, Minn.- For the first time since March, the DECC in Duluth will play host to an event once again this weekend. The event is called the Ovation Dance Challenge, and capacity will be limited at the state guidelines of 250 people, with only family of the dancers allowed inside, and a livestream provided for anyone else who wants to…