Community

City Council Set To Discuss Proposal To Approve Funding For Lakewalk Reconstruction Project

If approved, the Lakewalk Reconstruction Project could reconvene within the next several weeks.

DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth City Council is expected vote on a proposal to approve two contracts amounting to $10 million to continue the Lakewalk Reconstruction project. The contracts will cover the cost to reconstruct more 2,000 feet of the Canal Park Lakewalk and the area’s shoreline, including adding wider trails and replacing stone along the shoreline. Nearly $8 million…

Duluth Proposes To Reduce Liquor Licensing Fees For Local Bars And Restaurants

The 20% reduction could mean some financial relief for bars and restaurants trying to recover from the recent economic blow.

DULUTH, Minn. – A lot of bars and restaurants are still dealing with the financial impacts of Covid-19. But many of them in Duluth could get some relief as city officials are proposing a plan to reduce liquor licensing fees. The owners of many of those businesses say every little bit of help the city is offering can bring them…

Midday Update 5-26-20

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Tuesday, May 26, 2020

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist William Seay for a local look at news and weather making headlines Tuesday, May 26, 2020. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Local News, midday update, William Seay

Morning Update 5-26-20

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Tuesday, May 26, 2020

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist William Seay for a local look at news and weather making headlines Tuesday, May 26, 2020. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Local News, morning update, William Seay

Retired Duluth Teacher Plays ‘Taps’ For Neighborhood

DULUTH, Minn. – Memorial Day was celebrated in a musical way for a neighborhood in Duluth Monday. Larry Danielson, 72, a retired Duluth public schools teacher, played “Taps” as his neighbors gathered in the street and sidewalks — social distancing — while honoring the military members who have died while serving in the United States armed forces. Larry’s father, Raymond, was…

From Boats to Bottle Rockets: Summer Businesses See Busy Memorial Day Weekend

Marinas and Firework shops see increased business from families trying to have a good time in these tough times.

SUPERIOR, Wis.- Memorial Day is looking a lot different in the Northland with parades and firework shows cancelled due to the Coronavirus. So in addition to honoring fallen heroes, people flocked to more popular summer businesses in Wisconsin to get out of the house and try to do something special. “Folks are like ‘I’ve seen enough of my home, it’s…

Recent Attempted Break-Ins And Burglaries Impact Local Businesses

"We're very disappointed that someone would do this and give us a big headache. We are getting very tired," said Smoke Shop Owner Mike Wazwaz.

DULUTH, Minn. – Duluth and Hermantown Police are searching for whoever is responsible for a string of attempted burglaries and break-ins at area businesses. As more people are staying home, recent statistics are showing most crimes in the area are decreasing. But break-ins and burglaries at local businesses are holding steady. Within the last 24 hours Duluth police responded to…

Hotels Get A Boost Over Memorial Day Weekend

"There are definitely people out and about looking for things to do. There are tourists around town, which is great to see again," said Pier B General Manager John Driscoll.

DULUTH, Minn. – This Memorial Day weekend is giving hotels in Duluth a bit of a boost in business. Hundreds of tourists and locals spent Memorial Day weekend exploring Canal Park, while others took a moment to honor fallen soldiers. Memorial Day weekend is normally one of the busiest for hotels in Duluth such as Pier B. But this year,…

Midday Update 5-25-20

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Monday, May 25, 2020

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist William Seay for a local look at news and weather making headlines Monday, May 25, 2020. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Local News, midday update, William Seay

745 New Cases, 12 New Deaths Reported in Minnesota Monday Tied to COVID-19

Of the 12 New Deaths, 10 Were Residents of Long-Term Care Facilities

ST. PAUL, Minn. (FOX 9) – The Minnesota Department of Health reported 745 newly confirmed COVID-19 cases and 12 new deaths Monday, bringing the total number of positive cases the state has seen so far to 21,315 and the death toll to 881. Of the 12 deaths, 10 were residents of long-term care facilities. Residents of long-term care facilities now…

Gary New Duluth Veterans Memorial Ceremony Adapts During COVID-19 Pandemic

Typically, a Large Crowd Would Have Gathered at the Gary New Duluth Veterans Memorial to Commemorate Memorial Day

DULUTH, Minn. – The Gary New Duluth community prides itself on being extremely supportive of the men and women of our military. However, this year’s Memorial Day ceremony had to be conducted virtually due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. Due to the virus, residents were unable to host their annual ceremony at the Gary New Duluth Veterans Memorial, as they…

COVID-19 Related Deaths in Wisconsin Surpass 500

As of Saturday, Wisconsin Reported a Total of 14,877 Positive COVID-19 Cases; New Numbers to be Released Monday Afternoon

MADISON, Wis. (AP) – Wisconsin has gone over 500 confirmed deaths from the coronavirus, according to state Department of Health Services figures released Saturday. The report showed 481 new COVID-19 cases over the weekend, for a total of 14,877, and an additional 11 deaths, for a total of 507. Two news deaths were reported in Milwaukee County, increasing the county’s…

Morning Update 5-25-20

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Monday, May 25, 2020

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist William Seay for a local look at news and weather making headlines Monday, May 25, 2020. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Local News, morning update, William Seay

City of Duluth Works to Make Outdoor Seating, Liquor Licenses Easier for Bars and Restaurants

Some businesses are taking advantage of waived permit fees, while others must continue relying on takeout and curbside.

DULUTH, Minn.- Duluth city officials are making changes to policies and processes to allow greater flexibility for bars and restaurants who may not be outfitted to continue operating without dine-in customers. “Just like the city is struggling with the financial impact of this public health emergency, we know that our local businesses are struggling with this public health emergency,” said…

Shutdown ‘Devastating’ for Local Theatres

Duluth Playhouse has been hit hard by pandemic

DULUTH, Minn. – The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted more than just businesses across the Northland. Non-profit organizations have also been hit hard. Audiences can’t fill theatre seats. That means organizations like the Duluth Playhouse haven’t had their primary revenue source for the last two months. “When we had projected $1.2 million in ticket sales, it’s apparent that’s about $600,000 in…

Virtual Jazz Concert at Carlton’s Oldenburg House Raises Thousands for Area Hospitals

Donations from the livestream were distributed equally to four Northland Hospitals.

CARLTON, Minn.-  A popular music venue in Carlton decided to take their annual jazz concerts online, to help out healthcare workers in the Northland. While normally crooning through the estate of the Oldenburg house, songs like “Make Someone Happy” were livestreamed from one room Friday and Saturday night. The “Cookin’ at the O” Benefit Concert raised over $7,500 over the…

Gov. Walz Allows Places of Worship to Open Doors to Limited Capacity May 27th

The Governor and the Catholic Archdiocese came to a deal to gather more than 10 worshipers together at a time.

DULUTH, Minn.- Minnesota Governor Tim Walz and the Catholic Archdiocese of Minnesota came to a deal Saturday to allow places of worship in the state to open May 27th to groups larger than 10 people. This announcement comes on the day when the state is reporting a record number of COVID-19 cases. The Governor’s order states that places of worship,…

Cloquet Students Bid Farewell to Teachers

Organizers say, although this wasn't the end of the year they wanted teachers are getting the send-off they deserve.

CLOQUET, Minn. – Washington Elementary in Cloquet held their second “reverse parade” allowing students to be driven around the school to wish their teachers well. Organizers say, although this wasn’t the end of the year they wanted teachers are getting the send-off they deserve. “Today would have been our field day and we wanted to do something to celebrate for…

Local Cemeteries Prepare For Memorial Day

DULUTH, Minn. – Staff at Forest Hill Cemetery in Duluth spent the day preparing for Memorial Day to help honor veterans. Baskets full of flowers were laid out for veterans and civilians. Flags were placed on the grave-sites of those fallen soldiers. Family members were also given flags to give them the opportunity to pay their respects for their loved…

Memorial Day Ceremonies Canceled At Local Veteran Cemeteries

"It was a very difficult decision to make," said Minnesota Veteran's State Cemetery Administrator Cory Johnson.

SAGINAW, Minn. – Memorial day is this coming Monday. Thanks to the Covid-19 Pandemic… plans for large public celebrations have been canceled. The Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery in Saginaw is the final resting place for hundreds of soldiers who have sacrificed their lives protecting this country. Memorial Day is the day to commemorate those soldiers, but this year it won’t…

Midday Update 5-22-20

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Friday, May 22, 2020

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist William Seay for a local look at news and weather making headlines Friday, May 22, 2020. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Local News, midday update, weather, William Seay

YMCA’s Camp Miller Announces They Will Be Open for Summer Season

Camp Miller, With Permission from Governor Tim Walz, Will Be Allowed to Host Family Camps Only

  STURGEON LAKE, Minn. – The YMCA’s Camp Miller in Sturgeon Lake, Minnesota, is celebrating its 122nd summer season this year amid the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Leadership learned earlier this week from Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, they will be allowed to open this summer for family camps only, with restrictions in place to prevent further spread of coronavirus. “We want…

Morning Update 5-22-20

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Friday, May 22, 2020

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist William Seay for a local look at news and weather making headlines Friday, May 22, 2020. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Local News, morning update, William Seay

Salons Reopening To Clients After Governor Gives The OK

Since closing in March, The London Rayne salon owner has had to reschedule more than 50 appointments.

DULUTH, Minn. – Salons in Minnesota have been given the green light to reopen to the public, but they must follow a few safety protocols. The executive order requires hairstylists, barbers, and their clients to wear masks. And all services are by appointment only. But some salons in Duluth are taking a few extra precautions. London Rayne Salon is using…

Remember Food Safety as Summer Barbeques Begin

St. Luke's Clinical Dietitian Dr. Brenda Schwerdt Reminds of Food Safety, Healthy Eating During Summer Months

DULUTH, Minn. – As Memorial Day weekend approaches, dietitians at St. Luke’s want to remind everyone to practice food safety precautions. Experts recommend limiting your consumption of meats and mixing in a large number of fruits and vegetables during your backyard barbeques. St. Luke’s Clinical Dietitian Dr. Brenda Schwerdt suggests grilling peaches and pineapple as well as vegetables like peppers,…

Midday Update 5-21-20

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Thursday, May 21, 2020

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

Multiple Residents Displaced After Apartment Fire in Eveleth

The Fire Broke Out Around 6:45 Wednesday Evening

EVELETH, Minn. – More than a dozen fire departments on the Iron Range responded to an apartment fire at the Countryside Apartment complex in Eveleth Wednesday evening around 6:45 p.m. According to Friends of the Northland FireWire, all residents were safely evacuated. Officials believe more than 20 people have been displaced from their home as a result of the fire….

Morning Update 5-21-20

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Thursday, May 21, 2020

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

Duluth Bar, Restaurant Owners Surprised, Disappointed at Walz’s Outside Seating Restrictions

Different issues arise with just outside seating.

DULUTH, Minn.- Minnesota Governor Tim Walz loosened restrictions on business beginning June 1st. Bars and restaurants can open on that date with outdoor only seating, serving no more than 50 customers at a time and with employees wearing masks. “That extends to how do we find that new normal, restart Minnesota’s economy and I should say grow it from where…

A New Documentary Tells The Stories of Lake Superior Surfers

The film is expected to premiere in November.

DULUTH, Minn – A new documentary highlighting surfers in Lake Superior is now being filmed up the North Shore. The documentary titled Freshwater follows surfers hitting the waves in the freezing waters of Lake Superior. The idea of the documentary came about after the director and his family witnessed the enjoyment these brave people got out of surfing on lake…

St. Louis County Partners With Area Fire Stations For A Mask Drive

Masks collected through this drive are being donated for use at living facilities.

HERMANTOWN, Minn. -Face masks are still in high demand as the Coronavirus Pandemic continues across the nation. To help minimize the need, St. Louis County is partnering with area fire departments to collect masks. Masks collected through this drive are being donated for use at living facilities such as long-term care housing and senior homes. When Minnesota Governor Tim Walz…

Spirit Mountain Closed For The Summer; City Implements Task Force To Figure Out Future

To reopen for the upcoming winter season, the city is going to have to fork over $350,000 in assistance.

DULUTH, Minn. – Financial impacts of Covid-19 are continuing to hit hard for Spirit Mountain in Duluth. The popular tourist attraction will now remain closed all the way through the end of summer. Spirit Mountain is in bad financial shape as the Covid-19 Pandemic continues to create money problems. Due to the city’s own financial issues, this time around, supporting…

DTA Looking to Increase Services

"When we go back to our higher level service we will be at 83 percent or about 48 buses."

DULUTH, Minn. – “We made significant changes to our operations and the way we do business,” Duluth Transit Authority General Manager, Phil Pumphrey says. Since March, the Duluth Transit Authority has reduced services to just 24 buses running at only 43 percent of what is normal. “When we go back to our higher level service we will be at 83…

Midday Update 5-20-20

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Wednesday, May 20, 2020

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

2020 All Pints North Festival Canceled

The Minnesota Craft Brewers Guild Board of Directors Released the Details Wednesday Morning

DULUTH, Minn. – Wednesday morning the Minnesota Craft Brewers Guild (MNCBG) Board of Directors announced the difficult decision to cancel the 2020 All Pints North Festival scheduled for August 1, 2020, at Bayfront Festival Park in Duluth. The decision comes amid many other summer cancellations due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. “The health and safety of craft beer fans, brewery…

Experience Shearing Day at Frosty Ridge Alpaca Farm

Frosty Ridge Alpacas Will Soon Be Open to the Public for Free Farm Tours

DULUTH, Minn. – Can you imagine shearing more than 50 alpaca all in a matter of six hours? It happened Tuesday morning at Frosty Ridge Alpaca Farm located along Maple Grove Road in Duluth. “Believe it or not we sell more socks in the winter than the summer,” said Loni Blumerich, owner of Frosty Ridge Alpaca Farm. The process only…

Morning Update 5-20-20

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Wednesday, May 20, 2020

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

Eveleth Bar Owner: ‘June 1st is Really the End of the Wire’

Owners of bars, restaurants, and other businesses met in Eveleth to discuss opening strategies, and share frustrations with the state's handling of things.

EVELETH, Minn.- Businesses across Minnesota are anxiously awaiting the Governor’s announcement Wednesday authorizing them to open June 1st, including up on the range in the small town of Eveleth that has a population of 3,596. “Walz opening up on the first at a capacity of 25%? That’s. Not. Enough,” said one business owner. Bar and restaurant owners in Eveleth said…

A New Voucher Program Is Helping To Give Restaurants A Financial Boost

Vouchers can be used at any of the 40 participating restaurants. They expire on August 31st.

DULUTH, Minn. – Restaurants in the Northland are still feeling financial setbacks from the Coronavirus Pandemic. That’s why a new voucher program has now launched to help boost the local economy as businesses are still trying to rebuild operations, while they wait to reopen indoor dining to the public. Strong Northland is a collaborative effort to help economically restore local…

Miller Hill Mall Businesses React to Reopening

The Miller Hill Mall opened back up on Monday after being shut down for over two months. 

DULUTH, Minn.-The Miller Hill Mall opened back up on Monday after being shut down for over two months. “It was kind of sporadic. I think a lot of people were kind of seeing what’s open, who’s here and what’s going on,” Apricot Lane Duluth Owner, Wendy Meyers says. For local businesses like Apricot Lane Duluth, it was a breath of…

Midday Update 5-19-20

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Tuesday, May 19, 2020

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

Morning Update 5-19-20

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Tuesday, May 19, 2020

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

Boating Businesses Ready to Set Sail with Modifications for Safety

Vista Star and Pontoons out of Pier B are changing their operations to ensure passengers have a safe nautical experience.

DULUTH, Minn.- As summer gets closer, Duluth begins to shine as a waterfront destination again. After looking at summer with uncertainty, boating rental and tour services are excited to say they can provide people that gateway to the big blue lake. The Vista Fleet is missing the big Memorial Day opening, but owner Justin Steinbach expects to be open by…

Skywalk Re-Opens after Two-Month Closure, Businesses Hope for Foot Traffic Again

Frame Corner and Gallery looks to recover as long as people come in to shop.

DULUTH, Minn.- Downtown Duluth is reconnected once again with the Skywalk back open after a two-month closure due to COVID-19. The Skywalk was noticibly emptier than usual, but that didn’t stop businesses from swinging their doors open. Frame Corner and Gallery in the Holiday Center has been selling custom frames through curbside pickup but owner Sara Sarvella said she’s looking…

Lakewood Elementary Teachers, Staff Say ‘Thank You’ Before Summer Vibes Sink In

Teachers, Staff Organize Drive-By Parade to Wish Students Well as the School Year Comes to a Close

DULUTH, Minn. – Hundreds of smiling faces drove past Lakewood Elementary School in Duluth Monday. The teachers and staff recently coming up with an idea to safely see their students and say ‘thank you’ for a great year even though it didn’t get to end as planned. “I miss my teachers all I can,” said Wyatt, a first-grade student at…

Organization Starts Campaign To Recognize Duluth Educators

The community is encouraged to recognize educators using the hashtag #Applause4DuluthTeachers.

DULUTH, Minn. – Teachers, staff, and other educational employees have been stepping up to meet the needs of Duluth Public School children as they transitioned to distance learning. And that big change has certainly included some struggles and challenges. But the Education Equity Alliance wants to make sure all the hard work of teachers and staff doesn’t go unnoticed. The…

A Local Nursery School Is Offering A Summer Camp For School-Aged Children

The program is expected to begin this Wednesday and will run through the end of the summer.

DULUTH, Minn. – Many summer camps around the Northland are already choosing not open for the season to prevent the potential spread of the coronavirus. Fortunately, University Nursery School isn’t one of them canceling summer programming. University Nursery School’s location, in the Harbor Highlands community, has been transformed to offer a full-time summer program. It can accommodate up to 30…

Midday Update 5-18-20

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Monday, May 18, 2020

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