Community

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…

Second Harvest North Central Food Bank Ready to Help Residents in Need

Resources Are Available for All Residents in Itasca County Facing Food Insecurities

ITASCA COUNTY, Minn. -With school out and the coronavirus pandemic continuing to have a lasting impact on communities, health officials in Itasca County want to stress the importance of nutrition and food access services in the region. Second Harvest North Central Food Bank continues to provide food to 130 agencies in the region, from International Falls to Princeton. Research shows…

Midday Update 6-5-20

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Friday, June 5, 2020

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist William Seay for a local look at news and weather making headlines Friday, June 5, 2020. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Local News, midday update, William Seay

Morning Update 6-5-20

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Friday, June 5, 2020

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist William Seay for a local look at news and weather making headlines Friday, June 5, 2020. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Local News, morning update, William Seay

Peaceful Protesters in Superior Demand End to Racism and Police Violence

Large group rallies for change outside the Douglas County Goverment Center

SUPERIOR, Wis. – More than a hundred people protested at Superior’s first major rally in the wake of George Floyd’s death in Minneapolis. Protesters are demanding an end to police violence and racism everywhere, including Superior. “We have had police brutality here on African American people,” said protester Taylor Whitaker. “Just because they haven’t been murdered doesn’t mean it won’t…

Midday Update 6-4-20

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Thursday, June 4, 2020

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist William Seay for a local look at news and weather making headlines Thursday, June 4, 2020. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Local News, midday update, weather, William Seay

Morning Update 6-4-20

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Thursday, June 4, 2020

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist William Seay for a local look at news and weather making headlines Thursday, June 4, 2020. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Local News, morning update, weather, William Seay

Cloquet 4th of July Festivities Cancelled; Pinehurst Park Pool Closed

CLOQUET, Minn.- Coronavirus continues to claim summer events throughout the Northland. Added to the list: the 4th of July fireworks and parade in Cloquet, along with the city’s Pinehurst Park natural ground pool. City officials decided to cancel the popular Independence Day festivities Tuesday, saying that it would be near impossible to limit the usual crowd of hundreds to whatever…

Veteran Cloquet Officer Named New Police Chief

After serving many roles including Commander and Interim Police Chief, Derek Randall is the new top cop.

CLOQUET, Minn.-. The Cloquet Police Department now has a new Police Chief. After a nine month search interviewing candidates from across the country, it is the former Commander and Interim Chief Derek Randall who is shedding the “interim” from his title and stepping into the top role. “It’s a breath of relief for sure,” Randall said. Cloquet City Council voted…

Midday Update 6-3-20

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Wednesday, June 3, 2020

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist William Seay for a local look at news and weather making headlines Wednesday, June 3, 2020. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Local News, weather, William Seay

Experience ‘Summer Camp in a Box’ with Great Lakes Aquarium

Due to Coronavirus Concerns, The Great Lakes Aquarium Remains Closed to the Public

DULUTH, Minn. – Back in April, the Great Lakes Aquarium was forced to furlough 46 employees after Minnesota Governor Tim Walz ordered the closure of all non-essential businesses. Currently, 11 staff members report to work daily. Around 80 percent of the aquarium’s funding comes from ticket sales and field trips. Donations are being accepted through the attraction’s website to help…

Morning Update 6-3-20

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Wednesday, June 3, 2020

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist William Seay for a local look at news and weather making headlines Wednesday, June 3, 2020. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Local News, morning update, William Seay

Small, Peaceful Protest In Superior As Businesses Board Up For Potential Unrest

A rumored protest taking over the Blatnik Bridge didn't happen.

SUPERIOR, Wis.- At the corner of Belknap and Hammond in Superior Wednesday, a dozen or so young people peacefully held signs against the death of George Floyd and police brutality, cheered on by drivers honking their horns in support–amid rumors of protests and unrest in the city swirling for a few days. There was even talk of a protest overtaking…

Salvation Army Gives Away Free Hand Sanitizer

Hand sanitizer refills are offered Monday through Friday.

DULUTH, Minn. – As hand sanitizers is still in high demand, the Salvation Army in Duluth is helping the community continue to have better access to it. The organization is offering free refills of liquid hand sanitizer to people who may need it. Anyone can is welcome to fill up their own container. Each person is allowed up to sixteen…

Golf Courses Stay Busy After Re-Opening

DULUTH, Minn. – Lately, you may have noticed a few differences when you’re out on the links. “I think until there’s a vaccine or immunity, whichever comes first, I think we’re going to keep using these extraordinary measures to our employees and our customers safe,” Pine Hill Golf Course Owner, James Barry says. Removing rakes from sand traps, and putting…

Superior Mayor Jim Paine Looking To Promote Change

A meeting of the Mayor's Commission is scheduled for this Thursday at 5:30 pm.

SUPERIOR, Wis.  – The tragic death of George Floyd and the injustice plaguing people of color is motivating the City of Superior to reflect on change. The Mayor of Superior is asking the minority community to provide feedback to help build a stronger community. A lot of pain and fear continues to be felt among communities of color throughout the…

New Motorcycle Repair Shop Opens In Hermantown

Ape Hangers Customs is hosting an official grand opening this Saturday.

HERMANTOWN, Minn. – A new motorcycle repair shop has opened in Hermantown. Ape Hangers Customs offers a variety of services including full engine and transmission repair. The owner, who is originally from the twin cities, has 10 years of experience working on motorcycles. While there aren’t many shops like this in the area, he says it took a leap of…

Midday Update 6-2-20

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Tuesday, June 2, 2020

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist William Seay for a local look at news and weather making headlines Tuesday, June 2, 2020. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Local News, midday update, William Seay

West’s Hayward Dairy Serving Scoops for Summer Memories

This Week's Knowing Your Neighbors Shares Delicious Details of One Locally Owned Business in Hayward

HAYWARD, Wis. – Happiness in Hayward is served one scoop at a time. “No one tub is ever the same because it’s whatever I’m grabbing,” said Tom Baranick, co-owner of West’s Hayward Dairy. “We’re one of the few stores in Wisconsin that makes their ice cream on site.” Consistency is key, but creativity often prevails at this Hayward hotspot. “It…

Morning Update 6-2-20

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Tuesday, June 2, 2020

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist William Seay for a local look at news and weather making headlines Tuesday, June 2, 2020. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Local News, weather, William Seay

A & Dubs Opens For Summer in West Duluth After COVID Delay

Customers excited to eat outside the neighborhood favorite again.

DULUTH, Minn.- A & Dubs, the drive in burger spot in West Duluth, opened to a parking lot full of excited customers Monday. A & Dubs normally opens the day after Mother’s Day but they delayed resuming business due to the Coronavirus. Customers said they were anxious to get back to the neighborhood staple they grew up with. “It’s just…

As Duluth Curfew Ends, Police Chief Says “We Have to Find Equality for Everyone” Going Forward

Less arrests were made during a more peaceful Sunday night, leading Mayor Larson to lift the curfew.

DULUTH, Minn.- The city-wide curfew has been lifted in Duluth since Saturday night’s protest that turned violent in Lincoln Park– and that lift, said Mayor Emily Larson, is largely because people voluntarily complied Sunday night. “Because last night went so well, because the community stepped up and provided the kinds of support many of us have needed to feel, we…

Protesters Meditate For Peace And Justice

We just need to love each other. Embrace it all with unconditional love and go out into the world to make a difference," said Organizer Tianna Riis.

DULUTH, Minn- Several protesters gathered outside of the Duluth courthouse to participate in a group meditation in honor of George Floyd. About a dozen people sat in a moment of silence. Their goal was to promote peace, justice, and change within the community as the nation is in the midst of turmoil. The organizer says she hopes this effort gives…

Essentia Health Employees And Union Workers Stand Against Layoffs

"They obviously don't recognize that Essentia is part of the word essential," said Organizer of employee picket Lucas Dietsche

DULUTH, Minn. – Last week Essentia Health announced permanent layoffs for about 900 employees within its health care system, including members of the local steelworkers union. Many of those employees and union members are fighting back with hopes of saving their jobs. The Covid-19 pandemic is putting a financial strain on health care systems around the nation, including Essentia Health….

Midday Update 6-1-20

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Monday, June 1, 2020

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist William Seay for a local look at news and weather making headlines Monday, June 1, 2020. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Local News, midday update, William Seay

Morning Update 6-1-20

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Monday, June 1, 2020

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist William Seay for a local look at news and weather making headlines Monday, June 1, 2020. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Local News, morning update, William Seay

Protesters On The Range Gather Together To Show Change Can Happen

"We must all come together, whether you are white, black, Hispanic, or Native American. We are all fighting for one cause," said Protester Jerome Jackson.

VIRGINIA, Minn. – Dozens of protesters peacefully gathered in Virginia to fight for justice for George Floyd after he lost his life while in the custody of those sworn to protect and serve. Fighting for change won’t come easy as the injustice towards people of color continues to rise. But protesters in the close-knit community of Virginia are bonding together…

Local Restaurants Hold A Food Drive

Non-perishable items are being accepted until June 7th.

DULUTH, Minn – The Tavern and Black Woods restaurants are helping give back to the community by holding a food drive. Patrons are being asked to donate a minimum of two non-perishable items to help support the cause. Those who donate can receive a five dollar discount on their curbside or delivery order. All items collected in the food drive…

Clayton Jackson McGhie Memorial Vandalized During Protests; Duluth NAACP Pres. Reacts

"They're frustrated so they need an outlet, so let's make better outlets for them," said NAACP Pres. Stephan Witherspoon.

DULUTH, Minn.-Clean-up began Sunday morning for one of Duluth’s most treasured memorials, the Clayton Jackson McGhie Memorial on East First Street. An anti-police message was spray-painted on the brick floor of the memorial during protests on Saturday. “I was hurt. I was hurt that we have to see that,” said Stephan Witherspoon, Co-Chair of the Memorial Board. The statues of…

Duluth PD Makes 11 Arrests During Saturday Night Protest; 9 p.m. Curfew Still in Effect Sunday

Police say they expect a peaceful Sunday evening; they will seek voluntary compliance for those out past curfew.

DULUTH, Minn.- According to the Duluth Police Department, 11 people were arrested during the protest between 2:45 Saturday afternoon and 4:16 a.m. Sunday. Four arrests were of juveniles which consisted of Unlawful Assembly, Felony 3rd Degree Riot, Misdemeanor Disorderly Conduct, Damage to Property, Unlawful Assembly, and warrant arrests. Additionally, so far eight reports of property damage are listed: from spray…

Thousands of Protesters Flood The Streets of Duluth

"I feel we have to do better as a nation because the human race is failing," said Protester Corinthian Rutherford.

DULUTH, Minn. – Thousands demanding justice for George Floyd came together in unity to peacefully protest through the streets of Duluth, while the unrest continues to unfold in Minneapolis. People of all shades flooded downtown Duluth hoping to be heard as they fight to erase the injustice against people of color. “We are tired of the injustice put on by…

Downtown Duluth Businesses Board Up Ahead of Protests

Business owners say they prepared for the worst, hoped it didn't happen.

DULUTH, Minn.- Downtown businesses spent the day leading up to the protests buckling down, in case things escalated as they have in other cities across the country. The closed Fond-du-Luth Casino on Superior Street started boarding up their doors and windows a couple hours before the demonstration started. Officials with the reservation said they’re trying to be prepared for anything….

COVID-19 Update: 53 Cases, 9 Deaths Reported in Itasca County

Health Professionals Advise Residents to Maintain a Healthy Diet, Exercise Routine

ITASCA COUNTY, Minn. – As of Friday Itasca County Public Health Officials confirm 53 positive COVID-19 cases within the county. The youngest case is reported in an elementary aged individual. The county also reports a total of nine deaths related to coronavirus. Grand Itasca Clinic & Hospital has tested over 1,000 residents for COVID-19. This comes as health professionals continue…

Midday Update 5-29-20

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Friday, May 29, 2020

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist William Seay for a local look at news and weather making headlines Friday, May 29, 2020. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Local News, midday update, William Seay