Community

Midday Update 3-11-20

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Wednesday, March 11, 2020

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Brittney Merlot for a local look at news and weather making headlines Wednesday, March 11, 2020. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, brittney merlot, community, Local News, midday update

Harlem Globetrotter Flip White Visits Duluth Ahead of Upcoming Tour

Amsoil Arena Will Host the Harlem Globetrotters Sunday, March 29

DULUTH, Minn. – Harlem Globetrotter Flip White slam dunked his way into the FOX 21 Local News Studios Wednesday morning. The Harlem Globetrotters will be playing at Amsoil Arena Sunday, March 29. White will be making two stops Wednesday, March 11. One at Lakewood Elementary School and the other at YMCA at the Essentia Wellness. In advance of the Harlem…

Morning Update 3-11-20

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Wednesday, March 11, 2020

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Brittney Merlot for a local look at news and weather making headlines Wednesday, March 11, 2020. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News Tags: Brett Scott, brittney merlot, community, Local News, morning update, weather

McDonald’s Retaining Wall Crumbles

City contractors coming in to evaluate the wall.

DULUTH, Minn.- A big portion of a retaining wall collapsed at a busy Duluth McDonald’s. It happened around 5:30 Tuesday evening at the McDonald’s on the corner of 21st Avenue East and London Road. The railing detached from the parking lot, and chunks of the wall fell down below along the road. City officials told FOX 21 that contractors were…

Keene Creek Park Improvements Presented to the Public

An informational meeting was held to discuss the improvements and upgrades to the park.

DULUTH, Minn.- One of Duluth’s most popular Dog and Recreation Parks is getting some big upgrades this year. We’re talking about Keene Creek Park near Grand Avenue in West Duluth. Planned changes include accessibility upgrades, a new playground, dog park improvements, trail resurfacing, and a new bicycle pumping rack. In 2016 the City Council approved the Keene Creek Mini Master…

State Allocates Funds for Prevention of Aquatic Invasive Species

Each year the state legislature delegates funds to attack Aquatic Invasive Species.

DULUTH, Minn.- The fight against Aquatic Invasive Species in St. Louis County lakes continues as the County Board has approved the distribution of funds for their prevention and elimination. Each year the state legislature allocated funding to counties to be used to prevent the introduction and limit the spread of Aquatic Invasive Species, or AIS. These species disrupt the health…

Midday Update 3-10-20

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Tuesday, March 10, 2020

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Chief Meteorologist Anthony Peoples for a local look at news and weather making headlines Tuesday, March 10, 2020. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Local News, midday update

Salvation Army of Duluth Encourages Food, Monetary Donations This Month

March is FoodShare Month in Minnesota; Food, Monetary Donations will be Doubled

DULUTH, Minn. – The March food drive is happening at the Duluth Salvation Army. In the past, the organization has collected over $18,000 and more than 11,000 pounds of food. During the month of March, all donations of food and money will be matched from the Minnesota FoodShare Campaign. “It really helps a lot with just helping get over a…

Morning Update 3-10-20

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Tuesday, March 10, 2020

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Chief Meteorologist Anthony Peoples for a local look at news and weather making headlines Tuesday, March 10, 2020. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Local News, morning update, weather

Organizations Work to Make Social Media More Accessible to Those with Disabilities

Workshop organized by Minnesota Access Alliance held at Aquarium.

DULUTH, Minn.- Organizations from across the Northland learned ways to make their social media accounts more accessible to people with disabilities. The Great Lakes Aquarium in Duluth was one of those organizations. The workshop was held there by Minnesota Access Alliance–a non-profit with a mission to raise the bar for accessibility in the state. Today’s event focused on the use…

UMD Engineering Students Helping Make Esmond Building More Sustainable

Engineering students submitting recommendations to developer to redevelop the building to be more energy efficient.

DULUTH, Minn.- The redevelopment of the Esmond Building, also known as the former Seaway Hotel in Lincoln Park is getting some help from young college engineering students. Ecolibrium 3, the non-profit focused on improving sustainability in Lincoln Park, partnered with UMD’s Swenson College of Engineering. Students will look at the Esmond and develop recommendations to present to the developer to…

Duluth Fire Chief Details City’s Response if Coronavirus Hits Northland

Fire Chief said not to panic, but expect the virus in the County at some point.

DULUTH, Minn.- As the second case of Coronavirus was discovered in Minnesota on Sunday, the City of Duluth says it has what it is calling a pandemic plan that could be utilized should the need arise. According to Duluth Fire Chief Shawn Krizaj, the city is closely monitoring the virus on the local, state, and national level. They are also…

Duluth School District to Hold Emergency Alert Drill

DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth public school district is partnering with the Duluth Police Department to conduct their first-ever district-wide alert drill to test how well they can work under pressure during an emergency. The test will be at 10 a.m. Tuesday morning. The district will use all of its emergency and communication tools at their disposal for a coordinated…

Midday Update 3-9-20

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Monday, March 9, 2020

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Chief Meteorologist Anthony Peoples for a local look at news and weather making headlines Monday, March 9, 2020. Categories: Community, Coronavirus, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, health, Local News, midday update

Ready, Set, Run Like a Leprechaun This Saturday in Hermantown

Grandma's Marathon is Hosting the Annual Saint Fennessy 4k Saturday, March 14, 2020

HERMANTOWN, Minn. – Runners are gearing up for the 7th annual Saint Fennessy 4k Fun Run happening Saturday, March 14 at 10:00 a.m. There will be changes to the race this year that organizers say will significantly enhance the experience for participants. The race begins at Hermantown High School and travels along Arrowhead Road, but this year the new course…

Spring Eat Downtown Week Serves Up Delicious Deals

15 Restaurants Are Offering $10 Lunch Specials and $25 Dinner Specials

DULUTH, Minn. – March 9 – 14 is a special week for Northlanders looking to try out local restaurants in downtown Duluth. Spring Eat Downtown Week offers the opportunity to enjoy special multi–course meals from fifteen local restaurants. Lunch specials are all $10, and dinner specials are $25. Event organizers say it’s a special chance to taste some new menu…

Morning Update 3-9-20

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Monday, March 9, 2020

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Chief Meteorologist Anthony Peoples for a local look at news and weather making headlines Monday, March 9, 2020. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, Headlines, Local News, morning update, weather

Suspect in Cloquet Double Homicide Found, Arrested in ‘Wooded Area’

33-year-old Sheldon Thompson was arrested in Perch Lake Township in Carlton County.

CLOQUET, Minn.- Authorities have arrested 33-year-old Sheldon Thompson of Cloquet, in connection to the deaths of a mother and her young son on the Fond Du Lac Reservation in Cloquet. At 8:43 pm Sunday, Thompson was arrested in a wooded area off Mission Road in Perch Lake Township in Carlton County on the Reservation, police said. He was taken into…

Aerial Lift Bridge Set to Be Repaired, Upgraded

Crews will repair the sidewalk and upgrade the lights.

DULUTH, Minn.- A heads up to drivers who use the Lift Bridge. Repairs begin on Monday, which include an upgrade. Crews will be repairing the bridge’s sidewalk on each side. Pedestrians won’t be able to use the bridge at times, and traffic will be down to one lane during the day. As for the upgrades, the city is installing new…

Wildwoods Wildlife Rehabilitation Reopens after Five Months Closed

Center officially opens March 21st.

DULUTH, Minn.- The Wildwoods Wildlife Rehabilitation in Duluth is opening later this month, and on Sunday they invited the public to an open house to see the facilities before animals start arriving. Wildwoods was closed for 5 months to renew its permit with the Minnesota DNR. Once open, it will continue to house and rehabilitate certain animals at their facility,…

Free Solar Energy Workshop Held in West Duluth

Families learned about renewable energy at the Family Freedom Center.

DULUTH, Minn.- Families learned more about renewable energy at a free Solar Workshop at the Family Freedom Center The workshop featured informational booths with training and job opportunities in renewable energy. There were also interactive solar-based games for kids. According to organizers, renewable energy is the right way to go in the Northland. “The interesting thing about renewable energy and…

New Hotel Could Come to East Hillside

Hotel would serve students, hospital workers, construction workers.

DULUTH, Minn.- A new short-term stay hotel could be coming to Duluth’s East Hillside Neighborhood. Developer Nick Christensen wants to convert the old commercial building at 808 Second Street into a 6-unit hotel for students, hospital employees, and construction workers to stay in, while they find a place to live nearby. “People will come form out of area to do…

Cougars Come to Lake Superior Zoo

Brothers and Sister Cougar Duo Raised by Zookeepers Get New Habitat

DULUTH, Minn.- The Lake Superior Zoo will open their first ever cougar exhibit Saturday. Two cougars, a brother named Tacoma and sister named Olympia who were orphaned last year and raised by Zookeepers will occupy the new habitat, right next to the upcoming Bear Country Exhibit. “These guys actually haven’t seen a whole lot of people come through, they’ve been…

Coronavirus Information Phone Line and Webpage Offered by St. Louis County

Public Health Nurses will be on hand to answer questions.

DULUTH, Minn.- Amid Coronavirus concerns spreading across the country, St. Louis County opened up an information phone line and a website for people to call or visit to get their Coronavirus concerns addressed. Public Health nurses will be at the ready Monday through Friday, 8am-4:30pm, to answer questions people may have about COVID-19, the disease caused by the new Coronavirus….

Midday Update 3-6-20

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Friday, March 6, 2020

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Brittney Merlot for a local look at news and weather making headlines Friday, March 6, 2020. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, brittney merlot, community, Headlines, Local News, midday update

SilverSneakers: Active Older Adults Slide into Exercise at the Superior YMCA

ACTIVE ADVENTURES: Superior Family YMCA Hosts 65+ Workout Classes

SUPERIOR, Wisc. — In this weeks Active Adventures Fox 21’s Brittney Merlot heads to a YMCA class with the SilverSneakers! This a group of 65+ year olds working out together to keep their bodies healthy. They focus on stretching, warm ups, exercises, a yoga cool down and more! Increasing flexibility and helping with balance to prevent falls, the class builds…

Portion of Shamrock Shake Sales to Benefit Ronald McDonald House Charities

From March 6 - 17, 25 Cents From Each Shamrock Shake Sale will Benefit Ronald McDonald House Charities in Upper Midwest

DULUTH, Minn. – It’s a type of March madness with a minty twist all for a good cause. The shamrock shakes are back at local McDonald’s restaurants, and now you can help those in need by simply purchasing one. From March 6 – 17, more than 230 participating restaurants in Minnesota, western Wisconsin, and Ironwood, Michigan will donate 25 cents…

Morning Update 3-6-20

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Friday, March 6, 2020

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Brittney Merlot for a local look at news and weather making headlines Friday, March 6, 2020. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, brittney merlot, community, Headlines, Local News, morning update

Banh Mi Pizza Piled High With Superb Crunch

COOKING CONNECTION: Lulu's Pizza

DULUTH, Minn. — In this weeks Cooking Connection Fox 21’s Brittney Merlot headed over to the brand new pizza place in town, LULU’S PIZZA! With their grand opening just under their belt and a changing menu to feed Duluthian’s needs, they offer a calm and welcoming environment when you walk through the door. Delivery will soon be offered to businesses,…

2nd Annual Local Food Fair Happening Saturday in Cloquet

The 2nd Annual Local Food Fair is Happening at Fond du Lac Tribal and Community College in Cloquet

CLOQUET, Minn. – Happening Saturday, March 7, Fond du Lac Tribal and Community College will host the 2nd annual Local Food Fair sponsored by the United Way of Carlton County. The event is set to bring together local farmers, bakers, and other food producers. The Local Food Fair is happening from 1:00 – 3:00 p.m. This free, family-friendly event brings…

Midday Update 3-5-20

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Thursday, March 5, 2020

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Brittney Merlot for a local look at news and weather making headlines Thursday, March 5, 2020. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, brittney merlot, community, Headlines, Local News, midday update

Morning Update 3-5-20

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Thursday, March 5, 2020

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

Midday Update 3-4-20

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Wednesday, March 4, 2020

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Brittney Merlot for a local look at news and weather making headlines Wednesday, March 4, 2020. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, brittney merlot, community, Headlines, Local News, midday update

White Winter Winery Hosting Fundraiser for NorthLakes Community Clinic

The Speakeasy Themed Fundraiser is Happening Saturday, March 7, 2020

IRON RIVER, Wis. – NorthLakes Community Clinic and White Winter Winery are collaborating to offer an evening of entertainment and fundraising for NorthLakes. On Saturday, March 7, the White Winter Winery will be transformed into a 1920’s era speakeasy complete with jazz music provided by the Reunion Road Band from Chicago, featuring local favorite Joe Lindzius on drums. Guests are encouraged…

Morning Update 3-4-20

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Wednesday, March 4, 2020

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Brittney Merlot for a local look at news and weather making headlines Wednesday, March 4, 2020. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, brittney merlot, community, Headlines, Local News, morning update

Sutherland CBD Makes CBD Products Mostly In-House

Family-owned business uses certified kitchen to make product from crude oil from cannabis.

SUPERIOR, Wis.- A Twin Ports CBD Store is growing its business model by making their own product mostly in-house. Sutherland CBD is a family-run business that includes Superior City Councilor Craig Sutherland. The business is now getting its crude oil from cannabis directly form a farmer in Bloomer, Wisconsin. It’s then dissolved in organic Coconut Oil in a certified kitchen…

Bernie Sanders Super Tuesday Watch Party Held in Duluth

Supporters gathered to cheer Bernie on in Primary.

DULUTH, Minn.- Carmody’s Irish Pub was packed with Bernie Sanders supporters from across the Northland anxious to see their candidate win Super Tuesday. Sanders and Joe Biden were neck and neck for most of the night, but in the end Biden was declared the projected winner for Minnesota. The Twin Ports Democratic Socialists of America have been meeting at the…

Senior Housing Proposal Gets Preliminary Approval Of Revised Plans

Construction could begin this summer to allow for people to move in by the fall of 2021.

HERMANTOWN, Minn. –  Senior housing development planned for Hermantown has finally received a preliminary approval from the Hermantown city council, but those plans will now come with a few revisions. This comes after the original proposal was turned down due to strong opposition from residents back in January. Much of the discord was due to residents believing the new development…

Midday Update 3-3-20

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Tuesday, March 3, 2020

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Brittney Merlot for a local look at news and weather making headlines Tuesday, March 3, 2020. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, brittney merlot, community, Headlines, Local News, midday update

Looking to Laugh? Maritime Improv Comedy Crew Has You Covered

March Madness is Happening Saturday, March 7 at the Fitger's Spirit of the North Theater

DULUTH, Minn. – The Spirit of the North Theater inside the Fitger’s complex will come alive with laughs galore Saturday, March 7. Maritime Improv Crew invites the public to their event, March Madness. It’s taking place from 7:00 – 9:00 p.m. The comedy crew performs a hilarious long form improv PG 13 show once a month with added comedy games…

Morning Update 3-3-20

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Tuesday, March 3, 2020

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Brittney Merlot for a local look at news and weather making headlines Tuesday, March 3, 2020. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, brittney merlot, community, Headlines, Local News, morning update

CHUM Food Shelf Getting Major Makeover Thanks to Leadership Duluth, Other Community Members

At no cost to CHUM, a large part of the building is being renovated.

DULUTH, Minn.- Starting this weekend, the CHUM Food Shelf on First Avenue West is getting a makeover, thanks to some help from Leadership Duluth and other businesses in the community. “We’re really excited to give back to the community and there’s over 16,000 community members that walk through this door annually and it’s people just like you and me,” said…

Amy Klobuchar Ends Presidential Bid, Now Endorsing Biden

Minnesota Senator Amy Klobuchar Will Now Endorse Former Vice President Joe Biden

WASHINGTON (AP) – Amy Klobuchar is ending her Democratic presidential campaign and is set to endorse Joe Biden. The Minnesota senator announced the decision Monday, calling it quits after a bid that broke briefly into the top tier with a third-place finish in New Hampshire but failed to sustain that energy further into the Democratic nomination fight. The three-term senator…

Midday Update 3-2-20

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Monday, March 2, 2020

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Brittney Merlot for a local look at news and weather making headlines Monday, March 2, 2020. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, brittney merlot, community, Headlines, Local News, midday update

National School Breakfast Week Begins Today

National School Breakfast Week Promotes Healthy Eating in Schools March 2 - 6, 2020

WRENSHALL, Minn. – Classroom success stems from a good healthy start to the day. March 2 – 6, thousands of schools around the nation will recognize National School Breakfast Week. Locally, Valerie Dahl, Food Service Director for Wrenshall Public Schools, is taking this time to share with the community what she and various staff members are doing to promote healthy…

Duluth Cross Country Ski Club Hosting Year-End Event

Tour DuLuth Ski Fest is Happening Saturday, March 7, 2020

DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth Cross-County Ski Club is gearing up to host its year-end celebration, the Tour Duluth Ski Fest on Saturday, March 7. The event features all-day/all-evening ski events around the city of Duluth. Schedule of Events: 9:00 a.m. – Lester-Amity Chalet open with doughnuts and coffee All day – Ski Duluth’s Trail System – The more the…

Morning Update 3-2-20

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Monday, March 2, 2020

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Brittney Merlot for a local look at news and weather making headlines Monday, March 2, 2020. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, brittney merlot, community, Headlines, Local News, morning update

Bringing Home the Bacon at Baconfest

Event raises money for church mission trips.

HERMANTOWN, Minn.- Hermantown Community Church was packed with meat lovers for their 6th annual Baconfest. Baconfest raises money for mission trips form the church. Every year they go to California and Ireland, partnering with local churches in those areas. Baconfest included a bacon-eating contest, and People’s Choice Award for their favorite bacon-centered dish, which there were many according to organizers….

Northlanders Enjoy Warm First Day of Meteorological Spring Outside

Temps reach low 40s as people enjoy the lakeside in Canal Park.

DULUTH, Minn.- Sunday was the first day of Meteorological Spring, the three month period of March, April and May which meteorologists use to calculate seasonal statistics. It sure felt like Spring here in the Northland, as temperatures got as high as 42 degrees in Duluth. So people got outside in Canal Park enjoying the melting lake and sunshine, as we…