Community

People Brave Bad Weather for Bentleyville

The Attraction is Closing on Monday

Sleet and bad road conditions, didn’t stop some people from enjoying one of the last days of Bentleyville. One family even drove down from the Twin Cities area to see the lights. For them It’s a family tradition that they couldn’t miss. “We only had two nights left to choose from, tomorrow it’s supposed to be really bad, today, it’s not…

Northlanders Find Gifts of Joy While Working on Christmas

Employees, Patients, and Visitors at One Duluth Hospital Find Happiness For the Holidays

DULUTH, Minn. – Giving the gift of care can be the greatest gift of all. “We’re open 24 hours a day, seven days a week,” said Lauryn Wilson, R.N. at Essentia Newborn ICU. “Christmas is really no different than any other day,” said Howard Lamirande, Security Officer at Essentia Health St. Mary’s in Duluth. For Howard, his workload might even be…

CHUM Honors Lives Lost With Christmas Vigil

41 Lives Were Lost This Year

Dozens of people who either personally experienced homelessness, or advocated for homeless people in the Twin Ports lost their lives this year. Tonight, Churches United in Ministry, known as CHUM took time to honor them. 41 people held candles and white signs, each with a name written on them. Most are the names are of people in the twin ports…

Missing Man in Hartley Nature Park Found Dead

The Man's Body was Located Shortly Before Noon Friday in Hartley Park

DULUTH, Minn. – An update on the 66-year-old man who went missing last night at Hartley Nature Center in Duluth. Shortly before noon Friday, the Duluth Police Department along with the St. Louis County Rescue Squad, located the body of the man who had been missing since Thursday afternoon. The man was located within Hartley Park. At this time, authorities…

Structure Fire in Superior Causes $300,000 in Damages

The Fire Broke Out Shortly Before Seven Friday Morning at AA Roll Off Landscaping

SUPERIOR, Wisc. – Shortly before 7:00a.m. Friday morning, Superior Fire Officials responded to reports of a structure fire at AA Roll Off Landscaping. Officials say heavy smoke was coming from the building, located on Garfield Avenue. Crews tried to gain access to the building, but high heat and low visibility due to fire conditions made it nearly impossible to do…

Northlanders Travel for Christmas

Travel is up 1.5% Across the Country

Christmas is around the corner and some Northlanders are gearing up to travel. Some staying close by, while others are going across the country. According to AAA more than 103 million Americans are expected to travel this holiday season. It’s a 1.5 percent increase from last year. The Minnesota Department of Transportation Is urging travelers to check out road conditions…

One Person Dead After a Shooting in Fond Du Lac

Suspect is in Police Custody

Shots rang out at this home on the 1700 block of Wolf Ridge Road in Cloquet, just before 9 am. Officers who responded to a report of the shooting, found a man, in this house with gunshot wounds. The victim, in his thirties, was taken to a hospital in Duluth where he died from the injuries. A suspect was found…

Duluth Family Fighting Cancer Receives “Best Christmas Ever”

A Cloquet business delivered more than a hundred gifts and presented the family $8,000

DULUTH, Minn. – In 2011, the charity “Best Christmas Ever” was started, with a mission of helping a Superior family have a life changing Christmas. This year, the non-profit organization is blessing 50 families across the United States with an unforgettable holiday. The staff at Northland Health Filtration in Cloquet wanted to do something special for a local family in…

VFW Prepares for Holiday Dinner

The Tradition Has Been Going on for Decades

The Veterans of Foreign Wars 137 Annual Christmas dinner is this weekend. The VFW is preparing for the free holiday dinner, and anticipating hundreds of people to show up. Though they already have volunteers lined up, they’re still looking for more, and are always accepting donations of hats and gloves to give away to people who attend the dinner. “We…

Hotels Busy During Holiday Season

From Bentleyville to Hockey... Tourists Come to Duluth Even in the Winter

Seasonal events, from hockey to Bentleyville, have kept hotels in Duluth busy this holiday season And though Bentleyville is ending soon, there are plenty of hockey tournaments scheduled in January, and the skiing season will be in full swing.  Holiday Inn Representatives are crossing their fingers that those events combined with other winter outdoor recreation like ice climbing and fat…

Holiday Shoppers Flock to Grocery Stores

Some Stores Offer Both Groceries and Last Minute Gift Options

Grocery stores in the Northland are bustling with people gearing up for the holidays Many customers flock to the grocery store, so they can get all the ingredients they need for their special holiday meal. The Week of Christmas is the busiest time of year at Mount Royal, where people can purchase all of their groceries and even pick up…

Think Twice Before Buying a Pet for Christmas

Adopt Don't Shop

Many children and even adults dream of waking up to a fluffy little puppy or kitten on Christmas morning.  But experts remind us that bringing a pet into the family means committing your time and money to taking care of it, for years. Animals, Especially young ones, take a lot of time to train, and may take a while to…

Make a Child Smile Campaign Seeking Donations

Local Toy Donation Drive Looks to Help Needy Families

DULUTH – A donation drive that started as a way to help a few families during the holiday season has taken off. We’ve told you about the “Make a Child Smile” campaign put on by Mike Letica with Super America. Now, Letica tells FOX 21 he’s received several requests from needy families since our story last night. He’s asking for…

Cloquet Business Giving Local Family the “Best Christmas Ever”

Northland Health Filtration will also be presenting the family with a check for about $7,000

CLOQUET, Minn. – A business in Cloquet is doing its part to make sure a family in need has a special Christmas this year. Northland Health Filtration adopted a family as part of the Best Christmas Ever campaign. The business received about 140 gifts, all donated by the community. Tonight, friends and family helped wrap the presents, which they will…

The Breeze Inn Celebrates 5 Years

There was some fun in town Tuesday night up on Jean Duluth Road

The Breeze Inn may seem small on the outside, but there was a big party inside. The Inn’s owners are celebrating 5 years of serving up, good times, cold drinks, and their signature Juicy Lucy burgers. Owner Kate Wagner says, “I think we’re celebrating a few things, we’ve been here 5 years, how we’ve gone from 6 to 22 employees,…

Hundreds of Gifts Wrapped For Families in Need

Volunteers and even some of the families receiving the gifts helped wrap the presents

DULUTH, Minn. – Over 700 gifts were wrapped today as part of the “Make A Child Smile” campaign. Mike Letica, with Super America, has received donations from business and people around the community to help purchase gifts for nearly twenty families. Today, volunteers and even some of the families receiving the gifts helped wrap the presents. “I was expecting Christmas…

Duluth Airport Sweetens Holiday Travels

Holiday Travel Heats Up At Duluth International Airport

With the holiday’s almost here it’s a busy time to travel. The Duluth International Airport is already bustling with people off to their holiday destinations. The Duluth Airport Authority made traveler’s trips a little sweeter with some warm holiday cookies. If you still have to catch your flight there are some helpful tips that can make your trip go smoothly….

Northland Family has Built Memories in Grocery Aisles for Decades

Northland Uncovered: Super One Foods

DULUTH, Minn. – Stopping at a grocery store is on the errands list of many. In Duluth, there are many options including Super One Foods. This popular grocery chain got its start right here in the Northland. “It starts back with my great–grandparents, Ida and Tony Miner,” Miner’s Inc. Store Director Patrick Miner explained. The family business started up in…

Animal Answers: Benefits of Feeding Birds in the Northland

Experts at Wild Birds Unlimited say Winter is the Most Important time to Feed our Feathered Friends

DULUTH, Minn. – Cold climates can become a constant battle for those who never have the chance to warm up or thaw out. Summer soaring can be sweet sailing for our friends with wings in the Northland. “The chickadees, the nuthatches, woodpeckers are all clinger birds, so they don’t necessarily need a perching area. Many people ask us what types…

Great Outdoors: Sunshine On The Slopes

People Head To Spirit Mountain To Enjoy Warm Winter Weather

DULUTH, Minn- Just a few short days ago was not a good time to be outside. Minnesota Duluth student and experienced skier Ben Merrill remembers, “It was freezing, I had 5 layers. We were taking 5 runs we’re like lets go sit in the chalet for a couple of hours and warm up.” Skier Siera LaFave comments, “Like with a…

New Timekeepers Exhibit Opens at Duluth’s Depot

"Timekeepers" or Pocket Watches Were Used by the American Railroad Industry in the 1880s

DULUTH, Minn. – Time is now ticking in history at Duluth’s Lake Superior Railroad Museum. The museum’s latest exhibit isn’t taking up much space in the collection, but had a huge purpose back in the 1880s. Many Seventeen Jeweled Timekeepers were given out by the American Railroad Industry after they created the four standard time zones, which we still use…

Carlton County Jail looking at enhancements

Focusing on rehabilitating re-offenders

The Carlton County Jail took a huge step today in making their jail stronger. Numerous law enforcement stakeholders met in there today to discuss how the needs and issues the jail is currently facing. Recently the Carlton County Board approved funding for an assessment study for the jail at a cost of $67,000. Officials told Fox 21 today they are…

Polar Express Day held in celebration of the holidays

Kids drove computerized train

The annual Polar Express Day was held at the Duluth Edison’s North Star Academy today. Model trains were set up which included a holiday theme. There were even holiday villages created for the trains. This isn’t the only classroom where holiday events took place today. “Throughout every classroom there’s all different kinds of holiday celebrations going on in the classrooms,…

Canelake’s Candies Keeping Up with Demand

The sweets store in Virginia says they have hundreds of orders to get out this week

VIRGINIA, Minn. – The busiest place on the Iron Range this week is Canelake’s Candies in Virginia. They’ve received hundreds of orders this month and an influx of customers every day leading up to Christmas. The homemade candy shop typically only has two or three people on staff, but for the week leading up to Christmas, there are about 20…

Toy Drive Targets Older Children in Need

Gifts for Teens Benefits the Boys and Girls Club

DULUTH, Minn. – Special delivery, and just in time for Christmas! Natalie Froistad and William Seay from Fox 21 Local News at Seven paid a visit to the Boys and Girls Club of the Northland earlier today, with gift boxes full of presents for area teenagers. “Gifts for Teens” is a toy drive that targets under-privileged teenagers, a group that…

Aurora man pleads guilty to murdering former girlfriend

November 8, 2015 shooting death of Julie Hildreth

John Joseph Plevell pleaded guilty on Tuesday, December 20, 2016 to intentional second-degree murder in the November 8, 2015 shooting death of Julie Ann Hildreth outside the Aurora American Legion club, St. Louis County Attorney, Mark Rubin, said. Plevell, 52, entered the plea before Judge Gary Pagliaccetti in State District Court in Virginia, Minnesota. The court scheduled sentencing for January…

Birkie Trail Run Festival registration opens January 1, 2017

A great opportunity to start those New Year's resolutions

HAYWARD, Wis. – Every year resolutions are made to lose weight, get fit, and make healthier choices, and experts say if a person sets attainable and specific goals when making those resolutions, they’ll be far more apt to keep them. The American Birkebeiner Ski Foundation (ABSF) has been hard at work helping individuals keep their New Year’s resolutions by offering…

Sentencing for two men involved in August Grand Rapids home invasion

The incident occurred on August 3, 2016

ITASCA COUNTY, Minn – Edward Wade Fauth, 19, of Grand Rapids, Minnesota, and Zachary Walker Cary, 28, of Cloquet, Minnesota, appeared in Itasca County District Court for a sentencing hearing, Monday, December 19, 2016, according to Itasca County Attorney, John J. Muhar. The two men previously pleaded guilty to one count of Aggravated Robbery in the First Degree. The crime…

Gov. Walker writes letter to Trump to help citizens of Wisconsin

Asking to provide flexibility in implementing a number of programs

MADISON, Wis. – Governor Scott Walker, today, sent a letter to President-elect Donald Trump, outlining actions he believes the incoming administration should take immediately upon entering office to restore state control over the governance of a number of programs and services. Walker’s letter also details his concerns over “incessant federal overreach.” “Too often, states have become mere administrative provinces of…

Former Mayor Ness takes new position

Ness will be new executive director of the Ordean Foundation

DULUTH, Minn. – Former Duluth Mayor Don Ness has been named the new executive director of the Ordean Foundation. Ness is taking over for retiring Executive Director Steve Mangan in late January. The Ordean Foundation focuses on poverty issues and has given about $68 million in grants to various Northland organizations since 1933. Ness had previously worked at Lake Superior…

Monday Was Postal Service’s Busiest Day of the Year

Lines at the West Michigan Street post office in Duluth were long the whole day

DULUTH, Minn. – With Christmas less than a week away, people are trying to get their last minute packages in the mail. The postal service says Monday was their busiest shipping day of the year. Lines at the post office on West Michigan Street were nearly out the door all day. Almost every person in line had multiple boxes and…

Winter Brings Extra Parking Tickets

The City of Duluth tends to see a spike in parking tickets during the winter season

The City of Duluth tends to see a spike in parking tickets during the winter months, as snowplows work to clear emergency routes and side streets. The city says snowplows are unable to effectively clear city streets if cars stay parked for longer than the 24-hour ordinance states. The 24-hour ordinance are put in place for specific reasons, “Really to…

Skiers Hit Trails in Duluth

Many of the Trails are Open for Skiing

When the temperatures are warm enough to comfortably be outside, but cold enough to keep the ground frozen, even a busy work day won’t keep skiers like Annette Hofslund from hitting the trails. The skiing season didn’t start any earlier than previous years, but now, most of the trails across Duluth are open for people to enjoy. “There’s always Hartley…

AAFES Store Closing in Duluth

Minnesota Politicians are Fighting to Reverse the Decision

The Army and Air Force Exchange Service is planning on closing the Duluth location in 2017. Local Veterans believe it’s a Military benefit that is being taken away, and the store closing will impact area veterans negatively. Minnesota Politicians like U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar and Al Franken, and U.S. Representative Rick Nolan are urging AAFES to reverse the decision. If…

John Beargrease Sled Dog Marathon to Start at the Pit in Two Harbors

Race to Start at the Same Location as Last Year

The John Beargrease Sled Dog Marathon will be starting at the Pit in Two Harbors again this year. Organizers were working towards getting the race started at the Fair Grounds in Two Harbors, but didn’t have enough time to work out the details and make it happen. Organizers are still hoping to start at the Fair Grounds for the race…

Linskie Sentenced in Twin Ponds Hit and Run

88-month sentence handed down

The 31-year-old Twin Ports man who drove his car off of Skyline Parkway near Twin Ponds in Duluth, striking and killing Susan LeGarde Menz receiving a guideline prison sentence of seven years and four months, today, according to St. Louis County Attorney Mark Rubin. A St. Louis County jury deliberated less than an hour during a trial in November, before…

Duluth City Council develops plan for Emerald Ash Borer

The council approved a plan to fight the invasive species.

DULUTH, Minn. – Emerald Ash Borer has been on the city of Duluth’s mind for months and they now will move forward with a plan to fight against the invasive species. Emerald Ash Borer is an invasive species that can be considered one of the most destructive forest pests ever seen in North America. Emerald Ash Borer targets ash trees…

Hockey team wears ugly sweaters for charity

Money collected for local food shelf

SUPERIOR, Wisc. – The Superior Girls High School Hockey team put on some unique jerseys for a good cause. While playing Monday’s game they wore ugly sweater jerseys to in efforts to draw a bigger crowd and collect food for the local food shelf. The coaches wore the ugly sweater jerseys as well. “My wife found these online and asked…

‘Rogue One’ Lands in Theaters Nationwide

Marcus Cinema in Duluth Prepared for Busy Weekend

DULUTH, Minn. — “Rogue One,” the latest film in the super-popular Star Wars movie franchise has officially landed in theaters. It’s all hands on deck at the Marcus Cinema in Duluth; managers have hired six additional employees to help with the busy holiday season. The theater has dedicated four screens for showing “Rogue One.” General Manager Shawn Fennessey says he…

Changes coming to one-way streets in Downtown Duluth

City council approved a three phase project to convert from one way to two way streets

Drivers in downtown Duluth won’t have to deal with as many one way roads. Last week, city council approved a three phase project to convert portions of First, Second and Third Avenues West from one to two way traffic. The project is set to begin May of 2017. When all’s done, stop lights at seven intersections will change to stop…

Secret Forest Playschool Fundraising for New Classroom

The Hands-On Learning School is Looking to Expand with a Cabin Classroom

The cold isn’t putting a damper on fundraising efforts for one Playschool in the Northland. Secret Forest Playschool is now located in the Eastridge Community Church in Duluth. Founder Meghan Morrow would like to expand her efforts with a new Cabin Classroom. She opened the hands-on learning opportunity back in the fall of 2012, and has since helped dozens of…

Experts Encourage Safety While Using Space Heaters

Never plug a space heater into an extension cord, rather they should always be plugged into an outlet.

DULUTH, Minn. – Experts say to always plug space heaters into an outlet and never into an extension cord. Consumers should also be sure to check the cord for any cuts. Also when buying a new space heater, look for one that has an automatic shutoff. “A lot of them have a tip over feature if the heater falls over….

The Vinyl Cave announces it’s closing its doors

SUPERIOR, Wis. – The Vinyl Cave first opened its doors back in 2008 and has since then been symbol of northern Minnesota and Wisconsin’s long running contributions to the world of music.   Owners Tom Uterberger and Tom Johnson have been around music their entire lives and have always had a passion for vinyl records and vintage stereo equipment. Now…

Caroling in the Skywalk

Duluth East students sing Christmas carols in downtown businesses

DULUTH, Minn. Carolers in downtown Duluth were helping people get in the holiday spirit today. The Duluth East High School Choralaires sang Christmas carols in the skywalk during the lunch hour. They performed holiday favorites in the Holiday Center and the lobbies of three downtown banks. “It’s just really fun to to. It’s fun to go around and make people…