Community

Veterans Among Duluth Rally for Peace in Russia-Ukraine Tensions

DULUTH, Minn. — In downtown Duluth, a group gathered to rally for a peaceful resolution to the standoff between Russia and Ukraine. Fears of a Russian invasion have been growing as the Kremlin continues to build up more than 100,000 troops near Ukraine’s Northern and Eastern borders. Representatives from the twin ports democratic socialists, veterans for peace, and grandmothers for…

Duluth Public Library Brings Back ‘Blind Date with a Book’

DULUTH, Minn. — The Youth Services Department in the Duluth Public Library is bringing back an old favorite program, just in time for Valentine’s Day. “Blind Date with a Book” always proves to be a hit for the library, staff select different books from all genres, and hand-wrap them. The tag on the outside tells the reader the genre, themes,…

Nurses and Lawmakers Come Together To Promote New Legislation

DULUTH, Minn. — Nurses are joining Minnesota lawmakers, desperately urging support for a bill to address the short staffing and retention of employees in hospitals statewide. The “Keeping Nurses at The Bedside” Act is being introduced to correct an already-existing staffing crisis, nurses say existed long before the pandemic. The bill hopes to set a maximum number of patients any…

Midday Update 2-4-22

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Friday, February 4, 2022

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Ken Slama for a local look at news and weather making headlines Friday, February 4, 2022. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Ken Slama, Local News, midday update

Morning Update 2-4-22

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Friday, February 4, 2022

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Ken Slama for a local look at news and weather making headlines Friday, February 4, 2022. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Ken Slama, Local News, morning update, News, weather

GoFundMe Organized for Local Entrepreneur, Charity Fundraiser Mike Letica

DULUTH, Minn. – A longtime event organizer and businessman in Duluth, known for giving so much to others is now in need of community support. In November, Mike Letica was diagnosed with Respiratory Syncytial Virus. While his symptoms were much like a cold, Mike faced the more serious side effects. He ended up with broken ribs from the intensity of…

Winter Bike Week 2022 Kicks Off

DULUTH, Minn. — Winter bike week 2022 has kicked off in Duluth, it’s a week-long series of community led events, celebrating, educating and empowering people-powered ways to get around town, while also promoting winter activity. Zeitgeist is hosting a series of in-person and virtual events. “So we have a lot of people in our community that can help inspire and…

Duluth to Observe Transit Equity Day Friday, DTA Offers Free Rides

DULUTH, Minn. – Friday would have been Rosa Parks’ 109th birthday.  The civil rights icon will be remembered in Duluth and dozens of other communities nationwide through Transit Equity Day. A proclamation from Mayor Emily Larson honors Parks’ role in pushing for equal rights on public transit, which also comes during Black History Month. “Making sure that we are affirming and…

Midday Update 2-3-22

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Thursday, February 3, 2022

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Ken Slama for a local look at news and weather making headlines Thursday, February 3, 2022. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Ken Slama, Local News, midday update, News, weather

Morning Update 2-3-22

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Thursday, February 3, 2022

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Ken Slama for a local look at news and weather making headlines Thursday, February 3, 2022. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Ken Slama, Local News, morning update, News, weather

23rd Annual Black Woods Blizzard Tour Takes Off

The goal is to raise 1.5 million dollars this year, and they have already reached 81% of that goal.

PROCTOR, Minn. — A big group of snowmobilers will be heading out in cold conditions Thursday morning raising money for a good cause. They’ll be taking off for the Black Wood’s Blizzard Tour, which is a 3 day snowmobiling fundraiser that collects money to help those fighting ALS. Wednesday evening, the annual reception that opens the weekend, took place at…

Sen. Smith Introduces Legislation to Improve Veteran Hearing Benefits

DULUTH, Minn. – Minnesota Senator Tina Smith (D) is trying her hardest to make sure veterans have quick, easy access to obtaining care for hearing loss. Smith recently introduced legislation to reduce the red tape many vets face when trying to get care for hearing loss as a result of their service. Right now, if veterans wish to receive benefits…

Cold Front Duluth Returns to Bayfront Festival Park

DULUTH, Minn. – After taking last year off due to the pandemic, Duluth Parks and Recreation will be holding their annual Cold Front Duluth event at Bayfront Festival Park Saturday. “We’re just excited to be able to provide a great opportunity for people to come together in an outdoor park space,” says Megan Lidd, City of Duluth’s Recreation Specialist, “and then…

Superior Police Receive Reach Bags to Help Kids at Emergency Sites

SUPERIOR, Wis. – The Superior Police Department is the latest emergency responders in Wisconsin to get a donation from Reach a Child. The Madison-based organizations gave them 35 backpacks, one for each squad vehicle.  They contain around 15 books that can be handed out to kids to help distract them from emergency calls like fires and domestic situations. “The police officer…

City of Duluth Gives Update on Gas Line Incident That Caused Thousands of Residents to Turn Down Their Thermostats

DULUTH, Minn. – The City of Duluth is providing more details about last week’s gas line incident that had thousands of residents turning down their thermostats after a contractor hit a gas line within the can of worms project in Lincoln Park. According to a Wednesday joint news release between the city, MnDOT, and Ames/Kraemer Joint Venture, an Ames/Kramer contractor…

Midday Update 2-2-22

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Wednesday, February 2, 2022

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Ken Slama for a local look at news and weather making headlines Wednesday, February 2, 2022. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Ken Slama, Local News, midday update, News, weather

JJ Astor, Bowery Bros. to Receive Rebranding, $500,000 in Renovations

Both Establishments Are Expected to Open in the Spring of 2022

DULUTH, Minn. – A Twin Cities-based restaurant company is looking to invest over a half-million dollars into the two restaurants associated with the iconic Radisson hotel in Duluth. Purpose Driven Restaurants will be taking over, and renovating the current JJ Astor Restaurant and Lounge and Bowery Bros. The iconic rotating restaurant atop the Radisson will continue to spin when renovations…

Morning Update 2-2-22

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Wednesday, February 2, 2022

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Ken Slama for a local look at news and weather making headlines Wednesday, February 2, 2022. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Ken Slama, Local News, morning update, News, weather

Spirit Mountain Looking To Hire As One Of Many Businesses Hit By Staffing Shortage

DULUTH, Minn. – Ideal weather conditions have plenty of people going to Spirit Mountain to enjoy some outdoor fun.  The attraction is doing its best to keep everything open despite having staffing issues with fewer people employed and the impact of COVID-19 when staff has to quarantine. Interim Executive Director Ann Glumac says they are doing their best with the staffing…

Congdon Elementary 1st Graders Enjoy Own Version of John Beargrease Race

DULUTH, Minn. – As the John Beargrease race comes to an end, students at Congdon Elementary in Duluth took part in their own version of the race Tuesday. Participants were first graders in Alaina Pilates’ class.  They were broken up into teams of four, with each taking turns either being one of the dogs pulling a sled or the musher who…

City Crews Responding to Multiple Water Main Breaks in Morgan Park

DULUTH, Minn. – City of Duluth Utility Operations crews are responding to multiple water main breaks in Morgan Park. The first break was reported around 8:30 a.m. Tuesday morning near 91st Avenue West. This break put additional pressure on other pipes causing an additional break and water outages in the surrounding area. City officials say water has been turned off…

Midday Update 2-1-22

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Tuesday, February 1, 2022

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Ken Slama for a local look at news and weather making headlines Tuesday, February 1, 2022. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Ken Slama, Local News, midday update, News, weather

Morning Update 2-1-22

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Tuesday, February 1, 2022

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Ken Slama for a local look at news and weather making headlines Tuesday, February 1, 2022. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Ken Slama, Local News, morning update, News, weather

Affordable Housing for Seniors Planned For Harbor Highlands In Duluth

The project, called Skyridge Flats, will provide 70 units rented to residents age 55 or older at or below 50 percent median income.

DULUTH, Minn.- More affordable housing is planned for senior residents in Duluth’s Harbor Highlands neighborhood off Central Entrance. The project, called Skyridge Flats, will provide 70 units rented to residents age 55 or older at or below 50 percent median income. 7 units will be reserved for qualifying homeless veterans. The $17.5 million project would be funded with a $13.9…

‘Blinking Lights for Safety’ At Proctor School Dist.

PROCTOR, Minn.- Students in Proctor will soon sport a flashy new keychain on their backpacks that helps keep them safe. The school district is partnering with St. Luke’s to attach LED blinking lights on the kids’ backpacks. With flashing strobe settings. With many students coming from more rural towns the lights help them stay safe if walking home from the…

Cove Apartments Planning to Open Phase 2 Building in Downtown Duluth this Fall

Construction is already underway on the corner of Lake Avenue and First Street.

DULUTH, Minn.- Phase 2 of the Cove Apartments looking to open this Fall, as officials hope it provides a big boost to Downtown Duluth. Phase 1 of the Cove Apartments saw almost all of its 48 units filled before doors even opened back in late 2020. “So the goal with these historic rehabs is to try to be able to…

Military Mom Returns From Deployment, Surprises Daughter At Daycare

SUPERIOR, Wis. –  A military mother gave her 4-year-old daughter a big surprise at daycare Monday. Kaylie Gustum surprised her daughter, Natalie, after serving a nine-month deployment in Kuwait and Syria. Kaylie decided to make her return a secret after seeing reunion videos online. “It’s definitely overwhelming and it’s going to be very fun learning her again. It’s been a…

Midday Update 1-31-22

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Monday, January 31, 2022

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Ken Slama for a local look at news and weather making headlines Monday, January 31, 2022. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Ken Slama, Local News, midday update, News, weather

Kickstart American Heart Month with Mindful Nutrition

February is American Heart Month

DULUTH, Minn. – February is known as American Heart Month. It’s a time when people of all ages are encouraged to focus on their cardiovascular health. The Division for Heart Disease and Stroke Prevention is shining a light on hypertension (high blood pressure), a leading risk factor for heart disease and stroke. The Division is committed to addressing barriers to…

Morning Update 1-31-22

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Monday, January 31, 2022

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Ken Slama for a local look at news and weather making headlines Monday, January 31, 2022. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Ken Slama, Local News, morning update, News, weather

38th Annual Beargrease Sees Larger Crowds than Normal

You could say crowds were larger than normal, upon their return to the sidelines, but the most surprising part is how many came to watch for their first time.

DULUTH, Minn. — Who is more excited to be here, the dogs or the fans? Spectators excited to return to the start line after a quiet year due to the pandemic. You could say crowds were larger than normal, upon their return to the sidelines, but the most surprising part is how many came to watch for their first time….

Mushers Sent Off to ‘Hike!’ on Beargrease Marathon’s 300-Mile Trail

"It feels like Beargrease, and what makes Beargrease so special," Redington said.

DULUTH, Minn.- Just follow the howls of the excited dogs Sunday and you’d find the Beargrease Marathon mushers and their fans excited to see them tackle the longest sled dog race in the lower 48 states. “The energy of the dogs, the energy of the fans, it’s just surreal that we’re at this point already,” said Monica Hendrickson, Marketing and…

Fans at Beargrease Starting Line Pack Surrounding Businesses Again

Breeze Inn opened early Sunday morning, and it was busy from the get-go.

DULUTH, Minn.- The Marathon always provides a much-needed boost to businesses by the starting line on the outskirts of Duluth. Breeze Inn opened early Sunday morning, and it was busy from the get-go. This year they offered breakfast sandwiches mimosas and Bloody Mary’s and a fire pit with hay bales to enjoy the race outside. After a year with no…

Damaged Duluth Gas Main Fixed, Residents No Longer Need To Turn Down Heat

Without residents' cooperation, neighborhoods were at risk of a full shutoff.

DULUTH, Minn.- The City of Duluth says home and business owners east of Lake Avenue no longer have to keep their thermostats low as crews have assessed and repaired a massive gas main that was damaged last week. According to the City the natural gas main was struck within the ‘can of worms’ construction site on Thursday. It’s the City’s…

Vets Check Every Paw One Day Before Beargrease Sled Dog Marathon Start

22 veterinarians and vet techs combed through every paw of upward of 500 dogs at the South St. Louis County Fair Grounds in Proctor Saturday.

DULUTH, Minn.- Before watching the top-of-the-line canines takeoff for Sunday’s John Beargrease Sled Dog Marathon fans got a chance to see them get checkups before race day. 22 veterinarians and vet techs combed through every paw of upward of 500 dogs at the South St. Louis County Fair Grounds in Proctor Saturday. Each dog’s exam results go into the vet’s…

Tiny Dogs Pull Tiny Sleds at Earth Rider’s Mini Sled Dog Races

There were two heats of races: 12 pounds and under then 12 to 22-pound pint-sized pups.

SUPERIOR, Wis.- Before watching those elite dogs tear down the trail, people got to watch some tiny dogs pull some tiny sleds on Saturday! Earth Rider Brewery in Superior hosted the Mini Sled Dog Race fundraiser for Beargrease. There were two heats of races: 12 pounds and under then 12 to 22-pound pint-sized pups. Competitors and spectators came from as…

Spirit Room Debuts Ice Bar for Annual Ice Festival

SUPERIOR, Wis. — Superior businesses also decked themselves up for ice festival weekend. The Spirit Room on Broadway Street always showcases their penguin ice sculpture out front, and after expanding this past summer to have an outdoor patio, they also added an ice bar this weekend. Manager Lindsey Graskey tells us she hoped it add even more to their annual…

Duluth Natural Gas Residents Asked to Keep Thermostats Low Through Weekend After Gas Main Break Thursday

DULUTH, Minn.- All natural gas residents east of Lake Avenue are asked to maintain 62 degrees inside homes and businesses through the weekend, as City of Duluth crews continue repairing a large gas main that was damaged within the Can of Worms construction going on near Michigan street and 19th Avenue West Thursday. “Crews have been working hard to repair the…

Hoops Brewing Company Open Again after Pipe Burst Earlier this Month

DULUTH, MN – Back on January 6, a pipe burst forced the temporary closure of Hoops Brewing Company in Canal Park, flooding part of the building.  After a cleanup effort that took a couple of weeks, there are only a few noticeable differences, but mostly they are grateful to the community for helping them during the ordeal. “We have some…

Midday Update 1-28-22

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Friday, January 28, 2022

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Ken Slama for a local look at news and weather making headlines Friday, January 28, 2022. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Ken Slama, Local News, midday update, News, weather

Morning Update 1-28-22

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Friday, January 28, 2022

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Ken Slama for a local look at news and weather making headlines Friday, January 28, 2022. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Ken Slama, Local News, morning update, News, weather

City Officials Asking Lakeside, Woodland Residents to Reduce Thermostats Immediately

DULUTH, Minn. – The City of Duluth is asking residents and businesses in the Lakeside and Woodland neighborhoods to reduce their thermostats to 62 degrees starting immediately. Making this change will help the City reduce the overall load on the system and avoid the possibility of a neighborhood-by-neighborhood shutdown of gas. Residents and businesses are asked to make this change…

Developing: Fire in Downtown Duluth Leads to Road Closures

As of 6 a.m., Crews Remain On Scene Battling Flames and Smoke

DULUTH, Minn. – Duluth Fire Department responded to a structure fire at 126 East 4th Street around 2 a.m. Friday. Initially, crews were laying lines to the basement of the building and setting up for aerial operations, however, just a short time later, the fire had spread to the second floor of the building, and crews were pulled from inside….