Community

Nearby Residents, Business Owners React To Esmond Building Fire

They said the frequent fires show it's time the building comes down.

DULUTH, Minn.- The frigid firefight at the condemned Esmond building Monday required all hands on deck from not just firefighters but business owners and community members in Lincoln Park. Staff at the All-American Club just across the corner on Michigan Street provided hot coffee, muffins, and sandwiches for crews taking a break. They say they witnessed the last two fires…

Duluth Fire Crews Extinguish Third Fire at Condemned Esmond Building this Winter

According to the Fire Chief, no one was found inside the building when crews arrived on-scene, though they have had reports of individuals inside seeking warmth recently.

DULUTH, Minn.- A massive fire took over the former Seaway Hotel now known as the condemned Esmond Building in the Lincoln Park Craft District Monday, challenging firefighters with its fast spread in sub-arctic temperatures. Crews responded to the fire around 7:30 Monday morning. Just minutes later, three crews were pulled out of the building due to unsafe conditions and fire…

Midday Update 1-10-22

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Monday, January 10, 2022

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Rusty Mehlberg for a local look at news and weather making headlines Monday, January 10, 2022. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Ken Slama, Local News, midday update, News, weather

Lutsen to Host Norpine Fat Bike Classic Starting Mid-January

Registration is Currently Open for Events Beginning on Saturday, Jan. 15, 2022

LUTSEN, Minn. – Registration is now open for the Norpine Fat Bike Classic, which will return to Lutsen for its sixth year with events beginning Saturday, Jan. 15, and culminating with races on Saturday, Jan. 29. Hosted by the Superior Cycling Association, all events are held on the Norpine Cross-Country Trails, which take riders through stands of old-growth cedars on…

Morning Update 1-10-22

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Monday, January 10, 2022

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Rusty Mehlberg for a local look at news and weather making headlines Monday, January 10, 2022. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Local News, morning update, News, Rusty Mehlberg, weather

Council to Vote on New Emergency Mask Mandate Monday

DULUTH, Minn. — A second city wide Duluth mask mandate will be front and center for a vote at Monday night’s first city council meeting of 2022, with a hot topic to start the new year for sure. If Thursday night’s tense agenda session says anything about the mask mandate topic, this proposed emergency declaration isn’t going to be a…

Superior Fire Crews Respond to 4th Fire in 3 Days Since Warehouses Burned Down

No word on a cause for any of the fires yet.  

SUPERIOR, Wis.- The Superior Fire Department has kept busy the past three days with four different fire calls — the most recent a garage fire in Billings Park this morning. Crews responded to a three-stall attached garage on fire at a home on Bridgeview Drive. According to Battalion Chief Camron Vollbrecht, there were 20-foot flames shooting out of the garage…

Wedding Show Back With Over 100 Vendors at The DECC

More than 100 vendors were on hand to meet all the needs of brides and grooms to be from venues to catering, to D.J.s.

DULUTH, Minn.- For those planning their special day, the Duluth Wedding Show was back with hundreds of vendors at the DECC. More than 100 vendors were on hand to meet all the needs of brides and grooms to be from venues to catering, to D.J.s. Organizers say both the number of businesses and attendance this year was down about 25…

Bidders Excited to Get Hands on Last Place on Earth Items Up for Auction

Dozens of collectors filled Sellers Auction on Belknap Street and auction owners said they came from as far as Chicago and Florida.

SUPERIOR, Wis.- It’s been roughly seven years since the infamous Last Place on Earth was shut down. Those memories were unearthed Saturday at an auction in Superior. Dozens of collectors filled Sellers Auction on Belknap Street and auction owners said they came from as far as Chicago and Florida. The controversial head shop closed operations after owner Jim Carlson was…

‘Jazz at the Depot’ Brings Back Quartet, Crowd from Club Saratoga Jazz Days

The musicians originally played at Duluth's Club Saratoga in Canal Park before being hired by the Depot, and jazzists were out to show their love for the quartet as well as their music.

DULUTH, Minn.- What do you get when you mix smooth music, historic trains, and some tasty food? Probably something like Jazz at the Depot. The Lake Superior Railroad Museum hosted a quartet of jazz musicians to perform a number of pieces while the audience sat back and enjoyed both the music and atmosphere. The musicians originally played at Duluth’s Club…

Hunt for History, Win Some Prizes with Duluth Public Library’s Scavenger Hunts

The first of the so-called "GooseChases" began Friday and is themed around the history of Duluth.

DULUTH, Minn.- Starting this weekend, the Duluth Public Library is offering themed scavenger hunts for people all around the city to take part in. The first of the so-called “GooseChases” began Friday and is themed around the history of Duluth. To participate, download the GooseChase app and choose from any of the missions listed for the active hunt. Missions range…

Superior Fire Crews Respond to ‘large amount of fire’ at Garage Attached to Home

Everyone was reported safely outside.

SUPERIOR, Wis.- Superior Fire Department crews responded to a structure fire early Saturday morning, which destroyed the vehicles inside, though no one was injured. According to a spokesperson with the Fire Department, crews arrived at the home at 4 Bridgeview Drive around 8:20 a.m, to find a fully involved three-stall attached garage with a large amount of fire coming out…

Bitter Cold Increases Risk for Dead Car Batteries

SUPERIOR, Wis. – Below zero temperatures can create a number of problems for vehicles, none more prevalent than a battery that isn’t working properly. One auto mechanic retailer says the design of a vehicle’s alternator helps to keep batteries better charged than in the past, but human error such as leaving lights on or charging chords plugged in after leaving…

Glensheen to Offer Free Self-Guided Classic Tours Sunday

DULUTH, Minn. – As a way to say ‘thank you’ to the community, Glensheen is offering free self-guided Classic Tours to all visitors this Sunday for Community Day. In partnership with the City of Duluth, Community Days are a way for many attractions around the city that receive tourism tax funding to offer special discounts to community members throughout the…

Midday Update 1-7-22

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Friday, January 7, 2022

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Rusty Mehlberg for a local look at news and weather making headlines Friday, January 7, 2022. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Local News, midday update, News, Rusty Mehlberg, weather

Morning Update 1-7-22

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Friday, January 7, 2022

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Rusty Mehlberg for a local look at news and weather making headlines Friday, January 7, 2022. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Local News, morning update, News, Rusty Mehlberg, weather

Duluth City Councilors Have Tense First Debate About New Mask Mandate

DULUTH, Minn. – The mask mandate debate is firing back up in Duluth and being fueled by Councilor Terese Tomanek.  But the push for a mandate was not received well Thursday evening at the agenda session by the majority of the council after some felt surprised by the topic, which wasn’t on the list of items to discuss ahead of…

Warehouse Buildings Destroyed in Fire Part of ‘1890s boom era of Superior’

Superior Mayor Jim Paine did tell us talks will continue on how to redevelop that space.

SUPERIOR, Wis.- The two buildings which burned to the ground were staples of Superior’s waterfront, providing space for storage and resale since the late 1800s. According to members of the Douglas County Historical Society the Eastern building built in 1893 as Osborn Mercantile, a wholesale grocery startup. A few companies called it home, but the Lake Superior Bay company was…

Below Zero Temperatures Add More Challenges for Firefighters

SUPERIOR, Wis. – There are many challenges firefighters deal with at any fire scene.  Battling flames when temperatures are below zero adds a new factor of uncertainty. Thursday’s warehouse fire on Superior’s north side occurred when temperatures were around 10-below. Crews need to make sure their equipment does not freeze as water can quickly turn to ice once it leaves their…

How A Grant From DSACF Is Helping Young Moms Who Have Nothing

TWIN PORTS–  The Duluth Superior Area Community Foundation plans to give another $1 million out to nonprofits in the Northland this year. One nonprofit is the Duluth YWCA’s Young Moms program, which is getting $20,000 from the foundation. Young Moms provides daycare while mothers, ages 16 to 21 who may be experiencing homelessness or are at-risk of it, go to…

Midday Update 1-6-22

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Thursday, January 6, 2022

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Rusty Mehlberg for a local look at news and weather making headlines Thursday, Jan. 6, 2022. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Local News, midday update, News, Rusty Mehlberg, weather

Morning Update 1-6-22

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Thursday, January 6, 2022

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Rusty Mehlberg for a local look at news and weather making headlines Thursday, Jan. 6, 2022. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Local News, morning update, News, Rusty Mehlberg, weather

Happening Now: Large Warehouse Fire in North End of Superior

SUPERIOR, Wis. – Superior Fire Department crews are actively fighting a warehouse fire in the North End district of Superior. Smoke from this fire did affect traffic along the Blatnik Bridge, which was closed in both directions for nearly two hours. Superior Police say North 3rd Street connecting downtown Superior to Highway 2 remains open at this time. It is advised…

Cold, Snowy Days Helps Duluth Public Library Stay Busy

DULUTH, Minn. – When the weather gets snowy and windy, you may choose to stay inside.  That is what the Duluth Public Library hopes people do this winter. Leaders there say plenty of people choose to make their three locations a gathering place, using their physical and online resources, and just to relax in a warm setting with a good book….

“Freshwater”, Documentary on Lake Superior, Premiers in February

NORTH SHORE, Minn. – Lake Superior will be the focal point of a new documentary set for release next month. “Freshwater” began with a surfing only focus for filmmaker Ian Planchon after seeing people ride the lake’s waves in 2019. “I never knew this group of people existed until we started this documentary,” says Planchon. It has been expanded to include…

DTA Talks About Further Impact From Route Temporarily Shutting Down

DULUTH, Minn. — The Duluth Transit Authority is updating the public on the further impact from shutting down one route temporarily. The DTA is experiencing staffing shortages, and some employees are calling out sick with COVID and seasonal illnesses. For now, the trips on Route 5 are on pause. It’s a direct connection between West Duluth and the Miller Hill…

UMD’s ‘Preschool at the Park’ Reopening On-Campus Nature-Based Program

The Preschool at the Park is set to open on January 10th after being closed since the beginning of the pandemic in March of 2020.

DULUTH, Minn.- After almost two years UMD will be welcoming back some much younger students to their campus little preschoolers. The Preschool at the Park is set to open on January 10th after being closed since the beginning of the pandemic in March of 2020. Located in the Chester Park Building, the program is nature-based enhancing the 3 to 5-year-old’s…

Duluth Warming Centers at Capacity as New, Larger Facility’s Opening Delayed

The new warming center in Lincoln Park was supposed to open in December, but COVID supply chain issues pushed that to February.

DULUTH, Minn- Duluth’s homeless population is truly feeling the pain from these types of cold nights. And that’s fueling a desperate call for more attention and investment in affordable housing — as a new and bigger warmer center has been delayed for months. A new warming center in the lower level of the Lincoln Park Center is in its final…

Spirit Mountain Skating Rink to Open Friday

(courtesy: Spirit Mountain) DULUTH, Minn. – Spirit Mountain’s new Grand Avenue skating rink is set to open this Friday at the Grand Avenue Chalet. A grand opening event will be held on Friday starting at 5:30 p.m. and will include a bonfire and hot cocoa with marshmallows. The skating rink, located at 8551 Grand Avenue in West Duluth, is free…

Midday Update 1-5-22

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Wednesday, January 5, 2022

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Rusty Mehlberg for a look at local news and weather making headlines Wednesday, January 5, 2022. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Local News, midday update, News, Rusty Mehlberg, weather

School Closings, Delays for Wednesday, Jan. 5, 2022

Closed:  Bayfield Schools – Closed Bessemer Area School District – Closed Maple Schools – Closed Northwood School District – Closed Solon Springs School – Closed South Shore School District – Closed Superior School District – Closed Opening 2 Hours Late:  Lake Superior School District – 2-hour delay Early Dismissal: Ashland School District – Elementary released at 1 p.m., Middle and…

Local Animal Shelters Taking Part in Viral #BettyWhiteChallenge

Participants Can Donate on or Before Jan. 17 -- What Would Have Been White's 100th Birthday

SUPERIOR, Wis. – The late Betty White is being honored with a new social media challenge. The idea says that on Jan. 17 — which would have been white’s 100th birthday, people should pick a local rescue or animal shelter in their area and donate $5 in White’s name. White was a lifelong animal lover and wrote an animal book…

Morning Update 1-5-22

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Wednesday, January 5, 2022

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Rusty Mehlberg for a look at local news and weather making headlines Wednesday, January 5, 2022. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Local News, morning update, News, Rusty Mehlberg, weather

Winter Freezing Fish Lake Energizes Anglers, Local Businesses

When the fish start biting, anglers start biting at the products and services of local businesses.

DULUTH, Minn.- For residents and businesses around smaller bodies of water like Fish Lake in Duluth, winter with its frozen water and snowy trails bring back anglers, snowmobilers, and a much-needed boost to local business and life.   “Especially when we get snow on the ground, we get more snowmobilers that want to stay and the trails just right up…

Superior School District Ends Mask Mandate For 4K-6th Grade Classrooms

SUPERIOR, Wis. — Masks are no longer required in the Superior school district. The mandate, which was only in place for students in 4k through sixth grade and the staff and visitors who were around them, was lifted on Monday when the holiday break ended. The superintendent, Amy Starzecki, said that there has been a decline in cases within the…

Midday Update 1-4-22

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Tuesday, January 4, 2022

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

Morning Update 1-4-22

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Tuesday, January 4, 2022

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Rusty Mehlberg for a local look at news and weather making headlines Tuesday, January 4, 2022. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Local News, morning update, News, Rusty Mehlberg, weather

Downtown Duluth YMCA Seeing More Taking Steps Toward Healthier 2022

Staff at the facility on First Street said they've seen a steady increase of people signing up the past few days.

DULUTH,  Minn.- With the New Year comes New Year’s resolutions for many and the Downtown Duluth YMCA has seen more people hoping to start 2022 on a healthier note. Staff at the facility on First Street said they’ve seen a steady increase of people signing up the past few days. They say having a variety of programs like group exercise,…