Community

Hermantown Night Riders Hosting Dinner to Raise Money for Trail Grooming

The club helps maintain trails in the greater Proctor, Duluth, and Hermantown areas

PROCTOR, Minn.- All this snow is bringing snowmobilers out to area trails and one club is hoping to get more members to help maintain those trails for everyone to enjoy. Hermantown Night Riders snowmobile club will host a dinner fundraiser next Thursday at Blackwoods Grill and Bar in Proctor. The club helps maintain trails in the greater Proctor, Duluth, and…

Vitta Pizza Uses Mostly Wood-Burning Stove, Not Thermostat, To Heat Business

DULUTH, Minn. — Heating bills can get high in the winter, unless you have a business that generates its own warmth. Vitta Pizza in Canal Park barely has to touch the thermostat, as its wood-burning pizza oven helps heat up the restaurant. The oven can heat up to 900 degrees, cooking pizzas in just 90 seconds. While the heating bill…

Ursa Minor Welcomes Guests To Covered Patio For Outdoor Beers

DULUTH, Minn. — One business taking advantage of how hardy Minnesotans can be when the temperatures drop is Ursa Minor Brewing, which is going into its first winter season with an added roof on its patio. The roof was first added back in August. The brewery’s founder tells us even before the patio became a little more sheltered from the…

Duluth Schools Superintendent on Returning to School In-Person Amid Post-Holidays COVID Surge

According to the superintendent, the mask requirement on campuses that started at the beginning of the school year will remain in effect.

DULUTH, Minn.- As the omicron variant fuels a surge of COVID cases nationwide the day kids return to schools after the holidays, Duluth ISD 709 superintendent John Magas said the plan is to continue in-person learning with a heavy dose of caution. “We certainly need to take it very seriously we’re doing everything possible to make sure we’re ensuring safety…

Mushers, Fans Kick Off Beargrease Marathon Month with Bent Paddle Beer Release

Organizers say 26 mushers will take on the journey, some coming from as far as Alaska and Canada.

DULUTH, Minn.- January has begun which means the John Beargrease Sled Dog Marathon is just on the horizon. And race month kicked off at Bent Paddle Brewery Sunday. The pour of Bent Paddle’s special Beargrease British Pale Ale marked that the race is ready to run. Signup for the full marathon race of 300 miles from Duluth to Grand Portage,…

Douglas Co. Sheriff Tom Dalbec Announces 2023 Retirement 

He started his career in law enforcement more than 30 years ago with the Superior Police Department and was elected sheriff of the county back in 2003.

DOUGLAS CO., Wis. — Douglas County Sheriff Tom Dalbec has announced that he’s retiring next year. Sheriff Dalbec wrote on Facebook that this will be his last year serving Douglas County. He started his career in law enforcement more than 30 years ago with the Superior Police Department and was elected sheriff of the county back in 2003. Dalbec thanked…

New Year, New Life: Duluth’s First Baby of 2022 Born at St. Luke’s

Jennifer and Peter Paananen welcomed little Roberta Margaret into the world at 1:30 this morning at St. Luke's as the Northland's first newborn of the year.

DULUTH, Minn.- Two lucky parents today celebrated the beginning of the New Year with the beginning of a new life — giving birth to the first baby of 2022, who just happens to be their first baby ever. Jennifer and Peter Paananen welcomed little Roberta Margaret into the world at 1:30 this morning at St. Luke’s as the Northland’s first…

Larsmont Lodge Has Something For Everyone This New Years Eve

TWO HARBORS, Minn. — Bars aren’t the only ones prepared for the New Year’s Eve rush over at Larsmont Lodge up in Two Harbors they’re cooking up some fun activities for the family to enjoy. With a wide variety of like back country skiing, snowshoeing, and a free public ice skating rink, and guided outdoor activities like skiing tours, or…

Fire Destroys Unoccupied Home in Hibbing Early Friday Morning

The unoccupied house was engulfed in flames when crews arrived. No injuries were reported

Photo: Northland FireWire HIBBING, Minn.- A home in rural Hibbing has been destroyed by a structure fire early Friday morning. According to the Friends of the Northland FireWire, the blaze was reported just before 6:00 a.m. in the 3300 block of Bunker Road. The unoccupied house was engulfed in flames when crews arrived. No injuries were reported Fire departments from…

Hermantown Boys Hockey Finding ways to Connect with Community Youth

HERMANTOWN, Minn. — Even though it was a little cold, it didn’t stop the Hermantown boy’s hockey team from coming out to their outdoor rinks after their win Thursday afternoon to skate around with some local hockey players. Skate with the hawks is an annual event the Hermantown boy’s hockey program likes to do, to give back, and spend some…

Duluth Fire Department Experiences Historic One Day Number of Retirees

Including Asst. Chief Clint Reff and Fire Marshal Sandy McComb, a combined 256 years of service left the Department Thursday.

DULUTH, Minn.- The end of the year 2021 seeing the retirement of 12 personnel on the Duluth Fire Department – leaving with a combined 256 years of service under their belts. Many of the retirees have worn hats other than firefighter, like Fire Marshal Sandy McComb. Retiring after 24 years, she’s been in charge of car seat clinics for about…

Last Pieces of Last Place on Earth Up for Bid at Seller’s Auction Next Month

They'll host an auction for the two Last Place on Earth signs, hundreds of old albums ranging from 70s rock to disco, and even some fun adult items.

DULUTH, Minn.- Next month you could own an infamous part of Duluth history — the old Last Place on Earth store. The controversial head shop was shut down after owner Jim Carlson was arrested for willingly selling illegal synthetic drugs, mislabeled as incense and bath salts that were toxic to humans. After the FBI inspected what was left in storage…

Be Wary of Frostbite, Hypothermia while Ringing in New Year, Firefighters Say

Frostbite can set in in less than 10 minutes on exposed skin, so emergency officials say layers are your friend in the cold.

DULUTH, Minn.- With temperatures dipping in and out of subzero the past few days, Duluth’s firefighters are telling people to be extra careful in the cold to avoid frostbite and hypothermia. Frostbite can set in in less than 10 minutes on exposed skin, so emergency officials say layers are your friend in the cold. But it’s still good to recognize…

Michigan Urges Schools to Delay or Make Large Events Remote

LANSING, Mich. (AP) – Michigan’s health and education departments are urging schools to postpone or make virtual large gatherings, including sporting events if they are not “essential” – as COVID-19 cases spike across the state. The recommendation is intended to keep schools open when classes resume after the winter break next week. It was included in a letter to K-12…

Midday Update 12-30-21

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Thursday, December 30, 2021

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Ken Slama for a local look at news and weather making headlines Thursday, Dec. 30, 2021. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Ken Slama, Local News, midday update, News, weather

Morning Update 12-30-21

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Thursday, December 30, 2021

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Ken Slama for a local look at news and weather making headlines Thursday, Dec. 30, 2021. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Ken Slama, Local News, morning update, News, weather

Snowshoe Enthusiasts Enjoy Fresh Powder at Jay Cooke State Park

Jay Cooke State Park Offers a Variety of Winter Programming and Outdoor Adventures

CARLTON, Minn. – With a fresh snow depth of nearly a foot at Jay Cooke State Park, conditions are perfect for strapping on snowshoes and breaking a trail through the powder. That’s exactly what the Anderson family from Cloquet is doing this week. After spending a few hours working on crossword puzzles in the comfort and warmth of their home,…

Extra Patrols on Minnesota Roads Throughout New Year’s Day

Nearly 500 Fatalities Have Occurred on Minnesota Roads in 2021

DULUTH, Minn. – While many make plans to go out and ring in the New Year with friends and family while having a few adult beverages, the Minnesota Office of Traffic Safety is reminding drivers to plan ahead and be responsible. “500 families this year have planned or will plan a funeral for a loved one who’s not coming home…

Footwear That Will Help Prevent Slipping On Ice 

DULUTH, Minn. — With winter weather hitting the Northland, icy spots are all over the place, even ones you can’t see. Tortoise And Hare in Duluth sells footwear that provides more traction on the bottom of your feet to help prevent slipping and falling on ice. The store sells different brands, such as Icebug, which include boots with the traction…

New Years by The Lake Returns To Greysolon

DULUTH, Minn. — Hundreds of people have RSVP’d to Duluth’s hottest event on New Year’s Eve, the annual New Year’s By the Lake at the Greysolon Plaza. Lundeen Productions puts this event on every year, and while the event was virtual last year, it’s finally back in person, where the venue accommodates multiple live performances from local bands, a comedian,…

Midday Update 12-29-21

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Wednesday, December 29, 2021

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Rusty Mehlberg for a local look at news and weather making headlines Wednesday, Dec. 29, 2021. Have a great day! Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Local News, midday update, News, Rusty Mehlberg, weather

Report: Few Minnesota Departments Adopt Body Camera Guidelines

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) – Most Minnesota law enforcement agencies have chosen not to implement guidelines mandating officers with a history of misconduct wear body cameras. The League of Minnesota Cities two years ago created a model policy requiring problem officers wear cameras. A Minneapolis Star Tribune analysis found only 10 of 108 agencies with publicly available body camera policies have implemented…

Temporary Closures Near 27th Avenue West in Duluth Begin at Midnight

The Closures Are Expected to Last Approximately One Hour

DULUTH, Minn. – Drivers on I-35 will encounter temporary closures beginning at 12 a.m., Dec. 30, just north of 27th Avenue West in Duluth. The Minnesota Dept. of Transportation says both southbound lanes will close. Southbound traffic will be rerouted up and down the ramps at 27th Avenue West. The left lane of northbound I-35 will close. These closures are…

MN Nurses Association Voices Displeasure Over New COVID-19 Guidelines

ST. PAUL, Minn. (KVRR) – The head of the Minnesota Nurses Association is ripping new CDC guidelines that shorten the recommended COVID-19 quarantine periods. Under the new recommendations, vaccinated health care workers who are exposed no longer must isolate. M-N-A president Mary Turner called the new policy a “disaster.” Turner said,” It may be good for businesses’ bottom lines to…

Morning Update 12-29-21

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Wednesday, December 29, 2021

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Rusty Mehlberg for a local look at news and weather making headlines Wednesday, Dec. 29, 2021. Have a great day! Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Local News, morning update, News, Rusty Mehlberg, weather

City Of Duluth Issues, Explains First-Ever Snow Emergency

DULUTH, Minn. – After more than two years in the making, the city of Duluth issued its first-ever snow emergency Tuesday requiring all vehicles on designated emergency routes with signage to be off the street by 9 p.m. and stay that way until 6 p.m. Wednesday. If vehicles are not moved, drivers could be towed or ticketed.  But Chief Administrative…

Sen. Klobuchar Hosts Discussion on Alzheimer’s Funding, Care, and Research

DULUTH, Minn. – On Tuesday, Minnesota Senator Amy Klobuchar hosted a panel of six guests to discuss the topic of Alzheimer’s in America. Among the individual topics discussed included education of the debilitating disease, long-term insurance, support for caregivers, funding to pay living wages for healthcare workers, and reducing the stigma surrounding the disease. Many of the panelists that brought…

City of Duluth Issues First Snow Emergency

The Snow Emergency Takes Effect at 1 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 28, and will Expire at 6 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 29

DULUTH, Minn. – The City of Duluth is declaring its first snow emergency that will be in effect beginning at 1:00 p.m., on Tuesday, Dec. 28, and ending at 6:00 p.m., on Wednesday, Dec. 29, unless another snow emergency is declared. All vehicles need to be cleared from snow emergency routes by 9:00 p.m. Dec. 28. Any vehicle that is…

Knowing Your Neighbors: Spoon’s Studio

DULTUH, Minn. – In this week’s Knowing Your Neighbors, we take you inside Spoon’s Studio in Duluth.  It’s a new recording spot for people of all talents, with a goal of bringing the community together through music.  FOX 21 Photojournalist Adam Jagunich takes you there. Categories: Business, Community, Entertainment, Minnesota, News, News – Latest News

Midday Update 12-28-21

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Tuesday, December 28, 2021

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Rusty Mehlberg for a local look at news and weather making headlines Tuesday, Dec. 28, 2021. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, midday update, News, Rusty Mehlberg, weather

Grim Milestone: Minnesota Tops One Million COVID Cases Since March of 2020

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) – Minnesota has topped a million cases of the coronavirus since the pandemic began in March of 2020. The state Department of Health confirmed 4,155 new cases, lifting the total number of infections to 1,000,361. The figures released Monday do not include cases from the holiday weekend, which are expected to be updated Tuesday. Minnesota’s case count includes…

Morning Update 12-28-21

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Tuesday, December 28, 2021

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Rusty Mehlberg for a local look at news and weather making headlines Tuesday, Dec. 28, 2021. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Local News, morning update, News, Rusty Mehlberg, weather

Duluth Wakes Up, Digs Out of Blizzard-Like Storm Monday

From shoveling to sledding the snow definitely brought people out and got them busy.

DULUTH, Minn.- Dozens woke up Monday to dig out of the almost one foot of snow that fell across the Twin Ports. But being the Northland, there were some enjoying it too. “Welcome to Duluth. Get a shovel. get a snowblower, you’re gonna be out here for quite a few hours that’s for sure,” said Tristan Genin. Genin’s mom decided to…

Vets: Keep Your Pet Active, Warm in Winter

They say to make sure to shovel a path for your dog to do their business, whether on a walk or in the backyard.

DULUTH, Minn.- It could be easy to hit the couch and cuddle your cat or dog close during weather like this, but vets at local animal hospitals say it’s important to get them walking even in the winter in a safe way. “It’s one more thing in the storm to do but pets are important and need to be taken…

Special Delivery: Morgan Park Community Tracks Down Recipient of Letter Which Arrived 68 Years Late

The 68-year journey of a letter from Copenhagen, to Duluth and soon to its intended recipient's family in Ohio.

DULUTH, Minn.- With the help of social media and the community, one Morgan Park resident was able to learn more about the history of her house, while helping the previous residents reconnect with a lost loved one. “Tuesday night I was making dinner, the mail arrived as usual,” said Susan Nordin. After just moving to Morgan Park in October Nordin…

Trashing the Christmas Tree? Junk Removers Offer Free Pickup

Just take all the ornaments off, and leave the tree on the curb, Twin Ports Trailer Trash will pick it up in January.

DULUTH, Minn.- While you can’t have Christmas without a decorated tree, there comes a time where they have to come down and head out of our living rooms. One local junk removal business is once again making it easier to turn your Tannenbaum into trash. Twin Ports Trailer Trash is doing free Christmas tree pickups for the 3rd year in…

CHUM Christmas Eve Vigil Recognizes Increasing Lives Lost to Homelessness

DULUTH, Minn.- CHUM held their annual Christmas Eve vigil Friday on the steps of Duluth City Hall… marking a grim milestone in the city’s ongoing battle against homelessness. This vigil remembers persons who have experienced homelessness and have died this year. Homelessness and drug overdose are growing issues in Duluth, and organizers say the housing crisis has not helped. Over…

VFW Gives Away Free Meals for Christmas

DULUTH, Minn.- The VFW in Lincoln Park gave away free meals today in spirit of Christmas. Anybody in, or outside the community was welcome to enjoy a hot meal of all the fix-ins: mashed potatoes, turkey, cranberry sauce and more. All of the food was donated from the community and from businesses like Kwik Trip, Perkins, and Super One. Because…

Duluth Fire Crews Respond to Flames at Historic Vacant Seaway Hotel Building Thursday Night

DULUTH, Minn.- Duluth fire crews responded to a structure fire Thursday night in the vacant historic Esmond Building formerly known as the Seaway Hotel. According to a spokesperson with the Duluth Fire Department around 11 p.m. Thursday night firefighters responded to a report of flames and found a small fire in a vacant space on the second floor. The spokesperson…

Active Adventures: New Programs at YMCA at the Essentia Wellness Center in Hermantown

HERMANTOWN, Minn.- In this week’s Active Adventures, FOX 21’s Ken Slama tours the YMCA at the Essentia Wellness Center in Hermantown and learns about the programs they offer in the upcoming year. Categories: Active Adventures, Community, Health, Minnesota, News, News – Latest News Tags: Duluth Area Family YMCA, YMCA

‘Miracle 11’ Makes New Donations To 6 Local Organizations

SUPERIOR, Wis. – It’s been eight years since 11 skydivers with Skydive Superior played with death after a mid-air collision of two planes over Superior. And once again, those skydivers continue to put that highly publicized moment to good use in the community. Miracle 11is a non-profit that donates money every year to local organizations. This year included $2,500 to…

Bridgeman’s Making Holiday Meals

DULUTH, Minn. — Meanwhile, Bridgeman’s is also providing meals for people this holiday season. They are offering a feast complete with roast beef, green beans, cheesy hash browns along with ice cream. They also have a roast turkey dinner planner. People who ordered them can pick them up on Thursday or Friday. After making meals for Thanksgiving, staff say they…

VFW Post 137 Preparing Holiday Feast

DULUTH, Minn. — The VFW post 137 in Lincoln Park is prepping for a big free holiday feast Friday. The supplies for the meals are all donated by community members. The VFW will be serving the holiday traditions from mashed potatoes to veggies and turkey with gravy. With the tradition going strong even after 30 years, organizers say this is…

Santa Visits Mesabi Preschool Academy

DULUTH, Minn. — Santa made a pit stop in Duluth on Thursday to visit children at the Mesabi Preschool Academy. Chris Kringle greeted the children at the Duluth Candy Company. He says his elves are going over the naughty and nice list and they have already started loading the sleigh. Even though this year, like the last is different than…