Community

Local Businesses Thankful for Extra Boost in Traffic as Fall Foliage Pops

Visit Cook County says Local Businesses Rely on a Boost in Tourism During Autumn Adventures

GRAND MARAIS, Minn. – As summer winds down and fall settles in across the region, local businesses along the North Shore are thankful for a final push before snow begins the fly. “Nice cool weather and beautiful scenery,” said Eric Humphrey, co-owner of Lake Superior Trading Post. If you ask any local along the North Shore, every day is a…

Mini Goats Take Over the Campus of UW-Superior

Duluth Goat Yoga Provided a Fun, Entertaining Way for Over 50 Students to Relax and Unwind

SUPERIOR, Wis., – Over a dozen goats took over the campus of UW-Superior Tuesday afternoon. With in-person events returning to campus this fall, Student Involvement booked a session for 50 students to sign up and experience Duluth Goat Yoga. The company was founded back in 2018, and is clearly a hit! Organizers say students were lining up an hour before…

Duluth Police Join ‘Pink Patch Project’ For Breast Cancer Awareness Month

The public is encouraged to purchase patches to help raise money for the American Cancer Society.

DULUTH, Minn. – For the first time, the Duluth Police Department is joining the Pink Patch Project for Breast Cancer Awareness Month. During the month of October, officers will be wearing commemorative pink patches on their uniforms, along with other law enforcement agencies in the state. Police Chief Mike Tusken says it’s a way to raise awareness in conversation while…

Orchards Preparing for Apple Fest

In its 59th year, the Apple Fest will be back in full swing. 

BAYFIELD, Wisc. — “We’re going to have our same thing going on with hayrides, live music. Apple picking. We have all the goodies in the store,” Erickson Orchard Owner, Fred Erickson says. In its 59th year, the Apple Fest will be back in full swing. Despite the drought, Orchards are ready for people to come back out onto the farms….

Midday Update 9-28-21

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

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

Morning Update 9-28-21

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

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

New Iron Range Coffee Shop Helping to Support Mental Health Wellness

Loonies Coffee Shop is Donating 10 Percent of Profits to Mental Health Wellness

VIRGINIA, Minn. – As we head into the colder months, a cup of coffee is wonderful at any time of the day. When you pair it with compassion and empathy, the customers just keep coming back. “The coffee’s good, but the pizza is even better,” said Aaron Bialke, a customer from Grand Rapids. It’s hard to pinpoint a favorite part…

Federal Reserve Bank Of Minneapolis Meets With Diverse Group Of Business Owners In Duluth

DULUTH, Minn. –For the first time in Duluth, the Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis held a roundtable on Monday to learn about how businesses owners who are women and/or people of color are doing during the pandemic. The Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis is a part of America’s central banking system, which oversees financial institutions and creates economic policies. The…

Sections of East Side of Lakewalk to Temporarily Close for Phase 5 Reconstruction Planning

That phase will involve redoing the remaining east side of the Lakewalk with boardwalk and new asphalt.

DULUTH, Minn.- A portion of the East side of the Lakewalk will be closed for the next four days. Starting Tuesday sections of the Lakewalk will be closed from below the Gitchi-Ode’ Akiing Park, to Water Street near the Beacon Pointe Condominiums. According to a spokesperson with the City of Duluth, contractors will analyze the soil, bedrock, and other features…

Midday Update 9-27-21

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Monday, September 27, 2021

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Ken Slama for a local look at news and weather making headlines Monday, September 27, 2021. Have a great day! Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Ken Slama, Local News, midday update, News, weather

Visit Cook County Promotes ‘Art Along the Lake: Fall Studio Tour’ as Colors Begin to Pop

According to the Minnesota DNR, Fall Foliage in Parts of Cook County is 75 - 100 Percent Changed as of Monday, Sept. 27

GRAND MARAIS, Minn. – Happening now through Sunday, Oct. 3, the ‘Art Along the Lake: Fall Studio Tour’ is taking place throughout Cook County. The event features over 20 local artists who open up their private home studios to the public. Organizers say this is a rare opportunity to view new and upcoming works as well as the residential areas…

Morning Update 9-27-21

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Monday, September 27, 2021

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Ken Slama for a local look at news and weather making headlines Monday, September 27, 2021. Have a great day! Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Ken Slama, Local News, morning update, News, weather

Minnesota Firefighters Who Gave Ultimate Sacrifice Remembered on Fallen Firefighters Memorial Day

Crews say it’s also important to raise awareness of the biggest cause of job-related deaths among firefighters -- cancer and other health issues.

DULUTH, Minn.- Across the state of Minnesota Sunday, firefighters who lost their lives in the line of duty or due to job-related causes were honored for their service on Minnesota Fallen Firefighters Memorial Day. In Duluth, 19 firefighters from as far back as the 1800s to 2010 were remembered for paying the ultimate sacrifice. “It’s not always what you see…

Residents in ISD #381 to Vote on Two-Question Referendum Nov. 2

Question One Wouldn't Increase Taxes for Residents, Question Two Would

SILVER BAY, Minn. – This fall, leadership from Lake Superior School District is hoping residents will vote yes on two big referendum questions. “This school is the center of this community,” said Joe Nicklay, principal at William Kelley Schools in Silver Bay. Nicklay knows how important his building is when it comes to developing the future. “We have teachers who…

Family Remembers St. Paul Man Found Dismembered in Lake Superior, Advocates for Other Missing and Murdered Indigenous People

On Sunday, family and friends of Ricky Balsimo and community members gathered to honor him with cultural performances and a healing walk on the Lakewalk.

DULUTH, Minn.- A murdered indigenous man from St. Paul whose body was found dismembered in Lake Superior over the summer was remembered at a rally and walk in Canal Park Sunday, as organizers also hoped to bring attention to the cases of other missing and murdered indigenous people. “The main purpose for today is to show Ricky’s spirit that we…

Duluth Bethel’s First Concert for Recovery Takes Over Harbor Drive

Members of the Northland Music and Recovery community, the Duluth Bethel Treatment Center, and the DECC hope to make this an annual event.

DULUTH, Minn.- September is National Recovery Month, and community organizers teamed up for the Northland’s first Concert for Recovery, taking place on Harbor Drive behind the DECC, Saturday night. Members of the Northland Music and Recovery community, the Duluth Bethel Treatment Center, and the DECC hope to make this an annual event, supporting substance abuse treatment and mental health services….

City of Duluth, Ecolibrium3 Host Chalkfest to Draw Attention to Local Waterways

At the fall party, Ecolibrium3 showcased an assortment of watershed demonstrations, a free harvest soup lunch as a part of their Stone Soup Project, and several other activities.

DULUTH, Minn.- In collaboration with the City of Duluth, Ecolibrium3 hosted a Lake Superior Stormwater Chalkfest fall party, including family-friendly activities. At the fall party, Ecolibrium3 showcased an assortment of watershed demonstrations, a free harvest soup lunch as a part of their Stone Soup Project, and several other activities. They also invited the community to stop by and show off…

Setup Begins for Bentleyville Tour of Lights

Around 55 high school students from the College of St. Scholastica's Upward Bound program came out to help set up the famous holiday attraction.

DULUTH, Minn.- The Bentleyville “Tour of Lights” setup at Bayfront Festival Park has officially begun. Bentleyville staff and volunteers started their Saturday early at 8 a.m., testing lights, unloading trucks, and putting together holiday displays. Around 55 high school students from the College of St. Scholastica’s Upward Bound program came out to help set up the famous holiday attraction. “This…

Lester River Rendezvous Takes Lakeside Back in Time

If cannons and blacksmiths weren't your thing, there were also 30 vendors selling more modern handcrafted goods.

DULUTH, Minn.- A blast of a party and a blast from the past was back at Lester Park in Duluth with the return of the Lester River Rendezvous. The event was back for its 22nd year with the Voyageur Village, taking folks back in time to check out the lifestyles and folkways of early settlers in Minnesota and Wisconsin history….

Duluth Preservation Alliance Announces City’s 10 Most Endangered Places for 2021

The 10 locations on the list include the Esmond Building (known to many as the former Seaway Hotel), the Pastoret Terrace or Kozy Bar and Apartments, and the St. Regis Apartments.

DULUTH, Minn.– The Duluth Preservation Alliance announced its 2021 ten most endangered places list, they said to demand the City of Duluth take historic preservation into account in its long-term comprehensive planning, and encourage private property owners to take responsibility for historic places. The list is organized from west to east. Each place falls under one of three categories: Impending…

GND Rec Center Hosts Rummage Sale

Organizers say it's a great way to help support the community.

DULUTH, Minn. — The Gary New Duluth Rec Center is having its semi-annual rummage sale to support the final phase of their recreational area. Hosted every September, the proceeds from the rummage sale go right back into the rec center with a minimal cost associated with a variety of items from clothes, crafts and board games. Organizers say it’s a…

Public Health Officials Concerned with New Covid-19 Cases in St. Louis County.

On Friday, both St. Luke's and Essentia Health announced northland residents can make appointments to receive the booster shot next week.

DULUTH, Minn. — Last week alone, 600 new cases of Covid-19 were detected in St. Louis County a trend that is all too familiar for public health officials. “We are really hoping that we don’t see the increase that we did following September last year. We had a big spike in October and going through November and December,” St. Louis County…

Midday Update 9-24-21

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Friday, September 24, 2021

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Ken Slama for a local look at news and weather making headlines Friday, September 24, 2021. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Ken Slama, Local News, midday update, News, weather

Explore the Beauty of Bagley Nature Area as Fall Foliage Starts to Pop

Active Adventures: Autumn Adventures at Bagley Nature Area

DULUTH, Minn. – This week’s Active Adventures takes FOX 21’s Brett Scott to Bagley Nature Area on the campus of UMD. This 59-acre forest, pond, and open area are located in the northwest part of the campus. Tim Bates, Associate Director, Environmental Education Coordinator, says Bagley is a great place for running, cross-country skiing, walking, or any other quiet outdoor…

Morning Update 9-24-21

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Friday, September 24, 2021

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Ken Slama for a local look at news and weather making headlines Friday, September 24, 2021. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Ken Slama, Local News, morning update, News, weather

Experts Give Tips on Keeping Outdoor Plants Green

Typically they like to have their last day around Halloween depending on the weather.

HERMANTOWN, Minn. — As the temperatures get colder, landscapers and gardeners will be looking to prolong the life of their outside plants. Experts are trying to educate growers on how to keep their plants going before the first frost. They say some of the best ways are to bring the more delicate flowers inside during cold nights, wrapping cedar or…

City Leaders Announce ‘Safer Duluth for All’ Budget Plan

The added funds are coming from the proposed increased tax levy and Duluth's nearly 60 million in 'American Rescue Plan' dollars.

DULUTH, Minn. —  On Thursday Duluth’s police and fire departments are among those in line to get a boost in funding for 2022. City leaders announced what they call the “Safer Duluth For All” budget plan on Thursday. The added funds are coming from the proposed increased tax levy and Duluth’s nearly 60 million in ‘American Rescue Plan’ dollars. The…

Senate Capital Investment Committee Tours Areas Around Northland

One of the areas they visited, is the four million dollar project at Glensheen Mansion which is restoring the formal garden and installing a backup boiler inside the home.

DULUTH, Minn. — Members of the Minnesota Senate Budget Committee spent the day touring areas of the Northland. They spent time checking out first-hand projects already being by bonding dollars or ones that are in need of funding. Whether it’s before or after a legislative session, the capital investment committee comes to different sites to review new projects or see…

Midday Update 9-23-21

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Thursday, September 23, 2021

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Ken Slama for a local look at news and weather making headlines Thursday, September 23, 2021. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Ken Slama, Local News, midday update, News, weather

New Charcuterie Board Business Now Open in Duluth

Cooking Connection: Bloody Mary Charcuterie Board

DULUTH, Minn. – Can you say Yes, Cheese? The owners and creators of Duluth’s very own charcuterie board business can! In this week’s Cooking Connection, Ken meets with one of the co-founders to find out what the business is all about, and try their Bloody Mary Charcuterie Board. The creation is perfect for a weekend at home, or a gathering…

Inaugural Concert for Recovery Happening Saturday Along Harbor Drive

Concert for Recovery Takes Place Amid National Recovery Month

DULUTH, Minn. – The first-ever Concert for Recovery is set to take place Saturday, Sept. 25 along Harbor Drive behind the DECC. Gates will open at 3 p.m. for folks looking to get in and grab a good seat. Bands will be playing from 4 – 10 p.m. The event supports substance abuse treatment and mental health services. The music…

Morning Update 9-23-21

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Thursday, September 23, 2021

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Ken Slama for a local look at news and weather making headlines Thursday, September 23, 2021. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Ken Slama, Local News, morning update, News, weather

Lake Superior Reserve Debuts New Boat Launch

SUPERIOR, Wisc. — After two years of work, a new boat launch is complete on the Pokegama Bay in Superior. The Lake Superior Reserve held a ribbon cutting ceremony to present the new launch Wednesday where a grant from the Wisconsin Coastal Management program, along with contributions from the Reserve System and City of Superior made this $200,000 upgrade possible….

Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women Remembered in Vigil

SUPERIOR, Wis. — A vigil was held today by advocates to continue the work to bring awareness to Murdered and Missing Indigenous Women, and to promote healing for those who have been affected. Rene Ann Goodrich started her advocacy in 2014 in the Twin Cities, and brought her movement up to the Twin Ports. Awareness for Missing and Murdered Indigenous…

Annual Lake Superior Open Disc Golf Tournament Begins

This is one of the last tournaments organizers will be hosting as the temperatures get colder.

SUPERIOR, Wisc. — Wednesday was the start of the annual Lake Superior Open at the brand new course in the superior municipal forest. “This course went in last year. Toward maybe the end of the fall of the prior year. It’s got a little of everything. It’s got long tees and short tees so it accommodates all skill levels,” Tournament…

Duluth School District Sees Rise in Covid-19 Cases

A few days ago, there were four staff and eight students that had contracted the virus.

DULUTH, Minn. — The Duluth School District has seen an increase in Covid-19 cases within the district. A few days ago, there were four staff and eight students that had contracted the virus. The district says now they’re dealing with even more, but could not specifically say how many at this point. Students are encouraged to get tested before returning…

Midday Update 9-22-21

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Wednesday, September 22, 2021

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Chief Meteorologist Sam Gabrielli for a local look at news and weather making headlines Wednesday, September 22, 2021. Have a great day! Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Local News, midday update, News, Sam Gabrielli, weather

‘Boo at the Zoo’ Returns for Three Weekends in October

'Boo at the Zoo' is Happening Saturday, October 16, 23, and 30

DULUTH, Minn. – The annual family-fun fall tradition of ‘Boo at the Zoo’ returns to the Lake Superior Zoo on Saturday, October 16, 23, and 30. Each day we will have 9, 2-hour time slots for guests to choose from. This year, there are no capacity limits at this time and the timeframe is your arrival time. 9 am –…

Morning Update 9-22-21

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Wednesday, September 22, 2021

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Chief Meteorologist Sam Gabrielli for a local look at news and weather making headlines Wednesday, September 22, 2021. Have a great day! Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Local News, News, Sam Gabrielli, weather

Timber Takes Center Stage at 67th Annual North Star Expo

The Annual Event Was Postponed in 2020 Due to COVID-19

GRAND RAPIDS, Minn. – It’s an industry providing over 32,000 Minnesotans with jobs, and over $2 billion in wages every year. Logging is vital to the state, and at a recent expo in Grand Rapids, the importance was front and center. “It’s good work for the people up here in northern Minnesota,” said Corey Wilson, attending from Cohasset. What may…

DWP Trail Re-Opens with Better Access for Disabled

DULUTH, Minn. — The city of Duluth is celebrating upgrades to a 10-mile trail that’s now more accessible to people with disabilities. The Duluth Winnipeg and Pacific trail, as it’s known, runs from 63rd Street West to Becks Road. Today the Duluth Parks and Rec Department showed off infrastructure repairs there to make it ADA compliant. There’s a newly graded…

Duluth Still in Search of Sheila St. Clair, Six Years Later

Six years ago, the Duluth Police Department received a missing persons report of 54 year old Sheila St. Clair, today, they are still looking for her.

DULUTH, Minn. — Sheila St. Clair was last seen in the Central Hillside neighborhood in August of 2015, a month later she was reported missing. This case is still active six years later, and the Duluth Police Department along with national advocates are still trying tirelessly to get her home. Across the state of Minnesota, the unknown numbers of missing…

New Affordable Housing Opens on Decker Road

DULUTH, Minn. — Duluth’s newest affordable housing development is officially open for tenants. Tuesday, One Roof Community Housing cut the ribbon for Decker Dwellings, on Decker Drive. It’s a three-story building with 42 units including one, two, and three bedroom apartments. Construction started last September, all with a goal of helping addressing the affordable housing crisis in the city of…

City of Duluth Receives Award for Green Efforts

The city has several hundred more trees left to plant.

DULUTH, Minn. — Mayor Emily Larson proclaimed Tuesday Arbor Day 2021 in Duluth to celebrate the city’s longtime commitment to trees. During most years, trees are planted in the community by city workers to mark this occasion. Due to Covid-19 precautions still keeping a lot of things virtual, the city is encouraging people to plant trees on their own this…

Ursa Minor Hosts Week-Long Oktoberfest

Oktoberfest at Ursa Minor will end Saturday the 25th.

DULUTH, Minn. — The folks at Ursa Minor Brewing in Duluth are holding their own version of Oktoberfest to help mark their third year in business. It all started this past Saturday with more activities going on each day this week. Some of the different themes include family-friendly events, pride day and more. “This is why we do this. It’s…

More Changes Coming to Twin Ports Interchange Project

All of these changes are to help with the flow and safety of traffic.

DULUTH, Minn. — Coming next week, the public can expect to see some changes on I-35 including the southbound lane being diverted to lower Michigan Street and more. “Other major changes are there will be two lanes southbound as opposed to present-day one lane southbound,” MnDOT Major Projects Construction Manager, Peter Marthaler says. Then come October, northbound traffic will be…

Midday Update 9-21-21

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Tuesday, September 21, 2021

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Chief Meteorologist Sam Gabrielli for a local look at news and weather making headlines Tuesday, September 21, 2021. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Local News, News, Sam Gabrielli, weather

Boy Scouts of America Voyageurs Area Council Kicks off Fall Popcorn Sale

The Fall Popcorn Sale Runs Through Mid-November, 2021

DULUTH, Minn. – If you’re interested in indulging in gourmet popcorn and supporting a good cause, the Boy Scouts of America Voyageurs Area Council has you covered. Based at 3877 Stebner Road in Hermantown, scouts sell popcorn year-round, however, the biggest sale of the year kicks off in the fall. Trail’s End has created a line of popcorn products specifically…