News – Latest News

Natural Light Candles and Crafts Now Open

DULUTH, Minn.– A new homemade candle shop has made its way into west Duluth. Natural Light Candles and crafts are now open on the corner of Grand and Central Avenue. The shop sells homemade candles made from all natural products, along with other locally produced items. Owner and candle maker Kyia Plummer says it’s been a dream of hers to…

Wisconsin Extends Emergency Order, Mask Mandate

MADISON, Wis.– As COVID-19 cases rise above 108,000 in Wisconsin, Governor Tony Evers and state health leaders are strengthening their efforts to fight COVID-19 in the state. With cases increasing in Wisconsin, health leaders are calling for more action from Wisconsinites as the state is entering what they say is “a new and dangerous phase of the pandemic” as fall…

UMD Theater Goes Outdoors to Perform

DULUTH, Minn.– UMD’s Theater Department is not letting the pandemic stop its performances by taking the show outside. Thursday night’s performance was Shakespeare’s “Henry V”. Audience members were socially distant out on the lawn of the Ordean Courtyard on campus. Masks were required, including for performers. The director says while this is something they’ve never done before, it’s great to…

Duluth Superior Transportation Association Holds “Fill the Truck” Food Drive Virtually

But this year, they're just asking for money to be donated virtually to meet the growing needs of Northlanders, especially during COVID-19.

DULUTH, Minn. – September is hunger action month and the Duluth Superior Transportation Association is holding its annual “Fill the Truck” food drive virtually. Normally they fill semi-trucks and take donations in June to support the Second Harvest Northern Lakes Food Bank. But this year, they’re just asking for money to be donated virtually to meet the growing needs of…

Northland Schools Dealing with Substitute Teacher Shortage

With around only 70% of substitute jobs filled right now for the Hermantown School District, even the high school principal has had to jump in and teach.

DULUTH, Minn. – COVID-19 is creating an unprecedented year for Northland schools to make sure teachers can educate students safely. Now, schools are dealing with a serious shortage of substitute teachers. “We’re making it work, it’s not easy but we’re making it work,” says Hermantown Superintendent Wayne Whitwam. At Hermantown School District teachers are doing all they can to make…

Donations Needed To Provide Feminine Products To Young Girls In Superior Schools

The organization is halfway to reaching their goal.

SUPERIOR, Wis. – The Superior .project is looking for the community’s help with restocking supplies top provide feminine products to young girls at Superior area schools. Last year, the organization provided 400 bags filled with the necessary feminine supplies to girls at all six superior elementary schools. They are aiming for that goal again this year. A few items needed…

Public Hearing Scheduled To Discuss Plans For The Historic Old Central High School

DULUTH, Minn. – The Historic Old Central High School has been on the market for a potential buyer after the Duluth school board approved a proposal to put it up for sale back in January. Several buyers have already shown interest in purchasing the historic old central high school since it was listed for sale. If there is an offer…

Duluth Resident Hosts Concerts In Backyard

One local Duluth resident is hosting backyard concerts for her friends.

DULUTH, Minn. – One local Duluth resident is hosting backyard concerts for her friends. Wendy Ruhnke started hosting these concerts because she doesn’t watch television and she enjoys live music. She initially invited ten friends to partake in the concerts but after the guidelines changed, she increased the number. She says people have shown her much support to host the…

Great Pumpkin Train to be Held This Year

One annual fall tradition is not going to be canceled this year to the delight of locals and visitors.

DULUTH, Minn. – One annual fall tradition is not going to be canceled this year to the delight of locals and visitors. The Great Pumpkin Train through the North Shore Scenic railroad will still take place this year from October 15th to the 18th. Special accommodations will be in place to reduce capacity so there is a little extra space…

Halloween Precautions Due to COVID

With all these new recommendations from the CDC, does this mean this is the end of the Halloween celebrations? Health departments from both St. Louis County and Douglas County say not yet. 

NORTHLAND – The CDC recently released a set of guidelines concerning Halloween calling more toned down celebrations with fewer people while having more socially-distanced forms of trick-or-treating. With all these new recommendations from the CDC, does this mean this is the end of the Halloween celebrations? Health departments from both St. Louis County and Douglas County say not yet. Douglas…

Minnesota Governor Activates National Guard for Pence Visit

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Minnesota’s governor has called in the National Guard to help provide security and keep the peace as Vice President Mike Pence and Ivanka Trump visit the Twin Cities. Democratic Gov. Tim Walz said 100 Guard soldiers were mobilized at the request of the city of Minneapolis. Pence and President Donald Trump’s eldest daughter planned to meet with…

Wisconsin Hits Second-Highest Daily Total of COVID-19 Cases

MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Wisconsin’s daily count of COVID-19 cases has hit its second-highest total to date, while the seven-day average topped 1,900 for the first time. The state Department of Health Services reported Thursday that Wisconsin has seen more than 108,000 positive cases of the coronavirus and 1,265 deaths. The 2,392 new cases reported Thursday was second only to…

Wisconsin Colleges and Universities to Receive $8.3 Million for COVID-19 Testing

(Steve Apps/Wisconsin State Journal via AP, File) MADISON, Wis. – On Thursday, Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers announced $8.3 million will be provided to Wisconsin colleges and universities to support COVID-19 testing for college students. The additional funding will come from the Federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act. “All across our state we are seeing an alarming increase in…

2 Republicans Challenge Minnesota Plan for Late Mail Ballots

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) — A Republican state representative and a GOP activist are challenging an agreement to accept mail-in ballots in Minnesota that arrive up to a week after the November election. The lawsuit adds to the nationwide legal fight over voting rules before the presidential election. Rep. Eric Lucero and Ramsey County activist James Carson, who both participate…

Frost River Trading Co Holds Grand Reopening

DULUTH, Minn. – After being closed for six months Frost River Trading Co held its grand reopening Thursday morning. The retail store, located in the Lincoln Park Craft District, had been closed due to COVID-19 and extensive renovations. “We closed our retail location and shifted operations to produce PPE masks and shields back in March and saw this shutdown as…

Meals Made Easy with Ledge Rock Grille at Larsmont Cottages

Cooking Connection: Ledge Rock Grille Now Offering Dozens of Grill Kits for Delicious Dinners

TWO HARBORS, Minn. – This week’s Cooking Connection takes us to Ledge Rock Grille at Larsmont Cottages. This week, Executive Chef Richard Selz is chatting with FOX 21’s Brett Scott about new grill kits they offer. These boxed meals come complete with salad, bread, dessert, and an entree that can be picked up, carried home, and cooked to perfection with…

Northland Newborns 9-24-20

FOX 21 and Essentia Health Team Up to Showcase Newborn Bundles of Joy Across the Northland

Every Thursday morning on FOX 21 Local News from 7 – 9 a.m., we’re teaming up with Essentia Health to showcase Northland Newborns. If you would like to submit a photo with a description of a newborn in your life, click here, or email fox21morningcrew@kqdsfox21.tv. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, Northland Newborns Tags: Brett Scott, community, Essentia Health, Local…

Salvation Army Kicks Off Operation ‘Rescue Christmas’

Due to the COVID-19 Pandemic, The Salvation Army Could Serve Up To 155 Percent More People in 2020

DULUTH, Minn. – The COVID-19 pandemic is impacting countless households this year. For the first time in 130 years, the Salvation Army is kicking off its annual holiday fundraiser campaign months ahead of time in order to help those who need it most this Christmas season. Staff at the Salvation Army in Duluth worry funds raised through the iconic red…

Records: Mail Delivery Lags Behind Targets as Election Nears

(AP) – Data obtained by The Associated Press shows Postal Service districts across the nation are missing the agency’s own standards for on-time delivery as millions of Americans prepare to vote by mail. The lag times are especially pronounced in key regions of some battleground states, where delivery times are below the national average. That raises the possibility that scores…

Midday Update 9-24-20

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Thursday, Sept. 24, 2020

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Ken Slama for a local look at news and weather making headlines Thursday, Sept. 24, 2020. Have a great day! Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Ken Slama, Local News, midday update, News

Va Bene Caffe Temporarily Closes After Employee Tests Positive for COVID-19

DULUTH, Minn. – Va Bene Caffe has temporarily closed due to an employee testing positive for COVID-19. The restaurant made the announcement on their Facebook page Wednesday saying the employee last worked on Friday, September 18. Va Bene says they will remain closed until next week at the earliest. “To be cautious we plan to close until at least Friday,…

Updated COVID-19 Numbers: Thursday, September 24

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Minnesota health officials reported 93,012 confirmed COVID-19 cases in the state Thursday morning and 3 new deaths bringing the death total to 1,988 in Minnesota. According to the Minnesota Department of Health website, 1,895,302 tests have been completed to date. There are 83,862 patients who no longer require isolation. So far, 7,335 patients have required hospitalization…

Morning Update 9-24-20

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Thursday, Sept. 24, 2020

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Ken Slama for a local look at news and weather making headlines Thursday, Sept. 24, 2020. Have a great day! Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Ken Slama, Local News, morning update

Several Hundred Demonstrate in St. Paul for Breonna Taylor

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) — Several hundred demonstrators rallied at the state Capitol in St. Paul before marching onto an interstate to protest a grand jury’s decision not to indict Louisville, Kentucky police officers in Breonna Taylor’s death. Protesters denounced what they said was a criminal justice system that has failed to hold the officers accountable for the death of…

Suspicious-looking Objects Temporarily Shut Down Hammond Avenue

SUPERIOR, Wis. — Superior Police had to temporarily shut down traffic on Hammond Avenue on Wednesday evening after two suspicious-looking objects were found in the area, that were later determined not to be dangerous. Shortly after 6 p.m., police went to the 800-block of Hammond Avenue after learning that there was an object on the sidewalk that looked like a…

Some UMD Physics Students Took A Break From Virtual Class

DULUTH, Minn. – Due to the pandemic, many students at the University of Minnesota Duluth are participating in online classes. Some professors are getting creative to help those students build more personal connections. Some students for a physics class finally had a chance to meet for a hands-on experiment at the campus football field. They tested out how far an…

Lake Superior Zoo Preschool Opens

The Lake Superior Zoo's Preschool is now open.

DULUTH, Minn. – The Lake Superior Zoo’s Preschool is now open. The program, open to children from ages three to five, focuses on nature play along with the animals all around the zoo. Children at the zoo are also encouraged to practice conservation activities at an early age like recycling and turning the lights off when they leave a room….

Haunted Shack Seeks Volunteers for 2020 Season

CARLTON, Minn.– As the Haunted Shack in Carlton gets ready for another season, they’re asking for a few extra hands as they prepare to scare. Haunted Shack is looking for volunteers to help get ready for the season, perform in the haunted shack, and other positions for the corn maze and haunted hay rides. They are getting ready to open…

All of Us Program at Essentia Looking for More Participants

DULUTH, Minn.– The All of Us Program is a nationwide research program led by the National Institute of Health and has been partnered with Essentia since 2018. Now they’re looking for more patients to join the program during the pandemic. The program shares certain health information with researchers to help them get access to more data to fight COVID-19 and…

Applefest Brought to Your Door During Pandemic

BAYFIELD, Wis.– The 59th annual Applefest in Bayfield isn’t happening this year due to the pandemic but organizers are now going to be bringing the event right to your door. The Bayfield Foods Cooperative will be putting together Applefest Boxes this year that can be delivered to any Minnesota or Wisconsin address. The boxes will have your choice of the…

Ashland Bars and Taverns to Temporarily Close After Rise in COVID-19 Cases

Just Wednesday, eight more COVID cases were confirmed in Ashland bringing the total to 74 positive cases and two deaths.

ASHLAND, Wis. – Bars and taverns are preparing to be forced to shut down for more than two weeks to help stop the spread of COVID-19. Just Wednesday, eight more COVID cases were confirmed in Ashland bringing the total to 74 positive cases and two deaths. Ashland County Administrator Clark Schroeder says bars that have recently voluntarily closed after COVID-19…

Duluth Fire Department Brings Awareness To Fire Prevention

In Duluth, there were more than 30 kitchen fires in 2019.

DULUTH, Minn. – October is fire prevention month. Every year members of the Duluth Fire Department visit area schools to teach students about potential fire dangers. The Duluth Fire Department is hoping by getting the message out community members and students will continue to think about fire prevention all year long. Kitchen-related incidents are one of the most common causes…

Pokegama River Launch Site Will Soon Get Needed Upgrades

SUPERIOR, Wis. – A boat launch site off of Pokegama River in Superior will soon receive some needed improvements. A grant for more than $100,000 from the National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration was awarded to the Lake Superior National Estuarine Research Reserve to help provide residents better access to the river. Other additions include bathrooms, a newly paved road, and a…

St. Louis County Partners with Minnesota Organization to Deconstruct Properties in Duluth

St. Louis County has partnered with one Minnesota organization to help deconstruct tax-forfeited and blighted properties in the Duluth area. 

DULUTH, Minn. – St. Louis County has partnered with one Minnesota organization to help deconstruct tax-forfeited and blighted properties in the Duluth area. They are not only helping the environment but are also providing opportunities for those who need it. St. Louis County, along with Better Futures Minnesota, is working to deconstruct several properties in Duluth. The process will remove…

BoomTown to Open in Northland in 2021

The owners of BoomTown Woodfire Bar and Grill on the Iron Range will be setting up shop next year in Duluth.

DULUTH, Minn. – The owners of BoomTown Woodfire Bar and Grill on the Iron Range will be setting up shop next year in Duluth. The plans are in the works to open at the old Sunset Bar and Grill on Martin Road in January of 2021. The co-owners had purchased the bar and grill with the hopes of opening in…

Medical Cannabis Dispensary to Open in Northland

The Duluth area will soon be getting its first medical cannabis dispensary.

DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth area will soon be getting its first medical cannabis dispensary. Vireo Health of Minnesota has four existing retail locations in Minnesota and will soon be adding a fifth in Hermantown. The locations will go by the name “Green Goods” on the 4900 block of Miller Trunk Highway. Management says they feel the store is very…

Wisconsin Legislature Appeals Absentee Ballot Ruling

MADISON, Wis. (AP) — The Republican-controlled Wisconsin Legislature has appealed a federal court ruling that allows for absentee ballots to be counted up to six days after the Nov. 3 presidential election in the battleground state. The appeal filed Wednesday was expected after Monday’s highly anticipated court ruling in favor of Democrats and their allies. The judge even put his…

Ashland County Bars and Taverns to Temporarily Close Following Uptick of COVID-19 Cases

ASHLAND COUNTY, Wis. – A public health order was put in place Wednesday by the Ashland County Public Health Department to temporarily close all bars and taverns in the city of Ashland and immediate surrounding areas. The order goes into effect at 12:01 a.m. Friday and will be in place until 11:59 p.m. Sunday, October 11. The health department says…

Duluth Police Investigating Potential Pipe Bomb Discovered in Essentia Health Parking Lot Monday

DULUTH, Minn. – On Monday, Duluth police responded to reports of a “small suspicious item” discovered at the north edge of the Essentia Health downtown campus parking lot. Duluth police say they responded to the call around 11:48 p.m. on the report of a possible improvised explosive device. When officers arrived at the scene they found what appeared to be…

Midday Update 9-23-20

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Wednesday, Sept. 23

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Ken Slama for a local look at news and weather making headlines Wednesday, Sept. 23, 2020. Have a great day! Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Ken Slama, Local News, midday update, News

Male Seriously Injured in Alleged West Duluth Assault

DULUTH, Minn. – Duluth police say they are actively investigating a possible assault that left a male victim seriously injured. According to police, officers responded to the area of the 5900 Block of West Main Street around 2:30 a.m. on reports of a possible stabbing. When police arrived at the scene they learned that a 29-year-old male had been taken…

Updated COVID-19 Numbers: Wednesday, September 23

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Minnesota health officials reported 92,100 confirmed COVID-19 cases in the state Wednesday morning and 6 new deaths bringing the death total to 1,985 in Minnesota. According to the Minnesota Department of Health website, 1,873,867 tests have been completed to date. There are 83,507 patients who no longer require isolation. So far, 7,303 patients have required hospitalization…

Two COVID-19 Cases Confirmed in Drummond School District, Students Move to Virtual Learning

DRUMMOND, Wis. – According to the Bayfield County Health Department, the Drummond School District has confirmed at least two cases of COVID-19 in the district. On Tuesday, the district announced that several students and staff members have been recommended to quarantine following the confirmed cases. As a result, the Drummond Area School District will be moving to a virtual learning…

John Beargrease Sled Dog Marathon Hosting Virtual 5K Fundraiser

The Fur-K Virtual Race is Happening Sept. 25 - 27, 2020

DULUTH, Minn. – Like many organizations this year, the John Beargrease Sled Dog Marathon is expecting to take a hit due to the ongoing financial effects COVID-19. To help raise funds, Beargrease board members have come up with the inaugural Fur-K ‘virtual 5K.’ The race will take place Friday, Sept. 25 – Sunday, Sept. 27 on your own time. Participants…

Morning Update 9-23-20

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Wednesday, Sept. 23

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Ken Slama for a local look at news and weather making headlines Wednesday, Sept. 23, 2020. Have a great day! Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Ken Slama, Local News, morning update, News