Community

Decades-Old WWJC Radio Station Heavily Damaged In Early Morning Fire

The former General Manager shares his memories working at WWJC, and his hopes it hits the airwaves again soon.

DULUTH, Minn.- Burned wreckage and memories are all that’s left of the building that housed WWJC radio in Gary New Duluth, after an early Sunday fire took out the nearly 60-year-old station’s transmitters, taking it off the air. “We were the first Christian station in the Twin Ports,” said the Station’s Former General Manager, Ted Elm. “Sad to say that…

WWJC Christian Radio Heavily Damaged in Structure Fire

Damage in equipment alone is estimated at over $500,000. Damage costs to the structure are estimated to be around $75,000.

DULUTH, Minn.- A Duluth Christian radio station was left heavily damaged in a structure Sunday, with the cause unknown, according to the Duluth Fire Department. According to a spokesperson with the department, at approximately 3:08 a.m. Sunday morning someone driving by reported that flames were coming from the building housing WWJC AM 850 Radio at 1120 East McCuen Street. On…

Bus Races Back with Special Tricks at Proctor Speedway

DULUTH, Minn.- Midsummer Night of Mayhem at Proctor Speedway is back after a yearlong break. The bus races kicked off at six o’clock Saturday and crowds came out rain or shine. The event mostly brought together by volunteers, showcases a series of races including school busses, reverse racing, and special tricks. “I can’t even tell you it was raining when…

Billings Park Days Comes to a Close After Successful Two Days

After last year's activities were canceled by the pandemic, the community was anxious to celebrate together again.

SUPERIOR, Wis.- Billings Park Days was back in Superior with two-day of fun for the community. Billings Park Days kicked off Saturday’s events with a parade where even dogs participated. “My favorite part is just seeing the families and kids coming down with a smile on their face,” said President of Billings Park Days Keith Kern. “This parade this morning…

Ride or Die Pizzeria Holds Grand Opening

Ride or Die upholds the name with motorcycles hanging from the ceiling and local graffiti art on the walls.

SUPERIOR, Wis.- A new late-night pizzeria and bar just opened up on Broadway Street with its own special biker theme. Ride or Die pizzeria held their grand opening Saturday until 2 a.m., bringing a new late night spot to the area. From pizza to arcade games and slot machines, Ride or Die upholds the name with motorcycles hanging from the…

Friends of Eveleth Native, Former UMD Hockey Player Mark Pavelich Hosting Special Events to Raise Money for Mental Health “Ranch”

The event will help raise money for a project Pavelich was working on before his death: "The Ranch: Teammates for Life" which rehabs, researches and educates people on mental illness.

SAUK CENTRE, Minn. – Evelth native and former UMD hockey standout Mark Pavelich will be honored and remembered with multiple events next weekend. Friends and family of the “Miracle on Ice” star want to use the event to continue the conversation of mental health awareness, while also shining a light on who Pavelich was, besides his own mental illness. “People…

Billings Park Days Kicks Off With Rummage Sales

SUPERIOR, Wisc. — The annual Billings Park Days kicked off on Friday in Superior with dozens of rummage sales. People in Billings took the time today to find hidden treasures, while sellers got the chance to declutter their homes and garages. We caught up with one Superior resident who specialized in selling record players and board games. He says, this…

Active Adventures: Mountain Biking Down Spirit Mountain

DULUTH, Minn.- In this edition of Active Adventures, we take you Mountain Biking down the trails at Spirit Mountain, ahead of the Kraus Anderson Bike Festival this weekend. Categories: Active Adventures, Community, Entertainment, Minnesota, News, News – Latest News Tags: Active Adventures, Duluth Bike Festival, jon regenold, Kraus-Anderson Bike Festival, Max Fierek, Mountain biking, Spirit Mountain

Brighton Beach to Close on Monday

  DULUTH, Minn. – The City of Duluth announced Friday that Brighton Beach will close to users beginning Monday. At that time construction will begin on the Lakewalk extension through the park as part of the Brighton Beach Mini-Master Plan. The Plan recommends the extension of the Lakewalk, relocation of the road to move it away from the shoreline, and…

Help Set the Record for Most Candy Canes on a Christmas Tree

The goal is to place more than 6,500 candy canes on a Christmas tree to break the record.

DULUTH, Minn.-A new world record could be set in Bayfront Park this weekend. The goal is to place more than 6,500 candy canes on a Christmas tree to break the record. It’s all part of a fundraiser for the organization The Best Christmas Ever. The group is selling thousands of candy canes for a dollar each during the City on…

Ground Is Broken At Riverwest Development Site

DULUTH, Minn. — Ground was broken Wednesday on the Riverwest development in West Duluth across from Spirit Mountain. The work to get the permits for this project began in 2015 with the idea to have retail stores along Grand Avenue. The city of Duluth would also like to also eventually see development of multi-family and single-family housing on a portion…

Entertainment Venues and Tourist Locations Requiring Masks

DULUTH, Minn.– Event venues and tourist destinations around the city of Duluth are adjusting their mask protocol along with county recommendations, but that is not preventing business from going on. Indoor mask requirements are slowly being introduced in various businesses around the city, and the Zeitgeist Arts Café, which hosts a variety of performances and events, is following along. “The…

Midday Update 8-5-21

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Thursday, August 5, 2021

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Ken Slama for a local look at news and weather making headlines Thursday, August 5, 2021. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Ken Slama, Local News, midday update, News, weather

St. Scholastica, Fond du Lac Tribal and Community College to Require Masks Effective Today

DULUTH, Minn. – The College of St. Scholastica and Fond du Lac Tribal and Community College announced Wednesday that they will be reinstating mask mandates at both of the colleges beginning Thursday, August 5. Fond du Lac Tribal and Community College say they will require “all employees, students, vendors, and visitors to wear masks inside campus buildings.” “From the very…

Morning Update 8-5-21

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Thursday, August 5, 2021

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Ken Slama for a local look at news and weather making headlines Thursday, August 5, 2021. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Ken Slama, Local News, morning update, News, weather

Iron Ore Trade Up in July on Great Lakes

Iron ore shipments are 5.2 percent above their 5-year average for the first seven months of the year.

CLEVELAND, OH – Great Lakes iron ore trade was up 61.8% in July. Shipments of iron ore on the Great Lakes totaled 5.7 million tons in July, an increase of 61.8 percent compared to a year ago. Shipments were also 3.2 percent above the month’s 5-year average. Year-to-date the iron ore trade stands at 26.4 million tons, an increase of 27.6 percent compared to…

Essentia Health to Require COVID Vaccine as Condition of Employment

DULUTH, Minn. – Essentia Health announced Wednesday that it will require all staff to be vaccinated against COVID as a condition of their employment. “Employees must receive their first dose of vaccine by Oct. 1 and their second dose in a two-dose series by Nov. 1,” the hospital wrote in a statement. Additionally, vaccination will be also be required to…

Midday Update 8-4-21

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Wednesday, August 4, 2021

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Ken Slama for a local look at news and weather making headlines Wednesday, August 4, 2021. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Ken Slama, Local News, midday update, News, weather

After Seven-Night Rendezvous, Michigan Trucker Reunites With Missing Four-Legged Friend

Booker Bolted From His Dad's Big Rig During a Stop for Work in Cloquet

CLOQUET, Minn. – In this week’s Animal Answers, we’re sharing a lost and found story that might just have you reaching for the tissue box. It was nearly a week ago when Booker the one-and-a-half-year-old Jack Russell Terrier mix bolted from his owner’s big rig during a stop in Cloquet. “Ever since I started driving over the road he’s been…

Morning Update 8-4-21

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Wednesday, August 4, 2021

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Ken Slama for a local look at news and weather making headlines Wednesday, August 4, 2021. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Ken Slama, Local News, morning update, News, weather

Cooling Off: Visitors Embrace the Natural Beauty of Amnicon Falls State Park

Amnicon Falls State Park is Located in South Range, Wisconsin

SOUTH RANGE, Wis. – It’s hard to come by from the sky this summer, so folks are flocking to any source of water they can to catch some relief from the heat. “Oh, we love it! If you haven’t been here, check it out,” said Tatiana Patterson, visiting Amnicon Falls State Park from New Berlin, Wisconsin. With over 40 waterfalls…

City of Duluth to Require Masks in Public City Buildings, Fire Stations Close to Public

While the city plans to keep its buildings open to everyone, Duluth Fire stations are the exception. They are now closed to the public again, just days after reopening.

DULUTH, Minn.- The City Of Duluth is bringing back its mask mandate for all city employees and the public inside all city-owned buildings — regardless of a person’s vaccination status. “Personally it is frustrating to be at this point,” Duluth Mayor Emily Larson said. “I know that many of us would like this to be over.” “Last week I didn’t…

National Night Out Brings Neighborhoods, Police Back Together After COVID

The Piedmont neighborhood was full of music and the smell of food as everyone celebrated what they call the return to events bringing the neighborhood together.

DULUTH, Minn.- National Night Out was celebrated once again across the Northland Tuesday, serving as a way to bring people together while also promoting police and community partnerships. The Piedmont neighborhood was full of music and the smell of food as everyone celebrated what they call the return to events bringing the neighborhood together. Organizers at Piedmont Dental said they’re…

Local Restaurants Encourage Mask Recommendations to Customers

DULUTH, Minn.– With the mask recommendation in effect, local restaurants also encourage face coverings when indoors. This adds another challenge to the way businesses are operating this summer aside from staffing shortages and altered hours of operation due to the shortages. But the President of the Duluth Local Restaurant Association feels like our restaurants are up to the challenge. “People…

Businesses Respond to Mask Recommendations

DULUTH, Minn.– County health officials are recommending masks to be worn inside, despite vaccination status, due to a spike in the number of cases throughout Saint Louis County. “We’re just recommending, like the county is recommending, and my staff same thing, their choice at this point, and hopefully it wont get any worse than that, but you know its mainly…

Lake Superior College to Require Masks Beginning Wednesday

DULUTH, Minn. – Lake Superior College will once again be requiring masks or facial coverings to be worn in public indoor settings on all four campus locations beginning Wednesday. Lake Superior College President Patricia Rogers wrote in a memo on Tuesday, “The health and safety of our campus community remain among our absolute highest priorities. As we prepare for the…

Midday Update 8-3-21

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Tuesday, August 3, 2021

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Ken Slama for a local look at news and weather making headlines Tuesday, August 3, 2021. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Ken Slama, Local News, midday update, News, weather

Minnesota Discovery Center Optimistic for Strong Future Ahead

The COVID-19 Pandemic Provided Staff at the Minnesota Discovery Center Time to Rethink Their Mission & Impact on Visitors

CHISHOLM, Minn. – Staff at a museum on the Iron Range is thankful, and making a big impact as they work to come out of the pandemic stronger than ever before. They say the silver lining is shining bright at the Minnesota Discovery Center in Chisholm. “I think they’re excited to explore and run around, ride the trolley, and play…

Morning Update 8-3-21

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Tuesday, August 3, 2021

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Ken Slama for a local look at news and weather making headlines Tuesday, August 3, 2021. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Ken Slama, Local News, morning update, News, weather

Duluth Police Department Rolls out New Community Engagement Bus

(courtesy: Duluth Police Department) DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth Police Department is rolling out a new community engagement bus just in time for National Night Out. The police department says the bus was donated by the Duluth Transit Authority and was provided through the JAG Grant, which focuses on community policing initiatives. “Since it’s a community engagement bus, we opened…

Boats, Beverages, BBQ Coming to DECC’S Harborside Deck

Meanwhile the DECC hopes to add more turf and even hammocks and solar sails to what they call an under-used space.

DULUTH, Minn.- A new way to enjoy the view of the Duluth harbor is opening up this Wednesday as the DECC starts a weekly barbecue event on its harborside patio deck. Boats, Beverages and Barbecue will feature barbecue from Lincoln Park’s “Howard’s Que” and drinks, all while enjoying the ships and boats passing through, including the sailboats that go out…

Blue Arrow Boutique Expansion ‘SPACES’ Holds Grand Opening

SPACES will also have a gathering area in the back of the store available for rent in the next few weeks.

SUPERIOR, Wis. — A new gift shop in Superior held its grand opening late July on Tower Avenue. While the Blue Arrow Boutique primarily sells women’s clothing and accessories, SPACES is a one-stop shop. “If you have a gift that you need for your sister or your mom or your friend and there’s just not something you like to find…

St. Louis County Recommending Masks in Indoor, Public Places

ST. LOUIS COUNTY, Minn. – St. Louis County public health officials say they are recommending face masks be worn in indoor, public places regardless of vaccination status due to substantial transmission of COVID-19 throughout the county. “We are as frustrated as anyone, but more than that, we are concerned by this growth in cases,” said Amy Westbrook, St. Louis County…

Midday Update 8-2-21

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Monday, August 2, 2021

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Ken Slama for a local look at news and weather making headlines Monday, August 2, 2021. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Ken Slama, Local News, midday update, News, weather

University of Minnesota Reimposes Indoor Mask Mandate

MINNEAPOLIS (FOX 9) – The University of Minnesota is reinstituting its indoor mask mandate for everyone on campus, regardless of vaccination status, starting Tuesday. University President Joan Gabel sent an email to students, faculty, and staff on Monday informing them of the change. Gabel said the decision comes after the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention announced new guidance on…

‘Best Christmas Ever’ Aims to Set New World Record During City on the Hill Music Festival

The City on the Hill Music Festival is Happening Aug. 6 & 7

DULUTH, Minn. – The excitement is building to see how many candy canes can be hung on the giant Christmas tree erected at Bayfront Park between August 5 – 7 during the City on the Hill Music Festival. The goal is to reach 8,000 candy canes to get Duluth, Minnesota in the record books. Community members can get involved by…

Morning Update 8-2-21

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Monday, August 2, 2021

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Ken Slama for a local look at news and weather making headlines Monday, August 2, 2021. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Ken Slama, Local News, morning update, News, weather

“The Great Twin Ports Get Together” Scheduled for August 15th

DULUTH, Minn. — “The Great Twin Ports Get Together” is coming to Wade Stadium in Duluth on August 15th, according to a press release from the organizer. It will include live music featuring five bands playing throughout the day and fun activities for kids, such as bouncy houses and games with prizes. The event will also have beer, popcorn, and…

Triathlon Part of Summer Comeback for Island Lake Inn

Staff at the small business say they appreciate the crowds the triathlon brings in.

DULUTH, Minn.- Many triathletes were hungry after putting in the work at the Brewhouse Triathlon Sunday, and packed the nearby Island Lake Inn bar to refuel. Staff at the small business say they appreciate the crowds the triathlon brings in. And this year the event is just part of a summer comeback for their customers, after last year’s season of…

Hundreds Swim, Bike, Run Through 34th Brewhouse Triathlon at Island Lake

Organizers say conditions couldn't have been better with cooler temps, and break in the smoky haze.

DULUTH Minn.- The weather was perfect Sunday for bikers, runners and swimmers to compete in the 34th Annual Fitgers’ Brewhouse Triathlon at Island Lake. “You can feel the tension in the air and then once the gun goes off — it’s just go time,” said triathlete Mike Ward. More than 400 athletes signed up to compete in this year’s Brewhouse…

Duluth Resident Holds BBQ Benefitting Homeless

The organizer Airlea Defoe, herself a recovering addict who was homeless, says she wanted to make the homeless community feel more accepted. 

DULUTH, Minn.- A Duluth resident who overcame homelessness decided to give back to that population with a barbecue to raise money and donations Saturday. The event took place in the Central Hillside Park next to One Roof Community Housing. Anyone in need could come take a hot meal or supplies for free. Donations of those items such as toothpaste and…

Minnesota Trappers Convention Returns to Barnum for 62nd Year

BARNUM, Minn.- The 62nd Annual Minnesota Trappers Association Convention returned this weekend after a pandemic pause in 2020, continuing their work of “helping to perpetuate the nation’s oldest industry – the fur trade…to preserve the trapping heritage and your right to trap.” FOX 21 Photojournalist Adam Jagunich shows us the sights and sounds of the 2021 show. Categories: Community, Entertainment,…

East Superior Street Reconditioning Project to Begin on August 2

DULUTH, Minn. – Construction on the East Superior Street Reconditioning Project will begin on Monday, August 2, according to the City of Duluth. The project work area will take place between 45th and 60th Avenue East. Traffic control signs will be placed throughout the work area. Two lanes of traffic will be maintained for most of the project. Construction crews…