Community

Morning Update 1-21-22

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Friday, January 21, 2022

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

Some Food Shelves Looking Bare After ‘Season Of Giving’

DULUTH, Minn. – Some food shelves are becoming a little emptier again now that the season of giving is over. That’s the case at Duluth Harbor Rescue Mission, which supports people experiencing homelessness, addiction and abuse. The mission need food like pasta sauces, cans of soup, tuna, and boxed meals. “When someone comes in and asks if you have a…

‘Tis The Season for Frequent Water Main Breaks

DULUTH, Minn. – Another below zero-day in the Northland brings about more water main breaks. Around the noon hour Thursday, Duluth utility crews worked to fix a break on the 100 block of Farley Lane. In the first three weeks of 2022, nine water main breaks have been reported. On average, the city works to repair around 150 breaks annually….

Input Wanted: Duluth Police Department Releases Community Survey

DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth Police Department is asking residents to take its first independently released community survey. The nine-question survey looks to gauge how the community feels when it comes to safety, security, and the overall performance of the DPD. Chief Mike Tusken says the department is committed to continuous improvement, and this survey will help his team better…

Midday Update 1-20-22

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Thursday, January 20, 2022

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Ken Slama for a local look at news and weather making headlines Thursday, January 20, 2022. 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

Morning Update 1-20-22

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Thursday, January 20, 2022

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Ken Slama for a local look at news and weather making headlines Thursday, January 20, 2022. 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

Duluth Fire Chief, Homeless Advocate React To 2nd Fire At I-35 Homeless Encampment

DULUTH, Minn. – Duluth’s fire chief and its top homeless advocate reacted to Wednesday’s homeless encampment fire under I-35 near downtown — almost three months to the day since fire erupted in the exact spot from squatters. “People find their way to have shelter, to try to stay warm, literally to try to stay alive at this time of the…

North Star Academy Moves Some Grades To Temporary Virtual Learning During Staffing Shortage, COVID Cases

DULUTH, Minn. — The North Star Academy of the Duluth Edison Charter Schools is having some of its grades switch to virtual learning for a few weeks. It’s happening for two reasons: one, COVID has caused staffing issues and teacher shortages, and two, the number of COVID cases within the schools doubled between the first and second week of January…

New City Council President Arik Forsman Outlines 2022 Priorities

DULUTH, Minn. — The Duluth city council’s new president, Arik Forsman, spoke to FOX 21 about some of his priorities for the year ahead. Having served in the council for three and a half years, this presidency allows Forsman to serve another full year from the front of the helm. Forsman said he’s been a long-time Duluth resident and has…

Midday Update 1-19-22

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Wednesday, January 19, 2022

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Ken Slama for a local look at news and weather making headlines Wednesday, January 19, 2022. 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

Morning Update 1-19-22

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Wednesday, January 19, 2022

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Ken Slama for a local look at news and weather making headlines Wednesday, January 19, 2022. 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

Spirit Mountain, Depot, Northern Lights Express Included in Gov. Walz’s Bonding Recommendations

Roughly $50 million is proposed to go to different entities in Northeastern Minnesota.

DULUTH, Minn.- Minnesota Governor Tim Walz’s bonding recommendations for 2022 amounts to $2.7 billion. The largest in the state’s history includes much-needed funding for Duluth and the surrounding area. “They’re very geo-balanced across the state of Minnesota and these are projects that local folks requested. But there are projects in there that enhance our quality of life,” Gov. Walz said…

Walz Bonding Proposal: $1M For Lake Superior College’s Manufacturing Program Expansion Plans

DULUTH, Minn. – Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz has put aside $1 million in his bonding proposal to help Lake Superior College develop plans to expand its Integrated Manufacturing program. LSC officials said demand has outgrown the current facility in downtown Duluth.  So in the coming years, the program will be moved and expanded back onto the main campus on Trinity…

Duluth Armory Left Out Of Gov. Walz’s Bonding Recommendations

Mark Poirier, Executive Director of the Armory Arts and Music Center said he is disappointed but not surprised.

DULUTH, Minn.- There were projects that didn’t make the cut on the governor’s list of entities and projects he’d like to see get bonding money, which includes the historic Armory on London Road in Duluth. Mark Poirier, Executive Director of the Armory Arts and Music Center said he is disappointed but not surprised they didn’t get the $7.5 million funding…

St. Mary’s Medical Center to Be Demolished When Vision Northland Completed

The redevelopment will be funded with $12 million in state dollars and headed by SEH local consulting firm.

DULUTH, Minn.- As the new Vision Northland building for Essentia Health goes up in Duluth the decades-old St. Mary’s Hospital will come down. Essentia Health says the Medical Center will be demolished on East Third Street after the new building is ready for care in the third quarter of 2023. The oldest part of St. Mary’s hospital is almost 100…

Public Input Wanted: Hammond Ave. Reconstruction

The city will be fixing the highly traveled road and its storm sewer system from Belknap Street to North 28th Street

SUPERIOR, Wis.- The City of Superior is asking for public input on proposed reconstruction plans for Hammond Avenue. The city will be fixing the highly traveled road and its storm sewer system from Belknap Street to North 28th Street. It’s set to start in 2023. On Tuesday the city showed different ideas at the Superior Public Library, like widened roadways…

Humane Society of Douglas County Exceed Expectations in Betty White Challenge

SUPERIOR, Wis. – The Humane Society of Douglas County is thanking everyone who took part in the Betty White Challenge. People were encouraged to donate $5 to a local animal shelter on what would have been the television icon’s 100th birthday, who also advocated for animal rights. Since the challenge began after White’s passing on New Year’s Eve, the Humane Society…

Spirit Mountain, St. Louis County Depot Among Northland Entities in Gov. Walz’s 2022 Bonding Recommendations

According to a spokesperson with the City of Duluth, the Aerial Lift Bridge was included in a write-up for the Governor's recommended $200 million for the Bridge Replacement Program. 

DULUTH, Minn.- On Tuesday Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz released his bonding recommendation of $2.7 billion, which highlights several Northland and regional entities including Spirit Mountain and the St. Louis County Depot in Duluth. For Spirit Mountain, the Governor recommended $12 million in general fund cash to the City of Duluth “to renew, replace, and improve aged infrastructure.” The total cost…

Midday Update 1-18-22

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Tuesday, January 18, 2022

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Ken Slama for a local look at news and weather making headlines Tuesday, January 18, 2022. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Ken Slama, Local News, midday update, News, weather

Morning Update 1-18-22

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Tuesday, January 18, 2022

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Ken Slama for a local look at news and weather making headlines Tuesday, January 18, 2022. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Ken Slama, Local News, morning update, News, weather

Collectors Connection Connects To More Hobbyists with New Superior Location

SUPERIOR, Wis.- Just in time for the last holiday season a Duluth staple for collectors expanded their connection across the bridge. “We opened on Black Friday which, I was overly optimistic as far as being ready,” Aaron Davis said. Davis, the owner of Collectors Connection by Miller Hill Mall in Duluth, opened up a larger mecca for hobbyists across the…

Old Town Antiques’ Last Week in Business Before Being Forced Out of Building by Owner

Hall Equities, out of California, sent a letter to Old Town, Huckleberry, and Chinese Dragon restaurant last month saying they all needed to be out by January 31st.

DULUTH, Minn.- It’s the last week open for Old Town Antiques and Books on Superior Street in Duluth, one of three businesses in that location forced out by the company that owns the building. Hall Equities, out of California, sent a letter to Old Town, Hucklebeary, and Chinese Dragon restaurant last month saying they all needed to be out by…

Missing Pets in the Northland’s Betty White Challenge Raises More than $1K

The Facebook page Missing Pets In The Northland raised roughly $1,800 in one day for its Betty White Challenge.

DULUTH, Minn.- Betty White would have turned 100 Monday. After the screen icon passed on New Year’s Eve, animal humane organizations are receiving donations from her fans in her honor, including ones here in the Northland. The Facebook page Missing Pets In The Northland raised roughly $1,800 in one day for its Betty White Challenge soaring past her thousand dollar goal….

Midday Update 1-17-22

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Monday, January 17, 2022

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Ken Slama for a local look at news and weather making headlines Monday, January 17, 2022. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Ken Slama, Local News, midday update, News, weather

The Northland’s Largest Baby Shower is Happening Now

Donate Now Through Monday, January 31, 2022

DULUTH, Minn. – Life 97.3 and St. Luke’s Hospital have partnered again to throw the 4th annual Northland’s Largest Baby Shower. Throughout the month of January, Life 97.3 is encouraging its audience to donate typical baby shower items that will ultimately benefit a number of organizations spread across the Northland that are helping families in need. Below is a list…

Morning Update 1-17-22

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Monday, January 17, 2022

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Ken Slama for a local look at news and weather making headlines Monday, January 17, 2022. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Ken Slama, Local News, morning update, News, weather

Red Bull Heavy Metal Turns Cascade Park into Extreme Snowboard Course

40 riders from California to as far as Canada were attracted to Duluth’s unique venue.

DULUTH, Minn.- After 19 years the Red Bull Heavy Metal Rail Jam came back bringing extreme street snowboarding stunts right to many Duluthians’ backyard – Cascade Park. It’s not a sport for the faint of heart, but the thrill is what fuels these athletes. “Definitely scary,” snowboarder Melissa Riitano said. “Had butterflies dropping in for that first hit.” Last held…

City, Local Businesses Come Together to Stick Landing with Red Bull Event

The city does want to remind people that Cascade Park is never an area for these tricks outside of organized events.

DULUTH, Minn.- Putting the Red Bull Heavy Metal Rail Jam together required a team effort from the City of Duluth and even some local businesses. From the clerk’s office issuing permitting, to the Duluth firefighters on scene providing medical attention, 5 city departments were involved. Spirit Mountain crews set up the obstacles, while Damage Board Shop in Lincoln Park shut…

Cedar and Stone Sauna Offering Opportunities to Re-Charge this Winter

DULUTH, Minn. — A one-of-a-kind local sauna experience hit its 2 year anniversary this month and continues to help people decompress, reduce stress, and feel rejuvenated on the shores of Lake Superior. The Cedar and Stone Nordic Sauna in Canal Park is a traditional Nordic sauna inspired from Duluth’s Finnish history. It’s an indoor wood fired sauna that runs between…

Eveleth Community Celebrates Hippodrome’s 100 Years of Hockey, History

Community members are also working to preserve this venue as a future historical site, hoping to prevent it from ever being torn down.

EVELETH, Minn.- A staple of the Eveleth community celebrated a big milestone Saturday. The 100th birthday of the city’s Hippodrome was celebrated at the nearby Eveleth Auditorium. For the past century, quite a few famous hockey stars have graced the ice there, and others played some heart-pounding games. It was also home to many basketball games, fundraisers, and even concerts…

COVID Cases, Staff Shortages Could Shift Duluth Schools to Distance Learning ‘with little notice’

The district considers three key variables as criteria for determining the need to move to distance learning at a single school, an entire level, or for the entire district.

DULUTH, Minn.- As COVID-19 cases continue to climb across the region, officials with Duluth ISD 709 shared the factors needed to keep learning in person, warning that a switch to virtual could happen fast. According to a press release sent out by Superintendent John Magas Friday, experts the district is consulting with forecasted that there will be “significant improvement” to…

Duluth Businesses on Enforcing Indoor Mask Mandate Round 2

A few businesses who differ on how they think the mandate will affect them over the next 30 days.

DULUTH, Minn. — As of 5 o’clock Friday evening, local businesses will have to require masks indoors. We caught up with a few businesses who differ on how they think the mandate will affect them over the next 30 days. One retail store in Canal Park, Flagship Apparel that screen prints, and sells some local-themed gear is coming off of…

Eveleth’s Historic Hippodrome Turning 100 in 2022

EVELETH, Minn. – A piece of Eveleth’s history will celebrate a major milestone this weekend. Residents from near and far are thrilled to be honoring the Hippodrome’s 100th anniversary of being a staple in the community. “It’s a community building,” said Mike Newman, former crew leader with Eveleth Parks and Rec. In every community, there’s a heart. “It was more…

Duluth Police Welcomes First Mother-Daughter Duo Officers in Department’s History

Officer Angela Robertson got to pin the badge on her daughter, Maddyson.

DULUTH, Minn.- Friday’s pinning ceremony at the Duluth Police Department was a special one for two officers with a special bond. Officer Angela Robertson got to pin the badge on her daughter, Maddyson. It’s the first mother-daughter duo in the department’s history. Ever since she was a child going on ride-alongs with Officer Angela Robertson, Maddyson knew she wanted to…

Hospitals in Carlton County Meet to ‘Crisis Plan’ as COVID Continues Surging

Crisis planning is to prepare the hospitals, and make a course of action in case they become overwhelmed and have to send patients elsewhere.

CLOQUET, Minn. — Doctors from the Community Memorial Hospital met on Thursday to “crisis plan”, concerned that the latest surge of the Omicron variant might overwhelm medical facilities. Crisis planning is to prepare the hospitals, and make a course of action in case they become overwhelmed and have to send patients elsewhere. But with so many medical facilities bogged down…

Winter Blues? Join the Lake Superior Kubb League

Active Adventures: Kubb in the Twin Ports

DULUTH, Minn. – It’s a game that has origins back to the Vikings. Kubb, which has a strong presence in the Twin Cities and Eau Claire regions, required a small outdoor space, six batons, and 11 blocks of woods. Fox 21’s Rusty Mehlberg met up with Erik Linge, a co-founder of Lake Superior Kubb, to learn more about the game,…

Midday Update 1-14-22

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Friday, January 14, 2022

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Rusty Mehlberg for a local look at news and weather making headlines Friday, January 14, 2022. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Local News, midday update, News, Rusty Mehlberg, weather

Morning Update 1-14-22

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Friday, January 14, 2022

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Rusty Mehlberg for a local look at news and weather making headlines Friday, January 14, 2022. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Local News, morning update, News, Rusty Mehlberg, weather

Acting St. Louis Co. Atty. Kimberly Maki Running For Official Office This Nov.

DULUTH, Minn. – Acting St. Louis County Attorney Kimberly Maki, who recently took over for Mark Rubin who retired after more than 40 years of service, has announced she’s running to keep that seat in the next election. Maki announced her campaign Thursday outside the Virginia County Courthouse where she says her interest in law began nearly 30 years ago…