Community

Mayor Larson Announces 30-Day Duluth Mask Mandate; Restaurant Assoc. Not Thrilled

DULUTH, Minn. — Just days after the Duluth City Council was unable to unanimously vote to pass a new city-wide mask mandate, and after councilors agreed Mayor Emily Larson should take the lead on emergency orders of that kind, Larson stepped to the podium Thursday afternoon announcing just that — a new mask mandate for the next 30 days effective…

St. Louis County’s Size, Local Governments Within County Make It Unlikely For Mask Mandate

The only mask mandate within the county has been inside county buildings.

DULUTH, Minn. — St. Louis County’s Public Health Director, Amy Westbrook, spoke in support of Duluth’s mask mandate Thursday, and the county released a statement on its take on a possible county wide mask mandate. Westbrook, along with Essentia’s Chief Medical Officer, pointed to growing concerns over hospitalization rates.  Out of the 342 hospital beds at Essentia in Duluth, 58…

Eveleth Celebrating 100th Anniversary Of Hippodrome On Saturday

EVELETH, Minn. – The 100th anniversary of the Hippodrome opening in Eveleth will be celebrated this weekend. For the past century, it’s been the venue where quite a few famous hockey stars have graced the ice, and it’s now somewhat of a mecca for Iron Range hockey history. It was also home to many basketball games, fundraisers, and even concerts…

Songwriters Encouraged to Enter North of Nashville Competition

DULUTH, Minn. – Songwriters have their chance to earn a spot to showcase their talents at Duluth’s Fourth Fest. The North of Nashville showcase is asking for original song submissions through January 21 to highlight area talent.  The organizer says it’s a chance to bring a bit of the Nashville experience to the Northland, regardless of music genre. “Country music today…

Midday Update 1-13-22

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Thursday, January 13, 2022

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Rusty Mehlberg for a local look at news and weather making headlines Thursday, January 13, 2022. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Local News, midday update, News, Rusty Mehlberg, weather

Spirit Mountain Invites Community to Experience New Outdoor Ice Skating Rink

The Rink is Open Tuesday - Sunday

DULUTH, Minn. – If you’re looking to beat the winter blues, the staff at Spirit Mountain invites you to check out their new, free ice skating rink that’s now open to the public. “I’m really excited. Spirit Mountain has been around for 48 years, we’ve been around for a long time,” said Ann Glumac, Interim Director at Spirit Mountain. This…

Morning Update 1-13-22

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Thursday, January 13, 2022

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Rusty Mehlberg for a local look at news and weather making headlines Thursday, January 13, 2022. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Local News, morning update, News, Rusty Mehlberg, weather

Douglas County Public Health Reports Rapid Rise in New COVID-19 Infections

In the Past 30 Days, 11 Residents Have Been Hospitalized with COVID-19 in Douglas County

SUPERIOR, Wis. – Douglas County Public Health is reporting a steady rise in new COVID-19 cases, with reports coming from PCR and rapid testing. Throughout the month of December, the health department reported 439 cases. In the first two weeks of 2022, the department has reported 349 new cases. Officials say the virus is spreading throughout all ages, however, more…

Red Cross Blood Crisis Continues in the Northland

DULUTH, Minn. — As the blood shortage crisis continues throughout the country, the Northland Red Cross chapter is doing what they can to keep donation numbers up. Since the pandemic, donation levels have decreased by 10%. And while getting donors has been a challenge, finding volunteers to work drives has also been hard. But now the Red Cross is promoting…

Cloquet Gets Funding For Expanding Broadband, Asks Residents To Take Survey

CLOQUET, Minn. – A foundation is recognizing Cloquet as an area of rural Minnesota that could use some help boosting its access to broadband internet. The Blandin Foundation offers $75,000 matching grants to help advance technology goals for communities that apply to be a part of the program, and Cloquet is one of the newest cities to receive funding from…

North Shore Scenic Railroad Resuming Volunteer Training

DULUTH, Minn. – After seeing record attendance in 2021, the North Shore Scenic Railroad is hoping to see this trend continue in 2022. They are in need of volunteers to help run their various excursions, and they are offering free training starting next month for those interested.  Unlike in years past, there will be no waiting for new trainees to get…

Midday Update 1-12-22

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Wednesday, January 12, 2022

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Rusty Mehlberg for a local look at news and weather making headlines Wednesday, January 12, 2022. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Local News, midday update, News, Rusty Mehlberg, weather

Morning Update 1-12-22

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Wednesday, January 12, 2022

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Rusty Mehlberg for a local look at news and weather making headlines Wednesday, January 12, 2022. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Local News, morning update, News, Rusty Mehlberg, weather

Black Water Lounge Is Back Open In Downtown Duluth

DULUTH, Minn. – Downtown Duluth’s premiere martini bar, Black Water Lounge, is finally back open after three years in the dark. If you liked the atmosphere before, you’ll be happy to know that vibe remains the same with the popular band Maxi Childs Trio back at it on Tuesday and Thursday evening. The signature cocktails and apps are also back,…

Collector’s Connection Hopes To Reach More Hobbyists with New Superior Location

The owner says the new location allows him more room to display and sell his roughly 100 thousand comics, sports cards, and more.

SUPERIOR, Wis.- A longtime comic book and hobby store in Duluth has expanded to cater to enthusiasts across the bridge. Collector’s Connection opened its new location on Tower Avenue in Superior this past Black Friday. This is their second location the first being up by Miller Hill Mall in Duluth. The owner says the new location allows him more room…

Businesses Reopen after Condemned Esmond Building Fire Monday

Caddyshack Indoor Golf and Pub is just a few blocks down from the building which was engulfed in smoke and flames for seven hours Monday.

DULUTH, Minn.- Some businesses in Lincoln Park opened back up Tuesday after Monday’s intense fire at the condemned Esmond Building, which once housed the Seaway Hotel. Caddy Shack Indoor Golf and Pub is just a few blocks down from the building which was engulfed in smoke and flames for seven hours Monday. The owner tells Fox 21 her biggest concern…

All Superior Students Required To Mask Up Again Wednesday

According to the Superintendent, going back to masking is the best way to get ahead of the spread and go back to the low transmission they saw from September to December.

SUPERIOR, Wis.- Starting Wednesday, masks are back for everyone in Superior Schools — less than a week after making masks optional when cases were low enough among students and staff. But that’s not the case anymore, and Superintendent Amy Starzecki said this change could happen, basing it all on the numbers. It may seem like a quick turnaround, but Starzecki…

Midday Update 1-11-22

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Tuesday, January 11, 2022

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Rusty Mehlberg for a local look at news and weather making headlines Tuesday, January 11, 2022. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Local News, midday update, News, Rusty Mehlberg, weather

City Crews Responding to Water Main Break in Duluth Heights Neighborhood

DULUTH, Minn. – City of Duluth Utility Operations crews are responding to a water main break in the Duluth Heights neighborhood. The break was reported Tuesday morning and is located on the 4300 block of West Arrowhead Road. City officials say water has been turned off on West Arrowhead Road from Haines Road to the 4300 block of West Arrowhead…

Morning Update 1-11-22

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Tuesday, January 11, 2022

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Rusty Mehlberg for a local look at news and weather making headlines Tuesday, January 11, 2022.   Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Local News, morning update, News, Rusty Mehlberg, weather

Emergency Mask Mandate Fails to Pass with Unanimous Vote By Duluth City Council

The Council voted 7-2 on the mandate, with Councilors Roz Randorf and Derek Medved voting against it. 

DULUTH, Minn.- There will be no indoor mask mandate in the City of Duluth, as the emergency ordinance failed to garner the unanimous vote needed by City Council Monday night. The discussion about a mask mandate turned into a discussion about the council’s powers and whether or not it is their job to manage how the city navigates the pandemic….

Nearby Residents, Business Owners React To Esmond Building Fire

They said the frequent fires show it's time the building comes down.

DULUTH, Minn.- The frigid firefight at the condemned Esmond building Monday required all hands on deck from not just firefighters but business owners and community members in Lincoln Park. Staff at the All-American Club just across the corner on Michigan Street provided hot coffee, muffins, and sandwiches for crews taking a break. They say they witnessed the last two fires…

Duluth Fire Crews Extinguish Third Fire at Condemned Esmond Building this Winter

According to the Fire Chief, no one was found inside the building when crews arrived on-scene, though they have had reports of individuals inside seeking warmth recently.

DULUTH, Minn.- A massive fire took over the former Seaway Hotel now known as the condemned Esmond Building in the Lincoln Park Craft District Monday, challenging firefighters with its fast spread in sub-arctic temperatures. Crews responded to the fire around 7:30 Monday morning. Just minutes later, three crews were pulled out of the building due to unsafe conditions and fire…

Midday Update 1-10-22

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Monday, January 10, 2022

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Rusty Mehlberg for a local look at news and weather making headlines Monday, January 10, 2022. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Ken Slama, Local News, midday update, News, weather

Lutsen to Host Norpine Fat Bike Classic Starting Mid-January

Registration is Currently Open for Events Beginning on Saturday, Jan. 15, 2022

LUTSEN, Minn. – Registration is now open for the Norpine Fat Bike Classic, which will return to Lutsen for its sixth year with events beginning Saturday, Jan. 15, and culminating with races on Saturday, Jan. 29. Hosted by the Superior Cycling Association, all events are held on the Norpine Cross-Country Trails, which take riders through stands of old-growth cedars on…

Morning Update 1-10-22

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Monday, January 10, 2022

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Rusty Mehlberg for a local look at news and weather making headlines Monday, January 10, 2022. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Local News, morning update, News, Rusty Mehlberg, weather

Council to Vote on New Emergency Mask Mandate Monday

DULUTH, Minn. — A second city wide Duluth mask mandate will be front and center for a vote at Monday night’s first city council meeting of 2022, with a hot topic to start the new year for sure. If Thursday night’s tense agenda session says anything about the mask mandate topic, this proposed emergency declaration isn’t going to be a…

Superior Fire Crews Respond to 4th Fire in 3 Days Since Warehouses Burned Down

No word on a cause for any of the fires yet.  

SUPERIOR, Wis.- The Superior Fire Department has kept busy the past three days with four different fire calls — the most recent a garage fire in Billings Park this morning. Crews responded to a three-stall attached garage on fire at a home on Bridgeview Drive. According to Battalion Chief Camron Vollbrecht, there were 20-foot flames shooting out of the garage…

Wedding Show Back With Over 100 Vendors at The DECC

More than 100 vendors were on hand to meet all the needs of brides and grooms to be from venues to catering, to D.J.s.

DULUTH, Minn.- For those planning their special day, the Duluth Wedding Show was back with hundreds of vendors at the DECC. More than 100 vendors were on hand to meet all the needs of brides and grooms to be from venues to catering, to D.J.s. Organizers say both the number of businesses and attendance this year was down about 25…

Bidders Excited to Get Hands on Last Place on Earth Items Up for Auction

Dozens of collectors filled Sellers Auction on Belknap Street and auction owners said they came from as far as Chicago and Florida.

SUPERIOR, Wis.- It’s been roughly seven years since the infamous Last Place on Earth was shut down. Those memories were unearthed Saturday at an auction in Superior. Dozens of collectors filled Sellers Auction on Belknap Street and auction owners said they came from as far as Chicago and Florida. The controversial head shop closed operations after owner Jim Carlson was…

‘Jazz at the Depot’ Brings Back Quartet, Crowd from Club Saratoga Jazz Days

The musicians originally played at Duluth's Club Saratoga in Canal Park before being hired by the Depot, and jazzists were out to show their love for the quartet as well as their music.

DULUTH, Minn.- What do you get when you mix smooth music, historic trains, and some tasty food? Probably something like Jazz at the Depot. The Lake Superior Railroad Museum hosted a quartet of jazz musicians to perform a number of pieces while the audience sat back and enjoyed both the music and atmosphere. The musicians originally played at Duluth’s Club…

Hunt for History, Win Some Prizes with Duluth Public Library’s Scavenger Hunts

The first of the so-called "GooseChases" began Friday and is themed around the history of Duluth.

DULUTH, Minn.- Starting this weekend, the Duluth Public Library is offering themed scavenger hunts for people all around the city to take part in. The first of the so-called “GooseChases” began Friday and is themed around the history of Duluth. To participate, download the GooseChase app and choose from any of the missions listed for the active hunt. Missions range…

Superior Fire Crews Respond to ‘large amount of fire’ at Garage Attached to Home

Everyone was reported safely outside.

SUPERIOR, Wis.- Superior Fire Department crews responded to a structure fire early Saturday morning, which destroyed the vehicles inside, though no one was injured. According to a spokesperson with the Fire Department, crews arrived at the home at 4 Bridgeview Drive around 8:20 a.m, to find a fully involved three-stall attached garage with a large amount of fire coming out…

Bitter Cold Increases Risk for Dead Car Batteries

SUPERIOR, Wis. – Below zero temperatures can create a number of problems for vehicles, none more prevalent than a battery that isn’t working properly. One auto mechanic retailer says the design of a vehicle’s alternator helps to keep batteries better charged than in the past, but human error such as leaving lights on or charging chords plugged in after leaving…

Glensheen to Offer Free Self-Guided Classic Tours Sunday

DULUTH, Minn. – As a way to say ‘thank you’ to the community, Glensheen is offering free self-guided Classic Tours to all visitors this Sunday for Community Day. In partnership with the City of Duluth, Community Days are a way for many attractions around the city that receive tourism tax funding to offer special discounts to community members throughout the…

Midday Update 1-7-22

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Friday, January 7, 2022

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Rusty Mehlberg for a local look at news and weather making headlines Friday, January 7, 2022. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Local News, midday update, News, Rusty Mehlberg, weather

Morning Update 1-7-22

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Friday, January 7, 2022

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Rusty Mehlberg for a local look at news and weather making headlines Friday, January 7, 2022. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Local News, morning update, News, Rusty Mehlberg, weather

Duluth City Councilors Have Tense First Debate About New Mask Mandate

DULUTH, Minn. – The mask mandate debate is firing back up in Duluth and being fueled by Councilor Terese Tomanek.  But the push for a mandate was not received well Thursday evening at the agenda session by the majority of the council after some felt surprised by the topic, which wasn’t on the list of items to discuss ahead of…

Warehouse Buildings Destroyed in Fire Part of ‘1890s boom era of Superior’

Superior Mayor Jim Paine did tell us talks will continue on how to redevelop that space.

SUPERIOR, Wis.- The two buildings which burned to the ground were staples of Superior’s waterfront, providing space for storage and resale since the late 1800s. According to members of the Douglas County Historical Society the Eastern building built in 1893 as Osborn Mercantile, a wholesale grocery startup. A few companies called it home, but the Lake Superior Bay company was…

Below Zero Temperatures Add More Challenges for Firefighters

SUPERIOR, Wis. – There are many challenges firefighters deal with at any fire scene.  Battling flames when temperatures are below zero adds a new factor of uncertainty. Thursday’s warehouse fire on Superior’s north side occurred when temperatures were around 10-below. Crews need to make sure their equipment does not freeze as water can quickly turn to ice once it leaves their…