Community

Whole Foods Co-Op Keeping Up With Holiday Demand

DULUTH, Minn. — Whole Foods Co-Op is doing its best to keep up with customer demand this holiday season. With popular items including holiday floral, gift ideas, and more holiday staples. Store managers stress the importance of shopping local, not just during the holidays but for every season. The atmosphere is a little more special during the holidays. “It’s so…

Caution Recommended This Holiday Season As Hospital ICU Beds in Limited Supply

DULUTH, Minn. — Healthcare workers continue to fight the deadly Covid-19 virus. This as hospital beds are at an all-time short supply with flu season on the horizon. Currently in St. Luke’s, over the last month, they have cared for a little over one-hundred patients who were hospitalized due to Covid-19. 85% of those patients were not vaccinated. Additionally, Minnesota…

Midday Update 12-20-21

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Monday, December 20, 2021

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Ken Slama for a local look at news and weather making headlines Monday, December 20, 2021. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Ken Slama, Local News, midday update, News, weather

Midwestern Journalist, Comedian, Actor, Charlie Berens Coming to Duluth

Berens will be Performing at the DECC March 24 & 25

DULUTH, Minn. –  Emmy-winning journalist, comedian, and creator of the Manitowoc Minute, Charlie Berens, is making a stop in Duluth. Berens will be performing at the DECC Thursday, March 24 at 7:30 p.m., and Friday, March 25 at 8 p.m. Doors will open one hour prior to showtime. The Wisconsin native has been featured on FOX, CBS, TBS Digital, Variety, MTV…

Morning Update 12-20-21

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Monday, December 20, 2021

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Ken Slama for a local look at news and weather making headlines Monday, December 20, 2021. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Ken Slama, Local News, morning update, News, weather

‘Make Every Child Smile Toy Drive’ Makes Sure Hundreds Have Presents to Open on Christmas

500 gifts went to families in the Twin Ports who may have been experiencing hardships before and because of the pandemic.

DULUTH, Minn.- T’ was the weekend before Christmas, and all through Shake It juice shop were hundreds of toys, and just outside sat a line of rides for the Make Every Child Smile Toy Drive. “I think holidays are hard for everybody and especially the last 2 years with COVID and hardships,” said Tara Aase, volunteering for her second year…

Live Outdoor Nativity Returns to St. Paul’s Episcopal Church

People were invited to watch on the sidewalk or in their cars, with hot cocoa and donuts available inside

DULUTH, Minn.- Sunday’s cold weather didn’t stop one Duluth church from bringing their live nativity scene back outside. St. Paul’s Episcopal Church on East Superior Street held their live nativity scene outside for the second year in a row to keep things COVID-safe. People were invited to watch on the sidewalk or in their cars, with hot cocoa and donuts…

Educational Event Held About Missing & Murdered Indigenous Women, Domestic Violence

DULUTH, Minn. — An event was held Saturday evening at the Radisson Hotel to continue the conversation of missing and murdered Indigenous women, and to educate the public about the domestic violence that many of them face. “There are quite a few people in our city that have gone missing or have been murdered, my cousin being one of them…

First Great Hall Marketplace Held at The Depot

Just over 60 local and regional vendors set up their craft goods in the Great Hall and other areas.

DULUTH, Minn. — The first-ever Great Hall Marketplace was held Saturday at the Depot, covering three different floors, and welcoming hundreds of people through its halls. Just over 60 local and regional vendors set up their craft goods in the Great Hall and other areas. Since starting at 10 AM Saturday morning, hundreds went through doing some last-minute holiday shopping,…

Holiday Shoppers Browse Last Makers Market at Hoops Brewing

The market featured nine different local vendors with products ranging from glasswear and jewelry, to woodworking, knit hats and scarves, and photo prints.

DULUTH, Minn.-. It was a day full of local holiday shopping on the last weekend before Christmas as Hoops Brewing in Canal Park hosted the last of their Saturday makers markets. The market featured nine different local vendors with products ranging from glasswear and jewelry, to woodworking, knit hats and scarves, and photo prints. “Shopping with emotion, it’s like feelings,…

Northland Christmas Trees in Short Supply

Northland Christmas Trees in Short Supply

DULUTH, Minn. — If you’re still looking for a fresh Christmas tree this holiday season you may be out of luck. That’s because after starting to sell them in mid-November, Hoffbauer Tree Farm saw a large rush during the Thanksgiving holiday. Even though they sold the same amount of trees as last year, they sold out by December 11th which…

Depot Hosting ‘Great Hall’ Marketplace

DULUTH, Minn. — The St. Louis County Depot is preparing to host their first-ever Depot Great Hall Marketplace on Saturday. There are over 60 artists and vendors spanning three floors of the depot. Organizers hope to create a lively and festive atmosphere, all to help the local craft community who will be offering attendees a little bit of everything. “From…

Businesses Brace For Last-Minute Holiday Shoppers

DULUTH, Minn. — It’s the last weekend before Christmas, and businesses in Canal Park are bracing for holiday shoppers to come in for their last-minute gifts. Over at Lake Superior Art Glass, they are continuing to host their design your own snowmen and design your own ornaments sessions until the end of the month. The popular events have been bringing…

Midday Update 12-17-21

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Friday, December 17, 2021

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Ken Slama for a local look at news and weather making headlines Friday, Dec. 17, 2021. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Ken Slama, Local News, midday update, News, weather

74-Year-Old Babbitt Man Dies in Morse Township Accident

74-Year-Old George Amitrano Was Pronounced Dead on the Scene

MORSE TOWNSHIP, Minn. – The St. Louis County Sheriff’s Office reports 74-year-old George J. Amitrano of Babbitt died Thursday, Dec. 16 shortly before 3:30 p.m. after a single-vehicle accident. First responders and law enforcement responded to reports of the crash in the 1900 block of Highway 21 North in Morse Township. When crews arrived, they determined the vehicle contained only…

Morning Update 12-17-21

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Friday, December 17, 2021

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Ken Slama for a local look at news and weather making headlines Friday, Dec. 17, 2021. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Ken Slama, Local News, morning update, News, weather

New Owner, New Vision: Three Downtown Duluth Businesses Forced Out

The City of Duluth Has Not Received Any Applications from Hall Equities

DULUTH, Minn. – During what’s supposed to be the most wonderful time of the year, heartbreak this evening from three business owners in downtown Duluth. Chinese Dragon is now set to close. Hucklebeary and Old Town Antiques and Books, forced to relocate. All this news comes within less than two months. “It’s like a family,” said Carol Jouppi, owner of…

Team Shuster’s Chris Plys Talks Family Charity “Project Joy”

The goal of the organization is to end childhood hunger around the Northland through local fundraisers.

DULUTH, Minn. – Chris Plys will be pulling double duty next month at the 2022 Winter Olympics as he will compete for Team USA in mixed doubles and team curling. In the meantime, he’ll be spreading the word about his family’s charity called “Project Joy”. The goal of the organization is to end childhood hunger around the Northland through local…

December-Soaked Storm Thaws Rinks, Quickens Slopes

While outdoor rinks lost ice to the rain, skiers and snowboarders enjoyed faster slopes.

DULUTH, Minn.- Wednesday night’s unprecedented December thunderstorm froze things to a halt at local outdoor hockey rinks like Duluth Heights, but proved beneficial to skiers and snowboarders. “Warm-ups and stuff like that have taken us out but not rain like that. Not rain where we’re getting thunderstorms and kids are running down in the middle of the night from the…

Duluth Fire Department Takes Part in Annual Toy Drive

DULUTH, Minn. — The Duluth Fire Department went on a little shopping spree at Target on Thursday to support The Salvation Army and Toyland Express. To make this all happen, they collect money from retired and active firefighters which allows them to help support the community. Every year they eclipse their fundraising goal. This year, they raised nearly $7,000 all…

One Roof Bringing Back Tool Library Program

DULUTH, Minn. — If you have a home project you’re working on, you can borrow the free tools over at One Roof Community Housing. The non-profit is now relaunching its tool lending program. First started back in 2012, one roof is now updating its tool lending library courtesy of a $5,000 grant from the Northland Foundation. The library will have…

Gov. Walz Announces Increased COVID Testing Through the Holidays

DULUTH, Minn. – On Thursday Governor Walz announced an increase of testing capacity in the state’s COVID-19 community testing network in anticipation of increased demand before the holidays. “Holiday gatherings are right around the corner and getting tested before getting together with family is vital to protecting loved ones from COVID-19,” said Governor Walz. “In addition to expanding capacity at these…

Midday Update 12-16-21

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Thursday, December 16, 2021

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Rusty Mehlberg for a local look at news and weather making headlines Thursday, Dec. 16, 2021. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Local News, midday update, News, Rusty Mehlberg, weather

Bentleyville to Reopen Thursday Night

DULUTH, Minn. – Bentleyville will be reopening tonight after forecasted inclement weather caused organizers to close the popular holiday lights display Wednesday night. Bentleyville will be open from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Thursday evening. Organizers are reminding visitors to bring food items and toys for the Salvation Army. There was no mention of storm damage to any of the…

Morning Update 12-16-21

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Thursday, December 16, 2021

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Rusty Mehlberg for a local look at news and weather making headlines Thursday, Dec. 16, 2021. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Ken Slama, Local News, morning update, News, weather

School Closings, Delays for Thursday, Dec. 16, 2021

Closed:  Duluth Public Schools – Closed Duluth Edison Charter Schools – Closed Hermantown Public School District – Closed Marshall School – Closed Proctor Public Schools – Closed Stella Maris Academy – Closed Opening 2 Hours Late:  Cloquet Public School District – 2-hour delay Esko Public Schools – 2-hour delay Lake Superior School District – 2-hour delay Categories: Community, News, News…

Second Harvest Food Shelf Seeking Volunteers

DULUTH, Minn. — Second Harvest Food Bank is ramping up its food distribution for the holiday season to help more families in need. The food bank says right now, grocery stores are donating less surplus food, and the supply chain issues may be partly to blame. The organization also needs more volunteers to help with food distribution which happens year-round….

Essentia Health Hopes to Double Bentleyville Food Donations

DULUTH, Minn. — Essentia Health is partnering with Bentleyville in hopes of boosting food donations. Some Essentia employees will be at Bentlyville on Thursday encouraging people to donate as they walk in. The tour of lights usually collects about 300 pounds of nonperishable food items each night. Essentia Health wants to see that number double. “It’s part of our mission and…

Bentleyville Closes Due to Inclement Weather

DULUTH, Minn. – Bentleyville will be closed Wednesday due to forecasted inclement weather. According to Bentleyville’s Facebook page, the popular Tour of Lights display will reopen Thursday at 5:00 p.m. Any changes to the reopening will be posted on its Facebook page or at Bentleyvilleusa.org. Categories: Community, Minnesota, News, News – Latest News

Midday Update 12-15-21

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Wednesday, December 15, 2021

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Rusty Mehlberg for a local look at news and weather making headlines Wednesday, Dec. 15, 2021. Have a great day! Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Local News, midday update, News, Rusty Mehlberg, weather

Tips For Keeping Fido Fairly Calm Over the Holidays

Animal Allies Humane Society Reminds Potential Owners to Think Twice Before Adopting this Holiday Season

DULUTH, Minn. – We’re all loading up on holiday anticipation, excitement, presents, and home parties — but it’s important to make sure it doesn’t put your animals into overload. The American Kennel Club says Christmas activities can put stress on your dog. Situations like loud noises, lots of new visitors, and new environments could cause fear in your pet. If…

Morning Update 12-15-21

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Wednesday, December 15, 2021

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Rusty Mehlberg for a local look at news and weather making headlines Wednesday, Dec. 15, 2021. Have a great day! Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Local News, morning update, News, Rusty Mehlberg, weather

Salvation Army Still Needs Bell Ringers, Volunteers

DULUTH, Minn. – The Salvation Army is hoping for more volunteers as they continue their Red Kettle fundraising drive. Even with the annual Miner’s Match underway, donations are down 12-percent compared to where they want to be in order to meet their 220-thousand dollar goal. With 864 hours of open volunteer times available at their 18 kettle locations through Christmas Eve,…

GO: Hartley Nature Center

DULUTH, Minn. — The Hartley Nature Center in Duluth is gearing up for the winter season. “A lot of people have discovered the outdoors and really have embraced getting out on the trails and getting outside. It’s one of the things that are safely available to us,” Hartley Nature Center Executive Director, Tom O’Rourke says. While the center is scaling…

With Warm Weather, Caution Urged for Ice Fishermen

DULUTH, Minn. — With the temperatures warming up, ice fishermen may have to wait until the next big freeze before getting back out on the lakes. The DNR recommends 4 inches of ice for walking and 12-15 inches for driving a vehicle on it. Although the fishing conditions have been good for anglers, the warm weather could prove troublesome for…

Peace United Church of Christ Hosts Sandy Hook Vigil

DULUTH, Minn. — The Peace United Church of Christ in Duluth hosted a vigil Tuesday afternoon to remember the victims of the Sandy Hook school shooting. The mass shooting took place nine years ago on Tuesday. 26 people lost their lives, the majority of them were children between the ages of six and seven years old. On Thursday, two groups,…

Midday Update 12-14-21

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Tuesday, December 14, 2021

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Rusty Mehlberg for a local look at news and weather making headlines Tuesday, December 14, 2021. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, Headlines, Local News, midday update, News, Rusty Mehlberg, weather

16th Annual Holiday Window and Lighting Display Contest Winners Announced

DULUTH, Minn. – The winners have been announced for the Greater Downtown Council’s 16th Annual Holiday Window and Lighting Display Contest. Nineteen local businesses participated in this year’s contest. Official judging took place November 19 through November 23 and winners were chosen based on execution of theme and design presentation. The winners of the 2021 Holiday Window and Lighting Display…

Unseasonable Weather Not Wanted at Lester-Amity Chalet

DULUTH, Minn. — The unseasonably warm days are adding a little concern about the longevity of this winter’s ski and snowboarding season. At Lester-Amity chalet in Duluth the warmer weather can ruin ski trails. The lack of frozen ground has not let the trails develop a consistent snowpack. It’s a mixture of conditions that are making some in the skiing…

Duluth’s Assistant Fire Chief Receives High Honor Of Clarence Maddy Award

DULUTH, Minn. — Duluth’s Assistant Fire Chief was recently awarded one of the highest honors a city employee can receive. Duluth’s Assistant Fire Chief, Clint Reff was recognized with the Clarence Maddy Award, which is named after a former chief administrative officer for the city. Reff, who is retiring at the end of the month, has worked for the department…