Author: Drew Kerner

Mesabi Metallic’s Welcomes Community to Tour New Facility

NASHWAUK, Minn. — On Thursday night, Mesabi Metallic’s welcomed more than 3-hundred 70 people to tour the progress on their new state-of-the-art mine and pellet plant in Nashwauk. Both community members and state lawmakers were invite to Mesabi Metallic’s open house and town hall. The new facility is Minnesota’s newest mine in nearly 50 years and the company has visions…

Camp House & Jenkins Creek Wildfire Inspections Start Next Week

Burned area of Forest with smoking hot spots on the Camp House Fire. BRIMSON/FAIRBANKS TOWNSHIPS, Minn. — Next week the St. Louis County Assessor’s Department will start inspections of wildfire damaged properties by the Camp House and Jenkins Creek fires. Staff will begin their inspections to home and property owners in Brimson and Fairbanks Township to determine the estimated market…

Benedictine Living Community Hosts Juneteenth Celebration

DULUTH, Minn. — In honor of Juneteenth, Benedictine Living Community held their first ever Juneteenth Chapel Service and Soul Food Celebration. Juneteenth is recognized as the day that ended slavery in the United States two years after the Emancipation Proclamation was issued which freed black people throughout the country. Guest speakers with the NAACP spoke in front of seniors and…

“No Kings Day” Protest Highlights Federal Opposition

DULUTH, Minn. — Hundreds of people in the Twin Ports protested against President Trump’s military parade over weekend in “No Kings Day” rallies. In Duluth, People peacefully gathered along Lake Ave. and Superior St. to show their opposition against the current administration. Like recent cuts from the federal government involving health care, the environment, and family assistance. Over 1,800 “No…

Duluth Police Welcomes K9 Fitz onto the Department

DULUTH, Minn. — The Duluth Police Department is welcoming a new furry face as part of their K9 Division. K9 Fitz is a 1.5-year-old German Shephard/Malinois from Hungary. Fitz is a dual-purpose dog specializing in narcotic detection, tracking, article searching, and criminal apprehension. K9 Fitz is being handled by Officer Shane McKee and began K9 School this past February. The…

Phase 1 of Safer 6th Ave. East Reconstruction Project Now Underway

DULUTH, Minn. — One of Duluth most dangerous Avenues is starting phase one of a safer reconstruction plan. Construction crew started resurfacing along 6th Avenue East, which connects Central Hillside to Central Entrance and Mesaba Avenue. The project looks to address safety concerns for pedestrians, like students at Myers-Wilkins, as a recent study on 6th Ave. found close to 12,000…

AFGE Union Members Urges Council to Protect Duluth’s EPA Lab

DULUTH, Minn. — Employees from the Duluth’s EPA Lab spoke at Monday night’s council meeting about fears of DOGE cuts shutting down their facility. The president of the American Federal of Government Employees (AFGE) and Duluth EPA employees spoke before the Duluth City Council on the possibility of the facility’s closure. DOGE cuts has asked Office of Research (ORD) scientists…

Duluth Police Respond to Two Juveniles Making Knife Threats

  DULUTH, Minn. — Two juveniles are now in custody after threatening another kid with a knife. This happened Monday afternoon, around 3:30 p.m., at the Lawrence Klang Memorial Park near Proctor. According to the police report, a juvenile male was on a swing set when two other juveniles approached and threatened him with a knife. The victim wasn’t injured…

Official: Missing Cliff Diver’s Body Recovered Near Gilbert

6/6/25 UPDATE: The identity of the cliff diver near a Gilbert mine pit has been identified. The victim has been identified as 27-year-old Axel John Jurva of Virginia, MN. Yesterday, Authorities recovered the body of a missing cliff diver. The victim’s friend on-scene reported seeing Axel resurface, but then disappearing back into the water. ORGINIAL STORY: Authorities recovered the body…

Burke Center Moves from Northland College Under New Name

ASHLAND, Wis. — After the closure of Northland College, the Mary Griggs Burke Center for Freshwater Innovation found a new home under a new identity. The Mary Griggs Burke Center for Freshwater Innovation has now transformed into the Burke Center for Ecosystem Research. The non-profit research facility has expanded to allow non-water research, allowing some Northland faculty to join the…

Gov. Walz Announces Recovery Efforts as Wildfires Dwindle in Northern Minnesota

ST. PAUL/BRIMSON, Minn. — Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz and other state officials announced recovery efforts are now underway for areas affect by wildfires. These efforts will be worked on simultaneously across the state like repairing infrastructure, roads, and telephone poles. So far this fire season, Minnesota has seen nearly 1,100 fires that burned more than 48,ooo acres, which is well…

Hibbing School Board Pursues a $2.6 Million Referendum

HIBBING, Minn. — The Hibbing School District is addressing a $2.6 million shortfall, which the school board has approved a motion to pursue a referendum. The Superintendent of Hibbing Schools Richard Aldrich says that the increasing costs and lowering enrollment numbers has led the district to this shortfall. This year to address the $2.6 million in reductions Hibbing Schools had…

NIMO Takes Command as Jenkins Creek and Horse River Fires Persist in Minnesota

BRIMSON, Minn. — On Wednesday, the National Incident Management Organization (NIMO) assumed command of both the Jenkins Creek and Horse River Fires. Jenkins Creek fire in the distance. Camp House fire in the forefront. The Jenkins Creek Fire is still 84% contained and is has burned 16,089 acres. Unstaffed Aerial System (UAS/drone) flights detected multiple heat sources in the south…

Memorial Day Golf Scramble Supports Veteran’s Hockey Group

GRAND RAPIDS, Minn. — Minnesota Warriors Hockey North Region held a memorial day golf scrambled on Monday which looked to give back to disabled veterans. The scramble was held at Eagle Ridge Golf Course with all proceeds heading to Minnesota Warriors Hockey. Minnesota Hockey Warriors is a 501c3 non-profit hockey team that helps disabled veterans fight through addiction and mental…

Chester Bowl Launches Year-Round Cadet+ Program for Young Leaders

DULUTH, Minn. — The Chester Bowl Improvement Club has announced that they’re expanding their cadet programming. The Cadet Program has helped shaped youth in the community for generations. The club has typically offered their teen and tween leadership training program during the club’s winter and summer programing. Today, the club announced the launch of their Cadet+, which would run year-round….

Veterans for Peace Hold Alternative Memorial Day Ceremony

DULUTH, Minn. — At Gichi-Ode’ Akiing Park, Veterans for Peace held their own Memorial Day Remembrance while also calling for an end for conflicts around the globe. The ceremony started with a solemn bell ringing to honor all victims of war. Veteran speakers also spoke about how war affected them, other veterans, and people affected by war. “We’re not being…

More Progress on Jenkins Creek Fire; Superior National Forest Ordered to Close

BRIMSON, Minn. — Over the weekend, firefighters battling the Jenkins Creek Fire were able to grow containment lines. The fire is now 78% contained. Brimson Complex Fire Lines as of May 26, 2025 The Eastern Area Incident Management Team saying fire activity is minimal on the Jenkins Creek Fire. Fire crews are continuing to patrol and monitor the area while…

MN Senate Job Conference Committee Agrees to Extend UI Benefits to Steelworkers

HIBBING/VIRGINIA, Minn. — Iron Range Miner’s are one step closer to getting approved for up to a year of Unemployment Insurance. Cleveland-Cliffs, the leading steel producer in North America, announced in March that they are temporarily idling more than 600 steelworkers at Hibbing Taconite and Minorca Mine. Minnesota’s UI benefits are good for up to 6 months and are able…

Great Lakes Aquarium Steps Back in Time with New Exhibit

DULUTH, Minn. — Great Lakes Aquarium is taking the public back in time with a new exhibit. The exhibit, “Lava to Lakes,” looks to explore Minnesota’s origin story when this land was covered by giant, ancient seas. The moon jellyfish touch pools makes a return with Lava to Lakes. Plus the exhibit features some of Minnesota’s most pre-historic creatures to…

Bi-Partisan Lawmakers Visit Canada’s Prime Minister to Strengthen Relations

Klobuchar meeting with Prime Minister Carney and Senate delegation, including Senators Jeanne Shaheen, Tim Kaine, Kevin Cramer, and Peter Welch. Photo: The Office of the Prime Minister of Canada, Lars Hagberg. OTTAWA, Can. — Minnesota Senator (D) Amy Klobuchar and other U.S. Senators from both Democrat and Republic parties met with Canada’s newly elected Prime Minister Mark Carney on Friday…

NLX Project Stalled After Lawmakers Reallocate Funds

The project's future is now in the complete hands of the Federal Government.

DULUTH, Minn. — The Northern Lights Express has stalled at its next approval station. This comes after some Minnesotan Lawmakers tried to gut the funding the state has already received. In 2023, the NLX was approved of $194.5 million from the state’s legislators. The amount was Minnesota’s 20% share of the project and was waiting on the federal government for…

Super One Foods Presents Check to Animal Allies from Pet Month Round-Up Campaign

DULUTH, Minn. — Animals Allies received some much needed relief from Miner’s Super One Foods. Earlier on Thursday, they were presented with a check of more than $25,000 as part of their pet month campaign. Between the end of April and the beginning of May, shoppers at local Super Ones rounded up their totals at cash registers to support local…

Duluth Police Responds to Stabbing in Downtown

  3:18p.m. UPDATE: The suspect is currently lodged at St. Louis County Jail for pending charges of 2nd degree assault, misdemeanor criminal damage to property, and fleeting a police officer. Fox21 does not normally name suspects until they are formally charged in court. Original Article: DULUTH, Minn. — A victim is being treated for non-life threatening injuries after being stabbed…

Sexual assault case under investigation at Hibbing High School

  HIBBING, Minn. — Numerous juveniles at Hibbing High School were interviewed by Hibbing Police Officers in regards to a sexual assault case at the school. The police department and the school are currently investigating the incident. There are no criminal charges at this time. Hibbing Police confirmed that all parties involved are juveniles that attend Hibbing High School. The…

Lake Superior College Selects New President

Linda Kingston DULUTH, Minn. — Lake Superior College announced their next president in a press release on Wednesday. Dr. Linda Kingston will take over as president on July 1, 2025, as current president Dr. Patricia Rogers retires at the end of this academic school year. Dr. Kingston is currently the acting Vice President for academic and student affairs and brings…

MN House Unanimously Passes Iron Range Miners Relief

HIBBING/VIRGINIA, Minn. — On Monday, members of the Minnesota House almost unanimously passed House File 3023, a piece of legislation co-authored by Rep. Pete Johnson (DFL-Duluth) to extend Unemployment Insurance (UI) benefits to impacted Iron Range miners. The bill looks to give the approximately 630+ Iron Range miners, who will be laid off by the end of May, with up…

Containment Continues Around Camp House Fire; Jenkins Creek Fire Stalls

  ST. LOUIS COUNTY, Minn. — In the last day containment around the Camp House fire grew from 40% to 59%. There are now four containment lines targeting the fire from all sides protecting the area south of Bassett, area north of Brimson, and areas to the east of Hornby and Breda. These lines were strengthened in preparation of Tuesday’s…

Bass Pro Shops To Host Grand Opening Of Hermantown Location Wed.

HERMANTOWN, Minn. — Bass Pro Shops is gearing for their big opening ceremony this week. This location will be Minnesota’s 5th Bass Pro Shops in the state. To ensure quality help for shoppers, the sale associates got the chance to pick the department they know the most about to help connect with guests. The new 70,000-square-foot retail space is looking…

Canvassing Board Approves of Organized Township 63-17

ORAGANIZED TOWNSHIP 63-17, Minn. — A new township has been approved by the Canvassing Board in northern St. Louis County. Township 63 17 Unorganized Township 63-17 has just became Organized Township 63-17. The new township is located between Beatty and Greenwood Townships. Last week the township held a special election to be incorporated. 80 ballots were cast, with 49 votes in…

Battle of the Badges Blood Drive Returns for Second Year

DULUTH, Minn. –Twin Ports first responders got competitive for the second annual “battle of the badges” blood drive. On Thursday, Mayo Clinic ambulance, Duluth Fire Department, and Duluth Police Department went head-to-head to see which agency could donate the most blood. Last year, the Duluth Fire Department took home the victory. We’re still waiting to hear which agency donated the…

Resource Renew Reminds Community about Common Recycling Questions

DULUTH, Minn. — Resource Renew, formerly known as Western Lake Superior Sanitary District (WLSSD), is reminding the public about proper recycling and disposal methods. Today at the Whole Foods Co-Op on Grand Ave., Emma Pardini, an environmental program coordinator, held a class with a Q&A about common recycling questions. Pardini emphasized the importance of reduce, renew, and recycle. Resource Renew…

Public Response to Potential Duluth School District Music Cuts

It was packed house for tonight’s Duluth school board listening session. Parents, students, and community members showed up at the meeting to call for more support to district music programs amid possible budget cuts. The crowd held signs reading “Music Matters,” as speakers expressed the importance of musical education, and why it’s critical to student’s success in the future. “With…

Sen. Klobuchar Backs Tourism-Driven Waterfront Revamp in Two Harbors; Highlights National Tourism Hit So-Far

TWO HARBORS, Minn. — Senator Amy Klobuchar visited Two Harbors on Monday to announce the groundbreaking of two projects along the city’s waterfront and the impact and effects of tourism. Senator Klobuchar says that a $90-billion projected loss in tourism revenue is expected across the country for just 2025. At a press event in Two Harbors, on Monday, Klobuchar talked…

FDLTCC Peace Officer Expo Readies Next Generation of Law Enforcement

CLOQUET, Minn. — As police departments across the country are struggling to be fully staffed, police agencies in Minnesota are looking to hire the next generation of officers for the front line. At Fond du Lac Tribal and Community College more than 35 departments from local, county, state and federal agencies attended this year’s Peace Officer and Criminal Justice Expo….

County Board Authorizes Development of New Public Works Facility on Iron Range

  HIBBING, Minn. — The St. Louis County Board voted to authorize a bond sale for a new Public Works building on the Iron Range. The new facility is planned to be built in Balkan Township and will serve Hibbing, Chisholm, and the surrounding communities. The current public works building was built in 1940s and has been deemed inefficient for…

Wrenshall School District Closes 5th Grade Enrollment

WRENSHALL, Minn. — Wrenshall Public School District closes enrollment for their 5th grade class for the upcoming 2025-26 school year. The school district has seen a rise in student enrollment in recent years. This school year, the district had to split up their kindergarten and 4th grade students into two separate classrooms. The Wrenshall Board of Education and teachers collaborated…

CSS Students Showcase New Innovations in Trade Show

DULUTH, Minn. — Students from the College of St. Scholastica held a trade show to showcase new inventions that students have been working on during the semester. Students from the college’s new product development and the integrated marketing communication courses team up for the trade show. The students were tasked to develop a plan and practice their sales-pitch it to…

Wisconsin and Minnesota Spring Turkey Season Nears

  MINNESOTA/WISCONSIN — Spring turkey season is approaching fast, with both Wisconsin and Minnesota seasons starting on April 16. Historically, it would have been odd to see a turkey this far north in Minnesota as they’re usually more accustomed to agricultural land in the southern side of the state. With the uprise in turkeys in the north, the spring and…

National Weather Service & St. Louis County Work Closely Together

  ST. LOUIS COUNTY, Minn. — The National Weather Service (NWS) and St. Louis County work hand-in-hand together to give better response to severe weather events. The two agencies have a long history of working together. Last year, the NWS Duluth office received the second highest number of weather support requests for Search and Rescue Operations out of any NWS…

Lack of Federal Funds Effects Spongy Moth Treatment

NORTHERN MINNESOTA — Federal funding delays is impacting the Minnesota Department of Agriculture and their response to limiting the spread of spongy moths. Spongy Moths are an destructive invasive species in our area that threaten our area’s forest. The MDA uses federal funding for their Btk (Bacilius thuringiensis var. kurstaki) treatment which slows the spread of spongy moth caterpillars in…

Miner’s Inc. Presented $23,000 Check to Habitat for Humanity

DULUTH, Minn. — The Western Lake Superior Habitat for Humanity (WLSHFH) getting a big check, on Wednesday, thanks to customers at SuperOne Foods. During the month of March, over 34,000 people from SuperOne stores in Duluth and the surrounding area donated at the register. Now, over $23,000 will go towards the non-profit’s mission to build and finance new homes for…

I-35 Resurfacing Project Brings Traffic Detours

DULUTH, Minn. — Heads up driver! Expect some lane closures next week on I-35 as bridge repairs take place. The Minnesota Department of Transportation will resurface the bridge deck, concrete pavement repairs, and replace joints on I-35 between Mesaba Ave. and 5th Ave. West and the southbound on-ramp from 5th Ave. West. Traffic will be reduced to a single lane…