Author: Matt Van Winkle

Local Card Shop Reacts to NFL Star’s Fake Autographs

NFL star Dak Prescott is accused of using an autopen to sign hundreds of cards

SUPERIOR, Wisc. – NFL star Dak Prescott is under fire for allegedly using a machine to forge his signature. The quarterback for the Dallas Cowboys is accused of using an autopen to sign hundreds of Panini brand football cards. Over at the Globe News card shop in Superior, owner Tom Unterberger says he’s never seen this happen with sports memorabilia….

The Reader Celebrates 20th Anniversary with Summer Concert Series

Every Thursday through the end of August two musical acts will perform at the park

DULUTH, Minn. – Live music took over Leif Erikson Park Thursday evening as part of The Reader’s Lake Effect Concert Series. Every Thursday through the end of August two musical acts will perform at the park. The concerts are a way to celebrate the magazine’s 20th anniversary in Duluth. “We started it for $1,000 20 years ago” said Bob Boone…

Rural Inns Want to See More Homeshare Regulations

19,000 guests stayed in Airbnb rental homes outside larger metro areas over the past year

New information is out regarding house sharing numbers in rural Minnesota. According to the Airbnb, 19,000 guests stayed in homes outside larger metro areas over the past year, accounting for more than $2 million in earnings. These figures have many small bed and breakfast owners throughout the state asking for more equal regulations against homesharing services. An ordinance was recently…

Concerts on the Pier Kick Off at Glensheen

Local businesses also served up food and drinks at the free event

DULUTH, Minn. – The Concerts on the Pier series kicked off Wednesday night at Glensheen Mansion with live music from Duluth’s very own the Boomchucks. Some set up chairs along the shoreline, while others arrived by boat and paddle board to enjoy some free entertainment on Lake Superior. “This is one of our most favorite event series of the year,”…

Young Readers Hear Stories from Mounted Patrol Officers

The next Squad Car Story Time at the Duluth Public Library is July 19.

DULUTH, Minn. – Story time was extra special for a group of young readers today. The Duluth Police Department’s mounted patrol unit spent some time reading books to kids in the plaza at the Duluth Public Library this afternoon. Two officers were accompanied by their horses Maggie and Ranger. Squad Car Story Time takes place every other Wednesday at the…

Trailer Storing Fireworks Stolen From Superior Small Business

A trailer filled with $4,000 worth of fireworks was stolen from a shed outside the store

SUPERIOR, Wisc. – An investigation is ongoing in Superior after $4,000 worth of fireworks were stolen from VP Wild Rice Company. Police say somebody broke in to a locked storage shed outside the store and stole a trailer filled with fireworks. The locally–owned business along E. 2nd Street relies on firework sales around the 4th of July to help carry…

Great Outdoors: Grilling on the 4th of July

Many local businesses spent lots of time preparing for the big rush of the holiday

From burgers and brats to pork and chicken kabobs,  grills across the country were filled with a variety of food for the 4th of July. FOX 21’s Matt Van Winkle shows us how some local businesses prepared for the holiday. Categories: Business, Great Outdoors, News

Beginners Learn the Basics of Fly Fishing

Duluth's Gitchi Gummi Trout Unlimited chapter teamed up with the shop to host an introductory fly fishing class

DULUTN, Minn., – The Great Lakes Fly Shop turned in to a classroom this week. Duluth’s Gitchi Gummi Trout Unlimited chapter teamed up with the shop to host an introductory fly fishing class. The group purchased new fly rods through a grant from the Minnesota DNR to help with angler recruitment and retention. They hope classes like this will help…

Klobuchar Shows Support for Craft Brewing in Duluth

The U.S. senator is working to lower federal taxes for small craft breweries and distilleries across the country

DULUTH, Minn., – U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar was in Duluth on Monday to show support for craft breweries. Alongside local business leaders and local elected officials, Klobuchar met with the owners of Canal Park Brewing Company to discuss how the craft beer industry has helped Minnesota’s economy. Klobuchar is currently working on legislation that would lower federal excise taxes for…

Ashland’s Mural Trolley Back for the Summer

Along the route are 15 hand–painted murals depicting the history of the city

ASHLAND, Wisc. – A popular attraction is back this summer in Ashland. The city’s mural trolley tours started back up last week. Every Friday and Saturday throughout the summer, the Ashland Area Chamber of Commerce leads groups around the city’s historic downtown Main Street business district. Along the route, 15 hand–painted murals depicting the history of Ashland. The mural tour…

New Personal Training Studio Opens Downtown Duluth

Eric Franklin opened up the studio to give people a way to get fit without having to go to a public gym

DULUTH, Minn. – A new personal training studio is now open in downtown Duluth. XMT–3 Training is owned and operated by personal trainer Eric Franklin. The studio will be used for personal training, small group classes of 3 to 4 people, and group training sessions of up to 8. Franklin previously trained out of his own home giving 1–on–1 instruction…

Lake Superior Railroad Museum Offering Historic Trolley Rides

The trolley was used in Portugal back in the early 1900s and is similar to ones used in Duluth at the turn of the century

DULUTH, Minn. – The Lake Superior Railroad Museum has a new attraction that’s giving visitors a look back at Duluth’s past. Trolley rides are now being offered with admission to the museum. This particular trolley was used in Portugal back in the early 1900s. It’s now part of the museum because of similarities to the trolleys used in Duluth at…

Wisconsin DNR Updating Lake Superior Fisheries Management Plan

The current plan hasn't been updated since 1988

ASHLAND, Wisc. -The Wisconsin DNR is working to update its management of fisheries on Lake Superior. The current plan hasn’t been updated since 1988, so the Department of Natural Resources is reaching out to stakeholders who actively fish Wisconsin’s Lake Superior waters. Earlier this week, the DNR was in Ashland to do just that. Bradley Ray, a senior fisheries biologist…

Rain or Shine, Mighty Thomas Carnival Begins Thursday

The carnival runs through July 9 in the DECC parking lot

DULUTH, Minn. – The constant rain isn’t stopping The Mighty Thomas Carnival from rolling into Duluth to get rides, food stands and games set up for the next two weeks. Carnival organizers say they’re used to working in all types of weather throughout the country and usually expect some rain when they come to Duluth. “If it rains we will…

Northland Activist Discuss Violence in the Transgender Community

Conversation focused on creating dialogue and and working to find ways to promote equity

DULUTH, Minn. – A conversation was held tonight in Duluth about violence in the transgender community. The group Men As Peacemakers brought together a panel of local advocates to discuss the levels of domestic and sexual violence transgender people face in the Northland. Nicole Vanderheiden, an activist with Transforming Families MN, led the discussion on Wednesday. She says those in…

Hoops Brewing Opens in Canal Park

The vision of longtime brewer Dave Hoops is now a reality in Duluth

DULUTH, Minn. – Duluth’s craft beer industry took a giant step forward on Tuesday. The long–awaited Hoops Brewing opened for business in Canal Park. After many months of construction, brewery founder Dave Hoops and his team welcomed the public inside to get the first taste of their beer. What used to be the old Timber Lodge Steakhouse is now a…

Emily’s Restaurant Reopening Along Scenic Highway

The popular Knife River restaurant is expected to open up in mid-July under new ownership

KNIFE RIVER, Minn. – Nearly two years ago the popular Lighthouse at Emily’s in Knife River closed up its doors, but later this summer the restaurant along the North Shore will be opening back up under new management. Earlier this year, a group of investors decided to bring Emily’s back to the community and brought on a young, motivated couple…

Kids Celebrate Community with Random Acts of Kindness

The Superior Public Library hosted the event as part of its "Build A Better World" summer reading program

SUPERIOR, Wisc. – Kids in Superior celebrated the community today by creating random acts of kindness. It’s all part of the public library’s goal of teaching children to build a better world. Children had the chance to make stress balls, which will be given to Harbor House. They also put together police officer appreciation bags filled with candy and even…

Firework Sales Taking Off in Wisconsin Ahead of Fourth of July

KG Fireworks Warehouse in South Range is stocking up for its busiest season

SUPERIOR, Wisc. – Firework stands in Wisconsin are now opening for Fourth of July festivities. Over at KG Fireworks Warehouse in South Range, walls are lined with more than 300 different types of fireworks. Crews have been bringing in boxes of inventory for the past few weeks to prepare for the busiest season of the year. Staff here says the…

Superior Business Will Temporarily Close During Belknap Construction

Once Again Used & New will close up for about two weeks because of the road closure

SUPERIOR, Wisc. – Construction along a portion of Belknap Street in Superior is about to be shut off later this week, leaving some local businesses with some difficult decisions. Store owners have known for years this road construction project would affect them this summer and for some, they’re now facing the reality of what it will mean for their future…

New Walking Tour Showcases Duluth’s Historic Arts & Theater District

The tour will make stops at the Duluth Coffee Company, Lake Superior Art Glass, Blacklist and Zeitgeist

DULUTH, Minn. – A new guided tour is giving visitors a behind the scenes look at Duluth’s Historic Arts and Theater District. The HART of Duluth walking tour was created by The Duluth Experience with hopes to educate visitors and residents about the history of this downtown area and connect them with local businesses. The tour will make stops at…

Neighborhood Remembers Extreme Aftermath of Floodwater

The damage was so severe, Governor Mark Dayton even came to talk with neighbors

DULUTH, Minn. – One Duluth neighborhood was severely damaged by the power of the flood five years ago. People who lived along Vermillion Road woke up to the sound of water gushing through the streets, and witnessed an aftermath that looked more like an earthquake. The road, warped and destroyed from the amount of water that came down the hill…

Grandma’s Restaurant Still Recovering from Record Flood

The restaurant took on nearly three feet of water from nearby Miller Creek

DULUTH, Minn. – Five years ago, relentless rain clogged pipes, overflowed sewers and blew manholes into the air. Miles of roads and streets crumbled and washed out, leaving some stranded and others forced to evacuate. History was made by mother nature on June 19, 2012. Grandma’s restaurant took on nearly three feet of water from nearby Miller Creek, surrounding the…

Kids Get Up-Close View of Bats on Zoomobile Stop

The Lake Superior Zoo brought along an African fruit bat named Webber

SUPERIOR, Wisc. – Things got bat–crazy at the Superior Public Library Wednesday afternoon. The Lake Superior Zoo brought along an African fruit bat named Webber as part of the Zoomobile tour. Kids were able to get an up–close look at the bat and learn more about different species found in Minnesota and around the world. “These guys are amazing because…

Superior Elks Hold Annual Flag Day Celebration

The Fraternal Order of Elks mandates that all of its lodges throughout the United States hold the formal ceremony every year

SUPERIOR, Wisc. – The Superior Elks held their annual Flag Day ceremony on Wednesday. The Fraternal Order of Elks mandates that all of its lodges throughout the United States hold the formal ceremony every year. With help from Boy Scout Troop 213, the elks honored many of the American flags from the Revolutionary War era through the current flag. Those…

Runners Taking Over Twin Ports Ahead of Marathon Weekend

Volunteers are still needed to assist with security around the finish line in Canal Park

DULUTH, Minn. – Just two days until Grandma’s Marathon weekend begins and tonight the runners are already arriving. Nearly 20,000 runners will descend on Duluth for the 5K, half and full marathons. Some people are already checking  in at hotels across the twin ports ahead of the weekend’s events. Staff over at the Park Point Marina Inn tell us their…

Great Outdoors: Minnesota Wildfire Academy

The week-long course is designed to give future firefighters an introduction to the basic practices of combating wildfire situations

GRAND RAPIDS, Minn. – Last week more than 700 students from all across the country came together for the 17th annual Wildfire Academy in Grand Rapids. For Dan Kibat, the academy at Itasca Community College has been about taking in as much information as he can before he starts his first job with the Conservation Corps in Grand Rapids. “Being…

UW-Superior Hosting Summer Theatre Camp

Students will be performing an adapted version of Beauty and the Beast at the end of the camp

SUPERIOR, Wisc. – The theatre department at UW-Superior is hosting a summer camp for area students. Over the next two weeks, the group of 6th through 12th graders will go through classes and workshops taught by faculty, local professionals and UWS theatre students. Each student auditioned on Monday for a role in Beauty and the Beast, which they will perform…

Community Paddleboard Event Brings Outdoor Enthusiasts Together

Some beginning paddlers joined in to circumnavigate Barker's Island on Monday

SUPERIOR, Wisc. – It was a perfect day to get out on Lake Superior and that’s exactly what one group was out doing Monday night. The North Shore Standup Paddleboarders held their first community paddle out at Barker’s Island. A few times throughout the summer, Heather Holmes and Garrett Russell lead a group around different areas of Lake Superior. On…

Wizard of Oz Festival Gets Underway in Grand Rapids

Festivities began with a tea party and live music inside Judy Garland's historic childhood home

GRAND RAPIDS, Minn. – The 42nd annual Wizard of Oz Festival got underway in Grand Rapids on Thursday. Festivities began with a tea party and live music inside Judy Garland’s historic childhood home. Friday night, The Wizard of Oz will play outside on a jumbo screen on the Evergreen Terrace lawn next to the museum. Organizers say this event brings…

Students Get Hands-On Experience at Minnesota Wildfire Academy

Students from nine states throughout the region are going through extensive training to learn about safely combating wildfires

GRAND RAPIDS, Minn. – Hundreds of people are in Grand Rapids this week for the Minnesota Wildfire Academy. Students from nine states throughout the region are going through extensive training to learn about safely combating wildfires. On Thursday, some of the new recruits got to watch a simulated air operation and get hands–on experience of some firefighting basics. Instructors say…

Discounts, Rebates Making Some Electric Cars More Affordable

Minnesota Power customers can get a Nissan Leaf for around $13,000 through the month of June

DULUTH, Minn. – Minnesota Power is hoping to get Duluthians to start thinking green when it comes to driving. Representatives with the company were out at Whole Foods Co–op on Wednesday to promote electric vehicle technology. Through the month of June, Minnesota Power is offering a $10,000 discount to customers who buy a Nissan Leaf electric car. Along with a…

Minnesota Power Announces Plans for Natural Gas Plant in Superior

The $700 million plant would be built along the Nemadji River in Superior's industrial corridor

SUPERIOR, Wisc. – Minnesota Power announced some big plans that would bring a $700 million natural gas power plant to Superior. If approved by the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission, the proposed Nemadji Trail Energy Center would start construction as early as 2020 and come online in 2025. The project would bring hundreds of construction and industry jobs, 26 full0time plant…

Great Outdoors: Roger Peterson Little League Tournament

26 teams from across the region came together in Duluth to take part in the annual West Duluth tournament

DULUTH, Minn. – Hundreds of youth baseball players from across the Northland were in Duluth this past weekend for Western Duluth Little League’s annual Roger Peterson Baseball Tournament. In tonight’s Great Outdoors, Fox 21’s Matt Van Winkle shows us to the sights and sounds from the diamonds. Categories: Community, Great Outdoors, News, News – Latest News

Group Voices Equity Concerns to Duluth School Board

The Community–Based School Equity Initiative gathered outside the administrative offices after becoming aware of some of the district's plans for next school year

DULUTH, Minn. – A group of parents and educators are voicing their concerns to the Duluth School Board. They’re upset about a number of inequities and unmet needs kids are facing in the district. Monday afternoon, the Community–Based School Equity Initiative gathered outside the administrative offices after becoming aware of some of the district’s plans for next school year. Among…

Crabby Ol’ Bill’s Open for the Season in Canal Park

New owners have revamped the menu, but the mini donuts are here to stay

DULUTH, Minn. – A Canal Park staple is now open for the season. With a fresh coat of paint and a new owner, Crabby Ol’ bill’s opened up today at noon. The popular waterfront spot has revamped its menu, but don’t worry, the mini donuts aren’t going anywhere and people were lined up Friday to get their orders in. “I…

Driver Headed Wrong Way on Bong Bridge Causes Fatal Accident

Another multi-vehicle crash occured just 3 miles away around the same time

DULUTH, Minin. – Traffic around the Twin Ports came to a halt this evening as emergency crews responded to a number of serious crashes. The first happened around 5:30 p.m. on the Bong Bridge near the Wisconsin and Minnesota state line. A state trooper on scene told Fox 21 a car heading the wrong way in the westbound lane hit…

Dayton Vetoes Legislative Funding, Republicans Prepare for Legal Fight

House republicans are calling the governor's move unconstitutional and are threatening to sue

DULUTH, Minn. – Minnesota governor Mark Dayton signed the state’s budget and bonding bills Tuesday to avoid a state government shutdown, but now, he’s taking some serious heat after deciding to veto funding to the house and senate as a way to get lawmakers to fix some key issues included in the bills. House republicans are calling this move unconstitutional…

Great Outdoors: Duluth Women Mountain Bike 101

The class was created to help get more women interested in the growing sport

DULUTH, Minn. – As the popularity of mountain biking continues to grow in Duluth, more and more women are starting to get involved with the sport. At Spirit Mountain, a full class is on hand for a “Ladies Only” Mountain Bike 101 class. “We’re just going to go over balance on your bike, braking, shifting a little bit,” said Dee…

Vietnam Veterans Remembered on Northland Memorial’s 25th Anniversary

The annual ceremony recognizes the names of the 136 soldiers from the area who lost their lives during the war

DULUTH, Minn. – A memorial service Tuesday evening honored Northland veterans who served in the Vietnam War. The annual ceremony recognizes the names of the 136 soldiers from the area who didn’t get to come home to their families. Duluth Police Chief Mike Tusken and a soldier who just returned from overseas spoke about the significance of the Vietnam War…

Duluth Lawmakers’ Hard Work Helps Local Projects Make State Bonding Bill

The bonding bill includes more than $80 million in funding for many big Duluth projects

DULUTH, Minn. – State lawmakers wrapped up a special legislative session by passing a state budget and a nearly billion dollar bonding bill. With the bill awaiting Governor Dayton’s signature, local lawmakers are calling this session a success for projects in Duluth and northeast Minnesota. “There was a lot of uncertainty, so we worked really hard the last few days…

Community Foundation Working to Close Opportunity Gap for Twin Ports Children

The foundation has already provided 10 grants, totaling $1.5 million to local non–profit organizations helping tackle this issue

DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth Superior Area Community Foundation held its annual celebration Wednesday. This year’s theme was” Opportunity Rising.” A panel discussion centered around how groups locally are working to close the opportunity gap between rich and poor children. The foundation has been working since 2015 to make the community more aware of this issue and helping create more…

Gardeners Hoping for Warmer Planting Conditions

Bending Birches Greenhouses has seen some eager gardeners, but the cold, rainy weather has impacted sales

DULUTH, Minn. – Below average conditions around the Northland have led to a slow start to planting season. Bending Birches Greenhouses opened up May 1st and have seen some eager gardeners, but overall the weather has impacted sales. Jahn Hibbs, the greenhouse manager and grower at Bending Birches says it’s best to wait until the first week of June, when…

Art Show Pays Tribute to Bob Dylan

The 7th Annual Duluth Dylan Fest continued Monday with a Bob Dylan–themed art show at Zeitgeist Café

DULUTH, Minn. – The 7th Annual Duluth Dylan Fest continued Monday with a Bob Dylan–themed art show at Zeitgeist Café. Local artists paid tribute to the music icon with photos, paintings and other creative pieces of art centered around Dylan. Ed Newman helped curate the art show. He says it’s a great tribute to Duluth’s native son, who was has…

Lakewalk Mini-Master Plan Will Focus on Safety, Infrastructure

The group Friends of the Lakewalk met Thursday to discuss ways to improve the trail

DULUTH, Minn. – The Lakewalk is one of the most used trails in Duluth, which is why the city is looking at ways to preserve and improve it. The lakewalk  mini–master plan is in its initial inventory stage. Crews were out today looking at the existing infrastructure of the trail, noting possible areas of improvement. Later this fall, the city’s…

Duluth Fire Engine Struck At Crash Scene Helped Protect Responding Crews

Firefighters say they specifically park trucks in front of accidents to protect responding rescue crews

DULUTH, Minn. – We’re getting a closer look at the damage a Duluth fire truck sustained while responding to an accident earlier this week. Late Tuesday night, a man lost control of his motorcycle while riding down Central Entrance Road. Shortly after, in the same location, another man lost control of his vehicle and struck a police car and fire…

A & Dubs Drive-In Open for the Season

Cars lined up Wednesday at the West End staple to place orders for burgers, fries, and ice cold root beer

DULUTH, Minn. – A & Dubs is back open for the season! The popular West Duluth drive-in was packed all day with cars lining up outside for an order of burgers and fries. “They’re happy we’re open,” one employee said. “They’re ready for our root beer.” The seasonal restaurant has been a staple in the west end for more than…

Race Season Kicks Off Friday at AMSOIL Speedway

Late models, modifieds and super stock races will all be featured at the season opener

SUPERIOR, Wisc. – Races at AMSOIL Speedway in Superior kick off this Friday in Superior. Late models, modifieds and super stock races will all be featured at the season opener. Tonight, some of the drivers got in some practice runs for the first time this year. AMSOIL Speedway’s race director Bobby Wherritt says a lot of time has been put…

SOAR Career Solutions Recognizes Hired Clients at Celebration

The non-profit has helped employ 11,000 people since it started in 1980

  DULUTH, Minn. – SOAR Career Solutions recognized the hard work of its newly hired clients. The Duluth-based career planning center held its 2nd Annual Reach Hire! Celebration & Fundraiser Tuesday night at Zeitgeist. SOAR has been in the community since 1980 and has helped more than 11,000 individuals gain employment. The non–profit organization works with people of all backgrounds…