Author: Nathaniel LeCapitaine

Victim Speaks Out After Enduring Random Stabbing Attack

DULUTH, Minn.– Tasha Hoskins of Duluth says, she was casually strolling the streets between Central and Grand Avenue on the night of September 1st. When out of nowhere, she was randomly attacked. She claims she was approached by 37-year-old Tasha Carlson of Duluth. The pair had no prior connections before the incident. “She drops the bike right by the trash…

Opposition of Minnesota Power Sale Host Press Conference

DULUTH, Minn. — Opposition of the potential sale of Minnesota Power held a press conference today This is the latest response to the news of Minnesota Power and Allete’s potential acquisition by Global Infrastructure Partners, a BlackRock company, and C.P.P. Investments. The sale, which would take Minnesota Power off the publicly owned market, is seeing opposition from groups like The…

Knowing Your Neighbor: Small Town Sindrome

 DULUTH, MINN- Brian Gandy, John Hakala, and Adam Mahoney are three close friends from Grand Rapids Minnesota. Their passions for music started as young as seven, they have memories to rocking out to the band Kiss with their families and picking up guitars while coming to the realizations they found their callings. They started off playing songs on Brian’s back…

Duluth Veteran and Volunteer Recognized for Significant Service

DULUTH, Minn.– a Duluth based veteran has dedicated his life of service through a lens, and even volunteering with the Disabled American Veterans of Minnesota. Following his dedication for sharing history, the ‘DAV’ is filming a tribute video to honor Shaw, during his service both in and out of uniform. Meet Patrick Shaw, a veteran, a volunteer, grandfather and friend….

City of Superior Now Operating Local Museums

SUPERIOR, Wis.– Today, it was announced that the employees at the Fairlawn Mansion, S.S. Meteor, and Police and Fire museums are now considered city staff. This transition is something that has been in the works for a while. “It’s been a long discussion, but ultimately, we’ve been evaluating our relationships with all outside organizations. What we found is everything works…

Park Point Forestry Project Begins

DULUTH, Minn.– Starting today, you may begin to notice a lot of noise and commotion over at park point. That’s because a new project aiming at preserving and landscaping park point has just started. The goal is to remove invasive species, trim down overpopulating trees, and eventually fill in space with white pine seeds. “There’s a strip running from the…

Duluth Coast Guard Station Celebrates 235th ‘Coast Guard Day’

DULUTH, Minn.– Friday afternoon on the Duluth harbor of Park Point, laughs, and yells can be heard across the bay. Because today, the Coast guard Station has something big to celebrate. “We’re celebrating the 235th year of the Coast Guard’s founding. So, we were found in 1790 this is just a day to celebrate that. So, we get all the…

Community Boards ‘Blue Heron’ Research Vessel for “Freshwater Discovery Day”

DULUTH, Minn.– Today, the community got a front row seat to discover what student scientists at the ‘Blue Heron’ research vessel participates in. The Large Lakes Observatory is a research group that is in connection with UMD. It brings an opportunity for both undergraduate, and graduate students to receive hands on experience. “It is the only research-intensive campus that sits…

Wildcat Sanctuary Rescues Small Lion Family from Canadian Roadside Zoo

SANDSTONE, Meet Mango, a feisty ambitious 8-week-old lion cub. She is just one of three recent rescues the Wildcat Sanctuary took on just two days ago. They were saved from a Canadian roadside show. “This is a really unique rescue, not only because it was international and we had so many permits and so much process to get through, to…

Governor Tony Evers of Wisconsin Addresses Retirement in ‘Love Letter’ Video

DULUTH, Minn.–Earlier today, Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers announced that he will not be running for a third time for his seat as Governor. With this announcement, Evers released what he called his ‘love letter’ to Wisconsin, to reminisce on his time as Governor. “I cherish every moment, every tour, every visit high five, question and selfie. It’s the honor of…

Duluth East Freshman Qualifies for Figure Skating National Showcase

DULUTH, Minn.– a Duluth east freshman is gearing up to compete in a national level competition for a figure skating showcase. Since age 7, Brynn Sterling of Duluth has been learning and growing with this sport. And next week, she will represent Duluth for the U.S. Figure skating National Showcase. When it comes to figure skating, there’s a lot of…

Douglas County Humane Society Celebrates 50 Years of Rescuing and Adopting

SUPERIOR, Wis.– Today’s ribbon cutting out in Superior didn’t highlight something brand new.  But instead, over 50 years of tail wagging, smiles, and connections to furry friends. “We’ve gone through a couple different buildings. At this point, we’ve had different animals and staff come through, but the whole mission has always been the same, and that is to care for…

Trump Administration Reverses Duluth Federal Prison Camp Closure

DULUTH, Minn. – The deactivation of the Duluth Federal Prison Camp has been officially reversed, and it will remain open. After Congressman Pete Stauber pushed to overturn the decision to close the prison camp, the Federal Bureau of Prisons ‘ William Marshall visited the facility, ultimately leading to the Trump administration’s decision to keep the prison camp open. U.S. Senator…

New Owners Same Passion: ‘Happy Critter Farms’ Opens Beloved Strawberry Fields

CARLTON, Minn.– As of last year, the beloved former ‘Finks Berry Farm’ out in Carlton took on new owners. They’re tasked to take care of 11 miles of strawberry fields. ‘Happy Critters Farms’ introduced a plethora of pollinator plants, and they stay away from insecticides. And with this new opportunity, they had big shoes to fill. “So last year we…

Twin Ports Celebrates its First Disability Pride Event

DULUTH, Minn.– Across the state of Minnesota, numerous disability pride events have been celebrated. And now, advocates felt it was time for the Twin Ports to join in. “The reason we’re doing this, is we want to celebrate disabilities, their contributions to our community, we’re here to stay. It doesn’t discriminate,” said Amanda Crosby, Executive Director ‘Arc Northland’. Around the…

Minnesota Nurses Association Nurses at Essentia Health Begin to Strike

DULUTH, Minn.– Tuesday morning, at multiple locations around the Northland, more than 290 Essentia Health nurses and health care professionals with the Minnesota Nurses’ Association are making their voices heard. “Since issuing our strike notice, we have offered to meet every single day, and Essentia has declined every single time, only offering two meetings this month, we are here demanding…

‘Lola Farms’ Opens up Honeyberry Fields

WRENSHALL, Minn.–When it comes to owning a farm, it leads to a ton of passion ideas. Such as raising chickens and eventually expanding into an ‘AirB-n-Bawk’. And right now, it’s full steam ahead for Farm Lola with all things honey berry. They’re showcasing rows upon rows of ripe berries ready to be picked. But with this special fruit, there’s more…

St. Louis County Assessor’s Dept. Tackling Brimson Wildfire Aftermath

BRIMSON, Minn.– A dedicated team in the Brimson area is conducting damage assessments, and re-assessments of over 130 properties affected by the fires. With these thorough inspections, they are determining overall property value. They’re taking pictures, updating systems, and putting together applications for property owners to apply for damage relief. That being said, many of the affected landowners already know…

Brookston Community Center Biomass Heating Facility Finally Unveiled

BROOKSTON, Minn.– The Fond du Lac Reservation in Brookston is celebrating the completion of its newest biomass heating facility. The project has been a work in progress since 2011. And one official told FOX 21, this brought the opportunity to introduce updated technology. The biomass heating facility is now using woodchips from Fon du Lac Forestry to power its heat. “Well,…

From Field to Market: ‘Brule River Farms’ Gears Up for Farmers Market Season

BRULE, Wis.– What started off as a personal hobby garden for Brule River Farms, has grown into an impressive 4-acre plot for growing just about anything you can think of. “We have asparagus, that’s kind of been a staple right now and soon to come. Oh, we’ve also had lettuces and then spinach, more lettuce, Bok choys, a lot of…

Greenwood Cemetary Hosts Memorial Day Remembrance Gathering

Superior, Wis.– On a picture-perfect sunny day, a large crowd gathered today at the Greenwood Cemetary. They had the opportunity to witness a variety of events to spotlight those who made the ultimate sacrifice. The rifle ceremony, and a variety of guest speakers highlighted the importance of Memorial Day. I know for all of us, that we may know someone…

Northland College Students and Staff Share Reflections Ahead of Closure

ASHLAND, Wis.–A lot of emotions are being felt at the Northland College, because tomorrow will be their final commencement after being open for 133 years. “It’s honestly been kind of a rollercoaster. Because before my freshman year last year, and then obviously we didn’t, and then we found out in February this year again, that we would officially be closing….

‘ANANG Native Cannabis Co.’ Opens on Fond du Lac Reservation

FOND DU LAC, Minn.– ‘ANANG Native Cannabis Company’ held their official grand opening today, after a soft launch earlier this week. The dispensary sits on the border of Cloquet and the Reservation on Big Lake Road. With their slogan being ‘Products with Purpose, From Soil to Soul’. The company is excited to bring in a new economic option to the…

Amazon Distribution Center Officially Opens in Duluth

DULUTH, Minn.– Despite beginning operations in late March, the Amazon Distribution Center officially opened its doors today. But in the meantime, Duluth has already seen an impact from this. “This site currently employs 80 folks, there’ll be some indirect employment from that. In addition, the site also employs a delivery service partner, which is not an employer of Amazon but…

‘Safe Bay Program’ Begins at Vineyard Church

DULUTH, Minn.– While the Damiano Center is under construction, one church in Duluth has stepped up to provide a temporary overnight housing solution for those who need it. However, nearby neighbors have voiced their concerns through emails. The ‘Safe Bay’ program has been operating for several years, working alongside CHUM. It’s an opportunity for individuals living out of their car…

Nearly 40 Residents Displaced After Apartment Bldg. Fire

MOOSE LAKE, Minn.– Four days after a fire affected the West Hillside Manor Apartment building in Moose Lake, nearly 40 residents have been evacuated. Hotels churches and shelters are stepping up to aid them during this difficult time. “It was midnight, all of a sudden fire strobe lights were going off and I flew out of bed. And went and…

‘Upper Lakes Food Show’ Feeds Customers and Clients

DULUTH, Minn.– The Upper Lakes Food Show is a chance for distributors to show off what they’re known for. They do this through sampling, demonstrations, and even simple conversation. “This is a cool opportunity for us to introduce new items, so items that maybe they haven’t seen yet before. Vendors that they didn’t know they worked with,” said Mitch Ryan,…

Local Artist Presents ‘From North Shore to Norway’ at Art Dock

DULUTH, Minn.– Under the bright lights, you’re able to immerse yourself in environments that look familiar at first glance. But up close, with the exhibition “From Norway to the North Shore, you can pick up on the finer details through the series of paintings. Here you can find scenes of flowers and forests to Oslo and even Canal Park. “You…

KYN: Little Waldo Farm Has Large Community Impact

TWO HARBORS, Minn.– Oftentimes in life, you can get lost trying to figure out different times of hobbies to get into. This was the case for Jadell Cavallin of Two Harbors. When back in 2013, she decided she was going to dabble into gardening. “I loved gardening, mostly because I loved food. And so realized that the best tasting food…

KYN: ‘Miigwitches Brew’ Coffee Shop Fuels the Community

FOND DU LAC RESERVATION, Minn. — Out in the middle of the of the Fond Du Lac Reservation, an idea was brewing for coffee shop owner Jackson Ripley. “We didn’t know what to expect. Neither my wife nor I am actual businesspeople, you know, so we weren’t sure what to expect. The summer was amazing, and people started to ask if…

U.S. Coast Guard Wraps Up Ice Cutting in Duluth Harbor

DULUTH, Minn.– 48 Coast Guard members boarded the SPAR in Duluth Tuesday.  The 235-foot buoy-tender vessel is able to slice through the 15 ft. deep ice like butter. This eventful adventure began right here in the Twin Ports, and it was managed by Lieutenant Commander Don Rudnickas. “We’re underway in Duluth Harbor. Our main job here is to make sure…

Minnesota Film Festival Returns to Downtown Duluth

The Minnesota Film Festival is returning to downtown Duluth. The Zeitgeist Arts Building, along with other venues across the Historic Arts and Theatre district, will be hosting the festival. It will feature over 100 films, with over 80 filmmakers in attendance. For many of those filmmakers this marks a chance for them to share their projects with the community that…

‘Duluth Promise’ Promotes Workforce Partnerships with Local Students

DULUTH, Minn. — A new initiative in Duluth is planning to not only solve retention issues, but also fix a shrinking workforce. ‘The Duluth Promise’ is a new partnership between educational institutions and workforce partners to build a stronger local workforce. By linking the two, schools will be able to equip students with career paths, by teaching them in-demand skills…

KYN: New Owner Sews New Life into Fabric Store

DULUTH, Minn.– Hannah Johnson Fabric & Sewing Store nestled on East Superior Street in Lester Park has been catering to their crafty customers for 16 years. And after dedicating more than a decade to the shop, the previous owner decided it was time to retire. The new owner, Asher Estrin-Haire, is excited to alter the shop in his own way….

Curtains Closing for Two Significant Figures at Duluth Playhouse

DULUTH, Minn.– When you see a production at the Norshor Theater stage, you can’t help but take it all in. The artistic decisions lie within the directors, and costume managers alike. And pretty soon, the Playhouse will be saying goodbye to two of those employees. “They flew me out December 2019 right after a giant blizzard. And I remember getting…

KYN: El Jefe’s Sees Successful Start South of Superior

SUPERIOR, Wis. — You know that feeling when you go home to your parents’ house, and they’ve redecorated? That’s what the owner of El Jefe likely felt returning to his former Bucktails location near Pattison Park. Don’t let the name fool you, El Jefe is so much more than a Mexican restaurant. While the menu does feature some classic Mexican…

Local Woodworker Crafts Hobby into a Career

SOUTH RANGE, Wis.– Josh Dumke of South Range Wisconsin has worn many hats throughout his career. “So, for twelve years I was a research scientist at the national resources research institute. I did fisheries, and aquatic invasive species research. That was about the time that I kind of started my woodworking business. And my interests kind of changed. What I…

One-On-One: Reinert Talks First Month As Duluth Mayor; ‘The Time Is Now’

DULUTH, Minn. – Duluth Mayor Roger Reinert is closing in on his first 30 days in office. And in his first sit-down interview since Inauguration Day, 53-year-old Reinert shares how the jobs is going so far, his management style and his lack of patience when it comes to the status quo. “You know, we need ‘the time is now’. Most…

Duluth-Based Developer Bringing New Life To Former Bank Building In Lincoln Park

DULUTH, Minn. – Titanium Partners’ Brian Forcier, one of downtown Duluth’s leading developers, has begun his first investment into the resurging Lincoln Park Craft District. It’s not in the form of housing or another eatery. But Forcier told says the space he’s creating is all part of what’s needed to make a neighborhood tick, as FOX 21’s Dan Hanger reports….

Superior Mayor, Some Councilors Now Against Proposed Natural Gas Plant; Labor Not Happy

Mayor Jim Paine first supported the project in 2017

SUPERIOR, Wis. – If Superior Mayor Jim Paine has it his way, Minnesota Power and its partners will not be allowed to build a natural gas plant (Nemadji Trail Energy Center) near the Enbridge Energy Terminal and Cenovus Energy. “All this project will do is raise our utility rates, pollute our city, and desecrate a cemetery. I don’t know who…

Maple Syrup Tapping Underway At Longtime Brule River Farm

BRULE, Wis. – The state known for its cheese is moving full swing with another popular food product–maple syrup. FOX 21 photojournalist Nathaniel LeCapitaine takes us to the Brule River Farm where maple tapping is underway as long as temperatures cooperate.     Categories: Business, Community, Environment, News, News – Latest News, Weather in the News, Wisconsin

Knowing Your Neighbors: ‘Superior Currents’ Opens Park Point Studio To Public

DULUTH, Minn. – A Duluth artist who grew up on Park Point is expanding her business by opening up her in-home studio for the community to enjoy. FOX 21’s Dan Hanger has this week’s Knowing Your Neighbors at Superior Currents. McKenzie Kapsner is a full-on artist — inside and out. “I went to school to be an artist about 20-something…