Community

Active Adventures: Hockey with The Minnesota Wilderness

William Seay Laces Up the Skates for a Go-Around with The Minnesota Wilderness

CLOQUET, Minn. – Ahead of Friday’s big game against the Aberdeen Wings, Meteorologist William Seay laced up his skates for the first time in a few months to practice with the Minnesota Wilderness. The team was gracious enough to show William a few tips and tricks on the ice, and he was more than thrilled to practice with the team….

Duluth Workforce Workshops

Getting You Ready For The Job Fair

Duluth, Minn Are you looking for a job and need help putting the finishing touches on that resume? Well stress no more because help is here and it’s free! The Minnesota workforce is teaming up with the Duluth public library every Thursday in March to get you that jump start that you need. The Northland job fair is just over…

Local Author Talks To Teens About Books

Reading Is Important For Young Minds

Duluth, Minn Local professor and acclaimed author Tom Isbell was on hand to talk with teens about his popular post–apocalyptic trilogy “The Prey”. Isbell wanted to give his insights on the dystopian world of literature as well as his characters from his novels. “Books provide comfort, they provide knowledge, they let us escape from reality, and they get the imagination…

Bockfest Begins at Fitgers Brewery

The beer festival is a celebration of spring, that brings people together to welcome the changing of the season from cold to warm

DULUTH, Minn. – Hundreds of years ago the tradition of Bockfest began in Germany. Tonight, that tradition continued in Duluth. The 23rd annual Bockfest kicked off at Fitgers with the blessing of the bock. The beer festival is a celebration of spring, that brings people together to welcome the changing of the season from cold to warm. The Split Rock…

World Kidney Day Helps Raise Awareness

This year's theme focuses on the relation between kidney disease and obesity

DULUTH, Minn. – Every year millions of people die prematurely due to complications from kidney diseases. Today is World Kidney Day. The health awareness campaign helps raise awareness on kidney disease and what people should be aware of as they age. This year’s theme focuses on the relation between kidney disease and obesity. Duluth Kidney Services provide care to those…

Proposed Cuts to EPA Cause Local Concern

The Great Lakes Restoration Initiative could see their funding could go down from $300 million to just $10 million

DULUTH, Minn. – The Environmental Protection Agency is bracing for budget cuts proposed by the Trump administration. The budget proposal would include a 25 percent cut to the EPA. The Great Lakes Restoration Initiative could see their funding could go down from $300 million to just $10 million. Such big cuts would jeopardize many ongoing projects. “Over the years, the…

Minnesota Lawmakers Debate Permitless Carry, ‘Stand Your Ground’ Bills

Rob Olson FOX 9 KMSP

ST. PAUL, Minn. (KMSP) – Two gun bills making their way through the Minnesota legislature are raising concerns among some in the law and law enforcement community. One of the bills would do away with permit to carry. The other would redefine self-defense laws. Nearly every person who testified for over two hours on Wednesday about the two gun bills…

Duluth Pack Unveils New City Portfolio Product

The Handcrafted Bag Comes to Duluth Pack's Line of Products after Receiving Community Feedback

DULUTH, Minn. – After months of gathering community feedback, staff members at Duluth pack are excited to release their newest product for consumers to enjoy. The City Portfolio bag was developed with a lightweight, affordable style in mine. Portfolio bags already produced by Duluth Pack can run anywhere from $200 to $300 dollars. The new product costs $145 dollars. The…

New Online Reservation System Rolls Out for Duluth Parks

The New System is Now Entirely Online, Allowing Park Users to Easily Access Information

DULUTH, Minn. – Next time you’re looking to make reservations at a Duluth Park location, things will be a little easier thanks to a new system being rolled out by the Duluth Parks and Recreation Department. Duluthians and visitors from all over will now be able to see what parks are available, look at pictures, read information, select a date,…

Cab Companies Oppose Ride Sharing Services

Taxi Drivers are Concerned With Lack of Oversight

DULUTH, Minn. – Representatives from Duluth’s cab companies spoke out Thursday against ride sharing services like Uber and Lyft operating in the city. Demand in Duluth for ride sharing services is growing.  But Duluth cab companies are worried about their future if a proposed resolution passes the city council. Duluth City Councilor Noah Hobbs is in favor of bringing businesses…

Police and Fire Departments Renew Rivalry

Department Teams will Meet On-Ice March 14th

DULUTH, Minn. – Duluth police and firefighters are set to renew a friendly rivalry on the ice. This year’s hockey game is March 14th at AMSOIL Arena, before the Kernz and Kompany High School Hockey All-Star Game. The on–ice rivalry between Duluth’s police and fire department goes back to the 1930s, but once the final whistle blows, everyone is on…

Miner’s Inc. Super One Foods Purchases Grand Rapids Cub Foods

This will bring the Miner's Inc. to 38 grocery stores and liquor stores

  GRAND RAPIDS, Minn. – Miner’s of Grand Rapids, Inc. has reached a tentative agreement to sell its Grand Rapids, Minnesota Cub Foods location to Miner’s Incorporated d/b/a Super One Foods. The Miner family has operated grocery stores in the region since the 1940s. President of Miner’s Grand Rapids, Inc, Jerry Miner and his family have owned and operated several…

Changing the World for People with MS

Marking MS Awareness Week

DULUTH, Minn. – This week, March 5-11, marks MS Awareness Week. Multiple Sclerosis happens when a body’s immune system attacks the central nervous system. This can cause many symptoms including fatigue, walking difficulties, vision problems, dizziness, pain, and cognitive changes. The National MS Society works to improve the quality of life for people affected by MS. They do this by…

New Report Highlights Impacts of Opioid on Minnesota Tribal Communities

In Minnesota, opioid deaths have increased 430-percent since 2000

ST. PAUL, Minn. – A new report released Thursday, highlights the impacts of opioids on Minnesota Tribal communities across the state. The report is a summary of the Tribal-State Opioid Summit that took place last fall with Gov. Mark Dayton, Lt. Gov. Tina Smith, and Minnesota’s 11 tribal nations, as an effort to develop strategies for prevention, treatment, and recovery….

Woman Shares Eye-Opening Experience with Police Officer Through Art

Carla Hamilton's exhibit "Targeted" is on display at the Duluth Art Institute

DULUTH, Minn. – A Duluth woman is sharing a personal interaction she had with a police officer, and she’s doing it through pieces of art. Carla Hamilton’s new exhibit, called “Targeted” stemmed from an experience she had being stopped by a Duluth police officer while walking downtown. Hamilton, who is an African American woman, says the officer accused her of…

Symbolic Strike in Duluth Takes Aim at Gender Pay Gap

The rally lasted 78 minutes, representing the 78 cents on the dollar a woman earns compared to men in the workplace

DULUTH, Minn. – Collective voices added up to a roar on International Women’s Day. A sea of red gathered at the Minnesota State Capitol to rally for an equal rights amendment to the state and federal constitution. Some in Duluth chose to spend the day on strike. Men and women of all ages gathered today in Duluth to speak out….

DEDA Selects Developer for Lot D

City Entered into Agreement with Same Firm that Developed Pier B Resort

DULUTH, Minn. – The City of Duluth is ready to move forward in its waterfront development. “Lot D” is the last piece of mixed use real estate available for redevelopment on the waterfront, a process now closer to fruition. “This waterfront has been waiting 150 years for a vision like this,” said Mayor Emily Larson.  “It will combine housing with…

Miracle Eleven Provides Donations to CHUM, Other Shelters

Nearly $6,000 was Donated to Three Local Charities in Dultuh Wesdnesday Morning

DULUTH, Minn. – The CHUM Food Shelf and Shelter in Duluth received a big donation Wednesday from a local non-profit organization. Miracle Eleven was created by a group of brave men and women after a skydiving plane crash happened over Superior in 2013. You may recall, nine skydivers and two pilots walked away from the incident with minor injuries. The…

Duluth Mayor Observes International Women’s Day

Emily Larson Recognizes the Importance of Being Duluth's First Ever Female Mayor

DULUTH, Minn. – March 8th is International Women’s Day. Duluth Mayor Emily Larson says Women’s Day means more to her since she was elected. Larson is the first woman Mayor in the city’s history.  That’s just one of the reasons she makes a point of meeting with as many young girls as possible.  Girls, Who may one day, follow in…

Duluth Coffee Company Expanding

Owners Adding Second Storefront to Serve as Roastery

DULUTH, Minn. – There’s exciting news for the Duluth Coffee Company. The company is adding a new 1,000 square foot roastery and event space two doors down from the current shop on East Superior Street. Duluth coffee currently roasts its beans right there in the store.  Those beans are then served in the shop or are shipped to stores as…

Duluth Firefighters Remind of Changing Smoke Alarm Batteries

With clocks springing ahead an hour, it's the perfect reminder to change those batteries

DULUTH, Minn. – Two-thirds of home fire deaths result from fires in homes without a working smoke alarm, according to the National Fire Protection Agency (NFPA). Duluth IAFF Local 101 firefighters are reminding homeowners to not just change the clocks for Daylight Saving Time, but also the batteries in all smoke detectors. “Saving your life can be as simple as…

Duluth Airshow, DARE2B to Provide Free Airshow Tickets to Students

DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth Air & Aviation Expo, presented by St. Luke’s and Twin Ports D.A.R.E.(DARE2B) held an event today to announce that tickets to the most anticipated event happening this summer, will be free for more than 7,500 elementary school students in grades K-5, thanks to underwriting from DARE2B. Judy Weber, the founder of Twin Ports DARE Inc,…

Animal Allies to Host Nibbles and Networking Event

Staff at Animal Allies Hope to Reach out and Connect with Local Veterinarians in the Northland

DULUTH, Minn. – Animal Allies will be hosting their first ever Nibbles and Networking event Wednesday evening, starting at 5:30p.m. The social opportunity will allow local veterinarians to connect with each other, while getting a chance to tour and speak with the medical staff from Animal Allies. Veterinarians, Vet Technicians, and Staff are welcome to attend. Animal Allies offers a…

Local Heroes to Battle on Ice

Hockey Game Supports Northern Lights Foundation

DULUTH, Minn. – Local heroes will soon be battling on the ice for a good cause. The Duluth Police Department and Duluth Fire Department are preparing for a hockey game for a good cause. Proceeds from the hockey game will go to The Northern Lights Foundation. The foundation provides grants to Northland families with children battling life-threatening illnesses. These grants can…

Two Harbors 7th Ave/Hwy 61 Getting Face Lift

Resurfacing Project To Start Spring Of 2018

Two Harbors, Minn Two Harbors will be getting a face lift during the summer of 2018. Construction along 7th ave (Hwy 61) will make things easier for the locals and those passing through. Currently the three lights that are along 7th Ave (Hwy 61) are the oldest set of lights in the area. By replacing the lights and adding left hand…

Strong Winds Blow Across the Northland

From Tourists in Canal Park to Aerial Lift Bridge Operators, Everybody Was Feeling the Wind

DULUTH, Minn. – A very windy day in Duluth. There were reports of downed power lines, trees, and poles. All over the Northland,  people in Duluth were coping with this gusty day. “It’s really hard to stand an d you probably should hold on to the rocks because it will blow you over,” says Yuliya Yukhimchuk, a tourist walking along the…

Pierre The Voyageur Takes A Hit During Wind Storm

20 Foot Statue Loses Arm And Large Paddle

Two Harbors, Minn Pierre, the 20 foot tall Voyageur in Two Harbors needs a hand, literally. A victim of today’s vicious winds, Pierre lost his arm and giant canoe paddle. He’s the first thing you see when you’re traveling north into Two Harbors and was created 57 years ago. One employee at the Earthwood Inn tells us that she just hopes…

Focus Group Talks Housing Issues in Duluth

A recent study showed that Duluth will need nearly 4,000 new homes by 2020

DULUTH, Minn. – Community members met tonight to discuss the future of housing in Duluth. Imagine Duluth 2035 hosted a focus group tonight, addressing the topics of making homes more accessible, diverse, and affordable. Duluth poses a unique challenge with so many older homes, so city leaders are working with the community to find ways to maintain the characteristics of…

Superior Fire Department Acquires New Jaws of Life Equipment

The entire department will be trained with the new life-saving tools this week

SUPERIOR, Wisc. – Firefighters in Superior got hands–on training with some new equipment today. The Superior fire department recently acquired three sets of Jaws of Life equipment for each of its engines. A $68,000 grant helped pay for the new tools. The department was previously using outdated, low pressure equipment. The new Jaws of Life use high pressure and are…

Duluth Recognizes State-Wide Day of Action

Domestic Violence Action Day was Designed to Raise Awareness

DULUTH, Minn. – Local leaders and community organizations answered the call on a day of action to raise awareness for domestic violence Tuesday. The event on the steps of City Hall was one of more than 80 planned state-wide. The Safe Haven Resource Center, along with other community groups organized the event designed to honor victims of domestic violence and…

Be on the Lookout for Tax Scams

Scams are on the Rise as Tax Deadline Approaches

DULUTH, Minn. – It’s tax season and local tax professionals want you to be aware of the latest tax scams. Many across the country and here in the Northland report fake calls, emails and text messages from scammers claiming to be from the Internal Revenue Service. Tax accountant Joshua Standley says the only way you’ll hear from the IRS is…

Damiano Center Soup Kitchen Gets New Look

Volunteers Painted the Soup Kitchen Thanks to Donations

DULUTH, Minn. – The soup kitchen at Duluth’s Damiano Center has a brand new look. Students from the Chamber of Commerce’s Leadership Duluth program recently toured the soup kitchen and decided to give the room a new look for their service project. Thanks to a donation from Diamond Vogel Paints, volunteers from Duluth Painters and Allied Trades as well as…

Dayton Repeals Old Sunday Liquor Sales Ban

Sales will begin in July

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) – It’s official, come July, Minnesotans can begin buying liquor on Sundays. Governor Mark Dayton signed a bill on Tuesday repealing the decades-old ban. Minnesota liquor store can open their doors on Sunday between 11 a.m. and 6 p.m. beginning in July. His signature is the final chapter in years of efforts to repeal the Prohibition-era…

St. Louis County Emerald Ash Borer Update

Quarantine boundaries have been formalized in SE St. Louis County

  ST. PAUL, Minn. – The Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) announced today, it has formalized a quarantine for emerald ash borer (EAB) in southeastern St. Louis County. The EAB quarantine limits the movement of firewood and ash material out of the quarantined area of the county. This is to reduce the risk of further spreading the insect. The quarantined…

Messy Morning Commute for Drivers in Downtown Duluth

Over a Dozen Crashes were Reported, with Duluth Police Responding

DULUTH, Minn. – It was a messy morning commute for drivers making their way through downtown Duluth Tuesday. Shortly after 8:00a.m., officials started receiving calls of vehicles sliding down Lake Avenue and other surrounding avenues in the area. Duluth Police Department responded to over a dozen crashes. Slick conditions made it nearly impossible to maneuver down the roads. One crash…

911 and Phone Service Outage for Parts of Cook County

UPDATE 3:12 p.m. : Service has been restored across Cook County. COOK COUNTY, Minn. – Phone service, including 911, in the 388 (Gunflint Trail) and 475 (Grand Portage and Hovland) exchanges is currently unavailable at this time. CenturyLink is currently working to identify the problem and restore service. In the meantime, 911 calls in these areas will be rerouted by…

Bockfest Ushers in Spring at Fitger’s

Blessing of the Bock Taking Place Thursday

DULUTH, Minn. – An annual event ushering Spring is getting underway this week.   The 23rd Annual Fitger’s Bockfest starts up Thursday. Throughout the three-day celebration there will be authentic German food, nightly music and local beer. Things get underway on Thursday, March 9 at 5:00 p.m. with the annual blessing of the bock. On Friday, March 10 the beer…

Local Musicians Perform at Glensheen this March

Northland Uncovered: Glensheen Unplugged

DULUTH, Minn. – Music will soon be filling the halls of Glensheen Mansion. Local musicians will be performing inside the historic estate for their Glensheen Unplugged concert series. Marketing Manager Jane Pederson tells FOX 21 museum officials have been working on this project for more than a year. The performances will be on the lower level of Glensheen from 7-9…

State Leaders Meet In Duluth About Immigration

Public Forum For On Travel Ban Impacting Immigration, Refugee's & Muslim Citizens

Duluth, Minn Minnesota leaders and immigration experts held a discussion tonight pertaining to the executive orders put in place by President Trumps Administration. The discussion was geared towards the possible negative impacts the travel bans have on immigrants, refugee’s and Muslim families in the Northland. Immigration experts were brought in not only to inform the public on how to deal…

Proctor Schools Parent Academy

School Opens Communication With Parents

Proctor, Minn Parents went back to school tonight in Proctor. The Proctor School District held a parent academy tonight discussing many topics parents are most concerned about. The academy is the first of its kind in Proctor. Topics like student athlete recruiting, curriculum and state testing among others were all topics the parents came up with and wanted more information…

Proctor Residents Voice Opinions About Police Chief Being Let Go

City Counsilors Haven't Released Details About 3-2 Decision to Part Ways with Chief Wobig

PROCTOR, Minn. – Last month, the Proctor City Council voted 3-2 to not extend the contract of police chief Walter Wobig. Tonight, dozens of Proctor residents came to the city council meeting to voice their concerns about that decision. Many in Proctor are not happy about their police chief of more than 14 years being let go. “What three fifths…

Brewery Coming to Downtown Grand Rapids

Rapids Brewing Company will include a restaurant, taproom, and live entertainment

GRAND RAPIDS, Minn. – A new brewery is expected to open up by the end of this year in Grand Rapids. Rapids Brewing Company recently got the green light to move forward with plans to build a brewery downtown, at the site of the old Rialto Theater on Pokegama Avenue North. The $3 million dollar project will keep most of…

U-Haul to Settle in Vacant Superior Kmart Space

The Development will Invest Six Million Dollars in the City of Superior, Adding 35 Jobs

SUPERIOR, Wisc. – After closing its doors nearly a year ago, the Superior Kmart building will soon have a new beginning. U-Haul is set to be moving into the location off Tower Avenue. The building has been on the market for over two years, and vacant for one. Florida based Kin Properties currently owns the property, but will soon finalize…

Two Of Five Charged in Duluth Man’s Murder

Three Remaining Suspects Will Be Charged Tuesday

DULUTH, Minn. – Two of five suspects in the murder of University of Minnesota Duluth student, William Grahek, have been charged for their roles in the killing. Tara Baker, 22, of Duluth, is charged with murder in the Second Degree, as well as first-degree Aggravated Robbery. This charged is up from the initial report, where she was to be charged…

Drugs Seized in Minnesota Reach Record Highs

State agencies pushing for education and community support

ST. PAUL, Minn. – From prescription pills to Methamphetamine, drugs are being seized at an alarming rate in Minnesota. Illicit drug use continuously threatens the safety and health of communities across the state as lives are lost and families destroyed by their use and abuse. The Minnesota Department of Public Safety (DPS) reports that in 2016, Violent Crime Enforcement Teams…