Community

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…

Lake Avenue Ramp Closed Due to Flooding

DULUTH, Minn. – MnDOT has closed the southbound I-35 exit ramp to Lake Avenue and 5th Avenue West due to standing water on the freeway exit ramp, cased by plugged freeway drains. Southbound motorists traveling to downtown Duluth and Canal Park should take alternate routes. MnDOT maintenance crews are working to open the drains. Ramps will open as soon as…

Rescue Dogs Find New Calling in Sled Dog Racing

Jim's Team is a Sled Dog Team Made up Entirely of Rescue Dogs

BAYFIELD, Wis. – Ryzo, a husky, lived inside as a house pet before being adopted by Jim Lynch and Sally Hedges, and joining the couple’s Sled Dog team, made up entirely of rescue or unwanted dogs. “He came from a gal who had a medical issue in Ashland, who wanted to give him away and also give him a job,” explained…

Duluth Violinist Striking a Chord with Fans, Critics Alike

DULUTH, Minn. (KMSP) – Gaelynn Lea is a violinist whose music and performances can defy description, and after a year of touring practically nonstop, she’s achieving critical and commercial success. Born and raised in Duluth, Lea has been performing music for more than a decade, but her musical breakthrough came a year ago, when she won National Public Radio’s Tiny…

Savory Meals for a Good Deal

Eat Downtown: Duluth Restaurant Week

DULUTH, Minn. – This week Northlanders can experience a delicious dish at many restaurants in the city. Eat Downtown: Duluth Restaurant Week is running Monday, March 6 through Friday, March 10. Participating restaurants are offering $10 lunch and $25 dinner deals. For a full list of restaurants participating, and to view the menus, head to the Greater Downtown Council website….

Women’s Expo Returns to DECC

Coffee Conversation: Duluth Women's Expo

DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth Women’s Expo is back in Duluth. The annual event will be taking place Saturday, March 11 at the DECC. This year there will be more than 100 exhibitors. Women Rock, a fundraising organization benefiting breast cancer, will also have a presence at the event this year. Doors will be open for the expo from 9…

High School Girls Get Free Prom Dresses

33 Dresses Have Been Chosen Already

DULUTH, Minn.- High school girls had the chance to pick out a perfect dress for free Sunday at the 2nd Annual Prom Dress Giveaway. Girls chose their favorite dress from 170 formal dresses, donated from community members over the past year. The event is put on by If the Dress Fits, a local non-profit that helps high school girls get…

Frosted Fatty Weekend Wraps Up At Spirit Mountain

Around 100 Racers Competed in Fat Tire Bike Races

DULUTH, Minn.- The Frosted Fatty Weekend wrapped up after 2 days of Fat Tire Biking fun at Spirit Mountain. Fat tire bike lovers from throughout the country visited Duluth for two days of races, bike demos, and a silent auction. It’s the 2nd annual event, and this year, a cross country race, and a head to head race between skiers,…

Duluth Feminists Create Wikipedia Pages for Female Artists

Duluth Feminists Believe Women Artists Are Underrepresented

DULUTH, Minn.- Artists and Feminists edited and created Wikipedia pages Sunday to improve the coverage of women and people of color in arts — while fighting what they call a gender gap on  Wikipedia. It’s all for Wiki Edit-A-Thon, an event held at the Duluth Art Institute. It’s all for Wiki Edit-A-Thon, an event held at the Duluth Art Institute….

Children Meet Real Super Heroes at Superhero Family Day

Police Officers Engaged With Children at the Event at the Depot

DULUTH, Minn.- The Duluth Police foundation and the depot hosted Superhero Family Day, Saturday where Children, some dressed up as their favorite heroes took part in activities like face painting, coloring, and meeting with police officers. They also had the chance to pet horses from the mounted horse patrol, and tour the inside of the Duluth police department mobile command…

Runners Gather for ‘Gearing Up for Grandma’s’

Professionals Give Tips to Marathon Runners

DULUTH, Minn. – With Grandma’s Marathon just a few months away, marathoners are training for the big race Essentia Health and Grandma’s Marathon hosted the annual Gearing Up for Grandma’s Pre-Race Seminar today, to help people prepare for the race.  Medical professionals, dietitians and even an Olympian spoke at the seminar, giving tips and advice to all people planning to…

Gamers and Anime Lovers Attend SAGA Con

It's a Gaming Convention Held at UWS

SUPERIOR, Wis.- Gamers and Anime lovers indulged in some of their favorite activities and hobbies at the Superior Alliance of Gamers and Associates, or SAGA convention Attendees played games like guitar hero, magic the gathering, and other table top games. Video game and Magic the gathering tournaments were also held throughout the day. Organizers say events like this one, is…

Duluth Airmen Bowling Fundraiser

Bowlers Lace Up For Good Cause

DULUTH, Minn. – Hundreds of bowlers came out to support higher education today. Money raised at the event directly supports a scholarship which provides financial assistance to the children of the 148th Fighter Wing. Even with serious bowlers in a tournament format. The atmosphere for this event is still fun. “We make it as fun as possible. There are a…

Family, Pets Safe After House Fire

Home in Grand Lake Townwhip was Severly Damaged

DULUTH, Minn. – A Grand Lake Township family is safe and sound,even though fire severely damaged their home. The fire happened around 8:00 a.m. Saturday on Sunny Lane. St. Louis County Sheriffs and three fire departments battled the blaze. There were no injuries, as everyone, including the family pets, were evacuated safely. Officials say the house suffered major fire, smoke,…

Local Leaders Discuss Jobs in the Arrowhead

DULUTH, Minn.- Local leaders and legislators held a panel discussion today discussing new job prospects in the Arrowhead. The event was hosted by Duluth for Clean Water, and was the organization’s second forum. The leaders talked about jobs, and how to create jobs while still protecting clean water and the environment. “When you have a resource based economy you need…

Star Gazing At UMD

Travel Through The Galaxy

Duluth, Minn It was a good night for star gazing both outside and in tonight. UMD hosts a number of stargazing shows weekly in the Allworth Planetarium. The show takes visitors on a journey through the galaxy for a memory that will last a life time. “It’s something that sweeps you off your feet and takes you to another place….

Salvation Army Fundraiser

40 Days Of Lint And Donations

Duluth, Minn The Salvation Army in Duluth hopes a new fund raiser will stock their food shelf by the end of lent. Happening now the “lent challenge” encourages people to put an item in a box or trash bag each day. The items can consist of food, clothing or anything they can sell in the Salvation Army store. When the…

Reusable Bags Now Available for Food Shelf Clients

Part of Bag It Duluth Campaign

DULUTH, Minn.-Clients of Churches United in Ministry will now be able to use reusable bags when picking up their groceries. The bags were collected recently by the League of Women Voters at a recent Bag It Duluth film screening. The Bag It Duluth campaign, which involves 70 different organizations, has developed a proposal to phase out plastic bags. “We know…

Rick Nolan Takes Part in Healthcare Discussion

According to Nolan, nearly 350,000 people in the 8th district would be affected if the ACA is repealed

DULUTH, Minn. – Representative Rick Nolan was back in Duluth today. This time, talking health care. The congressman and medical professionals were part of a panel discussion sponsored by the United Way. Nolan said, while republicans want to repeal and replace the Affordable Care Act, there’s no answer to how they plan to do it. “ In a way, they’re…

Help Save Lives During Red Cross Month

The American Red Cross is Looking for Your Help in Donating Blood During Red Cross Month

DULUTH, Minn. – Since 1943, every United States President has proclaimed the month of March to be Red Cross Month. To help kick off the month of recognition, the Northern Minnesota Chapter of the Red Cross is partnering with Castle Danger Brewing to host the first Red Cross blood drive in Two Harbors. The drive started Thursday at noon, giving…

Positive Future Ahead for UMD Land Lab

The Lab Was in Jeopardy, But Not Anymore

DULUTH, Minn.- The UMD Land Lab and Sustainable Agriculture farm has a bright future ahead of it The land lab and SAP farm was in jeopardy because of the school’s budget. But after many people showed support for the program, the school has made the decision to keep the 10 acre land lab available to students who want to learn…

CSA Farms Prepare for Growing Season

Organic Food is Growing in Popularity

DULUTH, Minn.- CSA creates a partnership between farms and members who purchase shares.  The members financially support the farm by purchasing a share before the growing season. In Return, they receive fresh and organic produce from the farms. The partnership is one that lasts through the good, and the bad. This means some years a member could receive plenty of…

Man Sentenced to 3 Years for Role in Liquor Store Shooting

Darius Leelionza Handy DULUTH, Minn. – A 24-year-old who pleaded guilty in February, to a felony second-degree assault charge, has been sentenced to three years in prison. Darius Leelionza Handy, of Montgomery, Illionis, appeared in 6th Judicial District Court, today, March 3 after a pre-sentence investigation conducted by Arrowhead Regional Correction. Authorities reported that Handy fired a point-blank shot into the…

Mentor Duluth Seeking 31 Mentors in 31 Days

March into Mentoring

DULUTH, Minn. – An organization is seeking help from Northlanders to give local children a chance to spend time with a positive role model. Mentor Duluth pairs adults with children between the ages of 5-18. The mentors are asked to be a role model, guide, resource and a friend to their mentees. Every year they host “March into Mentoring” during…

The Duluth Experience Promotes New Tour, Duluth in Europe

Active Adventures: Promoting Duluth to European Mountain Bike Enthusiasts

DULUTH, Minn. – Dave Grandmaison, Co-Founder and CEO of The Duluth Experience, has such a passion for the outdoors he started a company promoting them. Now, he’s traveling internationally to tell Europeans about the City of Duluth and all it has to offer. Twice, in 2015 and 2017, Grandmaison made appearances at conventions to promote mountain biking and the beautiful…

North Shore Businessman Hopes for Daughter’s Return

Resort GM's Daughter has been Missing Since Jan. 15th

TWO HARBORS, Minn. – Brian Anderson is back at work managing a popular North Shore resort even though his daughter, Toni hasn’t been seen since January 15th. “It’s every parent’s worst nightmare,” said Anderson.  “You hear about these things, but you don’t… you don’t understand the mental strain it puts you through and the emotions you go through.” For Anderson…

No More Snow Days In Minnesota?

Bill Would Replace Snow Days With 'E-Learning Days'

PROCTOR, Minn.- A House committee is discussing a bill that could replace up to 5 snow days each year with electronic learning days, where students would complete school work online, from home. Proctor High School Asst. Principal Mark Hughes believes the transition would be a smooth one for students at Proctor High School, if the bill passes, because the school…

Students Art Work On Display

Art Work Displayed At Whole Foods Denfeld Location

Duluth, Minn For months students from Duluth, Cloquet and Hermantown have put their artistic skills to the test. Now the Duluth Art Institute has recognized their artistic achievements by placing some of the best artwork in Denfeld’s Whole Foods location for all to see. They hope by students seeing their own art on display their imagination won’t stop growing. “It’s…

“Broken Duluth” Photo Exhibit Displays Destruction of 2012 Flood

Photos taken by Kip Praslowicz are on display at the Red Herring Lounge downtown

DULUTH, Minn. – A local photographer is sharing his view from the flood that affected Duluth back in 2012. Photos taken by Kip Praslowicz are now on display at the Red Herring Lounge. It’s part of an exhibit called Broken Duluth. On the day of the flood, Praslowicz left work early after hearing about all the damage around the city….

Courage Kenny Ski Camp Helps People Ski on Adaptive Skis

More Than 20 Skiers Learn to Ski

DULUTH, Minn.- Skiers on adaptive skis hit the slopes as part of Courage Kenney’s Ski camp. Around 20 skiers had the chance to learn, or brush up on their skiing techniques at Spirit mountain, Thursday. The Ski camp is designed for adults and teenagers with disabilities, and helps encourage people to pursue healthy life styles and hobbies. “It’s just a…

Interest in Home Security is Going Up

  DULUTH, Minn.- After a string of violent crimes in Duluth, some community members are looking into making their homes a little more secure. Experts say interest in home security has been going up in the last couple of years. But experts say simple things like trimming bushes in your yard to eliminate hiding spots, and making sure your doors…

New Youth Center Coming to Two Harbors

Old Oddfellows Hall is Being Renovated for Kids' Use

TWO HARBORS, Minn. – Kids on the North Shore will soon have a new place to hang out. The Neighbor to Neighbor Thrift Store, run by the Two Harbors Christian Ministerial Association, is adding a youth center on the top floor of its building. The room is actually the old Oddfellows hall, but soon will be home to an all–purpose…

Regional Robotics Competition at the DECC

DULUTH, Minn. – Robotics action is happening in Duluth this weekend. The Duluth Entertainment and Convention Center is hosting two regional robotics championships on Friday and Saturday. Over 120 teams from around the region will be in town to compete to see who has built the best robot. Participants say that getting involved in robotics is a good way to…

MISSING: St. Croix Falls, Wis. Girls, Left Foster Home, Didn’t Show for School

Candus Flodin Makayla Hanson-Wall UPDATE 3/4: The St. Croix PD reports that the girls have been located safe, and thank those who helped look for them. ST. CROIX FALLS, Wis. – The St. Croix Falls Police Department is seeking the public’s assistance in locating two missing juveniles, Makayla Hanson-Wall, 13 and Candus Jean Flodin, 14. The two left their foster…

Wisconsin Republicans once again target sanctuary cities

MADISON, Wis. (AP) – A Republican proposal targeting sanctuary cities that offer protections for immigrants living in Wisconsin illegally is back in the state Legislature. A similar proposal failed to get enough support to pass last year following an outpouring of opposition. The new bill being circulated this week for co-sponsors is more limited than the previous version but still…

Minnesota state parks get 2 new campgrounds for 2017

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) – New campgrounds, a new water trail and a new chance to see bison are coming to the Minnesota State Parks and Trails system this year. The Department of Natural Resources says two new campgrounds will open this summer at the Lake Vermilion-Soudan Underground Mine State Park in northeastern Minnesota and Whitewater State Park in the…

Ski Club to Host Celebration of the Sport and Season

Duluth Cross Country Ski Club Holds "Tour Duluth"

DULUTH, Minn. – This weekend is the 12th running of DXC’s Tour Duluth, a celebration of the ski trails in Duluth and all the people who make it all happen. Duluth Cross Country Ski Club members tell us the club had a very successful year in 2016. The club is hoping to celebrate that success with this year’s Tour Duluth…

Crafting Cream Puffs with The Exchange

Cooking Connection: The Exchange Deli, Bakery & Catering

DULUTH, Minn. – For this week’s Cooking Connection Lisa Quarles, the pastry chef at The Exchange Bakery, showed the FOX 21 crew the ropes in the kitchen. Quarles showed FOX 21’s William Seay how to make cream puffs. Quarles says these are perfect sweets to impress your friends with at parties. Cream Puffs: Add 1 cup of water to pan on…

No more snow days? It could happen in Minnesota

Snow days could be replaced with "e-learning" days

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) – Minnesota lawmakers are considering legislation that could spell the end for snow days. A House committee Thursday will discuss a bill that could replace up to five snow days each year with “e-learning days.” Students would get on a laptop or tablet at home and follow along with online lessons on school days that would…

Duluth City Attorney Ready to Embark on Iditarod Race

Gunnar Johnson spen Wednesday getting his 20 dogs checked over before they take off on Saturday

WASILLA, Alaska – Gunnar Johnson, Duluth’s City Attorney, is set to compete in his second Iditarod starting Saturday. Today Johnson was at the race headquarters in Alaska. The 20 dogs on his team went through vet checks this afternoon and he says they’re all looking good. Now that race week is here, reality is starting to set in for Johnson.The…

Spring Is In The Air

West Duluth Dairy Queen Opens Their Doors

  Meteorologist may say that today is the start of their Spring season. The Dairy Queen in West Duluth says it’s the start of Spring for all of us. Closed for the winter the Dairy Queen on Grand Avenue in West Duluth now has their doors open. The store has been a staple in the community of west Duluth since…

Huge Toy Collection on Display at Depot

Will Run Through April 8th

DULUTH, Minn.-A massive toy collection is about to go on display at the Depot. Tomorrow Minnesotan David Barnhill will open up his collection to the public. It will feature toys focused on monsters, super heroes, and villains. Barnhill has a collection of 200,000 items – one of the largest in America. “Everyone that comes through either had it, wanted it,…