News – Latest News

Major Road Construction in Hyot Lakes

HOYT LAKES, Minn. — If you are driving up north toward Hoyt Lakes, chances are you’ll see the main street torn up for construction. The construction began in May, and is expected to wrap up in October. The street is getting Mill and Overlay, Storm Sewers, Curb and Gutters, and Sidewalks. The project itself is described as a complete reconstruction….

Porchfest Returns to Superior

  SUPERIOR, Wis. – An annual music festival begins this week, continuing into September Porchfest, a free, family-friendly music festival, returns for the sixth year in a row to local neighborhoods across Superior every other Thursday from 6 to 8 p.m. starting this week through September. The music festival brings live music, food, and art to neighborhood blocks, encouraging community connection…

John S. Werner 5k This Saturday

  DULUTH, Minn. — The Veterans Memorial Hall is holding their Annual 5k this Saturday. This 5k is held in honor of Command Sergeant Major John S. Werner. He began the race seventeen years ago, which went on until the pandemic. After he passed in 2023, the race was brought back and renamed after him. Proceeds will go to the…

Zachary Moder Announces Campain for City Council At-Large

  DULUTH, Minn. — Zachary Moder has announced his campaign for Duluth City Council At-Large. Moder has been an entrepreneur, actor, musician, and served in the National Guard. His priorities are focusing on actually affordable housing, revitalizing Downtown Duluth, and growth for the creative community. “I’m not a politician. I’m just a person in Duluth. I’m a resident, just like…

New Downtown Housing Opening in July

DULUTH, Minn. — We’re getting a look at what will soon become Duluth’s newest downtown living opportunity. Titanium Partners is behind the project they are calling “Force on Fifth Avenue.” It’s located in the former Ordean Building across from Maurices. The building is being converted into short term, midterm, and extended stay residential rental units, set to open in early…

Coffee Conversation: Science on Deck Sets Sail with UMD’s Large Lakes Observatory

DULUTH, MN – The University of Minnesota Duluth’s Large Lakes Observatory is launching its 2025 Science on Deck series this summer, inviting the public aboard the research vessel Blue Heron for hands-on science experiences. Scientist Cody Sheik joined Fox 21 live on the morning newscast with more information. The first event is set for Friday, June 27 from 11 a.m….

New Mural Unveiled in Iron River

IRON RIVER, Wis. – A new community mural was unveiled in downtown Iron River. A large crowd gathered in downtown Iron River on Saturday, June 7, to witness the reveal of a new 12-by-80-foot mural on the side of the Mitchell Building. Commissioned by the Iron River Lions Club with support from the Wisconsin Arts Board and the Chequamegon Bay…

Governor Walz appoints new judge covering north central Minnesota

DULUTH, Minn. & ST. PAUL, Minn. – Governor Tim Walz today announced the appointment of Daniel Hawley as a District Court Judge in Minnesota’s Ninth Judicial District. Hawley’s chambers will be in Aitkin in Aitkin County. Hawley is replacing the Honorable Erik J. Askegaard. In a news release Governor Walz said, “(Hawley has had a) distinguished career, marked by a breadth…

Weather helping Horse River Fire battle

Point of origin of the Horse River Fire, which is a tree that was struck by lightning. DULUTH, Minn. & ELY, Minn. – The National Incident Management Organization (NIMO) teams will start to dismantle a remote work site area and remove non-essential firefighting equipment from the House River Fire area. The fire is burning in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area…

Parts of Jenkins Creek Fire could remain hot until summer

Fire behavior has been dominated by 'creeping and smoldering ground fire'

DULUTH, Minn. & BRIMSOM, Minn. – The National Incident Management Organization (NIMO) overseeing the Jenkins Creek Fire projected some parts of the fire could stay hot until summer. Their June 6, 2025 report said fire behavior has been dominated by “creeping and smoldering ground fire.” NIMO said the fire behavior has been described as ‘burning downward.’ They reported, “crews must…

Human Development Center Joins National Give OUT Day

DULUTH, Minn. –  The Human Development Center took part in Give OUT Day to support mental health services for LGBTQ+ individuals. The Human Development Center, among many other organizations, participated in Give OUT Day, a national fundraiser supporting LGBTQ+ communities. The donations from this fundraiser will help HDC to expand their Queer Community Connections program. “This is a group that I’m…

Former Boxing Coach Launches Summer Boot Camp

SUPERIOR, Wis. – A new work-out program, Building Champions, is launching to box your body into shape this summer in Superior — and you don’t need to be a professional boxer. It’s called “Building Champions Boxing Boot Camp Workout.” Former boxing coach, John D’Auria, is behind the new venture, offering a 12-week boot camp at the Salvation Army’s basketball gym….

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…

Person missing in Duluth

DULUTH, Minn. – Duluth Police are attempting to locate 41-year-old David Storbakken. Police say Storbakken was last seen on Monday, May 5 in the downtown Duluth area. He is described as being a Native American male, 6 foot, 160 pounds, with a faded eagle tattoo on the back of his left hand. If anyone has any information on his whereabouts, you’re…

Flowers Fill Downtown Duluth Planters

DULUTH, Minn. — Downtown Duluth and Canal Park are a bit more colorful now. Volunteers were out planting flowers in the streetscape planters. This is part of Downtown Duluth’s yearly beautification project. Hanging baskets with complimentary flowers will be installed closer to Grandma’s Marathon Weekend. About 70 planters were filled over the past two days. “It’s so great to see…

First Lottery Held for Cannabis License Applicants in Minnesota

MINNESOTA.–The Minnesota Office of Cannabis Management held its first cannabis license lottery on Thursday. The lottery determines which applicants can move forward in the states adult-use cannabis licensing process. Nearly 800 applicants were vying for 249 licenses in Thursdays lottery. The license types include cultivator, manufacturer, mezzobusiness and retailer. The competition was high as the lottery saw general applicants and…

Coffee Conversation: Glensheen Mansion Announces Full Lineup of Summer Fun

DULUTH, Minn. — Glensheen Mansion is gearing up for an exciting summer season, with free events, specialty tours, and scenic experiences on the shores of Lake Superior. Marketing Manager Mike Mayou joined FOX 21 to share what’s ahead, including the return of the popular Concerts on the Pier, celebrating its 10th anniversary this July and August. Starting June 4th, Glensheen’s…

Minnesota Nurses Push for Safer Staffing as Contracts Near Expiration

DULUTH, Minn. — The Minnesota Nurses Association, the union representing around 15,000 nurses across the state are pushing to ensure safe staffing. This push comes as the current contracts between the MNA and seven hospital systems across the state come to end, including those of Aspirus St. Luke’s and Essentia Health nurses. “In 2022 nurses fought hard to win some…

Duluth City Council at Large Candidate: Asher Estrin-Haire

DULUTH, Minn. – A local business owner is making another run for Duluth city council at large. Asher Estrin-Haire, the owner of Stitchcraf Quilt Factory in Lakeside, is making his second run for Duluth City Council. Estrin-Haire is running for one of the two ‘at-large’ seats that are up for election in November. The small business owner said he would…

Wildfire Arson Charges for Suspect in Eveleth Overlook Blaze

EVELETH, Minn. – A wildfire at the Leonidas Overlook in Eveleth was intentionally set, charges allege. ‘Wildfire arson’ charges were filed Wednesday against 59-year-old Daniel Dean Kruse, accused of starting a Jun. 3rd fire at the Leonidas Overlook in Eveleth. According to the criminal complaint, Eveleth police received a call around 6:30 a.m. on Tuesday for reports of a “large…

Hundreds of Wildfire Firefighter Students Learn the Ropes

GRAND RAPIDS, Minn.– More than 400 students are attending the Wildfire Academy this year. It’s located at Minnesota North College Itasca Campus. As for the drive to join this line of work, it’s different for everybody. “Well, living in northeastern Minnesota, there’s a lot of fire, and there’s a need for support. I work for Superior National Forest, and I’ve…

First Tee Program at Enger Golf Course

  DULUTH, Minn. — Enger Golf Course has partnered with First Tee Minnesota to start some summer programming. First Tee Minnesota is a non-profit youth development organization. The goal is to teach life skills and develop self-confidence through golf. These sessions are for kids ages six through seventeen and broken into age groups. This program is beginner friendly; clubs and…

MnDOT Begins Highway 37 Upgrades, Closes Fraser Road Access Through July 2

DULUTH, Minn. – The Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) has launched a project to improve intersections along Highway 37, focusing on County Road 137/Spirit Lake Road and County Road 661/Fraser Road. The work includes widening the highway to add dedicated left and right turn lanes at both intersections. As part of the construction, access to County Road 661/Fraser Road from…

Garfield Avenue On-Ramp to I-535 Blatnik Bridge Closingfor Construction Access

MnDOT/Facebook DULUTH, Minn. — The Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) has announced that the Wisconsin-bound on-ramp from Garfield Avenue to the I-535 Blatnik Bridge will close beginning at 6 a.m. on Wednesday, June 11. The closure is part of ongoing work to complete the Garfield interchange and is intended to improve construction access and ensure the safety of workers on-site….

Crews Continue Fire Suppression Efforts on Jenkins Creek, Horse River Fires

A National Incident Management Organization (NIMO) team is overseeing operations on the Jenkins Creek and Horse River Fires in northern Minnesota, with public and firefighter safety remaining the top priority. The effort is being carried out under a full suppression strategy. As of Wednesday, the Jenkins Creek Fire is 94% contained and has burned 16,091 acres. A total of 207…

“Sidewalk Days” Renamed “Downtown Duluth Days,” Returns July 9–10 with Festivities

DULUTH, Minn. – The popular Sidewalk Days event in downtown Duluth is getting a fresh new name. This year, it will be called “Downtown Duluth Days.” Local businesses will take over Superior Street on July 9 and 10, offering a variety of deals, entertainment, live bands, and food. The event promises to be a lively celebration of the community and a…

Viking Ship Anchors at New Duluth Seawall, Marking Major Waterfront Milestone

DULUTH, Minn. – Tuesday evening marked a milestone for Duluth’s waterfront as the Viking Great Lakes cruise ship departed the port after arriving early Tuesday morning, anchoring for the first time along the newly constructed seawall behind the Duluth Entertainment Convention Center (DECC). The new seawall is part of a multi-million dollar investment aimed at revitalizing the shoreline to create a…

Coffee Conversation: LOON Celebrates 20 Seasons with “Die Fledermaus”

DULUTH, Minn. — The Lyric Opera of the North is raising the curtain on a milestone—its 20th anniversary season—with a new production of Die Fledermaus. Conductor Dirk Meyer and star baritone Lee Gregory joined Fox 21’s morning newscast Wednesday to share more about the upcoming production. The operetta, filled with bubbles, waltzes, and masked ball mischief, holds special meaning for…

Zeitgeist Hosts Comedy Play Fest and Willy Wonka Screening in Early June

DULUTH, Minn. –  Zeitgeist is hosting a short play fest and Willy Wonka during the first week of June. This week, Zeitgeist is teaming up with Renegade Comedy and Hucklebeary to create multiple events for locals to enjoy. They will be hosting Barrel of Laughs, a short play festival centered on comedy, in the teatro. This will be the first time…

City of Superior Honors Loved Ones with Trees and Benches at Annual Ceremony

SUPERIOR, Wisc. — The City of Superior held its annual tribute tree and bench ceremonies. Mayor Jim Paine and members of the Urban Forestry Tree Board visited the locations around town and personally thanked the Tribute Tree Donors and Memorial Bench Sponsors. One memorial tree was in memory of Ed Minter, a city employee for over 30 years, and there…

Duluth Children’s Museum Honored for Outstanding Practice in the Field

DULUTH, Minn. — The Duluth Children’s Museum was honored for Outstanding Practice in the field. The Association of Children’s Museums chose Duluth Children’s Museum because of its ‘Discovery for All’ initiative. That initiative provides free access to the museum for those one EBT, WIC, or Medical Assistance. The award helps them to continue funding and expanding on their outreach to…

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…

Minnesota Schools Win Grants to Build Homes, Train Future Construction Workers

SAINT PAUL, Minn. – A new program is helping students learn valuable construction skills — while also tackling Minnesota’s housing shortage. Minnesota Housing has awarded over half a million dollars to six school districts for affordable housing projects across Greater Minnesota. The $560,000 in funding comes from the newly launched Housing Challenge Funds for Schools. The grants support school-led initiatives…

Essentia Health names Samuel Moose Director of Tribal Government Relations

Essentia Health DULUTH, Minn. — Essentia Health is announcing a key new hire this week — Samuel Moose has been named Director of Tribal Government Relations. In this new role, Moose will act as the primary liaison between Essentia and tribal governments across Minnesota, North Dakota, and Wisconsin. His mission: to strengthen partnerships with Indigenous communities, support culturally responsive care,…

Company in charge of old Central High School development gets warning letter

DULUTH, Minn. – The group in charge of Incline Village, a proposed complex with apartments, condos and retail on the site of the old Central High School, has received a warning letter saying it is not lived up to some of its agreements with Duluth Economic Development Authority (DEDA). DEDA Executive Director Tricia Hobbs sent the letter to Luzy Ostreicher…

Coffee Conversation: Local Entrepreneur Makes Bug Repellent Stylish

NORTHLAND, Minn. — Mosquito season has arrived, but one local entrepreneur is adding a fashionable twist to bug repellent. Barb Owen-Boerger, founder of Getaway Kimonos, joined FOX 21’s morning show to showcase her stylish solution for keeping insects at bay. Click here for more information. Categories: Coffee Conversation, Minnesota, News, News – Latest News

30th Kolar Toyota Fishing Tournament Raises Record $315,000 for ALS

DULUTH, Minn. – The 30th annual Kolar Toyota Fishing Tournament on Island Lake raises $315,650 to help people living with ALS. The Kolar Toyota Fishing Tournament on Island Lake has brought anglers out for 30 years to ‘cast for a cure’ for ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis) also known as ‘Lou Gehrig’s disease.’ This year, the tournament reeled in a record…