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Fire Shuts Down Split Rock Lighthouse Tuesday

COOK COUNTY, Minn. — A fire in the woods near Split Rock Lighthouse caused the entire historic site to shut down and evacuate on Tuesday. This was the fiery scene surrounding the landmark, captured and shared by Split Rock Lighthouse on Facebook. Acting in caution, all guests were evacuated at around 2:30 pm, according to the Facebook post. Crews were…

Combat Veteran Turned UMD Student Advocates for Support Towards Veterans Entering College Life

DULUTH, Minn. — A combat veteran turned UMD student shared his experience overseas and the hardships he has faced while transitioning into scholar life. Jacob Heytens gave a speech at the college as a part of its Perspective Speaker Series. His speech titled “From Combat to College” focused on the lack of research surrounding veterans transitioning into college. Before enrolling…

Students Get Hands-On Experience in Construction Trades at the DECC

DULUTH, Minn. — Construct Tomorrow hosted a two-day event at the DECC this week. The event allowed local students to get hands-on experience and learn about new job opportunities. Students could lay bricks, set tiles and even use motion simulators as they went through stations. Many organizations also taught kids about apprenticeships and careers in construction. “I am passionate about…

Juvenile Questioned After Potential Gun Threat At Proctor High School

PROCTOR, Minn.  — A juvenile male is being questioned after Proctor High School went on lockdown Wednesday afternoon after a potential threat involving a weapon in the school’s Media Center, according to Proctor Police Chief Kent Gaidis. Authorities say 911 dispatch began getting calls around 4:30 p.m. about a “potential gun or weapon” at the school. Multiple agencies responded, including…

Superior National Forest Planning & Preparing For Wildfire Threat

No snow and warm temps ramp up risk; New federal funds now available for more states facing wildfire threat.

Preparations are already underway for a potentially early and serious wildfire season in Minnesota. The Superior National Forest may be among the regions particularly vulnerable and the agency will be applying for new federal funds to help prevent and reduce the potential for wildfires. The combination of no snow, warm temperatures and dry ground present a danger. “All the way…

President Of Northland College Responds To Institution’s Potential Closure

ASHLAND, Wis. –  The president of Ashland’s Northland College said it was a perfect storm that led to Monday’s urgent plea to the community for financial help. The liberal arts institution of 132 years announced it will begin closing down this summer if it does not raise $12 million in the next three weeks. President Chad Dayton spoke with FOX…

Dollar Tree To Close Nearly 1,000 Stores, Posts Surprise Fourth Quarter Loss

(AP) — Dollar Tree swung to a surprise fourth-quarter loss and will close nearly 1,000 stores after the discount retailer slashed the value of a rival chain it acquired almost a decade ago. Dollar Tree plans to close about 600 Family Dollar stores in the first half of this year and 370 Family Dollar and 30 Dollar Tree stores over…

House Passes A Bill That Could Lead To A TikTok Ban If Chinese Owner Refuses To Sell

WASHINGTON (AP) — The House on Wednesday passed a bill that would lead to a nationwide ban of the popular video app TikTok if its China-based owner doesn’t sell, as lawmakers acted on concerns that the company’s current ownership structure is a national security threat. The bill, passed by a vote of 352-65, now goes to the Senate, where its prospects are unclear….

Mayor Reinert Asks For Communication From Kathy Cargill After Park Point Home Purchases

Reinert said Kathy Cargill has purchased at least 20 properties so far.

DULUTH, Minn. — The future of Park Point’s landscape is uncertain.  Mayor Roger Reinert said  more than 20 properties on the world’s longest freshwater sandbar have been purchased by a member of the Cargill family. North Shore LS is the company behind the purchases. The LLC is owned by Kathy Cargill, who is married to one of the heirs to…

Family Freedom Center: Suspicious Person ‘Brandished’ Firearm To Teen

DULUTH, Minn. — Duluth police are investigating after a person “brandished” a firearm near a playground of an after-school program. The Family Freedom Center said a “suspicious” person approached one of its teens with the firearm while outside with the Center’s dog. The incident happened around 2:45 p.m. March 7 on the 300-block of N. First Avenue West.  That address…

Duluth Art Institute Hosts Last Event at The Depot, Closing in on New Location

DULUTH, Minn. — Tonight was the Duluth Art Institute’s last event before they leave The Depot. Art lovers joined together for Art Night Out, a social event celebrating the closing of two exhibits, Allison Baker’s Tender Vignettes and Annelise Roseen’s Today I Am. People were not only able to enjoy the artwork, but talk to the artists about the creative…

Duluth Construction Career Night Offers Hands on Experience to Prospective Workers

DULUTH, Minn. — Tonight at the DECC, you could try your hand with some of the tools and skills needed to work in construction. Duluth Construction Career Night is an opportunity for anyone interested in building and construction trade careers to learn more about local apprenticeship programs and meet contractors looking for new employees. The event put on by Construct…

City Of Virginia, AFSCME Local 454 Reach Tentative Agreement

Courtesy: AFSCME Local 454 VIRGINIA, Minn. — The city of Virginia and its AFSCME Local 454 employees have reached a tentative contract agreement. See below for press releases from City Administrator Britt See-Benes and AFSCME Local 454: City of Virginia: On March 6, 2024, City of Virginia AFSCME Local 454 employees, representing Public Works, Park & Recreation, City Hall and…

“O-C-D” Chant Against Duluth Basketball Player Prompts Disciplinary Action

Marshall School player taunted by Crosby-Ironton students after disclosing off-court perseverance.

After directing cruel chants at a Duluth Marshall basketball player, some students at Crosby-Ironton high school are being disciplined. It happened at last Thursday’s game, when Crosby-Ironton was playing Marshall’s girls team. Students in a section of Crosby-Ironton’s fans chanted “O-C-D” when Marshall’s Chloe Johnson had the ball. Earlier this year, Johnson–an eighth grader and standout player–had gone public about…

Missing Bigfork Teen Found Safe

UPDATE (March 12, 1:15 p.m.) — A 16-year-old girl who went missing from her house in Bigfork has been found safe. The Itasca County Sheriff’s Office canceled the alert for Alissa Plieseis on Tuesday afternoon. They thank everyone who assisted in locating her. ORIGINAL POST: BIGFORK, Minn. — Authorities are asking for help in finding a teen who is missing from…

Biden And Trump Could Clinch Nominations In Tuesday’s Contests, Ushering In General Election

NEW YORK (AP) — Joe Biden and Donald Trump hope to clinch their parties’ presidential nominations with dominant victories in a slate of state primaries on Tuesday as the 2024 fight for the White House moves into a new phase. Neither Biden, a Democrat, nor Trump, a Republican, faces significant opposition in primary contests across Georgia, Washington state, Mississippi and Hawaii. The only question…

Coffee Conversation: A+ Garden Center Prepares for Spring Planting

DULTUH, Minn. — With sunshine and 60 degrees in the northland, many are planning and preparing their spring gardens. FOX 21 checked in with Tabatha Beier, owner of A+ Garden Center, to see how they’re getting ready for the spring planting season. A+ Garden Center will open its Kenwood location on May 3. Click here for more information. Categories: Coffee Conversation,…

87-Year-Old Taconite Woman Dead After Fatal Crash

TACONITE, Minn. — An 87-year-old woman from Taconite is dead after a fatal crash last night on Highway 169. According to the Minnesota State Patrol, it was a two vehicle accident in Taconite. The other driver was a 16-year-old man from Nashwauk. He sustained non-life-threatening injuries. The state patrol reports, the teen was driving a sports car northbound on Highway…

Duluth Marshall Selects New Head of School

Anthony PisapiaDULUTH, Minn. — Duluth Marshall’s five month search for a new Head of School is over. They found their next leader in Anthony Pisapia. He served most recently in Wilmington Delaware where he was Associate Head of School at Tower Hill. The press release announcing his selection says he has twenty years of experience in education and education-focused non-profits….

Transition Conference held for Secondary Students with Disabilities

CLOQUET, Minn. — Mentoring day, a transition conference for secondary students with disabilities, was held on Monday at Fond Du Lac Tribal and Community College. Roughly 300 students from 14 school districts gathered for the event. The day was comprised of break-out sessions, exhibitors, and a keynote speaker. The purpose is to help students with disabilities starting thinking about employment,…

West Duluth Library Branch Celebrates Upgrades

DULUTH, Minn. — The West Duluth Branch Library held a ribbon-cutting Monday to celebrate upgrades. The upgrades consisted of a new service desk, a new computer center, new shelving and a new layout. The Duluth Library Foundation raised $30,000 to fund upgrades to Duluth Library branches. The upgrades are centered around providing a welcoming space to library goers. Speakers at…

“Fore!” Or, At Least Some Are Getting Ready

Driving range opened Monday at Duluth's Enger Park Golf Course as pros and duffers can't wait.

DULUTH, Minn. — With Monday’s incredibly warm weather, some people gave up on ever pulling out the ice fishing rods again–so why not pull out a five-iron instead? Those with the itch had a chance to hit the driving range at Enger Park golf course. No grass of course, but players could get the kinks out by hitting off the…

Missing Person Identified, Found Dead Near Pattison Park in Superior

UPDATE (March 11, 11:50 a.m.) — The person who went missing and found dead 3 days later at Pattison Park in the Town of Superior has been identified. The Douglas County Sheriff’s Office says the person is 65-year-old Kim Creager from Washington County, Minnesota. Authorities say no foul play is suspected. ORIGINAL POST: SUPERIOR, Wis.– On Wednesday night, March 6, the…

Northern Exposure Art Offers Northland-Inspired Painting Classes

Carly Jandl takes a step-by-step approach to sharing her creativity

DULUTH, Minn. — Today at Bent Paddle Brewing, people were able to enjoy not only a drink, but some painting too! The step-by-step painting class was one of many put on by Northern Exposure Art around Duluth. Founder Carly Jandl has been offering classes for around two years and says it’s special to help people tap into their artistic side….

Duluth Nordic Center Shares Culture Through Crafts

Liz Bucheit's 'Hand of the Huldra' Exhibition Inspires Crowns and Jewelry For All Generations

DULUTH, Minn. — Duluth’s Nordic Center is getting the whole family involved with its latest exhibition ‘Hand of the Huldra.’ The center hosts SunFunDays as a way to open up the gallery to families and let people of all ages get inspired. Currently, Liz Bucheit’s jewelry is on display, a collection inspired by the legend of the Huldrefolk or ‘hidden…

Chester Bowl Closing Day is ‘Bittersweet’ After Short Ski Season

Skiers and snowboarders took their final runs of the winter at Chester Bowl today

DULUTH, Minn. — It was closing day today at Chester Bowl and plenty of skiers and snowboarders were getting in their last runs of the season. It’s been a short season at Chester Bowl, but making and maintaining snow has been particularly difficult according to Programs and Operations Director Sam Luoma. The hill has two snow machines. In a typical…

Potential Of Duluth’s ‘Lot D’ Unveiled In ‘Initial Concepts’ Renderings

Architecture Advantage, LLC DULUTH, Minn. – The future of Lot D along the waterfront in Duluth has become clearer with “initial concepts for the revitalization of redevelopment of Lot D” being released by a Duluth architecture firm. Architecture Advantage, LLC posted on its LinkedIn account Friday showing renderings of what the prime real estate could look like next to Pier…

MPCA Investigating 1,400-Gallon Gasoline Leak At Duluth Short Stop

DULUTH, Minn. — FOX 21 learned Thursday evening that the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency is investigating a significant gasoline leak at a Duluth gas station. The spill occurred Wednesday at the Short Stop at 5402 E. Superior Street in Duluth. “There was a 1,400 gallon release reported by C & B Distributing from one of their fuel pumps to soil,”…

Only March, But Women Runners Looking to Duluth September Run

Goals are support for each other and raising funds to inspire and help women in business.

For some women this was a day to get out of their uniform and work clothes and get into their running shoes. They started things by gathering at the Duluth Running Company. What brings them together is the love of running and the registration kickoff for a fall run and fundraiser. Friday they headed out on a quick jaunt–a thirty-minute…

Minnesota National Guard Highlights Women Who Serve

ST. PAUL, Minn. — The Minnesota National Guard is celebrating the accomplishments of the women who serve our country. The Guard has nearly 13,000 soldiers and airmen and of those 22% is women. Friday’s International Women’s Day event highlighted multiple women and one of them is from Duluth. Air Force Command Chief Master Sgt. Lisa Erikson is the first-ever Air…

Twin Ports Women’s Invitational Hockey Tournament Begins

24 teams come together for meaningful 30-year tradition that may come to an end.

The Twin Ports Women’s Invitational begins this weekend. The games started over 30 years ago and attracts women hockey players all around the state from ages 18 to 80. Like so many players at the invitational, Angie Hugdahl began playing hockey as a little girl. In college she says hockey changed her life. It was the sense of belonging that…

Applications Now Open for Community Funding Grant Awards

DULUTH, Minn. — The Junior League of Duluth is now accepting applications for the 2024 community funding grant awards for local non-profits. Junior League of Duluth President Angela Engblom and Community Council Director Patty Salo Downs joined FOX 21 on the morning newscast Friday to talk about the grant opportunities. In the past several years, JLD has awarded over $68,000 to local non-profit…

Biden Uses Feisty State of the Union to Contrast with Trump, Sell Voters on Second Term

Associated Press WASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden turned his State of the Union speech Thursday night into an animated argument for a second term as he laced into GOP front-runner Donald Trump for espousing “resentment, revenge and retribution” and jeopardizing freedom at home and abroad. Over and over, Biden delivered broadsides at “my predecessor” without mentioning Trump by name,…

Wildcat Sanctuary Roaring After 25 Years

Lions, tigers and other wild cats live at Sandstone facility all grown up after its "mom and pop" beginning.

The idea was to rescue some wild animals–maybe a bobcat or two. Twenty-five years later, it covers acres and acres and has big cats from around the world. Lions, tigers and more now live near Sandstone, Minnesota. Although they do roam within fences, the goal of all the space and open air at the Wildcat Sanctuary is to provide the…

Wild State Cider Serves Up Vermont-Style Ice Cream

Camp Creemee introduces a rotating menu of soft serve flavors to pair with cider -- or just enjoy!

DULUTH, Minn. — With spring and warm weather just around the corner, Camp Creemee says its the perfect time to enjoy their soft serve ice cream. Camp Creemee, located in Wild State Cider, specializes in Vermont-style soft serve or ‘creemees.’ They offer a classic salted maple syrup flavor year-round, as well as monthly special flavors. Throughout March, they’re offering ‘Shamrock…

Sweden Officially Joins NATO, Ending Decades Of Post-World War II Neutrality

WASHINGTON (AP) — Sweden on Thursday formally joined NATO as the 32nd member of the transatlantic military alliance, ending decades of post-World War II neutrality and centuries of broader non-alignment with major powers as security concerns in Europe have spiked following Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine. President Joe Biden congratulated Sweden on its admission and said it was a sign that Russian President Vladimir…