News – Latest News

History Organizations in 22 Minnesota Counties Receive Grants

The Grants are Available for History and Historic Preservation Projects

DULUTH, Minn. – The Minnesota Historical Society is announcing 36 recipients of 38 Minnesota Historical and Cultural Heritage Small Grants, totaling $324,149 in 22 counties. Locally, the Duluth Art Institute will  receive $10,000. This money will go toward plans for two phases of Duluth Art Institute Lincoln Park Building preservation. The grant will help the Institute hire a qualified consultant to…

Duluth Seaway Port Authority Gets $2.3 Million for Project

Project Will Include a Storage Facility

Courtesy: Duluth Shipping NewsDULUTH, Minn.-The Duluth Seaway Port Authority has received $2.3 million from the Minnesota Department of Transportation for a new expansion. The project will provide for additional vessel mooring and storage area at the facility, allow for dredging to full seaway depth, and will stabilize existing failing timber and concrete dockage. The expansion will also help support the…

Mamma Mia! Actors Visit FOX 21 Ahead of Opening Night

Famous Musical Marks Reopening of Historic NorShor Theatre

DULUTH, Minn. – The long-awaited opening of the NorShor Theatre is just over a week away and the regional premier of Mamma Mia! is kicking off the entertainment. The show features songs from Abba. The story follows a young bride as she prepares for her wedding. She invites three men from her mother’s past hoping to find out who her…

Best Friend Beagles in Search of Forever Home

Baby and Johnny are Currently at Animal Allies Humane Society, Searching for a Forever Home

DULUTH, Minn. – Beagles Baby and Johnny stopped by the FOX 21 Studios Wednesday morning with Animal Allies Marketing and Communications Manager Michelle Sternberg. Sternberg spoke about the need to find more families looking to adopt bonded animals. The shelter often sees animals being surrendered together from previous homes, and always strive to find a new home for them where…

Police Ruled Justified in December Officer-Involved Shooting in Gilbert

One Person Killed in Incident

GILBERT, Minn.-Two police officers in St. Louis County have been ruled justified in an officer-involved shooting Dec. 22 in Gilbert. According to a report from county attorney Mark Rubin, St. Louis County deputy Derrick Deutsch and Gilbert police officer Joseph Bradach were in a situation where they needed to use deadly force. The two officers exchanged gunfire in the incident…

Local Engineers Design New Fitger’s Pedestrian Bridge

Bridge Investment Is Focused On Access to Fitger's From Superior Street

  DULUTH, Minn. – The old corroding bridge from the Pick Wick parking lot to the Fitger’s ramp is being replaced. The new and stronger bridge will soon be painted bright red and installed for easier pedestrian access from Superior Street to the lower level of the historic Fitger’s complex. AMI Consulting Engineers in Superior is behind the design and…

Mistrial Declared in Lincoln Park Murder Case

Defense Claims Another Man Shot the Victim

The trial for a man charged with second degree murder in Duluth has been stalled with a mistrial, even before the first witness took the stand. Aaron Demetrius Humphreys, 43, is accused of intentional second degree murder in the shooting death of Orin Vann outside of a Lincoln Park bar in 2016. Tuesday, a mistrial was declared after Prosecutor Nathan…

Duluth City Golf Courses Face Debt, Uncertain Future

DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth city council discussed a resolution Monday that would encourage the privatization of Lester Park and Enger Park golf courses. The golf courses are facing $2.2 million of debt and $12.7 million of deferred maintenance. The resolution was sent back to administration because the group Friends of Duluth Public Golf would like to be part of…

Duluth City Council Approves $1.8M In Upgrades For City Hall

DULUTH, Minn. – Duluth’s City Hall has been approved by the city council for $1.8 million in upgrades. The money will go toward replacing inefficient, non-compliant building systems like lighting and electric, as well as information technology infrastructure. Carpets, ceiling tiles and paint will also be part of the deal, while improving space that’s currently not being used to the best…

Great Outdoors: Ice Fishing Enjoyed on Bear Lake

Minnesotans Love the Excitement and Togetherness of the Winter Sport

BARNUM, Minn. – It was a cold day in the Northland, but that didn’t stop anglers from getting out on the frozen lakes to do some ice fishing. Ice shacks dot the frozen surface of Bear Lake in Barnum. “You get depressed if you’re at home. Here, even though you’re still sitting in the ice house, you’re out, you’re doing…

Duluth Curling Club Hosts Fundraiser for Junior National Teams

A spaghetti fundraiser was held to support the young athletes on their trips

DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth Curling Club hosted a spaghetti fundraiser to help a few of their young athletes with their trip to the Junior Nationals. Dozens of people made it out to support the team, as they get ready to compete in the U–18 and U–21 Junior Nationals Championships. “We just really appreciate it a lot, everybody coming out and…

Superior High School Renovations Making Progress

The $60 million project is being funded by a $92.5 million referendum that was passed last spring.

SUPERIOR, Wis. – Andy Wolfe has been teaching at Superior High School for 20 years. He’s always wanted bigger spaces for more student collaboration. With the ongoing expansion he’s getting that wish. “The sizes of the places, the hallways are big and open, which is so much better than what we currently have. the classrooms immediately felt bigger,” said Wolfe. When…

MPR: Allegations Against Keillor Far Beyond Single Touch

MPR releases note regarding decision to end contracts with Garrison Keillor

Garrison KeillorMINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Minnesota Public Radio provided additional details of allegations of sexual harassment against humorist Garrison Keillor on Tuesday, saying his alleged conduct went well beyond his account in November of accidentally touching a woman’s bare back. MPR said in a statement that Keillor was accused by a woman who worked on his “A Prairie Home Companion” radio…

Snow Drifts Pile High In Ashland

Strong Winds Monday Created Snow Dunes Along The Chequamagon Bayfront.

ASHLAND, Wis. — U.S. Highway 2 between State Highway 13 north in the town of Eileen and State Highway 112 in Ashland is re-opened, cleared and traffic is moving along just fine today. It was declared impassable on Monday afternoon as winds rushed across the frozen bay at 30-40mph and created blizzard-like white out conditions, deteriorating visibility quickly. Roads also…

Lake Superior College Students Receive Tool Box Scholarships

Four students have been chosen to receive tool boxes filled with $1,500 worth of new tools.

DULUTH, Minn. – The spring semester is in swing at Lake Superior College, and some students in the machine tool technology department are already being honored with a special scholarship. Four students have been chosen to receive tool boxes filled with $1,500 worth of new tools. Many have been donated by future employers or by their own faculty members. Machine…

Experience the John Beargrease Sled Dog Marathon Through Pictures

Each photographer brings between two to three of their pieces for the exhibit.

DULUTH, Minn. – Even if you don’t make it out to the John Beargrease Sled Dog Marathon you can still enjoy some of the race scenery. Now through March 11 the Great Lakes Aquarium will showcase race images. You’ll have the chance to get up close and personal with some of the dogs through pictures. The exhibit is in its…

Snowmobile Trail Conditions ‘Good’ in Douglas Co.

The Brule River Riders Snowmobile Club is Responsible for Grooming Nearly 130 Miles of Trails Every Winter

BRULE, Wisc. – Snowmobile riders from near and far often travel hundreds of miles to experience the best trail conditions. Right now, the Brule River Riders Snowmobile Club in Douglas County says their trails are some of the best in the area. The club is responsible for grooming nearly 130 miles of trails every winter, and also maintaining them in…

Magnitude 7.9 Undersea Quake Sends Alaskans Fleeing From Feared Tsunami

What experts feared could happen - did not.

ANCHORAGE, Alaska (AP) — A powerful undersea earthquake sent Alaskans fumbling for suitcases and racing to evacuation centers in the middle of the night after a cellphone alert warned a tsunami could hit communities along the state’s southern coast and parts of British Columbia. The monster waves never materialized, but people who fled endured hours of tense waiting at shelters…

Bob Dylan’s High School Poetry Added to MNHS Collections

These poetry pages date back to Dylan's days at Hibbing High School.

ST. PAUL, Minn – At first glance, your friend’s scribbled high school poetry might not seem worth saving. But when that friend was Robert Zimmerman — now known as iconic musician and Nobel Prize in Literature winner Bob Dylan — those pages take on a whole new meaning. The Minnesota Historical Society recently acquired two handwritten pages of Dylan’s poetry,…

Two killed in shooting at high school

BENTON, Ky. (AP)  – Gov. Matt Bevin says two people have been killed and 19 injured in a shooting at a high school in southwest Kentucky. Of the 19 injured, Bevin says 14 of those were gunshot wounds. Bevin also said the suspect in the Tuesday morning shooting at Marshall County High School is a 15-year-old male student who will…

John Beargrease Sled Dog Marathon Festivities Begin Friday

Winter Weather Causes Good Trail and Race Conditions

DULUTH, Minn. – This weekend athletes who have been training all year will finally have their time in the snow. The John Beargrease Sled Dog Marathon is Sunday, January 28. However, festivities are already underway. The Cutest Puppy Contest has already taken place and more fun is yet to come. On Friday, January 26, a new event, The Beergrease is…

Former Miners Create Book to Preserve Mining History

Northland Uncovered: Erie Mining Company

HOYT LAKES, Minn. – A three-year-long project is highlighting the hard work and legacy of a taconite plant that helped build a town. Former employees from Erie Mining Company are working together on a new project. They’ve been researching a writing a book detailing the beginning and end of the taconite plant. “We’re dying off. If we don’t do it…

Hotel For Millennials Planned Along Central Entrance in Duluth

Planning Commission To Vote On Project Feb. 13

DULUTH, Minn. – Plans are in the works to bring a new hotel to Duluth that’s nothing like any hotel in the area. The hotel chain is called Tru by Hilton. Parent company Hilton Worldwide describes Tru as the company’s newest brand designed with millennials in mind and affordable prices at around $100 a night. The rooms are smaller to…

City of Duluth gets ready for Cold Front February

Cold Front February celebrates Duluth's dedication to the cold

DULUTH, Minn. –  The City of Duluth is getting ready for the first ever Cold Front February celebration. It’s a festival taking place in Canal Park that features all kinds of fun outdoor activities, including an ice trail along the Lakewalk, for people to skate. All to celebrate Duluth’s hearty resistance to the cold. “Duluth is this great winter destination…

Graphic Novel Author Speaks with Students About Diversity in Literature

Gene Luen Yang is an award winning graphic novelist

DULUTH, Minn. –  Award winning graphic novel author Gene Luen Yang is made a stop through Duluth on Monday to talk with students here about the need for more diversity in young people’s literature. He’s encouraging young people to read about characters outside of their own culture. “I think our world is becoming more diverse, and we’re becoming more connected….

American Indian Learning Resource Center awarded grant to publish book

The book is a biography of medicine man Paul Buffalo, and the Ojibwa history

DULUTH, Minn. – The American Indian Learning Resource Center at UMD has received an $85,600 grant from the Minnesota Historical Society. Members of the resource center are hoping to use those funds to publish a three volume book on Ojibwa history, and the biography of traditional Ojibwa medicine man, Paul Buffalo. “We’re hoping that by publishing this book people will be…

Northlanders Mark 45th Anniversary of Roe V. Wade

For some this is a day to celebrate, and for others the day is about seeking change.

DULUTH, Minn.- The Roe V. Wade Supreme Court decision was a landmark case that made abortions legal. Ever since then people from both sides have made it clear where they stand on this issue. For some the 45th anniversary of this historic case is a day to celebrate and for others the day is about seeking change. With signs in…

Hotel Pikku to Open in Lincoln Park Craft District

Three Suite Hotel Expected to Open This Spring

DULUTH, Minn. – A new hotel is coming this spring to Duluth’s Lincoln Park Craft District. The Hotel Pikku is being created to give visitors to Duluth a place to stay that highlights what the hotel’s owners love about the city. Located on the 1900 block of West Superior Street right above Hemlocks Leatherworks, the little hotel will soon be…

Duluth City Council To Have First Read For Possible Tobacco Flavored Products Ban

If this ordinance does pass businesses would be given a 120 day notice to comply.

DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth City Council will have the first reading of an ordinance that could ban the sale of flavored tobacco products in convenience stores. Staff at the Piedmont Milk House in Duluth say they don’t want to sell flavored tobacco products to minors, but don’t agree with the city picking and choosing who can and can not sell those products. The store…

Bill Passes House to Reopen Government

Government operations funded through February 8th

AP Photo/J. Scott ApplewhiteWASHINGTON (AP) – Congress has approved a bipartisan agreement to re-open the federal government after a three-day partial shutdown. The House approved the bill, 266-150, hours after the Senate backed it, 81-18. President Donald Trump is expected to quickly sign the measure to fund government operations through Feb. 8. The votes set the stage for hundreds of…

Wisconsin Arts Board Seeking Input for Strategic Plan

Arts Board Officials Met With Artists and Community Members in Superior

SUPERIOR, Wis. – The Wisconsin Arts Board is creating its strategic plan for the next three years. The plan will outline where the board will invest in the state’s arts and creative sector. Monday, Arts Board officials met with artists and community members in Superior. The board is asking them for input about where to direct their resources in Northern…

City Seeking Developers For Land In Gary New Duluth

The lots are located at the 1100 block of U.S. Highway 23 at McGonagle Street.

DULUTH, Minn. – The city of Duluth is planning to redevelop some tax forfeited land to increase housing around the city. The 13 lots are located in Gary New Duluth and equal almost one acre of undeveloped land. The city is looking for developers to get creative and see what they can come up with for these lots. The goal is to get the…

National Guard Called in to Help With Those Caught in Storm

Storm Causing Delays at Multiple Airports

MINNEAPOLIS.-Gov. Mark Dayton has called out the Minnesota National Guard to help stranded motorists as a winter storm sweeps across the southern half of the state. Interstate 35 is closed between Owatonna and Faribault. Authorities are advising motorists to stay off the roads in southern Minnesota because of blizzard conditions. The storm is interrupting flights at Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport….

Philly Fans Behaving Badly

Eagles fans throw beer cans - Vikings fans donate money to fight cancer

(AP Photo/Winslow Townson)PHILADELPHIA (AP) —The Minnesota Vikings fans who walked through hostile enemy territory at the NFC championship game had to expect the boos, the obscene gestures, and the shouts to go home; But some behavior surpasses the limit of “unsportsmanlike.” Eagles fans opened coolers and chucked unopened beer cans at Vikings fans. Social media users captured snapshots of fans…

US Highway 2 Closed in Ashland

Weather Deteriorating at a Rapid Pace

UPDATE: US Highway 2 has been declared impassable and is closed on the Chequamegon Bayfront between State Highway 13 North in the town of Eileen and State Highway 112 in Ashland due to extreme weather conditions. Motorists must use the designated State Highway 137 alternate route. The closure will remain in effect until further notice. BAYFIELD, Wis.-Deteriorating driving conditions have authorities…

Superior Celebrates Winter with Annual Festival

Coffee Conversation: Lake Superior Ice Festival

SUPERIOR, Wis. -The City of Superior is celebrating the winter season. The Lake Superior Ice Festival is being held Friday, January 26 through Sunday, January 28. There will be The Great Lakes Pond Hockey Classic, ice sculptures, a snow slide, an ice bar, bonfires, a kid’s zone, ice racing, and more. The entire festival is taking place on Barker’s Island…

Historical Center Highlights Northland Connection to World War I

SUPERIOR, Wis. – A history center in the Twin Ports is taking on the subject of The Great War and how the area is connected to that war. The Richard I. Bong Veterans Historical Center is hosting “World War I in the Twin Ports” on Thursday, January 25 at 6:30 p.m. Local historian and Glensheen Mansion Director, Dan Hartman, will…

Government Shutdown to End Soon

Senate Has Advanced Bill to Reopen Federal Agencies Through Feb. 8

WASHINGTON, D.C.-It looks like the government shutdown will end soon. The Senate has advanced a bill reopening federal agencies through Feb. 8 after Democrats relented and lifted their blockade against the legislation. The shutdown began Saturday after Democrats derailed a Republican measure that would have kept government open until Feb. 16. Democrats wanted to pressure the GOP to cut a…

Blush Offers a New Space for Artists in Duluth

Bar and Event Venue Is All About Making People Feel Welcome

DULUTH, Minn. – Since last summer, there’s been another artist run venue in Downtown Duluth. Blush was founded by members of the Duluth music scene to create an inclusive space for artists on First Avenue West in Downtown Duluth. Since last August, Blush has offered performances and gallery showings by artists for artists. “It’s not really like heavily invested in…

Vikings Fans React to NFC Championship Game

Though Their Team Lost, Vikings Fans Will Always Remain Loyal

DULUTH, Minn. – “This was supposed to be the season but if it’s not, it’s not, but I still support my Vikings. Absolutely. All the time. Every day.” Faces of disappointment Sunday night for Minnesota Vikings fans after the Philadelphia Eagles take a win to head to the Super Bowl. Like many bars and restaurants across Duluth, all eyes were glued…

Minnesota Liquor Stores Busy on Championship Sunday

Sunday Is Usually a Slow Day at Bottle Shops, But Not When the Vikings Play

DULUTH, Minn. – Liquor stores in Minnesota are finding a boost in sales now that liquor sales are allowed on Sundays throughout the state. Employees at Shanty Bottle Shop in Duluth say football fans have been in a lot the past two weeks buying their favorite beer and spirits to cheer on the Vikings. “Sundays, I mean, compared to the…

Lil’ Icebreakers teaches young girls the hockey basics

Girls ages four to eight learned how to skate from local hockey experts

DULUTH, Minn. – A group of young girls got the chance to learn some hockey basics on Sunday. The Duluth Girls Hockey Association (DGHA) hosted the Lil’ Icebreakers Free Skate at the Heritage Sports Center in Duluth. Girls ages four to eight got to the chance to learn some techniques from local women hockey experts. “This open skate is a perfect…

Bowlers compete in the Underthun Challenge

Bowlers from the Midwest and Canada come to Duluth to play in the tournament

DULUTH, Minn. – Country lanes north bowling alley hosted the Underthun Auto Body Bowling Challenge tournament. To make things interesting, bowlers were only allowed to use certain parts of the lanes, making scoring a bit more difficult. “It gives it a pretty level playing field for everybody,” tournament sponsor Ryan Underthun said. “Anybody can win, and anybody can lose, and that’s…

Duluth Firefighters Respond To Structure Fire

DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth Fire Department responded to a structure fire at 503 North 27th Ave West Sunday afternoon around 1:50 p.m. Upon arrival, crews found heavy smoke inside with the kitchen area fully involved with fire. The one resident home at the time was able to get out safely. The fire was quickly extinguished, but caused around $50,000…

Woman Killed in Traffic Accident

SOLON SPRINGS, Wis. (Press Release) – One person is dead as the result of a traffic crash in Solon Springs on Saturday January 20, 2018. The crash was reported to Douglas County 911 at 11:42am at the USH 53 and North Boundary Rd intersection. Leita Antonson, 66, of Solon Springs was pronounced dead at the scene. Antonson had been driving southbound…

Local Volunteers Working Super Bowl Events

Several Northlanders Are Part of "Crew 52" Providing Event Hospitality in Minneapolis

DULUTH, Minn. – Local volunteers will be working around the Super Bowl in Minneapolis providing guest services for tourists coming to town. Friday, the local volunteers met near the Aerial Lift Bridge in Duluth. They are some of the 10,000 “Crew 52” members who will help with hospitality at the Super Bowl and the events leading up to the game….

Cute Puppies Take Over Fitger’s

The John Beargrease Sled Dog Marathon holds the puppy Cutest Puppy Contest a week before the big race

DULUTH, Minn. – The John Beargrease Sled Dog Marathon is happening next Sunday, but this weekend is all about the puppies.  Dozens of puppies were at the Fitgers complex in Duluth for the John Beargrease Cutest Puppy Contest. People got to meet the little pups, and then vote on which one is their favorite. “Everybody that enters their puppies seems to…

Birkebeiner Organizers Say 2018 Conditions Are Near Perfect

Last Year's Cross Country Ski Race Was Cancelled Because of Lack of Snow

HAYWARD, Wis. – Cross country skiers are excited to hear about snow in the forecast. Organizers of the American Birkebeiner tell us the trails are in really good shape and that the conditions are nearly perfect for the February ski race. “Snow on the ground is really an economic driver in the north woods and it helps with restaurants, it…