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Local Artwork for Sale at Lake Superior College

Students show off semester long art projects at LSC.

  DULUTH, Minn.- The fall semester is almost over for college students, Lake Superior College is showing off students’ semester long work with an art gallery. Northlanders can stop by the LSC and purchase the creations made by local students. The exhibit allows the artists to appreciate the skills they honed all semester long. One student told FOX21 art is her…

Duluth Tackles Budget Issues Tonight

Council Could Come Up With Budget That Will Help Fix Roads

DULUTH, Minn.-Tonight, the Duluth City Council will weigh different options on how to handle next year’s budget. There are talks of raising property taxes where a homeowner will see a $30 increase on an average Duluth home. If passed, the levy could help fill a budget gap which could reduce cuts to city staffing from the police department and parks…

Hacker Takes Over Explore Minnesota Facebook Page

(Explore MN) ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) – A hacker has taken control of the Facebook page of Minnesota’s tourism agency. Explore Minnesota’s Facebook account has been hacked since Monday morning, with bizarre postings. Agency spokeswoman Alyssa Hayes says Explore Minnesota’s social media team is working with Facebook and the state of Minnesota’s IT services to try to regain control of…

Wisconsin Senate Clerk Has Received 2 Sexual Harassment Complaints

MADISON, Wis. (AP) – The state Senate’s chief clerk says his office has received two sexual harassment complaints against a senator or Senate employee over the last decade. The Associated Press asked both the Assembly and Senate clerks for copies of all sexual harassment complaints against members and employees received since 2007. Both clerks denied the request last week citing…

Sen. Schoen Submits Official Resignation Letter

ROSE HEAPHY - FOX 9

Sen. Dan SchoenST. PAUL, Minn. (KMSP) – State Senator Daniel Schoen submitted his official resignation to Governor Mark Dayton Monday afternoon after multiple allegations of sexual misconduct. Accusations of misconduct were first reported by MinnPost last month. Rep. Erin Maye Quade also told Fox 9 she received a series of inappropriate text messages from Schoen. About two weeks ago, Schoen’s attorney confirmed he would resign from his…

Police Investigating Homicide in Lavell Township

HIBBING, Minn. – The St. Louis County Sheriff’s Office is investigating the death of a woman who was found in her home last week. According to police, the woman was identified as 71-year-old Courtney Lee Fenske of Lavell Township, just southeast of Hibbing. Preliminary autospy results from the Midwest Medical Examiner’s Office indicates that Fenske died as a result of…

Difficult Driving Conditions Expected Late this Afternoon, Evening

DULUTH, Minn. – A large weather system is moving into northern Minnesota that is expected to create difficult driving conditions in the region. The Minnesota Department of Transportation is advising motorists to watch the weather carefully as road conditions often deteriorate quickly. Rain has been falling across the region, leaving roads wet, which can rapidly freeze when temperatures drop. Freezing…

NASA Nails Test on Voyager Spacecraft, 13 Billion Miles Away

This rendering provided by NASA shows Voyager 1. NASA has nailed a thruster test on Voyager 1, a spacecraft 13 billion miles away. CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. (AP) – NASA has nailed an engine test on a spacecraft 13 billion miles away. Last week, ground controllers sent commands to fire backup thrusters on Voyager 1, our most distant spacecraft. The thrusters…

Essentia Health Pharmacies Accepting Unwanted Medications

Anyone can safely and anonymously drop off at all pharmacy locations

DULUTH, Minn. – Essentia Health is looking to keep unused or expired medications out of the wrong hands, as well as out of landfills and waters. Essentia announced Monday that anyone looking to get rid of prescription and over-the-counter drugs can do so anonymously at any Essentia Health retail pharmacy. Pharmacies are now equipped with bright blue drop-off boxes. Certain…

Dayton Pencils in Feb. 12 Election for Resigning Lawmakers

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) – Special elections to fill two legislative seats held by Minnesota lawmakers accused of sexual harassment will likely be held Feb. 12. Gov. Mark Dayton said Monday he planned to schedule the election for the second Monday in February. He can’t call the special election until the receives the resignation letter from Democratic Sen. Dan Schoen….

Walker Moving Ahead with Plan to Drug Test Food Stamp Users

MADISON, Wis. (AP) – Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker is moving ahead with his plans to require able-bodied adults who receive food stamps to be screened for illegal drugs, even through questions remain over whether it’s allowed under federal law. The plan was approved by Republican-controlled Legislation more than two years ago, but it languished because it conflicts with federal rules….

Family Agrees $2M Settlement in Teen’s Dental Surgery Death

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) – The family of a Minneapolis-area teen who died during surgery to remove her wisdom teeth has reached a $2 million settlement with the oral surgeon that performed the procedure. A medical malpractice lawsuit filed against Dr. Paul Tompach said negligent and dangerous actions during the routine procedure led to the death of 17-year-old Sydney Galleger in June…

Glensheen Mansion Celebrates Christmas in True Congdon Form

More than 25 Christmas Trees Fill Historic Mansion

DULUTH, Minn. – Christmas is just a few weeks away and the folks over at Glensheen Mansion are already celebrating. The Historic Congdon Estate is decked out with lights, garland, and more than 25 Christmas trees. Christmas tours are in full swing at the mansion. All tours have a little Christmas flair with the beautiful decorations, and there’s even a…

Trump Offers Full Support for Embattled Republican Roy Moore

Roy Moore (AP) WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump endorsed embattled Republican Roy Moore in the Alabama Senate race on Monday, looking past sexual misconduct allegations against the GOP candidate to argue that his vote is needed in Congress. Trump tweeted early Monday that “Democrats refusal to give even one vote for massive Tax Cuts is why we need Republican…

Strength in Community Scholarship Supports Northland Education

FOX 21 Offers $21,000 Worth of Scholarships

DULUTH, Minn. – FOX 21, along with partners, is once again giving back to students in the Northland. This is through Fox 21’s Strength in the Community Scholarship. It aims at educating students in the Northland who are looking for jobs in the Northland. If you’re a high school senior with a GPA between 2.5 and 3.5, be sure to…

Sinkhole on I-694 in Oakdale, Minnesota After Water Main Break

FOX 9 KMSP

(KMSP) – Even for a Sunday morning, Interstate 694 through Oakdale was unusually quiet after a large water main break caused a giant sink hole beneath the roadway around 9:30 a.m. According to the Washington County sheriff’s office, this will cause water issues for Oakdale residents, as well as road closures in both directions between 10th Street and 34th Street. Minnesota State Patrol reports…

Owl Rescued From Barbed Wire Fence

Discovered in stuck on the fence near Gilbert

An owl was rescued from a barbed wire fence this month in Gilbert. Resident Luke Soderling sent FOX 21 video of it all on camera from the Iron Range. Click here to see the full video. He was able to cut the fence and get the owl wrapped up and taped up in a towel. He took it to Wildwoods,…

Several Northlanders Hospitalized from Possible Carbon Monoxide Exposure

Several Northlanders were hospitalized due to possible exposure, some were airlifted into Duluth.

VIRGINIA, Minn.- Seven Northlanders on the Iron Range are in the hospital after possible carbon monoxide exposure. The owner of the residence where this happened says three people live in the home and four others were visiting. Their condition has not been released Sunday. Fire Department Officials say it’s important for people to be educated about this silent killer. The…

Families Shop at Christmas Market in Superior

Eighth Annual Event Features Local Vendors

SUPERIOR, Wis. – Families shopped local for the holidays at the Christmas Market in Superior this weekend. The eighth annual event is in the community gardens at the corner of Hammond and Broadway. People can buy everything from arts and crafts to pet grooming supplies. The event organizer says she missed the Christmas markets in her native Germany, so she…

‘Tree of Lights’ Ceremony Helps Grieving Families

Essentia Health's Annual Ceremony Is a Fundraiser for Grief Support Services

DULUTH, Minn. – A ceremony at Essentia Health helps grieving families get through the holiday season. The holidays can be difficult for families experiencing the loss of a loved one. At Essentia Health’s Tree of Lights Ceremony, people experiencing grief come together to connect with others going through the same emotions. At the ceremony, families remember, honor and thank special…

7 Hospitalized After Carbon Monoxide Poisoning in Virginia

First Responders evaluated for CO Exposure

Seven people were taken to the hospital Sunday morning following  carbon monoxide exposure in Virginia. It happened around 10:10 a.m. Sunday on the 1200 block of 19th Street South. Ambulance crews from Virginia, Eveleth and Biwabik were dispatched to the scene. The seven people inside were transported to a local hospital for treatment, with several airlifted to other medical facilities….

Get It Local Fair a Chance to Shop Small

Annual Gift Fair Had More Than 35 Twin Ports Vendors

DULUTH, Minn. – Families had another chance to shop small this holiday season at the Get It Local Fair in Duluth. The fair had more than thirty-five vendors selling locally made gifts and artwork. About three hundred people filtered through the Peace United Church of Christ finding hand made crafts and meeting the artists. “It’s such an opportunity this time…

Winter Village a Taste of Duluth

The first day of Winter Village brought in a large crowd.

DULUTH, Minn.- Northlanders supporting small businesses and got into the holiday spirit at Winter Village. The event brings together popular local vendors to spark shopping small during the giving season. Families and friends can browse the vendors, which are set up outside at Glensheen Mansion. Coordinators told FOX21 it’s a great place to find a gift made right here in the…

A Look Inside Throw-A-Thon From the Turntable

The Throw-a-Thon is open to the public and is a unique way to help feed hungry Northlanders.

DULUTH, Minn.- It’s the giving time of year, local artists are helping feed hungry Northlanders in a creative way during the 18th annual Throw-A-Thon. Over the past 17 years the Throw-A-Thon has donated nearly $155,ooo from Empty Bowls. “It’s definitely out of the ordinary,” student Faith Runquisd said. “I mean somebody wouldn’t think okay I’m going to contribute to the…

Hmong Community Prepares to Celebrate New Year

Coppertop Church will be the place to be to celebrate Hmong culture Saturday

DULUTH, Minn. –  The people of the local Hmong community are getting ready for a celebration this Saturday.  The Hmong New Year celebration is happening on Saturday at the First United Methodist Church, also known as the Coppertop Church in Duluth. It will be a celebration of Hmong culture with traditional music, clothing and of course, great food. “Coming here…

Hermantown Students Graduate from D.A.R.E.

More than 170 sixth graders graduated the program

HERMANTOWN, Minn. – Hermantown kids are ready for some of life’s toughest lessons, thanks to the D.A.R.E program. More than 170 sixth grade students graduated from the 2017 D.A.R.E program In Friday. Hermantown police handed out certificates and prizes. The program teaches kids about the effects of drugs and alcohol, but it doesn’t stop there. “The D.A.R.E. program is so much…

Northlanders Raise Awareness on World AIDS Day

More than 36 million people are living with HIV

DULUTH, Minn. – A candlelight vigil took place in  Downtown Duluth to commemorate the lives lost to HIV and AIDS, as well as draw attention to the illness as a way to de-stigmatize the topic. “People with HIV and AIDS are just that – They’re people,” advocate Will McGraw said. “I think that all people deserve to feel safe and respected…

New City Budget Could Increase Your Property Taxes

Mayor Emily Larson's budget proposal is nearly a six percent increase from 2017's budget

DULUTH, Minn. -Along with drawing from the city’s reserve fund, the typical Duluth homeowner could see a $30 property tax increase if a city budget proposal passes. Duluth Mayor Emily Larson’s proposal would try to fill the budget gap partially through cutting staff from city departments and increasing your property taxes. Part of the proposal includes spending an additional $1…

UMD Wants You To Go Biking In the Winter

Students also got on a Fender Blender, where students pedaled to blend the food that was in the blender

DULUTH, Minn. -Winter is here and UMD wants you to get in gear. Students from an environmental group on campus are trying to get more people to participate in winter biking activities. “Growing up in Minnesota a lot of people don’t think about going roller skating during the winter or doing a lot of those outside activities that don’t involve snow and so…

Vikre Distillery Helping Plant Trees One Bottle At a Time

Bottles from the liquor stores, cocktail room or from the bar all qualify for the tree planting

DULUTH, Minn. – For the month of Dec. if you buy a bottle from the Vikre Distillery they’ll plant a tree. The bottles are priced between $23 and $35. Even the gin is named after, you guessed it, trees like spruce and cedar. “We’re really committed to sustainability,” said Vikre Distillery Visitor Experience & Events Manager Chelsy Whittington. “We’re a triple bottom…

Cloquet’s B&B Market Lends A Helping Hand For Best Christmas Ever

B&B will also sponsor single families and this is the 10th year they've done it

CLOQUET, Minn. – Cloquet’s B & B  Market wants to help deserving families have the best Christmas ever. Proceeds from the trees and wreaths they sell will make that happen. When you walk inside you’re greeted by a Best Christmas Ever tree that lets the public pitch in. The tags on the trees are gifts that you can buy and…

Winter Village Encourages Shopping Small

Nearly 40 of Duluth's local vendors will sell special Holiday crafts.

DULUTH, Minn.- Coming up this weekend, locals can experience a special taste of the holidays during the Northland’s second Winter Village. The celebration is on the grounds of the Glensheen Mansion on Dec. 1st to Dec. 2nd. The event brings together Duluth’s small shops. More than 40 vendors will be showing off their crafts. It’s the second time the Lake Superior…

New Dog Park Opens in the Northland

A new dog park has officially opened in Superior.

SUPERIOR, Wis.- Dog parents now have a new place to take their four legged friends in the Northland. A dog park is officially open in Superior, at the Millennium Trail Head. With all the wagging tails it’s safe to say the space is a well needed spot for the community. “We all recognize that dogs are part of our families,…

Body Armor Donated to Duluth PD’s K9

(Duluth Police Dept.) DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth Police Department has announced their K9, Haas, will receive a bullet and stab protective vest thanks to a non-profit out of East Taunton, Massachusetts. Vested Interest in K9s, Inc, is a charity whose mission is to provide protective vests and other assistance to dogs of law enforcement and related agencies throughout the…

Utility Repair Scheduled for 1500 Block of East Superior Street

DULUTH, Minn. – The City of Duluth Public Works will be conducting a utility repair in the 1500 block of East Superior Street on Tuesday, Dec. 5. The department reports that a water leak was identified in this area. Repairs will occur from approximately 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Residents and businesses may experience a disruption in water service during…

GOP Nears Senate OK of Tax Bill After Flurry of Final Deals

WASHINGTON (AP) — Republicans used a burst of eleventh-hour horse-trading Friday to edge to the brink of Senate passage of a $1.4 trillion tax bill, as a party starved all year for a major legislative triumph took a giant step toward giving President Donald Trump one of his top priorities by Christmas. “We have the votes,” Senate Majority Leader Mitch…

Super Bowl Live Concert Series Will Include Prince Tribute

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) – A series of free, outdoor concerts during the 10-days leading up to the Super Bowl will include a Prince tribute and plenty of Minnesota flavor. Producers Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis, announced their concert lineup for Super Bowl Life on Friday. The festival will include a “Prince night,” during which Sheila E., the Revolution, and Morris Day…

New Opioid Guidelines Released in Minnesota

$1.4 Million Coming to State to Fight Opioid Addiction

ST. PAUL, Minn.-New guidelines were announced today by the Minnesota governor’s office that could cut the risk of opioid addiction. The guidelines could help medical professionals in deciding when to prescribe opioids, along with how to monitor their use. In 2016, 376 people died from opioid overdoses in Minnesota, which was a 12 percent increase over the previous year. “These…

DNR: Early Ice is Not Safe, Wear Life Jackets on Cold Water

MINNESOTA – With daytime temperatures still reaching above freezing, the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources is reminding the public to stay clear of early ice and use extreme caution when venturing on dangerously cold waters. Some locations in northern and western regions of the state have been reporting ice formation, recent fluctuations in temperatures have led to degrading ice conditions…

Walker Signs Bill Tightening Election Recount Requirements

MADISON, Wis. (AP) – Gov. Scott Walker has just made it harder to ask for an election recount in Wisconsin. Walker on Thursday signed into law a bill introduced in reaction to Green Party presidential candidate Jill Stein’s 2016 recount request in Wisconsin after she finished a distant fourth. Under the new law, only candidates who trail the winner by…

Minnesota Prosecutors Sue Drug Companies Over Opioid Crisis

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) – A group of Minnesota county attorneys are suing drug distributors and manufacturers over the opioid crisis. The goal is to try to recover the government’s cost of dealing with opioid addiction, which prosecutors say increased when drug companies amped up their marketing for opioids as a way to treat chronic pain and for long-term use….

Hunters Harvest Over 195,000 Deer in Wisconsin 9-Day Gun Season

MADISON, Wis. – Preliminary registration numbers are in for Wisconsin’s nine-day gun deer season. According to the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, there was a slight increase in the statewide buck harvest, with 98,364 – the northern counties showing the most significant increases in harvest. Overall, the DNR reports that 195,738 deer were registered a slight decrease from 197,262 registered…

Local Agreement with Foxconn Signed Friday

MOUNT PLEASANT, Wis. (AP) – Foxconn Technology Group executives and officials from Racine County and Mount Pleasant are signing a local development agreement that seals the deal on the company’s $10 billion manufacturing complex. The county and village boards approved the development agreement earlier this week. It outlines the responsibilities for the parties involved and includes guarantees and protections for…

Job Market Booming on Iron Range

Unemployment Rate Could Go Up in Winter

VIRGINIA, Minn.-Unemployment rates on the Iron Range have reached their lowest level since the millennium, reaching four percent in September. This comes on the heels of the mining industry gaining strength while also getting solid performances out of seasonal construction and tourism jobs. Local labor experts tell us the trend is expected to continue on. “It’s kind of expected for…