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Getting Prepared for Fishing Opener

Local Expert Gives Safety and Fishing Tips

DULUTH, Minn. – Hundreds of Minnesotans will be heading to the lake this weekend, all with the hope of catching a big one. The Minnesota Fishing Opener is Saturday, May 13. Russ Francisco, the owner of Marine General, says the most important thing to keep in your boat is a life jacket. He adds it’s important all child’s life jackets…

Kids Plant Trees in Cloquet for an Arbor Day Celebration

225 Kids Had the Chance to Help Plant a Forest

CLOQUET, Minn.- The sound of kids chattering and planting bars crunching into the Earth filled the air in a field on Mission road in Cloquet. It was for the annual Arbor Day Celebration, where experts and volunteers taught 4th grade students about trees, and how to plant them. “You have this thing it’s kinda like a shovel, you put it…

Water Aerobics with the Duluth YMCA

Active Adventures: Workout in the Water

DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth YMCA offers many options for getting active and one gets you in the pool. Water aerobics is a low impact, therapeutic, aerobic, and strength conditioning class. The class is open to all ages. For more information on the class and all the Duluth YMCA has to offer, call (218) 722-4745 or head to duluthymca.org. The…

Cloquet Community Garden is Ready for the Season

Gardeners in Cloquet have a community spot to grow

CLOQUET, Minn. – There’s a new community garden ready for gardeners in Cloquet. After two years of planning, the Cloquet Community Garden is ready to see some plants this spring. The land for the garden was donated by Zion Lutheran Church, and is available for members of the community who would like a place to plant things. “Here, it’s available, ready to…

Duluth Pack Celebrates Its Grand Reopening

Duluth Pack underwent a remodel earlier this year

DULUTH, Minn. – Duluth Pack in Canal Park went through a little remodeling earlier this year, and on Thurday, they celebrated their new look. The event included free beer from Dubh Linn Pub, as well as free pizza from Sammy’s Pizza. Organizers say it’s a good way to welcome the community back. “Having this event is a really great way to get…

Missing Man Found Alive in Cook County

Officials say Aaron Banks, 34, is a Twin Cities Resident Visitng a Family Cabin in Grand Marais

COOK COUNTY, Minn. – The Cook County Sheriff’s Office and Search & Rescue have located Aaron Banks, 34, after reportedly being missing since Thursday morning. Banks was located approximately a quarter mile in from Cliff Creek Pit near County Road 14, just off Highway 61 outside of Grand Marais. Banks was reported missing  by his wife after he didn’t return…

Crabby Ol’ Bill’s Saved From Closure

Opening Day Is May 26

DULUTH, Minn. – An iconic boat in Canal Park that has a summer smell like no other has been rescued. We’re talking about Crabby Ol’ Bill’s. FOX 21’s Dan Hanger confirmed Thursday the owners of Titanium Partners have purchased the historic boat along the Lakewalk and the business inside. The sale means the popular mini donuts of all kinds will…

Beloved Ashland Teacher Gets Huge Surprise

Hulmer Plans To Retire After 37 years

Ashland, Wis. For nearly four decades Christine Hulmer has taught band at Ashland High School. Hulmer has raised 4 outstanding boys; all who went through her class and according to her has an amazing husband that took care of the homestead while she worked long hours. “My husband gets mother’s day cards from my sons. He takes care of things…

Road Trip Season Means Time to Check Brakes

Many Shops Offer Free Inspections

DULUTH, Minn. – The brakes might just be the most important part of a car. After all, without brakes cars don’t stop, something which happens in all too often in Duluth. Under normal driving conditions, a set of brakes can last about a few years.  But in city like Duluth, with so many hills, brakes get worn much faster. “They…

Lakewalk Mini-Master Plan Will Focus on Safety, Infrastructure

The group Friends of the Lakewalk met Thursday to discuss ways to improve the trail

DULUTH, Minn. – The Lakewalk is one of the most used trails in Duluth, which is why the city is looking at ways to preserve and improve it. The lakewalk  mini–master plan is in its initial inventory stage. Crews were out today looking at the existing infrastructure of the trail, noting possible areas of improvement. Later this fall, the city’s…

Duluth Fire Engine Struck At Crash Scene Helped Protect Responding Crews

Firefighters say they specifically park trucks in front of accidents to protect responding rescue crews

DULUTH, Minn. – We’re getting a closer look at the damage a Duluth fire truck sustained while responding to an accident earlier this week. Late Tuesday night, a man lost control of his motorcycle while riding down Central Entrance Road. Shortly after, in the same location, another man lost control of his vehicle and struck a police car and fire…

Volunteers Raise Money Through Jewelry Sale

'Bling and Bargains' Could be Found

DULUTH, Minn. – A group of volunteers hoped to raise a lot of money for the Benedictine Living Community through an annual jewelry sale. This was the 22nd annual jewelry sale.  It started in 1996 as a way to raise money for the Benedictine Community. Over the years, the sale has grown from raising hundreds of dollars to thousands, thanks…

Dry Weather Means High Risk for Fires

Experts Call This Time of Year Spring Dip

CLOQUET, Minn.- With the dry weather and grass that hasn’t greened up all the way, many parts of the Northland is at a high risk for wild fires. Experts call this time of year, the Spring dip. It’s when the trees suck up moisture from the ground and dries up the fine fuels like grass, making it easier for wild…

Raising Awareness for Homeless Youth

"A Couch is Not a Home" Presentation Given at Thursday's Awareness Event

DULUTH, Minn. – Thursday afternoon hundreds of Northlanders came together at the Greysolon Ballroom in Downtown Duluth, raising awareness for youth homelessness in the Twin Ports. The benefit luncheon centered on the topic, “A Couch is Not a Home.” Organizers with Lutheran Social Services are looking to create conversation and financial support for youth who can’t go home. Those attending…

8th Graders Organize Food Drive

Students Were Inspired by Lessons on Genocide

SUPERIOR, Wis. – A group of 8th graders at Superior Middle School did their part to feed the hungry. These students organized a food drive and convinced classmates to donate. Lessons on The Holocaust and other genocides prompted the student who organized the drive to take action. “You always see people of starving people, and that still exists today, there…

White Nose Syndrome Causes Drastic Decline in Wisconsin Bat Population

  MADISON, Wis. – A deadly disease affecting bats, has spread to 24 Wisconsin counties, according to the Department of Natural Resources. White Nose Syndrome (WNS), has killed upwards of seven million bats throughout the United States and Canada, and has now decreased populations in Wisconsin from 30 to 100 percent in areas around the state. WNS is named for…

Battle Over Minnesota Budget Heats Up

Republicans and Democrats Still Have a Few Weeks to Strike a Deal

ST. PAUL, Minn.-Lawmakers have until May 22 to wrap up a new, two–year budget. But Republicans in the Senate couldn’t pass any budget bills Thursday for a second day because a GOP senator’s absence left them without the necessary votes. And Gov. Mark Dayton and legislative leaders weren’t negotiating. Republicans have already sent Dayton five budget bills after pulling out…

Blame Game Heats Up at Minnesota Capitol as Budget Work Hits a Standstill

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) – The Minnesota Legislature’s budget work is at a standstill. Lawmakers have until May 22 to wrap up a new, two-year budget, but Republicans in the Senate couldn’t pass any budget bills Thursday for a second day. A GOP senator’s absence left them without the necessary votes, and Gov. Mark Dayton and legislative leaders weren’t negotiating….

Search on for Missing Man in Cook County

Did not return from an early morning walk Thursday

Aaron Banks COOK COUNTY, Minn. – The Cook County Sheriff’s Department is seeking the public’s assistance in locating an individual who was reported missing Thursday morning. Aaron Banks, 34, was reported missing by his wife after he did not return from an early morning walk near County Road 14 West around 4 a.m, around seven miles east of Grand Marais….

Duluth Grill Owner Receives Inaugural Mary Mathews Legacy Award

Left to right: Jaima and Tom Hanson, Mary Mathews and Shawn Wellnitz Photo: Entrepreneur Fund DULUTH, Minn. – The Entrepreneur Fund has announced that the owner of the Duluth Grill and OMC Smokehouse, Tom Hanson, is the recipient of the inaugural Mary Mathews Legacy Award. The award recognizes outstanding small business owners in northeastern Minnesota and northwestern Wisconsin, and was created…

Lake Superior Railroad Museum to Celebrate National Train Day

Steam Locomotive #28 to be Dedicated and Christened

DULUTH, Minn. – With the warm weather taking over, this weekend is perfect for getting outside to explore Duluth and its history. National Train Day was marked this week and the Lake Superior Railroad Museum is hosting some fun events to celebrate. This is all taking place Saturday, May 13 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Duluth Depot. Steam Locomotive…

Events Announced for Duluth Dylan Fest 2017

May 20-28

DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth Dylan Fest has announced 13 events for this year’s celebration, May 20-28. Duluth Dylan Fest’s mission is to celebrate the spirit of artistic freedom, intellectual, honesty, and integrity of Duluth native, Bob Dylan. The fest is dedicated to showcasing Duluth’s vibrant art and music scene. This year’s event will celebrate Bob Dylan’s 76th birthday, as well…

In the Kitchen with FOX 21 Meteorologist Gino Recchia

Cooking Connection: Italian Sausage Rigatoni in a Red Wine Tomato Sauce

DULUTH, Minn. – For this week’s Cooking Connection the FOX 21 morning crew welcomed Chief Meteorologist Gino Recchia to the kitchen. Gino grew up around good food as his father owns a prominent restaurant in Chicago near Wrigley Field, Calo Ristorante. For the segment, Gino whipped up an easy, yet flavorful, rigatoni dish. Italian Sausage Rigatoni in a Red Wine…

One Dead in Crash Near Aurora

  WHITE TWP., Minn. – A 26-year-old male died Wednesday afternoon as the result of a head-on collision on Highway 135 in White Township, just North of Aurora. The crash victim, Elias Cersine of Eveleth, was driving a 2005 Chevy Impala on Northbound Highway 135. Ryan Hughes, 37 and of Aurora, was traveling Southbound on Highway 135. Hughes crossed the center line and…

Aurora Woman Dies in Three-Vehicle Crash

BIWABIK TWP., Minn. – An Aurora woman has died as a result of a crash Wednesday night. Marilyn Kriner, 66, has been identified as the victim of the crash. Kriner was driving a 2005 Chevy Classic and heading eastbound on Highway 135. A semi, driven by 40-year-old Todd Statsman of Eveleth, and a Toyota 4 runner, driven by Mary Walker of Hibbing, were…

Wish Babies Bringing Happiness to Homes

Carol Pederson Has Dealt With the Loss of Her Daughter, a Cancer Diagnosis, and Life's Unforgettable Lessons

DULUTH, Minn. – One Duluth woman, living through a roller coaster of unfortunate events, is now looking to brighten her mood by bringing smiles to others’ faces. Wish Babies were born, after one life was lost. New Jersey Native turned Florida girl, Carol Pederson has dealt with a strong dose of reality over her lifetime. “My husband, Greg, was diagnosed…

A & Dubs Is Back Open For The Season

DULUTH, Minn. – A popular Lincoln Park drive-in is back open for the season. A & Dubs was packed all day Wednesday with cars lining up outside for burgers, fries and of course the cold root beer. The restaurant has been a staple in Duluth for more than 50 years. The owner says it’s the fresh ingredients and homemade sauces…

Developer Has Big Plans For Former Bagley’s Building

Developer Kevin Kuklis Grew Up In Hermantown, Lives In Texas

DULUTH, Minn. – A new developer in town has big plans for the former Bagley’s building on the 300 block of West Superior Street. Kevin Kuklis, 40, is a Hermantown native who lives in Texas these days, but has a strong passion for downtown Duluth. Kuklis told FOX 21’s Dan Hanger he’s working on the top floor of the building…

Dick Beardsley Speaks with Middle Schoolers

Grandma's Marathon Champion Hopes to Inspire Kids to Live Healthy Lifestyles

SUPERIOR, Wis. – Grandma’s Marathon champion Dick Beardsley spoke with students at Superior Middle School. Beardsley talked about his past, including his athletic achievements and his addiction to narcotic pain killers. He and fellow speaker, Minnesota runner Emma Lee, hope to inspire kids to live healthy lifestyles free of drugs and with positive eating habits. “Maybe they’ll think back to…

Homegrown Photos on Display at Red Herring Lounge

Disposable Cameras Took Candid Pictures of Music Festival

DULUTH, Minn. – A photo display celebrating the Homegrown Music Festival is now being show in Duluth. During Homegrown this year, the Duluth Art Institute gave thirty disposable cameras to festival-goers. Now, the photos taken with those cameras are hanging from the ceiling at the Red Herring Lounge, so the photographers, and everyone else, can look back on the festival…

Duluth Car is a Finalist in National TV Contest

Michael Janousek's Modified 1988 Mazda is in Discovery Channel's Motor Mayhem

DULUTH, Minn. – A Duluth man had his car selected to be a finalist in a Discovery Channel Contest. Duluth’s own Michael Janousek bought a 1988 Mazda from his dad about 17 years ago. Now, the car he has worked hard to modify and make his own could win a national competition. Michael’s car is one of sixteen finalists in…

A & Dubs Drive-In Open for the Season

Cars lined up Wednesday at the West End staple to place orders for burgers, fries, and ice cold root beer

DULUTH, Minn. – A & Dubs is back open for the season! The popular West Duluth drive-in was packed all day with cars lining up outside for an order of burgers and fries. “They’re happy we’re open,” one employee said. “They’re ready for our root beer.” The seasonal restaurant has been a staple in the west end for more than…

Race Season Kicks Off Friday at AMSOIL Speedway

Late models, modifieds and super stock races will all be featured at the season opener

SUPERIOR, Wisc. – Races at AMSOIL Speedway in Superior kick off this Friday in Superior. Late models, modifieds and super stock races will all be featured at the season opener. Tonight, some of the drivers got in some practice runs for the first time this year. AMSOIL Speedway’s race director Bobby Wherritt says a lot of time has been put…

Shimmy Mobs Planned for Duluth

Belly Dance Events Raise Awarness for Sexual Assault Victims

DULUTH, Minn. – Saturday is the 6th annual World Belly Dance Day.  Duluth will celebrate with a series of Shimmy Mobs for the 2nd year in a row. A Shimmy Mob is similar to a Flash Mob with belly dancers.  They’re dancing to raise awareness for sexual assault prevention. Organizers say Shimmy Mobs are a fun way to handle a…

Duluth’s Top Cop, Fireman Honored

Prestigious Awards are Picked by Fellow Officers

DULUTH, Minn. – The Kiwanis Club helped honor the city’s Police Officer and Firefighter of the Year Wednesday. Joseph DeJesus was Police Officer of the Year, while Damon Laurion was Firefighter of the year. Both told FOX 21 they were humbled by the honors, because the awards were picked by their peers. “It means a lot,” said DeJesus.  “Words can’t…

City Council Approves More Waterfront Re-Zoning

Agreement Also Includes Possibility of Expanding Lakewalk

DULUTH, Minn. – Soon, a walk along the Lakewalk may entirely be along the lake. On Monday, Duluth’s city council unanimously approved re–zoning for the 2200 block of Water Street. As part of the re–zoning, the city hopes for an easement with the property owner, Duluth-based Titanium Partners, to extend the Lakewalk through Beacon Point and the Ledges townhomes. Duluth…

Hundreds of Northland Students Bike to School

National Bike to School Day Celebrated With More Than 300 Students Participating at Congdon Park Elementary

DULUTH, Minn. – Over 300 students from Duluth’s Congdon Park Elementary School woke up Wednesday morning, grabbed their backpacks and strapped on their bike helmets, all to celebrate National Bike to School Day. Each year, parents at local schools along with teachers and staff plan events to recognize the true meaning of getting to school on a bicycle. Organizers at…

High Fire Danger In Place Prompts The DNR To A Car Fire

Car Goes Up In Flames Near Wooded Area

DULUTH, Minn. – A car was engulfed in flames this morning around 10 a.m. Officials say the engine was likely the cause for the blaze. The car was parked at Kev’s Auto Sales off of Rice Lake Road.  No one was inside the vehicle at the time and no one was injured. It was burning for around 15 minutes and was…

Dayton Vetoes 2 GOP-Backed Abortion Bills

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) – Governor Mark Dayton has vetoed two GOP-backed bills that sought to limit abortions in Minnesota. The bills would have restricted public health programs from covering the procedure and created a permitting system for facilities that perform abortions. Republicans who control the Legislature argued greater protections were necessary both for the safety of women and for…

Governor Walker Declares State of Emergency as Wildfire Conditions are Elevated

MADISON, Wis. – Governor Scott Walker signed in Executive Order #242 today, declaring a State of Emergency in response to elevated wildfire conditions throughout the state. Due to dry conditions and high winds, Wisconsin has been experiencing above average fire occurrences, leading to a statewide wildfire threat. Walker stated this was a precautionary measure to “ensure everyone at the state…

Wisconsin Assembly Approves Stiffer Ignition Interlock Rule

MADISON, Wis. (AP) – The state Assembly has approved a bill that would create stiffer ignition interlock rules for drunken drivers. The bipartisan-supported measure passed Wednesday would prohibit all repeat offenders as well as first-time offenders with a blood alcohol percentage of 0.15 or greater from drivinga ny vehicle without an ignition interlock. State law already requires all offenders to…

Minnesota Health Commissioner Calls for Emergency Funding for Measles Outbreak

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) – Minnesota’s health commissioner is asking state legislators to provide $5 million for an emergency fund to deal with an outbreak of measles and other infectious diseases. Dr. Ed Ehlinger says public health officials are dealing with the largest measles outbreak in Minnesota in nearly 30 years and in recent months have responded to drug-resistant tuberculosis…

Human Remains Discovered in Pine County During Search for Sandstone Man

May be those of a man missing for 2 years

PINE COUNTY, Minn. – Human remains have been discovered after a search for a missing man, according to the Pine County Sheriff’s Office. Authorities indicate that on May 6, members of the search group United Legacy were conducting a search in the region for a man that has been missing since March 3, 2015. Kenneth “Scott” Kleppen, who went missing just…

Sen. Klobuchar Helps Minnesota Man Who IRS Falsely Declared ‘Dead’ for 29 Years

Photo: Fox 9 BROOKLYN PARK, Minn. (AP) – A U.S. Senator from Minnesota has helped a man rectify his struggle with the IRS, which declared him dead for nearly 30 years. FOX 9 reports that Senator Amy Klobuchar managed to reverse the false declaration and Adam Ronning is now recognized as being alive by government standards. The false declaration initially…