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Aimee Tischer Performs on FOX 21 for Duluth Homegrown Music Festival

Tischer's Full Performance Takes Place Tonight

DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth Homegrown Music Festival is filling the town with some beautiful sounds and it’s continuing through the weekend. This morning, Aimee Tischer performed on FOX 21 Local News at Eight ahead of her show tonight. Tischer is playing at Blacklist Artisan Ales tonight, Friday, May 5 at 8:00 p.m. For more on Tischer’s music and future…

Slip Bridge To Temporarily Rise For Boats Friday

Reconstruction Work Expected To Be Complete By Grandma's Marathon

DULUTH, Minn. –  The city of Duluth tells FOX 21 the reconstruction work being done on the Minnesota Slip Bridge is ahead of schedule by a few days and is expected to open up this Friday. The raising of the bridge will allow the Vista Fleet and charter businesses to get their boats docked in the slip. The city expects…

Eroding Sea Wall Forces Relocation Of Vista Fleet

Local Tourist Attraction Still To Operate As Normal

DULUTH, Minn. — Crumbling sea walls have forced emergency repairs behind the DECC, and that includes a major shift in operations for the Vista Fleet. Years of erosion is now heavily affecting the Vista Fleet. Its 100-ton boat is being forced to move to a temporary docking station for the season. The city says the section of sea wall that…

UWS Celebrates Unity

It was a night of unity on the UWS campus highlighting the diversity established within the student body. The event called light up the night was hosted by the social work student association to highlight the appreciation for the value of diversity while also making sure all students feel welcomed. “This event is really important to our campus because it…

Mario-Themed Chalk Art in Canal Park

Artists Drew Mario, Princess Peach, and a Whole Level From the Game

DULUTH, Minn. – Anyone who walked along the lakewalk the last couple days may have noticed some Mario-themed chalk art. The mural depicts Mario himself, Princess Peach, and a whole level of the game, including fish and lava. Two artists made the chalk sketch on Wednesday to give lake walkers something fun to do while enjoying the beautiful weather. “We’ve…

Denfeld Releases 2017 Lip Dub Video

Denfeld Students Have Made Videos Since 2014 to Promote School Pride

DULUTH, Minn. – Denfeld High School released their annual lib dub video today. The videos have become somewhat of a tradition. Since 2014, students have put the work in each year, showcasing their video production and lip synching skills to show hunter pride for their school. Each of the last four years, Denfeld High School students have produced and choreographed…

It’s Moving Season, And Couches Are Back on Sidewalks

Putting Couches Out on Sidewalks Is Against City Code in Duluth

DULUTH ,Minn.- Schools like UMD Offer recycling programs, where students can schedule for a crew to come pick up old unwanted furniture. But during move out season each year, many couches, chairs and mattresses are just left on sidewalks. If you’re looking to get rid of furniture this spring, there are many places people can take those items. Organizations like…

Duluth Lions Club Hosts 60th Annual Pancake Day

Money Raised from Thursday's Event will go Toward Sight, Hearing, Youth and Diabetes Programs

DULUTH, Minn. – For 60 years, Northlanders have been coming together and flipping flapjacks all for a great cause. The annual Duluth Lions Club Pancake Day happened all day at the DECC Thursday. Organizers spent the Wednesday preparing over 2,600 pounds of pancake batter along with 700 gallons of coffee and 41 cases of syrup. Hundreds of volunteers came together…

Uber and Lyft are Now Available at Duluth Airport

Have Already Begun Operating There

DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth Airport Authority Board has approved agreements to allow Uber and Lyft to operate there. Officials told us those ride-sharing organizations have already signed operating agreements with the airport. The ridesharing operators will have to pay some fees like the taxi companies do at the airport, to operate there. “There’s a demand in our region for…

DNR K9’s Sniff Out Invasive Species

Officers Can Find Zebra Mussels on Boats

DULUTH, Minn. – With Minnesota’s Fishing Opener around the corner, plenty of boats will be on the water. The Department of Natural Resources wants to raise awareness about invasive species. Aquatic invasive species, specifically zebra mussels, are a big problem in Minnesota lakes.  The DNR is pulling out all the stops to stop the spread. One measure; four K9 units…

Special Athletes Shine on Arrowhead Youth Day

More than 350 Athletes Competed at UMD

DULUTH, Minn. – It may be exam week at the University of Minnesota Duluth, but that didn’t stop the school’s athletic facilities from getting a good workout Thursday. More than 350 athletes with disabilities from 23 Northland schools were on campus for the annual Arrowhead Youth Say presented by the Courage Kenny Rehabilitation Institute. These special competitors spent the day…

Prayer Day Held in Superior

Trying to Bring Positive Vibes to the Community

SUPERIOR, Wis. – The 66th National Day of Prayer was held today outside the courthouse in Superior. The event today was newly elected mayor Jim Paine’s first prayer event. The event was held to help bring positive vibes not only for the community, but the nation as well. The leader of the prayer group, Rose Ligman, said the prayer is…

Study Shows Duluth Roads in Disrepair

Majority of City Streets are Rated Mediocre or Worse

DULUTH, Minn. – A new study By national transportation resarch group TRIP says 69% of Duluth roads are rated either mediocre or poor. Staggering as that figure is, the number is expected to go up by 80 percent by 2020. A transportation sales tax raised $100 million in road improvement revenue but officials say they need more help from the…

Multiple Students Injured in Bemidji School Bus Rollover Crash

Update 5/4: Authorities have released the names of the individuals involved in the incident. The driver of the passenger vehicle has been identified as Thomas Lee Nielsen, 29 of Chattanooga, TN and the bus driver of the bus as Patrick Russell Stout, 47, of Bemidji. The Minnesota State Patrol is currently working with the Beltrami Sheriff’s Department with reconstructing the…

Thousands of Bottles of Gin Recalled for Too Much Alcohol

(CNN) – Canadian health authorities have launched a nationwide recall of Bombay Sapphire gin after bottles containing nearly double the advertised amount of alcohol were discovered. The Canadian Food Inspection Agency said the bottles were found to contain 77 percent alcohol by volume rather than the 40 percent, as labeled on the bottle. The company, which is produced by Bacardi,…

Pre-Existing Conditions and the Health Plan: Who’s Covered?

(AP) – The Republican push to replace the Affordable Care Act was revived this week in Congress by a change to their plan designed to combat concerns over coverage for those with pre-existing health problems. The change helped get the bill through the House of Representatives in a tight vote Thursday, but experts say it may make little difference in…

41 Deaths on Wisconsin Roads Last Month

MADISON, Wis. – Forty-one people died in Wisconsin traffic crashes last month, according to preliminary data from the Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT). This data shows the same as April of last year. As of April 30, a total of 143 people have died in Wisconsin traffic crashes this year, including six motorcyclists and 17 pedestrians. Traffic deaths through April…

Ex-School Official Charged in Sex Abuse Case in Wisconsin

LA CROSSE, Wis. (AP) – A former Catholic school administrator from western Wisconsin has been charged with enticing a teenager for sex. Court documents allege 59-year-old Steven Smolek told police he chatted online with a 16-year-old boy and met him while living in Mosinee in January 2015. Charges against Smolek include child enticement and sexual intercourse with a child. The…

Teague Alexy Performs on FOX 21 Ahead of Duluth Homegrown Appearance

Duluth Homegrown Music Festival runs through Sunday

DULUTH, Minn. – Music has taken over the city as the Duluth Homegrown Music Festival is well underway. The festival runs through Sunday, May 7th and will feature two hundred musical acts at multiple venues in Duluth and Superior. The Greater Downtown Council is sponsoring a Homegrown Trolley over the weekend for a quick and free ride up and down Superior…

UMD Chef Heads to National Competition

Cooking Connection: UMD Chef Conor Maki

DULUTH, Minn. – A University of Minnesota Duluth chef is heading to a national competition, the National Association of College and University Food Services (NACUFS) regional conference. Conor Maki will be competing against six other chefs from across the country. Maki won the gold medal at the NACUFS culinary competition in Fargo, N.D. on February 21, 2017. Conor’s winning dish was…

House Votes to Repeal Affordable Care Act

Senate Still Needs to Vote on Bill

WASHINGTON, D.C.- Relieved Republicans have pushed their prized health care bill through the House. The mostly party-line 217-213 vote advances a bill that addresses their longtime pledge to erase the 2010 Obama health care law. Thursday’s vote sends the measure to the Senate. Many senators consider the House bill too harsh and it’s expected to undergo substantial changes. The House…

Two Arrested in Duluth on Drug Sale Charges

DULUTH, Minn. – The Lake Superior Drug and Violent Crimes Task Force executed a search warrant on Monday May 1, at an apartment in the 2300 block of West 6th Street, as a result of an investigation into the sale of controlled substances. Numerous complaints from neighbors had been received by the LSDVCTF about short-term traffic and other suspicious activity…

Petition For Councilor Garfield’s Resignation; Picket Planned

Feminist Justice League Is Behind The Mission For Removal

SUPERIOR, Wis. – Advocates against domestic violence say they are not standing down on their mission to get Superior city councilor Graham Garfield to resign amid domestic abuse charges. The Feminist Justice League has launched a Change.org petition for Garfield’s removal, which will be delivered to the city council at a later date. The League plans to also picket outside…

Duluth Firefighters Hold Pinning Ceremony

New Hires and Promotions Honored

A new firefighter tradition continued in Duluth Wednesday, giving recognition to firefighters who have excelled at the job. At the Duluth Depot, the fire department held the second annual pinning ceremony. New firefighters and those recently given promotions were honored as well as the Kiwanis Firefighter of the Year. Family members and the firefighter’s children were able to pin the…

City Needs Input on Lincoln Park Upgrades

Planning Meeting Scheduled for May 15th

DULUTH, Minn. – Lincoln Park is just one parks the city is improving with $18 million in tourism tax dollars From the St. Louis River Corridor Initiative. Lincoln Park’s current playground sits across a city street from the picnic area.  Residents and officials want the playground and pavilion on the same side of the street. There’s a public meeting planned…

100-Plus Pack Open House For Proposed Kwik Trip; Many Not Thrilled

Site Is Proposed at Boundary Avenue in Duluth

PROCTOR, Minn. — It was standing room only at the Proctor Black Woods Wednesday night where residents and business owners sounded off against a proposed Kwik Trip on Boundary Avenue and U.S. Hwy 2 in Duluth. The people who showed up came from not only Duluth but also Proctor. “Every place they build a mom and pop operation has gone…

Sharing the Beauty of the Northland One Photo at a Time

Special Report: Top photographers give an inside look at how they capture stunning scenes throughout northern Minnesota

NORTH SHORE, Minn. – It’s an absolutely perfect sunny day on the North Shore of Lake Superior. Just a day shy of a major storm, the wind is calm but the waves are crashing against the rocks on the shoreline. “It’s just raw beauty,” says Christian Dalbec, clad in a wet suit and a pair of pants he shyly admits…

Duluth YMCA Gets People Moving on Walking Wednesdays

The walks will start each Wednesday through the month of May

DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth YMCA is doing its part to get people moving more throughout the month of May. Anybody is invited to take part in “Walking Wednesdays”. It’s all part of the city’s Bus Bike Walk month. Wednesday night, a group of walkers made its way from the YMCA down to Canal Park. Organizers say it’s a great…

Folk School Hosts Beginner Bike Maintenance Class

Instructors gave hands-on lessons to bikers, showing them how to properly fix breaks and gears, as well as how to change a flat tire

DULUTH, Minn. – If you’re just getting your bike out for the season, it might be time for a little tune up. This evening, the Duluth Folk School hosted a beginner bike maintenance class. Instructors gave hands-on lessons to bikers, showing them how to properly fix breaks and gears, as well as how to change a flat tire. Organizers say…

Stock Car Racing Season Beginning in the Northland

The Weather Has Delayed the Beginning of the Season

PROCTOR, Minn.- Stock Car Racing Season is beginning in the Northland. Today, Representatives from all of the Northern Tier tracks of the Wissota Promoters Association gave an overview of their upcoming seasons and dates. Though the season is starting a little late because of weather, race fans are excitedly to finally get out to the tracks. “The cabin fever is…

Head of the Lakes United Way Hosts Luncheon

Volunteers and Organizations Were Honored for Their Work

DULUTH, Minn.- The Head of the Lakes United Way honored people and organizations that have helped with their cause through volunteering and monetary donations. United Way held their Annual Luncheon at the DECC today. It’s a chance for their organization to say thank you to their community partners, and celebrate all the work that United Way and its volunteers have…

Duluth Lions Club Pancake Day is Thursday

It's The Organization's Biggest Fundraiser

  DULUTH, Minn.- Pancake Day is the Lions Club’s biggest fundraiser each year, and last year, the organization was able to raise $50,000 to give back to the community. Thousands of people attend Pancake day each year. Funds are raised through ticket sales, which are 6 dollars in advance, and 7 dollars at the door. The Money raised at the…

Cloquet Legion Post Closing Its Doors

Post Can't Afford to Run Clubhouse

CLOQUET, Minn. – Wednesday was bittersweet for members American Legion Post 262. The post recently sold its clubhouse, and Wednesday the packing up process started. Post 262 started in 1919 and moved into their current location close to two decades ago.  For now, they’ll share a space with the local Veterans of Foreign Wars chapter. The Post Commander says the…

DAV Rummage Sale Set for Saturday

Proceeds Help Veterans in Need

CLOQUET, Minn. – The Disabled American Veterans host a rummage sale Saturday at Cloquet’s National Guard Armory. Standard rummage sale fare will be available, but organizers say this sale is unique, as it’s on an honor system. “We do not mark anything, price anything,” said Gary Dahl with the DAV.  “People come in, see what they need or want, and…

Man Wanted in Connection to Death Investigation in Crookston

CROOKSTON, Minn. – The Crookston Police Department is seeking the public’s assistance in locating an individual who may have information related to a death investigation. Eddie Markeith Frazier is described as age 49, 6′ 4″ tall, 320 pounds, with black hair, and brown eyes. He is believed to be driving a silver 4-door 2001 Oldsmobile Aurora with Minnesota license plate…

Hermantown Man Receives 60 Year Prison Sentence for Sex Assault

Believed to be the longest durational sentence imposed for sex crimes since implementation of sentencing guidelines

  DULUTH, Minn. – A Hermantown man received a 60-year prison sentence today for sexually assaulting a pre-teen girl. It is believed to be the longest durational sentence for a sex crime in the county since the implementation of Minnesota sentencing guidelines in the early 1980s, according to St. Louis County Attorney Mark Rubin. In March, a St. Louis County…

Tick-borne Powassan Virus Confirmed in 6 Minnesota Counties

PINE, ANOKA, CASS, CLEARWATER, HOUSTON, & MORRISON

(KQDS) – A tick-borne disease, Powassan, has been confirmed in six Minnesota counties so far this year, including Pine, Anoka, Cass, Clearwater, Houston, and Morrison, according to the Minnesota Department of Health. Since 2008, there have been 22 reported cases in the state of Minnesota, one fatal, and researchers warn that the number could grow. The Powassan (POW) virus is…

Superior City Councilor Back in Court Today

Next Hearing is Scheduled for May 26

SUPERIOR, Wis.-Superior City Councilor Graham Garfield was in Douglas County Court today to face the four domestic abuse charges including one felony. Garfield was recently asked by Superior Mayor Jim Paine to resign from his post, but the councilor is refusing to do so, wanting the process to play out in the courts. The case relates back to an alleged…

Wisconsin Lawmakers Circulating Bills Targeting Big Box Stores

MADISON, Wis. (AP) – Big box stores in Wisconsin are begin targeted in a pair of bipartisan-backed bills circulating in the state Legislature. The bill unveiled Wednesday set up a fight pitting retail giants like Menards, Lowe’s, and ShopKo against Wisconsin cities and villages. The issue is how the value of the operating stores is determined for property taxes. The…

Douglas County Sheriff Involved in 3 Car Crash

POPLAR, Wis. – The Douglas County Sheriff’s Office reports that a County Deputy was involved in a three car crash involving minor injuries. The incident happened Wednesday morning on U.S. Highway 2, according to authorities. Deputy Kris Witt  was westbound on USH 2 near Bayfield Road, west of Poplar, when she pulled onto the shoulder to assist a disabled vehicle. A…

More than 1,000 Texting Citations Issued as Drivers Continue to Focus on Distractions

Over 72 citations handed out per day during the two week period

ST. PAUL, Minn. – From Snapchatting to shopping on Amazon while behind the wheel, more than 1,000 drivers made the choice to focus on activities other than driving during the statewide extra distracted enforcement period from April 10-23, according to the state Department of Public Safety. More than 300 agencies participated and handed out 1,017 citations to drivers for texting while…

Attempted Child Abduction at Washington Elementary School Found to be Miscommunication

CLOQUET, Minn. – The Cloquet Police Department has reported that on Tuesday May 2, they received a report form a parent of a student at Washington Elementary school, who alleged that on Monday, May 1 someone contacted the school impersonating the mother of the child. The report indicates that the caller told the staff at school that another family member…

Road Construction Planned for Commonwealth Avenue in Gary New Duluth

DULUTH, Minn. – The City of Duluth is hosting a public meeting regarding summer construction plans for Commonwealth Avenue which leads into Boy Scout Landing. The project is aimed at improving access to the river. The proposal involves complete reconstruction of Commonwealth Ave from East Prescott Street to Boy Scout Landing, in addition to the utility work which will also…