News – Latest News

Sheet Metal Business Specializing in Custom Design Projects

The business hosted an open house and ribbon cutting Wednesday at their new location in Lincoln Park

DULUTH, Minn. – A Duluth company is making a name for itself, working on custom projects for other local business. Sheet Metal Solutions hosted an open house and ribbon cutting Wednesday at their new location in Lincoln Park. Last year, Mark and Becky LaTour moved their business from a small workshop at their home, to a new 5,000 square foot…

Local Artists Design Stained Glass Windows for Duluth Chapel

Jim & Barb Collette spent three months assembling 1,300 pieces of glass

DULUTH, Minn. – A Duluth chapel is looking a little more colorful, thanks to pair of local artists. Four stained glass windows were unveiled Wednesday afternoon at Benedictine Living Community. The senior living center commissioned the work to Barb and Jim Collette, who have been working out of a studio in their home for the last 20 years. The couple…

Duluth Public Schools Facing $2.3 Million Budget Deficit

The distric says it's making every effort to keep any cuts away from the classroom

DULUTH, Minn. – Duluth Public Schools is looking at more possible cuts as it faces another budget deficit. Declining enrollment is the main factor leaving the district with a nearly $2.3 million dollar budget shortfall. Doug Hasler, Chief Financial Officer with Duluth Public Schools, says the district is working to identify any possible areas to create savings in order to…

Empty Bowl Raises Over $57,000 for Second Harvest

More than 150,000 Meals Raised for Needy

DULUTH, Minn. – Yesterday’s Empty Bowl event, raised $57,715 for the Second Harvest Northern Lakes Food Bank. The annual event ensures that about 150,000 meals will be available to the less fortunate. Since it started in 1994, the event has raised more than a million dollars for the hungry, which equals about 3.1 million meals. “Once again we are amazed…

Getting Toasty on National Grilled Cheese Day

Locally Owned Toasty's in Duluth is Seeing a Spike in Business Since Opening a Second Location

DULUTH, Minn. – Things were getting toasty in the Northland Wednesday, and no, we’re not talking weather! Northlanders are taking part in National Grilled Cheese Sandwich Day, especially the staff at Toasty’s Sandwich Shop in Duluth. Owner Tom Hagen says since the opening of their second location on Superior Street, business is booming. Toasty’s is using all fresh ingredients in…

Job Seekers Hit the DECC for Annual Career Fair

Job Market Getting Better

DULUTH, Minn.- More than 100 employers packed the DECC today for the annual Northland Career Fair. Job seekers were able to meet with employers and apply for a variety of jobs. One official from the event told us, the job market is getting stronger in this area. “There’s full-time, part-time, seasonal – there’s just really everything, which is just amazing to me,”…

Salmon Season Hits Canal Park Pier

Coho Salmon are Running and Chasing their Primary Food Source, the Smelt.

DULUTH, Minn. – Each Spring anglers take the shores of Lake Superior in hopes of a tasty salmon biting their line. Right now the Coho Salmon are running and chasing their primary food source, the smelt. Fishing is good along the south pier of the Canal in Duluth where many anglers try their luck in hopes to catch the prize…

Duluth City Leaders Discuss Parking Issues

Another look at front yard parking issues

DULUTH, Minn. — Officials from the City of Duluth met to discuss issues with parking around town. City leaders discussed the community’s interest in enforcing ordinances against front yard parking. They also met with members of the Duluth Landlords Association about issues with off-street parking and rental licenses. “Looking at where the parking is located, trying to make sure that…

Breaking Ground on a New Elementary School in Superior

The school will be open for class in 2018

SUPERIOR, Wis. — The City of Superior is ready for a new elementary school; officials and students broke ground earlier this morning. Elementary students and their principal grabbed the shovels right at the spot where the new Cooper Elementary School will go. Voters approved a referendum in 2016 to fund the new state of the art, two-story school. School district…

Time Winding Down to File Taxes

Get Your Returns in by Tuesday

DULUTH, Minn.-Your tax filing date is fast approaching. On Tuesday you are supposed to have all you information turned into the IRS, otherwise you can be fined. One local expert from Community Action Duluth, offered up some advice for those who owe the government some money. “You don’t necessarily have to pay balance due,” said Julia Cheng, of Community Action…

Volunteers Hope to Revitalize Downtown Chisholm

Projects Are Aimed at Making Chisholm More Vibrant

CHISHOLM, Minn. – One Iron Range town is looking for a image change from a declining to a thriving community. The Chisholm Downtown Revitalization Project is run by a group of volunteers who want to make their city more vibrant. These volunteers launched five specific projects ranging from creating an interactive walking tour, improving Kiwanis Park and restoring storefronts. The…

Hibbing Auditorium Renovation to Start

Project Will be Completed Over Two Summers

HIBBING, Minn. – Work is set to begin on restoring Hibbing High School’s auditorium. The project will cost about $2.5 Million, with construction scheduled for the next two summers. In the past, the room has hosted Presidential candidates and of course a young Bob Dylan. The school’s superintendent says Hibbing is lucky to have so much community interest in the…

Duluth Ramp Closures Scheduled for Bridge Inspections

Work is scheduled April 24, 25, & 27

DULUTH, Minn. – The Minnesota Department of Transportation will be inspecting bridge on April 24, 25, and 27, and will need to close traffic lanes and detour traffic during the inspections. Closures include: April 24: Ramp from northbound I-535 to southbound I-35 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. April 25: Ramp from northbound I-535 northbound I-35 from 9 a.m. to…

Garage Fire on Tower Avenue in Superior

7600 block of Tower Avenue

SUPERIOR, Wis. – The Superior Fire Department along with the Douglas County Sheriff’s Department, and Gold Cross responded to the report of a garage fire at 7601 Tower Avenue on Wednesday afternoon around 1:42. When crews arrived, they found a two stall detached garage with heavy smoke and fire visible coming from the structure. Due to the location and a…

Two Suspects Wanted in Dollar Store Robbery

Contact Authorities if You Have Any Informaiton

DULUTH, Minn.-Duluth police are looking for two suspects involved in an alleged robbery at the Dollar Tree on the 300 block of Central Entrance. Employees at the store said a firearm was displayed during the incident. The first suspect is being described as a black man in his late 20’s. He’s believed to be six-feet tall with a skinny build…

Thinking Twice Before Buying Rabbits, Chickens

Zookeepers Remind Northlanders to Think Twice Before Buying Cute Bunnies and Chicks for Gifts

DULUTH, Minn. – The Lake Superior Zoo in Duluth is home to many exotic animals, but we can’t forget about our barnyard friends! Zookeepers say rabbits and chickens are once again gaining in popularity as the season turns to spring. In this week’s Animal Answers, FOX 21’s Brett Scott found out why it might be best to just visit them at…

Now-Closed Bagley’s Finds New Home For 1904 Jewelry Cases

DULUTH, Minn. – It’s been nearly a year since Bagley and Company Jewelers closed shop in downtown Duluth after an impressive 131 years of business. The former Bagley’s building has since been sold to a Texas investor with Northland ties. But recently, the Bagley family parted ways with all their treasured hand-made jewelry cases built in 1904 – which is…

Twin Ports Women Are Celebrated

Those Who Give Back To The Community Are Honored

Duluth, Minn. The Women Today Magazine was celebrating all women in the Twin Ports this afternoon. It was the first ever event called “Women as a driving force” at the Northland Country Club this afternoon. Tonight was a celebration of all the hard work the women do in our area to keep the community striving. “The women in the twin…

Denfeld To Change Things Up

School To Become A Community School

Duluth, Minn. Denfeld High School is looking to make some big changes for next school year. The school will no longer be considered just a public school but a fully functioning community school. A community school integrates focus on academics, health and social services, youth and community development and community engagement. Which will then leads to improved student learning, stronger…

400 Year Old Painting is Restored

"Portrait of an Elderly Lady" Can Be Seen at UMD's Tweed Museum

DULUTH, Minn. – a 400-year old painting at the University of Minnesota Duluth’s Tweed Museum of Art has been restored. “Portrait of an Elderly Lady” was painted in the Netherlands in 1628 and has been on display in Duluth for a long time. Now, the painting has been restored to the way it was intended to be seen, and has…

Exonerated Former Prisoner Speaks at UMD

Nathson Fields Spent 18 Years in Prison and 12 Years on Death Row

DULUTH, Minn. – A wrongfully convicted former prisoner spoke with students at the University of Minnesota-Duluth about his experience. Nathson Fields spent eighteen years in prison, including twelve on death row, before he was exonerated for a double murder he did not commit. Now he spreads awareness about wrongful convictions and why he believes the death penalty should be abolished. “We…

Fans Celebrate Special Season with UMD Men’s Hockey Team

April 11, 2017 was declared as Bulldog Hockey Day in Duluth to honor the accomplishments of the team this season

DULUTH, Minn. – The UMD men’s hockey team finished the year on an incredible run, but came up just short with a tough loss to Denver in the NCAA Frozen Four championship game. Bulldog fans had one final chance to thank the team for a great season. Players and coaches were met with a standing ovation as they entered AMSOIL…

Officials Prepare UMD Staff and Faculty for Work With Foreign Nations

DULUTH, Minn. — Economic sanctions against nations like Russia or Cuba have made headlines in recent years. And they can even affect those at our local universities. Patrick Briscoe is the Export Controls and International Projects Officer within the University of Minnesota system. Briscoe’s job is to train staff members on how to comply with federal laws when doing university…

Community Helps Clean Up Homeless Campsites

DULUTH, Minn. — It’s the season for spring cleaning, something that is also true for Duluth’s homeless population. A group of helpful Duluthians and some homeless folks themselves were seen picking up garbage near a campsite where many spend the night. This is a community group organized an alliance with CHUM, the Duluth Police Department, and officials with the City…

Senator Klobuchar Leads Transportation Summit in Duluth

Local Leaders Discuss How to Improve Northern Minnesota Infrastructure

DULUTH, Minn. – Minnesota Senator Amy Klobuchar was in Duluth today leading a transportation summit to exchange ideas and opinions about infrastructure challenges in Minnesota. Transportation and business leaders from across Northeastern Minnesota talked with Senator Klobuchar about what they think is needed to improve infrastructure across the region. That includes a lot more than roads and highways. Improvements to…

Empty Bowl Fundraiser Looks to Raise $60,000

Expected to Raise about $60,000

DULUTH, Minn. – The 24th annual Empty Bowl fundraiser was held today at the Depot in downtown Duluth. The event raises money for the Second Harvest Northern Lakes Food Bank. Participants buy a handcrafted bowl for $20. Then they get to enjoy soup and refreshments from local restaurants after the purchase. “People really like the art side of it,” said…

Douglas County Employee Recognized as Telecommunicator of the Year

Emergency Call Centers Seeking More Money

SUPERIOR, Wis. – 9-1-1 operators were celebrated today in Superior. It’s all part of Douglas County’s Public Safety Telecommunicator’s Week. Douglas County Communication Center employee Elizabeth Eibon was recognized today as Wisconsin’s Telecommunicator of Year. Since beginning her career, she has been instrumental in training many employees involved in 9-1-1 services in Douglas County. Irregardless of the recognition today, 9-1-1 operators…

Judge Rejects Claims by Prince Divorce Lawyer for $600,000

CHASKA, Minn. (AP) – A Minnesota judge says a lawyer who represented Prince in divorce proceedings a decade ago can’t collect on nearly $600,000 he says the late rock superstar still owed him before his death. Carver County District Judge Kevin Eide on Tuesday ruled that West Palm Beach, Florida, attorney Patrick Cousins missed a deadline for pursuing his claim…

Bridge Maintenance Scheduled in Duluth Area

Crews will be working from April 10-28 between the hours of 8:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m.

DULUTH, Minn. – The Minnesota Department of Transportation maintenance crews will be performing bridge preventative maintenance by cleaning all state bridge in the Duluth area beginning Monday April 10 through Friday, April 28. Crews will be working between 8:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. Temporary lane closures may take place during this time. MnDOT crews will be spraying down the bridge…

Burnsville HS Teacher Arrested for ‘Sexually Explicit’ Communication with Student

Rose Heaphy - Fox 9

Erik Akervik BURNSVILLE, Minn. (KMSP) – A Burnsville High School music teacher was arrested Monday on suspicion of having explicit electronic communications with a student. The school district said they received a complaint about Erik Akervik last Saturday and immediately began an investigation. Police were notified that the teacher “had been communicating with a student electronically and the communication contained…

Emergency Personnel Honored in St. Louis County

Life Saver Awards Handed Out

At today’s County Board meeting, St. Louis County Sheriff Ross Litman presented Life Saver Awards for seven separate incidents that occurred during 2016. DULUTH, Minn. – St. Louis County Sheriff Ross Litman recognized citizens, law enforcement, and other emergency personnel today for all their hard work over the last year. Life Saver Awards were presented today at the County Board meeting,…

Official Warns GOP Budget Cuts Could Mean Tax Return Delays

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) – Minnesota’s top tax official says deep cuts to state budgets could result in months-long delays to tax returns next year. Republicans who control the Legislature have laid out some major cuts to state agencies including the Department of Revenue. That’s the agency that processes tax filings annually. Commissioner Cynthia Bauerly said Tuesday that plotted cuts…

Republicans Propose Tax Breaks for Wisconsin Beekeepers

MADISON, Wis. (AP) – Republican lawmakers say they want to combat a rapidly declining bee population by giving Wisconsin beekeepers tax exemptions. Representative Amy Loudenbeck said in a memo Tuesday she and Senator Steve Nass are seeking co-sponsors on a bill that would define beekeeping in state law. It would also extend to beekeepers sales and use tax exemptions on…

Most Duluth Dog Parks are Open

Jean Duluth Park Still too Wet to Use

DULUTH, Minn.-After battling the muddy spring conditions, many of Duluth’s dog parks are open again. Both the Keene Creek and Observation Park dog parks are already open. The one on Jean Duluth Road remains closed at it’s still too wet to use. City officials told us to expect the Jean Duluth park to open by next week.   Categories: News,…

Study: Road Salt Levels Spike, Threaten Twin Cities Lakes

Lakes could be uninhabitable within three decades

MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. (AP) – A freshwater chloride contamination study shows that many lakes in the Twin Cities are so contaminated with road salt that they’ll no longer support native fish and plants within three decades. The Star Tribune reports the study, published Monday, looked at freshwater contamination across the country’s northern region, an area with one of the highest lake…

San Bernardino School Closed Following Murder-Suicide

(AP Photo/Ringo H.W. Chiu) SAN BERNARDINO, Calif. (AP) — Students dove under desks when a man walked into his estranged wife’s elementary school classroom and opened fire without saying a word, killing her and an 8-year-old student and wounding a 9-year-old before fatally shooting himself, authorities said. Some six weeks earlier, 53-year-old Cedric Anderson was a newlywed calling his 53-year-old…

Wisconsin State Trooper Killed in Crash

Source: WKOW LAKE DELTON, Wis. (AP) – A Wisconsin State Patrol Trooper has died in a car crash while on duty in Sauk County. Anthony Borostowski Sheriff’s officials say the trooper lost control of his squad car and rolled over on interstate 90 near Lake Delton 4:30 a.m. Tuesday. He died at the scene after his squad hit a tree. Governor…

Prescribed Fires Coming to Superior National Forest

Fires Could Reduce Invasive Species

DULUTH, Minn.-Superior National Forest crews will have multiple intentional fires in the coming weeks with the goal of creating and improving the habitat for native wildlife and plants. The fires are also expected to prepare sites for planting, while also reducing the threat of a future wildfire as they would be “reducing fuel build-up.” “Prescribed fires are carefully planned far…

Knowing Your Neighbors: Mainstream Has The Fashion For All Men

No Matter The Season They Have You Covered

DULUTH, Minn. – For guys that take a little pride when they get dressed in the morning we have the place for you. This week’s edition of Knowing Your Neighbor we take to into downtown Duluth to Mainstream Fashion for Men. No matter the occasion or the season, you can find whatever you need here at mainstream fashion for men. They…

Take Action Minnesota Is Taking Action

A Rally Was Held In Support Of Paid Sick Time For All

DULUTH, Minn. – People rallied in Duluth today to support earned sick and safe time. The rally was part of Take Action Minnesota. There was also a listening session where perspectives were given on the issue. The task force is in the 2nd faze of the resolution that would allow low income families gain much needed sick leave from work….

Duluth Man Sentenced to 15 Years on Gun, Drug Crimes

Suspect Found with Homemade Silencer

DULUTH, Minn.-A Duluth man was sentenced to 15 years in prison Monday for distributing 15 kilos of methamphetamine, possessing an unregistered machine gun, and being a felon with a firearm. Morgan Baumann, 36, had previously pleaded guilty to the aforementioned charges. During the police’s investigation, they found Baumann with 25 firearms including two machine guns, a sawed-off shotgun, body armor,…

Annual License Fee Set for Rideshare Companies

Uber and Lyft drivers are set to hit the streets on April 27 in Duluth

DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth City Council took another step forward in allowing rideshare services to operate within the city. Councilors unanimously passed a resolution to asses a yearly fee of $3,5000 to companies operating rideshare services in Duluth. With a target launch date of April 27, councilor Noah Hobbs says everything is coming together, as Uber and Lyft drivers will…

Future of Taller Downtown Buildings Discussed at Duluth City Council

City councilor Zack Filipovich wants to see more high density development brought to the downtown area

DULUTH, Minn. – Duluth city councilors discussed what the future landscape of downtown Duluth should look like when it comes to buildings. City councilor Zack Filipovich wants to see more high density development brought to the downtown area. Tonight, he proposed a resolution asking council to look at the idea of adding more multi–story buildings to help address the housing…

Piedmont Panthers Prepare for State Testing

As State Testing Begins, Staff and Teachers Organized a Pep Rally for Students

DULUTH, Minn. – Excitement along with motivation helped welcome hundreds of Panthers back to Piedmont Elementary school on Monday after a week-long spring break. Students across the state are preparing to start taking the Minnesota Comprehension Assessment (MCA) tests this week. Before testing starts, staff at Piedmont Elementary wanted to pump the students and teachers up with music, drumming, and…

UMD Honored with Special Guest Artist Today

More Diversity Sought in Artmaking

DULUTH, Minn.-. The University of Minnesota Duluth was honored with a special guest today. Feminist performance artist Gabrielle Civil visited with students to discuss many issues including how to open your eyes to diversity. She said when people do that, they become much more joyous. “In the world we are living in today and with so much divisiveness… I think it’s important…

Work Resumes on Highway 23 Reconstruction Project

Should be Completed by Mid-June

DULUTH, Minn.-Work resumed today on the Highway 23 reconstruction project in West Duluth. Motorists are being restricted to a single lane near Freemont Street as crews construct a new storm sewer system from Grand Avenue to Freemont. Construction will also continue on the Grand Avenue sidewalks in two weeks, which will also lead to single lanes in that area. The…

Empty Bowl Preparations Take Place at the Depot

Its One of the Scond Harvest Northern Lakes Food Bank's Biggest Fundraisers

DULUTH, Minn.- Tables topped with Artistic and unique bowls made by local artists and community members lined the depot, Monday. It was part of Second Harvest’s preparation for Sea of Bowls and Empty bowl, Their biggest fundraiser of the year.  The fundraiser raises money by selling ceramic bowls of all shapes and sizes to people. Proceeds benefit Second Harvest Northern…