Minnesota

Families Get Active for 30th Healthy Kids Day at Duluth YMCA

DULUTH, Minn.- Saturday was the 30th Anniversary of the Duluth Area YMCA’s largest one-day event, celebrating healthy lifestyles for families and kicking off the Y’s Summer Schedule. FOX 21 Photojournalist Owen Zagrabelny takes us to Healthy Kids Day. Superior Douglas County Family YMCA will hold their Healthy Kids Day Event Sunday from 11-3. Categories: Community, Education, Entertainment, Health, Minnesota, News,…

Yarn Harbor Celebrates 5th Annual Local Yarn Shop Day

According to Kathy Thomas, owner of Yarn Harbor, it's important to celebrate brick and mortar yarn shops in all communities.

DULUTH, Minn.- Knitting enthusiasts got all tied up in the 5th annual Local Yarn Shop Day at Yarn Harbor in Duluth. The store featured special limited yarn shop day supplies and free patterns with your yarn purchase. According to Kathy Thomas, owner of Yarn Harbor, it’s important to celebrate brick and mortar yarn shops in all communities. “It’s a lot…

JDRF Walk Brings Awareness, Support for Those Suffering with Type 1 Diabetes

DULUTH, Minn. — Saturday morning brought out over a hundred people to the Gichi-Dde’ Akiing park for a walk that raises awareness about type one diabetes, and shows those who have it, that they are not alone. The Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, or JDRF, partnered with Essentia Health to bring this walk back to Duluth. Teams spent the 3 to…

Mysterious Pediatric Liver Disease Found in Minnesota

The cases have no known connection, although a link with a virus that can cause colds is being investigated.

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) – The Minnesota Department of Health said it’s investigating several severe cases of hepatitis among children and has reported the cases to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The CDC continues to investigate cases of the sudden liver disease in nearly 200 children that has health authorities in several countries racing to find answers. The illness is…

Melanoma Awareness Month Kicks Off On Melanoma Monday May 1

DULUTH, Minn. – Health experts are raising awareness about skin health as we approach Melanoma Awareness Month starting May 1. It’s all about focusing on skin health, sun safety, tanning prevention and skin cancer screenings. The owner of Twin Ports Dermatology, Heather Smith, said it’s important for everyone to get their skin professional screened once a year, especially if you…

5th Annual Garage Sale Fundraiser for Camp Roundelay

DULUTH, Minn. — A rummage sale in Duluth this weekend benefitting a youth camp for Girl Scouts hopes to keep the experience fun for generations to come. Camp Roundelay is a Girl Scout’s camp in Minong, Wisconsin that offers hiking trails, horse rides, camping opportunities and more that teach young girls about the outdoors and how to love it. The…

UPDATE: Gov. Walz Signs Bill on Unemployment Insurance, Bonus Checks for Frontline Workers

About 667,000 workers will be eligible for the $750 bonus checks.

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) – Both chambers of the Minnesota Legislature pushed through a bill to give bonuses to workers who were on the front lines during the COVID-19 pandemic and to replenish the state’s unemployment insurance trust fund following months of negotiations, and Governor Walz signed it into effect on Friday evening. Legislative leaders struck a deal late Wednesday…

Mayor Larson: New Lift Bridge, Enger Lighting Policy To Be Released Week Of May 1

Duluth’s Lift Bridge lit for Ukraine DULUTH, Minn. – Duluth Mayor Emily Larson told FOX 21’s Dan Hanger on Friday that she’ll be releasing her updated lighting policy sometime next week after getting heavy scrutiny from the public two months ago over the previous policy that did not accept any special requests to light the iconic Lift Bridge different colors…

Twin Ports Dermatology Talks Annual Skin Checks, Protection, Cancer Treatment

DULUTH, Minn. — Melanoma Awareness Month starts May 1, and health experts are taking extra steps to inform people about their skin health. FOX 21’s Dan Hanger talked to Heather Smith, owner of Twin Ports Dermatology, which has been serving the Duluth area for more than seven years now. Smith talks about the importance of annual skin checks, the proper…

Live Interview: Author Talks ‘The Sower,’ Independent Bookstore Day At Fitger’s

DULUTH, Minn. — FOX 21’s  Dan Hanger sat down with Rob Jung, author of “The Sower,” during the 7 a.m. hour of the morning show to talk about his book signing at The Bookstore at Fitger’s Saturday afternoon to celebrate Independent Bookstore Day.   For more on that conversation, watch the video above.  And see a press release below about the…

Duluth Task Force Helping Address Safety Downtown

DULUTH, Minn. — Downtown Duluth has so much to offer from the bar and restaurant scene, to live performances at different venues, and Mayor Larson has assembled a task force to continue developing downtown with four main areas of focus: safety, activation, investment and vision. The announcement of the task force comes at the perfect time as it falls during…

Minnesota Extends Temporary Ban On Poultry Events Amid Bird Flu Outbreak

(FOX 9) – Minnesota’s ban on poultry events has been extended until June 1 amid the outbreak of bird flu in the state. The Minnesota Board of Animal Health last month enacted a temporary ban on poultry exhibitions, including swaps, fairs, and other events where live poultry and other birds are brought together, as part of its response to highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI)….

Live Interview: Nearly 15 Years Of Rubber Chicken Theater

DULUTH, Minn. — Rubber Chicken Theater in Duluth has been around since 2008, and the team of talent behind the sketches, live reads and plays is showing no signs of slowing down. Click the video above for a conversation with Rubber Chicken Theater’s executive producer, Brian Matuszak, who joined Dan Hanger on the morning show Thursday during the 8 a.m….

One-On-One: Duluth Pack CEO Talks 140 Years Of USA-Made Company

DULUTH,  Minn. — Homegrown Duluth Pack is the oldest canvas and leather bag/pack maker in the USA, and the company is celebrating its 140th anniversary with a limited edition Legacy Pack. FOX 21’s Dan Hanger recently chatted with Duluth Pack CEO Tom Sega about the new product and the company’s long success. Click on the video for that conversation and…

Lawmakers Reach Deal On Unemployment Insurance, ‘Hero Pay’

(AP Photo/Steve Karnowski) ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) – Minnesota legislative leaders have reached a deal to refill the state’s unemployment insurance trust fund and to pay bonuses to frontline workers. The tentative agreement includes $2.7 billion to replenish the trust fund and pay back a debt to the federal government for jobless aid, and $500 million for frontline worker bonus…

Chauvin Appeals Murder Conviction For Killing George Floyd

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) – The former Minneapolis police officer found guilty of murder in the killing of George Floyd has appealed his conviction, saying among other things that the jury was intimidated by ongoing sometimes violent protests and prejudiced by excessive pre-trial publicity. Derek Chauvin asked the Minnesota Court of Appeals in a court filing Monday to reverse his conviction, reverse…

Duluth School Board, Teachers Union, And Paraprofessionals Agree To New Contract

DULUTH, Minn. — A new contract for the teachers union and paraprofessionals was approved by the Duluth school board on Tuesday. The Duluth Federation Of Teachers, along with paraprofessionals, reached an agreement with the board to receive 2.25% raises for this year and next. For this school year, teachers will also be paid a one-time $600 stipend related to retention…

Live Interview: New Incentives Offered To Recruit, Retain Duluth Police Officers

DULUTH, Minn. – Duluth Police Lt. Steve Ring, who has been on the department for more than 20 years, stopped by FOX 21 during the 7 a.m. hour to talk to Dan Hanger about new incentives being offered to recruit and retain Duluth police officers.   Click the video above for more on that conversation, and see below for a press…

Duluth Police Investigate Drive-By Shooting of Home

Investigators determined the front of the residence was struck several times by gunshots, and an unknown vehicle fled the scene. 

DULUTH, Minn.- Several gunshots were fired at a Lincoln Park residence Tuesday night before a vehicle fled the scene, authorities said. According to a spokesperson with the Duluth Police Department, around 9:45 p.m. Tuesday officers responded to the 2300 block of West 2nd Street. Investigators determined the front of the residence was struck several times by gunshots, and an unknown…

Local Rotary Club Member Returns from Work with Ukrainian Refugees in Poland

Rotary Clubs in Poland, coupled with others across the world, have helped raise $150,000 of the $300,000 needed to start a mental health center.

DULUTH, Minn.- A member of the Duluth Skyline Rotary Club returned from Poland to continue raising money to establish a mental health center for Ukrainian refugee kids caught up in the turmoil of Russia’s invasion of their country. Bob Sherman traveled to Poland in March to see firsthand the needs of the millions of Ukrainian refugees who fled there. It…

Biden to Speak at Memorial in Minneapolis Sunday for Former VP Mondale

White House press secretary Jen Psaki says Biden wanted to attend because of the “important, personal relationship” he had with Mondale.

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) – President Joe Biden plans to speak at a memorial service on Sunday for former Vice President Walter Mondale, who died last April at age 93. The service was delayed by the pandemic. Biden will travel to Minneapolis for the event at the University of Minnesota. Biden has described Mondale as a “dear friend and mentor” and “one…

Hoops Brewing Owner Dave Hoops Talks Beer Industry, Community, His Legacy

DULUTH, Minn. – Dave Hoops, owner of Hoops Brewing in Canal Park, is one of a select group chosen to judge the World Beer Cup in Minneapolis next month. In the meantime, Hoops talked to FOX 21’s Dan Hanger about the beer industry, community and his legacy.  Click the video above for the conversation. Categories: Business, Coffee Conversation, Community, Entertainment,…

Hundreds Remember Times with Barry Family at Vigil; Public Invited to Funeral May 1st

The surviving family is inviting the public to the funeral services for their four loved ones on May 1st at the Marshall School Auditorium starting at 1 p.m.

DULUTH, Minn.- To see the impact Sean, Rianna, Shiway, and Sadie Barry had on the people of Duluth, one need only look at the hundreds who gathered outside their house Sunday night to share in their grief and their memories. “The Christmas lights you see here tonight are a symbol of their values of love family and kindness,” Duluth Council…

Tugboat Stuck In Duluth Harbor Still There A Month Later, Has Leaked Less Than Four Gallons Of Oil

Courtesy: Paul ScinoccaDULUTH, Minn. — The partially-sunken tugboat in the Duluth Harbor is still there more than a month later, with no immediate plans for it to be moved. The U.S. Coast Guard tells FOX21 that the tugboat is still leaking oil, but in total it’s been less than four gallons so far. A contractor is there every day laying…

St. Louis County Crews Restoring Access To Washed Out Roads

ST. LOUIS CO., Minn.. — St. Louis County says that its public works team is restoring access to roads that were washed out during last week’s storms after making repairs. The county shared photos on its Facebook page of the Heritage Trail-County State Aid Highway 20 reopening near McKinley. The gravel had washed out under the pavement, with crews working…

Missing Wisconsin Girl’s Body Found, Police Investigating As Homicide

CHIPPEWA FALLS, Wis. (FOX 9) – The body of a 10-year-old Wisconsin girl who went missing Sunday evening has been found in a wooded area near a trail in Chippewa Falls. Police are considering this a homicide investigation. The Chippewa Falls Police Department said the body of Iliana “Lily” Peters was found at 9:15 a.m. on Monday in the wooded area near…

Hoops Brewing Owner Dave Hoops Tapped To Judge World Beer Cup

DULUTH, Minn. – Veteran Duluth brewer Dave Hoops, who owns Hoops Brewing Company in Canal Park, is getting his palate ready as one of only 200 people chosen from around the world to judge the World Beer Cup in Minneapolis next month. It’s the most prestigious beer competition in the world. FOX 21’s Dan Hanger caught up with Dave to…

Community Comes Together Outside Barry Family House for Vigil in Memory

Friends and family members, city officials, police officers, and more came together to hang Christmas lights on the home on East 12th Street.

DULUTH, Minn.- At least 200 people coming out for a vigil outside the home of the Barry’s, to bring some light to a community darkened by the tragic murder of the two parents, their two little girls, and their family dog “It’s heartwarming to see the outpouring of support of people putting their Christmas lights on their houses in remembrance…

Two Harbors Community Radio Boosting Broadcast from Low-Power to Full-Power

Back in March, the FCC granted Two Harbors Community Radio a noncommercial educational full-power radio station construction permit.

TWO HARBORS, Minn.- One of the only local radio stations on the North Shore, KTWH in Two Harbors, just got an FCC permit to boost their broadcasting power to bring local programs to more spots on the north shore. Soon the little radio studio in the harbor landing building broadcasting to just the immediate Two Harbors area will now expand…

Walz Calls For Deals, Seeks To Mend Fences In Fourth State Of The State

ST. PAUL, Minn. (FOX 9) – Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, delivering his first State of the State speech inside the Capitol since 2019, called on lawmakers to unite in the final four weeks of the legislative session. In Walz’s 55-minute speech, he urged the divided Legislature to move forward on his stalled agenda, while acknowledging that much of it is…

In-Motion Therapy Opens New Location

DULUTH, Minn. — In Motion Therapy is a physical therapy center, that has been around for about 15 years, and they are opening the doors of a new location. Maintaining the brand and quality of their one on one services as well as being more accessible to more parts of the community is the priority of this new spot. New…

Community, Friends Decorate Barry Family House in Lights for Vigil Sunday

One of the main organizers, Thor Pakosz, was friends with the family for 5 years and even spent Easter with them.

DULUTH, Minn.- Lights were strung on and around the Barry family house on East 12th Street Saturday, as the Duluth community prepares to come together to remember the mother, father, and two young daughters killed by the family’s nephew Wednesday. A group of community members and those that knew the family spent the chilly rainy afternoon hanging Christmas lights, and…

33rd Annual Fitgers 5K Brings Out Eager Runners Despite Gloomy Weather

DULUTH, Minn. — Less than ideal conditions for a race on Saturday morning, but it’s Duluth — it’s what people do. More than 800 people came out for the 33rd annual Fitgers 5k. The running community in Duluth is always active rain or shine, and it shows in the hundreds who run multiple grandma’s marathon races throughout the year. The Fitger’s…

Lester River Race Marks Unofficial Open to Whitewater Kayak Season in Northern MN

DULUTH, Minn. — The Lester River Race happens during the spring thaw challenging expert paddlers from the Midwest to help kick start the white-water kayaking season. The date of this year’s race has been up in the air this past month with organizers waiting for perfectly thawed conditions. After the snow melts, it’s much easier to avoid rocks when flying…

Through Rain, Cold 50 Volunteers Push On Picking Up Trash Along Lakewalk

DULUTH, Minn.- At Lester River Saturday morning, more than 50 lakewalk-lovers gathered once again to celebrate earth day picking up around 20 bags of trash along the lakewalk through Brighton Beach. Organizers with friends of the lakewalk said the weather’s nothing when it comes to taking care of the planet. “Right now it started to pour and people are still…

Gardening Guidance at Depot’s Spring Gardening Extravaganza

DULUTH, Minn.- Another environment-loving event over at the Depot Saturday provided some gardening guidance and also promoted support for the people of Ukraine. The St. Louis County Extension hosted their Spring Gardening Extravaganza at the depot for the first time. About 150 people showed up to check out displays and presentations on growing all types of fruits and warm-season veggies,…

Public Works Crews Responding to Road Washouts in Northern St. Louis County

With the continuing rain forecast this weekend, Boder said, more washouts are likely.

County Road 65 is temporarily closed approximately 1.2 miles west of State Highway 73 due to a culvert washout. Repairs are expected to be done next week. ST. LOUIS COUNTY, Minn.- St. Louis County Public Works crews closed parts of several roads in the Northern part of the county, due to excessive rain and snowmelt Saturday. According to Public Works…

Local Grief Resources Assisting Community Post Murder-Suicide

DULUTH, Minn. — While the tragic loss of the Barry family and their dog have weighed heavy on friends and family, they were also traumatizing to the officers who responded. Local mental health experts say it’s important anyone effected knows, and utilizes, the support services available to them. Events like this don’t happen often in Duluth, and it can leave…