Minnesota

Former Esmund Building Leveled To Dirt, Ready For Housing, Retail Development

DULUTH, Minn. – The Esmond Building in Lincoln Park began getting demolished just under a month ago, and now there’s no sight of the structure – just dirt. The flattened lot now makes room for a new multi-story housing unit to be constructed. DLH Clothing, which is located across from the now-vacant lot, moved from downtown Duluth to Lincoln Park…

Republican Candidate Wants ‘New Voice’ For MN House Dist. 3B

A Republican is stepping up with the hope to take longtime Minnesota Rep. Mary Murphy’s DFL seat. Natalie Zeleznikar, a 30-year resident of Northeast Minnesota announced Wednesday she is entering the race for Minnesota House Dist. 3B. Zeleznikar is a mother of two adult sons, an accomplished author, and has spent decades as an executive for assisted living facilities. “I…

Viking Mississippi Cruise Ship Touches Water for First Time

HOUMA, La. (AP) – A Swiss company’s cruises along the length of the Mississippi River are a step closer to reality – its new 386-passenger ship has touched water for the first time. Viking River Cruises of Basel celebrated the “float out” of the Viking Mississippi on Monday at Edison Chouest Offshore’s LaShip shipyard in Houma, Louisiana. Two U.S. companies…

Midday Update 3-9-22

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Wednesday, March 9, 2022

Join FOX 21’s Natalie Noury and Meteorologist Ken Slama for a local look at news and weather making headlines Wednesday, March 9, 2022. Categories: Minnesota, News, News – Latest News, News Update, Wisconsin Tags: Ken Slama, midday update, Natalie Noury, News, news update, weather

Morning Update 3-9-22

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Wednesday, March 9, 2022

Join FOX 21’s Natalie Noury and Meteorologist Ken Slama for a local look at news and weather making headlines Wednesday, March 9, 2022. Categories: Minnesota, News, News – Latest News, News Update, Weather in the News, Wisconsin Tags: Ken Slama, midday update, Natalie Noury, News, news update, weather

Duluth City Councilor Arik Forsman, Breanna Ellison Announce Run for Minnesota House

DULUTH, Minn. – On Wednesday, Duluth City Councilor Arik Forsman and Duluth resident Breanna Ellison announced their run for the Minnesota House of Representatives. Both candidates are running for the seat currently held by District 7A Rep. Jennifer Schult, DFL. Due to redistricting in the state, the seat will now be District 8B. “Serving the people of Duluth on the…

‘Tacos Tacos Tacos’ Lands New Location In Downtown Duluth For Better Mexican Vibe

Owner Robert Giuliani recently spent three months in Mexico to visit family and explore all types of Mexican dishes to improve the menu in the new Duluth location.

DULUTH, Minn. – The owner behind Duluth’s Tacos Tacos Tacos is preparing to reopen in a new location in downtown Duluth’s Historic Arts and Theatre District as the business model begins to expand into the Twin Cities. Tacos Tacos Tacos will open in the former T-Icy Roll location later this year Robert Giuliani has secured the new location in the…

KornerStore Owner, Former Duluth City Councilor Purchases 7 Northland Minit Marts

DULUTH, Minn. – Former Duluth City Councilor Derek Medved, who owns the KornerStore gas stations in the Northland, says gas prices have been changing by the hour.  And it comes as he recently purchased multiple Minit Marts in the area. KornerStore in Gary Medved is a bit frustrated with rising gas prices, but in a different way than consumers. He…

Cloquet Police Identify Victim in ‘Suspicious’ Death

CLOQUET, Minn. – The Cloquet Police Department has identified the possible victim of a suspicious death. On Tuesday, authorities in Cloquet confirmed 33-year-old Amanda Cadotte as the victim found dead last Thursday. The Cloquet Police Department, Fond du Lac Police Department, and Cloquet Fire District responded to a medical call on Thursday around 7:24 a.m. at 956 Trettel Lane. When…

Minneapolis Teachers Strike After Failing To Reach Contract

(Hannah Hobus/Pioneer Press via AP) ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) – Teachers in the Minneapolis School District have gone on strike after failing to reach an agreement on a new contract. Tuesday’s move idles some 29,000 students in one of Minnesota’s largest school districts. Meanwhile, the teachers in neighboring St. Paul reached a deal late Monday to avert their own strike….

Burrito Union ‘Stands With Ukraine,’ Offers UNICEF Promotion

DULUTH, Minn. – Burrito Union says it “stands with Ukraine” after the owner said the restaurant’s Russian-themed cantina raised a few eyebrows recently. Rod Raymond said Burrito Union’s strong soviet-style art deco appearance and branding has always been in good fun and in no way supports Russia’s war on Ukraine. Raymond, who has friends in Ukraine and Russia, and has…

Essentia Health To Open New Outpatient Surgery Center At Miller Hill Mall This Summer

DULUTH, Minn. — Essentia Health is getting ready to open its new outpatient surgery center at the Miller Hill Mall this summer. The Miller Hill Surgery Center will take over the empty building that sears left behind. The 41,000 square-foot building will have 12 operating rooms. The goal is to offer a place where patients can go home in less…

Saturday Properties Decides Not To Move Forward With Purchase of Central High School

DULUTH, Minn. – On Monday, Duluth Public Schools announced that the developer of the Central High School property off of Central Entrance had pulled out of the deal. In a recent news release, the district said Saturday Properties, located out of St. Louis Park, notified district officials on Friday that it would no longer be moving forward with the deal….

Cloquet Police Investigating ‘Suspicious Death’

CLOQUET, Minn. – Authorities in Cloquet say they are investigating the death of a woman that is being considered suspicious. The Cloquet Police Department, Fond du Lac Police Department, and Cloquet Fire District responded to a medical call on Thursday around 7:24 a.m. at 956 Trettel Lane. When officers arrived at the scene they found an unresponsive female. She was…

Last-Ditch Talks Seek To Avert Teacher Strikes in Minnesota

(courtesy: Fox 9) ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) – Last-ditch talks are underway in the Minneapolis and St. Paul public school districts. Teachers could strike as soon as Tuesday morning over wages, class sizes, and mental health services for a collective 63,000 students. State mediators were trying Monday to facilitate the negotiations in both districts. The teachers’ union in Minneapolis has…

39th Annual First Ship Contest Now Open

DULUTH, Minn. – Visit Duluth and the Duluth Seaway Port Authority have teamed up once again for the 39th Annual First Ship Contest. To submit your guess for the exact date and time the season’s first “saltie” passes under the Aerial Lift Bridge, head to visitduluth.com/firstship or click here. The contest closes at midnight on March 24. This year, the…

Coffee Conversation: ShamROCK the House with 9th Annual Shamrock Shake Fundraiser for Ronald McDonald House Charities

DULUTH, Minn.- March is here, and so are some favorite green seasonal treats. 225 McDonald’s Restaurants in the upper Midwest are back with the 9th Annual Shamrock Shake Fundraiser, “ShamROCK THE HOUSE!” From March 7-17 McDonald’s owner/operators in MN, western WI, and Ironwood will donate 25 cents of every Shamrock Shake and Oreo Shamrock McFlurry sold to Ronald McDonald House…

Renee Van Nett Announces State Senate Run

DULUTH, Minn. – On Monday, Duluth City Councilor Renee Van Nett is announcing her run for State Senate District 8. Van Nett was first elected to the city council in 2017 and represents Duluth’s 4th District. In January 2021 she was elected as the first Indigenous woman to serve as Duluth City Council president. “Renee believes Duluth priorities are ‘Nuts…

Community Pictures Of Duluth’s Lift Bridge, Other Structures Lit For Ukraine

DULUTH, Minn. — Sunday marked the final night of the Lift Bridge and Enger Tower being lit blue and yellow for Ukraine after doing so for the past week.  Duluth Mayor Emily Larson will be releasing an updated lighting policy for the Lift Bridge and Enger Tower in 60 days after the community spoke up in numbers to light the…

Gov. Walz Proclaims March 6 As ‘Ukrainian Solidarity Day’ In Minnesota

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Gov. Tim Walz has proclaimed Sunday, Mar. 6 as Ukrainian Solidarity Day in the State of Minnesota to “honor the bravery and resilience of the people of Ukraine as they fight to defend their country and their freedom,” Walz said in a statement. “I’m proud to declare today as Ukrainian Solidarity Day in Minnesota,” said Walz….

Gov. Walz Directs State Agencies To End Russian Contracts

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) – Gov. Tim Walz has directed state agencies to terminate any contracts with Russian entities to punish the country for invading Ukraine. The Minneapolis Star Tribune reported that Walz issued an executive order on Friday directing more than two dozen state agencies to end their contracts. He also asked his cabinet not to enter into any future contracts…

Some City of Duluth Plow Drivers Refuse to Work Overtime For Saturday Storm as Union Members Prepare to Vote on Contract Agreement

On Saturday city officials said snowplows would be out for this storm through the city, but the fleet would be operating fewer than normal.

DULUTH, Minn.- Some plow drivers refused to come in to work overtime for this weekend’s winter storm as the City of Duluth says their contract requires them to do. While the reasoning is unclear at this time, this comes as a tentative contract agreement was reached in the 11th hour between union workers and the city administration. On Saturday city…

Northlanders, Hundreds Globally Bid For Railroad Items at Nordic Auction

Along with Northlanders there live, about 550 people worldwide joined in online.

DULUTH, Minn.- Railroad enthusiasts got a chance to get their hands on some unique pieces of locomotive history. 300 items including signs and bells were up for bid at Nordic Auction. Along with Northlanders there live, about 550 people worldwide joined in online from so many countries that they even had to bring in a translator for some exchanges. “Growing…

UMD Planetarium Sells Out First Weekend Back

DULUTH, Minn. — The UMD Planetarium re-opened on Friday after 2 years of being closed, and it was obvious children and families were eager to be back inside, exploring the galaxies. The director tells us Friday night exceeded her expectations. She was nervous people wouldn’t buy tickets after being closed due to covid concerns, but they sold out for the…

High School Students Test their ‘Metal’ Going Head to Head at FIRST Robotics Competition

DULUTH, Minn.- The DECC was full of metal v.s. metal “scraps” as more than 4,000 high school students battled with the robots they built and programmed at the FIRST Robotics Competition. FOX 21 Photojournalist Adam Jagunich takes us to the arena. Categories: Education, Entertainment, Minnesota, News, News – Latest News Tags: FIRST Robotics Competition

Masks Now Optional for Duluth ISD 709 Students, Staff

The option of a 10-day mask mandate will be on the table if transmission spikes in district buildings.

DULUTH, Minn.- Masks will now be optional for students and staff in the Duluth Public School District. Superintendent John Magas says as of Thursday covid-19 community levels are low in St. Louis County. Under medium levels, the district would recommend mask-wearing in buildings and on buses, and under high levels, staff and students would have to mask up again. Magas…

Vision Northland Project 72% Complete, Crews Focus on Developing Interior

The Vision Northland Project is slated to be complete in the 1st quarter of 2023 and open to patients in the 3rd quarter.

DULUTH, Minn.- The interior of Essentia’s Vision Northland redevelopment is taking shape and we have got an inside look at the inside of the building. Last week contractors marked the milestone of the multi-million dollar project being fully-enclosed. This means the exterior was largely completed, and crews got started on casework, flooring, painting, and more. The project is now 72%…

Essentia Donates $35k for Boys and Girls Clubs Mental Health Program

In 2019 the Boys and Girls Clubs began providing mental health services to integrate mental health staff and create dialogues to remove the stigma attached to mental health related issues.

DULUTH, Minn.- The Boys and Girls Clubs of the Northland received a generous donation to support the mental health access program. Essentia Health donated $35,000 thousand dollars to support the growing program. The grant helps with the costs of adding a full-time behavioral health coordinator position to oversee the program. “For outpatient services to come on-site and see the youth…

NWS Warns of ‘Messy’ Storm Bringing Mix of Rain, Snow, Ice

The freezing rain this storm could bring has the potential to affect roads, trees, and powerlines.

DULUTH, Minn-. The Northland is bracing for a winter storm bringing with it a mixed bag of elements we haven’t seen in a few months. “We’ve got quite the messy system that’s coming in this week, or, this weekend,” said Ketzel Levens, NWS Meteorologist. While winter storms over the previous months have brought colder temperatures and snow, forecasters at the…

CSS Shows Support for Ukraine

DULUTH, Minn. — As the Russian invasion continues to disrupt and destroy Ukraine, and kill or force out its citizens, the College Of Saint Scholastica decided to show their support with a prayer service. CSS’s international students, and students of different religious backgrounds came together Friday for one common reason, to show support for Ukraine. They held a prayer service…

Nordic Auction’s New Format Proving Popular With Railroad Collectors

DULUTH, Minn. — This weekend local locomotive lovers will be showcasing historic items from the Midwest and beyond at a railroad auction in Duluth. After the seven auctions last June that came from the Carr’s Hobby Shop closing, the owner of Nordic Auction began doing his sales half in person and half online which he says gained him more traction…

Duluth Stabbing Suspect Charged With Attempted Murder

DULUTH, Minn. – A 35-year-old Duluth man arrested for stabbing a woman in the Kenwood neighborhood on Wednesday has now been formally charged. According to police, the suspect, identified as Anthony Holloway, is charged with second-degree attempted murder and child endangerment. “The Duluth Police Department continues to be dedicated and persistent in their victim-centered approach in these types of investigations,”…

Duluth Public Schools Moving to “Optional” Masking Next Week

(AP Photo/Chris O’Meara, File) DULUTH, Minn. – Duluth public schools will be moving to optional masking beginning next week. On Friday, Duluth superintendent John Magas released a weekly update statement where he announced the decision to move from required masking to optional masking. “Updated COVID-19 community levels released Thursday, March 3 shows community levels are low in St. Louis County….

Wellness Center Hosts Prayer Service For Ukraine

DULUTH, Minn. – A local wellness center gathered to hold a prayer service Thursday night to express their compassion for Ukraine and the world. In Harmony Reiki and Inner Wellness held a non-denominational prayer to give people a voice to their inter peace. The owner, Debbie Merrick, said she thinks the community needed a place to meditate and draw positive…