Minnesota

Hundreds Swim, Bike, Run Through 34th Brewhouse Triathlon at Island Lake

Organizers say conditions couldn't have been better with cooler temps, and break in the smoky haze.

DULUTH Minn.- The weather was perfect Sunday for bikers, runners and swimmers to compete in the 34th Annual Fitgers’ Brewhouse Triathlon at Island Lake. “You can feel the tension in the air and then once the gun goes off — it’s just go time,” said triathlete Mike Ward. More than 400 athletes signed up to compete in this year’s Brewhouse…

More Bears Are Stealing Food From Campers As Drought Impacts Berry Supply In Northern Minnesota

(FOX 9) – As drought conditions linger in Minnesota, Superior National Forest is warning campers to secure their food as reports of bears seeking out food from humans are on the rise. According to wildlife officials, the drought has led to a poor berry crop, a major food source for black bears. As a result, the forest has seen increased incidents of…

Five Arrested in Hibbing Saturday in Connection to Meth Distribution on Iron Range

Three of the five were arrested after a traffic stop in Itasca County yielded "a large quantity of Methamphetamine."

HIBBING, Minn.- Five Hibbing residents were arrested Saturday night, in connection to a month-long investigation into meth distribution on the Iron Range, according to the St. Louis County Sheriff’s Office. According to a spokesperson with the Sheriff’s Office, three of the five were arrested after a traffic stop in Itasca County yielded “a large quantity of Methamphetamine.” They were lodged…

Duluth Resident Holds BBQ Benefitting Homeless

The organizer Airlea Defoe, herself a recovering addict who was homeless, says she wanted to make the homeless community feel more accepted. 

DULUTH, Minn.- A Duluth resident who overcame homelessness decided to give back to that population with a barbecue to raise money and donations Saturday. The event took place in the Central Hillside Park next to One Roof Community Housing. Anyone in need could come take a hot meal or supplies for free. Donations of those items such as toothpaste and…

All Pints North Summer Brewfest Brings Hundreds of Breweries, Beer-Lovers to Bayfront Park

DULUTH, Minn.- We’re here at All Pints North Summer Brewfest where hundreds of people get to try more than 120 different types of beer from local Minnesota breweries. Several breweries had games and novelty items for people to enjoy. Hippie and construction inspired themes were among the many breweries like Bent Paddle took part in. “We just love that so…

‘Duluth Farmers’ Market Jam Band’ Plays On

DULUTH, Minn.- The unofficially named Duluth Farmers’ Market Jam Band is a group of strangers who first met at the market years ago and now play music together at pop-ups each season. “It’s just the weekly jam band,” said local Gerhardt Moster-Beard. “People who wanna play come down here. The numbers vary week to week. It’s playing music together. I’m…

Duluth Farmers’ Market Celebrates National Farmers’ Market Week

DULUTH, Minn.- The Duluth Farmers’ Market celebrated National Farmers’ Market Week this morning with special treats products. From fresh produce to raw honey vendors across the Northland showed up for a busy Saturday morning. “My favorite part is actually being down here and selling and seeing the people we haven’t seen in a while,” said Lois Hoffbauer. “Farmer Doug and…

Minnesota Trappers Convention Returns to Barnum for 62nd Year

BARNUM, Minn.- The 62nd Annual Minnesota Trappers Association Convention returned this weekend after a pandemic pause in 2020, continuing their work of “helping to perpetuate the nation’s oldest industry – the fur trade…to preserve the trapping heritage and your right to trap.” FOX 21 Photojournalist Adam Jagunich shows us the sights and sounds of the 2021 show. Categories: Community, Entertainment,…

Duluth Police: Suspect Arrested Following Shooting, ‘Short Standoff’

Investigators said the 46-year-old shot at someone after a dispute before walking to his home where a standoff ensued.

DULUTH, Minn.- One male suspect is in custody following an early morning shooting in Duluth’s Spirit Valley neighborhood, and a standoff in Morgan Park Saturday, according to the Duluth Police Department. According to a spokesperson with the Department, around 2:30 a.m. Saturday officers responded to a report of a shooting in the 4700 block of Grand Ave. At the scene,…

East Superior Street Reconditioning Project to Begin on August 2

DULUTH, Minn. – Construction on the East Superior Street Reconditioning Project will begin on Monday, August 2, according to the City of Duluth. The project work area will take place between 45th and 60th Avenue East. Traffic control signs will be placed throughout the work area. Two lanes of traffic will be maintained for most of the project. Construction crews…

Smoky Air Expected to Linger in Minnesota Until Tuesday, Worsen Over Weekend

(FOX 9) – The unpleasant, record-poor air quality that Minnesota has faced in recent days as smoke from Canadian wildfires drifts down to Minnesota isn’t going anywhere this weekend. On Friday, the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency extended its air quality alert, saying that smoky conditions will linger and worsen over the weekend. The pollution control agency says the worse will…

CDC Team: ‘War Has Changed’ as Delta Variant Dangers Emerge

(AP) – New evidence showing the delta variant is as contagious as chickenpox has prompted U.S. health officials to consider changing advice on how the nation fights the coronavirus. Recommending masks for everyone and requiring vaccines for doctors and other health care providers are among measures the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is considering. That’s according to internal documents…

Two Arrested, Charged in April Hibbing Drug Bust

HIBBING, Minn. – Two people have now been federally indicted for trafficking and distributing controlled substances after Hibbing police, with the help of K9 Chase, located drugs in their vehicle during a traffic stop in April. According to authorities, Hibbing officers conducted a traffic stop on an SUV around 1:50 a.m. on the morning of April 20. During the traffic…

President Biden, Vice President Harris Meet With Governors to Hold a Discussion on Wildfires

(AP) – President Joe Biden is sounding the alarm about the need for more resources to fight a series of wildfires in Western states. The president met Friday with governors of western states to discuss the resulting supply shortages as the fires have worsened. Biden says climate change is to blame for the spread and ferocity of the blazes. Washington…

‘Happy Tears’: Lee’s Gold Sparks Joy at Home in Minnesota

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) – Family and friends in Minnesota broke into cheers and screams for Sunisa Lee. She was one of their own, and the 18-year-old gymnast had captured the women’s all-around gold medal at the Tokyo Olympics. Her triumph delighted all of Minnesota but carried special resonance in the state’s large and close-knit Hmong American community. Dozens of Lee family…

Canadian Wildfires Causing Air Quality Concerns in Minnesota

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) – An air quality alert remained in effect for most of Minnesota as the state deals with smoke from Canadian wildfires that has created some of the highest particulate readings on record. Gov. Tim Walz and several other governors plan to talk virtually with President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris about the nation’s growing wildfire crisis…

The Lumberjack World Championships Returns

HAYWARD, Wis.- The 61st annual Lumberjack World Championships and festival in Hayward, Wisconsin, where competitors, fans and vendors are gathering for all things wood. Although last year’s event was canceled due to the pandemic people are happy for its return at the Lumberjack Bowl. “I’m very thankful to be having this event this year,” said competitor Ben Hansen. “All the…

USDA Issues Drought Disaster Declaration in Parts of Minnesota

DULUTH, Minn. – The U.S. Department of Agriculture has issued a natural drought disaster designation for 14 Minnesota counties due to worsening drought conditions in the state. According to the USDA website, “This Secretarial natural disaster designation allows the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Farm Service Agency (FSA) to extend much-needed emergency credit to producers recovering from natural disasters…

DTA Announces Temporary Service Reduction Due to Parts, Labor Shortages

DULUTH, Minn. – The DTA announced Thursday that it will be temporarily suspending four routes effective this Sunday, August 1. Officials say the reason for the suspensions are due to challenges in obtaining parts for buses, and a Bus Operator labor shortage. The routes suspended beginning Sunday include: Route #4 – West Duluth (alternative service available on routes 1,2,&3) Route…

DEDA Approves Development Agreement to Demolish Former Seaway for Potential New Apartment Building

DULUTH, Minn. -A potential new apartment building may be replacing the former Seaway Hotel in Duluth’s Lincoln Park neighborhood. On Wednesday, the Duluth Economic Development Authority approved a development agreement for the proposed 45-unit mixed-use apartment building. Merge LLC says the construction would cost roughly $9.25 million and would offer commercial space on the ground level of the building. As…

Canceled Blueberry/Art Festival Now Going Virtual

ELY, Minn. – The 40th annual Blueberry/Art Festival that was canceled over the weekend due to damaging severe thunderstorms is now going virtual. Festival organizers announced on Facebook Wednesday that they will be hosting a virtual festival “to help the artists and vendors that were impacted” by the storm damage. Around 6 p.m. Friday evening, high winds snapped some trees…

Man Charged With Killing Officer on Reservation in Minnesota

RED LAKE, Minn. (AP) – A man has been charged with the killing of a Red Lake Nation police officer who was fatally shot while responding to a call to a residence on the tribe’s reservation in northwestern Minnesota. Twenty-eight-year-old David Donnell Jr., of Redby, is charged in federal court with one count of second-degree murder and four counts of…

Cat Saved in Morgan Park House Fire

DULUTH, Minn. – A cat was safely rescued from a Wednesday night kitchen fire in Morgan Park. The Duluth Fire Department says crews responded to a report of a kitchen on fire around 9:17 p.m. at 843 87th Avenue West. The fire department reports that all occupants were out of the home upon arrival but a cat was still trapped…

One Woman Sets Out on Eco-Tour Across Country

DULUTH, Minn.– One woman is making her way cross-country hauling a tiny home as she discovers and films eco-friendly difference makers in various communities along the way, and today she made a stop in Duluth. Erika Gilsdorf is making a year-long eco tour called What Fuels You USA. This expedition highlights small businesses and independent workers who focus on creating…

Goodwill Holds Hiring Event to find New Employees

DULUTH, Minn.– At Goodwill you could be making 11 to 15 dollars an hour as stores are looking to fill open positions. Today on Garfield Ave, Goodwill hosted a hiring event with on the spot interviews and competitive wages for both full and part time positions. Goodwill is an industry that allows equal employment opportunities for people who have disabilities…

Duluth Police Department Introduces ‘Wednesday Walks’

DULUTH, Minn.– The Duluth Police Department began Wednesday walks in Canal Park to hopefully connect with the community on a more personal level. These walks are designated to reconnect law enforcement with the community it serves and encourage thoughtful conversations to address public questions and concerns. “In our mission statement, we talk about the importance of relationships, the success of…

Panel Weighs COVID Bonuses for Minnesota’s Frontline Workers

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) – Health care, school, and food workers who risked their lives at the height of the pandemic have made pitches for a piece of the $250 million in COVID-19 relief money that Minnesota plans to allocate as bonuses to essential frontline workers. They told their stories Wednesday as a bipartisan panel of nine Minnesota lawmakers began sorting out…

Walz Noncommittal on Mask Requirement in Schools After CDC Changes

(FOX 9) – Gov. Tim Walz was noncommittal Tuesday when asked if he would go further than new guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and impose a new mask mandate for Minnesota schools. Walz removed his statewide mask mandate this spring as vaccinations rates grew and COVID-19 cases receded. At the time, the CDC said vaccinated people…

Duluth Costco Now Accepting Applications for All Positions

DULUTH, Minn. – While construction continues on the Duluth Costco building, the company’s website says it is now accepting applications for all positions at the store. Construction crews started working on the site located at the intersection of Haines and West Arrowhead Roads last August. The store is expected to be around 160,000 square feet with more than 700 parking…

Mobile ‘Bus-eum’ Brings Research on Racism, Lynchings to Clayton Jackson McGhie Memorial

This former school bus was transformed into this back in 2019, creating a walk-through collection of information and artifacts.

DULUTH, Minn.- A mobile museum that travels the country to educate the public on racial violence such as lynchings throughout history stopped in Duluth this week. The TRACES Center for History and Culture “Bus-eum” parked by the Clayton Jackson McGhie Memorial. This former school bus was transformed into this back in 2019, creating a walk-through collection of information and artifacts….

Family’s Newly Purchased Home Among Extensive Storm Damage In Grand Rapids

Wind speeds during Monday night’s storms clocked in between 70 and 80 miles an hour in Grand Rapids, snapping trees and power poles and damaging homes.

GRAND RAPIDS, Minn.- Wind speeds during Monday night’s storms clocked in between 70 and 80 miles an hour in Grand Rapids, snapping trees and power poles and damaging homes – some where families just moved in. “It’s kind of unbelievable that’s for sure,” said Emily Major. The storm — and a big hole in the roof — was definitely not…

North Shore Cleans Up After Destructive Storm

TWO HARBORS, Minn.– After 70 mile per hour winds whip through the Northland, Two Harbors spends the day cleaning up what is described as a short but destructive storm. The town was littered with debris from last nights storm and community members shared their initial reactions to what they saw and heard, including one homeowner who experienced the brunt of…

City Leaders Hoping for Larger Voter Turnout in Municipal Primary

The municipal primary will be held Tuesday, August 10th.

DULUTH, Minn. — Duluth’s municipal primary is just a few weeks away and city leaders are pushing for a larger turnout. The city council at large, city council second district and city council fourth district seats are up for grabs come November. With early voting now open at city hall, officials say in a comparable election back in 2017, they…

Fire Crews Respond to Several Weather Related Calls Monday Night

Fire department crews were responding to storm related calls for several hours Monday night.

DULUTH, Minn. — The Duluth Fire Department responded to several calls Monday night due to the storms. In addition to responding to their normal medical calls, departments also responded to several calls regarding down trees and power lines. Officials want to remind the public to steer clear of debris during inclement weather. “It’s really imperative to make sure that there’s…

South St. Louis County Fair in Need of Volunteers

The fair starts Wednesday and goes through Sunday.

PROCTOR, Minn. — The annual South Saint Louis County and Proctor Fair is coming back for its 100th year. This year they will have an inflatable carnival, several food and carnival venders along with monster trucks and racing on the weekend. Organizers are still looking for volunteers throughout the fair to help keep the tradition going. “We always need volunteers,”…