Minnesota

Funding Freeze Impacts Neighborhood Youth Services

DULUTH, Minn. – Staff say they are appealing to public after a freeze on federal grants has put the program and its services at risk. Neighborhood Youth Services (NYS) provides meals, mentorship, and a safe space for kids. Located in Duluth’s central hillside, the program also serves families and runs juvenile justice programs for St. Louis County.  However, according to…

Chisholm Police Respond To Videos of Dogs Circulating on Internet

CHISHOLM, MN – The Chisholm Police Departments released a statement addressing a series of videos shown on social media purportedly showing animal abuse in Buhl. Police say they searched the facility on April 15, 2025 and located several dogs being kept on the property. Officers say the dogs “had access to food, clean water, and appropriate shelter”.  Officers also said…

Mary Murphy Day At Capitol

ST. PAUL, MN – As the floor session convenes on April 21, 2025 the House of Representatives will honor the life and legacy of Mary Murphy. The Murphy Is presented Mary Murphy Day Proclamation by Lt, Gov, Peggy Flanigan State Representative Mary Murphy was the longest-serving woman in the history of the Minnesota House. “Mary Murphy Day” will feature the…

Duluth launches new “courtesy note” program to fix code violations

DULUTH, MN – The City of Duluth is introducing it’s Clean Streets, Strong Communities Courtesy Notice Program. Example of a Courtesy Notice from Duluth Life Safety It’s a new initiative designed to encourage voluntary compliance with city ordinances before formal enforcement actions are taken. Rather than beginning with a citation or formal inspection process, residents out of code compliance may…

Pope Francis dies at 88

Pope Francis, the Catholic Church’s first Latin American pontiff who charmed the world with his humble style and concern for the poor, has died, as announced by Cardinal Kevin Farrell, the Vatican camerlengo. He was 88. “At 7:35 this morning, the Bishop of Rome, Francis, returned to the home of the Father,” said Cardinal Kevin Farrell in an announcement of the death. Francis,…

Juvenile Dies After Vehicle Pursuit, Crash In Itasca County

COHASSET TOWNSHIP, Minn. — The Itasca County Sheriff’s Office is investigating after a juvenile female died in a crash early Sunday morning during a police pursuit. According to Sheriff Dasovich, a deputy saw a vehicle without its headlights on traveling westbound on County Road 63 in the area of County Road 271 around 1:30 a.m. Sunday. The deputy attempted to…

Marijuana Holiday 4/20 Coincides With Easter, Passover This Year

Courtesy: Associated Press Marijuana culture’s high holiday, known as 4/20, falls this year on Easter Sunday, as well as the last day of Passover, meaning cannabis fans can celebrate in some unusual ways, including an “Easter nug hunt” in Los Angeles, kosher-style THC gummies in New York and a “blaze and praise” drag brunch in Portland, Oregon. “It seemed appropriate…

LSC Celebrates 80-Years with a Look at Its Advanced Aviation Programs

DULUTH, Minn. — The public and prospective students were given an inside look at Lake Superior College’s Advanced Aviation Center Friday afternoon. According to the college, their pilot and aviation maintenance programs offer a unique hands on learning experience and prepare students to get a job in a high demand career field. The open house allows the public a chance…

‘Lake County Historical Society’ Celebrates Progress with Expensive Renovations

TWO HARBORS, Minn.– After experiencing a rough winter season which resulted in 100-thousand dollars in damage, The Lake County Historical Society is excited to be opening its doors to their light house. The 3M Birthplace Museum, and the Keepers Quarters experienced frozen pipes, which ended in some burst radiators. To help cover some of those costs, back in February, the…

DTA unveils new busses and routes

DULUTH, Minn. — The DTA is getting ready to boost its fleet of busses, and bring back some in-demand routes. The nine new busses include new features to meet the growing needs of riders. The new DTA busses are equipped with fat tire compatible bike racks, as well as a new wheelchair securement system. MN-DOT is responsible for the funding…

Duluth Police Department releases its annual report

  DULUTH, Minn — The Duluth Police Department released its Annual Report for 2024. This report includes some of the facts and figures of 2024. It also gives and overview of their accomplishments and outlines the goals for 2025. One notable change is a significant decrease in both Opioid Related Overdoses and fatalities related to those overdoses. Chief Cenowa attributed…

Local Record Stores Talk Vinyl

  TWIN PORTS — From the sound quality to the artistry vinyl records have made their comeback. Large department stores often carry some of the most popular records. But more unique selections are best found at your local record store. Vinyl records have made their way back into mainstream media. Local shops River City Records and Globe News are catering…

Duluth Fire Marshal Asking For Help On Suspicious Lincoln Park Fire

DULUTH, MN – Duluth Fire Marshal Lisa Consie is hoping thepublic can help with solving a suspicious February fire in the Lincoln Park neighborhood. Consie is asking the public to come forward with any information that may lead to the identification of any persons tied to the fire that burned 2226 W. First Street on February 16, 2025. RELATED: Fire…

FDLTCC Peace Officer Expo Readies Next Generation of Law Enforcement

CLOQUET, Minn. — As police departments across the country are struggling to be fully staffed, police agencies in Minnesota are looking to hire the next generation of officers for the front line. At Fond du Lac Tribal and Community College more than 35 departments from local, county, state and federal agencies attended this year’s Peace Officer and Criminal Justice Expo….

County Board Authorizes Development of New Public Works Facility on Iron Range

  HIBBING, Minn. — The St. Louis County Board voted to authorize a bond sale for a new Public Works building on the Iron Range. The new facility is planned to be built in Balkan Township and will serve Hibbing, Chisholm, and the surrounding communities. The current public works building was built in 1940s and has been deemed inefficient for…

WLSSD Celebrates Steps Forward

DULUTH, Minn. — The Western Lake Superior Sanitary District (WLSSD) had a lot to celebrate Tuesday afternoon, announcing the launch their “Combined Heat and Power” (CHP) project, which they say will leverage technology to produce clean energy from renewable resources. This new project will be facilitated by a new leader, as their executive director of 17 years passes the torch….

‘Twin Ports Business Alliance’ Meets Ahead of Blatnik Bridge Replacement

DULUTH, Minn. — A brand new alliance between businesses across the Blatnik Bridge met today to discuss future plans. The Twin Ports Business Alliance is made up of a group of local business owners and leaders. They say they will continue to meet leading up to the anticipated Blatnik Bridge construction. They are collaborating on topics such as affected tourism,…

The Rose Man is up for Sale

  DULUTH, Minn. — ‘The Rose Man’ is seeking new ownership. The iconic florist on Central Entrance has been in operation since 1983. It’s had three different owners over the years, and they are looking to find the fourth. The current owner had bought it with her husband, who passed unexpectedly ten years ago. While she has been running it…

Police Seize Drugs, Ammo with Search Warrant; Suspect in Custody

  DULUTH, Minn. — A search warrant conducted Tuesday morning lead to the seizure of over 100 grams of suspected meth and 100 grams of cocaine in Duluth. This happened around 10:45 a.m. on Tuesday, April 15. The Duluth Police Department, Hermantown Police, and the Lake Superior Violent Offender Task Force collaborated together to execute a search warrant on the…

Coffee Conversation: Jason Young Leads Depot Foundation Forward

DULUTH, Minn. — Jason Young, newly named Executive Director of the Depot Foundation, joined the Fox 21 morning newscast live in-studio to share exciting updates about the organization’s future. With a nonprofit background dating back to 2001 and fundraising experience since 2006, Jason brings deep expertise and passion to the role. On-air, he discussed what’s next for the Depot under…

Superior National Forest Begins Prescribed Fires

NORTHERN MINNESOTA — The Superior National Forest is starting prescribed fires to help reduce overgrown vegetation. The prescribed fires may be close to areas open to the public for the next several days. Warning signs will be posted along roads near all prescribed fire areas before operations begin. The Forest Service is warning that nearby residences may experience heavy smoke….

Community Rallies to Help Volunteer Firefighter Fight Against Cancer Diagnosis

  CROMWELL, Minn. — The community of Cromwell is helping out one their volunteer firefighters’ fight against cancer. Tim Smith of Cromwell, Minn., was recently diagnosed with prostate cancer and has already underwent major surgery following his diagnosis. Smith has been a EMT/firefighter for Cromwell-Wright Volunteer Fire Department for over a decade. A GoFundMe page has been set up to…

Minnesota Office of Cannabis Management Announces the Approval of Cannabis Rules

  MINNESOTA — The Minnesota Office of Cannabis Management (OCM) announced Monday that the rules governing Minnesota’s adult-use cannabis market have been formally adopted and are in effect following their approval by a judge, according to a press release from the OCM. This was the final step in the process of setting up the cannabis market in Minnesota, and means…

Diane Desotelle announces plans to run for City Council

  DULUTH, Minn. — With Mike Mayou stepping down as Duluth’s District 2 Representative, former city employee Diane Desotelle is looking to step-up. She announced today that she is running for the district 2 seat on Duluth’s city council. As a former civil engineer and natural resource planner, Desotelle feels she has the knowledge and experience to do right by…

St. Louis County Celebrates Achievements in Public Health

  DULUTH, Minn — Four individuals were recognized for their work in public health by St. Louis County today. Dr. Jan Baldwin, Christina Trok, Mel Alvar, and Nathan Kesti were each given a Public Health Achievement Award. Each has shown leadership and commitment as they worked to address a variety of public health concerns. Those include perinatal substance use, birth…

Coffee Conversation: Denfeld High School Presents “Legally Blonde the Musical”

DULUTH, Minn. — Theater students at Denfeld High School are preparing to take the stage for their final performance of the year: Legally Blonde the Musical. Cast members Reagan Kern and Jacob Waechter were on Fox 21’s morning newscast Tuesday to talk about the upcoming show. Legally Blonde the Musical will be performed April 17, 18, and 19 at the…

DPD Asking for Public Assistance in Identifying Shoplifting Suspect

DULUTH, Minn. — The Duluth Police Department is seeking the public’s help in identifying an individual who shoplifted from JC Penny last week. This event happened last Tuesday, April 8. The shoplifting suspect is described as a white female with red hair wearing a black vest, blue sweatshirt, and black leggings. The DPD is encouraging the public to call 911…

Community Comes Together for Local Coach & Gymnasts Battling Breast Cancer

GRAND RAPIDS, Minn. — The community of Grand Rapids is coming together to build a community garden for a beloved gym coach battling terminal breast cancer. Andrea Hassel started the Grand Rapids Gymnastics Academy over 20 years ago. She helped many gymnasts grow and develop into competitive college athletes. The community is hoping to fundraise $35,000 for a memorial garden…

Wrenshall School District Closes 5th Grade Enrollment

WRENSHALL, Minn. — Wrenshall Public School District closes enrollment for their 5th grade class for the upcoming 2025-26 school year. The school district has seen a rise in student enrollment in recent years. This school year, the district had to split up their kindergarten and 4th grade students into two separate classrooms. The Wrenshall Board of Education and teachers collaborated…

CSS Students Showcase New Innovations in Trade Show

DULUTH, Minn. — Students from the College of St. Scholastica held a trade show to showcase new inventions that students have been working on during the semester. Students from the college’s new product development and the integrated marketing communication courses team up for the trade show. The students were tasked to develop a plan and practice their sales-pitch it to…

St. Louis County Legacy Dump Damage Reversal Project in the Works

CANYON, Minn.– Around 250 closed dump and landfill sites across St. louis County is being addressed with a proposed project. These sites are unlined and ultimately contaminating ground water. To try and solve this, there’s a multi-million-dollar plan to help reverse the centuries-long damage at those sites. The project is called the “St. Louis County Integrated Solid Waste Management Campus.”…

Stolen Vehicle Located, Minutes After Police Appeal to Public for Info

DULUTH, Minn. – Minutes after appealing to the public for information, police say they recovered a stolen vehicle that originally fled from them Saturday night. In a press release Monday afternoon, Duluth Police asked the public for information to help locate a stolen vehicle. Police said the “vehicle that fled from officers on Saturday, April 12 around 3 a.m. in…

Name of Chisholm Man Killed In Motorcyle Crash Released

The St. Louis County Sheriff’s Office says Shawn Harold Hage of Chisholm died following a motorcycle crash on April 12, 2025. The accident was reported around 4:30 p.m. on Highway 5 near the intersection of Herman Road, which is about five miles east of Hibbing. Witnesses told the St. Louis County Sheriff’s Office that the 46-year-old man failed to navigate…

Jordon Johnson Announces Campaign for Duluth City Council Seat

DULUTH, Minn. — A candidate has announced his run for Duluth city council at-large. Jordon Johnson, was born and raised in Duluth. He is the former executive director of Life House. In 2024 he ran for Minnesota House District 8A. Johnson says he would bring accountability and transparency to the council, with a focus on fair and accessible housing, economic…

“Purple Up” Day Highlights Children of Military Families

Children of military families in Minnesota are being recognized this month for their sacrifices to our country. Organizations like Duluth’s 148th Fighter Wing, the American Red Cross, and even the UMD Bulldogs took part Friday evening in “purple up” day to celebrate local kids from military families. It’s part of the “month of the military child” as it is known…

Coffee Conversation: Final Performance Nears for UMD Percussion

DULUTH, Minn. — April is here, and that means the school year is coming to a close — but not before one final performance. That includes the talented musicians of the UMD Percussion Ensemble. Students from the University of Minnesota Duluth, along with Assistant Professor of Percussion Ryan Loken, were on Fox 21’s morning newscast Monday for an interview and…

Chisholm Man Dies In Motorcycle Accident

CHERRY TOWNSHIP, Min. – A Chisholm man was killed Saturday afternoon after authorities said he lost control of his motorcycle in Cherry Township. The accident was reported around 4:30 p.m. on Highway 5 near the intersection of Herman Road, which is about five miles east of Hibbing. Witnesses told the St. Louis County Sheriff’s Office that the 46-year-old man failed…

Egg-Splosion Event Held in Lincoln Park

DULUTH, Minn. — With Easter right around the corner, the 10th annual Egg-Splosion event was held in Lincoln Park. Northern Expressions Arts Collective hosted Egg-Splosion at the Harrison Community Center on Saturday. The Easter event welcomed community members to have fun with games and crafts. With the rising price of eggs, this year the event was budget friendly as wooden…

Investigation into Drive-By Shooting Report on FDL Reservation

FOND DU LAC RESERVATION, Minn. – Authorities are investigating after reports of a drive-by shooting Thursday night on the Fond Du Lac Reservation. Cloquet and Fond Du Lac Police were called to the 300 block of Brookston Rd around 9:10 p.m. on Thursday, for reports of shots being fired from a passing vehicle.  No injuries were reported. As of publishing,…

True North Goodwill Saw Packed Grand Opening for New Hermantown Location

  HERMANTOWN, Minn. — True North Goodwill held a packed grand opening for their new Hermantown location . It was packed grand opening today for new Hermantown flagship location after construction for the store took 8 months. The 8000 square foot store front offers a wide selection of household items, clothes, books, toys at competitive prices. The new store was…

Wisconsin and Minnesota Spring Turkey Season Nears

  MINNESOTA/WISCONSIN — Spring turkey season is approaching fast, with both Wisconsin and Minnesota seasons starting on April 16. Historically, it would have been odd to see a turkey this far north in Minnesota as they’re usually more accustomed to agricultural land in the southern side of the state. With the uprise in turkeys in the north, the spring and…

National Weather Service & St. Louis County Work Closely Together

  ST. LOUIS COUNTY, Minn. — The National Weather Service (NWS) and St. Louis County work hand-in-hand together to give better response to severe weather events. The two agencies have a long history of working together. Last year, the NWS Duluth office received the second highest number of weather support requests for Search and Rescue Operations out of any NWS…