Minnesota Archives - Page 268 of 376

The $20 Million Senior Development Planned For Hermantown Comes To A Halt After Strong Concerns

The developer tells Fox 21 the feedback received has been very supportive, but the decision to stop the project seems to be political.

January 22, 2020

Nachai Taylor,

HERMANTOWN, Minn. – A $20 million project to build a new senior housing development in Hermantown has hit a roadblock. After hearing strong community concerns the Hermantown City Council voted to reject the project at Tuesday night’s council meeting. The Arbours of Maple Grove development project planned for the area has been in the works for more than a year….

Two Charged in Woodland Home Invasion

January 22, 2020

Site Staff,

DULUTH, Minn. – The two suspects arrested in connection to a home invasion in the Woodland neighborhood Sunday have now been formally charged. Dallan Timothy Thorstenson, 23, and Martin Luther Paulk Jr., 26, both of South Carolina, have been charged with felony kidnapping, first-degree aggravated robbery, second-degree assault, and third-degree assault. According to the criminal complaint, Duluth police responded to…

Bayfield Man Found Guilty of Murder

January 22, 2020

Site Staff,

CARLTON COUNTY, Minn. – A Bayfield man accused of fatally shooting his uncle and injuring his cousin in 2018 has been found guilty of murder. James Montano, 34, was found guilty of premeditated first-degree murder, intentional second-degree murder, and attempted premeditated first-degree murder early Wednesday morning in a Carlton County courtroom. In April 2018 Montano shot and killed his Uncle…

Looking to Stress Less? Follow These Tips!

Local Health & Wellness Speaker & Trainer Berta Lippert Offers Tips to Help You Stress Less in 2020

January 22, 2020

Brett Scott,

DULUTH, Minn. – Are you looking to get healthy and feel better about yourself? Maybe lose weight, get organized, or reduce stress? Thankfully, local health and wellness speaker, Berta Lippert, is here to help Twin Ports residents. Lippert says when it comes to creating lasting change, you may or may not know what it is you need to do. Or,…

Blind Sled Dog to Race in Beargrease 120

"This year we started training him like he was going to be one of the marathon racing dogs and he looked great. In fact, he looked almost as good as he was when he was two years old. He was one of the best dogs on the team."

January 22, 2020

Reece Lindquist,

HOVLAND, Minn. – Frank Moe has 43 dogs on his property. 28 of them are in training and none of them are quite like the seven-year-old Alaskan husky named Indy. “We were really grateful to have him. Indy became a star right away. In fact, he finished the Beargrease marathon when he was two,” Dog Musher, Frank Moe says. Fast…

Water Main Break Temporarily Closes NB I-35 Ramp to 21st Avenue East

January 22, 2020

Site Staff,

UPDATE: The City of Duluth Public Works and Utilities staff repaired the water main break that closed the off-ramp from I-35 to 21st Avenue East. Water service was restored before 3:00 p.m. to the ICO gas station that was affected by the break. Staff reopened the northbound off-ramp on I-35 to 21st Avenue East. —– DULUTH, Minn. – A large…

Hermantown City Council, Mayor Reject Proposed Housing Project

January 21, 2020

Alexandra Burnley,

HERMANTOWN, Minn. — On Tuesday, the Hermantown City Council voted to reject a proposal for a 137-unit housing development called The Arbours of Maple Grove. City council’s vote was tied 2-2, with the tiebreaker vote made by Hermantown Mayor Wayne Boucher to deny the proposal. The Arbours of Maple Grove property would have sat on more than 10 acres of…

St. Louis County Public Works Employees Return to Work After Strike

January 21, 2020

Andrew Kirov,

ST. LOUIS COUNTY, Minn. – St. Louis County Public Works employees are back at work after a six-day strike. The Teamsters Local 320 approved a new three-year contract Monday night with a unanimous vote. According to the county, the Teamsters will get wage increases, extra personal leave days, and the chance to shop around for health insurance plans. County officials…

UMD In Line For Funding From Governor Walz’s Bonding Bill

January 21, 2020

Nachai Taylor,

DULUTH, Minn. – Some big money could be coming to UMD in the near future after Governor Walz released his bonding bill last week. The school could be in line for more than $10 million for campus renovations. The funding would modernize much of the campus’ infrastructure. The money could also help projects like repurposing the former chemistry building by…

State Senators Head To Hibbing As Ongoing Debates Continue Into Proposed Minnesota Gun Law

January 21, 2020

Nachai Taylor,

HIBBING, Minn. – Ongoing debates about new Minnesota gun laws continue. Several state senators traveled to Hibbing for a public informational hearing to touch on a few proposed bills addressing firearms and public safety in Minnesota Nearly 100 advocates from both ends of the spectrum of gun rights and gun control showed up to testify about their stance on the…

Audit Finds More Violations at Department of Human Services

January 21, 2020

The Associated Press,

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) – An internal audit has found several violations of laws to prevent fraud, waste, and abuse in a Department of Human Services division responsible for a string of improper payments. The department’s behavioral health division was responsible for $29 million in overpayments to two American Indian bands and $70 million in improper payments to chemical dependency…

Vikings Pick up 5 Additions to Pro Bowl, Including Cousins

January 21, 2020

The Associated Press,

EAGAN, Minn. (AP) — The Minnesota Vikings have five additions to the NFC Pro Bowl roster, giving them eight players in the all-star game for their highest total in 10 years. The team announced Tuesday that quarterback Kirk Cousins, defensive end Everson Griffen, fullback C.J. Ham, linebacker Eric Kendricks, and cornerback Xavier Rhodes were picked as replacements. Running back Dalvin…

Renegade Theater Kicks Off 2020 Season with Production of “Bright Star”

"Bright Star" Opens at Renegade Theater Friday, January 24 at 7:30 p.m.

January 21, 2020

Brett Scott,

DULUTH, Minn. – Renegade Theater Company is proud to present the first production of their 2020 season, “Bright Star.” Performers Christina Stroup Manchester and Blake Reistad stopped by FOX 21 Local News from 7 – 9 a.m. to chat about the upcoming production. It’s set to take center stage on Friday, January 24. Other performances will take place January 25,…

Mayor of Eagan Arrested for Drunken Driving

January 21, 2020

The Associated Press,

EAGAN, Minn. – The mayor of Eagan is accused of driving drunk and crashing into a snowbank with a blood-alcohol level more than twice the legal limit. Mike Maguire was arrested near his home Jan. 11 after police responded to a report of an SUV stuck in a snowbank. A criminal complaint says a responding officer smelled alcohol and noticed…

St. Louis County Public Works Employees Vote to Ratify New Contract with County

Union members voted unanimously 133-0.

January 20, 2020

Arman Rahman,

EVELETH, Minn.- In an unprecedented unanimous vote, the Teamsters Local 320 Union representing St. Louis County Public Works employees voted to ratify a contract agreement with the County, ending their strike which began last Wednesday. “You ratified the contract 133-0, it was unanimous,” announced Teamsters Recording Secretary Erik Skoog. That announcement was met with raucous cheers from the Union members….

High School Band Students Visit CSS For Annual Honor Band Festival

January 20, 2020

Nachai Taylor,

DULUTH, Minn. – Nearly 100 high school students visited the College of St. Scholastica for a day of music-making. The college hosted it’s fourth annual High School Honor Band Festival. High school band directors from around the region nominated students to take part in this year’s event. The students spent the day rehearsing in preparation for their big concert at…

Twin Ports Pays Tribute To Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

January 20, 2020

Nachai Taylor,

DULUTH, Minn. – Communities around the nation are honoring Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. This year, the Duluth community is continuing its annual tradition of paying homage. People of all ages and races have come together to solidify the strength in the community while honoring Dr. King. Hundreds of folks showed up early to the Washington Center in Duluth ahead…

KYN: Lost Cove Co. Tattoo

January 20, 2020

Reece Lindquist,

DULUTH, Minn. – The pop-up shop in the Miller Hill Mall is now filled with a *new tattoo shop. The lost cove co was founded by Minnesota native, and celebrity tattoo artist and MTV start Travis Ross along with his friend Aaron Larson. The two began collaborating after several months ago when the two met in the Twin Cities. “I…

Denfeld High School Alum CJ Ham Heading to Pro Bowl

January 20, 2020

Site Staff,

DULUTH, Minn. – Duluth native CJ Ham will be on his way to the Pro Bowl after being named as the replacement for 49ers fullback Kyle Juszczyk. The announcement was made by his agent on Sunday night. And Just like that @cjham28 is in the Pro Bowl. Right where he should have been all along. Let’s Go! @TeamIFA — Blake…

Prince Wrongful Death Case Dismissed; Estate Case Continues

January 20, 2020

The Associated Press,

(AP Photo/Chris O’Meara, File) MINNEAPOLIS (AP) – Minnesota court records show a wrongful death lawsuit filed by Prince’s family members has been quietly dismissed in recent months against all defendants. Though the dismissal of one defendant is being appealed, the rest were dismissed by agreement, which experts say could indicate settlements. Meanwhile, efforts to determine the value of Prince’s estate…

Minnesota Dentists Offering Free Dental Care for over 2,000 Children

Participants for "Give Kids a Smile" Must be 18 Years of Age or Younger

January 20, 2020

Brett Scott,

DULUTH, Minn. – Northland children in need of dental care are now able to apply for free services to be completed on February 7 & 8. The Minnesota Dental Association (MDA) is proud to provide free dental care to thousands of Minnesota children from low-income families through the annual volunteer program, Give Kids a Smile. This is the eighteenth year,…

Minnesota Teen Found Unresponsive After Fall From Park Cliff

January 20, 2020

The Associated Press,

TAYLORS FALLS, Minn. (AP) – Sheriff’s officials say a teenager was found unresponsive after falling off a 30-foot cliff at a state park north of the Twin Cities. The Chisago County Sheriff’s Office says deputies navigated the “extreme terrain” to reach 19-year-old Luke Zajac from Marine on St. Croix at Interstate State Park in Taylors Falls Sunday afternoon. Deputies used…

St. Louis County, Teamsters Local 320 Reach Contract Agreement

The Agreement Was Announced Monday Morning on the Facebook Page of Teamsters 320 Local Recording Secretary Erik Skoog

January 20, 2020

Brett Scott,

DULUTH, Minn. – According to Teamsters Local 320 Recording Secretary Erik Skoog, an agreement has been reached between public works employees and St. Louis County. The announcement was made early Monday morning on Skoog’s Facebook page. In a post, Skoog says, “After 15 hours of mediation, we reached an agreement that both parties can be proud of! Congrats Teamsters and…

Less Than Week Ahead of Beargrease, Fundraiser Helps with Last Minute Expenses

Fundraiser helps accommodate for money lost from stolen bales of straw.

January 19, 2020

Arman Rahman,

DULUTH, Minn.- Excitement is building less than a week before the 40th annual John Beargrease Sled Dog Marathon. A fundraiser was held at Breeze Inn on Jean Duluth Road to help raise money for the race, after 200 bales of straw were stolen back in October. That straw is used as bedding for the dogs. The race raised money in…

Interfaith Service Honors Martin Luther King Jr., Continues Fight for Equality

Gloria Dei Church packed with all faith backgrounds honoring Rev. Dr. King.

January 19, 2020

Arman Rahman,

DULUTH, Minn.- The kickoff to Duluth’s events commemorating Martin Luther King Jr. was an interfaith service honoring the work of freedom fighters of the past, with performances by youth continuing the fight in the future. “We’re still remembering the words of him 60 years later,” said Salaam Witherspoon, Chair of the Martin Luther King Jr. Committee. “We’re still asking for…

1 Injured, 2 Arrested In Home Invasion, Robbery In Duluth’s Woodland Neighborhood

January 19, 2020

Dan Hanger,

DULUTH, Minn. – Duluth police are investigating an apparent home invasion and robbery that injured a man. The call for help came in around 5:30 p.m. Sunday on the 200 block of St. Paul Avenue in the Woodland neighborhood. Two suspects were arrested and police were not searching for anyone else. Authorities say two BB guns, baseball bats, and marijuana…

Minnesota State Fair to Add Metal Detectors, Other Upgrades This Year

Metal detectors at gates just one of many improvements and maintenance for 2020 Get Together.

January 19, 2020

Arman Rahman,

MINNESOTA- This year the Minnesota State Fair will be adding metal detectors to their gates, among other upgrades and maintenance projects. According to Fair Officials entrance gates will be changed to accommodate fair-time metal detectors. “We’ve looked at adding metal detectors to our public safety program for a while now,” said State Fair General Manager Jerry Hammer. “We added bag…

MLK Indoor Frisbee Tournament Raises Money for UMD Team

Fundraiser raises about $2,000 every year.

January 18, 2020

Arman Rahman,

DULUTH, Minn.- UMD’s Northern Lights Ultimate Frisbee Team held their annual MLK Indoor Tournament Fundraiser at Ward Wells Fieldhouse Saturday. Teams from as far as Mankato and North Dakota came to the fieldhouse to play. The tournament is how the UMD team raises most of their money for travel expenses, jersey fees, and more for the whole season. According to…

$1 Million In Governor Walz’s Bonding Proposal Could Fund New Manufacturing Department At LSC

The entire project will cost between $12-14 million.

January 17, 2020

Nachai Taylor,

DULUTH, Minn. – Governor Walz recently announced his higher education proposal. The proposal included nearly $1 million in pre-design funding for new manufacturing labs at Lake Superior College. LSC’s manufacturing department resides in downtown Duluth, but the program has outgrown the leased space over the years. If the funding is awarded, it would allow the manufacturing department to move from…

Early Voting Begins In Minnesota

January 17, 2020

Reece Lindquist,

DULUTH, Minn. – Duluthians were out early Friday morning casting their votes for the 2020 Presidential Primary Election. Voters say this is a convenience factor that should allow more people to get to the polls. “That’s exciting because folks who are just busy who still want to participate don’t have to get a babysitter to go to their caucus night…

Area Auto Care Centers Pay It Forward, Donate Repaired Vehicle

January 17, 2020

Reece Lindquist,

DULUTH, Minn. – Nine auto care centers in the Northland, in association with Napa Auto Parts, have come together to fix and then donate used vehicles for people in need. It’s something the organizations have been doing for over ten years and today at Brad’s Auto, Julie Merriman was the recipient of a 2006 Toyota Sienna. The vehicle had over…

Closings & Delays for January 18, 19

Both Denfeld Snow Ball and East Sweetheart Dances Will be Postponed Due to Weather

January 17, 2020

Site Staff,

Saturday College of St. Scholastica’s “Survivor Songs” concert – Canceled ALL ISD 709 High School events – Canceled All home and away games, meets, and contests All practices at all facilities Robotics Duluth Community Education Classes – Canceled Denfeld Snow Ball Dance – Postponed East High School Sweetheart Dance – Postponed School District of Superior – all sporting events and…

Former Minnesota Probation Officer Accused of Luring Slain Real Estate Agent to Her Death

January 17, 2020

The Associated Press,

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — A woman who had worked as a probation officer is accused of luring a real estate agent to a Minnesota house before the agent was kidnapped and killed on New Year’s Eve, prosecutors alleged Friday. Elsa Segura, 28, of Fridley, was charged Friday in Hennepin County court with one count of kidnapping. Segura is accused of luring…

Hearing Puts Agency Under Scrutiny Over PolyMet Mine Permit

January 17, 2020

The Associated Press,

(AP Photo/Jim Mone, File) MINNEAPOLIS (AP) – Legal challenges to the proposed PolyMet copper-nickel mine enter a new phase this week. A Minnesota judge will open a fact-finding hearing Tuesday into allegations that state regulators improperly tried to suppress serious concerns by federal regulators about the project’s risks. The judge will then prepare findings that the Minnesota Court of Appeals…

Twin Ports to Honor Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. With Events Sunday, Monday

Events Include a Free Community Breakfast and a MLK March

January 17, 2020

Brett Scott,

DULUTH, Minn. – The Twin Ports community is set to honor and celebrate the legacy of Civil Rights Movement leader, Dr. Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. in a series of tribute events January 19 – 20. The events are being coordinated by the Duluth Branch of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP). These events are free and…

Morning Update 1-17-20

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Friday, January 17, 2020

January 17, 2020

Brett Scott,

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Brittney Merlot for a local look at news and weather making headlines Friday, January 17, 2020. Categories: Community, Minnesota, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, brittney merlot, community, Headlines, Local News, morning update

MORE COWBELL, More Calories Burned, More Donations!

ACTIVE ADVENTURES: 11th Annual More Cowbell Fundraiser For Northern Lights Foundation

January 17, 2020

Brittney Merlot,

DULUTH, Minn. — In this weeks Active Adventures Fox 21 competes for the third time in the Annual More Cowbell Event, put on by the Northern Lights Foundation. All proceeds go to helping local kids with serious illnesses. This took place Thursday January 16th, 2020 at Grandma’s Sports Garden in Canal Park. The competitive and fun fundraiser featured 10 teams…

Minnesota Opens Early Voting in March 3 Presidential Primary

January 17, 2020

The Associated Press,

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) – Minnesota voters became some of the first in the country to cast ballots in the presidential primaries as polls opened for the state’s Super Tuesday contest. Eligible voters can now vote at county courthouses across the state, and early voting stations in some cities and they can also request absentee ballots for the March 3 primary. But…

Union Members React To Second Day Of Strike

January 16, 2020

Reece Lindquist,

DULUTH, Minn. – It’s day two of the Teamsters Local 320 plow strike. Dozens of members lined the entrance of the Saint Louis County Public Works Building since early Thursday morning. The union wants wage increases, the option to elect their own health insurance plan and more sick leave. We spoke with a mechanic who says, Saint Louis County roads…

Stella Maris Academy Receives Large Donation

January 16, 2020

Reece Lindquist,

DULUTH, Minn. – Stella Maris in Duluth received a big donation recently. On Thursday, the academy announced it had received a $250,000 donation. A large percentage of their funds come from the parish and community support. Staff are grateful for the gift, and say it will help them continue providing quality education for children. “This gift helps us reach our…

BoomTown Restaurant to Open This Spring in Rice Lake

January 16, 2020

Site Staff,

DULUTH, Minn. – The former Sunset Bar & Grill will be home to a new restaurant this spring. New owners Jessica and Erik Lietz say they plan to open a Boomtown bar and restaurant at 4483 Martin Road in the spring of 2020 that will offer “comfort food with a twist.” This will be the third Boomtown restaurant location for…

Women In Construction Bond At Networking Event

January 16, 2020

Nachai Taylor,

DULUTH, Minn. – Dozens of women who work in the construction industry came together for a networking event at Clyde Iron Works in Lincoln Park. The women had the opportunity to participate in speed mentoring, where they were able to connect with other women to get advice on working in the industry. The ladies also got a chance to hear…

Learn to Say, “I’ve Been Workin’ on the Railroad!”

Classes Begin Thursday, February 6 at the Duluth Depot

January 16, 2020

Brett Scott,

DULUTH, Minn. – If you’ve ever seen a train go by and wonder what it would be like to sit up in the cab, hand on the throttle, or be a conductor welcoming passengers and actually being in charge of the train, then this class is for you. The North Shore Scenic Railroad is again hosting its very popular and…

Parents Sue After Bemidji Students Sexually Exploited

January 16, 2020

The Associated Press,

BEMIDJI, Minn. – The parents of two students are suing the Bemidji school district, alleging it was negligent in allowing a former assistant principal to sexually exploit their children. Brandon Bjerknes, who was arrested in 2017, is serving a federal prison sentence for producing child pornography and coercing minors into sexual contact. A lawsuit by the parents of two of…

Former Beargrease Champ Returning to 2020 Race

January 16, 2020

Site Staff,

DULUTH, Minn. – Four-time John Beargrease Sled Dog Marathon champion Nathan Schroeder will be returning to the race this year. The announcement was made Thursday morning on the John Beargrease Sled Dog Marathon Facebook page. Schroeder won his 4th Beargrease title in 2016 and has completed the Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race four times. He was also named the 2014…

New Viking Cruise Ship Heading to Lake Superior in 2022

January 16, 2020

Site Staff,

DULUTH, Minn. – Viking Cruises announced Thursday that it will begin sailing a new ship to the Great Lakes starting in 2022 as part of its Viking Expeditions. The Viking Octanis is scheduled to debut in January 2022 and will sail to Antarctica and the Great Lakes. The company says the Viking’s arrival will mark a major commitment to local…

PolyMet Will Appeal Permit Ruling to Minnesota Supreme Court

January 16, 2020

The Associated Press,

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) – PolyMet Mining Inc. will ask the Minnesota Supreme Court to overturn a ruling that canceled three permits needed for its proposed copper-nickel mine in northeastern Minnesota. PolyMet President and CEO Jon Cherry says Monday’s decision from the Court of Appeals has far-reaching impacts for Minnesota and any future project that depends on state permits. The…

Curlers as Old as 92 Play in Curl Mesabi Senior Curling League

Senior Curlers play for an hour and a half to two hours.

January 15, 2020

Arman Rahman,

EVELETH, Minn.- On Mondays and Wednesdays at the Curl Mesabi Curling Club, the curlers taking over the ice are more experienced in the game, and in life. Curl Mesabi’s Senior Curling League is made up of 65 curlers. The youngest are 50-55, and the oldest curler sweeping those rocks is 92-years-old. According to organizers, the hour-and-a-half to two-hour sessions are…

Union Plow Drivers Go On Strike; St. Louis County Responds

"We are taking this seriously. We expect them to take it seriously. We want to go back in and do a deal. Let's get this done," said Cory Garden.

January 15, 2020

Nachai Taylor,

ST. LOUIS COUNTY, Minn. – Dozens of union plow drivers posted up outside of more than ten public works locations hoping to get the attention of St. Louis County officials. “It’s heartbreaking because we know the impact this is having on employees. It’s disappointing, we know it has impacts on the citizens,” said St. Louis County Communications Manager Dana Kazel….

Fatal Eveleth House Fire Victim Identified, Neighborhood Mourns

77-year-old Bonnie Mae Phinney was trapped in the house as it burned to the ground.

January 15, 2020

Arman Rahman,

EVELETH, Minn.- The identity of a 77-year-old woman who died in a house fire in Eveleth Tuesday morning has been released. Several area fire departments responded to a structure fire on North Court, after a woman called saying she was unable to get out. “Me and my wife were talking about when the reports were coming in that her body…