Minnesota

Kalevala Day to Offer Finnish Fun in Duluth

The Finnish Cultural Event is Happening Sunday, February 24, 2019

DULUTH, Minn. – Kalevala Day is celebrated in Finland on the 28th of February, in honor of the day on which the Old kalevala’s forward was dated by Lonnrot (February 28, 1835). Kalevala Day is an official flag-raising day in Finland, and simultaneously the Day of Finnish culture. A local celebration is happening Sunday, February 24 at Kenwood Lutheran Church…

One-On-One: Senator Rarick Talks Broadband, Infrastructure & Recreational Marijuana

FOX 21's Brett Scott Talks With Newly Elected State Senator Jason Rarick (R)

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Minnesota’s newest state Senator, Jason Rarick, has now been on the job for a little over one week since being sworn into office Wednesday, February 6. “It was a long month of hard work with some nasty weather but we were all really excited when we saw the final results,” said Rarick. Senator Rarick recently came out…

DOC Offers Look Inside Moose Lake Correctional Facility

More than 1,000 offenders are housed in the state prison

MOOSE LAKE, Minn. – The Minnesota State Correctional Facility in Moose Lake opened its doors, giving a look inside the walls of the medium-security prison. More than a thousand offenders– the majority of whom are convicted for sex offenses– are housed in the Moose Lake Correctional Facility. We were given a rare tour through the building to see first-hand what…

Behind The Counter Rolling Up Sushi

Cooking Connection: Cloud 9 Asian Bistro & Hibachi

DULUTH Minn. — In this week’s Cooking Connection we took our lunch break at Cloud 9 in Canal Park for some amazing specials and tips on how to roll our own sushi roll! LUNCH SPECIAL: Mon-Sat 11am – 3pm HAPPY HOUR: 3-6pm ADDRESS: 308 S Lake Ave, Duluth, MN 55802 CONTACT: (218) 786-9888 HOURS: Thursday 11AM–9:30PM Friday 11:30AM–10:30PM Saturday 11:30AM–10:30PM…

One-On-One: Gov. Walz Talks Legalizing Marijuana, Mining & Infrastructure

FOX 21's Brett Scott Sits Down for a One-On-One Interview with Minnesota Governor Tim Walz

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Nearly two months after being sworn into office, Minnesota’s 41st Governor, Tim Walz, is not holding back when it comes to environmental issues, recreational marijuana and infrastructure. “I’m a congressman from Southern Minnesota, I’m from Mankato, but I saw this as one Minnesota throughout my campaign,” said Governor Tim Walz. Walz is no stranger when it…

Longboarding the Snow Away

Longboard making classes at Duluth Folk School

DULUTH, Minn.- As the snow piles up, some dream of longboarding down a hot, sunny boardwalk surrounded by Palm Trees and beaches. Duluth Folk School gave Northlanders a small taste of that. A three-day class began Wednesday in making your own Longboard, a longer skateboard. Students started with stock pieces of wood, learning how to use a table saw, which…

More Snow Means More Business at Local Grocery Stores

Many shop before snow storm hits.

DULUTH, Minn.- More snow can be a hindrance for some. But for area grocery stores, it means a boost in sales. The Whole Foods Co-op in Denfeld said they can always anticipate an increase in sales of essentials like toilet paper and canned goods. They see the biggest uptake in their produce sales, of which increased 50 percent the past…

Great Outdoors: Dogsledding With a Twist at North Star Academy

School hosts unconventional dog sled race.

DULUTH, Minn.- Northland winters are full of great activities like skiing, snowboarding, and of course dog sledding. You’ve likely heard of the Beargrease, and the Iditarod. But North Star Academy’s dog sled race puts a spin on the traditional. “Teamwork makes the dream work. You have to trust your musher, and the musher has to trust his dogs,” a team…

Duluth Children’s Museum Gets Crazy for Creativity for Winter Break

Creativity Camp first of four throughout the week

DULUTH, Minn.- Entertaining the kids during winter break can be challenging, but the Duluth Children’s Museum has some programs to get your kids out. Today they hosted their Creativity Camp, the first of four camps this week. Children spent the day making puppets, then inventing a story for the puppets to act out in front of the museum later. The children’s…

Shoveling and Slipping Safety Tips from Essentia Health

How to shovel without hurting your back, avoid slipping.

SUPERIOR, Wis.- More snow on the way means more shoveling for Northlanders. But there is potential danger when clearing snow. Emergency rooms see plenty of patients every winter who’ve been hurt while shoveling. While many of us don’t think twice about it, shoveling snow and even just walking on snowy sidewalks can be hazardous if you’re not careful. Using good lifting…

West Duluth Waits for City to Clear Snow Piles, More Snow Comes

Piles reaching 5 feet still obstruct businesses.

DULUTH, Minn.- While the weather was pretty quiet in the Northland on Monday, recent storms still left large mounds of snow in areas around the city. One place where they’re especially high is West Duluth. While the city has promised to get to those piles this week, more snow on the way could change that. Ahead of their big Winter in…

BNSF Investigates 40-Car Train Derailment Near Cloquet

No one was injured, coal spills out onto river and snow.

DULUTH, Minn.- BNSF Railway is investigating to find out what caused dozens of train cars to overturn near Cloquet. The Railway released a statement Sunday night which reads in part: “BNSF crews have been working at the site clearing cars and repairing the track, and preparing a plan to remove the spilled coal and remaining derailed cars. There were no…

Love Your Local Artist

Superior Park Library hosted the 9th Annual Event

SUPERIOR, WI.- The Superior Public Library was filled to capacity today with local artists for the 9th Annual ‘Love Your Artist’ Fundraiser. The artists make pottery, jewelry, paintings, photographs, wood crafts and much more. This fundraiser is always held around the weekend of Valentines Day to give people a reason to get out of the house. Adult Programming Librarian Leslie…

Raspberry Rich Chocolate Heart Brownies

Va Bene Caffe Bakes A Sweet Treat For Valentine's Day

DULUTH, Minn. – In this week’s Cooking Connection Va Bene satisfies our sweet tooth with a rich Valentine’s Day treat, Raspberry Heart Brownies! Check out the video above for a step by step recipe to make them at home, or join them in their cafe! LOCATION: 734 E Superior St, Duluth, MN 55802 HOURS: CONTACT: (218) 722-1518 Categories: Community, Cooking…

Learn to Curl At The World Famous Duluth Curling Club

Active Adventures: Curling & Brews With The Duluth Experience

DULUTH, Minn. — In this weeks Active Adventures, Brittney Merlot and Nikki Davidson try their skills out on the ice, curling! The Duluth Experience takes you on the largest indoor sheet of ice and teaches you step by step the skills needed to curl! Duluth’s curling tradition goes back to 1891 when a group of local Duluthians formed The Duluth…

Captain Johnathan Hillstrand Visits Duluth

Captain Johnathan Hillstrand is Best Known for His Time on Discovery Channel's Hit Show Deadliest Catch

DULUTH, Minn. – Johnathan Hillstrand is captain & co-owner of the Time Bandit, a 113 ft commercial crab fishing vessel as seen on Discovery Channel’s hit TV series Deadliest Catch. Johnathan may wear the raspy exterior of a veteran crabbing captain, but he truly is a child at heart. He runs a generally happy boat – and a very tight…

Barbra Streisand Takes Over Duluth this Weekend

Rubber Chicken Theater Brings Barbra Streisand to the Twin Ports February 15 - 17

DULUTH, Minn. – Just in time for Valentine’s Day, Rubber Chicken Theater is proud to present their upcoming Valentine’s Day Barbra Streisand tribute show, With Love from Barbra. Melody Mendis has been portraying Streisand professionally for the past two years. The show will be happening February 15 and 16 at 7:30 p.m. and February 17 at 2:00 p.m. at the…

Extreme Raptors Taking Over the DECC

The Raptor Project will be Taking Over the DECC During the 2019 Duluth Boat, Sports, Travel & RV Show

DULUTH, Minn. – Back in 1996, Johnathan Wood founded Raptor Project Inc. Wood specializes in training and caring for the biggest traveling collection of birds of prey around the world. They’re fierce, feathered and fantastic, winging your way in an avian extravaganza that captures the spirit of the wild. Extreme Raptors is the premium wildlife production featuring birds of prey…

CBD Craze: Does It Work, and Is It Legal?

A Special Report Takes a Closer Look at CBD in the Northland

DULUTH, Minn- Chances are you’ve heard of it “CBD” is a product that’s hit the shelves in Minnesota and Wisconsin stores. Leaders in the industry are cashing in, calling the trend “a gold rush.” Many of the people who use it say it works to treat their illness, but on the flip side pharmacy leaders have issued warnings calling this…

Duluth Boat, Sports, Travel, RV Show Kicks Off

Some vendors have gone to the birds.

DULUTH, Minn.- You know spring is almost near when the Boats, Sports, Travel and RV Show comes to the DECC. The 53rd Annual Event opened Wednesday night, and will continue through Sunday. There are dozens of vendors, from archery and hunting gear, to everything you need to head out on the lake. FOX 21 News also has a booth, we…

Warm Winter Weather Lets the Dogs Out

Jean Duluth Dog Park Busy with Dogs

DULUTH, Minn.- The warmer weather brought out the four-legged friends in Duluth on Wednesday. Jean Duluth Dog Park was filled with dogs and their owners, enjoying the wide open snowy space. Dogs of all kinds and colors soon started turning white with snow, rubbing themselves on the ground. Owners said they love seeing their dogs happy and playful. “It’s just,…

Boys and Girls Clubs Celebrate Outstanding Youth

Youth of the Year banquet held at Holiday Inn

DULUTH, Minn.- The Boys and Girls Clubs of the Northland celebrated three of its standout teens at a special banquet on Tuesday night. It was all part of the 47th Annual Youth of the Year Celebration. Kwe Perry, Alex Lewis, and Raymond Davenport were selected for their leadership, and service. They were judged on their writing, public speaking and their…

Essentia Health Purchases Younkers for Fitness Center

Downtown Fitness Center moving to Mall

DULUTH, Minn.- Essentia Health is investing $15 million in the purchase and remodeling of the 145,000 square foot Younkers space at Miller Hill Mall, to make it the new location of their Fitness and Therapy Center. The Fitness Center at Younkers would take up about 34,000 square feet, about 12,000 square feet larger than the current downtown location. This makes…

Supporting Special Olympics Minnesota with Duluth’s Polar Plunge

The Duluth Polar Plunge is Happening Saturday, February 16, 2019

DULUTH, Minn. – The 2019 Duluth Polar Plunge is set to liven up Canal Park on Saturday, February 16, 2019. Participants will first enjoy a pre check-in party at Grandma’s Sports Garden in Canal Park Friday, February 15 from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. A day-of check-in will take place at Grandma’s Sports Garden Saturday, February 16 from 11:30 a.m. – 2:00…

Skate for the Heart at Essentia Duluth Heritage Sports Center

Duluth Parks and Rec is Hosting a Free Skating Event Wednesday, February 13, 2019

DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth Parks and Recreation Division is hosting a Skate for the Heart event on Wednesday, February 13, 2019. There will be a live DJ and “lovely” lighting by Diamond Max Entertainment in addition to Valentine crafts, heart-healthy activities, jump rope challenge, and heart-related science displays. This event is taking place at the Essentia Duluth Heritage Center located at 120…

Walz Will Continue Appeal of Pipeline Project Approval

Walz Announced Tuesday his Administration Will Continue the Effort

(AP Photo/Jim Mone)ST. PAUL, Minn. – Gov. Tim Walz says his administration will continue to appeal regulatory approval of the Enbridge Energy Line 3 pipeline project in northern Minnesota. State utility regulators last summer approved Enbridge Energy’s plans to build a new $2.6 billion pipeline to replace the aging and corroding Line 3. But, former Gov. Mark Dayton’s Department of…

Duluth Public Library Offers Tax Help

Tax prep offered Monday and Saturday

DULUTH, Minn.- Taxes. They can get so confusing and stump even the best of them. If that sounds like you, you may want to pay an extra visit to the Duluth Public Library. On Monday, students from UMD’s Accounting Department were on hand to help with tax prep, free for those with low income, disabilities, and seniors. They say with a…

Apparel Being Sold in K-9 Officer Haas’ Memory

Advantage Emblem and Screen Printing has teamed up with the Duluth Police Department to print K-9 Officer Haas t-shirts to benefit Northland K-9 Foundation.

DULUTH, Minn. – As the Northland continues to process the loss of K-9 Officer Haas, one local business is making shirts and sweatshirts in his memory. Advantage Emblem and Screen Printing has teamed up with the Duluth Police Department to print K-9 Officer Haas t-shirts with all proceeds going to the Northland K-9 Foundation. The creation of memorial shirts is…

Minnesota Sea Grant Watches Lake Levels Rise

Levels inching closer to record

DULUTH, Minn.- The turbulent weather this winter hasn’t only dumped tons of snow on the city, but added water to Lake Superior. Minnesota Sea Grant reports that the lake levels have risen, to 602.43 ft as of this January. This has caused some flooding on Park Point, and big waves splashing on Brighton Beach. They say the increase is largely…

Remembering Former Fire Chief Larry Bushey

32-Year Firefighter Passes Away

DULUTH, Minn.- Duluth Fire Department is remembering the life of longtime former Fire Chief Larry Bushey. He passed away Friday at St. Luke’s Hospital, at the age of 85. His visitation will take place Tuesday from 5pm-7pm at Dougherty Funeral Home. He will be buried in Forest Hill Cemetery. There are many remarkable things about Lawrence Bushey, or Larry as…

Minnesota Schools may Seek Reprieve for Cancelled Classes

Many Districts Could Fall Short of State Requirements

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Minnesota education officials and lobbyists are surveying districts to decide whether to ask lawmakers for a shorter school year after severe winter weather forced many to cancel classes. The Twin Cities Pioneer Press reports that the Minnesota Department of Education and lobbying groups are seeking information about how the last two weeks of extreme cold and…

Sharing and Swapping Horses in Miniature

Model Horse Get Together and Swap held in Twig

TWIG, Minn.- Horse lovers had a chance to get together, share, and swap their horses in Twig, Minnesota on Sunday. But these horses were a bit smaller. The Johnson Saddle Shop hosted its 3rd Annual Model Horse Get Together and Swap. Model horse collectors, painters and crafters got all their horses together in one room, and were able to buy more….

Monthly Pony Meeting Teaches On and Off Saddle Horse Care

Chequamegon Pony Club Holds Meeting at 57 Ranches Cutting Horses

DULUTH, Minn.- A bond between a horse and its rider is unbreakable. But even the most experienced riders can use time working with their horses. Sunday at 57 Ranches Cutting Horses, riders young and old learned some new tricks for riding, and caring for their hooved friends. The neighs of excitement and the thundering gallop of hooves fills the room. Despite…

Talks Continue for Duluth-Minneapolis Rail Line

Amtrak and City of Duluth update each other

DULUTH, Minn.- Talks are continuing to move forward for a passenger rail line between Duluth and the Twin Cities. This past week, the North Shore Scenic Railroad hosted a representative from Amtrak, who met with Mayor Emily Larson, Councilor Noah Hobbs, and other city officials about the Northern Lights Express idea. The new train would add Duluth to the 500-city…

Snowball Gala Celebrates Skiing

Raising money for Grand Avenue Nordic Center

DULUTH, Minn.- The 3rd Annual Snowball Gala celebrated everything happening at the Grand Avenue Nordic Center, and Duluth Cross Country Ski Club. A silent auction, live auction, and more raised money for trail-building at the Nordic Center. Saturday night’s event focused on young skiers in the Northland. “This is all about kids,” said Sarah Grenberg, Event Chair. “We’re building these…

West Duluth’s Pop-Up Valentine’s Day Shop

Two Loons Gallery and Boutique Showcases Local Artist for V-Day

DULUTH, Minn.- With Valentine’s Day coming up, Two Loons Gallery and Boutique in West Duluth set up a hot-spot for anyone still looking for a gift. They hosted their Valentine’s Artisan Pop–Up. 20 of the gallery’s artists shared their Valentine’s Day inspired works, to help spread the love, and local art. “I’m hoping to give a lot more exposure to…

Tips and Tricks for Winter Biking

Zeitgeist Hosts Bikes and Bites Tour for Winter Biking Week

DULUTH, Minn.- Those not bothered by the cold and snow who want to get outside this winter, might want to take their bikes out for a spin. Dozens of bikers rode in to Zeitgeist Arts Cafe in downtown Duluth today, the snow, slush and cold not stopping them. They shared with us some tips and tricks to navigating these conditions…

Snowy Weather Doesn’t Stop Delivery Drivers

Terrible roads won't stop drivers from getting food to you

DULUTH, MINN.- Delivery drivers dealt with the terrible roads to get food to people who didn’t want to get out. The roads weren’t too bad for delivery drivers to call off orders today, but wait times at Jimmy Johns in Duluth doubled. However, their main concern is the drivers safety. The General Manager at the Duluth location, Cody Muench, stated…

Charges: Suspect Fired Five Times at School bus Windshield

The Driver was Wounded in the Left arm

MINNEAPOLIS – Prosecutors allege a 31-year-old Minnesota man fired five shots at a school bus windshield, wounding the bus driver, after a minor accident on a snowy interstate near downtown Minneapolis. Kenneth Lilly, of St. Paul, was charged Thursday with attempted second-degree murder and second-degree assault. He’s expected in court Friday. According to the complaint, the bus was trying to…

Warm Beer Cheese Soup On A Snow Day!

Va Bene Caffe Cooks Up A Tasty Soup In This Weeks Cooking Connection

DULUTH, Minn. — In this weeks Cooking Connection we are making the perfect lunch for a snow day with Va Bene Caffe! As the snow quickly piles up a warm soup and sandwich warms the soul! RECIPE: Watch the video above for instructions on how to make this delicious meal. LOCATION: 734 E Superior St, Duluth, MN 55802 HOURS: All…

St. Luke’s Plans to Expand, Residents Concerned About Helipad

Community meeting meld at Hospital to discuss

DULUTH, Minn.- Neighbors who live near St. Luke’s hospital in downtown Duluth are sounding off about potential noise disturbance they feel could come from the hospital’s plan to expand it’s campus. The first phase of the hospital’s extension is estimated to cost $37.5 million and add 16 more general treatment rooms, 2 more trauma rooms, and 3 more behavioral health treatment…

Finding a Match: Turning Life-or-Death Moments into Miracles

Experts say there are More People Waiting for Life-Saving Organ Transplants than there are Organs Available

DULUTH, Minn. – Every year on February 14 health officials and folks living in life-or-death situations take time to raise awareness for National Organ Donor Day. Statistics show more than 80 percent of people waiting for their life-saving gift are in need of a kidney. “I found out when I was 21,” said Connor Clark. Some say age is just…

Gary Anderson To Run for Second Term on Council

Current first district councilor announces he'll run for second term

DULUTH, Minn.- To cheers from his supporters at Vanilla Bean in Duluth, First District City Councilor Gary Anderson announced he will be running for council for a second 4-year-term. Anderson is currently the Vice President of the council. During his term has helped craft and vote on the Earn Sick and Safe Time Ordinance and changing the age to buy…

Making Memories with Ely’s Winter Festival

The Ely Winter Festival is Happening February 7 - 17, 2019

ELY, Minn. – Calling all winter enthusiasts! The Ely Winter Festival kicks off Thursday, February 7 and runs through Sunday, February 17. Event organizers say they’re excited to offer new and traditional events to enhance the enjoyment of winter. The annual event centers around Ely’s Whiteside Park. The International Snowsculpting Symposium starts February 7 as 18 teams from Ely, elsewhere…

Chuck & Don’s Pet Food & Supplies Coming to Duluth

The Business will be in a New Development Located on Miller Hill in Duluth

DULUTH, Minn. – The Northland will soon have more options for pet accessories and supplies. Originally starting in 1990 with one store in Eagan, Minnesota, Chuck & Don’s Pet Food and Supplies will now open their first store in the Northland in late 2019. Officials with the company tell FOX 21 Local News, the first Chuck & Don’s Northland location…

Great Outdoors: Ice Fishing on Lake Superior

Anglers Get Out on Ice in Tough Weather Conditions

DULUTH, Minn.- As Lake Superior hardens with ice, you can bet Anglers are there to drill their holes and drop their lines. But these brave Northlanders have to get their timing just right, because in a day all that ice could be gone. The wind howls, cutting through ice houses like a knife. Suddenly, the wind’s song is interrupted by…