Minnesota

When Snow Falls and Piles, the Northland Skis and Snowboards

Spirit Mountain Hectic with Skiers and Snowboarders on Break

DULUTH, Minn.-The flakes are falling, which means winter has officially arrived in the Northland, and no one is happier about it than the skiers and snowboarders of Spirit Mountain. Hundreds flocked to the popular winter destination on Thursday. Left and right, the “crunch” of boots trudging through snow, and the “choom” of snowboards wedging into the snow create a winter…

What is Minnesota Nice?

An In-Depth Look into the Concept, Where It Came From, and its Effects

MINNESOTA – At stop signs, in lines, in traffic, everyone is kind. You may think Minnesota Nice is a *nice* quality to have, but could it have unwanted events, if taken to extremes? Moreover, what do non-Minnesota-locals think of our undying need to be friendly? “Somebody from outside of MN would be able to recognize it and be more sensitive…

Gifts for Teens Toy Drive Making a Difference in the Northland

FOX 21 Local News Took Part in the Annual Gifts for Teens Toy Drive, Supporting the Boys and Girls Club of the Northland

DULUTH, Minn. – More than 500 boys and girls in the Northland were receiving a little holiday cheer Friday evening in Duluth as the Boys and Girls Club of the Northland hosted holiday parties at multiple branches in the area. FOX 21 Local News taking part in the annual Gifts for Teens Toy Drive once again. Officials at the Boys…

Balsam Bough Harvesting: Make Your Own Wreath!

Active Adventures: Harvesting Boughs And Assembling A Holiday Wreath

SUPERIOR NATIONAL FOREST, Minn. — In this week’s Active Adventures, Fox 21’s Brittney Merlot takes us deep into the woods to collect balsam boughs! Then we head inside to learn how to assemble your own wreath! A permit is required for collecting balsam boughs and can picked up at the district DNR offices for $25. Minnesota is a leader in…

Ursa Minor Brewing to Host Winter Solstice Event Saturday

The Event Sponsored by Ursa Minor Brewing will be Family Friendly and Feature a Wide Variety of Events, Live Music and Brews

DULUTH, Minn. – Staff at Ursa Minor Brewing is excited to announce they’ll be hosting their first community event on Saturday, December 22. The event is known as the Winter Solstice Celebration and Inaugural DiffeRUNce. The Winter Solstice Celebration is an all-day celebration of winter in Duluth and all the people that make the community such a great place to live,…

Minnesota Approves Salary cap Waivers for 22 Local Officials

The new Limits Include Some Significant Increases

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Republican lawmakers are criticizing Gov. Mark Dayton’s administration for approving pay raises for 22 local government officials. Minnesota Management and Budget Commissioner Myron Frans recently notified lawmakers that his agency is allowing salary cap waivers for positions in Dakota, Hennepin, Ramsey and Scott counties, as well as the Metropolitan Council and the city of Rochester. The…

Duluth Teacher Convicted of Sexual Misconduct Sentenced

Karla Winterfeld Sentenced to 12 Years

DULUTH, Minn.- A former, young Duluth Middle School teacher, sentenced to 12 years in prison. Karla Winterfeld was once a decorated educator. In 2016 she landed the Greg Irons Award for Exceptional Commitment to the Well–Being of Students. That same year she was also one of the recipients of the Duluth News Tribune’s “20 under 40” awards. But none of…

Holiday Cranberry Chutney, Quick & Easy Appetizer

Cooking Connection: Regional Cooking Instructor Teaches Us How To Make A Holiday Appetizer Friends & Family Will Devour!

DULUTH, Minn. — In this week’s Cooking Connection we are joined by Regional Cooking Instructor Arlene Coco and we are baking a holiday appetizer, Cranberry Chutney! It’s a perfect dish to bring for the holidays and bursting with flavor. RECIPE: Holiday Cranberry Chutney (Makes 12 Servings) Canned cranberries; can be substituted for fresh when they are not in season, just…

Explore the North Shore this Holiday Season

Visit Cook County Staff Chat About Upcoming Events in the Area Through the Holiday Season

GRAND MARAIS, Minn. – Skiers and snowboarders are hitting the slopes at Lutsen Mountains! But that’s not all the vast wilderness in Cook County has to offer this winter season. Linda Jurek and Kjersti Vick spent their morning chatting with FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Brittney Merlot about upcoming events in the Cook County region over the Christmas holiday…

Animal Answers: Give the Gift of Adventure this Holiday Season

Staff at the Lake Superior Zoo Invite You to Purchase a Zoo Membership for a Family Member this Holiday Season

DULUTH, Minn. – When it comes to picking out the perfect gift this holiday season, more and more people are picking experiences or adventures, creating memories to last a lifetime. Staff at the Lake Superior Zoo are inviting folks to think about purchasing a Zoo membership this holiday season. Details: A Zoo membership pays for itself in two times, and with…

Cut Down Your Own Christmas Tree!

Active Adventures: Hike Into The Superior National Forest For A Family Tradiation!

SUPERIOR NATIONAL FOREST, Minn. — In this week’s Active Adventures we are headed into the thick of the woods, to cut down our own Christmas Tree! First things first, MAKE SURE TO GET YOUR PERMIT! On average, 200-300 permits are sold annually! It’s only $5, cash or check only. It can be quickly picked up at the Superior National Forest…

Five Financial Tips to Consider Before 2019

Barry Bigelow with Great Waters Financial Stopped by FOX 21 Local News Wednesday Morning to Offer Five Easy Tips to Consider Before 2019

DULUTH, Minn. – The confetti will fly as we soon sing and ring in 2019! But we can’t let the ball drop before setting ourselves up for financial success. Local financial professional Barry Bigelow from Great Waters Financial stopped by FOX 21 Local News Wednesday morning to offer tips to consider before we jump into 2019. Prep for Tax Season…

School Board Approved Levy, After Public Voted to Raise It

School Board Meeting Held in Old Central High School

DULUTH, Minn.-The Duluth Public School Board approved a 2019 levy which was voted on by the public in the November elections. The public voted on raising an existing 2013 levy by about $8,000,000 due to updated pupil counts, facilities maintenance project approvals, and a change in unemployment adjustment, among other reasons. The board met tonight, hearing a presentation titled Truth…

Trump Administration’s Bump Stock Ban Doesn’t Effect Superior Gun Store

Superior Shooters Supply Never Sold Bump Stocks

SUPERIOR, Wis.- The Trump Administration has officially banned bump stocks in the U.S. It’s an equipment which allows semi-automatic weapons to fire rapidly like automatic firearms. Meanwhile, the owner of Superior Shooters Supply in Superior tells us this ban really doesn’t affect her business. She’s never sold bump stocks, and said they are barely effective, hurt accuracy, and are limited…

Coffee Conversation: Staying Heart Healthy this Winter

Dr. Leif Christianson, St. Luke's Cardiologist, Offers Tips to Stay Heart Healthy this Winter Season

DULUTH, Minn. – For this week’s Midwest Roaster’s Coffee Conversation, St. Luke’s Cardiologist, Dr. Leif Christianson, stopped by FOX 21 Local News to chat about ways to stay heart healthy this winter. The Northland is suffering a lack of snowfall so far this year, but that doesn’t mean we won’t make up for it as the season goes on. Christianson wants to…

Council Passes TIF Agreement for High Rise Apartments in Downtown Duluth

2 Councilors Vote Against, One Absent

DULUTH, Minn.- Duluth City Council passed a TIF increment financing package for developers, who plan to build a luxury apartment complex downtown. $6.2 million of the $70.4 million cost will come through public financing. A packed city hall Monday night illustrates the urgency presented by this issue. The developers for the high rise presented their plans for the construction. The…

Iron Mug Arranges Gifts for Christmas Giveaway

Mike Letica Hosting Toy Giveaway

DULUTH, Minn.- As the holidays fast approach, many families are forced to sit with the realization that they can’t afford to buy Christmas presents. Well, Mike Letica and his team at Iron Mug Coffehouse is trying to change that again this year. They’re currently sorting through $10,000 worth of toys, to hand out to families in need this Christmas. The…

Marcia Hales’ Holiday Lights Up Till 31st

Hales Says, It Must Come to an End

DULUTH, Minn- As you are out enjoying the warm weather, you might consider stopping for some holiday cheer at Park Point. Marcia Hales’s Holiday Spirit in the Lights display opened on the 14th, and runs through the 31st. Families can take a tour of the different lights and head down to the beach, where even the sand is dressed in…

NAACP Holds Election, First Meeting

Elections Uncontested

DULUTH, Minn.- The Duluth branch of the NAACP hosted elections on Sunday. Members voted on a new President, first and second Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer and up to 24 executive board members. The elections ran uncontested. But leaders say that is no reason to not get out, and vote. “When it’s uncontested, I think it’s still important that folks engage…

Unseasonable Warmth Brings Duluth Outside

High Temps Mean Comfortable Outdoor Fun

DULUTH, Minn.- Despite how the song goes, it’s beginning to look anything but like a White Christmas. Unseasonably warm weather is gripping the Northland, with temperatures reaching nearly 50  degrees today. Quite a few spots around Duluth were bustling with folks living it up in the hot winter sun. If you took a look at the thermometer in your car,…

Under the Tree, Under the Sea

Swim Team Decorates Tree at YMCA

DULUTH, Minn.- Decorating the Christmas tree is a tradition in many families. Unboxing their longtime favorite ornaments, sipping some hot cocoa, getting tangled in all the lights. Now take all of that, and put it underwater. And you have the Duluth YMCA’s holiday tradition. The North Swim Team decorated the tree as a fun part of their normal Friday practice,…

Hales Lights Brighten Park Point for the Last Year

Hales Says, It Must Come to an End

DULUTH, Minn.- A Park Point tradition seems to be coming to a close this year. Marcia Hales ‘s “Holiday Spirit in the Lights” display opened Friday night, for the final time according to Hales. With a heavy heart from all, Hales is switching on her lights for the last time, after two decades bringing smiles to young and old, brighter…

Little Snow Doesn’t Bury Plow Sales

Unlike Clothing and Hardware, Snow Plow Sales Increase

DULUTH, Minn.- With temperatures on the rise, and snow missing from the picturesque “Northland Winter” scene, some businesses are noticing a decline in sales of hardware and winter clothing. But the plows are still flying off the shelves. Snow plow retailers have been soaking up the sun. At Bears Heavy Duty Parts and Accessories, they’ve seen sales double since last…

Rubber Chicken Theater Presents a Christmas Comedy

Rubber Chicken Theater Celebrates Ten Years of Making the Northland Laugh with Their Holiday Sketch Comedy Revue

DULUTH, Minn. – This year’s Holiday Sketch Comedy Revue presented by Rubber Chicken Theater will help celebrate ten years of making the Northland laugh. This year’s show, The Wisecracker Suite: A Decade of Jokes, Puns and Assorted Nuts, will be happening December 21-22 and 28-31 at 7:30 p.m. The comedy show is taking place at the Spirit of the North…

Handmade in the Northland: Art by SJ Nielsen

FOX 21 Local News is Looking to Highlight Local Makers in the Northland Ahead of the Holiday Season

DULUTH, Minn. – During the week of December 10 – 14, FOX 21 Local News from 7:00 – 9:00 a.m. will be highlighting local makers in the Northland ahead of the Christmas holiday. Throughout the holiday season, many folks are working to pick out unique, locally made gifts for friends and loved ones. Sam Nielsen is the creator of Art by…

Duluth East Choralaires Deck the Halls of the Skywalk with Song

High Schoolers Sing Carols in Different Businesses

DULUTH, Minn.- Some Duluth East High School students spread some holiday cheer downtown, filling the Skywalk with the sounds of Christmas. The East Choralaires started their musical journey at the Republic Bank, singing such holiday favorites as Deck the Halls and God Rest Ye Marry Gentlemen. They then moved across the avenue to Wells Fargo, then U.S. Bank, before ending…

Duluth Gun Violence Vigil to Raise Awareness Today

A Vigil for the Lives Lost to Gun Violence in the United States is Happening Thursday, December 13 at Noon at the First Luteran Church in Duluth

DULUTH, Minn. – The 6th Annual December vigil to remember victims of gun violence is happening Thursday, December 13 at noon. The event is taking place at First Lutheran Church in Duluth (1100 East Superior Street). Organizers say this vigil is an important part in raising awareness in the Northland when it comes to gun violence and safety. The annual…

Cooking Connection: Baked Brie with Spicy Pecans

For This Week's Cooking Connection, FOX 21 Meteorologist Brittney Merlot Steps into the Kitchen with Professional Cooking Instructor Arlene Coco

DULUTH, Minn. – With the holidays right around the corner, it’s important to pick out the best recipes that won’t have you stuck in the kitchen for hours before your party begins. Professional Cooking Instructor Arlene Cocoa stepped into the kitchen with FOX 21 Meteorologist Brittney Merlot for this week’s Cooking Connection. The duo prepared a Baked Brie Cheese with…

Handmade in the Northland: Mike and Jen’s Hot Cocoa Mix

FOX 21 Local News is Looking to Highlight Local Makers in the Northland Ahead of the Holiday Season

DULUTH, Minn. – During the week of December 10 – 14, FOX 21 Local News from 7:00 – 9:00 a.m. will be highlighting local makers in the Northland ahead of the Christmas holiday. Throughout the holiday season, many folks are working to pick out unique, locally made gifts for friends and loved ones. Dean Packingham is known as the creator of…

Protect Your Paws from Holiday Regret

Animal Allies Wants to Remind Potential Pet Owners in the Northland to Think Twice Before Adding to Your Family this Holiday Season

DULUTH, Minn. – Tis the season for gift giving! From the latest electronics, to an adorable kitten or puppy, staff at Animal Allies Humane Society in Duluth want to remind all potential pet owners to think twice before adopting and adding to your family, especially over the holiday season. Michelle Sternberg with Animal Allies says potential adopters often stop by…

UPDATE: Charges Delayed Until Thursday for Fatal Duluth Shooting

Extension Granted due to Need to Review all Evidence

DULUTH, Minn. – The deadline for charges in the Gary New Duluth shooting has been extended until Thursday according to the St. Louis County Court. The announcement was made Wednesday morning. The St. Louis County Attorney’s Office tells us the extension was made due to a need to review all of the evidence. Duluth police are requesting charges of second…

Handmade in the Northland: Makers Mercantile

FOX 21 Local News is Looking to Highlight Local Makers in the Northland Ahead of the Holiday Season

DULUTH, Minn. – During the week of December 10 – 14, FOX 21 Local News from 7:00 – 9:00 a.m. will be highlighting local makers in the Northland ahead of the Christmas holiday. Throughout the holiday season, many folks are working to pick out unique, locally made gifts for friends and loved ones. Scott and Sara Clifton are the owners of…

Free Skate with Santa, Rudolph Event at Essentia Duluth Heritage Center

The Skating, Family Fun Event is Happening Wednesday, December 12 from 6:30 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.

DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth Parks and Recreation division is hosting a Skate with Santa and Rudolph event on Wednesday, December 12. The free family-fun event will run from 6:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. at the Essentia Duluth Heritage Center (120 South 30th Avenue West, Duluth). There will be a live DJ with holiday music, cookie decorating, holiday crafts, winter science demonstrations…

Cut Your Own Christmas Tree From The Superior National Forest!

Great Outdoors Holiday Tradition

SUPERIOR NATIONAL FOREST, Minn. — In this week’s Great Outdoors we are headed into the thick of the woods, to cut down our own Christmas Tree! First things first, MAKE SURE TO GET YOUR PERMIT! On average, 200-300 permits are sold annually! It’s only $5, cash or check only. It can be quickly picked up at the Superior National Forest…

Seven African Lions Relocated to Sandstone’s Wildcat Sanctuary

The Final Two Lions Arrived Tuesday Morning

Sandstone, Minn. – Sandstone now has seven African Lions, they’ve been re-homed inside the Wildcat Sanctuary. The big cats have come a long way, they’re from Argentina. The final two cats arrived Tuesday to start a new life after the country decided to close its government-funded zoos. The pair named Leo and Mansa made it through a 26-hour car trip…

Klobuchar, Smith, Nolan Urge President Trump to Issue Federal Disaster Declaration

October Storm Damage is Estimated at Over $11.5 Million

(AP Photo/Andrew Harnik, File)WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar and Tina Smith, and Congressman Rick Nolan sent a letter to President Donald Trump urging him to issue a federal disaster declaration for St. Louis County following major storm damage. The full text of the letter can be found below: Dear Mr. President: We write to you in strong support of…

Handmade in the Northland: Harmonic Goods

FOX 21 Local News is Looking to Highlight Local Makers in the Northland Ahead of the Holiday Season

DULUTH, Minn. – During the week of December 10 – 14, FOX 21 Local News from 7:00 – 9:00 a.m. will be highlighting local makers in the Northland ahead of the Christmas holiday. Throughout the holiday season, many folks are working to pick out unique, locally made gifts for friends and loved ones. Brad Bergslien is the creator of Harmonic Goods….

Travel Smart with Holiday Tech

Steve Van Dinter with Verizon Wireless stopped by FOX 21 Local News Tuesday Morning with the Latest Holiday Tech Gadgets

DULUTH, Minn. – Whether you’re celebrating the holidays from the comfort of your own home or hitting the road, these gifts from Verizon make it easy to focus on what really matters: • Nest Cam Outdoor Security Camera – Keep an eye on your home’s exterior even when you’re not physically present with Nest Cam Outdoor. • Nest Thermostat E…

Two Neighbors die Ice-Fishing on Central Minnesota Lake

The Fishermen Were Reported Missing on Sunday

CUSHING, Minn. – Crews have recovered the bodies of two neighbors who died while ice-fishing on a lake in central Minnesota. Morrison County Sheriff Shawn Larsen says the fishermen were reported overdue Sunday evening on Fish Trap Lake north of Cushing. The sheriff’s office also learned that a side-by-side ATV was missing. Responders first found the body of 69-year-old Wayne…

City Council Approves New Budget

Budget for Fiscal Year 2019 Goes Up, Minimal Cuts

DULUTH, Minn.- The Duluth City Council approved a new budget for the city Monday night. The budget is expected to be $3 million bigger than 2018’s. Councilors said the amount of cuts in this budget are minimal at best. Changes include adding $280,000 for park maintenance. At the council meeting they also had the first reading of an amendment that…

Independent Television Festival Finds New Home in Duluth

City Announces Festival Coming Next October

DULUTH, Minn.- Big things are in store for the city of Duluth, as it’s the new home of the Independent Television, or ITV, Festival. It started in Los Angeles then moved to Vermont – and is now on its way to make Duluth a TV star. It’s also expected to pump $1.5 million into the city’s economy. This adds to…

Free Holiday Block Party Saturday in Hermantown

The Free Family Block Party is a Partnership Between Best Christmas Ever and Multiple Local Businesses in Hermantown

DULUTH, Minn. – Best Christmas Ever and multiple local businesses in the Hermantown area invite everyone to join their free Family Block Party Saturday, December 15, 11:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. The Block Party will help raise awareness and financial support for local families who have fallen on hard times this holiday season. The event includes pictures with Santa, live Christmas…

The Independent Television Festival Makes its big Move to Duluth in 2019

The Festival is Currently Held in Vermont

DULUTH, Minn. – The Independent Television Festival announced on Monday it is making its move to Duluth in 2019. The five day festival was previously headquartered in Los Angeles and is currently based in Vermont. Riki McManus, director of the Upper Minnesota Film Office told the StarTribune, ““We’re dang excited!” McManus won over ITVFest Executive Director Philip Gilpin with her…

Coffee Conversation: Renegade Theater Presents ‘Dear Elizabeth’

The Renegade Theater Company is Proud to Present 'Dear Elizabeth' at Zeitgeist in Downtown Duluth

DULUTH, Minn. – Monday morning on FOX 21 Local News, Mary Fox with Renegade Theater stopped by to chat about their latest production of ‘Dear Elizabeth’ now playing at Zeitgeist Teatro Zuccone. The show already wowed audiences for one weekend, but if you missed your chance to see the compelling performance, there are three more showings! Synopsis: From 1947 to…

Handmade in the Northland: White Spruce Market

FOX 21 Local News is Looking to Highlight Local Makers in the Northland Ahead of the Holiday Season

DULUTH, Minn. – During the week of December 10 – 14, FOX 21 Local News from 7:00 – 9:00 a.m. will be highlighting local makers in the Northland ahead of the Christmas holiday. Throughout the holiday season, many folks are working to pick out unique, locally made gifts for friends and loved ones. Bailey Hutchence, owner of White Spruce Market, handcrafts…

Free Family Photos Make Many Memories at One Roof

Professional Photography Sessions for No Charge

DULUTH, Minn.- They say a picture is worth a thousand words, but that can cost hundreds of dollars, not including the price of printing. So “Fathers Rise Together” and “A–Plus Game” worked to help families get the picture, without giving the cost. For many, it’s hung on a wall with pride, a family portrait capturing a single moment in time where…

Community Wishes Troops Happy Holidays, from Depot

Letter Writing Session Open to All Ages

DULUTH, Minn.- Forget letters to Santa, members of the community of all ages made holiday greetings to send to our troops overseas. Craft supplies and of course, plenty of paper were available for people to jot down messages wishing the Troops a Happy Holidays. Historical Re-enactors explained that throughout history, soldiers have always treasured letters from home. “It’s nice holiday…

LSC Radiology Lab Raises Funds at Texas Roadhouse

Club at Table at Roadhouse From 10-11

DULUTH, Minn.- Lake Superior College’s Radiologic Technology Club teamed up with a local restaurant to raise money for an upcoming radiology event. Three of the club’s members camped by the door of the Texas Roadhouse, to accept donations to send them to the Minnesota Society of Radiologic Technologists state conference. “I’m just hoping that we get a lot of support,” said…

Record Pop Up Shop has Soft Opening

Odd LP's sets up shop at Zen Eye Car in Duluth.

DULUTH, Minn.- Jacob Swanson has taken his love of digging for records and turned it into a job with Odd LP’s, a pop up record store. For the soft opening of Odd LP’s Swanson set up shop at Zen Eye Care in Duluth, reminding people of the importance of keeping vinyl alive. “There’s always going to be a certain importance of a…