Minnesota

Northland’s Largest Baby Shower Happening Now

Life 97.3 and St. Luke's Hospital are Teaming Up Throughout the Month of January to Host the Northland's Largest Baby Shower

DULUTH, Minn. – Life 97.3 and St. Luke’s Hospital are partnering throughout the month of January to throw the Northland’s Largest Baby Shower! Life 97.3 is encouraging residents in the community to donate typical baby shower items that will ultimately benefit a number of organizations spread across the Northland that are helping families in need. Below is a list of all the organizations that…

Uncle Loui’s Offers Free Breakfast to Unpaid Coast Guard during Shutdown

Cafe owner's generosity is helping about 90 employees.

  DULUTH, Minn.- Uncle Loui’s Café is giving back to the Coast Guard as the government shutdown continues. Now until the end of the shutdown, active Coast Guard personnel can show their ID and receive a free breakfast. So far only three employees have received a meal. Uncle Loui’s Café is proud to help the men and women that protect…

District Court Stands By Arbitrator’s Decision to Reinstate Duluth Police Officer

Officer Adam Huot was suspended for a use of force incident on May 20, 2017

DULUTH, Minn. – “The behavior and what you saw here does not represent the best of us and as a result I felt very strongly, I do feel very strongly that when you betray public trust that we cannot in this day and age in law enforcement tolerate that behavior,” said Duluth Police Chief Mike Tusken during a press conference on…

Local Artist Gives a Gift to Firefighters Who Saved His Life Years Ago

Plaque was presented to Station 10 in Gary-New Duluth.

  DULUTH, Minn.- Local artist Eric Waller presented a hand-carved, marble plaque to Station 10 to show his appreciation for the men who saved his life six years ago. On a late evening in 2012, Station 10 responded to a call of an overturned vehicle on Grand Avenue. While on the scene,  the response team found two victims unresponsive outside…

DECC to Host Free Pop-Up Play Event Saturday, January 5

The Inaugural Free Pop-Up Play Event is Open to the Public

DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth Entertainment Convention Center is set to host its first ever free Pop-Up Play Event on Saturday, January 5. Community members are invited to enjoy equipment contributed by local organizations geared for families with children aged eight and under. The event will provide children a morning of unstructured physical and mental play in a warm, safe indoor space…

Breakfast Bruchetta Arrives In The Northland

Cooking Connection: Corktown Deli & Brews Adds Breakfast To Their Menu

DULUTH, Minn. — In this week’s Cooking Connection Corktown Deli & Brews shows us how to make Breakfast Bruchetta! It’s featured on their new breakfast menu and a one of a kind recipe you don’t want to pass on! INGREDIENTS: Buttermilk French toast, cherry wood-smoked bacon, pecans, onion jam and scrambled eggs. RECIPE: Watch the video above for a step…

Lake Temperature Data Unavailable Due To Government Shutdown

The Partial Government Shutdown Is Affecting The Northland Directly, Especially Meteorologists

DULUTH, Minn. — With the partial Government Shutdown still underway the affects are being felt here in the Northland, even by local Meteorologists as they forecast this winter weather. First things first says Fox 21’s Meteorologist Brittney Merlot, “As a Meteorologist an important reading we need this time of year is the water temperature. It helps us determine lake effect…

Fit and Fabulous Tech to Help You Stay Motivated in 2019

Steve Van Dinter with Verizon Wireless Offers Tech Gadgets to Help Keep You on the Right Track in 2019

DULUTH, Minn. – Verizon can help put a little pep in your step if health and fitness are on your 2019 to-do list. These wearable devices make hitting the gym something to look forward to: • Fitbit Versa –The perfect fitness companion for recording workouts, heart rate zones, sleep patterns and more. • Palm – Make a resolution to spend…

Keeping Your Pets Safe During Brutal Cold Temperatures

A Place for Fido in the Fitger's Complex Offers Unique Materials for Pets During Dangerously Cold Temperatures

DULUTH, Minn. – The cold temperatures aren’t just hard on humans, our pets also need to stay safe and warm this winter. Pet experts and the owners of A Place for Fido in the Fitger’s Complex in Duluth recommend bringing outside animals inside during the deep freeze and limit their exposure to the cold. A Place for Fido sells all…

Kick 2019 Into High Gear at Swift Martial Arts Leadership

Boot Camp Helps People Set Fitness Goals for New Year

DULUTH, Minn.-Health and fitness are among the top of the list of resolutions almost every year. One Northland business is helping you kick that up a notch. For many, the moves of martial arts may seem impossible, or something only Bruce Lee can do. But Swift’s Leadership Martial Arts on Grand Avenue shows that Tae Kwon Do can help you…

Duluth Bethel Shines Beacon of Hope

Beacon Lighting Helps Ring in New Year for Recovering Addicts

DULUTH, Minn.- The Duluth Bethel has been serving the Northland in different ways for 145 years. On New Years Eve, they honored that legacy by having a dinner celebrating the lighting of their green beacon. A small crowd of counselors, community members, and those being treated at the Bethel gathered for the small lighting ceremony. The biting wind and chilling cold…

MnDOT Says Prepare for Dangerous Roads

Extreme Cold Will Freeze, Making Driving Treacherous for New Years Eve

DULUTH, Minn.- On top of not driving under the influence, the freezing temperatures on the way spell double trouble for drivers late tonight. The Minnesota Department of Transportation has had their hands full with the new snow already, and officials said the extreme cold will make their job even harder. “The chemicals don’t work as well when it’s this cold, so…

Build A Community Of Snowmen!

Northland Gets Hit With More Snow, So Build A Snowman!

DULUTH, Minn. — In this week’s Active Adventures we are grabbing a handful of snow and rolling it into a community of snowmen across the Northland, one snowball at a time! Join Fox 21’s Brittney Merlot for her tips and tricks on how to quickly create the perfect snowman or snowoman! Send her your pictures after you’ve built yours, she…

Using Yoga to Reflect on the Past Year

Yoga North Helping Northlanders Meditate

DULUTH, Minn.- We all have our rituals to celebrate the fresh New Year. But how many of us take steps to reflect on the year that past? At Yoga North, they say this is another key part to having a successful year, that many overlook. Reflection is not something many of us consider day to day, but according to the yoga…

From Blacklist to Food Bank to Plate: A Business’s Contribution

Blacklist Accepting Donations for Second Harvest Northern Lakes Food Bank

DULUTH, Minn.- The Second Harvest Northern Lakes Food Bank just got a helping hand from a Duluth business. Blacklist Artisan Ales hosted a food drive for the food bank, giving customers a dollar off a pint with their donation. The brewery says, they feel it’s important to give back to the community. “You look at a lot of the businesses…

10 Days Later, Cloquet House Fire Survivor Speaks Out

Still Recovering, Thankful to Be Alive

CLOQUET, Minn.-Firefighters worked three hours to put out a house fire in Cloquet 10 days ago. Now, the woman who survived it all shares her experience. Terri Cordell now lives in the Super 8 Motel in Cloquet. Scattered around her room are the belongings she salvaged from the flames. Unfortunately, her health did not make it out unscathed. Her breathing,…

Early Morning Break-In at Iron Mug Coffeehouse

Burglar Stole a Few Items from Mike Letica's Restaurant

DULUTH, Minn.- Mike Letica, owner of the Iron Mug, awoke to a startling call at 2am. His restaurant had been broken into, the side door glass smashed to pieces. Initially, both Letica and the police found nothing stolen. He posted his unfortunate morning on Facebook, and got over 500 shares by midday. The outpouring of support even led some to…

Candlelight Vigil Honors Memory of Shooting Victim

Victim Shot in Gary New Duluth

DULUTH, Minn.-  Over two weeks have past since 35–year–old Kevin Weiss was shot outside a home in Gary-New Duluth. On Saturday night, the community turned out to honor Kevin with a candlelight vigil. After losing one of their own, the community as well as friends and family of Kevin John Weiss came out to celebrate his life, and bring awareness…

Minnesota Minimum Wage Hiking Up in 2019

Second Year Wage Goes Up With Inflation

DULUTH, Minn.- The New Year will bring some big changes for businesses, including an increase in the Minnesota minimum wage. Starting in January, the minimum wage will increase to $9.86 for large employers, and $8.04 for small employers. This will be the 4th year the wage has increased, but only the second where it has increased based on inflation, going…

Rock In the New Year at Silo’s Restaurant

Night of Live Music and Fun

DULUTH, Minn.- Silo’s Restaurant at Pier B Resort is gearing up for a night of jams and joy this New Year’s Eve. They will be featuring live music by rock group G.B. Leighton, as well as Country singer Shane Martin. According to the staff, it’s sure to be a rockin’ night. “The atmosphere that we build there, as the night’s…

Dangerous Snow Covered & Icy Roads: After Heavy Snowfall & Flash Freeze Overnight

Lake Effect Continues To Pile Up & Cold Air Surges In

DULUTH, Minn. — Overnight the Northland experienced a heavy dumping of wet snow as our temperatures dropped below freezing. All of the slush and water on the roads froze and became solid ice. Driving this morning was a headache to say the least and plows have been clearing the streets around Duluth, but travel is not advised on HWY 2…

Todd Eckart to Ring in 2019 at Historic NorShor Theatre

Todd Eckart is Proud to be a Part of the 2018 New Year's Eve by the Lake Celebration

DULUTH, Minn. – Lundeen Productions & Twin Ports Entertainment, in conjunction with the Black Woods Group, are proud to present New Year’s Eve by the Lake on December 31, 2018 in downtown Duluth. Venues will include Greysolon Ballroom, The Moorish Room at Greysolon, The Historic Norshor Theater and Black Water Lounge. Music and entertainment will be in full force throughout every venue,…

Duluth Library’s Winter Job: Part Time Movie Theater

Movies in the Library Caters to Kids Home on Break

DULUTH, Minn.- Not all families can make it to the slopes for skiing. Parents with jobs, or lack of ski-lodge money can make it difficult to entertain kids on Winter Break, so the Duluth Public Library has got a free solution. Movies at the Library allows kids of all ages to come and watch a family friendly movie with other…

Duluth Says Bye Bye to Bentleyville

Holiday Attraction Packs Its Bags, and Unplugs the Lights

DULUTH, Minn.-That’s a wrap! Well, time to wrap up a lot of Christmas lights that is. Christmas only comes once a year, and unfortunately, so does Bentleyville Tour of Lights. Another year in the books for Duluth’s largest holiday attraction, as it unplugs its lights, closed for the year. On Thursday crews were seen packing up supplies and taking down…

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…