Minnesota

Blighted Duluth Parking Ramp to be Torn Down

Duluth, Minn — One of Duluth’s deteriorated ramps is finally slated to come down. The Shoppers Auto Park Ramp on 2nd avenue west has been sitting empty for years now. Coated in graffiti and boarded up, it’s been a headache for the neighborhood. The neighboring New Garrick Building and the parking ramp share some structural supports, which means that demolition…

Local Stores Packed with Shoppers After Holidays

DULUTH, Minn.– Despite the holidays wrapping up, stores are still keeping busy with shopping crowds. Local stores in Duluth such as TrailFitters in the Fitgers Inn hasn’t seen the end of the holiday crowds. Shoppers are packing the store many of them using up gift cards. For this season, many people had a common theme with their gift giving. “The…

Chester Bowl Begins Annual Ski & Snowboarding Lessons

DULUTH, Minn.– Chester Bowl is beginning their season of lessons and teaching kids all about shredding the slopes. 120 kids participated in the first day of ski and snowboard lessons. Many of them learned the ropes on the bunny hill. Today’s lessons included skills such as using the chair lift and conquering the hills with the infamous ‘pizza and French…

Former Minnesota Rep. Mary Murphy Dies Christmas Day

DULUTH, Minn. — Former Minnesota Representative Mary Murphy died on Christmas morning. Mary Murphy recently suffered a stroke, which led to several complications. She was preparing to enter hospice care. Murphy was a longtime DFL member and made history as Minnesota’s longest-serving female lawmaker and the second-longest serving lawmaker overall. Minnesota Senator Amy Klobuchar shared her thoughts on Twitter last…

Federal Indictment for Two Men Accused of Fentanyl/Meth Distribution to Red Lake

A September traffic stop turned up a pound of meth and 100 grams of fentanyl

DULUTH, Minn. – A traffic stop by a Minnesota State Trooper in September uncovered 454 grams of meth and 100 grams of fentanyl, according to court documents; now the two occupants have been indicted. Federal authorities accuse 46-year-old Bobby Donnell, and 29-year-old Jordan Lussier, of conspiring to traffic drugs on the Red Lake Reservation. According to court documents, both men…

Annual “Treecycling” Program Begins

  DULUTH, Minn.– When the holidays are over, there are several options to take down the Christmas tree. The gates are open at numerous locations to begin “tree-cycling”. The annual program allows people to get their trees recycled and eventually turned into compost. The locations are scattered around Duluth parks and community centers. There are also some spots in Cloquet…

Lake Superior Zoo Worker Spots Owl Stuck In Car’s Grill At Bentleyville

DULUTH, Minn. — What was supposed to be a stroll through Bentleyville Tour of Lights in Bayfront Festival Park Monday evening turned into quite the rescue of an owl. Annabell Whelan, guest experience manager at the Lake Superior Zoo, spotted the owl stuck in the grill of someone’s car in Bayfront parking lot as she was leaving Bentleyville. Whelan said…

Ideal Temps Bring Ice Fishing Back to the Bay

DULUTH, Minn. – During the summer, the “lake side” of Park Point attracts thousands to its beaches; but during the winter months, the “bay side” is the place to be. While the temperature is expected to climb in the coming days, ice fishermen have been back on the bay thanks to an early season freeze. Today’s ideal temps drew a number…

Former MN Rep. Mary Murphy Moving To Hospice Care After Stroke

Former Minnesota Rep. Mary Murphy, the state’s longest-serving female lawmaker, will soon be placed in hospice care after suffering a stroke last week, according to Speaker of the House Melissa Hortman. Hortman shared the news Monday evening on social media. She said Murphy’s family felt hospice was the best path forward after the stroke left Murphy with a series of…

Thousands Take In The ‘Christmas City Express’

DULUTH, Minn. — The Christmas City Express performances and train rides finished up this weekend at the Lake Superior Railroad Museum. More than 5,000 people attended the story performance over the past month, which includes a train ride on the North Shore Scenic Railroad. It’s an important event to the museum, with the annual tradition putting smiles on kids of…

After Shooting, Wisconsin School And Church Lean Into Christmas Message For Comfort

Courtesy: Associated Press For Christians around the world, Christmas is the joyful celebration of the birth of Jesus. To affirm their beliefs — that God is present and hasn’t abandoned them — the faith community at Abundant Life Christian School in Madison, Wisconsin, is embracing its holiday traditions just days after a deadly shooting there. “When people say, ‘Where is…

Court Ruling Could Tip Majority To Republicans In Minnesota House

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) — Minnesota House Republicans could start the 2025 legislative session in the majority after a judge ruled Friday that a Democratic candidate didn’t meet the residency requirements for his suburban district. Ramsey County Judge Leonardo Castro ruled that Curtis Johnson didn’t live in the Roseville-area district for the required six months ahead of the election and…

Winter Season Underway At Chester Bowl

DULUTH, Minn. — People were hitting the slopes at Chester Bowl this weekend, after mother nature brought a fresh snowfall. After a fairly dry start to last year’s ski and snowboard season. Those at Chester Bowl are excited about tearing down the hill. Snowmaking has wrapped up at the Chester, after cold temps have brought ideal conditions. During the second…

Winter Solstice Party Held at Ursa Minor Brewing

DULUTH, Minn. — It is officially Winter! And to celebrate the longest night of the year, Ursa Minor Brewing held a Winter Solstice Party. The winter event started with a Makers Market, where local artists and crafters had booths set up. Different items were available, from wood crafts, jewelry and paintings. One vendor was showing off her beeswax candle creations….

Douglas County Data Breach

SUPERIOR, Wisc. – Unauthorized access of HIPAA-protected information by county employee, largely flies under the radar. Six-months after the Douglas County Department of Health and Human Services determined an employee had accessed protected personal and health information without authorization, a notice appeared on the county’s website. The one-page statement states the employee was terminated, and that the Superior Police Department…

Spirit Mountain Celebrates 50th Anniversary

DULUTH, Minn.– This weekend, Spirit Mountain has plenty to celebrate after now being in business for 50 years. Spirit Mountain has been an outlet for ski lovers since 1974. And they’re focusing on celebrating the vision and idea community leaders had, that ultimately became the outdoor sports center Duluthians know and love. The weekend will be filled with a medallion…

Credit Union Partners With Harbor House Crisis Shelters For Christmas Joy

DULUTH, Minn.– Today, the efforts of the Duluth community is paying off. Because every child at the Harbor House Crisis Shelters will experience a Christmas this year. For over a month, toy donations have been accumulating at all of the Harbor Pointe Credit Union banks in the Duluth area. The toys are heading to Harbor House Crisis Shelters. This is…

Recent Mesaba Avenue Fatality Results in Call to Action

DULUTH, Minn.– According to the Minnesota Road Safety Information Center, since 2016, Mesaba Avenue here has seen 348 crashes, that has resulted in 90 injuries. And now 2 fatalities. “What happened to Steven was heartbreaking. As we heard, he was so deeply loved. When someone’s life ends too soon like this, we have to work to make sure it doesn’t…

Sheriff’s Office Puts Out Warning After Man Flips Snowmobile In Rice Lake

RICE LAKE, Minn. – The St. Louis County Sheriff’s Office is reminding snowmobilers to use cause and wear a helmet. The reminder comes after a 79-year-old man flipped his snowmobile on Wild Rice Lake Reservoir in the city of Rice Lake Thursday. The accident happened around 4:15 p.m. When first responders arrived on scene, the man was breathing but was…

Police: 2 People Found Dead In Vehicle At Duluth Airport

UPDATE, (December 20)- Police have identified the two individuals found dead at the Duluth International Airport Thursday. The bodies of 75-year-old Duluth resident Lawrence Roscoe and 77-year-old Duluth resident Ann Roscoe were found inside a vehicle in a parking ramp at the airport. Police say the incident remains an active investigation. DULUTH, Minn. — Duluth police are investigating after two…

Gilbert Woman Arrested for 2023 Fentanyl Overdose Death

DULUTH, Minn. – The St. Louis County Sheriff’s Office say they have made an arrest in the overdose death of a Range man in 2023. A nine-month investigation into the death of 25-year-old Isaiah Deegan has resulted in 3rd Degree Murder charges for a Gilbert woman. 20-year-old Ashley Cook is who authorities allege sold Deegan the Fentanyl-laced pill that took his…

Zenith Bookstore Shares 2024 Top Selling Books

DULUTH, Minn. — Zenith Bookstore has shared its 24 top selling books for the year 2024. Around the end of each year, the West Duluth bookstore announces what the most popular books have been at the store that year. This year the number one spot went to “I Cheerfully Refuse” by local Duluth author Leif Enger. Many of the 24…

7 Stars Horse Ranch Grateful for Donation From Genereau & Co. Jewelry Store

DULUTH, Minn. — 7 Stars Ranch is feeling grateful after receiving a donation from a local jewelry store. Genereau & Co. Jewelry hosted a Whiskey and Watches event, with a portion of the proceeds going towards supporting 7 Stars Ranch. The horse ranch offers programs for youth, military veterans, first responders and their family. This year, Genereau was able to…

Coffee Conversation: Classic Christmas Tales at Glensheen Mansion

DULUTH, Minn. — The holiday season is officially underway at Glensheen Mansion, and this year, visitors can immerse themselves in a magical experience as they explore the grounds with the new theme, Classic Christmas Tales at Glensheen. Director Dustin Heckman was on the morning newscast to talk more about it. Twelve rooms within the historic mansion are transformed, each beautifully…

Vigil Honors 66 Homeless and Advocates Who’ve Passed in 2024

DULUTH, Minn. – Homeless advocates and community members gathered to remember those who have passed away this year. The annual “Homeless Memorial Vigil” is held to celebrate the memories of people who have struggled with housing; and advocates who have fought to increase housing accessibility. Overdose deaths among the homeless population fell this year, according to advocates, but the struggle…

Lake Superior College Awarded $200,000 Grant for Accessibility

DULUTH, Minn.– Lake Superior College has been awarded a $200,000 grant, to help provide continued accessibility for all students. The funds from the 2024 Inclusive Higher Education Grant will be going towards implementing an inclusive higher education program. The program itself is called ‘PACE’. Right now, the money is being used to help map this program out to see how it…

KYN: “Chicken and Whaat?!” Opens Up Shop

DULUTH, Minn.– Despite this restaurant’s name being a big question there’s no doubt about it, “Chicken and Whaaat?!” is attracting chicken lovers in West Duluth. “My wife has been eagerly anticipating the opening here for a long time so yeah, we had it on the calendar,” said customer Jack Beahler. What used to be Charley’s Cheesesteaks on North Central Ave,…

Coffee Conversation: “The Parents Launch Code” with Dr. Jack Stoltzfus

DULUTH, Minn. — Launch coach and author Dr. Jack Stoltzfus appeared on Fox 21’s morning newscast Tuesday to discuss his book, The Parents Launch Code, and the issue of estrangement between young adults and their parents. To learn more about Dr. Stoltzfus, his work, and his latest book, click here. Categories: Coffee Conversation, Minnesota, News, News – Latest News

DECC Dir.: Managing Bayfront Again Ensures Non-Competing Events Among All DECC Venues

DULUTH, Minn. – DECC Exec. Dir. Dan Hartman is pleased management at Bayfront Festival Park is coming back under the DECC’s control in a new five-year contract agreement beginning in January 2025. The council approved the RFP process Monday night lead by city staff who chose the DECC as Bayfront’s next manager. The contract is worth around $443,000 over five…

Mayor’s First Budget Goes to Council for Vote

The last council meeting of the year will see the city attempt to put a bow on planning for 2025

CITY HALL – Mayor Roger Reinert’s first budget is up for a vote at the last city council meeting of the year. Mayor Reinert making an appearance at the final city council meeting of 2024, as the council considers his budget proposal. The 2025 budget is the first budget the mayor’s created since assuming office. Before Monday’s meeting, Mayor Reinert…

Mayor Wants ‘Visit Duluth’ Back In Control Of Tourism Marketing After Arizona Firm

DULUTH, Minn. – As the city of Duluth gets ready to welcome in its new tourism marketing agency, Madden Media of Arizona, for the next two years, Mayor Roger Reinert told FOX 21 Monday that the goal during this new contract is to build Visit Duluth back up to a Destination Marketing Organization (DMO) that will once again handle all…

Sen. Hauschild Asks President To Rescind Clemency Of Former Duluth Headshop Owner Jim Carlson

DULUTH, Minn. — Minnesota Sen. Grant Hauschild (DFL-Hermantown) is calling on President Joe Biden to rescind his clemency ruling for former Last Place On Earth owner Jim Carlson. Carlson is among roughly 1,500 people whose sentences have been commuted by Biden — people who were “serving sentences in home confinement during the pandemic and who have successfully reintegrated into their…

4th Annual Great Hall Marketplace Held at the St. Louis County Depot

DULUTH, Minn. — Shoppers were out and about at the annual Great Hall Market place on Saturday, wrapping up their Christmas gift list. The marketplace at the St. Louis County Depot featured over 50 artists, crafters and local businesses, showcasing their holiday creations, from artwork, to jewelry and even baked goods. Shoppers were greeted with a festive atmosphere, as carolers…

Annual Holiday Bake Sale Held in Gary New Duluth

GARY NEW DULUTH, Minn. — A holiday bake sale was held at the Gary New Duluth recreation center, which saw baked goods flying out the door. The annual bake sale grows more and more every year. With strudels, cookies, brownies and plenty more available, which are all made and donated by community members. This year hungry shoppers filled the rec…

Lego Robotics Tournament Held in Hermantown

HERMANTOWN, Minn. — It was a weekend of problem solving at Hermantown High School as students tested their skills during a robotics competition. Two robotics tournaments were held at the school Saturday and Sunday. One being the FIRST LEGO League (FLL) tournament. 37 teams across the northland participated in this years tournament, more than ever before. The event sees students…

Essentia Health Strike at Standstill

With no meetings scheduled, Essentia and union workers are stuck in an open-ended strike

DEER RIVER, Minn. – As workers strike for better pay, Essentia Health says some patient services may be suspended at their Deer River location. Workers with the Service Employees International Union held a picket line Friday, as their open-ended strike for wage increases drags on. Those who braved the cold claimed the wages at the Deer River facilities, are lower…

All Aboard The Christmas City Express!

DULUTH, Minn. — Each year holiday memories are made at the North Shore Scenic Railroad with The Christmas City Express. The experience starts with an interactive story telling of The Christmas City Express book. Passengers can then climb aboard a festive train for a 30 minute ride to Lake Superior and back to depot. Kids also get the chance to…