Minnesota

Duluth Duplex Fire Forces Tenants to Find Temporary Home

Duluth Fire Marshal's Office Determined the Cause to be Electrical in Nature

DULUTH, Minn. – A duplex fire in Duluth has forced tenants to make other living arrangements for the time being. Around 5:40p.m. Sunday, the Duluth Fire Department responded to reports of the structure fire at 208 North 61st Avenue West in Duluth. When crews arrived, they found heavy smoke and fire at the roof line of the two-story duplex. Officials say…

Highway 38 Improvement Project Begins Tuesday

The Highway 38 Improvement Project in Grand Rapids Begins Tuesday, May 29

GRAND RAPIDS, Minn. – On Tuesday, May 29, drivers in the Grand Rapids area will experience a new construction project. The Minnesota Department of Transportation is beginning improvements on Highway 38. Drivers will encounter daytime flagging operations, lane shifts and center left turn lane closures on Highway 38 from the intersections of 5th Street Northwest through 14th Street Northwest. Pedestrians will…

Duluth Superior Film Festival Starts Wednesday

Richard Hansen, Founder of the Duluth Superior Film Festival Projects a Successful Year for the Event

DULUTH, Minn. – The 9th annual Duluth Superior Film Festival (DSFF) will kick off Wednesday, May 30 and run through Sunday, June 3. DSFF will take place at multiple venues across the city including Zinema, Teatro Zuccone, Clyde Iron Works, Blacklist Artisan Ales and The Commet Theater in Cook, Minnesota. Founder Richard Hansen says this year’s line-up will focus on…

Spring Pop-Up Shop Pops Up at Evolve Duluth

The pop-up shop helps small businesses get their name out in the community

DULUTH, Minn. – Evolve Duluth had its spring pop-up shop, which helps small businesses get their name out in the community. There were several vendors there with jewelry, clothing and other goods. This was Aaron Boothe’s first time at the pop-up shop. He owns Scratch Studios, a recording studio in Duluth and this event helps him connect with people as…

That’s A Wrap On Dylan Fest

This year's Dylan Fest included a poetry event and songwriting contest.

DULUTH, Minn. – After a week long celebrating all things Bob Dylan the Eighth Annual Dylan Fest has come to an end. Dylan Fest closed out with a farewell brunch at the Zeitgest Arts Café. An art show featuring work from local artists around town and some as far as Australia was also up. “It’s almost like a pilgrimage and…

New Exhibit Encourages You To Be “Amazingly Immature”

You have until Sept. to get silly with the "Amazingly Immature" Exhibit.

DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth Children’s Museum has an exhibit that wants you to be a little immature, have fun and learn along the way. Duluth is one of 15 cities selected to host the “Klutz Amazingly Immature” Exhibit. In honor of the exhibit Duluth Mayor Emily Larson proclaimed the summer of 2018 as Duluth’s “Summer of Immaturity.” Things like…

New Sculptures Unveiled at Wade Stadium

It took about six months to create the sculptures

DULUTH, Minn. – Two new sculptures have a new home at Wade Stadium in Duluth and an official dedication took place earlier today. The sculptures were created and designed by an artist duo known as “Actual Size Artworks.” They were selected by the Minnesota Percent for Art in Public Places Program. The inspiration came from phrases announcers make during a…

The Bookstore at Fitger’s Earns Top Award

The Bookstore at Fitger's Earns Top Award

DULUTH, Minn. -It may have come as a surprise but the Bookstore at Fitger’s received the We Love Bookstores Award. Sisters in Crime – The Twin Cities Chapter presented staff with a $500 check for the honor. The money will be used to remind the public and not just tourists that the Bookstore at Fitger’s is in the community. It…

Memorial Day Weekend Brings Summer Fun to Spirit Mountain

Memorial Day Weekend Serves as the Official Start to the Summer Activity Season at Spirit Mountain in Duluth

DULUTH, Minn. – The summer season is officially underway in the Northland, at least according to the staff at Spirit Mountain in Duluth. “It’s hard to believe, we just closed the ski season down at the middle of April,” said Brandy Ream, Executive Director at Spirit Mountain. In the blink of an eye, Mother Nature is transforming Spirit Mountain into…

Twin Metals Wants to Build ore Processor Closer to BWCA

Twin Metals Spokesman Says Change Won't Threaten Environment

(AP Photo/Steve Karnowski, File)ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) – Twin Metals says its updated plan for an underground copper-nickel mine near Ely includes a 100-acre ore processing facility on the banks of Birch Lake, which puts it closer to the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness than earlier planned. Environmental groups blasted Thursday’s announcement, saying it increases the threat to the wilderness…

Menomonie man Dies of Apparent Drowning

The Incident Remains Under Investigation

SAWYER COUNTY, Wis. – According to the Sawyer County Sheriff’s Office they received a report of a missing 88-year-old man from a cabin on Schmidt Road in the Township of Winter on Thursday evening. Deputies responded to the scene located on the Flambeau River where the missing man was found at approximately 11:59 p.m. deceased in the river. Authorities state…

Two Minnesota Colleges to Offer Foreign Students Scholarships

Each School Will Make two new Awards Each Year

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) – Two Minnesota colleges plan to offer scholarships that let international students know they are welcome on U.S. campuses. The University of Minnesota and Concordia College in Moorhead will start offering the scholarships in fall of 2019. The St. Paul Pioneer Press reports the two Minnesota schools are among nine U.S. colleges offering #YouAreWelcomeHere scholarships to…

Local Businesses to be Featured at Duluth Made Pop-up Market

DULUTH, Minn. – This weekend, you’ll have the chance to find a locally-made treasure at an annual pop-up market in Duluth. The Duluth Made Pop-up Market will be Sunday, May 27th at Evolve Duluth from 10:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. List of vendors: Pretty Gritty DU Stuff Wilderness Wellness Chiropractic Atelier and Stone Clover + Cotton Harmonic Goods Crave by…

Fast-Paced Fitness with Destination Fitness

Active Adventures: Destination Fitness

DULUTH, Minn. –  Destination Fitness is a one-stop shop for fitness. The workouts can be done at home, in the office, outdoors or the studio. Destination Fitness offers programs for all ages and fitness levels. If you would like more information call (218) 260-6562. For more information head to www.destinationfitnessmn.com. Destination Fitness is located at 4966 Rice Lake Road, Duluth,…

Dakota County Judge is Confirmed as Minnesota US Attorney

Erica MacDonald Confirmed as the State's top Federal Prosecutor

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) – The U.S. Senate has confirmed a Minnesota judge as the state’s next U.S. Attorney. Erica MacDonald was confirmed as the state’s top federal prosecutor on Thursday. MacDonald has been a judge in Dakota County since 2010, and was a federal prosecutor before that – focusing on cases dealing with violent crimes, drugs, human trafficking and child pornography….

In Turnabout, Fischbach to Take Oath as Lieutenant Governor

Dayton Will Call a Special Electin to Fill Seat

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) – Sen. Michelle Fischbach is set to take an oath of office as lieutenant governor after months of resisting the role. Gov. Mark Dayton’s office says Fischbach will be sworn in Friday morning to serve as the Democratic governor’s No. 2. It’s an apparent change of heart for Fischbach, a Republican who was automatically elevated to…

Fire in Rural Duluth Causes Total Loss of Garage, Contents Inside

Multiple Fire Departments Responded to the Fire at 302 Thurber Road in Duluth

DULUTH, Minn. – Just before 4:00 a.m. Friday crews were called to battle a fully engulfed garage fire in rural Duluth. Duluth, Rice Lake, Lakewood, Hermantown and 148th Air Guard fire departments along with the Gold Cross were on scene when FOX 21 arrived. The blaze happened at 302 Thurber Road just off Norton Road in Duluth. Crews dealt with…

Minnesota Author Leads Workshop for Northland Writers

The group Lake Superior Writers organized the workshop

Writers in the Twin Ports had the chance to learn from a professional author on Thursday. Minnesota author William Kent Krueger hosted a workshop at the Northland Country Club, where he was able to share his skills and passion for writing to others who share the love of the craft. “I enjoying leading workshops because my father was a teacher,…

Great Lakes Aquarium unveils new exhibits

The newest experience at the Great Lakes Aquarium features three new touch pools

DULUTH, Minn. – Kids and families can now get up close and personal with some new critters at the Great Lakes Aquarium. Thursday, the aquarium unveiled the “Feel Connected” exhibits, which offers three new touch pools featuring exotic ocean critters like sea stars and jellyfish. “When people can use their sense of touch, they become more connected to what they’re…

Starbase Celebrates First School Year

The classroom is a whole new experience for children who learn to program rovers and create real-world architectural design.

DULUTH, Minn.- Some Northland students are experiencing what its like to be a scientist through a program called Starbase, which is celebrating the end of its first school year program. The classroom is a whole new experience for children who learn to program rovers and create real-world architectural design. The Starbase program operates on the base of the 148th Fighter…

Unique boat gets a special launch on Lake Superior

The Norwegian boat was built with help from the community

A unique boat got its first official launch on Lake Superior on Thursday. A big crowd turned out to see this traditional Norwegian boat out on the waters. The boat was built by Spirit of The Lakes Community School woodworking teacher John Finkle, with a lot of help from students and members of the community. “We’re very excited,” Finkle said….

New Mixed Gender Bathrooms Open at Park Point

These two single-use bathrooms are equipped with locks.

DULUTH, Minn.- A new mixed gender bathroom facility is open out on Park Point. The facilities are at Lafayette Community Center. These two single-use bathrooms are equipped with locks. Organizers say the universal bathrooms are a great message for the city of Duluth to be sharing with its visitors. “So people with disabilities, people with families with special needs, and…

Sister, Brother Sentenced in UMD Student’s Death

On Thursday, May 24, Noah Baker, 20, and Tara Baker, 23, Were Sentenced for their Connection to the 2017 Murder of UMD Student William Grahek, 22

DULUTH, Minn. – A difficult situation for two mothers, family members and friends entering the St. Louis County Courthouse in Duluth Thursday. More than 15 months after the murder of UMD student William Grahek, 22, two suspects — a brother and sister — involved in the case were sentenced for their role in the crime. Police responded to the scene…

Groups Urge Vetoes Over Environmental Trust Fund ‘Raid’

They Were Added in the Closing Hours of Session

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) – Environmental and conservation groups urge Gov. Mark Dayton to use his line-item veto power to cancel $98 million in projects funded by what they consider an improper raid on a trust fund that depends on state lottery proceeds. The wastewater infrastructure and other projects are part of a $1.5 billion public works borrowing bill, but the money…

Duluth Mayor Emily Larson Announces Support for Metsa

VIRGINIA, Minn. – Duluth Mayor Emily Larson has announced her support for Jason Metsa’s congressional campaign this afternoon. Larson has joined a growing list of elected officials throughout the state that have shown their support for Metsa’s campaign. In a statement released today, Larson says: “Northeast Minnesota needs a champion in Washington D.C. who will fight every day for our…

Board of Directors Approves Essentia Construction

The new Building Will Cost an Estimated $675 Million

DULUTH, Minn. – Essentia Health is planning on spending big money on a new project that is slated to be the largest private investment in Duluth’s history. The Board of Directors at Essentia has approved the construction and financing of a brand new multimillion dollar facility set to be built in Duluth’s downtown. It’s a longtime coming for a project…

University of Minnesota Law School Requests Funding Increase

Applications Fell More Than 50 Percent Between 2010-2017

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) – The University of Minnesota Law School is seeking more funding to help it recover from a large dip in enrollment. Minnesota Public Radio reports that the university’s law school applications fell by more than 50 percent between 2010 and 2017. Law School Dean Garry Jenkins says the school decided not to lower admissions standards. He says tuition…

“Our Town” to Open at NorShor Theatre Tonight

Play Follows Lives of Residents in Small-Town America

DULUTH, Minn. – The latest production put on by the Duluth Playhouse is opening Thursday evening at the NorShor Theatre. The director of “Our Town”, Sean Byrd, stopped by FOX 21 to discuss the play. It was written by Thornton Wilder and follows the lives of residents in small-town America. The plot takes the audience through ups and downs in…

Foraged Spring Greens and Fresh Pasta

Cooking Connection: At Sara's Table Chester Creek Cafe

DULUTH, Minn. – Greens are beginning to pop up as Spring makes an appearance in the Northland. For this week’s Cooking Connection we took advantage of the fresh veggies for a dish with Jillian Forte, the Executive Chef and General Manager of At Sara’s Table Chester Creek Cafe. The restaurant is located at 1902 E 8th St, Duluth, MN 55812….

Caricature Business Opens Along Duluth’s Lakewalk

Artist Purchased A License From the City For the Summer

DULUTH, Minn. People strolling along Duluth’s Lakewalk this summer can now see their faces transform on paper. That’s because a caricature business called Lakewalk Memory Lane has popped up near the Endion Station along the Lakewalk. The artist, Adnan Shati, recently retired as a special education teacher in the Twin Cities. He said this new job with the view of…

Teacher Accused Of Sex With Foster Son Who Was Former Student

Karla Winterfeld Is Charged With First-Degree Criminal Sexual Conduct

DULUTH, Minn. – A teacher with the Duluth School District, Karla Winterfeld, 33, of Duluth, has confessed to having sex with her 15-year-old foster son who is also her former student, according to the criminal complaint in St. Louis County Court. Winterfeld is charged with first-degree criminal sexual conduct and is being held on $100,000 bail. According to the criminal…

U of M Delays Fellowship Amid Abortion Controversy

The Program was Scheduled to Begin this Fall

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) – The University of Minnesota has backed away from a medical school fellowship in reproductive health care training that included abortion procedures following opposition from anti-abortion groups. Minnesota Daily reports that the university took down the fellowship posting this month. The program was scheduled to begin in the fall. A university spokesman says opposition to the fellowship began…

Minneapolis Diners Throw Water at Conservative Tomi Lahren

Elder Says no one has Reported the Incident to Police

(Photo by Colin Young-Wolff/Invision/AP, File)MINNEAPOLIS (AP) – Conservative commentator Tomi Lahren says she is disheartened and embarrassed but not broken after a patron threw water on her at a Minneapolis restaurant. The Fox News contributor told the channel’s “Fox & Friends” Wednesday that she was eating Sunday brunch with her parents when a group of people “thought it would be…

Dayton Rejects two Biggest Bills Passed by GOP-led Legislature

Dayton has Vowed not to Call a Special Session

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) – Gov. Mark Dayton has vetoed the tax conformity and budget bills that state lawmakers passed in the waning days of the session. The Democratic governor’s veto knocks down the two biggest pieces of legislation that the Republican-controlled Legislature pushed through just as time was running out. Dayton has said that the so-called tax conformity bill…

Animals to Fill Lakewalk Wednesday for New Pet Walk

Bus Bike Walk Duluth Adds Event for Pets

DULUTH, Minn. – This month the Zeitgeist Community is celebrating Bus Bike Walk Duluth and they’re hoping you and your pets get involved. As part of the month-long event, the group is hosting Bark Bike Walk on Wednesday, May 23. They will be walking with their dogs along the Lakewalk to encourage community interaction and activity. The group will start…

Teacher Removed From Minnesota Board Over Trump Comments

The Teacher Says she Stands by her Post

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) – A former Minnesota Teacher of the Year has lost her position on a state licensing board after using an expletive in a social media post criticizing President Donald Trump. St. Paul teacher Amy Hewett-Olatunde came under fire as state lawmakers voted to strip her of her position on the state’s teacher license oversight panel. She…

Nice Pitbull Looks to Help Open People’s Eyes

Duluthian Jesse Hakala Started Nice Pitbull Seven Years Ago to Raise Awareness and Stomp the Stigma of Pit Bull Aggression

DULUTH, Minn. – Through the power of social media and people coming together, one Northland man is looking to spread H.O.P.E, helping open people’s eyes. “I love all dogs, but pit bull’s are the ones that I chose,” said Jesse Hakala, a pit bull owner. For Hakala, a walk in the park or down a sidewalk comes with pride. “They…

Students Learn How to Leave No Trace on the Trails

Leave no trace is a set of principles to help enjoy the outdoors sustainably.

DULUTH, Minn.- The Great Outdoors took over Congdon Park Elementary School as students learn how to preserve our forests. The Superior National Forest’s educational outreach program aims to inspire students to enjoy our trails but also know the proper etiquette. The gym transformed into a mock boundary waters campsite at Congdon Elementary School. “We want kids to care about the environment…

Tutors Needed in the Northland

Duluth needs 52 tutors for the upcoming school year starting this fall.

DULUTH, Minn.- Elementary schools in the Northland are in need for more math and reading tutors, this comes after students are struggling at higher class levels such as algebra. Duluth needs 52 tutors for the upcoming school year starting this fall. Full-time and part-time tutors are being recruited by AmeriCorps. Educators say the preschool level has the largest demand for…

Celebrating EMS Workers Week

Officials with St. Luke’s say it’s important to honor EMS workers every day.

DULUTH, Minn.-Local EMS workers enjoyed a cookout on this beautiful day to celebrate EMS workers week. The food was provided by St. Luke’s to celebrate the hard work emergency responders do every day. Workers from all over the Northland stopped by to celebrate. Officials with St. Luke’s say it’s important to honor EMS workers every day. “Trauma that goes on at…

Military Personnel and Families Have Free Summer Admission at Lake Superior Zoo

Proof of service is required, such as a Common Access Card (CAC).

DULUTH, Minn. – Lake Superior Zoo in Duluth is joining a new club. It’s now recognized as a Blue Star Museum. Staff made the announcement and beginning this Saturday, May 26 until Labor Day, Sept. 3 military personnel and their families will have free admission. It’s a way to give back to the community and also help revitalize the zoo….

Incumbent Mayor of Cloquet Seeks Second Term

The office of the mayor has a four year term and candidates have until June 5 to file their candidacy for the position.

CLOQUET, Minn. – Incumbent Cloquet Mayor Dave Hallback is seeking re–election. He was outside City Hall and made the announcement in front of his supporters. Since he first took office in 2015, Cloquet has seen some improvements like a new skate park and upgrading Veterans Memorial Park. Hallback says he want to keep helping the city grow. “My promise to…

Five-Year-old Eagan Drowning Victim Transported to Hospital

His Condition is Unknown at This Time

photo: twitter/eagan police departmentEAGAN, Minn. – The Eagan Police Department received a report of a possible drowning this afternoon near the 3200 block of Coachman Road. Emergency crews responded to the scene and reported the victim to be a 5-year-old boy. The victim was transported to Regions hospital. His condition is not known at this time. We will continue to…

Jen Schultz Files for Re-Election to MN House 7A Seat

Schultz Served in the Legislature Since 2015

DULUTH, Minn. – State Representative Jen Schultz has filed for re-election for her third term as the Representative for State House District 7A. “I’m asking for people of East Duluth to continue to support me and stand alongside me as we develop legislation to benefit our community and state.  In return, I promise to continue to be a leader to…

Honoring Maritime Day in the Twin Ports

National Maritime Day is Honored in the United States Annually on May 22

DULUTH, Minn. – Nearly 85 years ago on Tuesday, May 22, United States Congress declared May 22 National Maritime Day. National Maritime Day is a tradition for many and a day recognizing America’s Merchant Marine for their legacy of service and sacrifice, safeguarding our nation and its trade corridors during times of war and peace. Residents and visitors in the…

Duluth Festival Features Female Talent

What She Said Festival Kicks Off Thursday

DULUTH, Minn. – This week, a festival in Duluth is featuring women playwrights, directors and actresses. The festival is a series of one-act plays that have been written by women from all over the world and directed by women from the Twin Ports area. The pieces highlight the female voice. The festival runs May 24-26 at The Underground Theatre which…