Minnesota

Angler’s 6-Foot Catch Breaks Minnesota’s Sturgeon Record

The Fish was 30 Inches in Girth

photo: Minnesota DNRSTILLWATER, Minn. (AP) – An eastern Minnesota man has set a state catch-and-release record by hooking a more than 6-foot-long sturgeon on the Rainy River. Minnesota Public Radio reports that the state Department of Natural Resources announced Monday that Jack Burke’s May 4 catch set a new state record. Burke used a muskie rod and an 80-pound braided…

Dozens Block Light Rail to Protest Immigration Policies

Buses are Being Used to Move Passengers Around the Protest

photo: poorpeoplescampaign.orgMINNEAPOLIS (AP) – Several dozen protesters are shutting down part of the light rail system in Minneapolis to call attention to federal immigration deportations. The Tuesday morning protest near the airport is part of a national movement known as the Poor People’s Campaign, which aims to highlight issues including racism and poverty. Organizers say they hoped to shut down…

Million Dollar Powerball Ticket Still Unclaimed

The winning ticket was sold in Carlton at the Minit Mart Carlton.

CARLTON, Minn.- A million dollar winning lottery ticket was sold right here in the Northland and has yet to be claimed. The winning ticket was sold in Carlton at the Minit Mart Carlton. This win is not only profitable for the lucky lottery player but the gas station as well. Minit Mart will receive a $5,000 bonus once the million…

New Exhibit at The Depot Just In Time For Bob Dylan Fest

The Depot will welcome the artist of the exhibit, Skye, Wednesday, May 23 for a reception

DULUTH, Minn. – The Eighth Annual Bob Dylan fest kicks off this weekend in Duluth, and you can head over to the depot to see a unique exhibit featuring the legendary musician. The lyrical exhibit showcases 44 of his classic songs in a text based display. You can hear some of Dylan’s greatest hits through the speakers and sing along…

What the Conclusion of the Legislative Session Means for Duluth

There were major projects ultimately included in the bonding bill but some others were left out

DULUTH, Minn. – The Minnesota Legislative Session ended late last night and Gov. Dayton is already threatening to veto some spending packages over the next couple weeks. Duluth city leaders have mixed feelings about the session. There were major projects ultimately included in the bonding bill but some others were left out. Duluth Mayor Emily Larson says she made 15…

Duluth Clears Sexual Assault Kit Backlog

Nearly six hundred kits dating back to 1993 have now been submitted to the state for testing

DULUTH, Minn. – Duluth officials announced today that all of the city’s previously untested sexual assault kits have now been submitted to the state for testing. Back in 2015, Duluth had the most untested sexual assault kits of any city in Minnesota. After securing more than $2 million in federal grants to fund the project, local officials worked together to…

Local Veterans Save Memorial Day Parade

Members of the Military Order of the Purple Heart Chapter 56 heard the news two weeks ago and began efforts to save the parade.

DULUTH, Minn.- Just two weeks before Memorial Day word spread that the annual parade was canceled but local veterans found a way to keep the parade in motion. The Memorial Day Parade in Duluth has been a tradition for decades, but due to lack of participation and health problems the Northland Veterans Services Committee decided the parade was not going to…

Duluth Bonding Bill Projects Include Lake Superior Zoo and Glensheen Mansion

The Lake Superior Zoo and Glensheen Mansion have requested million in funds to make repairs.

DULUTH, Minn. – The Lake Superior Zoo requested $1.9 million of funding from that bonding bill to help with a new exhibit. Zoo staff members tell us they are now cautiously optimistic as they wait for the governor to make a final decision about the bill. The money would go toward the “Bear Country” exhibit. Zoo workers say that’s the…

Dayton Vetoes Bill to Bypass Regulators on Enbridge Line 3

Dayton Carried Through on his Veto Promise

(Richard Tsong-Taatarii/Star Tribune via AP File)ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) – Gov. Mark Dayton has vetoed a bill that would have allowed Enbridge Energy to bypass the state Public Utilities Commission and proceed with replacing its aging Line 3 crude oil pipeline across northern Minnesota. Dayton carried through on his veto promise. The Star Tribune reports the Democratic governor said in…

One-Year-Old boy Struck, Killed in Maplewood

The Driver of the Vehicle was Cooperative

MAPLEWOOD, Minn. (AP) – Maplewood police say they’re investigating the death of a 1-year-old child. Initial findings indicate Andrew Her was believed to be inside a home when family members shifted parking places Sunday about 9:30 p.m. Police say the boy had wandered outside and was accidentally struck by a vehicle. He was taken to Regions Hospital where he was…

Darwin man Killed After Vehicle Strikes Farm Implement

His Identity was not Immediately Released

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) – Authorities say a man was killed after his vehicle struck the back of a farm implement on a highway in Meeker County. The Star Tribune reports the crash occurred about 10:20 p.m. Saturday on Hwy. 15 in Collinwood Township, roughly 10 miles north of Hutchinson and 50 miles west of the Twin Cities. The Highway Patrol says…

Local Art Gallery Prepares for New Exhibition, Collaboration with Arts District

Coffee Conversation: Joseph Nease Gallery

DULUTH, Minn. – The Joseph Nease Gallery in Duluth is gearing up for Summer with several new exhibitions and a new collaborative effort for the arts. The exhibition “Sweep,” along with a photography exhibit by Tim White and an art installation by Allen-Killian-Moore will be on display at the gallery for the next two weeks, until the end of May….

Zeitgeist’s ‘Spirit Of The Times’ Raises More Than $100K

DULUTH, Minn. – Zeitgeist Center for Arts and Entertainment held its annual ‘Spirit of the Times’ fundraiser Saturday, which raised more than $100,000. Attendees enjoyed food, drinks, improv comedy, and a dance party. The event supports Zeitgeist’s community work like their Zinema 2 movie theater, their Renegade Theatre Company, and efforts to improve food access and transportation equity in Duluth….

Gone Too Soon: Father Of Three Dies From Heroin-Fentanyl Overdose

Austin Overfors Was 24 Years Old

DULUTH, Minn. – The numbers are alarming. More than 40,000 Americans die each year from opioid overdoses, and of that number roughly half of the deaths involved fentanyl, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Experts say fentanyl is up to 50 times more powerful than heroin, and these days heroin is being laced with fentanyl — resulting…

Donating Blood in the Bloodmobile

FOX21 hosts a blood drive at the station.

DULUTH, Minn.- Everyday nearly 40 thousand pints of blood are needed. Saturday blood donors stopped by FOX 21 to help reach that goal. The Mobile Blood Donation Bus parked right outside the station. Community members came inside to sign–up and donated right here on site. Receiving donations this time of year is crucial for hospitals. “Memorial Holiday weekend, we also have…

What to Know about Ramadan

It's a busy and exciting time at the Islamic Center of the Twin Ports, here are some key things to know.

DULUTH, Minn.- Ramadan, Islam’s holy month started earlier this week. Some people in the Twin Ports are celebrating. It’s a busy and exciting time at the Islamic Center of the Twin Ports, here are some key things to know. Ramadan is a time of prayer and fasting in the Muslim Community. It’s celebrated during the ninth month of the Islamic…

Local Garden Grows Produce to Share

The Marek Fuller Community Garden in Two Harbors helps ensure those in need have access to fresh produce

TWO HARBORS, Minn.- One Northland Community donated 14,000 pounds of food last summer, now they’re planting for another successful season. The Marek Fuller Community Garden in Two Harbors helps ensure those in need have access to fresh produce and it’s completely run by volunteers. It’s the first day of gardening outside the Two Harbors Food Shelf. Each plot is owned…

Celebrating the Veterans Memorial Hall 5-K Fun Run

The Fun Run helps fund programs and preserve history at the VMH.

RICE LAKE, Minn.- The Veterans Memorial Hall was established back in 1910, and early Saturday morning runners are racing to keep its programs running. The annual Veterans Memorial Hall 5-K Fun Run helps fund programs and preserve history at the VMH. Runners and walkers of all ages hit the course for a good cause. “To be able to have funds…

A Day Dedicated to Duluth Parks

This is the first Duluth Parks Day to honor the outdoor areas here in Duluth.

DULUTH, Minn.- Duluthians are getting outside and celebrating the city’s parks. This is the first Duluth Parks Day to honor the outdoor areas here in Duluth. Each park offered a different activity for kids and families to participate in. We stopped by Lester Park, where kids learned how to Geo–catch finding capsules and trinkets hidden in the forest. “It’s a…

Sitting Down with Chmielewski Family as Polkafest Begins

Polkafest Celebrates 40 Years

HINCKLEY, Minn – The 40th Annual Chmielewski Polkafest started up Friday and the fun lasts through the weekend. Florian Chmielewski has played the accordion for decades, 73 years in fact. “I’ve been all over the world. I’ve been to Germany, and France and Acapulco,” Florian said. The International Polka Hall of Fame member is known around the world for his…

Great Lakes Academy of Fine Art Hosts Student Exhibit

The exhibit showcases what students have worked on all year.

DULUTH, Minn.- The Great Lakes Academy of Fine Art held its second annual student exhibit. Instructors assign specific projects and some of the techniques include two and three dimensional art, sculptures and eventually fine paintings. The exhibit showcases what students have worked on all year. “This is the culmination of the nine hardest months of my life, hands down,” said Student…

Lincoln Park Middle School Students Unveil New Mural

The mural will hang in the commons area.

DULUTH, Minn. – A mural painted by Lincoln Park Middle School students was unveiled in Duluth. About 30 eighth graders worked on the project since last fall. College of Saint Scholastica students and other artists helped guide the students to complete the mural. Students brainstormed and came up with ideas for the mural that features a lighthouse and astronaut. “Our…

WITC Class of 2018 Walks Across the Stage

More than 130 students participated in the commencement and some receiving their GED.

SUPERIOR, Wis. – Family and friends filled the auditorium of Superior Middle School to see the Wisconsin Indianhead Technical College graduates walk across the stage. The graduating class of 2018 received degrees and diplomas in nursing, business trade and technical studies. Danielle Blank studied cosmetology. At one point in her life she had to drop out of school, but she says…

Morgan Park Graduates Can Take a Piece of Its History

We all know Morgan Park Middle School played a part in many Duluthians' lives

DULUTH, Minn.- If you are a past Morgan Park School graduate, now’s the time to grab a piece of memorabilia. We all know Morgan Park Middle School played a part in many Duluthians’ lives, now that the lot is on to its next chapter, you can soon take a piece of the building to honor the old school. “It’s a thing,…

Twin Ports Residents Peddle Forth on National Bike to Work Day

National Bike to Work Day Events in Duluth and Superior are Organized by the Zeitgeist Center for Arts and Community

DULUTH, Minn. – You may have noticed a few extra bicyclists on the road during your commute across the Twin Ports Friday. It was all to celebrate National Bike to Work Day. It’s a common sight year round throughout many communities in the Northland; bikers strapping on helmets and raising kickstands no matter how cold it gets. “It’s a perfect…

Duluth Honors Worker of the Year

Telisha Madison with the non–profit City Center Housing is worker of the year.

DULUTH, Minn.-Mayor Emily Larson is honoring workers who have jumped many hurdles. The Minnesota Job Honor Awards celebrates minnesotans who overcome barriers to employment. The worker of the year goes to Telisha Madison. “The message that I want to send is even though you go through so much and you think that things are not going to go right and…

Man Killed by Train When Scooter got Stuck on Tracks

Authorities are Investigating the Incident

ROCHESTER, Minn. (AP) – Authorities a man was killed by a train when his mobility scooter got stuck on some railroad tracks in downtown Rochester. KTTC-TV reports witnesses told police the scooter’s wheels got stuck as the crossing gates came down and the lights activated shortly before 8 a.m. Friday. The Canadian Pacific train operator blew the whistle and hit…

St. Paul Police Investigate Three Stun gun Attacks

Police are Warning People to be Careful

ST.PAUL, Minn. (AP) – St. Paul police are investigating three recent stun gun attacks. Investigators say the first attack happened Saturday night just north of Como Park Golf Course. A man out walking was assaulted by several males with a stun gun who took his keys. Two other attacks happened Monday night. A man riding his bike was hit from…

Legislative Auditor to Probe Allegations of Child Care Fraud

James Nobles' Office Will Investigate the Alleged Fraud

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) – Minnesota’s legislative auditor will investigate allegations that child care providers are stealing money from the state’s publicly funded child-subsidy program. Legislative Auditor James Nobles tells the Star Tribune his office will explore the scope of the alleged fraud and whether the Human Services Department had adequate controls to prevent it. Nobles said several lawmakers asked his office…

No Injuries in Early Morning Semi Truck Fire

No Reported Injuries

CANYON, Minn. – Minnesota State Patrol Officers responded to a semi-truck on fire this morning on Northbound Highway 53 between Birch Road and Harris Road just South of Canyon. Reports show that the semi-truck blew a tire and became fully engulfed in flames shortly after pulling over to the shoulder of the Highway. Responding fire crews were able to extinguish…

Boat Safety Week Kicks Off with Life Jacket Reminder

DULUTH, Minn. -As the weather warms and more folks hit the water, several officials are reminding Northlanders to be cautious on the lake. This coming week is all about safety on the water as the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers marks National Safe Boating Week. National Safe Boating Week is being held from May 20-26. The Lake Superior Maritime Visitor…

Body Found in Forest Lake Woods

Officers are not Looking for any Suspects

FOREST LAKE, Minn. (AP) – Police are working to learn the identity of a body found in some woods in Forest Lake. Authorities say a man searching for morel mushrooms found the body Thursday behind the CenturyLink building. Police Capt. Greg Weiss says officers are not looking for any suspects in the death. Weiss says he can’t comment on whether…

Quick-Changing Weather Crushes Sailboat Into Aerial Lift Bridge

Nobody was injured but the possibility was very real for that to happen as the force of Mother Nature was too powerful to control. 

DULUTH, Minn.- It started out as a beautiful 80-degree day on Lake Superior, but that quickly changed. Nobody was injured but the possibility was very real for that to happen as the force of Mother Nature was too powerful to control. “We just proved it yesterday the weather on Lake Superior can change in two seconds,” Campbell said. The first…

SPECIAL REPORT: Autism In the Northland

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a developmental condition that can cause significant challenges in social interaction, communication and behavior.

DULUTH, Minn. – Autism is something many children and their families have to live with every day and it’s more common than you might think. Life with autism is a reality Amanda Keppers knows too well. She has a 16-year-old son named Chris. “Very artistic, he loves arts and crafts,” said Keppers. “He loves the mechanical pieces of anything.” You can…

Valentini’s Expanding in Duluth’s Holiday Center

The new Valentini's is scheduled to open next month.

DULUTH, Minn. – After operating for more than 100 years and several locations across Minnesota, Valentini’s in Duluth is expanding. Valentini’s To Go is located in downtown Duluth’s holiday center. The owner says an expansion was staring her in the face. So she’s taking over space right across from her. The former home to How Sweet It Is. “We’ve created…

Life House Recognizes Youth Making A Difference at Celebration of Success Night

In 2017, Life House served 800 people, that's 150 more than the previous year.

DULUTH, Minn. – Life House hosted its fourth annual Celebration of Success to recognize outstanding youth. Life House supports homeless youth and has been around since 1991. The night highlights 30 young people nominated by staff who have made progress toward their personal goals. The celebration focuses on the successes of the youth that Life House staff say sometimes goes…

Ruby’s Pantry Helping Families Stretch Their Dollar With Food and Groceries

On average there are about 235 shares of food donated every month.

DULUTH, Minn. – Every third Thursday of the month Ruby’s Pantry Coppertop helps families stretch their dollar with food and groceries. This is how it works for just a $20 donation, people can come in and get a big collection of food. It takes place at Duluth’s First United Methodist Church. There are no income requirements and organizers say it’s a…

UMD Installs Solar Panels At Resident Hall

The project was more than three years in the making and was student funded and driven by the student group called the Solar University Network.

DULUTH, Minn. – UMD is making history after installing solar panels on one of its residence halls. UMD students, faculty and staff and others were at the Oakland Apartment Complex. The project was more than three years in the making and was student funded and driven by the student group called the Solar University Network. “It’s a 38 kilowatt array that…

Honoring Duluth’s First Responders

Heads bowed on Thursday in honor of the 128 officers that died while serving the community

DULUTH, Minn.- Police week celebrations continue in the Northland, as first responders in Duluth were recognized. The 29th annual Law Enforcement Memorial Prayer Luncheon is dedicated to honoring officers serving, retired, and fallen. Heads bowed on Thursday in honor of the 128 officers that died while serving the community, one right here in Minnesota. “So we remember those that actually…

Bill to Bypass Regulators on Enbridge Line Three Heads to Dayton

The PUC is Scheduled to Vote Late Next Month

(Richard Tsong-Taatarii/Star Tribune via AP File)ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) – A bill that would let Enbridge Energy bypass the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission and proceed with replacing its aging Line 3 crude oil pipeline across northern Minnesota is on its way to Gov. Mark Dayton, who has promised a veto. The Minnesota House voted 74-53 on Thursday to accept the…

Toppers Pizza Grand Opening in June

DULUTH, Minn. – Toppers is pizza has announced they will be holding their Grand Opening on June 16th. As part of their grand opening celebration Toppers will be giving out free pizza for a year to the first 50 people in line opening day. The new Toppers Pizza location will be at 1231 East 9th Street across from the Cenex…

Authorities say Missing Child may be in Minnesota

Call the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children With any Information

DULUTH, Minn. – The National Center for Missing & Exploited Children along with the Camden Police Department in South Carolina are asking for the public’s help to locate a missing 2-year-old child. Authorities believe Dakota Ray may now be in Minnesota after she was taken by her parents William and Jessica Ray on April 15. Authorities say they have reason…

Electronics Recycling Event to Take Over Bayfront Park

DULUTH, Minn. – This weekend you have the chance to get rid of old electronics in a way that’s healthy for the environment. Global Ewaste Solutions is hosting the 2nd Annual Electronic Collection Event in the Bayfront Festival Parking Lot. The event will be from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Community members can bring cords, laptops, tv’s, and more. The…

Duluth to Celebrate Music and Passions of Bob Dylan

Duluth Dylan Fest to Kick-Off Saturday

DULUTH, Minn. – Starting Saturday and lasting through the following week, Bob Dylan and his music will be the talk of the town. It’s all part of the Annual Duluth Dylan Fest. The week-long celebration honors Bob Dylan’s music, passions and influence on the Northland. Events will be taking place throughout the Northland May 19 – 27 in conjunction with…

Adding Heat to Your Salad with JJ Astor

Cooking Connection: JJ Astor

DULUTH, Minn. – As the weather begins to warm there are more and more vegetables available to take advantage of in the kitchen. For this week’s cooking connection Robert Boyd, the Director of Food and Beverage for JJ Astor, showed William Seay how to make a warm salad using those vegetable options. JJ Astor Restaurant and Lounge is located in…

Tree Worker Killed in on-the-job Incident in Richfield

The Worker was Killed by a Flying Piece of Metal

RICHFIELD, Minn. (AP) – A landscaping company employee is dead after an on-the-job incident in Richfield. Authorities say the 51-year-old worker was killed Wednesday by a flying piece of metal from a wood chipper. It happened while another employee with Victory Tree Service was working on the clogged machine. The worker who died was identified by family as 51-year-old Bill…

Man Accused of Pulling Down Pants of Sleeping Woman on Train

Authorities are Investigating the Incident

Photo: Ramsey County Correctional CenterST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) – A criminal sexual conduct charge has been filed against a man accused of pulling down the pants of a woman sleeping on a light rail train heading into downtown St. Paul. Authorities allege a 39-year-old woman on the train awoke on March 10 to find 70-year-old Kenneth Logans pulling down her…

Dayton Vetoes tax Bill

Dayton Said the Bill Favored the Wealthy and Corporations

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) – Gov. Mark Dayton has vetoed a bill that would have aligned Minnesota’s state tax code with federal changes passed last year. The Democratic governor rejected the bill passed by the GOP-controlled Legislature with about 20 grade-school students standing behind him at a St. Paul school. Dayton said the bill tilted toward the wealthy and corporations….

7-year-old boy Dies of Gunshot Wound to the Head

The boy was Pronounced Dead at the Scene

PLYMOUTH, Minn. (AP) — Police say a 7-year-old boy has died after being shot in the head in suburban Minneapolis. Plymouth police say officers were called around 3 p.m. Wednesday on a report that a child was bleeding from a wound in the head. When officers arrived at the Plymouth home, they discovered he had suffered a gunshot wound. Efforts…

Minnesota Officials Denounce EPA’s Planned Limits on Science

The Change Will Increase Transparency in Decision-Making

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) – Minnesota’s top environmental and health officials have denounced the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s plan to restrict the types of scientific studies that regulators can use to determine human health impacts. In a blistering letter to EPA Administrator Scott Pruitt, Minnesota Pollution Control Agency Commissioner John Linc Stine and Health Commissioner Jan Malcolm say the limits…