Minnesota

Proposal Would Expand Places for Liquor Purchases

Opponents Worry Small Businesses Can't Compete

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) – A year after repealing a ban on Sunday liquor sales, Minnesota lawmakers are taking another look at where people can buy their booze. Lawmakers on Tuesday debated a proposal that would allow people to buy beer, wine and certain spirits in places like grocery stores and corner stores. Minnesota and Utah are the only two…

GOP Expecting Veto on tax Bill as Dayton Seeks School aid

Legislators Have Until Sunday Night

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) – Republican Party leaders say they expect Democratic Gov. Mark Dayton to veto a tax bill squaring Minnesota’s tax code with sweeping federal changes. The House passed its bill Tuesday and the Senate was expected to vote on the bill Wednesday. But Dayton has said he won’t sign a so-called tax conformity bill unless lawmakers set…

FOX 21 to Host Blood Drive Inspired by Young Boy’s Cancer Battle

Bennett's Blood Drive to be Held at FOX 21 on Saturday

DULUTH, Minn. – Everyday patients at local hospitals rely on donated blood, but blood doesn’t last forever. Donated red cells last only 42 days. That’s why FOX 21 is partnering with Memorial Blood Centers to host a blood drive this weekend. Bennett’s Blood Drive is being held on Saturday, May 19 from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at FOX 21….

Time to Register for Summer Camp at Animal Allies

Staff at Animal Allies Humane Society Advise Signing up for Summer Camp Sooner Rather than Later

DULUTH, Minn. – Just a few days remain before summer camp will be full at Animal Allies Humane Society in Duluth. Humane Education Manager Shawna Weaver stopped by FOX 21 Local News to chat about what your child will take part in during camp. Aside from getting to pet animals and work to make sure they’re happy and healthy on…

Chester Creek Restoration Almost Complete

Chester Bowl Welcomes a New Landscape Nearly Six Years After Historic Flooding Wiped out Parts of Chester Creek

DULUTH, Minn. – Every year thousands of people stroll through Chester Bowl along Duluth’s scenic Skyline Parkway, but six years ago, massive flooding made for a big mess in the park. Now, reconstruction work is close to being complete. “Just that gurgling noise you can hear in the background, people love that as a relaxing sound,” said Dave Schaeffer, Executive…

Hands-Free Cell Phones Push Appears Over in Legislature

The Bill Stalled in the Senate

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) – A move to require Minnesota drivers to use only hands-free cell phones looks like it’s finished for the current legislative session. Rep. Mark Uglem, the Champlin Republican sponsoring the bill in the House, says leaders told him his bill won’t get a vote as the session heads toward a finish this weekend. Uglem tells Minnesota…

Emergency Preparedness Training in the Northland

The 2019 Under One Roof Conference is scheduled for May 14 & 15, 2019.

DULUTH, Minn. – Emergencies can happen in the blink of an eye and the Northland is no stranger to that. Being prepared in case of an emergency is the big theme at a unique conference in Duluth this week. Organizers say the husky refinery explosion and fire were still on many people’s mind as disaster response and management experts took part…

Duluth Celebrates National Salvation Army Week

Two-thirds of the Salvation Army's meals in Duluth go toward the food shelf.

DULUTH, Minn. – It’s National Salvation Army Week and Duluth is among the places marking the occasion. Staff members came to the Salvation Army thrift store in Duluth to say thank you to the people who support them. National Salvation Army week recognizes what the Salvation Army has done in communities all across the country. More than 150 years later…

Council Members Deny Vacation Rental Extension

The vacation rental cap will remain at 60 units.

DULUTH, Minn.-The Duluth City Council voted again adding additional vacation rentals. At the City Council meeting Monday night, the ordinance to add more vacation rentals in the city of Duluth was turned down 5-4.  Currently, the city allows 60 vacation rental units. The ordinance would have increased the rentals to 114. Council members Anderson, Russ, Sipress, Van Nett, Westerlund voted against….

Parklets Taking Over Downtown Duluth

Parklets are a deck like platform in a parking space, which can be used for a variety of purposes.

DULUTH, Minn.- Parking spots in downtown Duluth are being taken over, not just by tourists, but being transformed into spaces known as “parklets.” Parklets are a deck like platform in a parking space, which can be used for a variety of purposes. Zeitgeist Café is constructing its own parklet right now and plans to utilize the space every way they…

National Bank of Commerce & FOX 21 to Award $10,000 to Northland Student

Strength in Community Scholarship to be Awarded in June

DULUTH, Minn. – With the help of the National Bank of Commerce and other sponsors, FOX 21 is giving away several scholarships to help local students afford the cost of college. Ten students throughout the Northland have been chosen to receive a $1,000 scholarship. At a banquet on June 12, one of those winners will find out they’ve won the…

International Music History Can be Found in Superior Museum

A World of Accordions Museum Displays Evolution of Instrument

SUPERIOR, Wis. – International music history is alive in the Twin Ports. Some refer to the Harrington Arts Center as a hidden gem. The center has featured musicians from all over the world and the World of Accordions Museum also has international flair through their instruments that are on display. “They’re all individual personalities. They play, they handle differently, but…

Duluth Woman Looks to Perfect Beauty Sleep

DeBora Rachelle is a Native Duluth Resident Looking to Keep Health, Wellness and Comfort in Mind While You Sleep

DULUTH, Minn. – Do you toss and turn all night long or wake up drenched in sweat? If so, one Duluthian is looking to make a difference in your life. “I may not be walking the red carpets in California and Hollywood anymore but I’ll be the hottest chick at a toga party,” said DeBora Rachelle, Founder, DeBora Rachelle Inc….

City Council Votes On Latest Earned Sick and Safe Time Amendments

There have been more than 18 amendment to the ESST ordinance.

DULUTH, Minn. – It’s been debated for months, whether to establish new minimum standards for Duluth workers to Earn Sick and Safe Time (ESST) at their jobs. The Duluth City Council is once again discussing the issue with two new amendments being introduced. Several small business owners were in downtown Duluth in support of this ordinance. They’re ready for this ordinance…

Housing Tax Credits and Nordic Center Also On Duluth City Council Agenda

DULUTH, Minn. – The City Council is also expects to make a decision on low–income housing tax credits. There are five projects on the agenda for discussion. One Roof Housing has proposed a nine percent tax credit for the Decker and Brewery Creek Apartments. The three projects under construction for a four percent tax credit include re-purposing certain floors of the Board of…

Pedestrian Bridge Now Open at Chester Bowl

Safety and Environmental Improvements are Being Made at Chester Bowl, One of Duluth's Most Popular Parks

DULUTH, Minn. – Safety and environmental improvements are helping to beautify Chester Bowl in Duluth. The City has finished installing a new pedestrian bridge spanning across Chester Creek. Before construction, Chester Bowl Executive Director Dave Schaeffer says there was simply an old dam visitors would use to walk across to get to the other side of the creek. Aside from safety,…

St. Louis County Attorney Mark Rubin Receives Highest Attorney Rating

DULUTH, Minn. – St. Louis County Attorney Mark S. Rubin has again been awarded the AV Preeminent rating from Martindale-Hubbell. This is the highest possible rating for both ability and ethical standards. According to Martindale-Hubbell, this rating represents the pinnacle of professional excellence and is achieved only after an attorney has been reviewed and recommended by their peers/members of the…

Dayton Says he Won’t Pass tax Bill Without School Funding

Dayton Says Schools Need Additional Money

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) – Minnesota Gov. Mark Dayton says he won’t sign a bill squaring the state’s tax code to sweeping federal changes if Republican lawmakers don’t include emergency funding money for schools. Dayton’s comments Monday set the stage for tricky negotiations with GOP legislative leaders as they careen toward deadlines. Passing a so-called tax conformity bill to avoid…

Lawmakers’ to-do List is Long, but Time is Running Short

The Deadline is May 21

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) – Just like they started the session, Minnesota’s Legislature is entering the homestretch with a long to-do list. But now they have just over a week to finish it. Republicans who control the Legislature and Gov. Mark Dayton are at odds on how to restructure Minnesota’s tax code, how to change health care programs and whether…

Verizon Wireless Devices to Support Training Goals for Athletes

Verizon Wireless Recommends Spring Activity Devices

DULUTH, Minn. – As Spring fully gets underway people are getting outside to exercise. With Grandma’s Marathon just over a month away, many runners are also taking advantage of this time to get active. This morning, Verizon Wireless Solutions Specialist Rachel Agurkis stopped by FOX 21 to talk through gadgets that can be helpful during this training period. Bose Soundsport…

Twin Ports Walleye Association Promotes Fishing & River Restoration Through Tournament

Coffee Conversation: Walleye Fishing Tournament

DULUTH, Minn. – The Minnesota Fishing Opener just took place this past weekend and thousands of fishermen and women took to the lakes to reel in a big one. A group of walleye lovers is also feeling that enthusiasm. The Twin Ports Walleye Association (TPWA) will be hosting its 6th Annual Walleye Fishing Tournament on the St. Louis River May…

Fentanyl Deaths Rise in Minnesota

There Were 172 Synthetic Opioid Deaths in 2017

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) – The number of people who died from the synthetic opioid fentanyl surged in 2017. A preliminary report released Monday by the Minnesota Health Department says there were 172 deaths involving synthetic opioids in 2017. A total of 156, or 91 percent, of those deaths listed fentanyl as a contributing factor. The number of overall synthetic opioid deaths…

Few Minnesota Schools Test for Radon

State and Federal Guidelines Suggest Testing Every Five Years

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) – A Minnesota television station’s investigation has found that most schools in the state don’t test school buildings for radon. KARE-TV reports that state and federal guidelines suggest schools test for radon every five years. Radon is colorless and odorless gas that’s a known carcinogen. Medical research says children are particularly vulnerable to the chemical. Minnesota Department of…

Minnesota Fishing Opener Kicks Off

Half a million anglers are expected to hit the water this weekend

DULUTH, Minn. – The Minnesota Fishing Opener is finally here and it’s a day many people have been waiting for. Half a million anglers are expected to hit the water this weekend. Several people were at Island Lake in Duluth. One fisherman was looking to reel in walleye. He used the opener as a way to bond with his younger cousin….

Volunteers Help Clean Up One of Duluth’s Most Popular Tourist Attractions

Recent storms have caused significant damage to the Lakewalk and now volunteers are cleaning it up

DULUTH, Minn. – One of Duluth’s  most popular tourist areas has seen better days. Recent storms have caused significant damage to the Lakewalk and now volunteers are cleaning it up. One volunteer told me some people take the Lakewalk for granted, so coming together to help clean it up was the right thing to do. If you ask Tim Carroll what…

Minnesota Fishing Season Opens Saturday

Mothers aren't required to have a fishing license during

DULUTH, Minn. – We are less than 24 hours away from the 2018 Minnesota Fishing Opener. Nearly 1.5 million anglers are licensed in the state and people here in Duluth and across Minnesota are getting ready to hit the water. According to the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Males account for 65 percent of fishing license holders. Females account for 35 percent. We…

It’s A Festiversary at Bent Paddle Brewing Company

Fourteen specialty infusion beers will be available for Festiversary.

DULUTH, Minn. – Bent Paddle Brewing Company is turning five years old and you’re invited to the party. It’s a Festiversary. This year’s event will be the first one held at the new taproom. You’ll find live music and other community partners. Bent Paddle staff say it’s the seventh largest brewery in Minnesota. Fourteen specialty infusion beers will be available for…

Junk Hunting Takes Over Essentia Duluth Heritage Sports Center

The Duluth Junk Hunt runs from Friday, May 11 until Saturday, May 12; The Event is in It's 6th Year

DULUTH, Minn. – The Minnesota fishing opener may be Saturday, but on Friday hundreds of folks started hunting for junk at the 6th annual Duluth Junk Hunt. The two day event is taking place at the Essentia Duluth Heritage Sports Center at 120 North 30th Avenue West. Founder Emily Broman started the event back in 2012 because she realized there…

“Make it OK” Campaign Stops at Duluth Area Family YMCA

A Full List of Events is Planned by Northland Healthy Minds throughout the Month of May to Combat Mental Illness Stigma

DULUTH, Minn. – Folks visiting the Duluth Area Family YMCA on Friday had the chance to learn more about the stigma surrounding mental illness, and even sign a pledge to speak up about the ongoing issue. Northland Healthy Minds is a volunteer group that has come together to bring the “Make it OK” campaign to the Duluth area. The group…

Theater Group Brings Dark Comedy to Life at The Underground

Rubber Chicken Theater to Perform "Dr. Strangelove" Live Read

DULUTH, Minn. – Rubber Chicken Theater is bringing the laughs this weekend as they perform another Live Read. The groups stages readings of classic movie scripts and this year they’re presenting the dark comedy, Dr. Strangelove. The event will begin at 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, May 12 at The Underground, 506 West Michigan Street, in downtown Duluth. Tickets are $10….

Climbing Ely’s Peak with Vertical Endeavors

Active Adventures: Rock Climbing

DULUTH, Minn. – As the weather begins to warm Northlanders are venturing outside to enjoy the nature and all the activities that come with it. For this week’s Active Adventures FOX 21 went rock climbing with Vertical Endeavors at Ely’s Peak. Vertical Endeavors offers several outdoor climbing options and can be reached at (218) 279-9980, or www.verticalendeavors.com/outdoor. The Duluth Climbers…

Capitol Rally Saturday to Focus on High Cost of Insulin

The Rally is Being Coordinated by Right Care Alliance

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) – A Saturday rally planned at the state Capitol aims to call attention to the soaring cost of diabetes drugs. The American Diabetes Association says nearly 7 1/2 million Americans who use insulin to control diabetes saw the price triple from 2002 to 2013. Nicole Smith-Holt of Richfield is one who wants stronger regulation of pharmaceutical…

Daycare Shortage Leaves Northland Families With Limited Options

St. Louis Co. Public Health and Human Services hosted a public meeting to discuss possible solutions

DULUTH, Minn. –  The recent announcement that a major daycare facility is closing its doors in Duluth has left some parents feeling stressed out about what to do next. Last week, the Benedictine Health System announced they’ll be shutting down their infant and toddler center in mid-June. Northland parents say there is a major shortage of affordable daycare available. After…

Congdon Students Continue Getting in Gear

Rainy Weather Postponed Bike, Walk to School Day for Students at Congdon Park Elementary; Event Continues to Grow

DULUTH, Minn. – Back in 1997 students, staff and parent organizers took part in the first ever National Walk to School Day. In 2012, National Bike to School Day became a reality. The day technically happened on Wednesday, May 9 this year, but due to rainy, cold weather in the Northland, students held off to celebrate until the following day….

Realty Company Hosts Kids Day Party

Keller Williams Realty holds a day every year to give back to the community

DULUTH, Minn. – Kids got the chance to play some games and have some fun at Keller Williams Realty on Thursday. Every year, Keller Williams Realty holds Red Day, where they invite the community to come and share in activities and togetherness. “We just want to do as much as we can to give back and get to know people,” realtor…

Digging In For Groundbreaking of New Virginia Government Services Center North Building

The $19 million project is a 63,000 square foot building, which will house more than 10 departments and 180 employees.

Virginia, Minn. – It was an exciting day in the city of Virginia. Ground was broken for a new multi–million dollar government services center. It’s a project that’s been in the works for years to better meet the needs of people living in northern St. Louis County. The city of Virginia is getting the new government services building because the existing facilities are too old to renovate….

Knowing Who and Where Your Food is From

Market Day Duluth hosts a meet and greet to sign-up for a CSA.

DULUTH, Minn.- It’s that time of year for locally grown fresh produce to start hitting the stands, one local market is helping you know where and who your food comes from. Starting in June Market Day Duluth will host its own farmers market, through Community Supported Agriculture. To prepare for the season today individuals could come in and signup for…

Incorrect Tax Property Assessments Raise Concern

The phones started ringing off the hook at the Greater Downtown Council and County Commissioner's office immediately after the evaluation notices were sent out.

DULUTH, Minn.-  After property evaluations were recently sent out by St. Louis County many local downtown Duluth businesses were shocked to see huge increases in the value of their property. Now the county assessor’s office is taking a second look at how they evaluated those properties with the possibility of changes being made. The phones started ringing off the hook at the…

Medical Marijuana Company Lost $5.3M in 2017

LeafLine's Total Losses Amount to $12.2 Million

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) – One of Minnesota’s medical marijuana manufacturers lost $5.3 million in the year before its chief executive left the company. That’s according to new 2017 financial documents on LeafLine Labs released by the state to The Associated Press. Those losses bring LeafLine’s total losses to $12.2 million in the first three years of legal medical marijuana…

Bloomington Woman Charged With Murder in Death of Roommate

The Body was Found with an Electrical Cord Around her Neck

BLOOMINGTON, Minn. (AP) – A Bloomington woman is accused of killing her roommate in a sober living complex. Hennepin County Attorney Mike Freeman says 46-year-old Donna Bastyr has been charged with second-degree murder in the death of 69-year-old Corrine Gibbs. Officers who responded to an apartment at the complex about 8 p.m. Sunday found Gibbs’ body. Authorities say she had…

Prosecutors Say a Minnesota mom is Head of Meth Trafficking Cell

Authorities Found 140 Pounds of Meth

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) – Federal prosecutors allege a 25-year-old Minnesota mother of two is the leader of one of the biggest methamphetamine trafficking cells state has ever seen. Attorney Gary Wolf tells The Star Tribune that his client Macrina Perez is “adamant about fighting” the allegations. Wolf has successfully lobbied against federal detention and Perez may get early release under GPS…

SLRA Seeks Volunteers for River Clean-up

St. Louis River Alliance to Host Annual Event on Saturday

DULUTH, Minn. – This weekend several Northlanders are stepping up once again to keep the St. Louis River clean. The St. Louis River Alliance is looking for volunteers to take part in their annual river clean-up event. It’s taking place on Saturday, May 12 from 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Interested individuals and organizations may contact the St. Louis River…

Making a Fresh Appetizer with JJ Astor

Cooking Connection: Bruschetta

DULUTH, Minn. – When entertaining guests it’s always tough to come up with a dish everyone will enjoy eating. A commonly-liked appetizer is actually much easier to put together than may be expected. For this week’s Cooking Connection Robert Boyd, the Director of Food and Beverage for JJ Astor, showed FOX  21’s William Seay how to make Bruschetta. BRUSCHETTA Remove…

KOA Campground Hosting Special Opening Weekend.

The campground will have many family fun events and games going-on all weekend long.

CLOQUET, Minn.-The KOA campground is offering campers a special deal for a good cause this weekend. KOA had a late opening this year due to weather but this weekend you can get outside and camp at K-O-A Saturday night for $20. It’s been deemed “Care Camps Big Weekend” the funds from Saturday will go to medically-supervised camps for kids with…

Vista Fleet Starts First Tours Of Season

DULUTH, Minn. — The Vista Fleet started its first tours of the season Wednesday with the Queen boat.  The Vista Star will arrive Thursday for tours.  The Vista Fleet is located behind the DECC, and the city says operations will not be affected at this time while crews work on the delayed seawall reconstruction project in the Minnesota Slip. Categories:…

Fitger’s Brewhouse Owner Finds Way Around Law To Distribute Brewpub’s Beer

Rod Raymond Gives Brewhouse's Beer Recipe Rights To Son To Create 'Duluth Brewhouse'

DULUTH, Minn. – It’s no secret the craft brewing industry is continuing to explode in the Twin Ports. Microbreweries, like Bent Paddle and Lake Superior Brewing can now be found everywhere — in liquor stores, bars and restaurants. But there’s a law still on the books in Minnesota preventing brewpubs like Fitger’s Brewhouse from doing the same. Brewpubs can only…

Hermantown Rebuilding New Fire Halls

In March 2018, Hermantown awarded the contract to TNT Aggregates, LLC.

HERMANTOWN, Minn. – Hermantown is making room for new fire halls and the demolition of the old fire halls has already started this week. Fire Hall #3 is no longer standing and by Thursday, May 10, Fire Hall #2 will begin to come down. City officials say those fire halls didn’t meet proper Hermantown Fire Department operational needs any longer….

Dockside Fish Market Prepares for Busy Tourist Season

The local market has been a staple in the community for nearly 20 years.

GRAND MARAIS, Minn.- Warmer weather is coming and so are the tourists. Grand Marais is known as a popular Northshore destination and right now local businesses are gearing up to be fully packed. The Dockside Fish Market has been a staple in Grand Marias for 20 years. Known for their locally caught fish, the hottest item on the menu is the…

What Local Farmers Hope to Find on the New Farm Bill

Senator Tina Smith's staff is asking the community to voice concerns and ideas.

CLOQUET, Minn.- As the 2018 Farm Bill works its way through Congress, Northland farmers are making sure their priorities are being heard. Members of the agriculture community joined political representatives at Fond Du Lac Community College on Wednesday to talk about farming needs. Senator Tina Smith is a member of the Senate Agricultural Committee, some of her staff members were among…