Minnesota

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…

Fire Rips Through Home on Chester Parkway in Duluth

One Resident was Transported to a Nearby Hospital for Minor Injuries; Official Cause Unknown

DULUTH, Minn. – Shortly before 2:30 a.m. Thursday, the Duluth Fire Department responded to a report of a structure fire at 114 Chester Parkway. Officials say crews found a heavily engulfed front porch on a two-story single family home. One of the occupants was reportedly still inside the structure, while the other had safely made his way out. Responders were able…

Daughter Remembers Father Who Died Working At Sappi Paper Mill

Cause Of Death Under Investigation

CLOQUET, Minn. – FOX 21 learned more about a worker at Cloquet’s Sappi paper and pulp mill who died on the job Tuesday. He’s 53-year old Ryan Martin of Duluth. Circumstances surrounding his death were not made available Wednesday. Authorities are investigating. A Sappi spokesperson said the company is “shocked and saddened.” Martin’s daughter, Melissa Martin, said her father was…

The Bedrock Bar Transforming into the Caddy Shack Indoor Golf and Pub

The revamped expansion sports bar will have virtual golf simulators.

DULUTH, Minn.- The Bedrock Bar is under new ownership, a new name, and adding a new feel to Lincoln Park. The Sweet Spot Indoor Golf is expanding at what use to be the Bedrock Bar. The property will now be called the Caddy Shack Indoor Golf and Pub. The new owners tell us they wanted to keep their business in the…

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…