Minnesota

Governor Dayton Signs Legislative Budget

“I am glad to put this matter behind us." - Minnesota Gov. Mark Dayton

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Governor Mark Dayton today signed Chapter 100, HF 399 into law. This bill provides budget funding for the Minnesota Senate and House, and reimburses funding to the Legislative Coordinating Commission. In a statement to the press, Dayton said, “I am glad to put this matter behind us, so that we may turn our attention to the…

Duluth curling community prepares to welcome home Olympic team

The Duluth Curling Club is celebrating the return of Team U.S.A. at the Duluth International Airport on Monday - All are invited to join

DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth curling community is excited to welcome home their Olympic athletes on Monday. The U.S.A curling team boarded a plane in Seoul, South Korea on Sunday, preparing for 27 hours worth of travel. The Duluth Curling Club is organizing a welcome party for the teams as they make their way to the Duluth International Airport. While…

UMD to Perform Play by Local Playwright

"These Shining Lives" Performances Begin Thursday

DULUTH, Minn. – This week a play is opening in Duluth highlighting the struggle women faced as they advocated for a safe workplace in the 1920s and 1930s. “These Shining Lives” will be presented March 1 – 18 in Dudley Experimental Theatre in Marshall Performing Arts Center at UMD. Playwright Melanie Marnich was born and raised in the Morgan Park…

Drone Photographs of FOX 21 Photojournalist to be Featured at Vanilla Bean

Coffee Conversation: Drone Art Gallery

DULUTH, Minn. -The Northland provides the beautiful landscape for any artist to portray. A local photographer is showing the sites through drone work. Adam Jagunich will be presenting a drone photo gallery at The Vanilla Bean – Two Harbors through March. An art opening is being held Thursday, March 1 from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. Adam will be at the…

Digging Out Downtown Duluth

The recent snow storm left no sidewalk or car in Duluth uncovered

DULUTH, Minn.- The recent snowstorm left many Northlanders grabbing shovels. Drivers were busy out on the roads, shoveling out their vehicles. Some made it a team effort digging out their cars but others put on music and enjoyed the afternoon working outdoors. “It’s not that bad when it’s this nice out and it’s a pretty good workout,” Sam McPhillips said….

HCIS Students Fundraising for Unique Field Trip

Every student is responsible for their own fundraising goal.

DULUTH, Minn.- Local students are working hard to raise money this weekend, for a once in a lifetime school field trip. Students at the Harbor City International School in Duluth held a rummage sale to raise funds for a trip to Europe. The school rather than fundraising for technology or other tangible things, traveling outside the country will stick with…

Planting Your Winter Blues Away

One local flower shop is hosting a succulent workshop.

DULUTH, Minn.- If your green thumb itching for some gardening? One local workshop is helping you plant away the winter blues. Once a month Bella Flora in Duluth, is hosting a succulent workshop. The class is in the hands of the planter, you can arrange one succulent a large arrangement to brighten up your home. “It is the way to do…

Veterans Across the Midwest March to Raise Awareness

Nearly 100 veterans marched in Minnesota.

DULUTH, Minn.- Nearly 100 veterans in the State of Minnesota are marching to spread awareness of veteran suicide. Every day in the United States there are 23 Veteran suicides. Operation 23 to Zero MN North came together Saturday morning and marched nearly five miles for the February Fun Ruck to raise awareness of the epidemic. Veterans with Operation 23 to Zero…

Senator Amy Klobuchar visits Duluth Discussing Net Neutrality

The Senate bill needs one more vote of support to pass the bill that would put net neutrality rules back in place.

DULUTH, Minn.- Senator Amy Klobuchar spoke out in the  Northland voicing concerns on the future of net neutrality. The U.S. Senate currently has 50 of the 51 votes needed to support a bill that would potentially reverse the FCC’s decision to repeal net neutrality.  Senator Amy Klobuchar was in Duluth this afternoon to discuss net neutrality, and how keeping neutrality…

Ice Dam Removal On the Rise During Winter

The best advice is to always hire a certified professional when you have ice dam problems.

DULUTH, Minn. – Ice dams happen a lot during the winter season. These are basically chunks of ice that form on the edges of your roof that can prevent melting snow from draining off. But experts say homeowners need to be careful when it comes to removing ice dams. Signs of ice dams are icicles in certain areas like behind…

Downtown Duluth Basks in Warm Winter Day

Many Northlanders were out enjoying the sunshine.

DULUTH, Minn.- Many people were out and about downtown Duluth on Friday enjoying the sunshine while it lasts. FOX21 spoke to one couple that fell in love with Duluth and decided to permanently leave the cities. “We were delighted with some new discoveries,” Jerry Oakerman said. “There’s music every night, the culture is growing with the theatre opening again and…

8th Congressional District Green Party Candidate Makes Campaign Stop

This is not the first time Sandman has entered the race for this seat.

DULUTH, Minn. – A Green Party candidate making a run for the 8th Congressional District seat spent the day fundraising in Duluth. Ray “Skip” Sandman hosted a fry bread taco sale to raise money for his campaign. This is not the first time Sandman has entered the race for this seat. Sandman says now people are ready for something else that’s…

Duluth YMCA Offers Opportunity to Stay Active During the Cold Winter

Active Adventures: Duluth YMCA

DULUTH, Minn. – New activity sessions are starting up at the Duluth YMCA. Winter session II is beginning next week which includes pretty much all of the YMCA’s programs such as gymnastics, swimming, rock climbing, taekwondo, pickleball, and much more. The Duluth YMCA is located at 302 w 1st st, Duluth, MN 55802. They can be reached at (218) 722-4745….

Hailey Sault Ranked One of the Best Places to Work in the U.S.

Inside Hailey Sault is a ping pong table and a workout room.

DULUTH, Minn. – A national magazine says one of the best places to work in the whole country just so happens to be right here in Duluth. Outside Magazine recently ranked marketing agency Hailey Sault the 15th best place to work in the United States. The health marketing firm is located on the top floor of the Dewitt-Seitz Building. The…

Northlanders Take on Extreme Freeze for Cold Camping

Special Report: Extreme Camping

DULUTH, Minn. – On a cold winter day, heading out to camp may not be the ideal way most people would want to spend their time. However, hundreds of people live to get outdoors during the wintertime. Cold camping is a passion of Brian and Miranda Gustad and their friends. “Not too many people get out and do this so…

Cloquet Area Alternative Education Program Earns School of the Year Award

A principal of an alternative school in Hinckley nominated the Cloquet Area Alternative Education Program.

CLOQUET, Minn – The Cloquet Area Alternative Education Program just received a top honor. It was recognized as the 2018 Minnesota Association of Alternative Programs school of the year. There are more than 400 alternative schools across the state. Program Principal Connie Hyde says this award sheds a positive light on how people see students at alternative schools. For the…

Board & Brush Opens in Duluth

Owners say you don't need to be an artist to create the fun pieces.

DULUTH, Minn.- One new business in town is asking you to gather your friends and grab a paint brush. The Board and Brush Duluth was packed for the grand opening night on Thursday. The studio has over 200 designs from holiday decorations to family. The owner says you don’t even need to be artistic. “It;s really fun, it’s something you can…

Northland Hospitals in Minnesota Medical Errors Report

There were  341 medical errors across the state with 103 serious injuries.

DULUTH, Minn.- The state of Minnesota says medical errors reported by Minnesota hospitals and surgical centers have been rising slightly the past four years and the number of resulting deaths rose in 2017 to 12 compared to four in 2016. There were  341 medical errors across the state with 103 serious injuries and Duluth’s St. Luke’s and Essentia Hospitals are…

Being Prepared During an Active Shooting

Local workers underwent how to be prepared in the workplace during an active shooting.

DULUTH, Minn.- Workers at Duluth City Hall underwent training learning what to do in case of an active shooter. Duluth Police Officers say its important to stay informed, to be prepared, and don’t be scared. All workers in the city hall building went through Thursday’s training specifcally geared towards adults. Officials say the core of the class is creating a…

Cloquet Public School District Names New Superintendent

Ken Scarbrough is the current superintendent of the Cloquet Public School District.

CLOQUET, Minn. – The Cloquet Public School District has named it’s new superintendent. He may be a familiar face to some. Michael Cary, the current director of curriculum and instruction with Duluth Public Schools will begin his new role in July. The School Board worked with a consultant and narrowed it down to three candidates before selecting Cary. The selection…

Local Farmers and Producers Celebrate CSA Programs Friday

National CSA Day Connects Farmers and Community

BAYFIELD, Wis. – Community-supported agriculture is something many Northlanders take part in. Friday, February 23 is National CSA Day. This morning, Lake Superior CSA Manager Evan Flom and farmer Chris Duke visited FOX 21 to talk about the importance of CSAs and this national day. This day gives farmers and food producers an opportunity to connect the local community with…

UMD Summit Takes Aim At Inclusion On Campus

The Commission on Race, Equity and Ethnicity sponsored the event.

DULUTH, Minn. – University of Minnesota Duluth (UMD) is doing what it can to create a more inclusive community. And that was this year’s theme for its 2018 summit on, Equity, Race and Ethnicity. This summit is about helping people be a part of an environment where everyone feels like they belong. That’s the Patrick Henry High School choir providing the…

The Great Cabbage Giveaway

The Food Farm has been serving the Duluth Community since 1975.

DULUTH, Minn.- One organization is helping Northlanders put locally sourced food on the table during the winter time. The Food Farm gaveaway free cabbage at Zeitgeist Arts Cafe.  The Great Cabbage Giveaway gives people an opportunity to connect with the farmers who grow their food. “So often you connect with your farmer through the food you eat, which is great,” Food…

Duluth Police Department K-9s Receive Body Armor

Each vest is fitted for the individual dog.

DULUTH, Minn – Two Duluth Police Department K–9s have been wearing body armor for a while now. Two more of its K–9s received new body armor too. Riggs and Haas are now getting use to their bullet and stab protective vests. Riggs is a German Shepherd and will be working with the tactical response team. His handler Officer Dean Bauers…

The Curling Effect

Curling equipment is flying off the shelves while the Winter Olympics are going.

DULUTH, Minn.-During the Winter Olympics curling spectators can watch at home, sparking newcomers and experienced curlers to give the sport a try. All you really need are shoes and a broom. More advanced curlers suit up in stretch pants, gloves and a helmet.  The Lakeside Curling Supplies Shop has it all, including the same broom as team U.S.A “The curlers…

Pet Program Helping UMD Students With Stress

Animal Allies, UMD Employee Health and Wellness Program, KUMD and other organizations sponsor the Pet Away Worry and Stress Program.

DULUTH, Minn. – Miniature horses, dogs and cats all made a visit to University of Minnesota Duluth (UMD) for a Pet Away Worry and Stress Program. The event happens once a month on campus. It’s said to help students relieve some stress from all of their studying. Students say wellness and health isn’t just a physical thing, it’s mental as well. “Mental health is…

Two Level 3 Predatory Offenders Moving to Hibbing

Public Notification Meeting to be held tomorrow, February 22, 2018 at 6 PM.

ROYCE ANTHONY DRIFT TIMOTHY DAVID PAIGE HIBBING, Minn. – The Hibbing Police Department will be holding a Community Notification Meeting tomorrow, February 22, 2018 at 6 PM.  The meeting will be held in the Little Theater located on the lower level of the Hibbing Memorial Building 400 East 23rd Street. This meeting is to inform the public that two Level…

Twin Cities Students Walk Out of School in Support of Gun Control

Walkouts Happening in Response to Florida High School Shooting

FROM FOX 9 FROM FOX 9, our sister station in Minneapolis MINNEAPOLIS, Minn.-High school students in Minneapolis are walking out today to protest gun violence following the recent high school shooting in Florida. Since the shooting that left 17 people dead at a high school in Parkland, Fla., students across the nation have been staging protests demanding lawmakers pass gun…

Marshall Students Volunteer After Snow Leaves Many Stuck at Home

Reese Orn and Maddie Maas are Marshall students lending a helping hand after snow storm

DULUTH, Minn. – Reese Orn and Maddie Maas are 8th-grade students at Duluth’s Marshall School, and they have a passion for helping others. “It makes me feel good that we’re helping people out and giving them more chances to get out of their houses,” Orn said. The girls are working on a school project – one that puts them right in…

UMD Police Department Host Active Shooter Training Session

UMD Police DEpartment hosts this training session at least once a year to keep faculty and staff updated

DULUTH, Minn. –  UMD faculty and staff underwent an active shooter training session on Tuesday. The UMD Dolice Department hosts this training session at least once a year to keep UMD faculty and staff updated on ways to stay safe should a shooter do harm on campus. “Us as a police department, this is something that we plan for, something…

Historic Homes In Duluth May Be Like New Again With New Housing Program

The Council will wait and see how this program turns out before moving forward.

DULUTH, Minn. – Renovating old homes in Duluth is getting easier thanks to a new pilot program. The Duluth City Council has approved launching the program by waiving building permit fees for qualifying properties. Most of the eligible properties for the program are in Duluth’s Hillside, Endion and Lincoln Park neighborhoods. If homeowners meet certain criteria they can earn 50…

Electric Vehicles Hit the Floor at Energy Design Conference & Expo

Some electric vehicles can be fully charged in about 30 minutes.

DULUTH, Minn. – Day two of the Energy Design Conference & Expo in Duluth went into high gear with electric vehicles on display at the Duluth Entertainment Convention Center. Inside of the electrification of transportation room were four fully electric and three plug in hybrid vehicles. From a Tesla to a Chevy Volt, these electric powered vehicles may be just what you need if…

Minnesota Power Customers See Increase On Electricity Bill

Renewable Energy Projects in Works for Minnesota Power

DULUTH, Minn. – If you’re a customer of Minnesota Power your electricity bill might be going up a bit. The Citizens Utility Board held a public hearing in Duluth to share the reasons behind the increase. Right now customers are seeing a five percent interim rate increase. Minnesota Power told us that increase will sit at about three and a half percent by the…

North Shore Scenic Railroad Officials Seek New Conductors

Conductor Classes are Open at All

DULUTH, Minn. – If you’ve ever wanted to contribute to the history and legacy of the North Shore Scenic Railroad now is your chance. The North Shore Scenic Railroad is always looking for more volunteers, and now they’re looking for new conductors. Railroad officials are holding a series of classes for those interested in the task. They are starting up…

28th Annual Energy Design Conference & Expo Is Back at the DECC

There will also be mini-sessions at the conference.

DULUTH, Minn. – It’s a place to learn about the latest and greatest in energy efficient building. The Energy Design Conference & Expo started today at the Duluth Entertainment Convention Center (DECC) in Duluth. The three day conference put on by Minnesota Power also covers sustainable designs, renewable energy and best practices. “Building smart is the right way to go….

Community gym gives children and families a place to play

The Duluth Heights Community Center offers a wide open space for kids of all ages to play

DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth Heights Community Center is open from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. on Mondays, for children and their families to come have a free and safe place to play, with toys and a big open space. Its open to children of all ages, which volunteers say is a good way to develop social skills. “It’s fun…

North Branch Mayor Joins Race For 8th Congressional District

Kennedy is a single mother of five and has a masters in advocacy and political leadership from the University of Minnesota-Duluth.

DULUTH, Minn. – The list of candidates vying for Congressman Rick Nolan’s 8th Congressional District seat is getting longer. North Branch Mayor Kirsten Kennedy is among those seeking the DFL nomination. After speaking to her family, Kennedy says this is the right time to run. When asked how can she represent people that live so far away from her North…

Northalnders dig way out of snow as it falls

Kevin Bowditch actually likes it

DULUTH, Minn. – With the snow piling up pretty nicely, people have been shoveling away on this President’s Day. Digging out, clearing pathways, all common as the snow just hasn’t let up for some. And for Northlander Kevin Bowditch, it’s no big thing. He actually likes all this snow. “It’s just kind of something to do. I enjoy shoveling. Always…

U.S. Supreme Court to Rule on Polling Place Attire

A Minnesota ban on political attire could be overturned by the Supreme Court later this month.

WASHINGTON (AP) — Like a number of states, Minnesota bars voters from wearing political items to the polls to reduce the potential for confrontations or voter intimidation. But that could change. The Supreme Court will consider a challenge to the state’s law on Feb. 28.  This case could affect other states, too. Wen Fa, a lawyer with the Pacific Legal…

Lawmakers Gear Up For the Upcoming Minnesota Legislative Session

The legislative session lasts for three months.

DULUTH, Minn. – Feb. 20. is the first day of the Minnesota’s 2018 Legislative Session in St. Paul and area lawmakers are ready to address everything from housing, healthcare to gun control. A lot is at stake for Minnesota’s 90th Legislative Session. Gov. Mark Dayton’s $1.5 billion proposal is among topics to be discussed. Proposed bonding projects in the Northland include…

Dog Sled Classic “Iron Will” Returns to the Northland

Two main train characters in the movie, Car Northland and Steam Engine were on display.

DULUTH, Minn. – The Depot in Duluth hosted a special movie viewing event on this President’s Day. It was the 1994 winter dog sled classic movie “Iron Will” being shown. “Iron Will” is based on a true story and was filmed right here in the Northland. Junior musher Julia Cross recently competed in the John Beargrease Sled Dog Marathon. The…

Yeti Tour Promoting Awareness for Healthy Babies

The tour is in its eighth year and raises funds for the March of Dimes to prevent premature birth and infant mortality.

DULUTH, Minn. – One Northland woman is making it her personal mission to promote healthy babies. Kelly Alvar began the Yeti Tour to honor her sons that passed away. The tour is in its eighth year and raises funds for the March of Dimes to prevent premature birth and infant mortality. The top prize for this year’s raffle was an Arctic…

Lucky Charms Introduces Unicorn Marshmallow

The white unicorn confection will be first new marshmallow in nearly 10 years.

To some, dreams can come true. According to General Mills, the white unicorn with blue and purple accents is the first based on input from children.Golden Valley, Minn. – A unicorn is now the most recent addition to Lucky Charms’ marshmallow lineup.  General Mills has been producing Lucky Charms for over 50 years.  The oat and marshmallow cereal has seen…

Key Players Shape Minnesota Legislative Agenda

Priorities clash between Gov. Dayton and top Repulicans while DFL members buck Fischbach's dualing roles

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) – All 201 legislators will soon return to the Minnesota Capitol, but three men and one woman will play a big role in setting the Legislature’s course. The Legislature reconvenes Tuesday for a three-month session with plenty of work to do. Gov. Mark Dayton has set the tone entering session with his own priorities like curbing…

19-Year-Old Mankato Woman Missing

Woman Was Last Seen Feb. 7 in Mankato

MANKATO, Minn.-Mankato authorities are looking for a 19-year-old woman who was last seen Feb. 7 in Mankato. Morgan Stolee was last seen when she left work at Domino’s at about 10 p.m. that night. She is about five feet, four inches tall, and weighs about 110 pounds. She has black hair and brown eyes, and she drives a purple 2011…

Family Fun and Bonding is Goal of Annual Dance

Coffee Conversation: 4th Annual Mother-Son Super Hero Dance

DULUTH, Minn. – Father-daughter dances are common bonding moments for families, but what about mothers and their sons? One Northland group is ensuring they have their special time, too. A Sweet Event is hosting the 4th Annual Mother-Son Super Hero Dance in Duluth. The event is being held Saturday, February 24 from 4:00 – 7:00 p.m. at Clyde Iron Works….

Finnish Culture to be Highlighted at Annual Event this Weekend

2018 Kalevala Day Celebration

DULUTH, Minn. – This weekend, the Finnish culture is being celebrated through an annual event. The 2018 Kalevala Day Celebration is taking place on Sunday, February 25. The fun starts up at 1:00 p.m. at Kenwood Lutheran Church located at 2720 Myers Ave. in Duluth. There will be a bake sale, live music and a program by Jim Pellman. Categories:…

The 2018 Polar Plunge Makes A Big Splash For Special Olympics Minnesota

The FOX 21 News Team also took the Polar Plunge and raised more than $4,000.

DULUTH, Minn. – The day that many people have been waiting for finally happened, the 2018 Polar Plunge in Duluth. The 2018 polar plunge made a big splash in Duluth. The event is a fundraiser for the Special Olympics Minnesota. Tt brought out veteran plungers and rookies too. “I think it’s great, because I’m from Wisconsin and we don’t make a…

Recalling the Cheers from Old Central High

Duluthian Barbara Burud was Once a Cheerleader at Old Central High School in Duluth; to this Day, She Continues to Cheer

DULUTH, Minn. – Sporting events happen every day with players and fans gathering to see who will win the game, but we often forget about the choreographed athletes on the sidelines. One local woman has never stopped recalling the cheers from her time at old Central High School in Duluth. “That’s the old chimes from Central,” said former cheerleader Barbara…