Minnesota

Longtime Duluth Radio Host Passes Away

Bushey produced a weekly show in the studio that bears his name.

DULUTH, Minn. – For 26 years John Bushey has been on the KUMD airwaves, but last week he recorded his final show. Bushey passed away last night after a battle with cancer. He’s now being remembered by his KUMD family as a teacher, beloved man with many listeners all around the world. Last summer, for the station’s 60th anniversary, a…

St. Luke’s Doctors Help Patients Deal Impact of Cancer Treatment

Cancer Management: Tips for Improving Your Quality of Life

DULUTH, Minn. – This month, doctors from St. Luke’s Hospital are working together to help those who have gone through cancer treatment. Stacy Sandberg, the Clinic Manager for St. Luke’s Regional Cancer Center, stopped by FOX 21 to discuss an upcoming lecture. The lecture is part of a Cancer Survivorship series. The theme on Tuesday,  February 20 is “Quality of…

House Fire Sends Resident to Hospital

Home is Considered a Total Loss

MEADOWLANDS, Minn. – Friday morning, the St. Louis County Sheriff’s Office received a call about a house fire. The call came in at 5:05 a.m., and the St. Louis County Sheriff’s Office was dispatched to the 10200 block of Dart Rd. in Meadowlands, MN. The male homeowner, who was home alone, awoke to a fire in the kitchen area. The…

Congressman Rick Nolan to Retire After Current Term

Nolan Announced Retirement Friday Morning

WASHINGTON – U.S. Congressman Rick Nolan has announced he will be retiring at the end of his term. Rep. Nolan made the announcement through a letter to the press Friday morning. Nolan has represented Minnesota’s 8th Congressional District since 2013. Previously, he represented Minnesota’s 6th Congressional District from 1975-1981. Rep. Nolan’s letter: “To the great people of Minnesota’s 8th District…

2018 Black Woods Blizzard Tour Looks to Surpass One Million Dollars

The Black Woods Blizzard Tour Supports the ALS Association Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota Chapter

PROCTOR, Minn. – Over 200 snowmobile riders and dozens of volunteers are warmed up Thursday evening at Fortune Bay Resort in Tower, Minnesota. The 19th Annual Black Woods Blizzard Tour started early Thursday morning as riders bundled up and revved up their engines, all for a good cause. “My blood is going, I love it! It doesn’t get any better…

Final Polymet Project Public Meeting Held

The public can make comments on the proposed copper nickel mine into March.

DULUTH, Minn.- Hundreds of people packed the DECC for the final public input meeting on Polymet’s proposed copper nickel mine near Babbit. The police presence was ramped up, before anyone even entered the ballroom. The DNR and Duluth police doing pat–downs on the hundreds who wanted to attend. Beyond that the issues of pro–miners and those worried about the environment…

Public Meetings For PolyMet Permit to Mine Conclude In Duluth

The first meeting was held on Wednesday, Feb. 7 in Aurora.

DULUTH, Minn.- The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency and the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) are hosting the final public meeting  in Duluth surrounding the proposed PolyMet project. At stake are the permits needed for PolyMet’s proposed copper-nickel mine near Babbitt. PolyMet meetings continue in the Northland and today at the Duluth Entertainment Convention Center (DECC), hundreds are expected to voice their opinions on the NorthMet mining project….

Enbridge Protesters Look Toward Jury Trial

DULUTH, Minn. – Three people are facing trespassing charges for refusing to leave an Enbridge office in Duluth last year. Last December, they delivered a complaint letter to Enbridge. They read that same letter in front of supporters at a rally on the St. Louis County Courthouse steps. The co–defendants are asking for a jury trial and will get that come March. “We’re all threatened…

St. Louis County Land Sale Auction Brings In More Than $374K

These auctions happen three times a year in Feb., June and Oct.

HERMANTOWN, Minn. – There are not many places around the Northland where you can buy property for as low as $200. But it could happen at a tax forfeited land sale auction. At these auctions people can bid on properties that are tax forfeitures for non-payment of taxes. “We can transact a transaction in the same day as the auction….

Water Leak Repair Planned for Port Area February 9

Work to be done along Garfield Avenue.

DULUTH, Minn. – The City of Duluth Public Works and Utilities crew will be fixing a water leak on Garfield Ave on Friday, February 9th, 2018. The City anticipates turning off water service to properties along Garfield Ave, south of Railroad St., down to Port Terminal Drive.  The work will take place between 9A.M. and 5P.M. The public can track…

Snowmobilers Help Fight ALS

The 19th Blackwoods Blizzard Tour has raised $8.8 million over the years.

PROCTOR, Minn.-  Every year in the United States alone 6,000 people are diagnosed with ALS. For the 19th year, snowmobilers are helping to raise funds for ALS research. The Blackwoods Blizzard Tour, also known as the Million Dollar Ride, brings together experienced snowmobilers to donate and raise money for ALS. Riders will travel 150 miles each day during the 3-day–journey. One…

Local Business Owners to Brainstorm Solutions to Workforce Gap

NE MN Workforce Solutions Series

DULUTH, Minn. – Next week local leaders and business owners will be coming together to find a solution to the looming workforce gap. This is part of the “NE MN Workforce Solutions Series” event. The workforce gap is currently developing as baby boomers retire and the population in the Northeast region stays stagnant. According to Ian Vincent with Northforce, it…

St. Louis River Alliance to Host Annual Water Gala

3rd Annual Clean Water Gala

DULUTH, Minn. – The St. Louis River Alliance is celebrating the hard work of the past year with the 3rd Annual Clean Water Gala. At the gala, there will be food, drinks, a silent auction and live music. It’s being held on Friday, February 9 from 5:30 – 8:00 p.m. at Clyde Iron Works. Tickets are $40 in advance and…

Cooking Swedish Meatballs for Hygge Dinner

Cooking Connection: Traditional Swedish Meatballs

LUTSEN, Minn. – Moguls Grille and Tap Room is taking advantage of Scandinavian culture throughout the Northland. Next week, they’re hosting a Hygge dinner celebrating Scandinavian comfort foods. This will be a five-course dinner with cocktails and live jazz music. The dinner is being held on February 8, at 6:00 p.m. For more information on the event head to caribouhighlands.com/moguls-grille/….

Woman Faces Terror Charge After Fires at Minnesota Campus

Woman Allegedly Sending Material to Support al-Qaida

MINNEAPOLIS-A Minnesota woman accused of setting fires at a Minnesota university campus is now facing a terrorism charge. Nineteen-year-old Tnuza Jamal Hassan was charged Wednesday in federal court with attempting to provide material support to al-Qaida, lying to the FBI and arson. She also faces a state arson charge. Hassan is a former student at St. Catherine University in St….

Fire Department Shares Rescue Efforts & Tips For Pet Safety

Firefighters say the main reason for loss of life is because a victim's oxygen has been compromised.

DULUTH, Minn. – Over the last few weeks several big house fires have happened in the Northland. In those fires, pets weren’t able to make it out alive. On Feb 6. three dogs died in a structure fire in Duluth. FOX21 checked in with the Gary Fire Station, the first crew to arrive at Tuesday’s fire. They tell us pets inside of…

Lake Superior College Has Low-Cost Physical Therapy Clinic

A physical therapy assistant degree can be completed in two years at Lake Superior College.

DULUTH, Minn.- Twice a week, Lake Superior College offers low-cost physical therapy for anyone whose insurance may not cover it. The special clinic is open Monday and Wednesday afternoons during the school year. The clinic is a partnership between Lake Superior College and the College of St. Scholastica. Students from both schools treat the patients. Some patients have come in…

Special Report: Preparing for Performance at the NorShor

After Eight Years of Discussion and Renovations, New Life, New Legacy Takes Center Stage at Dultuh's NorShor Theatre

DULUTH, Minn. – Since 1914, the Duluth Playhouse has managed to captivate audiences from around the world. Now, they’re hoping a new venue they manage known as the NorShor Theatre, will help attract thousands more to the area for years to come. Recent revitalization is proving to be meaningful for many as the production of Mamma Mia! takes center stage….

Many Turn to Alternative Medicine During Flu Season

Workers at the Snooty Fox say customers curious for tea remedies.

DULUTH, Minn.-  According to the CDC this flu season is worse than years past. To stay healthy many are opting for alternative medicine. Workers at the Snooty Fox in Duluth say the flu season is always a busy time for the tea shop. Every day many customers walk in asking for something to help them feel better. “The request is…

Duluth School Changes Reading Lists Due to Use of Racial Slur

"To Kill a Mockingbird" and "The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn" are required readings in high school literature classes.

DULUTH, Minn. – Changes are coming at Duluth Public Schools when it comes to required reading lists for students. The changes are happening because of the use of racial slurs in two books. At the beginning of the 2018-2019 school year, “To Kill a Mockingbird” and “The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn” will not be required readings. The books are not…

Super Bowl Seat Heist

Seats at US Bank Stadium were a popular Super Bowl souvenir

MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. – The seating capacity at US Bank Stadium is a little lower after Super Bowl LII.  Operators of the Minneapolis venue that hosted the big game have noticed several seats missing, including one taken by a Philadelphia Eagles fan who was seen carrying the stolen seat through the airport. A traveler snapped a photo of a man with…

Twin Ports Project Recycles Hotel Amenities For Those In Need

La Quinta Inn & Suites Duluth and has partnered with Safe Haven Shelter and Union Gospel Mission.

DULUTH, Minn. – A new project in the Twin Ports turning one person’s trash into another person’s treasure. Eleven area hotels are collecting gently used linens, pillows and bottles of shampoo and conditioner. They’ll donate these items to local agencies instead of just tossing them out. It’s called the Heart of Hospitality Project and the woman who started the effort…

Fundraising Gala Supports Duluth Nordic Center

Duluth Cross-Country Ski Club Snowball Gala

DULUTH, Minn. – The winter weather taking over the Northland has been a wonderland for cross-country skiers around the area. The Duluth XC Ski Club has been out all season, but this weekend they’re taking things indoors. It’s for their Annual Snowball Gala taking place on Saturday, Feb. 10 at 5:00 p.m. The gala is a fundraiser in support of…

Forum Offers Duluth Public Schools Update

A Forum Hosted by the Duluth Area Chamber of Commerce Included Superintendent Bill Gronseth, District Chief Financial Officer Doug Hasler

DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth Area Chamber of Commerce gave those involved in the Duluth School District a chance to voice concerns and hear some answers Tuesday morning. Coffee cups and curious community members filled the dining space of Valentini’s restaurant on London Road. “As we address our budget, as we address a strategic plan moving forward, we all need…

Animal Answers: Helping Homeless Pets this Valentine’s Day

Borris the Four-Year-Old Shih Tzu Mix Stopped by FOX 21 Local News Wednesday; He's Currently up for Adoption

DULUTH, Minn. – This year on Valentine’s Day, you have the chance to help out homeless pets in the Northland. Pizza Luce is partnering up with Animal Allies Humane Society by donating 100 percent of dessert proceeds to the shelter. All you have to do, is simply say “yes” when asked if you’d like to see a dessert menu. Whether you pick…

Three Dogs Die in Duluth Fire

DULUTH, Minn. – Just before midnight on Feb. 6 the Duluth Fire Department responded to a structure fire at 1509 99th Avenue West. The first arriving fire rig established that most of the interior of the main floor was heavily involved in fire. All occupants were safe and evacuated from the home when crews arrived on scene. There were six…

Special Report: Behind the Curtain at the NorShor Theatre

After Eight Years of Discussion and Renovations, New Life, New Legacy Takes Center Stage at Dultuh's NorShor Theatre

DULUTH, Minn. – After years of anticipation and countless hours of hard labor, the NorShor Theatre in downtown Duluth is now officially open. On Thursday, February 1, the Duluth Playhouse along with the City of Duluth and Sherman Associates welcomed the community to the next chapter of life at the historic theatre along Superior Street. “Here we are! Eight years…

Boys and Girls Club of the Northland celebrates Youth of the Year

Staff selects one of three youths to represent the organization at a competition in the Twin Cities

DULUTH, Minn. – The Boys and Girls Club of the Northland held a celebration to honor some of their youth’s success in their organization. Local leaders were on hand to congratulate the young ones at the Youth of the Year event. “Our staff have chosen three finalists for the Youth of the Year. One of them will be chosen to…

Duluth Public Library hosts “Mad Science” with the Duluth Playhouse

Mad Science is an interactive and educational play

DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth Public Library hosted “Mad Science,” performed by members of the Duluth Playhouse on Tuesday. Mad Science is an interactive story about a young group of friends all vying for the position of science club president.  The play is part of a series of events designed to get kids interested in the library. “It’s really important…

Northlanders come out to caucus

Duluthians engage in local democracy

DULUTH, Minn. – Local party leaders and political participants made their way out to their respective party’s caucusing locations. Officials say caucuses are the first step toward the 2018 elections. “It’s a good way to meet your neighbors and just discuss the things that are currently important to you,” DFL East High School building captain Debra Taylor said. “It’s a…

St. Scholastica Theatre Premieres “Eleemosynary”

Playwright Lee Blessing to Hold Q&A

DULUTH, Minn. – The College of St. Scholastica Theatre has started performances of its latest production. “Eleemosynary” by Lee Blessing is running through this weekend. Evening performances will be Feb. 8-10 at 7:30 p.m. and a matinee performance is scheduled for Sunday, Feb. 11 at 2:00 p.m. All performances will be in the St. Scholastica Theatre building, which is behind…

North Shore Town Bands Together to Create Heritage Center

Northland Uncovered: Knife River Heritage & Cultural Center

KNIFE RIVER, Minn. – Knife River Residents are working together to create a space to highlight the past. A group is hoping to create a Knife River Heritage and Cultural Center. This would feature the former Knife River Train Depot and Crusader II fish tug. “We want people to be aware of the history of our town before it fades…

Public gives input on future of bike-ways in the area

The DSMIC is putting together multiple plans for bikes in the area

The Duluth–Superior Metropolitan Interstate Council held an open house on Monday to talk about the future of bike-ways in the area. The MIC is putting together a long–term plan for safe and coordinated bike routes through town. People were able to drop by and share their thoughts on what needs should be met for every bicyclist out on the streets….

Minnesota’s Precinct Caucuses Set to Begin

The Independence Party has both in-person caucus locations and online caucusing.

DULUTH, Minn. -Precinct caucuses will be held across the state of Minnesota on Tuesday, Feb.6. Caucuses are meetings held as a way to engage local community members with their chosen political parties. People show support for their preferred candidates through an endorsement process that leads up to the state party conventions. Around here, the governor’s race and 8th district congressional…

Rice Lake Fire Department Is On A Mission With A New Fire Truck

Some of the money raised for the truck came through pull tabs.

RICE LAKE, Minn- Rice Lake is a small town with about a 1,000 residents. But it recently got a big boost with the addition of a special new fire truck. The new fire truck was purchased about a month and a half ago and has already been used for calls on both a house and chimney fire. The Rice Lake Fire…

Car Goes Up In Flames At Gas Station

The Duluth Fire Department responded to the call.

DULUTH, Minn. – Some scary moments at a Duluth gas station when a car caught on fire. An eyewitness captured this video of the car fire at the Holiday Station on South 27th Avenue West and Helm Street. She noticed the car smoking when she pulled in to get some gas. A manager then ran outside with a fire extinguisher…

Cold Front February Kickoff Exceeds Expectations

Cold Front February was developed as part of the Imagine Canal Park project, which promotes the use of Canal Park year round.

DULUTH, Minn. –  Cold Front February in Canal Park lived up to its name. Sunday wrapped up the kick-off weekend of a month long winter celebration. Organizers say overall it was a successful weekend with a large turnout. There were people who came from out of town to enjoy some of the festivities like skating by the lake and snow…

Duluth Edison Charter Schools to Create Alumni Program with New Celebration

Coffee Conversation: DECS Alumni and Third Decade Celebration

DULUTH, Minn. – Duluth Edison Charter Schools is celebrating several years in the Northland. While marking that milestone, they’re hoping to build school spirit through alum. Bonnie Jorgenson, the Head of Schools, says this is important in order to build a school community that lasts a lifetime. This past year, the school is entering its 21st year, so the new…

Structure Fire In Duluth Causes Thousands In Damages

DULUTH, Minn. – A $300,000 home is destroyed by fire in rural Duluth and a cause is under investigation. The fire was intense taking up nearly 100 percent of the structure when firefighters arrived on scene shortly after 10 a.m. Sunday morning. You’re looking at cell phone video of the house fire taken by a neighbor on the 1700 block of Hegberg Road in Duluth, just outside of Two Harbors. “First arriving on scene said heavy smoke, heavy fire, fully…

Eastridge Community Church Celebrates Winter With Fire & Ice Bowl Festival

The event was free for the community.

DULUTH, Minn. – Eastridge Community Church in Duluth is also embracing the cold. Its 8th Annual Fire and Ice Bowl Winter Festival brought the community out. Kids were outside sledding down the hills and enjoying the cold weather. This year might be the coldest temperatures the festival has had. Organizers had to move the hill because there wasn’t as much…

Former Vikings Players Watch the Super Bowl in Duluth

Pier B Resort Hosted Five Former Vikings as They Watched the Game with Fans

DULUTH, Minn. – Some Vikings legends were in Duluth Sunday night watching the big game with some of their fans. Pier B Resort hosted former Vikings players Tommy Kramer, Robert Tate, Keith Millard, and Henry Thomas. The players met with fans and signed autographs, then sat back and watched the Super Bowl with some of their Duluth faithful. “These people…

Bent Paddle Brewing Company Releases New Symphony-Inspired Beer

DSSO Music Director Dirk Meyer also helped brew the beer.

DULUTH, Minn. – Bent Paddle Brewing Company released a brand new beer. The brewery collaborated with the Duluth Superior Symphony Orchestra (DSSO). They created the DüsselDirk  named after Dirk Meyer, the music director at the (DSSO). The special brew took a little over a month to make. “This is the first time it’s been on and we’ll also be at…

Families Come Out For Father Daughter Ball

The Father Daughter Ball was sponsored by Christ Lutheran Church.

DULUTH, Minn. – It was a special evening for families at the Duluth Entertainment Convention Center (DECC). Daughters were dressed in their very best and fathers looked the part for the 22nd Annual Father Daughter Ball. This year was a Paris theme. Organizers say this event lets the girls see a different side of their dad with dinner and dancing….

Young Snowmobile Racers Hit the Tracks At Pike Lake

The next race will be at Fish Lake on Feb. 17

DULUTH, Minn. -On your mark, get set, go! Young racers from the kids championship power racing organization were out on Pike Lake earlier competing in snowmobile ice races. Kids as young as four years old were out on Pike Lake but this competition proves that there’s more to racing than winning. Watch out! These snowmobiles can go anywhere from 15…

Northlanders Brave the Cold For Beginner Ski Lessons

Events for Winter Trails Day are free.

DULUTH, Minn. – Some people here loving that winter weather. Those who wanted to take a beginner’s course in skiing were at Spirit Mountain. About 40 people braved the cold to learn the basics of skiing in just under an hour. There were some beginners there and others who hadn’t skied since they were younger. “It’s fantastic on a cold day it’s…

State Higher Education Commissioner Visits UMD For Proposed Bonding Projects Tour

The Duluth Campus Share of the Total Request is Under $18 Million.

DULUTH, Minn. – Gov. Dayton’s proposed bonding bill for the next session includes $28 million for University Minnesota Duluth (UMD). The state’s higher education commissioner was on the UMD campus to see where some of the funding would go if the proposed bonding request is approved. Some of the money UMD is asking for would be reinvested into facilities for research, outreach and education…

Cold Front Celebration Brings Excitement to Canal Park

The weekend event is just the start of a month long celebration.

DULUTH, Minn.-  Along with the cold, winter brings plenty of activities perfect to spend time doing in Duluth. This weekend Canal Park is kicking off the first ever Cold Front Celebration motivating everyone to get outside.  It’s no secret tourists love Canal Park but the city of Duluth wants residents to get outside and take back the popular destination. “We’re…

Get Ready For Winter Trails Day

Other activities for Winter Trails Day include an animal track guided snowshoe hike and orienteering lessons.

DULUTH, Minn. – If the Cold Front Festival isn’t enough fun for you, a Winter Trails Day is happening Feb. 3 on the Nordic Ski Trails at Spirit Mountain. It’s part of a national event full of free lessons, rental equipment and day passes to get people into activities like cross country skiing. New this year at Spirit Mountain is a spirit hiking…

Lake Superior College Students Open Free Dental Hygiene Clinic

The clinic was open from 9 a.m until 4 p.m.

DULUTH, Minn. – Feb. 2 is known as Give Kids A Smile Day. It’s when dental services are provided to children under the age of 18 for free in many places across the country. Sixteen of Lake Superior College’s dental hygiene students along with eight local dentists made it happen in Duluth. The clinic offered cleanings, x–rays and dental hygiene…