Minnesota

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…

Bent Paddle Brewing Company Releasing DüsselDirk Altbier

DSSO Music Director gets a beer named for him

DSSO Music Director Dirk Meyer smiles proudly with a pint of DüsselDirk, Bent Paddle’s latest creation named for the “Maestro.”Duluth, Minn. – Bent Paddle Brewing’s latest collaboration may have you singing their praises.  The brewing company has teamed up with the Duluth Superior Symphony Orchestra to create a Düsseldorf Altbier, which they named DüsselDirk, after the DSSO music director, Dirk…

Best Buy Shares Tips for Creating Optimal Super Bowl Experience

Best Buy has created a Tech Zone at the Mall of America. Former NFL Star Linebacker for the Minneapolis Vikings Ben Leber and Best Buy’s Geek Squad Chief Inspector Nate Bauer told FOX 21 about the best tech available, tips, and deals relating to the “Big Game on Super Sunday”. For more information, head to www.bestbuy.com. Categories: Business, Community, Entertainment,…

Local Brewer Gives Food and Beer Pairing Tips for Super Bowl Parties

Hoops Brewing Visits FOX 21

DULUTH, Minn. – It’s nearly time to prepare Super Bowl snacks and beer for a party celebrating the big game. Dave Hoops, Owner of Hoops Brewing, stopped by FOX 21 to lend his expertise on the subject. “Number one I’m going to say drink some water, but number two, if you’re going to have a party you want to have…

Staying Connected to Super Bowl 52 Through Technology

DULUTH, Minn. – Super Bowl 52 is just days away and the tickets are pretty pricey, so if you’re staying home to watch the big game Verizon Wireless is helping you do that. Solutions Specialist Tayler Miller says a Google Home is great for folks who are hosting Super Bowl parties. She says having a Google Home will help during…

Scaling the Ice with Duluth Climbers Coalition

Active Adventures: Ice Climbing

DULUTH, Minn. – For this week’s Active Adventures the FOX 21 morning crew visited Duluth’s newest city park. Quarry Park is a secluded haven for climbing enthusiasts. Athletes with the Duluth Climbers Association can often be found on the rocks. Some of these climbers taught FOX 21’s William Seay about ice climbing. Board Member of Duluth Climbers Coalition Dave Pagel…

Cleveland-Cliffs Inc. Details Growth In 2017 State of the Company

EVELETH, Minn. – Cleveland-Cliffs Inc. is starting 2018 with a goal of bringing more jobs to the Iron Range and to continue expanding operations. That was the talk of Cliffs’ 2017 State of the Company event in Eveleth. From the number of new jobs Cleveland-Cliffs Inc. brought to Minnesota to its financial performance, 2017 was a memorable year for the company. The Eveleth Auditorium was a…

Locally Sourced Meals Help Fund Duluth Gardens

The annual Art of Food is a packed fundraiser every year.

DULUTH, Minn.- Over 100 people gathered enjoying a unique meal, made completely of locally sourced vegetables with means to grow more in the Northland. The Duluth Community Garden Program teamed up with the Arrowhead Professional Chef Association creating locally sourced meals to raise money for local gardens. The annual Art of Local Food fundraiser helps the Duluth Community Garden Program…

Crews Continue Through Cold in Aerial Lift Bridge Construction

Officials say construction is right on schedule.

DULUTH, Minn.- This cold weather is not stopping workers on the Aerial Lift Bridge. This is the first time in 60 years the deck of the bridge is being replaced. As of Thursday the aerial lift bridge has traffic down to one lane. Officials say the construction is right on schedule. Work on the west side is almost complete. Projects…

Historic NorShor Theatre Officially Open

Downtown Duluth is beaming with excitement for the long awaited Theatre.

DULUTH, Minn.- The wait is finally over the 1910 NorShor Theatre is open for business with actors on stage Thursday night performing to a sold out audience of roughly 700 people. “Are you kidding this is the biggest thing that has happened in our town since I don’t know when,” Duluth Playhouse Executive Director Christine Gradl Seitz said. “I mean lets think…

Duluth Holds Inaugural Cold Front Celebration

The weekend celebration also includes more than 40 attractions, events and deals around town.

DULUTH, Minn. – What better way to embrace these chilly temperatures than with a celebration? Duluth’s largest coffee break took place at Lake Place Park as part of the first ever Cold Front Festival. It was hosted by the Greater Downtown Council and Duluth Coffee Company provided the hot coffee. Donations were also collected to help pay for restoring the…

Cloquet Man Transforms Into Stormtrooper

It takes about 15 minutes to look the part.

CLOQUET, Minn. – If you ever need a Stormtrooper to show up, one Cloquet man is up for the task. Well that’s one way to make an entrance. Once a week Leon Areseneau sports his Stormtrooper costume and entertains at weddings and charity events. He says birthday parties are the most popular requests and those feature a lightsaber battle. Arseneau has been doing this for a year, because he’s always…

Construction Time-Lapse of US Bank Stadium for Super Bowl LII

Get an insiders look at the construction process of US Bank Stadium

(Photo Courtesy: EarthCam)Minneapolis, Minn. – On Sunday, February 4, the New England Patriots and Philadelphia Eagles will face-off at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis for the biggest game of the year.  EarthCam is helping football fans get excited for this epic game by sharing its broadcast-quality construction time-lapse movie for the host stadium. Showcasing 32 months of progress, viewers can…

Wise Fool Theater Presents Of Mice and Men

Local Actors Bring Classic Story to Stage

DULUTH, Minn. – Wise Fool Theater is starting up its performance season for the new year and they’re starting things off with a classic story. The theater will be performing Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck. The tale follows two migrant workers in 1930s America who are trying to find a better life for themselves. Shows run February 2-4,…

Redington Wins 2018 Beargrease Marathon

Ryan Redington Won the John Beargrease Sled Dog Marathon, Crossing the Finish Line at 5:00a.m. Wednesday

DULUTH, Minn. – After countless hours of mushing along the North Shore of Lake Superior, Wednesday morning brought a winner in the 2018 John Beargrease Sled Dog Marathon. FOX 21 News was at the finish line as fans and followers arrived throughout the final hours to congratulate their favorite teams and experience Beargrease fever. “We’ve never done this before so…

How The Weather Impacted The Beargrease Trail Conditions

Cold Temperatures, Strong Winds & Snow Fell As The John Beargrease Sled Dog Marathon Took Place

DULUTH, Minn — The John Beargrease Sled Dog Marathon wrapped up this morning at Billy’s Bar. The mushers and the dogs became one with mother nature as they spent 3 days out in the elements. Eager to get inside and rest up. Meteorologist Brittney Merlot talked with the top 2 finishers about the trail conditions and how important the speed…

Exhibit Marks 100th Anniversary of the 1918 Fire

There are books about the fire available for purchase that feature dramatic writings and poetry.

DULUTH, Minn. – This Oct. will mark the 100th anniversary of a massive fire in northern Minnesota. Stories about this fire have been passed down through generations. The fire of 1918 is considered to be the worst natural disaster in Minnesota history that left 450 people dead. Oct.  12, 1918, is a day that will never be forgotten. The Carlton…

Northlanders Prepare for Upcoming Caucus

The training is put on completely by volunteers.

DULUTH, Minn.- Wednesday night training was held at the Duluth Labor Temple in preparation for caucuses starting Tuesday Feb. 5th. The Northlanders undergoing training learn how to host their precinct caucus. Training goes through how to register people and how to except resolutions that could be passed on to the state. The training is ran completely by volunteers. “All these…

New Housing Option for AmeriCorps Members

The home will be located at 2114 W 3rd Street

DULUTH, Minn. – AmeriCorps members spend hours volunteering and a lot of time helping others. Now it’s their turn to be rewarded. Several community partners are rallying behind AmeriCorps to provide housing for some of their members. AmeriCoprs members often face challenges when it comes to housing. Some of them make less than $12,000 a year. “The project is going…

NorShor Theatre Officially Opens

Thursday Night is the Historic Duluth Theatre's First Performance of Mama Mia

DULUTH, Minn. – The NorShor Theatre officially opened Wednesday. The velvet rope was unhooked, ushering in a new era for the historic art-deco theatre. The restoration process has taken several years including nineteen months of renovations. “This was kind of an old, tired, dilapidated icon in our downtown and to have the ability to come in and restore it to…

St. Luke’s Offers eCare Program for All

Online Proram Aims to Treat Patients Conveniently

DULUTH, Minn. – With cold and flu season well underway, it can be helpful to get a diagnosis online so you can start treating your illness quickly. St. Luke’s has started an eCare program. This is part of St. Luke’s goal to provide convenient access to care. Users can enter their symptoms into the online program and a St. Luke’s…

Mind Over Matter with Team Freking

Blake Freking and His Team Train Year-Round to Mush in the John Beargrease Sled Dog Marathon, and Many Other Races

DULUTH, Minn. – As mushers make their final trek to the finish line Wednesday morning, the athletes leading the team will likely enjoy a bit of rest and relaxation in the coming days. However, it won’t last for long as many of the teams will soon embark on their next adventure. “Their first year of mushing is really just about…

First Musher Crosses Beargrease Finish Line

Ryan Redington Wins 34th Annual John Beargrease Sled Dog Marathon

DULUTH, Minn. – The John Beargrease Sled Dog Marathon has a winner. Ryan Redington crossed the finish line at 5:00 a.m. to win the 34th running of the race. Ryan Anderson came in second place crossing the finish line just after 7:45 a.m. The race wraps up at Billy’s Bar after more than two days of competition. We have live…