Minnesota

Jersey Sales Spike After Vikings Win

The Minnesota Vikings Beat the New Orleans Saints, Advancing Minnesota to Play to Eagles

DULUTH, Minn. – Local sports retailers are seeing a spike in sales. The staff at Pro Image at the Miller Hill Mall in Duluth say customers were coming in right away when they opened their doors at 10 a.m. The store’s manager says jersey sales for players Stefon Diggs and Adam Thielen are on the rise, so much so, the…

Northland Foundation Grants Help Fund After School Programs

A total of 37 grants are being given out in Northeastern Minnesota.

DULUTH, Minn.-  After–school programs and in–school enrichment across Northeastern Minnesota are receiving funding from the Northland Foundation. One of the largest grants is going to CHUM, totaling $50,000. Overall the Northland Foundation is giving out over $507,000 worth of grants to 37 non–profits and schools. The Duluth Area Family YMCA is receiving $20,000. The money is going towards the Teen Core…

Saturday Morning Races Aim to Keep Kids Active

Coffee Conversation: Saturday Morning at the Races

DULUTH, Minn. – Grandma’s Marathon may be six months away, but that isn’t stopping some events from starting up to prepare for the big day. The Young Athletes Foundation is offering free youth races on Saturday mornings. The races are for children 14 and under. The next event is Saturday, January 20 at the University of Minnesota-Duluth in the Ward…

Duluth March and Rally to Honor Martin Luther King Jr.

Duluth Events Recognize MLK Day

DULUTH, Minn. – In honor of Martin Luther King Jr. Day, some Northlanders are taking to the streets to respect the Civil Rights leader. This morning, a march and rally are being held in recognition of the holiday. The march begins at 11:00 a.m. at the Washington Center at 310 N 1st Ave W, Duluth, MN 55806. The group will…

How to Become a Curling Umpire

Students will officiate the upcoming national tournaments in Duluth.

DULUTH, Minn.– Two national championship curling tournaments are coming to Duluth. Preparations are underway for the big event. This weekend volunteers are being trained to be a curling official. “Curling is becoming a much more popular sport,” deputy national instructor Randy Czarnetzki said. Curling is rated one of the highest streamed sports, during the past two Olympics. “There are more curling…

Minnesota Gubernatorial Candidate Paul Thissen Visits Duluth

Thissen wants to focus on healthcare, childcare and affordable education

DULUTH, Minn. –  Another candidate or Minnesota governor has thrown his hat into the ring for the DFL.  Paul Thissen is a former speaker of the Minnesota House of Representatives, who also served as a DFL Minority Leader. He made a stop through Duluth on Sunday to talk about his bid to become the next Minnesota governor. “I’ve been in…

Youth Nation Brings Community Together

The theme of the event, on the road to freedom.

DULUTH, Minn.-  Youth Nation helped many in the Twin Ports remember Martin Luther King Jr.’s message of equality, peace, and love. “Our youth are very important,” Youth Nation planning committee member Jara McLarren said. “They’re the next generation and I think it’s important to highlight that and show them that the community supports them.” On the road to freedom, is…

Surprise Engagement during Duluth Wedding Show

The two runway models are now a bride and groom to be.

DULUTH, Minn.- The 30th annual Duluth Wedding Show helps brides decide which gown they want to wear when they walking down the aisle. The runway highlights nearly 100 different dresses. The DECC is packed full of future brides and grooms, snapping photos, and cheering on their favorites. The event helps the happy couples decide on everything from the groom men’s…

Path Blazers Snowmobile Club Looks for Volunteers

President Jodi Olson Says he has Noticed a Decrease in Riders Throughout his Years on the Trails

HIBBING, Minn. – If you’re looking to stay busy this winter and want to get outdoors, the Path Blazers Snowmobile Club on the Iron Range could use your help. The local snowmobile club is responsible for grooming roughly 80 miles of trails. Club President Jodi Olson says nearly 60 families are a part of the organization. This number has decreased in…

Preparations Underway for Annual Wedding Show

The wedding show is a one stop shop for couples looking to tie the knot.

DULUTH, Minn.-  Happy couples getting ready to tie the knot can check some things off the to do list with the help of one local event going on Saturday. The 30th annual Duluth Wedding Show is happening at the DECC on Saturday. On Friday vendors loaded up gowns décor and much more setting up for the event. Officials say it’s…

Staying Safe and Active in the Cold

How to keep your furry friend and you warm in the winter.

DULUTH, Minn.- These cold temperatures are just another Minnesota winter, which can’t stop you from mountain biking and cross country skiing. Eve Graves is a specialist about the cold and gave us the low down of what to do in low temperatures. Eve’s first tip is to use a device called Lung Plus, it’s a winter breathing solution. You place…

Rhythm and Hues Celebrate Dr. Martin Luther King’s Spirit

The event featured a dinner, music and spoken word performances

DULUTH, Minn. – Peace United Church of Christ played host to the Rhythm and Hues event on Friday. The free event is part of a celebration of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. It kicked off with a dinner and lead into a night of live music and spoken word performances, featuring artists who have made contributions in the fight for equal…

University of Minnesota Duluth Facing Budget Cuts

The chancellor unit will also see budget cuts.

DULUTH, Minn. – The University of Minnesota Duluth (UMD) will start the next fiscal year a little differently after  facing a nearly six million dollar budget deficit. UMD’s solution is to follow a deficit reduction model which is meant to get the school back on track within five years. UMD plans on a six hundred thousand dollar reduction for the…

The 23rd Annual St. Luke’s Icebreaker Invitational Comes Back to Duluth

The tournament was held at the Essentia Health Duluth Heritage Sports Center.

DULUTH, Minn. – Youth hockey girls from Illinois, Canada and the Twin Ports are hitting the ice at the 23rd Annual St. Luke’s Icebreaker Invitational in Duluth. More than 60 teams and 900 girls are taking part in the competition. These players are from Blaine, Minnesota, and are enjoying the experience competing in the tournament for the first time. They…

Northland State Employees Take Tribal Relations Training

In the future UMD wants to visit Red Lake and Grand Portage for more training.

Two thousand Northland employees are better equipped to handle tribal relations after taking a special training course. In just a day and a half state employees from more than 20 agencies learned about building better relationships with Native Americans and the tribal government. The training is a collaboration between the University of Minnesota Duluth Continuing Education, Department of American Indian…

Personal Trainer Helps Turn Resolutions into Reality

Active Adventures: Duluth YMCA Personal Training

DULUTH, Minn. – Many Northlanders have made a New Year’s Resolution to get fit in 2018. The FOX 21 morning crew joined Director of Healthy Living Alisha Bradley for a personal training session. Bradley says it’s important to start small and ease yourself into a workout routine if it’s been away since you hit the gym. She took FOX 21’s…

Twin Ports Honor MLK

A mayoral reception in Duluth remembers Martin Luther King Jr's message.

DULUTH, Minn.-Thursday night the Twin Ports remember Martin Luther King Junior during a mayoral reception. This year’s moto is “The Birth of a New Nation” which came from a speech MLK gave in 1957. “He has the spirit of nonviolence and just excepting everybody for their own beliefs and we’re coming together as a community,” co chair MLK planning committee Salaam…

Celebrating a Dance for All Ages

The group aims to bring together all ages of the community for a celebration

DULUTH, Minn.- Northlanders from ages 1 to 101 all have a signature or favorite dance move. The Inter-Generational Dance Hall aims to have all ages move to the music together. Thursday KAIROS Alive International Dance Hall Event took over the second floor of the Great Lakes Aquarium. The event aims to bring together professional artists and on–goers with the hopes everyone…

First Witness Child Advocacy Center Announces New Executive Director

DULUTH, Minn.- First Witness Child Advocacy Center is a non–profit providing services for child in abusive situations. The First Witness Board of Directors has now announced a new executive director, Tracie Clanaugh. Clanaugh has experience in non–profit leadership previously serving as the executive director of the YMCA community services branch. She will now be replacing Beth Olson. Olson served as…

Ice Fishing Contest Supports Duluth Neighborhood

2nd Annual Ice Fishing Contest

DULUTH, Minn. – One local group is continually working to support its neighborhood in Duluth. The Gary New Duluth Community Club is taking advantage of the winter weather for an annual fundraiser this weekend. The second Ice Fishing Contest and Raffle is taking place on Saturday,  January 13. Teams of four are welcome to join the contest. Registration will be…

Minnesota Flu Season in Full Swing; One child death reported

Minnesota May Not be at Peak of Flu Season Yet

ST. PAUL, Minn.-Minnesota has reported its first child death from the flu this season. The weekly flu report shows a continued increase in flu activity across Minnesota. As of the week ending Jan. 6, the Minnesota Department of Health reports more than 1,700 flu-related hospitalizations, 55 outbreaks of influenza-like illness in long-term care facilities, 43 outbreaks in schools and one…

Recent Snowfall Expected to Provide Economic Benefits on Iron Range

Hibbing Received Roughly Seven Inches of Snow Thursday, Prompting Winter Enthusiasts to Invest in the Local Economy

HIBBING, Minn. – The Hibbing Area Chamber of Commerce is thrilled with Thursday’s big snowfall on the Iron Range. The Chamber tells FOX 21, so far it’s been a slow start to the winter season. With a lack of snow before Thursday and bitter cold temperatures, staff say it keeps visitors and locals from enjoying local ski resorts and snowmobile…

Judge Rejects Change to Minnesota’s Wild Rice Water Standard

The MPCA Still Has to Evaluate the Report

MINNEAPOLIS-An administrative law judge has rejected an attempt to change Minnesota’s water quality standard for protecting wild rice, saying it violates federal and state law and puts an unfair burden on Native Americans who harvest wild rice for food. In a report released Thursday, Administrative Law Judge LauraSue Schlatter says the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency failed to justify changing the…

Senators Make Bets on Vikings-Saints Game

Senators make “Cake and Ice Cream Bet." Home state favorites on the line.

WASHINGTON, DC — U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) today joined Senator John Kennedy (R-LA) in a friendly “Cake and Ice Cream” bet on Sunday’s NFL playoff game between the Minnesota Vikings and the New Orleans Saints. In a salute to the Vikings and Minnesota’s many dairy cows, Senator Klobuchar wagered purple-colored homemade ice cream against a king cake from Senator…

A Lofty Minnesota Proposal

‘Marry Me’ etched in snow, seen from above.

Gavin Becker enlisted his family’s help to pen the life-changing question using a snow blower.NEVIS, Minn. (AP) — An aviation student in northern Minnesota pulled off a sky-high marriage proposal by writing “Marry Me” in the snow, then flying his long-time girlfriend over his handiwork. Gavin Becker enlisted his family’s help to pen the life-changing question using a snow blower…

Dietitian: Eating “SMART” Helps New Year’s Resolutions

Cooking Connection: 2018 Healthy Eating

DULUTH, Minn. – In a new year, many Northlanders are trying to better themselves with a list of resolutions. One of the most common resolutions is to eat better. Registered Dietitian and Diabetes Educator Debra Anderson with Essentia Health visited FOX 21 to share some knowledge. Anderson recommends following a SMART diet because oftentimes people try to change too many…

Veteran DJ and Officiant Hosts “Grooms Only Workshop” at Duluth Wedding Show

Wedding Show Celebrates 30th Anniversary

DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth Wedding Show is taking place this weekend, but it’s not just a day for the brides. Night Magic Productions is making sure the grooms feel included as well. In fact, according to Night Magic Productions Owner Dean Carlson, the company is ensuring the grooms get involved in the wedding planning process. Carlson is hosting the…

Harassment Training, Reporting Under Scrutiny in State of Minnesota

Lawmakers May Tighten Legislation on Harassment Training

ST. PAUL, Minn.-Minnesota lawmakers are moving to tighten the Legislature’s sexual harassment training and policies. The nationwide reckoning with the issue came to St. Paul late last year. Two male lawmakers, Democratic Sen. Dan Schoen and GOP Rep. Tony Cornish, resigned over sexual harassment allegations. House and Senate policies only require sexual harassment training every five years after legislators are…

Leah Phifer Minnesota’s 8th Congressional Candidate visits Northlanders

 Leah Phifer will be holding more open meetings with the public.

DULUTH, Minn.- Leah Phifer is a candidate for Minnesota’s 8th Congressional District and took a visit to the Northland on Wednesday. Phifer is running against Rick Nolan, in Minnesota’s 8th Congressional District. She previously worked for the FBI and homeland security for 10 years. On Wednesday she spoke with locals at Perk Place in Duluth explaining the importance of national security,…

Governor Mark Dayton Visits the Iron Range

Community Leaders Discussed Important Regional Projects with the Governor

MOUNTAIN IRON, Minn. – Minnesota Governor Mark Dayton was on the Iron Range Wednesday. The Governor met with community leaders about issues important to Northern Minnesota. Increasing local government aid, funding various bonding projects, and moving the Polymet project forward were some of the important issues discussed with Governor Dayton. The Range Association for Municipalities and Schools, or RAMS, held…

Team Heads to Puerto Rico for Power Restoration

Volunteer Workers from Minnesota Power and SWLP will Leave Late Next Week, Spending at Least One Month in Puerto Rico

DULUTH, Minn. – It was back on September 7th when a group of Minnesota Power and Superior Water Light and Power workers chose to volunteer their time to head south, aiding in power restoration efforts in Florida after Hurricane Irma left millions without electricity. Nearly five months after Hurricane Maria slammed into the island of Puerto Rico, recovery and restoration…

Mine Supporters Sue to Void Dayton’s Order Against Twin Metals

VIRGINIA, Minn. (AP) _ A pro-mining group is suing to overturn an order by Minnesota Gov. Mark Dayton that dealt a blow to the proposed Twin Metals copper-nickel mine near Ely. Dayton last March directed the Department of Natural Resources not to enter into any new access or lease agreements for mining operations on state-owned lands near the Boundary Waters…

“Calendar Girls” Tickets Going Fast at The Underground

Production Follows Friends through Fame and Friendship

DULUTH, Minn. – The latest production at The Underground is opening Thursday evening. The show follows two friends on a journey for good. “Calendar Girls” is based on a true story of middle-aged friends who decide to raise money for a sofa after the sudden death of a husband. The calendar they create gets them a big amount of attention,…

MnDOT Urging Motorists to be Cautious Around Snow Plows

ST. PAUL, Minn. – With significant snow totals around the state, the Minnesota Department of Transportation is urging motorists to use extra caution during plowing and snow removal operations. According to MnDOT, there have been 22 crashes so far this season involving vehicles and snowplows. A total of 58 were reported last year. “Inattentive drivers, motorists driving too close to…

The Duluth Salvation Army Wraps Up Its 2017 Red Kettle Campaign

The Red Kettle total was almost the same as last year at $256,018.

DULUTH, Minn. -The Duluth Salvation Army’s 2017 Red Kettle campaign has wrapped up and the results are in. The goal was to raise $300,000 over the holidays. Although the salvation army ended up 15 percent short of that number, the staff tells us it was still a busy season. “The Salvation Army has been in the Duluth area for 125 years…

Duluth Teachers Nominated for Minnesota Teacher of the Year

Three Teachers from ISD 709 Were Nominated for the Statewide Award

DULUTH, Minn. – Three teachers from the Duluth School District have been nominated for the Minnesota Teacher of the Year Award. Holly Bowen Bailey, Beth Kersting-Peterson, and Cindy Upton were nominated by a committee from the district. They join many other teachers nominated from across the state. The winner of the Minnesota Teacher of the Year will be entered for…

Lake Superior Zoo Working on New Projects

Zoo Has Begun Its Revitalization Following the 2012 Flood

DULUTH, Minn. – The Lake Superior Zoo is looking ahead to some exciting new developments in 2018. The zoo is starting their revitalization. Since the flood of 2012, changes were needed. Now the zoo is moving forward with some needed projects. Their goal for this year is to raise enough money to build a new bear country exhibit where the…

The Northland Prepares For Looming Winter Storm

The public is advised to be careful when snow plows are on the roads.

DULUTH, Minn. – For the most part, the St. Louis County Public Works Department is ready as early as fall for handling winter storms. Whenever a storm is in the forecast crews go through all of the equipment to make sure everything is cleaned and greased. They also check the plow edges for wear and tear. “This garage, we have…

Minnesota Human Services Chief to Fight Release of Serial Rapist

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) – Human Services Commissioner Emily Piper says she’ll appeal a judicial panel’s approval of the conditional release of a serial rapist from the Minnesota Sex Offender Program.  Thomas R. Duvall has spent the past 30 years locked up for the violent rapes of teenage girls in the 1970s and 1980s. The Star Tribune reports that a three-judge panel…

UMD Production Honored at Regional Festival

"Antigone" Encore Performances in Duluth this Weekend

DULUTH, Minn. – A University of Minnesota-Duluth Theatre production is being honored in a big way. The department has been invited to perform “Antigone” at the Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival in Des Moines, IA. This is one of only seven productions selected to perform in the festival. The play was chosen from hundreds around the region. UMD Theatre…

Walz, Coleman Release Fundraising Totals in Governor’s Race

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) – The rush for cash is on in the crowded race for Minnesota governor. Democratic candidate and Rep. Tim Walz said Monday his campaign had raised more than $1.1 million in 2017. Fellow Democrat and former St. Paul Mayor Chris Coleman said he’d raised more than $800,000. It highlights the expensive race for the open governor’s…

New Tours, Events, Launch Glensheen Mansion to Record-Breaking Numbers

Northland Uncovered: More than 140,000 Visited Glensheen in 2017

DULUTH, Minn. – Officials are counting record numbers at Glensheen Mansion as they look into the attendance for 2017. This is a trend that’s been on the rise over the last few years. “Which is really something to say because in 1981 the murder was on the press all the time,” explained Director Dan Hartman. Hartman tells FOX 21 this…

Duluth Kicks Off Trafficking Prevention Month

The sixth annual gathering honored victims and survivors.

DULUTH, Minn. – Jan. is National Human Trafficking Prevention Month and Duluth is honoring both victims and survivors. Organizers of today’s gathering say when you have people willing to purchase other people and there are potential victims who are vulnerable then human trafficking can exist. A performance by women draped in red shawls helped kick off trafficking prevention month in Duluth….

Sex Trafficking Vigil Held in Two Harbors

Lake County Sex Trafficking Task Force Aims to Stop Trafficking Before It Starts

TWO HARBORS, Minn. – January is Human Trafficking and Sex Trafficking Awareness Month. Monday, in Two Harbors, a vigil was held honoring the victims of sex trafficking. The Lake County Sex Trafficking Task Force held their annual vigil in memory of those who lost their lives to sex exploitation and in solidarity with those who continue to be victimized. The…

Duluth City Councilors Sworn In

Newcomer is Renee Van Nett, the First Female Native American Councilor

DULUTH, Minn. – Duluth City Councilors were sworn in Monday at a ceremony at City Hall. Renee Van Nett is the one newcomer to the council. She was elected to represent the fourth district, which includes the Lincoln Park neighborhood and mall area. Van Nett is the first female Native American elected to the council. “Because our culture’s holistic, it’s…