Minnesota

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…

Community Celebrates Northland Olympic Curlers

The athletes will officially leave in two days for their final training.

DULUTH, Minn.-  Northland curlers are being sent off to compete for team U.S.A in South Korea for the winter Olympics. The Duluth Curling Club put together a spaghetti dinner to help raise money for the athletes’ families. The curlers say they’re going to face some tough match–ups at the Olympics. “My big thing is I just want to walk away…

The Birkebeiner Bridge in Minneapolis Super Bowl Festivities

A portion of the Northland is on Display for the Super Bowl LII

Minneapolis, Minn – The big game is this Sunday but Super Bowl fans have been celebrating a piece of the Northland pride all week.  The Birkebeiner Bridge was packed up and shipped down to Minneapolis for NFL revelers to enjoy.  Fox 21’s Nikki Davidson was there today where large crowds gathered at the Birkie Bridge. Categories: Entertainment, Minnesota, News, News…

Classic Children’s Tale to be Performed on UMD Stage

"Charlotte's Web" Opens Thursday

DULUTH, Minn. – It’s a story many know from childhood, and now it’s coming to a stage in Duluth. Charlotte’s Web is being performed by students at the University of Minnesota – Duluth. The children’s tale highlights friendship and sacrifice. The play is based on the book by E.B. White. Show Dates: Feb 1-3 & 8-10 at  6:30 p.m. Feb…

Twin Ports History to be Highlighted Through “Zenith City on Tap”

Northland Uncovered: Duluth and Superior History

DULUTH, Minn. – Each month, officials at Glensheen Mansion plan community events at the historic home. Coming up in February, they’re featuring the stories that built the Twin Ports. Zenith City on Tap is a history series by Duluth author Tony Dierckins. Dierckins is the publisher of Duluth’s Zenith City Press. These talks will be happening every Wednesday in February….

New Duluth Police Officers Train For Field Sobriety Tests

DULUTH, Minn. — The culture of drinking and driving in Minnesota has changed since the 1980s when more than 250 people died every year in alcohol-related crashes. Since 2010, that number now averages around 127 deaths every year. But authorities stress even one death a year is far too many. FOX 21’s Dan Hanger gives you a look inside the Duluth…

MnDot Considers “Can of Worm” Intersection Updates

The can of worms intersection is a visibility concern.

DULUTH, Minn.- Duluth’s ‘can of worms’ or what the Minnesota Department of Transportation formally calls the “Twin Ports Interchange Project” is slowing sliding along. MnDot is currently narrowing down the preferred alternatives to make the “can of worms” intersection a safer place for drivers traveling through the Twin Ports. Monday night transportation officials discussed advancing the design process and taking…

One Book Northland Honors Local Author

The book club aims to celebrate reading books accessible to everyone in the region.

DULUTH, Minn.-  For the 17th year libraries around the region are joining together celebrating the One Book Northland project. This month’s chosen book is written by local author Katharine Johnson titled The Wind and The Drum. Officials are excited to celebrate a book from the community. “Even better in a year like this when we can find a local tie…

Couture Floral Design in Duluth’s Woodland Neighborhood

Saffron and Grey is Located at 2303 Woodland Avenue in Duluth, Minnesota

DULUTH, Minn. – When you think of flowers, a special occasion probably comes to mind. Technology has since changed the way many of us order flowers, as it’s now easier than ever to go online, place an order and have it delivered. However, owners of one flower shop in Duluth are looking to keep as many orders as they can,…

Beargrease Teams Rest Before Continuing Journey

Team Handlers Prepare Mushers and Dogs for the Next 200 Miles

GRAND PORTAGE, Minn. – The John Beargrease Sled Dog Marathon is about halfway done. Teams rested in Grand Portage before the second leg of their journey. As mushers and dogs took a well deserved eight hour rest in Grand Portage, the team handlers were at work preparing the teams for another two hundred miles of racing. While the dogs pull…

Beargrease Mid Distance Racers Cross Finish Line

Martha Schouweiler Wins Race for Fourth Straight Year

GRAND MARAIS, Minn. – It’s a night of celebration for the winners of the Beargrease mid-distance race who crossed the finish line Monday morning. Martha Schouweiler won the mid-distance race for the fourth consecutive year. Last year, her team completed the first ever three-peat and they extended that record Monday. Shouweiler says a lot goes in to building a champion…

Larson Endorses Chris Coleman for Minnesota Governor

Coleman is one of more than a dozen candidates already in the race.

Duluth, Minn. – Duluth mayor Emily Larson has officially announced her endorsement for DFL candidate Chris Coleman in the Minnesota gubernatorial race.  Coleman is the former mayor of St. Paul. Coleman and Larson met with media today on Superior Street where the long awaited street reconstruction is set to begin this summer after securing funding in the bonding bill.  Coleman…

Winter Market is Best Time to Buy and Sell Homes

DULUTH, Minn. – During these cold winter days heading out to look at homes isn’t the ideal way to spend time. However, winter is actually just the time to purchase a new home. According to real estate experts, this is the best time to make the purchase. “They’re motivated, they’re looking for a smooth, fast and easy transaction,” said Amy…

After Years of Work, Duluth’s NorShor Theatre Reopens This Week

Coffee Conversation: Mamma Mia! Kicks of NorShor Entertainment

DULUTH, Minn. – It’s a big week for the city of Duluth as the highly-anticipated opening of The NorShor Theatre is taking place this week. After several years of work to make this a reality, performers will once again be on the stage. “It’s incredibly exciting, it’s stressful, it’s such a momentous moment. There’s so much leading up to this…

Rep. Jen Schultz kicks off re-election campaign

Schultz is seeking a third term as the Representative for State House District 7A

DULUTH, Minn. – DFL Rep. Jen Schultz has announced her candidacy for a third term for State House District 7A. Schultz kicked off her campaign on Sunday at Blacklist Artisan Ales in Duluth. Schultz is looking to address issues with Minnesota healthcare, tax reform, and affordable education. “I’ve built really good relationships on both sides if the isle,” Schultz said….

Inside Look at the John Beargrease Marathon Starting Line

Every musher has a different story behind their passion to race.

TWO HARBORS, Minn.-  Mushers heading out for the John Beargrease marathon say dog racing is unlike any sport. Winter along the Northshore can create the ideal conditions or make for a challenging journey. “We go out there and what happens, happens. You just kind of go with the flow, that’s what this sport is,” first time Beargrease musher Liza Dietzen…

Carrying Trail Mail in the Beargrease Marathon

The trail mail is sent in from people around the world.

TWO HARBORS, Minn.– While on the trail mushers are looking after more than just their sled team, each racer is carrying up to a dozen pieces of trial mail. Racing with the letters is another way to honor John Beargrease and his route delivering mail. The Two Harbors Postal Service, volunteers helping run the event every year. Workers say they’re…

Fly Fishing Film Tour makes a stop in the Northland

The film tour is a celebration of all things fishing

DULUTH, Minn. – The Fly Fishing Film Tour made its way to Duluth on Sunday, hosted by the Arrowhead Fly Fishers and Gitchee Gumme Trout Unlimited organizations. The tour is a celebration of all things fly fishing. “It’s an opportunity for people to come out and learn about the sport, and see some really great stories about how people fish,…

Volunteer Veterinarians Have All Eyes on Beargrease Dogs

TWO HARBORS, Minn.- The John Beargrease race is made possible by many volunteers, including nearly 20 volunteer veterinarians. The vets travel from all over to provide pre-race vet checks and ensure safety during the event. “It’s wonderful to be able to come here and work with these athletes,” head vet volunteer Gregg Phillips said. “I mean we see the couch…

Inside the John Beargrease Opening Ceremony

The ceremony brings together everyone involved in the marathon, one last time before the race.

TWO HARBORS, Minn.- Preparations for the annual John Beargrease Sled Dog marathon took place in Two Harbors Saturday. Saturday night’s opening ceremony sheds light on how many volunteers, sponsors, and participants it takes to make this tradition going for years to come. “Let people know that they’re involved in this race and if you ever sit down and listen to…

New science building taking shape at UMD

An engineer on the project is also a UMD alum

DULUTH, Minn. – Construction on the new science building at UMD is moving along. FOX 21 got a look inside the new facility on Friday. The building features four floors with both laboratories and classrooms together in one place. UMD’s Swenson College of Science and Engineering alum Laura Hart is an engineer on the project. “It’s really cool that I…

New Police Recruits Take Part In Communication Relations Training

There are 154 sworn in officers on the Duluth Police Department.

DULUTH, Minn. – For law enforcement officers having the right training is a part of the job. Fifteen of Duluth’s newly recruited police officers are learning what it takes to build stronger relationships within the community thanks to some unique lessons. These officers are part of a type of training that goes beyond the squad car and flashing lights and focuses on communication….

Wood Stove Exchange Program Helps Protect the Environment

More than 50 percent of the heating appliances used for Project Stove Swap are manufactured in Minnesota.

DULUTH, Minn. – More and more people are exchanging their old wood stoves for newer ones that also protect the environment. Project Stove Swap started a year ago and gives homeowners incentives for upgrading their wood stoves. Energy Plus in Duluth  has a lot of customers coming in searching for a wood stove. “We’re releasing much less carbon than we…

Boys & Girls Clubs of the Northland Receive “Exergaming” Kits

Seventy-five members received the kits now and the remaining 75 will receive them at a later date.

DULUTH, Minn. – The Boys & Girls Clubs of the Northland are taking exercise and gaming to the next level. These kids are some of the first in the state to receive game kits that encourage physical activity. The kit includes a NERF ball and energy tracker. It’s called “exergaming.” “The kids get to track their points for how much…

Sled Dogs, Beer, Food and Fun to Kick Off Beargrease 2018

The First Beer-grease Event is Happening Friday, January 26 at Glensheen Mansion

DULUTH, Minn. – Happening tonight, the Glensheen Mansion will play host the first ever Beer-grease event. In order to kick-off race weekend, the John Beargrease Sled Dog Marathon is teaming up with Canal Park Brewing and Glensheen Mansion. Race officials, mushers, Beargrease Board Members and Sponsors will be on site to celebrate all things Beargrease. Canal Park Brewing has brewed…

Duluth Coffee Company and Earth Rider Join Forces

The new coffee beer can be found in Superior and Duluth.

DULUTH, Minn.– Two brewers of different kinds have teamed up to create the perfect coffee beer. Earth Rider Brewery and Duluth Coffee Company released the pale ale Thursday night. Workers say told the coffee beer is created using an imperfect pale ale but made complete with the help of the Duluth Coffee Company. “Overall in the flavor you might not…

Plans Underway for New Unique Hotel

Officials say the hotel aims to attract millennials to Duluth.

DULUTH, Minn.– New details are being revealed for a new hotel like no other planned for Duluth’s central entrance. The hotel is called “Tru by Hilton” it’s aimed at giving young professionals, a fun affordable place to stay.  The rooms will cost $100 a night and be smaller than an average hotel room. City officials say although there are many hotels, none…

Aerial Lift Bridge Undergoing Deck Replacement

The center sections of the bridge can last for several more years before they'll have to be replaced.

DULUTH, Minn. – It’s been more than 60 years since the deck on the Aerial Lift Bridge in Duluth was last replaced. Workers have started the process of replacing it again. Since the shipping season is now over this deck replacement won’t affect marine traffic, but those using the bridge will experience some delays for a while. Workers are replacing…

DECC’s Newest Executive Director Shares Vision For the Future

Fuse Duluth within the Chamber went on a tour to see the sustainable practices at the DECC.

DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth Entertainment Convention Center’s (DECC) newest executive director is only four months into her role, but is already looking toward the future. Chelly Townsend says she wants to see the DECC grow as a sustainable building for everyone in the Northland. The goal is do that by continuing to follow sustainable practices. “The basic recycling, reducing and…

Proctor Hockey Arena Set To Open This Summer

The arena will be located on Kirkus Street.

PROCTOR, Minn. – This July Proctor will have a brand new hockey arena and event center. The decking is finished and the final layers of the roof are going up. Once that’s done the heating work comes next. The arena will double as a community center, that’ll have a walking track, enough room to seat 1,200 people and a community…

Damiano Center Connecting Those In Need With Free Resources

Lunch was provided and about 500 people showed up over the course of the day.

DULUTH, Minn. -The Damiano Center in Duluth offered a one stop shop to help people in need. Several service providers were on hand to provide free help for homeless or low income folks who stopped by. Having these resources under one roof helps make it easier for people to get to these offices. Haircuts, foot care and winter clothing items…

Vegetable Risotto with Catering By Bellisio’s

Cooking Connection: Vegetable Risotto

DULUTH, Minn. – During the winter months, a savory dish is always a great dinner choice. Bellisio’s in Canal Park offers many meals that fit that bill. For this week’s Cooking Connection, the Executive Chef of Catering By Bellisio’s, Eric Denney, showed FOX 21’s William Seay how to make a vegetable risotto. VEGETABLE RISOTTO Dice onion Smash and mince garlic…

Minnesota Agencies Report Few Hate Crimes

Several High Profile Incidents are Missing from Report

MINNEAPOLIS-A newspaper examination of last year’s hate crime reports in Minnesota found several high profile incidents missing. The Star Tribune’s study found no mention of last summer’s Bloomington mosque bombing. A November FBI report found that nearly two-thirds of the state’s law enforcement agencies reported no hate crimes in their jurisdictions in 2016. Victims, advocates and federal officials say inconsistency…

Minnesota Governor Pays $6k for Home State Super Bowl Seat

Super Bowl Will be Played Feb. 4

ST. PAUL, Minn.-Minnesota’s governor has forked over $6,000 for a ticket to his own state’s Super Bowl game. Gov. Mark Dayton expressed regret Wednesday that the Minnesota Vikings won’t play the Feb. 4 game in Minneapolis. The Philadelphia Eagles beat the Vikings Sunday to face the New England Patriots. But Dayton says he still felt obligated to attend the game…

State Tackling Backlog of Elder Abuse Cases

State Hoping to Speed Up Cases on Elder Abuse

ST. PAUL, Minn.-State regulators have outlined a plan for speeding up investigations of elder abuse and reducing Minnesota’s backlog of unresolved cases. Human Services Commissioner Emily Piper told a state Senate committee on Wednesday that a team of state officials is sorting through thousands of reports of maltreatment in senior homes. The Star Tribune reports more than 2,300 reports of…

UMD College Republicans Host Fundraiser

The group will be traveling to Washington D.C.

DULUTH, Minn.- The University of Minnesota Duluth’s College Republicans held a fundraiser at Glensheen Mansion. The UMD College Republicans met with gubernatorial candidates at the event is a fundraiser. The group is attending the CPAC in Washington D.C. UMD College Republicans President Kynze Lundeen says organizing the event is an honor. “It means a lot to me to have my CR’s…

Hartley Nature Center Expanding

The Board has been planning for this expansion over the last year.

DULUTH, Minn. – Some big changes are coming to the Hartley Nature Center building in Duluth. As visitors and students continue to come through the doors, the center is trying to keep up with the demand. Thousands of children visit Hartley every year for school field trips and plans to add on to the building will allow kids to continue…

Law Enforcement Get Special Training at Juvenile Officer’s Conference

"We're hoping to create kind of a team effort." - Cory Spencer, Minnesota Juvenile Officer's Association Treasurer

DULUTH, Minn. – Since 1955 the Minnesota Juvenile Officer’s Association has provided members of law enforcement special safety training. This training is designed to help with situations involving young people. Members of law enforcement from around the state who work in schools are learning valuable lessons this week at a special conference in Duluth. Those taking part include juvenile probation…