Minnesota

Open Studio Invites All Artists

Artists who specialize in various mediums gather to work.

DULUTH, Minn.-  Calling all artists, you’re invited to create in a space together during open studio. Thanks to the Duluth Art Institute open studio happens once a week at the Depot and on West Second Street in Lincoln Park. The art institute says this gives artists of all ages and a variety of mediums a common place to share ideas. “So…

Rep. Cornish to Resign Following Sexual Harassment Allegations

Rep. Tony CornishST. PAUL, Minn. (KMSP) – Following allegations of sexual harassment, Representative Tony Cornish announced he will be resigning from his position at the Capitol by December 1. His announcement comes about an hour after the lawyer for Sen. Dan Schoen announced Schoen’s plans to resign after sexual harassment allegations came to light. “As a proud former peace officer and longtime champion for…

Minnesota Sen. Schoen to Resign Amid Sexual Misconduct Accusations

BRETT BACHMAN - FOX 9

Sen. Dan SchoenST. PAUL, Minn. (KMSP) – Minnesota Sen. Dan Schoen’s attorney confirmed to the Associated Press Tuesday that the embattled state politician will resign over sexual harassment allegations first reported in the MinnPost. Schoen, a Democrat who represents St. Paul Park and also works as a police officer there, denied “ever making inappropriate contact with anyone,” though the city’s police department put Schoen on…

Minnesota Announces $26M in High-Speed Internet Grants

ST. PAUL, Minn. – State officials have announced $26 million in grants to expand high-speed internet access in Greater Minnesota. Lt. Gov. Tina Smith and the Department of Employment and Economic Development announced the 2017 Border-to-Border Broadband Grant recipients Tuesday. The latest grants go to 39 broadband infrastructure projects across Minnesota aimed at providing access to reliable and affordable high-speed…

Former Students Remember Happy Times at Morgan Park School

Northland Uncovered: Morgan Park School

DULUTH, Minn. – A school standing in Duluth for over 100 years is being torn down to make room for new apartments. A fence and no trespassing signs now surround the old Morgan Park School. These images representing a much different message than the one former students remember. “It was like a big, happy community,” said 1980 graduate Mike Letica….

Christmas City Express Ranked One of 10 Best Christmas Trains in America

Annual Train Ride Begins Friday

DULUTH, Minn. – A holiday season staple in the Northland is now chugging down the tracks with a big title. Web portal MSN has named the Christmas City Express of the North Shore Scenic Railroad one of the 10 best Christmas train rides in America. The ride received this honor due to a combination of the train ride and the…

FOX 21 Exclusive: Jim Carlson Breaks Silence From Prison

After more than four years in prison, former Last Place on Earth owner Jim Carlson speaks to FOX 21 in his first television interview.

DULUTH, Minn. – In a FOX 21 exclusive, former Last Place on Earth owner Jim Carlson breaks his silence to FOX 21’s Dan Hanger. It’s his first television interview since he went to prison four years ago and since he got his lengthy sentence a year after that. In part one, we talk about Carlson’s life behind bars, if he…

How Sweet It Is Back Open for Business

Two local businesses team up to keep staple eats in the Twin Ports available

DULUTH, Minn.- A popular sweets shop that was forced to close last month after 20 years of business has officially made an unexpected comeback. How Sweet It Is Cakes has re–opened a revised business model inside the Duluth Grill in Lincoln Park. The owner of How Sweet It Is closed in October because of declining sales, after moving into the Holiday…

Packed Council Chambers Discusses Paid Sick And Safe Time

Task Force Gives Two Recommendations To City Council

DULUTH, Minn- The Earned Sick and Safe Time Task Force recommended the Duluth City Council adopt an ordinance that would provide two alternatives for businesses to give paid time off to workers who don’t currently get any. In a survey conducted by the task force, data shows that 46% of workers within the Duluth currently aren’t getting any sick and…

Ideal Winter Conditions at Spirit Mountain

The largest event at Spirit Mountain is this coming weekend and the hill is prepared.

DULUTH, Minn.- This coming weekend is a busy one for Spirit Mountain as they will host the 26th annual AMSOIL Duluth Snocross. The event will run across the length of the top chalet with other parts of the mountain remaining open. Although the Northland has yet to become a winter wonderland, officials at the mountain told FOX 21 the hill…

Minnesota Fish Houses and Wheelhouses Require License Purchase This Season

MINNESOTA – Beginning this ice fishing season, anglers using a wheelhouse type of ice or dark house shelter are required to purchase a license to place the shelter on the ice, even when occupying it, according to the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. A new definition for portable shelters has been provided in law, which states that a portable shelter…

Cult Leader Victor Barnard Wins Appeal, Sentence Will Be Reduced

Victor Barnard (FOX 9 – KMSP) – Minnesota cult leader Victor Barnard’s has won an appeal of his criminal conviction, throwing out the upward departure of his 30-year prison. Barnard’s sentence will be reduced to 24 years. The court ruled “the case law on this issue is clear: when a district court fails to provide reasons for a sentencing departure on the record…

Technology Tips to Help with Holiday Travels

DULUTH, Minn. – Many Northlanders will be taking to the skies and the roads to visit family and friends for Thanksgiving. Verizon Wireless Solutions Specialist Rachel Agurkis stopped by FOX 21 to give tips for keeping the home and vehicle safe during these trips. Some technology that can be picked up at Verizon Wireless includes: Arlo Cam: Protect your home…

Northland Breweries Helping Habitat for Humanity

Northlanders can grab a cold one for a good cause.

DULUTH, Minn.- Breweries in the Northland are teaming up to help out a local non–profit. The Suds for Shelter Benefit is giving craft brew lovers a good reason to grab a cold one. Participating breweries are donating a portion of pint sales to the Western Lake Superior Habitat for Humanity. This Tuesday, Nov. 21st.  the benefit will be held at Blacklist Brewery….

Shuster Skates to Fourth Winter Olympics

Shuster Joins Multiple Duluthians Headed to South Korea

OMAHA, Neb- Chisholm native John Shuster is heading back to the Winter Olympics for an incredible fourth time. Shuster bested Heath McCormick in the final of a best of 3 series to win the U.S. Olympic trials. Duluth natives, and teammates Tyler George and John Landsteiner, as well as Wisconsin native Matt Hamilton, will join him. The 2018 Winter Olympics will…

Christmas Trees Take Over Duluth Farmers’ Market

Northlanders can now decorate for the holiday season before Thanksgiving.

DULUTH, Minn.- Are you eager to spruce up your house for the holiday season? Christmas trees are now for sale at the Duluth Farmers’ Market.  This is the first year Hoffbauer Tree Farm is selling Christmas trees before Thanksgiving. At the market, Northlanders can pick out the perfect tree for their home with sizes ranging from eight feet high to a…

Northlanders with Twins Gather for Support

Mothers with little Northland twins gather sharing experiences.

DULUTH, Minn.- Around 32 people out of every 1,000 are a twin, according to the Center for Disease Control. One group in the Northland meets specifically to discuss raising twins.  The Twin Ports Mothers Multiples Club is a support group for moms in the Northland. It also gives twins a chance to meet other twins. According to one mother having someone who…

Love–A–Pet Day Gives Animals a New Home

Local event highlights animals up for adoption.

HERMANTOWN, Minn.- Saturday was one for the dogs at Miller Hill Subaru. Dogs and cats from Animal Allies Humane Society and Lake County Humane Society found their new families at Love–A–Pet day. It’s Animal Allies largest off site adopt event. If you’re looking for a furry friend more pets will available on Sunday. “Adoption is so important because when you…

Festival of the Season Held in Duluth

Northlanders prepare for the holiday season at the last farmers market of the winter season.

DULUTH, Minn.- The Duluth Farmers Market is filled with Christmas spirit during the 11th annual Festival of the Season. vendors show off their holiday decorations at the market. Although some Northlanders may be holding off on decorating for the Christmas season, one vendor told FOX21 it’s never too early to decorate. “It’s never, especially a year like this year when winter…

Northlanders Help Create Gingerbread City

Families learn Nordic and Minnesota Christmas traditions while constructing the Gingerbread City.

DULUTH, Minn.- Little Northlanders gathered Saturday constructing a Gingerbread Village. The 6th annual Pepperkakebyen Gingerbread City is on display at the Nordic Center. Families got in to the holiday spirit making traditional Nordic crafts. Art education students from the University of Minnesota Duluth volunteered, helping create the winter wonderland. “I find it very interesting because a lot of this information I…

Bentleyville Tour of Lights Officially Open

Northlanders attended the first opening night of Bentleyville Tour of Lights.

DULUTH, Minn.- The Bentleyville Tour of Lights is now open to shine throughout the holiday season. Duluth is beaming with holiday spirit; families, couples, and friends stayed warm with hot chocolate while admiring the bright lights. With so many different attractions picking a favorite light display can be tough. What’s your favorite display at Bentleyville Tour of Lights? “The big…

45 Foot Tree Lit For The Season

Christmas Tree Is Located In Downtown Duluth

DULUTH, Minn- Let there be light in downtown Duluth! The official lighting of the Christmas tree took place Friday evening. The ceremony is a 33 year old tradition for the city of Duluth. This year the white spruce tree is about 45 feet tall. 26 nominations from the community were received before this beauty made the final cut. After the…

Northlanders Spread Thanksgiving Cheer

Northlanders come together during the Thanksgiving season, ensuring everyone has a hot meal.

DULUTH, Minn.- Nearly 5,000 meals are given out on Thanksgiving at the 28th annual Twin Ports Thanksgiving Buffet. Preparations to feed Northlanders at the Thanksgiving feast, begin back in August. Friday volunteers brought in 2,200 pounds of turkey and nearly 1,900 pounds of mashed potatoes. The group of volunteers lending a hand, come from many different backgrounds. “We really all…

Bentleyville Brings in New Attractions

This year Northlanders are encouraged to use their cameras and capture moments at Bentleyville.

DULUTH, Minn.- Volunteers are working on the final preparations for Bentleyville, before the holiday season kicks off Saturday. Final touches are being perfected, before Santa parachutes in Saturday night. This year families and friends can cherish Bentleyville memories for years to come. The light festival has a variety of new photo spots set up as you walk through the Winter Wonderland….

Fighting Domestic Violence in the Northland

One local organization gives locals an opportunity to make a direct impact on abuse within the community.

DULUTH, Minn.- The organization Men as Peacemakers, aims to make a  direct impact on the domestic violence within our community. The organization is hosting domestic violence restorative circles, which rely on community support. The classes needed to be a volunteer are currently underway this weekend. Around four to six community members are needed during each circle meeting. This weekend the training…

Governor’s Christmas Tree Harvested near Willow River

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) – The Christmas tree that will adorn the Minnesota governor’s residence this year has officially been harvested. The state Department of Natural Resources says the 30 foot tall white spruce was cut down Friday in the General C.C. Andrews State Forest, near Willow River. DNR staff and the Conservation Corps of Minnesota cut down the governor’s…

Give to the Max Day Raises $20.6 Million for Minnesota Organizations

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Minnesota set a new record during the state’s annual giving holiday. Roughly 5,400 nonprofits and schools across the state raised $20.6 million during the ninth annual Give to the Max Day. The day’s total was approximately $500,000 higher than the previous record set in 2016. Donations were made from 87 Minnesota counties, all 50 states, and…

Local Farmers Prepare for Holiday Decor Sales

DULUTH, Minn. – With Thanksgiving just next week, many Northlanders are close to purchasing their fresh Christmas tree. Derek Hoffbauer, Owner of the Duluth Flower Farm, says they have been busy preparing for the holiday season. Already they’ve received several orders online for wreaths, garland and more. Their products can be picked up in person at Dan’s Feed Bin in…

Working Out with Kettlebells

Active Adventures: Duluth YMCA

DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth YMCA in downtown offers several options for exercise. They have offerings from group classes, rock climbing, racquetball, to swimming lessons, pickleball, basketball, and much more. For this week’s Active Adventures, FOX 21’s William Seay learned how to work with kettlebells. Alisha Bradley, Director of Healthy Living for the YMCA, says it’s a strength training device…

Northlanders raise money for hurricane victims in the Virgin Islands

The benifit was held to raise funds and awareness of the rebuilding efforts in the Virgin Islands

DULUTH, Minn. – A couple of Northlanders with ties to the virgin islands are hosting a fundraiser for hurricane victims there. It featured many live musical acts, as well as a silent auction. Organizers hope that this event can bring awareness to the recovering efforts that are still going on in those heavily affected areas. “The U.S. Virgin Islands is…

City of Duluth hosts open house to discuss Superior Street reconstruction

The Superior Street reconstruction project is set to begin in early 2018

DULUTH, Minn. -Plans for the major Superior Street reconstruction project in the Duluth is one step closer to being finalized. The city held an open house on Thursday for the public to see the plans for the downtown project. Residents, Superior Street business owners were on hand to share their input about the upcoming transformation. “This is the transition from…

The Great American Smokeout Reaches Out to Northlanders

The American Lung Association shows Northlanders options to use while quitting smoking.

DULUTH, Minn.-  The American Lung Association has been helping smokers put down cigarettes for over 35 years. The Great American Smokeout offers Northlanders looking to quit smoking cigarettes, many suggestions. The Minnesota Medicaid program covers; NRT Gum, NRT Patches, counseling, and other options to make the process a little easier. “I did the lozenges, I did the patch, and made…

Northlanders Renovate Old Buildings

Old abandoned buildings in Two Harbors are being restored and filled.

TWO HARBORS, Minn.- Two Northland sisters are fixing up abandoned buildings, with hopes a small business will move in. Sharon Erickson Ropes and her sister are doing their part to clean up Two Harbors. The sisters purchased a small building and are in the process of flipping it. Ropes told FOX21 it’s exciting being on the first floor of restoration. “I think…

Supreme Court Upholds Dayton Veto of Legislature’s Budget

Ruling Leaves Legislature on Uncertain Future When it Comes to Finances

ST. PAUL, Minn. -The Minnesota Supreme Court has upheld Gov. Mark Dayton’s line-item veto of the Legislature’s operating budget. Thursday’s decision hands Dayton a major legal victory as he seeks to rework costly tax breaks and other measures he signed into law this spring as part of a new state budget. And it leaves the Legislature on uncertain financial footing….

Creating Chicken Saltimbocca

Cooking Connection: JJ Astor

DULUTH, Minn. – A Duluth restaurant is cooking up a new menu. JJ Astor has hired a new Food and Beverage Director, Bob Boyd, who is working on spicing up the menu. For this week’s Cooking Connection, Boyd showed FOX 21’s William Seay how to create Chicken Saltimbocca. CHICKEN SALTIMBOCCA: Place chicken breast skin side down on plastic wrap Place…

Johnson’s Bakery Prepares for Busy Holiday Season

Manager Megan Spitzley says Orders Should be Placed This Week or Early Next Week

DULUTH, Minn. – Northlanders looking for fresh bakery items are being advised by Johnson’s Bakery in Duluth to pre-order bakery items now before the big Thanksgiving meal on Thursday. Megan Spitzley, Manager Johnson’s Lakeside Bakery, stopped by FOX 21 Local News at 7 Thursday morning to chat about how busy the business gets once the holidays arrive. Spitzley says Wednesday before Thanksgiving is…

St. Luke’s Plastic Surgery Associates Hosts Black Friday Sale

Discount on Make Up and Skin Care Products

DULUTH, Minn. – Thanksgiving is a week away meaning Black Friday sales are also right around the corner. St. Luke’s Plastic Surgery Associates is hosting another Black Friday sale. All make up, skin care and injectables gift certificates will be 25 percent off on Friday, November 24. Also, if a customer spends $30, they’ll receive a $15 coupon for future…

Special Report: Finding Pet Friendly Housing in the Northland

Landlords and Pet Owners Open Up Regarding Pet Friendly Rules and Regulations When it Comes to Renting in Duluth

DULUTH, Minn. – According to the American Pet Products Association, nearly 85 million families in the United States own a pet. As more and more people are purchasing animals, many are also deeming it difficult to find their family a forever home. Every year, thousands are descending on Duluth; human beings constantly on the move in today’s ever changing world….

Shelters Team Up For Annual “Love A Pet” Adoption Event

The Adoption Event is Happening Saturday, November 18 and Sunday, November 19

DULUTH, Minn. – Northlanders have the chance to “Love a Pet” this weekend at Miller Hill Subaru. Happening Saturday, November 18 from 10:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. and Sunday, November 19 from 11:00 a.m. until 3 p.m., three local shelters will come together for the Northland’s biggest adoption event of the year. Star of the North Shelter in Grand Rapids,…

Minnesota Bid for 2023 World’s Fair Finishes 3rd

PARIS (KMSP) – The Minnesota bid to host the 2023 World’s Fair finished third in voting Wednesday by the Bureau International des Expositions member state delegates. The delegates elected Buenos Aires, Argentina over Lodz, Poland in the second round of voting. The United States bid with a Minnesota host site was eliminated in the first round of voting. Now called “World Expos,” the events might…

Gingerbread City Offers Nordic Experience for Northlanders

6th Annual Pepperkakebyen Gingerbread City

DULUTH, Minn. – This weekend the holiday spirit will be in full swing at the Nordic Center in Duluth. The 6th Annual Pepperkakebyen Gingerbread City opens to the public on Saturday, November 18. A gingerbread village will fill the Nordic Center and there will also be a chance for families to make some traditional Nordic-Minnesota crafts. The event is free,…

Minnesota Deer Harvest Up 10 Percent from 2016

Minnesota firearms hunters registered over 145,000 deer through the second weekend of deer season, according to the Department of Natural Resources. Preliminary results through the weekend show that 145,054 deer were registered, which is up 10 percent from 2016. Of the deer harvested, 54 percent were bucks, compared to 63 percent during the same period in 2016. In northeastern Minnesota,…

UMD Hosts 24th Annual Undergraduate Research & Artistic Showcase

Some students will have their work published in Civil Engineering's Hydraulics Engineering Magazine.

DULUTH, Minn. – After months and long hours of research more than 40 University of Minnesota of  Duluth students had their projects on display. It’s all a part of the 24th Annual Undergraduate Research & Artistic Showcase. Students work alongside a faculty member and conduct research outside of their regular courses. The showcase featured topics ranging from long-term effects to…

State Legislators Visit Lake Superior College

Lawmakers also had lunch with students and spoke to a political science class.

DULUTH, Minn. – Students at Lake Superior College in Duluth want to bring politicians to a local level, so they hosted A Know Your Legislators forum today. It’s the first time LSC has done something like this on campus. Members of the Student Senate were behind the idea. “This was a really awesome opportunity and I think that some of…

Gubernatorial Candidate Chris Coleman Visits Duluth

Candidate Coleman Making Rounds Throughout State This Week

DULUTH, Minn.-The governor’s race is heating up in Minnesota as candidates are beginning to make their way to the Northland. St. Paul Mayor Chris Coleman stopped by the Lyric Restaurant in Duluth, to visit with supporters of his cause. The Democrat said he’s making the rounds this week as he’s trying to make sure his campaign speaks for all of…

Helpful Hands Prepare for ‘A Glensheen Christmas’

A Glensheen Christmas will Open Saturday, November 18 for Tours at the Historic Estate

DULUTH, Minn. – A crew of roughly 20 students and staff are working to deck the halls of the Glensheen Mansion in Duluth this week. When touring through “A Glensheen Christmas,” guests will be able to experience 25 Christmas trees and hundreds of feet of garland. Visitors will have the chance to find dozens of hidden elves during holiday tours. Many decorations…

FBI Statistics Show Hate Crimes Rise in Minnesota in 2016

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) – Hate crimes in Minnesota rose for the second straight year in 2016, with the bulk of crimes motivated by the victim’s race or ethnicity. Crimes were also committed against victims because of their religion or sexual orientation. The FBI released its 2016 hate crime statistics report Monday. Minnesota reported 119 hate crimes last year, up from 109…

St. Cloud PD: 3-Year-Old Boy Shot Self with Negligently-Stored Gun

UPDATE: William Deandre Dickerson, 28, was arrested in Miles City, Montana during a traffic stop, according to a FOX 9 report. Dickerson is being held in custody in Montana pending extradition to Minnesota. ST. CLOUD, Minn. (KMSP) – Police in St. Cloud, Minnesota say a three-year-old boy taken to the hospital with a gunshot wound Monday morning pulled the trigger on…

Minnesota Corn, Soybean Farmers See Slight Production Dip

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) – Profits are expected to remain steady for Minnesota corn and soybean farmers despite a slight production dip in 2017. The U.S. Department of Agriculture estimates that the state’s corn production will be 1.45 billion bushels, a 6 percent decrease from last year. The department predicts the state’s soybean production will be 373 million bushels, down 4 percent…