Minnesota

Northlanders Donate to Help Ensure Officer Safety

Over one hundred gathered to give money for local officers safety equipment.

DULUTH, Minn.- A non–profit organization aims to help boast safety for local law enforcement with help from the community. The organizers of shield 616 said with the rise in active shootings they want to make sure our officers are protected. Sheild 616 hosts events around the Northland, gathering donations to purchase bullet proof gear for local law officials. “People are so…

Veterans Voiced Concerns to Senator Amy Klobuchar

Northland veterans discussed local issues with Senator Amy Klobuchar.

CLOQUET, Minn.- Senator Amy Klobuchar listened to Northland’s rural veterans speak out on concerns. Senator Klobuchar said there are some serious problems with veterans’ health benefits. Ensuring the Guard and the Reserve recieve the same health benefits other branches are given, is the biggest issue currently being worked on. One of the main issues addressed today, the long drive rural…

Annual Beacon Lighting Commemorates 42nd Anniversary of SS Edmund Fitzgerald

It's the only time each year visitors can climb to the top of the tower while the beacon is lit and revolving after dark.

TWIN HARBORS, Minn. – Nov.10 marks the 42nd anniversary of the Edmund Fitzgerald freighter sinking into Lake Superior. Split Rock has been the site of the memorial since 1985 to make sure those men are not forgotten. In 1975, the ship sailed out of Superior with nearly 26,000 tons of ore on-board. The Edmund Fitzgerald sailed by Split Rock the…

Santa Claus Arrives at the Miller Hill Mall in Style

It was the 5th annual Santa Slumber Party

DULUTH, Minn. – Hundreds of Northland kids were at the Miller Hill Mall this evening to see Santa Claus arrive. It is the 5th annual Santa Slumber Party at the mall. Santa arrived in style in a decorated trolley thanks to the Duluth Transit Authority. “We just dropped Santa Claus off, and now all the boys and girls of the…

AmeriCorps Wants You to Share Your Experience in Duluth Program

AmeriCorps Hopes Stories Inspire Duluthians

DULUTH, Minn.-The Duluth chapter of AmeriCorps is taking pen to pad to write down experiences other members of the group have had over the years. It’s all part of a legacy project AmeriCorps members in Duluth are working on to get the word out about what they do. The hope is to also build interest in their dream of redeveloping…

Santa and Mrs. Claus to Visit Miller Hill Mall

Tonight: Slumber Party with Santa

DULUTH, Minn. – Santa is coming to the Northland! It’s all to support little Northland boys and girls. This evening, Friday, November 10, is the 5th Annual Slumber Party with Santa. Santa Claus is coming to the Miller Hill Mall via the DTA Port Town Trolley at Door 6 at 6:45 p.m. Pre-registration begins in the Barnes & Noble court…

Another Minnesota Lawmaker Accused of Sexual Harassment

Rep. Tony CornishST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) – Minnesota’s House speaker has suspended the committee chairmanship of state Rep. Tony Cornish after two women accused the lawmaker of sexual harassment. Speaker Kurt Daudt issued a statement late Thursday in which he also asked the House’s nonpartisan human resources staff to look into the allegations against the Republican from Vernon Center. Cornish…

Gearing Up for Cold Weather

Active Adventures: Proper Dressing for Frigid Temperatures

DULUTH, Minn. – Below average temperatures have been keeping the Northland cold throughout the week. For this week’s Active Adventures, FOX 21’s William Seay got advice for dressing for the cold weather. Eve Graves told William how to dress if he’s interested in skiing, jogging, or doing some other active activity in frigid temperatures. Graves tells FOX 21, “there’s no…

Special Report: Early Education

State Funding Sends Thousands of Young Minnesotans to Preschool

MINNESOTA – More than 20,000 of  Minnesota’s 4-year-olds are heading to preschool this year because of state funding. This has been great news for some rural Northland areas. However, it is having an impact on area child care centers. As a result of the 2017 Legislative Session, Minnesota lawmakers are providing $50 million in new, one-time funding to 59 school…

Duluth School Board Releases Numbers

Outperformed National Average On ACT Test

DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth School Board released its annual education report for the district. Parents, Teachers and Students were all on hand Thursday night. Among the report reading and math proficiency increased district wide by 8.2% compared to the 2012 / 2013 school year. The district out performed state and national averages for their scores on the ACT test….

Skis, Suds and Slices for a Good Cause

The Chester Bowl Improvement Club is Hosting their 10th Annual Skis, Suds and Slices Scholarship Fundraiser

DULUTH, Minn. – The Chester Bowl Improvement Club in Duluth is inviting all Northlanders to the annual Skis, Suds and Slices event Friday evening. This is the 10th annual fundraiser with all proceeds going toward the Chester Bowl Scholarship Fund. Last winter the fund provided more than $18,000 dollars to get children strapped into skis and snowboards at Chester Bowl….

Nearly 200 Craft Vendors to fill DECC this Weekend

Junior League of Duluth Holds Festival of Trees

DULUTH, Minn. – This weekend, the Junior League of Duluth is hoping Northlanders get in the holiday spirit because they’re hosting the region’s largest arts and crafts show. The Festival of Trees is being held on Saturday, November 11, from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and Sunday, November 12, from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the DECC. At Festival…

Cooking Connection: Tortellini Aglio e Olio

Cooking with JJ Astor

DULUTH, Minn. – With one of the best views of the Twin Ports, JJ Astor is working to also produce the tastiest food. Newly hired Food and Beverage Director, Bob Boyd, was back in the kitchen with FOX 21. For this week’s Cooking Connection, Boyd showed FOX 21’s William Seay how to create Tortellini Aglio e Olio. TORTELLINI AGLIO E…

Gov. Dayton Calls for Minnesota Senator to Resign

Sen. Dan Schoen ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) – Minnesota Gov. Mark Dayton says a state senator accused of sexual harassment should resign. State Sen. Dan Schoen is accused of behavior ranging from unwanted attention to women to physically grabbing a woman from behind. The online news outlet MinnPost first reported the allegations late Wednesday. Dayton says the reports are “totally…

Duluth Train Depot Celebrates 125 Years

Free Tours Were Given At The Event

DULUTH, Minn- The Duluth Train Depot celebrated another milestone Wednesday. Many came out to the celebration marking 125 years in existence. The Depot along with the St. Louis county heritage and arts center wanted to celebrate the arts culture and history that made their way to the region starting in 1892 via the Duluth Union Depot. “The immigrants that came…

Healthy Duluth Ideas Fest

Zeitgeist Hosts 3rd Annual Event

DULUTH, Minn- 4 local organizations competed Wednesday night for their share of a $10,000 prize. The night marks the 3rd annual Healthy Duluth Ideas Fest. Hosted by Zeitgeist, the Fest celebrates work organizations have already put in to making the community healthier while also trying to find new ways to meet the needs of the city. After 23 submissions only…

Mobile Wellness Clinic Offers At-Home Pet Care

For the Past Five Years, Dr. Michael Hargrove and His Team Have Looked to Provide Care to Animals at Home

DULUTH, Minn. – The North Shore Veterinary Hospital in Duluth is looking to bring wellness on wheels to your doorstep this winter. For the past five years, Dr. Michael Hargrove and his team of talented veterinarians have worked to offer at-home wellness to clients. Hargrove and his team often travel in the Duluth, Proctor and Hermantown areas to provide routine…

Missing Bemidji Girl Located, Illinois Man Arrested

BEMIDJI, Minn. – A 21-year-old male from Oswego, Illinois is currently being held on criminal charges of Third Degree Criminal Sexual Conduct and Deprivation of Custodial or Parental Rights, according to the Beltrami County Sheriff’s Office. The investigation, according to police, began with a parent contacting the department around 9 a.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 7 to report their 13-year-old daughter…

MISSING: Candace Lundstrom, of Nashwauk

LAST SEEN MONDAY, NOV. 6

Photo Courtesy BCA NASHWAUK, Minn. – The Itasca County Sheriff’s office is seeking the public’s assistance in locating 28-year-old Candace Lundstrom, of Nashwauk. Candace was last seen at a residence north of Nashwauk on Monday, Nov. 6 and has not been heard from or seen since. It is believed she left on foot and was not properly dressed for weather…

Local Leaders to Share Insight at Annual Summit

Thursday: 3rd Annual Professional Development Summit

DULUTH, Minn. – On Thursday, November 9, local leaders are stepping up to share their secrets to success. They’ll be giving tips on becoming an expert at your trade. It’s all for the 3rd Annual Professional Development Summit being held at Greysolon Ballroom. The conference begins at 7:30 a.m. with registration, breakfast and networking and then is followed by several…

Duluth Depot Celebrates 125 Years

Free Tours to Celebrate Depot Milestone

DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth Depot has been standing in Duluth for 125 years. Wednesday evening, Depot officials are hoping residents help them celebrate that milestone. Now known as the St. Louis County Heritage & Arts Center, the center is home to eight non-profits. As part of the celebration, The Minnesota Ballet and Duluth Playhouse will be performing and the…

Minnesota Liquor Stores See Drop in Profits, Record Sales

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) – A new analysis shows municipally operated liquor stores in Minnesota saw a drop in profits in 2016 despite record sales. The state Auditor’s Office reports that the 228 stores had more than $344 million in sales last year, a more than 2 percent increase from 2015. The Star Tribune reports that the combined net profit statewide dropped…

“Lettuce Meet Up” with the Duluth Community Garden Program

The community garden group holds a meet up every month

DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth Community Garden Program held their first monthly get–together at Bent Paddle on Tuesday. It’s called “Lettuce Meet Up!” It’s a way for community gardeners to get to know each other, and discuss tips and tricks. “You can meet people from different gardens, some all the way in west side, some all the way in Chester…

Mental health conference held in Duluth

The conference brought mental health professionals from all over the region together

DULUTH, Minn. – Mental health professionals from around the region met up in Duluth on Monday and Tuesday. It was the third annual Comprehensive Mental Health Conference. Organizers say it’s a way for health professionals to learn more about their practice, network, and encourage young professionals to seek careers in the mental health field. “This work can be tremendously fulfilling,…

General Election Results, Nov. 7, 2017

Duluth Election Results for November 7, 2017 (100% reporting): CITY COUNCIL: 2ND DISTRICT:  Joel Sipress – 67% (1,934) Ryan Sistad – 32% (944) 4TH DISTRICT:  Howie Hanson – 47% (1,259) Renee K Van Nett – 51% (1,375) AT LARGE: Zack Filipovich – 31.5% (8,749) Janet Kennedy – 21.8% (6,053) Barbara Russ – 23.6% (6,568) Rich Updegrove – 21.2% (5,899) SCHOOL…

Local Voters Head To The Polls On Election Day

The Future of the Duluth City Council and School Board Will Be Decided

DULUTH, Minn. – It’s the first Tuesday of November and it’s also Election Day. Polling stations in Duluth were open until 8 p.m. for voters to cast ballots. We stopped by one Duluth church where 103 people had already voted by the early afternoon. Election judges here tells us they’ve mostly seen mothers, the elderly and young voters. They also…

St. Louis County Declares State Of Local Disaster

County May Potentially Receive Millions For Repairs

DULUTH, Minn – The St. Louis County Board unanimously approved a State of Disaster Declaration, Tuesday, Nov. 7. With Board approval of the declaration, the county will be able to request potential state and federal aid disaster relief dollars, which will help fix soil erosion and damaged roadways caused by the Oct. 27 storm. “This unique damage to see the…

Over 70,000 Deer Registered During First Weekend of Season

MINNESOTA – Firearms hunters in Minnesota registered a total of 70,724 deer during the first two days of deer season, according to the Department of Natural Resources. Preliminary numbers from this year show that numbers were comparable to those in 2016. Of the deer harvested, 57 percent were bucks, compared to 67 percent during the first weekend in 2016. In…

Duluth MakerSpace and Robotics Teams to Fill Barnes and Noble

Saturday: 3rd Annual Mini Maker Faire

DULUTH, Minn. – This weekend, local inventors will be taking over Barnes and Noble in Duluth for the 3rd Annual Mini Maker Faire. Duluth MakerSpace, Marshall Topper Bots, Hermantown Lego League Teams, UMD Rocketry Club, UMD Bulldog Racing Club, UMD R&D Diesel Club Esko Subzero Robotics team will all be at the event. Several stations will be set up throughout…

Search Continues for Two Missing Fishermen in Northern Minnesota

Rescue Mission Resumed Tuesday Morning

RED LAKE, Minn.-The search is resuming for two missing fishermen in northern Minnesota. The Red Lake Department of Public Safety got a report of a boat that had capsized on the eastern side of Lower Red Lake Monday afternoon. One of three fishermen in the boat swam to shore and was taken to Red Lake Indian Health Service hospital to…

P.T.S.D. discussion held at Duluth Public Library

Health officials say it's important to talk about mental health

DULUTH, Minn. – With Veteran’s Day coming up this week, some groups are having discussions surrounding mental health. A presentation was held a the Duluth Public Library discussing Post-traumatic Stress Disorder in veteran’s. Organizers say it is important for people to talk about mental health, and understand that help is out there. “Mental illness is still a stigma, unfortunately, so…

Hunters Reporting Successful Weekend for Deer Opener

DULUTH, Minn. – Firearm deer hunting season started Saturday in Minnesota and many hunters are reporting a productive weekend. They say the recent snow helped a lot with tracking. Chalstrom’s Archery in Duluth has already registered hundreds of people this year. Workers have also seen an increase in people doing deer registrations online and even on their phones. Hunters say…

Feds Seek to Revoke US Citizenship of 4 Minnesota Somalis

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) – The Justice Department has moved to revoke the U.S. citizenship of four Minnesotans from Somalia accused of lying on their visa applications. Fifty-one-year-old Fosia Abdi Adan of Eden Prairie entered the U.S. under the diversity lottery visa program in 2001. Civil complaints filed in federal court Monday allege she then used her visa to get visas for…

Target Adjusting Thanksgiving Hours

MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. – Minnesota-based Target, has announced Black Friday specials, as well as new hours for Thanksgiving Day. In a press release Monday, Target announced that stores will open at 6 p.m. on Thanksgiving day, Nov. 23. Typically, the retailer is open through the night into Black Friday, but this year, stores will close at midnight. Stores will reopen Friday…

Minnesota-Made Gift Options for the Holiday Season

EDINA, Minn. – We’re entering the gift buying season and this year you can find those perfect presents in Minnesota. Shelly Loberg with Explore Edina stopped by FOX 21 to discuss some of the gifts made in the state. That includes products from Loll Designs which has expanded to the Twin Cities area. Loll Designs makes durable, outdoor furniture that…

How Technology Can Help You Have a Good Night’s Sleep

DULUTH, Minn. – As we experienced the “Fall Back” of Daylight Savings Time on Sunday, the Northland is going to be seeing less daylight. This can affect mood and sleep cycle. Verizon Wireless Solutions Specialist Rachel Agurkis visited FOX 21 to describe technology that can help with the sleep cycle. The Fitbit Charge 2 can help monitor how much light,…

Researchers Find Way To Keep Sea Lampreys In Check

DULUTH, Minn. (AP) – Scientists have found a way to keep sea lampreys largely in check in the Great Lakes, which has allowed the lake trout population to rebound. Minnesota Public Radio reports that the sea lamprey is an invasive species that has needle-sharp teeth that can bore a hole through fish scales. Lampreys then suck out blood and fluids….

Talent Shines At 7th Annual Willie Kruger Dance Competition

Competition provides an event for dancers of all backgrounds.

DULUTH, Minn.- The 7th annual Willie Kruger Dance Competition took place Sunday, honoring Kruger who was known as a local break dancing pioneer. The competition brings together dancers from diverse backgrounds. Some performances were choreographed in the studio and others mastered their skills out on the streets, which is where Willie Kruger’s love for dancing originated. “There’s no competitions around…

Meat Shops Get Busy With MN Deer Opener

DULUTH, Minn.- Many Northlanders are returning home after a successful opening weekend of deer firearm season, which means a busy time for meat shops. For Old World Meats, by the end of the hunting season the shop will process nearly 150 deer. Although some Northlanders handle their deer from the hunt to the table, shops like Old World Meats offer…

Northlanders Attend the Gales of November Convention

The Gales of November convention is the largest fundraiser for the Maritime Museum.

DULUTH, Minn.-The 30th Gales of November convention took place this weekend at the DECC. The event is the largest fundraiser for the Lake Superior Maritime Museum Association. The association said it’s all thanks to community members. “Everywhere I look there’s somebody lending a hand, offering to donate something, to give back in some way,” executive director Tammy Sundbom Otterson said….

Congdon Students Enjoy Science Night

UMD Science Department Puts On Science Fair

DULUTH, Minn- Congdon Elementary School was full of students being inspired by science Friday evening. 45 students from UMD’s biology, chemistry, engineering and physics departments presented science related demonstrations and activities for the students and their families. One student says being a college student at UMD means you are a part of the Duluth community and it’s fun to get…

City of Duluth Moves Forward with Seawall Replacement Project

The project could begin as soon as spring of 2018

DULUTH, Minn. – The City of Duluth is making moves to replace the failing sea walls surrounding the Minnesota Slip. Funding is in place for the $6 million project. According to city officials, right now the sea walls are deteriorating, and would cause problems with the surrounding structures. Construction of the project could begin as soon as spring 2018. “We’ve been worrying…

Fire Officials Remind to Check Smoke Detector Batteries This Weekend

According to fire officials, a majority of house fire related deaths are in houses with faulty smoke detectors

SUPERIOR, Wisc. –  Sunday is the day to set the clocks back for daylight saving time, which means it’s also an important time to check something else around the house. Fire officials say it’s time to change the batteries on those smoke detectors and carbon monoxide alarms. Experts say having a functioning smoke detector is a matter of life or…

Critically Endangered Tamarin Welcomed to Local Zoo

The Lake Superior Zoo welcomes a critically endangered species to the family.

  DULUTH, Minn.- The Lake  Superior Zoo welcomed a baby Cotton-top Tamarin on Thursday. Zoo officials say this is a very exciting addition to the family. Tamarins are a critically endangered species, with an estimated population in South Africa of 6,000. The baby was born following recommendations from the Species Survival Plan, a program which guides breeding of critically endangered…

Hermantown is not Receiving LGA in Upcoming Budget

Local government aid cut in Hermantown due to a glitch.

HERMANTOWN, Minn.- Hermantown is receiving no local government aid for the 2018 budget. This is the fourth year the city has received a cut in LGA. Back in 2016 an unintentional error caused the city to receive less LGA than the state determined. The glitch was corrected, but it was too late to fix the city from getting funding in…

Preparing for Firearm Deer Hunting Season Opener

Hunting shops are busy with Northlanders preparing for deer hunting.

HERMANTOWN, Minn.- Many Northlanders making final preparations before Minnesota firearm deer hunting opener takes place bright and early Saturday morning. Many hunters have already spotted bucks on their trail cams. With all the excitement, hunters need to remember the essentials.  Many popular items bought from Fisherman’s Corner in preparation for the season are; scope protectors, hand warmers, and water proofing…

Key Piece of Evidence Found in Hunter’s Murder

Body of Victim was Found a Year Ago in Morrison County

LITTLE FALLS, Minn.-Sheriff’s investigators say they’ve recovered a key piece of evidence that could help lead them to the person or people responsible for the fatal shooting of a hunter near Little Falls. Sheriff’s investigators say they’ve recovered a key piece of evidence that could help lead them to the person or people responsible for the fatal shooting of a…