Minnesota

4th Annual Agate Festival Returns to Support Duluth MakerSpace

DULUTH, Minn. — Ursa Minor Brewing was the place to find agates this weekend for the 4th Annual Gitchee Gumee Agate Festival. Duluth MakerSpace and Ursa Minor partnered, to host this year’s festival. People enjoyed food, beer, raffle drawings, and live music; all while shopping fort agate-based artwork created by vendors. All the artworks were made from agates found around the Lake…

Polish Student Makes Education Impact to Hibbing Community; Practicing Business Skills

HIBBING, Minn. — Poland may be over 4,000 miles away from Hibbing, but for one young man wanting to learn about business from Katowice, the similarities to home made it an easy journey. Maciek Marchaj is in Hibbing, Minn., for the summer but he grew up in near Krakow, the second largest city in Poland. His hometown of Katowice is…

City on the Hill Christian Music Festival Continues Saturday

DULUTH, Minn. — City on the Hill music festival returned for its 9th year at Bayfront Festival Park.  The two-day Christian music festival is expected to see 10,000 spectators to attend over the weekend. This year spectators can watch local, national, and international Christian music artists like Derek Charles Johnson, Brennley Brown, Logan and Katie, Matt Maher, Ignescent, Matthew West and…

Fish Found Mysteriously Dead in Tischer Creek

DULUTH, Minn. — Under mysterious conditions, residents along Duluth’s Hunters Park neighborhood woke up Thursday morning to dozens and dozens of dead fish along Tischer Creek. According to the Duluth News Tribune, about 250 brook trout, minnows, crayfish, and aquatic bugs were dead. The DNR and Minnesota’s Pollution Control Agency crews have taken samples of the aquatic creatures and water…

Northland K-9s Show Off At 10th Annual Operation K-9

SUPERIOR, Wis.–K-9 units from five law enforcement agencies were on full display in Superior Thursday for the 10th annual Operation K-9. Officers and their partners in crime demonstrated tasks for a big audience on the field next to Wessman Arena. Dozens of families, first responders, and supporters of the police packed the stands for a free series of demonstrations. Fox…

Duluth Fire, Police Duke It Out For Northern Lights Foundation

DULUTH, Minn. – Duluth Fire and Police Departments went head-to-head on the diamond Thursday night, all for a good cause. For the last 15 years, the two agencies have played a charity ball game at Wade Stadium to raise money for local families who have children with life-threatening illnesses through the Northern Lights Foundation.  The Northern Lights Foundation provides families,…

The St. Louis County Fair Returns to Chisholm for the 139th Year

CHISHOLM, Minn. — A long-standing summer tradition has returned to northern Minnesota. The St. Louis County Fair has been running since 1885. It takes place for five days each summer in Chisholm. From horse shows and amusement rides, there’s plenty to do and explore. And don’t forget to grab some classic fair treats, from mini donuts, lemonade and kettle corn….

Essentia Health St. Mary’s Medical Center One Year Later

DULUTH, Minn. — Just one year ago on Wednesday, Essentia Health opened doors to its $900,000,000 St. Mary’s Medical Center, emptying patients out of their St. Mary’s Legacy Hospital. In its first year of operations, the Essentia Health St. Mary’s Medical Center has delivered 1,600 babies, performed 14,000 surgeries, and admitted 17,000 patients. The hospital provides state of the art…

Falastin to reopen after Temporary Closing due to Anti-Palestinian Graffiti

DULUTH, Minn. — A local Palestinian market and deli will reopen this weekend after threatening graffiti last week lead to a temporary closure. The “derogatory anti-Palestinian” message occurred at Falastin on the 4700 block of E Superior Street sometime between Thursday or Friday of last week. The owners, writing in a Facebook post, “Thanks to the overwhelming support of our…

Coffee Conversation: Zenith City Press Unveils New Book Detailing Twin Ports Trains History

TWIN PORTS. — To commemorate the 145th anniversary of the inaugural train arrival in the Twin Ports, Zenith City Press will unveil “Twin Ports Trains: The Historic Railroads of Duluth & Superior” on August 1 at the Lake Superior Railroad Museum. The book, written by Historian Tony Dierckins and Duluth/Superior Railroad Expert Jeff Lemke, covers railroad history in the region…

Well-Known Wisconsin Cheese Company Comes to Duluth

DULUTH, Minn. — One of Wisconsin’s oldest cheese companies just made their first step into Minnesota. Thursday, August 1, Burnett Dairy Cooperative will be opening Burnett Dairy Duluth Cheese Store at the base of Spirit Mountain next to the Ski Hut Adventure Center. The farmer-owned company will be selling their iconic cheese selection, while also partnering with local businesses like…

Canadian Snowbirds Launch Free ‘Air Spectacular’ Over Duluth

DULUTH, Minn. — The Canadian Snowbirds swooped into Duluth Wednesday evening for a free show over Lake Superior — the Duluth Air Spectacular. People were able to watch the show from the Lakewalk, the Rose Garden, at Fitger’s, and in Canal Park. Nine aircraft from the Canadian Snowbirds showed off some impressive displays.  The city of Duluth was selected as…

Wis. Farming Family’s Dog Killed By Wolves; Congressmen Tiffany, Stauber Talk Wolf Hunt

MASON, Wis. – Living up north means living with some of America’s most beautiful creatures, like gray wolves, which are on the endangered species list. But for a farming family in Mason, Wis., they say the growing wolf population has become a serious problem for their livestock and even their beloved pets, as FOX 21’s Dan Hanger reports. Growing up…

Temporary Plan Unveiled To Battle Overheating At DECC Arena

DULUTH, Minn. — After two recent weekends of unbearable heat inside the DECC Arena, Exec. Dir. Dan Hartman says he’s made the “tough decision” to rent a temporary AC unit until $2.8 million in state bonding money can be used to install a modern-day AC system for that side of the DECC. Hartman said the project could take up to…

Knowing Your Neighbor: Bellisio’s Italian Restaurant

DULUTH, Minn. — A quarter-century staple of Canal Park Bellisio’s Italian Restaurant is known for its fine dining atmosphere and superb wine. Since its opening in 1998, the restaurant has separated itself as a more higher-class dining experience. The restaurant brings in a welcoming northern Italian feel, that’s reminiscent of Duluth’s very own hillside. “Our owner at the time, 25…

Duluth City Council Passes Amended Public Camping Ordinance

DULUTH, Minn. — After 7 hours of deliberation at Monday night’s City Council meeting, a verdict was reached. Councilors passed a measure extending the ban on outdoor camping to include all city properties. They did however amend this ordinance reducing the penalty from a misdemeanor to a fine. “The garbage, the drug use, the drinking are an insult to all…

Coffee Conversation: 15th Annual Battle of the Badges Charity Softball Game

DULUTH, Minn. — On Thursday, August 1, Duluth Police and Fire Departments will go head-to-head in the 15th annual Battle of the Badges Charity Softball Game. All proceeds will benefit the Northern Lights Foundation. Christy Strohm with the Northern Lights Foundation and Heath Wiersma with the Duluth Fire Department joined Fox 21 on the morning newscast Tuesday to talk more…

Duluth Encampment Told To Vacate After Explosion, Overdose, Defecating In Fountain

DULUTH, Minn. — A three-month-old encampment outside Duluth City Hall was declared a serious health and safety risk Tuesday morning. The city’s Life Safety Team informed those camping on the property to vacate within seven days. The camping tents first popped up in May as a pro-Palestine demonstration and have since grown to include people who are homeless. The city…

Art Fair Features Women-Made Crafts

DULUTH, Minn. — Local artists gathered at the Peace United Church of Christ for the 15th annual Woman-Made art and gift fair organized by Wendy Up North. Over 20 local women artists had booths at the fair. Customers had an opportunity to purchase items like Stained glass art, jewelry, pottery, baked goods, and more. Customers could also connect with the…

One Dead, One Injured After ATV Rollover in Balkan Township

BALKAN TOWNSHIP, Minn. – An ATV accident killed one and injured another on a trail in Balkan Township in St. Louis County Saturday afternoon. The St. Louis County Sheriff’s Office says they responded to the scene between Chisholm and Buhl around 3:40 p.m.  When they arrived the side-by-side ATV was upright, but appeared to have rolled over based on the…

Grussendorf Celebrates Customer Application Day Saturday with Community Event

HERMANTOWN, Minn. — Grussendorf nursery is hosting their annual customer appreciation day Saturday. Guests there can look forward to live bluegrass music, a free picnic, and discounted items from their store. “Come early and stay late. You know, just spend spend the whole entire day here it’s going to be warm,” said Owner Eric Grussendorf. “We’re going to have refreshments…

Barack and Michelle Obama endorse Kamala Harris, giving her expected but crucial support

ATLANTA (AP) — Former President Barack Obama and former first lady Michelle Obama have endorsed Kamala Harris in her White House bid, giving the vice president the expected but still crucial backing of the nation’s two most popular Democrats. The endorsement, announced Friday in a video showing Harris accepting a joint phone call from the former first couple, comes as Harris builds momentum as…

8-Year-Old Boy Struck by a Truck in Ely

ELY, Minn. — An 8-year-old boy was struck by a truck while crossing the street in Ely. His injuries are non-life-threatening. The Minnesota State Patrol reported that the boy was in the crosswalk at the intersection of Highway 169 and N Central Avenue at approximately 8:30 a.m. on Thursday when he was hit by a pickup truck driven by a…

Two Separate Fires Thursday in the City of Superior

SUPERIOR, WI. — On July 25th, the Superior Fire Department responded to two separate fires in the City of Superior. At 11:26 pm, crews were dispatched to a large commercial building at 5401 Oakes Ave, according to a press release. Upon arrival, they found heavy fire that quickly caused the roof to collapse, making an interior attack impossible. Firefighters fought the…

Bellisio’s Recognized for Superb Wine Selection for Last 25 Years

DULUTH, Minn. — Since opening 25-years ago, Bellisio’s Italian Restaurant has been selected “Best of Award of Excellence” for their superb dining experience by Wine Spectator. Every year Wine Spectator carefully selects the best of the best when it comes to a fine wine and dining experience. This year, 25 restaurants in Minnesota were up for the prestigious title and…

Biden Delivers Solemn Call To Defend Democracy As He Lays Out Reasons For Quitting Race

Courtesy: AP WASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden on Wednesday delivered a solemn call to voters to defend the country’s democracy as he laid out in an Oval Office address his decision to drop his bid for reelection and throw his support behind Vice President Kamala Harris. Insisting that “the defense of democracy is more important than any title,” Biden…

Ovarian Cancer Survivors Go On a Shopping Spree at Maurices

DULUTH, Minn. — The Minnesota Ovarian Cancer Alliance partnered with Duluth-based Maurices to bring ovarian cancer survivors on a shopping spree. Maurices brought local ovarian cancer survivors on a special shopping trip at its downtown headquarters, giving the women and their families a chance to forget the mental and physical stressors of the disease. The event allowed survivors to grab…

FinnFest Kicks Off Festivities With Floorball

DULUTH, Minn.– FinnFest began by introducing an exciting sport to their lineup of activities. Duluth is gearing up for a weekend filled with making connections, learning and teaching about the Nordic culture, and lots of Floorball. For the first time, the popular Finnish sport is being highlighted for this year’s FinnFest. Floorball is similar to hockey, and it features five…

Coffee Conversation: Hoyt Lakes Water Carnival Returns July 25-28

HOYT LAKES. Minn. — The 69th annual Hoyt Lakes Water Carnival will take place Thursday, July 25, through Sunday, July 28. Organizers Nikki Swanson and Cherie Grams, Queen Allie Lamppa, and Splash the new mascot joined Fox 21 on the morning newscast Wednesday ahead of the event. The 4-day festival will include softball, volleyball and bean bag tournaments, 5K race,…

Int’l Falls: Widespread Vandalism at Forest Hill Cemetery

INTERNATIONAL FALLS, Minn. — Vandalism at Forest Hill Cemetery has left widespread damage to several gravesites across the burial ground. Over 30 headstones were tipped over and multiple statues and other items damaged or destroyed. The vandalism happened sometime between Sunday, July 14th, and Tuesday, July 16th. Authorities are investigating and working to identify the person or people responsible. A…

Remembering Duluth’s Portia Johnson; Civil Rights Advocate, Educator, Mother

DULUTH, Minn. — Longtime Duluth activist Portia Johnson died over the weekend at the age of 88. Tuesday afternoon, family members, friends, and community members gathered for a special ribbon cutting extending Portia Johnson Drive down the hill from the Duluth Public School District’s administrative offices. “She listened to the people of Duluth, their feedback and gave voice to their…

DECC Arena Struggles To Stay Cool During Recent Harbor Monsters Games

DECC calls recent arena heat level "simply unacceptable"

DULUTH, Minn. — It’s been a hot, steamy and humid summer the past few weekends, which has been nice for beachgoers, but not so nice for the Harbor Monsters and their fans after the air in the DECC arena rose to uncomfortable levels. The DECC told FOX 21 on Tuesday that the level of heat during the past two weekend…

Duluth Park & Recreational Staff Recognized for Engaging Youth Bike Program

DULUTH, Minn. — A Duluth youth bike program was recently recognized for their efforts of getting kids outdoors and enjoying the local parks and trails system. Duluth Parks and Recreation was awarded the Award of Excellence by the Minnesota Recreation and Parks Association. The parks and recreation staff started a youth and community bike program last year and have already…

What You Need to Know About Minnesota’s New Child Passenger Safety Laws

DULUTH, Minn. — Starting August 1, there’s new ways for children to be safe while riding in vehicles. The new “5 Step Test” aims for child safety. Children must (1) sit flat against the back of the seat (2) without falling asleep consistently, (3) keeping knees at a 90-degree angle (4) with the seat belt resting across the hips and…

Coffee Conversation: Duluth Community Service Centers Speak On Proposed Ordinance Plan

DULUTH, Minn. — Community service centers weigh-in on the recently proposed ordinance amendments to curb non-violent crimes in the City of Duluth. Damiano Center Executive Director Seth Currier and Union Gospel Mission Executive Director Katie Hagglund joined Fox 21 on the morning newscast Monday to talk more about the proposed ordinances. Duluth Mayor Roger Reinert and the Chiefs of Police…

Pedestrian Dead, Another Injured After Being Struck By Vehicle Near Coleraine

COLERAINE, Minn. – One person is dead and another is critically injured after being struck by a vehicle early Monday morning. The incident happened around 1:15 a.m. on Highway 169 near Coleraine in Itasca County. According to the report, a Chevy Monte Carlo was heading southbound when it struck two pedestrians walking in the southbound lane. Dakota Kimberly Jones, 14,…

Police: Victim Of Duluth Stabbing ‘Uncooperative’

DULUTH, Minn. — Duluth police are investigating a stabbing that they say involves an uncooperative victim. The stabbing happened Friday night in the area of the 100 block of East 4th Street. Officers made contact with the victim who received minor injuries. The victim refused medical attention and refused to cooperative with investigators, according to a news release. Police believe…

President Joe Biden Drops Out Of 2024 Race

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden dropped out of the 2024 race for the White House on Sunday, ending his bid for reelection following a disastrous debate with Donald Trump that raised doubts about his fitness for office just four months before the election. The decision comes after escalating pressure from Biden’s Democratic allies to step aside following the June 27 debate, in which…

Update: Coast Guard Clears ‘Vista Star’ For Operation After Striking Breakwater

Five-foot waves were reported during the incident, according to the St. Louis County Sheriff's Office.

6:15 p.m. update:  After the Vista Star struck a breakwater wall in the Wisconsin Entry to the Duluth-Superior harbor late Saturday evening, the Coast Guard inspected the hull of the boat Sunday evening and gave the all clear for operations to resume, according to Vista Fleet Owner Justin Steinbach.  He added the Vista Star cruises will start back up as…

MN Power Now Estimates 5.5M Gallons of Ash Wastewater Leaked at Boswell Energy Center

COHASSET, Minn. — Minnesota Power now estimates 5.5 million gallons of ash wastewater leaked at the Boswell Energy Center. That’s over five times the initial estimate of 1 million gallons discovered on July 16. The update released on Friday, July 19, confirmed the jump in numbers. The company says, the leak could have an unknown but potentially significant portion of…

10th Annual Bike Duluth Festival Brings Together Cycling Community

The 10th Annual Bike Duluth Festival is this weekend and the fun kicked off at Spirit Mountain Friday evening. The event brings together bikers from around the country, with all different specialties and skill levels. Organizers say this year, 700 riders are signed up over 12 races. Things kicked off on with the Chainless Downhill Race. Like the name implies,…