Minnesota

Spirit Lake Reopens as Part of St. Louis River Site Contaminant Free

After years of restoration, the U.S. Environment Protection Agency announced another larger portion of the St. Louis River Site to be cleared around Spirit Lake from pollution where former US Steel plants once stood in West Duluth.

DULUTH, Minn. — For decades now, the over 500-acre site commonly referred to as the St. Louis River Site contained pollutants from the former US Steel facilities. Today, the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency and members of US Steel confirmed the portion surrounding Spirit Lake is now contaminant free. Over the last three years, crews have worked on removing polycyclic aromatic…

Longtime Meteorologist Karl Spring Rejoins FOX 21 Weather Team

DULUTH, Minn. — Longtime meteorologist Karl Spring is re-joining the FOX 21’s weather team later this month. He’ll be filling in as needed for all newscasts. Karl Spring Karl is a native Minnesotan and a life-long Twins and Vikings fan. Besides his time forecasting for years in the Twin Ports, including at FOX 21 in 2008-2009, he has also worked…

Duluth Mayor Proposes ‘Public Safety Ordinances’ For Non-Violent Crimes

DULUTH Minn.– Improving public safety is one of Duluth Mayor Roger Reinert’s top priorities. On Monday afternoon, he and his chiefs of police and fire announced a proposal to help cut down on non-violent crimes. The plan includes 10 city ordinances that will amend sections of the city code. This includes introducing misdemeanor-level offenses for problems such as burning, graffiti,…

Hibbing Man Arrested in Connection of Trafficking Drugs in Iron Range

HIBBING, Minn. – A Hibbing man has been arrested in connection to trafficking drugs on the Iron Range. According to the St. Louis County Sheriff’s Office, the Lake Superior Violent Offender Task Force (LSVOTF) investigated Phillip Davis, 53, of Hibbing, after receiving information that he was having individuals deliver methamphetamine and fentanyl. Authorities found out this information through electronic monitoring. …

AMSOIL Acquires a New Grease Manufacturing Company

SUPERIOR, Minn. — AMSOIL has acquired Aerospace Lubricants, an Ohio based company that specializes in designing and manufacturing specialized grease. Aerospace Lubricants will operate as an independent of AMSOIL and will not be rebranded. The CEO of AMSOIL said the new acquirement will allow AMSOIL to access a new market, as Aerospace Lubricants produces grease for industrial and commercial purposes….

Road Work Ahead for Hwy 37 & County Road 5 Safety Improve

HIBBING, Minn. – Expect detours from Hwy 37, just east of Hibbing, as construction crews work on improving both intersections with County Road 5. The intersection improvement project is expected to start July 15. Between the two intersections, crews will work on pavement resurfacing as well as setting up new lighting. Hwy 37 will remain open. However, County Road 5…

Culture Summer Camp to Engage Children in Ojibwe Cultures

CLOQUET, Minn. – A summer camp in Cloquet looks to introduce and connect younger children to indigenous cultures. At Fond du Lac Tribal and Community College, the two-day summer camp will teach children math, science, and art – all while exposing the youth to the Ojibwe language and culture. Children there will also learn traditional Ojibwe games and songs.  “Bringing…

Coffee Conversation: Brantley Gilbert, Rafe Carlson & Elvie Shane at Bayfront Festival Park

DULUTH, Minn. — Country Artist Brantley Gilbert will perform at Bayfront Festival Park on Thursday, July 18, as part of his Off the Rails Tour. Local Musician Rafe Carlson is one of the opening acts. He joined Fox 21 on the morning newscast to talk more about the concert and his upcoming summer performances. He also played some tunes live…

Culvert Replacement Closes Part of St. Andrews Street

DULUTH, Minn. — Construction began today on the replacement of the St. Andrews Bridge in the Hunters Park Neighborhood. Through September, St. Andrews Street will be closed to traffic between Columbus and Harvard Avenue. Driveway access to adjacent homes will be maintained. The projects will replace the current triple barrel culvert crossing with a concrete single barrel culvert. The project…

Former Minnesota State Representative Arrested With Criminal Sexual Conduct

Jason Metsa was booked into St. Louis County Jail Saturday morning

DULUTH, Minn. — Former Minnesota State Representative Jason Metsa has been arrested with criminal sexual conduct in the third degree, involving force or coercion, according to the St. Louis County Jail roster. Metsa was booked in at 11:48 a.m. on Saturday, July 6 for probable cause. No bail has been set. He represented District 6B — north of Duluth —…

The DECC’s First-Ever Taco Festival Sees A Great Turnout

DULUTH, Minn. — It was a taco extravaganza on Saturday, as hundreds of people lined up for The DECC’s first-ever Duluth Taco Festival. The DECC’s kitchen crafted up 20 different varieties of tacos. From savory variation’s such as Greek and Southwest, to even breakfast and dessert tacos. The Taco Fest saw a great turnout, general admission tickets included six tacos…

Kids Experience Summer Camp at the Duluth Depot

DULUTH, Minn. — A Minnesotan summer camp visited the Duluth Depot on Saturday, familiarizing kids with camp activities. Camp Esquagama is a summer camp in Gilbert, Minnesota that believes kids should have time to be kids. At “Camp E Day” at the Depot, young ones got a classic camp experience as counselors from around the world led various activities. Including…

I-35 Fencing Deter Homeless Encampments from Growing

DULUTH, Minn. — Over the past few years, homeless encampments between Railroad St. and I-35 have appeared causing numerous clean up projects in the tourists center of Duluth. Just last year MNDOT started the initiative to put up fencing along the interstate to prevent people from seeking shelter underneath.  In the past, homeless activity has caused scares for the overpass,…

A New Mexican Restaurant Opens in Downtown Duluth

DULUTH, Minn. — A new Mexican restaurant has already seen success in the two weeks that they’ve been open.  Located in the historic Duluth Herald Building, Emiliano’s Mexican Restaurant has reported busy afternoons since their opening in June. Emiliano’s got their name from the Mexican revolutionary Emiliano Zapata, who was known for leading an army to fight for land reform…

Cloquet Celebrates Independence Day

CLOQUET, Minn. — While Fourth of July Festivities were happening around the Northland, Cloquet had its own festivities celebrating Independence Day. The fun kicked off with a parade and races in the morning and it kept on throughout the day as a July 4th Festival was held at Veterans Park. The festival had helicopters rides, trampolines, slides and food trucks….

Fourth Fest is Popping at Bayfront Park

The 4th of July festivities continued, with local vendors and views of Lake Superior

DULUTH, Minn. — It was another day of music, food, and fun at Bayfront Festival Pak with Fourth Fest kicking off Thursday evening. Crowds gathered as soon as the gates opened, wandering around the vendors and scouting the best spots for their lawn chairs. Dozens of food trucks offered everything from corn to crepes. One of the popular items was…

It’s a Sweet 4th of July at Burlington Station

The North Shore candy store is treating the Two Harbors community to some Independence Day fun

TWO HARBORS, Minn. — Up the shore in Two Harbors, you don’t have to wait for the firework show for the festivities to begin! Joining the Annual Children’s Festival and Dinghy Parade. Burlington Station was getting in on the fun for the first time. The Sweetest Store on the North Shore had a 4th of July Bonanza, with activities and…

19-Year-Old Pedestrian Killed Near Nashwauk

LONE PINE TOWNSHIP, Minn. — A pedestrian was killed after being struck walking in the traffic lane near Nashwauk. According to the report, a 2005 GMC Yukon was heading southbound on US Hwy 169 when it struck a pedestrian walking in the traffic lane. The incident happen right after 11 p.m., Wednesday night. The 19-year-old pedestrian was pronounced dead on…

Federal Help For Flooded Counties and Cities

DULUTH, Minn — Minnesota’s recent destructive flash flooding had Senator Amy Klobuchar touring hard-hit Cook and Biwabik.on Wednesday. But before that, Klobuchar made a stop in Duluth with Mayor Roger Reinert. They chose the press event to be held at the Lake Superior Zoo. You may remember how in 2012, flood waters tore through the Zoo’s grounds during the historic…

Duluth Amazon Warehouse Planned to Open by 2025

DULUTH, Minn. — The site that was once home to Duluth’s largest employer has been gearing up for new developments as online retail giant Amazon has been preparing for their step into the Northland. The site was once home to U.S. Steel until the end of the 70s. Since then, the City of Duluth has been undergoing major redevelopment for…

Woman Arrested After ‘Accidental’ Shooting

DULUTH, Minn. — A 23-year-old woman was arrested early Thursday morning after she said she accidently shooting another 23-year-old woman. Around 12:30 a.m., the Duluth Police Department responded to a report of a woman shot in the leg. This happened around N 1st Ave. E and 2nd St. According to the report, a 23-year-old woman accidentally discharged her weapon hitting…

Duluth Man Injured After UTV Crash

COTTON, Minn. — A Duluth man is recovering in the hospital with an hand injury after his UTV rollover nearby Cotton Tuesday night. The St. Louis County Sheriff’s Office responded to the accident just after 7 p.m. on July 2. According to the report, the 32-year-old Duluth man was transported by a personal vehicle to a nearby Speedway gas station…

DECC’s ‘Taco Fest’ Faces Criticism For Not Including Local Mexican Restaurants

DECC officials said its kitchen-prepared event will break even and support staff during slow summer months.

DULUTH, Minn. – The DECC’s first-ever Taco Festival is drawing some criticism because the event does not include any local Mexican restaurants. The DECC describes the event as “a festival-style taco extravaganza,” “a street party with tacos,” and “signature margaritas.” The Taco Fest is happening outside Pioneer Hall Saturday, July 6, from 1 p.m. until 4 p.m.  The DECC’s kitchen…

Downtown Duluth Looking to Get In on Outdoor Dining

Options are increasing for summer outdoor dining in the Waterfront District as a part of the ongoing effort to revitalize downtown

DULUTH, Minn. — In the summertime, tourists flock to Duluth for the Lake Superior views and endless outdoor activities. They also begin to fill up restaurant patios, milling around the popular Canal Park and Lincoln Park neighborhoods. The nonprofit Downtown Duluth is looking to get Superior Street and the rest of the Waterfront District in on the fun. “Much of…

Power Outage in Canosia and Grand Lake Township

CANOSIA, Minn. — Minnesota Power is reporting a power outage that affect residents of Canosia and Grand Lake Townships. The outage began just after 3 p.m. and is affecting about 360 customers. Minnesota Power is currently working on repairs and estimates power to be restored by around 5:15 p.m. Categories: Minnesota, News, News – Latest News

RV Lost in Greenwood Township Fire

GREENWOOD TOWNSHIP, Minn. — An RV was fully engulfed by flames in an intersection just west of Tower, MN, early Wednesday morning. This happened around 1 a.m. The St. Louis County Sheriff’s Office responded to the fire on the intersection of County Road 77 and Lake Vermillion Reservation Road, in rural Greenwood Township. According to the report, the RV was…

Bent Paddle Welcomes Two New Collaborative Brews

The Brewery taking a iconic cookies into a drink with a good cause, and supporting women with a brew made by women for women.

DULTUH, Minn. — Some new brews have hit the taproom at Bent Paddle. For the month of July, Bent Paddle has made a girl scout inspired crowler and growler. The Lemonade American Lager tastes like the scout’s famous Lemonades cookies. For every crowler or growler sold, it’s $5 that supports local girl scout troops in the northland. Each beverage sold also…

Duluth Street Maintenance Team Making Progress on Potholes

A milder winter and dry spring have given the City a head start on street repairs

DULUTH, Minn. — Summer in Minnesota means potholes, but this year is a little different. Thanks to a mild winter and low-moisture spring, the Duluth street maintenance team is ahead of their typical schedule. This year, they were able to get a jump start on repairs, beginning in May. According to Street Maintenance Operations Manager Geoff Vukelich, they’re already almost…

Local SANE & Registered Nurse Wins International Award

DULUTH, Minn. — A well-deserved individual received an award for her 17 years of dedication towards helping others. Being named the heart and soul of PAVSA’s SANE, or Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner program, Alisha Blazevic has left quite the impact over the years. Blazevic is involved with numerous organizations including the Sexual Assault Response Team. Since 2007, she has completed…

Knowing Your Neighbor: ‘Mythical Minnesota Moose’ Comes to Life

DULUTH, Minn. — On the backside of Spirit Mountain just outside of Duluth city limits, a group of artists spent the waning days of June constructing a glowing homage to Minnesota’s largest native animal. The idea start to form in Dundee, Scottland, where Duluth All Souls Night Artistic Director Mary Plaster connected with Minnesota-born Puppeteer Andrew Kim. “And it was…

Coffee Conversation: Annual Gordon Good Neighbor Days 2024

DULUTH, Minn. — Gordon goes big for its annual Gordon Good Neighbor Days on July 5, 6, & 7 of 2024. Gordon Good Neighbor Days Chair Erik Finstad and Committee Member Dave Hodek joined Fox 21 on the morning newscast Tuesday to talk about the festivities. Huge fireworks display, mud volleyball, 5k, duck races, pancake breakfast, classic car show, parade,…

Hibbing Police Make Big Break In 2017 Unsolved Murder Of Businessman

HIBBING, Minn. — The 2017 murder of Hibbing business owner Brian Nelson remains unsolved, as the 7th anniversary of his death approaches next week. But Monday night, FOX 21 confirmed Hibbing police investigators are closing in on the case. After seven years of investigating every lead possible, new forensic technology has created the most credible lead yet into finding out…

Duluth City Council Upgrades Technology For Public To Watch Meetings At Better Quality

DULUTH, Minn.– If you’ve watched the Duluth City Council meetings on television or online over the years, it’s no secret the quality of the broadcast is far from today’s technology. But big upgrades are underway right now. The Council Chamber is getting bigger and better television monitors for the audience to see. New digital cameras are also being installed. All…

Concrete Resurfacing Set to Start Along I-35 in Duluth Next Week

DULUTH, Minn. – Expect delays and lane closures if you frequent I-35 through the Duluth tunnels next week. The Minnesota Department of Transportation will start their concrete resurfacing project along the interstate on July 8. Motorists can expect lane closures between 5th Avenue West and 21st Avenue East. Later this summer, the ramps connect southbound I-35 and Lake Avenue/Michigan Street….

Coffee Conversation: Second Annual Under The Big Top Concert in Ely Benefits Veterans

ELY, Minn. — The Spiritwood Foundation presents the second annual Under The Big Top Concert at Veterans On The Lake on Saturday, July 13 at 7:00 pm. Pat and Donna Surface from the Spiritwood Foundation joined Fox 21 on the morning newscast Monday to talk about the success of last year’s inaugural event and the hopes for year two. The…

Duluth Firefighter Visits Dept. After Being Hit By Vehicle While Jogging

The firefighter will now continue his rehabilitation journey in the Northland

DULUTH, Minn. — For Duluth Firefighter Raymond Skoglund, his return home was filled with reunions and smiles. “It feels good to be home, I couldn’t stop smiling when I came to Duluth again,” said Skoglund. But the story started back in January– the then 24-year-old was out for a run when he was hit by a car and left severely…

Diver Drowns In Crane Lake While Trying To Recover Sunken Machinery

CRANE LAKE, Minn. – A scuba diver from Embarrass drowned Sunday while trying to recover a piece of sunken machinery on Crane Lake, according to the St. Louis County Sheriff’s Office. The 50-year-old, William Rebarich was in 70 feet of water when he failed to resurface during the attempt to recover the sunken equipment. Crane Lake is just outside Voyageurs…

52nd Park Point Art Fair Connects Community With Artists

Over 100 artists had booths on Park Point this weekend

DULUTH, Minn. — The weather could not have been better this weekend for the 52nd Park Point Art Fair. Crowds from the Northland and beyond gathered to see over 100 artists with an array of talents. The volunteer-run fair focuses on connecting ‘high-caliber artists directly with the community.’ They also gave out awards for different art styles. This year silk…

CarFit Event Helps Seniors Feel Safe and Comfortable Behind the Wheel

Aspirus St. Luke's focuses on injury prevention with senior drivers

DULUTH, Minn. — Aspirus St. Luke’s held their CarFit event Friday afternoon. The goal? Make senior drivers safer and feel more comfortable in their vehicles. As part of their injury prevention work, Aspirius St. Luke’s is doing their part to keep seniors safe on the road. At Friday’s CarFit event, seniors went through a 12-point checklist with volunteers. Trauma nurse…