Minnesota

LSC Graduates and Families Celebrate Together

Ceremony important both for those crossing the stage and walking the stage.

DULUTH, Minn. — The parade of smiles, diplomas and tassels continued Monday in Duluth. This time it was the turn for graduates of Lake Superior College–752 to be exact. They were in 69 different program areas and every student had their own story. For Christy Cuppy it was the day to finally get her RN degree, after 15 years working…

Duluth’s Jesus Is Life Ministries Brings Aid Following Midwest Tornadoes

Two vans packed up earlier this week with supplies, leaving Duluth for Iowa

DULUTH, Minn. — A church in West Duluth continues its tradition of helping people at disaster sites across the country. This last week the Jesus is Life Ministries church from West Duluth decided to head to Minden, Iowa a small city in the southwestern part of that state. The decision to help this small town was largely made because tornadoes…

Driver Arrested After Hitting Utility Pole, Vehicle On Garfield Ave.

DULUTH, Minn. — A driver is facing serious charges after Duluth police said he slammed into a utility pole and a vehicle. The crash happened around 10:45 a.m. Saturday in the 500 block of Garfield Avenue. The Blatnik Bridge and Garfield Avenue were closed until Minnesota Power could stabilize powerlines and install a new power pole. Police said the 36-year-old…

Hermantown Firefighters Tackle ‘Significant Training Opportunity’

HERMANTOWN, Minn. — Hermantown firefighters battled a house fire Saturday as part of a “significant training opportunity.” The structure was donated by local developers from Platinum Properties and Patriot Properties of Hermantown. The day-long event featured a variety of training exercises within and around the house on the 4700-block of Lindgren Road. Categories: Minnesota, News, News – Latest News, Public…

Prescribed Burns Begin In Superior National Forest

Prescribed burning began Sunday in the Superior National Forest, north of Ely. Officials said the burning helps reduce hazardous fuel build-up and lowers the risk of intense wildfires. The process helps forest health and wildlife habitat, and is culturally significant to indigenous people in the area, according to the DNR. Categories: Environment, Minnesota, News, News – Latest News, Public Safety

Bent Paddle to Host Annual Festiversary Block Party Next Weekend

Next Saturday is Bent Paddle Brewing Company's Festiversary celebration and this year will have a theme close to many Minnesotan's hearts

DULUTH, Minn. — This year, Festiversary will not only be celebrating Bent Paddle’s 11th anniversary, but also the 40th anniversary of Prince’s album Purple Rain. The two-block party Saturday afternoon will feature two stages of live music, family-friendly activities, and lots of options to drink and eat. And of course — Prince tribute band Chase and Ovation to close out…

Minnesota Fishing Opener Reels in Mixed Results

This weekend was the official fishing opener in Minnesota and while the bait shops were busy, the fish weren't biting

DULUTH, Minn. — Fishers at Island Lake Reservoir, Wild Rice Lake Reservoir, Pike Lake, and the St. Louis River told Fox21 Local News they weren’t catching much. One fisherman even said this was the worst he’d done on opening weekend in recent history. It depends who you talk to,” said Fredenberg Minno-ette owner Jason Manning. “The nice weather will get…

Chalstrom’s Bait and Tackle Shop Busy Ahead of Fishing Opener

DULUTH, Minn. — Chalstrom’s was a popular spot for bait and tackle this week as anglers get ready for the Minnesota Fishing Opener. In the land of 10,000 lakes, the fishing opener is an unofficial holiday for Minnesotans. Chalstrom’s has just about everything one needs before hitting the water, including bait, lures, and of course snacks. Chalstrom’s says the week…

Charitable Gambling Starts at Hoops Brewing, Proceeds Going Towards Duluth Curling Club

DULUTH, Minn. — Charitable Gambling has started at Hoops Brewing, with proceeds going towards the Duluth Curling Club. The Curling Club opened its pull tab booth at Hoops Friday afternoon. People were quick to visit the booth to buy a stack of pull tabs. There is also e-tabs and e-bingo at Hoops. And all proceeds from the charitable gambling will…

“No” Voice Joins Discussion As Duluth School Referendum Approaches

Opponents say they have doubts and concerns over proposed tax levy.

The technology referendum for Duluth schools is just days away and as the final weekend unfolds, both those in favor and opposed are working hard to get their messages out. The referendum has been getting attention and signs of opposing voices are visible. Lawn signs with a “Vote No” message have been appearing. The Citizens Research Council is a local…

Duluth East Students Perform “Spelling Bee” Musical

DULUTH, Minn. — The Duluth East Theatre Program is putting on a spring musical that is getting even audience members involved in the fun. ‘The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee’ is a comedic musical that centers around six students who compete in a spelling championship. Audience members filled the theater for the opening night of the production which even…

MN DNR Recommends Safety Equipment When Fishing

MINNESOTA — As fishermen and women head out on the water this weekend, the Minnesota DNR is making sure people stay safe. The DNR suggests having the right safety equipment including an engine cut off switch and life jackets for each person. The engine cut off switch is recommended to be attached in case of an unexpected fall overboard. Life…

Duluth’s ‘Tourism Marketing Working Group’ To Hold Listening Sessions In May

DULUTH, Minn. — The future of Duluth’s multi-million dollar tourism marketing contract is being guided by a working group at the request of Mayor Roger Reinert.  And later in May, there are opportunities for businesses and the public to weigh in. This comes after Reinert’s announcement in March that he believes next year’s marketing contract should be awarded to local…

Minnesota’s April Distracted Driving Citations ‘Extremely Frustrating’

Disturbing, unacceptable and extremely frustrating — those are the words from the Minnesota Department of Public Safety when describing the number of distracted driving citations in April. “The number of citations issued is disturbing, unacceptable and extremely frustrating,” said Mike Hanson, DPS Office of Traffic Safety director. “Getting distracted behind the wheel for even a couple seconds can end with…

Wildfire Burns Dozens Of Acres Near Cotton

Courtesy: Northland Fire Wire KELSEY TOWNSHIP, Minn. — A wildfire ignited Thursday afternoon near Cotton that burned up dozens of acres. Kelsey and Cotton firefighters, along with the Minnesota DNR, were called in around 1p.m. along Kacer Road in Kelsey Township, according to the Northland Fire Wire. The Cotton Fire Department said the fire burned at least 80 acres, according…

Northland High Schools Compete in a Burger Cook Off

DULUTH, Minn. — It was a day filled with flipping burgers for four high school culinary classes on Friday. There was some friendly competition between northland schools today as they competed in the first annual Northeast Minnesota High School Cook Off. Duluth East, Duluth Denfeld, Rock Ridge and Cook County schools participating in the burger cook off. The cook-off focused…

Union Gospel Mission Receives $25,000 From Project Joy For Summer Food Program

DULUTH, Minn. — Union Gospel Mission has received a donation from Project Joy to help feed local children this summer. Thursday afternoon Project Joy gave the Mission a check for $25,000. The money will go towards filling up bags with easy-to-prepare food for kids in the northland. The bags will given to local organizations that have youth programs. It will…

Problems Identified in Post Offices in Minnesota

DULUTH, Minn – You count on your mail being delivered promptly, and that is the goal of the Postal Service. However, in audits conducted by the Inspector General of the Postal Service, prompt delivery has not been happening. We talked with Senator Tina Smith who has been working to understand the problems with the mail system. Recently, the issues facing…

Work Continues on Downtown Duluth Safety

Approach is combination of outreach, education, and when necessary--enforcement.

Crime and safety in downtown Duluth have been a growing community concern, and the city has taken steps it says are slowly making a difference. That was the message inside the Greysolon Ballroom Wednesday, where Downtown Duluth members heard from the mayor, police chief and city attorney. The approach has involved a combination of education, persuasion and enforcement. It ranges…

Northeast Minnesota Fishing Outlook For 2024 Season

MINNESOTA — The Minnesota Fishing Season Opener is this weekend, and the fish are out and about this year. The Minnesota DNR tells us that although Northeast Minnesota is known for its beautiful lakes and rivers, there are plenty of fish to catch while enjoying the scenery. An expert says the walleye population is abundant this year. Northern Pike and…

Coffee Conversation: Mix Cosmetiques DIY Mother’s Day Bonding Bliss Workshop

DULUTH, Minn. — Mix Cosmetiques presents a DIY Mother’s Day bonding class where attendees will craft lip gloss, lip polish and perfume using only plant-based ingredients. Owner of Mix Cosmetiques Lanae Rhoads joined FOX 21 on the morning newscast Wednesday with more information. Rhoads helped FOX 21’s Maria Vollom make a lip polish live in-studio. DIY Mother’s Day Bonding Bliss…

Pro-Palestine Encampment Grows In Duluth Civic Center; Police Monitoring

DULUTH, Minn. — A few more tents have arrived at the pro-Palestine encampment in Duluth’s Civic Center courtyard six days after police said it was illegal to set up tents on the property. On Tuesday, May 7, there were at least five tents, instead of the original two, outside the Federal Building, St. Louis County Courthouse and City Hall. A…

Cloquet Students Compete in 7th Annual Battle of the Books

CLOQUET, Minn. — Students faced-off Tuesday in the 7th annual Battle of the Books competition at the Cloquet Senior High Auditorium. The quiz bowl style event featured students from Churchill Elementary, Washington Elementary and Cloquet Middle School. The kids read 12 different books this year and answered questions Tuesday about the authors, characters, themes and settings. Event Coordinator Jessica Gagne…

Allete Sold to Partnership in $6.2 Billion Deal; Company Going Private

Announcement says headquarters to remain in Duluth.

The company behind most of the northland’s power and energy has been bought. Allete announced the purchase Monday morning, and it will now become a private company. Allete is the parent company of Minnesota Power and Superior Water, Light and Power. It has been bought by a large partnership with hopes that deep pockets will fund future capital investments. The…

Minnesota Legislators Consider Constitutional Amendment To Protect Abortion And LGBTQ Rights

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) — Minnesota Democrats have introduced far-reaching legislation to add abortion and LGBTQ rights to the state’s constitution in hopes of making it much harder for future lawmakers to repeal these and other rights in the future. The Minnesota Equal Rights Amendment was introduced last week and has its first legislative hearing Monday. It would be among…

Hoops Brewing Hosts ‘We’re Cutting You Off’ Homegrown Wrap-Up Party

Festival-goers could stop by and get a deal on beers by letting a bartender cut off their Homegrown wristband

DULUTH, Minn. — Sunday was the last day of the Homegrown Music Festival in the Twin Ports. This year’s festival started with an official kick off party at Hoops Brewing in Canal Park and now music lovers can return to Hoops to be “cut off.” Hoops Brewing invited festival-goers for the “We’re Cutting You Off” Wrap Up Party. Anyone who…

‘Everyone Can Bird’ Event Series Makes Birdwatching Accessible for All

Birders met up at Chamber Grove Park for an accessible birdwatching event -- catching a firsthand glimpse of the spring migration

DULUTH, Minn. — Sunday morning, dozens of people flocked to Chamber Grove Park for the Everyone Can Bird event. The morning was designed with accessibility in mind, making sure birders of all abilities could enjoy. The event had an American Sign Language interpreter on hand, as well as a track chair — an all-terrain wheelchair for hiking. Interested birders of…

UMD Students Walk the Stage for Graduation

DULUTH, Minn. — It was a big day for University of Minnesota Duluth students who graduated on Saturday. Around 2,000 UMD students walked across the stage at Amsoil Arena. There was two commencement ceremonies on Saturday, recognizing students who earned their bachelor’s degree, doctoral degree, or master’s degree. Family and friends of the students packed the arena and cheered on…

Hibbing Woman Dead After Single Vehicle Crash

HIBBING, Minn. — A 30-year-old female from Hibbing is dead after a single vehicle crash on Thursday. The GMC was traveling northbound on Highway 73 at Gilboe Road when it ran off the right-side of the road right and struck a guard rail, according to Minnesota State Patrol. The driver identified as a 30-year-old female of Hibbing, MN. No further…

Day 2: Pro-Palestine Demonstrations At Rose Garden, Civic Center

DULUTH, Minn. — At least 50 people arrived at the Duluth Rose Garden during the 7 o’clock hour Thursday evening. The pro-Palestine protesters were making their voices heard for the second day in a row there. The crowd Thursday was much larger than last night’s demonstration. Earlier in the day Thursday, the city of Duluth put out a warning that…

Pancake Day — Pancakes for a Cause

DULUTH, Minn. — Come for the pancakes, but know that you’re helping a lot of people in the Duluth area. That’s the Lions Pancake Day at the DECC. 65 years of bringing people together. “I like Pancakes,” that was the sentiment of many people at Pancake Day. Jim Pratt has been a member of the Duluth Lions Club for 25…

Bean Bag Toss Tournament Benefits Families of Children with Life-Threatening Illnesses

Adolfson & Peterson Construction Held Its Third Annual Tournament to Fundraise for the Northern Lights Foundation

DULUTH, Minn. — This afternoon saw the Third Annual Charity Bean Bag Tournament at Clyde Iron Works, all to benefit families in need. Sixty four teams entered the bracket-style tournament today. The mission? To fundraise for the Northern Lights Foundation, an organization which provides grants to the families of children with life-threatening illnesses. Some previous grant recipients were even there…

Coffee Conversation: Northspan to host Business Succession Planning Summit

VIRGINIA, Minn. — Northspan will host a succession planning summit, Succession Strategies, on May 23 at Iron Trail Motors Event Center from 7:30 am – 4:00 pm. Northspan Group Consultant & Finance Manage Zack Filipovich joined FOX 21 on the morning newscast Thursday ahead of the event. The Northspan Group provides business development and community development consulting services to clients in…

Coffee Conversation: “Todd Oliver, The Funniest Night Of Your Life” at West Theatre

DULUTH, Minn. — Ventriloquist and Comedian Todd Oliver and his talking dog Irving will take the state at the West Theatre on Sunday May 5 at 2pm. The duo has starred on the Today Show, the Late Show with David Letterman, the Tonight Show and America’s Got Talent. They joined FOX 21 on the morning newscast Thursday. For tickets to…

Duluth Police Ask Pro-Palestine Encampment To Leave Civic Center

DULUTH, Minn. — A small encampment In the Duluth Civic Center courtyard got a visit from the Duluth Police Department Wednesday evening. The two officers told the pro-Palestinian protesters that it’s against the law to set up camps sites on the property. Wednesday marked the first time protesters have taken to the streets of Duluth to set up an encampment…

‘Duluth Palestine Solidarity Camp’ Forms At Rose Garden

Courtesy: The Duluth Palestine Solidarity Camp DULUTH, Minn. — The Duluth Palestine Solidarity Camp, as the group is calling themselves, set up an encampment at the Rose Garden Wednesday evening.   This encampment followed another encampment within the Duluth Civic Center, which police said was not legal. Duluth Palestine Solidarity Camp’s purpose is to “demand city and state divestment and boycott…

Sexually Explicit Video Involving Minors Circulates Lincoln Park Middle School

DULUTH, Minn. – Lincoln Park Middle School alerted parents Wednesday about a sexually explicit video involving minors that was circulating among students. In an email to parents, the principal said the video originated outside of school but was still a serious situation because of the content and the “legal implications associated with distributing or possessing such material.” The school is…

Goal of Large Grant is Transformation

Family Freedom Center focusing on Black families receives $500,000 from Duluth Superior Area Community Foundation

There is a hope Wednesday that big ideas combined with big money will produce big results. Four different organizations are working together to bring change to Black families in the Central Hillside neighborhood. The Family Freedom Center is receiving $500,000 from the Duluth Superior Area Community Foundation. The center was founded six years ago with the specific goal of creating…

65th Annual Duluth Lions Pancake Day

DULUTH, Minn. – It’s time to find your pancake eatin’ pants and prepare for the 65th Annual Duluth Lions Pancake Day coming up Thursday May 3rd at the DECC. Wednesday was set-up day and the Duluth Lions Club has this process down to a science. This is the group’s 65th time preparing to feed thousands of people pancakes and sausages…