Minnesota

Coffee Conversation: Car Fanatics Gear up for Motorhead Madness

DULUTH, Minn. — The Northland’s largest indoor custom car show Motorhead Madness will return to the DECC on Saturday, March 23 and Sunday, March 24. Co-Owner of Motorhead Madness Mike Podgornik joined FOX 21 on the morning newscast Friday ahead of the event. Four arenas will overflow with 150 one-of-a-kind customs, trucks, 4x4s, street rods, race cars, cycles, rat rods,…

Duluth Man Arrested for Nine Counts of Possession of Child Sexual Abuse Material Charges

DULUTH, Minn. — A Duluth man has been arrested for nine counts of Possession of Child Sexual Abuse Material charges. The Duluth Police Department says they arrested the 44-year-old man on Thursday. Upon execution of the search warrant, police say multiple electronic devices containing images of child sexual abuse material were found. Authorities say the Internet Crimes Against Children Unit…

Cross Country Ski National Championships Take Place at Spirit Mountain

DULUTH, Minn. — Much of the Northland has been waiting all winter for the upcoming big snow but its timing may not be a coincidence. Some of the best cross-country skiers in the nation are converging at Spirit Mountain. It’s the SuperTour Final and National Championships. Things kicked off Thursday with the first of four races over the next six…

Proctor, Hermantown, and Rice Lake Join Together for Annual State of the Cities

The three communities are focusing on working together and business growth

PROCTOR, Minn. — Proctor, Hermantown, and Rice Lake held their joint annual State of the Cities luncheon earlier today, bringing together the three communities. Over 100 people came to hear local government officials discuss the past, present, and future of their cities. Hermantown Area Chamber of Commerce President & CEO Kim Parmeter said this year brought the biggest turnout in…

City Releases Statement On Downtown Safety After Alleged Sexual Assault In Skywalk

In the skywalk off the downtown Transportation Center, victim says it only stopped when other people were walking toward them.

DULUTH, Minn. — An alleged sexual assault in the Duluth Skywalk system has resulted in felony charges against a Duluth man. The report came in Sunday afternoon, March 10, when police responded to a report of a sexual assault at the downtown Duluth Transportation Center. The criminal charges became public Tuesday, March 19, when first reported by the Duluth News…

Superior Plan Commission Makes No Recommendation On Road and Rezoning Requests for NTEC

Issues now go to the City Council regarding proposed natural gas-powered electricity plant.

SUPERIOR, Wis. — It was standing-room only Wednesday evening as the Superior Plan Commission met to vote on issues involving the proposed Nemadji Trail Energy Center (NTEC). The commission was considering a request by Minnesota Power to vacate a street and rezone a piece of property at the proposed NTEC site. The meeting ended after nearly four hours of comments. …

Historic Paintings on Tour for Smokey Bear’s 80th Birthday

DULUTH, Minn. — Historic paintings are on tour in celebration of Smokey Bear’s 80th birthday. The Superior National Forest is hosting the 19 paintings at their Supervisor’s Office in Duluth. Smokey Bear’s story came about after a young bear cub was caught in a forest fire; he was saved but badly burned so, they ended up naming him Smokey. The…

Maurices Building In Downtown Duluth Hits The Market

Maurices CAO Sue Ross says there will be no impact because the company is in a "long-term lease."

DULUTH, Minn. — A downtown Duluth building that houses the headquarters of clothing retailer Maurices is up for sale again. The news comes just three years after ASNA PropCo purchased the 11-story building for $15 million in 2021. The building, which includes a public parking ramp, is located on the 400 block of West Superior Street. It was built in…

Stolen ‘Wizard of Oz’ Ruby Slippers To Go On Tour, Then Be Auctioned

MINNESOTA –The famous “Wizard Of Oz” ruby slippers have been reunited with their owner, but will soon be on the auction block. Jerry Saliterman (AP) As first reported Sunday night, a second man was charged in the case Friday in Federal Court in St. Paul.  76-year-old Jerry Saliterman is accused of theft of a major artwork and witness tampering. The…

Klobuchar Leads Effort To Make all Veterans Exposed to Toxins .Now Eligible for VA Health Care

WASHINGTON, D.C. — The largest expansion of VA Health benefits ever just took effect on March 5 and it could benefit more than 100,000 veterans in Minnesota. In the past, only veterans who were exposed to toxins in specific locations were covered. Those veterans affected were to have been allowed to apply for this benefit in a staggered manner. Senator…

Hitting the Slopes One Last Time for 2023-24 Season at Spirit Mountain

  DULUTH, Minn. — With the spring season right around the corner people grabbed their skis and snowboards for one last ride of the year. The Spirit Mountain annual Spring Happening, or smash event, is and end-of-the-season celebration for skiers and snowboarders. People could enjoy the events like the rail jam, a costume contest, and a fan favorite, the water…

Dubh Linn Celebrates 19th St. Patrick Day Celebrations

  DULUTH, Minn. — Whether it’s your local pub or a fan favorite bar or brewery, St. Patrick’s Day had the doors open Sunday morning for the Irish holiday weekend. At Dubh Linn Irish Pub on West Superior Street, the usually closed Sunday doors were open and packed inside with people excited to experience their favorite past times. Whether it’s…

Finnish Soup-Off Fundraises for Carlton County Historical Society

  CLOQUET, Minn. — While the majority of folks spent this weekend drinking, a handful of individuals were perfecting their soups for the 18th annual Mojakka Cook-off. Mojakka is Finnish-American slang for soup, originally consisting of fish, beef, and vegetables. Sunday 15 contestants brought their variations of the dish to be judged for glory. Mojakka dishes ranged from the more…

Second Man Charged in Connection With 2005 Theft of Ruby Slippers Worn in ‘The Wizard of Oz’

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) — A second man has been charged in connection with the 2005 theft of a pair of ruby slippers that Judy Garland wore in “The Wizard of Oz,” according to an indictment made public Sunday. Jerry Hal Saliterman, 76, of Crystal, Minnesota, was charged with theft of a major artwork and witness tampering. He did not…

Downtown Duluth Eatery Closes After 5 Months; New Eatery Eyeing Location

DULUTH, Minn. – Blue Rock Grill in the heart of downtown Duluth has closed after five months in business. Owner Rick Lampton tells FOX 21 the business closed on March 9. “We definitely didn’t get the volume we were expecting,” said Lampton. Blue Rock Grill moved into the former 7 West Taphouse in early October of 2023. 7 West Taphouse,…

Int’l Falls & Grand Portage Entry Points to Receive Federal Funding

Minn. — International Falls and Grand Portage will be getting federal funding for their Land Port of Entry projects. International Falls will receive $86 million and Grand Portage $27 million. The funds will go toward improving manufacturing and technologies by utilizing American-made, lower-carbon construction materials. It’s all apart of President Biden’s investing in America agenda. The ports in minnesota are two…

Plans For Superior Street Reconstruction Displayed

DULUTH, Minn. -The City of Duluth held its fourth and final public meeting on the reconstruction of West Superior Street between Carlton and West Michigan Street. Residents and Businesses were looking at the plans of the latest design for the multi-year project. At three earlier meetings, the city’s planning department has been listening to residents and businesses in the Lincoln…

Celebrate St. Paddy’s Day In Style

DULUTH, Minn. –  Sunday is St. Patrick’s Day and that brings out the Irish in all of us, even if on the other 365 days of the year, you have no Irish in you! There are many different places where you can shake your shillelagh, and celebrate St. Paddy’s weekend. It’s likely there is at least one place in Duluth…

New Furnace Or Boat Or Air Conditioning?

Cloquet Chamber event tries to have something for everyone.

Well, it’s not winter, and it’s not spring, so you can’t blame anyone for being a bit confused. But people may get some clarity Friday and Saturday at the Home, Business and Sports Show. One hundred and twenty-five businesses from roofers to outboard motor dealers will be at the event put on by the Cloquet Area Chamber of Commerce. The…

UMD Students Bus To State Capitol For ‘Bulldog Lobbying Days’

DULUTH, Minn. — UMD students rode by bus to Minnesota’s state capitol Thursday on behalf of the university for Bulldog Lobbying Days. Bulldog Lobbying Days is an annual student-led event where students advocate for the University’s legislative priorities.  “In the past advocacy efforts have surrounded around funding for building projects, maintaining our current buildings, making sure they are in good…

In A First, Vice President Harris Visits Minnesota Abortion Clinic To Blast ‘Immoral’ Restrictions

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) — Vice President Kamala Harris visited a Planned Parenthood clinic on Thursday, marking what her office said was the first time a president or vice president has toured a facility that performs abortions, as the White House escalates its defense of reproductive rights in this year’s election. “Right now, in our country, we are facing a very serious…

Duluth Police Ask For Help Finding Taco John’s Armed Robbery Suspect

Robbery happened last weekend at West Duluth location.

UPDATE (March 15, 10:05 a.m.) — Duluth Police are now asking for the public’s help in finding the suspect involved in Sunday’s robbery at a Taco John’s in West Duluth. A description says the individual was wearing dark clothing, a dark winter coat with black fur around the hood, a mask, and sunglasses. Police say they did stop someone who…

Duluth Elementary School Teacher Charged With Criminal Sexual Assault of Female Student

Raleigh Edison Academy teacher arrested for allegedly assaulting female student

A Duluth elementary school teacher is facing felony charges for allegedly sexually assaulting a female student. John Paul Horgeshimer is a teacher at the Raleigh Edison Academy. He is charged with first and second degree criminal sexual conduct with a child under the age of 14. According to a criminal complaint, on March 5, the student was running to get…

Victim Identified In Fatal Morse Township House Fire

77-year-old woman was the only person inside the building.

MORSE TOWNSHIP, Minn. –UPDATE March 14, 2024 Authorities have now identified the person who died in a fire near Ely in February. The St. Louis County Sheriff’s Office says the victim was 77-year-old Carol Ann Lindbeck. A press release said Lindbeck was identified by the Midwest Medical Examiner’s Office. She was the owner of the home and the only person…

Woman Charged With Buying Guns Used In Minnesota Standoff That Killed 3 First Responders

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Federal authorities say a woman has been charged with illegally buying guns used in the killings of three Minnesota first responders in a standoff at a home in the Minneapolis suburb of Burnsville, where seven children were inside. Officers Paul Elmstrand and Matthew Ruge, both 27, and firefighter-paramedic Adam Finseth, 40, were slain during the standoff. Their memorial…

Coffee Conversation: 18th Annual Mojakka Cook-Off at Northeastern Hotel & Saloon

CLOQUET, Minn. — The 18th annual Mojakka Cook-Off returns to the Northeastern Hotel and Saloon in Cloquet this weekend. Owner of the Northeastern Hotel Bert Whittington and Sweet Exchange Owner Lisa Quarles, who is also a cook-off participant, joined FOX 21 on the morning newscast Thursday ahead of the event. The cook-off is a fundraiser for the Carlton County Historical…

Fire Shuts Down Split Rock Lighthouse Tuesday

COOK COUNTY, Minn. — A fire in the woods near Split Rock Lighthouse caused the entire historic site to shut down and evacuate on Tuesday. This was the fiery scene surrounding the landmark, captured and shared by Split Rock Lighthouse on Facebook. Acting in caution, all guests were evacuated at around 2:30 pm, according to the Facebook post. Crews were…

Combat Veteran Turned UMD Student Advocates for Support Towards Veterans Entering College Life

DULUTH, Minn. — A combat veteran turned UMD student shared his experience overseas and the hardships he has faced while transitioning into scholar life. Jacob Heytens gave a speech at the college as a part of its Perspective Speaker Series. His speech titled “From Combat to College” focused on the lack of research surrounding veterans transitioning into college. Before enrolling…

Students Get Hands-On Experience in Construction Trades at the DECC

DULUTH, Minn. — Construct Tomorrow hosted a two-day event at the DECC this week. The event allowed local students to get hands-on experience and learn about new job opportunities. Students could lay bricks, set tiles and even use motion simulators as they went through stations. Many organizations also taught kids about apprenticeships and careers in construction. “I am passionate about…

Juvenile Questioned After Potential Gun Threat At Proctor High School

PROCTOR, Minn.  — A juvenile male is being questioned after Proctor High School went on lockdown Wednesday afternoon after a potential threat involving a weapon in the school’s Media Center, according to Proctor Police Chief Kent Gaidis. Authorities say 911 dispatch began getting calls around 4:30 p.m. about a “potential gun or weapon” at the school. Multiple agencies responded, including…

Superior National Forest Planning & Preparing For Wildfire Threat

No snow and warm temps ramp up risk; New federal funds now available for more states facing wildfire threat.

Preparations are already underway for a potentially early and serious wildfire season in Minnesota. The Superior National Forest may be among the regions particularly vulnerable and the agency will be applying for new federal funds to help prevent and reduce the potential for wildfires. The combination of no snow, warm temperatures and dry ground present a danger. “All the way…

Mayor Reinert Asks For Communication From Kathy Cargill After Park Point Home Purchases

Reinert said Kathy Cargill has purchased at least 20 properties so far.

DULUTH, Minn. — The future of Park Point’s landscape is uncertain.  Mayor Roger Reinert said  more than 20 properties on the world’s longest freshwater sandbar have been purchased by a member of the Cargill family. North Shore LS is the company behind the purchases. The LLC is owned by Kathy Cargill, who is married to one of the heirs to…

Family Freedom Center: Suspicious Person ‘Brandished’ Firearm To Teen

DULUTH, Minn. — Duluth police are investigating after a person “brandished” a firearm near a playground of an after-school program. The Family Freedom Center said a “suspicious” person approached one of its teens with the firearm while outside with the Center’s dog. The incident happened around 2:45 p.m. March 7 on the 300-block of N. First Avenue West.  That address…

Duluth Art Institute Hosts Last Event at The Depot, Closing in on New Location

DULUTH, Minn. — Tonight was the Duluth Art Institute’s last event before they leave The Depot. Art lovers joined together for Art Night Out, a social event celebrating the closing of two exhibits, Allison Baker’s Tender Vignettes and Annelise Roseen’s Today I Am. People were not only able to enjoy the artwork, but talk to the artists about the creative…

Duluth Construction Career Night Offers Hands on Experience to Prospective Workers

DULUTH, Minn. — Tonight at the DECC, you could try your hand with some of the tools and skills needed to work in construction. Duluth Construction Career Night is an opportunity for anyone interested in building and construction trade careers to learn more about local apprenticeship programs and meet contractors looking for new employees. The event put on by Construct…

City Of Virginia, AFSCME Local 454 Reach Tentative Agreement

Courtesy: AFSCME Local 454 VIRGINIA, Minn. — The city of Virginia and its AFSCME Local 454 employees have reached a tentative contract agreement. See below for press releases from City Administrator Britt See-Benes and AFSCME Local 454: City of Virginia: On March 6, 2024, City of Virginia AFSCME Local 454 employees, representing Public Works, Park & Recreation, City Hall and…

“O-C-D” Chant Against Duluth Basketball Player Prompts Disciplinary Action

Marshall School player taunted by Crosby-Ironton students after disclosing off-court perseverance.

After directing cruel chants at a Duluth Marshall basketball player, some students at Crosby-Ironton high school are being disciplined. It happened at last Thursday’s game, when Crosby-Ironton was playing Marshall’s girls team. Students in a section of Crosby-Ironton’s fans chanted “O-C-D” when Marshall’s Chloe Johnson had the ball. Earlier this year, Johnson–an eighth grader and standout player–had gone public about…

Missing Bigfork Teen Found Safe

UPDATE (March 12, 1:15 p.m.) — A 16-year-old girl who went missing from her house in Bigfork has been found safe. The Itasca County Sheriff’s Office canceled the alert for Alissa Plieseis on Tuesday afternoon. They thank everyone who assisted in locating her. ORIGINAL POST: BIGFORK, Minn. — Authorities are asking for help in finding a teen who is missing from…

Coffee Conversation: A+ Garden Center Prepares for Spring Planting

DULTUH, Minn. — With sunshine and 60 degrees in the northland, many are planning and preparing their spring gardens. FOX 21 checked in with Tabatha Beier, owner of A+ Garden Center, to see how they’re getting ready for the spring planting season. A+ Garden Center will open its Kenwood location on May 3. Click here for more information. Categories: Coffee Conversation,…

87-Year-Old Taconite Woman Dead After Fatal Crash

TACONITE, Minn. — An 87-year-old woman from Taconite is dead after a fatal crash last night on Highway 169. According to the Minnesota State Patrol, it was a two vehicle accident in Taconite. The other driver was a 16-year-old man from Nashwauk. He sustained non-life-threatening injuries. The state patrol reports, the teen was driving a sports car northbound on Highway…

Transition Conference held for Secondary Students with Disabilities

CLOQUET, Minn. — Mentoring day, a transition conference for secondary students with disabilities, was held on Monday at Fond Du Lac Tribal and Community College. Roughly 300 students from 14 school districts gathered for the event. The day was comprised of break-out sessions, exhibitors, and a keynote speaker. The purpose is to help students with disabilities starting thinking about employment,…

West Duluth Library Branch Celebrates Upgrades

DULUTH, Minn. — The West Duluth Branch Library held a ribbon-cutting Monday to celebrate upgrades. The upgrades consisted of a new service desk, a new computer center, new shelving and a new layout. The Duluth Library Foundation raised $30,000 to fund upgrades to Duluth Library branches. The upgrades are centered around providing a welcoming space to library goers. Speakers at…

“Fore!” Or, At Least Some Are Getting Ready

Driving range opened Monday at Duluth's Enger Park Golf Course as pros and duffers can't wait.

DULUTH, Minn. — With Monday’s incredibly warm weather, some people gave up on ever pulling out the ice fishing rods again–so why not pull out a five-iron instead? Those with the itch had a chance to hit the driving range at Enger Park golf course. No grass of course, but players could get the kinks out by hitting off the…

Northern Exposure Art Offers Northland-Inspired Painting Classes

Carly Jandl takes a step-by-step approach to sharing her creativity

DULUTH, Minn. — Today at Bent Paddle Brewing, people were able to enjoy not only a drink, but some painting too! The step-by-step painting class was one of many put on by Northern Exposure Art around Duluth. Founder Carly Jandl has been offering classes for around two years and says it’s special to help people tap into their artistic side….