Minnesota

Second U Of M Presidential Finalist Visit

DULUTH, Minn. — The University of Minnesota system is continuing its process of searching for a new President. Laura Bloomberg is second of the three finalists visiting Duluth. UMD students, faculty, and staff were able to attend an on-campus forum, followed by a reception to learn more about her. Bloomberg is no stranger to Minnesota as she was born in…

UMD Chocolate Lab Hosts Annual Valentine’s Sale

DULUTH, Minn. – UMD Chocolate Lab experts hosted their annual Valentine’s Day sale this week. Students in the Department of Chemical Engineering take a course on chocolate making. Part of the course is to travel to Trinidad to harvest cocoa and then bring back beans to eventually make it into chocolate. A lot of the principles in chocolate making relate…

Mild Winter Still Finds People Seeking Shelter

Those working with people on the street say less snow and cold does not solve lack of permanent places to sleep.

The unusually mild and snowless winter has created challenges and problems for those who are counting on a real winter, but it has not necessarily meant a break for those who live on the street. The warming centers operated by CHUM provide relief and safety for those who need it, but this winter they have still been seeing sixty to…

MN Sen. Hauschild Identifies Priorities for Legislative Session

ST. PAUL, Minn. — The Minnesota Legislature is now in the third day of its new session, and Senator Grant Hauschild, (DFL) from Hermantown, has identified the issues his constituents believe are the most urgent. Following meetings with residents throughout the summer and fall, Hauschild says the need for EMS services, childcare availability, and housing in rural Minnesota stood out…

Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Relatives Honored In Duluth

DULUTH, Minn. — Wednesday was a day to honor indigenous women and relatives who have been murdered or are missing. It is part of the 9th Annual Memorial March for Missing & Murdered Indigenous Women and Relatives. The event starts with an opening ceremony at the Robert Powless Cultural Center in Duluth, transitions to a march downtown, and ends with…

Newly elected Duluth City Councilor Janet Kennedy running for County Commissioner

DULUTH, MN – Newly elected Duluth City Councilor no longer wants the job. Three months in, Janet Kennedy has decided she will run for County Commissioner. Kennedy made the announcement standing on the St. Louis County Courthouse steps. Kennedy, in explaining her reason for changing her mind and wanting to switch jobs, said with her two major initiatives focused on…

GND REC Receives $25,000 Matching Grant Challenge

GARY NEW DULUTH, Minn. — Gary New Duluth’s Development Alliance, which is the non-profit in charge of the GND Recreation Center received a matching grant challenge from a major contributor. The donor will match contributions dollar for dollar up to $25,000 and that money will not be tied to any project in particular. The president of the Alliance, Mark Boben,…

Lake Superior College Hosts Spring Student Success Day

LSC is taking the day to set their students up for success -- and not just in the classroom

DULUTH, Minn. — School was out at Lake Superior College today, but it wasn’t just a day for students to relax! Each semester, LSC’s Student Success Day is an opportunity for students to build community through networking and skill building. LSC President Patricia Rogers said the college is all about getting students ready for the next phase of their life,…

Coffee Conversation: 218 Days Northland Celebration Returns

NORTHLAND — 218 Days returns for year two to northland communities this weekend, featuring live music along with art and local food. It runs Feb. 16-18. Director of Sales at Odyssey Resorts Sara Zeleznikar and Hakkon Nelson with Vikre Distillery joined FOX21 on the morning newscast Tuesday to talk about the event and its purpose. A collection of events and…

Injured Duluth Firefighter Cheered On As He Continues His Recovery

24-year-old Ray Skoglund left Monday for specialized hospital care.

DULUTH, Minn. – When a Duluth 148th Fighter jet flew overhead Monday morning, it was offering a greeting of sorts to a young man below. Under the roar of the engines was the message, “We love you, Ray. Go get ’em!” The Duluth International Airport was the scene of a large, extended family gathering. They were there to send off…

One Roof Community Housing Constructing New Affordable Housing

DULUTH, Minn. — One Roof Community Housing is in the process of constructing two new affordable housing buildings for people who have experienced homelessness. The building, deemed Plover Place, will hold 12 individuals for each apartment. The affordable housing project has been in development since 2020. One Roof says the priority was to construct cost-effective and efficient buildings. Plover Place…

25th Black Woods Blizzard Tour Raises $2 Million

DULUTH, Minn. — The 25th Annual Black Woods Blizzard Tour raised a record-breaking $2 million, supporting people battling ALS. The snowmobiling portion was canceled because of the lack of snow this winter, and the three-day event became “The Games of the 25th.” Held at Skyline Social and Games and Curl Mesabi, people competed in indoor games, from duckpin bowling to…

Duluth Firefighter Injured In Hit-And-Run Incident To Get ‘Advanced Physical Therapy’

Raymond Skoglund DULUTH, Minn. — A Duluth firefighter who was seriously injured in a hit-and-run incident last month will soon be getting specialized care at a hospital in Colorado. Ray Skoglund, 24, will fly out of Monaco Air around 11:45 a.m. Monday to head to Craig Hospital in Denver to receive advanced physical therapy, according to the city of Duluth….

Iron Range Firefighters Tackle 3 Weekend Structure Fires

Gilbert fire, courtesy of Northland Fire Wire Firefighters were busy this weekend fighting three separate structure fires on the Iron Range. The latest fire happened Saturday evening in downtown Gilbert in an apartment building. Gilbert fire, courtesy of Northland Fire Wire Multiple agencies assisted in this fire. One tenant was treated on scene for minor burns, according to the Northland…

Vanilla Bean To Close Duluth Location

DULUTH, Minn. — Vanilla Bean Duluth is closing in two weeks at its Mt. Royal location after six years in business. Owners Jason Vincent and Jeff Anderson made the announcement on social media. The last day of business will be Feb. 25. The post said two young entrepreneurs looking for restaurant space will take over the location. There was no…

Northland BIPOC Business Showcase Returns To Duluth Depot

DULUTH, Minn. — The 4th annual Northland BIPOC Business Showcase took place Saturday, featuring local artists and entrepreneurs. Over 30 vendors filled the great hall at the Duluth Depot. From BIPOC owned businesses, handmade crafts and even multiple food tables. The founder of the event, Kia Ronning, says it started with just 10 vendors the first year and has grown…

Duluth Protestors Demand Immediate Cease Fire in Gaza

DULUTH, Minn. –A group of protestors gathered Friday at a main entry point into Canal Park to let people know their position on the conflict in Gaza. The Palestine Solidarity Working Group, organized the event to continue its efforts to have a cease-fire declared. One of the leaders, Mary Owens explained why a protest in Duluth would make any difference…

Celebrating 3 Years of Duluth Ronald McDonald House Helping Families

Anniversary a time to reflect and be thankful.

There is nothing like an anniversary party to brighten up a gray February day. And Friday people were celebrating a place that has brightened up the day of many families. The Ronald McDonald House in Duluth has been a welcome landing place for three years. Friday, Essentia Health medical staff and others gathered to think about the resource it has…

Sheriff Says News Release Worded “Incorrectly,” Lutsen Fire Not a “Crime Scene”

Cook County Sheriff apologizes for "confusion."

LUTSEN, Minn. — Less than an hour after describing the Lutsen Resort Main Lodge fire, as a crime scene, the Cook County Sheriff’s office said it is not a crime scene. In response to an email from FOX21, Sheriff Pat Eliasen replied, “It is not a crime scene. The release was worded incorrectly. We are sorry for the confusion…the release…

ALS Black Woods Blizzard Tour Does Not “Surrender” to Lack of Snow

25th Anniversary fundraiser adjusts and pushes forward.

Snowmobile trails across the area are closed or have limited amounts of snow, making tough sledding impossible sledding. For some people it is just an inconvenience, but if you are putting together a snowmobile tour fundraiser, it could be a backbreaker. But, not so, say those putting on one of the area’s biggest annual events. Thursday, the Blackwoods Blizzard Tour…

Outdoor Hockey Rinks Struggling To Keep Up This Year

DULUTH, Minn. — The Executive Director of the Duluth Amateur Hockey Association or DAHA is calling it a tough year for outdoor hockey rinks. DAHA has over 70 years of history managing outdoor rinks across the Duluth area. Outdoor rinks are where U8 hockey players spend most of their time practicing and playing. And also, where families go to skate…

Family of 7-Year-Old Duluth Girl in Need of Heart Transplant Raising Awareness During American Heart Month

DULUTH, Minn. — A local 7-year-old is waiting for a heart transplant and could be for several more months.  With February being American Heart month, this little girl and her family are relying on the help of family and community to bring awareness and hope to others in need. Roya Snyder has always been active in ballet and sports, and…

Florian, of Chmielewski Funtime Band, Going Strong at 97

CLOQUET, Minn. – The Chmielewski Funtime Band has been performing for six generations. Florian Chmielewski, one of 15 Chmielewski kids, continues leading the band and playing polka music to adoring fans. Even on his 97th birthday, he was in Cloquet, busy playing his accordion with his band. “It’s so much fun,” said Florian. “I bring happiness to wherever I go…

State Fire Marshal Releases Details On Last Inspection At Lutsen Resort Lodge Before Fire

LUTSEN, Minn. — The Minnesota State Fire Marshal has released details of an inspection that took place at Lutsen Resort Lodge last summer. This comes after an early Tuesday morning fire took out the entire building. According to the release, 7 violations were found, 4 of which the property owner had repaired. Authorities say it is too soon to determine…

Superior’s NTEC Supporters Hold Rally As Mayor Paine Responds

SUPERIOR, Wis. – At least 100 people rallied outside Superior’s City Hall Tuesday evening in support of the proposed Nemadji Trail Energy Center (NTEC). The natural gas-powered electrical plant had unanimous support by the city council and Mayor Jim Paine in 2019, but over the last year, Mayor Paine and some council members have been working to stop the project….

With Fire, Lutsen Lodge Gone in Hours; But Determination to Rebuild Already in Its Place

Fire engulfing the structure from the 1950s was too much to stop.

Under the February gray skies of Lake Superior’s North Shore, was the black and white aftermath of what once was. Volunteer firefighters from every small community we’ve driven through along that shore were still at the fire scene in the morning. But shortly after midnight, by the time they had arrived from up and down the shore, the wood and…

Lutsen Mountains General Manager Reacts To Lutsen Lodge Fire

The general manager of Lutsen Mountains, Jim Vick, was sympathizing with the staff at the nearby Lutsen Lodge Tuesday as they deal with the loss of the structure to fire. Vick dealt with a massive fire in June of 2023 when Lutsen Mountains’ Papa Charlie’s restaurant went up in flames. The memories at the beloved restaurant hangout turned into ashes….

Sen. Klobuchar Calls Lutsen Lodge Fire ‘Heartbreaking’

U.S. Sen. Amy Klobuchar reacted the Lutsen Lodge fire Tuesday — a place she and her family have visited. Klobuchar called the fire “heartbreaking.” She said she’s been in contact with resort’s general manager and was encouraged to hear the resort will rebuild. In the meantime, Klobuchar said this is time to lean in and support the Lusten community. “Minnesotans…

Lutsen Lodge’s History Runs Deep Into the 1880s

The Lutsen Lodge, Minnesota’s oldest resort, was established in 1885 when Swedish immigrant Charles Nelson opened his small fishing camp and lodge. Business continued to grow through the years, but it was not always a smooth ride. Photos from the Cook County Historical Society show Lutsen in its very early stages. The lodge was destroyed by fire twice before.  The…

Fire Destroys Historic Lutsen Lodge

Courtesy: Lutsen Resort LUTSEN, Minn. — A devastating fire broke out early Tuesday morning at the Historic Lutsen Lodge. Courtesy: Steve Bonin The Cook County Sheriff’s Office was notified of a fire alarm at the resort along the North Shore at 12:24 a.m. Staff from Lutsen Resort, which is Minnesota’s oldest resort, reported smoke coming from the floor in the…

Proctor’s ‘Atlas Games’ Putting Plastic Waste To The Challenge

PROCTOR, Minn. — Atlas Games out of Proctor has been creating and publishing board and card games since the 90s. And within the past couple of years, the company has evolved to make games out of plastic waste. “You don’t realize it, that a lot of plastic you have that you think you are recycling properly, it just goes through…

Virginia Man Sentenced For Alcohol, Cannabis-Induced Fatal Crash

A Virginia man was sentenced Monday for causing an alcohol and cannabis-induced crash last fall that killed a woman. David Medicine, 38, will face 41 months in prison for the crime, according to court records. Medicine was driving on Highway 169 during the evening hours when he slammed his vehicle into a pick-up truck that was sitting still in backed-up…

Duluth School Officials Explain Need and Goals of Referendum

Technology education and technology itself would get much attention.

May 14th, the Duluth Public School district will once again be asking voters if they would pass a referendum. It would raise $5.2 million a year for ten years for technology needs. It’s not that long ago that blackboards, textbooks, and overhead projectors were as advanced as school technology got. However today technology is everywhere, with teachers and students now…

Duluth Man Dies In Crash On Skyline Parkway

Car rolled over and man found inside.

A 26-year-old Duluth man died Sunday when his car rolled over. The man has been identified by Duluth Police as Logan Woock. Police say it happened on West Skyline Parkway in the 1400 block. Police received a call about 3:30 Sunday morning saying that a vehicle was off the road. When officers arrived, they found a car rolled over with…

IF4 Brings the Big Catch to the Big Screen

DULUTH, Minn. — You can’t get much more Minnesotan than this. The International Fly Fishing Film Festival returned to Duluth for their sixth year. Although anglers looked forward to some big catches on the big screen, there’s a much more broader impact that this film festival leaves on our local water ways. “It’s a big fundraising event for both Gitche…

Finnish Sliding Fest ‘Laskiainen’ Returns for 86th year

PALO, Minn.– The Finnish Sliding Festival, also known as ‘Laskiainen’ returned for its 86th year in Palo Minnesota this weekend. With sleds at the ready people from across the northland gathered to enjoy the annual event. The festival isn’t just about the outdoor sledding fun, it’s also about celebrating the Finnish heritage. Dozens of vendors displayed their crafts, and there was…

3 Dead, 2 Seriously Injured In Head-On Crash In Koochiching County

NORTHOME, Minn. — Three people are dead and two others were fighting for their lives Sunday after a head-on crash in Koochiching County. The accident was reported just after 11 a.m. on Highway 1, west of Koochiching County Road 15 in Northome, which is about 70 miles southwest of I-Falls. The Minnesota State Patrol says Joseph Carlson, 27, of North…

Cold Front Celebration Brings the Snow to Bayfront

DULUTH, Minn.– The 7th annual Cold Front brought the snow to Bayfront Festival Park amidst a warm spell this winter. Duluth Parks and Recreation started the winter event to get people outside during the cold months. Despite the odd weather in the northland, Cold Front continued, with a few changes. A few activities were canceled, but snow was brought into…

UMD Professor Talks on the Impacts of Mild Winters Has on Ice and Water

DULUTH, Minn. — A winter with warm temperatures and minimal snowfall has significant impacts on the environment. We talked to a specialist about how ice and water are affected during mild winters. UMD Professor Jay Austin works at the Large Lake Observatory at the college, he says the northland’s unusually warm temperatures can result in environmental and economic delays. Austin…