Minnesota

Duluth Man Arrested In Seizure Of 1K-Plus Fentanyl Pills, Multiple Firearms

DULUTH, Minn. –  Four firearms are more than 1,200 fentanyl pills are off the streets of Duluth after a successful arrest by the Lake Superior Violent Offender task Force. The search warrant and arrest happened around 2 p.m. Tuesday on the 800 block of North 11th Avenue East. A 21-year-old was arrested while in the process of delivering fentanyl pills…

Duluth “Acting Mayor” Plan Made Official

Mayor Reinert tabs At-Large Councilor Arik Forsman--just in case.

If there’s ever a time when Duluth’s new mayor is not available, he now has an official back up. In a formal proclamation Wednesday, Mayor Roger Reinert named At-Large City Councilor Arik Forsman as acting mayor whenever necessary. Reinert is still an active Navy Reservist and says at times he will be called away. For example, next week he will…

Police Identify Victims, Suspect In Cloquet Super 8 Shooting

CLOQUET, Minn. — The Cloquet Police Department has released the names of the victims and suspect in the Cloquet shooting that happened Monday night. Authorities say the suspect who was found dead from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound has been identified as 32-year-old Nicholas Elliot Lenius of Ramsey, Minnesota. The victim found inside a car in the parking lot of…

Father Mourns Daughter Killed In Cloquet Hotel Shooting

CLOQUET, Minn. – We are learning more about the life of a young woman who was one of two people shot to death Monday night at the Super 8 hotel in Cloquet. The father of 22-year-old victim Shellby Trettel calls his daughter’s death a “senseless act of violence.” Tuesday: (Cloquet Police Chief Provides Update On Super 8 Shooting Fatalities) Shellby…

Cloquet Police Chief Provides Update On Super 8 Shooting Fatalities

The unthinkable happened in Cloquet Monday night. Two victims were shot and the suspect was found dead of an apparent self-inflicted gun wound, according to police. The Mayor of Cloquet, Roger Maki, held a press conference Tuesday morning. “I’d like to share my heartfelt sympathies to the victims of this horrible incident 0:41 Mayor Maki asked the public to give…

Barnum H.S. Student Accused Of Injuring Another Student With Box Cutter

BARNUM, Minn. — A Barnum High School student is facing serious charges after police say she cut another student with a box cutter. The suspect is a 14-year-old girl.  The victim is a 16-year-old boy. The incident was reported around 9 a.m. Tuesday. The school was placed on lockdown during the incident. The Carlton County Sheriff’s Office said the boy…

Police: Parent Causes ‘Soft Lockdown’ At Piedmont Elementary

DULUTH, Minn. — Piedmont Elementary School went into a soft lockdown Tuesday. The lockdown happened around 12:15 p.m. Duluth police told FOX 21 that a parent was causing a disturbance at the school. Police requested a soft lockdown as a precaution. The parent was trespassed from school property. Nobody was injured. Below is the full e-mail alert to parents: Dear…

Duluth Public Library Looks to Provide Fun, Safe Place for Teens

Expanding Teen Space and Events to Thank for Increased Interest

DULUTH, Minn. — The Duluth Public Library is encouraging teens to come and hang out through programs like today’s Gaming Event. The library invited students from sixth to twelfth grade to hang out, play board games, try out the Nintendo Switch, and enjoy some snacks. According to Senior Library Technician Heidi Harrison, many of the teenagers came from Harbor City…

Some Information Emerging in Cloquet Shooting Deaths, But Most Questions Remain

At Tuesday morning's press conference, the Chief said they still don't know if there were any connections between two victims and shooter.

Law enforcement investigators spent the night at the crime scene in Cloquet. Investigators say a man shot and killed a female desk clerk, and then shot another man who was sitting in a car.  The gunman then shot himself. Tuesday morning, Chief Derek Randall said investigators were still looking for answers for what happened at the Super 8 motel. He…

Coffee Conversation: Scholarship Deadlines Fast Approaching in the Northland

DULUTH, Minn. — Scholarship deadlines are fast approaching for students looking to get their hands on “free money.” Marshall H. and Nellie Alworth Memorial Fund Executive Director Patty Salo Downs and Duluth Superior Community Area Foundation Community (DSCAF) Impact Specialist Amber Burns joined FOX21 on the morning newscast Tuesday to talk about $2 million in scholarships available to students in…

Opening Ceremony Held for Human Trafficking Awareness Month

DULUTH, Minn.– January is Human Trafficking Prevention and Awareness Month, and the Duluth Trafficking Awareness Group is hosting events throughout the month to recognize the daunting issue. Monday AICHO hosted an opening ceremony that kicked off a series of events taking place in the Twin Ports. Including multiple information sessions surrounding human trafficking awareness. Monday’s ceremony featured the 2024 Brave…

Cloquet Police: Super 8 Hotel Employee Among 3 Dead, Including Shooter

10:15 p.m. Update:  The Cloquet Police Department released new information on Monday evening’s active shooter incident. Around 6:30 p.m., an employee of the Super 8 hotel in Cloquet called 911 to report they’d found another hotel employee who looked like she’d been attacked, according to the news release. Cloquet police responded to find a 22-year-old woman with a gunshot wound. …

Pete Johnson Announces He Will Run For Minnesota Legislature From Duluth

The Duluth firefighter said Monday he will run for Liz Olson's House 8A seat following her announcement last week that she will not run for re-election.

Pete Johnson, a Duluth firefighter, announced he is running for the seat left open by Representative Liz Olson. Olson represents central and western Duluth in District 8A. Johnson says he has been thinking about running for office for a long time and he knows that campaigning is always a family affair. He says his wife and kids are supportive and…

A New State Seal Means Changes for St. Louis County

DULUTH, Minn. Since 1858, with only minor modifications, the state seal of Minnesota has not been changed. However, beginning May 11 there will be a new Minnesota state seal. It features a loon, the north star, wild rice, water, and evergreens.  The seal is used to attest to the official status of government documents. In St. Louis County the state…

148th Fighter Wing Holds Award and Retirement Ceremony

DULUTH, Minn. — Duluth’s 148th Fighter Wing held its annual awards and retirement ceremony at the DECC Sunday. Before awards were given this afternoon, the Fighter Wing looked back on its accomplished work during the past year, reflecting on its 75th anniversary of service. Awards were presented to multiple levels of service members –from a Pilot to Non-Commissioned Officers. The…

Public Invited To Late Radio Host Jeanne Ryan’s Celebration of Life

DULUTH, Minn. — A public celebration of life has been announced for late Twin Ports radio personality Jeanne Ryan. Ryan died last month from complications of pneumonia, according to her obituary. The celebration of life is happening Saturday, Jan. 27 at the Flame Nightclub in Duluth. Family and friends are invited from noon until 2 p.m. The public is welcome…

Popular Mexican Restaurant Close To Opening In Superior

SUPERIOR, Wis. – A popular Mexican restaurant in Cloquet is getting closer to opening its second location in Superior. Pedro’s Grill and Cantina posted pictures on social media showing the inside of the new restaurant. It’s located in the 3200 block of Tower Avenue in the former Epic Restaurant building. Pedro’s has a capacity to serve 240 people. An opening…

Locally Produced Documentary “Duluth For Mandela” Premiers at Zeitgeist

DULUTH, Minn. — A locally produced documentary had its premiere at Zeitgeist yesterday and drew in a large crowd. The film “Duluth for Mandela: A Northland Celebration” is based on community events that took place in 2018, commemorating the 100th anniversary of the birth of Nelson Mandela, a South African liberation leader. Director and producer Gerri Williams wanted to include…

Aerial Lift Bridge Bay Side Pedestrian Walkway Closed Until Further Notice

DULUTH, Minn. — Due to unsafe conditions, the City of Duluth’s Aerial Lift Bridge Operations has closed the bay side pedestrian walkway to the public until further notice. The sidewalk on the lake side of the bridge will remain open for pedestrian use, but pedestrians should use extra caution when traveling the bridge by foot in winter, as walkways can…

ST Paper to Be Sold

DULUTH, Minn. — Last January ST Paper re-opened the Duluth paper-making plant that had been closed since 2020. It now appears the plant will be sold to an Italian Company, Sofidel, the world’s seventh-largest maker of tissue paper. A spokesman for ST Paper, Bill Broydrick, says the sale is not being made because of any distress, but because it is…

County Commissioners Limit Public Comment During Meetings

DULUTH, Minn. — At its December meeting St. Louis County Commissioners voted to change their rules…moving the public comment period to before the meeting starts and limiting it to 30 minutes. Commissioner Annie Harala said the move will provide a time certain slot for contractors and business owners to appear before the board. “We can ensure folks that are traveling…

Dry January is Underway

DULUTH, Minn. –  It’s estimated that 260 million Americans took part in Dry January in 2023. You’ve heard a lot about Dry January, but does it have any real benefits, and what can you do with your friends in place of having a drink together? Going out to a bar to meet up with your friends for a drink is…

Minnesota Rep. Liz Olson Will Not Seek Reelection For 5th Term

MINNESOTA — After 8 years as a member of the Minnesota House of Representatives Liz Olson has announced she will not seek reelection. Olson was elected in 2016 as a member of the Minnesota Democratic-Farmer-Labor Party in District 8A of northeastern Minnesota. She says she is very proud of the work accomplished over the years from providing affordable housing, healthcare…

White Snowshoe Hare Waiting (And Hiding) Until Snow Comes

The big-footed critter's bright white winter coat stands out against brown and gray forest.

The long wait for winter is beneficial for some wildlife, but potentially deadly for others. Ironically, the lack of snow actually makes life more challenging for some animals. An example of that is a snowshoe hare that was hiding under some brush and branches at Gooseberry Falls State Park on Wednesday.  The hare was spotted by park interpreter and naturalist…

Coffee Conversation: 36th Annual Duluth Wedding Show at the DECC

DULUTH, Minn. — Lundeen Productions will host the 36th annual Duluth Wedding Show at the Duluth Entertainment Convention Center (DECC) on Saturday, January 13. Organizer Kynze Lundeen joined FOX21 on the morning show Thursday to talk about this year’s event. The Duluth Wedding Show features a range of displays, exhibitors, and a runway fashion show — the largest of its…

Mushers React To 2024 Beargrease Cancellation

SILVER BAY, Minn. — Beargrease officials announced Tuesday that the John Beargrease Sled Dog Marathon would not be taking place this year. The decision was based on the lack of snow and the likelihood that a rescheduled race would interfere with other races that are scheduled. Dog mushers are disappointed and saddened, but not surprised by the decision to cancel…

Stauber Says Trump Will Get Country “Back on Track;” DFL Says Republicans “Kissing…Trump’s Ring”

All four Minnesota republican representatives announce their endorsement of former president.

Minnesota Congressman Pete Stauber endorsed Donald Trump for president Wednesday. The 8th district republican said Trump will, “finish what he started.” Stauber announced his endorsement in concert with all three other Minnesota republican representatives. Stauber’s statement said, “Donald Trump fought for our way of life in northern Minnesota when he was President. He supported domestic mining and manufacturing jobs, built…

Lack Of Snow Cancels 2024 John Beargrease Sled Dog Marathon

A big announcement was made Tuesday night involving the 40th annual John Beargrease Sled Dog Marathon. Officials told FOX 21 the race will not go on as planned because of a serious lack of snow. The Beargrease board members voted on the decision late Tuesday to put on the 40th annual Beargrease on Jan. 26, 2025. The Beargrease was originally…

Three New Duluth School Board Members Sworn In

The Duluth School Board kicked off its first meeting of the year Tuesday night by swearing in the three most recently elected members. The room was energetic and positive as family, friends and supporters watched Stephanie Williams, Henry Banks and Sarah Mikesell affirm their pledge to serve the residents of Duluth. After the stress of campaigning, we discussed what it…

Coffee Conversation: “Duluth for Mandela: A Northland Celebration”

DULUTH, Minn. — “Duluth for Mandela: A Northland Celebration” is a locally produced documentary that will be premiering Saturday, January 6 at Zeitgeist Zinema at 2:00 pm. Producer and Director Gerri Williams joined FOX21 on the morning newscast to talk about the film and its purpose. The film is based on community events that took place during 2018, commemorating the…

Essentia Health Welcomes Twins as First “First Babies” in New Medical Center

DULUTH, Minn. — Essentia health-St. Mary’s Medical Center welcomed a set of twins for the first born in 2024. Elle Ustipak and Jason Traver of Duluth welcomed Addison Evonne Traver at 11:22 a.m. Addison’s twin sister, Brinley Eve Traver, arrived shortly after. Addison weighed 5 pounds, 4.3 ounces, while Brinley weighed at 4 pounds, 3.7 ounces. The twins became the…

American Legion Open New Year’s Day

Pull Tab Racing a Major Draw, Along With a Bloody Mary Bar and Walking Tacos

DULUTH, Minn. — The American Legion Post in West Duluth is typically closed on New Year’s Day, but this afternoon they opened their doors to the public for some drinks and fun. Everyone was invited to enjoy Bloody Mary’s and Walking Tacos, but the main draw was the Pull Tab Racing, according to House Chairman Bob Stephens. People lined up…

Sen. Klobuchar Looks to Bridge Federal Funding for Blatnik Bridge

DULUTH, Minn. — For the last 62 years now, the Blatnik Bridge helped the Twin Ports to stay connected. Most recently, both Minnesota and Wisconsin submitted their second application for federal funding to replace the bridge. Their first, being back in August. Sunday, U.S. Sen. Amy Klobuchar spoke alongside the Duluth Area Chamber of Commerce and the Duluth Building and…

Upper Red Lake Restricts Vehicle Access After Continued Incidents

Upper Red Lake, Beltrami County, Minn. — According to a press release from Beltrami County, vehicle access will be restricted on Upper Red Lake effective at sunset on December 30. The lake has seen continued incidents of fishermen being stranded on and breaking through the ice. Including Friday, December 29, when The Beltrami County Sheriff’s Office rescued 122 fisherman after…

One Seriously Injured After Head-On Crash in Balkan Township

BALKAN TOWNSHIP, Minn. — Saturday, December 30, St. Louis County Sheriff’s deputies responded to a two-vehicle head-on crash around 6:00 a.m. in Balkan Township. The Sheriff’s Office reports that one vehicle was traveling northbound on Hwy 5 and lost control on the ice-covered road. The northbound vehicle struck an oncoming vehicle. The northbound vehicle rolled and ejected the driver, who…