Minnesota

Man Pleads Guilty To Stealing Garland’s Wizard of Oz Ruby Slippers

His attorney says Terry Jon Martin is in very poor health and wanted to get his "end-of-life affairs" in order.

  DULUTH, Minn.– The man who stole ruby slippers worn by Judy Garland in the Wizard of Oz, pleaded guilty Friday in a Duluth courtroom. It was part of a plea agreement that 76-year-old Terry Jon Martin hopes will result in a sentence that will keep him out of prison. Martin was in a wheelchair and using an oxygen bottle…

Marshall School Hosts Blood Drive

DULUTH, Minn. –Here’s a story that you’ve heard before, there is a significant blood shortage taking place locally and nationally. The Red Cross and Memorial Blood Bank are both looking for new and past donors to give blood to help alleviate the shortage. At Marshall School in Duluth, the Health and Wellness Club sponsored its first of three blood drives…

West Duluth Business Club Hosts Duluth Candidate Forum, Promotes Civility

DULUTH, Minn. – The November election is less than a month away in Duluth, and the president of the West Duluth Business Club, Susan Coen, is promoting civility over divisiveness. Coen hosted a public form Wednesday for the West Duluth community involving the mayoral race between incumbent Emily Larson and opponent Roger Reinert, and the council races. Coen said she…

WI Sen. Agard’s Cannabis Bill: Prohibition Not Working With Marijuana

Wisconsin State Sen. Melissa Agard is continuing her push to legalize recreational marijuana for adults through a bill in the state legislature. Sen. Agard (D-Madison) told FOX 21 Wisconsin is living on a disserting island when it comes to cannabis.  Minnesota, Illinois and Michigan have laws on the books allowing adult-use of cannabis. Agard said the state is losing out…

5 Officers Shot In Benton County, Minnesota

GLENDORADO TOWNSHIP, Minn. (FOX 9) – Five officers were shot in Glendorado Township, near Princeton, while serving a warrant Thursday morning, authorities tell FOX 9. A suspect has since been taken into custody. The officers, from different agencies, went to a house to serve a warrant before 8 a.m., authorities told FOX 9. While they were there, a man inside — the suspect — started…

Duluth Housing Development Stalled For 2nd Month At Former Seaway Hotel Site

DULUTH, Minn. – It was in the middle of August when FOX 21 broke the news about construction temporarily halted on a new housing development in Duluth’s Lincoln Park. Now two months later, the structure remains just a frame of wood. Merge Urban Development is behind the 45-unit apartment building (Urbane 218) on the former West Superior Street site of…

Alison Ward From ‘MANIA: The Abba Tribute’ Talks About Upcoming Show At DECC

DULUTH, Minn. — Do you like the musical “Mamma Mia”?  How about the 70s?  Well, in about a week, you can mix the two together for a two-hour concert called “MANIA – The ABBA Tribute!” The excitement takes the stage at the DECC’s Symphony Hall Friday, Oct. 20th. The show is a recreation of one of Abba’s most memorable concerts,…

Advocates Call Duluth’s Homeless Crisis An ‘Emergency,’ Ask For Public’s Help

DULUTH, Minn. – Duluth’s homeless advocates and the non-profits they work for say chronic homelessness has hit crisis proportions, and they need help to turn the problem around. “Shelters are overrun and as a consequence people have to be outside,” said John Cole, executive director of CHUM. Cole said there’s not enough affordable housing in Duluth to meet the demand…

Duluth’s 148th Fighter Wing Makes A Twins Game Flyover

The Minnesota Twins unfortunately lost to the Houston Astros Tuesday, but either way, the Twins got one big salute during the National Anthem. As part of the pre-game ceremonies, the Minnesota National Guard’s 148th Fighter Wing conducted a flyover with two F-16 Fighting Falcons at Target Field. Click the video above to see the Falcons in action! Categories: Minnesota, News,…

Zeitgeist Halloween Movie Lineup May Make ZZZs Difficult To Find

Weeks of horror (and some laughs) will fill the Zinema screen during the runup to Halloween.

What do Poltergeist, The Wolf Man, Abbott and Costello, and Frankenstein have in common? It could be a love of movie theater popcorn, but it’s not. They are actually just part of the mixed bag of scary springing up at Zeitgeist Zinema. For the Halloween month of screams, in addition to a variety of frightening cinema, the theater will also…

Kwik Trip Experiencing “Disruption” to its Systems

Company says loyalty program among things affected.

The Kwik Trip stores have apparently been having some technology-related issues over the past two days. On Monday, Madison television station WKOW reported that some customers were posting on social media that they were having problems with the store’s app, rewards program, and telephone service. Tuesday, Kwik Trip issued a statement saying, “As you are aware, we are currently experiencing…

DECC Board Releases Detailed Statement: ‘We Need A New Model, We Will Get Through This’

DULUTH, Minn. – The board of directors at the Duluth Entertainment Convention Center released an extensive public statement Monday on the DECC’s website explaining the entertainment venue’s financial situation, the responsibilities of the board and how they plan to move forward. The statement also provides a ‘question and answer’ section to help the public understand the challenges and successes at…

Time of Reflection and Inspiration on Indigenous Peoples’ Day

Generations united through song, words and determination.

Duluth commemorated Indigenous Peoples’ Day as a holiday Monday. The cold winds were swirling around City Hall, but they did not lessen the resolve of those in attendance. The group gathered with music and the spoken word to acknowledge the painful history indigenous people have had, and to celebrate the promise of the future. No one exemplifies that promise of…

Bentleyville Tree is Up!

Ironworkers donate their time every year to assemble and stack the sections.

It’s a sure sign that the holiday season–and Bentleyville–are nearly here! The Christmas tree at Bentleyville’s “Tour of Lights” went up Saturday morning. One hundred twenty-eight feet to the top, and for all the Northland to see in the months ahead. As always, Iron Workers Local 512 were the volunteers who used their skills to assemble the sections and connect…

‘Democratic Socialists Of America’ Backs Palestine Amid Gaza-Israel Conflict; Duluth DSA-Endorsed Candidates Respond

DULUTH, Minn. – The Twin Ports Democratic Socialists of America (DSA), which has endorsed three Duluth city council candidates for the upcoming November election, is calling for support to “take to the streets to join a protest for peace and against funding the Israeli state.” The DSA released the following statement Saturday: “DSA is steadfast in expressing our solidarity with…

City Of Duluth’s Largest Employee Union Passes On Mayoral Endorsement

DULUTH, Minn. – AFSCME Council 5, the city of Duluth’s largest bargaining unit representing employees like plow drivers, librarians and utility workers, has chosen not to endorse any mayoral candidate for the upcoming November election. In a statement to FOX 21, AFSCME said: “While our union members have endorsed in this race in previous election years, our members have decided…

DECC Board ‘Charged With Fiduciary Oversight And Governance’; Board Members Chosen By Mayor, Governor

DULUTH, Minn. — There’s been a lot of attention on the Duluth Entertainment Convention Center over the past couple weeks involving financial troubles and job eliminations, like 28-year employee Jeff Stark. DECC Exec. Dir. Dan Hartman, who has been on the job for 2.5 years, has said expenses are too high when it comes to increased wages and replacing failing…

ATV Passenger Killed By Tree Branch To The Chest

ST. LOUIS COUNTY, Minn. – A woman was killed over the weekend after being struck by a tree branch while riding on a side-by-side ATV. The accident happened around 7:40 p.m. Saturday on an ATV trail located south of Hibbing, according to the St. Louis County Sheriff’s Office. The 38-year-old woman from Meadowlands was struck in the chest by the…

Essentia St. Mary’s Boosts Security

DULUTH, Minn. — Essentia St. Mary’s announced Friday that it is implementing visitor badges beginning next Tuesday When entering the new facility on Second Street, you will need to stop at the Reception Desk. There, you will need to present a photo ID in order to receive the visitor badge. The badge is good for that day only and needs…

Fall Brings Out Sport Card Collectors

Football of course, but playoff baseball brings an added interest.

Fall is in the air. That means football, and this fall–even the Twins! That is good news for people who are into collecting or selling sports cards. At the Miller Hill Mall Friday, it was “game on!” As in Game On Sportscard Collectors and Memorabilia show. Long time collector and dealer Austin Knute had a big selection on display, and…

Fatal Car Crash on Martin Road Near Duluth

Sheriff says car was making U-turn when it was hit by a truck.

RICE LAKE, Minn. — Authorities say a passenger in a van was killed Friday morning when the vehicle made a U-turn on Martin Road in Rice Lake. The fatal victim has been identified as 78-year-old Paul Larson of Duluth. The incident happened about 8:45 a.m. The St. Louis County Sheriff’s office said the van he was riding in was traveling…

Coffee Conversation: Chum’s Golden Gala Commemorating 50th Anniversary

DULUTH, Minn. — Chum will host a Golden Gala on Tuesday, October 17 at the DECC commemorating 50 years of assisting those experiencing homelessness. Chum Director of Communications and Marketing Bradley Zwagerman joined FOX21 live on the morning newscast to talk about the event and its purpose. There will be a gourmet dinner, silent and live auctions, inspiring stories, and…

Coffee Conversation: North of Nashville Fall Festival

SILVER BAY, Minn. — North of Nashville is coming to the Silver Bay Reunion Hall on Friday, October 13 for a Country Music Fall Festival. Musician Bo Allen joined FOX21 on the morning newscast Friday to talk about the event and play some tunes live in-studio. North of Nashville is the Midwest’s connection to premier country music, talent, and entertainment….

City To Break Ground On DECC Seawall-Waterfront Reconstruction

DULUTH, Minn. — The summer season has past and so has another delay in a major seawall-waterfront reconstruction project behind the DECC.  But, FOX 21 confirmed Thursday that construction is officially getting underway later this month. Rendering of what the area will look like come 2025 Jim Filby Williams, the city’s director of public administration, said all federal and state…

DECC Exec. Dir. Addresses Job Cuts At Struggling Entertainment Venue

DULUTH, Minn.– DECC Exec. Dir. Dan Hartman found himself in the spotlight Thursday after news broke Wednesday night that he was cutting DECC expenses in the hundreds of thousands, including layoffs and eliminating positions. “So, the DECC has been definitely between a rock and a hard place. I think I talked about this with the City Council a couple weeks…

28-Year DECC Employee Among Positions Eliminated Amid Financial Struggles

DULUTH, Minn. – FOX 21 has learned that multiple job eliminations have begun at the Duluth Entertainment Convention Center (DECC), just one week since Executive Director Dan Hartman asked and received a $1 million emergency line of credit from the city council. DECC Exec. Dir. Dan Hartman during an interview with FOX 21 Sept. 24 Hartman said at the time…

UMD Faculty Union Rallies Amid Contract Negotiations

DULUTH, Minn. — Job security, research restrictions and increased teacher workload among concerns voiced Thursday (Oct 5) at a rally held by University of Minnesota Duluth union faculty members. This as contract negotiations continue with UMD administration. Duluth members of the University Education Association (UEA-Duluth) along with staff, students and a few city representatives rallied at UMD’s Kirby Plaza Bus…

Coffee Conversation: Bill Hinden Presents “The Great Jewish American Songbook” at Temple Israel

DULUTH, Minn. — Temple Israel will host a live presentation and performance by Bill Hindin of Songs and Stories of the Jewish Composers of Popular Music of the 20th Century. Temple Israel Board Member Jack Seiler joined FOX21 on the morning newscast Thursday to talk about the event and its purpose. Hindin uses multi-media, jokes, piano playing and song to…

Update on Lead Water Pipe Removal

DULUTH, Minn. –In May of his year the city began work on replacing all lead water pipes in the city. A pilot project was started on Eighth Street, running between 7th Avenue and 14th Avenue. An update on the pilot project was given on Wednesday. Jon Maruska, the Senior Engineering Specialist on the project, said so far, about 85 of…

Food Trucks In The Northland

DULUTH, Minn. — Northland temperatures are cooling as we ease into fall, but the food truck business is hotter than ever. And Kelsey Auran would know, she has worked for The Rambler for six years and says it was always in owner Jonathan Reznick’s heart to own a food truck. The Rambler was one of the first food truck businesses…

Former Duluth Vineyard Youth Pastor Accused Of Criminal Sexual Conduct

DULUTH, Minn. — A now-former youth pastor at The Vineyard Church in Duluth is charged with 10 counts of criminal sexual conduct involving five girls. Jackson Gatlin’s mugshot The criminal complaints against 35-year-old Jackson Gatlin say the victims were 12 to 16 years old at the time of the offenses. The complaints say Gatlin was between the ages of 19…

Rep. Stauber On Speaker McCarthy’s Ousting: ‘Sad Day For America’

U.S. Rep. Pete Stauber (R-Hermantown) called the ousting of Speaker Kevin McCarthy Tuesday as a “sad day for America.” Below is Stauber’s full statement: “This is a sad day for America. Speaker McCarthy and House Republicans have consistently delivered strong results for the American people, who are hurting thanks to the policies of the Biden Administration. Under his conservative and…

Attorney General Ellison Wants Public Input On Essentia, St. Luke’s Mergers

DULUTH, Minn. — Separate healthcare mergers for Essentia Health and St. Luke’s are getting a closer review by Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison. Ellison announced Tuesday it’s his responsibility to consider whether a healthcare transaction is in the public interest, and seek court intervention if he finds that it is not. Essentia Health is in the process of merging with…

Knowing Your Neighbor: Lake Superior Brewing

DULUTH, Minn. — After purchasing Lake Superior Brewing back in 2020, Sarah and Seth Maxim chipped away at building their new vision for the brewery now located in the East Lakeside Neighborhood.  After nearly three years of renovations and dealing with supply chain issues, Lake Superior Brewing finally started serving beer this summer. “We started brewing in May. We tapped…

Coffee Conversation: Animal Allies Fur Ball Fundraiser

DULUTH, Minn. — Animal Allies 2023 Fur Ball Gala is taking place on Saturday, October 14 at Northland Country Club. The purpose of the event is to raise funds to help take care of the animals. This year’s event will feature mingling, eating, gaming and winning. Fundraising goal is set at $100,000.00. Click here for ticket information. Categories: Coffee Conversation, Minnesota,…

College Loan Payments Begin Again

Those who owe are forced to deal with return to the way it was.

For many college students, Halloween is not nearly as frightening as the debt they are racking up. And this month, a three-year pause in paying back loans came to an end. The national break had been put in place during the pandemic. But it all came to an end this month, and millions must now resume making payments. For many…

Madeline Kingsbury: Adam Fravel Indicted On First-Degree Murder Charges

WINONA, Minn. (FOX 9) – Adam Fravel has been indicted on two counts of first-degree murder in the killing of his ex Madeline Kingsbury earlier this year. A grand jury returned the indictment for first-degree murder — past pattern of domestic abuse; first-degree murder — premeditation; and second-degree murder — unintentional on Monday, Oct. 2. Fravel, 29, was previously charged with two counts of second-degree…

Gordy’s Hi-Hat Closes for the Season

CLOQUET, Minn. — It’s feeling like summer on this hot October afternoon. Gordy’s Hi-Hat took advantage of the weather, extending their 63rd season’s last day to whenever they run out of food. “It was just a great season for us. We wanted to extend it a little bit. Today’s our last day and we’ll be open today until we run out…

Local Girl Scout Earns Her Gold

PROCTOR, Minn. — They say about 5% of girls in Girl Scouts work hard and long enough to reach the gold award. As for one scout in Proctor, this dream just became a reality. Cecelia Parmeter has finally earned her gold award after being apart of troop #4026. Parmeter’s project, “Shining A Spotlight on Fine Arts Education in Our Schools”,…

Unseasonable Heat Cancels Twin Cities Marathon

Courtesy: Twin Cities In Motion MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — A forecast that record high temperatures and humidity would create “extreme and dangerous” conditions prompted organizers to cancel two long-distance races Sunday in Minnesota’s two largest cities that were expected to draw up to 20,000 runners. The Medtronic Twin Cities Marathon from Minneapolis to neighboring St. Paul had been expected to draw…

September Swimming Ends With Red Flag Warning on Park Point

Fire Department Warns Everyone to Be Careful

Those considering swimming on Park Point beaches Saturday were warned to be careful. And that warning carries into Sunday. The Duluth Fire Department said there was a high risk of rip currents, and they issued a warning about noon Saturday. The warning continues until 10 a.m. Sunday morning. The department says the warning means that wind and wave conditions can…

Homecoming Week at UMD Features Bulldog Country Fair

DULUTH, Minn. — The weather may have impacted some events on Friday, but it did not dampen the homecoming spirit at UMD’s Bulldog Country Fair. Three food trucks lined Ordean Court, including; Oasis, The Iron Waffle and Johnny B’s. Other outdoor activities were cancelled due to rain. This event is a part of UMD’s homecoming week celebrations. The purpose is…

Improvements to Chester Park Playground Honor Late Barry Family

DULUTH, Minn. — “Today we are recognizing the contributions of family and friends who contributed, donated, fundraised to make improvements to the Chester Park playground in honor and memory of the Barry family,” said Jessica Peterson, Duluth Parks and Recreation Manager. The lives of the Sean, Rianna, Shiway, and Sadie Barry were tragically taken, along with their dog in April…