Minnesota

Lutsen Denied Permission To Expand

LUTSEN, Minn.–The United States Forest Service issued a decision Friday, tht denies a proposed expansion of the Lutsen Ski Hill. Tom Hall the Superior National Forest Supervisor, says input from the public and consultation with local tribes as well as several other factors played a part in the decision. Officials cited impacts to tribal resources and access, negative impacts to…

Preservation Group Says More Duluth Historic Buildings In Danger of Being Demolished

Preservation Alliance Lists "Ten Endangered Places"

There was a call Friday to save many of Duluth’s buildings from the wrecking ball before it is too late. Outside of the New Garrick Building, built in 1923, the Duluth Preservation Alliance unveiled this year’s “Ten Endangered Places List.” The goal is to highlight buildings whose future may be uncertain. The group says eight buildings have been torn down…

Welcome Week Starts At UMD

DULUTH, Minn. — The dorms are filling back up at UMD as it is welcome week! The time has come for students to leave home and start their new college journey. UMD officials say there are about 2-thousand new faces this year on campus. The college also has a few new academic programs including a project management undergrad certificate and…

‘Heavy Fuel Oil Release’ At Superior’s Cenovus Refinery One Day After Propane Leak

SUPERIOR, Wis. – Just one day after an emergency evacuation at Cenovus Energy because of a propane leak, another emergency situation unfolded Thursday involving a “heavy fuel oil release,” according to the Superior Fire Department. The call for help came in around 1 p.m. Superior fire crews responded to a report of a “release of heavy fuel oil in a…

Body of Man Flying Ultralight Found in Lake Superior

A piece of his clothing found on shore helped searchers focus their efforts

Denny Pechacek (Photo courtesy Abbey Johnson) Hovland, Minnesota- Authorities say they have found and recovered the body of a man missing since last Friday. The Cook County Sheriff’s office says the body of Denny Pechacek was recovered from Lake Superior off the shore of Hovland, MN. Many people and groups had been searching for him since he and the ultralight…

Back-to-School Shopping at Ivy Moon in Duluth

DULUTH, Minn. — The crisp, fall season is about to make landfall in the northland, but before students head back-to-class and hit the textbooks, many are hitting the stores for school shopping; that includes at Ivy Moon Boutique. The shop is located on 1501 East Superior Street in Duluth. It serves as a hot-spot for all ages in women’s clothing,…

Father Of The Veteran Who Was Shot And Killed By Duluth Police Says Death Was Avoidable; Police Video Released

DULUTH, Minn. – Body camera footage has been released involving a February officer-involved shooting that killed a Duluth veteran. Last week, that officer was cleared of any charges after an outside investigation. And now, the man’s father tells FOX 21 deadly force could have easily been avoided. Zachary Shogren We begin with the Feb. 24 encounter that lead up to…

Rep. Stauber Meets With Northland Law Enforcement Officials Over Fentanyl Crisis

HERMANTOWN, Minn. — Fentanyl has become an increasing problem in the Northland with 26 overdose deaths just alone this year. Wednesday, Congressman Pete Stauber met with St. Louis County Sheriff Gordon Rasmay, Lake County Chief Deputy Timothy Louma, Hermantown Chief of Police Jim Crace, and other law enforcement officials to discuss the problems, roadblocks, and possible solutions. As of August…

Superior School District Asks for Community’s Input on Elementary Boundaries

SUPERIOR, Wis –In the 2024 -25 School year, there will be one less elementary school in Superior. That decision was made last April by the School Board.  Now, the district is asking for community input about what are the most important things to be considered when drawing new elementary boundaries. The district, along with Cooperative Strategies, has created a survey…

Meet Minnesota’s New Supreme Court Chief Justice, Associate Justice

ST. PAUL, Minn. (FOX 9) – The Minnesota Supreme Court will have a new chief justice, Gov. Tim Walz announced Wednesday. Justice Natalie Hudson will serve as chief justice starting in October. The move will follow the retirement of current Chief Justice Lorie Gildea. “Justice Hudson is one of our state’s most experienced jurists. She has a strong reputation as a leader and consensus…

Summer Schools Wraps Up in Gary-New Duluth Rec Center

GARY-NEW DULUTH, Minn.– Summer schools are nearing their end, and the Gary-New Duluth Rec Center held their family day for their last session of their summer camp. Kids had fun exploring the 16-acre Stowe Elementary School forest for a scavenger hunt, enjoyed some root-beer floats, and learned some new biking skills from the Duluth Parks and Recreation staff. Over the…

Local Woman Practices Alternative Forms of Medicine

DULUTH, Minn. — Most healthcare systems utilize western (conventional) medicine with pharmaceutical drugs, radiation and surgery treatments. However, holistic medicine, which takes a more natural, whole-body approach is gaining recent momentum, according to the National Institutes of Health. A local Holistic Practitioner, who is also a retired Occupational Therapist, explained how the contrasting forms of medicine can co-exist successfully. “I…

Sen. Tina Smith Visits Native Wise Farm Ahead in Her Efforts to Create a “Native Farm Bill”

SAWYER, Minn. — Sen. Tina Smith visited a local farm during her efforts to create a “Native Farm Bill.” Native Wise Farm in Sawyer produces a variety of crops, from wild rice, hemp, vegetables, and much more. The farm is also home to 12 plains bison. Sen. Smith talked to the owners about their operation to gather information for the…

Car Crash Kills Gustavus Hockey Player, Injures 3 Teammates

(FOX 9) – A two-vehicle collision in western Minnesota left three members of the Gustavus Adolphus College women’s hockey team injured and another teammate dead Sunday afternoon. The crash occurred around 12:40 p.m. at the intersection of Highway 29 and Highway in Grace Township, approximately 50 miles from the South Dakota border, according to the Minnesota State Patrol. The four Gustavus hockey…

Funding and Planning Aimed at Rural Health Care

Recruiting and training are two of the goals and challenges

Health care in smaller, rural communities faces some special challenges. A federal grant has providers hoping it can help in some ways. A project for finding and developing health care employees was the subject of a meeting at St. Luke’s Monday. Wilderness Health is a collaborative group of independent, rural health care providers serving patients in Northeast Minnesota and Northwest…

Gov. Walz, Gov. Evers Seek Federal Funds for Blatnik Bridge Project

TWIN PORTS — Minnesota Governor Tim Walz and Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers announced on Monday that their departments of transportation will seek over $1 billion in federal funding to rebuild the Blatnik Bridge between Duluth and Superior. A statement from Walz said in part, “the Blatnik Bridge connects the Twin Ports communities and economies of Duluth and Superior – it…

International Duluth Marshall Students Welcomed with Rafting Trip

CARLTON, Minn. — Each year Duluth Marshall welcomes around 40 students from countries around the world to complete their school year in Duluth. This year the students were greeted with a whitewater rafting trip along with their local classmates. “It’s going to be my first-time experience, so it’s going to be kind of tough for me. I’m scared but honestly,…

Missing Pilot & Aircraft in Cook County

UPDATE (10 p.m. 8/20/2023): Cook County Sheriff Pat Eliasen tells FOX 21 their search and rescue team will continue looking for the pilot and aircraft Monday morning. “The aircraft was an ultralight,” says Sheriff Eliasen, “which means it was basically an engine with a seat and other controls, this type of flying machine utilizes a parachute to keep it airborne….

Fundraiser for Family of Tammy Churness

HERMANTOWN, MINN. — There was a benefit fundraiser for Tammy Churness on Saturday, who was told in 2021 that she had breast cancer. The cancer spread throughout her body and early Friday morning she passed away. The fundraiser went on as scheduled and all the money raised will go to the family. Tig’s Smokin Pig BBQ set up its Food…

Another Good Year for the 2nd Annual ‘Far West Kidz Fest’ In Gary-New Duluth

GARY-NEW DULUTH, Minn. — Hot temps didn’t stop the party in Gary- New Duluth for the ‘Far West Kidz’ Fest Saturday. Ahead of the upcoming school year the 2nd annual kid’s fest and car show had something for everyone. Inflatables and cheers filled the lawn of the rec center in Gary-New Duluth. There were also games, face-painting and even a…

Hoghead Festival Wraps up in Proctor

PROCTOR, Minn. — It was all aboard in Proctor this week! The annual Hoghead Festival returned for its 48th year. The tradition is decades long and continues to bring the community together. The annual festival celebrates the history of the railroad industry in Proctor. The week was full of festivities, one of the big events being the car show. The…

Canal Bark Welcomes Dogs “Back-to-School” too!

DULUTH, Minn. — When you typically think of back-to-school, you might think of kids, teachers, and college-aged students. However, the UMD Bulldog’s aren’t the only “canines” in Duluth gearing up for this academic school year. Dogs are back to play, run, and most importantly, eat some good treats at Canal Bark’s day camp — while their humans head back to…

Bus Drivers Needed Now

BARNUM, MINN. — In just over a week Barnum Schools, like most schools in Minnesota will start the day after Labor Day. Last year Barnum had eight routes and eight drivers, bringing students to and from school. This year they have just 5 drivers. That’s a real problem and the Transportation Supervisor for both Barnum and Willow River schools is…

Coffee Conversation: Backpack Drive at Bayfront Festival Park

DULUTH, Minn. — School is right around the corner, and the Family Freedom Center: Neighborhood Youth Services will be giving out over 2,000 backpacks filled with school supplies at “Unity In Our Community,” a back-to-school event held by Duluth Public Schools on August 21. Operations Director Pez Davila joined FOX21 on the morning newscast to talk about the backpack drive…

Duluth Parks and Recreation Helping Grow Adaptive Biking

DULUTH, Minn. — Duluth Parks and Recreation partnered with Northland Adaptive Recreation Thursday to bring adaptive biking to the Northland. Last year Duluth Parks and Recreation received a grant to build up the biking community in the city. Through the grant they have started new mountain biking programs and events. Thursday at Hartley Nature Center people could try out adaptive…

Cloquet Church Flooded By Vandal During Break-In

CLOQUET, Minn. — When Pastor Mike Stevens of Good Hope Church in Cloquet returned last Saturday from a three-month sabbatical, he was ready to get back in the pulpit and return to preaching, but that didn’t happen. “I came into church Saturday morning, going to record a sermon, and there was just water coming straight down, the fire alarm was…

Cloquet Fire of 1918: Could It Happen Again?

CLOQUET, Minn. – The University of Minnesota has a Research Forestry facility in Cloquet. Lane Johnson is one of the Research Foresters based there.  He explained that fire can be beneficial when it’s done as a prescribed burn. There are plants and trees that can benefit from fires such as the Red Pine. “It reduces fuels so that when you…

Duluth Police Department Hosts Annual Kids, Cops and Cars Event

DULUTH, Minn. — The Duluth Police Department is connecting with the community through its annual Kids, Cops and Cars event. Dozens of first responder vehicles filled Bayfront Park Thursday afternoon. From Duluth squad cars, ambulances and even a helicopter. Kids of all ages could meet officers and other first responders and K-9 dogs as well. Many kids faced off against…

Coffee Conversation: Tig’s Smok’n Pig BBQ Third Annual Cancer Fundraiser

DULUTH, Minn. — Tig’s Smok’n Pig BBQ is preparing to hold its third annual cancer fundraiser to raise money for a Two Harbors woman, Tammy Churness, who is currently battling cancer. Owner Troy Fralich (Tig) and friend of Tammy, Brooke, joined FOX21 on the morning newscast to talk about the fundraiser and its purpose. The benefit is taking place on…

Coast Guard Trains On Lake Superior While Drifting Tubers Get Help To Shore

DULUTH, Minn. –  There was some confusion Wednesday for people looking out on Lake Superior from Duluth’s shoreline when they saw a U.S. Coast Guard helicopter hovering over the water with a Coast Guard vessel. Coast Guard training Wednesday A spokesperson for the Coast Guard told FOX 21 it was not a water emergency but rather a scheduled training exercise…

Small Minnesota Town Will Be Without Police After Chief And Officers Resign, Citing Low Pay

GOODHUE, Minn. (AP) — A small Minnesota town will soon be without a police department, an exodus spurred by low pay for the chief and his officers. Goodhue Police Chief Josh Smith and one other officer are still on the force, but only until their resignations become official on Aug. 23, the Minneapolis Star Tribune reported. Smith submitted his resignation at a…

Rebate Checks For Minnesotans Begin This Week, Up To $1,300 Per Family

(FOX 9) – A prominent promise made by Gov. Walz last legislative session will begin to come to fruition for Minnesotans this week. On Wednesday, Gov. Walz will hold an event to announce that as families gear up for the back-to-school season, the one-time tax rebate payments of up to $1,300 per family will start being sent to tax filers. The legislation provides payments to…

Minnesota Nursing Homes Get Lifeline From State

DULUTH, MINN — On the last day of the Minnesota legislative session, the leaders of both parties got together and worked out an agreement to provide $300 million to help nursing homes across the state.  State Representative Natalie Zeleznikar, talked with FOX 21 about the agreement that likely saved many nursing homes. The first-term representative knows the issues, she’d been…

Duluth Public Info. Meeting Wed. About ‘Armored Rescue Vehicle’ Purchase

DULUTH, Minn. — Duluth Police Chief Mike Ceynowa and his team will hold a community informational meeting Wednesday about the possible purchase of an Armored Rescue Vehicle. The meeting is happening from 5:30 p.m. until 7 p.m. at the Evergreen Senior Center. Chief Ceynowa told FOX 21 it’s time to invest in the life-saving tool and stop borrowing Superior’s Armored…

Duluth Bethel to Celebrate 150th Anniversary

DULUTH, MINN. — Duluth Bethel will be holding its third annual ’Concert for Recovery’ in early September and it will be a two-day event. This year marks the 150th anniversary of Duluth Bethel, it’s one of the oldest social service agencies in the state. The group helps people rebuild their lives as it works with people with drug or alcohol…

New Vacation Home Community Being Built in the City

DULUTH, MINN. — New housing development, designed specifically for Short Term Vacation Rentals is going up at the base of Spirit Mountain. Already three of the homes are built or being built. The area is known as River West, and while the first phase has just three homes, it’s planned that the second and third phases will add another 30…

Trump Indicted For Efforts To Overturn 2020 Presidential Election In Georgia

ATLANTA (AP) — A Georgia grand jury that has been investigating former President Donald Trump over his efforts to undo that state’s 2020 election results arrived at a frenzied conclusion late Monday, returning indictments even as prosecutors offered no clarity about who had been charged and for what. The existence of indictments became apparent around 9 p.m., when the Fulton…