Minnesota

Minnesota Fire Deaths In 2022 Highest Since 1995

ST. PAUL, Minn. (FOX 9) – Seventy Minnesotans lost their lives in fires in 2022 — the most since 1995, the Minnesota Department of Public Safety (DPS) said. “To say Minnesota had 70 fire deaths in 2022 is oversimplifying the data,” Interim State Fire Marshal Amanda Swenson said in a release. “These deaths weren’t a result of social media challenges gone wrong….

Canadian Wildfire Smoke Gives Minnesota City The Worst Air In The US

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — St. Paul had the worst air quality in the United States on Wednesday as smoke from massive Canadian wildfires drifted across Minnesota a week after similar smoke blanketed the northeastern U.S. The smoke was “near the worst” on record for the Twin Cities, the Star-Tribune reported, citing Nick Witcraft, an air-quality meteorologist with the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency….

Cancer Survivors Night at Carnival

DULUTH, Minn.–“There was a month of just tests and scans and tests and scans,” said patient Dan Egley. For Dan Egley, receiving his cancer diagnosis was no easy task. Although the news was not easy, Egley decided to look at the positives that are in his life. “The doctor was sitting over there and he said, ‘We found your tumor…

KornerStores Gets OK To Purchase Old Gary Telephone Exchange Building

DULUTH, Minn. – Gary-based KornerStores company has received the OK to purchase the former Northwestern Bell Telephone exchange building in Gary. The Duluth Planning Commission unanimously approved the special-use permit Tuesday. It allows KornerStores to house its business office on the first floor and a rental up top. Owner Derek Medved told FOX 21 last week that it’s important to…

Suspicious Death Investigation In Deer River

DEER RIVER, Minn. – A suspicious death investigation is underway in the city of Deer River. The Itasca County Sheriff’s Office released information about the case Wednesday evening. Authorities say deputies responded to a home in the 500 block of 4th Street SE early Tuesday morning in response to a citizen’s call requesting a welfare check. Upon arrival, deputies discovered…

Grandma’s Finish Line Coordinator Talks Marathon Health, Safety

DULUTH, Minn. — Grandma’s Marathon weekend begins Thursday, and that means last-minute preparations are moving full-speed ahead. For Erik Nelson, who’s been involved with the race for more than four decades, he’s focused on the finish line and the heath of racers and spectators. “There’s a portion of runners who encounter a hiccup in the situation and need some attention,”…

Lake Superior College Addressing PFAS Contamination

DULUTH, MINN. — PFAS’ are often called forever chemicals because they don’t break down in the environment or in our bodies. One of the many ways PFAS are used is in the foam that firefighters use to extinguish fires from oil, gas, and jet fuel. Lake Superior College has had firefighting classes at its Emergency Response Training Center for a…

Baby Season Is Busy Season For Wildwoods Wildlife Rehabilitation Center

DULUTH, Minn. — Wildwoods, a wildlife rehabilitation center in Duluth has been very busy as it is baby season for them. This is because around late spring, early summer is when the non-profit rescues many types of baby animals from fawns, fledglings, turtles, and squirrels. They usually get around 130 different species of animals every year. A lot of the…

Coffee Conversation: Summer Opportunities at GND Rec Duluth

DULUTH, Minn. — The heart of summer is on the horizon and many are itching to stay busy and fend off any summer boredom. The Gary New Duluth Recreation Area functions as a catalyst for community members of all ages to engage in programming, entertainment, exercise, group events, and more. ISD 709 Principal Nathan Glockle joined FOX21 on the morning…

Coffee Conversation: Summer Programming at Duluth Public Library

DULUTH, Minn. — As schools let out for the summer, some parents look to bridge the learning gap that many kids experience while on break; the library can be a a great, free option to assist with that. Duluth Library Services Supervisor Brianna Belanger joined FOX21 on the morning newscast to talk about a range of programs and learning opportunities…

Esko Drops its Mascot After New MN Law

ESKO, Minn.–A new law in Minnesota is forcing a change of the Esko School District’s Mascot. The Esko Eskomos will be discontinuing their mascot as of June 30, this after Minnesota lawmakers passed a law that prohibits the use of using indigenous cultures for sports team mascots and logos. The Esko Eskomos is a play on the word “eskimo” which…

Burning Restrictions To Start Wednesday For Northeast Minnesota

The restrictions are for Carlton, Cook, Lake, and St. Louis counties.

MINNESOTA — The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources says burning restrictions will begin for Northeast Minnesota Wednesday at 12:01 a.m. The restrictions are for Carlton, Cook, Lake, and St. Louis counties. Below is part of a press release: Burning permits will not be issued for brush or yard waste No fireworks may be ignited on any public or private land…

Lester Park Golf Course Loses Last Chance To Reopen; Costs, Failing Infrastructure To Blame

Enger Park Golf Course will partially open in 2024 while significant upgrades get underway

DULUTH, Minn. — Duluth city councilors voted unanimously Monday night against reopening Lester Park Golf Course for one last time next year. This comes after projected operating losses for 2024 more than doubled to at least $1.2 million. The original plan was to reopen Lester next season so the city’s other municipal golf course at Enger Park could close down…

Former Owner Of Ganucci’s Restaurant Sentenced To 6 Years In Prison

William Kalligher pleaded guilty to Second Degree Criminal Sexual Conduct and Attempted First Degree Criminal Sexual Conduct.

DULUTH, Minn. — The former owner of Ganucci’s Restaurant in West Duluth has been sentenced to 6 years in prison after sexually assaulting two children. The St. Louis County Attorney’s Office says William Kalligher pleaded guilty Monday to Second Degree Criminal Sexual Conduct and Attempted First Degree Criminal Sexual Conduct. Court documents say a 25-year-old man told police that Kalligher forced…

Duluth Central H.S. Memorabilia Exhibit Opens At Depot Monday

DULUTH, Minn. — A nostalgic exhibit opens Monday at the Duluth Depot full of rare Duluth Central High School artifacts. The Duluth Central Alumni Association has compiled more than 150 artifacts ranging from band uniforms and cheerleader sweaters to the Trojan head from the gym floor and yearbooks. DCAA Central High School opened in 1892 in the Minnesota brownstone building…

‘The Beach’ Opens Monday At Cloquet’s Pinehurst Park

CLOQUET, Minn. — One of the area’s most unique beaches opens Monday in Cloquet. We’re talking about The Beach at Pinehurst Park. It’s a filters, chlorinated pool with a sandy bottom. The beach officially opens at 11 a.m. It’s located just off Highway 33. If you’ve never been, there are lifeguards on duty, changing rooms and concessions. Categories: Community, Minnesota,…

Camp is Almost in Session at Camp Miller

STURGEON LAKE, Minn.–Another camp season is about to begin at Camp Miller. This year’s campers are excited as the staff welcomes in the campers for a day visit before staying a week on the shoreline of Sturgeon Lake.  “It’s a little scary to think I’m used to seeing her experiencing new things and now I don’t get to be around…

Trans Joyfest Welcomes All

DULUTH, Minn.–People joined together at the Gichi-ode’ Akiing Park to support and celebrate the transgender people that reside in the Northland. This is the second annual Trans JoyFest which is organized by Trans Northland, an organization that supports the transgender and gender expansive community. This year’s event saw more vendors, people, and activities like drag shows, comedy shows, as well…

Spring Fever Days Brings Vendors and Classic Cars to Barnum High

BARNUM, Minn.–Barnum High School saw their facilities packed today with multiple events happening at once. Inside, the 41st Spring Fever Days craft show brought many people and vendors to the gymnasium. Popcorn, nail press-on, and jewelry were some of the items available. But for first time vendor Nancy Lindberg, she found some help getting ready with her glass and stainless…

Veit Opens New Facility in Gary

DULUTH, MINN. — Veit, a company that has been in Duluth for 20 years unveiled a new building for its team this afternoon. Veit is a specialty contracting and waste management company. The new 12,800-foot office is located in Gary and sits on 20 acres of land. Jesse Rousch, the Veit senior vice president of operations, saiD, “This facility is…

Teen’s Artwork Livens Up Library’s Outer Walls

DULUTH, MINN. — Teens have been drawing on the library’s walls for the past week, but it’s not graffiti, it’s artwork, and the library likes the kid’s work. The artwork is part of the library’s summer reading program that has the theme “Find Your Voice.” It may appear the artwork was made with chalk, but it’s not your typical sidewalk…

Key Duluth City Official Remembered; Dies at 61

Chris Fleege was Director of Planning and Economic Development

DULUTH, MINN. –A key member of the Duluth City administration and a longtime community member has passed away. Chris Fleege was the city’s Director of Planning and Economic Development. According to his obituary, he died last Sunday at home of natural causes, surrounded by family. He was 61. Fleege joined the city in 2019 as part of a varied and…

Powerhouse Bar Hosts Bike Night

PROCTOR, Minn. — Nice weather is here to stay as summer is quickly approaching, which means that motorcycles are hitting the road again. Proctor was the place to be Thursday night for bikers as the popular Powerhouse Bar hosted their well-known Bike Night. Every Thursday night the bar parking lot is filled with the sound of classic motorcycles revving up….

Duluth’s ‘Anchors End Tattoo’ To Anchor In Former Electric Fetus Building

DULUTH, Minn. – It’s been two years since the Electric Fetus closed in downtown Duluth after serving the music community for 33 years. And now, the space is getting a new tenant with a decades-long history in the city itself. Anchors End Tattoo & Piercing is moving into the prime real estate on the corner of Lake Avenue and East…

Donald Trump Says He’s Been Indicted On Charges Of Mishandling Classified documents

MIAMI (AP) — Former President Donald Trump and his aides are bracing for a potential indictment in the classified documents investigation as prosecutors handling the probe were spotted Thursday at a Miami courthouse where a grand jury has been hearing from witnesses. The former president’s lawyers have been told he is a target of the investigation, the clearest indication yet…

Chum 2 Go Delivers Food To Those In Need

DULUTH, MINN. — In this day and age where you can have just about anything delivered straight to your door, Chum has begun delivering food to those in need. There are really two separate Chum programs. One delivers right to a person’s door, while the other program brings boxes to a set point and people come to the Chum van…

Coffee Conversation: Mental Health Benefits of Diaphragmatic Breathing

DULUTH, Minn. — The act of breathing is a natural process of the human body, but implementing diaphragmatic breathing with a focus on deep, controlled breaths, can help relax the mind and body in times of tension or crisis. Owner and Coach at Klear Water Coaching & Wellness Stacy Crawford joined FOX21 on the morning newscast to talk more about…

KornerStores, Inc. Eyes Historic Telephone Exchange Building In Gary

GARY, Minn. — A historic telephone exchange building in the heart of Duluth’s Gary neighborhood could soon be the new home of a Gary-based company that’s looking to grow beyond the Northland but keep its roots where they are for years to come. The building is the former Northwestern Bell Telephone Company located at 1202 101st Ave. West.  The company…

Lake Superior School District Celebrates Groundbreakings

TWO HARBORS, Minn.–“We hear a lot of things across the country about school boards that are dysfunctional,” said Superintendent Jay Belcasto. “I think ours is very functional. The time and commitment they put in on behalf of the students to ensure we now got a 21st century learning experience.” The Lake Superior School District broke ground Wednesday at its schools…

KQDS-TV, Forum Communications Pending Purchase Dissolves

(FOX 21) – We have an update involving the pending purchase of our television station, KQDS-TV, and our sister station, KVRR-TV in Fargo. After 18 months, the proposed agreement with Forum Communications has fallen through. Our parent company, Red River Broadcasting, and Forum, which owns the Duluth News Tribune, had not received approval on the deal from the Federal Communications…

Army Corps Pulls Key Permit For Copper-Nickel Mine Near Hoyt Lakes

A key permit for a proposed copper-nickel mine near Hoyt Lakes, known as the NorthMet Project, has been revoked by the Army Corps of Engineers. The announcement was made Tuesday in a 27-page report. The Army Corps said the proposed mine “does not ensure compliance with water quality requirements of the Fond du Lac band of Lake Superior Chippewa.” NewRange…