Minnesota Archives - Page 84 of 362

Duluth Celebrates The Life Of Judge Sally Tarnowski

A day of fond memories, professional achievements, and deep friendships

April 27, 2023

Steve Goodspeed,

DULUTH, Minn. — A Duluth born-and-raised attorney and judge was remembered by friends, family and colleagues Thursday during a memorial at the DECC. Judge Sally Tarnowski died unexpectedly in March when she was struck by a vehicle while jogging on vacation in Florida. Tarnowski was 63 years old. Thursday’s reflections included her Duluth public school roots, her going to law…

MN House, Senate Pass ‘Northern Lights Express’ Funding In Transportation Bills

April 27, 2023

KQDS Staff,

DULUTH, Minn. — For the first time ever, the Northern Lights Express project now has financial backing from the Minnesota House and the Senate. The Senate has approved $50 million toward the passenger rail service between the Twin Ports and Minneapolis. This comes after the House Transportation Committee set aside full funding for NLX in its omnibus bill and was…

Safety Training for Companies That Work Near Trains

April 27, 2023

Pat Brink,

DULUTH, MINN. — Safety training is an important part of just about everyone’s employment. For companies that respond to train derailments, safety training can literally mean the difference between going home and being seriously hurt or killed. Nearly two dozen employees from a handful of environmental companies were training at the train yard behind the North Shore Railroad. The training covered…

Washington, Minnesota Become Trans Refuges, Shield Abortions

April 27, 2023

The Associated Press,

SEATTLE (AP) — Democratic governors in Washington state and Minnesota on Thursday signed into law legal protections for people who travel to those states seeking reproductive and gender-affirming procedures and treatment. They are the latest blue states to enact safeguards against bans or limits on transgender and abortion healthcare in Republican states. In Seattle, Gov. Jay Inslee wore a pink tie…

Coffee Conversation: Duluth Lions Club’s 64th Annual Pancake Day

April 27, 2023

Maria Vollom,

DULUTH, Minn. — How high can you stack ’em? The Duluth Lions Club community-favorite fundraiser, Pancake Day, is back for its 64th year at the DECC on Thursday, May 4. Pancake Day is a major fundraising event for the Duluth Lions Club. In 2022 over $50,000.00 was returned to the community to help fund programs for youth and people who…

MnDOT Begins Cleanup Of Duluth Homeless Encampment

April 26, 2023

Dan Hanger,

DULUTH, Minn. – Cleanup of a problematic homeless encampment in Duluth has begun. Encampment site before it was cleaned up along Rail Road Street in Duluth. MnDOT crews have removed piles of trash and debris at the site across from Bayfront Park and Pier B Resort along Railroad Street. The clean-up process was stalled because of the frozen ground and…

Duluth Breweries Do Well in Statewide Competition

April 26, 2023

Pat Brink,

DULUTH, MINN. — Four Local Breweries were recently named as winners in the Minnesota Craft Brewers Guild Award Program. Canal Park Brewing Company placed first in the American Wheat & Cream Ales category, with its ‘Clear Waters Cream Ale’. In the Dark Lagers category, Fitger’s Brewhouse’s, ‘Brewhouse Bock’ finished first. Fitger’s also won first in the Strong Ales category for…

Coffee Conversation: Law Day 5K Fundraiser in Duluth

April 26, 2023

Maria Vollom,

DULUTH, Minn. — The Legal Aid Service of Northeastern Minnesota (LASNEM) is holding a Law Day 5K on April 30 to raise funds for its mission; providing civil legal services to low-income individuals and families. Nate Grizzle with LASNEM joined FOX21 on the morning newscast to talk about the event and its purpose. It’s a family-friendly run/walk event open to…

Meet a Member of Minnesota’s Woodworking Guild

April 26, 2023

Paige Hansen,

BRULE, Wis.– A member of the Minnesota Woodworkers guild that makes automata interactive hand-carved wood sculptures and gears will be showing off her work at the upcoming Northern Woods Exhibition. Cecilia Schiller will display her crafts at the event and will also be present for a Q&A on Saturday for “Meet the Maker”. The exhibition is hosted by the Minnesota…

Rambler Food Truck Opening Day

April 26, 2023

Paige Hansen,

DULUTH, Minn. — It’s that time of the year again, after a long winter it’s finally food trucks time, they are back on the street, serving up delicious menu items in the Northland. The Rambler Food Truck is back for their 11th season, holding their opening day at St. Luke’s hospital. The roaming truck has a wide variety of food…

Structure Fire Takes Down Power Lines, Flammable Materials Inside

April 26, 2023

Maria Vollom,

DULUTH, Minn. — A two-stall detached garage deemed total loss after multiple crews respond to a structure fire the night of Tuesday, April 25 on the 6300 block of Pizarro Street in Duluth. At 10:53 pm, the Duluth Fire Department was dispatched to a report of a two-stall detached garage on fire. The first fire unit arrived on scene and…

Brother, Sister Of Fire Victims Thank Duluth Firefighters, Community

April 25, 2023

Dan Hanger, Paige Hansen,

DULUTH, Minn. – A brother and sister who lost their sister and nephew in a weekend apartment fire in Duluth are thanking the firefighters who tried to save their relatives and for the outpouring of community support with the unexpected funeral costs. Fatal fires are not common in Duluth, especially fires that take the life of more than one person….

Why Has The Aerial Lift Bridge Been Half Lit Lately?

April 25, 2023

Dan Hanger,

DULUTH, Minn. — The historic Aerial Lift Bridge has been fitted with a new LED lighting system since 2020, but only half the bridge has been lit lately. Most recently, the bridge has been half dark on Monday and Tuesday that FOX 21 noticed from our tower camera during the 9 p.m. broadcast. A city spokesperson told FOX 21 Tuesday…

Edgewater Resort’s 1960s Motel To Be Demolished

April 25, 2023

Dan Hanger,

DULUTH, Minn. – The Edgewater Resort and Waterpark has begun its first phase of remodeling with a demolition. An official with ZMC Hotels told FOX 21 the two-story motel-style strip along the 2400 block of London Road is being demolished. It will become a parking lot with the possibility of future development down the road. The motel has been vacant…

Childen’s Mental Health Focus of Conference in Duluth

April 25, 2023

Pat Brink,

DULUTH, Minn. –The DECC was the site of the 27th annual conference of the Minnesota Association for Children’s Mental Health. There were 85 different breakout sessions covering issues children are facing. Three days of educational opportunities offered time to hear from, and talk with, others who work with children and discuss the issues they face. The Communications Director for the…

Recreational Marijuana Bill Passes Minnesota House, Heads To Senate

April 25, 2023

Site Staff,

(FOX 9) – Recreational marijuana is a step closer to becoming legal under state law in Minnesota, with lawmakers passing the marijuana omnibus bill by a vote of 71-59. “We know Minnesota’s current cannabis laws are doing more harm than good,” said Rep. Zack Stephenson (DFL-Coon Rapids), the bill’s sponsor. “Over the last three years, DFLers in the Legislature have worked and listened to build…

Coffee Conversation: UMD Students Look for Support of Humanitarian Project in Kenya

April 25, 2023

Maria Vollom,

DULUTH, Minn. — Students of UMD’s Engineers Without Borders chapter turn to community members for support of their well and water distribution system project in Nyansakia, Kenya. Alison Olson-Enamorado, Cody Barrett, Yohanis Hundessa, and Allicia Petrich joined FOX21 on the morning show to talk about the project and its purpose, along with an upcoming fundraiser. The well and water distribution…

Lock and Key Guided Tours at Glensheen Opens Closed Off Areas

April 24, 2023

Paige Hansen,

DULUTH, Minn. — Glensheen Mansion is bringing back their highly requested guided tours, but this time new spots throughout the estate will be unlocked for the tours. Lock and Key tours will be starting on May 1 at the mansion, areas that are normally closed off such as the boathouse, carriage house and a balcony will be opened only for…

Task Force to Improve Downtown Duluth Reports Progress

Increasing concerns had prompted a search for solutions

April 24, 2023

Steve Goodspeed,

Concerns about downtown Duluth’s future and its direction prompted a task force last fall to look at the issues. Monday, members said they feel good about what has happened so far. The task force said progress has been made in several areas, including dealing with the issues of mental health resources, selecting businesses for improved lighting, a meeting in May…

Minnesota Officer Who Mistook Her Gun For Taser And Killed Daunte Wright Released

April 24, 2023

The Associated Press,

SHAKOPEE, Minn. (AP) — Kim Potter, the former Minnesota police officer who said she mistook her gun for a Taser when she shot and killed Daunte Wright in 2021, was released from prison early Monday. The Minnesota Department of Corrections said Potter was released at about 4 a.m. “out of an abundance of caution” for Potter’s safety. The department confirmed Friday she would…

Victims In Fatal Duluth Apartment Fire Were Mother, Son; Firefighters Union Releases Statement

April 23, 2023

Dan Hanger,

DULUTH, Minn. — We’re getting a new look at just how intense the flames were for firefighters and residents of an apartment building early Saturday morning in Duluth that killed two people and injured two firefighters. The fire victims were a mother and son who lived together, and that son, according to family, actually helped save lives in a 2020…

Last Twin Ports Grizzly’s To Close, ‘Boulder Tap House’ To Replace

April 23, 2023

Dan Hanger,

SUPERIOR, Wis. — After 25 years in its Superior location, Grizzly’s Wood-Fired Grill is closing later this year to make way for a new eatery that owners hope will be just a popular, or more popular for the locals for years to come. Grizzly’s co-owner Rick Lampton told FOX 21 the 1969 building is starting to fail structurally. He said…

Therese Wisocki Joins List Of Candidates For Duluth City Council

April 23, 2023

KQDS Staff,

DULUTH, Minn. – Another candidate has announced her run for the Duluth City Council. Therese Wisocki told FOX 21 on Sunday that she’s a retired telecommunications professional who has never run for political office before. Wisocki said she’s hoping to focus on improving public safety downtown and bringing new development there. Rising property taxes and low wages are also on…

DPD Opens Doors for Recruitment Open House

April 23, 2023

Drew Kerner,

DULUTH, Minn.– The Duluth Police Department held an recruitment open house on Sunday for anyone with an interest in law enforcement to go behind the scenes. Those who took part had a guided tour of the Public Safety building in Duluth and had the chance to learn more about other opportunities that the Duluth Police Department has to offer. “This…

People Take a Step Forward for Autism Awareness Month

April 23, 2023

Drew Kerner,

HERMANTOWN, Minn.– One in 36 kids is affected with Autism Spectrum Disorder. Over the years autism has had a bad reputation from being a highly misunderstanding neurological condition that affects millions world-wide. “So autism is a spectrum. Our main goal is to raise awareness and acceptance for kids no matter where they fall on that spectrum,” said co-organizer of Autism…

Bloody Mary Festival Returns for a 2nd Year

April 23, 2023

Drew Kerner,

HERMANTOWN, Minn.–Bloody Mary’s have been becoming quite popular in the Northland with another Sunday brunch dedicated to the tomato-y drink. Polished Pineapple Events held a Bloody Mary festival at the AAD Shrine. Bloody Mary makers from around the Midwest and one from Florida gathered for a casual day sampling all the different mixes. “The interesting thing about this event is…

3 Arrested After Cass County Drive-By Shooting Injures Man

April 23, 2023

Dan Hanger,

CASS LAKE., Minn. – Three people were arrested Sunday morning after a drive-by shooting injured one person and hit two residences. The shooting was reported around 6 a.m. Sunday in the area of 164th Street NW in Pike Bay Township in rural Cass Lake. When authorities arrived, they learned an adult male victim had been taken to Cass Lake Indian…

The 34th Fitgers 5K Run

April 22, 2023

Pat Brink,

DULUTH, MINN. — The 34th Annual Fitger’s 5K was held this morning. Literally, hundreds of people took part in the event. In the Men’s division, Scott Behliing won for the fifth time in the last eight years. He finished the 5K in 15:56 – 20 seconds ahead of his nearest competitor. In the women’s division, a first-time winner of the…

Fire in Duluth Kills 2, Injures 2 Firefighters

April 22, 2023

Pat Brink,

DULUTH, Minn. — A fire at an apartment building in the Hillside neighborhood at 631 E 3rd Street Saturday morning left two people dead and two firefighters injured. When firefighters arrived on the scene at about 6:30 a.m., they saw smoke coming from the building and began work to fight the fire and rescue people inside. The name of the…

Duluth Denfeld Robotics Team Enjoying Houston

April 21, 2023

Pat Brink,

HOUSTON, TEXAS –The Denfeld Robotics team continues to enjoy its time in Houston at the World Robotic Championships. The team competed both yesterday and today. However, they won’t know if they compete on Saturday until Saturday. The whole team and the driving team gathered outside the convention center for a group photo. We heard from Sarah Shaffer a junior who…

Gary-New Duluth Rec Center Raising Money Through A Rummage Sale

April 21, 2023

Pat Brink,

GARY-NEW DULUTH, Minn. — The Gary-New Duluth Rec Center is hosting a rummage sale in West Duluth Friday and Saturday. The rummage sale is open and affordable to everyone. Prices are not marked on the items. Instead, people can pay whatever they are comfortable with. Thanks to the generosity of the surrounding community the Rec Center has received many donations…

Special Olympics Minnesota Hosts Unified Indigenous Games At Cloquet High School

April 21, 2023

Emma Propp,

CLOQUET, Minn. — A fun event took place at the Cloquet High School bringing students of all abilities together by playing games. Special Olympics Minnesota hosted the Unified Indigenous Games combining students with and without disabilities to play, learn, and grow together. The traditional indigenous games come from all over the world and have always been adaptable and accessible to…

Coffee Conversation: Local Musicians Austin Castle & Cole Mikel

April 21, 2023

Maria Vollom,

DULUTH, Minn. — Two local musicians, Austin Castle and Cole Mikel, joined FOX21 on the morning newscast (Friday, April 21) to talk about an upcoming album release and play some tunes live in-studio. Castle was on the morning show back in November 2022 to talk about his album, “Northwoods.” This time around, Castle enlisted the help of his friend and…

Connecting Principles: Catching Up with Ironwood Area Schools

April 21, 2023

Maria Vollom,

IRONWOOD, MI. — In this week’s Connecting Principles segment, we caught up with Principal Melissa Nigh of Ironwood Area Schools to talk about what’s booming right now in the district. Categories: Coffee Conversation, Connecting Principles, Minnesota, News, News – Latest News

High School Robotics Teams in Houston

April 21, 2023

Pat Brink,

HOUSTON, TEXAS — High school students from three area high schools are in Houston taking part in the World Championship for Robotics. The team from Denfeld has been sharing some video and photos of what they’re seeing and experiencing in Houston. There are more than 450 teams from across the country taking part in the competition. You can get an…

Man Accused Of Online Threats That Put Twin Ports On Alert Is Charged

April 20, 2023

Dan Hanger,

DULUTH, Minn. — The Duluth man accused of Facebook threats earlier this week that put the Twin Ports on alert has been formally charged. Trevor Billings, 30, is facing two counts of Threats of Violence. Trevor Billings Each felony charge comes with a maximum sentence of five years in prison. The criminal complaint says Billings used a Facebook page called…

Zenith Digital Marketing Conference Brings in Hundreds of People

April 20, 2023

Paige Hansen,

DULUTH, Minn. — The 10th Annual Zenith Digital Marketing Conference in Duluth Thursday brought in hundreds of marketers and business people from across the country. Over a dozen professionals spoke about marketing practices and other business topics, but the big subject was the development of Artificial Intelligence. The conference focused on effects of A.I on businesses and jobs. Speakers reassured everybody…

“No Hit Zones” Hope to Prevent Spanking of Children or Hitting Others

Staff members in certain public spaces will intervene.

April 20, 2023

Steve Goodspeed,

It is child abuse prevention month, and part of that includes an effort by some to get parents to move away from spanking children. Thursday, supporters of that effort gathered at the YMCA in Hermantown to promote an area coalition that is establishing and increasing the number of “No Hit Zones.” The zones will be spaces and agencies where others…

Minnesota’s Unemployment Rate Down Slightly In March

April 20, 2023

Site Staff,

ST. PAUL, Minn. (FOX 9) – Minnesota’s unemployment rate was down slightly in March to 2.8%, according to data from the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development. DEED says the private sector lost around 6,100 jobs, while the government gained around 400. Labor force participation stayed flat month-to-month at 68%. The five supersectors in Minnesota that lost jobs, according to DEED, were: Construction lost…

9 Men Trying To Enter US From Canada Treated For Exposure

April 20, 2023

The Associated Press,

U.S. Border Patrol agents and multiple local emergency agencies rescued a group of nine individuals in distress after exposure to harsh weather conditions near Warroad, Minnesota. (U.S. Customs and Border Protection) WARROAD, Minn. (AP) — Nine men who entered the United States illegally from Canada were rescued from a sub-freezing bog and given medical treatment for exposure to the cold,…

Coffee Conversation: California Musician Jonathan Foster Performs in Northland

April 20, 2023

Maria Vollom,

NORTHLAND — Award-winning songwriter Jonathan Foster from Redding, California is currently on his Ten Year Sabbatical Tour and made two stops in Minnesota. Foster joined FOX21 on the morning newscast Thursday to chat about his career and give the northland a live TV performance. The artist performed in Grand Rapids, MN on April 19 and will take the stage next…

New Bicycle Tour Event To Honor Late Minnesota Senator David Tomassoni

April 20, 2023

Emma Propp,

EVELETH, Minn. — The late Minnesota Senator David Tomassoni who died last year from ALS is getting a new ALS fundraising tour named in his honor. ALS nonprofit Never Surrender Inc. is launching a new bike riding event called the “Tomassoni Tour, Cycle for ALS.” The announcement was made Wednesday at the Mesabi Station in Eveleth. The tour will happen…

2022-2023 Duluth Winter Officially Snowiest on Record

April 20, 2023

Ken Slama,

DULUTH, Minn. — At 5 A.M. this morning, the National Weather Service measured 2.0″ of snow, bringing our total snowfall for this winter to 137.1″. This breaks the previous record of 135.4″ set during the winter of 1995-96. This all started back on October 14 when we received the first snowfall of the season, getting 2.0″. December brought 44.9″ of…

Mayor Again Asks Duluth Council To Avoid Budget Cuts, Use ‘Rescue Plan’ Funds

April 19, 2023

Dan Hanger,

DULUTH, Minn. – Mayor Emily Larson is speaking up — through an email to councilors — about this year’s $383,000 in city wide budget cuts. She’s urging them to avoid the cuts by using American Rescue Plan funds. The $383,000 handles the one-percent levy cut the council made last December in Larson’s proposed property tax levy increase, which she said…

Minnesota Gov. Walz Draws Sharp Contrasts With Red States

April 19, 2023

The Associated Press,

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) — Gov. Tim Walz drew stark contrasts between Minnesota and Republican-led states Wednesday night, using his State of the State speech to highlight how he and his fellow Democrats have used their new control over state government to push through an ambitious liberal agenda. Walz, now three months into his second term, told lawmakers and other…

Trees Chopped Down Ahead Of Harbor Drive, Seawall Reconstruction

April 19, 2023

Dan Hanger,

DULUTH, Minn. — Harbor Drive behind the DECC is looking pretty bare after more than a dozen trees were recently chopped down. The trees chopped down start near the Great Lakes Aquarium and work around the bend toward the Vista Fleet docking area near the Slip Bridge. According to the city, the trees were removed as part of preparations for…

Who Pays For Damage From Water Main Break

April 19, 2023

Pat Brink,

DULUTH, MINN. — In his continuing effort to have the city of Duluth take some responsibility for the damage caused to his home by a broken water main, Paul Zwak has submitted new information to the city. Zwak says he has researched with the Duluth City Engineering Department and found the waterline that broke on April 11th has been repaired…

Fond Du Lac Tribal & Community College Hosts Law Enforcement Career Expo

April 19, 2023

Pat Brink,

DULUTH, MINN. — The need for employees is a common theme among businesses throughout the Northland and across the country. But for law enforcement agencies, the need for police recruits is particularly high. And that was made very clear at a law enforcement career expo held Wednesday in Cloquet. How significant is the shortage of law enforcement personnel in the…

Duluth Fire Department Busy in 2022, With Some Ups and Downs

Overall runs were up, but actual fires down. Code enforcement was up.

April 19, 2023

Steve Goodspeed,

DULUTH, Minn. – Wednesday the Duluth Fire Department presented a picture of what calls were up and which were down in 2022. In 2022, the department made 478 more runs than the year before. That’s an increase of 3.2%. over 2021. There were twenty-four fewer fire calls. There were also 18 water rescues, down by 21 from the year before….

Coffee Conversation: Maryland Musician to Perform at Sir Ben’s in Duluth

April 19, 2023

Maria Vollom,

DULUTH, Minn. — Musician Eli Lev from Boonsboro, Maryland joined FOX21 on the morning newscast ahead of his performance at Sir Benedict’s Tavern on Saturday, April 22 in Duluth. The artist has just completed his Four Directions Project (2021) which includes four EPs that were inspired by indigenous traditions he learned while teaching on the Navajo Nation in Northern Arizona. His…