Minnesota

Great Lakes Aquarium Sets New Attendance Record

DULUTH, Minn.– For the past few years, the Great Lakes Aquarium in Duluth has had a goal of boosting its attendance to break the 200-thousand visitor mark. The organization  just announced that it surpassed that goal in 2022, welcoming  206-thousandvisitors through its doors. The executive director of the aquarium is Jay Walker., says he’s been working at the aquarium since…

Record Number of Invasive Spongy Moths Captured in Minnesota in 2022

Courtesy of the Minnesota Department of Agriculture. MINNESOTA — The Minnesota Department of Agriculture caught a record number of spongy moths during 2022, catching over 100,000 with a majority of them in Lake and Cook Counties. The spongy moth, formerly known as gypsy moth, is an invasive species that can eat the leaves of over 300 different species of trees…

Coffee Conversation: Folk and Jazz Musician Skarlett Woods Performs Live

DULUTH, Minn. — Skarlett Woods, a swing, jazz, and folk singer/songwriter stopped by the morning show to perform a few songs. This was Woods’ first time on live television. Woods will be releasing a new single, “Close To You” from her Sophomore album. Watch the videos below to listen and click the link here to keep up to date with…

Minnesota Adult and Teen Challenge Receives Donation of Over $77 Thousand Dollars

DULUTH, Minn. – Wednesday, the Minnesota Adult and Teen Challenge organization in Duluth received a donation of more than $77 thousand dollars from the proceeds of the 14th Annual Breezy Point 5K. Adult and Teen Challenge offers programs throughout the state that help those who are struggling with alcohol and drug addictions and more. The $77,536 dollars is the largest…

Legislative Priorities for Minnesota Dems in New Session

May be itch to spend with early forecast of $17 billion surplus

The Minnesota DFL party has the Governor’s office, and the majority in both the House and Senate. And party leaders said Wednesday they are all on the same page when it comes to priorities. At a joint press briefing of the House and Senate at the Capitol, DFL leaders said allowing women to make their own decisions about abortion will…

Icicle and Ice Dam Problems

DULUTH, Minn. — During the holidays, people see icicles on a roof and often thin “that looks pretty.”  However the reason the icicles have formed may mean there’s a problem with your home.  “Some houses can have icicles, said Austin Miller of Miller’s Roofing and Siding, “but when you see the thickness of ice at the edge of the roof…

Essentia Health’s St. Mary’s Medical Center Top Baby Names For 2022

DULUTH, Minn. — Essentia Health’s St. Mary’s Medical Center released the top names Northland parents chose for their newborns in 2022. Starting with the girls, St. Mary’s says Olivia, Sophia, Sophie, Lilly, and Madeline were the most popular names. For the boys, Grayson, Hudson, Oliver, and Miles were the top picks. There were almost 1,500 babies born at St. Mary’s…

Duluth Salvation Army Year-Round Services

The Duluth Salvation Army surpassed their Red Kettle campaign goal at $225,000.

DULUTH, Minn. — The Salvation Army’s Christmas fundraiser is over after the Red Kettle campaign ended on Christmas Eve. Just one day prior they were still $10,000 short of their goal of $215,000, but thanks to a generous donor and the determination of the community, they ended up goal surpassing it. Cyndi Lewis, the Director of Development at the Duluth…

Lincoln Park Craft District Business Provides Ways To Spice Up Food And Drinks

DULUTH, Minn. — Over in the Lincoln Park Craft District, a new business opened up for those looking to spice up their food and drink game. The Spice and Tea Exchange has been open since mid-October and features over 1,100 different spices and teas, from international spices like Jamaican Jerk to wellness teas for lifestyle benefits. All of the spice…

Coffee Conversation: Duluth Police Chief Highlights Top Priorities in the New Year

DULUTH, Minn. — Chief of Police for the City of Duluth, Mike Ceynowa, joined FOX21 on the morning show to highlight the departments top priorities heading into the New Year. Recruiting and retaining officers continues to be a top challenge for the department — and departments nationwide. The DPD recently swore in 8 new officers to the department, but is…

Coffee Conversation: Banff Mountain Film Festival World Tour returns to Duluth

DULUTH, Minn – The Banff Mountain Film Festival World Tour returns to Duluth on January 6 & 7 of 2023 at the DECC Symphony Hall. AMSOIL Staff Product Development Engineer and Mechanical R&D Manager, Mark Nyholm, joined FOX21 on the morning show to preview the event. The Banff World Tour showcases outdoor storytelling and filmmaking worldwide. The Duluth Cross Country Ski…

YMCA Continues Offering CPR Certification Classes

DULUTH, Minn.– Community members have options for CPR certification in light of the Damar Hamlin scare. Multiple YMCA’s in Duluth and surrounding areas offer CPR, First Aid, and AED classes. Sessions involve a science component as well as hands on learning and understanding real world emergencies. Advanced classes require a written component to achieve a certification, which is good for…

Two Cases Of Legionnaires’ Disease In Duluth Apartment

DULUTH, Minn. — The Minnesota Department of Health says two cases of Legionnaires’ Disease have popped up in a Duluth apartment building. One case happened in October, and the other was in December. Both people were living in the Woodland Garden Apartments, which is for low-income seniors. This type of pneumonia is caused by certain bacteria spreading through contaminated droplets…

Walz, Statewide Officers Sworn In For Second Term

ST. PAUL, Minn. (FOX 9) – Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz took his oath of office for a second term Monday, calling for new spending on public education as Democrats take full control of state government. Walz was sworn in after the four other statewide officers, including his lieutenant governor, Peggy Flanagan. Democrats will take control of the state Legislature during lawmakers’ swearing-in on…

Skiers Geared-Up for the 45th Atmore Memorial Race

DULUTH, Minn. — This New Year’s Weekend skiers geared up for the 45th Atmore Memorial Race at Spirit Mountain. Contestants from around the states, and even other countries readied themselves for a chance to further their skiing careers. “It’s a big deal,” said Chief of Race Dave Neustel. “So the kids racing today are national level racers trying to qualify…

DECC Hosts New Year’s Eve Bash

DULUTH, Minn. – – Celebrations galore were happening throughout the Twin Ports  on New Year’s Eve as as adults were out and about. Glitterati’s New Year’s Eve Bash at the DECC may have been the biggest New Year’s Eve party this year.  People showed up dressed fancy for some fine dining, some even finer drinks, and to let loose on…

Children’s Museum Celebrates NOON Years

DULUTH, MINN. — There were people in Duluth already celebrating New Year’s early this afternoon. The place was at the Duluth Children’s Museum where a NOON Year celebration took place. The Duluth Children’s  Museum is the fifth oldest in the country, being established in 1930. At the NOON Year party there were masks, crowns and yes, noise makers. These were…

Legionnaires Disease in Duluth Area

DULUTH, Minn. – The Minnesota Department of health has issued a Health Advisory for Legionnaires Disease in the Duluth area and surrounding counties. Two confirmed cases of Legionnaire’s Disease were reported in Duluth at the Woodland Gardens Apartments, a Senior, low-income apartment building.  One case happened in October, the other in December. Legionnaires’ disease is a type of pneumonia caused…

Avatar the Way of Water is a Box Office Hit

DULUTH, Minn. — 13 years after the highest selling movie of all time was released, the sequel is finally here. And it’s dominating the box office. The highly anticipated follow-up to director James Cameron’s Avatar has grossed more than 1 billion dollars in its first 2 weeks. Avatar the Way of Water takes its audience back into the majestic world…

Tentative Agreement Reached Between St. Louis County and Teamsters Local 320

DULUTH, Minn. — St. Louis County plow drivers have reached a tentative contract agreement with the county. Teamsters Local 320 also represents some other public works employees, and the agreement avoids a possible strike. This 3-year contract agreement affects approximately 170 county employees represented by the Teamsters Union. Union President Erik Skoog told Fox 21 a big request for the…

UPDATE: Duluth City Hall to Reopen Next Tuesday After Water Leak

City says most of the water is cleaned up, but potential moisture damage remains

DULUTH, Minn. — Duluth’s City Hall says it will reopen next Tuesday, January 3 after a water leak shut down the building. The city turned down a request by FOX21 News to be allowed inside and see the damage. The city said the leak started when a contractor accidently cut into a three-quarter inch pipe feeding a water heater for…

Coffee Conversation: “Overpopulated” One-Man Band Rings in the New Year

DULUTH, Minn. — Steve Solkela’s “Overpopulated” One-Man Band joined FOX21 on the morning show on Friday to ring in the New Year. Solkela made a surprise appearance as Santa and played a tune on the accordion. You can check out the One-Man Band at a few spots this weekend. Rubber Chicken’s New Year’s Cluckin’ Eve / Fitger’s Inn / Sat,…

Senator Klobuchar Visits Duluth to Talk Secured Federal Funding for the Area

DULUTH, Minn. – Senator Amy Klobuchar visited the DECC Thursday to highlight federal funding secured last week that will go to projects in the Northland. This funding is through the Fiscal Year 2023 federal budget and will be used to improve infrastructure, expand housing resources, and support workforce development. Specific projects include giving CHUM $2 million dollars to help with…

Duluth Parks & Recreation Crews Busy Grooming Cross-Country Ski Trails

DULUTH, Minn.–Cross-country skiing is a popular activity for many in the Northland, but keeping the trails groomed between snowstorms can be a full-time job. With Duluth seeing nearly 3 feet of snow in the past few weeks, some may say the conditions are a snow bunny’s dream, but having to clear off over 30 miles of cross-country ski trails may…

One Roof Community Housing to Add More Affordable Housing

DULUTH, Minn. — The Minnesota Housing Board of Directors earlier this month approved Funding of more than 165 million dollars to create and preserve 2,156 homes, apartments and manufactured home community lots. One Roof Community Housing will receive nearly 400 thousand dollars to rehab 12 houses and build four homes. Just over a year ago One Roof Community Housing opened…

Mall Of America Shooting: 1 Adult, 2 Teens Charged In Death

BLOOMINGTON, Minn. (FOX 9) – Two teens and one adult have been charged following a shooting at the Mall of America that left 19-year-old victim Johntae Hudson of St. Paul dead in a chaotic scene on Dec. 23. Taeshawn Adams-Wright is charged with second-degree murder with intent, and second-degree assault with a dangerous weapon for his alleged involvement in the shooting. Two teens are…

Coffee Conversation: Endangered Animals of MN Paintings on Display at Zeitgeist

DULUTH, Minn. — Local Artist, Adam Swanson, presents a collection of the federal and state listed Endangered Animals in Minnesota. Swanson hopes to use his art to bring awareness to endangered wildlife species. Here’s a clip of his interview on the FOX21 morning show on Thursday. You can check out his 8 Endangered Animals of MN paintings on display at…

CHUM to Receive $2 Million from Minnesota Congressionally Directed Spending

DULUTH, Minn. – “We’re so happy to have heard the news that CHUM is receiving two million dollars from congressionally-directed spending. This will allow us to be able to expand our shelter capacity to respond to the shelter crisis that we are having now,” CHUM Executive Director, John Cole says. $2 million dollars. That is what CHUM is set to…

Catering During the Holidays

DULUTH, Minn. — Catering services generally have a busy and profitable season during the holidays as more people are entertaining and want to have someone else do the cooking. MidCoast Catering, based in West Duluth, says this year has been a bit slower than past year, but it’s been a good year overall. The company can help people plan their…

Worldwide “Skate for Ukraine” Fundraiser Comes to Duluth

The Duluth Heritage Center is hosting a virtual skating event in which skaters and their families can support Ukrainian players and others affected by the war.

DULUTH, Minn.–This holiday season, hockey players and fans worldwide are standing with players from Ukraine. The problem is that many of Ukraine’s players are serving on the frontlines. The Duluth Heritage Center is hosting a virtual skating event in which skaters and their families can support Ukrainian players and others affected by the war. After the Russian invasion, the Ukraine…

Spirit Mountain Busyness Causes Delays

DULUTH, Minn. — Delays and long wait times have been frustrating for some visitors of Spirit Mountain. The hill acknowledges there have been some issues, but that this happens during the busy holiday season. One family who visited Spirit Mountain on Tuesday sent their concerns to the Mayor and city council. Another contacted Fox 21 and both said they waited…

Minnesota’s Minimum Wage Will Increase On Jan. 1

ST. PAUL, Minn. (FOX 9) – Ringing in the new year for workers, the minimum wage rate throughout Minnesota will be adjusted for inflation and be raised for both small and large employers beginning on Jan. 1, 2023. Minnesota’s minimum-wage rates will be adjusted for inflation on Jan. 1, 2023, to $10.59 an hour for large employers (with annual gross revenues of…

Christmas Brought Retail Jingle

Supply-chain issues of last year eased this shopping season

DULUTH, Minn. — Now that much of the Christmas shopping season is in the rear-view mirror, it’s a time for returns and some reflection on how the season went. At the Fitger’s shopping complex Tuesday there was still a lot of activity.  Duluth Kitchen Company owner Alex Kulstad said it was a good Christmas year. He said a big difference…