Minnesota

Garfield Avenue Closed Earlier Due To Oversized Truck Being Stuck

Garfield Avenue opened back up to traffic at 12:50 p.m.

Pictures taken from MnDOT’s Facebook page. DULUTH, Minn. — A main road in Duluth was closed earlier Monday due to an oversized truck load being stuck. It was blocking the intersection of Garfield Avenue and Helberg Drive. As a result, shortly before 12:30 p.m., the closure backed up any Duluth-bound vehicles trying to come off the bridge. The Blatnik eventually…

Coffee Conversation: Duluth East Presents Disney’s The Little Mermaid

DULUTH, Minn. — Duluth East presents Disney’s The Little Mermaid performance. Greyson Holste (Prince Eric) and Mia Patronas (Skuttle) joined FOX21 in-studio to preview their upcoming show. The show is taking place at Duluth East High School; November 3-5 at 7pm and Nov 6 Sunday at 1 pm. Tickets are $10 for students and $15 for adults Ticket Sales are at the…

States Struggle With Pushback After Wave Of Policing Reforms

RICHMOND, Va. (AP) — The national reckoning on race and policing that followed the death of George Floyd — with a Minneapolis police officer’s knee on his windpipe — spurred a torrent of state laws aimed at fixing the police. More than two years later, that torrent has slowed. Some of the initial reforms have been tweaked or even rolled…

Hennepin County Man Killed, 5 Others Injured In Wisconsin Crash

ST. CROIX, Wis. (FOX 9) – A 54-year-old man from Hennepin County died Sunday morning following a crash in Wisconsin with a suspected drunk driver who traveled the wrong way on I-94, according to the state’s department of transportation. The incident occurred around 12:30 a.m. in the westbound lanes of I-94 near mile marker 4 in St. Croix. The Wisconsin State Patrol…

19 People With Disabilities Get Service Dogs Thanks To Minnesota Nonprofit

MINNEAPOLIS (FOX 9) – Without the help of a service animal, Twin Cities teacher Allie Brown says she’d likely be unable to live alone because of a medical condition. But this weekend, Can Do Canines stepped in to help her and 19 other people in need. The organization relies on donations to breed and train service animals for people with disabilities, matching more than…

Duluth Awarded Minnesota Land Trust ‘Partner of the Year’

DULUTH, Minn. – A special honor for Duluth today as the Minnesota Land Trust awarded the city their Partner of the Year for its effort in recognizing the potential of outdoor recreation and green space preservation. This is part of the trust’s 2022 Treasured Places event, and the first time Duluth has received this award. Contributing factors include cleaning up…

Continental Ski & Bike Shop Selling Discounted Winter Gear Early

The sale will be going through the weekend of October 28-30

DULUTH, Minn.–With winter around the corner, the snow bunnies down at Continental Ski and Bike are already showcasing their winter sports gear. Pop up tents are surrounding the parking lot with all their discounted items. Staff brought out the past season gear they’ve gathered to make room as more winter supplies rolls in. If you’re just learning to ski, or…

Chum Warming Center to Open Despite Recent Staffing Concerns

DULTUH, Minn — Chum Warming Center set to officially open after staffing concerns. Winter in the northland is a different kind of beast, especially for those experiencing homelessness. Up until recently, Duluth’s warming center in Lincoln Park had concerns that it would not have enough staff to operate. The Chum Warming Center is an overnight shelter for people to escape…

Solar Plant in Mountain Iron Expanding

MOUNTAIN IRON, Minn.–I started just 13 months ago, and on Thursday people gathered on the Iron Range to celebrate it’s finish. The Heliene Solar Plant in Mountain Iron was unveiled today with a ribbon-cutting. The newly expanded plant will manufacture solar panels in a facility described as the newest and most automated in the country. It’s named after a long-time…

4 Buildings Could See Future Redevelopment In Duluth

DULUTH, Minn. — Four buildings in Downtown Duluth have been targeted to be a future redevelopment site, including one damaged by a fire last month. The Duluth Economic Development Authority passed a resolution this week to declare the buildings on the 500 block of East Fourth Street, “Structurally Substandard.” That includes Lake Superior Medical Equipment, which had a fire inside…

Minnesota Sees Spike In Aircraft Hit With Lasers But Pilots Rarely Fully Document Exposure

(FOX 9) – While it may seem like a harmless prank, pointing a laser at planes and other aircraft mid-flight can put pilots, passengers and the people below in danger. Laser strikes involving aircraft in Minnesota more than doubled in 2021 from the previous year. However, at least one government watchdog agency claims not enough is being done to tackle the problem….

Coffee Conversations: Sweet Exchange Donates Treats to Northwood Children’s Services

DULUTH, Minn. — Sweet Exchange Owner Lisa Quarles, along with Morgana Kolenda of Northwood Children’s Services, joined FOX21 live in-studio for caramel apple making. That’s not the sweetest part — Quarles is donating the caramel apples to the Northwood kids for Halloween. Quarles says its important to give back to the community, especially the kids. Categories: Coffee Conversation, Minnesota, News,…

St. Scholastica Celebrates New Learning Center With Ribbon Cutting

DULUTH, Minn. — The College of St. Scholastica celebrated a new learning opportunity for students with a ribbon cutting Thursday. The Center for Experiential Learning is a way to connect students with internships, study abroad options, and service-learning opportunities. They’ll be working with partners across the Northland and have already teamed up with the Duluth Area Chamber of Commerce. The…

Damiano Center Hosts Donna Howard Community Connect to Help Those in Need

DULUTH, Minn. — The Damiano Center on West 4th Street hosted the Donna Howard Community Connect as a way to help those who are in need get ready for the cold of winter. The event was a one-stop resource opportunity that involved community organizations such Safe Haven, Life House, and the Salvation Army. Organizers handed out free winter clothes like…

Duluth Police Department Announces Updated E-Reporting System Is Ready

DULUTH, Minn. — Thursday, the Duluth Police Department announced they have updated their E-Reporting system. E-Reporting is a way for people to send in crimes through a system that do not require police to respond right away. The police department says people can choose from a variety of incidents such as scams, theft, or lost property. You will be asked…

City: Reconfigured Parks Fund Referendum Critical, Equals $94 Annually For $200K Home

The Parks Fund levy referendum would replace the current levy from 2012 and will be voted on at the ballot Nov. 8.

DULUTH, Minn. – The November 8th election is just around the corner, and Duluth residents will be voting on whether to approve a new Parks Fund levy that would replace the current levy that took effect in 2012. Jim Filby Williams, the city’s Property, Parks and Libraries director, told FOX 21’s Dan Hanger Wednesday that many of Duluth’s 120 invested…

Family Freedom Center And Neighborhood Youth Services Will Host Third Annual Trunk-Or-Treat

Trunk-or-Treat takes place at the Lake City parking lot in Canal Park from 12-4 p.m. on Saturday.

DULUTH, Minn. — The third annual Family Freedom Center and Neighborhood Youth Services Trunk-or-Treat event is happening Saturday. This spooktacular day is free and kids are able to show off their best costumes while grabbing candy from decorated trunks. The event is becoming more well known in the community and has grown from around 30 trunks to close to 60….

Duluth’s Best Bread Incorporates Charcoal Flour For Spooky Treat

DULUTH, Minn. — Earlier this month we told you about a 17-pound pretzel that was made by Duluth’s Best Bread. Now their creative geniuses are baking up something spookier for the Halloween season. “Spooky Rolls” as they call them get a dose of activated charcoal to turn them pitch black. The Cinnamon rolls are topped with candied oranges made in…

With Americans Feeling Pinched, Biden Targets ‘Junk Fees’

NEW YORK (AP) — With time running out before the election, President Joe Biden highlighted his administration’s push to crack down on so-called junk fees that banks and other companies charge their customers. The announcement comes after months of high inflation has eaten away at Americans’ savings and made the economy the top issue for voters. Biden was joined by…

Trump Backs Jensen For Minn. Governor; Democrats Pounce

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Donald Trump has endorsed Republican Scott Jensen for Minnesota’s governor, the second statewide race the former president sought to influence this week as the campaign nears a finish. Trump said in a social media post late Tuesday that Minnesota won’t have “any more fiery takeovers of police precincts” if Jensen is elected, a reference to a Minneapolis police station…

Coffee Conversation: Duluth Chamber Works to Move Business Forward

DULUTH, Minn. — Duluth Area Chamber of Commerce Vice President, Daniel Fanning, joined FOX21 in studio talking all things happening for the business community. We discussed several things that the Duluth Area Chamber of Commerce is working on, including the 152nd Annual Dinner taking place Wednesday, November 2. Along with the chamber’s work regarding policy and advocacy at the city,…

Coffee Conversation: Musical Artist Todd Eckart Previews Halloween Performance

DULUTH, Minn. — Musical Artist Todd Eckart joined FOX21 live in studio to preview his upcoming Halloween performance. The event kicks off Tuesday, October 26 (7-11pm) at the West Theatre in Duluth. Tickets are $15 and you can purchase them at readertix.com. Jim Cooper, George Ellsworth, and Matthew Groom will also be performing.   Categories: Coffee Conversation, Minnesota, News, News…

Turkeys Out, Hams In For CSS Thanksgiving Buffet At DECC

Supply chain issues are to blame for sidelining the turkeys.

DULUTH, Minn. — Imagine Thanksgiving without a turkey and only ham. Well, that is the reality for this year’s Thanksgiving Day Buffet at the DECC. Organizers say supply chain issues are to blame for pushing the birds to the curb. The traditional turkey buffet has been put on by the College of St. Scholastica for more than 30 years, serving…

Demolition Preparations Underway for Astoria Building

DULUTH, Minn.–A vacant building in the heart of downtown Duluth is getting closer to demolition to make way for future development. Fencing and concrete barriers are now set up around the ‘Hotel Astoria’, on the corner of East Superior Street and First Avenue. The sidewalk in front is blocked off. An antique store, gift shop, and Chinese restaurant were once…

Coffee Conversations: Love-a-Pet Adoption Event Preview

DULUTH, Minn. — Animal Allies Humane Society gears up for Love-a-Pet Adoption Event October 29 – October 30. Nicole Facciotto with Animal Allies joined FOX21 live in studio to preview the event. There will be Caturday Saturday, with only cats available for adoption. Along with Dog Day Sunday, featuring solely pups. Adoption and activities will take place both day from…

Minnesota All-Hazards Incident Management Team Returns Home from Hurricane Ian Mission

EDEN PRAIRIE, Minn.–After Hurricane Ian slammed into Florida, some Minnesotans traveled all the way down south to help. The Hazards Management Team spent 12 days in Desoto County, which is on the west side of Florida, southeast of Tampa and St. Petersburg. Flooding resulted in the Peace River cutting off entire sections of the county and leaving the area only…

HERMANTOWN: Initial Findings Released by NTSB After Fatal Plane Crash

HERMANTOWN, Minn. — Initial findings have been released by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) after a plane crashed into a home earlier this month, killing the pilot and the two passengers on board. Hermantown resident Jason Hoffman said he and his wife were both sleeping when the plane surged through the second floor of their home, just inches away…

Twin Ports Interchange Project Meetings Coming Up

Meetings are October 31, one is virtual at 12:15 p.m. and the other is in person at 6 p.m.

DULUTH, Minn. — Another summer has gone by, and so has another construction season. The massive traffic project in the Twin Ports continues to move along. The Interchange Project has been a major challenge for the driving public. Miles of new bridges, over-passes, and traffic lanes are being constructed. There will be two chances for the public to learn the…

George Floyd’s Murder: Kueng Pleads Guilty; Thao Will Have ‘Stipulated Evidence’ Trial

MINNEAPOLIS (FOX 9) – One of the final two former Minneapolis police officers facing state charges in the murder of George Floyd has pleaded guilty. J. Alexander Kueng pleaded guilty Monday morning to aiding and abetting manslaughter – the day his and co-defendant Tou Thao’s trial was set to begin with jury selection. Both Kueng and Thao were charged with aiding and abetting second-degree murder and…

UPDATE: Man Sentenced After Allegedly Driving Denfeld Boys Basketball Team Drunk

UPDATE (October 24, 12:50 p.m.) — A 48-year-old bus driver has been sentenced after allegedly driving the Denfeld Boys Basketball team while drunk in December. According to the St. Louis County Attorney’s Office, Shawn Edward Zelazny pleaded guilty to Second Degree DWI on Monday. He was sentenced to two years supervised probation and 60 days in custody in which he will…

Teen Alerts Family To House Fire Likely Started By Grill In Gary-New Duluth

GARY-NEW DULUTH, Minn. — A home in Gary-New Duluth was incinerated by a fire early Sunday morning, but everyone got out safely thanks to one teen who spotted the danger. Firefighters were called out to the fire at a house on the 1500-block of 101st Avenue West just after 12:30 a.m. Two adults and two teenagers were able to escape…

North Minneapolis Church Buys Gas Station After Having Fill Of Drugs, Crime Next Door

MINNEAPOLIS (FOX 9) – As state and local leaders fight crime at the troubled Merwyn’s and Winner gas station on West Broadway Avenue in Minneapolis, another problem gas station on the same street is getting help from a different source. Now the Marathon gas station will soon have a new owner: Real Believers Faith Center, a church located next door. “Me and my wife are elated….

The Beargrease Fur-K Brought Dog Owners Out to the Trails

The races took place at Snowflake Nordic Ski Center.

DULUTH, Minn.–People and their dogs had the chance today to enjoy the outdoors and run alongside each other for a Fur-K. The Beargrease Fur-K event is the biggest fundraiser for the John Beargrease Sled Dog Marathon that happens in the end of January. But with no snow on the ground yet, both mushers and dogs ran together for a 5k…

Volunteers Joined The Lake Superior Rose Society in Tipping Roses For the Winter

The rose tipping took place at Leif Erikson park.

DULUTH, Minn.–In a garden with over 2,000 roses, questions arise from how so many rose plants survive the winter. The Lake Superior Rose Society works vigorously to ensure that the historic Duluth Rose Garden stays in bloom for next spring. First, the roses are cut down and bundled with biodegradable rope. Second, a hole is dug right next to the…

Pumpkin Palooza Hosted Families at Harrison Park

This event was put on by the Duluth Parks and Recreation Department.

DULUTH, Minn.–The Duluth Parks and Recreation Department hosted a fun fall event today out in the Lincoln Park neighborhood. Over in Harrison Park, the kiddos had the chance to get some free pumpkins and listen to some fall themed stories for this year’s Pumpkin Palooza. 100 pumpkins were donated from Whole Foods Co-op. Those who attended were able to carve…

Update: UMD Teamsters Workers Reach Tentative Deal Before Planned Strike

(10/22/22) Update:  University of Minnesota workers with Teamsters Local 320 have reached a tentative deal, which avoids a strike planned for next week, according to the union. The three-year agreement was made early Saturday morning at the negotiating table. “Next week’s strike has been called off, and the agreement will be voted on by the membership. More details will be…

St. Louis Co. Plow Drivers Among Teamsters Workers Moving Closer To Strike

Teamster Local 320 represents 165 county public works employees.

DULUTH, Minn. — St. Louis County Public Works employees with Teamsters Local 320 are not seeing eye-to-eye with the county involving a new three-year contract, and that means a strike could happen again in the heart of the upcoming winter plowing season. “As it stands right now, we’re poised to if we have to hit the streets again in January….