News

Duluth Planning Commission moves to ease ‘Special Use Permits’ for some Childcare Facilities

CITY HALL – The Duluth Planning Commission makes changes to ease requirements of “Special Use Permits” for new childcare facilities. At Tuesday’s meeting, the Duluth Planning Commission voted unanimously to adopt an ordinance changing the zoning definitions of certain childcare facilities. The changes will make it easier for some facilities to operate in residential-zoned areas without a “Special Use Permit.”…

Officials celebrate completion of Perch Lake habitat restoration project

  DULUTH, Minn. –   The completion of the Perch Lake Habitat Restoration Project is celebrated, marking a major milestone in improving fish and wildlife habitat. Members of the community joined state and local leaders in celebrating the Perch Lake habitat restoration project along Highway 23 near Gary-New Duluth. The project consisted of dredging and associated site restoration, the installation of…

Friends of the Library Book Sale On Now!

DULUTH, Minn. — The Annual Friends of the Library Book sale is back! There is plenty to peruse from thousands of books, Puzzles, CDs, and more. Books come in all ages, genres, and prints. They even have a section of rare and out-of-print books for sale. This fundraiser adds several thousand to programming and events at the Duluth Public Library….

Pine County Sheriffs Seize over 100 Pigeons at property with Decades of Animal Abuse Cases

The property owner faces two felony charges for 'animal torture'

PINE COUNTY, Minn. – Pine County sheriffs seize over 100 pigeons and other animals from a property with a history of animal abuse cases dating back decades. The Pine County Sheriff’s Office seized over 100 animals during a search warrant Friday at a property whose owner has a decades-long history of animal seizures and animal cruelty investigations. Records show 108…

Duluth Police Respond to Two Juveniles Making Knife Threats

  DULUTH, Minn. — Two juveniles are now in custody after threatening another kid with a knife. This happened Monday afternoon, around 3:30 p.m., at the Lawrence Klang Memorial Park near Proctor. According to the police report, a juvenile male was on a swing set when two other juveniles approached and threatened him with a knife. The victim wasn’t injured…

KYN: Bailey Builds Crafts a Coffee Shop

DULTUH, Minn. — Bailey Builds is a community driven space right off of North 56th Avenue in Duluth. They’re known for their impressive art display, or simply a place to get to know some peers. But now, they recently crafted something new for everyone to enjoy. “I know they love community. You know, it’s that’s the whole, the whole idea of…

Summer Lineup at Bayfront Festival Park Sees Fan Favorites Return

DULUTH, Minn. — Bayfront Festival Park will be filled with music and energy this summer as a busy lineup sees classic favorites return. As the management of Bayfront returned to the DECC this year, the entertainment venue will continue its legacy of concerts, festivals and craft shows. It will be a busy summer as Bayfront will be hosting events almost…

25th Annual Minnesota Rural Health Conference Held at DECC

DULUTH, Minn. — Hundreds of health care professionals from across the state are at the DECC this week for the annual Minnesota Rural Health Conference. The two-day conference aims to improve care efficiency and access. The event features keynote addresses, breakout sessions and a variety of vendors. Around 500 hundred health care professionals attend the event each year. The theme…

Coffee Conversation: Flag Day Celebration and Pinning Ceremony in Superior

SUPERIOR, WI – American Legion Post 435 will host a Flag Day Celebration and pinning ceremony on Friday, June 14, at the Richard I. Bong Veterans Historical Center in Superior. Mary Houk, Registrar and Honorary Regent of the Daughters of the American Revolution, and American Legion Commander Butch Liebart joined FOX 21’s morning newscast on Tuesday to share more about…

Major Road Construction in Hyot Lakes

HOYT LAKES, Minn. — If you are driving up north toward Hoyt Lakes, chances are you’ll see the main street torn up for construction. The construction began in May, and is expected to wrap up in October. The street is getting Mill and Overlay, Storm Sewers, Curb and Gutters, and Sidewalks. The project itself is described as a complete reconstruction….

Porchfest Returns to Superior

  SUPERIOR, Wis. – An annual music festival begins this week, continuing into September Porchfest, a free, family-friendly music festival, returns for the sixth year in a row to local neighborhoods across Superior every other Thursday from 6 to 8 p.m. starting this week through September. The music festival brings live music, food, and art to neighborhood blocks, encouraging community connection…

John S. Werner 5k This Saturday

  DULUTH, Minn. — The Veterans Memorial Hall is holding their Annual 5k this Saturday. This 5k is held in honor of Command Sergeant Major John S. Werner. He began the race seventeen years ago, which went on until the pandemic. After he passed in 2023, the race was brought back and renamed after him. Proceeds will go to the…

Zachary Moder Announces Campain for City Council At-Large

  DULUTH, Minn. — Zachary Moder has announced his campaign for Duluth City Council At-Large. Moder has been an entrepreneur, actor, musician, and served in the National Guard. His priorities are focusing on actually affordable housing, revitalizing Downtown Duluth, and growth for the creative community. “I’m not a politician. I’m just a person in Duluth. I’m a resident, just like…

New Downtown Housing Opening in July

DULUTH, Minn. — We’re getting a look at what will soon become Duluth’s newest downtown living opportunity. Titanium Partners is behind the project they are calling “Force on Fifth Avenue.” It’s located in the former Ordean Building across from Maurices. The building is being converted into short term, midterm, and extended stay residential rental units, set to open in early…

Coffee Conversation: Science on Deck Sets Sail with UMD’s Large Lakes Observatory

DULUTH, MN – The University of Minnesota Duluth’s Large Lakes Observatory is launching its 2025 Science on Deck series this summer, inviting the public aboard the research vessel Blue Heron for hands-on science experiences. Scientist Cody Sheik joined Fox 21 live on the morning newscast with more information. The first event is set for Friday, June 27 from 11 a.m….

New Mural Unveiled in Iron River

IRON RIVER, Wis. – A new community mural was unveiled in downtown Iron River. A large crowd gathered in downtown Iron River on Saturday, June 7, to witness the reveal of a new 12-by-80-foot mural on the side of the Mitchell Building. Commissioned by the Iron River Lions Club with support from the Wisconsin Arts Board and the Chequamegon Bay…

Governor Walz appoints new judge covering north central Minnesota

DULUTH, Minn. & ST. PAUL, Minn. – Governor Tim Walz today announced the appointment of Daniel Hawley as a District Court Judge in Minnesota’s Ninth Judicial District. Hawley’s chambers will be in Aitkin in Aitkin County. Hawley is replacing the Honorable Erik J. Askegaard. In a news release Governor Walz said, “(Hawley has had a) distinguished career, marked by a breadth…

Weather helping Horse River Fire battle

Point of origin of the Horse River Fire, which is a tree that was struck by lightning. DULUTH, Minn. & ELY, Minn. – The National Incident Management Organization (NIMO) teams will start to dismantle a remote work site area and remove non-essential firefighting equipment from the House River Fire area. The fire is burning in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area…

Parts of Jenkins Creek Fire could remain hot until summer

Fire behavior has been dominated by 'creeping and smoldering ground fire'

DULUTH, Minn. & BRIMSOM, Minn. – The National Incident Management Organization (NIMO) overseeing the Jenkins Creek Fire projected some parts of the fire could stay hot until summer. Their June 6, 2025 report said fire behavior has been dominated by “creeping and smoldering ground fire.” NIMO said the fire behavior has been described as ‘burning downward.’ They reported, “crews must…

Human Development Center Joins National Give OUT Day

DULUTH, Minn. –  The Human Development Center took part in Give OUT Day to support mental health services for LGBTQ+ individuals. The Human Development Center, among many other organizations, participated in Give OUT Day, a national fundraiser supporting LGBTQ+ communities. The donations from this fundraiser will help HDC to expand their Queer Community Connections program. “This is a group that I’m…

Former Boxing Coach Launches Summer Boot Camp

SUPERIOR, Wis. – A new work-out program, Building Champions, is launching to box your body into shape this summer in Superior — and you don’t need to be a professional boxer. It’s called “Building Champions Boxing Boot Camp Workout.” Former boxing coach, John D’Auria, is behind the new venture, offering a 12-week boot camp at the Salvation Army’s basketball gym….

Official: Missing Cliff Diver’s Body Recovered Near Gilbert

6/6/25 UPDATE: The identity of the cliff diver near a Gilbert mine pit has been identified. The victim has been identified as 27-year-old Axel John Jurva of Virginia, MN. Yesterday, Authorities recovered the body of a missing cliff diver. The victim’s friend on-scene reported seeing Axel resurface, but then disappearing back into the water. ORGINIAL STORY: Authorities recovered the body…

Person missing in Duluth

DULUTH, Minn. – Duluth Police are attempting to locate 41-year-old David Storbakken. Police say Storbakken was last seen on Monday, May 5 in the downtown Duluth area. He is described as being a Native American male, 6 foot, 160 pounds, with a faded eagle tattoo on the back of his left hand. If anyone has any information on his whereabouts, you’re…

Flowers Fill Downtown Duluth Planters

DULUTH, Minn. — Downtown Duluth and Canal Park are a bit more colorful now. Volunteers were out planting flowers in the streetscape planters. This is part of Downtown Duluth’s yearly beautification project. Hanging baskets with complimentary flowers will be installed closer to Grandma’s Marathon Weekend. About 70 planters were filled over the past two days. “It’s so great to see…

First Lottery Held for Cannabis License Applicants in Minnesota

MINNESOTA.–The Minnesota Office of Cannabis Management held its first cannabis license lottery on Thursday. The lottery determines which applicants can move forward in the states adult-use cannabis licensing process. Nearly 800 applicants were vying for 249 licenses in Thursdays lottery. The license types include cultivator, manufacturer, mezzobusiness and retailer. The competition was high as the lottery saw general applicants and…

Coffee Conversation: Glensheen Mansion Announces Full Lineup of Summer Fun

DULUTH, Minn. — Glensheen Mansion is gearing up for an exciting summer season, with free events, specialty tours, and scenic experiences on the shores of Lake Superior. Marketing Manager Mike Mayou joined FOX 21 to share what’s ahead, including the return of the popular Concerts on the Pier, celebrating its 10th anniversary this July and August. Starting June 4th, Glensheen’s…

Minnesota Nurses Push for Safer Staffing as Contracts Near Expiration

DULUTH, Minn. — The Minnesota Nurses Association, the union representing around 15,000 nurses across the state are pushing to ensure safe staffing. This push comes as the current contracts between the MNA and seven hospital systems across the state come to end, including those of Aspirus St. Luke’s and Essentia Health nurses. “In 2022 nurses fought hard to win some…

Duluth City Council at Large Candidate: Asher Estrin-Haire

DULUTH, Minn. – A local business owner is making another run for Duluth city council at large. Asher Estrin-Haire, the owner of Stitchcraf Quilt Factory in Lakeside, is making his second run for Duluth City Council. Estrin-Haire is running for one of the two ‘at-large’ seats that are up for election in November. The small business owner said he would…

Wildfire Arson Charges for Suspect in Eveleth Overlook Blaze

EVELETH, Minn. – A wildfire at the Leonidas Overlook in Eveleth was intentionally set, charges allege. ‘Wildfire arson’ charges were filed Wednesday against 59-year-old Daniel Dean Kruse, accused of starting a Jun. 3rd fire at the Leonidas Overlook in Eveleth. According to the criminal complaint, Eveleth police received a call around 6:30 a.m. on Tuesday for reports of a “large…

Hundreds of Wildfire Firefighter Students Learn the Ropes

GRAND RAPIDS, Minn.– More than 400 students are attending the Wildfire Academy this year. It’s located at Minnesota North College Itasca Campus. As for the drive to join this line of work, it’s different for everybody. “Well, living in northeastern Minnesota, there’s a lot of fire, and there’s a need for support. I work for Superior National Forest, and I’ve…

First Tee Program at Enger Golf Course

  DULUTH, Minn. — Enger Golf Course has partnered with First Tee Minnesota to start some summer programming. First Tee Minnesota is a non-profit youth development organization. The goal is to teach life skills and develop self-confidence through golf. These sessions are for kids ages six through seventeen and broken into age groups. This program is beginner friendly; clubs and…

MnDOT Begins Highway 37 Upgrades, Closes Fraser Road Access Through July 2

DULUTH, Minn. – The Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) has launched a project to improve intersections along Highway 37, focusing on County Road 137/Spirit Lake Road and County Road 661/Fraser Road. The work includes widening the highway to add dedicated left and right turn lanes at both intersections. As part of the construction, access to County Road 661/Fraser Road from…

Garfield Avenue On-Ramp to I-535 Blatnik Bridge Closingfor Construction Access

MnDOT/Facebook DULUTH, Minn. — The Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) has announced that the Wisconsin-bound on-ramp from Garfield Avenue to the I-535 Blatnik Bridge will close beginning at 6 a.m. on Wednesday, June 11. The closure is part of ongoing work to complete the Garfield interchange and is intended to improve construction access and ensure the safety of workers on-site….

Crews Continue Fire Suppression Efforts on Jenkins Creek, Horse River Fires

A National Incident Management Organization (NIMO) team is overseeing operations on the Jenkins Creek and Horse River Fires in northern Minnesota, with public and firefighter safety remaining the top priority. The effort is being carried out under a full suppression strategy. As of Wednesday, the Jenkins Creek Fire is 94% contained and has burned 16,091 acres. A total of 207…

“Sidewalk Days” Renamed “Downtown Duluth Days,” Returns July 9–10 with Festivities

DULUTH, Minn. – The popular Sidewalk Days event in downtown Duluth is getting a fresh new name. This year, it will be called “Downtown Duluth Days.” Local businesses will take over Superior Street on July 9 and 10, offering a variety of deals, entertainment, live bands, and food. The event promises to be a lively celebration of the community and a…

Viking Ship Anchors at New Duluth Seawall, Marking Major Waterfront Milestone

DULUTH, Minn. – Tuesday evening marked a milestone for Duluth’s waterfront as the Viking Great Lakes cruise ship departed the port after arriving early Tuesday morning, anchoring for the first time along the newly constructed seawall behind the Duluth Entertainment Convention Center (DECC). The new seawall is part of a multi-million dollar investment aimed at revitalizing the shoreline to create a…