News

Hermantown General Store Sells Winning Million Dollar Lottery Ticket

HERMANTOWN, Minn. – Someone who purchased a Gopher 5 lottery ticket in Hermantown is over a million dollars richer Tuesday morning. According to the Minnesota Lottery Communications, a ticket purchased at the Hermantown General Store at 5105 Morris Thomas Road was worth $1,606,134. The ticket matched the numbers 4-14-23-31-34 drawn on December 16. Hermantown General Store will earn a $5,000…

One Dead in Early Morning Hibbing House Fire

The Remains Will be Transported for Identification and to Determine Cause of Death

HIBBING, Minn. – One person is dead following an early Tuesday morning house fire in Hibbing. According to the Hibbing Police and Fire Departments, fire crews responded to reports of a structure fire at 1834 25th Street around 12:17 a.m. Firefighters from Hibbing, Chisholm and Keewatin arrived on scene and found a residence fully engulfed in flames. When the fire…

Local Holiday Toy Drive In Need of More Donations

Mike Letica's Toy Drive short of toys needed, as demand increases.

DULUTH, Minn.- The organizer of a local holiday toy drive is asking for more donations, as they’ve been lower this year while the demand has been higher. Mike Letica, owner of the Iron Mug Restaurant in Morgan Park is looking for more donations of phone accessories for teens, games and toys for 2-8 year-olds, and clothes for infants. Last year…

Knowing Your Neighbors: Free Air Life Connecting Northlanders with the Outdoors

New store brings western outdoor style to Duluth.

DULUTH, Minn.- A new clothing store on 20th Avenue West in the Lincoln Park Craft District is bringing a taste of Western outdoors style to Lincoln Park. Free Air Life moved to Lincoln Park this month, after occupying a space in the Miller Hill Mall for a few years as the store “I Lake It.” “We’re really stoked to have…

Rally Calls for Council Support to Pass Ban on Conversion Therapy

Council voted 8-0 with Councilor Jay Fosle opposed.

DULUTH, Minn.- Activists, city leaders, and other members of the LGBTQ Community gathered on the ground floor of City Hall for a rally asking the City Council to vote yes on a ban on Conversion Therapy. The council passed the ban 8-0, with Councilor Jay Fosle absent. “Will encourage our state legislature to pass a statewide ban in 2020,” said…

City of Duluth Proclaims Day in Local War Hero’s Honor

December 16th claimed David Wheat Day.

DULUTH, Minn.- U.S. Navy Commander David Wheat has done a lot in his life, and on Monday Duluth, the city he’s called home all his life, recognized all he’s done for our country. From being shot down in 1965 on his first mission to Vietnam, to spending over seven years as a prisoner of war, to retiring after 20 years…

Holidays Can Pose Extra Dangers for Pets

A veterinarian recommends limiting table scraps, especially foods that are high in fat.

SUPERIOR, Wis. – The holidays are time to decorate and feast, but one vet warns against feeding dogs too much off the dinner table. A veterinarian recommends limiting table scraps, especially foods that are high in fat. Also, macadamia nuts are highly toxic to dogs and can be deadly. While the holidays are full of traveling and visiting with loved…

Family Forum Inc. Announces Early Head Start Program

The program has spots for eight children ranging from 6 weeks to 35 months old.

SUPERIOR, Wis. – Family Forum Inc. announced on Monday they would be starting an early Head Start program at their center. The program has spots for eight children ranging from 6 weeks to 35 months old. Previously Family Forum has provided care in the home, but this is the first time offering space at their center in Superior on 34th…

Teamsters Local 320 Representing St. Louis County Plow Drivers Authorizes Strike

The Teamsters Local 320 represents plow drivers, bridge workers, and other positions in St. Louis County Public Works.

DULUTH, Minn. – The Teamsters Local 320 union representing St. Louis County Public Works employees has authorized a potential strike if a new contract with the county is not agreed to by the end of the year. “We have a very open relationship with the county a relationship built of respect and trust so it’s unfortunate that the county has…

Free Parking Announced for Downtown Duluth Business District Through December

Businesses downtown are excited about the news especially with only nine days until Christmas.

DULUTH, Minn. – Certain portions of the downtown business district will have free parking until the end of December. The Greater Downtown Council and the city of Duluth worked together to allow the free parking. Businesses downtown are excited about the news especially with only nine days until Christmas. The general manager at Electric Fetus is thankful parking will be…

Fairlawn Mansion Ready For Holiday Season

SUPERIOR, Wisc. – Fairlawn Mansion is all geared up for the holiday season. Volunteers have been hard at work since the beginning of December decking out the historic mansion with holiday decorations. Whether it’s the trees or the period decor, staff say now is the time to visit the museum. “It’s actually the best time to see Fairlawn. It’s so…

Christmas Tree Sellers Talk Safety Tips

DULUTH, Minn. – If you’re still in the market for a Christmas tree, Emmanuel Evergreens tree lot in West Duluth has you covered. The average life span of a Christmas tree in the home is ten weeks. Keeping it away from heat sources and watered are two ways to prolong its life. But owners say, the key to keep your…

2019 Wettest Year Recorded for Wisconsin, Midwest

More Than 43 Inches of Rain & Snow Fell in the Midwest Through November

MADISON, Wis. (AP) – Wisconsin and the Midwest recorded their wettest year ever in 2019 since record-keeping began in 1895, climatologists said. More than 43 inches of rain and snow fell across nine states in the Midwest through November. That breaks the previous record set in 1993 by 2 inches, according to data from the Midwestern Regional Climate Center. Climatologist…

Midday Update 12-16-19

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Monday, December 16, 2019

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Brittney Merlot for a local look at news and weather making headlines Monday, December 16, 2019. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, brittney merlot, community, Headlines, Local News, midday update, News

Blue Cross Blue Shield Scrambling to Improve Cybersecurity

MINNEAPOLIS – Blue Cross Blue Shield of Minnesota is scrambling to improve its cybersecurity after an internal whistle blower raised concerns that the state’s largest health insurer has neglected thousands of important updates to its computer system. The company’s top cybersecurity executive, Amy Ecklund, says the insurer has been working diligently in recent weeks to reduce its vulnerability for a…

The Duluth Experience, DSSO Team Up for New Backstage Experience

The Inaugural Backstage Experience is Happening Friday, January 31

DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth Experience announcing a brand new partnership and experience Monday on FOX 21 Local News with the Duluth Superior Symphony Orchestra (DSSO). The Backstage Experience with the Duluth Superior Symphony Orchestra gives guests an exclusive behind-the-scenes exploration of the power of symphonic music and combines the harmonies of locally crafted brews and gourmet cuisine. Hoops Brewing…

Registration Open for Team Duluth Winter Break Ski, Snowboard Camp

Coffee Conversation: Team Duluth Hosting Winter Break Ski, Snowboard Camp

DULUTH, Minn. – Since the 1960s, non-profit organization Team Duluth has been passionate about getting Northland youth outdoors and on the slopes, experiencing fun in the snow. Happening December 27 – 30, Team Duluth is hosting its annual Holiday Camp for youth on Winter Break. Parent volunteer Carlie LaLone says the camp is a great gift to give a child…

Snowmobiler Killed in Collision With Pickup Truck

MONTGOMERY, Minn. (AP) – Sheriff’s officials say a snowmobiler has died in a collision with a pickup truck in Le Sueur County. Deputies say the crash happened in Montgomery Township Saturday afternoon. The victim is identified as 55-year-old Larry Gene Haynes, of Montgomery. The sheriff’s office says it appears Haynes was unable to stop before crossing a road and collided…

Morning Update 12-16-19

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Monday, December 16, 2019

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Brittney Merlot for a local look at news and weather making headlines Monday, December 16, 2019. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, brittney merlot, community, Headlines, Local News, morning update, News

Open House Shows off New Early Childhood Development Center at YMCA Essentia Wellness Center

New child care program keeps kids all day, Monday through Friday.

HERMANTOWN, Minn.- Families got a first look at the new Early Childhood Development Center at the YMCA at the Essentia Wellness Center in Hermantown Sunday. The “Y” held an open house for the new center, which will provide child care for infants, toddlers and preschoolers. From 6:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Monday through Friday. kids will get lessons, meals and…

Bentleyville Voted Best Public Holiday Display in America by USA Today

The honor is a readers choice award by USA Today's 10Best Places to Celebrate the Holidays in 2019 voted by the readers.

DULUTH, Minn. – Bentleyville has been given the national honor of being the best public holiday lights display in the nation by USA Today. The honor is a readers choice award by USA Today’s 10Best Places to Celebrate the Holidays in 2019 voted by the readers. Bentleyville creator Nathan Bentley says it is quite an honor and they are ready…

College Athletes Hang Out with Local Kids at UWS Holiday Party

As part of Week of Giving, families were invited to spend the day with Yellowjackets.

SUPERIOR, Wis.- As part of UWS Athletic Department’s 4th Annual Week of Giving, kids could come and use the campus as their playground, as they spent the afternoon with college athletes. “Superior’s obviously a smaller town and we want the community’s support, and in order to get that you gotta support the community,” said Andrew Durham, a Senior on the…

Noble Pour Craft Cocktail Bar Opens in Lincoln Park

The space has plenty of comfy booths, chairs, and even a fireplace to create a cozy atmosphere.

DULUTH, Minn. – A new craft cocktail bar called Noble Pour opened in the Lincoln Park neighborhood of Duluth on Sunday. Noble Pour is right next door to OMC Smokehouse, both are owned by Tom Hanson who also owns Corktown Deli and Duluth Grill. “That’s really the mantra for this place is that this is your living room and you…

Union Representing St. Louis County Snow Plow Drivers Authorizes Potential Strike

VIRGINIA, Minn. — The Teamsters Local 320 union, which represents St. Louis County Public Works employees, voted in favor of authorizing a strike if contract negotiations fail with the county by the end of the year. The vote passed 112 to 1 Sunday morning. A potential strike would involve 180 St. Louis county employees, which includes snow plow operators, mechanics,…

Snowmobiler Rescued After Getting Stuck in Swamp

ARROWHEAD TOWNSHIP, Minn. — Rescue crews helped a stranded snowmobiler on Saturday after he became stuck in a swamp. Around noon on Saturday, the St. Louis County Rescue Squad, the Arrowhead Volunteer Fire Department, and the Floodwood Ambulance responded to the call of the stranded snowmobiler. According to the St. Louis County Sheriff’s Office, the man was riding on a…

Swedes Celebrate ‘Sankta Lucia’ Day in Duluth

Swedish celebration is a tradition around the holidays.

DULUTH, Minn.- In Sweden, the Holidays are ushered in by the ancient celebration of Sankta Lucia, or Luciadagen. “The Lucia legend is that we want to bring light to the world,” said Jennifer Conboy, President of the Swedish Cultural Society of Duluth. “Sankta Lucia was a Christian girl who was betrothed to a pagan man…and she did not want to…

Hundreds of Santas Run Inaugural Wild Santa 5K

Runners got a Santa costume and beard with their entrance fee.

DULUTH, Minn. – Nearly 400 Santas ran through Duluth’s neighborhood of Lincoln Park for the inaugural Wild Santa 5K put on by Wild State Cider. Runners got a Santa costume and beard with their entrance fee. They ran 3.1 miles through Lincoln Park finishing at Wild State Cider for a Santa Fest party. The owner of Wild State says even…

West Duluth Businesses Get Holiday Boost with Winter West Market

Last year businesses saw doubled sales.

DULUTH, Minn.- The business community in West Duluth got into the holiday spirit for the first day of the second annual Winter West Market. 11 businesses participated in this year’s event. They offered special discounts as well as hot chocolate and cider. Bailey Builds on Grand Avenue saw 50 people come through their store Saturday morning. Last year all businesses…

Veterans Remembered at Wreaths Across America Ceremony

The Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery Duluth participated publicly for the first time this year placing 135 wreaths on graves after a short ceremony.

DULUTH, Minn. – Veterans were honored nationwide on Saturday for the National Wreaths Across America ceremony which placed a holiday wreath at all veterans graves in state or national veterans cemeteries. The Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery Duluth participated publicly for the first time this year placing 135 wreaths on graves after a short ceremony. “Christmas is a very special time…

Taco Arcada to Close Saturday After 7 Months in Business

DULUTH, Minn. – Taco Arcada will close Saturday after seven months in business. The restaurant and arcade in the Lincoln Park Craft District opened this May. Its closing was announced with this Facebook post: “We wish to THANK everyone for supporting the Taco Arcade, and want to inform you that today Saturday, December 14th will be our last day of…

U of M President Asks System to Eliminate UMD’s Sequestered Debt

The Funds Will Not Affect the 2020 Budget Cuts

  DULUTH, Minn. – University of Minnesota President Joan Gabel announced on Friday that she has asked the System for funds to eliminate UMD’s sequestered debt over the next two years. Gabel wrote in an email on Friday: “Duluth has been front of mind for me since becoming President on July 1. UMD is a core part of our mission….

Arrowhead Ice Fishing Show Kicks Off in Duluth

More than 150 vendors with every kind of fishing product a sportsman could need, grizzly bears, and new high tech goods.

DULUTH, Minn. – The annual Arrowhead Ice Fishing and Winter Show started on Friday at the DECC. More than 150 vendors with every kind of fishing product a sportsman could need, grizzly bears, and new high tech goods. “There are new companies here with new products to catch bigger fish and make their fishing experience a little bit more profitable,”…

Animal Allies Offering Discount Adoption Fees

DULUTH, Minn. – After receiving a grant from the A-S-P-C-A, Animal Allies is offering a discount in adoption fees. The event will run from Sunday the 15th to Sunday the 22nd. People can adopt dogs for half price, and cats over one-year-old for twenty five dollars. Staff say, this promotion will allow them to cover certain fees and hopefully entice…

Habitat For Humanity Receives Big Donation

SUPERIOR, Wis. – The Western Lake Superior Habitat For Humanity received a big grant this afternoon, which allowed them to purchase two new vehicles for daily operations. Both the Associated Bank and The Ordean Foundation each contributed $20,000 to help purchase the vehicles. The truck will help the construction manager haul equipment, and the car will be used for work…

Children Shop for their Families at Holly Jolly Santa Shop

About 70 volunteers helped make the Shop possible.

DULUTH, Minn.- For the eighth year in a row, some children in Lincoln Park got a chance to pick out the perfect gifts for their whole family. The 8th annual Holly Jolly Santa Shop was held at First Covenant Church. Underserved children shopped through a room of donated items for everybody on their Christmas lists. About 70 volunteers helped them…

Snowmobile Shops Keeping Busy During All The Snow

DULUTH, Minn – The snow is creating good business for local snowmobile shops. Staff at R. J. Sport and Cycle say they have been so busy that they barely can keep up with the increased demand. After the last rounds of snow, sales have gone up. R. J. Sport’s service department has also had their hands tied with repairs. Salesman…

Yuletide Market Brings Customers to Local Makers

About 10 artists filled Zen Eye Care.

DULUTH, Minn.- Local artisans and makers got to sell their items in an unlikely space: Zen Eye Care on London Road hosted a Yuletide Market Friday. About 10 artists displayed everything from hats and mittens to jewelry and stationary. This gave vendors a chance to sell their goods outside of a festival or outdoor market. “I think it’s important for…

Snow Clearing Is A Big Job On College Campuses

TWIN PORTS – College campuses in the Twin Ports are packed with snow. With a lot of ground to cover campus maintenance crews have been putting in extra time to stay on top of the clean up. The University of Minnesota Duluth’s campus is approximately 250 acres. Having that amount of land creates a huge job for the campus’ facilities…

Shopping Safety Reminder for the Holidays

DULUTH, Minn.- With holiday shoppers comes holiday prowlers and easier access for thieves to steal goods out of people’s cars. Officials with the Duluth police department say there’s a stronger possibility for theft and burglary crimes during the Christmas season. This is because of gifts and bags being left in the open. Officers say this is a preventable crime, however,…

Duluth Police Department Welcomes Their Newest K-9

Kallie is a single purpose explosives dog.

DULUTH, Minn.- Duluth police department has a new, furry member of the squad. Kallie is a black lab and the 4th addition to the department’s k-9 unit. She’s 17 months old, a new graduate from training and the freshest face you’ll see at events all around the Northland. Kallie is a single purpose explosives dog. She was brought on as…

Governor to Hire Outside Experts to Study Troubled Agency

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) – Gov Tim Walz says his administration will hire outside experts to make recommendations on whether to restructure the state’s troubled Department of Human Services. They’re engaging the company Public Sector Consultants to determine the scope for a third-party outside review of the agency by prospective consultants. That review will include specific recommendations for the future…

Report: Flu Season in Minnesota Kicking Off With Influenza B

B Strains Have Historically Spread Faster Among Children

MINNEAPOLIS – Flu season in Minnesota is off to an unusual start, with the B strain of influenza causing most of the lab-confirmed cases instead of the usual A strain. The Star Tribune reports that the Minnesota Department of Health released data Thursday showing that B strains made up about 80% of the positive flu specimens obtained in clinics and…

Midday Update 12-13-19

Local News and Weather Making Headlines Friday, December 13, 2019

Join FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Brittney Merlot for a local look at news and weather making headlines Friday, December 13, 2019. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, brittney merlot, community, Local News, midday update, weather

Butter Poached Lobster Crawls Onto A Local Menu

COOKING CONNECTION: The Boat Club Restaurant Adds A Buttery Delicious Lobster Option This Winter Season

DULUTH, Minn – In this weeks Cooking Connection we are cooking up a butter poached lobster, laid on top of risotto and topped with smoked caviar and beach mushrooms. This dish will have your taste buds satisfied and wanting to come back for more. Watch the video above for the recipe or stop by The Boat Club Restaurant in Duluth…

Lemon Wolf Café Spicing Up Breakfast Menu with Homemade Huevos Rancheros

Cooking Connection: Lemon Wolf Cafe Prepares Homemade Huevos Rancheros with Fried Pork Chop

BEAVER BAY, Minn. – Located in Beaver Bay, Minnesota, across the street from the Mobile Gas Station along Highway 61 sits the Lemon Wolf Café. Lemon Wolf Café was taken over by new ownership in March of 2019. Chefs Jon and Mike are now behind the operation, and have included a new breakfast menu for customers to enjoy. In this…

All Slopes Are Open At Lutsen Mountain

ACTIVE ADVENTURES: Lutsen Mountin Fully Opens All Hills

LUTSEN, Minn – In this weeks Active Adventures we are chatting with Lutsen Mountain as they officially open up all of their downhill runs on the mountains. Heading into the holiday season has locals and tourists ready to shred some fresh powder and the north shore is currently getting hit with heavy lake effect snow. With high school ski races…

The Grizzly Experience Showcased at Arrowhead Ice Fishing & Winter Show

The Arrowhead Ice Fishing & Winter Show Runs December 13 - 15 at the DECC

DULUTH, Minn. – Kicking off Friday, December 13, the Arrowhead Ice Fishing & Winter Show will include entertainment and products for everyone. This year’s show takes place December 13 – 15. Show hours listed below. Friday: 12:00 – 8:00 p.m. Saturday: 10:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m. Sunday: 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. Entertainment for this year’s show includes the “Ice…