News

Minnesota Reports 116,000 Jump in Uninsured

6.3 Percent Uninsured in Minnesota Last Year

ST. PAUL, Minn.-Minnesota says the number of people without health insurance in the state jumped by 116,000 in the past two years. The Minnesota Department of Health says the uninsured rate rose to 6.3 percent last year, up from 4.3 percent in 2015. Around 349,000 Minnesotans don’t have coverage. The department says the rise in uninsured Minnesotans corresponded with two…

County Timber Auction Raises Nearly $1.3 Million

It Was the First Timber Auction of the Year

DULUTH, Minn.-The St. Louis County Land and Minerals Department held its first timber auction of the year raising nearly $1.3 million. They sold 18 timber contracts to small and mid-sized logging companies, along with larger mills. They now have the right to harvest, remove. and sell trees from within the designated boundaries of their contract. These contracts are generally good…

Superior Choice Credit Union Merges With Dairyland State Bank

Institutions Will Have $480 Million Combined in Assets

SUPERIOR, Wis.-Superior Choice Credit Union and Dairyland State Bank have announced a merger agreement has been finalized between the two financial institutions. Pending regulatory approval, the acquisition will create a combined financial institution that will have more than $480 million in assets. Closing is expected to occur in the third or fourth quarter of 2018. The two will operate under…

Organists Perform Free Recitals in Duluth Through March

Annual Lenten Midday Organ Recital Series

DULUTH, Minn. – This week a series of organ recitals is beginning in Duluth. The performances will last through Lent. The Lenten Midday Organ Recital Series, sponsored by the Arrowhead Chapter of the American Guild of Organists, offers free half hours recitals Wednesdays, 12:15 – 12:45 p.m. at various locations in Duluth. A free-will offering will be received at each…

North Shore Scenic Railroad Officials Seek New Conductors

Conductor Classes are Open at All

DULUTH, Minn. – If you’ve ever wanted to contribute to the history and legacy of the North Shore Scenic Railroad now is your chance. The North Shore Scenic Railroad is always looking for more volunteers, and now they’re looking for new conductors. Railroad officials are holding a series of classes for those interested in the task. They are starting up…

148th to Conduct Training Exercises at Night

Training Will go Through March 1

DULUTH, Minn.-The 148th Fighter Wing will be conducting night flying training beginning tonight, going through March 1. Periodic night flying allows 148th personnel to accomplish required training and practice tactics during darkness. Local residents will hear F-16s taking off and landing during the afternoon and evening. All F-16s are expected to be on the ground by 10:30 p.m.   Categories:…

Invasive Bloody Red Shrimp Discovered in Lake Superior

A Single Specimen Was Found in Duluth-Superior Harbor Last Summer

From Wisconsin SeagrantMINNEAPOLIS-A new invasive species has turned up in Lake Superior, the bloody red shrimp. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service says researchers found a single specimen of the tiny shrimp in the Duluth-Superior harbor last summer. There are now documented findings of bloody red shrimp in all of the Great Lakes. They were first found in Lake Ontario…

St. Paul Woman Killed in Crash Near Brighton Beach

Crash Happened About 3:30 p.m. Monday

DULUTH, Minn.-A 31-year-old St. Paul woman was killed yesterday after the car she was in crashed into another vehicle near Brighton Beach on Highway 61. Courtney Jane Ryan was in a car driven by 31-year-old Jacob Edward Ryan, of St. Paul, when it went over the center line going southbound and crashed into another vehicle going northbound. Courtney Ryan suffered…

28th Annual Energy Design Conference & Expo Is Back at the DECC

There will also be mini-sessions at the conference.

DULUTH, Minn. – It’s a place to learn about the latest and greatest in energy efficient building. The Energy Design Conference & Expo started today at the Duluth Entertainment Convention Center (DECC) in Duluth. The three day conference put on by Minnesota Power also covers sustainable designs, renewable energy and best practices. “Building smart is the right way to go….

Community gym gives children and families a place to play

The Duluth Heights Community Center offers a wide open space for kids of all ages to play

DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth Heights Community Center is open from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. on Mondays, for children and their families to come have a free and safe place to play, with toys and a big open space. Its open to children of all ages, which volunteers say is a good way to develop social skills. “It’s fun…

Knowing Your Neighbors: Love Creamery

A small culinary enterprise expands to the Lincoln Park craft business district.

SUPERIOR, Wis. – Nicole Wilde is wild about ice cream.  And her business, Love Creamery is a name well-suited for what she does: crafting flavorful concoctions for Northlanders with a sweet tooth. “We like to create new and kind of – not crazy – but interesting flavors that people might not have tried with ingredients that are local from the…

North Branch Mayor Joins Race For 8th Congressional District

Kennedy is a single mother of five and has a masters in advocacy and political leadership from the University of Minnesota-Duluth.

DULUTH, Minn. – The list of candidates vying for Congressman Rick Nolan’s 8th Congressional District seat is getting longer. North Branch Mayor Kirsten Kennedy is among those seeking the DFL nomination. After speaking to her family, Kennedy says this is the right time to run. When asked how can she represent people that live so far away from her North…

Northalnders dig way out of snow as it falls

Kevin Bowditch actually likes it

DULUTH, Minn. – With the snow piling up pretty nicely, people have been shoveling away on this President’s Day. Digging out, clearing pathways, all common as the snow just hasn’t let up for some. And for Northlander Kevin Bowditch, it’s no big thing. He actually likes all this snow. “It’s just kind of something to do. I enjoy shoveling. Always…

U.S. Supreme Court to Rule on Polling Place Attire

A Minnesota ban on political attire could be overturned by the Supreme Court later this month.

WASHINGTON (AP) — Like a number of states, Minnesota bars voters from wearing political items to the polls to reduce the potential for confrontations or voter intimidation. But that could change. The Supreme Court will consider a challenge to the state’s law on Feb. 28.  This case could affect other states, too. Wen Fa, a lawyer with the Pacific Legal…

Wardrobe Issues Causes Olympic Stress for French Skaters

Their routine was threatening to go down in history alongside Janet Jackson’s infamous Super Bowl wardrobe malfunction.

(AP Photo/Julie Jacobson)GANGNEUNG, South Korea (AP) — The first notes of Ed Sheeran’s “Shape of You” had just played when Gabriella Papadakis suddenly became aware that people were about to see a whole lot more of her shape than she had planned. The French ice dancer’s glittering emerald costume at the Olympics had come unhooked at the neckline and later…

Lawmakers Gear Up For the Upcoming Minnesota Legislative Session

The legislative session lasts for three months.

DULUTH, Minn. – Feb. 20. is the first day of the Minnesota’s 2018 Legislative Session in St. Paul and area lawmakers are ready to address everything from housing, healthcare to gun control. A lot is at stake for Minnesota’s 90th Legislative Session. Gov. Mark Dayton’s $1.5 billion proposal is among topics to be discussed. Proposed bonding projects in the Northland include…

Families Enjoy Big Snowfall Outside

Schools Were Out, So Kids Hit the Slopes at Mont Du Lac Resort

SUPERIOR, Wis. – A lot of snow has fallen in Northern Minnesota and Wisconsin, and some decided to get out and enjoy it. All this fresh snow makes for some great times out at ski and tubing hills across the Northland. “Oh yeah, every day. I love to shred this every day, man,” said snowboarder Ethan Snyder With schools out…

Dog Sled Classic “Iron Will” Returns to the Northland

Two main train characters in the movie, Car Northland and Steam Engine were on display.

DULUTH, Minn. – The Depot in Duluth hosted a special movie viewing event on this President’s Day. It was the 1994 winter dog sled classic movie “Iron Will” being shown. “Iron Will” is based on a true story and was filmed right here in the Northland. Junior musher Julia Cross recently competed in the John Beargrease Sled Dog Marathon. The…

Yeti Tour Promoting Awareness for Healthy Babies

The tour is in its eighth year and raises funds for the March of Dimes to prevent premature birth and infant mortality.

DULUTH, Minn. – One Northland woman is making it her personal mission to promote healthy babies. Kelly Alvar began the Yeti Tour to honor her sons that passed away. The tour is in its eighth year and raises funds for the March of Dimes to prevent premature birth and infant mortality. The top prize for this year’s raffle was an Arctic…

Snow Emergency Declared in Washburn

Snow Emergency Declared in Ashland as Well

WASHBURN, Wis.-A snow emergency has been declared in Washburn, Wis. It begins at 8 p.m. tonight. According to the city’s Facebook page, “a snow emergency means that all vehicles must be removed from all city streets, alleys, and parking lots. This snow emergency will remain in effect until further notice.” UPDATE: A snow emergency has also been declared in Ashland, which began…

New Details Come Forward in Ely Duplex Fire

Eight Residents Displaced in Fire

Courtesy Northland FireWireELY, Minn.-New details are emerging after a fire ripped through a duplex in Ely in the early morning hours Sunday at 26 E. White St. The Ely Fire Department said one occupant from the home was taken to the Ely Hospital due to smoke inhalation.  A Babbitt firefighter was also treated and released for a wrist injury after falling…

Lucky Charms Introduces Unicorn Marshmallow

The white unicorn confection will be first new marshmallow in nearly 10 years.

To some, dreams can come true. According to General Mills, the white unicorn with blue and purple accents is the first based on input from children.Golden Valley, Minn. – A unicorn is now the most recent addition to Lucky Charms’ marshmallow lineup.  General Mills has been producing Lucky Charms for over 50 years.  The oat and marshmallow cereal has seen…

Bon Iver Manager to Run for Duffy’s Seat

Multiple Democrats Come Forward Against Duffy

WAUSAU, Wis.-The manager of indie folk band Bon Iver is planning to run for the Wisconsin congressional seat currently held by Republican Sean Duffy. Kyle Frenette is the founder of Middle West Management. He’s managed two-time Grammy award winner Bon Iver and founder Justin Vernon since 2007. USA Today Network-Wisconsin says Frenette has submitted his candidacy to run as a…

Trampled by Turtles Announces Duluth Show

Show Will be at Bayfront Park July 7

DULUTH, Minn.-After announcing last week they are touring again to promote their new album, Duluth-based band Trampled by Turtles has added a Duluth show to its tour. It will be held in Bayfront Park July 7. The band’s tour will begin May 4 in St. Paul. May 4 will also be the day they release a new album titled “Life…

Key Players Shape Minnesota Legislative Agenda

Priorities clash between Gov. Dayton and top Repulicans while DFL members buck Fischbach's dualing roles

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) – All 201 legislators will soon return to the Minnesota Capitol, but three men and one woman will play a big role in setting the Legislature’s course. The Legislature reconvenes Tuesday for a three-month session with plenty of work to do. Gov. Mark Dayton has set the tone entering session with his own priorities like curbing…

Duluth Schools Assistant Superintendent Named District Administrator for Superior Schools

Contract for New District Administrator to be Acted Upon March 5

SUPERIOR, Wis.- The Superior School Board has announced that current Duluth Schools Assistant Superintendent Amy Starzecki was selected as the new district administrator for Superior School District, effective July 1. Her contract will be acted on at a school board meeting March 5, pending final details of her contract. The search process began in December of 2017, which included several…

19-Year-Old Mankato Woman Missing

Woman Was Last Seen Feb. 7 in Mankato

MANKATO, Minn.-Mankato authorities are looking for a 19-year-old woman who was last seen Feb. 7 in Mankato. Morgan Stolee was last seen when she left work at Domino’s at about 10 p.m. that night. She is about five feet, four inches tall, and weighs about 110 pounds. She has black hair and brown eyes, and she drives a purple 2011…

Original Picasso Print Stolen From Milwaukee Art Gallery

Printed Valued at $50,000

MILWAUKEE-An original Pablo Picasso print worth up to an estimated $50,000 was stolen from a downtown Milwaukee art gallery. WITI-TV reports appraiser Bill DeLind says his business partner noticed the original 1949 print was missing from DeLind Fine Art Appraisals on Friday. Picasso only did 30 of the prints and signed each with a green crayon in the lower right…

Wisconsin Legislature to Vote on Reinsurance, Tax Cuts

Welfare Overhaul Could be Voted on This Week in Wisconsin

MADISON, Wis.-In a mad dash to the finish, the Wisconsin Legislature this week planned to take several votes on key bills touching on insurance costs, tax cuts and welfare overhaul. Both the Senate and Assembly were scheduled to vote this week on Gov. Scott Walker’s $200 million plan to create a reinsurance fund designed to lower premium costs for people…

Report: Wisconsin Electricity Prices High, Usage Low

Wisconsin Residents Have an Average Annual Electrical Bill of $1,153

LA CROSSE, Wis.-A new report says that Wisconsin has some of the highest electricity prices in the country despite the average customer spending far less on the utility than in most states. The La Crosse Tribune reports that the U.S. Energy Information Administration released the data this week that shows the average residential price for a kilowatt of electricity in…

Fixes For Tax Filing, License System on Tap for Session

Session Ends in Mid-May

ST. PAUL, Minn.-Minnesota lawmakers are heading back to the Capitol with a long list of work but uncertain odds of finishing it. Squaring Minnesota’s tax code with the recently passed federal tax cuts may get top billing when the Legislature returns on Tuesday. But it won’t be easy for the Republican-controlled Legislature to make sure Minnesota taxpayers can easily file…

Minnesota Man Dies in Snowmobile Crash

Crash Occurred in Washburn, WI

WASHBURN, Wis. – A man is dead following a snowmobile crash over the weekend. The crash happened Saturday, February 17 just before 2:00 a.m. The Bayfield County 911 Communication Center got the call regarding the crash at 1:58 a.m. The crash happened on Pajala Road near Forest Road 690 in the Town of Washburn. It was reported that one snowmobile…

Family Fun and Bonding is Goal of Annual Dance

Coffee Conversation: 4th Annual Mother-Son Super Hero Dance

DULUTH, Minn. – Father-daughter dances are common bonding moments for families, but what about mothers and their sons? One Northland group is ensuring they have their special time, too. A Sweet Event is hosting the 4th Annual Mother-Son Super Hero Dance in Duluth. The event is being held Saturday, February 24 from 4:00 – 7:00 p.m. at Clyde Iron Works….

Finnish Culture to be Highlighted at Annual Event this Weekend

2018 Kalevala Day Celebration

DULUTH, Minn. – This weekend, the Finnish culture is being celebrated through an annual event. The 2018 Kalevala Day Celebration is taking place on Sunday, February 25. The fun starts up at 1:00 p.m. at Kenwood Lutheran Church located at 2720 Myers Ave. in Duluth. There will be a bake sale, live music and a program by Jim Pellman. Categories:…

The 2018 Polar Plunge Makes A Big Splash For Special Olympics Minnesota

The FOX 21 News Team also took the Polar Plunge and raised more than $4,000.

DULUTH, Minn. – The day that many people have been waiting for finally happened, the 2018 Polar Plunge in Duluth. The 2018 polar plunge made a big splash in Duluth. The event is a fundraiser for the Special Olympics Minnesota. Tt brought out veteran plungers and rookies too. “I think it’s great, because I’m from Wisconsin and we don’t make a…

Recalling the Cheers from Old Central High

Duluthian Barbara Burud was Once a Cheerleader at Old Central High School in Duluth; to this Day, She Continues to Cheer

DULUTH, Minn. – Sporting events happen every day with players and fans gathering to see who will win the game, but we often forget about the choreographed athletes on the sidelines. One local woman has never stopped recalling the cheers from her time at old Central High School in Duluth. “That’s the old chimes from Central,” said former cheerleader Barbara…

Michelle Lee Kicks Officially Announces Campaign for 8th Congressional District

Congressman Rick Nolan has represented Minnesota’s 8th Congressional District since 2013.

DULUTH, Minn. – Former news anchor Michelle Lee officially made her campaign announcement for the 8th Congressional District. Lee and some of her supporters were at Fon du Lac Tribal Community College in Cloquet. She says her 30 years of covering the news will help her focus on the issues like gun control, mining and education. “I will go to…

Local Veteran Hopes For A New Way to Experience the Outdoors

The Action Trackchair gives people with limited mobility the freedom to do things on their own.

DULUTH, Minn. – The man you’re about to meet is a veteran that served his country and suffered a serious injury. But he hasn’t given up and is trying to get a piece of his old life back. Jim Vandenheuvel is at the Northland Outdoors Duluth Deer Classic with one thing on his mind. The Army National Guard veteran suffered…

Final Ski and Snowboard Races of the Season Held at Chester Bowl

Races Also Marked the Fiftieth Anniversary of a Sponsorship from the Duluth Kiwanis Club

DULUTH, Minn. – Sunday was the final ski and snowboard race of the year at Chester Bowl in Duluth. Kids of all ages flew down the hill, testing their skills, and pushing themselves to the limit. Today also marked the fiftieth anniversary of the races being sponsored by Duluth’s Kiwanis Club. “I grew up skiing here, my kids grew up…

Duluth’s ‘Spin Collective’ Heating Up for Summer Shows

Group Puts on Awe-Inspiring Performances with Fire

DULUTH, Minn. – It’s a chilly winter, but there’s a group in Duluth that’s warming some events up with awe-inspiring feats performing with fire. You can see them at many different events around town. Now the Spin Collective is ramping up the heat, getting ready for a Homegrown Music Festival performance. The Spin Collective has been entertaining Duluth for the…

Duluth Police Department Accepting Applications for Citizen Police Academy

25 People Will Be Accepted to 2018 Class, Participants Learn What Police Do on a Daily Basis

DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth Police Department is accepting applications for their 2018 Citizen Police Academy. The free academy is open to anyone but precedence in the twenty-five person class will be given to people who live or work in Duluth. Attendees will learn what the Police Department does on a daily basis with classes in use of force, narcotics…

Volunteers Give Damiano Center A Facelift

Home Depot donated painting supplies and Zenith Bookstore will donate books.

DULUTH, Minn. – A fresh coat of paint can go a long way and the kids kitchen at the Damiano Center in Duluth is getting a new look because of it. Volunteers rolled up their sleeves and began phase one of a three part project. The renovations are part of the Leadership Duluth Program giving back to the community. The…

Snowmobile Season Picking Up on the North Shore

Snowmobilers Say Trails Are Well Groomed

FINLAND, Minn. – Snowmobile season is picking up along the North Shore. Snowmobilers tell us the trails are well groomed and, after a slow start to the season, winter sports tourists are flocking to businesses across Northern Minnesota. “Summer is good but if we have an equally as good winter, that’s twice as good of business. So, yes, it’s important…

Study Reveals Disparities For Minority and Women Owned Businesses in the State

The study did find some disparities for women and minority owned businesses.

DULUTH, Minn.- The state of Minnesota and eight local government agencies are examining how they can level the playing field for minority and women owned businesses. The purpose of the 2017 Minnesota Joint Disparity Study is to take a closer look at whether minority and women owned firms face discrimination and ways to address it. Results of the study were…

Little Hands Big Hearts Spreading Awareness in the Northland

The newborn center at St. Luke's is giving away adorable winter gear.

DULUTH, Minn.- February is National Heart Month and St. Luke’s Hospital is spreading awareness with an adorable program. Every baby born this month is given a hand knit red hat. The campaign Little Hats Big Hearts aims to spread awareness for the variety of resources available for congenital heart defects in infants. “Very rewarding just to know that there’s other…

Preparing for the Polar Plunge

Volunteers are busy setting up in Canal Park.

DULUTH, Minn.-Friday volunteers were busy working in Canal Park setting up for the long awaited Polar Plunge. Although we’ve been talking a lot about the weather and chilly temperatures, the most important topic are the kids benefiting from the fundraiser. “You’re giving people opportunities that they might not otherwise have,” Duluth Police Officer Mike Thamm said. “It’s a great time.” Even…

Magnitude-7.2 Earthquake Slams South, Central Mexico

Mexico City near the epicenter of powerful quake.

People stand along Reforma Avenue after a 7.2-magnitude earthquake shook Mexico City, Friday, Feb. 16, 2018. A powerful earthquake has shaken south and central Mexico, causing people to flee buildings and office towers in the country’s capital, and setting off quake alert systems. (AP Photo/Marco Ugarte)MEXICO CITY (AP) — A powerful magnitude-7.2 earthquake shook south and central Mexico Friday, causing…