News

Denfeld Students Prepare to Volunteer at Color Run

Registration Continutes Throughout Sunday Morning as Runners Prepare to be Dashed with Color

DULUTH, Minn. – The Color Run will return to Bayfront Festival Park on Sunday, September 17 at 9:00 a.m. On Wednesday, dance club students from Duluth Denfeld gave FOX 21’s Brett Scott a preview of what runners can expect. The event is meant to bring Northlanders together for a morning of colorful fun, with a mist of neon color, foam…

Animal Answers: Bringing Barn Cats Home This Fall

Local Shelters See Abundance of Barn Cat Adoptions in the Fall

DULUTH, Minn. – Shelter animals in the Northland typically find homes rather quickly, however, some animals are less appealing, due to a slight temperament or lack of social well-being. Local shelters want to remind Northlanders now is the perfect time to look at adopting a barn cat if you’re in need of an extra helper around the farm. “Barn cats…

Fall Colors Popping Up on the Range

Minnesota Color Map Indicates Range at 50 Percent Capacity for Fall Colors Near Tower

TOWER, Minn. – Fall colors are starting to appear in the Northland. According to the Minnesota Fall Color Map, portions of the state are at 50 percent capacity for color. This color explosion is helping bring tourists to the area. “You still got plenty of light hours during the day, trees are just starting to turn colors, and every day you’re…

Music Resource Center Back In Session For Students

The after-school programs connects youth and music

DULUTH, Minn. – One of Duluth’s music hot spots is back open after a summer break. The Music Resource Center at Sacred Heart is an after-school program for kids to get a chance to work with music professionals, quality gear, and helps them grow their creative sides. “Music is something that’s so near and dear to so many young people,”…

Great Outdoors – Medical Students Hike to Destress

Getting Outside for a Walk Can Bring Much Needed Relaxation

DULUTH, Minn. – Getting outside for a walk can be a great way to relieve stress after a long day. We take a look at how some medical students are using nature to get some much needed relaxation. “Something I do for destressing is just walking outside and enjoying nature,” says Christopher Wiger, a first year medical student at UMD….

Duluth Primary Election Results

Council and School Board Seats Up for Grabs

DULUTH, Minn.-Tonight the citizens of Duluth are deciding on who they want to fill two council seats and one on the school board. Polls opened at 7 a.m. as voters are deciding on a city council at-large seat, a Fourth District council seat, and a school board at-large seat. Regardless of how you vote today, local officials remind the public…

Tony Evers Joins Race for Wisconsin Governor

MADISON, Wis. — The race for Wisconsin’s governor just got a little more heated with a new Democratic challenger to Republican Governor, Scott Walker. Tony Evers has announced his candidacy for the gubernatorial race. Evers is the State Superintendent for Wisconsin and is running on a platform to improve the public schools in the state. The Democrat says he’s running…

Life House Raises Money for New Shelter

The Loft Shelter Will Provide a Place for up to Ten Homeless and Street Youth on Any Given Night

DULUTH, Minn. – Morning commuters in Duluth took it upon themselves to pull over along First Street Tuesday morning. Life House, an organization providing homeless and street youth ages 12-25 with unconditional support, hosted their 2nd Annual ‘Drive Up The Change’ event. Money collected will go toward the facility’s new emergency shelter atop the First Street location. The shelter plans…

New Flashing Lights in West Duluth Will Help Pedestrians

Project Paid for by $3 Million Grant

DULUTH, Minn.-West Duluth roads got a little bit safer today. The Minnesota Department of Transportation recently completed the Highway 23 reconstruction project there and have installed five flashing warning lights for pedestrians. The goal is to make it a safer place for pedestrians to cross highways. “We’ve operated in this corridor for almost 100 years now and over the years…

FEMA Estimates 25 Percent of Florida Keys Homes are Gone

A roof is strewn across a home’s law as Rick Freedman checks his neighbor’s damage from Hurricane Irma in Marco Island, Fla., Monday, Sept. 11, 2017 (AP) LOWER MATECUMBE KEY, Fla. (AP) — Search-and-rescue teams made their way into the Florida Keys’ farthest reaches Tuesday, while authorities rushed to repair the lone highway connecting the islands and deliver aid to…

Mediator Chosen in Dayton-Legislature Legal Fight

Status Report Wanted by Minnesota Supreme Court by Late Septmeber

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) – Gov. Mark Dayton and top Republicans have chosen a mediator to try to help them out of a constitutional battle. The two sides have been locked in a legal battle for months over Dayton’s decision to veto the Legislature’s budget after the session concluded in late May. The Minnesota Supreme Court didn’t make a definitive…

Suspects Charged in Shooting of Grand Rapids Officer’s Home, Squad Car

Both Facing Felony Charges

Left to Right, Dominic Carlson and Timothy Hilgedick (Itasca Co. Sheriff’s Office) GRAND RAPIDS, Minn. – Two men have been charged in Grand Rapids after allegedly firing a weapon at an officer’s house and squad car Sunday evening. Twenty-year-old Timothy Hilgedick of Grand Rapids and 18-year-old Dominic Carlson of Bemidji appeared in Itasca County Court. Both are facing felony second-degree…

Minnesota Named the Happiest State in America

Minnesota has been named the happiest state in America by WalletHub.  WalletHub conducted a study where analysts determined which environmental factors are linked to a person’s overall well-being and satisfaction with life. To determine these factors, analysts examined all 50 states across 28 key metrics ranging from depression rates to sports participation rates to income growth. Three key dimensions; emotional…

Northern Paddler’s Alliance Hosts Final Free Event of the Season

DULUTH, Minn. – The Northern Paddler’s Alliance has teamed up with Swiftwater Adventures to host their fifth and final event of the season. On Saturday, Sept. 16 community members can join the crews to go whitewater rafting down the St. Louis River followed by a BBQ picnic. The event is free and open to the public. Participants must be 11…

Ethnic Days to Feature Slovenian Button Box Player

Gary New Duluth Hosts "Ethnic Days" at New Pavilion This Weekend

DULUTH, Minn. – This weekend Ethnic Days is taking over Gary New Duluth. There will be performances by The Singing Slovenes with special guest performers. Gasper Krek, visiting from Slovenia, will play the button box. The Sam Miletich Tamburica Ensemble will also perform. There will also be Kolo dance instruction, face painting and ethnic food available. This will all be…

Prosecutors to Consider Charges in Australian Woman’s Death

Justine Damond, Fox 9MINNEAPOLIS (AP) – The case of a Minneapolis police officer who shot and killed an Australian woman in July has been handed to prosecutors for possible charges. The Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension said Tuesday that they have finished their investigation into Officer Mohamed Noor and have turned the case over to prosecutors for review. Noor fatally…

Duluth Woman’s Club Receives Historical Designation

Northland Uncovered: Duluth Heritage Preservation Landmark

DULUTH, Minn. – In Duluth, historical buildings fill the town and old mansions line the streets, giving beautiful views for visitors to enjoy. One Duluth home is now recognized as a Duluth Heritage Preservation Landmark. The women of the Duluth Woman’s Club are continuing a tradition. “We all feel like it’s a very special place and it’s home,” explained Ellie…

Imagine Canal Park Pops Up At Miller Hill Mall

The group is seeking public input on what improvements could be made to Canal Park

DULUTH, Minn. – Community members were invited to come by the Miller Hill Mall on Monday to give input on Canal Park improvements. Imagine Canal Park is an offshoot of the Imagine Duluth campaign. City officials are looking to get public input on Canal Park, and what potential changes the community might like to see. “We want every aspect of…

American Society of Civil Engineers Duluth Section celebrates 100th anniversary

The ASCE also named the Aerial Lift Bridge a civil engineering historical landmark

DULUTH, Minn. – The American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE), Duluth Section celebrated its 100th anniversary on Monday.  The ASCE celebrated by dedicating the Aerial Lift bridge as a national historic civil engineering landmark, and recognized all the important work civil engineers do behind the scenes. ASCE president-elect Kristina Swallow said, “From the moment we get up and stumble into…

Knowing Your Neighbors: Skyline Lanes

The Bowling Alley Is More Than Just Bowling

HERMANTOWN, Minn. — In this week’s Knowing Your Neighbors, we head to Skyline Lanes in Hermantown where it’s more than just bowling. “We have a variety of different activities from bowling. We do volleyball as you can see were standing out here on the courts. We also have bocce and bean bag leagues,” said Corey Kolquist, manager at Skyline Lanes….

Grand Rapids Getting Ready for Governor’s Deer Hunting Opener

Groups are Looking for Volunteers to Help Out

GRAND RAPIDS, Minn.-It’s still a few months away, but that’s not stopping organizers in Grand Rapids from preparing for the 2017 Minnesota governor’s deer season opener. Governor Mark Dayton will head into the woods near Grand Rapids to kick off the season Saturday, Nov. 4. Right now organizers are looking for your help. Dozens of volunteer opportunities are still available….

Minnesota Commerce Department Against Line 3 Plan

No Decision Made Yet on Pipeline

MINNEAPOLIS-The Minnesota Department of Commerce says Enbridge Energy has failed to establish the need for its proposal to replace its aging Line 3 crude oil pipeline across northern Minnesota. Instead, the department says it might be better to just shut down the existing line. In filings with the Public Utilities Commission Monday, the agency says refineries in the region already…

City Looking at Helping Get More Business in Industrial Park

City Applying for Grant Worth $1.7 Million

DULUTH, Minn.-The Duluth City Council is all set to vote tonight on applying for a grant that could lead to an economic boom in western Duluth. The grant is for $1.7 million and would be used to connect Waseca Industrial Road with Highway 23 and Grand Avenue. City leaders believe this will allow for more business to be conducted in…

Local Utility Crews Work to Restore Power in Florida

Minnesota Power and Superior Water Light and Power Crews are in Miami Working to Restore Power

DULUTH, Minn. – Minnesota Power and Superior Water Light and Power (SWLP) crews are hitting the ground in Miami Monday. Sunday night, 31 utility workers were stationed waiting out the storm in Orlando at Florida Power and Light’s staging area. They have now been moved to Miami at the request of Florida Power and Light. The crews will help with…

Wisconsin National Guard Troops Deploy to Florida

Soldiers from the 173rd Brigade Engineer Battalion, part of the Wisconsin Army National Guard’s 32nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team, depart the Armed Forces Reserve Center in Madison, Wis., Monday morning (Sept. 11) as part of a convoy en route to Florida to assist with Hurricane Irma response efforts there. Gov. Scott Walker issued Executive Order 254 Sept. 8, which authorized…

9/11 Memorial Dismantled in Green Bay

Photo: Gabrielle Mays, Fox 11 GREEN BAY, Wis. (AP) – The city of Green Bay has dismantled a deteriorating 9/11 memorial on the 16th anniversary of the terrorist attacks. Law officers, firefighters, and community members attended a “decommissioning” ceremony in front of the memorial on Monday. The memorial includes a steel beam from one of the fallen twin towers. The monument…

Minnesota’s New License System Causing Headaches

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) – Car dealership managers, motor vehicle service employees and frustrated drivers and sounding off about problems with the state’s new computer system for license plates and tabs. The state rolled out its replacement for a 40-year-old mainframe in July. The Minnesota Licensing and Registration System was delayed by years and cost more than $90 million –…

Shots Fired At Grand Rapids Police Officer’s Home, Squad Car

Officer, Family Not Injured

    GRAND RAPIDS, Minn.- A Grand Rapids police officer’s house and squad car were shot at Sunday evening. Officer Matt O’Rourke was at his home at 10 p.m. Sunday with his family when the incident happened. The officer heard multiple projectiles strike his squad car parked in his driveway. A vehicle was then seen speeding away from his house….

President Trump on 9/11: ‘America Cannot be Intimidated’

President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump stand as “Taps” is played during a ceremony to mark the anniversary of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks. (AP) ARLINGTON, Va. (AP) — Leading his first commemoration of the solemn 9/11 anniversary, President Donald Trump said Monday that “the living, breathing soul of America wept with grief” for each of the nearly…

Local Leaders Seek Community Input on Future of Canal Park

Imagine Canal Park 2035

DULUTH, Minn. – Imagine Canal Park is a new initiative with the goal to make that area a spot for residents and not just tourists. In June, Duluth received a grant from the Knight Foundation to look at ways to further engage and create a common public space for residents to increase social interaction and connect with their city. The…

Wisconsin Businesses Struggle with Worker Shortage

MADISON, Wis. (AP) – Economists, employers, and government officials say a growing worker shortage in Wisconsin is expected to increase over the next decade. The Wisconsin State Journal reports the worker shortage is due to many factors, including a low unemployment rate, an aging population, and Wisconsin’s poor record of attracting college graduates. Wisconsin had an unemployment rate of 3.2…

Food Banks Seek Donations in September

Coffee Conversation: Hunger Action Month

DULUTH, Minn. – This month people across the country are doing what they can to help the hungry. September is annually recognized as Hunger Action Month. This is meant to encourage people to donate to their local food banks. Shaye Moris, the Executive Director of Second Harvest Northern Lakes Food Bank, says monetary donations go the farthest. The food bank…

6 Hurt When Man Drives Car into Crowd in Mankato

MANKATO, Minn. (AP) – Police say six people were hurt when a man deliberately drove his vehicle into a group in the parking lot of an apartment complex in Minnesota. Authorities say the 21-year-old Montgomery, Minnesota man fled the scene in Mankato early Sunday before Blue Earth County sheriff’s deputies arrested him. Police commander Craid Frericks tells The Associated Press…

Balloon Fest Color Run Traffic Advisory

SUNDAY, SEPT. 17 - 9 A.M.

DULUTH, Minn. – The Balloon Fest Color Run will be taking place in Bayfront Park on Sunday, Sept. 17. The run gets underway at 9 a.m. with staggered starts. The Duluth Police Department is warning the public of road closures and traffic changes happening for the race. Traffic closures will begin at 8:30 a.m. with Railroad Street closing between 5th…

North Shore Inline Marathon Traffic Advisory

SATURDAY, SEPT. 16

DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth Police Department has issued a traffic advisory for the North Shore Inline Marathon taking place on Saturday, Sept. 16, as several area roads will be closed for this event. The course will travel down North Shore Scenic drive, then down London Raod to 26th Avenue East where participants will travel down southbound I-35, existing on the…

Irma Weakens Into a Tropical Storm But Keeps Causing Misery

A man returns to his flooded home in the aftermath of Hurricane Irma in Bonita Springs, Fla., Monday, Sept. 11, 2017 (AP) TAMPA, Florida (AP) — Hurricane Irma weakened into a still-dangerous tropical storm Monday as it pushed inland, triggering record flooding in Florida’s northeastern corner, while rescuers in its soggy, wind-battered wake mobilized to reach victims and learn the…

Range Regional Airport Receives Over $3.7 Million for Safety Improvements

(Facebook) HIBBING, Minn. – The U.S. Department of Transportation has awarded a grant of $3,729,074 for safety improvements at the Range Regional Airport in Hibbing. Senators Amy Klobuchar and Al Franken, along with Rep. Rick Nolan, made the announcement Monday. “Improving the safety of our infrastructure serves as a down payment on the long-term economic well-being of Minnesota and the country,”…

14-Year-Old Dies After Fatal Fall off Palisade Head

The Girl Was With Friends When She Fell Over the Cliff

SILVER BAY, Minn. – The Lake County Sheriff’s Office continues to investigate a fall from a cliff on the North Shore. Just after 1 p.m. Sunday afternoon, the Sheriff’s Office received several 9-1-1 calls after a 14-year-old girl. identified as Bailey Belisle, fell from Palisade Head. The girl was with friends when she fell. After her fall, some bystanders rappelled…

Maintenance Work Starts Monday On Bong Bridge

DULUTH, Minn. – A heads up for drivers who use the Bong Bridge: Crews will be performing maintenance starting Monday and last through the end of the Month. The Minnesota Department of Transportation says drivers will encounter alternating lane closures between 9 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. Categories: News, News – Latest News

Duluthian Living In Virgin Islands: Hurricane Irma ‘Changed Me’

DULUTH, Minn. – Laura Von Lokken, a lifelong Duluthian, recently moved to St. Thomas in the U.S. Virgin Islands with her husband Paul. They were hunkered down for Hurricane Irma as it blasted the island as a category-five storm with winds around 180 mph. FOX 21’s Dan Hanger reached Laura via Facebook Messenger video chat who says the experience before,…

Former Duluthian Prepares For Irma

DULUTH, Minn. – Nichole Phillips, a Duluthian who now lives in Clearwater, Florida, is bracing for the worst as Hurricane Irma moves through the state. She experienced the mega ‘Halloween Blizzard of 91’ in the Northland but she says nothing like Irma. “I can deal with snow. Snow you can shovel away. Water you can’t run from. Wind is picking up….