News

State Parks Offering Several Programs for Outdoor Fun and Learning

CARLTON, Minn. – Spring is here and summer is around the corner meaning state parks are beginning to bustle with visitors. Kristine Hiller, Jay Cooke State Park Naturalist, says many programs are open to all interested. Hiller points out some are geared toward outdoor enthusiasts, some toward outdoor beginners and some to families and children. Here are a few she…

Minnesota Lawmaker Aims to Make it Harder to Avoid Vaccines

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) – Minnesota health officials say there are almost 70 confirmed cases of measles in the state so far this year, and a state lawmaker is hoping to make it harder for parents to opt out of vaccinating their children. Minnesota Public Radio reports that nearly 2,000 kindergartners weren’t immunized against measles this year because their parents…

New Viewfinders Unveiled at Taconite Harbor

  SCHROEDER TOWNSHIP, Minn. – The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, the North Shore Scenic Drive Council, and Schroeder Township unveiled new viewfinders at a ribbon-cutting ceremony, Tuesday. Taconite Harbor sits on the North Shore, just southwest of Temperance River State Park off of Highway 61. These viewfinders will allow tourists and residents to view boats, birds, and wildlife seen…

Legislature Misses Self-Imposed Deadline to Pass Budget

ST. PAUL, Minn. (KMSP) – Lawmakers at the Minnesota State Capitol have missed another deadline after working through the night to try to pass the two-year state budget. Gov. Mark Dayton called a special session immediately after the regular session ended on Monday at midnight to pass the unfinished bills, but lawmakers missed their self-imposed 7:01 a.m. deadline Wednesday morning….

Pet Insurance Increasing in Popularity

Local Farmers Insurance Agent Shares Importance of Pet Policies

DULUTH, Minn. – Health insurance has been a hot topic for months now as lawmakers look to improve our healthcare system. But, what about our furry friends? We often forget about the possibilities of dreaded medical bills when taking our pets to the veterinarian. “I don’t think people know about it yet,” said Patrick Shelton, Farmers Insurance Agent in Duluth, Minnesota….

Part 1: Downtown Duluth — What’s Next?

DULUTH, Minn. – Major changes are beginning to unfold in downtown Duluth as investors and city leaders work to keep the area progressive. In Part 1 of a special report, FOX 21’s Dan Hanger takes a look at the changing retail industry downtown as the buyer habits of consumers continue to shift online. There’s no denying downtown Duluth is on…

Duluth Memorial Day Parade Struggles for Entrants

Parade Has Been Around Since the 1800's

DULUTH, Minn. – The West Duluth Memorial Day parade is a tradition dating back to 1871.  But lately organizers struggle to fill the parade. “With the busy lifestyle of a lot of these younger couples, maybe they don’t have the time,” said Brenda Haase of the Northland Veterans Service Committee.  “And it’s the Memorial Day weekend, and they don’t want…

Great Outdoors: Bike Rodeo

Kids Learned Bike Safety While Having a Lot of Fun

PROCTOR, Minn. – Biking can be one of the most fun ways to enjoy summer in the Northland for kids and for adults. In this week’s Great Outdoors, we take you to Proctor for their first ever Bike Rodeo. “It’s fun for doing stunts and getting the air in your face and have fresh air,” said Isaac Bogatzki, who was…

Prince Fans Honor Music Legend By Roller Skating

World of Wheels in Superior Hosts Second Annual Prince Tribute

SUPERIOR, Wis. – Prince fans had a chance to honor the music legend by skating to some of his songs. World of Wheels in Superior held their annual Prince Tribute, featuring Prince-themed trivia, games, and prizes, while fans of all ages skated to his iconic music. “We plan on getting a whole bunch of people in here,” says Tyler Severin,…

Paddling Club Takes to the Water in Superior

Every Week Club Members Get Together to Practice Dragon Boat Paddling

SUPERIOR, Wis. – The Dragon Boat Festival isn’t showing signs of disinterest. The group Blue Water Paddling meets every week on Barker’s Island to get their paddling on and practice for the Dragon Boat Festival in August. The group is always looking for new members and is open to people of all ages and skill levels. “This is my third season…

Carlton Voters to Decide School Future

Referendum Up for Vote August 8th

CARLTON, Minn. – The future of Carlton High school is up for a vote August 8th. That’s when voters in the school district cast ballots on a two question referendum. The first, to approve more than $23.5 million to renovate South Terrace Elementary and build a new high school on the site.  The second would approve another $3.3 million for…

Multiple Bills Being Looked at by Wisconsin Legislature

Budget Talks Continue in Wisconsin

MADISON, Wis. – College students would be eligible for more financial aid under a plan the Wisconsin Legislature’s budget committee has approved. Gov. Scott Walker’s budget calls for increasing state grants by $5.6 million for University of Wisconsin System students; $2.6 for private college students; and $1.8 million for technical college students over the next two years. The new money…

Caregivers Find Resources at Conference

Event at WITC Brought Back an Old Conference for Caregivers

SUPERIOR, Wis. – Wisconsin Indianhead Techinical College hosted a one–stop shop for caregivers Tuesday. At the Caregiver Conference, sponsored by the Caregivers Coalition, both professional and at–home caregivers could learn from speakers, vendors and other community resources. WITC used to hold an annual Caregiver Conference and organizers wanted to bring it back. “We had service providers come together, we haven’t…

Frozen Photographer Exhibit Opens in Grand Marais

Photos by Frozen Photographer Facebook Page Members Are Being Shown in the Exhibit

GRAND MARAIS, Minn.- A photo exhibit in Grand Marais showcases the work of 22 photographers from the Frozen Photographers Facebook page. The exhibit, “Be There or Be Square” opened Friday at Johnson Heritage Post Art Gallery. The exhibit features nature photography taken by people who brave the cold to find the perfect shot. “People come to this area because they…

Tourism Season Kicking Off in Grand Marais

Most Businesses Are Open by Memorial Weekend

GRAND MARAIS, Minn.- Grand Marais was recently named the Best Midwestern Small town by USA TODAY, and locals believe this award is drawing well deserved attention to the city. The Small Northern town is known for its proximity to the wilderness, bike and hike trails, and access to a wide range of outdoor activities, but that’s not all. “There’s a…

ADVISORY: Increased Military Aircraft Activity in Duluth Area

DULUTH, Minn. – Noticed more activity in the sky? The 148th Fighter Wing in Duluth is hosting and participating in a military training exercise May 22-24. During these few days, there will be an increased number of jets flying over Duluth and Northern Minnesota regions from approximately 9:30-11:30 a.m., as well as from 1:30-3:30 p.m. Increased noise and overhead aircraft…

UPDATE: Wrenshall Assault Victim Released, Authorities Still Seeking Other Suspects

WRENSHALL, Minn. – The 17-year-old male victim, from Duluth, who was found brutally beaten and had been held against his will in Wrenshall, has been released from the hospital, according to the Carlton County Sheriff’s Office. His condition and prognosis are not yet known at this time. Authorities believe there was at least one other person involved in the assault….

Faster, Higher, Rustier: Medals from Rio Olympics Damaged

(Photo: Kirby Lee, USA TODAY Sports)(AP) – More than 100 athletes from around the world say the medals they won at the Rio Olympics are damaged. The IOC and Rio organizers plan to replace them with new medals. Among those with defective medals are beach volleyball star Kerri Walsh Jennings and U.S. wrestlers Kyle Snyder and Helen Maroulis. Walsh Jennings…

Trump Budget: More for the Military, Less for the Poor

The government hasn't seen a surplus since 2001

(AP Photo/Evan Vucci)WASHINGTON (AP) – President Donald Trump on Tuesday sent Congress a $4.1 trillion federal spending plan that promises faster economic growth and steep cuts to programs for the poor in a bid to balance the government’s books over the next decade. The proposed 2018 budget immediately came under attack by Democrats, and even some GOP allies deemed it…

Memorial Day Celebrations at Richard I. Bong Veterans Historical Center

SUPERIOR, Wis. – In honor of Memorial Day, the Richard I. Bong Veterans Historical Center has planned several activities, as well as free admission for Veterans all weekend. 9:00 a.m.: The American Legion Post #435 will perform a memorial service at Calvary Cemetery 10:30 a.m.: Another memorial service will take place at Greenwood Cemetery 1:00 p.m. : The Superior Signers…

Free Summer Camps and Academies Offered at Lake Superior College

Educational Camps Feature Aviation, Nursing, Robotics and More

DULUTH, Minn. – This summer Lake Superior College is continuing their tradition of educating youth for free through summer academies. Registration is now open for the academies that are offered in several subjects. All exploration academies and camps are held in June and July. Summer Academy/Camp Subjects: Aviation Camp -A summer camp for young people ages 15-19 who are interested…

Class Offers Glimpse into Carlton County Past

Northland Uncovered: Carlton County Historical Society

CLOQUET, Minn. – Many people like to know how the area they live in came to be. Some folks in Cloquet are helping make that happen. The Carlton County Historical Society is hosting a five-week course on the history of the county. Museum Director Rachael Martin will conduct the classes based on archival materials from the historical society’s collection. This…

Manchester Terror Attack Suspect Identified as Salman Abedi

(FOX NEWS) – British authorities on Tuesday identified the suicide bomber who launched a deadly attack at a Manchester Ariana Grande concert, hours after the Islamic State terror group claimed responsibility for the blast. Salman Abedi, 23, was identified as the man who detonated an improvised explosive device at about 10:30 p.m. local time Monday, killing more than 20 people,…

Knowing Your Neighbors: Gabriel’s Bookstore

Cultivating a Love of Reading by Making Books as Affordable as Possible

DULUTH, Minn. — Gabriel’s Bookstore is a second hand store, but the folks that keep it running have firsthand knowledge of why books are so important. “I think it builds family because you read to your kids, you talk to your kids about what you’ve read, and they’ve read together,” said store manager Mary Orman. Orman’s been working here for…

The Affordable Housing Coalition Releases Priorities for 2017

Some of the Priorities Include Programs to Help Get Former Felons Housing

DULUTH, Minn.- The Affordable Housing Coalition released its priorities for this year.  The coalition hopes to create a 3 million dollar affordable housing fund to mitigate cuts in federal housing dollars, and to get funding for tenant and landlord services, including money for an incentive program for landlords to rent to people convicted with felonies. “A majority of Duluthians  particularly renters…

Vandals Strike Nearly 30 Vehicles In Duluth

DULUTH, Minn. – Dozens of drivers became victims of vandalism overnight Sunday into Monday. That’s because the windows of at least 30 vehicles were blown out by what authorities believe were BBs from a BB gun. The damage was felt in the Lincoln Park neighborhood and West Duluth. No arrests were made as of Monday. If you know anything, call…

Art Show Pays Tribute to Bob Dylan

The 7th Annual Duluth Dylan Fest continued Monday with a Bob Dylan–themed art show at Zeitgeist Café

DULUTH, Minn. – The 7th Annual Duluth Dylan Fest continued Monday with a Bob Dylan–themed art show at Zeitgeist Café. Local artists paid tribute to the music icon with photos, paintings and other creative pieces of art centered around Dylan. Ed Newman helped curate the art show. He says it’s a great tribute to Duluth’s native son, who was has…

Minnesota Lawmakers Push to Finalize Budget Deal

Lawmakers Doubtful Deal will Pass; Look Toward Special Session

ST. PAUL, Minn. – One-hundred twenty days have passed since the Minnesota Legislature first started work on the state’s budget bill. Monday evening the clock is ticking before the state constitution calls for a deal to be reached or the session will end without an agreement in place, resulting in a special session. “It’s compromise and it’s democracy and it’s…

Celebration for National Maritime Day Held in Duluth

It's a Day to Celebrate One of the Most Important Industries in Our Area

DULUTH, Minn.- Community members honored National Maritime Day in Duluth, Monday. Maritime Day honors one of the most important industries in our area, and the people who work in it. Matt Doss, Policy director for the Great Lakes Commission says the great lakes are a great economic asset to communities around them. Maritime commerce on the great lakes generates more…

Proposed Rule Would Require Landlords to Pave Backyard Parking Spaces

The Ordinance Won't Be Ready For a Vote Until June

DULUTH, Minn.- A proposal for changes in Duluth’s parking requirements for home owners and landlords will be considered by the city council. The proposed rules would require property owners with gravel parking lots in their backyards to pave the parking space instead. The proposal was made after city staff noticed and received complaints that some of the gravel is running…

Duluth East Daredevils Win State Championship

  DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth East Daredevils traveled to Minneapolis to represent Duluth in the Minnesota State High School League State Championship for FIRST Robotics on Saturday. The Daredevils teamed up with ERRORS robotics team from Woodbury and FRED robotics from Warroad. The championship match up came between Greenbush/Middle River and their alliance with Green Machine from Edina. In…

Ashland Bus Crash Victim Identified

The incident happened on STH 112

ASHLAND, Wis. – Around 7:45 a.m. Friday, May 19, the Ashland County Sheriff’s Office responded to a report of a car that had rear-ended a school bus on State Highway 112 approximately two miles south of Ashland. Ashland County Deputies and other agencies arrived on scene to find the driver of the car not breathing. David Hamann After preliminary investigations,…

Damage Estimates at $10 Million for Chetek Tornado

One Man Was Killed in the Tornado

CHETEK, Wis.–The Barron County Sheriff’s Department has released initial damage estimates from a tornado that tore through the Chetek area of northwestern Wisconsin last week. The department said Sunday that the storm damaged 231 homes and four commercial properties across the county, though those numbers are likely to change. The storm caused about $10 million in damages, not including damage…

Baggies of Pot Found in Donation to Once Upon a Child

Photo: Maplewood Police Dept. MAPLEWOOD, Minn. (KMSP) – Before you donate clothes, it might be a good idea to check the pockets. During a virtual ride-along, Maplewood Police tweeted a photo of a rather unusual donation to Once Upon a Child. Apparently instead of just clothing, someone also donated several dozen baggies of marijuana to the resale store. Police say…

Taxes Could Increase to Pay for Wisconsin Road Projects

Tolls Roads Could Also Be Happening

MADISON, Wis.–Often lost in the debate over how to pay for roads in Wisconsin is what the proposed solutions would do to taxpayers’ pocketbooks. Under a sweeping plan from Assembly Republicans, trips to the gas station would be pricier as income taxes drop. If Gov. Scott Walker gets his way, taxpayers would pay indirectly through paying off $500 million more…

13 Students Suspended after Hazing Allegations at Carleton College

NORTHFIELD, Minn. (KMSP) – 13 students have been suspended from Carleton College in Northfield, Minn., after school officials say they engaged in hazing activities. In a letter to students and staff, the school’s president Steven Poskanzer said the students engaged in “extreme alcohol consumption” as part of initiation into a “secret co-ed social club.” Poskanzer said the school launched an…

Record-Breaking Amount of Unwanted Medications Collected for Wisconsin’s Drug Take Back

Record-breaking amount collected

MADISON, Wis. – Official numbers are in for Wisconsin’s Drug Take Back Event that was held in April. Attorney Brad Schimel announced a record-breaking 66,830 pounds of unused medications were turned in. Schimel reports that 267 police and sheriff’s departments from 69 Wisconsin counties hosted events on April 29, and have provided 328 permanent drug disposal drop boxes, giving citizens…

Extra Seat Belt Enforcement Hits Minnesota Roads

Click it or Ticket campaign will run through June 4

MINNESOTA – Extra enforcement for more than 300 agencies will hit Minnesota roads today for the Click It or Ticket campaign run by the Minnesota Department of Public Safety Office of Traffic Safety. Agencies will conduct extra seat belt violation enforcement, which will run for two weeks throughout the entire state. Minnesota law states that drivers and all passengers must…

Explosion Destroys Cabin near Solon Springs, Leaves 1 Man Hospitalized

Incident happened on Lake of the Woods near Solon Springs

Douglas County Sheriff’s Office SOLON SPRINGS, Wis. – A man is hospitalized after an explosion at a cabin on Lake of the Woods, just east of Solon Springs, Wisconsin. The man suffered burns and smoke inhalation, according to the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office. The incident was reported just after noon on Friday, May 19 at 10654S Lake of the Woods…

Fire Burns Home in Wrenshall that’s Connected to Alleged Kidnapping Last Week

Home Believed to be Unoccupied at the Time

WRENSHALL, Minn.-An early morning fire in Wrenshall has left a two-story house in shambles for the second time in a week. Scott Lindgren, Carlton Co. Jail Last week 21-year-old Scott Lindgren was charged with seven felonies in connection to a May 15 incident at 804 County Road 18 in Wrenshall – the same place where the fire was at about…

Minnesota lawmakers enter final day to wrap up budget

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) – Minnesota lawmakers are down to their last day to wrap up several major budget bills to avoid needing extra time to finish the work of the legislative session. The House and Senate reached deals late Sunday on water buffers to pass an environment bill and agreed on funding for colleges and universities over objections from…

Safety and Preparedness Tips for Outdoor Activities

The Duluth Experience Starts New Tours for Summer Season

DULUTH, Minn. – When venturing onto the water or onto a hiking trail, it’s important to be prepared for anything. Dave Grandmaison, Co-Founder and CEO for The Duluth Experience, says you need to have the right tools when going in the woods or on the water in case something goes wrong. Grandmaison says the best thing you can do is…