News

Meeting Held to Discuss Clean Water in Duluth

DULUTH, Minn.- The Clean Water Council met for a monthly meeting to discuss projects going on in the area. Presenters talked about the St. Louis River area of concern and issues surrounding it, like aquatic habitat restoration, wild rice restoration, and community engagement.  The meeting also addressed progress made in removing the environmental pollution on the St. Louis River. “We…

Teen Who Jumped Into Flooded Lester River Prompts Water Rescue

Teen Is Known To Be Daring

DULUTH, Minn. On August 26th, 2017 at approximately 5:20 PM the St. Louis County Sheriff’s Office was dispatched to the area of 556 Occidental Blvd, in the City of Duluth for a report of a 15 year hold male jumped into the “DEEPS”, and has not resurfaced.  A short time later, emergency responders arrived on scene, and located the male in the…

MN DNR Is Auctioning Some of Their Items

More Than 200 Items will be For Sale

GRAND RAPIDS, Minn.- The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources is holding a public auction of some of their equipment. The sale is being held Saturday at 9 am. More than 200 items like cars, trucks ATVs and snowmobiles will be up for bid. There will be an on-site inspection held before the sale. “The public auctions are work very well…

New Cloquet Middle School Nears Completion

Crews wrap up finishing touches before students return

CLOQUET, Minn. – Crews are wrapping up the final days of construction on the new Cloquet Middle School before students return for the school year. After two years of planning and about 15 months of construction, the 180,000 sq. ft. building is nearly complete. “The construction has been just amazing in terms of what they’ve been able to accomplish in…

Hurricane Harvey Strengthens to Category 4

The storm has strengthened to a Category 4

Hurricane Harvey, moving toward the Texas Gulf Coast, can be seen from the International Space Station. harvey strengthened to a Category 3 storm early Friday afternoon. It could hit land up to 3 feet of rain, 125 mph winds, and 12-foot storm surges (Aug. 25)   CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas (AP) — With time running out, tens of thousands of people…

New Housing Facility at Vermilion Community College

Housing Project Cost $6 Million

ELY, Minn. – Just in time for the new school year, Ely’s Vermilion Community College has unveiled a new $6 million housing project. The 120-bed facility is a four-unit townhouse which sits next to the existing dorm. Needless to say, the campus is buzzing with excitement with the new digs. “It was a big deal for us,” said Shawn Bina,…

Fire Rips Through Superior Complex

SUPERIOR, Wis. – Crews responded to the call of a structure fire at E5 Linden Courts in Superior at 6:15 on Thursday, Aug. 24, according to the Superior Fire Department. Initial reports indicated heavy, black smoke visible form the front of a two-story, multifamily building. The first engine to arrive confirmed a working fire in the front of the builting….

Life Without Parole for Joseph Thoresen

GRAND RAPIDS, Minn. – Today, Aug. 25, 2017, Joseph Christen Thoresen appeared in Itasca County District Court where a jury found him guilty of the murder of David Haiman. Kayleene Greniger Thoresen was sentenced Friday to life in prison without parole for the assault and murder of Haiman in June of 2016. Thoresen and his then girlfriend Kayleene Greniger assaulted…

McDonald’s Secret Big Mac Sauce Recipe Allegedly Leaked Online

McDonald’s “secret” Big Mac sauce recipe has reportedly been leaked online – and it contains a staggering 33 ingredients. The allegedly authentic list has been shared on Pinterest, but the fast food chain has yet to confirm if it is the real deal. The leaked recipe lists the ingredients as follows: Soybean Oil, Pickle Relish (Diced Pickles, High Fructose Corn…

Wisconsin Business Group Announces Foxconn Coalition

MADISON, Wis. (AP) – The state’s largest business group is announcing a new coalition to help bring Foxconn Technology Group plant to southeastern Wisconsin. Wisconsin Manufacturers and Commerce said in a news release Thursday that the Wisconn Valley Jobs Coalition includes 146 business groups, local chambers of commerce, entrepreneurs, employers, and workers that support the plant. The group sent a…

Bemidji Man Dies in Motorcycle Crash in North Dakota

GRAND FORKS, N.D. (AP) – A Minnesota man is dead after a motorcycle crash in North Dakota. Police say 29-year-old, Anthony Lossing, of Bemidji, Minnesota, apparently disregarded traffic signals at an intersection in Grand Forks and collided with a pickup truck around 6:15 p.m. Thursday. Lossing was pronounced dead at the hospital. The two people in the pickup weren’t hurt….

Pregnant Fargo Woman Disappears, Infant Found

She was reported missing Saturday, Aug. 19

UPDATE 8/28: The body of Savanna Greywind was discovered on Sunday, Aug. 27 in the Red River near Harwood, N.D. More: http://www.fox21online.com/2017/08/28/fargo-police-body-missing-woman-found-river/ FARGO, N.D. – Fargo police are continuing to search for a 22-year-old pregnant Fargo woman, who was last seen around 1:30 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 19 in a neighbor’s apartment in the 2800 block of 9th Street North, according…

Missing Brainerd Man Located Deceased

Last seen on July 4

UPDATE: The Ramsey County Medical Examiner’s Office has confirmed that the body found in a wooded area in Brainerd to be that of John Greenwaldt. MISSING REPORT: BRAINERD, Minn. – The Brainerd Police Department is seeking the public’s assistance in locating 29-year-old John Greenwaldt, of Brainerd. John was last seen in Brainerd on July 4, when he got into an…

Duluth YMCA Fall Open House Offers New Member Deal

New Programs to Begin at YMCA this Fall

DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth YMCA is hosting its Fall Open House September 6-9, 2017. This week is open to the public and free for all. Several activities are being held daily during this week. The sign-up fee will be waived during the open house. There will also be activities held at the Gary New Duluth and Woodland locations. For…

Nation’s Largest Traveling Ferris Wheel Visits Minnesota State Fair

Riders Take in Views of St. Paul and Minneapolis

FALCON HEIGHTS, Minn. – A brand new ride is taking fair-goers to new heights. The $4 million investment is the nation’s largest traveling ferris wheel. It travels America on 12 trailers and takes a 50 ton crane to assmble. The 36 gondolas take riders 15 stories high. “People are impressed that they can see the capitol dome, the cathedral downtown,…

Simonson Named New Zoo CEO

Assistant Fire Chief Taking Early Retirement to Assume New Role

DULUTH, Minn. – Assistant Chief Erik Simonson is taking early retirement from the Duluth Fire Department in order to lead the Lake Superior Zoo. Simonson was introduced as the zoo’s new Chief Executive Officer Thursday morning. He takes over for Dave Benson, who’s been serving on an interim basis since former CEO Corey Leet resigned in May for family reasons…

Tribute Fest Continues at Bayfront Park

Thursday was Country Night at the Festival

DULUTH, Minn. – Tribute fest rages on for the second night at Bayfront Park. Tonight is country night and it featured performances by Rage-N-Country, Savannah Cole, and a tribute performance by Toby Keith and Jason Aldean impersonators. Festival organizers say they try to grow a bigger audience each year. “We did the EDM first thinking we’d get to the millennials,…

Kids Do Yoga in a Yurt

Class for Kids is Every Tuesday and Thursday at Hartley Nature Center

DULUTH, Minn. – Kids have the chance to try yoga in a yurt every Tuesday and Thursday at Hartley Nature Center. According to the instructor, the yoga class is a great way to have kids explore movement and breathing all while being outside connecting with nature. “It’s a really great way to teach kids mindfulness and body awareness, sort of…

Guns and Hoses Softball Game Raises Money for Charity

Police and Fire Departments Battle on the Field for the Softball Northern Lights Foundation

DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth police and fire departments competed against each other in the annual Guns and Hoses event at Wade Stadium. The charity slow pitch softball game raises money for the Northern Lights foundation, who provides assistance to families with children facing life threatening illnesses. In addition to the game, spectators could enjoy police and fire displays, live…

Minnesota State Fair Welcomes Thousands of Eager Fairgoers on Opening Day

The Great Minnesota Get-Together Will Run Through Monday, September 4

FALCON HEIGHTS, Minn – The time has finally come, the Great Minnesota Get-Together kicked off Thursday morning in Falcon Heights. Thousands of people lined up at the gates before six o’clock rolled around. Hundreds made final arrangements, setting up exhibits, heating up deep friers and lacing up those dancing shoes. “We just really have a good time dancing,” said Cindy…

Minnesota Power Teams with COGGS to Maintain Duluth Trails

Nearly 40 employees worked to freshen up some wet areas, remove fallen branches and install some erosion control on the trails

DULUTH, Minn. – Minnesota Power employees spent the day giving back to the community. The company teamed up with the Cyclists of the Gitchi Gumee Shores (COGGS) to do some regular maintenance on the Fond du Lac’s Mission Creek trails. Nearly 40 employees worked to freshen up some wet areas, remove fallen branches and install some erosion control on the…

New Task Force Designed to Cut Red Tape

Seven Person Group Charged with Making Duluth More Small Business Friendly

DULUTH, Minn. – The City Council wants to make starting a small business in Duluth easier. Recently, the council approved a resolution creating a new Red Tape Reduction Task Force. The seven person task force will be charged with giving the council information and recommendations designed to streamline the permit process. The group will consist of an architect, developer and…

Bidding Open for Auction to Benefit Veterans

The Military Order of the Purple Heart is Auctioning a 1977 Ford F-150

SUPERIOR, Wis. – An auction benefiting a local veterans group was so successful last year, they’re doing it again. Benna Ford and the Arrowhead Chapter of the Military Order of the Purple Heart teamed up to auction off a 1977 Ford F–150 pickup. Between now and September 8th, you can stop by Benna Ford’s dealership in Superior, check out the…

SS Meteor Whaleback Ship Receives National Significance

Wisconsin’s State Preservation Review Board upgraded the Meteor's status because of its importance to the history of shipping in the United States

SUPERIOR, Wisc. – One of Superior’s most well–known attractions took a step closer to becoming a National Historic Landmark this week. The SS Meteor Whaleback Ship on Barker’s Island will now be recognized with a national honor. Previously, the ship was only listed as significant to the state of Wisconsin. On Monday, Wisconsin’s State Preservation Review Board upgraded the Meteor’s…

Red Cross Takes Donations in Duluth

One Pint of Blood can Save up to Three Lives

DULUTH, Minn. – Ordinary people became heroes Thursday with one simple act. The American Red Cross held a blood drive at the Zeitgiest Atrium in Downtown Duluth. The Red Cross has a critical need for donations and organizers were happy to see donors come in. “It feels really good to see people are so selfless and able to come in,…

Driven to Discover at the Minnesota State Fair

Exhibit Offers Fairgoers the Chance to Learn More About Research and Studies by the U of M

FALCON HEIGHTS, Minn. – The Driven to Discover Research Facility was launched in 2014 to bring University research and researchers into closer contact with the Minnesota community. Nearly two million people visit the fair each year from across the state. The exhibit allows fairgoers to participate in research in a fun, innovative, and convenient way. Most studies take under 20 minutes. Driven…

Verizon Specialist Gives State Fair Tech Tips

Find Out What Technology Could Come in Handy at the Minnesota State Fair

DULUTH, Minn. – The Minnesota State Fair is officially underway and thousands of people have already flocked to St. Paul. Verizon Wireless Solutions Specialist, Rachel Agurkis, stopped by FOX 21 to show us what gadgets could come in handy at the fair. Capturing and sharing your favorite State Fair memories shouldn’t be a hassle. Using the new Samsung Galaxy S8 with…

Cooking up Fried Favorites at the Minnesota State Fair

Cooking Connection: Corn Fritters and Fried Green Tomatoes

FALCON HEIGHTS, Minn. – Fried food is a staple at the Minnesota State Fair, and a stand near the front gates is regularly busy. The Original Corn Fritters and Fried Green Tomatoes stand has been at the fair for 23 years. Owner John Harrington showed the FOX 21 crew how they make the fried green tomatoes and corn fritters and…

Protesters Shutdown Enbridge Line 3 Briefly in Superior

Line Was Only Shutdown Briefly

SUPERIOR, Wis.-Protesters opposing the replacement of Enbridge Energy’s aging Line 3 oil pipeline shut down construction in northern Wisconsin for a brief time. Enbridge spokeswoman Jennifer Smith says a group of about 20 protesters entered a worksite outside Superior on Monday and vandalized equipment before leaving on their own. She didn’t immediately have a damage estimate. Video footage posted on…

Active Shooter Situation in Charleston, S.C.

Not Being Considered an Act of Terror

CHARLESTON, S.C.- Authorities say a disgruntled employee shot one person and is holding hostages in a restaurant in an area of Charleston, South Carolina, that is popular with tourists. Mayor John Tecklenburg said at a news conference that the shooting Thursday at Virginia’s in downtown Charleston was not an act of terrorism or racism.    Charleston Police spokesman Charles Francis told…

Franken, Klobuchar Deny Blocking Trump’s Federal Nomination

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) _ Minnesota Sens. Amy Klobuchar and Al Franken say they’re still considering the nomination of a state Supreme Court justice to a federal post. President Donald Trump nominated Minnesota Supreme Court Justice David Stras in May for the 8th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals. Stras, a state Supreme Court justice since 2010, was also on Trump’s…

MPCA Educates Fair-Goers on Environmentally-Focused Living

THE FAIR RUNS THROUGH LABOR DAY

ST. PAUL, Minn. – This one-of-a-kind exhibit, Eco Experience, is presented by the Minnesota State Fair and Minnesota Pollution Control Agency. Eco Experience hosts several different exhibits within itself including The Sustainability Stage, which hosts demonstrations and shows every hour from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. every day. There’s the Works Progress Water Bar which offers taste-testing flights of water…

‘Little Farm Hands’ Gives Kids the Opportunity to Experience the Agriculture Process

ST. PAUL, Minn. – “Little Farm Hands” is a hands-on agricultural education experience for kids ages 3 to 10. These kids get the opportunity to become farmers and experience what it takes to go from the farm to the market. More than 40,000 farmers and their families don their work aprons and fire up their imaginations to help with farm…

Wine Tasting and Pairings with Minnesota Wine Country

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Enlightening presentations and artful tastings featuring the finest wines from Minnesota’s vineyards and wineries. Discover and purchase Minnesota wines and fresh pairings. Spend evenings sampling wine and listening to live music. Free daily demonstrations daily, including wine and State Fair food pairings, making wine at home and more. Open 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily, located on…

DNR State Fair Fish Pond Showcases Native Minnesota Fish

THE FAIR RUNS THROUGH LABOR DAY

ST. PAUL, Minn. – This year marks the 83rd anniversary of the DNR’s historic State Fair building. The log structure is the centerpiece of the DNR’s exhibit and also serves as a landmark, a meeting place and a must-visit educational and entertainment destination, where generations of fairgoers have created life-long memories. Displays cover a wide range of natural resource topics including…

4-H Theater at the Minnesota State Fair

THE FAIR RUNS THROUGH LABOR DAY

ST. PAUL, Minn. – In 4-H, youth design and participate in their own programs and activities. This unique, learn-by-doing model teaches kids essential, transferable skills that they’ll use throughout their lives, such as problem solving, decision making, coping, communicating and responding to the needs of others. Whether youth are building rockets, raising dairy cows, or writing musical plays, 4-H gives them…

The Great Minnesota Get-Together Gets Underway

THE FAIR RUNS THROUGH LABOR DAY

ST. PAUL, Minn. – FOX 21’s Natalie Froistad and Meteorologist William Seay headed down to the opening day of the Minnesota State Fair. They met up with Marketing and Communications Supervisor, Danielle Dullinger to talk about the highlights of this year’s Great Minnesota Get-Together! For more details on this year’s Minnesota State Fair visit www.mnstatefair.org Categories: Entertainment, Minnesota, News, News –…

Massachusetts Hospital Worker Claims Record Lottery Jackpot

BRAINTREE, Mass. (AP) — A 53-year-old Massachusetts hospital worker stepped forward Thursday to claim the biggest undivided lottery jackpot in U.S. history — $758.7 million — after breaking the news to her employer the way the rest of us only dream of: “I called and told them I will not be coming back.” “The first thing I want to do…

Guns and Hoses Game Tonight

DULUTH, Minn. – The 10th annual Guns and Hoses softball game begins tonight, Aug. 24 at 6:20 p.m. at Wade Stadium. The event will feature the Duluth Police and Fire Departments battling it out all for a good cause. Gates open at 5:00 p.m. and pre-game events will include K-9 demonstrations, Mounted Patrol, vehicle tours, and various vendor activities. Tickets…

Duluth City Council Candidates Talk Transportation

Zeitgeist Host Event For The Public

DULUTH, Minn. – Duluth City Council candidates hit the stage Wednesday to answer questions about improving transportation equity in the city. The forum held at Zeitgeist was organized by local nonprofits and research groups who say, transportation is a vital necessity to be able to access employment and income, education and grocery services among other daily needs. But those necessities…

IRS Auctions Off Ely’s Oldest Outfitter Business

ELY, Minn. –  Thousands of dollars in back taxes has prompted the federal government to seize the oldest standing outfitter business in Ely. In June, the IRS seized the store’s belongings because of tens of thousands of dollars in unpaid taxes. The state of Minnesota also has two liens against Wilderness Outfitters, and American Band of the North has also…

DEDA Approves Skywalk Expansion

Expansion Will Connect HART District, Fond du Luth Casino to Skywalk

DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth Economic Development Authority (DEDA) approved a proposal Wednesday to expand the city’s Skywalk system. Wednesday’s approval by DEDA Commissioners was the first step needed in expanding Skywalk. The plan will expand the Skywalk along the 100 block of E. Superior Street and down to the Historic Arts and Theatre District.  DEDA will now contract local…